River City Handmade

Cheddar Potato Chowder

2009-11-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Cheddar Potato Chowder
~serves 6

cooking spray
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 3/4 cups peeled, diced red potatoes (in a hurry? Use a bag of Ore-Ida Southern Style hash brown potatoes)
1/2 cup flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Saute garlic in cooking spray coated pan.

Add broth and potatoes, bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Place flour in a bowl. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk until blended; add to soup.

Cook over medium heat 15 minutes or until thick, stirring often.

Stir in cheese, salt and pepper.

To serve, top with some shredded cheddar and bacon bits. Enjoy!

Kicking off the Holiday Season! Hot Crab Dip - yum!

2009-11-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that I LOVE this time of the year. I love the food, visiting with friends and family, decorating, and did I mention the food!?

What better way to get excited for the holidays than sharing favorite recipes? I'll be posting a new recipe (or two) every day or so until Thanksgiving. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! This one is always a HUGE hit at gatherings...

Hot Crab Dip
~ Charleston Receipts, Repeats

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 1/2 tablespoons horseradish

2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce

dash white pepper

dash salt

12 ounces crabmeat

2 tablespoons white wine or sherry

Combine all ingredients except crabmeat and wine in top of double broiler.

Cook for 30 minutes.

Add crabmeat and wine/sherry and cook for 10 more minutes.

Serve with crackers or in pastry shells.

Nana's Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

2009-11-06T16:03:00.002-05:00

This is by far the best salad dressing ever. With the holidays quickly approaching I figured I better get this out there for any cousins who wanted the recipe. Nana got the recipe from a newspaper years ago, so I'm not sure who to credit for this one...so I'll just credit Nana :)

Nana's Olive Garden Dressing

16oz. Newmans Own Oil & Vinegar dressing
4 T. Wishbone Italian dressing
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
4 T. grated parmesan
4 tsp. sugar

Mix in blender at high speed for a few seconds.

Done. Easy, right?

Apple Butter Muffins

2009-11-06T15:51:00.002-05:00

What to do with all of that freshly made Apple Butter? Apple Butter Muffins, that's what!

Apple Butter Muffins
~ Better Homes and Gardens "Holiday Cooking 1996"

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup cooking oil
1/3 cup apple butter
1/3 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons sugar

Combine flour, the 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, apple pie or pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Make a well in the center.

Combine egg, milk, and oil; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened.

Lightly grease muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. Spoon a rounded tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Top each with a rounded teaspoon of apple butter; then top with some of the remaining batter.

Combine pecans and the 2 tablespoons sugar; sprinkle over the batter. Bake in oven at 400 for about 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans; serve warm.

Makes 12 delicious muffins!

Lovely Fall Day

2009-11-03T19:04:00.003-05:00

Everyone should throw leaves every once and a while. It's just fun.

Marshmallows On a Stick

2009-10-21T20:49:00.004-04:00

These are fat-free.... or NOT!

Marshmallows on a stick...dipped in chocolate and rolled in Crushed Graham Crackers, Crushed Oreo's, or Halloween Jimmies (who named them "Jimmies?" I don't like that name).

They are pretty darn tasty, and will be for sale at T.'s Elementary School Fall Festival on Saturday (keep fingers crossed it doesn't rain).

Jump Start & Cool Art

2009-10-11T23:27:00.003-04:00

I was inspired today. I've been meaning to get back to my very neglected blog, but just didn't have it in me, but today, TODAY I was inspired to write about this totally awesome and creative find (yes - I said "totally awesome").

I was visiting by BFF while in Florida and we decided to check out this adorable little town called Celebration. It's a beautiful place, almost too beautiful..sidewalks everywhere, friendly people, gorgeous architecture and gardens, cute shops and LOTS of yummy places to eat..even kids playing in the town center fountain. Unbelievable (and a bit Stepford, but in a good way).

Lucky for us, they had a little Farmers Market and some craft vendors set up today and we ran into this great lady who creates custom art made from photo's of architectural details found at Disney. BFF & I quickly decided that this was the answer to our months long question about what to get for a recently wedded friend..we spelled out her new last name with the photo's and voila..instant custom gift!

It was surely a lucky moment for us, and you can be lucky too, she has her site online! Check it out here: http://www.wdwalphabets.com/

Have fun creating your own custom art..and don't limit yourself to names - try words like LOVE, HAPPY, DREAM....you get the picture! :)

Mmmmm, macadamia's!!

