tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26935142506510894772024-03-14T10:20:20.495-04:00lb's good spoonLBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139758548073045104noreply@blogger.comBlogger1376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-488657084329887642021-10-09T21:12:00.000-04:002021-10-09T21:12:11.269-04:00apple crumb muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkN4Ty_emXNcWYdxGFDWQkwYOk2adQw9O7DLXfUy3Mx_kRz3hzbzmYclm85u4aJGTtfgnad-45eyIRXMkKTS5G8D9ebSNmsbqfNimwX0V30DX-pD-wKquVhwtY_AL2xCetvoL-WkcS5M/s1600/DSC_0925.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkN4Ty_emXNcWYdxGFDWQkwYOk2adQw9O7DLXfUy3Mx_kRz3hzbzmYclm85u4aJGTtfgnad-45eyIRXMkKTS5G8D9ebSNmsbqfNimwX0V30DX-pD-wKquVhwtY_AL2xCetvoL-WkcS5M/s640/DSC_0925.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Do your favorite recipes come from a book on your shelf, or do they tend to be those that were handed down</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">written for yo</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;"> were </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre;">u on a notecard and passed down? While I have fond memories with the friend who originally gave me this recipe, I never met the originator of it and have made some adjustments to make them my own. You see, the recipe hails from Canada, land of the Butter Tart, which means they’re not my healthy breakfast muffin, they’re my “company is coming over these will wow them” muffin. They’re also my last minute playdate muffins and muffins I like to make a whole bunch of to stock in my freezer. A well-stocked freezer is a priority for me so that our family can have good homemade meals even on nights when we’re going between school and sports, and everything else in between! Having items in my freezer for breakfast is an added bonus.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhlMM1ThFul2kMkUXxbupa50DeOEHBs2FH_OEMkY30YXW-m-iIn8amcBsaH4tQxL8h6Xs7AYGqfnlF5gre3Xk5Q91-uKX45yUSdGtQUuqCM7BB_IspJcKqkrXyQkqfaso9QebCIJg3Xw/s1600/DSC_0911.jpeg" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhlMM1ThFul2kMkUXxbupa50DeOEHBs2FH_OEMkY30YXW-m-iIn8amcBsaH4tQxL8h6Xs7AYGqfnlF5gre3Xk5Q91-uKX45yUSdGtQUuqCM7BB_IspJcKqkrXyQkqfaso9QebCIJg3Xw/s640/DSC_0911.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">While apple pie sounds good in theory, once you’ve come home from a morning of apple picking this will be a great recipe to use. No homemade pie crust required. If your family is anything like mine, I'm sure you picked far more than you planned on and luckily for us all, apples aren’t like peaches. You have a much longer window of when you’ll need to use them and they won’t all ripen on you at once! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I prefer to use Granny Smith when baking, but I don’t want you to be held back from making these if that’s not what you have on hand. Granny Smith are nice and tart and hold up well to being baked so when you bite into the muffins you’ll have nice bites of apple throughout that haven’t softened too much.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ewkx8iY-gHfl0hyDEgkXNwuTpUwwA0bxO_NyRjt582wb9bf3pffZa0sk3Yd17XCi_zGAeaNHSxvJaMWKWhm6ZdWroUoeZGdzyZAD6jn1ixlRmtexgYJLobmtjjvklalMR_hkdUzlDhs/s1600/DSC_0923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ewkx8iY-gHfl0hyDEgkXNwuTpUwwA0bxO_NyRjt582wb9bf3pffZa0sk3Yd17XCi_zGAeaNHSxvJaMWKWhm6ZdWroUoeZGdzyZAD6jn1ixlRmtexgYJLobmtjjvklalMR_hkdUzlDhs/s640/DSC_0923.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">My kids love these and I love making them in a large muffin tin, something you can find at a specialty store, that’ll make you feel like you’re at a cafe, all while saving a few bucks. Pat yourself on the shoulder, these will make you proud! The crumb topping is what really sends them over the top and makes me wonder why I’d ever make muffins without a crumb topping again. I hope you enjoy them as much as our family does!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Ingredients You’ll Need:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/2 cup chopped pecans</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">For the Crumb Topping</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 10pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/2 cup chopped pecans</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1/3 cup flour</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1 tsp. cinnamon</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.68; margin-bottom: 13pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2 T. melted butter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Preheat your oven to 375. Take out a dozen muffin tin or larger muffin tin and coat with baking spray or butter. If you’re using multiple racks, I like to cook on convection. </span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Mix the dry ingredients, flour through salt and in a separate bowl mix the egg through vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients then stir in the apples. Stir until just combined and then using a little muffin scoop or tablespoon, divide into greased muffin tins. It’s time to make the crumb topping. Mix the brown sugar through butter and spoon onto muffins evenly.</span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-02eaeed0-7fff-b37e-3ce3-2427709b831d"></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10.5pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Bake at 375 for 12-15 minutes or until center comes out clean when tested with a toothpick. If you’re making larger muffins they will bake closer to 25 minutes.</span></div>
LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-91031319960306178442021-10-09T21:09:00.001-04:002021-10-09T21:09:28.760-04:00Simple Tortellini Soup with Sausage + Spinach<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj70ar9_gfufU1jAMydy9fHrm4Br7SQZ-XiLP6TWfyYcfbKpPAzlJM1WGKNDfLlGG110YZQy4w7BWkFM8k2OblP2hYw62yAIDqOobma8CpIY7LKBeLkQcU7tzDh0kRGTLaqeyToy6EeAP8Pc57IhZMWJPaiAjdBhcqAHzdBDDxnFDbggCsFVjspQ_2x=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj70ar9_gfufU1jAMydy9fHrm4Br7SQZ-XiLP6TWfyYcfbKpPAzlJM1WGKNDfLlGG110YZQy4w7BWkFM8k2OblP2hYw62yAIDqOobma8CpIY7LKBeLkQcU7tzDh0kRGTLaqeyToy6EeAP8Pc57IhZMWJPaiAjdBhcqAHzdBDDxnFDbggCsFVjspQ_2x=w393-h524" width="393" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div data-draftjs-conductor-fragment="{"blocks":[{"key":"d7p0j","text":"With the weather cooling down, soup is back in the rotation. I'm dreaming up in my head a butternut squash and apple soup to have in the upcoming weeks, but for now it was a simple sausage and tortellini soup.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"90ldb","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9mt8n","text":"This is one of those dinners where you barely feel like you're cooking. You can load up everything into one pot and figure you've got protein, carbs, and veggies. Dinner, or lunch, done.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9489j","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"8vue1","text":"I love soups for lunch and made this one mid day. It's also a great option when you want to get dinner on the table quickly. If you have room in your freezer, stocking up on tortellini is a good idea! It's inexpensive, there are a ton of varieties, and if you're not wanting a pasta and red sauce night, throw it into soup!","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"a0m8j","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5un0a","text":"Obviously this soup won't freeze well with the tortellini and I would say it's best eaten in the first two days. You could make it without the pasta and then freeze it, or sub another grain or pasta like orzo or barley. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"de6i4","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ecvi6","text":"So, let's get to it. Here's what you'll need!","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"bdblt","text":"","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"3ckma","text":"Ingredients","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[{"offset":0,"length":11,"style":"BOLD"}],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ftl7s","text":"1 onion, diced","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"979gc","text":"1 red pepper, diced","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ebg17","text":"5 sweet Italian sausages, casings removed","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"69ga0","text":"20 oz. package frozen tortellini","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"47uul","text":"1 T Italian seasoning","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9i18l","text":"1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"f4nq6","text":"14 cups or 3.5 quarts of chicken broth","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"96ngp","text":"4 cups fresh spinach","type":"unordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"8elnp","text":"Saute the onion and pepper until soft, about 5-7 minutes","type":"ordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6c9uq","text":"Remove the casing from the sausages and then in small pieces break up the sausage and saute so that you'll have good sized bites.","type":"ordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"an7bc","text":"Once the sausage is cooked add in your seasoning, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. ","type":"ordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"7cqoj","text":"At this point toss in the tortellini and cook according to package directions. ","type":"ordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"867me","text":"Just before you're ready to eat throw in your spinach and allow it to wilt while you stir things around.","type":"ordered-list-item","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"9s5lm","text":"Serve in bowls with parmesan cheese on top if you'd like, or simply on it's own. This was loved by all and something that will definitely be making another appearance at our table in the coming weeks! ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}],"entityMap":{},"VERSION":"8.52.5"}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="87eg3-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="87eg3-0-0"><span data-offset-key="87eg3-0-0">With the weather cooling down, soup is back in the rotation. I'm dreaming up in my head a butternut squash and apple soup to have in the upcoming weeks, but for now it was a simple sausage and tortellini soup.</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6kfbq-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6kfbq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6kfbq-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="64fb1-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="64fb1-0-0"><span data-offset-key="64fb1-0-0">This is one of those dinners where you barely feel like you're cooking. You can load up everything into one pot and figure you've got protein, carbs, and veggies. Dinner, or lunch, done.</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="c7g2d-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="c7g2d-0-0"><span data-offset-key="c7g2d-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="frri4-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="frri4-0-0"><span data-offset-key="frri4-0-0">I love soups for lunch and made this one mid day. It's also a great option when you want to get dinner on the table quickly. If you have room in your freezer, stocking up on tortellini is a good idea! It's inexpensive, there are a ton of varieties, and if you're not wanting a pasta and red sauce night, throw it into soup!</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="36c5o-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="36c5o-0-0"><span data-offset-key="36c5o-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="173n5-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="173n5-0-0"><span data-offset-key="173n5-0-0">Obviously this soup won't freeze well with the tortellini and I would say it's best eaten in the first two days. You could make it without the pasta and then freeze it, or sub another grain or pasta like orzo or barley. </span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="9r9lv-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9r9lv-0-0"><span data-offset-key="9r9lv-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="aqjrq-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="aqjrq-0-0"><span data-offset-key="aqjrq-0-0">So, let's get to it. Here's what you'll need!