Sweet Indulgences Sunday #37

Happy New Year's Eve!! My mind has been racing with so many things that I want to do in 2012. Of course, I have some personal, organizational, and financial goals that I've set. But, I have many goals for my blog (and other writing ventures) and for my cooking repertoire. I have a few things that I want to perfect this year in the kitchen. The number one thing is the cupcake frosting swirl. I've purchased my tips and will be studying a few blogs to learn the technique.

I'm hoping everyone is enjoying this holiday weekend. I would love to hear your New Year's Eve plans and menus. Also, please feel free to talk about your resolutions for the year. I definitely need your inspiration.

Top recipes for wrapping up the holidays...

Christmas Tree Cookies

from Mrs. Fox's Sweets

Snow Monster Cupcakes

from Sugar Swings! Serve Some

O Christmas Tree Cupcakes

from The Sweet Swiper

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

The New Year's dessert party starts here:

Inspiration: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

A Well-Seasoned Life's Motto

My husband gave me two really special Christmas gifts this year. He had two plaques engraved with a couple of lines I've written. Being an English major in a past life, I am a quotation junky. But, it was a little surreal to see my own words on a plaque. My first thought was, "these sounds familiar." Then, I realized I had written them. 

This line is from my first article in the newspaper. I wish I had a home office to display these in, but I'll have to settle for hanging them in my kitchen for now. I'm resolved to focus on writing more in 2012 with my blog, column, reviews, and cookbook and will use these plaques as inspiration and to be reminded that someone out there believes in me.

Happy New Year!

Sweet Indulgences Sunday #36

Merry Christmas to everyone! My gifts are wrapped and my baking is done. Christmas Eve is all about simple meals around here. We'll go to my Mema's house this afternoon and will have several different pots of soup and some finger foods. I love finger foods more than any other food group in the world! Is it even considered a food group? It should be. For the festivities tonight, I made Gooseberry Patch's Out-of-this-World Corn Dip and a pound cake. I also ordered a smoked and peppered turkey breast from an ROTC fundraiser. I'm going to heat and slice and serve with mini croissants.

I hope that all of you are enjoying the holidays and all the prep that goes with it. It's so much fun to see other people savoring all of the hard work you put into your food. So many of you have really inspired me this year. I have so many pages bookmarked that I want to try out for next year. More time to bake is on my Christmas wish list. I hope Santa comes through for me.

From my kitchen:

Buckeye Bars

Last week's most inspiring holiday recipes!

White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread

from With a Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart

Pretzel Cookies with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Chips

from The Kitchen is My Playground

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Strawberry Santa Hats

from Simple Girl at Home

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

The holiday dessert party starts here:

Book Review: Food Lovers' Guide to Charleston and Savannah

Food Lovers' Guide to Charleston and Savannah

by Holly Herrick

Globe Pequot Press

I have a fantasy. One day, my children will be independent of me freeing my husband and me to travel and dine without the least concern for whether or not a restaurant is "kid-friendly". But, alas, our children are seven and nine-years-old and, unless a kind-hearted grandparent takes pity on us and offers to keep the children for an extended period of time, "kid-friendly" restaurants are our reality.  

Buckeye Bars from "Very Merry Cookies"

I'm finally getting around to my holiday baking. I still don't think I'll accomplish all that I've set out to do but I'm not going to let myself stress about it. These Buckeye Brownies are delicious and taste exactly like Buckeye candy but they're so much easier to make because there's no dipping in chocolate. The recipe is from one of my favorite cookie cookbooks, Better Homes and Gardens' Very Merry Cookies from Wiley Publishing. I wrote a review for this cookbook for my food column. Click here to read it. 

Recipe Snapshot: Light and Lemony Potato Salad

Light and Lemony Potato Salad

from Gooseberry Patch's Fresh from the Farmstand

Submitted by Gail Prather from Hastings, NE

Well, blow me down! I actually made a dish with the word "light" in the title. And, I liked it! I do enjoy oil-based potato salad and cole slaw. They're always so light and refreshing. Plus, at potlucks, they're just a safer bet than a mayonnaise-based dish. This potato salad was tangy with the lemon juice and mustard. My husband and I both enjoyed it. If it seems a little too tangy to you at first, don't worry. The flavors will mellow as it chills in the refrigerator.

Recipe Snapshot: Creamy Green Onion Dip

Creamy Green Onion Dip

from Gooseberry Patch's Fresh from the Farmstand

Submitted by Tammy Tillotson from Houston, TX

If you've read my blog in the past, you won't be surprised that I chose to make this Creamy Green Onion Dip. So, I'm playing it safe here. I love green onions!!! And, the fact that this recipe called for two bunches of them didn't seem excessive to me. This dip is thick and rich. I'm currently consuming it was potato chips, but I think you could go the low-carb route and eat it with cucumbers or celery. See, it's almost healthy!

