Saturday, June 30, 2012

S'mores Chocolate Cupcakes

    

     Seems like yesterday that I chased my niece through a school yard, across the street, and over to the parking lot, where she hoped somehow to find a way to getting out of first grade that day.  I had promised my sister I would take her to school that particular morning...not realizing the little seven year-old was a very fast "flight risk".
     Well, she got used to this thing called the classroom, and, today, we come together to celebrate her high school graduation.  Come fall, she will be heading to college ~ and I don't see her taking off once she gets to campus.
     Our big, fat Irish family loves to get together, and we all like to bring some kind of dish to help make the day even more celebratory and festive. So, naturally, I asked my sister what I could bring today.
     When you have a history in the kitchen like mine, I guess I shouldn't be insulted when I am asked to make a salad.  Of course, I will, and the lettuce, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green onions are waiting.
     But I wanted to go with something a little more fun, so, while parusing the aisles at Acme this morning, I decided to go with the most fun food of all for kids: s'mores. 
     Actually, s'more cupcakes.
     (I know, I know. Yes, our family is in the heat of the Biggest Loser Competition.  I'm just going to make them for the kids, not eat them myself!)
     I bought the usual makings for s'mores, which are chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, but was not really sure exactly which direction I was going with it.  Just, somehow, s'mores cupcakes were going to be made for today's party.
      When I got home and Googled recipes, I saw that there are like a hundred ways to make these kind of cupcakes, so I just went with my own. 
     Here you go:

Chocolate Cake Mix ~ 1 box
Eggs ~ according to cake mix
Oil ~ according to cake mix
Mini Marshmallows ~ 1 bag
Chocolate ~ I went with bag of semi-sweet morsels
Graham Crackers ~ 1 box
Chocolate Frosting ~ 1 container
Marshmallow Creme (optional)

     After following the directions for the cake mix, set out 16 foiled line cupcake holders on a cookie sheet, then fill each of them with batter, saving about one-fourth.  Sprinkle each cupcake with about 5 or so mini-marshallows, and the same amount of chips, then add about a teaspoon more of batter on top. 
     Crush about 4 or 5 graham crackers in a gallon size ziplock bag and top each cupcake with it, leaving about half the bag for later.
     Bake according to cake mix directions (about 20 minutes)
     You could stop here and, when totally baked, have a lovely little cupcake to serve.
     But we are going for all-out decadence today, so after allowing them to cool, spread each with a little marshmallow cream, followed by the chocolate frosting.  Press about 5 or so of both the mini-marshallows and chips into the frosting, then sprinkle the remainder of the crushed graham crackers on top.
       Now that's a lot more fun than the salad I will be making.  And having.

       Have a wonderful Saturday :)
     


    
    
   
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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Coming Up: Adventures in Fitness Retro Workout Week


     Next week, we celebrate one of my favorite days of the year ~ the Fourth of July.  Not only will I celebrate a mid-week national  holiday complete with family, fireworks, and food, but I will be heading to the cabin for some more Adventures in the Kitchen and Garden by the end of the week.
     In the meantime, as our country looks back to that great historical day that we as a young nation declared our independence,  I, too, will celebrate a little history in my Adventures in Fitness series.
     If you are a video workout junkie like me, you may recognize the three ladies above who joined the likes of Jane Fonda, Denise Austin, and Joannie Greggains by launching a brand new exercise industry in the form of VHS tapes and thirty-minute morning shows when I was a teen some thirty years ago.
     Some of my best memories of those years are having a living room full of sisters and cousins working out daily to The Twenty-Minute not once, but twice, a day in the summer of 1983.  
     (I actually own The Twenty-Minute Workout VHS, but, at my age, it looks like doing this particular workout is only ever going to be a memory.)
     Since those days of big teased hair, leotards, and leg warmers, video workouts have transformed in a major way.  What hasn't changed is that doing at-home workouts in the living area in front of the TV is still a convenient, effective, great way to keep fit.
      So next week, I won't only be pulling out the red, white, and blue...I will be pulling out my Top Five Retro Workouts from the 1980s and 1990s. They are the reason why I will always own a combination DVD/VHS player.
     Some things, like independence and a little fun, never get old.  So see you next week for a look back at some of my favorite classics.
     And for my recent reviews of not-so-dated workouts, visit the Cabin Channel YouTube Channel.


