Pumpkin Dip
1 - 8 Oz Cream Cheese (softened)
1/2 Cup Canned Pumpkin
1/4 Cup Sugar
3/4 Teaspoon Pumpkin Spice
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Mix all ingredients together until smooth. Tupperware's Quick Chef Pro system is a great piece for mixing and serving this dip in! Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Serve with graham crackers, bagels, or Teddy Grahams.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Halloween The Best Time of Year!
Ghosts, goblins, princesses, and carved Jack-o-lanterns. Halloween is my favorite time of year! I love everything about it, the crispness in the air, the changing colors of the trees. And of course getting to decorate the house in all of my Halloween Decorations!
Our theme this year was Mad Hatter's Halloween Bash
This year we had our First Halloween Party! Planning was key to making the night great! The fun part of course was the menu planning! Here is what was on the menu for all of our friends and family!
Skeleton Spine - (Reuben Bites)
Popcorn Balls
Pumpkin Dip
Bat Wings - (Chicken Wings)
Ooey Gooey Chicken Nacho Cheese Dip
Witches Brew (Punch)
Spiders Nest Dip (Taco Dip)
Pumpkin Fudge (Thank you for coming gift)
Devilish Eggs
Meat/Cheese/Crackers
Veggies and Dip
Mummy Wrapped Cocktail Wienies
Everyone was asked to bring a dish to share - and prizes were given out for the most creative and Delicious dish! (We had two winners this year)
Cat Litter Cake
Dirty Diaper Dip
Both were WAY too Delicious to only have one be the winner!
This year we had our First Halloween Party! Planning was key to making the night great! The fun part of course was the menu planning! Here is what was on the menu for all of our friends and family!
Skeleton Spine - (Reuben Bites)
Popcorn Balls
Pumpkin Dip
Bat Wings - (Chicken Wings)
Ooey Gooey Chicken Nacho Cheese Dip
Witches Brew (Punch)
Spiders Nest Dip (Taco Dip)
Pumpkin Fudge (Thank you for coming gift)
Devilish Eggs
Meat/Cheese/Crackers
Veggies and Dip
Mummy Wrapped Cocktail Wienies
Everyone was asked to bring a dish to share - and prizes were given out for the most creative and Delicious dish! (We had two winners this year)
Cat Litter Cake
Dirty Diaper Dip
Both were WAY too Delicious to only have one be the winner!
Fast & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
I have been wanting to make soup for months now, and just haven't found the time to do so. So when my friend Amanda introduced me to www.pintrest.com I became inspired to finally make some Delicious soup!
Fast & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
2 bone in skinless chicken breast (De-boned and skinned - reserve extra pieces in a baggy to make your own chicken stock later)
2 cans Diced Tomatoes with Chili's
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Kidney Beans
1 Can of corn
1 onion chopped (I used my Quick Chef Pro to get a fine chop on my onion)
2 Cans of Chicken stock (30 oz of your own homemade stock)
1 cup water
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
1 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Lime
1 - 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro
Garnish with:
Avocado Spears
Tortilla Chips
Shredded Monterrey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
Directions:
Rinse all beans and corn in a colander before placing in crock pot with Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Stock, Water, Onion, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin. Stir together to blend flavors.
De-bone, and skin chicken breast (doing it yourself can save a ton of money - plus watch for my Stock recipe to see how you can put these leftovers to great use! Freeze until ready to make stock).
Place chicken breast in crock pot and set on High for 5-7 hours. My chicken was ready in 5.5 hours as I split them in half before placing them in my soup mixture. Use a meat Thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
When chicken is cooked, remove from crock pot and shred with two forks. The chicken will be very tender so make it the consistency you will enjoy most! Put the shredded chicken back into the soup mixture and stir together. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes for the chicken or while you prep your Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.
Put sour cream in a serving bowl, and add zest and juice of 1/2 a lime. Add fresh cilantro and mix together.
Garnish to taste! For a creamy soup add 2-3 tablespoons of Cilantro Sour Cream to soup and mix together! This adds a great fresh flavor to your broth.
Freeze uneaten soup in Vent N' Serve Soup mug for lunch later this week. Or in a Vent N' Serve dish for multiple servings and serve with in the next few weeks! This is a soup that is sure to please everyone in the family!