</span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="deh3v-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="deh3v-0-0"><span data-offset-key="deh3v-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6r6os-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6r6os-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6r6os-0-0" style="font-weight: bold;">Ingredients</span></div></div><ul class="public-DraftStyleDefault-ul" data-offset-key="buj5u-0-0"><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-reset public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="buj5u-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="buj5u-0-0"><span data-offset-key="buj5u-0-0">1 onion, diced</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="81q90-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="81q90-0-0"><span data-offset-key="81q90-0-0">1 red pepper, diced</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="85g4p-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="85g4p-0-0"><span data-offset-key="85g4p-0-0">5 sweet Italian sausages, casings removed</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="djc6m-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="djc6m-0-0"><span data-offset-key="djc6m-0-0">20 oz. package frozen tortellini</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="fnpl2-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="fnpl2-0-0"><span data-offset-key="fnpl2-0-0">1 T Italian seasoning</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1e88u-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1e88u-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1e88u-0-0">1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="ei07q-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ei07q-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ei07q-0-0">14 cups or 3.5 quarts of chicken broth</span></div></li><li class="MIezR Zn7O0 _2zLWO public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="7dr30-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7dr30-0-0"><span data-offset-key="7dr30-0-0">4 cups fresh spinach</span></div></li></ul><ol class="public-DraftStyleDefault-ol" data-offset-key="49tkm-0-0"><li class="_3p-aG Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-reset public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="49tkm-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="49tkm-0-0"><span data-offset-key="49tkm-0-0">Saute the onion and pepper until soft, about 5-7 minutes</span></div></li><li class="_3p-aG Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="1g1f3-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="1g1f3-0-0"><span data-offset-key="1g1f3-0-0">Remove the casing from the sausages and then in small pieces break up the sausage and saute so that you'll have good sized bites.</span></div></li><li class="_3p-aG Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="768qm-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="768qm-0-0"><span data-offset-key="768qm-0-0">Once the sausage is cooked add in your seasoning, diced tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. </span></div></li><li class="_3p-aG Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="5fb7l-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5fb7l-0-0"><span data-offset-key="5fb7l-0-0">At this point toss in the tortellini and cook according to package directions. </span></div></li><li class="_3p-aG Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-list-ltr public-DraftStyleDefault-orderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="f0v49-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f0v49-0-0"><span data-offset-key="f0v49-0-0">Just before you're ready to eat throw in your spinach and allow it to wilt while you stir things around.</span></div></li></ol><div class="_25Ehb _3qYRK Zn7O0 public-DraftStyleDefault-block-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-text-ltr" data-block="true" data-editor="editor" data-offset-key="6llsb-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6llsb-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6llsb-0-0">Serve in bowls with parmesan cheese on top if you'd like, or simply on it's own. This was loved by all and something that will definitely be making another appearance at our table in the coming weeks! </span></div></div></div>LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-38254502625594766762019-11-27T11:44:00.002-05:002020-05-15T12:18:38.662-04:00Head over to my new website!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrodSaEXMm2V_wVB4epQzwUH_zgFpSbMyZymjOrPSuVaZUOU4jp_hFdQITbBP9G11_Uz0hXLAmun1Z44sT7K75SLSV_1rSbXER2wO2gcPHEcA0SiabIkKbngAnXtf0UHcXO7dOCABReIk/s1600/IMG_1388print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrodSaEXMm2V_wVB4epQzwUH_zgFpSbMyZymjOrPSuVaZUOU4jp_hFdQITbBP9G11_Uz0hXLAmun1Z44sT7K75SLSV_1rSbXER2wO2gcPHEcA0SiabIkKbngAnXtf0UHcXO7dOCABReIk/s640/IMG_1388print.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hey friends! I've got <a href="https://www.laurasears.com/">a new site and a new home</a> for you to find me at. Over the last year I've grown and wanted a spot that will serve you better, so- hop over and find me now at <a href="https://www.laurasears.com/">Laura Sears!</a><br />
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I'm so thankful for this space and your encouragement over the last 10+ years! It was time to freshen things up and make room for some new things to come. I can't wait to see you over<a href="https://www.laurasears.com/"> at my new home!</a>LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-50690036073591296742019-09-30T18:17:00.001-04:002019-09-30T18:17:59.276-04:00apple picking 2019 edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8STR11FDfrIAe8ZjSD6uo_VmSwQblcLbAFCmxVYkE8ZCaUvpCc_Ul01UrQC-ihWVaZfel6z2-0zTcK_8KGIl2Yqh8w1Lo7Gs94Tb0TEA0EoQGjf4IrzaOWHA4h9wwNO-0zOv4F6djfY/s1600/DSC_1224.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8STR11FDfrIAe8ZjSD6uo_VmSwQblcLbAFCmxVYkE8ZCaUvpCc_Ul01UrQC-ihWVaZfel6z2-0zTcK_8KGIl2Yqh8w1Lo7Gs94Tb0TEA0EoQGjf4IrzaOWHA4h9wwNO-0zOv4F6djfY/s640/DSC_1224.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
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There's a 99% chance that I've already written about apple picking in the years past. In fact, I'm most certain that I have. And so, the title for this post includes the year. I miss the face of Anderson biting into an apple while picking, before he was old enough to know the rules that you shouldn't sample while you pick, and yet this grown picture of my kids is one for the books too. <br />
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We ventured out this past Saturday to make a memory. We aren't doing rec sports this Fall for the boys which means our Saturday's are open! Many are filled with camping trips, and those that aren't are reserved to do things like this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4VN08jppOcK4a14Gpf2BtGtyq7NpimjwaS23QSH4Jvj3Y9_3TSfDA7VOibmtfCj2oeta4zE7IG7kWZ_R9SLVnHdET5A96v7Bc9yvn8eH78fSi7OY_GIhlc0_s-bfO1847DEJmhA-SKI/s1600/DSC_1208.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4VN08jppOcK4a14Gpf2BtGtyq7NpimjwaS23QSH4Jvj3Y9_3TSfDA7VOibmtfCj2oeta4zE7IG7kWZ_R9SLVnHdET5A96v7Bc9yvn8eH78fSi7OY_GIhlc0_s-bfO1847DEJmhA-SKI/s640/DSC_1208.jpeg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We went to Stribling Orchard not far from our home, although Hollin, Markham and Green Truck are all right there too. What's super nice about apple picking is you can pull your car up pretty close to where you need to be. While hiking through the trees may sounds fun, it's less fun with a toddler whose legs won't keep walking!<br />
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It was a hot one so we got our apples and headed back home. They're still at home but I've got plans for some apple muffins, baked apples, and I bet we could make some applesauce in the instant pot. That sounds like a thing, right?!<br />
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Here's to September 30th, and almost being October!LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-87666498135104019602019-09-04T11:00:00.000-04:002019-09-04T11:00:05.377-04:00eight years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qC5MWdtKiglaujeChf-xskiwgaz3NuKBuc7yngPFcmaYgF-QnDwNgreBquqKWdNU64sPqA3hWRvsh8BgVOLXw27nsFia0ja2bwMgT_Mc-t83gsGsYjUVshgnNWAGCrN2l_Oi4boUB80/s1600/58637CDE-C701-4C91-9429-E6BDE92F146C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qC5MWdtKiglaujeChf-xskiwgaz3NuKBuc7yngPFcmaYgF-QnDwNgreBquqKWdNU64sPqA3hWRvsh8BgVOLXw27nsFia0ja2bwMgT_Mc-t83gsGsYjUVshgnNWAGCrN2l_Oi4boUB80/s640/58637CDE-C701-4C91-9429-E6BDE92F146C.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm sitting here on what is the first time in eight years that I have a known, scheduled, regular break in my week. Eight years you guys. This deserves far more than a selfie from my minivan, it deserves a blog post.<br />
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While I've had seasons of working well in little pockets of time, writing isn't something that is the best done in ten minute increments. I need a bit longer than that to clear my head and not start thinking about what's for dinner and if my kids have Fall clothes for when this 80 degree weather breaks.<br />
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I won't ever catch up on all the emails and believe one hundred and ninety nine percent that mama's can't do all the things... but we can focus on a few. In this season it's clear to me what I need to do with the biggest banner over it all being that I need to walk in faith, not fear.<br />
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Recently while listening to a podcast I realized how anxious I really am- and while I'll admit it, I'm not proud of it. I recently took a month long Instagram + Facebook break and while that helped, I think anxiety doesn't stem from social media all the time. Remember, you get to hide and mute whomever isn't serving you well, and that goes for your life offline too! I'm working on that while feeding myself with Truth and as God would have it I'm leading two Bible studies this Fall- God's way of feeding me His truth daily!<br />
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I've got time to actually ask myself what I need to do, far different from the mama routine of reacting to all the things. I'm excited and welcoming this break and yet a part of me is sad and missing the days of all the toys and snacks and having nothing on our schedule. We still have lots of toys and snacks, but the schedule is far from clear.<br />
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Mama's, if that's you right now and you're looking for things to add to your calendar, don't rush it. Yes, get out and see friends and have a supportive group of ladies in your life. Schedule date nights when you can. Go to story time and talk to your kids while you push the grocery cart leisurely through the aisle. Read a book. Read the Bible. Take them for a walk. Push them on the swing. Snuggle that baby and if it's your first, watch all those shows before they're able to comprehend Netflix and just snooze in your arms. <br />
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While I feel like more of an "old Mom", a term my friends didn't want to group themselves into, I do look longingly at those Mama's who sent their toddler off to preschool for the first time today because he's their oldest. I see those Mama's with the newborns at home who will rock, feed, change, and then hop back in the car to get their toddler. You've heard it said and you know it's true- the days are long but boy are the years (even eight of them!) so short.LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-9375809482345837772019-07-16T16:42:00.000-04:002019-09-27T08:03:29.182-04:00prime day faves <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bbljieZQLFgUqfI-aBqOhMHP2IsMwtpCohWgq3TJ-VTGZkojtklm5e_kvrK71qkLgjt5Pz9lrBQPioaww-iL4WyartLK0Z7oSBTknuQ_j89nDMYuTr2CW4We-b-eaoDp6Qh9-TuUxzU/s1600/prime+day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bbljieZQLFgUqfI-aBqOhMHP2IsMwtpCohWgq3TJ-VTGZkojtklm5e_kvrK71qkLgjt5Pz9lrBQPioaww-iL4WyartLK0Z7oSBTknuQ_j89nDMYuTr2CW4We-b-eaoDp6Qh9-TuUxzU/s640/prime+day.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hi friends! I'm here and I've got time while my little naps to share some deep parts of my heart today- Prime Day! Ha. Clearly I'm starting back into this space pretty light. Grab a sparkly water and sit awhile.<br />
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Prime Day. Christmas in July for sure. I avoided looking online for awhile and just recently got sucked into the deep dark whole which is Amazon. I think we need to start sending out invites through <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" rel="nofollow">Paperless Post</a> and all getting together so we don't miss a good deal!<br />
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My oldest told his teacher Amazon is my favorite store which I think is amazing and comical seeing as there are very few physical Amazon stores and I've never been to them! I do love Amazon though and find myself adding to my cart and then quickly clicking "save for later" so I can just think about the items and see if we really need any of it- or if the price will change!<br />
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A few of my faves from these Amazon (days)! Affiliate links used- nothing affected on your end, just a little kick back for me!<br />
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Things We Scored:<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2lksPM4">Shoes for the boys! </a> Yesterday we got school shoes for 50% off! Good deal! ...And that's it! Ha! Still thinking about some things. Here they are-<br />
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Things we're considering-<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2lg1NW0">Kindle Paperwhite</a>- I really like the idea of not giving Anderson the iPad and having the parental controls for his reading. I think I'd love it too! Usually $144 for $89. Maybe I could hold off til his birthday to gift him this?!<br />
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Good Deals:<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2lMAdzZ">23 and Me is only $99</a> as opposed to $199! My husband jokes that it's just one more way to be worried about what could happen to you, but I find it fascinating. The more you know, right?!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2lg0Blk">Instant Pot. </a> I love mine. If you don't have one, it's a good day to snag one. I think you'll love it in all seasons!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2lN0I8B">Knives-</a> definitely not fancy but we've been looking at getting these for all the camping days ahead!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2keZxy9">Camping Sleeping Mat</a>- Another thing we've been looking at. This is enough of a discount that it might be worth snagging another one so we aren't all fighting over comfort to sleep.<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2lMPZLg">Vital Proteins Collagen</a>- I use this in my coffee each morning. It's tasteless, has protein, and more importantly has helped my nails and hair a lot!<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2lOgdNq">Ellie Holcumb's Children's Book</a>. This book is so sweet and a makes a good gift!<br />