     Have a wonderful Friday :)


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Sunday, June 24, 2012

A Priceless Find


      So, my son spent yesterday afternoon cleaning out his closet. He found old toys, video games, and action figures.
      I insisted that all Godzilla and dinosaur figures be safely archived, but he was free to do whatever he wanted with everything else.  I now call him "eBoy", since he decided that people would want to buy Super Smash Brothers and the like if we put it on eBay ~ and he was right.
      He also came across some very good art work, plus this "writting report" he did as a fifth grader about his grandfather:
                                                                      
Jim Algeo
      My Pop-pop is about 5'11" so he's average in height. Those big cool reading glasses and snow white hair makes him look really smart. My Pop-pop acts tough when he's coaching his football team. He's also very nice, so whenever he wins games he tells everybody what a spectacular job they did. Also he is a teacher at LC and he teaches economics. The best part of him is his hilarious jokes.
      My Pop-pop loves having the grandkids around, and he is great with kids. He is the head coach of Lansdale Catholic Crusaders varsity football team. There in the playoffs and the biggest thing every coach has to go through. Also he loves doing scouting reports on other football teams so he can win.
       That is everything my Pop-pop does and enjoys it.

       So I guess Mario Brothers can go for $15 on eBay, but some finds you just can't put a price tag on :)

Have a wonderful Sunday :)
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Saturday, June 23, 2012

Crock Pot Mushroom Pizza Burgers

    
     Everything about this weekend is perfect, except that I won't be getting to the cabin. But soon!
     In the meantime, I am enjoying the day with the family, getting things done, listening to country tunes, and loving this beautiful summer day.
     While having my morning coffee, I decided that today was another crock pot day because, quite frankly, the grill needs cleaning ~ which I don't have on my "to do" list today.
      So I mixed together the following ingredients and now about ten turkey burgers are slow cooking in my cherished crock:

Ground Turkey ~ Two pounds (Or Ground Beef)
Onion ~ One medium
Mushrooms ~ Baby Bella, 8 ounces
Eggs ~ 2
Bread Crumbs ~ 1 cup
McCormick Pizza Seasoning ~ 1 tsp
Salt ~  1/2 tsp
Pizza Sauce ~ 1 jar,
Mozarella Cheese ~ About 10 slices

     Chop one-third of the mushrooms and add to chopped onion in a big bowl.  Set remaining mushrooms aside. Mix in eggs, bread crumbs, seasoning, salt, and turkey.  Shape into 8 to 10 patties. (Keep bread crumbs on hand in case you need to add a little more to help form patties, depending on type and texture of meat.)
     Place in crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours.  (I don't know that it's necessary, but, since the patties will stick together most times, I loosen the burgers up about half-way through the cooking period and rearrange them in the crock.)
     When ready to serve, use turkey baster to remove any liquid from the crock if necessary. Sautee the remaining mushrooms, then create your pizza burger by placing each patty on a bun and topping it with about a tablespoon of pizza sauce, one slice of cheese, and mushrooms.  Next step: enjoy.    
Have a wonderful weekend :)
    
     




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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Easy Crock Pot Pita Quesadillas


     As always, I am a big fan of the crock pot.  I use it winter, spring, summer, fall.
     With family on the go with jobs, sports, camps, & summer outings, the crock can sit there for a few hours, with everyone helping themselves whenever they are ready.
     If it's too hot to fire up the grill, then here's a little twist on another one of my favorites: quesadillas.
     Here you go:

