Book review: The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell

I have been a long time Southern Living fan.  This cookbook is one that any Southern Living fan or cookbook fan would like and need in their collection.  The recipes are very easy to understand so this book would make a great first cookbook and gift.  A lot of the recipes were new to me and I loved the different menus for different occasions. I would rate this cookbook a 5!  Thank you to Netgalley for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Here is the description from Amazon.com:

This new essential guide to entertaining is divided by occasion, offering a fresh lineup of menus and ideas from Oxford, Mississippi’s go-to caterer for every celebratory scenario life serves up. In this update to the best-selling book of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ era, Elizabeth’s tell-it-like-it-is voice provides a twist to the classic Southern advice that is a refresher for entertainers of any age or experience. Packed with delicious recipes from the original book like Smoked Salmon Canapes, Hot Cheese Squares, and Brandy Alexanders, the book also includes popular picks from the current pages of Southern Living as well as Elizabeth’s treasured recipe box.
The Southern Living Party Cookbook is an entertaining handbook loaded with lifestyle tips and hilarious Heiskell stories, along with lush photography to help you get the look from table setting to plated dish.

Book review: A Table by the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge

I just finished reading "A table by the Window" by Hillary Manton Lodge.  This book combined three of my most favorite things to look for in a book, mystery,cooking and a good love story.  

Not only was there a good storyline right from the start but the recipes,  ooh the recipes, and all of the talk about the food they were cooking and eating made me want to crawl right into the story!  I loved the details of the foods that they were all eating and the secrets of cooking properly.

Now don't think that this book is only about cooking.  For those of you looking for a little mystery you can find it here.  In fact, the author was very sneaky at the end of the book to keep you wanting more and continuing it with her next book that is coming out in the series.  

We can not forget the love story.  Juliette is the main character, she is in a family of chefs and is starting a restaurant with her brother.  She does not have the time to find a romance outside of her restaurant business and finds one on a dating website.  But her romance is not easy, the man that she falls for lives in another state.  
I really enjoyed this book and can not wait to read the sequeal when it comes out.  In the meantime I will try some of these delicious recipes.

I want to thank Waterbrook Press for a free copy of this book to give my honest review.

Book Review: Death by the Book by Julianna Deering

I wanted to share with you a very clever book I just finished reading.  It is called "Death by the Book" and was written by Julianna Deering.  I love a good mystery novel and this one was no exception.  The story was very well written.  I was kept guessing who committed the murder until the very end, which I really appreciated.  Usually I just tend to stop reading if the mystery is solved before the end (sad, but true).  The author really made the characters likeable and I laughed a little at the interactions between the characters.  The conversations of the characters themselves really made it feel like I was there with them inside the story.

I don't like to spoil a good story, so if you would like to read a book that is a quick, enjoyable read, while still being a book that you don't want to put down (because you just have to know who the killer is), this book is for you. 

I want to thank Bethany House for a copy of this book to review with my honest opinion.
Enjoy!

Finding treasure in Comunity Cookbooks

Lately, I have been collecting community cookbooks.  I love a recipe that is a family favorite or  treasured because it was passed down through family members.  I can imagine the women who submitted the recipes being approached for their best recipes to be published so their organization can raise some money.  I know a lot of women find it hard to part with family recipes. 

I really love an old cookbook that has stains on a page and personal notes written.  You know a cookbook was a treasure to someone when they have an inscription written in them.

Many of the cookbooks have regional favorites and secrets to the past.  Some of the people and organizations are no longer around today.  For me, each cookbook offers an heirloom that was past on with love.  Thank you, ladies.

A Match Made in Texas - Book Review

 

I just finished reading "A Match Made in Texas".   This book is a Novella Collection containing four stories written by four different authors.  In each of the stories a secret matchmaker is at work trying to help an unsuspecting female find her match.
     What a pleasure it was to read this book!  I really enjoyed every one of the stories.  The stories flowed so well into the next one it seemed like they were all written by the same author. 
   I did not want to put this book down.  The stories were funny, they had adventure, love and a setting that helped you escape.
  I want to say thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for an honest review.