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I mean, I may NEED this <a href="https://amzn.to/2kilgVZ">Mexican Instant Pot Cookbook for $10</a>. Right?!<br />
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Thats all she wrote- for today at least.<br />
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-44388163421372939852019-06-27T10:28:00.001-04:002019-06-27T10:28:19.715-04:00a diagnosis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1k1Z-2wDYPrgtcWUfJgqkAFsyvC-T5TLk2PFDKWRH3CrfMMhm6YcIafsqtC-h1wacuYGmvRr0tBU8Yii9H2dr9nrIDVYW8o9c73Lcl4-WGkyjz7JKtujwiNnt06plZLg3oVttaGwkTE/s1600/IMG_1397print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY1k1Z-2wDYPrgtcWUfJgqkAFsyvC-T5TLk2PFDKWRH3CrfMMhm6YcIafsqtC-h1wacuYGmvRr0tBU8Yii9H2dr9nrIDVYW8o9c73Lcl4-WGkyjz7JKtujwiNnt06plZLg3oVttaGwkTE/s640/IMG_1397print.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">When things happen in your life- good or bad, do people ever tell you WHY that thing has happened? The past month has been interesting for me- hearing people place their diagnosis in a way on my situation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I've heard a lot of "Oh I bet God just wants you to slow down!" ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Honestly, I don't think that's what God wants to tell me. I've been living a much "slower" life these days than what I have in other seasons. I've been putting time and effort into places I've felt called to be. When the car accident happened I remember vividly feeling like God was acting as our very own Mr. Incredible, moving the car just so that while we have some not fun results of it, it could have been much worse. We live in a broken world. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">To me, I think Satan from the beginning has wanted me to feel discouraged. To get me down that I wouldn't be able to write or paint. (Hello voice to text! I'll be back soon easel!) To feel alone in motherhood without being able to swim with my kids.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In our last Bible study on the </span><a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/armorofgod/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#armorofGod</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> I remember the writer saying if Satan can isolate us, he can influence us. I think that's true- and I think I could be in a season of isolation. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Instead- we've been surrounded by amazing friends who've brought us meals and played with my kids at the pool when I can't jump in. We're keeping up with the </span><a class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/summerbiblestudy/" style="border: 0px; color: #003569; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">#summerbiblestudy</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> when it would have been easy to say "maybe that's too much!" and I'm using things like<a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" rel="nofollow"> Paperless Post </a>to easily get the invites out!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span></span></span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀</span><br style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">I'm listening to His voice, not the voice of others. Friends are wonderful and often mean well, but I'd encourage you this summer to make sure you're still enough to listen to Him and know what He's saying to you. You'll know that still small voice when you hear it.</span>LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-40467950836619100982019-06-17T11:13:00.001-04:002019-06-17T11:13:49.007-04:00Salmon with Bright Lemon Vinaigrette<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="416" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KcjZbVHujQWhgD4hj5VUPJK_GFtq6AVtkhYu2jTrMn-BV5tC9vUrCRPMgpAoFdvxHjhVOB6t-X8qevHDMrV3LR_HiCKee3EW_xmNgMmSOQvo4VaYUtkDEx_37Es3NA1ArzdC4GOZ" style="border: none;" width="624" /></span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-e0d7fb61-7fff-1845-2b83-9a711e9db6d6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once summer rolls around my body craves all the things it should really be eating year round. Give me all the salads and fresh flavors and while we’re at it, let’s eat them outside. There’s definitely something about the sunshine that ushers in more than just fresh blooms. I would guess you’re the same. Sure, we may be realizing we’ll soon be living in our bathing suits, but let’s not think about that more than we have to. </span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This salad topped with salmon and sprinkled with sliced radishes, chickpeas, and cucumber is just what I want for dinner and thankfully my kids will eat it too. We’ve always referred to salmon as “pink fish” in our family so the boys don’t know any different than to like it. Although it’s best warm, salmon can also taste just as good eaten cold the next day.</span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this recipe I wanted a really fresh and simple dressing that wouldn’t compete with the salmon and bring out the freshness of the dish. This vinaigrette can be made in a mason jar, adding everything at once and then shaking it several times. If you aren’t in the habit of making your own salad dressing, now is a perfect time to start. You’ll find how simple it is and much healthier as well. </span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This salmon was cooked in my cast iron skillet using a method of preheating the skillet which I highly recommend. It’ll help get you that char and cooks the skin of your salmon, if yours has it on, super well. Be careful with kids in the kitchen for this part. A skillet that’s been in a 500 degree oven is not something you want a toddler walking up to!</span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ll share the recipe for a family of four, although this can easily be adjusted to feed however many you’ll be dining with that evening. Ladies, this would make a great lunch as well with some friends!</span></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First up place your cast iron skillet, large enough for your salmon, in the middle rack of your oven then preheat it to 500 degrees. Next, make your dressing. It’ll keep for several days in your fridge if you don’t use it in one sitting and would go really nice over some rice if your kids won’t eat salad.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lemon Vinaigrette</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 garlic clove, minced</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon dried oregano</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 tablespoon dijon mustard</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 teaspoons maple syrup</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 lemon, juiced</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ teaspoon kosher salt</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">¼ cup apple cider vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">½ cup olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For the Salad</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2-4 pieces of salmon, skin on is preferred</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 bag of spring mix salad</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4 radishes, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 small cucumbers, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 tablespoons of rinsed and drained chickpeas</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9dEHPXxoNRlhD4XPK95bWe3wJFllzvGS5WafqMBVKBl_3nsx3ktGKXtYk8VJ8Rxy4PeNNKG1gu9aE6k5eBjK_FOmdLSx0df3EsTn6SMq7jyIwvA2FzNeian5BDI9-2PhNNUgz9P6Zw/s1600/DSC_0385.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1108" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9dEHPXxoNRlhD4XPK95bWe3wJFllzvGS5WafqMBVKBl_3nsx3ktGKXtYk8VJ8Rxy4PeNNKG1gu9aE6k5eBjK_FOmdLSx0df3EsTn6SMq7jyIwvA2FzNeian5BDI9-2PhNNUgz9P6Zw/s640/DSC_0385.jpeg" width="442" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once your own reaches 500 you’ll take the cast iron out using oven mitts. That’s a key step not to forget! You can then turn off your oven. Gently oil both sides of the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the skillet on your stovetop at medium high heat and place the fish flesh side down and cook for 3-4 minutes depending on its thickness. Don’t move it, just let it cook. After that time is up flip it and turn down the heat to medium low. At this point you’re looking for the skin to get nice and crispy and for the salmon to cook. It’ll take anywhere between 9 to 12 minutes and technically should be 125 degrees for medium rare. I always test my salmon and it’s doneness with a fork. If the pieces easily come apart I know it’s done! Enjoy and Happy Spring!</span></div>
<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139758548073045104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-53523254399775700252019-04-30T09:29:00.001-04:002019-04-30T09:29:59.535-04:00old friends<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7vAvgW82ECXrEcg2Qf3K6gtWo-PfpAduqaGxCu9_DcYxh1q7FIOMKscrf9SNijOSDwnvrJt5t82Nrs9RecCxQ7kfshaexFvTJIx_JhoXbWCUHSoG-K4kj9azcW_gWldndVlpHyGfJg/s1600/DSC_0498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK7vAvgW82ECXrEcg2Qf3K6gtWo-PfpAduqaGxCu9_DcYxh1q7FIOMKscrf9SNijOSDwnvrJt5t82Nrs9RecCxQ7kfshaexFvTJIx_JhoXbWCUHSoG-K4kj9azcW_gWldndVlpHyGfJg/s640/DSC_0498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I feel like a bad friend to you guys right now. I can't seem to get it together! If you follow me on Instagram, you're the crew I'm talking about. We had this whole conversation about fried chicken and cookbooks and recipes. It's taken me far too long to get back to you about these things, while all the while I find myself still blogging in my head.<br />
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Today I find myself apparently a procrastinator, something I never was before kids. My brain doesn't seem to function past 8 pm and if you text me after that, you'll likely hear back from me at 6. AM. I'm learning if I'm going to get things done it's either early in the morning, or mid afternoon when my house is quiet for approximately 60 minutes. At least that what it feels like.<br />
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I'm writing from a new quiet place today and contemplating living here. Just kidding. But really, being able to write while I drink a hot coffee is so good for my soul and something I am going to do more of gosh darn it!<br />
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I'm done with all the talking and want to start doing it for the process and far more often. I feel the same way about the cows I snapped pictures of a couple weeks back. I've been wanting to paint them and am contemplating using my office in the basement, or since that likely won't be the most quiet place this summer, bringing my easel up to the kitchen thanks to the inspiration from <a href="https://laurenecombs.com/" target="_blank">Lauren Combs.</a><br />
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Do you feel the itch to be creative? It's something that's always been in me and a place I feel called to explore more of. Being vulnerable and putting ourselves out there isn't always easy, but I know it's always worth it, especially when it's that still small voice saying, "this is the way, walk in it."<br />
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So, here we go friends. Today I need to tie up some projects that are due, boy am I thankful for those!, and then get back to you- and maybe that easel.LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139758548073045104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-53759743737525150682019-04-06T13:38:00.000-04:002019-04-06T13:38:37.984-04:00capacities, comparison, and chocolate chip cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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For awhile now our boys have come to expect ice cream sundae's on Fridays and otherwise very few if no desserts during the rest of the week. I'm not incredibly strict with sugar, it was more of a sanity decision that led to this schedule. I was hearing "Can we have dessert" what felt like nightly, and so decided Friday's would be pizza and ice cream. Easy and satisfying for everyone.<br />
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Come to think of it, a lot of our parenting life and schedules come down to sanity decisions, don't they? I think sometimes we can forget that we're the parents and this is our family. We get to decide what all we commit to, especially when our kids are young and we're one hundred percent in control of what activities we sign up for- and let alone pay for!</div>
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Can you tell this is a hot topic for me these days?! I find capacities and comparison at the top of my mind, and many mother's minds these days. Two C's that apparently have led me to make chocolate chip cookies. ;). There are so many opinions out there and thanks to social media we see them now more than ever. Many are staying up late or waking super early to get what you see of what they do in a day. Some love it, others don't. I'm making decisions towards doing what we love, what I love, and what works for us- without costing our family its sanity or peace.</div>
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As is true with most decision making for me, I have to tune out the other voices, pray, and tune to what I know is right for me and my family. It may look like a lot or a little to others. I may find myself thinking others are doing too much or dare I say too little. The reality is, we all have capacities, so can we please stop comparing?! </div>
