A Celebration and A Cupcake Party

Beignet Cupcakes for Mardi Gras

I was making beignets the other day and I thought this would be perfect to make for a cupcake and decorate them in a Mardi Gras colours.

Starbucks Verismo 580 Review

I have to say that I was so excited when I received the email asking if I would like to review the Starbucks Verismo 580  from Staples.  I have always wanted an  machine that I can make my own espressos and lattes.  With the espresso pods and milk pods I can now make my own.

Sun Streaks in the Snow

We are just coming out of a big snow storm/blizzard and have spent the last 3 days shoveling and moving snow.  Hubby would shovel it on top of the already 5 feet of snow that we have in our yard.  Climb up the bank and move it further down the way so that we can put more.  The life of living in the U.P. and every day I wonder why....

Crazy Ingredient Challenge ~ Strawberries and Mustard

Have you ever made something and it just didn't turn out the way you wanted it too?  That is what happened when I made my recipe for this month's Crazy Ingredient Challenge.

Clouds and Blue Skies

We have been most fortunate these last couple of weeks as we have had lots of sun.  This isn't normal for us as it is usually overcast and snowing.  We have gotten lots of snow but for the last couple of weeks it has been down to just a small skiff per day... During the winter the sky even seems bluer then during the summer, I am not sure why that is.  Is it because of the blue against the white of the snow it seems more brilliant?  Or is it just because we don't see it that often that we are amazed by the colour?  It doesn't matter ~ the sky is blue and it is wonderful. 

Pay it Forward ~ Creative

Have you ever pay-it-forward to anyone or had it done to you.  It feels wonderful both ways.  I love paying-it forward to others and one of the ways I have done it is leaving enough money to pay for part of the person bill behind me in the coffee line, dropping off something to the neighbors just because or putting money in the parking meter when I notice the time is running out.  This summer I had a stranger pay-it-forward by leaving a gift card at Tim Horton's for the next person that came to the til.. That person was me.  Leave me a comment if it has ever happened to you or how you have Pay-It-Forward.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Snack Foods

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe these last couple of days.  Sounds like everyone but us is getting hit by snow, ice or rain... Well we are getting snow but just our usual amount.. nothing to worry about, not like we do here anyways.  With this storm coming through it is a great time to have a party with....

Steak Dinner

I will be the first to tell you that I  do not make the best steak, but I am coming pretty close to being that person.  And I will let you in on my secret.. although I am sure it is not a secret to those that make steaks perfect...

Winter Carnival

We have been lucky this week as the sun has been shining brightly most days and we got no extra snow. The downside was that it was very cold..... But even with the dreadful cold, the Tech students still ventured out and made snow and ice sculptures.

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Valentine's Party.

I am a little late getting my party out there this week.  But it is better late then never... This week on Foodie Friends Friday we are going to have a.....

Valentine's Party

And on Valentine's Day all calories cancel each other out.. We are eating for LOVE!  I can't wait to see what you all are bringing to the party.  I have seen some wonderful Valentine's Recipes out there on facebook, google +, pinterest and the rest of the place I search for recipes.  I know that you have some.

Last Week's Highlights

Host Favorites

Head over to the Daily Dish Magazine to check out which recipes were our host favorites... Each week every host picks her favorite recipe.  Then then are featured over at the Daily Dish Magazine on Mondays.  To have your recipe picked you must have a link back to Foodie Friends Friday or the host blog that you linked up with.  Next week your recipe just might be here.

Host Favorites 

My Favorite

I love cheesecake so when I saw this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars from Baker Becky I just fell in love.. Check out the picture and you will too.  Thank you so much Becky for sharing these last week.

Photo Credit:  Baker Becky

Recipes with the Most Clicks

I have to say that I feel a little sheepish even mentioning this but all three of my recipes that I linked up got the most clicks this week.  Thank you so much for all of you checking them out.  I appreciate it.

