tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60766631179233569542024-03-04T20:20:35.647-08:00My Tiny Little LifeSharing life's tiny treasures.Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-62233267231867605212014-11-16T04:08:00.000-08:002014-11-16T04:26:30.370-08:00Baked Whole Butternut Squash - Who Knew?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I live on the lakeshore in beautiful Grand Haven, Michigan. The summers here are so lovely, with the beach and the water and the tourists, live music, festivals...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...but the winters are NO joke. "Harsh" is an understatement. Historically, I turn to "comfort food," which translates to anything warm and cheesy, warm and sugary, or warm and carby. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been working hard on a healthier lifestyle and have long been a vegetarian. When the weather changed from tropical to TORRID...I began to crave my delicious comfort food, and had to find an alternative. I love squash! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found this GIANT butternut last week and was dreading trying to split it. I figured, hey..why not? SO I took a leap of faith and did something DARING......I cooked it whole! (I know, crazy.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the easiest thing EVER. I did not prepare the squash in any way at all. I laid it on an aluminum foil covered cookie sheet, set the oven to 375 and waited, hoping it wouldn't burn my house down or explode. Neither happened, but in about a half hour, my house smelled just heavenly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cooked this for about ah hour and a half...I knew it was finished when I could poke a fork in the thickest spot with no resistance. When it cam out, I noticed, to my DELIGHT, that the skin had pulled form the meat and it...omggg it caramelized!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I impatiently let it cool a little and split it open...ohhhhh, hello, lover.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4E_ctPVimyNLpogosdpou8hmWxRm8kV-1i-nfZYLcKc0lUa-7dpE3IqT2lTDMwx8tkzrcLd83PZVpWTEwCXgsDH8FQIGVkv9xzIVd4ZyaosSjDYt6cUQY_EGnmuLbQTKtGfxarok1oHG/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4E_ctPVimyNLpogosdpou8hmWxRm8kV-1i-nfZYLcKc0lUa-7dpE3IqT2lTDMwx8tkzrcLd83PZVpWTEwCXgsDH8FQIGVkv9xzIVd4ZyaosSjDYt6cUQY_EGnmuLbQTKtGfxarok1oHG/s1600/2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scooped the seeds and removed the skin, which was so easy. Zero waste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And .....here's my yield.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTriwWq-lc3FPwIRTNe2iA7QYFeZvtqbMzSTgZYtxa1kzaEY42GJwU7p6PiTX794tIQHB1JFKuH7o7ulr0fXlP0_aGPNw9mQXQXUqwHdFkqF8pgaXxptTsgE4ytnVqXqaKOE6ND4mWQrd/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTriwWq-lc3FPwIRTNe2iA7QYFeZvtqbMzSTgZYtxa1kzaEY42GJwU7p6PiTX794tIQHB1JFKuH7o7ulr0fXlP0_aGPNw9mQXQXUqwHdFkqF8pgaXxptTsgE4ytnVqXqaKOE6ND4mWQrd/s1600/4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's a LOT. Because I didn't split or prick the squash, the inside steamed perfectly in its own juices. The caramelization of the skin gave it a wonderful, rich flavor It was perfect and now this my go-to technique for squash! This is loaded with nutrients and was good enough to eat plain, no butter, salt, nothing. I've always been reluctant to buy/cook butternuts because I have an awful time splitting them and I hated peeling them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ate almost all of it *haha*..and froze some for later. Later..tomorrow. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-86856557559948692932014-04-04T09:08:00.000-07:002014-04-04T09:08:13.177-07:00Delicious Butter Baked and Broiled Cabbage Slabs.OH my heavens.<br />
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I'm a vegetarian. I don't know how or why this even happened, but over the course of a year, maybe two, I found myself really loving a meatless lifestyle. I do love animals, but I'm not going to throw ketchup on your furs, I'm just feeling a lot better going veggie. AND I get to eat dishes like THESE for BREAKFAST!<br /><br />SO here's how its done..and there's nothing complicated about this at ALL so please tweak my recipe to your liking.<br />
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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Your cabbage: I cut mine into 1/2 inch slabs. I like my cabbage "al dente"..not slimy and flaccid. (giggle)<br />
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Prepare your cookie sheet by brushing it with some olive oil. give it a good coat.<br />
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Now. lay down your cabbage slabs and just smear the heck out of them with REAL, salted BUTTER. OH yeah, baby....I said it. BUTTER. It's good for you. Get that butter all over the place. Grind some sea salt and some fresh peppercorns on top of that. OH MY GOSH.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gGy5gLPJc6YstJAL1JYZvsBSCXbz7YLTPBxZjQkdzqMY8ODGdOqDZ2Z02y8h81CnngCSrV1ozYax8c_vTGIWC0zMerO0mHWRuCU_kpppUQ60-N9HSfpwX4BKWguW9S3iOZg8RXHg74B/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7gGy5gLPJc6YstJAL1JYZvsBSCXbz7YLTPBxZjQkdzqMY8ODGdOqDZ2Z02y8h81CnngCSrV1ozYax8c_vTGIWC0zMerO0mHWRuCU_kpppUQ60-N9HSfpwX4BKWguW9S3iOZg8RXHg74B/s1600/3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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NOW we COOK! <br />
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Put. It. In. The. Oven. Now set your timer for 20 minutes, but check at about 15 minutes. When the bottoms are becoming brown and the cabbage is turning translucent, flip 'em...let them bake for 15 more minutes.<br />
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Now turn your oven to broil and give them a nice brown. The tops will caramelize with the butter and THAT'S what we're looking for. My oven took about 7 minutes, yours might take more or less time, so keep your eye on it.<br />
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Here's what we want to see:<br />
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LAWD ALMIGHTY.</div>
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You're almost done. You can eat this as is and its delicious. If you're a carnivore, add some bacon bits. I love to serve mine with some good marinara, and a sprinkling of parmesan....whatever you decide, I promise, that caramelized cabbage, butter and salt and pepper is absolutely to die for. </div>
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<br />Here's mine, seconds before I devoured it. (at 10am) haha! Enjoy! </div>
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Tell me how you tweaked this to you or your family's liking in my comment section! </div>
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Thanks for visiting!<br /><br />Karen</div>
<br />Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-58201611751482787882013-09-26T12:44:00.002-07:002013-09-26T12:44:23.661-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3WuwudXVBkeA_kiHP1_rGxXoEPS56QqApK3ESvws-IoE45rsNet-H04_Zyrf6SsGuVIn35iTDr4BXc8BbvqHnqhgZLDzrGcY2AfRvewoHnNu4RNh1n8J_8sGtMcQTo7YqnDt3Ocp6jPv/s1600/dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3WuwudXVBkeA_kiHP1_rGxXoEPS56QqApK3ESvws-IoE45rsNet-H04_Zyrf6SsGuVIn35iTDr4BXc8BbvqHnqhgZLDzrGcY2AfRvewoHnNu4RNh1n8J_8sGtMcQTo7YqnDt3Ocp6jPv/s400/dance.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This girl right here will <i>NEVER </i>stop dancing, singing (poorly), being enchanted, or give up, never. ever.ever.</span></div>