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For us right now we're embracing this season of 7, 5 and 2, but also knowing that in the Fall we'll be taking a slower approach to the season with less commitments and this summer that'll be the case too. As we're finding ourselves in the little years but also at the cusp of much bigger times for our oldest, I'm finding myself wanting to slow down and enjoy the Friday family movie nights, Saturday game nights, and Sundays when we say yes to church and time for our family, but no to all other things. It's a conviction I've personally felt tugging at my heart and one we're sticking to these days.</div>
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In these every changing seasons, we're coming out of the "Friday" only dessert situation a bit as well as I find the boys wanting a treat after school and not too keen on super healthy muffins I made the other week. I agree, they weren't that tasty and too dense with whole wheat flour. Having cookies on hand isn't only nice for them though, it's something I like to keep in the freezer as we've been hosting more and I find myself wanting to have treats on hand there. <br />
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I of course doubled this recipe and quickly stashed two freezer bags away so that for now we only have enough cookies out to enjoy through the weekend. I of course had to do some research while writing this post to confirm for you that they do in fact still taste yummy on day two. Why can't I stop at just one cookie?!<br />
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My favorite part about them is how they taste a minute after they come out of the oven. If you like a cookie that's gooey in the middle but able to stick together, these will be your jam. I had struggled in the past making cookies that were too thin and have found this recipe to be my favorite. I'm attributing Joanna Gaines, brown sugar, and lots of chocolate chips to why I love them so much. <br />
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The recipe hails from <a href="https://amzn.to/2I5oTZv" rel="nofollow">Joanna's Magnolia Table </a>(amazon affiliate link used here- no difference to you just a small amount kicks back to me if you chose to purchase through there!)<br />
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*Note- if you double these like I did plan to be in the kitchen awhile while you make them all. I used a <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dc5and">scoop like this </a>and my trusty <a href="https://amzn.to/2VsLDFS">silpat mats</a> which helps everything go much more smoothly. I was tempted to take pictures last night while the boys were "helping" me mix the batter and snatch up some chocolate chips, but on weekends I try to unplug more and so one day after picture of the cookies is what you're getting today!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqmerd70QOH7tbPc1bYJLyFVsW3XoTd8YP1bJrTL7NVqDE2g_smKDrKal4K8s1lTGM670QuhJAP9kAULakOvKlhcQohVbTP8gsy0eb9LTX9xx6ZC5zOGflWu6824t7CjzZrRGDLkaGAI/s1600/5636D3BD-6F0F-4187-8D05-27FF35C75800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqmerd70QOH7tbPc1bYJLyFVsW3XoTd8YP1bJrTL7NVqDE2g_smKDrKal4K8s1lTGM670QuhJAP9kAULakOvKlhcQohVbTP8gsy0eb9LTX9xx6ZC5zOGflWu6824t7CjzZrRGDLkaGAI/s640/5636D3BD-6F0F-4187-8D05-27FF35C75800.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recipe thanks to Magnolia Table.<br />
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Ingredients You'll Need<br />
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<ul>
<li>2 1/2 cups flour</li>
<li>1 heaping teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li>1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature</li>
<li>2 cups light brown sugar</li>
<li>2 eggs</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips</li>
</ul>
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<ol>
<li>Set your oven to 350. I use convection if I'm doing multiple racks while baking. Line your baking sheets with silpat or parchment paper</li>
<li>In a bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt</li>
<li>Using a hand mixer or with a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar for about 2-3 minutes then add in your eggs and vanilla. turn the mixer off and add in your flour, mix to incorporate then mix in your chocolate chips</li>
<li>drop by rounded teaspoons or using your scoop and bake for 11 minutes. Allow to cool on a rack waiting one minute before moving them as they're super gooey as soon as they come out! </li>
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Enjoy with milk! </div>
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*note: as the boys (mainly my oldest) have gotten more interested in cooking, math, and reading, I'm finding this space a fun "project" that we're able to do together. As I double things he's able to add them up, read the instructions, and find the ingredients throughout the kitchen. He is just now realizing I have this site, and while he doesn't fully understand it, I'm loving this outlet as being something I'm able to share with him.</div>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-73976962648595129972019-04-05T13:58:00.000-04:002019-04-05T13:58:19.278-04:00weeknight waffles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBTYX2tsoR_xI4C072S9MpnPxwKW1TFvsJewFECKT_x5XxtvgH7vmu3nPY2WREa3uCMYAl75wS-xwYjsTsFBGGw01zxAMTDJYtYIni7GUOR9kiu0YUdsHOD6aQQLdsKuw0QpEdjIlZPY/s1600/5576BD0B-5ED6-4683-BFA8-7F2B49E2860A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBTYX2tsoR_xI4C072S9MpnPxwKW1TFvsJewFECKT_x5XxtvgH7vmu3nPY2WREa3uCMYAl75wS-xwYjsTsFBGGw01zxAMTDJYtYIni7GUOR9kiu0YUdsHOD6aQQLdsKuw0QpEdjIlZPY/s640/5576BD0B-5ED6-4683-BFA8-7F2B49E2860A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Weekends for us aren't always as slow as they once were. While we used to look up activities around the area, we're now in the throws of sports and schedules. I find myself wanting and needing to say no to more things, and also anticipating a slower summer as we're saying yes to less commitments during that upcoming season too.<br />
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Saturday morning doesn't always afford itself to waffles and pancakes, so sometimes we need to find a reason to make them on a weeknight. While I'm not so sure I could have them each week, I think we could find a way to fit these in every other week or so. The boys are asking for chocolate waffles, which I agree sound delicious and just may need to make a dessert appearance in the near future.<br />
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This past week we had reason to celebrate and so I let Anderson pick dinner the other night, knowing he had been asking for homemade waffles from the waffle iron for some time now. If you've been around here for a little, you know I like to try new recipes often and so it gave me a chance to make Sour Cream Waffles from one of my favorites, <a href="https://amzn.to/2G2Q0Ck" rel="nofollow">Mad Hungry, Feeding Men and Boys</a>.<br />
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As our boys are getting bigger and we're eating lots of breakfasts and lunches and snacks on the go, I'm trying to pack all the food and love Lucinda's cookbook for great weeknight meals too. As a mama to boys she gets it and I know I'll be finding myself more and more in her book as they get even bigger. I'm pretty sure I need this other book, <a href="https://amzn.to/2G2wR3y" rel="nofollow">Mad Hungry Family</a>. You know me, I'll be seeing if I can find it at the library first.<br />
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On to the recipe. While I've found waffle recipes to have a lot of different qualities - this one was a heavier, more filling recipe thanks to the sour cream. Some recipes we've made require beaten egg whites which give you a fluffier and lighter waffle.<br />
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While Anderson was hesitant to see me pull out the sour cream, he agreed that these were delicious and he didn't taste it in the waffles. I doubled the recipe that she gave in her book, and will be sharing the doubled recipe with you here. If in doubt, I always double a recipe and waffles are absolutely something you'll want to do that to. They freeze really well if they make it there, or you can always pop left overs in the fridge and toast them for a fun weekday treat of a breakfast.<br />
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I opted for making some homemade whipped cream here too using some heavy cream and about 2 teaspoons of sugar beaten with a hand mixer until they reached the perfect consistency!<br />
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We have <a href="https://amzn.to/2WRpCB9" rel="nofollow">this waffle iron</a> and I love it. It was a Christmas gift years ago and something I knew I would use often. It's always a treat to use it and I love how well it cleans up and how well it makes the waffles too!<br />
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Recipe for about 8-10 waffles.<br />
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<ul>
<li>10 eggs</li>
<li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>2 cups flour</li>
<li>2 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li>1 teaspoon cinnamon</li>
<li>1 teaspoon ginger</li>
<li>2 cups sour cream</li>
<li>1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled</li>
</ul>
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<ol>
<li>beat the eggs and sugar for about 5-8 minutes.</li>
<li>Whisk together the dry ingredients and then add that to the egg mixture, followed by the sour cream. Finally stir in the butter. *Allow the batter to sit for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Meanwhile preheat your waffle iron. You can spray it once it's ready, although some don't require this.</li>
<li>Using about 1 cup of batter per waffle fill your waffle iron and then allow to cook. I always opt for one setting about the lightest and my waffle iron beeps when they are done. Repeat with remaining batter.</li>
</ol>
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Enjoy with warmed real maple syrup, whipped cream, and family.</div>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-67444736726167826592019-03-23T15:18:00.000-04:002019-03-23T15:18:02.820-04:00BURST TOMATO, MASCARPONE, AND HERB TORTELLINI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MY9RbWFOT94KsuICGjun4U7ZVzsqIvn4c8Pk5v9npNqkUldrrbMiKXT3MEMd1S87g6iHyPNQRedelWHGOnhwXbqSefRA3gma7_tAu7kpJFherTv3uI98kT7nOrghr8ov3xq7BwUWGi0/s1600/DSC_0114.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5MY9RbWFOT94KsuICGjun4U7ZVzsqIvn4c8Pk5v9npNqkUldrrbMiKXT3MEMd1S87g6iHyPNQRedelWHGOnhwXbqSefRA3gma7_tAu7kpJFherTv3uI98kT7nOrghr8ov3xq7BwUWGi0/s640/DSC_0114.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This recipe may be the one most often requested by my Mom. In fact, with her birthday coming up in April I'm declaring now that it's what will be on the menu that evening. We may top it with shrimp or grilled chicken, but either way, I'm glad we've got that settled. You know how much I love a good meal plan!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This dish looks beautiful enough to serve to guests, and yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. Don’t shy away from the cheese wondering if your kids will like it or not. It’s incredibly mild. As for the tomatoes, tell your kids that bursting the tomatoes brings out all the sugar in them, making them even sweeter. I’m a firm believer in offering our kids the same meals we eat. I think you’ll be shocked by how well they adjust and like trying new things. This is a great dish to get them involved with too, whether it’s taking leaves off the stems of a basil plant or helping you throw tomatoes on a pan. Much like you, they’ll appreciate how quickly this dish is complete and ready to be devoured!</span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-372a8f02-7fff-b920-e51d-2d138de99b3e" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love using tortellini here as it’s a bit heartier and more of a sturdy pasta. This would make a really lovely cold pasta salad too, however if you try it that way I’d recommend using a cheese like feta. The mascarpone melting on top of the warm pasta and roasted tomatoes is really just going to have you wondering why you ever eat out when you’re such a star in the kitchen, so try this version first before you make it cold! </span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make this now and then just wait to fall in love with it even more as all those fresh herbs start really popping up in your garden. Don’t be shy about adding shrimp or chicken on top, and most definitely invite some friends over and make this to celebrate warmer weather ahead! </span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ingredients You'll Need:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1 (20 ounce) package herb chicken tortellini</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3 pints assorted grape tomatoes</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1 head of garlic, peeled and sliced</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2 tablespoons olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2 lemons, 1 zested and using the juice from both</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1/2 cup each torn basil, oregano, and flat leaf parsley</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 11pt;">1 (8-oz) container of mascarpone cheese</span></li>
</ul>
</span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Fill a large pot with water, add 2 teaspoons of salt and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, set your oven to broil with the rack about 4-5 inches from the top. Stir together your tomatoes, garlic and olive oil and place on a jelly roll pan, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Prepare your pasta according to the directions on the package then broil your tomatoes for 7 minutes. </span></div>