Apple Cranberry Croissants
Berry Salad with Basil Chia Vinaigrette
Basil Strawberry Lemonade

This Week's Party

 

 

Adding Links back to Foodie Friends Friday and our Button is our only form of advertising to bring in more people to see YOUR recipes.

Please remember to do this. It benefits you! To thank you, we will continue to feature those with links throughout the year on various outlets.

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An InLinkz Link-up

An InLinkz Link-up

Fill the Cookie Jar with Chocolate Almond Shortbread

Diamond, Flowers and Chocolate are the perfect gift for Valentine's Day.  Although I can't give you diamonds.... I will give you some chocolate with maybe a decorated flower or two to fill your cookie jar this Valentine's Day... The catch is that you have to make them yourself but they are worth it if you like a chocolate cookie with a crunch that melt in your mouth.

Heart Cup Cozies

I have been into making cup cozies this winter.  This one is perfect for February's   Heart Health Month or even for Valentine's Day.. If you know how to knit and purl it is easy to make and only takes about an hour or two depending on how fast you knit.

All She Cooks Blog1versary ~ $200 Paypal Cash

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All She Cooks is ONE!!

We're joining in with some amazing blogging friends to celebrate in blogging style... with CASH. You know, it's raining money! Well, okay... maybe not raining money, but we're giving away $200 in CASH via PayPal. Giveaway is open WORLDWIDE- just make sure you have a PayPal account so we can send you the money.

We've come a long way in our one year at All She Cooks, from some of our most visited recipes: Gooey Cinnamon Toast Sandwiches, Crockpot Copycat Zuppa Toscana, and Strawberry-Limeade Rum Punch, to our blogging eBook, meal-planning and our travels in New York... it's been a great year! We can't wait for all that our second year has to offer!

So... have some Fried Ice Cream on us, and enter the Rafflecopter below to WIN $200 USD!!

Thank you to all of our readers, because without you there would be no All She Cooks. And a HUGE thank you to all of our contributors! You make All She Cooks happen.



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Frost on the Windows..

One of the best parts of winter is the sun shining through the designs that Jack Frost does, especially on the window.  With the sun shining in the designs they are awesome..

All these pictures were taken in different rooms in the house.  I think because of the cold this year, more frost has been deposited on the windows.  Jack has given me more opportunity to play with my macro lens.

My favorite frost picture is this one:

I love how the sun is shining on the tree in the background.

Google + then animates some of the pictures... Which I think is cool....

This post is being shared over at Sunlit Sunday., Mosaic Monday

Tea Bag Holders

This is a pinterest craft that I have pinned and have wanted to make for some time.  I thought it would be perfect gift to make for friends that may be tea lovers.  For anyone that does any kind of paper crafts like scrapbooking this would be an ideal way to use up those scraps.  An inexpensive and easy way to send tea.

Black-eyed Beans Beignets

One of the recipes that my hubby always wanted to make was Beignets using Black-eyed Beans (or peas).  He said growing up in Togo, West Africa they would take Black-eyed Peas to the mill to be ground and then they would use the flour to make the Beignets.  These Beignets were called Gawoo in Ewe or Beignet de Haricot in French.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ Berries

Berries, Berries, Berries is our theme for this week's linky party on Foodie Friends Friday. I hope you will join us and bring your favorite berry recipe or two to our party.  I know everyone has a recipe that includes berry.  Can't wait to see what you will bring.

We Got some Snow... and some Sun

As you all know if you read my blog or even my facebook fan page... that we live where we get lots and lots and lots and lots of snow.  This year has been no exception and because it has been colder, that snow just keeps piling up.  The only thing that makes it at least bearable is that occasionally we do get to see the sun.  I just wish that sun would come out more often...

Some Snow and Some Sun

We did get a blizzard with snow one day this week, a blizzard that at times we couldn't see across the street or even our balcony rail from the living room window.  So the next morning meant that we did some shoveling.  As the daylight started, we could see the sunlight coming out.