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Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-29314924695434954872013-06-28T08:23:00.002-07:002013-09-26T12:40:09.674-07:00My Personal Bill of Rights. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have the right to ask for what I want.<br />
I have the right to say no to requests or demands I cannot or am unwilling to meet.<br />
I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.<br />
I have the right to change my mind.<br />
I have the right to make mistakes and not have to be perfect.<br />
I have the right to follow my own values and standards.<br />
I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my values.<br />
I have the right to determine my own priorities.<br />
I have the right NOT to be responsible for others’ behaviors, actions, feelings or problems.<br />
I have the right to expect honesty from others.<br />
I have the right to be angry at someone I love.<br />
I have the right to be uniquely myself.<br />
I have the right to feel scared and say, “I’m afraid.”<br />
I have the right to say, “I don’t know.”<br />
I have the right not to give excuses or reasons for my behavior and choices.<br />
I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.<br />
I have the right to my own needs for personal space and time.<br />
I have the right to be playful and frivolous.<br />
I have the right to be healthier than those around me.<br />
I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.<br />
I have the right to choose my friends and be comfortable around people.<br />
I have the right to change and grow.<br />
I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.<br />
I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.<br />
I have the right to be deeply centered and peaceful.<br />
I have the right to be happy.<br />
I have the right to exercise these rights without retaliation.</div>
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Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-63418497045889356992013-05-09T12:57:00.000-07:002013-05-09T12:57:37.691-07:00My Latest Favorite Snack...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isn't this just lovely?<br /><br />It's so simple, just fresh blueberries and good, tangy feta cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Doesn't that seem like an odd combination? I've been addicted to this since we moved here to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grand Haven, Michigan, Blueberry USA. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyhow, I encourage you to try this and let me know what you think</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Namaste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen</span></div>
Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-16965458371345270642013-05-03T06:47:00.004-07:002013-05-03T06:47:50.412-07:00Buh Bye Negativity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInGVONkxSRIxACyYCn0fN1SHtAldlxZ6UIuVND8uS-GmPcTnFOb9e_SSiyG3NzujLrX57QGXDUmn7GG1yoveaHpu0AZEnasthvlaCsckHwtDV8Z5QcYlTw7wdnTO5FExOw4vBw_ktpI9B/s1600/negative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInGVONkxSRIxACyYCn0fN1SHtAldlxZ6UIuVND8uS-GmPcTnFOb9e_SSiyG3NzujLrX57QGXDUmn7GG1yoveaHpu0AZEnasthvlaCsckHwtDV8Z5QcYlTw7wdnTO5FExOw4vBw_ktpI9B/s320/negative.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">YEP! 104 miles, to be exact! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-59488666463354319052013-04-14T10:19:00.002-07:002013-04-14T10:37:55.006-07:00Rainbow Cupcakes!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb8FYDMJg6jVPNEd3aDRDtTzcy9uxwZbIoHzvg8UnOx_ynvX1eGFkuU5DCzuLTCdoK8JvWq1AxT7Asa_YhRTdIFOxXDUjUvmuHdg4my3VZhvI3fFGXBvJIYW6EEP_6pKQArH1mstDiRHM/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigb8FYDMJg6jVPNEd3aDRDtTzcy9uxwZbIoHzvg8UnOx_ynvX1eGFkuU5DCzuLTCdoK8JvWq1AxT7Asa_YhRTdIFOxXDUjUvmuHdg4my3VZhvI3fFGXBvJIYW6EEP_6pKQArH1mstDiRHM/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Rainbow cupcakes! These are fun <i>and easy</i> to make if you follow a couple of helpful hints! REALLY! They look like a mess, but trust me, if I can do this so can anyone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First: Use a white cake mix, any type will do, but be sure to not add the egg yolks, egg whites only, we're going for bright, vibrant color here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have on hand 6 small (sandwich size) Ziplock bags..you will mix your batter and colors in these.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK....Mix your batter according to the directions on the box. (these are far from gourmet..if you prefer a homemade from scratch recipe, wellthen rock and roll.)...the kids were fine with the box recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Divide, (we just eyeballed it)...your batter into 6 somewhat equal parts and put them into your Ziplock bags. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's your color recipe:</span></div>
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<table border="1" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Quicksand, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 20.25px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;"><strong>RAINBOW COLOR</strong></td><td style="vertical-align: top;"><strong>DROPS OF FOOD COLORING</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Purple</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">9 red and 6 blue drops</td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Blue</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">12 drops</td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Green</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">12 drops</td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Yellow</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">12 drops</td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Orange</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">12 yellow and 4 red drops</td></tr>
<tr><td style="vertical-align: top;">Red</td><td style="vertical-align: top;">18 drops</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add to each ziplock bag and squish with your hands....don't worry, this doesn't effect the batter at all, I was worried, but it didn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Using your scissors, cut a wee corner out of each Ziplock bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Squeeze just enough batter to cover the bottoms of your lined cupcake pan....keep adding layers until you have used each color, in rainbow order....be careful not to overfill your cupcakes, as I did a few times...be very gentle here, don't disturb the batter at allll...you will end up with mud cupcakes, not rainbow cupcakes, and that would be tragic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake according to package directions....voila. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frost with your choice of frosting, we chose vanilla with sprinkles and they turned out darling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Have fun with this! We sure did, We'll be making these again for sure!<br /><br />Namaste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen</span></div>
Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-3330845217975670082013-03-15T08:52:00.000-07:002013-03-15T09:06:36.786-07:00From the YUMMY files....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPsYhHrSh3YnsLEuU1H3vIvlAZZRxsqfSkKEnasHtKeWF2KGDL4oMUiZZd9QsBFMNNY5BMpWfskRnjRh8_6J19YfUyK6I-LJg0oEz13Ov3U-S6o6J3V7IlJUqbzPj8ujfxHY1By8qrkph/s1600/003+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPsYhHrSh3YnsLEuU1H3vIvlAZZRxsqfSkKEnasHtKeWF2KGDL4oMUiZZd9QsBFMNNY5BMpWfskRnjRh8_6J19YfUyK6I-LJg0oEz13Ov3U-S6o6J3V7IlJUqbzPj8ujfxHY1By8qrkph/s640/003+(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OOH my stars. This is a recipe that not only looks amazing, but tastes wonderful as well. I tested this recipe that I found over at Taste of Home (my number one go-to for wonderful recipes)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was easy to put together, with ingredients that are readily available in my pantry most of the time. I am thinking, maybe next time I'll add a cream cheese filling as well, just to make these MORE sinful!<br /><br />The bars in the photo were made with a 9x13 pan and they're thick! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip: don't omit the almond extract, even add a dash more! And be sure to add the glaze, it adds just the right amount of sweetness!<br /><br />Here's your recipe :)</span><br />
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<span class="recipeCookingIns" style="background-color: #fbf5e5; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; height: 27px; line-height: 15.859375px; margin: 10px 0px 8px; padding: 0px;"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationOuter" style="display: block; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: -1000px;"><span class="duration" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationFormat" style="display: block; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">50<span class="value-title" id="ctl00_ctl00_MainContent_MainContent_RecipeLeftColumn1_durationISO" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="PT50M"></span></span></span><span class="clearfloat" style="clear: both; font-size: 1px; height: 0px; line-height: 0px; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="ingredient" id="krakenRoot" style="background-color: #cebfb5; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.859375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></h2>
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<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup butter, softened</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">4 eggs</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 teaspoon </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">vanilla extract</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/4 teaspoon </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">almond extract</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3 cups </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">all-purpose flour</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 teaspoon </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">salt</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">2 cans (21 ounces <i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">each</i>) cherry pie filling</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;"><b class="sIngredient" style="background-attachment: scroll; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: repeat repeat; display: inline-block; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 0px -14px; padding: 15px 0px 0px; position: relative;">GLAZE:</b></span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 cup confectioners' sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">vanilla extract</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="amount" style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon </span><i style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">almond extract</span></i></span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 to 3 tablespoons milk</span></li>
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Directions</span></span></h2>
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<li style="line-height: 16px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the extracts. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture just until combined.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 16px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Spread 3 cups batter into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Spread with pie filling. Drop the remaining batter by teaspoonfuls over filling. You may use a 9 x 13 inch pan, just add 10 minutes or so to the baking time.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 16px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Combine the glaze ingredients; drizzle over bars.<b style="line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> Yield: </b>5 dozen</span></li>
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</span></span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-48916160143024034612013-03-13T05:38:00.000-07:002013-03-13T05:38:31.566-07:00Back to the studio!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This design has always been my all time favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since 2008, when I made my very first one, these have been wildly popular...and I never tire of making them...they're just so lovely. I bet by now I have made several thousand of these, and no two will ever be alike! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tiny tree is encapsulated between crystal clear glass with tiny glass cherry blossoms. I love these! What do you think?</span></div>
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These are available in my Etsy shop at:</div>
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http://www.karmabeads.etsy.com</div>
</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-42572969834528229612013-03-08T07:10:00.000-08:002013-03-08T07:10:16.138-08:00Welcome Spring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_mLso5f8VoTL1Y5VLAgKEYSqsaLRIXfGc0eTaIPmTHHjeOvYcKNPtkq8ymk6lWvcLgzMFzhiYSNNhFWiP32UHeZTPJPFUd1A86xQ-7Onq9uMKlpZiBRcO69YTtFCDvoDMi17h0RiH4n1/s1600/015+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_mLso5f8VoTL1Y5VLAgKEYSqsaLRIXfGc0eTaIPmTHHjeOvYcKNPtkq8ymk6lWvcLgzMFzhiYSNNhFWiP32UHeZTPJPFUd1A86xQ-7Onq9uMKlpZiBRcO69YTtFCDvoDMi17h0RiH4n1/s320/015+(1).jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEKA_ikjSjo0AJ1gbbQJHnw7FVwwZkWXGm94vxCbpjrL80E75Bk0Qg35i2F9zG4tqQDVRItOgTyNKK47eziNEnaNg-XjNozjj2l2kyZ8rA6HYTKtcXC42K6wnx3CtGQVx8SiMqSFPs3Zb/s1600/013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEKA_ikjSjo0AJ1gbbQJHnw7FVwwZkWXGm94vxCbpjrL80E75Bk0Qg35i2F9zG4tqQDVRItOgTyNKK47eziNEnaNg-XjNozjj2l2kyZ8rA6HYTKtcXC42K6wnx3CtGQVx8SiMqSFPs3Zb/s320/013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are well into the first week of March and these tulips are just so lovely. Our little cottage by the lake is bright and sundrenched with it's huge windows, a perfect place for these treasures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Anyone who knows me, knows about my obsession with blue Mason jars! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one hangs at an angle on the side of my kitchen cabinet. I wrapped the neck securely with some copper wire, and made a simple loop. Then, I hung this with a simple screw-in teacup hook. Super easy and how darling is this!?<br /><br />I love to put fresh peonies or big pink carnations in there! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope this inspires you to do something similar, sometimes simple is best!<br /><br />Have a lovely weekend!