<b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. While your pasta is cooking and the tomatoes are being broiled get your herbs together. I love the combination of basil, oregano, and parsley here, washing the herbs under water, tearing the leaves off the stems, and roughly chopping the herbs.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. When the pasta is done cooking quickly strain it in a colander and then transfer to a serving dish. Top the pasta with the tomatoes, garlic and their juices. Now it’s time for dolloping on the mascarpone, squeezing over the juice of two lemons, the zest of one lemon, and sprinkling over the herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir it up and enjoy! </span></div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-65090124483452415602019-03-20T14:57:00.002-04:002019-03-20T14:57:45.434-04:00anytime pot pie with cheddar biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're on the cusp of a new season which I truly love so much. Apparently today in fact is the first day of Spring?! I'll take it.</div>
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I've self-diagnosed myself this year as having those winter blues big time and so the sunshine and warmer weather is very much welcomed! I'm pretty sure I may make a sunny destination trip a "need" more than a "want" next winter!</div>
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This recipe is a bit like a changing season, or anytime season one for me. Here's the thing about it; while it screams comfort food it's also one of those delicious one pot wonders which means you're going to get more time on your patio, working in your garden, or watching your kids ride bikes while it's in the oven. </div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You can batch cook the filling and freeze it giving you a delicious dinner on nights when you’re otherwise tight on time. If you don’t eat meat, it’s easy to opt for sweet potatoes in this dish making it a great vegetarian option as well! You’ll learn that I love to not only stock my freezer, but have meals like this that are nourishing for the whole family. We don’t cook separate meals for our boys, so when a dinner like this hits the table I know they can’t argue with these cheesy biscuits atop loads of vegetables. Everyone is happy. </span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-f5505ff5-7fff-6aab-da65-531526f6d25b" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve made this recipe a few different ways, and am going to share my version with chicken thighs for you here. If you’d prefer to use store bought cooked rotisserie chicken, use about 4 cups. If you want to make this vegetarian, replace it with about 4 cups of diced and peeled sweet potato. If you’re looking to make this ahead, make the filling and freeze it without the biscuits in a 9x13 dish, removing it the night before you’re wanting to eat it to allow enough time to thaw in your refrigerator. While the oven is heating you’ll have time to make the biscuits!</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 tablespoons unsalted butter</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 onion, diced</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups carrot, diced</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup celery, diced</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 ½ cup parsnip, peeled and diced</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspon dried herbes de provence </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">8 ounces sliced mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 ½ cups of chicken stock</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">9 ounces of frozen peas</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 cups flour</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/2 teaspoon pepper</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 cup grated cheddar cheese</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1/4 cup grated Parmesan</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">6 T. cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 1/4 cups buttermilk</span></li>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Preheat your oven to 400. Melt the butter in a large dutch oven and season the chicken with 1 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Working in two batches cook it about 2-3 minutes per side then remove onto a plate. Add your vegetables to the empty pot, onion through parsnip, along with the herbs and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add mushrooms and cook, uncovered, about 5 more minutes. </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Add flour and stir for 2 minutes. Next, add stock and scrape up brown bits. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 3-5 minutes to let the sauce get thick, stirring often. Stir in the chicken, peas, and more salt and pepper to taste. Pour the filling into a 9x13 casserole dish.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.5pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and pepper. Add cheese and toss to coat. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter, and then add the buttermilk, stirring just until dough forms. Drop the biscuits into 12 mounds on top of the filling. Bake until golden and bubbly about 30-35 minutes. Enjoy!</span></li>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-41462398063258246032019-03-07T14:52:00.002-05:002019-03-07T14:52:50.800-05:00why not apple tart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday was a mostly well day in our house. After my oldest came down with the flu Saturday night we welcomed the chance to not have fevers and took the day as an extra "make sure we're really well" day before sending him back to school. 48 hours fever free I felt more than fine sending him to school today, especially because I knew his appetite was back too.<br />
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Last week we had ventured to the library as a family, and when we do I always take advantage of my husband watching the littles for a few minutes so I can head over to my favorite section, cookbooks. I scoop up more than I can handle and load them up until I can't carry anymore. The library is a great place to try out some cookbooks and see if I'd really want to invest in the cookbook itself.<br />
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On this particular visit I got an Instant Pot cookbook, one with all recipes for using my cast iron, a Pati Jinich book, one from Sunset Magazine, a publication that makes me miss the west far too much, and a newer Pioneer Woman cookbook.<br />
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My oldest has gotten into watching cooking shows with me and has the biggest sweet tooth by far in the family. He requested we make this apple tart and knowing we'd be home for several days, I obliged. I made sure he was eating more than toast of course before we started this undertaking and had him read me the recipe as well. No school doesn't mean you're completely off the hook.<br />
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This recipe hails from Pioneer Woman and will remind you that you should always have puff pastry in your freezer. I love simple desserts like this and can imagine how easy it would be to do this with berries in the summer time. I'm always game for apple desserts though and love how easily this came together.<br />
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Apart from the puff pastry, this will show you for sundae night, you should always make caramel sauce. I probably shouldn't start having this as a stable in my home because it's my weakness, but oh my YUM. I bet you have all the ingredients on hand, minus the heavy cream. <br />
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When I'm cooking a lot I tend to throw buttermilk and cream in my shopping cart too. It's not always the healthiest choice, but it always results in something delicious.<br />
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SO, for the recipe. My only tips would be that you could use less sugar. Next time I think I'd only use 1/2 cup so I'm going to include that version for you here. The caramel sauce makes a lot- so make it knowing you're going to want to have it for the weekend on top of ice cream sundaes. We've gotten in the habit of having them each Friday with pizza and it's worked for our family. It also means I don't have kids asking me nonstop if we're having dessert because they know we have it on Friday.<br />
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<b>Recipe loosely adapted from Pioneer Woman</b><br />
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<b>For the tart:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 sheet frozen puff pastry- thawed in a plastic bag 24 hours before baking in the fridge</li>
<li>3 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced</li>
<li>1/2 cup brown sugar</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</li>
<li>juice of half a lemon</li>
<li>chopped pecans for sprinkling over top</li>
</ul>
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<b>For the Caramel Sauce</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>1 cup packed brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>4 tablespoons butter</li>
<li>1 tablespoon vanilla extract</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
</ul>
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<b>For the tart:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Preheat your oven to 425. Make sure you've thawed your puff pastry!</li>
<li>Slice the pastry in half to form 2 rectangles and place it on a silpat lined baking sheet. </li>
<li>In a bowl combined the apples, lemon juice, salt, and brown sugar</li>
<li>lay the apples in the middle of the pastry, allowing some edge as a border.</li>
<li>Bake in the lower half of your oven for 20 minutes. While it's baking, make the caramel sauce.</li>
</ol>
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<b>For the sauce</b>- combine the brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Next, add in the cream and butter then the vanilla and pinch of salt. Whisk often and let it boil 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat then allow to cool 5 minutes before transferring to a jar.</div>
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I should probably add vanilla ice cream to the list of ingredients, but I trust you understand that goes without saying. Happy baking- but more so, happy eating!</div>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-34425457400999679352019-02-26T09:51:00.001-05:002019-02-26T13:03:31.502-05:00Let's Get Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've had seasons of being super home bound, seasons of life when I was out and about, and seasons of life when I felt more able to host. It's funny looking back now at the times I used to stress about how clean my house was or what snack I was going to make for a playdate. Now, I know I likely have apples, yogurt and pretzels, and that really all mamas want is some coffee.<br />
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Regardless of those playdate times, I've found myself wanting to gather people together more in this season, whether it's over a good book, my business, or let's be honest, tacos.<br />
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I use several tools for throwing events out there and wanted to mention a few here. If I've learned anything through my hosting, it's that people don't really care if your counters are bare and all the toys are picked up. They care about community and when you open your home up, I think you'll be surprised at what fun it can be.<br />
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To host events, I find myself turning to online tools that I know will work for what I'm after. Tools like <a href="https://www.paperlesspost.com/" rel="nofollow">Paperless Post</a> are super beautiful and allow me to send invites I only dreamed of when planning my own wedding. I love using that site for events like big potlucks, Christmas parties, or even summer girl's nights. I also love that they have kid stationary now which makes sending thank you notes a breeze! Paperless post partnered with me for this post and I have loved seeing even newer features on here since I last used them. I can also create a list here, leaving more guess work out of my own planning if I want to get the same group together every few months or know I have the same group of ladies interested in a book club.<br />
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A fun new feature I love with Paperless Post too is the flyers. These are super fun and sometimes animated which make it fun via text message! Who doesn't love a happy fun text? It's probably why I love sending my friends GIFs via text too!<br />
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Another site I sometimes use is Evite when I know the information can be easily shared there, and then a new site I've learned about is <a href="https://festionline.com/">Festi</a>. Fest is app based only right now and great if you want to throw out an idea like co-working, brunch, or going to a museum. You put the event up on Festi and then your network is able to see if they'd like to join you. Events there can be public or private and you can accept all, or hand select who you want at your event- often based of course on if you know them, or if you're opening it up to the public! Festi also allows you to charge for an event, making the headache of wondering whose paying for dinner not an issue! I dream of using this app in the future too when I want to host an event I know may take some cash on my part, but if everyone chips in a few bucks, I won't be left paying for all the supplies or food!<br />