Fast & Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup with Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
2 bone in skinless chicken breast (De-boned and skinned - reserve extra pieces in a baggy to make your own chicken stock later)
2 cans Diced Tomatoes with Chili's
1 Can Black Beans
1 Can Kidney Beans
1 Can of corn
1 onion chopped (I used my Quick Chef Pro to get a fine chop on my onion)
2 Cans of Chicken stock (30 oz of your own homemade stock)
1 cup water
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
Cilantro Lime Sour Cream
1 Cup Sour Cream
1/2 Lime
1 - 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro
Garnish with:
Avocado Spears
Tortilla Chips
Shredded Monterrey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
Directions:
Rinse all beans and corn in a colander before placing in crock pot with Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Stock, Water, Onion, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder, and Cumin. Stir together to blend flavors.
De-bone, and skin chicken breast (doing it yourself can save a ton of money - plus watch for my Stock recipe to see how you can put these leftovers to great use! Freeze until ready to make stock).
Place chicken breast in crock pot and set on High for 5-7 hours. My chicken was ready in 5.5 hours as I split them in half before placing them in my soup mixture. Use a meat Thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
When chicken is cooked, remove from crock pot and shred with two forks. The chicken will be very tender so make it the consistency you will enjoy most! Put the shredded chicken back into the soup mixture and stir together. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes for the chicken or while you prep your Cilantro Lime Sour Cream.
Put sour cream in a serving bowl, and add zest and juice of 1/2 a lime. Add fresh cilantro and mix together.
Garnish to taste! For a creamy soup add 2-3 tablespoons of Cilantro Sour Cream to soup and mix together! This adds a great fresh flavor to your broth.
Freeze uneaten soup in Vent N' Serve Soup mug for lunch later this week. Or in a Vent N' Serve dish for multiple servings and serve with in the next few weeks! This is a soup that is sure to please everyone in the family!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Trade Show Lunch Special
Today I am at an all day RV Supersale selling Tupperware! I am crazy excited for the sale because they organization that put it all together supplied me with a pop-up trailer that I was allowed to stock with Tupperware so guests can see how much space they can save using Tupperware products when camping.
As I set up my booth earlier in the week I saw the Fabulous Fries, Wings, and More food truck that was parked right next to the Corndog/Foot long hotdog food truck (possibly my favorite fair going food). So I decided that I defiantly had to pack myself lunch/snack or I could kiss all of my profits "good bye" and my waste line "hello!"
So, last night I decided to use half the uncooked chicken breast that was left over from our "Date Night Fondue Dinner" and cooked it using my Tupperware Smart Steamer. To be honest I have been a bit skeptical of using my Smart Steamer ever since I overcooked shrimp my first time using it. Being a frugal foodie I hate throwing away food and hated watching all my shrimp get tossed in the garbage. (Even though I knew it was complete operator error in the cooking process). Which made the half chicken breast seem like on ok experiment.
Within 13 minutes I had a perfectly cooked chicken breast - moist and juicy! I let it cool, and went for my Modular Mate that is filled with Ziploc baggy of the left over pasta that has not been cooked yet, and was just too much for us to eat when we originally used it. I grabbed a bag of "O" shaped pasta and put it in my new Pasta Maker. As my chicken cooled my pasta cooked and I cleaned the kitchen.
12 minutes later I strained my pasta "O's" and put them into a serving bowl to cool a bit. While my pasta cooled I cut my chicken into small chunks and threw them in with the pasta. I grabbed a stem of grapes and cut them in half and tossed them in too. I did the same with a few stalks of celery.
Still letting everything cool, I started making my dressing. Not wanting just regular old Miracle Whip in my salad (though I do Love Miracle Whip). I instead used my Whip and Prep and mixed together Hellman’s Mayo, Poppy seed dressing, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. I dumped it all into my pasta salad. I mixed everything together and wala - I had a delicious Waldorf inspired salad. That has kept me away from the Hotdog Truck.
I truly love not throwing away good food, and this salad was a great way to utilize my uneaten food!
Allie's Chicken & Grape Salad
1 - 2 cups uncooked pasta
1/2 - 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup grapes (or as many as you would like)
1 - 2 Stalks Celery
Dressing:
1/2 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Poppy seed dressing
Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar
Using Smart Steamer cook chicken for 11 - 13 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked for safety. Using Tupperware's Pasta Maker make your favorite type of pasta - cook for 12 minutes and strain. Combine all ingredients.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in the Whip and Prep and add to rest of ingredients. I like to make extra dressing to add later or just before I eat my salad as some of the pasta absorbs the dressing prior to getting to eat it.
Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.