<br /><br />_/\_ namaste</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-790539900082372472013-03-07T05:30:00.002-08:002013-03-07T06:39:58.633-08:00Layered Salad - YUM YUM YUMMY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi062JOvi_oR2fk6MWgeUaFV2zG-xzvIcexg6FiKVL4XAT-_hRKMPJ2Nxq_Ru9O3ss373wjFTjXJas6pT4UduhRKiJli6Sx3l7kVk4KilEPxFo7HoomoOrIunCOxp0hEn9R1-MBXHyKj2fs/s1600/0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi062JOvi_oR2fk6MWgeUaFV2zG-xzvIcexg6FiKVL4XAT-_hRKMPJ2Nxq_Ru9O3ss373wjFTjXJas6pT4UduhRKiJli6Sx3l7kVk4KilEPxFo7HoomoOrIunCOxp0hEn9R1-MBXHyKj2fs/s320/0077.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truly, this is the easiest thing in the world, the hardest part of this is the prep, and that's not even a big deal! But this dish packs a wallop if you have been asked to bring s dish to pass and there's never a tiny bit left!<br /><br />Of course, you can add or delete any ingredient you like, and a glass bowl is an absolute must! I love this bowl because the sides are nice and high, highlighting all of my pretty layers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how this is done: I"m not going to be super specific as far as amounts, or types of veggies, so that you can use your own creativity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Layered Salad</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lettuce (I use romaine mixed with dark leaf lettuce)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Green pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carrot ( I use my peeler to make ribbons)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roma tomato (seed these)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Frozen sweet peas (OMG DON'T use canned peas!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hard boiled eggs ( I added 5)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sharp cheddar cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bacon bits (make your own or use store bought REAL bacon bits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mayo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sour Cream </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and Pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Parmesan cheese.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's build our salad</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, prep all veggies. Once everything is chopped, peeled, boiled, and ready to go, begin assembling!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here, I layered, in this order, lettuce, carrots. tomatoes, peas, green pepper, more lettuce, cheese, eggs, bacon and then my dressing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />In between each layer, add a bit of salt and pepper, not too much. Press each layer down, make this nice and compact.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To make your dressing (again, make to your own preference, taste as you go along), I used a cup and 1/2 mayo, a cup and 1/2 sour cream, two tbsp sugar (really, don't skip this), and 1/4 tsp salt and a good amount of freshly cracked pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spread this generously across the top, sealing at the edges. Cover and let this sit in your fridge for 8 hours. <br /><br />When ready to serve, add more grated sharp cheddar, pepper, and some fresh parmesan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You could also add some croutons.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />My husband doesn't care for onions, but I love a sprinkling of red onion, adds lots of color and flavor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />I hope that this inspires you to try your own recipes, I would love to see photos of your creations!<br /><br />Happy salad making!<br /><br />Namaste _/\_</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">~karen~</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-18397119304711669442013-03-02T08:29:00.002-08:002013-03-02T08:29:34.524-08:00What's Up, Puddin' Cup?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44n0l2nAROXymgDqd_Ap_zyUvTdRMFjvrJljH7PFIehNq7D4-lnxbBheWqVjosyfWgcMQxmHVhFU_i-OXUoeIoMlKMOn2OHPkMrDSF5VtWL4-0ofioSkbafB6cjH15k4hrO42UXwJgfeb/s1600/pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44n0l2nAROXymgDqd_Ap_zyUvTdRMFjvrJljH7PFIehNq7D4-lnxbBheWqVjosyfWgcMQxmHVhFU_i-OXUoeIoMlKMOn2OHPkMrDSF5VtWL4-0ofioSkbafB6cjH15k4hrO42UXwJgfeb/s400/pudding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">YUM YUM YUMMY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is our favorite. Homemade chocolate pudding must be one of the most satisfying comfort foods around. And, while I have to believe that my version is much healthier than the Jello boxed mixes or the type that are found in the refrigerated section at the grocery store, this is in NO WAY a "health food!" But I'm sure you know that. This is strictly comfort food and it will cure what ails you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here, I have served this up with some whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry, but these small Mason jars come with screw on rims and lids for *ahem* single serving sizes, which will keep in your refrigerator for a while. I have no idea how long, as this dessert never stays in my house for more than a couple of days. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my recipe:</span></div>
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<span class="ingredient" style="background-color: #cebfb5; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.859375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></div>
<h2 style="color: #642916; font-family: MuseoSlab500, Georgia; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 5px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px;">
Ingredients</h2>
<ul class="ingredients" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 26px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1 cup </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">sugar</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 cup </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">baking cocoa</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/4 cup </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">cornstarch</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1/2 teaspoon </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">salt</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4 cups </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">milk</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 tablespoons </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">butter</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2 teaspoons </span><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">vanilla extract</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="color: #999999; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px;"><i style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="name" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: right;">1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips</span></i></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="line-height: 1.22em; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 16px; padding: 2px 0px; text-align: right;"><br /><br /><span class="amount" style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: #cebfb5; color: #333333; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.859375px;"></span><span class="instructions" style="background-color: #cebfb5; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.859375px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 style="color: #642916; font-family: MuseoSlab500, Georgia; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin-bottom: 5px !important; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 15px; padding: 0px;">