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Below are some ideas I got from Paperless Post. They're just sooo pretty. Time to break open my planner and think SPRING. Friends, get ready for more invites from me. I'm kinda that girl. Trying to invite and host as I'm able- knowing that fellowship and a little bit of food is like medicine to my soul!<br />
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Happy hosting friends. Don't stress about it- just invite. As Julia suggests, maybe even add cake. :)<br />
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-68800582980682581282019-02-11T07:20:00.000-05:002019-02-11T07:20:29.177-05:00February Fresh Picks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy "love" week everyone. Whether you love it or hate it, the week of celebrating love is upon us. I have to admit, I'm glad this week helps us focus on love, and more importantly I'm glad my kids Valentine's are all set for the week. I'm more Amazon than Pinterest mom and so when my kid needs a Valentine Box for school we opted for <a href="https://amzn.to/2thCraX">this "almost" pre-made one </a>and completed it on a snow day weeks ago. <br />
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Thanks to having boys and probably because I've learned to stay far away from going into retail stores for fear of my kids experiencing too many of the "gimme's" they were happy with some Valentine's I had saved last year and have no idea what's in the stores right now. <br />
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This month I end up pulling out a table runner I got at Target years ago, got some heart LED lights from Lidl a couple months ago, and have a couple red vintage heart mugs.<br />
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My oldest remembers that I put out candy for him last year and so I'll do that again this year on Valentne's Day. I found some cute felt red envelopes at, you guessed it, Target last year and will reuse those. <br />
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I've found some other goodies this month and thought it would be a fun spot to share them here. Are there certain things you're loving right now? I'm super excited about all the spring attire I'm seeing pop up online, but that'll have to wait for another post another day.<br />
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Valentine's or not, I got <a href="https://www.target.com/p/women-s-striped-pajama-set-pink/-/A-54138569?preselect=53951302#lnk=sametab">these cotton pajamas</a> a few weeks ago and they are so well made and comfy. Spring is coming and I'm getting ready to ditch my flannel pajamas for these guys! Yes, you can get them for your kids too- because apparently matching Valentine's pajamas is a thing now. Yikes.<br />
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If you don't have a simple table runner, I love<a href="https://www.target.com/p/buffalo-check-tablecloth-pink-design-imports/-/A-54387136?preselect=54370660#lnk=sametab"> this buffalo check one</a> because it could easily transition for Spring. I love when things have many uses!<br />
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Do you know about the shop Elora Inspired? She does adorable t-shirts so of course this guy is <a href="https://elorainspired.com/collections/infant-toddler-tees/products/jesus-loves-me">perfect for February,</a> and she just released <a href="https://elorainspired.com/collections/silicone-mats/products/noahs-ark-coloring-mat">coloring mats</a> that are totally washable. If you are local, she is too! and if not, what a great gift anytime! <br />
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Books books books. If you do opt for getting your kids items, we love <a href="https://amzn.to/2UTShUT">If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart </a> and <a href="https://amzn.to/2X46ErU">Who Sang the First Song </a> by Ellie Holcomb. <br />
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However your week unfolds and whether or not you've been putting stickers on your kids doors each night with ways you love them or not, I hope you find Valentine's a day to tell someone you love them, and to celebrate a day filled with someone you care about! Don't worry about the commercial things and keep it simple.<br />
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I'm always reminded during holidays like these that although I may see what other moms are doing, my kids don't. They aren't on Instagram, Hallelujah. Happy week friends. I am thankful for you!<br />
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-13131301290599227022019-02-03T07:01:00.001-05:002019-02-03T07:01:38.742-05:00yellow lights<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAd7oiBBZ-z3ReZN48mdOgjC__OZdpf_sDaFuRY3PghhhmMtF97OpImbyfTXnAydrslWk-TOYO7DYEZ6e4zR8BO1PGp1cZPiinoFfLLQcWUJBa3BQ8A5Ykcj6D89gMqQ95vb1TxEWDGo/s1600/IMG_4439.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAd7oiBBZ-z3ReZN48mdOgjC__OZdpf_sDaFuRY3PghhhmMtF97OpImbyfTXnAydrslWk-TOYO7DYEZ6e4zR8BO1PGp1cZPiinoFfLLQcWUJBa3BQ8A5Ykcj6D89gMqQ95vb1TxEWDGo/s640/IMG_4439.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow (acrylic on canvas)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I've done things in my life that without a doubt have felt right. They were easy decisions without much contemplation. Should we try to have kids? Yes. Should I stay home? Yes. Should we get tickets to that band we love? Absolutely yes.<br />
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More often than not though, I struggle with decisions, and I know some of the ones that have been easy for me, have been hard or not even a question for you. They can be big or small to an outsider, but in my heart they become mountains. I go into worse case scenario mode (Enneagram 6 here!) and I wonder about all the things that could happen. I wonder about what God wants for me and why He can't just give me a green or red light.<br />
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Although I absolutely believe in absolutes, I also have learned in the past several years of adulthood, about the gray areas- or the yellow lights perhaps of life. Yellow lights may say "stop" or "proceed with caution" or "you better speed up if you want to get through this one." There's a lot of ways to go through the light and if you're like me it's hard to know what to do. <br />
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Fear can paralize my decision making all together. Thankfully right now I have a two year old who could win competitions for the pouty face he makes. His lip hangs low and it's pretty impressive, and also thankfully pretty cute.<br />
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He pouts about not being able to play basketball or tennis like his big brothers and having to stay home when we know he won't be able to sit still during a movie.<br />
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The good thing that he doesn't know but I do, is what's ahead. Parenthood often gives us that birds eye view and glimpse at what God see's for our own life, and I know right now that cute little pout is reminding me to not have the same attitude when I can't see what's next in my own life.<br />
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You see, God's been so faithful to me this weekend in reminding me to have childlike faith right now. To not pout, but trust He has my best in mind. He works all things together and He isn't stopped or hindered by yellow or even red lights. <br />
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He has opened doors for me and given me moments of hope, fulfillment and joy. He knows what's ahead and when I look on and wonder how I'll make it through or what will happen if...He quiets me and is asking me to just trust, have faith, and proceed to the next light.<br />
<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-42835560329731889262019-01-17T15:16:00.002-05:002019-01-17T15:16:52.154-05:00Shepherd's Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpMp0Hgh2vewADe-zGq3FVvQF4lzt2l0B9M5xQvWRajLxgpJS_BAdEtIvNI9Y2kAMEXktioSrOLoOVOcy5sgyuFWZxn1agClhqSknB-SrOqkxr2VRMHJL09Zdq4oCbTPPkacbKWzY__M/s1600/IMG_3448.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpMp0Hgh2vewADe-zGq3FVvQF4lzt2l0B9M5xQvWRajLxgpJS_BAdEtIvNI9Y2kAMEXktioSrOLoOVOcy5sgyuFWZxn1agClhqSknB-SrOqkxr2VRMHJL09Zdq4oCbTPPkacbKWzY__M/s640/IMG_3448.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wish I was sitting here telling you we had beautiful snow coming down. Instead, I'll tell you the reason the stores will be packed tomorrow is because of freezing rain and 7 degree weather headed our way. 7 degrees. No one wants to go outside when it's 7 degrees!<br />
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I'm sharing this recipe with you today because it'll have you feeling warm inside. It's not the same as the recipe I remember my friend's mom making growing up, but I love it nonetheless. It's amazing how far two pounds of ground beef can stretch when you make it into something like this.<br />
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Don't like casseroles? I'm from the Midwest. Maybe you need to call it a one pot wonder?! Either way I really do love this and think you can add more vegetables or mix up the mashed potatoes if you like them more creamy - add in some cream cheese or sour cream- or if you want more vegetables you can add peas, or more carrots. You could even do a ground turkey and sweet potato situation if that's more your thing. <br />
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The point is, don't be scared to cook.<br />
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Having a 9x13 casserole with nice high edges comes in handy for recipes like this. You'll be able to add in all those extra's and you won't be worried about anything bubbling over! <br />
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Grab the ingredients, make this, and enjoy the leftovers all weekend long!<br />
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Recipe adapted from The Magnolia Table<br />
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Ingredients You'll Need:<br />
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<ul>
<li>6 russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1 1/2 inch chunks</li>
<li>1/2 cup milk</li>
<li>1/2 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>2 tablespoons salted butter</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon steak seasoning </li>
<li>1 pound green beans</li>
<li>1 tablespoon vegetable oil</li>
<li>1 onion, diced</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>3 carrots, peeled and diced</li>
<li>2 pounds ground beef</li>
<li>2 1/2 tablespoons flour</li>
<li>3 tablespoons tomato paste</li>
<li>2 tablespoons hot water</li>
<li>1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce</li>
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I took a more steak heavy twist on this than Joanna's which has ground nutmeg in the potatoes. I'll also tell you you can steam the green beans in about 2 inches of water and a steam basket for about 8 minutes- OR get one of those bags where you and steam them right in the bag to make for even less work.</div>
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<li>Preheat your oven to 350</li>
<li>First up you'll want to get water boiling for the potatoes. While that heats up peel and chop your potatoes and the carrots while you're at it. Once the water is boiling put the potatoes in and let them cook about 15-18 minutes, checking until they are done.</li>
<li>If you don't steam your beans in a bag, now is the time to steam those, run cold water over them to stop the cooking, and set them aside.</li>
<li>Now it's time for you to add some oil to a large pan or dutch oven and then add in your onion and carrot. After about 5-8 minutes add in your beef and season well with salt and pepper. Cook the meat until it's done then add in the flour, stirring it for a minute or two, then the tomato paste, water and sauce.</li>
<li>Once the potatoes are tender you'll drain them and using a potato masher mix in salt and pepper to taste, the butter, milk, and cream. Yum. Add in the steak seasoning to taste. Optional! I also love something like Lawry's which is salty, so use wisely!</li>
<li>Now it's time to spray your pan and start assembling. Meat, beans, potatoes. Bake it all for 30 minutes and up to 40 making sure it's nice and cooked through and the potatoes are just a little brown on top.</li>
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Enjoy! I know we have!</div>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-36172373866439738552019-01-16T15:38:00.004-05:002019-01-16T15:38:54.433-05:00Hello 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpuDFtFleCcNAXaSY_jgarrWV7b0o4SiNIvdqjD1LkdTfzsNThraXwkbePDnIlc_L9AmhlNJoC8ky5WeT2i2MeNjS2o2wv3EISKO3aImBeYd7fFbZ3eVOUmniy448Z24dn2sgeJN7tto/s1600/IMG_3417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpuDFtFleCcNAXaSY_jgarrWV7b0o4SiNIvdqjD1LkdTfzsNThraXwkbePDnIlc_L9AmhlNJoC8ky5WeT2i2MeNjS2o2wv3EISKO3aImBeYd7fFbZ3eVOUmniy448Z24dn2sgeJN7tto/s640/IMG_3417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What's in a number? Or several of them? Okay. So we may be two weeks into the new year, but that's about as long as it's taken me to get myself assimilated to this 2019. Christmas break is always nice, but we find ourselves itching to be back into a routine.</div>
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We finally experienced a snow day and some school delays in true Virginia winter form, and Evan enjoyed walking into the woods far more than sledding down the hills.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif69S76CzC1iGanPZNOCLwYA39FZeZt3VxSYKCArB77eVk-ZZ1Tb3P4PoL8A66iPrV1Tm88aQ9UW6-q7Y_1R57GIa_OIMDiMZHszrfnc5RNRGuOSe0YykSE7eX3-quFUgOjtFdliDVDMo/s1600/IMG_3445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif69S76CzC1iGanPZNOCLwYA39FZeZt3VxSYKCArB77eVk-ZZ1Tb3P4PoL8A66iPrV1Tm88aQ9UW6-q7Y_1R57GIa_OIMDiMZHszrfnc5RNRGuOSe0YykSE7eX3-quFUgOjtFdliDVDMo/s640/IMG_3445.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I type this I'm coming at your from my new office space. Although I love the idea of my home offie in the basement, the reality is it wasn't getting used often enough. I was finding that if I went down there three little people would follow and then ask for several things. This way I'm able to do what I need to do in small pockets of time. It also means all the papers and all the emails hopefully get responded to more quickly! </div>
