tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39440309173331543382024-02-08T00:28:50.651-06:00Brandi's Blogfinding magic in everyday lifeBrandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.comBlogger543125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-87713924979865171752014-05-14T10:00:00.000-05:002014-05-14T10:00:01.071-05:00Wordless Wednesday: First Pedicure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZaco0uHhyw1cQw0OHg5RY0IJfCW-LMDyV90PlfHorWY_r0Nij-_wNSusU81oA01iHlg023nIpcf7IrUyNvoLgYw15mebknjEofRwPTggRqNjQPxfp6aVtzUjiTDe5JI-2-H4uln3/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="line-height: 32px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 48px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZaco0uHhyw1cQw0OHg5RY0IJfCW-LMDyV90PlfHorWY_r0Nij-_wNSusU81oA01iHlg023nIpcf7IrUyNvoLgYw15mebknjEofRwPTggRqNjQPxfp6aVtzUjiTDe5JI-2-H4uln3/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-41253366630764224322014-05-09T09:00:00.000-05:002014-05-09T09:00:03.563-05:00Pregnant Pauses #2: Manicure Tips<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=define+infertility&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">Infertility</a> offers unique struggles to all who endure it. Pregnant Pauses is a series of posts to help parents-in-waiting find comfort and hope in knowing others understand and endure, too.</i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The pregnancy test
was negative. Again.</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">So I wiped away the
tears and forced myself to apply lipstick and mascara.</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">The tune to <a href="http://youtu.be/MUBnxqEVKlk" target="_blank">“I am Woman”</a> played in my head as
I decided to reward myself for simply being a girl—no matter what my inability
to conceive might communicate.</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">And what
could be more of a feminine affirmation than getting a pedicure?</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
After years of
having my life scheduled and charted for doctors’ perusal, I felt like a diva
strolling to a salon without an appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I walked into the shop to see rows of people in massage chairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful women with sleek hair and Asian
eyes lounged beneath hazy lights, waiting for customers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
A lady approached
me with unfettered friendliness. “Hi, I’m Kayla.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She looked down at the vibrant polish in my
hand. “Oh, you pick good culah.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
escorted me to a chair where my back was massaged and my feet rested in warm,
swirling pools of comfort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Relaxation started
to close my eyes, but Kayla jarred me into reality. “Where you from? I from Tennessee.”
<o:p></o:p></div>
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I raised an
eyebrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Really?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She nodded so
enthusiastically I worried she might get whiplash. “My whooooole life.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Um, yeah, I could
tell the accent wasn’t from around here.” <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She smiled. “I
from Nabil.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Pardon?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Naaabville.” And
she mimed playing a guitar.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“Oh! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nashville</i>,” I said, relieved she liked
charades. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
I nestled into my
chair. The massage, the pedicure, the cheer was not so bad. The indulgence
distracted me from that aching, hollow sensation trying to take hold of my
being. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Then Kayla
abruptly changed to an inevitable subject. “You got kids?”<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“No.” I swallowed
hard, the tune of “I am woman” still playing in my head. “Not yet.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She paused in her
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Why not you got kids?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
My mind screamed,
“Because I’m barren and not a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> woman!”
Instead, I said, “It just hasn’t happened yet.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
When she looked
up, my stomach tightened as it does when I sense someone’s pity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to sit a little taller so that she
wouldn’t sense my depression. I shrugged and attempted what I hoped was a Hey-what-can-you-do?
sort of grin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Kayla nodded. “I
got baby 6 weeks old. His daddy not lub him.” She squished her face and bounced
her head from side to side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“He cry. I
think ‘cause he know.” She placed a fingernail file to her forehead and nods.
“He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> his daddy don’t lub him.”
She shrugged. “I not want him at first eeder. I want ‘bortion. But I lub him
now. It okay.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
My horror must
have shown because she quickly patted my hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“You get baby.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her eyes lit up.
“You try tricks?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There lots of tricks.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
“We’ve tried more
tricks than the Kama Sutra. We even added a few doctors and a lot of money just
for kicks.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Her eyes widened.
“You try tricks then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it happen
when you not expect it.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
She gathered her
things and pointed to the massage chair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You no worry. Stay long as you like. No one
bodder you here.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Outside the
window, a little girl with baby doll curls and chubby cheeks wailed, impressing
me with her volume until it became annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her mother, looking miserable, alternately placated and scolded the
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gazing through the window was as
close as the mom was getting to pampering any time soon.<br />
<span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;">Sighing, I clicked
my chair remote for another session of massage and settled in.</span><span style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><i>Mother's Day is a difficult time for infertile couples. This weekend, celebrate the beautiful gift of motherhood. However, please do not put someone on the spot and ask when she will be a mom or<a href="http://www.resolve.org/diagnosis-management/infertility-diagnosis/secondary-infertility.html" target="_blank"> have another child</a>. She may be wondering the same thing.</i></span><br />
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-530704603990196512014-04-18T05:30:00.000-05:002014-04-18T05:30:00.472-05:00Friday Favorite: Growing LollipopsI'm not much of a gardener, but even I didn't mess this one up.<br />
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Plant jelly beans the day before Easter.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS3ngujXMdJpoBki9a7hyphenhyphen5-3vDEwQef0zH9NHjkW7ul1kKop8lyuWLLyo_cVKi5OXYQFKvGOhWexQXpk3e4TD0nHUITKPJ6R8KQv1RpbIPEgLp70BrHAluJpGRGdJrQ80az3VENIb/s1600/IMG_0322.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzS3ngujXMdJpoBki9a7hyphenhyphen5-3vDEwQef0zH9NHjkW7ul1kKop8lyuWLLyo_cVKi5OXYQFKvGOhWexQXpk3e4TD0nHUITKPJ6R8KQv1RpbIPEgLp70BrHAluJpGRGdJrQ80az3VENIb/s320/IMG_0322.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And just look at what blooms on Easter morning!<br />
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<br />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-30905604719448429102014-04-14T13:12:00.002-05:002014-04-14T14:36:19.254-05:00My Writing Process Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Sunshine makes me want to go on vacation. (Not that there's any sunshine today, but there was last week.) So, with the sun shining, I agreed when Kristin Nador (of </span><a href="http://kristinnador.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: Helvetica;" target="_blank">Kristin Nador Writes Anywhere</a><span style="font-family: Helvetica;">) invited me along on her My Writing Process Blog Tour. </span></div>
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<br />
Hey, I’ll take any vacation—even a virtual one. Wo<span style="text-align: center;">uld you like to join me?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking a break at a writing retreat</span></td></tr>
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Before going on a trip, there’s always paperwork. So, here's where I earn it.</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What am I working on? </span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Picture books. I've written a couple of novels and was well into another, when I decided to take a detour. It feels good to travel off the beaten path for a change.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>How does my work differ from other of its genre? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
Whether it's novels or picture books, I like to write about possibilities in a world where what you think you see isn't always what you get. I play with the idea of "Okay, it's not real, but why not...are you sure?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Why do I write what I do?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I write about "the magic of everyday life" on my blog. Most of my YA work has fantastical elements with hints of magic in our regular world, which lends itself nicely to picture books. Recently, I decided to practice the “write what you know” adage. We devour picture books in this house. We have stacks and shelves of them. In my former life as a high school teacher, I felt that I had never really left high school. Now, I'm living and breathing picture books. Everywhere I turn, I see magical possibilities through the sparkling enthusiasm of my children as well as their intense, face covering drama. Children see the world as a magical place full of possibilities, and I like the idea we share that perspective. I enjoy parallel worlds where something isn't quite what it seems. That explains childhood pretty well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoy writing novels, but labyrinthine plot lines require large chunks of time from me. With picture books, I can work on a single big idea. Writers go into the world to gather ideas and feed their creativity. I just have to listen to the kids' stream of consciousness chatter. I've heard of writers doing drugs to have creative injections. I have psychedelic creativity padding into my bedroom at 5:58 AM whispering, " Mom. Mom. I wanna tell you a story."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>
<b>How does your writing process work?</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give me tea (preferably one with bergamot), a baked good, and either a computer or journal, and I'll write. I envy people who churn out novels while chaos surrounds them. That's a challenge, but I'll take what I can get. Still, a nice, three hour chunk is ideal. It allows me to revisit my most recent writing adventures, experience more and then review them. It's a nice vacation from life into my imaginary world. However, I usually get an hour. I work best when I get time on a consistent basis so my brain can play with problems and possibilities for the characters before I return to the computer and write it down. I love that feeling of living my writing life in my head while I'm doing something mundane like folding laundry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for your interest in my writing process. Mark your itinerary for next Monday when each of the following authors will tell you about her process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTELIWE4QLaNVFhROloWc34h8ftpN94VGAbIV2oz66j89J4Njz3GgH7MqA7YJsVBsw0EQiIi3Ee6PcxAm6EbiBNM8DxypRaT8OPxhPN8z6ErY2d6noO82MEo4kYsE7SRGQm31P2Lo6/s1600/headshotcolor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTELIWE4QLaNVFhROloWc34h8ftpN94VGAbIV2oz66j89J4Njz3GgH7MqA7YJsVBsw0EQiIi3Ee6PcxAm6EbiBNM8DxypRaT8OPxhPN8z6ErY2d6noO82MEo4kYsE7SRGQm31P2Lo6/s1600/headshotcolor1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Sonia Gensler is the award-winning author of THE REVENANT (2011) and THE DARK BETWEEN (2013), both from Alfred A. Knopf. She blogs a little about writing, but more often about reading, travel, TV and movies over at www.soniagensler.com.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG6p0xQqnogmQy7dJmYzBJmJI0qHrVP8fDi4K1MZYcIWwQF8tq_GiGSF15xqoUS9Q6qc7JIxKjwQtm4k6ZzIstcltrl9B-UM16m0s8VKorCGvnXM975SYQ9rKhT_sFUuycImSzsaJ/s1600/1392819_10153417296235037_968638023_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG6p0xQqnogmQy7dJmYzBJmJI0qHrVP8fDi4K1MZYcIWwQF8tq_GiGSF15xqoUS9Q6qc7JIxKjwQtm4k6ZzIstcltrl9B-UM16m0s8VKorCGvnXM975SYQ9rKhT_sFUuycImSzsaJ/s1600/1392819_10153417296235037_968638023_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gayleen Rabakukk enjoys creating stories that explore the mysteries of days gone by, both real and imagined. Find her online at </span><a class="_553k" href="http://www.gayleenrabakukk.com/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px; padding: 1px 0px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">www.gayleenrabakukk.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5taAt_NRFji4vS_kCW3BmAac2zM8j_rem6FpTHzZ7ed3Mvx5B32FHkijaXwZwHoN5PWT_O_5KqhyphenhyphenO7pEIs-1PG0DKACaYn87kiEsh4APw6KOqG690gARcw3837tzKuQCZUZ1eSsb/s1600/Stephanie1-resize-300x224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5taAt_NRFji4vS_kCW3BmAac2zM8j_rem6FpTHzZ7ed3Mvx5B32FHkijaXwZwHoN5PWT_O_5KqhyphenhyphenO7pEIs-1PG0DKACaYn87kiEsh4APw6KOqG690gARcw3837tzKuQCZUZ1eSsb/s1600/Stephanie1-resize-300x224.jpg" /></a></div>
