Gooey Chocolate Chip Caramel Peanut Butter Bars

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (16 oz.) packages of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough 
• ½ cup evaporated milk
• 60 whole caramels (unwrapped)
• ½ cup peanut butter (melted-you can melt it in microwave)
• 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 375° F and grease 9 x 13-inch jelly-roll pan (baking sheet or pan with rims).
• Spread one package of cookie dough into prepared pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. 
• Remove pan from oven and set aside.
• In a double boiler (a metal bowl set over a saucepan of boiling water) melt caramels with ½ cup evaporated milk.
• When melted and combined, add ½ cup melted peanut butter and pour over cookie base. 
• Sprinkle chocolate chips as evenly as you can over the caramel.
• With the second package of cookie dough, drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls evenly onto caramel and chocolate chips mixture; press down lightly.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and edges are set. 
• Cool in pan on wire rack.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! T.

Snowball Cookies / Russian Tea Biscuits

Snowball Cookies / Russian Tea Biscuits 

INGREDIENTS:

2 Cups - All purpose flour
2 Cups - Finely chopped pecans
1/4 Cup - Sugar
1 Cup - Butter (Softened)
1 tsp - Vanilla
Powdered sugar


DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oven to 325°F. 
• Combine all ingredients except powdered sugar in bowl. 
• Beat at low speed, scraping bowl occasionally, until well mixed. 
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls. 
• Place 1 inch apart onto un-greased cookie sheets. 
• Bake 18-25 minutes or until very lightly browned. 
• Cool 5 minutes
• Roll in powdered sugar while still warm and again when cool.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! T.

Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes 

INGREDIENTS:

4 large Russet potatoes
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
4 sprigs thyme, leaves removed from stem
3 tablespoons parmesan, grated.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Slice 1/8 off of the bottom of the potato. Cut slits, ¼ inch apart in the potatoes, stopping two-thirds of the way down. This will leave the bottom intact. 

Arrange the potatoes in a baking dish. Brush the potatoes all over with olive oil, including the bottoms. Sprinkle the potatoes generously with salt and pepper. Add garlic slices randomly in the slits of the potato. Sprinkle with thyme. Bake the potatoes for 30 minutes. If slits are sticking, gently pull them apart.

Bake until the potatoes are crispy on the edges and easily pieced in the middles with a paring knife. Remove from oven, drizzle with butter and sprinkle with parmesan. Serve.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! T.

Cheesy Pull-Apart Pesto Bread

Cheesy Pull-Apart Pesto Bread

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 loaf baked French or Italian bread
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup basil pesto (Can use store bought)
• 1 1/2 cup cheese (Mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago)

***Use your favorite grated cheese and flavored fillings to personalize your pull-apart bread.

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 375 °F

• Place the bread on a cutting board. Using a serrated knife, make 1" diagonal cuts through the bread, leaving the bottom crust intact. Turn the bread and make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a crosshatch pattern.

• Meanwhile, pour the melted butter into the cuts of the bread. Then, drip the pesto into the cuts of the bread. Finally, stuff the shredded cheese into the cuts of the bread.
• Wrap the bread in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet. Place in the oven to bake for 15 minutes. Then, open the foil to expose the top of the bread and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.

Casual Holiday Party Time....

Are you planning on throwing a Christmas, Boxing Day or New Year's Eve holiday party at home? Would you like to do that as nice and inexpensive as possible?

First, remember it's all about presentation.  You can attain elegance on a budget, by keeping your decorations simple and the food table brightly colored.  The idea is to use as much of what you already have on hand to make things look good.   For instance, use real plates, cutlery and cloth or fancy paper napkins.

 

    .  Send an e-card or e-vite instead of paper invitations.

    .  Almost every town has a dollar store, discount emporiums or
   low cost retailer.  Shop there for decorations that you don't already
   have around your house.   Use white tea &/or floating candles
   along with pillar candles wrapped with ribbon.  Surround them
   with pinecones for a more festive look.  You can also fill your
   fireplace with the candles and/or pine cones.  Use tree decorations 
   to string along stairs or over mantels.  Wine glasses can be turned
   upside down if you run out of holders.  You can also fill glasses
   with sand, cat box filler or decorative rocks to hold taper
   candles in place.

•     .       For inexpensive holiday scents simmer some apple cider, fresh cloves and cinnamon on your stove, instead of buying pricey pre-made potpourri; you can also try simmering cinnamon and vanilla extract.  It gives the aroma of freshly baked goodies. 
             Use a roll of quilting batting as a tablecloth.  You can make snowflakes to hang using copy paper and glitter then hang with fishing line.
  