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I'm excited for the year ahead. I have some exciting news coming in this space, and my business with <a href="https://laurasears.myrandf.com/">Rodan + Fields</a> continues to grow. It'll be four years this month since I joined. I always get a little reflective about big milestones, and this month is no different. I'm so thankful for it and for this space. Getting work done and helping others while using creative and other gifts is no small thing in my book. I'm so thankful to have done this all while the boys grow up and am thankful to be home with them each day!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUsp6-dvCmH-e_0SDok8nD4QQZS2tKxqQxR2IxyaLM8qhV8bXvWS6UExXK-N62w6wxU-WrXnu0XjadmJJ1GegxvM6wCUeLSg8wTRkxgLvCOVZOczOdMe1ObCc5gHzwfhizObkSHlKvLU/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUsp6-dvCmH-e_0SDok8nD4QQZS2tKxqQxR2IxyaLM8qhV8bXvWS6UExXK-N62w6wxU-WrXnu0XjadmJJ1GegxvM6wCUeLSg8wTRkxgLvCOVZOczOdMe1ObCc5gHzwfhizObkSHlKvLU/s640/IMG_3504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other mama's will get this part of a new year. Just as we come back from Christmas we're somehow looking into the year ahead and what school will look like in the fall. Other mama's listen up- February is somehow the time you need to be thinking about and enrolling in all these things! I would have never known this before and find it a little crazy, but also understandable I suppose!</div>
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With that, the babe is waking up and I need to go. See. Look at that. Just got a post done thanks to this computer being right off the kitchen!</div>
<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-8488724784418366082018-12-31T16:15:00.001-05:002018-12-31T16:15:10.001-05:00Cheers to a New Year!<br />
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Hi friends! Well, the holidays are about to be behind us and boy have then been busy. Apart from only one trip to the doctors office and having some of our favorite pink medi in the house, it's been a good and fun break. We have seen friends, traveled close to home, but enjoyed Virginia nonetheless, and are looking forward to 2019!</div>
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Highlights of the month have included spending my birthday in Warrenton, Virginia, seeing friends near and far, enjoying bonfires (much better in 60 degree weather than the heat of Summer) and went through Christmas without any tears. I don't think I'm alone in wondering if what you've given your kids will be okay, and if there will be tears if they aren't happy with what they got. Our kids received a lot of books this year, so that probably has something to do with my hesitations!</div>
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Seasons are so funny to me and with the tree out of our house, I'm itching for a fresh start. I'll undoubtedly clean out more from the house, give more away, and feel like I lost 20 pounds in January. I won't really lose 20 pounds ;) but I will keep working at <a href="https://thebalancedlifeonline.com/product/tbl-sisterhood-monthly/ref/2257/">Pilates at home thanks to Robin.</a> <br />
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I'm excited for what's to come in this space and for what's to come <a href="https://laurasears.myrandf.com/">with my business.</a> I'm so thankful to stay home with my boys while sharing what I love! I recently found my personality test file (yes- I have a file) from college and had saved everything that I discussed with the career counselor while there. Food, Entrepreneur and Social were all top things that came up- which is pretty amazing that God would have me doing those things now. I'm so thankful.<br />
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As we head into an evening of festivities, and a new YEAR tomorrow I'm so thankful for you and for this space. I entered into it with fear and hesitation and in 2019 plan to kick fear in the face :) as I embrace who I am created to be while creating more. <br />
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Thank you for always being along for the ride. Happy 2019 friends!<br />
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-24341094571586517532018-12-08T09:00:00.000-05:002018-12-08T09:00:09.473-05:00My December Wishlist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc4nLBD0BrJJxhvWFvZKFeotD_4rdxRL7GOYiRLiZnwG-X_Yu_g8wzMVe_DtsB76zWGAi-KOjsSIO2jB_ub8kUeIMlUlw87yu3gSwnyFm4daqN6rTUaX6IQebQ6rh1hSYKHWxiLzFi7I/s1600/my+wishlist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1237" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuc4nLBD0BrJJxhvWFvZKFeotD_4rdxRL7GOYiRLiZnwG-X_Yu_g8wzMVe_DtsB76zWGAi-KOjsSIO2jB_ub8kUeIMlUlw87yu3gSwnyFm4daqN6rTUaX6IQebQ6rh1hSYKHWxiLzFi7I/s640/my+wishlist.png" width="494" /></a></div>
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I had some major anxiety last week when it came to my son's December birthday. I get it. December birthday's are rough. It's hard to make a December birthday special. With three little ones I'm trying (and it's hard) to not be a martyr mother over here and actually request some items for my own December birthday. Thanks to<a href="https://amzn.to/2PjqlXz"> this book</a> I've really tried to simplify our home and find more things I want to get rid of, than things I want. So, with Christmas and Birthday's comes the tension of wondering what I'd really want to add to my list and to our stuff. <br />
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These items have been on my mind for awhile, and I think a few have already been crossed off. Affiliate links are used, however that means nothing to you, just a little kickback for me. Your prices remain the same if you chose you want something yourself!</div>
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I got to meet Ruth of Gracelaced this fall and often think of the words she told me. As someone who has this big creative draw in my life, and yet three little people I adore who suck much of my life and energy, she spoke truth to me. I love her focus on seasons because we are definitely living in them, and I love this <a href="https://gracelaced.com/products/simply-abide-2019-calendar">Abide Calendar</a>. She inspires me to read the Bible more and paint again, when it's my season. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QCZB8Z">This watch</a>. Ever since <a href="https://cottonstem.com/">Cotton Stem</a> talked about it it's hit all the right buttons. My Timex broke this year and my classic nice watch from middle school (!!) finally bit the dust and is beyond repair so I love this option. It's on sale right now and I'm definitely considering hitting "add to cart" for an item next week from the boys. Give me all the navy + rose gold please. </div>
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The <a href="https://amzn.to/2QzneiX">She Reads Truth Bible</a>. Why would I need another Bible? I have several from middle school and college, but I've been so intrigued by this one and love the mission of <a href="https://shereadstruth.com/">She Reads Truth</a>. A sweet friend gifted it to me just last week and I love it. There's a reading plan too so I've been going through Luke and each day it tells me which chapter to read, and then a few more verses to go along with the reading to study deeper. It's only $22 on Amazon right now and so pretty! I love the poppy color.</div>
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Ain't no body like a <a href="https://amzn.to/2Qj1Lew">homebody</a>, am I right?! I swiped this one up at Costco and it'll later be wrapped by my husband and I'll act surprised on my birthday. I didn't peak inside yet but am excited to read through this! </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2Qf60YF">This Cutting Board</a>. I have a lot of cutting boards, but I love how pretty this one is for easy entertaining when I want to just throw things on a board, or for date nights in. It's pretty enough to rest on the back of my kitchen wall too. Really any of the marble + wood combos give me heart eyes.</div>
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I've been looking at weighted blankets for awhile now. <a href="https://www.weightingcomforts.com/">This company</a> makes blankets made in the USA and you can get a code for $20 off. I think this explains why I like all the comforters and blankets on me at night. Does anyone use one of these?</div>
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Do you already have one of <a href="https://amzn.to/2Qjna7C">these wine tumblers</a>? I'm likely late to the game here. I think they'll be great for summer but let's be honest, I wonder if they'll keep my coffee hotter longer. I like that this set has straws and a brush for smoothies on the go.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2QiSFOW">Cook Like a Pro by Ina Garten</a>. Need I say more? Everything she makes is tasty. </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2UhkCoV">Write the Word Journal</a>. I've had a few of these and just haven't purchased another yet. I'm due for one and actually considering some of them as gifts too. If you are stretched thin on time I love how this leads you to write a Bible verse out, then pray. It's simple and doable and for me and has helped me remember Bible verses better.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2UmMZ55">The Anti Inflammatory Slow Cooker Book</a>. Eating this way helps us all feel better. I'm a fan of my slow cooker and definitely want to try these recipes out! It's always helpful to eat well this time of year, then when you do have a treat, it's not like we've been fueling our bodies with foods all week that make us feel worse, they're all good nutritious and more important nurturing foods.</div>
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LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-54847727066602621122018-12-07T08:48:00.000-05:002018-12-07T08:48:01.292-05:00my favorite sugar cookie recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwShGYYLSZkxroPY-9xeLZJKrr-YWCiFPWRxSBVuUC_EnpZvf90XgnSSXYSm1Cs3onkq5qR8CtAQhXgkJMnIYGHABH4A8P-FvxKpbvMARRI-6nlegdrRDdVQ8RnCYVELUmucIpxlUNr6Y/s1600/IMG_2196.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwShGYYLSZkxroPY-9xeLZJKrr-YWCiFPWRxSBVuUC_EnpZvf90XgnSSXYSm1Cs3onkq5qR8CtAQhXgkJMnIYGHABH4A8P-FvxKpbvMARRI-6nlegdrRDdVQ8RnCYVELUmucIpxlUNr6Y/s640/IMG_2196.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Every year without fail we turn to the same Sugar Cookie Recipe. While <a href="http://blog.lbsgoodspoon.com/2009/04/my-favorite-sous-chef-sugar-cookies.html">I blogged about it years ago,</a> it was time to update the post for you! Turns out I'm no longer single and living in a tiny studio behind someone's home in Santa Barbara, but living the life of a mom and wife of three little boys living outside Washington DC. Wow. It feels weird to type that!</div>
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These sugar cookies were passed on to us and the original recipe is one of those that a friend scribbled down on a piece of paper. We make the cookies and frosting each year, and each year they get less pretty, but somehow more delicious. I think the three little boys have something to do with the less pretty part- but I think they add spoonfuls to the added love that goes into them!</div>
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Note: these pictures are the cookie recipe, but not the frosting! I snapped a picture to share the recipe with you here because I know if your life is anything like mine all events seem to be asking for cookies these days, and you want a recipe you can trust. For my son's fifth birthday this past week we invited his class over to decorate cookies and so the frosting here is that glorious store bought tubes! I will say, it was fun and therapeutic to use it and I think you could use the frosting recipe I'll share here, but if you wanted to add some more detail, those magical store bought tubes are the way to go!</div>
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Heres the recipe for you. Some notes before you start- There's no need to refrigerate this dough before you make the cookies! That's probably one of the main reasons I love them so much! Make sure your flour surface is clean and you have flour nearby to add to it when you need to. I like using a little spatula to get the cookies onto my baking sheet<a href="https://amzn.to/2Qme8H6"> like this</a> and I use<a href="https://amzn.to/2Uj21Zw"> silpat baking sheets</a> like these which I swear by! (Affiliate link used there, but don't worry it means nothing for you and the prices you'll pay, just helps me keep this blog running!)</div>
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Confession: Sometimes I don't sift the flour, but if you have time by all means. One time I heard Martha Stewart say whisking was good enough, so there you go.</div>