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Stephanie Clinton is a mommy blogger who writes about family, food, and all that goes with it (including the hard stuff) over at <a href="http://hugskissesandsnot.com/" target="_blank">Hugs, Kisses, and Snot</a>. She will also be featured in Oklahoma City's 2014 <a href="http://www.ticketstorm.com/event/listentoyourmothershow/willrogerstheatre/oklahomacity/12762/" target="_blank">Listen to Your Mother Show.</a></div>
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Happy travels!</div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-62279959776062397282014-04-11T14:25:00.001-05:002014-04-11T14:25:34.913-05:00Friday Favorite: It's in the eye of the beholder<b>Me</b>: (wiping at a smudge) What on earth is this yucky gunk on your face?<br />
<b>Alexandra</b>: (batting her eyes) It's a beauty mark.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwuc4ZBhPAZAgVzkVVzbh68qtKdG13_4OSJha5MCns1G6_iz3Ys82EtiJxphIZ_Zo27ZIIHrSzBI5T-ny_zp8UcxE2qOULfFvbaui6awJ3m7Zse6pqRvgIeP4JNpq8DvyEzK0QG33/s1600/IMG_4645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfwuc4ZBhPAZAgVzkVVzbh68qtKdG13_4OSJha5MCns1G6_iz3Ys82EtiJxphIZ_Zo27ZIIHrSzBI5T-ny_zp8UcxE2qOULfFvbaui6awJ3m7Zse6pqRvgIeP4JNpq8DvyEzK0QG33/s1600/IMG_4645.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing sprinkles on bananas and peanut butter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
She sleeps in a tiara, wears a tutu with sweatpants, and fights with her brother over whether her imaginary jewelry makes rainbows or not. <br />
<br />
Perspective is a magical thing. If one looks from the wrong angle, life can be pretty dirty and ugly. I want to borrow my daughter's viewpoint. Maybe she wears a lot of bandaids because she gets scraped up along the way, but she embraces her pretty bandages as accessories. If she can turn a chocolate covered scrape under her eye into a beauty mark, then what else can transform with the right attitude?<br />
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<br />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-72896042357410047162014-04-06T17:00:00.000-05:002014-04-06T17:00:11.451-05:00Pregnant Pauses #1Each time I attempt this series, my mind turns into marshmallow goo folding into itself. My thoughts become those wispy clouds that disappear on second glance, perhaps never consisting of any substance and existing only in my imagination. My heart...well, my heart hurts because it doesn't want to remember.<br />
<br />
I suppose it makes sense that my brain turns off when asked to recall our struggle with infertility. It was an emotional experience in which I simultaneously battled my body and the cosmos. Answers, logic, and reason never applied. <br />
<br />
"I don't think you can ever get pregnant," the doctors said.<br />
<br />
"Genetic abnormality is the only explanation for the miscarriage," the doctors said.<br />
<br />
"Circumstances were ideal for the transfer. We don't know why it didn't work," the doctors said.<br />
<br />
Every menstrual period was an exclamation point on the end of our painful infertility sentence, rudely interrupting our hope.<br />
<br />
Like many couples, we kept the secret for a long time, but last year, I shared it with anyone who was interested. You can click the video below to watch <i>Step Right Up to the Game of Love.</i><br />
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Listen to Your Mother OKC</div>
<br />
This February<a href="http://listentoyourmothershow.com/oklahomacity/2014/02/18/from-brandi-barnett-ltym-okc-2013/" target="_blank">, on the LTYM blog,</a> I committed to a monthly post about infertility so that other women will know they aren't alone. This post is the first one.<br />
<br />
I almost didn't follow through. However, three women in the last couple of months have reached out to me with their struggles. After all that's happened, I still believe in signs. And I think these women were nudging me to be vocal for all of those who are searching the internet for someone else who might understand the crushing, painful, exhausting confusion of infertility.<br />
<br />
My purpose is to give strength to those who are Parents-in-Waiting. You are not alone. Your story is unique. Each journey is your own. However, the desire to count ten tiny, perfect fingers and ten tiny, perfect toes is a common one. Check back with me each month as I share part of my journey. I'll be brave for you because I know you are mustering bravery, too.<br />
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-73157218094166710122014-03-23T16:38:00.001-05:002014-04-06T17:39:18.342-05:00Divergent: Let them eat cake!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>***spoilers!***spoilers!***spoilers!***warning!***spoilers!***spoilers!***spoilers!***</i></b></div>
<br />
<i>Divergent'</i>s release date has been on my calendar for months. It was a blockbuster at the box office this weekend. I'll watch it again. I'll probably watch <i>Insurgent</i> on opening weekend, too.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, much of the movie was as insipid as this poster. <br />
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<br />
1. Sunrise to indicate dawning of a new day over a destroyed city<br />
2. Protagonist walking an "uphill climb" to get to that "new day"<br />
3. Hot love interest staring at her bum (yes, I realize that their backs are to each other, but it completely looks like he's staring at her bootie.)<br />
<br />
Yeah, yeah, I get what it's all about.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
I sighed a lot during this movie. I've read the book as many times as I've read <i>Hunger Games</i> and <i>Pride and Prejudice</i>. It has elements I really enjoy. I had high expectations.<br />
<br />
*sigh*<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, some of the reasons I like the book were completely neutered.<br />
<br />
<b>Plot Points</b><br />
<br />
<b>Where was the chocolate cake?</b> What's a good book without a food that makes you think of it? In taking away the chocolate cake the Dauntless are known for, some of the richness of the story was destroyed. Instead, they focused on the whole hamburger thing. Without a bun. Really? Chocolate cake is so much more telling of Dauntless than a meat patty.<br />
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<b>Where was the fear?</b> Yes, lots of scenes remained that intimidated people who were scared of heights. But what about the violent scenes that showed so much about the dangerous world they lived in and a person's character under pressure? What about Peter? No cloak and dagger/eye-gouging stuff? Was Edward still hanging out with them--both eyes intact? How are they going to get around him in future movies? They touched on Al's fear of being excluded and how he responded to his fear. I understand why they cut his crush on Tris and her rejection of him, but I still missed that plot point. What about when Tris let Christina take the flag as a win because she felt she was on shaky ground with their friendship? The film only hinted about the relationship with Will and Christina, so the tension between Christina and Tris is minimal for the next installment. What about the fear scene with Marcus Eaton and Four? I don't want to see a man beat his child, but I did want to see Tris try to help him through that fear and the others. There was a bonding in the book when they traveled through Four's fear landscape that I missed in the movie. And on that note... <br />
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<b>Where was the chemistry?</b> Even though Tris was supposed to be this scrawny, child-like, not-so-pretty girl, the book made us see her as Four did. Strong, brave, sexy. So many of the cute lines and moments from the book were deleted for the movie. Four is totally hot in the movie. Don't get me wrong. Still, his vulnerability and need for Tris was missing. Furthermore, why in the hell did they make her fear of being close to Four turn into a rape scene? A perfectly sweet scene was transformed into a menacing and twisted one. In the book, there was a hint of sexual groping in her assault when Al and the others tried to toss her into the pit, but that aspect was removed from the film. If some of the violence was left out to protect young audiences, I think adding a rape scene with a sweetheart might do more damage to influence young viewers than showing a mother getting riddled with bullets to protect her child.<br />
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<b>Where were the lies?</b> Although the movie managed to heavily stress some of the themes through imagery--birds/flying/freedom and reflections/seeing true self--it mostly skipped over the duplicitous nature of human beings. Sure, Jeanine talks about human nature and we get she's a big ol' liar, but all of the bits in the book about the protagonist's own proclivity toward dishonesty (she did test as Erudite, too, after all) were removed. She said in the book, "I couldn't be Candor. I lie too easily." Her duplicity is a running plot line through the trilogy, and its absence weakens her character.<br />
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<br />
<b>Casting</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
When I saw the casting I was a little nervous. The movie proved my anxiety was for good reason.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsA4oUpVxNPn2c_4ENRr5qSWpa6krIY_0Vjse3deQVTTDKOvDnKqiLe7a346cbkYrbEuu9RQGqATAz8gLq7Og0OTZY044jwR9p2WEaTHBEnC2Yqo-NMoSYzvS4tAtaGQCYFSBPlH8/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsA4oUpVxNPn2c_4ENRr5qSWpa6krIY_0Vjse3deQVTTDKOvDnKqiLe7a346cbkYrbEuu9RQGqATAz8gLq7Og0OTZY044jwR9p2WEaTHBEnC2Yqo-NMoSYzvS4tAtaGQCYFSBPlH8/s1600/Unknown-1.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=shailene+woodley&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" target="_blank">Shailene Woodley.</a>..bless her heart. She did her best, but she is no Tris. It's not her fault. It's casting. <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">(Note: April 6, 2014: I learned she's cast as Hazel in The Fault in Our Stars and think she is PERFECT for this role. I"m very excited to see her in <i>that</i> movie.)</span> Check out <a href="http://divergent.wikia.com/wiki/Top_10_list:Casting_Tris" target="_blank">this list of some people's choices.</a> Yes, I'm being completely superficial, but isn't <i>seeing</i> the story the point of taking a book and making a movie? At times, Woodley's big eyes--that were supposed to be blue like most of the other Abnegation--pulled me in and I wanted to root for her. But she just looks too old (meaning 19? versus 16) and too solid. She's supposed to be scrawny, pale, blond, not especially pretty, but interesting. She claims to look like a child. Even Four tells her she doesn't have any muscle. It's not like he was saying she was fat. She gets her ass kicked easily because there's not much of her.<br />
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I have to remind myself that this is a movie and not a book. They take liberties to tell a similar story but not the same one. <br />
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They achieved success with a lot of casting choices.<br />
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<a href="http://theojamesthoseeyebrows.tumblr.com/post/54762351849" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDM_OJ6RLj4fcd7mcZW8lsBq76jf_dpwomT2VsdJHQD5Og6UBZoCbeGB8crnymQIyxZP0jyFjNVNB6nTlH39coX1ZCtH8JeDIXoJnta7CM0ZXqFiVFQlcmu-c1SlUPPGXEq0v2br2U/s1600/tumblr_mpiynzwdMX1s9b1oio1_500.png" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://divergent.wikia.com/wiki/Tobias_Eaton" target="_blank">Four</a> was right on target. <span style="text-align: center;">(After all, </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=theo+james&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">Theo James</a><span style="text-align: center;"> caused Mary all sorts of trouble as the Turkish gentleman in </span><i style="text-align: center;">Downton Abbey</i><span style="text-align: center;">, and he possesses the sexiness to pull off the male love interest.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2PnAuzdfRKN999pWSR7LWgxaKruE_NlXuWCa_dbBsq7umd3fr0CaNy8TVj4hJTt7j0Wp-V3ra2P5siTjoVdRZeF687fxj4lGt2c5VZCJ7qpjFST_dfnS2qRi-ciN4Z0jsOEpMJ7v/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2PnAuzdfRKN999pWSR7LWgxaKruE_NlXuWCa_dbBsq7umd3fr0CaNy8TVj4hJTt7j0Wp-V3ra2P5siTjoVdRZeF687fxj4lGt2c5VZCJ7qpjFST_dfnS2qRi-ciN4Z0jsOEpMJ7v/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
Tony Goldwyn and Ashley Judd as Andrew and Natalie Prior were good. I couldn't have asked for better. I believed them. So many relationships were removed in the film. (I get it. They have to cut for time.) I wish the visitation day would have been kept. It's so cool how she connects with her mother as she watches her in the halls of Dauntless. Of course, if that scene were included, though, they'd have to bring back the chocolate cake. After all, before Natalie left she told Tris, " <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">Have a piece of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">cake</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"> for me, all right? The </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px;">chocolate</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">. It's delicious."</span><br />
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Christina got away with being smaller than Tris because she captured so much of her spirit.<br />
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Kate Winslet rocked Jeanine Matthews. I look forward to seeing her again in the next film.<br />
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Side note: Did anyone else think they were trying awfully hard to make Jeanine look a little too much like Hillary Clinton? I know I know I know... Hollywood never gets political.<br />
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All of that being said, I will probably watch it again. Even if it's just to see this part:<br />
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I'll just bake my own chocolate cake.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>What about you? What are your thoughts on the movie? The book? </b></i></div>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-47523959458482183672014-03-21T08:00:00.000-05:002014-03-21T08:00:00.272-05:00Has anyone seen my...?I point at the unwrapped box in Garrett's hand. "What's that?"<br />
