Halloween? The Walking Dead Fan? Great Throw Pillows for The Walking Dead Fan In ALL Of Us

It might be too late to order one or two of these in time for Halloween but what a great gift for a fan of The Walking Dead!  My favorites are the Biohazard and the I ♥ Your Guts pillows.

12 Spooky Zombie Pillows by polyvore-editorial on polyvore.com

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Chicken Cashew Lettuce Wraps with Five Spice & Hoisin

Today was the day!  My #punkkid became a certified scuba diver!!  I am so incredibly excited and happy for him and sad at the same time because it is something that I'll never be able to do with him.  That a whole other post but until then....... Mr. Finley IS a certified diver so this is something that they can share together and spend quality time together.

While they are out diving?  I'm coming up with new recipes, washing clothes and painting my nails.  It's just what I do.  ;)

The #finleyguys were gone yesterday from 7am - 10:30pm busy with water skills testing, classroom testing and just general merriment that those two do when I am not around.  (I don't want to know!)  Today they left at 6am, headed out on to the ocean at 7am and they both got in several dives.  I am SO proud of #punkkid!!!!!  What did I do?  I perused Pinterest looking for dinner to feed the hungry "fish" when they got home.  It couldn't be too heavy, couldn't be carb heavy, and I wanted to be sure it was light and fresh.  Gauging from the empty serving bowls on the kitchen counter I think I achieved nirvana!

Here is my take on Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps - Let me know what you think in the comments!  I hope you try them and I hope you LOVE them......

Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Five Spice & Hoisin

4 chicken cutlets, diced
2 - 3 tbls vegetable oil (or canola but definitely NOT olive oil)
4 tbls soy sauce, low sodium
2 tbls rice wine vinegar
2 tbls brown sugar
2 tsp hoisin sauce
1 or 2 pinches of Five Spice Powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1-2 tsp sesame oil (you need more than 1 but 2 can be overpowering for some - I used 2)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 shallots, minced (or 1 small yellow onion)
1/2 c chopped cashews (I just used halves and pieces)
1/4 c water chestnuts, diced

3 green onions, chopped
Bibb Lettuce or Iceberg Lettuce

In a small bowl mix the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin, five spice powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, and sesame oil.  Whisk until combined and brown sugar is dissolved.  Set mixture aside.

Heat oil in a wok or medium sized saute pan on medium-high heat.  Add chicken and stir continually until lightly browned.  Once browned, remove chicken to a bowl.  Add to the saute pan the shallots or onion and saute for 2-3 mins until tender.  Add garlic to the pan and continue to saute another 2-3 mins careful not to burn.  Add chicken back to the pan along with cashews, water chestnuts and sauce.  Mixture will seem "thin" at first - cook on a high simmer for 7-10 mins allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken.

Serve with either Bibb lettuce or iceberg lettuce leaves and top with chopped green onions.

These were delicious!  I know many people don't have Five Spice Powder in their pantry but the addition to this dish is so worth it!  There are so many other recipes out there that call for it - here are a few I rounded up to help you justify the purchase!  ;)

• Grilled Five Spice Chicken
• Cranberry Five Spice Cookies
• Chinese Five Spice Chicken Wings

  
I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

TexMex Corn Dip - Confessions of a Farmers Market Junkie!

Well, it isn't quite a month since the Finleys have relocated to the outrageously gorgeous Boynton Beach FL, but what a fantabulous 3+ weeks it has been.  I am LONG overdue for a post about the move - it's coming, it's coming......  ;)

One of my most FAVORITE discoveries has been the Woolbright Farmers Market just down the street from us.  Oh Eem Gee!  Trust me, there will be a post dedicated to that little gem.  Unbelievable selection of local produce at prices that really boggle my mind!  I am completely addicted and seriously, I visit at least 3 times a week!

On my last trip I overindulged in corn on the cob.  I just couldn't help myself - ears and ears and it all looked so fresh and sweet.  At 5/$1 I just couldn't say no.  After I got home and started putting it away I was like, "Wow, Leesa, that's a lot of corn, what the hell?"  I texted my Mom right away asking for her Corn Salsa recipe but that still would not be enough to use up all of the corn I bought.  So, Pinterest I went a searching.  I am famous for finding about 5 different recipes, picking and choosing from each and then adding my own touch and that is exactly what I did with this dip.  This was super easy to prepare and after about an hour in the fridge it was super delish!