Brown Rice Crackers and Salmon/Tomato Salsa

I have been fortune enough to be given a Wondermill through Grain Mill Wagon and absolutely love it.  We have had so much fun grinding my own flour.  So far we have ground black-eyed peas, popcorn and brown rice.  It is easy and  I am wondering if it is cheaper to do it this way then buying these different flours.  You can grind all sorts of whole grains and also beans.  They have a list of what the Wondermill Grain Mill can Grind.

Foodie Friends Friday ~ Peanut Butter Party.

I am a big fan of peanut butter... Fresh Bread and Peanut Butter ~  YUM!  This week on Foodie Friends Friday we are having..... Guess.... You are right a....

DIY Valentine Tea Bags with a free printable.

DIY Valentine Tea Bags

I am a big fan of tea... I drink at least one cup of tea every day if not more.  I also love to drink tea made from loose tea, but it is always a problem as  I end up with strainers full of loose tea all over the house or at least my kitchen.  

Did you know that you could make tea bags from coffee filters?  They work perfectly and you don't have to worry about straining the loose tea... you can just throw out the tea bag.  Perfect, simple and the bag can be in the shape you want.  I didn't have the big size coffee filters but did have some filters from EZ pod so used them..  You could also make them in the EZ Pod shape, just stitch around the top and then they could be put in your Single- Cup Pot.

I decided to make them up with some valentine labels but also did some teacup labels.  You could even write on the back what type of loose tea you placed in.  For the labels you can print them here.

Materials:

Coffee filters

Loose Tea

Printable Labels

String or Thread (I used heavy thread)

Directions:

Print labels and cut out.

I used EZ Pod refills so pulled them apart slightly,  Filled with 1 tsp of loose tea and sewed the filters together with thread into a semi circle.

If using large coffee filters I would cut them into a circle about 1 1/2 inch diameter, add loose tea and sew them into a semi circle.

To attach label, tie knot, thread through the tea bag and then through the label, keeping a length of string of 1 -2 inches between the tea bag and label.  

Use DIY tea bags as you would bought tea bags.  

  

Perfect gifts to give teachers, grandmothers, aunts or anyone that is a tea lover.   I love teavana tea and this would be a way to personalize the gift.

Note: Make sure that you attach the thread to the top of the heart or when you use it you will have a upside down heart like mine in the picture.  My threads where cut too long for my cup.  You could measure them so that the bag fits nicely into a cup.

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Disclaimer:

“This and That is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.”

Printables were made with the help of Clker.com

Linked to these Great Blogs: Inspire Us Thursday, Valentine's Day Saturday Dishes, Weekend Block Party
In & Out of the Kitchen

Tea Cups in the Snow for Sunlit Sunday

We finally got some sun in these parts.  Today was a wonderful bright and sunny day.  The snow was glistening and as we had just got a few fresh inches of fluffy snow, it looked wonderful outside.

I had seen some pictures of tea cups in the snow floating around facebook and always wanted to do some pictures like that and today I got my chance.  I really should have looked at them earlier as they weren't exactly how I wanted them to be... I guess I will have to go out again on the next sunny day and take more.

Tea Cups in the Snow 

This picture I did in pencil style....

If you would like to join Sunlit Sunday, click on the button below.

Linked also to these great blogs:  Make it Pretty Monday, Twirl & Take A Bow, Treasure Box Tuesday


Disclaimer: “This and That is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.”

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ recipes that have a story

Many of the recipes we make tell a story ~ whether it is a personal story about how we came to making the recipe or a family recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation.  I think we all have a recipe in our box that has a story behind it.  This week on Foodie Friends Friday we would love to hear the story that your recipe has...

Ginger Lemon Rooibos Tea

I go in streaks were I will drink lemon water in the morning before I do anything else.  It happens every once in awhile.  I would like to do it every morning but I don't always seem to remember.  I found a wonderful recipe for a cleansing lemon drink with a punch in Get Naked in the Kitchen by Briana Santoro.  This book has wonderful recipes in it and I love that they give a story behind each recipe.