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<div>
</div>
<div>
"It's because one of you is always losing your keys," my mom repeats.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>What? </i><br />
<br />
"I lose my phone all the time." We have special places for our keys. They are rarely misplaced.<br />
<br />
Garrett says if there were a nature show about me, the Call of the Brandi would be <i>has anyone seen my phone?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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But it's the thought that counts, so we thank my parents.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Two weeks later...</div>
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Running from room to room, I quiz the kids with the same daily questions. "Where is my phone? Has anyone seen my phone?"<br />
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Max grins. "Why don't you use your key finder?"<br />
<br />
I don't know where he gets such a smart mouth.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5BlDEz8nYV170bRWsT1I0Hg_ORqPvqkS_VvCm3namdne_Nfj3XUGY9GWJSo-AzUrQB7LKCn9SCJgdd7pkz_B7qY3K9CR5_CkdHaZyWlaepH2OwWjgA6l8gHnMQ8E8880L4X7-BSL/s1600/IMG_4071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5BlDEz8nYV170bRWsT1I0Hg_ORqPvqkS_VvCm3namdne_Nfj3XUGY9GWJSo-AzUrQB7LKCn9SCJgdd7pkz_B7qY3K9CR5_CkdHaZyWlaepH2OwWjgA6l8gHnMQ8E8880L4X7-BSL/s1600/IMG_4071.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b><i>What about you? If you could put a tracking device on something, what would it be? </i></b></div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-68444736969184776122014-03-18T13:04:00.001-05:002014-03-18T13:04:11.621-05:00Winter Soups: Virtual Potluck Party Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Daffodils are lifting their lovely heads. Trees are budding. The sun is warming the earth and our spirits. In short, spring has sprung, so our virtual potluck party must end. </div>
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Thanks for joining me each Tasty Tuesday as friends--old and new--gathered to share their recipes. As a party favor, <a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2013/09/summer-salad-virtual-potluck-round-up.html" target="_blank">here's a link to last summer's virtual potluck party with salads</a> as well as a round up of all of the soups. </div>
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Happy eating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBjg_pTAxHbxUqtypXevow8r7WrBosmC7I-kdJml21sQesWWsMfknXQPnahwlFlmUJRQAbzxBvjbBhJHjQayCtAxa9WpPyyaFVHdEUnREldS3NCFuXFadAfc72Ahplb-wpwgjZIL5/s1600/SoupPic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBjg_pTAxHbxUqtypXevow8r7WrBosmC7I-kdJml21sQesWWsMfknXQPnahwlFlmUJRQAbzxBvjbBhJHjQayCtAxa9WpPyyaFVHdEUnREldS3NCFuXFadAfc72Ahplb-wpwgjZIL5/s1600/SoupPic1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/03/winter-soups-valarie-lawson-and-nanas.html" target="_blank">Valarie Lawson brought Nana's Potato Soup</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQMStncSeKgEGsw55sf9_VEsrZgKx2PLl9FIfmXSuaWX7GZgVRcA-HHClTaRtWwXpZONUX7oY4LqA5-H6u0BoR2dSTWxdLgyoKpMnJpB8SMLrbfJJjz_EQmhwbA63XwwimIUEALWB/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQMStncSeKgEGsw55sf9_VEsrZgKx2PLl9FIfmXSuaWX7GZgVRcA-HHClTaRtWwXpZONUX7oY4LqA5-H6u0BoR2dSTWxdLgyoKpMnJpB8SMLrbfJJjz_EQmhwbA63XwwimIUEALWB/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+complete.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/02/winter-soup-turkey-chocolate-chili.html" target="_blank">Lisa Marotta brought Turkey Chocolate Chili</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHy414tKwGW1BYBUOoR3EKC9R_Ws3AhvfrryMUIrEno3VrfnBzGLubZPvC0NNZ42xim9h64YQtxAKdXjd_0lqHacBpUErWzlspP-KJeRPCOWfsBnfQCRSDK4MKKLaIkyxAOEAr5h7/s1600/Coleen+winter+soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHy414tKwGW1BYBUOoR3EKC9R_Ws3AhvfrryMUIrEno3VrfnBzGLubZPvC0NNZ42xim9h64YQtxAKdXjd_0lqHacBpUErWzlspP-KJeRPCOWfsBnfQCRSDK4MKKLaIkyxAOEAr5h7/s1600/Coleen+winter+soup.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/02/winter-soup-swiss-chard-and-sorrel-soup.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Coleen Thornton brought Swiss Chard and Sorrel Soup</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6BqbltQuC5kfJ5bz4hEEWakRqaSHmQhDVxlEC9eycMbkBlf_byJ2ECotIBzFXEWmiWzG0QwRFCfhwLSWieit1srpzj-7Lm-bmxeUjP-K1MKa7YMt-aQmO935tYLPwWnsKX7mHCXS/s1600/chili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6BqbltQuC5kfJ5bz4hEEWakRqaSHmQhDVxlEC9eycMbkBlf_byJ2ECotIBzFXEWmiWzG0QwRFCfhwLSWieit1srpzj-7Lm-bmxeUjP-K1MKa7YMt-aQmO935tYLPwWnsKX7mHCXS/s1600/chili.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/02/winter-soups-dee-dees-easy-chicken-chili.html" target="_blank">Dee Dee Chumley brought Easy Chicken Chili</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycJGBsPOZ9W1O7si4WelKzrt9cSbIDH26OHGhiGCt9nlT0kk2uiu6ZMYq8djEwjPLfThdcorCOFO7CZwoSKv_fBJPdqk2HIL1hTldjfOquyK57tGyOewNJKrsrk1zGtSCnYEed8PU/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycJGBsPOZ9W1O7si4WelKzrt9cSbIDH26OHGhiGCt9nlT0kk2uiu6ZMYq8djEwjPLfThdcorCOFO7CZwoSKv_fBJPdqk2HIL1hTldjfOquyK57tGyOewNJKrsrk1zGtSCnYEed8PU/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+5.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-soups-apple-butternut-squash_21.html" target="_blank">Valarie Olson brought Apple Butternut Squash Soup</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uQHCmltE9Dig-h1C-V-sPkZCSzAupp5w9vbZHatw8XJR3m2AOqAeJtG9iV5EE8j_caL413cKNa2xjwYIAmrbUYCKyE9Cyo2lQSU3O1mLtgAIWKcAZ5hHp3ACAK-xlUX17h7kqYr9/s1600/wonton.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uQHCmltE9Dig-h1C-V-sPkZCSzAupp5w9vbZHatw8XJR3m2AOqAeJtG9iV5EE8j_caL413cKNa2xjwYIAmrbUYCKyE9Cyo2lQSU3O1mLtgAIWKcAZ5hHp3ACAK-xlUX17h7kqYr9/s1600/wonton.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-soups-and-celebrations-wonton.html" target="_blank">Ashley Riherd brought Wonton Soup</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9VKaYgt-NnB0DQZWCHfjHIbK1mRl-qNAY20ASORxXgVk7xE4_bNo2jyirRm2NGE-yH9eMQE0DDbQO5JIgBfLDQJThORZcs1d5Y_4H23VgvQNc__pN6xDNXd7KSlNnZYzveyXhz5N/s1600/photo-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9VKaYgt-NnB0DQZWCHfjHIbK1mRl-qNAY20ASORxXgVk7xE4_bNo2jyirRm2NGE-yH9eMQE0DDbQO5JIgBfLDQJThORZcs1d5Y_4H23VgvQNc__pN6xDNXd7KSlNnZYzveyXhz5N/s1600/photo-8.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-soups-french-onion-soupand-quick.html" target="_blank">Mari Farthing brought French Onion Soup (and a quiche!)</a></div>
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Since I threw the party, I brought a couple of soups, too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7w82OoNoS1Fc2x7WBuAX3z0x2KtsfpkDM4ajf2zEjkEN68xmX7dkBL2pQmrhvKGQ7vL-KtgIE6TK5qKJUxcLcSHKV0Uzi2ybhIizetkgvdEwWDXoMydCL0rRMiIuLNecpia2lsRy/s1600/photo-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7w82OoNoS1Fc2x7WBuAX3z0x2KtsfpkDM4ajf2zEjkEN68xmX7dkBL2pQmrhvKGQ7vL-KtgIE6TK5qKJUxcLcSHKV0Uzi2ybhIizetkgvdEwWDXoMydCL0rRMiIuLNecpia2lsRy/s1600/photo-6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/01/winter-soups-virtual-potluck.html" target="_blank">Easy Crockpot Chili</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j4J6mw1DJlxtimwH3qePgFMhl_MggXJF1kqA0-fbkyeVT0arqOAi1vkch2t7d6ahSqRCyn-M2_kPZXORLNqsj5KpQzajB28ExKlJZRPHhcsPnnIY17xmu5I0y-pWnWMdrm8LonFZ/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j4J6mw1DJlxtimwH3qePgFMhl_MggXJF1kqA0-fbkyeVT0arqOAi1vkch2t7d6ahSqRCyn-M2_kPZXORLNqsj5KpQzajB28ExKlJZRPHhcsPnnIY17xmu5I0y-pWnWMdrm8LonFZ/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/03/winter-soup-brandis-tomato-soup.html" target="_blank">Tomato Soup</a></div>
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Thanks for coming to the party. Don't be a stranger. Come back soon!</div>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-57191497613984457162014-03-16T14:37:00.004-05:002014-03-16T14:37:37.403-05:00Leprechaun Poop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Need an easy recipe for the little leprechauns in your life?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHm1NCZuictc3MoZNX7tp5OVw_ORH6BGgyCYGSZqZ3gUTkQr-dmVzJYrVGKH_pB0SpNWHJoRBHzKxFjH1lpW0yZvv3CKTmQ7d0lX-X9tav-MGL2GuObNwEsPv2mSGR1oWRltOoxeW/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHm1NCZuictc3MoZNX7tp5OVw_ORH6BGgyCYGSZqZ3gUTkQr-dmVzJYrVGKH_pB0SpNWHJoRBHzKxFjH1lpW0yZvv3CKTmQ7d0lX-X9tav-MGL2GuObNwEsPv2mSGR1oWRltOoxeW/s1600/IMG_0149.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Mine transform from leprechauns to screaming banshees when I suggest they try anything with mint. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJDEUHKd4yk2nMQFpf4Qe28U0doJlaOGpJJPaZMDxvG3FHkJSkTfo3eW38abvvgj1UU3Da0w6TqYTRVhwCagB_pdH5vv1MPMEfprXwRUPFWtYUhrIo3GDf-6c8Br-AWubERpRonjr/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJDEUHKd4yk2nMQFpf4Qe28U0doJlaOGpJJPaZMDxvG3FHkJSkTfo3eW38abvvgj1UU3Da0w6TqYTRVhwCagB_pdH5vv1MPMEfprXwRUPFWtYUhrIo3GDf-6c8Br-AWubERpRonjr/s1600/IMG_0146.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, since my children think all things "booty" and "toot" are hilarious, I called these cookies Leprechaun Poop. They saw it through new eyes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg614EgVzrjjTJ9THDtT_4WMR5zeibHGVGkrr6DuSeihcCl2i5gNCZ5f0bbcdiH6dRokbjCt6SvjNRb6NpOrQTVlFlk4_sJXkGbQB0eoLjJ6tEXjJo1H6S-qVK9grCLzaxBa53hPBhY/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg614EgVzrjjTJ9THDtT_4WMR5zeibHGVGkrr6DuSeihcCl2i5gNCZ5f0bbcdiH6dRokbjCt6SvjNRb6NpOrQTVlFlk4_sJXkGbQB0eoLjJ6tEXjJo1H6S-qVK9grCLzaxBa53hPBhY/s1600/IMG_0166.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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They gobbled up Leprechaun Poop.</div>
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Lucky me.</div>
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I'm not sure where I first saw the recipe...probably Pinterest. I guarantee you won't find it by looking up Leprechaun Poop, though, so here you go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkfvQ5oJgD-cIi6WmlzMbqQTcsN8TzQdxouq1e8Ve-qwVlWjFFAp1zZS-nrQUAyh6TRVtY0f162hJfv4x4Cf_9tu_1_Gj2M277uPOsR9ERlGI2CmCWdQrJVUbcK-z-QcGLyPfqLoP/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDkfvQ5oJgD-cIi6WmlzMbqQTcsN8TzQdxouq1e8Ve-qwVlWjFFAp1zZS-nrQUAyh6TRVtY0f162hJfv4x4Cf_9tu_1_Gj2M277uPOsR9ERlGI2CmCWdQrJVUbcK-z-QcGLyPfqLoP/s1600/IMG_0150.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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1 bag of ready-made sugar cookie mix</div>
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1 Cup of mint chocolate chips (or chop up the Andes mints)</div>
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1 Cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips</div>
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1 egg</div>
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1/2 Cup butter (softened)</div>
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1/2 teaspoon mint extract</div>
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green food coloring until you achieve desired shade</div>
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Stir it up. </div>
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Scoop little balls about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. </div>
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Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjaCVFmTrd4VX6PHQri4L1ks2h3G97jgz-_GrGcwYcz9B7wm6ZqBHL5_am4k5ShH1WQnsG-DwxOr1mXtZfjI5h92qdV-tMXXGUA08uDEXvZ4jQrtvYOgXVq5xFiA0SA3G5hR-LgKB/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjaCVFmTrd4VX6PHQri4L1ks2h3G97jgz-_GrGcwYcz9B7wm6ZqBHL5_am4k5ShH1WQnsG-DwxOr1mXtZfjI5h92qdV-tMXXGUA08uDEXvZ4jQrtvYOgXVq5xFiA0SA3G5hR-LgKB/s1600/IMG_0152.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leprechaun Poop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-36495073659840286882014-03-14T12:06:00.000-05:002014-03-14T12:06:52.362-05:00Friday Favorite: Easy Icing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Need a fast way to frost a cake? It's your <span style="color: #38761d;">lucky</span> day!</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW21dm-CsnLrupVboPbBHhh8C-yThQYISwIJCRrs6SKXIgIoRXCUvU6O__m9lLy3K8uwEVDUf76nPNMpPX76hSUOJjGTs0piGav59BH1tw0rxGGfYSIJHyPlNSeU9WMTFcHZA5x-Fz/s1600/photo+1-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW21dm-CsnLrupVboPbBHhh8C-yThQYISwIJCRrs6SKXIgIoRXCUvU6O__m9lLy3K8uwEVDUf76nPNMpPX76hSUOJjGTs0piGav59BH1tw0rxGGfYSIJHyPlNSeU9WMTFcHZA5x-Fz/s1600/photo+1-14.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half the batter made cupcakes. Half the batter made this easy cake.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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My friend <a href="http://www.deedeechumley.com/" target="_blank">Dee Dee </a>gave me this "recipe" a while back and I finally tried it.<br />
<br />
1. Remove cake from oven.<br />
2. Place Hershey's chocolate bars or candy kisses on top.<br />
3. Watch them melt. <br />
4. Eat cake while still warm.<br />
<br />
I tried this the other day with leftover Valentine candy. It was delicious. Thanks, Dee Dee!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-56723792008643602692014-03-11T06:30:00.000-05:002014-03-12T07:59:21.007-05:00Winter Soups: Valarie Lawson and Nana's Potato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>This winter has been exceptionally...wintery. Our snow days have been extensive, but who minds those when you have good soup and good friends? Thanks for joining me again for another Tasty Tuesday and a virtual potluck. I'm so glad you did because <a href="http://valerierlawson.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Valerie Lawson</a> is here!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Aside from her mass of curly hair, the first thing I noticed about Valerie was her t-shirt. Like her, it was smart, artsy, and funny. To this day, when I see her at an <a href="http://www.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">SCBWI</a> event, I look to see what she's wearing because I know she'll make me smile. </i></span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>And she brought potato soup for Saint Patrick's Day week. What luck! I'm definitely smiling now.</i></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGW12gLRsFXto2dlOGJMjW8gYI_SAmuGl9BXdfCVdl9VreRnmvTT-521WTlRVycYHfKg6lR_7ezn61rsHMLTgps1mPuLRDJR5OytfY7C070Hs-2NgMd-w0KaET1vi3Vy7h56S02S1/s1600/Valpic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGW12gLRsFXto2dlOGJMjW8gYI_SAmuGl9BXdfCVdl9VreRnmvTT-521WTlRVycYHfKg6lR_7ezn61rsHMLTgps1mPuLRDJR5OytfY7C070Hs-2NgMd-w0KaET1vi3Vy7h56S02S1/s1600/Valpic1.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Valerie Lawson...she's wearing a funny t-shirt beneath that smile, y'all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />I’m so thrilled that Brandi invited me to participate in