Directions</h2>
<ul class="directions" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; line-height: 1.22em; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 7px 17px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="color: #999999; line-height: 16px; list-style: disc; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 2px 0px;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa, semi sweet chocolate chips, cornstarch and salt. gradually add milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in butter and vanilla. Spoon into individual serving dishes. Chill until serving. </span></li>
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<b>If you like, you may cover your warm pudding with some plastic cling wrap to avoid the "skin"....personally, I love the skin, and I think it gives the pudding homemade "cred." </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ENJOY!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen</span></div>
</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-12104803207874199682013-03-01T09:21:00.003-08:002013-03-01T09:21:33.414-08:00Grand Haven in Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwmHsypbFwkSFQRQPWYs93DTOGikjiPDgHDqOoomv86tCJTt9wfEknzn3VZ8-LUUaA_-HaWBwZHReAqmqp7NHAKfhdOTtFGQXEU8H2qE_W45bS6vRyfiGpz4JWVqGUDl8da3zyT3x7rHK/s1600/grand+haven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwmHsypbFwkSFQRQPWYs93DTOGikjiPDgHDqOoomv86tCJTt9wfEknzn3VZ8-LUUaA_-HaWBwZHReAqmqp7NHAKfhdOTtFGQXEU8H2qE_W45bS6vRyfiGpz4JWVqGUDl8da3zyT3x7rHK/s640/grand+haven2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isn't this just gorgeous? It isn't even very cold. Today is March 1, and everything here is "melty"...if you're a Michigander, you'll understand that term perfectly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In two months, we will have lived here for a full year now, originally from Land Locked Lansing (or, more specifically, the Lansing area of Michigan), and we could not be happier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Leaving all of the hurtful people and events that controlled our lives was only the beginning. Now, we have the lake, the sun, and a brand new family.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But this is only the beginning of our adventure. Soon we'll be gone from Grand Haven, too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-40257277976009851502013-02-27T12:53:00.002-08:002013-02-27T12:53:54.252-08:00<h2>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Another wonderful day, a snow day that I got to spend with my precious little Matthew.</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XwoxOCGfpPsPQIE6qEHbxHd7bvxJq2NLwvPqdLvCUmaFDXFOKPxCzhS17ce5Q1cgr-wcEIJ4CKKtN9g0ywWeP4vR3q-8a7H6JJavqmUWfU5a5sOF4g9kT3XSVEMtmr6qrYuvnhd8hc1O/s1600/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XwoxOCGfpPsPQIE6qEHbxHd7bvxJq2NLwvPqdLvCUmaFDXFOKPxCzhS17ce5Q1cgr-wcEIJ4CKKtN9g0ywWeP4vR3q-8a7H6JJavqmUWfU5a5sOF4g9kT3XSVEMtmr6qrYuvnhd8hc1O/s320/sunshine.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-62443076009120847222013-01-15T15:44:00.000-08:002013-01-15T15:44:40.705-08:00Little Carved Carrot Hearts <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do not vaccinate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO...with that, we count on fresh air, lots of fruits and vegetables, lots of sleep, copious amounts of clean, cold water, and carved carrot hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I made a delicious turkey and vegetable soup, with chickpeas, kale, corn, celery, garlic, onion, and...lots of little carved carrot hearts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not only is this just the cutest thing ever, it's well known to have great power to keep illness at bay, I swear!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've made it through this cold/flu season without incident (so far)....knock on wood! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm sure it's the carrots.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3B7-GRhh0fbVVFhAo6iq88HENpLF6NcXJg6eZsWBFNLBrKPCi6TRp-Lk742dlNNxOD-IWL3SI1r3mHGZCBC8Y1YLzaT4ftFugks4U_o17YLk_azOCBiih35euMd_yRau5dXH5Dh8dEJP/s1600/carrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg3B7-GRhh0fbVVFhAo6iq88HENpLF6NcXJg6eZsWBFNLBrKPCi6TRp-Lk742dlNNxOD-IWL3SI1r3mHGZCBC8Y1YLzaT4ftFugks4U_o17YLk_azOCBiih35euMd_yRau5dXH5Dh8dEJP/s320/carrot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />These are rather self explanatory to make....simple, even. Cut a "v" shape in the top, then use your peeler to shape the rest. Easy peasy...it's the love that goes into this extra step that keeps illness at bay.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-20115167795035598542013-01-04T12:12:00.000-08:002013-01-04T12:12:03.555-08:00Paleo Friendly Baked Eggs in Avacado Halves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNvT_jrn2S67GZT5qmEOSSBTdELJ7jQ3QssMkczu2OqIHFC-G3pB8q5zzsPGnlb4kJrQpGoRWCw7AcY2amx66YPxeUdPX9cZEmhjxWTOQPkMGp__f7kvxsEQlyCnPCrhB36SZK0o_0Vs6/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNvT_jrn2S67GZT5qmEOSSBTdELJ7jQ3QssMkczu2OqIHFC-G3pB8q5zzsPGnlb4kJrQpGoRWCw7AcY2amx66YPxeUdPX9cZEmhjxWTOQPkMGp__f7kvxsEQlyCnPCrhB36SZK0o_0Vs6/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are <i>heavenly. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While baking, the shells of the avocados take on a smokey flavor and enhance the entire dish. JUST delicious. <br /><br />So here's how:<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Halve your avocado, sprinkle inside with a bit of extra virgin olive oil, some cracked sea salt and some thyme.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crack your (preferably organic) egg, discarding about half of the white, into the cavities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sprinkle top with a tad more extra virgin olive oil, more thyme, and a bit more sea salt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Bake for about 10 minutes, checking your eggs every few minutes after that, and when they are done to your liking, remove from the oven.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Here's the hard part: Let them cool a bit so that the flavors can continue to meld just a little.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, enjoy. I like to have a piece of fruit alongside, these are savory and salty and smoky and just amazing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you love these as much as I do. Zero preservatives, zero high fructose corn syrup, no artificial anything, just simple, delicious, whole foods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ava</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-45899345725121058842012-11-18T10:19:00.001-08:002012-11-18T10:20:22.979-08:00Buckeye Brownies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMD4HWKZquqMKbb6Nww5evoOJNeghe0g2ih86FhxzWQanG9-awem-iMd8i5_c9mjROBkaGCzyEEK0ZDXrGtY9rVtsXI24Qg63IDnFs1-4oFXC7oz9VHHaOSgWh7pUVYxjXlsEBzmu97nP/s1600/brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMD4HWKZquqMKbb6Nww5evoOJNeghe0g2ih86FhxzWQanG9-awem-iMd8i5_c9mjROBkaGCzyEEK0ZDXrGtY9rVtsXI24Qg63IDnFs1-4oFXC7oz9VHHaOSgWh7pUVYxjXlsEBzmu97nP/s400/brownies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is my husband's all-time favorite treat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He recently traveled for business and was gone for 2 weeks. While away, he called and asked me to MAIL him some! I had to pass, as i was certain that these would arrive in a big gloppy mess after enduring the trip through the mail. SO...I made him a pan, and here's how:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First: Make a 9x13 pan of brownies!