As I set up my booth earlier in the week I saw the Fabulous Fries, Wings, and More food truck that was parked right next to the Corndog/Foot long hotdog food truck (possibly my favorite fair going food). So I decided that I defiantly had to pack myself lunch/snack or I could kiss all of my profits "good bye" and my waste line "hello!"
So, last night I decided to use half the uncooked chicken breast that was left over from our "Date Night Fondue Dinner" and cooked it using my Tupperware Smart Steamer. To be honest I have been a bit skeptical of using my Smart Steamer ever since I overcooked shrimp my first time using it. Being a frugal foodie I hate throwing away food and hated watching all my shrimp get tossed in the garbage. (Even though I knew it was complete operator error in the cooking process). Which made the half chicken breast seem like on ok experiment.
Within 13 minutes I had a perfectly cooked chicken breast - moist and juicy! I let it cool, and went for my Modular Mate that is filled with Ziploc baggy of the left over pasta that has not been cooked yet, and was just too much for us to eat when we originally used it. I grabbed a bag of "O" shaped pasta and put it in my new Pasta Maker. As my chicken cooled my pasta cooked and I cleaned the kitchen.
12 minutes later I strained my pasta "O's" and put them into a serving bowl to cool a bit. While my pasta cooled I cut my chicken into small chunks and threw them in with the pasta. I grabbed a stem of grapes and cut them in half and tossed them in too. I did the same with a few stalks of celery.
Still letting everything cool, I started making my dressing. Not wanting just regular old Miracle Whip in my salad (though I do Love Miracle Whip). I instead used my Whip and Prep and mixed together Hellman’s Mayo, Poppy seed dressing, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. I dumped it all into my pasta salad. I mixed everything together and wala - I had a delicious Waldorf inspired salad. That has kept me away from the Hotdog Truck.
I truly love not throwing away good food, and this salad was a great way to utilize my uneaten food!
Allie's Chicken & Grape Salad
1 - 2 cups uncooked pasta
1/2 - 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
1 cup grapes (or as many as you would like)
1 - 2 Stalks Celery
Dressing:
1/2 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Poppy seed dressing
Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar
Using Smart Steamer cook chicken for 11 - 13 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that chicken is thoroughly cooked for safety. Using Tupperware's Pasta Maker make your favorite type of pasta - cook for 12 minutes and strain. Combine all ingredients.
Mix all dressing ingredients together in the Whip and Prep and add to rest of ingredients. I like to make extra dressing to add later or just before I eat my salad as some of the pasta absorbs the dressing prior to getting to eat it.
Stores in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tis the Season for Fruits and Veggies
Unfortunately, the cost of these Delicious and nutritious treats keeps going up, and up! So, how can you keep your produce expenses from breaking the bank?
Keep an eye out for sale prices: look at your local grocery stores advertised price on seasonal produce. Knowing what you want to purchase and how much it will be is easier if you check out the stores advertised price.
Store your produce appropriately: Know the proper way to store each item. I have found that by throwing everything in the crisper at the bottom of my fridge inevitably leads to those items getting thrown out a week later when I replace them with their newer, fresher counterparts. One great way of keeping produce fresher longer is to utilize Tupperware's Fridge Smart products.
Fridge Smarts are designed to keep produce fresher longer by allowing a specific amount of air into the product. There is a guide that allows you to ensure you are using the appropriate amount of air flow for each item you are putting in your system. I have had strawberries last for 12 days. Romaine lettuce 3 weeks! It is a great way to save money by not throwing away your fruits and vegetables before you get the chance to enjoy them!
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Through July 8th, 2011 you can get 2 sets of 4 Fridge Smart containers for $72.00 (plus shipping and handling). Find a friend and split the set and enjoy fresh produce all summer long and into the winter!
http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/Tupperware/index.aspx?pagename=shopmain&fsid=20720ed3-e2f1-4cda-b578-0a22914fc690&storeid=1033893&circularid=17469
All orders called into me by Thursday, July 7th will get a free gift with purchase on me! Just mention my blog posting for the deal!
Keep an eye out for sale prices: look at your local grocery stores advertised price on seasonal produce. Knowing what you want to purchase and how much it will be is easier if you check out the stores advertised price.
Store your produce appropriately: Know the proper way to store each item. I have found that by throwing everything in the crisper at the bottom of my fridge inevitably leads to those items getting thrown out a week later when I replace them with their newer, fresher counterparts. One great way of keeping produce fresher longer is to utilize Tupperware's Fridge Smart products.