Here goes - I hope you give it a try and be sure to let me know in the comments what you think!  Also, be on the lookout for my Mom's Corn Salsa recipe provided she let's me share it.  (love ya Mom!)

Tex Mex Corn Dip

4-5 ears of corn
1/2 c mayo
1/2 c sour cream
Jalapenos Slices (from a jar), a small handful chopped
4.5 oz can of chopped green chilis
4 green onions, chopped
1 - 2 c shredded Colby Jack cheese
1, 2, or 3 pinches of cayenne pepper ;)
Salt to taste

Cook corn on the cob however you choose.  For this batch I did stovetop steaming.  However, I WILL be grilling the corn next time to add even another layer of flavor.  Once corn is cooked remove the kernels from the cob and put in a medium size mixing bowl.  

In a small bowl mix together mayo and sour cream and then add to corn.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving to allow flavors to blend.

Serve with tortilla chips - our favorite are Blue Corn Tortilla Chips from Garden of Eatin'


I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Coffee Cake with a Punk Kid Attitude

My kitchen was overtaken by a teenager yesterday!  My punk kid decided he wanted to get his bake on so he got busy making a coffee cake.  He didn't want me in there snapping pics so I was only able to get one surprise shot of him and then a pic of the end results.  Not the best of pics but they'll have to do.

Following in his dad's footsteps (and mine) for sure!

I will say that his coffee cake was absolute perfection and he DID say I could share the recipe.  ;)  This coffee cake came out very moist and the perfect coffee cake consistency.  Not bad for his first one, not bad at all!  This would definitely be considered a "quick" coffee cake but both he and I are excited to see the tweeks he makes next with flavors and add-ins.

Coffee Cake with a Punk Kid Attitude

 Recipe:

• 1 1/2 c AP flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 6 Tbs sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 c shortening
• 1/2 c milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tbs butter, melted
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 2 Tbs AP flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 425. Grease and flour a 9 inch square pan.
2. In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Cut in the shortening to the size of small peas.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk and vanilla. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture all at once. Stir until just blended.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Drizzle top with the melted butter.
5. In a small bowl mix together brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle on top of cake. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

So, thought I'd try posting from my phone......let's see how this goes!

You can only do so much with cauliflower in my humble opinion.  I found a flawless head the other day at the store and HAD to buy it.  Hhmm.... what to do? We are NOT fans in this house of mashed cauliflower passed off as mashed potatoes.  I mean, really, who's fooling who with that one?  So, here's what I came up with and we ALL loved it.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

• 1 head cauliflower cut into equal sized florets
• 1/4 c olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves minced (to your taste)
• salt and pepper
• grated Parmesan cheese

Oven to 400°

Mix olive oil and garlic in large bowl.  Toss in cauliflower and coat evenly.  Pour into casserole dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 

Bake appx 20 mins stirring half way through cooking time.  After 20 mins, it until fork tender, sprinkle liberally with Parmesan cheese and return to oven to brown.

Oh my, fantastic!  Hope you try it and I hope you enjoy!  Do you have a favorite recipe for cauliflower?  If so, I'd love to try it.

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn

So, not a huge fan of Black Friday madness here.  I just can't justify being up at 3am to get to a store in hopes of saving $100.  Instead, the Finley clan has spent the day grazing on leftovers and watching the Star Wars marathon.  

It's COLD, we all have fuzzy socks on, a fire in the fireplace and heaps of blankets with us on the couch.  Mr. Finley walked into the kitchen and asked if we had marshmallow......absolutely EVERYONE knew what that meant.....

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn!

Here is an easy peasy for ya for any time of the year really but, for some reason, it seems super special in the winter - with a fire and fuzzy socks!)

Caramel Marshmallow Popcorn

• 1/2 c packed brown sugar
• 1/2 c butter (1 stick)
• 9-10 large marshmallows (or the minis that are equivalent to 9-10 large)
• 1 bag microwave popcorn popped

Mix brown sugar and butter in a large  microwaveable bowl and microwave for 1:30 - 2:00 mins until butter is melted.  Stir to mix well.  Add  marshmallows to the brown sugar and butter mixture and microwave an additional 2 minutes (or until marshmallows are melted) and mix well.  Once marshmallows are melted stir to combine mixture well.  Pour your popped popcorn into the bowl and mix well.  Work the mixture quickly as the marshmallow, brown sugar and butter will start to set and it will get harder to mix.