this virtual potluck. As many of you know who follow my blog, I am no cook. I
was raised by my father, the microwave king, who still thinks cut-up hot dogs
in macaroni and cheese is a fancy meal. He actually served this meal to my
daughter recently, much to her horror. I think we’ve spoiled her. Or rather, my
husband has. He is the cook in the family. He has a natural intuitiveness in
the kitchen, lucky for us. Otherwise I’m afraid we’d live off fast food and cold
cereal. My husband can look at the contents of our pantry and see what might
work together as a meal. He does this weird thing called <i>experimenting</i> <i>with food</i> -
and it almost always turns out fantastic. If I tried this, I’d end up with a
fried crispy mess and a fire extinguisher.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband learned much of his instinctual cooking
techniques from standing at his mother’s elbow while she cooked from scratch
all through his childhood. She was also a natural cook who never wrote down a
recipe, never used a measuring spoon. Thankfully, my husband had the foresight
to write down a few of her favorite dishes before she died last year. I’m happy
to share it with you, today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This soup is simple and yet comforting on a cold, winter
night. It is a meal all by itself or with some warm, crusty bread. I hope you
enjoy it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nana’s Potato Soup<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4 peeled and cubed
Potatoes<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">½ cup chopped Celery<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">¼ cup chopped Onion<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Tbsp Butter<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 ½ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cups Milk<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">¼ tsp Greek Seasoning<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Salt and Pepper to
taste<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Suggested garnish:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crumbled Bacon<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shredded Cheddar Cheese<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sour Cream<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chopped Green Onions<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Instructions:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cover the potatoes with an inch of water in a large saucepan
and bring to a boil for ten minutes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the potatoes are boiling, sauté the celery and onions
in butter over a medium-high heat until translucent, about four to six minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pour off half the water from the potatoes, leaving the
remainder of the water in the pan. Add the milk to the pan, along with the
vegetables and seasonings. Turn the heat down to medium. Let flavors come
together and allow the soup to simmer for about twenty minutes. Then your soup
is ready.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Garnish as you please.</span><!--EndFragment--><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7Y3eJ6uI3b7ZXPE6XIBBR3r-iHwawoRD5SZM8Z78Oyk5EGdJOJpmdxEueRyWqfnNERSAsCLo3jQwO2RLPZwHgcWtOgX1vi0R9FfFGvBCGmdG4tMEPGzqIkzv71eRXyPJL4ADKEdO/s1600/SoupPic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7Y3eJ6uI3b7ZXPE6XIBBR3r-iHwawoRD5SZM8Z78Oyk5EGdJOJpmdxEueRyWqfnNERSAsCLo3jQwO2RLPZwHgcWtOgX1vi0R9FfFGvBCGmdG4tMEPGzqIkzv71eRXyPJL4ADKEdO/s1600/SoupPic1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana's Potato Soup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br />Grab some soup and spend more time with Valerie over at her blog </i><a href="http://valerierlawson.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Barbies on Fire</a>. <i>For me, the title of her blog was enough to tempt me to check it out, but once I got there I loved what she did with the place. She publicly challenges herself and shares her progress with the world while making it completely fun and mixing in great book reviews, author interviews, and more. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><i>Have fun with Valerie. I'm so glad I could introduce you!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-59985084276658627002014-03-07T12:18:00.000-06:002014-03-07T12:18:00.063-06:00Friday Favorite: Ghirardelli's Double Chocolate hot cocoa<span style="text-align: center;">Search your grocery store shelves for a hot chocolate mix without high fructose corn syrup. Go ahead. I'll wait right here.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;"> It's </span><i style="text-align: center;">hard, </i><span style="text-align: center;">right</span><i style="text-align: center;">?</i><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc-gQpzZAGwLzvAH6WfBTpIUL8Wq3n2o9VQe67ciFcywVpcrd7LBHJrjhqELo8_IyKgauzptRnb-crE9awmrk16TfqlLwUGQLhc_FKTwU5g8LCbJLpwtlv9S7uwcnqbh4CGcnJ2_9/s1600/hot+chocolate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMc-gQpzZAGwLzvAH6WfBTpIUL8Wq3n2o9VQe67ciFcywVpcrd7LBHJrjhqELo8_IyKgauzptRnb-crE9awmrk16TfqlLwUGQLhc_FKTwU5g8LCbJLpwtlv9S7uwcnqbh4CGcnJ2_9/s1600/hot+chocolate.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love having hot chocolate "tea" parties</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">But I finally did it. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Sure, the first ingredient is sugar, but I know what sugar is. And cocoa. And vanilla. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">And deliciousness.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KuTkVSPBeTp6VBsaWAOYp9fB_TWWXNNlbxu-C88EWJ7dGpaYEpF9UyFThKgzqtwnV4Fb6eWGEk4v36Ymo5B2MELeB6YJ_4_3XOwa0u1BRP3q140R1q-MAIAkPp1mjk7SSyFqfl1H/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KuTkVSPBeTp6VBsaWAOYp9fB_TWWXNNlbxu-C88EWJ7dGpaYEpF9UyFThKgzqtwnV4Fb6eWGEk4v36Ymo5B2MELeB6YJ_4_3XOwa0u1BRP3q140R1q-MAIAkPp1mjk7SSyFqfl1H/s1600/photo+2-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">free of high fructose corn syrup and full of fabulous yummy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY1pT7deujnLniPsWdRqOSsu8Shi-xE-75ABbqv_yfj1P-2rHM6yWsLCPwFq845TjDIjIEcbkOVnbDsB0D7I3UsVi828ZPHoXOY3E_obenaBDJDMiBkqlQbUTtRZcLXzcI2wKqnhP/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY1pT7deujnLniPsWdRqOSsu8Shi-xE-75ABbqv_yfj1P-2rHM6yWsLCPwFq845TjDIjIEcbkOVnbDsB0D7I3UsVi828ZPHoXOY3E_obenaBDJDMiBkqlQbUTtRZcLXzcI2wKqnhP/s1600/IMG_2503.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Excited kiddos preparing for their "tea" party. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-3870799141252064692014-03-04T13:05:00.002-06:002014-03-04T13:29:23.997-06:00Winter Soup: Brandi's Tomato SoupMy sorority house often served the comfort food combo of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup on a cold day. I loved it. Still do.<br />
<br />
So, as uncreative as I am in the kitchen, I knew I wanted to figure out how to make my own heart-warming goodness. Most people say they create tasty recipes "through trial and error." Not this girl. I completely goofed and accidentally added some things and forgot other things because I tried to remember how to make a soup after reading a couple of different recipes.<br />
<br />
No one could be more surprised than I was to discover how yummy my mistakes tasted!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVKGOUW_7Tl2teDNZyRdUQtULpvXipH17WrXaVVfNswDA5SVW5QKmJ1pJypq-lPtIDKkGkT4PnaEF_V5oTr_ULybdWYrIYhQgy9xdAvIYWCsc437tfZ0Rtx2luiScB-rfYnKITxLw/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVKGOUW_7Tl2teDNZyRdUQtULpvXipH17WrXaVVfNswDA5SVW5QKmJ1pJypq-lPtIDKkGkT4PnaEF_V5oTr_ULybdWYrIYhQgy9xdAvIYWCsc437tfZ0Rtx2luiScB-rfYnKITxLw/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All of these ingredients are readily available at my house.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Brandi's Tomato Soup</b></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
onion (red or yellow work)<br />
stick of butter<br />
3 cans diced or whole tomatoes<br />
2 cups chicken broth<br />
1 TBS. tarragon<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
1/2 cup of sour cream (pure cream tastes good, too)<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dice onions and cook them in butter until clear. If you cook them until they begin to brown, well, that works, too.</li>
<li>Add tomatoes and chicken broth and tarragon.</li>
<li>Boil. Stir occasionally. Simmer about 40 minutes.</li>
<li>Add sour cream and mix with your fancy emulsion mixer until smooth.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>Special trick</b><br />
Whole tomatoes work better than the diced if you use the emulsion mixer. If you've ever slightly lifted the mixer to try to mix up those little diced pieces, then you know what happened. Yep. It looked like someone had stepped on a ketchup packet and splattered it everywhere.<br />
<br />
<b>Complete Magical Meal Suggestion</b><br />
What pairs better with tomato soup than <i><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Grilled-Cheese-Sandwich" target="_blank">grilled cheese</a></i>? The other night I used heart-shaped cookie cutters on the grilled cheese. Everyone was happy. For a little luncheon with friends, toss a bag of <i><a href="http://www.readypac.com/product/classic-caesar-kit/" target="_blank">Caesar salad</a></i> and cook up some <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nancy-s-Petite-Quiche-Lorraine-Florentine-Appetizers-32ct/15610919" target="_blank">frozen <i>mini quiche</i></a>. Add the grilled cheese sandwiches and <i>cupcakes</i> for a tea party with a cozy, comfort food feel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjRnYmjdqNBJ3JD2botAKlexp3ecF63GpOszQ44Rxf4azWj338g7qHxA_AplB6NaeHnwgzT0p_Ap4z9KccHCyzBH3aQ1Rj9jruzk7LOYW2Kz7Z_krlC0K9qQU9ClPLRTb8bEiYv8p/s1600/IMG_4075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjRnYmjdqNBJ3JD2botAKlexp3ecF63GpOszQ44Rxf4azWj338g7qHxA_AplB6NaeHnwgzT0p_Ap4z9KccHCyzBH3aQ1Rj9jruzk7LOYW2Kz7Z_krlC0K9qQU9ClPLRTb8bEiYv8p/s1600/IMG_4075.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Enjoy!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
Check back next Tuesday when Valerie Lawson will help us get into the St. Patrick's Day mood with some potato soup!Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-13958211724188123642014-02-18T07:00:00.000-06:002014-02-18T14:54:56.128-06:00Winter Soups: Dee Dee's Easy Chicken Chili<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">Thanks for joining us today for my virtual potluck. My friend and critique buddy <a href="http://www.deedeechumley.com/" target="_blank">Dee Dee Chumley</a> is here. You may remember her from the <a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2013/09/summer-salad-virtual-potluck-round-up.html" target="_blank">summer salad </a>potluck. (<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-salads-dee-dee-chumley.html" target="_blank">She brought a salad and margaritas!</a>) </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i><span style="color: #38761d;">When I think of Dee Dee, I always giggle. No reason in particular--she's just so funny that I know if she were with me I'd be laughing. Plus, Dee Dee is always having an adventure that she may or may not tell you about. She's so delightfully mysterious. Dee Dee treats life as something to be enjoyed, and I love that about her. She also experiments with cooking. I like that, too, because it saves me the trouble. She's one of those people who sees a recipe and will try it within a week. I'll see a recipe, pin it on Pinterest, and try to convince someone else to make it for me. </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #38761d;">That being said, Dee Dee brought a recipe today that I know I'll try. It's healthy, but it's also so easy that even I can't mess it up.</span></i><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgUvzpw4KjlX0X6DvLPJStGsc0xqgE66AFMmDig72z4Pk8O87jGoHtdj7s-bVhDipJQEr1XAkwaLhyphenhyphenLSHm9AkGArDctKgUrkkGF3R2LxwVrau8dSx-Z617hXMFPVp7qzESg9o52do/s1600/headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgUvzpw4KjlX0X6DvLPJStGsc0xqgE66AFMmDig72z4Pk8O87jGoHtdj7s-bVhDipJQEr1XAkwaLhyphenhyphenLSHm9AkGArDctKgUrkkGF3R2LxwVrau8dSx-Z617hXMFPVp7qzESg9o52do/s1600/headshot.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the lovely Dee Dee Chumley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For most of my adult
life, I’ve been a yo-yo dieter, experimenting with almost every weight-loss strategy
known to man. I still recall one rather unfortunate situation involving
something called “Peel-a-Pound” soup. I read about it in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">National Enquirer</i>, where it was
purported to have worked wonders for Dolly Parton. The soup—consisting mostly
of cabbage and tomatoes—wasn’t bad in itself. But when gallons of it are consumed
over a three-day period, the experience can be likened to prepping for a colonoscopy.
And the end result (no pun intended) is also similar: one solid meal and all
the weight returns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Last February, as I embarked on yet another weight-loss
attempt, I resolved it would be my absolute <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">last</i>
one. And my goals would be not only losing weight but also establishing healthier
eating habits for life. For those reasons, I joined Weight Watchers because I
was convinced it was the best program available for achieving those goals. When
Brandi announced she was launching another virtual potluck dinner, featuring
winter soups, I was all in. I knew I would collect a lot of tasty recipes that
would fit into my new, life-long eating plan, and I haven’t been disappointed.