Persimmon Pear Spice Bundt Cake

A fuyu persimmon fruit (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Persimmons are one of my favorite fruits... That is from about a month ago or so. I had never had a persimmon and not too long ago I saw them at Walmart. I decided that I would buy one to at least try them. I came home to see if hubby has ever eaten one and no he hadn't, so we didn't have a clue to how figure out when they would be ripe... but we lucked out and they were wonderful. Kind in between an apricot and a mango...that looks like an orange tomato... YUM!

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Jars to Valentine's Candle or Candy Dish

One of my go to places to find ideas for crafts in Pinterest and I found this great, simple inexpensive way to make candles or even a candy dish or cookies... or what ever you may want to put in it.  I know I would love to have this on my mantle or even on my dresser, holding knick knacks.

No Sun for Sunlit Sunday...

This week came and went... with only a bit of a peak of the sun ... I noticed it the other day when I got up in the afternoon... But my eyes just couldn't stay awake to enjoy it and when I got up for the day the sun was gone.... and then I was sad and wishing that I hadn't wasted the day sleeping.  Looking at the forecast it doesn't look like we will see any kind of sun until next weekend.

Foodie Friends Friday Healthy Choice Linky Party ~ #foodiefriendsfriday

The New Year has come and I am sure all of us have made goals to eat healthy or at least most of us.  I know that is one of the goals I have set out to do this year.  So far I have done pretty well.  I have tried to change the way we eat and use ingredients that may be a healthy choice for us.

Fill the Cookie Jar with Granola Cookies

It is time to Fill the Cookie Jar and I think mine was empty for a long time... as when I asked hubby what I make his comment was ~~ "You make cookies".  His only suggestion was to make something that wasn't too sweet and I think I fulfilled his request.

Almondina Cookie Review

Disclaimer:  I was given Almondina product to review.  All opinion are 100% mine

photo credit: Almondina Biscuit

Almondina Cookie Review

I was asked to review Almondina Biscuits and I am sure glad that I did.. These cookies/biscuits are wonderful, so full of flavour and just downright yummy.   The day that they came in the mail, we opened a couple of the packages right away... scarfing them down right out of the package.  Both hubby and I loved them.

You have never heard of Almondina Biscuits... well let me tell you a little about them.  These are Grandma's secret recipes and everyone knows that Grandma makes the best cookies.

'Generous as she was in giving away her recipes, Grandmother Dina kept the one for Petit Gateau Sec a total secret until the end of her life. Only then did she finally reveal the secret to her daughter, Ahuda, my mother. It is with her blessing and with pride that the Zaliouk family shares these delicious, healthful wonders with your family.”

I, for one am very glad that she gave her blessing and these cookies are on the market.  They are all natural, no added salt or fat, no cholesterol or preservatives, just good taste.   The only fat in these biscuits are from the almonds which is the main ingredient.  They are low in calories also ~ 30 calories per slice, are kosher and pareve (no dairy) and are made right here in America. Along with the original flavour they have a total of 8 flavours of biscuits... and so far I like them all.  I am lucky as I get to eat the Cinnaroma all by myself as hubby doesn't like anything with cinnamon so won't even try them.. Not that I am complaining. 

As you can see in the above picture they are chock full of almonds and raisins.  They are crunchy, addictive (I can attest to this) and healthy.  Once our supply is gone, all I have to do is hope that I can buy them here locally as this is a cookie that I will be continuing to eat.  It is perfect for any occasion and sweet enough that I feel that I am having a treat and healthy that I don't have to worry about going off my New Year's goal of eating healthy.

If you want more information about this delightful cookie head over to their almondia or follow them on facebook or twitter.

I like them with a cup of coffee or tea or even just alone.  They are the perfect snack for us.

Almondina's Mission is accomplished...

"To Put a delicious healthful cookie on every table"

Winter Sunset

I have decided to combine my photography blog with this blog... You didn't know I had a photography blog did you?  Well, know you will see those post over here.  All I have to do is figure out where to put the tab so that it is easy for you to find these post.