Enjoy!!  

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Banana Coconut Walnut Muffins

Well, school tracks back in next week!  I have to say that I have truly enjoyed the last few weeks with my son and I guess I have to attribute that to him getting older.  I can't really say "what" we did as I look back only that we had a TON of fun these last three weeks!  

With punk kid going back to school we need grab and go breakfast food!  It doesn't matter how much he eats for breakfast he always wants something else to grab on the way out the door.  My solution?  All kinds of different muffins baked on weekends that are ready to go for the week.  One of our favorites?  Banana Coconut Walnut Muffins.  I found a base recipe YEARS ago and had edited it multiple times of the year to result in what WE think is a super moist and yummy on the go snack.....I hope you try them!

Banana Coconut Walnut Muffins

Banana Coconut Walnut Muffins

• 2 c All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1/2 c Brown Sugar
• 1/2 c Granulated Sugar
• 1 Room Temperature Egg, slightly beaten
• 5 Tbs Milk
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 c Butter room temperature
• 1 c mashed Bananas (about 2 large or 3 medium - RIPE!)
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 c Walnuts
• 1/2 c shredded Coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a muffin tin with cooking spray or use paper liners.  

Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

In a large bowl cream together butter and sugars.  Mix in slightly beaten egg and vanilla. Once mixed add the mashed bananas and mix well.  Slowly sift in your pre-mixed dry ingredients.  Lastly, add in the coconut, walnuts and milk. 

Pour batter into muffin tin.  Back for approximately 45 - 50 mins.  Depending on the weather my cooking times vary.  I start "watching" the muffins at about 40 mins. When you touch the top of a muffin with your finger and the top springs back they are done.  The toothpick trick doesn't really work because you may hit a pocket of mashed banana.  ;)

I hope you give these a try and let me know what you think of them!  

What's your favorite baked muffin whether savory or sweet?


I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Cheese Crisps - A Low Carb Afternoon Snack

We are always in search of snacks in this house and over the last few months with one family member on a low carb regime it has become harder and harder.  Not today!

I stumbled across this little gem of a recipe and made a few.  Oh my goodness, delicious, super easy and low carb.  Notice I didn't say low fat!  ;)

This one comes from Wellness Mama with a teeny adaption from me- THANKS!   Don't forget to check out Wellness Mama - she is AMAZING!

Cheese Chips

Cheese Crisps

• Shredded Parmesan Cheese (Shredded NOT Grated!)
• A few sprinkles of Garlic powder

Toss the cheese and garlic powder together in a bowl with your fingers.  Turn oven on broil.  LIGHTLY spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.  Seriously, LIGHTLY!  Drop small mounds of cheese on baking sheet and, remember, the cheese will spread so space them out about 2 inches apart.  Place the baking sheet in the oven and keep your eyes on them - they brown quickly.  Mine were in the oven appx 7 mins.  We did like ours a little crisper - you may want to broil for a little less time.

Once out of oven let cool for a few minutes and then use a metal spatula to remove them to a cool plate, a cool cutting board or any cool surface.  

These were YUMMY!  We dipped them in HeluvaGood! Buffalo Wing Dip.  Try it - you'll LOVE IT!

HeluvaGood! Buffalo Wing Dip

Do you have any good low carb snacks that you'd like to share?  I'd love to have some more!!


I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Five Friday Favorites

 Whew - Halloween has come and gone!  My teenager decided he was a bit too old (at only 13) to trick or treat this year.  Instead, he wanted a Pumpkin Spice Latte and to ride around and look at all the other trick or treaters.  For some reason, even though the weather was PERFECT to be outside, it just didn't seem like there were many kids out and about this year.  There's no candy to eat in the house and for that I am grateful!  ;)


So, what's on my mind today?  Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and the whole mad rush of craziness that is about to ensue..... ah, 'tis the season!

A few favorites this week could certainly come in handy during the Holiday season.  

Usually when I visit others I like to take "presents".  They never have to be anything expensive or over the top but just something to let my friends know that I am thinking of them.  A perfect one for this time of year with the abundance of apples?

Apples with Toffee Caramel Dip:  Isn't this one just as cute as can be?   Super easy to put together and simply by changing the ribbon you can tailor it for MANY occasions!