2009-04-02T10:13:00.002-04:00

Just tried this new recipe for mahi-mahi and I had to share....

....it's wonderful and SUPER easy!

Really, it is...you must try it :)

Macadamia Crusted Mahi-Mahi

2 nice size filet's of mahi-mahi
4 limes
4 T. butter, divided
1/4 c. finely chopped macadamia nuts
1/3 c. panko (japanese breadcrumbs)

Juice 4 limes, and then marinate mahi-mahi in lime juice at room temperature for 1 hour.

Preheat over to 350. Melt butter, then add 2 T. of the melted butter to a shallow baking dish. Place mahi-mahi in dish, brushing each side with the melted butter that is in the dish. Season with salt and pepper.

In a small mixing bowl, add the remaining 2 T. of melted butter. Mix in chopped macadamia nuts and panko. Spoon the mixture on top of the fish, pressing it lightly to form a crust.

Bake until fish is opaque in center, about 10-15 minutes (depending on thickness of your filet's).

Enjoy!!

Snow fun!!

2009-03-05T19:42:00.005-05:00

Well hello there!

We've finally been blessed with some snow here in VA! This is the first big snow that T. remembers...heck it's the first big snow I remember in a LONG time! Unfortunately T. was sick with a nasty fever and some sort of respiratory goop...but was finally able to get out and enjoy a little bit of winter's glory. He enjoyed it, but this warm weather loving kid of mine is looking forward to the 70 degree weather forecast for Saturday & Sunday. Got to love VA!

Here's the back yard...Oakley could not wait to get out there, but once I opened the door he stood there...waiting for me to go with him. Big chicken. When he finally took the plunge and stepped out the door he was hooked. Turns out he loves water of the frozen, fluffy variety just as much as good old water.

T. taking a turn on "the ramp" - built by mommy & daddy....who it turns out are bigger kids when it snows than the actual kid. T. after his plummet into the ditch..I mean "Snow Bowl" across the street.

Oakley...tunneling for heaven knows what reason. Spazz.

And finally...T. taking the last trip down the "Ice Luge Track" in the front yard.

Today most of it melted away...which is ok I guess, since it will be 75 this weekend! YAYYY!!

Quick and Easy Baby Gift

2009-02-07T20:45:00.011-05:00

Well hello there!

It's been a long time since I posted...call it a mid-winter funk. I've been meaning to get to some tutorials, and had the perfect opportunity to do so with a baby shower gift that I whipped up this weekend. So here goes my first try at a tutorial...

Ribbon Tag Blanket Tutorial

What you will need:

15" x 15" fabric (front)
15"x 15" fabric (back)
scraps of ribbon (each piece about 5" long) - as many as you want around the perimeter of blanket

1. Cut out a 15" x 15" piece of fabric for the front (I like flannel) and a 15" x 15" piece of fabric for the back (I like plush fleece or minky).

2. Lay the two squares on top of eachother, right sides facing.

3. Take a piece of ribbon, and fold it in half.

4. Next, line the cut edges of the ribbon up with the outside of the fabric. Sandwich the ribbon between the two layers of fabric, and pin in place.

5. Continue folding ribbons, sandwiching, and pinning all the way around the perimeter of the blanket....spaced however far apart you like. For this blanket I spaced them about every inch and a half - but eyeball it..there is no need for precision here.

6. Once you have pinned the ribbons all the way around, you're ready to sew. Sew almost all of the way around, using ~ 1/4" seam allowance. ...leaving about a 2" gap, so that you can pull the blanket right-side-out.

7. Once you have pulled the blanket right-side-out through the 2" gap, close the gap and pin into place.

8. Using a zig-zag stitch, close the gap..and continue with the zig-zag stitch all the way around the edge of the blanket.

9. Ta-Daa!!! You're done. Baby gift ready to go..all in about 30 minutes. :)

Hopefully this tutorial makes sense - I would certainly appreciate feedback if it's not so I can make adjustments...and improve future tutorials!! Thanks!!

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-01T23:24:00.002-05:00

I almost forgot!! Happy New Year everyone!! :)

Faux Girl Scout Cookies

2009-01-01T22:53:00.003-05:00

Tagalongs anyone? My lovely neighbor Lori introduced me to these delicious treats at our pre-Christmas Cookie making marathon, hosted by our other lovely neighbor Diane. The recipe is so awesome I had to share!!! Trust me, you will like these.