Fridge Smarts are designed to keep produce fresher longer by allowing a specific amount of air into the product. There is a guide that allows you to ensure you are using the appropriate amount of air flow for each item you are putting in your system. I have had strawberries last for 12 days. Romaine lettuce 3 weeks! It is a great way to save money by not throwing away your fruits and vegetables before you get the chance to enjoy them!
http://catalogs.shoplocal.com/Tupperware/index.aspx?pagename=shopmain&fsid=20720ed3-e2f1-4cda-b578-0a22914fc690&storeid=1033893&circularid=17469
All orders called into me by Thursday, July 7th will get a free gift with purchase on me! Just mention my blog posting for the deal!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
It's Tea Time! It's Tea Time!
"I'm Late! I'm Late! For a very important date! No time to say 'Hello' Goodbye! I'm Late! I'm Late! I'm Late!"
I would have to say Alice In Wonderland was one of my favorite stories growing up! My favorite party of course was the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Who wouldn't want to have tea with such an amazing character! So with my wedding coming up I have decided to host my first Tea Party! It is in honor of the amazing women who are supporting me by being apart of Chris and my big day by being apart of my bridal party.
These girls mean so much to me and have done so much for me, that throwing them a party seemed completely justified! I am blessed to have them in my life and am very excited to spend an evening drinking tea, and eating finger foods!
So, in preparation I am searching for recipes that would be fit for a Queen. As a part of the party I have requested they dress up - giving a spectacular prize to our best dressed winner. I plan on wearing my old Halloween costume that happens to be "The Queen of Cards" - did I mention I love Alice in Wonderland?
The Tea Party was a huge success - I made three kinds of finger sandwiches including: Egg Salad, Ham Salad, and Lemon & Dill Cucumber sandwiches (all Delicious)!
I wanted the atmosphere to be perfect for the occasion so I planned my table scape in advance! While working at a vendor fair I found a garden sculpture that had a tea pot in the middle flower pots, and glass bottles all stacked on top of each other. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it and knew I had to have it for the party!
I would have to say Alice In Wonderland was one of my favorite stories growing up! My favorite party of course was the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. Who wouldn't want to have tea with such an amazing character! So with my wedding coming up I have decided to host my first Tea Party! It is in honor of the amazing women who are supporting me by being apart of Chris and my big day by being apart of my bridal party.
These girls mean so much to me and have done so much for me, that throwing them a party seemed completely justified! I am blessed to have them in my life and am very excited to spend an evening drinking tea, and eating finger foods!
So, in preparation I am searching for recipes that would be fit for a Queen. As a part of the party I have requested they dress up - giving a spectacular prize to our best dressed winner. I plan on wearing my old Halloween costume that happens to be "The Queen of Cards" - did I mention I love Alice in Wonderland?
The Tea Party was a huge success - I made three kinds of finger sandwiches including: Egg Salad, Ham Salad, and Lemon & Dill Cucumber sandwiches (all Delicious)!
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| This photo was taken by my friend Rachel |
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| These are the napkin rings I made for the wedding! |
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| You can not have a tea party without tea hats! |
The flower pot on the end was the price for the best dressed tea party attendant! My Sister-in-Law Abby won one of the pots - she had a sun hat that she attached tea bags too! Way too creative! My Cousin Rhonda won the second pot for her homemade flower hat! They were both very deserving of the grand prize! Plus they looked AMAZING!
All in all, I will be hosting another tea party very soon! I absolutely loved it!!!
The Bride is Back at it!
I am officially home from my honeymoon! Chris and I went to Florida for 10 days! It was absolutely an amazing trip! And, it followed and AMAZING Wedding Day!! We could not have asked to have a better day!
Now, I am recharged and ready to get myself out there again with my Tupperware Business! Having taken a break since May 18th, I am defiantly ready to hit the ground running! And, now that I do not have a wedding to plan, I will be able to post loads more information about Tupperware - and of course loads of new recipes!
In fact, I have a pile of recipes that I have had in a pile to try out. I never post a recipe before trying it first, so I'm going to be putting on my Tupperware apron - and having at it! This summer my goal is to try at least 2 new recipes a week, and to continue to build my Tupperware Recipe Book!
Now, I am recharged and ready to get myself out there again with my Tupperware Business! Having taken a break since May 18th, I am defiantly ready to hit the ground running! And, now that I do not have a wedding to plan, I will be able to post loads more information about Tupperware - and of course loads of new recipes!