White or Whole Wheat Pitas
Chicken ~ Six whole breasts (could use left-over chicken from the grill if opt not to bake.)
Cheese ~ Shredded Mexican Mix, two cups
Diced Tomatoes ~ Two 10-ounce cans (I use one roasted garlic and one red pepper)
Salsa ~ One jar
Sour Cream ~ One pint
Guacamole ~ One jar
Tortilla Chips

     Start with a homemade fajita seasoning by mixing the following in a bowl:

Chili powder ~ 2 tsp
Garlic Salt ~ 1/2 tsp
Pepper ~ 1/2 tsp
Paprika ~ 1/2 tsp
Cayenne pepper ~ 1/2 tsp

     Sprinkle about a third of the mixture lightly on chicken breasts before baking for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
     While baking chicken, turn crock pot on high.  Fill the bottom of it just enough to cover it, then mix in remain spices.  Pour drained diced tomatoes in, stir, and put lid on.
     After 45 minutes, remove chicken from oven and allow to cool a few minutes before slicing into strips and bite-size chunks. Add them to the crock spiced tomato mixture and stir well.  Turn onto low.
     After one hour, add the cheese and mix well; replace the lid and allow to slow cook for about one more hour. Turn down to warm.
     When ready, use a slotted spoon and serve on either a toasted (or not) white or whole wheat pita. Place crock pot chicken mixture on half the pita, then fold it over.  Add tortilla chips to the plate and offer salsa, sour cream, and guacomole as condiments.
     The nice thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to your own taste; you can make it more spicy, more cheesy, less spicy, lower fat, etc., just by changing the kinds and amounts of spices, cheeses, or sour cream.
Have a wonderful week:)
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Adventures in Fitness: Cindy Whitmarsh & Enviga Calorie Burn Series

CINDY WHITMARSH &
THE ENVIGA CALORIE BURN SERIES
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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Adventures in Fitness: Ten Days To A Better Body

TEN DAYS TO A BETTER BODY
 by Cindy Whitmarsh


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Saturday, June 16, 2012

PB&S Cookies: For A Few Good Men

    
      It's the Saturday morning before Father's Day, and I'm in the kitchen preparing a little something for each of the few...well, really... many good men I know.  
     It's nice to know I'll be up baking for a while.
     Everyone who knows me knows that I'm just a huge fan of devoted dads. A good father is a blessing that every child deserves and that no one person can put a price tag on.  The impact a loving father can have on a child's life is immeasurable ~ and it is no greater or less than Mom's. Just it's own unique, irreplaceable brand.
     So, this past week, I started to search for a cookie recipe so, come this Sunday, I could give something to each of these men who have taken the honor of raising children to heart.  I came across this very unique recipe from a very cool and creative blog with beaucoup ideas called This heART of mine by Amy Christie. 
      I visited the dollar store to buy fifteen containers to give the cookies in and then "man-sized" the amount of ingredients below,  quadrupling the recipe found on Amy's blog.

Peanut Butter & Snicker Cookies
(aka PB&S Cookies)
Butter ~ 4 sticks
Peanut Butter ~ 2 cups
Brown Sugar ~ 2 cups
Sugar ~ 2 cups
Eggs ~ 4 eggs
Vanilla ~ 2 tsp
Baking Soda ~ 2 tsp
Salt ~ 1 tsp
Flour ~ 7 cups
Snickers Brand Miniatures ~ 2 bags of 13 oz each
Chocolate Morsels ~ 1 package ~ 24 oz
     First, mix together butter, peanut butter, and sugars. Once the mixture is light and fluffy, add in eggs and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
     In a separate bowl, mix together salt, baking soda, and flour, and then to the other ingredients.
     Unwrap all Snickers Miniatures and set in a bowl. 
     Divide dough into about one tablespoon-sized pieces, flatten, then wrap dough around a snicker, forming a ball.
     Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes.
     Let cookies cool on a baking rack or wax paper.
     Place the chocolate chips in a plastic storage bag and microwave on medium power at 30 second intervals until melted.  Snip a small hole in the corner of the bag and drizzle the finished cookies with melted chocolate.
     Allow for all the cookies to cool, then set them in the gift containers.
     For this occasion, I made little gift tags with each dad's name on it and the following from quotegarden.com:

"He didn't tell me how to live.
 He lived, and let me watch him do it."
  ~Clarence Budington Kelland
    
Have a wonderful Father's Day :)


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Friday, June 15, 2012

Adventures in Fitness: Incredible Abs Volume 1 by Cindy Whitmarsh

Adventures in Fitness Video Review:
Incredible Abs, Volume 1

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Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Adventures in Fitness: Six Weeks Six Pack

Jillian Michaels: Six Week Six Pack

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Sunday, June 10, 2012

Adventures in Fitness: Shred It With Weights


JILLIAN MICHAELS: SHRED IT WITH WEIGHTS
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Football, Formula, and Fight



Football in Grass by Jayel Aheram
     
      Tonight, I will sit in the stands of one of the many late spring All-Star Football games that are played everywhere this time of year.
      Since my dad was a high school football coach for fifty-some years, these late spring and early summer events have been part of my life since as long as I can remember.
      But ~ for me personally ~ tonight's competition is different than any other annual game that brings together the best of the area's high school football athletes. These players, selected to confront one another in a yearly match-up, are the ones whose skills and prowess entertained communities from hot September through breezy October to cold November and maybe even brutal December.
      On this early June night, I will proudly watch my godson get his final taste of high school football before he graduates  just five days later.
      But more than that, I will watch a young man who, having worked his ars off for over a year, on only the second play of an August scrimmage at the start of his junior year, was dealt a blow to his knee that obliterated it almost beyond repair.
      In fact, the esteemed doctor performing his surgeries and guiding his rehabilitation made it clear that his injuries were so severe, he would be lucky to even walk again.
       Even greater than the devasting blow that dealt nine different injuries to his knee was the dark forecast: football would never be a likely part of this boy's future.
      Once the news was delivered almost as painful as the injury itself, something great happened. A combination of belief, determination, togetherness, and indominitable resolve dispelled the bleak outlook offered by the professional.
      Not that the good doctor was wrong to issue such a negative warning. He based his prediction on experience and simple mathematical probability.
      But sometimes things figure into a formula.... and we just don't see them coming. And we sure as heck don't see what's at the end of the equation. They are variables that can be so great and so grand that they overpower the constants, the usual, even the "certain."
      In this case, the variables at play were overwhelming.
      Let "x" be the support of coaches, players, parents, and a community that visited, sent cards, gifts, and words of encouragement,
      Let "y" be the love and encouragement of family, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, classmates...and especially grandmothers.
      Let "z" be a trained professional that understood his knowledge and ability mattered to a young seventeen year old who just wanted to play football.
      Let some other immeasurable unknown be the admirable, dutiful, and unwavering dedication of a mother and father working together to travel long distances for rehab and surgeries...day after day, week after week, month after month.
      All these variables mattered, but none nearly as critical as the young man who refused to be a complainer, a victim, a crybaby, a whiner, or whatever other name there is for someone always blaming their circumstances on someone or something else.
      There is no letter to represent the fight and spirit of a teenager who overcame a problem he was not expecting to ever have to solve.  As a seventeen year-old, he was entitled to a bad moment or two. Even a handful of serious meltdowns. Call them "outliers".
      But the reality is, he made the day-in and day-out choice not to wallow in self-pity, to work on his recovery, to build his upper body while his lower body healed, and to make several other thousands of wise and patient little decisions at every step, all day long. His attitude, added to these choices, equalled the one unanticipated variable that put him on a linear path straight out of his negative situation.
      The result of this entire equation? One very real solution.
      Come his senior year, when this boy was supposed to be sitting in the stands like I will be tonight, he was given the official go-ahead to play football.
      Not only did he become known as one of the best defensive players in the greater Philadelphia area, but his team upset the league favorite twice and surpassed all expectations by moving far into Pennsylvania post-season play. In addition, he earned a scholarship to play football next year.
       Not bad for a kid who would be lucky to ever even walk right again. Like teachers always say, check the work. Someone could be wrong.
Have a wonderful Thursday ~ I know I will :)
     