  

 

•     Offer appetizers and desserts.   Make party mix instead of 
      nuts.  Do vegetable trays instead of meat trays or at least make
      a larger vegetable tray than meat tray.  Have crock-pots or
      warmers filled with pre-made (chestnut, etc.) soup, chowder,
      chili. Add a crunchy breadbasket.   You can also try layering
      veggies and dip in individual servings.  Fill votive
      candleholders with berry salad.  If you are good at baking,
      make your own desert; if not try buying some festive deserts.
  
  

•     .      To minimize the cost of alcohol you can make available lemonade, coffee, tea or other soft drinks and a big bowl of alcoholic fruit punch.  Or, tell friends to bring a bottle of their favorite alcoholic beverage to introduce to others.  You can also empty box wines (like black box) into decanters.
      .       Here are a few more ideas for your table snacks.

* Warm a mix of olive types with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper in a sauté pan. Serve in small bowls as a pre-dinner snack.
* Roast whole raw almonds in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Toss with Kosher salt, a touch of olive oil, and some citrus zest.

* Make your own gourmet chips by toasting pita bread in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and olive oil.   

* Cube cheese, maraschino cherries, and olives skewers and place with assorted crackers and/or assorted crunchy bread.

*Stuffed baby Red potatoes or twice baked potatoes.

*Baked ziti.   

*Hot Spinach Spread with Pita Chips.

*Spicy meatballs.  

*Variety grilled chicken wings.

*Stuffed baby Red .

Rent Christmas CDs from the library and play them during the party.  You can also play old fashion board games or watch movies.  Have children make and decorate ornaments.

• 
  
      .  If you are a guest at a party.
      .  Bring something along.  A bottle of wine, dessert, etc.
      .  Don't arrive late.
      .  Don't be a wallflower.
      .  Don't lose control, especially at a work party.
      .  Don't show up your boss at a work party.
      .  Don't tell racy jokes, especially at a work party.
     .   Most of all HAVE FUN!!!!

Photos from:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_aVq9sLSyEVs/SxRaImitQqI/AAAAAAAAFHA/BJl61tB4j9s/nut%20candles_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800



https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIhI5LOHQPWbYJsZRTO8w71diEQGEWb03pGWjGmnjL93jkX3a5ai2qdkyVGYC4a8R_zzYOIjlyHJLTCbaVVYJUVYs588UqyURBvP7ZTRmoZUuTXVrz8TESnQlo-rnbHQ3JVxpb3fUiMLp/s320/DSCF1652.JPG


http://tog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5539d5b8488330120a617b2e1970b-320pi


http://oldrecipebook.com/images/holidaypunch.jpg


http://www.howsweeteats.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/IMG_2095-300x168.jpg




Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! 
~T.

Christmas snowflake cut out cookies Pope's Valentine Cookies

Photo from: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Cookie/SnowFlake1sm.jpg

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ pounds butter (softened)
• 7 ½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted)
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 °F.
2. Mix butter in a mixer until light.
3. Add remaining ingredients.
4. Knead until velvety. 
5. Roll one-half of the dough at a time to about 1/4 inch thickness, using the smallest amount of flour possible.
6. Cut out and bake on a lightly greased pan for 12 minutes. Cookies will be almost white when cooked.
7. Decorate with sugar or icing.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again! 
~T.

Pasta Pomodoro - Quick N Easy Recipe

Photo from: www.smokefree.com

INGREDIENTS:

16    oz     Angel hair pasta

1/4    cup   Olive Oil

1/2            Onion (chopped) 

4               cloves garlic (minced) 

2     cups  Roma (plum) tomatoes (diced) 

2     tbsp   balsamic vinegar  

2     tbsp   Fresh basil (chopped)

1/4    cup    Parmesan Cheese

10    oz      low sodium broth (chicken, beef, vegetable, etc.) or optional 1/2 cup Cabernet Sauvignon

                 Crushed red pepper (to taste)

                 Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to boil.  Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until al-dente.  Drain. Pour olive oil in a heated skillet (high heat).  Saute onions & garlic until light brown.  Reduce heat to medium and add tomatoes, vinegar & broth. Simmer 8-10 minutes.  Stir in red pepper, black pepper, basil and pasta.  Toss together thoroughly.  Simmer apx 5 min then serve, topped with grated cheese.

***Grilled chicken or shrimp can also be added to this dish***

Serves: 4

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!

~T.