Step 1: Gather up some Ritz crackers, peanut butter & chocolate candy melts.

Step 2: Make peanut butter filled Ritz sandwiches...you know, the kind you've made 100's of times for snacks...

easy, right!

Step 3: Melt your chocolate according to the directions (I used Wilton Candy melts and melted them in the microwave at 50% power).

Step 4: Dunk those sandwiches! I used a fork to flip them over and scoop them out - I also wiggled them (very scientific, I know) back in forth a few times while on the fork to get the excess chocolate off.

Step 5: Lay them on a wax paper covered cookie sheet...then chill until hardened. (~15 minutes)

Step 6: Enjoy your Faux Girl Scout Tagalongs!!!

P.S. - I had some leftover chocolate, so I added about 10 Mint Truffle Hershey Kisses to the chocolate, melted them all together..then dipped single Ritz crackers and made Thin Mints!!

Double Yum!!! Sorry Girl Scouts...I couldn't wait until Spring for the cookie orders.

Merry Christmas!!!!

2008-12-28T20:09:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas (belated)!! We've been a bit busy with the marathon of family get-togethers...and then the Wii...and then the beautiful day today. I was able to finally get my new kayak out on the river to give it a try - I LOVE it and can't wait for spring!! Here are a few shots from Christmas morning....

On your mark, get set....go!!!!!!!

Oakley waiting patiently for his brother to help him open his gifts...

Pokemon! I can't believe it!!! (Who knew that a $15 pack of trading cards would be such a hit?)

Wii!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Somebody stop me...

2008-12-22T10:34:00.009-05:00

HELP!! Somebody call an intervention team!!!I can't stop baking/cooking! I need to clean, therefore I bake... I really do need to stop procrastinating on the cleaning or we're all going to gain 20lbs. before New Year...Hello New Year's Resolution!

Here are the recipe's for the yummy things we've been making...

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes (DELICIOUS!!)

~Kraft Food & Family, Holiday 2006

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/chocolate-peanut-butter-cupcakes-95126.aspx

Chocolate Truffles

1 lb. bittersweet chocolate, coarsley chopped

3/4 cup heavy cream

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, sliced, at room temperature

2 T. Godiva chocolate liqueur (or whatever you like...we're doing Creme de Menthe next)

3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, for dusting

Melt chocolate with the cream in a glass bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Once smooth, remove from heat and add in the butter and liqueur. Stir untill all butter has melted and the mixture is completely smooth.

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until very cold and set, butu still soft enough to work with (about 2 hours).

Line a large rimmed baking sheet with wax paper (or parchment). Use a mini melon baller (or mini ice cream scoop) to scoop out balls of chocolate, and set them in the prepared baking sheet. Refrigrate for 20 minutes.

Put cocoa in a large bowl. Dust your hands with cocoa and roll balls (one at a time) between your palms until smooth (this gets a little messy...have a damp rag available for wiping hands every few minutes). Place each ball into the cocoa and toss to coat. Return to the lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. The truffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Saltine Toffee

http://candy.about.com/od/toffeerecipes/r/saltine_toffee.htm

Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwiches

~Cottage Living, March 2008

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1714617

Christmas Cookies...for the dog

2008-12-09T19:35:00.004-05:00

Ok, so this might be a little crazy..but T. & I made homemade dog treats the other day and the dog loves them.

And when I say he loves them, I mean he really loves them. He has, on several occasions, stood alone in the kitchen "talking" at the treat jar...trying to get us to come in and get him one. If I didn't have first hand knowledge of the ingredients I might think there was some sort of addictive substance in them. ...he is a lab though, so maybe he's just not very picky - he does occasionally like to eat a nice stick or piece of mulch. It was a fun project for T. & I to do together...

Anywhooo...We got the recipe out of a magazine my mom picked up...can't remember the name at the moment...but here's the recipe for all of you dog lovers.

Great Gravy Cookies

2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 small jars beef baby food

6 T. beef gravy

1 egg

1/2 cup non fat dry milk

1/2 cup water

1 T. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Lightly pat your hands with flour and shape the mix into a big ball. Flatten the ball using a floured rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes. Place on greased cookie sheet (we used non greased stoneware cookie sheet and they didn't stick). Bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

Allow to cool, and then watch as your dog becomes addicted.

We're going to vary the flavor by switching out the beef baby food and gravy for chicken next time to see if he likes those...I'm sure he will.

This is what it looks like just before you have to clean the camera lens...I think Oakley was tired of the picture-taking and ready for another treat.