Fresh Autumn Apples with a Toffee Caramel Dip

My new found favorite Side Dish?  Well, one of the anyway is Spaghetti Squash any which way I can get it!  The resounding winner in the house seems to be Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Herbs.  My house has adapted it somewhat from this Martha Stewart recipe but it's pretty much similar to our way.  I have a pretty good feeling this will be making its way onto the Thanksgiving table this year.  

Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Herbs

My latest obsession......SUSPENDERS!  I know, I don't get it etiher!  I am on the lookout for some cool suspenders.  Something along the lines of a pencil skirt with suspenders.  Or, jeans with suspenders, dress pants with suspenders......I really don't care!  I just know I have to have them!  This particular pencil skirt with suspenders you can find here. 

Pencil Skirt with Suspenders

My Public Service Announcement for the week?  Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend!  It's the end of Daylight Savings on Sunday, November 3rd.  If you don't?  You are going to be early everywhere you go on Monday.  So, go on, take that extra hour of sleep!!!

Set Your Clocks Back One Hour

Lastly?  I have to end this with a funny video!  I don't know what is going on but Jimmy Fallon has been tearing it up for this household!  But, when you put two faves together like Jimmy Fallon and the cutie patootie Joseph Gordon Levitt?  HI - LAR - I- OUS!  They were all fantastic but JGL absolutely NAIILED both Sir Elton Jon and Nicki Minaj!  Am I right??  (You can find JGL at 3:16 and 7:58 - you're welcome!  And the band member's face between 8:48 - 8:57?  Priceless!)
    

Until next week!!!  Peace, Love and Twizzlers for all!

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Spiced Peaches

I was searching for a great side dish to go with ham as we were all a little tired of the standard green beans, scalloped potatoes, etc.  I stumbled across this little gem, tried it and we are in LOVE!  This is so simple to put together, makes the house smell unbelievable while simmering and could be a fantastic housewarming/homemade gift!  

Spiced Peaches - recipe from Nigella  

2 cans of peaches (in heavy syrup)
1 tbs rice wine vinegar
2 cinnamon sticks
1.5 - 2 inch fresh ginger, peeled and sliced into rounds
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp kosher salt
3 whole cloves

Place all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a low bowl.  Let bubble for a few minutes and then reduce heat.  Simmer until ready to serve.  The longer the low simmer the more infused the flavors will be.

The spiced peaches can also be placed in decorative jars for gifts BUT they do not have a long shelf life so be sure to let the recipient know.

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Sweet Pepper Pesto Chicken Pasta

I was trying to think up a quick and easy recipe for dinner tonight.  We got back late yesterday afternoon from Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg Virginia and in less than 24 hours I have one sick teenager on my hands.  It has been just awful since 2:30 in the morning.  I got him to the doctor this morning and his blood pressure is low, body temp low and they suspect Norovirus.  :(  It has been a VERY long day.

While the punk kid probably won't eat dinner with the rest of us I did come up with a quick and tasty dish for the rest of us.  Sweet Pepper Pesto Chicken Pasta.  

Sweet Pepper Pesto
1lb bag mini sweet pepper medley (I used Pero Family Farms)
3/4oz container of fresh basil
2-4 garlic cloves (we LOVE garlic so I tend to go heavy on it in recipes)
1/2 c pine nuts
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c olive oil (used a tad more for our desired consistency)
salt and pepper to taste

Penne Pasta (16 oz)
Tyson's Ready Grilled Chicken Strips (1/2 22oz bag) 

Prepare pasta according to package directions.  Defrost 1/2 bag chicken in microwave and then cut into bite size pieces.  Warm the chicken up in the microwave after defrosted and cut into pieces.

Once pasta is done, drain and place in large serving bowl.  Add warmed chicken pieces and sweeet pepper pesto and toss until well combined.  Top with a little extra parmesan cheese and serve family style.  

We had a Caesar Salad and oven toasted salt and pepper Italian Bread and it was definitely a winner!

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Our Trip to Great Wolf Lodge - Meh....

Punk kid decided that he wanted to go to Great Wolf Lodge for his birthday treat this year. We had visited the one in Concord NC a few years back and had a WONDERFUL time.  This year we decided to go to Williamsburg VA.  I don't think any us will jump at the opportunity to go back to that particular one again.

Overall, the hotel was pretty run down, the staff (in all areas) was less than attentive, the life guards just seemed really pissed to be there and the food was absolutely disgusting and BEYOND expensive.