     
    
      
     
     
    
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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The Mix-and-Match Crock Pot Party



     This time of year, the parties for all different types of occasions swell up across spring and summer weekends.  Showers, graduations, birthdays, or just spontaneous summer gatherings...they all bring together family and friends to celebrate life's momentous milestones.
     And at the heart of each of these occasions: love ~ and food.
     Some people stress over just what to serve, how to serve, and who to get to serve it.  You can grill, you can do cold cuts, you can cook, you can hire a caterer.  A lot depends on who, how many, and just how comfortable you feel (or don't feel) about preparing the feast for the event.
      For me, any time of year is the right time for the crock pot.  If you are sweating about feeding party-goers, I always recommend a Mix-and-Match Crock Pot Party.
      I am no gourmet cook, so the crock is old and cherished lifelong friend.  I have three of them (although my favorite one is out there somewhere, having accidentally been packed up and picked up by a Purple Heart truck).
     And I have to say I do prefer the stylish, designer ones with veggies, fruits, flowers, or whatever on them to the newer contemporary ones that are plain white or silver.  In fact, the 5.5 quart Camo Crock pictured above is exactly what I need to replace the old favorite I'm sure to never see again.
     Anyway, depending on how many, you have to feed, you can have anywhere from two to five crock pots going to satisfy the tastes of all your guests.
     The only real rule I follow is to balance a "dark" dish with a "light" one, for example roast beef in one and chicken in the other. 
     Here are some ideas (some with links to recipes right here on the blog):

     Crock of Meatballs ~ You could use frozen meatballs and a jar   or two of sauce. I personally like to make the meatballs using McCormick Italian Meatball Mix and 2 pounds of ground beef, cook them at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes (or whatever packet directions say), and add them to two jars of any kind of Tomato Sauce in a warm/low crock pot.
    
     Crock of Hot Chicken Sandwiches (Click for recipe.)
    
     Crock of Roast Beef and Gravy ~ Order 2 to 3 pounds of sliced roast beef from the deli and add a can of beef gravy for each pound.  Set on high for two hours, then reduce to low or warm.
    
     Crock of Turkey and Gravy ~ Order 2 to 3 pounds of sliced turkey from the deli and add a can of turkey gravy for each pound. Set on high for two hours, then reduce to low or warm.
    
     Crock of Chili (Click for recipe; you can use ground beef or ground turkey.)
    
     Crock of Hot Dogs ~ Pour a big can of sauerkraut on the bottom of the crock (low setting) and place two packs of hot dogs (or more) on top. These will be ready to serve in about 2 hours.

      (I like combining these last two on many occasions because  you get several options. Some kids won't eat chili, but will eat hot dogs; many people will eat chili or even chili dogs or chili with Nachos and cheese.  If I go with this duo, I often put on a pot of pasta as well, so guests can pour chili over it.)
      Once you get your crocks going, all you need are a mix of rolls and some simple sides like tortillas, potato chips, salads, condiments, and/or cheese.  And, of course, desserts and beverages.
    
     Have a wonderful season of celebrations :)

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Cabin Shots Late Spring 2012

Blessed to have had the chance to escape again for the weekend ~
especially during this usually very busy time of year full of weddings, birthdays, parties, graduations!
 Did a little bit in the kitchen and a little bit in the yard, plus took a few late spring photographs of the cabin and some of its surroundings.

Flowers and plants hung on and around the cabin porch give it a  pretty spring touch.