The dishes she has “served up” so far have been healthy AND yummy! I know
because I’ve tried several of them—and haven’t gained a pound!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSJy-vc0oyEf08Ok7bIfVje1Z5acimDL_WvoM0YxflRKQ9-KprUBkdNVoPRdjvHcDu1qZo2PDXNeAu_OWcnBA_rYGpJIJ4C4p5zduAYTTlCf6y-i2ImkvCOEUqlQqynrLAn_teCi0/s1600/WW.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSJy-vc0oyEf08Ok7bIfVje1Z5acimDL_WvoM0YxflRKQ9-KprUBkdNVoPRdjvHcDu1qZo2PDXNeAu_OWcnBA_rYGpJIJ4C4p5zduAYTTlCf6y-i2ImkvCOEUqlQqynrLAn_teCi0/s1600/WW.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My WW Lifetime Member Award. <br />
With so many failures "under my belt," success can taste pretty sweet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;">Since it is only good manners to bring a dish when you’re
invited to a potluck, here’s my contribution:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Easy Chicken Chili (And
I mean EASY!)</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnXKdT6ybJXS6H39fJVph1nnUvw44OkBOtisjsaFja76snfLlCe7T1IqKpX3WYrAi3cLRFNjQV9DTntVieV7ihFM-6wA4hitor_c42EluAn4ZU8yk-NQbrA6CU7DlYG_cEXCqmRI3/s1600/chili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUnXKdT6ybJXS6H39fJVph1nnUvw44OkBOtisjsaFja76snfLlCe7T1IqKpX3WYrAi3cLRFNjQV9DTntVieV7ihFM-6wA4hitor_c42EluAn4ZU8yk-NQbrA6CU7DlYG_cEXCqmRI3/s1600/chili.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Prep time: 10 mins. Cook
time: 6 hours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Serves: 6-8<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4 shredded, cooked
chicken breasts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 cups chicken stock or
broth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 cups shredded cheddar
cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1 Tbsp. cumin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">½ jar salsa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2 cans great northern
beans, or bean of your choice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Instructions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">1.
Shred chicken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">2.
Add all ingredients to your crock pot or slow cooker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">3.
Stir and add lid<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">4.
Cook on High for 6 hours or Low for 12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">5.
Serve (See, I told you it was easy!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Magical Meal:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Really, this can be a
meal in itself. But, if you want, you can “embellish” it with crackers,
cornbread, sour cream, grated cheese, salsa, or—my go-to favorite—hot sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It is also good with
this EASY salad:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Arrange spring mix
greens on a salad plate; add any fruit you prefer (this time of year, I like
apples or pears); add crumbled bleu cheese; sprinkle with walnut pieces;
drizzle with dressing of your choice (I like a balsamic or raspberry
vinaigrette)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With lots of lean
protein and fiber, this is a healthy dish (except for maybe the cheese). But if
you want to really up its health factor, skip dessert and go for a walk. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here’s to good eating
and good health!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="color: #38761d;">Congrats to Dee Dee on her Weight Watchers Lifetime Member Award. Hooray! For more fun with Dee Dee, swing by <a href="http://www.deedeechumley.com/" target="_blank">her blog </a>or check out her guest post on <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/the-power-to-create/#mQjEJKjQFWwBmKGu.01" target="_blank">Oklahoma Women Bloggers.</a></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-22950712020198756702014-02-16T09:26:00.001-06:002014-02-16T09:26:31.759-06:00The Winner of Heaven Sent Food and Fiber's Goats' Milk Soap is.......Valarie!<br />
<br />
Congratulations! Random.org selected Valarie as the winner of <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/" target="_blank">Heaven Sent Food and Fiber's</a> T<a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!soaps/c15di" target="_blank">ea Tree Mint and Oatmeal Soap. </a><br />
<br />
Thanks for all who entered and shared your desires to learn back-to-basics survival skills. I, for one, would like to learn to quilt so that I can transform all these memory-filled, past-their-prime t-shirts into works of art. Quilting bee, anyone?<br />
<br />
Lastly, many of you asked for a reminder on how to support small farms and Heaven Sent Food and Fiber. So, here's a note from Coleen:<br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;" /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Since you are signing up through the computer would you vote for our Dream Big Contest Idea? We are competing to win a $5,000 grant to purchase equipment for making socks <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!yarns/c1anq" style="color: #007710; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">from our yarn</a>s. This is one “warm step” closer to our dream of bringing a small fiber mill to Tahlequah to create agriculture-related </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">jobs and more options for farmers and ranchers. <a href="http://www.dreambigoklahoma.com/entrydetails.aspx?entry=14" style="color: #007710; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Go here</a></span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> to vote for our Dream! Share it on your page to have friends and relatives vote too. </span></i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Voting opened today!</span></span>Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-32298506164379186652014-02-12T16:00:00.000-06:002014-02-12T16:00:32.326-06:00Winter Soup: Turkey Chocolate Chili<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Lisa's here! Lisa's here! Lisa's here!</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">If you know <a href="http://drlisamarotta.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Marotta or read her blog</a>, you are as excited as I am that she came by our virtual potluck today. She's so much fun. She interjects happiness into everything.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Even chili.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>She puts </i><b>chocolate</b><i> in her chili.</i></span></div>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Lisa Marotta aka The Feelings Doctor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Turkey
Chocolate Chili! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Crockpot)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I adapted this Weight Watchers recipe to fit the tastes of
my family and hope you will like its unusual combination of flavors--it smells
and tastes so good!</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Serves
6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 points plus value
(more if you like more cheddar on top)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">15
minutes preparation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crockpot for 4 hours on high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTs1k3uEFMjVZYViIzwEE4N22srzRFKoxSRFhYO8cdufqsXYl1cp7e1IoFu3lN3cWP-zK7OyO73-S_oKaX2PlnSC8eI1grsQevC1Nd7u4QdnVQHjah9s0QLkx0Nhrtea3fuQ_i8xz/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmTs1k3uEFMjVZYViIzwEE4N22srzRFKoxSRFhYO8cdufqsXYl1cp7e1IoFu3lN3cWP-zK7OyO73-S_oKaX2PlnSC8eI1grsQevC1Nd7u4QdnVQHjah9s0QLkx0Nhrtea3fuQ_i8xz/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+ingredients.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out Lisa's flying pig!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Olive
Oil<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 pound
uncooked ground turkey breast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1
medium onion, chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2
cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon of pre-minced garlic)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1 teaspoon
chili powder (or more to taste)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½
teaspoon ground cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">28 oz
original Rotelle with green chilis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¼ Cup
water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">½
teaspoon table salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 210.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">¼
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; tab-stops: 210.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped (1 square of Ghiardelli’s
semisweet chocolate bar)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Garnish<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shredded
Cheddar Cheese<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sliced
green onions with tops<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a
skillet heat the oil, add the turkey and cook, breaking up the meat until it
browns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add the onion, garlic, chili
powder, and cinnamon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cook, stirring
occasionally until it smells so good you want to nibble (use your will power!)
and the onions begin to soften.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Transfer
to your favorite Crockpot and add the Rotelle, water, salt, and black
pepper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn up to high for 4 hours and
take a break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your Crockpot is going to
finish the cooking for you while you choose your own adventure (read, nap, make
snow angels, chat with friends/family . . . just get out of the kitchen). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the
last 15 minutes of cooking stir in the square of chocolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This smoothes the texture and adds another
layer of flavoring. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QHW2Tyc8ES1KtEGOkjSRU2ijN9rP60SV5Cm-ncpBlu2na2VRPYIj7paBSA8zRuMRwj9MCbiQ0rqRZbTRltsPQbXIU1N3DRDQRLu48CkbVcajAf9XGM-wirHqA8sx4uREqmB1i_3c/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+complete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0QHW2Tyc8ES1KtEGOkjSRU2ijN9rP60SV5Cm-ncpBlu2na2VRPYIj7paBSA8zRuMRwj9MCbiQ0rqRZbTRltsPQbXIU1N3DRDQRLu48CkbVcajAf9XGM-wirHqA8sx4uREqmB1i_3c/s1600/marotta+chocolate+chili+complete.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Chocolate Chili</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Magical Meal Suggestion:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Marottas
serve Turkey Chocolate Chili in bowls topped with a sprinkling of cheddar
cheese and green onions, with a fresh side salad and warm French bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope you like the combination of spicy and
sweet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">P.S.
Left-over chocolate squares make a tasty just right dessert!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>If you like this recipe, <a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2013/07/summer-salads-lisa-marotta.html" target="_blank">check out the pasta salad</a> Lisa brought to our last potluck.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>Also, I have to include this photo...because I love it...</i></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73JiKZsluEwh5ptNFjF_yIUqL8NBGf5bz5s8RcZ1WyM-K34qtnY_sugL3k6KKnBSBoLtaK2u3vFNZ4NClXH10CQrlLoLu9BNW7fRE5Iaz3sU5fX1WzIyMvNBhcxodUVIOsWvnaDJQ/s1600/DSC02941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73JiKZsluEwh5ptNFjF_yIUqL8NBGf5bz5s8RcZ1WyM-K34qtnY_sugL3k6KKnBSBoLtaK2u3vFNZ4NClXH10CQrlLoLu9BNW7fRE5Iaz3sU5fX1WzIyMvNBhcxodUVIOsWvnaDJQ/s1600/DSC02941.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13;">Those certificates behind her are winning writings of Lisa and her friends.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><i>...and also because it reminds me of what Lisa is doing each Monday on her blog. I love reading her <a href="http://drlisamarotta.blogspot.com/2014/02/mindfulness-mondays-sharing-love.html" target="_blank">Mindfulness Mondays.</a> It's always a short post and it always makes me feel good.</i></span></span></div>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-61002681200636635672014-02-07T13:31:00.000-06:002014-02-10T14:26:29.849-06:00Friday Favorite: Heaven Sent Food and Fiber Goat Soap<a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2014/02/winter-soup-swiss-chard-and-sorrel-soup.html" target="_blank">On Tuesday,</a> I told you I <i>love</i> <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/" target="_blank">Heaven Sent Food and Fiber,</a> so I'm giving away a Valentine so you can get to know their amazing products, too.<br />
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Shopping is difficult enough without some research telling me everything contains toxins. Deodorant, soap, etc. This stuff is supposed to be <i>clean</i>, right? If you like natural and non-toxic products, I have a soap for you. Plus, it smells good. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnu6fQiwvAFjlQzrEbafpvDmxYuZtiIPltgoZ-FP40g1PoWWrL-0w3f1Ou70NEc04oMvxGY8blbiwE-OFLyy9zc-nsikn_KxpFO9jZsqCLkm8-GZvE0qdQE-Wv31Ntd15Z_zT0Tlc/s1600/2e307e_f5967f42cb98b2ccbf057fcd33d898db.jpg_srz_300_400_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnu6fQiwvAFjlQzrEbafpvDmxYuZtiIPltgoZ-FP40g1PoWWrL-0w3f1Ou70NEc04oMvxGY8blbiwE-OFLyy9zc-nsikn_KxpFO9jZsqCLkm8-GZvE0qdQE-Wv31Ntd15Z_zT0Tlc/s1600/2e307e_f5967f42cb98b2ccbf057fcd33d898db.jpg_srz_300_400_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz.jpeg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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As some of you know, my hubby is very health conscious. Heaven Sent Food and Fiber's goats' milk soap is the only kind he uses. (I even went to a monastery and bought some of the monks' homemade product, but he would have nothing to do with it!) <br />
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Something you should know about this soap is that it's different from the kind you buy at a superstore. Since it doesn't have a lot of ingredients in it, don't expect suds. It doesn't mean it's not working. It just doesn't create all the bubbles...which brings up the question, what chemical causes those suds? Eek. Another thing to know about this soap is that it lasts FOREVER. <br />
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Would you like to win your own soap? It's easy!<br />
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<b>First, <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!soaps/c15di" target="_blank">select which soap</a> y</b>ou'd like to win.<br />
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Oatmeal and Honey<br />
Lavendar Rosemary<br />
Rosemary Mint<br />
Tea Tree Mint and Oatmeal<br />
<br />
<b>Second, </b>since Coleen's Thorton's farm is self-supporting, <b>let me know what back-to-basics, <i>Little House on the Prairie-</i>type skill you would like to acquire</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>Third,</b> post your answers in the <b>comment</b> section below <b>with your contact info</b>, and check back on Valentine's Day to see if you won!<br />
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<b>Lastly</b>, if you're interested in supporting small farms, here's a note from Coleen:<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Since you are signing up through the computer would you vote for our Dream Big Contest Idea? We are competing to win a $5,000 grant to purchase equipment for making socks <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!yarns/c1anq" target="_blank">from our yarn</a>s. This is one “warm step” closer to our dream of bringing a small fiber mill to Tahlequah to create agriculture-related </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">jobs and more options for farmers and ranchers. <a href="http://www.dreambigoklahoma.com/entrydetails.aspx?entry=14" target="_blank">Go here</a></span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"> to vote for our Dream! Share it on your page to have friends and relatives vote too. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Check back on Valentine's Day to see who wins!</b></span></div>
