This is a beautiful new paper pack by Cosmo Cricket. It's called Mitten Weather. Love this photos of the two kiddos. I miss those short little legs and wild hair on Maggs. Good times. Full Credit Here.
That's it this week! Have a great Thursday!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Digi Day
What a week! I've been busy working on costumes and staying up way too late watching past episodes of Grey's Anatomy. I always wonder why I do this to myself. I think I secretly enjoy being tired and running on little sleep. Anyway, I did want to get one page out this week. There are a lot of exciting top secret things coming up in the next few months at JessicaSprague.com. It's kind of fun that I am "in" on the secrets. Stay tuned. ;)
This is a beautiful new paper pack by Cosmo Cricket. It's called Mitten Weather. Love this photos of the two kiddos. I miss those short little legs and wild hair on Maggs. Good times. Full Credit Here.
That's it this week! Have a great Thursday!
This is a beautiful new paper pack by Cosmo Cricket. It's called Mitten Weather. Love this photos of the two kiddos. I miss those short little legs and wild hair on Maggs. Good times. Full Credit Here.
That's it this week! Have a great Thursday!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Crockpot Balsamic Chicken
I love the crockpot! Nothing more easy than throwing everything in there and forgetting about it until dinner time. I love the way it makes your entire house smell yummy too. I tried this new recipe and it was good. We gobbled it right up.
2-14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 onion thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp each: dried oregano,basil, and rosemary (Give or take. I don't like a lot of spices, so I didn't add as much.)
1/2 tsp thyme
ground black pepper and salt to taste
Pour the olive oil on bottom of crock pot. Place in chicken breasts, salt and pepper each breast. Top with sliced onions then dried herbs, and garlic. Pour in vinegar and top with tomatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours, and serve over your favorite noodles.
Balsamic Chicken
4-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
2-14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 onion thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp each: dried oregano,basil, and rosemary (Give or take. I don't like a lot of spices, so I didn't add as much.)
1/2 tsp thyme
ground black pepper and salt to taste
Pour the olive oil on bottom of crock pot. Place in chicken breasts, salt and pepper each breast. Top with sliced onions then dried herbs, and garlic. Pour in vinegar and top with tomatoes. Cook on high for 4 hours, and serve over your favorite noodles.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Menu Monday and a WINNER!
Monica's Menu
Monday again? Fall is slipping by and the Holidays are around the corner. Makes me excited! Have a great week!
Monday
Salsa Chicken (repeat again)
Tuesday
Spinach Chicken Stromboli (repeat)
Wednesday
Chicken Enchiladas
Thursday
Crockpot Stew
Friday
Mummy Dogs (I'm sure you've seen these all over the web. I made them last year and the kids loved them!)
Saturday
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Sunday
Meatloaf
Erica's Menu
I have more than a few carryovers this week. Our entire house, except Daddy, got the stomach bug. It was so NOT fun! I finally feel pretty good today, so i'm hoping to get caught up on everything and start cooking again.
Monday-
Whole Chicken, Mashed Taters and Gravy
Tuesday-
Minestrone Soupe
Wednesday-
Chicken Enchiladas
Thursday-
Nachos
Friday-
Biscuits and Gravy
Saturday-
Chicken Pillows
Sunday-
Pot Roast and Taters
And after counting all our comments and comments on the Facebook page the number generator picked...Heather! She said, "HEY! I'M A FOLLOWER! love all your awesome recipes and crafts! What a great blog!" Thanks for being a follower of our blog and Congrats! Email me at enjvanbeb@yahoo.com to claim your prize! And thanks to everyone else for entering.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Baked Ziti
I've had this in my to do folder to make for dinner for SO long. I finally got to it, and it is now a family favorite. My kids and husband gobbled it right up. Plus, it was really easy to throw together and you know how I love easy and yummy recipes.
Baked Ziti
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 oz) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce
6 oz provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 c sour cream
6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4-1/2 c parmesen cheese
Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain.
In a large pan brown your ground beef and chopped onions. Add spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 casserold dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted. Enjoy!
Source-Allrecipes
It's Friday! Make sure to enter our giveaway HERE to win the fun Scentsy warmer and scent. We will be picking a winner Sunday night and announcing it on our Menu Monday! Remember to leave a comment for EACH thing you've done for the giveaway. If for some reason you aren't able to comment head on over to our Facebook page and leave a comment there.
Have a great weekend!
Baked Ziti
1 pound dry ziti pasta
1 onion, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef
2 (26 oz) jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce
6 oz provolone cheese, sliced
1 1/2 c sour cream
6 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4-1/2 c parmesen cheese
Boil noodles according to package directions. Drain.
In a large pan brown your ground beef and chopped onions. Add spaghetti sauce and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 casserold dish. Layer as follows: 1/2 of the ziti, Provolone cheese, sour cream, 1/2 sauce mixture, remaining ziti, mozzarella cheese and remaining sauce mixture. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 30-40 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheeses are melted. Enjoy!