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Here's the Recipe for you!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">German Sugar Cookies:</span></span><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sift together 3 c. flour, 1/2 t. baking powder, 1/2 t. baking soda, 1/4 t. salt, set aside</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cream 1 c. butter and 1 c. sugar in bowl, add 2 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition then 1 tsp. vanilla</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Gradually stir in dry ingredients</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide dough in half and roll out onto floured surface to 1/4" thickness. Cut with floured cutters and place about 2" apart on greased sheet- they'll grow!</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake at 350 for 10-12 min, or until golden.</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove and let cool- they freeze well up to 3 weeks</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here's<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the </span>delicious<span style="font-family: inherit;"> frosting recipe. It hardens nicely, has a little shine to it, and is super tasty and helps the cookies melt in your mouth!</span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Frosting:</span><br /><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cup confectioner sugar</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 T softened butter</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2-3 T milk</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 t. vanilla</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">dash salt</span></li>
<li style="list-style: disc !important; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">mix to desired consistency, add the colorings you'd like, and frost away!</span></li>
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P.S. Santa called and he just requested these. :)</div>
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<br />LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-47685548269329294142018-12-06T13:51:00.000-05:002018-12-06T13:51:37.112-05:00Advent at our House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMV9mawbikGXwnsPnEcTk2XI2sz3Z2LBTcgwIYihKKH6qyUfy4EX7T4-nNhIhia77M38mnyY84jwMWRcQECO-6C0wrcI0eUIfwQKavF6TGT3IratWG6FAm4td5Zoo4q_ibEsCxnDKfaw/s1600/IMG_1992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMV9mawbikGXwnsPnEcTk2XI2sz3Z2LBTcgwIYihKKH6qyUfy4EX7T4-nNhIhia77M38mnyY84jwMWRcQECO-6C0wrcI0eUIfwQKavF6TGT3IratWG6FAm4td5Zoo4q_ibEsCxnDKfaw/s640/IMG_1992.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've never really gotten into the whole advent thing. I didn't go to a church growing up that focused on it, and to be honest in these years with littles it's always felt like one more thing...until this year. I now see advent as a time to put our focus on Christ, and I'm thankful for the easy and simple resources out there!<br />
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My boys are now 7, 5, and 2 and love a good countdown. That, and I love them not asking every five minutes how many days until Christmas. I wanted to share really quickly the simple things our family is doing in hopes that it'll encourage you- and because none of these require you to have started on the 1st! You can hop right in anytime and know that with 19 days to go, there's still time to prepare Him room and turn your attention to what it is we are truly celebrating Christmas Day!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xcflbHgofOhxYWpsajloyk5NGFDC4Fl_fB2uwVIHvodMXrAyCY9UKmc2mFQlmM8pnl0n_-iEqI9OmCh5p0-rzsTq9kvVXHPV90x8Xa_9BLXBbOFX4kGaT_D6zDHeBrziOvijJ0Weksk/s1600/IMG_2198.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xcflbHgofOhxYWpsajloyk5NGFDC4Fl_fB2uwVIHvodMXrAyCY9UKmc2mFQlmM8pnl0n_-iEqI9OmCh5p0-rzsTq9kvVXHPV90x8Xa_9BLXBbOFX4kGaT_D6zDHeBrziOvijJ0Weksk/s640/IMG_2198.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First up, I got these Advent Coloring Activity Books for $3 at Target. I got them in November, but just saw them there the other day so I think you may still be able to find them! Each day the boys have worked through a coloring activity sheet, and I love that it's reinforcing the number of days we have to go!<br />
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Second, chocolate advent calendar. I don't know why we didn't do these before! Many are only .99 and again, it's a fun and simple way to count down. The chocolates are so tiny so I don't care if they eat them during breakfast!<br />
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Third, and most definitely my most favorite thing we've added this year are these Advent Perspective Cards to our Christmas traditions this year. The boys are at the age now where I can ask questions at dinner and we get some good responses. These were made by my friend's sister, Mom, and her friend and are only $10 + shipping! There's no direct link I can send you to, but if you shoot me an email or send me a message I'm happy to put you in touch with them! I love the questions these have on them. Each night I've let the boys pick a card and then we end up reading the paragraph about the character and then the starred question which is geared more towards little kids. You can really have these at any age though as the other questions are great for adults!<br />
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How is your Christmas season going? I know with two birthdays in our family on top of all the Christmas things, it's a real struggle to keep things simple sometimes and just focus on the real meaning of the season! I think we are pretty much done with Christmas shopping and I'm gearing myself up for three weeks of the bigs having off from school! Eeee...LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-44072325994746035472018-11-16T10:04:00.001-05:002018-11-16T10:04:41.072-05:00My favorite Make Ahead Turkey Gravy<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxVT_CCBhqChPrH8IkPoHPWzLmbDLpBILRRiQHw-nXhUIymB9SGvxeCNzcAih7UomcZDA8ahRjUdiDmjCR_79920cVrowA-tyfTPLmgpjd4PXBabVMnRwj8_HyxE0Jj-8Xd45THrP6uQ/s1600/123EE7F7-3E16-4FA5-B108-C64200537FD7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxVT_CCBhqChPrH8IkPoHPWzLmbDLpBILRRiQHw-nXhUIymB9SGvxeCNzcAih7UomcZDA8ahRjUdiDmjCR_79920cVrowA-tyfTPLmgpjd4PXBabVMnRwj8_HyxE0Jj-8Xd45THrP6uQ/s640/123EE7F7-3E16-4FA5-B108-C64200537FD7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm sitting here writing to you while my husband takes the kids to school after a snow day yesterday and school delay this morning. I just made part of this recipe and am writing it up for you now. I wonder if this is how people feel with all kids in school?! I may even drink hot coffee right now, do Pilates, shower, paint, work on my business, blog some more... Just kidding. They'll be back before I know it but I did want to pop on here real quick and get this to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcOkHMUIYkL05i3wNYSeWCuKolYJtX9HSYZ0KYY6w5N07zggxmX-IKQ6kfY3qlHl3WjhPf6P51Eu1_EqhjjLHoxAtlt3uTzxnpaskf7ty1u_yjWqZk0VYE15OpSdt4sebtsuIn0Ru098/s1600/2DF3EBC3-74DE-4966-8611-388966ED54D0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcOkHMUIYkL05i3wNYSeWCuKolYJtX9HSYZ0KYY6w5N07zggxmX-IKQ6kfY3qlHl3WjhPf6P51Eu1_EqhjjLHoxAtlt3uTzxnpaskf7ty1u_yjWqZk0VYE15OpSdt4sebtsuIn0Ru098/s400/2DF3EBC3-74DE-4966-8611-388966ED54D0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made this recipe a couple years ago and have thought of it since as my favorite. What's turkey without gravy? This recipe packs a lot of flavor and you know I love how I can make most of it ahead! <br />
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I don't have time to share with you recipes I don't love, and I don't think you have time to read about a recipe that I then write, "Meh, it was okay." This one is a winner- but then again when have we met a recipe by Ina we didn't like?!<br />
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The best part about this is the starter can be made up to a week ahead, or frozen for 3 months! I doubled the recipe because we'll have 2 turkey's tomorrow, but if you wanted you could make some even for Christmas now and put it in the freezer! This recipe hails from <a href="https://amzn.to/2zaLqhC">Ina's Make it Ahead Cookbook!</a><br />
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Ingredient's You'll Need for 4 cups or 1 roasted Turkey<br />
<ul>
<li>6 tablesoons unsalted butter</li>
<li>1 large red onion, halved and sliced</li>
<li>4 garlic cloves, halved</li>
<li>6 tablespoons flour</li>
<li>4 cups chicken broth</li>
<li>2 tablespoons brandy (or Cognac but we used Brandy)</li>
<li>10 large sage leaves</li>
<li>2 bay leaves</li>
<li>kosher salt and pepper</li>
<li>1 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio</li>
</ul>
How to Make it-<br />
<ol>
<li>Melt the butter and cook it with the onion and garlic for 15-20 minutes</li>
<li>Add the flour and stir for a good minute constantly, then pour in the broth, Brandy, sage, and bay leaf. Add in 2 teaspoons kosher salt (unless your stock is really salty) and 1 teaspoon black pepper. It sounds like a lot so you can add less and add more later as you taste it.</li>
<li>Allow the starter to come to a boil then simmer for 20 minutes. </li>
<li>Set it off the heat for an hour and then pour the gravy through a mesh strainer and discard the solids. Save the starter and refridgerate it until you're ready to use it.</li>
<li>Once the turkey it out of the roasting pan and resting, add 1 cup of the wine, bring to a boil and then simmer for 2 minutes scraping up the bits. </li>
<li>Next add to the pan the gravy starter and whisk it to incorporate then heat for about 5 minutes. I'm going to do this step as Benjamin is carving the turkey!</li>
<li>Taste it for seasoning and serve hot!</li>
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We're trying out Ina's make ahead turkey this year too, so I'll let you know how that goes! Happy cooking! LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2693514250651089477.post-83375517582886685662018-11-12T08:41:00.001-05:002018-11-12T08:41:54.795-05:00My Mom's Winter Soup<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs9DwbkIwenoQtoNGoeGYQ9HgK_TTBJOgAWwt2GMONXS7QQAEkDvNys0TqPKWP_nyBp8Wrfos005ddZQA83_wel27WzU0QdWHuBPxrN_b7OSbVuvez9sdTVsnHDwHvqjJom0t22Cq8MQ/s1600/1D2C88D5-9C00-4FB7-9FB7-2C530199B17D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMs9DwbkIwenoQtoNGoeGYQ9HgK_TTBJOgAWwt2GMONXS7QQAEkDvNys0TqPKWP_nyBp8Wrfos005ddZQA83_wel27WzU0QdWHuBPxrN_b7OSbVuvez9sdTVsnHDwHvqjJom0t22Cq8MQ/s640/1D2C88D5-9C00-4FB7-9FB7-2C530199B17D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With the holiday's coming up and our freezer recently being depleted,
it was time to restock. When it comes to freezer meals and winter time
I want things that are going to be warm, tasty, and good for the entire
family. Last week I went into the grocery store with a big cookbook,
started adding items to my cart, and then ended up putting many of them
away. Why? I realized this year I don't want to stock it with lots of
heavy meals because all the pasta doesn't make us feel too great, and my
son has requested I never ever ever make Lasagna again. As a family we
all don't do well with heavy dairy meals which makes freezer meals a
bit more challenging. <br />
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And so, with 12 pounds of
ground beef in hand from my grocery trip, I knew I needed to make
something for the whole family that was healthy, freezer friendly, and
dairy free. My Mom's Winter Soup was a no-brainer yet one that I
haven't made much myself because it's been her go-to for years. Friends
from high school have had this and it hails from one of those plastic spiral-bound cookbooks that may be around your home too. Remember a time before
Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook threads when people submitted recipes
and then they were compiled in a book? This is a recipe from one of
those!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlI9FLyeA-nxTNxs4Qz10VoTCvAPyvV7EPc8AohBbPL3_6aCjFlxkEZb4vMj02lNlUDo9ic7PvRG9kWiYRTAynn7IDh3E6SnmHulH_99WYOdGrFVKnADwSjSMxhpk6_a_yBPWeaWZ0co/s1600/IMG_1287.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLlI9FLyeA-nxTNxs4Qz10VoTCvAPyvV7EPc8AohBbPL3_6aCjFlxkEZb4vMj02lNlUDo9ic7PvRG9kWiYRTAynn7IDh3E6SnmHulH_99WYOdGrFVKnADwSjSMxhpk6_a_yBPWeaWZ0co/s640/IMG_1287.PNG" width="425" /> </a></div>
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The ingredients for this recipe are all things you likely have on hand. They're budget friendly and what I love is that it's one of those meals where you're getting everything you need in one soup. You could absolutely serve it with a salad and some bread, or keep it simple and just eat this. The broth is what's going to have you wanting more so definitely don't skip the wine!</div>
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I made a double batch, but here's the recipe for a single batch that serves 6.</div>
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<b>Ingredient's You'll Need: </b></div>
<ul>
<li>2 tablespoons butter</li>
<li>3 medium onions, chopped</li>
<li>1 lb ground beef</li>
<li>1 garlic clove, minced</li>
<li>3 cups beef broth</li>
<li>1 28 oz can diced tomatoes</li>
<li>1 cup diced potatoes</li>
<li>3 carrots, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup celery, chopped</li>
<li>1 cup frozen green beans (I used fresh!)</li>
<li>1 cup dry red wine</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon dried basil (I used oregano and it was still delicious!)</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon dried thyme</li>
<li>salt and pepper for seasoning</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>In a large dutch oven melt the butter and cook the onion with some salt and pepper until it sweats. If you double the recipe learn from me and just use 2 dutch ovens!</li>
<li>Add the beef and garlic and brown the meat with some more salt and pepper. Once it's browned add in the broth, tomatoes, potatoes, celery, carrots, green beans, wine, basil and thyme. Simmer for 1 hour. Check your seasoning and add more salt and pepper as needed! </li>
</ol>
How easy was that?! Yes I have Ina Garten's voice in my head whenever I type that. I hope you love this soup as much as we do! <br />
LBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15699029599286608261noreply@blogger.com0