The waterpark was the reason for going though and the kids had a blast on all the slide and the FlowRider.  Magi Quest was a huge success as well as was Compass Quest.

If you are planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, any of them, keep in mind that they have mini refrigerators, microwaves and 4 cup coffee pots in the rooms.  Knowing that ahead of time, we loaded up of food to take with us.  As I had mentioned, the food at the hotel itself is outrageously expensive and just really nasty.  Here are a few things that we packed:

• Instant Oatmeal
• Prepared Microwaveable Items like Beefaroni, Ravioli, etc.
• Jimmy Dean Sausage Biscuits
• Deli Ham and Cheese for sandwiches as well as rolls
• Microwave Popcorn
• Tons of bottled water and Gatorade
• Cups of Ramen Noodles.  We ran just water through the coffee pot to use as boiling water for the cups
• Extra coffee and filters

Those are just a few of the items that we took and we are so glad we did.  The hotel had a Pizza Hut Express but it was only open on Monday.  We were there Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday so we thought it odd that it was only open on Monday.  They do have another pizza place on site which we did ended up using for lunch one afternoon.  We were able to get a 16in pepperoni pizza, 6 bread sticks (ew, they were awful), a prepackaged salad (which was the best part) and a 2 liter for about $30.  

The dinner buffet?  There was no way in hell that we were spending $19.99 for each of us for the buffet.  We perused the buffet and it looked just awful.  And, really, it is $19.99 for a 12 year old?  The kids really had wanted to eat in the hotel restaurant so we promised them that we would do the breakfast buffet instead.  What an incredible waste that was.  We spent $80 for the 4 of us to have breakfast.  Can you believe that?  Drinks were NOT included with the buffet which is what drove up the price.  The buffet was nothing more than frozen items thawed and placed on the tables such as danishes, biscuits (rock hard and VERY cold), mini muffins and mini doughnuts while most of the rest of the buffet was large industrial size cans of items like peaches, applesauce, pears, sausage gravy, hard boiled eggs and more nasty stuff that we were not going to touch.  It was funny, when we sat down for breakfast the server was apologetic for the price.  She asked how old the boys were and then asked, "Did they tell you up front how much the buffet costs?  Any child over 10 years is charged the adult price."  Then she averted her eyes and did the "I'm sorry" shrug.  They did have an omelette bar but no one was "manning" it the whole time we were there so I am not sure how long you would have had to wait to get an omelette.

The hotel also had a snack shack inside the waterpark.  Fries, Hot Dogs, Burger, etc were the main fare.  We were surprised to see that it closed early so if you were hungry you had no choice but to get the buffet in the main restaurant or leave the hotel for food.  Sneaky tricks, Great Wolf Lodge, sneaky tricks.  And one that REALLY cracked me up was in the shop that sold Starbucks and pastries they had a little side counter.  On the counter were bowls of candy - ie Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares selling for .75 a piece.  HA!

Again, the trip was fun for the two teenagers that we took - that was the point, right?  We are just SO thankful that we packed up so much food to take with us.  The three days and two nights that we spent at the lodge were just enough.  We couldn't see spending much more time there.  If you plan on going be sure to pack up some snacks and extra money - every little thing costs and it adds up quickly.  

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Iced Coffee

One thing that we are hooked on in this house is iced coffee!  We have spent many a dollar on the popular ones that come pre-made and then enough was enough.  I came up with a recipe that in OUR opinion is as good as if not WAY better that the store bought.  Oh, and did I mention it was easy?  Like a no-brainer easy????

Mix up the flavors for whatever variety YOU like.  In this house?  We are partial to Caramel Truffle.

Iced Coffee

• 12 c brewed coffee, your choice of flavor and regular or decaf 
• 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk, regular, low fat or no fat

Pour the can of sweetened condensed milk into your serving pitcher.  Pour the warm/hot coffee into pitcher next and stir.  No, seriously, that's it!  Depending on how sweet you like your iced coffee you may need to use more or less of the sweetened condensed milk.  

And, oh, the variety and add ins.....

Use a peppermint flavored coffee and shaved dark chocolate on top for the Holidays!  Or, how about a chocolate flavored coffee with crushed peppermint on top?  The choices are endless.....ENJOY!