Source-Allrecipes
It's Friday! Make sure to enter our giveaway HERE to win the fun Scentsy warmer and scent. We will be picking a winner Sunday night and announcing it on our Menu Monday! Remember to leave a comment for EACH thing you've done for the giveaway. If for some reason you aren't able to comment head on over to our Facebook page and leave a comment there.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Ghost Cupcakes
BOO! I saw these cute little cupcakes somewhere in internet land. I have no idea who to credit these to. So I apologize for that. I knew they'd be a cinch to throw together though and they were. They'd be perfect for a Halloween party with the kiddos. I made them for a bunch of grown women and they loved them.
These were a one bowl from scratch chocolate cupcake. Super easy and by far my favorite chocolate cupcake recipe. I'm serious, they are amazing. I'll credit Martha for these. You can find the recipe HERE.
While these were baking I made two small batches of Marshmallow Fondant. I have made this before and have had good and bad luck with the recipe. In Utah I mostly had bad luck, I'm not sure if the dry climate helped me with that. I attempted it again though and it turned out perfect this time. Marshmallow Fondant is fun to play with and the ideas are endless. You can flavor it and color it anyway you like. It's tastes so much better than the premade fondant you can purchase.
I also whipped up a basic vanilla buttercream. I am not an expert at many things, well pretty much nothing, but I am good at making a buttercream. I don't have a specific recipe I follow it just comes together through experience and some failures. Back when I needed a recipe I liked this one. Mine is pretty much the same, although please don't add all shortening in your buttercream. They don't call it BUTTERcream for nothing. :)
Once the cupcakes are cool I frosted them and stuck a Tootsie Pop in them. I rolled out the fondant and cut into large circles using a large cookie cutter I have. I draped them over the Tootsie Pop and drew on the eyes. Easie Peasie and oh so cute.
Marshmallow Fondant
This makes a small batch. Enough to cover a single layer 10 inch round.
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 Tbsp water
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Place marshmallows in a standard 1 cup measuring cup and push down and pack them in. Place in a microwave safe bowl and add the water. Put in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Just long enough for them to soften and puff up. Take out and stir with a spoon until it is well combined. If the marshmallows aren't melted, put it back in for 10 seconds or so. You don't want to put it in too long though because the moisture gets all sucked out. At this point it looks kind of soupy.
Add the sugar and mix and fold until it is all incorporated and it is no longer sticky. When it is cool enough you can knead it with your hands. I just knead it in the bowl. It should be a nice dough now. You can roll it out or shape it however you'd like.
A couple of tips
If it's a touch sticky and you don't feel like it needs more sugar, you can leave it on the counter to air dry for 10 minutes or so, then knead again.
Use powdered sugar or a thin layer of shortening on your counter when rolling out.
If you want to add a flavoring, cut back on the water by as much flavoring you add.
I got this recipe years ago from the Wilton.com forums. Let me know if you have any questions!
Enjoy and Happy Thursday!
Don't forget to enter are Giveaway HERE!
These were a one bowl from scratch chocolate cupcake. Super easy and by far my favorite chocolate cupcake recipe. I'm serious, they are amazing. I'll credit Martha for these. You can find the recipe HERE.
While these were baking I made two small batches of Marshmallow Fondant. I have made this before and have had good and bad luck with the recipe. In Utah I mostly had bad luck, I'm not sure if the dry climate helped me with that. I attempted it again though and it turned out perfect this time. Marshmallow Fondant is fun to play with and the ideas are endless. You can flavor it and color it anyway you like. It's tastes so much better than the premade fondant you can purchase.
I also whipped up a basic vanilla buttercream. I am not an expert at many things, well pretty much nothing, but I am good at making a buttercream. I don't have a specific recipe I follow it just comes together through experience and some failures. Back when I needed a recipe I liked this one. Mine is pretty much the same, although please don't add all shortening in your buttercream. They don't call it BUTTERcream for nothing. :)
Once the cupcakes are cool I frosted them and stuck a Tootsie Pop in them. I rolled out the fondant and cut into large circles using a large cookie cutter I have. I draped them over the Tootsie Pop and drew on the eyes. Easie Peasie and oh so cute.
I needed one little happy ghost. :)
Marshmallow Fondant
This makes a small batch. Enough to cover a single layer 10 inch round.
1 cup mini marshmallows
1 Tbsp water
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
Place marshmallows in a standard 1 cup measuring cup and push down and pack them in. Place in a microwave safe bowl and add the water. Put in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Just long enough for them to soften and puff up. Take out and stir with a spoon until it is well combined. If the marshmallows aren't melted, put it back in for 10 seconds or so. You don't want to put it in too long though because the moisture gets all sucked out. At this point it looks kind of soupy.
Add the sugar and mix and fold until it is all incorporated and it is no longer sticky. When it is cool enough you can knead it with your hands. I just knead it in the bowl. It should be a nice dough now. You can roll it out or shape it however you'd like.