Recipe Snapshot: Cheese and Basil Scones

Cheese and Basil Scones

from Gooseberry Patch's Fresh from the Farmstand

Submitted by Trisha Donley from Pinedale, WY

Life is a learning experience! I definitely went out of my comfort zone on this recipe. I've never made scones before. I have always admired scone recipes and thought about making them. Just couldn't get up enough nerve to try. But when I saw this recipe, I thought, "I'm going to do this!" And, I did it! So, now I feel empowered and am on the lookout for other scone recipes. These scones were dense and savory. Although I didn't do this when I made these, I think a sprinkle of kosher or sea salt on top would be perfect.

Gooseberry Patch Review and Giveaway: "Fresh from the Farmstand"

Fresh from the Farmstand

Released January 2012

It's that time of the year again! Time to make resolutions to lose weight, get healthy, and save money. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks and add your own resolution here. Adding more veggies to your life is the perfect way to accomplish losing weight and getting healthy. And, by adding more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on meat, you can also save money. My goodness, I sound like a frugal nutritionist.

Winner: "Rush-Hour Recipes"

The winner of Gooseberry Patch's Rush-Hour Recipes is

Dianne Ehrhart Stout!

Congratulations, Dianne!!!!

Sweet Indulgences Sunday #35

My holiday vacation officially started yesterday afternoon. I'm taking a week's vacation combined with my annual holidays for a combined two weeks away from work! I'm looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the holidays. I'm hoping to finally find some time to do some baking and creating.

I'll be back in the kitchen tomorrow. Tonight is my husband's office Christmas party so I've been preparing for that by plundering through the closets to find the perfect outfits, then washing and ironing, as necessary, the perfect outfits. It's our only official holiday party of the year. My parents will be watching my boys this evening - that in itself is a gift!

I've been bookmarking recipes like crazy this week. There is so much inspiration out there in bloggy land. Of course, when it comes to the holidays, I always think desserts, but I also think appetizers. I love dips. So, I would like to open this week's party up to your appetizer recipes as well. If you've got chips and dip, you've got a party in my book! Have a happy holiday weekend!

Last Week's Inspiring Recipes

Cherry Cheesecake Cookies
from Cupcakes with Sprinkles



Wintery Christmas Cookies
from Lizy B Bakes

Pralines and Cream Fudge
from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes



Decorated Christmas Cookies
from Country Momma Cookies

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

The dessert and appetizer party starts here:

Winner Announced!

The winner of Faye Porter's At My Grandmother's Knee is:

Create With Joy said...

What a fabulous book! I loved my grandmother so much and have many wonderful memories of her. I miss her very much... this book, I'm sure, would bring back many memories!

createwithjoy (at) gmail (dot) com

Congratulations!!



Sweet Indulgences Sunday #34

I'm starting to feel the holiday baking crunch this week. I have two gatherings to prepare for in the upcoming week, plus goodie baskets for the teachers. It's going to be a busy week of baking and packaging. I'm looking forward to Friday already. Then, I'll be free to bake at my own discretion leading up to the holidays.

I've collected a big plastic container of Christmas themed baking things - cupcake holders, sprinkles, goody bags, etc. It's so easy to go a little crazy this time of year. Yesterday, I saw that Mrs. Fox's Sweets had posted photos of a new cookie mold that I now have to have: I, too, now need to make Christmas dipped Oreos. She's a bad influence. I think a trip to Michael's is in order.

Dipped Christmas and Winter Oreos

from Mrs. Fox's Sweets

Holiday baking inspirations from last week's linky party:

Rice Krispies Cupcakes with No-Mess Frosting Techniques
from Something Swanky

(Better Than) Cranberry Bliss Bars
from Simple Girl



Mandelkuchen (Jam Cookies)
from Carolynn's Recipe Box

Oreo Snowman Pops
from The Sweet Swiper



Chanel Cookies
from Lizy B Bakes

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

The party starts here:

Cookbook Review: "Cutie Pies" by Dani Cone

Cutey Pies

by Dani Cone

Andrews McMeel Publishing 

Several weeks ago, I made pie crust for the very first time in my life. Due to my incompetence in working my new food processor, I ended up making the crust by hand. I can't tell you how empowered I've felt since then. How something as basic and simple as making pie crust can make you feel invincible in the kitchen. I feel it's opened up a brave, new world of recipe possibilities.

"Rush-Hour Recipes": A Gooseberry Patch Review and Giveaway

Gooseberry Patch's Rush-Hour Recipes

Coming January 2012

What do you think of when you hear the term "full-time working mom"? Are you a full-time working mom? When I think about what it means to be a mom working outside of the home, I think about the fact that as soon as I pick up my children, I'm going to hear, "what's for dinner?" And, telling the kids to grab a snack while I take a few minutes to decompress and clear my mind enough to think about dinner is not going to work for them. They want something to eat NOW! And, apparently, a bag of microwave popcorn isn't a meal to them...