   

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

Lemon Blackberry Bread Pudding

I almost always have a half eaten loaf of some artisan bread that I made.  We always WANT the bread but with a family of only 3 we never quite get through the whole loaf.  One thing that I do with the leftover bread is make homemade italian bread crumbs.  Easy peasy and really, who doesn't always need bread crumbs for something?  

The other day I was stocked up on breadcrumbs and couldn't quite figure out what to so with the bread.  Oh, hello!  Lightbulb (and duh) moment......Bread Pudding!  While none of us are HUGE fans of Bread Pudding I still thought that I might be able to make something appealing to us.  After a quick inventory I new I had blackberries that were on sale for only 2/$5 at the store and some pretty lemons were staring at me from the counter.  Oh, it was on!  

Here is the Finley take on a Bread Pudding that I hope you will give a try - it was super easy and it was so scrumptious!  I actually described it to my mother as "It was 'oh my god did I make that?' good"! 

First up - take that day or two old bread and cut it up into approximately 1 inch cubes.  You don't want them too big that it's hard to soak up the custard and you don't want them too small that they fall apart.  It's science people!

After your bread is ready mix up the custard portion of the recipe and toss in your blacberries.  You might want to hold a few blackberries out so you can use them on top of the finished Bread Pudding for presentation.  (So Pretty!)  Pour the custard over your bread cubes and fold until all pieces are covered.

You need to let your mixture sit for at least 30 minutes so it has the time to soak up as much custard as it can.  Be sure to give it a stir ever 10 minutes to let it all evenly soak in.

Once your 30 minutes are up pour your bread pudding into a 2 quart casserole dish.  If the dish is a little shallow your bread pudding will most likely rise up and start to spill over the sides.  I used a casserole dish that was 2 inches deep.

Bake this delicious goodness for approximately 40 minutes.  While your bread pudding is baking get your Lemon Glaze ready - it is SO easy and SO, SO sinful!

This recipe truly is easy and absolutely delicious!  I hope that you give this one a try and if you do......let me know how it turns out!  I love comments!!!!!

Lemon Blackberry Bread Pudding

• Day old Italian Bread cut into 1 inch cubes (many other breads can be used - it's just what I had on hand) - I used about 3/4 of an Italian Round
• 2 5.3oz blueberry greek yogurt
• 4 eggs
• 1 c heavy cream
• 1 c sugar
• 2 4.4oz containers of fresh blackberries 
• Zest of one lemon (2 lemons total for bread pudding and glaze)
• Dash or two of nutmeg
• Dash or two of cinnamon
• Lemon Glaze (Recipe follows)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a medium mixing bowl whisk eggs until well blended.  Add in the blueberry greek yogurt, heavy cream and sugar and mix well.  Stir in the fresh blackberries reserving a few presentation.  Add in the cubed bread and mix well.  Let stand for 30 minutes or until most of the custard is absorbed.  Don't forget to stir every 10 minutes!

Pour custard into baking dish and bake for approximately 40 minutes.  You want the top to just start to brown slightly.  The center of the custard will be springy.

Serve with a few fresh blackberries on top, Lemon Glaze and if so inclined a dollop of whipped cream!  ;)  I am always inclined!!!  LOL

Lemon Glaze

• 1 c confectioners sugar
• Zest of one lemon
• Juice of one lemon

Mix all ingredients together with a whisk.  You may need to adjust amounts depending on the amount of juice you get from your lemon.

Well, friends, that's it!  I hope you and yours love this one as much as we did!

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......

The Liebster Award!

Awww, how cool!  I was awarded the Liebster Award by Mommy Needs A Break!  Seems like a very creative Meme so I'm in.  

Here are the rules for the Liebster Award:

• Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
• Answer the 11 questions the person giving the award has set for you.
• Create 11 questions for the people you will be giving the award to.
• Choose 11 people to award and send them a link to your post.  Go to their page and tell them.
• No tag backs.

11 Things About Me:

1.  I have the most amazing kid on the planet!  I was told that having children was going to be difficult if not near impossible for me.  My husband and I decided we wanted to try anyhow and, lo and behold, just 4 months after that decision we were pregnant!  That was almost 13 years ago and we have never been happier!  Yep, that's him in MY bed with his "stupid" dog.  ;)
  

2.  I LOVE to cook!  ;)  If you already read my blog then you know that.  I didn't grow up with breakfast, lunch or dinner made - had to fend for myself.  Once I started experimenting in cooking in my early 20s I was unstoppable!