In fact, I have a pile of recipes that I have had in a pile to try out. I never post a recipe before trying it first, so I'm going to be putting on my Tupperware apron - and having at it! This summer my goal is to try at least 2 new recipes a week, and to continue to build my Tupperware Recipe Book!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Our First Easter!
Today Chris and I are hosting our family's Easter Celebration! It will be the first Holiday that we are hosting at our house. This week also marks the 1 year anniversary of us purchasing our first home, and getting Engaged!!
We are very excited to have our family over, and of course it gives me a great reason to try out some new recipes! Today I am making Ranch Deviled Eggs, it is a recipe that I found in Pillsbury's 2008 Annual Recipes.
I am a huge fan of Deviled Eggs and love adding new twists to them! The only thing I hate about making them is peeling off the shells - but who does like that job? I hope the family enjoys the new variation today!
Happy Easter Everyone!
We are very excited to have our family over, and of course it gives me a great reason to try out some new recipes! Today I am making Ranch Deviled Eggs, it is a recipe that I found in Pillsbury's 2008 Annual Recipes.
I am a huge fan of Deviled Eggs and love adding new twists to them! The only thing I hate about making them is peeling off the shells - but who does like that job? I hope the family enjoys the new variation today!
Happy Easter Everyone!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sewing Lessons + Lots of Ideas = CRAFT ROOM!
This last winter my friend Stacy taught me how to use my sewing machine. A feat I always imagined taking days, even months to learn, and she taught me in one night! Now you may be thinking, "What? A redhead who can't sew?" It is true. As a girl scout my mom (also not a sewer) helped me glue my badges on my vest for the badge ceremony.
So I thought for sure my sewing lesson would not get me very far in the world of sewing. But, after one night and half of an apron later - I was in love! I found a new hobby that I think will help express my creativity!
After a week and a half of working on two projects in my kitchen, my fiance told me he wanted to eat dinner at the kitchen table so I would have to find a new location to work on my new skill. This led me to turning our spare room, which since our move became a "catch all" for all the belongings that we had no home for, into a CRAFT ROOM!
The Craft Room is slowly turning into a room that I will be able to escape and work on my newly acquired sewing skills, and also work on scrapbooking (another hobby that I enjoy). My next task to help me complete my room is to get it painted! Since all the walls in my house are currently white - I look forward to having a bit of fun in this room, and really bringing it to life!
So I thought for sure my sewing lesson would not get me very far in the world of sewing. But, after one night and half of an apron later - I was in love! I found a new hobby that I think will help express my creativity!
After a week and a half of working on two projects in my kitchen, my fiance told me he wanted to eat dinner at the kitchen table so I would have to find a new location to work on my new skill. This led me to turning our spare room, which since our move became a "catch all" for all the belongings that we had no home for, into a CRAFT ROOM!
The Craft Room is slowly turning into a room that I will be able to escape and work on my newly acquired sewing skills, and also work on scrapbooking (another hobby that I enjoy). My next task to help me complete my room is to get it painted! Since all the walls in my house are currently white - I look forward to having a bit of fun in this room, and really bringing it to life!
Couponing Crazy!
Today was my first stab at Extreme Couponing! After watching the new hit show on TLC, I decided to give it a whirl! I read a few blogs online that gave me some tips and tricks. But, being a beginner I put off my prep time until the morning of my shopping trip. Live and learn I guess is the key to success.
I found out that the closest store to me that doubles manufactures coupons is Rainbow. So I browsed their add and used their online shopping list to guide me. I had Chris make me a good breakfast so I wouldn't get side tracked and buy a bunch of things my eyes wanted.
I got to the store and it was PACKED - I guess everyone wants to take advantage of the great double coupon Saturday Rainbow offers. I realized I am going to need to learn my store better, because I wondered aimlessly for quite a while tyring to find baking mixes (which I left the store without - as I became sidetracked at some point and forgot my mission).
In the end, I certainly didn't save like the Extreme Couponers on TV, but I did save $51.75 on a total bill of $121.47. Pretty exciting if you ask me!
I found out that the closest store to me that doubles manufactures coupons is Rainbow. So I browsed their add and used their online shopping list to guide me. I had Chris make me a good breakfast so I wouldn't get side tracked and buy a bunch of things my eyes wanted.
I got to the store and it was PACKED - I guess everyone wants to take advantage of the great double coupon Saturday Rainbow offers. I realized I am going to need to learn my store better, because I wondered aimlessly for quite a while tyring to find baking mixes (which I left the store without - as I became sidetracked at some point and forgot my mission).
