Our Valentines

I know so late again. But I just can not believe how busy I have been the last 4 days. I woke up this morning soooo excited that the only thing I really needed to do today was go to work. So it might actually be a semi-relaxing day!

Anyways we had a pretty Amazing V-day!

Stuffed French Toast for breakfast. Then we all got in our Valentine's Best, even J picked out a red shirt without me telling him to.

For Hudson's Valentines we decided to do the Marhmallow Pops we saw here, that we did last week for play group treat. The kids helped make them and they were super easy, fun, and yummy.

Poor Pres didn't get any Valentines so her sweet brother gave her one and shared his Whole lot with her.

Jackson got out of his clothes too fast ( too hot yesterday)

but this is what he made for his class, yes he did help make it. We saw it here and had to do it.

Now I was planning on the neat dinner idea for V-day dinner with the kids that I posted about last week. But then my SIL Heather called inviting us to dinner. Frankly I hardly ever say no to a dinner invite ( for multiple reasons), so since I hadn't even bought the food yet I said yes.

Good thing I did because my meal was incredible. I have been craving a burger like forever!

With her homemade buns this one was worth the wait.

After dinner the kids finally got their prizes, went to bed happy and sleeping with their balloons.

I hope you all had a Wonderful Valentine's Day.

Our Valentine's Winner!

Lorianne Rosengarten!!!!

Congrats girl I will be contacting you to get you your basket of goodies!

My 1 Yr. Anniversary and a Valentine's Giveaway

I can't believe it has been a whole year since I started this food blog. To tell you the truth I wasn't even sure I would last this long. I am a little bit of a procrastinator if you haven't noticed and wasn't sure I would be able to even think of enough recipes to share with you all. But I was wrong and am very glad indeed. If you are someone who actually frequents this blog Thank You so very much I love hearing and seeing comments and sharing my Love of cooking and food with you. If this is your first time coming, I hope you find something you like and come back for more.

So in honor of my 1 yr. mark I would like to have a giveaway and what better than a Valentines goodie basket right in time for the Holiday's.

To enter

Leave a comment

for an extra entry become a follower or let me know you already are ( in a separate comment).

and for a 3rd facebook or blog about the giveaway (separate comment).

All entires must be received by 10 p.m friday night the 11th. So I can get it to you in time for Valentines day!

Good luck

Valentines with the Family

I just saw this great idea for a Valentine's Meal with the whole family! I can't wait to do this. Check it out at Gourmet Mom on The Go

Stephanie's Pasta Salad

About 7 or 8 years ago I was introduced to this salad. Now I don't want to over sell it or anything but I would say Perfection best describes it! If you know Stephanie Meadows you already know that she is a great cook so it is no wonder that this salad rocks. Every time I make it everyone raves. And if I hear that she is making it, well you can bet I am there. Only problem is that it is not exactly a wallet friendly salad. So only make it for the people you are trying to impress! Also make sure you make enough to have some for leftovers. Because this bad boy is going to get eaten.
Stephanie's Pasta Salad

1 bag spiral tri- color rotini

add the rest according to your preference-

cheese cubes

summer sausage cubed

thinly sliced red onion

thinly sliced bell pepper

broccoli flowerets

cauliflower flowerets

baby carrots

grape tomatoes halved

small jar of artichokes in oil- chopped

Dressing:

1 c. oil

1 c. sugar

1 c. red wine vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

Chicken in Puff Pastry

I have been a little obsessed with puff pastry lately. When I bought it a while ago to make something I didn't use it all, so I have been trying to find something to make with it. My friend was telling me she had a recipe for chicken in puff pastry, with bacon and cheese. S0 I put it together and the result was perfection. Really anything in puff pastry dough is heavenly so it is pretty hard to go wrong. I can't wait to try some more combinations.

I took 1/4 of the dough

folded it in half

rolled it out into a square ( 6 or 7 inches)

loaded it up with a piece of provolone cheese, cooked bacon and a cooked chicken tenderloin.

i then folded all of the sides up and sealed it, then turned it over

then brushed each pocket with an egg wash

( 1 egg white and 1tbsp water)

Then baked in a 400 degree oven for 25 min. then let it cool for about 10 min.

Don't be afraid to switch it up with whatever you have or like. Have fun with it.

Rustic Tomato Tart

I saw this on this blog and new instantly that it was for me. Plus it looked super simple which made me want to make it even more. It just looked so inviting and heartwarming. It turned out fabulous and I can't wait to make it again. I would love to try it as a appetizer to take to a party or something. Anyway if you love lots of cheese and tomatoes then this is definitely for you.

when Lick the Bowl made this she used a stone ground mustard- but I just used what I had on hand. It was delicious but next time I would like to try it with that kind.

Use the good mozzarella- never skimp on mozzarella it makes all the difference

since my kids were helping they got to eat the rest of the cheese

Rustic Tomato Tart adapted from Avril and Maranda

Printer Friendly Version

For The Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 4 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 2-3 Tablespoons cold water

For The Filling:

• 3 Tablespoons Dijon or whole-grain mustard
• 2-3 large fresh tomatoes 0r 5 Roma tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried herbs (I used basil, parsley and oregano)
• kosher salt
• pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

For crust: Mix salt and flour in medium bowl. With pastry cutter cut in chilled butter until mixture has a cornmeal consistency.

In separate bowl, lightly beat egg; add 2 Tablespoons water.

Make a well in center of flour mixture and pour egg mixture in the well; mix until well incorporated and a non-sticky dough forms. If dough is still too dry, add third Tablespoon of water.

Knead dough into a ball, transfer to parchment paper or a Silpat; roll out into a 14 inch circle. Transfer parchment paper or Silpat and dough to a rimmed baking sheet.

For Filling: Spread mustard over the unbaked crust until well covered, leaving about an 1 1/2-inch border.

Slice tomatoes and arrange in a single layer in the center of crust. Scatter freshly minced garlic over tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt, red pepper flakes and dried herbs.

Top with sliced mozzarella; sprinkle with a bit more salt, pepper flakes and basil.

Bring edges of crust up over the edges of tomato and cheese.

Bake in oven for 30 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is brown and bubbly.

Allow to cool about 10 minutes, slice into wedges with a pizza cutter and enjoy!