3.  I am married to a chef.  WOW - the competition in this house is fever high!  We have fun though and it never gets too out of hand.

4.  I was adopted when I was a baby.  I found my birthparents in my early 30s and you would NEVER know that we have ever been apart.  I love them so, so much and don't know now what I would do without them!

5.  I am a DOG LOVER!  We have a HUGE Golden Retriever, Tug, that weighs in at about 120lbs.  He is NOT fat but really, really tall.  We also have the "stupid" dog in the pic above, Brodie.  He is our shelter dog and he is a complete nutcase!  But, we love him dearly!

6.  I have lived in several countries and traveled the world extensively, Oman, Germany, Seychelles, Japan, China, Phillipines, Thailand, India, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Pakistan, Iran, Mexico, Canada, Bahamas, Aruba and Egypt.  I may have left a few out.

7.  I have a funeral playlist!  It is a list to be played at my funeral  -seriously, I do and my husband and son know what it is.  

• INXS - The Stairs

• Phil Collins - Take Me Home

• U2 - Bad

• Train - Drops of Jupiter

And there are a few others.  ;)

8.  I have an extreme fascination with Earthquakes and Volcanoes.  One of my remaining bucket list items is to walk the rim of an active volcano.  

9.  I have a "genius" IQ although you would never know it from some of my decisions!  ;)  I went to Penn State at only 16 for Aerospace Engineering and then decided that freedom and drinking was more important.  What a bad choice that was and if I DID have a regret in my life it was that I didn't take it more seriously.  Then again, if I had would I have my incredible husband and son????

10.  I LOST a year of my life doped up on Lithium, Depakote, Seroquel and Tramadol due to a whacked out psychiatrist that "thought" I was crazy.  Guess what?  I was NEVER crazy!  Instead, I have POF (Premature Ovarian Failure) - all the symptoms were there and it took me finding my infertility specialist from years ago to help me through it.  It sucks but you get through it.  

11.  I started writing a book about 15 years ago and it STILL isn't finished!  I go back to it from time to time and I swear that I will COMPLETE it one day.

Here are the 11 questions that Mommy Needs A Break asked me:

1. What is your biggest phobia?  I can't describe it!  I guess it's a fear of not being in control.  For example, I would FREAK out if I were on top of a mountain and found a fossil knowing that where I was standing was once under the ocean.  Anyone have a name for the phobia?

2. If you were on death row, what would you choose for your last meal?  A Steambucket!  Oysters, Crab Legs, Shrimp, Red Potatoes and Corn on the Cob

3. Who is the sexiest superhero?  THOR!!!

4. Is there anything a loved one could do that you could never forgive? What would it be?  No questions - adultery.

5. What is the last item you purchased?  A lipstick that absolutely sucked!  It wasn't the right "red".

6. What is your favorite topic/genre to read about?  Murder Mysteries!

7. What is the one item you could not live without?  Moisturizer/Lotion

8. Are you a morning person?  Didn't use to be but I am NOW!  Can't seem to get past 5:30am!

9. What do you consider to be your main fault?  I don't have patience!  I try and try though!

10. What is one thing you like most about yourself?  My sense of humor.  I think I am funny as hell!  ;)

11. What is one thing most people would NOT know about you?  I have a pierced eyebrow. I don't always wear it but when I do the guys know "mom is in crazy mode today!"  

And I am passing on the Liebster Award to........

1. Sorry Kid, You Mom Doesn't Play Well With Others
2. Let Them Eat Cake
3. Names Have Been Changed To Protect The Innocent
4. Revamp Spunky Rena
5. Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom
6. Organized Chaos
7. Funny PostPartum Lady
8. Life On Peanut Layne
9. uncorked......just breathe
10. What I Had REALLY Meant To Say Was......
11. Figuring It Out As We Grow

And here are my questions to YOU!

1. What is you most prized possession and why?
2. Where is one place that you have never visited that you want to go and why?
3. What is your dream job?
4. If you could have a super power what would it be?
5. Do you believe in ghosts?  If so, has anything ever happened to you to make you believe?
6. What is your favorite childhood memory?
7. Finish this sentence;  I AM __________
8. What is your favorite Holiday?
9. Do you have a FB page?  If so, let us know here so we can come follow you!
10. Do you have a bucket list and if so, what's on it?
11. If you could choose ONE person to speak to that you have never spoken to before who would it be and what would you say or ask?

I LOVE comments! Let me know what you think......