Saturday, January 30, 2016

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Saturday, January 30, 2016

What the Beck???


Happy Birthday to Me!
Yes, I am 60 years old today!  Yikes it sounds like such a monstrous number, but I surely don’t feel my age, Thank God.

New Counter Garbage Can

 The last time that I was at Michaels, 
I spotted this mini garbage can.
I get it out when I am cooking, and it is better than
dragging over the big can.
Sage hates this, because she can reach the big can on the floor!

I loved this because it matches my new
pots and pans. 
Of course, they are Ree's brand 
at Walmart.

 Don't ya think they match?


Fabyan Coyote and Deer Herd

As I was driving down Fabyan Parkway the
other day, I spotted this coyote in the field.
He really looks hungry.
I could see a herd of about five deer in
the woods nearby. I couldn't
catch a photo of the deer, however.

 Here he is in the distance.

 He knew I was parked (actually illegally with my flashers on)
Maybe he is camera shy.



BTRLYF2 (BETTER LIFE TOO) License Plate


 The B had ice on it

     This plate caught my eye, and made me laugh out loud.  Then, I realized that I like and agree with this plate. I am having a Better Life, too.  I love every day!





Thursday, January 28, 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Thursday, January 28, 2016

What the Beck???


First of all Happy Birthday
Colton and Cory
(one was yesterday and one is tomorrow)
 Colton is a little blurry - but so darn cute!


Cory - who is also so darn cute


Recipe Review

Becky’s Revised Chili Recipe
January 2016
This recipe made 6 servings at 407 calories each.

       I love my chili, but really do not love most other recipes, because I am not a big fan of most types of beans. My answer to the problem is to add pork and beans.  Yeah!!  Below is my newest revision of my recipe.

Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 large yellow onion
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 ounce package of chili seasoning
1 (14 oz.) can of Bush’s regular baked beans
1 (4.5 oz.) can of diced chilies
1 (10 oz.) can of green chili enchilada sauce
8 squirts of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce (less if you don't like a      spicy chili

To serve you might add:  (calories not added in)
Monterey Jack shredded cheese

A dollop of sour cream


I began by cooking the onions until they are translucent


I added the ground beef to the onions  


 then the taco seasoning


and the beans.


I absolutely loved adding the  green chilies

I truly prefer the enchilada sauce as opposed to tomato sauce. 
It adds a different yummy flavor. 


 The camera flash really lightens the color.
I let it simmer for about 10 minutes to
meld the flavors all together.

Here is the finished product.
Deep brown and wonderbar! 



Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

What the Beck???


Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Butterscotch Pudding 
Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
Page: 342   Copyright:  2015 Harper Collins  OR



I figured out that there are 173 calories, if 13 servings are made.  I put it in mini graham cracker pie shells, and then the calorie count was 273. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

    I am a big fan of butterscotch. I think this came from my Dad, because butterscotch was one of his favorite flavors. I prefer to put the pudding into mini graham cracker crusts, because it makes it a great dessert. I also added Cool Whip or Redi Whip, because you only need about a tablespoon on top to make the ultimate dessert for this girl. I love a low calorie count dessert.
     This "pudding pie" was wonderful. It is light and very flavorful. I received a call from my niece, Brandy. She conveyed how much she loved this dessert. That's two thumbs up, Ree!!!



 Here are the ingredients I used in this recipe.


 I began by heating the brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.


 I added in the egg yolks and milk,
 and kept stirring until it began to thicken.

 It's still cooking! It took awhile to thicken up.

 As it continued to cook, I added in the butter.

 It is ready!!!!!  Thick and wonderful!!!
I poured it into the mini pie shells and
put it in the fridge to set.







        





Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Sunday, January 24, 2016

What the Beck???

Did you know that today is 
National Peanut Butter Day?
(Who came up with that one?)
I bet they own a peanut farm!


Today is my Aunt Ada's birthday!  Happy 94th, Aunt Ada!

 Then...
and now!

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Sesame Chicken Salad
Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
Pages: 38 - 39   Copyright:  2015 Harper Collins


I figured out that there are 342 calories, if 6 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

I really love this salad. I had to use iceberg lettuce because dark green messes with my meds. I did omit two items from the recipe: cherry tomatoes and mandarin oranges.  I imagine they play a huge part in the flavor. I, however, loved it without those two fruits.  Anything with sesame seeds is a keeper for this girl.


 Here are the ingredients that I used to make this recipe.

 To make the dressing, combine all of the needed 
ingredients in a blender until completely smooth.

 It is a golden color. Taste the dressing now,
 and make sure it meets your needs. I didn't 
have to add anything, as I thought it was perfect.


 I poured the dressing into a mason jar,
 and put it in the fridge.


 I love, love, love this dressing.


 Here is where I varied from Ree's recipe.  
It was unintentional, and I don't think 
it mattered, but I goofed.  
I cut the chicken into bite size pieces,
 and then grilled it in olive oil, whereas Ree cooked 
the chicken whole and then chopped it up.
I hate it when I am wrong.


 I seasoned the meat with salt and pepper.

 It looked so darn good!


 I added in a third of the dressing, and began 
adding the black sesame seeds. Black sesame 
seeds are new to me.
I am a BIG fan of sesame seeds!

 The next step was to add the white sesame seeds. 
It was a sesame seed explosion.


Here is the final product!
I loved every bite of this salad.

Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

Friday, January 22, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Quick Caramel Sauce
Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
Pages:  350 - 351  Copyright:  2015 Harper Collins OR



I figured out that there are 282 calories, for ¼ of a cup of sauce. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I thought the hot fudge was great but this one was outstanding to me.  It was rich and creamy, and oh my gosh, I wish I had a bowl of ice cream smothered in this sauce now.


 Here are the ingredients that I used to make this recipe.


 It all begins with some brown sugar. Yum!!


 One thing I love about Ree Drummond is that she 
uses heavy cream in so many recipes.

 If sugar and cream aren't enough, 
let's add some butter, vanilla, and salt.  
Yee Ha!

 Now you need patience. 
 It needs time to cook together. 
Don't stick that finger in the pot yet, 
as tempting as it may be


Gosh is this photo blurry!
The hot fudge and caramel sauces are all done!

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

What the Beck???

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location: Hot Fudge Sauce
Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime
Pages: 348 - 349   Copyright:  2015 Harper Collins


I figured out that there are 327 calories, for a ¼ cup serving . (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         This fudge was really easy to make and delicious to eat. I love any topping for ice cream and a homemade one tastes better to me.



 Here are the ingredients that I used to make this recipe.


 I began by whisking the cocoa powder and sugar.

 In went the cream.

The butter will add so much flavor to the sauce! 


 Finally, I added the vanilla.

 I let it all cook together for a few minutes.


 I poured it into the jar and it was ready to deliver!
It is good and rich.