It's beginning...

2008-12-07T20:21:00.001-05:00

...to look a lot like Christmas!

Don't you normally do the chicken dance in front of the tree?

Even the light fixture is dressed for the holiday :)

Watching the Grinch, of course!!

Handmade Garland!!

2008-12-06T19:37:00.007-05:00

Ta Da!! The garland is finished, and up! It was surprisingly easy to make...and it's so much prettier than my old plastic stuff!!

..and so far it's still green, thank goodness for cold weather!

Speaking of cold weather...look what happened tonight!

SNOW!!

Ok, so it's just flurries...but to us it's a blizzard. Do you see T. in the background trying to fashion a snowball? PLEASE Mother Nature...can we get some real snow this winter...pretty please?

Buck, Doe & Skunk

2008-11-25T19:15:00.003-05:00

As promised, our extra special Christmas visitors....

Meet Buck...

...and Doe...

and skunk..he's hiding out there behind Doe.

Today was T.'s Thanksgiving Feast at school...he was dressed as a Pilgrim (in his paper hat and collar). No pictures, I'm a bad mommy and forgot my camera.

I bit the bullet and started decorating for Christmas...what's the harm in getting it done before Thanksgiving anyway...Target has had Christmas decorations up since Halloween! For whatever reason I got the idea in my head this year that I was going to make my own garland out of the Leyland Cyprus trees we have in the back yard. I started this afternoon and completed two sections...tomorrow I will **hopefully** finish the rest and get them all up. So far, so good - I just hope they stay green until Christmas! ...not really sure about the Leyland Cyprus...guess we'll find out!

Get Ready!!

2008-11-17T23:19:00.004-05:00

It's time to decorate for Christmas!

T. & I had mucho fun decorating our Gingerbread House...we decided that if we were Gingerbread People, we would totally want to live here.

...and it's not finished yet! We're working on some extra special Christmas visitor's.....stay tuned!

School Picture!!

2008-11-05T19:28:00.001-05:00

T.'s School Picture - 2008

A Lazy Post

2008-10-27T21:43:00.005-04:00

I have two new favorite things, and because I am lazy and do not feel like getting the camera right now we will be sans photo...even though the apple butter looks really cute all dressed up in the jar. Maybe tomorrow I will not be so lazy. Geez..I can't even think of an interesting title. Anyway - I am rambling (another sign of lazy..and tired)...so here are my two newest favorite things.

1. Homemade apple butter, deeee-licious. It all started whe my delightful neighbor brought us a bag of freshly picked apples from Carter Mountain. There were so many I knew they were destined to be more than just sliced up apples.. thus started the search for apple recipes. I found an apple butter recipe in an old issue of Gourmet Magazine that was really simple, and thought..I can do this!! I've never canned anything before, and I must say - once you have all of the necessary tools (and a great neighbor who lends them to you so you can try it out) it's really no big production. Our bag of apples turned into 3 lovely jars of Apple Butter.

2. Trader Joes. It's new to the Richmond area, and now I see why people love it so much! What's not to love? It's inexpensive, there is a great selection, and the Trader Joes Pancake Mix is the best I've ever had. Serve the pancakes up with homemade apple butter on a chilly fall morning with a nice cup of chai...yummm!!! This is exactly why I have to keep running...I love food WAY too much.

Here's what I got...

2008-10-25T19:40:00.002-04:00

...when I asked him to get his "night-nights" on...

I didn't know tonight was a full moon.

Shower Art

2008-10-14T19:35:00.001-04:00

From Left to Right: T, Daddy, Oakley, Mommy

by T....

Week In Pictures...

2008-10-14T18:21:00.003-04:00

1.6 miles

2008-10-06T11:05:00.004-04:00

I did it, I broke in my new shoes and actually was able to run 1.6 miles this morning without much trouble..I think I will try to make the full 2 miles tomorrow morning. I definitely wouldn't have done so well without my handy new Nike + gadget...I am in love! Have you heard of this? It's a sensor that goes in your shoe (or in a pouch on your shoe for non Nike shoes) and it transmits your distance/time/calories burned to your i-pod. She tells you when you hit the halfway point and will tell you how much you have left at any point if you hit the button on the i-pod. It's like a coach & running partner that keeps the same pace as you..it's wonderful! I am in love.

I also discovered this morning that my neighborhood is filled with morning runners! Who knew!? All this activity happening before 8am!? And now I'm part of it...Go Me!