Recipe Snapshot: Stuffed Cube Steaks

I've been known to occasionally put my husband's needs and wants ahead of my own. You see, there's nothing the man loves more than meat...in gravy...with stuffing. So, here you go! All kidding aside, this was really a delicious meal. It was warm and comforting. The stuffing comes together so quickly and I was able to serve the steaks over the leftover stuffing so I didn't even have to make an extra side. You could, of course, serve these over rice or mashed potatoes.

Recipe Snapshot: Melinda's Mexican Manicotti

I love Mexican food and I love pasta! So, when I saw a recipe that combined two of my favorite foods, I just had to try it. This dish was absolutely delicious and, after it's baked, can be topped with any number of garnishes to suit your tastes. Another strong point to this dish is that it holds up well for leftovers. I have a burrito dish that I love to make but the flour tortillas seem to get a little soggy overnight. These pasta shells keep their texture and make a delicious lunch!

Recipe Snapshot: Sauteed Greens and Warm Pecan Dressing

Southerners like their greens. My mama and husband eat collard greens like it's candy. My mama would rather have a bowl of greens than a bowl of ice cream. And, my husband has to eat his doused in hot pepper vinegar. I prefer spinach. Spinach is the perfect vegetable for a quick fix side dish. The only addition I made to this recipe was to add a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper. It's delicious!

Sweet Indulgences Sunday #33

We have our first official holiday event on Monday evening. My older son will be performing Christmas songs with his class at the PTO meeting. I'm looking at it as the official kick-off to the holidays! But, I've been getting my holiday fix for a few weeks now watching the Hallmark Channel. Lifetime is also showing some good Christmas movies. I love settling down at the end of a long day and watching movies designed to pull at my heartstrings.

Cookbook Review and Giveaway: "At My Grandmother's Knee"

At My Grandmother's Knee

by Faye Porter

Thomas Nelson Publishing

"Granny, Nana, Mamaw, or Gigi..."

For me, it's Mema. My fondest memory of my Mema is watching her make her hoe bread, a flat biscuit-like bread, for our daily meals. She had a drawer dedicated to her flour bin and made the bread fresh every day. I remember the way her fingers looked as she folded the flour into the milk mixture, the way she pushed the wet dough away from her fingers with her other hand. She flattened the perfect dough on to the greased black-iron griddle and casually flipped it when the first side was done. The result was a crust that was golden brown and crispy - the inside of the bread softer and more delicious than any buttermilk biscuit I've ever eaten in my life. I still taste it in my mind.

Winner Announced!

The winner of The Casserole Queens Cookbook is...

Sarah E. said... That sounds like an amazing cookbook! Casseroles are one of my favorites :)
fantasticalsharing@yahoo.com

Congratulations Sarah!!

A Holiday Review: "Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas"

Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas

by Susan Waggoner

Abrams Publishing

Putting up the Christmas tree is one of those events that always makes me reminisce as I pull out each ornament and recall the moment it entered my life. We have ornaments that represent our travels, our beloved pets, and, of course, our children. One side of my tree is dedicated to my children: the ornaments that hold photos of two bald-headed baby boys, their annual personalized ornaments, and, over the past few years, the ornaments they've made themselves at school. The kids are taking over my tree!

Sweet Indulgences Sunday #32

It's been absolutely wonderful to have the last few days off from work. I've been enjoying my days at home and had a nice Thanksgiving. I hope that all of you did, too. I did not partake in Black Friday shopping although my husband did hit Wal-mart at midnight to buy a new computer since our old one is almost shot!

I've been busy this morning trying to clean house so that I can begin decorating for Christmas. I'm excited about having the house decorated but would love to close my eyes and, magically, it's finished with no effort from me. What a task! I'm already starting to feel the holiday crunch - I really need to carve out some time to write more for the blog, my food column, and my cookbook reviews. I think it's time that I start an editorial calendar to keep me on task for the month.

How does everyone here stay organized? I know some of you post an incredible amount of recipes each week and have other projects going on at the same time. How do you do it all? I'm looking forward to see what you all have in store for the holidays. I know it will be wonderful and inspirational!

Here's the dessert I made for Thanksgiving dinner. I got the recipe from Life as a Lofthouse. It was absolutely delicious and I enjoyed eating the leftovers right out of the dish. I think I'm going to try it with chocolate pudding instead of pumpkin at some point. I loved using the Twinkies as a base. 