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's my favorite recipe, but you can actually even use a box mix if you so desire. Your call.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>BUCKEYE BROWNIES</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 cups white sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1/2 cup baking cocoa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 1/2 teaspoons salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 teaspoon baking powder</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 cup vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 4 eggs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 2 tablespoons light corn syrup</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 17 oz jar Jif Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tbsp salted butter (not margarine)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Combine white sugar, flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Whisk oil, eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir egg mixture into flour mixture; Spread into prepared baking pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Easy enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When your brownies have cooled, about 20-30 minutes, remove the lid and foil from your peanut butter jar and place the whole thing in your microwave and warm for about 30 seconds. Watch carefully. If this boils over, you'll have a real mess on your hands. Spread on top of cooled brownies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When THAT layer is cool, melt your chocolate chips with the 2 tbsp of butter and stir with your whisk until glossy. Spread atop the cooled peanut butter layer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Allow to settle for an hour, and cut. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makes 36 delicious brownies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-50801516697380889222012-09-23T11:21:00.000-07:002012-09-23T11:22:21.044-07:00Tutorial Time! I Made My Very Own Handmade Sign!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welp, I bit the bullet and did something I thought I would hate...pained a sign. It looks hard, and it looks fussy, messy, and I hate painting intricate things. Give me an old dresser and I'll paint that all day. Ask me to paint a leaf? Or a spiral or a cottage rose and you're on your own.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, here's what I did: I made this! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EuzYCvoYKE-E28RBV87MPQcMjPgdStBJkN1b8z8204bMEp8vadG3T8b9E_v_p12wAxjqjfLwIgslvXE9-2ZrGPs2fun-klnQj5S2TORSop0M8GQuGYtgXy1Q4RCDARJ4SqjohBfw-LU9/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EuzYCvoYKE-E28RBV87MPQcMjPgdStBJkN1b8z8204bMEp8vadG3T8b9E_v_p12wAxjqjfLwIgslvXE9-2ZrGPs2fun-klnQj5S2TORSop0M8GQuGYtgXy1Q4RCDARJ4SqjohBfw-LU9/s320/blog3.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not bad, eh? It cost me a whole $0.53. Yes, fifty-three cents. I had most of the materials on hand, and I found the wood at the Habitat For Humanity Re-Sale Shop. It's an old cabinet from someone's kitchen. <br /><br />Here's how I did this.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coat your old cabinet with a couple of coats of primer. I found this in our garage, so I used this.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQmbHa-tKVt7U4zbaNJo7_tC-P5NUoG9GkV9OuYTMdVfDXl9ONAdtP8nyAzZSmzPF5NtTjNdhLRP0TnlDz-4m2k0eV_joi-pZh7Ly4Trak2rn7E2_9bL8VVC6YPoZceqTddl9ROfANZGG/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQmbHa-tKVt7U4zbaNJo7_tC-P5NUoG9GkV9OuYTMdVfDXl9ONAdtP8nyAzZSmzPF5NtTjNdhLRP0TnlDz-4m2k0eV_joi-pZh7Ly4Trak2rn7E2_9bL8VVC6YPoZceqTddl9ROfANZGG/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This stuff is goopy and snotty and smelly, so use a foam brush that you can just toss. Let it dry really well and give it a couple of coats of acrylic paint. I used these:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR6tHdjTx5LBRHN6pqyW7OTHoymORerQgnud8ApFWmjRaqOqS7VMiO-qypl02J1Ovoj3tOEyOiZ5iek-giTqWen-3jcJqaojQUgw9b4gmAiJC7xQu_OUXhT1t3PU7K8RzxOyi8iN5ebgh/s1600/752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR6tHdjTx5LBRHN6pqyW7OTHoymORerQgnud8ApFWmjRaqOqS7VMiO-qypl02J1Ovoj3tOEyOiZ5iek-giTqWen-3jcJqaojQUgw9b4gmAiJC7xQu_OUXhT1t3PU7K8RzxOyi8iN5ebgh/s320/752.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's one that's on my workbench, waiting for a little more love.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3vveSNLippZNcz57nC_6tlv98dnDW2dec30BlontFA9mJRzLuVmPQ_mJ7nQqFAX_WUPjEKkHitPGe73S4T5fmrjSCt2VdsewrXtvgrB5muFIKVcCMrjRkKOa8lABnobToZIHsH133YW/s1600/748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJb3vveSNLippZNcz57nC_6tlv98dnDW2dec30BlontFA9mJRzLuVmPQ_mJ7nQqFAX_WUPjEKkHitPGe73S4T5fmrjSCt2VdsewrXtvgrB5muFIKVcCMrjRkKOa8lABnobToZIHsH133YW/s320/748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, we're going to get down to business, and I apologize for not having photos of this step, but I was getting down to business!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Print your message out on your printer, to the exact size that you want your letters on your sign.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut them out and tape them very gingerly onto your painted board, with a piece of ordinary carbon paper underneath.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNOg9q7bTeK3J6OKvu8LpeLHfmkkeZVy_f-FUrXF1NvqAiFrmFks7xs7JYXLnIv49JmcteGhni00YTrsZRGOl6tLr-DteYC0lKEZMpBeGpQP8haMBN8cyz_X5EdOcjSzLgAdwLQ6Q49q/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxNOg9q7bTeK3J6OKvu8LpeLHfmkkeZVy_f-FUrXF1NvqAiFrmFks7xs7JYXLnIv49JmcteGhni00YTrsZRGOl6tLr-DteYC0lKEZMpBeGpQP8haMBN8cyz_X5EdOcjSzLgAdwLQ6Q49q/s320/blog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had this laying around, but I believe you can purchase this at Office Max or Staples for less than $2.00. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NOW....trace around your letters. Take your time. Use a ballpoint pen and push hard enough to leave a bit of an indent in your wood. This helps the paint "stay in the lines,." Use a teeny tiny pointed brush...here's a photo of my brush collection. Yes, I have a problem. I love craft supplies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmOm_TBSYf_SsVVs1up0dKrDPYFvtiVkPF5djZJapFufOmZ_Sqx0A2cc1ggEHDhQF9BGZ7iwwhCYGT0c84MAvDazx2lbaM7bl-7-vsI5kguJOZKq54tO0rTPlaf4tKkzBHBYTpepH79P2/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmOm_TBSYf_SsVVs1up0dKrDPYFvtiVkPF5djZJapFufOmZ_Sqx0A2cc1ggEHDhQF9BGZ7iwwhCYGT0c84MAvDazx2lbaM7bl-7-vsI5kguJOZKq54tO0rTPlaf4tKkzBHBYTpepH79P2/s320/blog8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The super pointy one? That's the one. Outline your letters, then fill in with a thicker brush. Take your time, take breaks....relaxxxxx.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When you are satisfied with your masterpiece, give it a light sanding....I used "finishing" sandpaper (pictured above)...I sanded a bit heavier along the edges, and lighter over the letters, but the overall effect was "weathered." I think I did great. Here's a closeup. See my corneres, there? And the white kind of showing through toward the bottom?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I considered an antiquing finish as well, but I was simply tickled with what I had, so I finished off with a light varnish, added a couple of sawtooth hangers and BOOM. I made a sign for fifty-three cents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would estimate that had I purchased all of my materials, this would have still cost less than $20.00 to make! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, your turn! Really, give it a shot! This project only took a couple of days due to drying time, and was well worth it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is my next victim! I found this sweet thing hanging out at the end of someone's driveway on trash day! <br /><br />What should I do with THIS little sweetie?</span></div>