Lemonade scones - Quick N Easy Recipe, Treats on the cheap,

INGREDIENTS:

3     cups  self-rising or all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp     baking powder
1     cup    cream
1     cup    Fizzy Lemonade (lemon flavored soda)
1/3     cup    dried fruit (optional)
1/3     cup    sugar (optional)
Clotted cream/heavy whipped cream /cream cheese and jam/jelly for serving.


INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix flour, cream, lemonade, (optional) fruit & (optional) sugar.  (Mixture will be soft.) Scrape onto a floured surface.  Knead lightly and shape, DO NOT ROLL, into a rectangles about 2"/3cm high.  Cut in 2"/3cm rectangles or triangles with a scone or cookie cutter.

Brush tops with milk or egg wash.  Place on a tray and bake in a hot oven at 450 F/220C for 10 minutes or until tops are golden.  Serve!!!


***This can be varied using coca cola/pepsi or other flavored soda.  You can also add flavouring to the cream such as instant coffee, citrus zests, etc. ***


Yields 12 scones.


Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!

~T.

Treats on the cheap: Grand Opening Event for Kimberly's Bargain Boutique!!!!!!!!!!

If you live in the Oklahoma city, OK stop in & check out this place.

Kimberly's Bargain Boutique May/2009 Welcome to   Kimberly's Bargain Boutique   Greetings!  We are a new consignment and resale store located at 6601 NW 38th St. in Bethany.  We are on the corner of NW 38th and Peniel, one block south of 39th Expressway.  We carry clothing and accessories for the whole family!  In addition we also offer housewares, home decor, books, electronics, and furniture.     We are located at 6601 NW 38th St. in Bethany.  We are on the corner of NW 38th and Peniel, one block south of NW 39th Expressway.  Our hours are: Mon-Sat 10:30-6:30.   Heroes and Hardball    If comic books and baseball cards are your thing, then be sure to visit the store within our store!  Heroes and Hardball will get you hooked up with all your faves!   Become a Consignor!   Becoming a consignor is easy! Just bring us your gently used items.  If you bring us clothing, make sure it is in season, freshly cleaned, pressed, and on hangers.    Kimberly's Bargain Boutique sets the selling price.  Once an item sells you receive half of the selling price!  Come in anytime for $ owed to you or we can mail you a check at the end of the consignment period.   After your first visit you can make use of our Drop and Run service to save time!  Issue: 1 Grand Opening Extravaganza!! Kimberly's Bargain Boutique will be celebrating our Grand Opening on Sat, May 30, 2009.  Bring the whole family and enjoy FREE hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones!  We will also have a large inflatable for the kids to play on!!  While enjoying the festivities, be sure to check out our store!  Also, be sure to enter the drawing for gift certificates.  We will be drawing , for gift certificates every day during our first week open! Kimberly McCright Kimberly's Bargain Boutique Save 10% Save 10% off of your entire purchase when you visit us during our first week open!   Offer Good - May 30. 2009- June 6, 2009

Kimberly's Bargain Boutique | 6601 NW 38th St. | Bethany | OK | 73008

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.

On the Cheap: Weddings

“Yes I will”, Squeal, kiss, hug… Now I gotta find a dress, a florist, photographer…a band…oh and the cake… And the wheels come to a screeching halt Weddings cost money, lots on money. The average American wedding is running around $40K. So you don’t have $40 grand waiting to be dropped on a party but you still want to make your day special well here are a few ideas.

Check out http://www.walmart.com I was there the other day picking up some craft stuff and wonder of wonders there were two, mark it two isles of wedding “stuff”. There were invitations, Cake pans, doilies, fake bouquets, and tiaras. About the only thing you probably can’t find at a wal-mart are the minister & the church. Scratch that I heard about a couple that worked at Wal-Mart & got married there. Anyway you get the idea if you are on a budget it can be tastefully done if you draw from a variety of services.