<br />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-45266619567300121622014-02-04T14:11:00.000-06:002014-02-04T14:13:50.084-06:00Winter Soup: Swiss Chard and Sorrel Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coleen Thornton was speaking really fast and wearing a blue tooth headset. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She clearly wasn't from around here. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Truth be told, I hadn't lived in our small town long, either. We both plunged feet-first into our new world about the same time. Together, we've shared the big changes along with the reason we chose to live here: Our little community is awesome.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coleen traded her corporate job, convertible BMW, and "big city" Texas life for her passion--a <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/" target="_blank">sustainable farm, soap, and yarn business</a>. This woman knows how to get her hands dirty to pursue her dreams. Watch <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!tour-the-farm/c133b" target="_blank">this news video to learn more </a>about her and the farm. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My family and I are huge fans of <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/" target="_blank">Heaven Sent Food and Fiber </a>. We signed up for their <a href="http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csadef.shtml" target="_blank">CSA</a> last year. The food is amazing. It's local. It's fresh. It's better. No lie, y'all. Then, there's her fibers that look and feel so luxurious I've even been tempted to learn to knit or crochet. <span style="font-size: x-small;">But I haven't</span>. And the soap? It's the only kind Garrett will use. Plus, Coleen and Paul know how to bribe kids. For example, for <a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2010/08/sesame-street-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Max's Sesame Street birthday party</a>, she donated a <a href="http://www.heavensentfoodandfiber.com/#!testimonials/c16l6" target="_blank">bunch of beautiful fiber </a>to make monsters. Then, when Coleen heard the kids were having a cowboy/barndance birthday party this year, she and Paul brought sheep and goats in the middle of triple digit weather<span style="font-size: x-small;">!</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm thrilled you dropped by my virtual potluck today so I can introduce you to Coleen and her farm. I can't wait to try her soup.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coleen in the "little garden" in Texas that inspired her current life</td></tr>
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Swiss Chard and Sorrel Soup</h2>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The Ultimate Spring Farmers' Market Soup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 T butter</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 onion, chopped</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">3 small new potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1/2c water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1 bunch Swiss Chard, stems removed, about 10 cups leaves</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1-1/2t salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">6-1/2c water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">2 cups sorrel leaves (you can sub the juice from 2 lemons if you can't find sorrel)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> salt and freshly ground black pepper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">1/2 -1 c heavy cream (based on your preference for consistency) I will substitute whole raw goats' milk here on the farm</span>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Just look at these fresh ingredients!</td></tr>
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Directions</h2>
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1. Saute onions and potatoes with butter until just starting to brown.<br />
2. Add 1/2c water to onions and potatoes, then Swiss Chard and salt. When wilted add the additional water. Simmer 12 minutes. Add cream once you take it off the stove.<br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">3. Puree with an immersion blender (or carefully in a regular blender since its hot). Add additional seasoning to taste.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Complete Magical Meal Suggestion</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This soup is also great as a green smoothy, cold or hot for breakfast or lunch the next day. In fact, I like it better the second day, as the flavors have more time to meld. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">It pairs well with artisan bread or a pilaf salad for a nutrient dense meal, filling meal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br />The recipe is modified from <a href="http://www.marcussamuelsson.com/recipe/swiss-chard-potato-and-sorrel-soup-with-creme-fraiche-recipe" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">http://www.marcussamuelsson.com/recipe/swiss-chard-potato-and-sorrel-soup-with-creme-fraiche-recipe</a> because I couldn't find my book<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Cooking-Everyone-Deborah-Madison/dp/0767927478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390264701&sr=8-1&keywords=vegetarian+for+everyone" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Deborah-Madison/e/B000AP5WPI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1390264701&sr=8-1" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Deborah Madison</a> (Nov 6, 2007) which has the version I like better.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>I highly recommend this book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>If you live near Tahlequah, OK, Heaven Sent Food and Fiber produces the soup ingredients above on their "Full-Diet" 60-acre farm and customers get their vegetables through the weekly CSA or at the Farmers' Market. Find out more at <a href="http://heavensentfoodandfiber.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">HeavenSentFoodandFiber.com</a>. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Check back on Friday. I feel a giveaway coming on!</i></span></div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-33698809980077019762014-01-28T12:02:00.000-06:002014-01-28T12:02:05.609-06:00Winter Soups (and celebrations!): Wonton Soup and Chinese New Year<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white;">
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<i>I instantly liked Ashley Riherd when I met her at a group playdate. She loves her family. She loves <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/search/label/Party" target="_blank">parties</a><span id="goog_1608382893"></span><span id="goog_1608382894"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>. She blogs about both at <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Riherds (eating Cheetos)</a> Even though we've only met in person a handful of times, her presence in my life has been a blessing. </i></div>
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<i>Families are created in a variety of ways. Ashley's family of three <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/2012/07/big-news.html" target="_blank">knew another member of their family was in the world somewhere. </a> I read with tears of joy and pain as she honestly and bravely documented their adoption journey to their youngest daughter. <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/2012/08/found-but-never-lost.html" target="_blank">She captures the emotions of a woman waiting for her child.</a> Her <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/2013/03/our-little-diamond-in-rough.html" target="_blank">faith</a> and heart kept me returning to the blog for more. For a few glimpses of their story, follow <a href="http://eatingcheetos.blogspot.com/search/label/Adoption?updated-max=2012-07-27T23:30:00-05:00&max-results=20&start=31&by-date=false" target="_blank">these "adoption" links.</a> </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Ashley joins us today for our winter blog series, and I'm so excited. She came with lots of recipes and ideas. Most of all, I'm thrilled to introduce more people to her and her blog. They're both definitely worth your time.</span></i><br />
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Ni Hao!</div>
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(Hello!)</div>
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Did you know that Friday is Chinese New Year?</div>
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No?</div>
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Well, to be honest, I probably wouldn't either if it weren't for this precious, silly munchkin.</div>
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My husband and I adopted our youngest daughter from China one year ago.</div>
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There are no words for the instant your child is placed in your arms for the first time.</div>
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There is this overwhelming sense that God planned this moment from the beginning of time.</div>
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Realizing that He is so big, yet so intricately personal.</div>
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Now before I get all mushy like a bowl of leftover lo mein, let's get to the main reason I'm guest posting:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Soup!</b></span></div>
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In honor of Chinese New Year, please allow me to share with you a simple Wonton Soup recipe.</div>
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My family is currently living in Cleveland with about 10 inches of snow on the ground and a wind chill of -17. This soup is like a Chinese version of chicken noodle soup, which is especially delicious when trudging through the winter blues.</div>
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Also, before diving into the recipe, I understand that Chinese take-out is typically very affordable, which makes it tempting to just call it in rather than dirty up your own kitchen. But I've discovered it's fun to give things a try yourself every now and then. I'll also admit there is a wonderfully strong sense of pride and accomplishment when you make 30 cute, little wontons. I hope you'll give this recipe a try...</div>
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<b>WONTON SOUP</b></div>
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Serves 6-8</div>
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WONTONS:</div>
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6 oz ground pork</div>
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1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger</div>
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1 TBSP soy sauce</div>
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1 TBSP Chinese rice wine</div>
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2 teaspoons finely chopped scallion</div>
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pinch of sugar</div>
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pinch of white pepper</div>
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dash of sesame oil</div>
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30 square wonton wrappers</div>
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SOUP:</div>
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8 cups chicken stock</div>
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2 teaspoons salt</div>
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1/2 teaspoon white pepper</div>
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2 TBSP finely chopped scallion</div>
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(FYI: Wonton Wraps can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores, and you can find the other Chinese ingredients in the Asian section.)</div>
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1. For the wonton filling, mix together the pork, ginger, soy sauce, rice wine, scallion, sugar, pepper, and sesame oil. Stir well. Set aside for about 20 minutes.</div>
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2. To make the wontons, place a teaspoon of the filling at the center of a wrapper. Fold the wonton in half and bring the opposite points toward each other and press the edges together with a little dab of warm water, creating a flowerlike shape. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling. If you are a visual person (like me) c<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWIVfA9uteY" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">lick here to see a video </a>on how to wrap the wontons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBXKO7heBYTIFI2pFogIydaHsKxaZomyz_8Y80DtZa8WjsBKZFD59rqU1wy25ytL8u9sBm7Fd7pv_5T5TAgnDJxMHfpN6chUX-sGEwT2Ef3zzbNAW-kAkPtx6MvniPlXQbf-RY_e86BbG/s1600/wonton+Collage.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggBXKO7heBYTIFI2pFogIydaHsKxaZomyz_8Y80DtZa8WjsBKZFD59rqU1wy25ytL8u9sBm7Fd7pv_5T5TAgnDJxMHfpN6chUX-sGEwT2Ef3zzbNAW-kAkPtx6MvniPlXQbf-RY_e86BbG/s1600/wonton+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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3. To make the soup, bring the stock to a boil and add the salt and pepper. Boil the wontons in the stock for about 5 minutes, or until the wrappers begin to wrinkle around the filling.</div>
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4. To serve, put the scallions in individual bowls, then spoon in the wontons and soup.</div>
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MAGICAL MEAL COMBINATIONS:<br />
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A kid-friendly option for a side to your Wonton Soup <b>--</b> <b>Sushi Sandwiches</b>!<br />
Just take whatever you have on hand, roll it up, slice it, and <i>hi-yah! </i>your kiddos will think it's so cool!<br />
Add some chopsticks (mine love <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Petty-Edison-Training-Chopsticks-Children/dp/B00023NHVY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1390882675&sr=8-2&keywords=training+chopsticks" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">these training ones</a>) and really make it exciting.<br />
(Sushi is actually Japanese, but I won't say anything if you don't...)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX8Hn4Td0eNvoixXTLvHRtrBgfQwUb_3n_z2IIRdruPmie-0_amDGfVcpDnsNqKJGONVT2Iafi97tzOYGhwd32A6iYlqG0aM4MZXnpJjs5XVATA2wujm0M74Y7yh4kDMR7ipat5Y2oru4/s1600/sushi+sandwiches+.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX8Hn4Td0eNvoixXTLvHRtrBgfQwUb_3n_z2IIRdruPmie-0_amDGfVcpDnsNqKJGONVT2Iafi97tzOYGhwd32A6iYlqG0aM4MZXnpJjs5XVATA2wujm0M74Y7yh4kDMR7ipat5Y2oru4/s1600/sushi+sandwiches+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(photos from Pinterest)</div>
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Now, if you want a little more of a "grown-up" side dish to go along with your soup, let me recommend this recipe from my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Chinese-Recipes-Family-Favorites/dp/0804841470/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390877555&sr=8-1&keywords=Easy+Chinese+Recipes" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Bee Yinn Low's cookbook: Easy Chinese Recipes</a>. You'll never have to go to PF Changs again. Well, unless you want a slice of their Great Wall of Chocolate. But I digress...<br />
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<b>LETTUCE WRAPS</b><br />
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3 dried shiitake mushrooms<br />
8 oz. skinless, boneless chicken thighs, ground<br />
3 fresh water chestnuts, chopped finely<br />
2 Tablespoons oil<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 head iceberg lettuce, rinsed<br />
1 heaping Tablespoon chopped green onion (scallion)<br />
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Seasonings:<br />
1 Tablespoon soy sauce<br />
1/2 teaspoon oyster sauce<br />
1/4 dark soy sauce<br />
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil<br />
1 Tablespoon Chinese rice wine or sherry<br />
1/2 teaspoon sugar<br />
3 dashes white pepper<br />
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Spicy Hoisin Dipping Sauce:<br />
4 Tablespoons hoisin sauce<br />
1/2 teaspoon chili sauce or to taste<br />
1 Tablespoon warm water<br />