In the end, I certainly didn't save like the Extreme Couponers on TV, but I did save $51.75 on a total bill of $121.47. Pretty exciting if you ask me!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Brashetta with a Twist
With the season changing into Spring, I decided that we needed something fresh for dinner. So I made Bruschetta With a Twist! I am really excited about this recipe as it has one of my favorite ingredients - Fresh Avocado!
Bruschetta With a Twist
1/4 Cup Olive oil
Salt and Pepper
1/2 Tsp garlic powder
Baguette sliced
Mix first three ingredients in small bowl. Brush onto baguette slices and bake for 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
1 Ripe Avocado diced
1 Ripe tomato diced and seeds removed
1/4 onion diced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Lime juice to taste
Fresh cilantro
1/2 - 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Mix remaining ingredients together and place in refrigerator to chill. When baguette slices are complete top with avocado mixture.
Special note - we drizzled the balsamic vinegar over the top of each slice of baguette before eating!
This recipe is a great idea for entertaining. It takes very little time, and is fresh and so enjoyable! We paired ours with an Italian favorite - Fettucini Alfredo.
Bruschetta With a Twist
1/4 Cup Olive oil
Salt and Pepper
1/2 Tsp garlic powder
Baguette sliced
Mix first three ingredients in small bowl. Brush onto baguette slices and bake for 10 - 12 minutes at 350 degrees.
1 Ripe Avocado diced
1 Ripe tomato diced and seeds removed
1/4 onion diced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Lime juice to taste
Fresh cilantro
1/2 - 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
Mix remaining ingredients together and place in refrigerator to chill. When baguette slices are complete top with avocado mixture.
Special note - we drizzled the balsamic vinegar over the top of each slice of baguette before eating!
This recipe is a great idea for entertaining. It takes very little time, and is fresh and so enjoyable! We paired ours with an Italian favorite - Fettucini Alfredo.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Jewelry, Brunch & Mimosa's
On Sunday I hosted my first Stella & Dot Jewelry Party. I met Holly my consultant at a Bridal Fair in November. When looking at the catalog, I thought that I may be able to get my Bridesmaids jewelry from it so I let her know I would be interested in hosting a party.
Since November, I decided that I was going to have a jewelry making party for my girls so they can each have a unique piece of jewelry for the wedding! As a Tupperware consultant I know what it is like to have a party cancel, so I decided that I would still host my Stella & Dot party - as they have some really unique and beautiful pieces.
I used the party as a opportunity to try two new recipes that I have been dying to make!
Upside Down Apple Pull Apart Cake
1 cup fresh peeled and cut apples (I used Granny Smith)
1 canister Cinnamon rolls with frosting
1/3 Cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
Cut applies into small chunks and spread out 3/4 of a cup on bottom of 9x9 baking dish. Cut Cinnamon rolls into chunks and spread over apples. Spread remaining apple chunks on top of Cinnamon roll mixture. In a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar and corn syrup, mix until you reach a smooth consistency. Spread this evenly over Cinnamon rolls and apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 28-38 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then turn over on serving platter. Drizzle with icing.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Ring-Around
1/2 lb Spice bulk Sausage
1 Cup Mushrooms slices
1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 Eggs
1/4 Cup milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 Oz. Cream cheese (softened)
2 canisters crescent rolls.
Cook sausage on stove top until no longer pink. Remove from pan, and saute mushrooms until tender. Add sausage to mushrooms in a separate bowl.
In Tupperware's Quick Chef add eggs, milk and cream cheese. Using mixing blade blend all ingredients together until well mixed. You may still have a few chunks of cream cheese but you can blend these in better when cooking the eggs. Place egg mixture in a frying pan and cook until slightly moist. Add sausage and and mushrooms to egg mixtures then mix in shredded cheese.
Line a baking sheet using Tupperware's Silicone Wonder Mat. Unroll both cans of croissant rolls; separate into individual triangles. Arrange triangles with point facing outward. the may overlap a little bit. Make a circle with the dough. Take egg and sausage mixture and place on the fatter part of the circle. When you complete the ring fold the tip of the triangle over to make a wreath type design.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Since November, I decided that I was going to have a jewelry making party for my girls so they can each have a unique piece of jewelry for the wedding! As a Tupperware consultant I know what it is like to have a party cancel, so I decided that I would still host my Stella & Dot party - as they have some really unique and beautiful pieces.
I used the party as a opportunity to try two new recipes that I have been dying to make!