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Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-74290737517637135702012-09-17T06:48:00.001-07:002012-09-17T06:48:31.399-07:00New in my Etsy Shop! Lake Michigan Sea Glass Necklace!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11.818181991577148px; line-height: 16px;">I designed this darling necklace with center drilled sea glass from my personal collection. Here, I have used three similarly shaped pieces in powder blue, petal pink, and a misty, minty green. These have been mounted on a sturdy length of solid sterling wire, with sterling silver ball spacer beads, and neatly wire wrapped onto a dainty sterling chain.</span>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 15.981481552124023px;">Because sea glass is SO unique, I only have this one available at the moment! Sea glass is hard to find, but I am not complaining...the time it takes to find these is well worth the time I get to spend combing the beach!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 15.981481552124023px;">You can find this necklace here; http://www.karmabeads.etsy.com</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 15.981481552124023px;"><br /></span></span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-68153209300991261072012-09-14T08:43:00.001-07:002012-09-14T08:43:10.894-07:00New Design! A Tiny Perfume Bottle with One Tiny Wish! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found these tiny crystal perfume bottles at our local bead shop here in Grand Haven and I knew exactly what I was going to do with them!<br /><br />And I just love what happened! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As luck would have it, the tiny little hollow area is the very size I needed to hide one tiny dandelion seed! Can you see it?<br /><br />:)<br /><br />Then, I wrapped a couple of perfect little freshwater pearls to the clasp and hung one on the pendant and voila....a wish necklace, for you from KarmaBeads on Etsy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope you love this too!</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-29930728117372443912012-08-12T16:27:00.002-07:002012-08-12T16:27:38.440-07:00It's The Great Pumpkin (earrings!)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm kind of in some type of earring phase, I suppose, but I've had these darling little orange pumpkin beads in my stash for a while now, and with this cooler weather, well, I can't help myself! Had to!<br /><br />What do you think? :) I hope you love them! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aikOb82RpVKVSZUEFG_nEUmsS3HdjSbpBK1zNu-VAqCWWagdT9zbHyrwvxvfQo2JwrWJPaJEvxSAIYSJTjvAmHmJSR7dJoZPuZF5JRNJUUSzjsQz7k5O2HOS5lnZ8Nzz6GsAITi4orzx/s1600/pumpkins3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3aikOb82RpVKVSZUEFG_nEUmsS3HdjSbpBK1zNu-VAqCWWagdT9zbHyrwvxvfQo2JwrWJPaJEvxSAIYSJTjvAmHmJSR7dJoZPuZF5JRNJUUSzjsQz7k5O2HOS5lnZ8Nzz6GsAITi4orzx/s320/pumpkins3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It won't be long now until we're carving our Halloween pumpkins! I adore fall!</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-5777635166853857582012-08-11T11:43:00.002-07:002012-08-11T11:43:50.354-07:00New Design - Silver Crescent Moon Earring...Love!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since our move to the beach, we have discovered such a simple pleasure, swimming in the lake under the moonlight....it's just magical.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />So, when I saw these handmade beads, I just HAD to have them. I couldn't wait to get them home and make earrings out of them....I hope you love them as well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">:)<br /><br />Enjoy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-78357830339681148782012-06-07T19:45:00.000-07:002012-06-07T19:45:38.930-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to revisit The Ripple Effect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In these hurried times, take a minute to just lend a warm smile..you don't</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but you could actually change or even save a life.</span></div>
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<br />Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-5946258933299840832012-06-01T08:07:00.000-07:002012-06-01T08:07:46.523-07:00We are FINALLY moved! HOORAY!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As some of you know, Kevin and I made a big decision and decided to move to Lake Michigan. After much consideration and thought (and love of the beach)...we researched school districts for our son, who will be entering 8th grade, and is a person with Autsim, and we chose to make Grand Haven our new home. And we love it here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our son is a new person at the beach. For some reason, all signs of Autsim just disappear. He is relaxed, and is "in the moment" ie: no "zoning", and is joyous. Seeing that makes me joyous. He has been through hell this past couple of years, and deserves only good things. He was bullied nearly to death in Holt. So we're letting all of that go, and starting over! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday, Matthew and I just rolled around in the sand. It was overcast and actually a bit chilly, but the sand was warm and Matthew was happy. He wanted to bring home a ziplock bag of sand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, that's what we did. When I got this sand home, we sifted through it and found TREASURES! And that's what inspired my latest listing in my Etsy shop. I love this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">See the little snail shell in the largest photo? SO CUTE! And shells, and moss, and driftwood and seaglass, and seagrass! LOL! Fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can view the actual listing here:</span><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/101131564/silver-mermaid-lake-michigan-sea-glass">https://www.etsy.com/listing/101131564/silver-mermaid-lake-michigan-sea-glass</a>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a lovely day! And if you find yourself in Grand Haven, Michigan, look us up! We love the beach!</span>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076663117923356954.post-34615001478878148922012-05-30T11:12:00.000-07:002012-05-30T11:12:24.342-07:00Refrigerator PIckles - A Family Tradition.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a sunburn, so it is now summer and that means it's time to start my never ending pickle pot!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've had one of these babies going in my fridge every summer since my grandmother started this tradition, and I even have some of her old jars that I use in her honor. These are THE best pickles and this is THE best recipe, but that's just my opinion! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can keep rotating this brine indefinitely, just add a few more (or less ) seasonings, some vinegar and water, and it will last about a month. Adjust to your family's liking. Our family likes lots of garlic and lots of vinegar and tons of fresh dill. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's get started. First you will need to gather up all of your ingredients...Cukes ( I use the regular old cukes from the grocery store. Use what YOU like! One large red onion, one orange pepper, Heinz white vinegar, kosher salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, dill SEEDS, (now weed), fresh dill (VERY important!) and fresh garlic. YUM.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nPZF3ofcPx_0FyxBFi4G5iIlHtMGQJrHKm2mnj9oOT7qE40oZqhnm4j-RqWYLjzyJHmbmIELbqB8nYsWj-k2FcctUJ4EO9Ak38IBredOUSm64rkrU9zDhbHZyEuMoh5bO7tyAOtwtkEQ/s1600/pickles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nPZF3ofcPx_0FyxBFi4G5iIlHtMGQJrHKm2mnj9oOT7qE40oZqhnm4j-RqWYLjzyJHmbmIELbqB8nYsWj-k2FcctUJ4EO9Ak38IBredOUSm64rkrU9zDhbHZyEuMoh5bO7tyAOtwtkEQ/s320/pickles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OH this smells so good... Now, prepare your veggies, I like to cut my cukes rather thick, and I only remove about half of the skin. This keeps them nice and crunchy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut your orange pepper and your red onion into rings (these really have very little impact on the flavor of your pickles. They pickle up just like your cukes, but MAN these are YUMMY on a brat or a burger fresh from the grill. OK..now peel your garlic.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FL7p1hDOubK9CewpIG-4rsHT5ldpesbjZIqr5m2El0YOcmoRNEkjZkxfAU6_ZEsDMy6gEg6QtfqRU3WkaSFc4ObTuB-HWfntaoQ8jvCBg-6Gwi4GsKHWwHZrDAMDNJPfltm9dt3Sj_vn/s1600/pickles5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FL7p1hDOubK9CewpIG-4rsHT5ldpesbjZIqr5m2El0YOcmoRNEkjZkxfAU6_ZEsDMy6gEg6QtfqRU3WkaSFc4ObTuB-HWfntaoQ8jvCBg-6Gwi4GsKHWwHZrDAMDNJPfltm9dt3Sj_vn/s320/pickles5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SO pretty and SO fragrant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, let's layer these up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've used a glass jar with a lid that I found in the kitchenware department at Target. They have 3 sizes. This is the medium sized one, and I always have to put some pickles into my big blue Mason jar in honor of my grandmother who taught me this recipe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drop in your garlic. I use 3 peeled pieces per jar. If you like more, use more. Then, add your cukes, onions, peppers, and fresh dill. Layer them so they look pretty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GORGEOUS!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now mix your spices. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqXQtDe-dxysEVQS9JIVvD89ZRjxe0GX4tLrwch5-RYTwKJHajXgeDOHtIKtHPNbxOYG7RSwYjPhq_lLu1xEv1NSornpk2kbbgWT_Xun5dK5pGh3quANi2opGqJSzQmFGihu8pt7poSlN/s1600/pickles12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqXQtDe-dxysEVQS9JIVvD89ZRjxe0GX4tLrwch5-RYTwKJHajXgeDOHtIKtHPNbxOYG7RSwYjPhq_lLu1xEv1NSornpk2kbbgWT_Xun5dK5pGh3quANi2opGqJSzQmFGihu8pt7poSlN/s320/pickles12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have used two containers, so I'll use about 1/4 for my Ball Jar and the rest in my glass jar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour on top of your layered veggies. Should look like this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRMeMguUj72fbrnwM0zVsdoAPVwCLBC8xWWgZ6tFNNWTRTOpFsNOLL07YnoxW-8iU-z9SOfbPHEraancDTNTtzRHi4FUbw3UpKkTXM3ThXYVZAaTMWK0zN4tBhRWNoUjyI7Js3j9kVAf/s1600/pickles14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHRMeMguUj72fbrnwM0zVsdoAPVwCLBC8xWWgZ6tFNNWTRTOpFsNOLL07YnoxW-8iU-z9SOfbPHEraancDTNTtzRHi4FUbw3UpKkTXM3ThXYVZAaTMWK0zN4tBhRWNoUjyI7Js3j9kVAf/s320/pickles14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, we need to mix our brine. Or, our vinegar and water. This is where tastes will vary greatly. We like ours quite vinegar-y. If you don't want a strong bite, mix your vinegar and water half and half, if you like it vinegary as we do, go one part water / two parts vinegar. You can always adjust this later as you begin to eat your pickles!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour your vinegar and water mixture over the spices and veggies until it reaches the top of your container. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunGD9v5Agmu27_KFdfHX6YlobVir-KOtjwurJVJOykRVJyLF9hUkrGy8hZdRjt2ShiyQXFkT9LCbfiwOJSX3xbGBia1T3rKrgnxVAwX7Leb_dQ09zaA9cc_BaPDCkTOW2Lzpn5WlgfYCr/s1600/pickles000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjunGD9v5Agmu27_KFdfHX6YlobVir-KOtjwurJVJOykRVJyLF9hUkrGy8hZdRjt2ShiyQXFkT9LCbfiwOJSX3xbGBia1T3rKrgnxVAwX7Leb_dQ09zaA9cc_BaPDCkTOW2Lzpn5WlgfYCr/s320/pickles000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pop your lid on, give it a few little shakes, and watch the spices and seeds float around a bit. And guess what? You just made pickles, darling. Pop in your fridge, and you will have crunchy, delicious, fresh chemical-free pickles all summer long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />As your brine and your pickles begin to disappear, add more! Chop up a cuke. If you have leftover salad ingredients such as asparagus, raw green beans, cauliflower, etc, toss them in your pickle pot. Experiment and make this your own and ENJOY! You will notice that your brine will become cloudy after a while, at that time, start over with a fresh batch. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Karen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RECIPE</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u> Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 quarts Heinz White Pickling Vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 quart water </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh dill</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6 cloves of garlic, peeled </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 tsp kosher salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tsp mustard seeds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tsp coriander seeds (not ground, be sure you're using seeds)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tsp black peppercorns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 tsp dill seeds (not weed)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 medium sizes cucumbers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large red onion</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large orange pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prepare your veggies: peel and chop cukes into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Peel garlic, cut pepper and onion into rings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pack into container(s) .... Use glass only. The vinegar will break down a plastic container and you will end up with a big batch of yuck. Layer garlic, cukes, onion, peppers, and fresh dill. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix your spices. Divide evenly amongst containers and place right on top of your layered veggies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix your brine. Mix to your liking. You can easily adjust this later. Remember, this is YOUR recipe!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pour over veggies, pop a lid on, and place in your fridge overnight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ENJOY!</span></div>
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</div>Karen - My Tiny Little LIfehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09538273119840106760noreply@blogger.com2