Last Week's Top Recipes

#1

Coconut and Lemon Quark Cheese Mini Bundt Cakes

from Catalina Bakes

#2

Mini Pumpkin Pie Cheesecakes

from Life's Simple Measures

#3

Jalapeno Corn Casserole

from Aunt Nubby's Kitchen

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

The party starts here:

Shrimp and Grits Dressing: My New Thanksgiving Tradition

Both of my cookbooks are currently available on Amazon.

Southern on a Shoestring

The Well-Seasoned Skillet

__________________________________________________________________________

This recipe is from my favorite magazine, Southern Living. Please visit the original recipe here for the full, printable recipe and for more information.

Sometimes, I will see a recipe for the first time and it's like the heavens open up and a radiant light shines down on me. That's what happened when I saw this recipe for Shrimp and Grits Dressing from Southern Living. It sounded wonderful and perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Last weekend, I decided to do a test run just to see how it would turn out. I had my fears that the grits would be too dense and rubbery. But, it was absolutely perfect and I made another batch Thursday morning. I, of course, had to make a few changes (improvements) here and there which I'll share here with you.

My Trip to World Market

I love World Market! It's one of my favorite places in...well...the world. I told myself this would be the last trip before Christmas. I really don't need to go back in there for anything else. But, there were tons of Christmas decorations and serving pieces that I want so it would be nice to go back after Christmas to catch some of these things on sale. I did pick up a few things today and thought I would share them with you.

Sweet Indulgences Sunday #31

I'm a little late starting the party today. I woke up with a little bit of a stomach bug, but I'm on the mend and getting hungry this evening. Gosh, I've done so much grocery shopping the last couple of days in anticipation of Thanksgiving cooking and baking. Got some great deals on sugar and butter so I'm stocked through the Christmas holidays, too. Now, to figure out what I'm going to make with all of it...

In celebration of Thanksgiving, I would like to open up the linky party to all types of food. I love to find new appetizers and side dish recipes as well as desserts. I feel like I need some inspiration. I'm planning a Pumpkin Twinkie Dessert that I found on Life as a Lofthouse a couple of weeks ago. I'm also thinking about making some mini apple pies since I'll be home Wednesday and will have some extra time to make the crust. So, please share what you're making on Thursday. I can't wait to see it!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

From my kitchen

Iced Cinnamon Chip Cookies

Last week's top recipes:

#1

Oreo Marshmallow Bars

from The Sweet Swiper

#2

Graham Cracker Toffee Bark

from The Sweet Swiper

#3

Snickerdoodle Cups

from The Crunchy Mamacita

Thanks to everyone who linked up last week! There were so many wonderful recipes!

The Rules...

1. Please link up to the URL of your specific recipe post, not the URL of your main blog. When it asks for "Name", type in the name of your recipe.
2. Please place a link back to this post in your original post or Grab My Button.
3. Share your most recent dessert. Link up as many desserts as you would like. More is always better when it comes to desserts!
4. Leave me a comment in this post to let me know that you've joined the party. Also, if you're having your own linky party, feel free to post the link to your party in the comment section. I would love to join your party!
5. Now, let's share the love! Please visit at least two others and comment on the delicious desserts that they've brought to the party. It means so much to a blogger to get some positive commentary!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for The Casserole Queens Cookbook. Deadline: November 30, 2011.

The party starts here:

"The Casserole Queens Cookbook": Review and Giveaway

The Casserole Queens Cookbook

by Crystal Cook and Sandy Pollock

Published by Clarkson Potter

In my column this week, I featured a review of a new cookbook, The Casserole Queens Cookbook by Crystal Cook and Sandy Pollock. These two Casserole Queens know their way around casseroles and run a thriving food delivery service out of Austin, Texas. I know you'll enjoy reading the recipes. Click here to read my full review and a recipe from the book. Also, for more recipes and information on these ladies, visit their web site, The Casserole Queens. 

The Winner is...

The winner of Sugar, Sugar: Every Recipe Has a Story is...

Lori said...

I wanna win the Sugar, Sugar cookbook~!
Lori

Congratulations Lori! Hope you enjoy it!!

Cookbook Review: "The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook"

The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook

by Pat and Gina Neely

Knopf Publishing

When I first saw the cover of Pat and Gina Neely's new cookbook, The Neelys' Celebration Cookbook, I thought the recipes would center around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. But, once I actually started reading the book, I saw that the Neelys celebrate all year round. No occasion is too small to gather family and friends for the fellowship of food.

Iced Cinnamon Chip Cookies

So far this weekend, I've watched Mistletoe over Manhattan and Eloise at Christmastime on the Hallmark Channel. It's been wonderful having the Christmas movies on over the past few weekends. It really helps to put me in the spirit. When I think of the Christmas spirit, I think of Christmas baking and all of the excitement that entails: the planning, the packaging, the giving, and the consumption.