Below is a very early "Phase 1" of the Cabin Wood and Rock Garden ~ not quite as easy as the potted flowers planted safely on the porch and deck.  A lot of trial and error in finding out what flowers will do best here, in the shade, alongside the deer.


Two "parting shots" ~ one of a deer fleeing as I try to get its picture chowing down on some lunch...the other some flowers on the property that grow perfectly without any help. 




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Cabin Garden Update: Sick Salvia, Compost Construction, & A Happy Harley




     Well, two weeks after the exciting moment of planting the cabin garden's first flowers, our not-so-purple salvia (seen above) are now in intensive care.
     I knew this would be a trial-and-error effort.  In the beginning, I worried about the deer liking the salvia as a food source.  It turns out the lack of gardening experience and knowledge turned out to be the real predator.  Looks like these flowers need more direct sun light.
     So the salvia that are seen above ready for transport so they can get some care and attention at home the next few weeks will hopefully become the vivid and healthy flowers they were just weeks ago.
     But my recent short stay at the cabin was not a complete loss. I did build a compost bin for when there are actually flowers in the garden.  It was a little bit painful dealing with the wire, and my hands suffered a few cuts trying to get the fencing unrolled and formed into a cylinder.  Eventually, it complied, but not before I sustained a few minor injuries. Guess this is one reason gardeners have gloves.
     And, as you can see from the video, nothing is ever a total bust when Harley is happy. She had a grand time running laps for some unknown reason as I try to figure out the next few steps for the slow-going garden.
     So, with a bunch of June festivities over the next few weekends, I will spend the respite away from the cabin nursing the salvia, collecting cut grass, and continuing my search for deer-resistant perennials that do well in the shade.
      Have a wonderful week :)

    

     

 
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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Crock Pot Chicken Sandwiches "Lite"



     One of my all-time favorite crock pot recipe books sits at the forefront of all the others on my cabin shelf:  the classic Fix-It-And-Forget-It by Dawn J. Renck and Phyllis Pellman Good. A wonderful fellow teacher bought this for me a few years back at one of our school book fairs, and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving. 

     At least it is to this cabin girl who loves her crock pot.

     A tried and true favorite can be found on page 193 of my edition, where a simple recipe called "Loretta's Hot Chicken Sandwiches" is used on a regular basis for family gatherings.  This satisfying dish leaves no leftovers when the party is over.

     Now, from time to time, I will post recipes on this blog that are simply meant to delight ~ whatever the caloric cost. When our family makes this dish, we generally follow it to a tee ~ regardless of calories.

    But it is important to eat right most of the time. Though I am not discouraging anyone from following the book's recipe "as is", I took the liberty of making some variations to this family party mainstay so that it wouldn't be as guilty a pleasure.

     In the original recipe, the three things cause concern for the calorie-conscious the most are the mayo, the cheese, and the rolls; so these three ingredients have been modified to reduce fat and cut calories.

     Here you go:

     Chicken Breast ~ 5 to 6 whole breasts
     Celery ~ 2 stalks, chopped
     Onion ~ 1 large
     Miracle Whip ~ 2 cups
     Lowfat American Cheese ~ 12 slices
     Pepper ~ 1 teaspoon
     Dill Weed ~ 1 teaspoon
     Whole Wheat Buns or Pitas ~ A dozen

     Start by putting the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees.  As they are cooking for the next 45 minutes, begin to prepare the other ingredients for the crock. 

     Wash the celery and onion, then chop and set aside. 
     Set the crock pot on high. Mix the Miracle Whip with the Pepper and Dill Weed in the crock.  Add the celery and onion, and stir. 
    
     When the chicken is done, let cool for about 15 minutes before cutting into long strips.  Once cut, add to the crock pot and stir.

      After about an hour, add the slices of lowfat American Cheese and mix in.  Allow to cook on high for an additional hour. 

     Turn crock on warm (or low) and serve on Whole Wheat rolls or lay and fold on pitas.

     Have a wonderful rest of the weekend :)


    

    

    

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