Pre-wedding idea:

• Throw a “pitch in party”. That’s where friends and family help build decorations, etc for your wedding.
• Do it outside the popular months in your area. EX: not in June
• Contain the wedding guest list (limit children to immediate family & or first cousins).
•  Have your wedding close to a major holiday. Many churches will already be decorated w/flowers (EX: Christmas or Easter).
• Use seasonal flowers that your florist would have on hand.
• If the church will allow you, move the flowers from church to the reception. (Keep in mind many florists DO NOT like to do this or WILL NOT do this.
•  If you are skilled, order the flowers on line and make the arrangements yourself.
• Skip the wedding party bouquets and have the ladies wear wrist corsages, etc.
•  If there is another wedding on the same day… coordinate with the other bride.
• Pick a non-traditional location (i.e. garden, observatory, B&B, las Vegas, light house, cruise, Public garden, park, museum, castle, on lake or river or beach, historic building, historic church). Gardens are good because no additional flowers are necessary.
• Use the same place for the ceremony & reception (ex: A relative’s large back yard; one of my girlfriends got married at the Orchid Society in Florida, beautiful.)
• Rent tables /chairs/covering/volcano candle holders, etc. from the same place and get a bundle discount.
• Have a friend do your make up or got to the makeup counter at the mall (be sure to do a test run first).
• Make your own invitations on line or buy from wal-mart, office depot or office max, etc. You can get creative with paper, rubber stamps & calligraphy pen.
• Try a student photographer, etc. (do a test first).
• Open a new credit card with miles and use that for payment so you can see how much you are spending. (An added bonus, you can use the points for the honeymoon.)
• Set up an online blog or website to share information. (You can even make it interactive.)
•  Save on postage & printing: forego the RSVP card and have people RSVP on line

For the Wedding:

• Get married on a Weekday or Sunday. Quite often facilities have higher prices on popular days.
  

For the reception:

• Forgo traditional place cards. Rap place cards w/string around napkins or tuck in fork prongs. Or, place names in a small photo frame for them to take home. (Think dollar store.)
• Skip the open bar.
• Brunch or lunch meals are simpler, less expensive and people tend to drink less.
• Be your own DJ. Make a play list on your iPod and hook it up to a sound system at the reception location.
• Put a volcano holder & candle one on each table then buy rose petals and sprinkle on the table. Or, fill a Champaign glass with glass marbles & metallic confetti, tie balloons to the glass. Then sprinkle the table with confetti.
•  Serve the same dish to all the guest or choose a buffet line.
• Have cupcakes instead of wedding cake or a faux cake with a real slice of cake tucked in. Then have them serve regular sheet cake to the guest.

Honeymoon:

• Honeymoon locally; US virgin islands; Montreal or Nova Scotia, Canada; Hawaii; Cruise: Boston, MA; Miami, FL; Galveston, TX; Arizona; NY; Nantucket, MA; Newport, RI
  

Destination wedding: Many destination weddings offer perks to the couple. For example, some two rooms for the wedding couple including the honeymoon suite. Free wedding cake, etc.

A few last tips:
1. Shop sample sales or online and retail stores for a wedding dress or if you are creative make it yourself.
2. If you decide to have kids at your wedding think about giving them favors (Ex: crayons & coloring book).
3. Keep up with your local bridal expo to get IDEAS.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.

ITEMS: On the cheap

I found this article, Houston's ABC13 did an interview with the local cop-shop & found that they auction off all sorts of items that they seize from criminals.  Click here to check out the website.

If that's nor your cup of tea maybe you'll consider doing a  swap. That's right, trade away all the stuff you no longer need and get stuff you need.  Here's how you can get more free stuff.

Also, take a look at your own back yard, you can save at home.

Check out your food list as well, you may be able to save there too.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.

Date ideas: On the cheap

1. Go to a movie:  Many movie houses have discounts for the first showing of the day...check theaters near you.  If there is a drive-in or outdoor movies shown in your area, pack a picnic basket and have at it.
2. Go roller or ice skating; bowling or darts.
3. Go to a local farm & pick fruits/veg then go home and make a feast of it.
4. Tour a candy factory or vineyard in your area.
5. Get cheap tix to a ball game some places they have them as low as $5pp
6. Go bike riding in a park
7. Go to a carnival...yes it's cheesy but it just might bring out the kid in you.
8. Check out restaurants in your area for specials and take the wife or husband on the town.
9. Visit a haunted house in your area.
10. Make dinner together (spaghetti and sauce no utensils...I'm just sayin') or have a potluck dinner with other couples.
11. Visit a zoo.
12. Play 20 questions...but only if your really ready to hear the truth!

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.

Cities: On the Cheap

I found this website that helps you find fun things to do in some cities on the cheap.

It does not contain cities in all 50 US states, but does have some Hawaii & Toronto ideas...for the young at heart there is some Disney on the cheap stuff too.  Check it out they may list a city near you.

If you live in NYC there is a good PBS NYCTV show called $9.99. They have some good ideas on things to do in the city for a train pass and you guess it $9.99 in your pocket.

Until next time, when we can chit-chat again!
T.