Nana's Olive Garden Dressing Recipe

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

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

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

Marshmallows On a Stick

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

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!!

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!!

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!!