Upside Down Apple Pull Apart Cake
1 cup fresh peeled and cut apples (I used Granny Smith)
1 canister Cinnamon rolls with frosting
1/3 Cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp Corn Syrup
Cut applies into small chunks and spread out 3/4 of a cup on bottom of 9x9 baking dish. Cut Cinnamon rolls into chunks and spread over apples. Spread remaining apple chunks on top of Cinnamon roll mixture. In a small mixing bowl combine brown sugar and corn syrup, mix until you reach a smooth consistency. Spread this evenly over Cinnamon rolls and apples. Bake at 350 degrees for 28-38 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 5 minutes, then turn over on serving platter. Drizzle with icing.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese Ring-Around
1/2 lb Spice bulk Sausage
1 Cup Mushrooms slices
1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
6 Eggs
1/4 Cup milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 Oz. Cream cheese (softened)
2 canisters crescent rolls.
Cook sausage on stove top until no longer pink. Remove from pan, and saute mushrooms until tender. Add sausage to mushrooms in a separate bowl.
In Tupperware's Quick Chef add eggs, milk and cream cheese. Using mixing blade blend all ingredients together until well mixed. You may still have a few chunks of cream cheese but you can blend these in better when cooking the eggs. Place egg mixture in a frying pan and cook until slightly moist. Add sausage and and mushrooms to egg mixtures then mix in shredded cheese.
Line a baking sheet using Tupperware's Silicone Wonder Mat. Unroll both cans of croissant rolls; separate into individual triangles. Arrange triangles with point facing outward. the may overlap a little bit. Make a circle with the dough. Take egg and sausage mixture and place on the fatter part of the circle. When you complete the ring fold the tip of the triangle over to make a wreath type design.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes at 375 degrees.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Organizing The Home Office!
This weekend I purchased a new shelving unit for my home office. Working two jobs out of one space can cause quite a bit of disorder at times. Especially when trying to keep everything accessible, and organized.
I am a huge fan of Julie Morgenstern and her book, "Organizing from the Inside Out." I love this book because she helps the reader develop their own system for organizing their space. I used this book as part of my inspiration for creating the perfect workspace for myself!
The system I was using consisted on my desk the object that get the most use in the room. A standard book shelf that was home to ALL of my personal books, business books, college text books, and cook books. A small 3 drawer storage unit that holds paper, mailing supplies, and desk necessities. I also had a small card table that was home to of my Tupperware supplies (books, order forms, reading material, etc.). Last but no least a two drawer filing cabinet. Needless to say my system was not helping me get my work done in a timely and organized fashion. Most surfaces became catch-all for mail, and other material coming into our home.
In order to eliminate a few of my current "space fillers" I purchased a new shelving unit that when laid sideways also works as an additional work surface.
In order for any system to work, I knew I had to assign everything a home.
1) First I made sure everything I need on a regular basis was within arms reach of my desk.
2) Every item has a specific home. Tupperware paperwork in one home. Viking Sewer paperwork in a specific home. Personal paperwork in a specific home.
3) My next step will be to Containerize my space. I am giving myself a few days with my new system to see what my needs will be for containers. Containerizing will not only make my space look neater, it will act as a reminder of exactly where every objects home is. I am thinking of some baskets, and a container that will allow me to store files in it.
The real fun is going to be when I choose a color to paint my white walls! I look forward to making my daily workspace a comfortable and energizing space where I will love getting my work done!
I am a huge fan of Julie Morgenstern and her book, "Organizing from the Inside Out." I love this book because she helps the reader develop their own system for organizing their space. I used this book as part of my inspiration for creating the perfect workspace for myself!
The system I was using consisted on my desk the object that get the most use in the room. A standard book shelf that was home to ALL of my personal books, business books, college text books, and cook books. A small 3 drawer storage unit that holds paper, mailing supplies, and desk necessities. I also had a small card table that was home to of my Tupperware supplies (books, order forms, reading material, etc.). Last but no least a two drawer filing cabinet. Needless to say my system was not helping me get my work done in a timely and organized fashion. Most surfaces became catch-all for mail, and other material coming into our home.
In order to eliminate a few of my current "space fillers" I purchased a new shelving unit that when laid sideways also works as an additional work surface.
In order for any system to work, I knew I had to assign everything a home.
1) First I made sure everything I need on a regular basis was within arms reach of my desk.
2) Every item has a specific home. Tupperware paperwork in one home. Viking Sewer paperwork in a specific home. Personal paperwork in a specific home.