Solari's Cheesecake

I had the pleasure of making this very tasty cheesecake for a ladies luncheon.  It was my first attempt at using my new springform pan.  A message from the unwise, be VERY careful carrying your cheesecake if it still  has the bottom of the springform pan still under it. 

This recipe comes from razzledazzlerecipes-

Solari's Cheesecake 3 tablespoons soft butter, divided  1 package (about 12) very dry ladyfinger cookies  1 pound ricotta cheese  1/2 cup milk  2 eggs  2 tablespoons cornstarch  2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or a few drops of lemon extract)  Pinch salt  Pinch cream of tartar  3 egg whites, at room temperature  3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (depending on how sweet your sweet tooth is) Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan, using one tablespoon of the butter. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Crumble the cookies into rather small pieces with your fingers. Use half to line the bottom of the springform; reserve the rest. Place ricotta, milk, whole eggs, cornstarch, vanilla or lemon extract and the rest of the butter into the container of a food processor. Process until well-mixed and smooth. (If you don't have a food processor, mix the cornstarch into a smooth paste with a little of the cold milk before adding it to the rest of the above ingredients; then beat until smooth.) Add a pinch of salt and cream of tartar to the egg whites; then beat at high speed until soft peaks form. Add sugar, about two tablespoons at a time, until all is incorporated. Continue beating until you cannot taste or feel a single grain of sugar. Mix together gently but thoroughly the ricotta and egg white mixtures and pour into the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with the rest of the cookie crumbs. Place the pan into a larger baking dish containing about one inch of water. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until cake is set. (If the cookie crumbs brown too quickly, cover loosely with a piece of foil.) Cool cake in pan until lukewarm before turning out onto a serving dish. Chill thoroughly. Garnish the top with fruit, if desired. Makes 16 servings     Enjoy!

Easy peanut butter cookies

  These cookies are soo easy to make and make a lot of cookies.  They have a light peanut butter flavor not overwhelming at all.  Try them I think you'll like them.

  Easy peanut butter cookies

1 box Dunkin Hines Deluxe Yellow Cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 Tablespoons water
1 cup peanut butter (I use creamy)
2 eggs

It is easiest to mix all ingredients together, then add the peanut butter.  Mix well.

Scoop out whatever size you desire onto ungreased cookie sheet.  Flatten with a fork to make design and sprinkle sugur on top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Enjoy!!

In my 50's now what?

  Hi I'm sorry I have not written in a long time.  I didn't feel I had much to say.  I started this blog to keep friends and family updated.  Now I am writing for me. 

I feel I am in a changing time in my life.  I am in my 50's, early 50's, and sometimes feel that time is running out.  I have developed Arthritis which makes me sore, and Anxiety attacks for which I take medicine that makes me tired. 

Although they say 50 is the new 30, if you would have seen me in the dressing room today trying on bathing suits you would say they are wrong.  At least in my case.  Oh, by the way for any grammar people out there that may come across my blog. I'm admitting it right now, MY GRAMMAR SUCKS!!!  Sorry.  After I had my last child at age 41 and then headed towards 50, my body went from so-so to looking like a overly stuffed Teddy Bear.  Yes I am old enough to be a Grandmother but that doesn't mean I want to look like one.  Thank you very much.

Well every summer I make a list of things I want to see and do with my kids to enjoy our summer.  Tonite I was writing down a list of things I want to do for myself.  Things to do or things to learn to improve myself.  I know BORING.  But, believe me there is ALOT of room for improvement.

If you want you can join me on this journey.  I am not perfect and don't strive to be perfect, just better.  In public I am pretty shy and reserved but in private I can be as weird as the rest of them.

Here is a partial list of things I want to improve upon.

Grammar  -  yes, I know this should be number one

Eat healthier - yes, I am typing this as I am eating a Raisin Oatmeal cookie (flawed I told you!)

I want to have some signature dishes.  I cook fine for my family.  My husband even calls me throw together Queen, but I want some dishes I can serve to family and friends that I know will turn out.

