Snickerdoodle Blondies

It is official… my life of being a stay AT home mom is now over. Instead, this week began the back to school hustle and bustle, with the boys on totally different school schedules. Running from the time the alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. My job now is to get everyone moving in the morning, get the house in order, plan meals and and be ready for tutors to come to my house almost immediately after school for 3-5 hours everyday. I will say this though, now that Colin is driving, it's been nice not having to rush my little guy in the morning and it also gives everyone time to focus on the day ahead.

Braided Pizza Bread

I was watching something on TV one night and saw a chef making something very similar to this… and I thought “hmm I can do that” This is so easy you really don’t even need to know how to cook, other than operating your oven. I decided to make it pretty basic the first time I made it, using the ingredients the boys like on their pizza. In my house, the boys would/could eat pizza everyday,

Pulled Pork Sammys (Crockpot)

Another hot day in California today. The perfect time to get out the crockpot and let it do most the cooking while I enjoy the pool with the boys. I decided to make Pulled Pork Sammys and have played with this recipe long enough. Sometimes I don't post recipes because I make them all the time and they seem so basic to me. Recently a friend asked if I would share my technique for my BBQ Pulled Pork Sammy!

Italian Chicken Sub Sandwiches!

I am rediculously hooked on sandwiches lately. Could be the heat outside.. the convenience, the time... who knows, all  I know is this is one of my creations that is requested all the time in my house! Seriously, to all my foodies out there, do you eat some fast food every now and again, and think to yourself 'omg, I could seriously make this, and make it BETTER' okay, that's what I'm talking about.

Mexican Standoff Challenge: We Have a Winner!

I recently entered a competition on Food2.com for a Mexican Standoff! Trying to shoot down the competition I entered my Mexican Lasagna with a Philly Twist Recipe.  After battling it out with some very talented cooks, I was pleasantly surprised to have been named "Fan Favorite"

V's Creamy Biscuits - Happy Father's Day!

For Father's day I got up early to make a big ole batch of these big, rich biscuits. They are my go-to recipe and are a real treat, they are crunchy on the outside but on the inside they are tender, creamy, light and fluffy. Get your favorite jam out and make some. Serve with scrambled eggs and bacon.  Oh-my what a treat!

Kraft 'Real Women of Philadelphia' Video Contest a Hit With Home Chefs - ClickZ

The number of women are AMAZING! This has been so much fun! Can't wait until the next phase. Be sure and tune in on June 30th for a live broadcast from Savannah! 5:00 PST You know I'll be watching and cheering on the girls I've come to know and love!

Spread the Philly!

Kraft 'Real Women of Philadelphia' Video Contest a Hit With Home Chefs - ClickZ

Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner! Eggs!

Looking for a recipe on the internet, I came across One Year Project. This family took on a year-long endeavor to cook every single recipe in the Rachael-Ray-365-No Repeats- and they did it. In order even. Which, as the author writes, included eating mac and cheese four nights in a row because that's the adore they came in the cookbook.


I'm not sure if I think they are admirable for taking on such a project and sticking to it or if I think they are crazy! I mean, what about leftovers? A lot of Rachael's recipes SAY they serve 4, but they end up serving 6-8 and out of this family of four, two were small children. And expense! Trying a new recipe every single day for a whole year would probably get pretty costly I imagine. Anyway, it makes for an interesting read and certainly an it's interesting concept.

The review on that site wasn't at all favorable to the recipe I'm going to share next. In fact, she called it "ridiculous" and "rubbish" but then again, she also admits to hating eggs, so take that review for what it's worth.

Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

I reviewed this recipe for a friend of mine ages ago. This brownie is rich, thick and perfect without any frosting! I often make these for the football team on Friday nights or when we go out on the boat. Seems like at the end of the day, everyone wants something sweet!

Upsy-Downsy

This year I've decided to try The Upsy Downsy Tomato Planter. I read it allows tomatoes to grow in their best position- upside down. Just fill the Upsy Downsy with potting soil and your favorite tomato plants. Now I can prune, harvest and fertilize without kneeling or bending. Shouldn't need stakes or cages. And, because it never touches the ground, you won't be troubled by DOGS, cut worms, slugs, or fungus. Says it works great for peppers, cucumbers, petunias and other plants also. Growing two kinds -big beef delicious and grape tomatoes. Fingers crossed. Just in case? I planted my favorite Roma tomatos in a planter along side my serrano peppers. Woo hoo Salsa!

Hoping for the best! I think I should post a before and after photo!