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1. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water in a small bowl until they become soft. Squeeze the mushrooms dry with your hand, discard the stems, cut and dice the mushrooms into tiny pieces.<br />
2. Combine the ground chicken meat, mushrooms, and water chestnuts with all the Seasoning ingredients. Marinate for 15 minutes.<br />
3. Mix all the Spicy Hoisin Dipping Sauce ingredients in a small saucer or bowl. Set aside.<br />
4. Heat the oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add the garlic and then stir-fry to light brown before adding the ground chicken.<br />
5. Using the spatula, stir the chicken continuously to loosen and break up the lumps. Continue to stir-fry until the chicken is cooked. Dish out and set aside.<br />
6. Peel off each lettuce leaf from the iceburg lettuce carefully. Do not break the leaves.<br />
7. Scoop two heaping tablespoons of the chicken and place it in the middle of the lettuce leaf. Wrap it up and dip the lettuce wrap in the Spicy Hoisin Dipping Sauce before eating. Garnish with green onion (scallion).<br />
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Now for dessert, I recently discovered this tasty treat:<br />
<b>BANANA NUTELLA EGG ROLLS</b><br />
<a href="http://littlebcooks.blogspot.ca/2012/11/banana-nutella-rolls.html" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Click here to get this simply delicious recipe</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwCFNeRS9JZ_nHKeYOUhaePVRgBPje_o7nAnZLt_A7RxSRcsN-Y3-e07tJOq-t35pc5EAdOxN_ggi6thd4l9-r3NpH6weYxl2MDNyhHrqULj1n0eKpm8RJ_EYyiIgWjToy4jjIO5tLnSZ/s1600/banananutella.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwCFNeRS9JZ_nHKeYOUhaePVRgBPje_o7nAnZLt_A7RxSRcsN-Y3-e07tJOq-t35pc5EAdOxN_ggi6thd4l9-r3NpH6weYxl2MDNyhHrqULj1n0eKpm8RJ_EYyiIgWjToy4jjIO5tLnSZ/s1600/banananutella.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Another kid favorite:<br />
<b>FRUIT ROLL-UP FORTUNE COOKIES</b> via <a href="http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/981183/fruit-roll-ups-fortune-cookie-valentines#" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">She Knows</a>.<br />
I actually made these last year for Valentine hand-outs for my oldest daughter's friends.<br />
They were a hit and super easy to make.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdgWyI5SH513Rx07fI3b1XITxWgTK64qihZFFqlbBKfTy_HqcotfjRrd-4SUbLuUK66iWlqRUvj1WBEvra2j3GF8XLTcUd72tcjYaWoQDlPvcCViW5UJ6H3Q6ZS0cQu4-waCfaXEDqtao/s1600/fruit-roll-ups-fortune-cookie-valentines-final.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdgWyI5SH513Rx07fI3b1XITxWgTK64qihZFFqlbBKfTy_HqcotfjRrd-4SUbLuUK66iWlqRUvj1WBEvra2j3GF8XLTcUd72tcjYaWoQDlPvcCViW5UJ6H3Q6ZS0cQu4-waCfaXEDqtao/s1600/fruit-roll-ups-fortune-cookie-valentines-final.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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SPECIAL TRICKS / TRADITIONS:<br />
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Now let me be the first to say our family knows a tad bit more (or maybe not) than a Google search of "Chinese New Year traditions", but we're learning. The Chinese culture will always be a part of our family's fabric now, so we will continue to strive to learn all we can. Of course there are times I am sure we are doing everything wrong, but we have good intentions so that counts for something, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AwTJY77kNYmYtaL6I_0Vn1KwqfI7HlC6kYGacmN_PxfIXBlEQNX5S51VMBfeT9uLORTRl2j3mO-vNpsrgAiX3ywKNqvYi3uBIM7L9L6fyjbv6XYFFumram6KoMlKhfw_u1WTdD0Rsy55/s1600/210.JPG" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AwTJY77kNYmYtaL6I_0Vn1KwqfI7HlC6kYGacmN_PxfIXBlEQNX5S51VMBfeT9uLORTRl2j3mO-vNpsrgAiX3ywKNqvYi3uBIM7L9L6fyjbv6XYFFumram6KoMlKhfw_u1WTdD0Rsy55/s1600/210.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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To give you a just a few basic tidbits about Chinese New Year, in case you're interested...</div>
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The Chinese New Year actually starts with a large meal on the Eve of the New Year. </div>
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It just so happened that we had family visiting over this past weekend, so we decided to have our Chinese New Year's Eve meal a tad bit early. (Which worked out perfectly to feature this post!)</div>
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Chinese New Year is a two week celebration, which concludes with a lantern festival on the last day.</div>
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The main color during the entire two weeks is RED.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z1cm7SE_2KJhRJ-EhZj8wrticCqEauEtLjxgAbdyBo-04c-DKTj1bXHyAf-SUCTRQGwYqH-w4nBzWHrQo9z6aDvWFJUA9ltkjZNLVFNL7H__1yJ3jIvjYb1SgUZN1W0PNPJf_6Af5xaZ/s1600/setting.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Z1cm7SE_2KJhRJ-EhZj8wrticCqEauEtLjxgAbdyBo-04c-DKTj1bXHyAf-SUCTRQGwYqH-w4nBzWHrQo9z6aDvWFJUA9ltkjZNLVFNL7H__1yJ3jIvjYb1SgUZN1W0PNPJf_6Af5xaZ/s1600/setting.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oranges / tangerines are common gifts as well as red envelopes filled with money and/or chocolates and given to children.</div>
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Fireworks are lit at midnight to start the two week celebration and often set off on the final day of the lantern festival.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_-GHfMtk0NfrTHL4jnNNk029fjjU4N4f1lHycUJx5FypGEif9UW2_uaYwe-Mir7WOYAzy7x2LZ1C4aNOSqnxTNIrJH5OOTpci2J5l_z9adTYiwTZcbAqmh7fDFa87mOe6eGfODeaJFyd/s1600/IMG_3088_pic.jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9_-GHfMtk0NfrTHL4jnNNk029fjjU4N4f1lHycUJx5FypGEif9UW2_uaYwe-Mir7WOYAzy7x2LZ1C4aNOSqnxTNIrJH5OOTpci2J5l_z9adTYiwTZcbAqmh7fDFa87mOe6eGfODeaJFyd/s1600/IMG_3088_pic.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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There are also elaborate dragon costumes and dances performed during the New Year.</div>
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Check around your local area to see if there are any events or activities planned. </div>
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Many local libraries tend to have some scheduled events that would be fun for the whole family.</div>
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Now, before I go, one last thing...</div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Gung Hay Fat Choy!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi2k-OYm_zMAwSclexus17urWhEsS3PSF-1PLEQI23LpiLfC5fNGqNyZTfOKbCPPzVU_wVq4YM-WEC6Me9jfl4mQ_EhYDfFM11JSfYjHUOAsUeOJgL54jWyWE6wve5Xvo1eNA1N02Ueqo/s1600/photo+3+(4).jpg" style="color: blue; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYi2k-OYm_zMAwSclexus17urWhEsS3PSF-1PLEQI23LpiLfC5fNGqNyZTfOKbCPPzVU_wVq4YM-WEC6Me9jfl4mQ_EhYDfFM11JSfYjHUOAsUeOJgL54jWyWE6wve5Xvo1eNA1N02Ueqo/s1600/photo+3+(4).jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO2HIINOmsVbE3ScxckzwIY07XESWh8drVquPJFye7QAh5o0lS03QRQEEmmkbojdweyWHMmQ1u2OWKOSVNM2megz21iJOMTfKht_bf0FQZ74mZq63yC53j-WeOugtkJnFWK7KQpuO/s1600/IMG_4066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkO2HIINOmsVbE3ScxckzwIY07XESWh8drVquPJFye7QAh5o0lS03QRQEEmmkbojdweyWHMmQ1u2OWKOSVNM2megz21iJOMTfKht_bf0FQZ74mZq63yC53j-WeOugtkJnFWK7KQpuO/s1600/IMG_4066.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
One of my goals for 2014 is to "ship my art." My art is writing, which means I'm going to enter contests and submit my novel to agents. <br />
<br />
Do you have a story to tell? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://listentoyourmothershow.com/oklahomacity/" target="_blank">Listen to Your Mother</a> provides the opportunity for people across the country to take the stage--actual and virtual--and tell a story about motherhood. Last year I was part of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/LTYMShow/search?query=oklahoma+city" target="_blank">Oklahoma City's </a>debut performance. You don't have to be a mother or a woman to submit. You also don't have to go solo. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WODjAn_uWKU" target="_blank">Submit here.</a> (Check back here next Friday for more on what I've done about the experience.)<br />
<br />
Check out <a href="http://www.owfi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102&Itemid=224" target="_blank">Oklahoma Writers Federation's contest</a> to enter over twenty different categories for $20. Each entry gets a critique. Deadline is February 1. They also have a <a href="http://www.owfi.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=215&Itemid=235" target="_blank">conference </a>that offers useful information to newbies and professionals.<br />
<br />
Speaking of conferences and the opportunity to meet with agents, Oklahoma has an outstanding chapter of <a href="http://oklahoma.scbwi.org/" target="_blank">Society of Children Book Writers and Illustrators</a> led by <a href="http://www.annamyers.info/" target="_blank">Anna Myers</a>. We're having a <a href="http://oklahoma.scbwi.org/2013/09/29/home-page-content/" target="_blank">conference in Oklahoma City on March 29.</a><br />
<br />
If you're not a writer, what is your art? What passionate thing do you do to create change in the world? How do you ship your art?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-10549664599154371002014-01-21T04:30:00.000-06:002014-01-21T16:53:44.284-06:00Winter Soups: Apple Butternut Squash<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"><i>I'd much rather buy decorations and party favors for a party than cook for it. But that whole culinary dilemma doesn't stop me from inviting everyone to my virtual potluck this winter where guests bring soup. </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">I'm glad you stopped by this week because Valarie Olson brought her yummy, creamy Apple Butternut Squash. When Valarie shows up at your house, she's going to bring food.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Probably in her cute little striped basket so that it's all neat and orderly--like she's the star of her own cooking show, The Portable Chef.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"> Valarie is joyful in the kitchen, and it rubs off. I suspect she possesses a magic spice she sprinkles in her food to make you believe you can cook, too. Valarie doesn't have a blog, but she is one of the most talented people I know. She's a writer, </span><a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/glamping-at-girl-camp/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">photographer</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">, musician, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-108-Yoga-Studio/281458917218" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;" target="_blank">yoga instructor</a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">, military wife, and all-around super mom and friend. Plus, she</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;"> grinds her own wheat to make bread, ya'll.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Meet Valarie:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Before we get down to the nitty gritty, here are a few fun facts about this post: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Just because I'm Brandi's friend doesn't mean that's why she asked me to blog about this soup.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">A few months ago we hosted Brandi and her sweet family for a carve-a-pumpkin soup-bar night. There's probably a more clever title, but when you eat a variety of soups and carve pumpkins...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">I walked everyone through the kitchen, introducing the evening's menu, and Brandi walked over to the crockpot of butternut squash soup, inhaled, and smiled. It took me a few moments to bring her back. Yes, it is butternut squash soup. Yes, I made it. Yes, I have the recipe. BFF's right there.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Apparently years ago, Brandi had tasted and fallen in love with a William's Sonoma butternut squash soup. Ever since then she'd been searching for the recipe. Destiny brought me and my little soup recipe to Tahlequah, and Brandi and her little family to our home that night.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">I must say, this soup is also near and dear to my heart. Come with me to New Year's Eve 2007.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">A friend of mine hosted a decadent evening to celebrate the coming year. Four couples, a seven course meal, and all evening to celebrate (sans kids). We all contributed to the meal and prepared gourmet dishes we'd (never serve our kids but) always wanted to try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">We. ate. for. six. hours. Six divine hours filled with appetizers, soup, salad, a palate cleanser, entree, another palate cleanser and dessert. I met and fell in love with Apple Butternut Squash Soup.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 31px;">Apple Butternut Squash Soup<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 medium butternut squash, washed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 large golden delicious apple, peeled and cubed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">3 cups chicken broth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 cup unsweetened applesauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 1/2 T sugar (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 tsp ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1/2 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1/2 c heavy cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Forget all you've ever learned, read or observed about butternut squash preparation. Allow me to introduce you to a method I discovered through running the gauntlet of thick skin and slimy seeds: roasting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Turn oven to 350 degrees. Score the squash all over with your butcher knife. (For effect, yell<i> ha-yah</i>!) These slits provide an escape for air when cooking. Place the squash in a 9x13 glass casserole pan and fill with water 1 1/2 inches deep. Cover with foil and place in oven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">All ovens are different, but cook for about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Check periodically and add more water if needed. You're looking for your squash to "give" when you squeeze it. You want it soft.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Remove from oven, set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLuv5MJ3etZYlRZYJSdAB5FADqH1X-bhjdKNaWL85oqkdLiNcxEXHNTecOEXpStsbs3OrJiuO5l9VW8JwXMEuEFN7pP5-0oqp9NuyQXf6yXLHXQy6IDDZd51VJfZLKQKmcQ76NVR3/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLuv5MJ3etZYlRZYJSdAB5FADqH1X-bhjdKNaWL85oqkdLiNcxEXHNTecOEXpStsbs3OrJiuO5l9VW8JwXMEuEFN7pP5-0oqp9NuyQXf6yXLHXQy6IDDZd51VJfZLKQKmcQ76NVR3/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+1.png" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">In a large pan or stockpot on medium heat, combine apple, chicken broth, applesauce, sugar (FYI I've never added sugar), ginger and salt.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Back to the squash. On a cutting board by your garbage can (using an oven mitt if needed), slice the ever-so-soft squash in half from top to bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGZqS9svlNuAuLThyyIlLQOHvt_etih3C2PPOYrwFHAoVwjTGetzIW-PPBx3rmw7OCmz5YMJTcsFNF75UYKYUc2epdTZrI_WAuwmEEAIQ3LDNoK-yLP-Jp0B7qRHkDqkB9bCFBEqU/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGZqS9svlNuAuLThyyIlLQOHvt_etih3C2PPOYrwFHAoVwjTGetzIW-PPBx3rmw7OCmz5YMJTcsFNF75UYKYUc2epdTZrI_WAuwmEEAIQ3LDNoK-yLP-Jp0B7qRHkDqkB9bCFBEqU/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+2.png" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Scoop out seeds with a large spoon and toss effortlessly in the garbage. Gently scoop out the squash and place in the soup mixture.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Do you realize what you've just done? You put the oven to work for you. You didn't have to worry about slicing your finger trying to peel the thick skin; or concern yourself with an accidental slip off the hard-as-a-rock squash in your attempt to cut it into 1" cubes. Instead, you had an hour+ to yourself (except for when you were checking to make sure the water hadn't all evaporated, right?) while your squash roasted. And roasting, my friends, brings out the flavor in any vegetable. Proven fact. I think everyone should have the experience of roasting a tough, ornery butternut squash and scooping it out of its skin lickety-split.