Karen from My Little Home and Garden each winter has a meme called Sunlit Sunday.  I am so excited that she is doing it again this year.    It is a little way to get some sunlight into the dreary winter we are having everywhere... cold and snow.  If you would like to join, head over and check out what you need to do and bring a little Sunlight into Our Lives. 

 We haven't had much sunlight this winter as it has snowed every day... and I mean every day.... Snowed so much that the last I heard we have had a total of 170 inches so far.  A couple of weeks ago we did get a little sun  and the sunset was magnificent.  I did take these pictures through my second story window on my phone.

Winter Sunset

I love the colour of the sky in this picture and the sun shining on the house that is in the background. 

Linked up to these great blogs:

 

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party ~ 30 Minute Meal Party

We are always in a hurry and it is hard to take the time to make a proper meal.  This can be changed with meals that take only 30 minutes to make.... I know I have a few that are healthy and delicious and quick to make and I am sure you do to.. Can't wait to see what you will bring.

Highlights of 2013

2013 has seem to come and go so fast.  In a blink of eye it is over.  When I look back to what I have accomplished and what I have done it seems very small and that I haven't accomplished my goals from last year.  I do know that I have you my readers to thank for the continued support that you have given me this past year.  I enjoy reading all your comments, I love that you are pinning my recipes and crafts.  These things are what brings me pleasure, that you do enjoy my blog and what I have to offer to you.  My goal over the next year is to hopefully to continue to grow, to bring you  great recipes, great reviews and increase my crafts.

Roasted Salmon with Grapefruit and Avocado Salsa

Today I decided to do some major housecleaning in my kitchen.  I haven't done that in a while.  One of things that I have been meaning to do is move my cookbooks.  I have them over the stove and they are getting mighty greasy.  So, I took them down, washed all the covers (good thing they are all hardback cookbooks) and moved them so that hopefully they won't get as greasy and dirty.

Of course when I take my cookbooks down, I have to read a few of them.  I found my cookbook called Weeknight Fresh + Fast by Kristine Kidd.  I had bought this one a while ago at a book sale at work and really hadn't read it yet.  Long story short I found this recipe for Roasted Salmon with Grapefruit and Avocado Salsa that sounded interesting.  I planned on making salmon for dinner and I had a grapefruit and avocado in the fridge.  Perfect....

Well this meal was fantastic.  I loved the flavors of the salsa ~ tangy and sour of the grapefruit, sweet of the avocado with a hint of hotness from the peppers.  It worked well with the salmon.  I did have to change the recipe slightly but I think the way I did it worked. I will write the ingredients that she had and then what I used.

Roasted Salmon with Grapefruit and Avocado Salsa

Ingredients:

3/4 lb salmon 1 1/2 inch thick (I used about 1 1/4 lb)

olive oil

course kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Ancho chile powder (I didn't have this so didn't use) 

fresh lemon juice from a Meyer lemon about 1/2 lemon used (I add this ingredient)

1 large grapefruit

1 small, firm but ripe avocado - pitted peeled and cubed

1/2 large jalapeno chile ~ seeded and minced (I used about 1 tsp of a hot pepper)

3 tablespoon red onion diced (I used 1/4 cup)

2 tbsp fresh cilantro minced (I used 1 tsp ground)

1 tbsp fresh lime juice (I used fresh lemon juice)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Place parchment paper on small cookie sheet.  Place salmon on parchment paper, skin down.

Brush flesh of salmon with olive oil.

Add salt and pepper to taste.  If you have ancho chile powder add it here.

Squeeze juice of 1/2 Meyer Lemon over salmon.  I just used my hand and then cut the lemon in slices and place over salmon.

Bake at 375 degrees for about 18 minutes until almost opaque in the center.  (Once it is easy to flake it is done).

While salmon is cooking, peel and remove white part of grapefruit.  Over small bowl, using a sharp knife cut between the membrane to remove grapefruit.  Squeeze membrane to get all the juice.  Cut grapefruit in small pieces.  

Add avocado, hot pepper, cilantro and lemon juice.  Mix gently.

To serve add salsa on  salmon and enjoy.