3) My next step will be to Containerize my space. I am giving myself a few days with my new system to see what my needs will be for containers. Containerizing will not only make my space look neater, it will act as a reminder of exactly where every objects home is. I am thinking of some baskets, and a container that will allow me to store files in it.
The real fun is going to be when I choose a color to paint my white walls! I look forward to making my daily workspace a comfortable and energizing space where I will love getting my work done!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Baked Avacados Stuffed with Crab
Whenever I go out for Sushi, I always try to get a Baked Avocado as an appetizer, but at almost $6.00 for half an avocado, I decided I need to come up with a home made version. Mainly so I could eat a lot more of them!
So here is my rendition of a Baked Avocado Stuffed with Crab
Ingredients:
1 Avocado cut in half and pitted
1/2 - 1 Cup Crab meat (I used imitation crab)
1 Garlic Clove
1/2 Cup Cream Cheese (cut in cubes)
Shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Teriyaki sauce
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place crab meat, garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheese and salt and pepper in Tupperware Quick Chef, with blade insert. Turn handle until all ingredients are blended together.
Take Avocado half's and stuff with crab filling. Top with shredded cheese. Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese in melted on top. Drizzle with Teriyaki sauce and enjoy! You can also add small slices of cucumber to add a crisp texture and fresh taste to the dish.
So here is my rendition of a Baked Avocado Stuffed with Crab
Ingredients:
1 Avocado cut in half and pitted
1/2 - 1 Cup Crab meat (I used imitation crab)
1 Garlic Clove
1/2 Cup Cream Cheese (cut in cubes)
Shredded cheddar and Swiss cheese to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
Teriyaki sauce
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Place crab meat, garlic, cream cheese, shredded cheese and salt and pepper in Tupperware Quick Chef, with blade insert. Turn handle until all ingredients are blended together.
Take Avocado half's and stuff with crab filling. Top with shredded cheese. Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes until cheese in melted on top. Drizzle with Teriyaki sauce and enjoy! You can also add small slices of cucumber to add a crisp texture and fresh taste to the dish.
The Redhead
To get started I want to introduce myself. My name is Allison Strand, I was a Tupperware Child, turned into a Tupperware Teen, who then morphed into a Tupperware Lady! That is right...I grew up with Tupperware. My Mom, Mary has sold Tupperware for over 30 years. So I always say, "If she could have burped me in at night...she would have!" I am also a Midwest Redhead - so I always say "I do make things more fun!"
I sold Tupperware when I was a Senior in high school, then when I went to college I decided to focus on my studies. I decided to start selling Tupperware again, when my fiance and I made a agreement that we were NOT going accumulate any credit card debt because of our wedding. I looked into a few retail positions, then I asked myself two questions: 1) What do I know like the back of my hand? Answer: Tupperware. 2) What can I do to make extra income, while still getting to spend time with Chris? Answer: Tupperware. The icing on the decision to sell Tupperware again, was when I told Chris I planned to start selling again. He said, "Allie, you are Tupperware. I think you should do it!"
So I went to the women who taught me everything and was lucky to have her help to get back in the swing of things!
My blog is all about sharing tips, recipes, and my own personal experiences of living in my first home, getting married, and running two businesses! I also work for my families company Viking Sewer and Drain Cleaning Service - feel free to check us out at: www.vikingseweranddrain.com.
I encourage you to ask me questions about products, recipes, and other household tips you may be interested in. If there is one thing I love more than Tupperware, it learning new and innovative ways to do things, then sharing them with others.
I sold Tupperware when I was a Senior in high school, then when I went to college I decided to focus on my studies. I decided to start selling Tupperware again, when my fiance and I made a agreement that we were NOT going accumulate any credit card debt because of our wedding. I looked into a few retail positions, then I asked myself two questions: 1) What do I know like the back of my hand? Answer: Tupperware. 2) What can I do to make extra income, while still getting to spend time with Chris? Answer: Tupperware. The icing on the decision to sell Tupperware again, was when I told Chris I planned to start selling again. He said, "Allie, you are Tupperware. I think you should do it!"
So I went to the women who taught me everything and was lucky to have her help to get back in the swing of things!
My blog is all about sharing tips, recipes, and my own personal experiences of living in my first home, getting married, and running two businesses! I also work for my families company Viking Sewer and Drain Cleaning Service - feel free to check us out at: www.vikingseweranddrain.com.
I encourage you to ask me questions about products, recipes, and other household tips you may be interested in. If there is one thing I love more than Tupperware, it learning new and innovative ways to do things, then sharing them with others.
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