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Let me let you in on a little secret. Butternut squash also comes PRE-CUBED. Yes, I've seen it with my own eyes. You can even stash these in your FREEZER and throw them directly in with your soup mixture. Now, that's efficient delegation folks.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLpI8AwWGfI5DTdxVd-a4_D4Kp6PVG1VpeGK8M_ZFgpYHFsV2m_t7NJkjHSIqMxzkkdj0OAO9W7PZXL4RuLG-OXd46qB648GeLXYAqT0ZoShAcesv4a-Q7z77e58BldTgUcPtQ046/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigLpI8AwWGfI5DTdxVd-a4_D4Kp6PVG1VpeGK8M_ZFgpYHFsV2m_t7NJkjHSIqMxzkkdj0OAO9W7PZXL4RuLG-OXd46qB648GeLXYAqT0ZoShAcesv4a-Q7z77e58BldTgUcPtQ046/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+3.png" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80fOBAhmlumLyeytisB0AZaqPZXEe8pBDO9WDpZoVjthKTzAog-yRepXm2_xF72_WOEBfmlud0FoT1BkUY7wi_1JgyXNTwm2m-y9dZRkiXwiPK9v2uHFpCE4XfKxzbITG2z8Litat/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi80fOBAhmlumLyeytisB0AZaqPZXEe8pBDO9WDpZoVjthKTzAog-yRepXm2_xF72_WOEBfmlud0FoT1BkUY7wi_1JgyXNTwm2m-y9dZRkiXwiPK9v2uHFpCE4XfKxzbITG2z8Litat/s1600/Valarie+soup+blog+4.png" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Bring the soup mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing the apples, admiring its deep, rich color. If you're fancy, you'll pull out your immersion blender and stir to a smooth consistency. If you're like me, you'll carefully, but bravely, transfer the steaming soup to your Ninja blender and mix to a smooth consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Last but not least, add 1/2 cup heavy cream. You may try to leave this out (as I did once), but trust me. Just add the cream. Or for presentation, swirl (warmed) cream into each bowl of soup. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">At this point your kitchen smells like...New Year's Eve, 2007; or a picture perfect William's Sonoma kitchen where you are seated, served and not required to wash one single, solitary dish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Inhale, exhale. Repeat. And then do your dishes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 31px;">Apple Butternut Squash Soup<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 medium butternut squash, washed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 large golden delicious apple, peeled and cubed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">3 cups chicken broth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 cup unsweetened applesauce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 1/2 T sugar (optional)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1 tsp ground ginger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1/2 tsp salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt;">1/2 c heavy cream<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Score squash, place in glass casserole pan with 1 1/2” water (continue adding water if necessary) and roast for about 1-1/2 hours or until soft. Remove squash from oven, let cool.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Combine apples, applesauce, sugar, ginger and salt in a large pot. Slice roasted squash lengthwise, remove and discard seeds and scoop squash into large pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 minutes. At this point you can begin to mash against the side of the pot. Add the cream, simmer for another 10-15 minutes. Stirring/mashing occasionally until you reach your desired consistency. (You can follow up with a blender if you want a smoother texture.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 21px;">Serve with crusty bread or a roll.</span></div>
Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-66260848568811091672014-01-17T11:39:00.000-06:002014-01-17T11:41:23.307-06:00Princess Alexandra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Princess Alexandra loves playing with other princesses. Boys, however, are another story.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pUNuuwvciRl7oPWyAdsOqEL8k7d-6qs4-T_Oo3fXhO6u-DcMiy0uAzeQiRiHePeeaPmkP4QHB1MGWEZIVEmdZEq6onSqhOVkiMAVn_NJHP9xJLosfZ31aNLezVLJ2_iS0FN_Ql9R/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pUNuuwvciRl7oPWyAdsOqEL8k7d-6qs4-T_Oo3fXhO6u-DcMiy0uAzeQiRiHePeeaPmkP4QHB1MGWEZIVEmdZEq6onSqhOVkiMAVn_NJHP9xJLosfZ31aNLezVLJ2_iS0FN_Ql9R/s1600/photo+2-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>:Would you like to dance?<br />
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<i>Alexandra turns her back on him.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJrW7IS3XhFbCaDl4BwazVpezu4YmU68n8D0sYBBbXEi8OLep0SVlluyhmxFXg9QU_pUi6oW1fEm8XMrxdv4LgWJOWWWUP0fgIpKrQ2NDqkYfbtvhe7H-Zru9INnohtLe7CSzFvy_/s1600/photo+1-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJrW7IS3XhFbCaDl4BwazVpezu4YmU68n8D0sYBBbXEi8OLep0SVlluyhmxFXg9QU_pUi6oW1fEm8XMrxdv4LgWJOWWWUP0fgIpKrQ2NDqkYfbtvhe7H-Zru9INnohtLe7CSzFvy_/s1600/photo+1-6.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>: Would you like to dance?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktbsurLiFu3zT7tyTDA43ZaLC8BZ105HAZ6lzRWgsioqJZTolzTa9J-jjaBwrtuu7NxLrUw1J0avxE355NcOB23HuOH9f8SFUI1ouza3IQEnV_Eyiv_zNYv1e00K5hqZGlG6gkyhc/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktbsurLiFu3zT7tyTDA43ZaLC8BZ105HAZ6lzRWgsioqJZTolzTa9J-jjaBwrtuu7NxLrUw1J0avxE355NcOB23HuOH9f8SFUI1ouza3IQEnV_Eyiv_zNYv1e00K5hqZGlG6gkyhc/s1600/photo+4-2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>: No. No. Go away. You can't dance with us. Go away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7ltgFNnszmeRurwTh3AqcLxMJ6jilqYq7c1PEeaLS7dCnsXkE-2B3rqdqVhngvWZHHMYCjjDhiu3Z_VAcQJGFzc_SgmCJZUmWznznDmcX5btTqR5gWfslsGEW5Rx-vUid-9oiQdL/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7ltgFNnszmeRurwTh3AqcLxMJ6jilqYq7c1PEeaLS7dCnsXkE-2B3rqdqVhngvWZHHMYCjjDhiu3Z_VAcQJGFzc_SgmCJZUmWznznDmcX5btTqR5gWfslsGEW5Rx-vUid-9oiQdL/s1600/photo+3-3.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>: May I have this dance?<br />
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<i>She hurls the prince across the room.</i><br />
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<i>Then she looks up. </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EYEnpxs2Aw5q8vF4G-oloAZoT8-xWksrZxNCWNhQBXZu_PPYNo6CN9W7nN5YnU205hp4GR5lz7EwUWd9Sn8KfbOb7cDXJoYSr7zHVnfGu7N_sCE2qOMjtV9Ff7DczsXDSZH_5NL4/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EYEnpxs2Aw5q8vF4G-oloAZoT8-xWksrZxNCWNhQBXZu_PPYNo6CN9W7nN5YnU205hp4GR5lz7EwUWd9Sn8KfbOb7cDXJoYSr7zHVnfGu7N_sCE2qOMjtV9Ff7DczsXDSZH_5NL4/s1600/IMG_2309.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>:Superman? (<i>She thrusts Superman at me and batts her eyes</i>.) Talk to me, Superman. Talk to me. (<i>She sways to music only she and the little princesses clutched in her fists can hear.</i>) Dance?<br />
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Okie dokie. No normal guy. No prince. The girl has standards. She wants Superman.<br />
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I can live with that.<br />
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-69791896096869935922014-01-14T08:00:00.000-06:002014-01-14T08:00:12.035-06:00Winter Soups: French Onion Soup...and Quick Quiche<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3gFla5oNgy8pPSOZoVse7QuAqEXNO9X97FnX614fqldqHajrQGUO4E_mY-99jqP_6w6o3Kl9oqtt-18sfzCnSFLc8FVc_KVALRlDO00QD38EVeEbS8FzaKB0cLuOfNMkxklL2nf3/s1600/dcp_0353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3gFla5oNgy8pPSOZoVse7QuAqEXNO9X97FnX614fqldqHajrQGUO4E_mY-99jqP_6w6o3Kl9oqtt-18sfzCnSFLc8FVc_KVALRlDO00QD38EVeEbS8FzaKB0cLuOfNMkxklL2nf3/s1600/dcp_0353.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>C'est moi</i> a long time ago.</td></tr>
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<i>Bonjour!</i><br />
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I'm glad you dropped by my virtual potluck today because <a href="http://www.marifarthing.com/" target="_blank">Mari Farthing</a> is visiting. We met at the first table reading of the <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/LTYMShow/search?query=oklahoma+city" target="_blank">Listen to Your Mother OKC</a>. </i>You may remember her from <a href="http://brandibarnett.blogspot.com/2013/09/summer-salad-mari-farthing.html" target="_blank">our summer party</a> or her blogs at <a href="http://www.oklahomawomenbloggers.com/" target="_blank">Oklahoma Women Bloggers</a>, <a href="http://www.musicmamas.com/" target="_blank">Music Mamas</a> and <a href="http://www.marifarthing.com/" target="_blank">Mari's Virtual Noteboo</a>k.<br />
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Today, she brought a little bit of France with her. The recipe is fancier than I usually attempt, but it <i>is</i> French, and who can say <i>non </i>to that? Mari is nice and didn't make fun of me at all when I asked her what it meant to make an onion "sweat" and what the difference between stock and "broth" are. In case you are as challenged as I am in the kitchen, I added some links to explain these culinary quandaries further, and realized it really is pretty easy. If you already know all the cooking terminology, then skip the links and feel smug.<br />
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<i>Bon appétit! </i><br />
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I'll leave you and Mari to chat....<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Once upon a time, a long, long time ago (i.e., before kids), my husband and I were blessed to live in Europe for four years, courtesy of the USAF. During this time, we were able to travel all around the continent and see as much of the world as we could. The final trip we went on was to the Normandy region of France, where we could visit places that would meet both of our wants—the landing beaches of DDay, the American WWII cemetery and Caen war memorial for him; Monet’s home in Giverny and Le Mont Saint Michel for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a gorgeous trip; as I recall it now (as one is wont to do), the weather was agreeable, the locals were gracious and still effusively thankful and happy to see Americans (which, to be honest, was something of a rarity in France). This trip stands out from all the others because it was our last time to travel before returning stateside. We still didn’t know where we were heading, so there was an excitement in the air—adventures awaited us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">On that first stop in Giverny, we had a bit of free time and stopped at a café—that’s something that Europe does with aplomb. Even the tiniest of villages has a café (or two) with character and outdoor tables that provide the best possible entertainment in the form of people watching. As we perused the menu at this café, using our limited knowledge of French language to navigate the offerings, we found the perfect lunch: French onion soup and quiche.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I realize now that perhaps I should have chosen a less perfect meal, as the soup and quiche were so well done as to eclipse all other attempts at this treat. On second thought, nah. I’ll never be sorry for that lunch eaten on the street at a café in a small town in France. I hope to someday repeat the experience!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Magical Meal Combination</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’ve since made both quiche and Fre<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: center;">nch onion soup in my own kitchen, and if you throw in a salad of baby greens with a mustard vinaigrette, you’ve got a pretty perfect lunch. Even better if eaten al fresco with a nice glass of wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Quiche is very easy—I like to make it on a day when I’m also cleaning out the fridge. If I’ve got leftover eggs, leftover vegetables, some type of protein and shredded cheese? There will be quiche. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> make mine in a muffin tin, no crust required. Spray the cups with oil, portion out your fillings and fill the cups to about ¾ full with a beaten egg mixture (about 6 eggs with a splash of milk or cream if you so desire). Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or so and freeze what you don’t eat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">But back to the soup! Here is a good basic recipe that I’ve put together, inspired by my dad’s recipe and<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/anne-burrell/index.html" target="_blank"> celebrity chef Anne Burrell.</a> It’s a worth-the-wait soup that has few ingredients but results in an amazingly rich soup to warm you on a cold winter’s night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">French Onion Soup<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">6-8 large onions, thinly sliced into rings<br />¾ cup red wine (something you like to drink)<br />4 bay leaves<br />small bunch of fresh thyme<br />2 quarts of <a href="http://www.chow.com/food-news/53997/whats-the-difference-between-stock-and-broth/" target="_blank">chicken stock</a><br />salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Coat the bottom of a large pot with olive oil and add the onions. Sprinkle with plenty of salt and stir well. Turn heat on medium, cover and let onions (I used half white and half yellow because that’s what I had) <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-onions-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-185575" target="_blank">sweat</a> for about 15-20 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before the onions sweat</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">sweating onions</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Onions should now be very soft. Cook uncovered for about an hour until onions become reduced, browned and sweet. If you’ve seen Chef Burrell make this soup, you’ve heard her assert that there is no shortcut to this; you must take the time and let the flavors develop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Add the wine and let it reduce for about 15 minutes. Add the bay leaves, thyme and chicken stock. I prefer to add my stock warmed because I’m usually defrosting it when I make the soup. Simmer again for another hour or so (the soup will look somewhat purple when you start this part, but mellow out to a lovely, rich brown after cooking). Season with salt and pepper to taste (the onions do become surprisingly sweet after cooking). If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of chicken stock to thin it down a bit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To serve, ladle soup into a stoneware bowl, top with a lovely slice of crusty bread (croutons can work here quite well), grated cheese, and broil until the cheese gets bubbly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Bubbly cheese. That’s the magic right there.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magic Onion Soup <br />served with a Malbec <br />& toasted ciabatta bread and brie from Whole Foods</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Freeze it if you don’t eat it all right away!</span></div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3944030917333154338.post-51339911158986611032014-01-10T11:38:00.000-06:002014-01-10T11:38:00.134-06:00Friday Favorite: Slow Cooker Liners<div>
I love my crockpot(s).</div>
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Yes, I have two. No, wait. I own three. The last one has three compartments.</div>
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Crockpots are hard to clean, though, so I won't use one without this kitchen helper: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKnRH4VdnoId0ENdLqS9zdgf5DV97P_cdQ6Rm-cb_EEozXlKtMsdzKtwqu0Hw4LehwaSCvD-_2oUwEuzX2RkWONhE0xv54vxF080rPEnEaIvDnRxUgrTubMUC_x2YpXsJcPSuUisp/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKnRH4VdnoId0ENdLqS9zdgf5DV97P_cdQ6Rm-cb_EEozXlKtMsdzKtwqu0Hw4LehwaSCvD-_2oUwEuzX2RkWONhE0xv54vxF080rPEnEaIvDnRxUgrTubMUC_x2YpXsJcPSuUisp/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slow Cooker Liners are magical!</td></tr>
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Santa considered putting these "crockpot condoms" in stockings this year. They're that awesome.</div>
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What is a must-have helper in your kitchen?</div>
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Brandihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10117892404261245726noreply@blogger.com5