A couple of tips
If it's a touch sticky and you don't feel like it needs more sugar, you can leave it on the counter to air dry for 10 minutes or so, then knead again.
Use powdered sugar or a thin layer of shortening on your counter when rolling out.
If you want to add a flavoring, cut back on the water by as much flavoring you add.
I got this recipe years ago from the Wilton.com forums. Let me know if you have any questions!
Enjoy and Happy Thursday!
Don't forget to enter are Giveaway HERE!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Digi Day
It's been a couple of weeks since I did a Digi Day. I have a handful of layouts that I've completed and wanted to share. First off, I wanted to tell you about a new class at JessicaSprague.com. It's another in the Mouse, Paper, Scissors Class. This one is called Mouse, Paper, Scissors Give. It is a Hybrid class that brings in the best of both worlds. You'll do some designing on your computer, print, then get your hands dirty putting together a gorgeous project you can gift for the Holidays. These classes are super fun. Check it out. Registration is limited and the class is filling up! Oh, also, with the cost of the class you get all the goodies mailed to you to make your projects. This class is also for Beginner Photoshop users. So don't feel discouraged by the computer part. If you've wanted to try your hand at Digi but don't want to give up the paper and glue, then this class is for you!
Okay, here are my layouts this week!
I did this layout a few months ago but somehow missed posting it. I love this photo of my hubby with my son. Warms my heart. That lil boy is now 8. *sigh* This paper is by Echo Park. It's their Dots and Stripes line. Super cute stuff. Full Credits Here.
I love any picture of my pops hanging with my kids. These are the pictures they will cherish forever. This template is by Splendid Fiins. Love the big Photo. Full Credits Here.
And here is that 8 year old! I love these photos of him. He is such a good boy. This template is by The Queen of Quirk and paper by Cosmo Cricket. Full Credits Here.
Here is my sweet baby growing way too fast. Template and Paper by Creativity by Crystal. Full Credits Here.
Love this main photo. Ben is not upset, he is actually being VERY serious about his big brother role. I love it. He was so sweet that day. Template and paper by Creativity by Crystal. Full Credits Here.
Well, happy Tuesday! Don't forget to enter into our Giveaway. I would love to win that warmer! So cute. Enter HERE!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Menu Monday
Monica's Menu
Monday seems to come around quickly, don't you think? I have a couple of carryovers this week and some new recipes. I got the Our Best Bites cookbook from my in laws for my birthday so I'll be trying out some of those recipes in the following weeks.
Monday
Crescent Beef Casserole
Tuesday
Homemade Pizza
Wednesday
Spinach Chicken Stomboli (Our Best Bites)
Crockpot Thursday
Salsa Chicken
Friday
Sweet and Sour Meatballs over Rice (OBB)
Saturday
Cafe Rio Style Pork Salads (OBB)
Sunday
Meatloaf and Mashed Taters
Erica's Menu
I have a few carryovers too. We had a busy week, and weekend. We got by with Daddy gone, a little touch of the bug, and very little sleep. It turned off chilly here again, so it's time for some warm dinners! Yay! My favorite type of meals.
Monday
Whole Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and gravy
Tuesday
Biscuits and Gravy
Wednesday
Minetsrone Soup
Thursday
Chicken Enchiladas
Friday
Chicken Noodle Soup over Mashed Potatoes
Saturday
Steaks
Sunday
Chicken Pillows
And there ya have it. Nothing fancy!! Hope you all had a fun weekend!
Did you remember to enter our recent giveaway? If not click HERE and go enter to win the fabulous Scentsy warmer and scent. You can leave up to 3 comments, so go now and DO IT! :o)
Happy Monday!!!
Monday seems to come around quickly, don't you think? I have a couple of carryovers this week and some new recipes. I got the Our Best Bites cookbook from my in laws for my birthday so I'll be trying out some of those recipes in the following weeks.
Monday
Crescent Beef Casserole
Tuesday
Homemade Pizza
Wednesday
Spinach Chicken Stomboli (Our Best Bites)
Crockpot Thursday
Salsa Chicken
Friday
Sweet and Sour Meatballs over Rice (OBB)
Saturday
Cafe Rio Style Pork Salads (OBB)
Sunday
Meatloaf and Mashed Taters
Erica's Menu
I have a few carryovers too. We had a busy week, and weekend. We got by with Daddy gone, a little touch of the bug, and very little sleep. It turned off chilly here again, so it's time for some warm dinners! Yay! My favorite type of meals.
Monday
Whole Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and gravy
Tuesday
Biscuits and Gravy
Wednesday
Minetsrone Soup
Thursday
Chicken Enchiladas
Friday
Chicken Noodle Soup over Mashed Potatoes
Saturday
Steaks
Sunday
Chicken Pillows
And there ya have it. Nothing fancy!! Hope you all had a fun weekend!
Did you remember to enter our recent giveaway? If not click HERE and go enter to win the fabulous Scentsy warmer and scent. You can leave up to 3 comments, so go now and DO IT! :o)
Happy Monday!!!
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