I want to feel comfortable entertaining and throwing parties.  Without having to triple up the anxiety medicine.  Just saying :)

I want to exercise on a schedule.  Down with the teddy Bear look.

   Well that is a partial list, now my blog has a purpose.  Follow along if you'd like, but no negative comments.  I'm doing this for me, wish me luck :)

N.

Book Review- An Unlikely Suitor

I just finished reading "An Unlikely Suitor" by Nancy Moser.  I really enjoyed this book.  I have even recommended it to my neighbor to take on her beach trip as a summer read.  When I started reading the book I did not want to put it down.  When I had to put the book down, it was very easy to pick up where I left off.  The book takes place in 1895 it has adventure, romance and a few great friendships. 
Thanks to Bethany House for my free copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Signs of Spring Finally

Pillsbury Chicken Fajita Braid

Here's a new recipe my family tried the other day that I thought you might like.  It is from the show "In the Kitchens with"  this show was with the Pillsbury kitchens.

Here is the recipe

Ingredients:
1  8 oz. can Pillsbury Crescent Dinner Rolls
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
2 small boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. chile powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green or red bell pepper strips
1/4 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack Cheese Blend (8 oz.)
1 egg white beaten
Directions


Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Unroll Crescent rolls  dough and press into 12 by 8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal.

In a 10-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and stir in garlic, chile powder, and salt. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Add the onion and bell pepper strips and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink in center and vegetables are crisp-tender.

Spoon the chicken mixture in 4-inch strip lengthwise down center of rolled out dough. Top with salsa and sprinkle with cheese. With scissors or sharp knife, make cuts 1-inch apart on long sides of dough within of 1/2-inch filling. Alternately cross strips over the filling and press edges to seal. Brush with egg white.

Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the dough is deep golden brown. Cool 5 minutes. Cut crosswise into slices.


You can find the original recipe at this address
http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/recipes/chicken-fajita-crescent-braid-recipe4/index.html


We really enjoyed this dish!  I hope you do too!

Southwestern Salsa with Black Beans and Corn

In honor of Cinco de Mayo today, I am sharing a Salsa Recipe.  The recipe is from The Ultimate Southern Living Cookbook. 

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 1/4 ounce) can whole kernal corn, drained
1 red pepper, minced
1 small purple onion, minced (1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

* Toast cumin seeds in a skillet over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes or until brown and fragrant, stirring often.  Combine cumin seeds, black beans, and remaining ingredients; toss well.  Cover and store in refrigerator up to 1 week.  Yeild: 6 cups

My husband loved this salsa.    I hope you enjoy as well.

Book I have been reading

I wanted to share a book I have just read.  It is called "Promises to keep" by Ann Tatlock.

In Promises to Keep we meet Roz an 11 year-old girl in the 60's. Even though Roz' mother takes her family and leaves Roz' father, an alcoholic and abusive husband, Roz wants to believe that her daddy can change and they can be a happy family again.
This book is full of delightful characters including Tillie and Mara. Tillie we meet at the very beginning. Tillie is determined to end her days in the house she lived in and loved, even though it has been sold to Roz' family. Mara, Roz' new friend, is also keeping secrets and wishing to be reunited with her daddy.

I have never read a novel by Ann Tatlock before but after reading "Promises to keep" I will definitely read more.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review. 

Valentine Plates

Here is my latest addition in my plate collection.  I found these Valentine plates at TJMAXX for $3.99 each.  I know that is probably alot for little salad size plates but I thought they were so cute!  The outside red dots are raised. 

Hope you have a wonderful Valentines day!

Southern Living Cake Mix Cookies

I wanted to share these cookies with you.  They are super de duper easy to make.  I gave some of these as neighbor gifts this year and because of the kids, I did not have any leftover for when my parents came down. 

Here is the recipe as copied from myrecipes.com  Enjoy!!!!

Yield: about 5 dozen

Ingredients

1 (18.25-ounce) package devil's food cake mix

1 large egg

1/2 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

Preparation

Combine first 3 ingredients, stirring well (dough will be sticky). Stir in chopped pecans, if desired. Dust hands with powdered sugar, and shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Coat balls with powdered sugar, and place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.


Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until done; remove to wire racks to cool.



Southern Living, MAY

Way to go "B"!!!

This post is in honor of my sister "B".  She has been reading blogs along with me and gets hooked and also gets some really great ideas.  "B" and her husband go to lots of Auctions and garage sales and get really great items for a fraction of what it would cost in a store.  WAY TO GO B!!
Here is a picture of her chalkboard that she just made and also a picture of her new coffee table that she found at an Auction for $9.00!!  Yes, we are all jealous. 
  I am officially cheering her on in the blog world.  I can't wait to see what she makes and finds next.

Loving my white dishes!

Hi, I thought I would share with you my white china cabinet that is overflowing with white dishes.  I have a few blue pieces mixed here and there.  I have taken a picture of few of my favorite pieces.

See the huge soup tureen?  My sister and I found that at a flea market type store.  We both fell in love with it at first sight.  It is decorated with the prettiest rabbit pattern.  We paid less than $20 for it.  I can't remember the exact price. She graciously let me buy it because I had mentioned I was looking for a soup tureen. 

  I hope you like the pictures.

Pot Roast with Gravy and Vegetables

Last nights dish came from Fix-It and Forget-It Slow Cooker Magic Cookboook

3 to 4 pound bottom round, rump, or arm roast cut in half
2 to 3 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 cup cold water
1 tsp. kitchen bouquet or gravy browning sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
2 medium onions, cut into wedges
4 to 6 medium sized red potatoes, halved
 4 carrots, quartered
1 green bell pepper, sliced

1. PLace roast in slow cooker.  SPrinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Make paste of flour and cold water.  Stir in kitchen bouquet. and pour over roast.
3. Add garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots and green peppers.
4. Cover and cook on high 4 to 5 hours or on high 1 hour then on low 6 to 8 hours.
 Enjoy!!

 This was a great easy weeknight meal.  We really enjoyed it.  The only thing I would leave  out is the green peppers.  They seemed to overwelm the other flavors.  I loved it just like this but the kids would have liked it better without the green pepper.

Hope you try it.

Yard sale finds!

On my last yard sale excursion.  I was able to find this chair for $5.00 and this Avon bottle for $1.00.

The chair is sooo comfortable and will go great with my daughters desk  when we can finally take it off my sister and brother in laws hands.  I was hoping to sell the Avon bottle on Ebay but it doesn't look as though it is a good seller.

I sooo want to go yardsaling tomarrow but I really need to get rid of some of this excess stuff I've got laying around.

Hope you find some good deals soon and will share them with me.

Pampered Chef Chicken Enchilada Ring

My kids and I loved this recipe. It sounds hard to make but it was ooohhh so good.

Chicken Enchilada Ring
2 cup coarsely chopped chicken
1/4 cup chopped pitted ripe olives
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack/Cheddar blend
1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, undrained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp Southwestern Seasoning Mix
2 plum tomatoes
1 lime2/3 cup finely crushed tortilla chips, divided
2 pkgs. crescent rolls
1 cup salsa
1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix chopped chicken, olives, cheese, green chilies, mayonnaise and seasoning mix in bowl. Seed and chop one tomato. Slice lime in half. Juice one half of lime to measure 1 t. of juice. Reserve remaining lime for garnish. Add chopped tomato and lime juice to chicken mixture. Reserve 2 T. crushed chips and add remaining chips to chicken mixture. Mix well.
Sprinkle reserved crushed chips over flat side of a large cutting board. Place dough onto chips and press down so chips adhere to dough. Separate dough into triangles. Arrange triangles, chip side down, in a circle on a 13" baking stone. Wide ends should overlap in the center and points should be toward the outside. There should be a 5" diameter opening in the center.
Scoop chicken mixture onto the wide ends of the triangles. Bring points of the triangles up over filling and tuck under wide ends. Do not cover filling completely. It should show in between each triangle.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. For garnish, cut remaining tomato into 8 wedges. Cut remaining half of lime into 4 slices, cut in half. Arrange between openings of ring where filling is showing. Serve with salsa and sour cream.