I'm back in the kitchen!!!

Hi y'all! I'm sorry it's been awhile since I posted. Life sometimes gets busy but I'm back to blogging and I have so much I can't wait to share with you. I have all sorts of wonderful new recipes. I've been searching for some summer dishes that will be perfect for feeding your family and friends.

First, I wanted to share my love for retro things. My dream is to one day own a vintage kitchen. These days they have so many suppliers out there with awesome products. You can have the retro feel but the modern technology. How great is it to live in these times. I betcha grandma would love to be cooking in your shoes right now. When I think about all that hard work to prepare a single meal for your family. I begin to shutter of what life must have been like without the modern conveniences we all take for granted today.

Check out my retro finds~








Is this not a fabulous stove? I could whip up all sorts of yummy treats on this beauty. And I love the mint green color.











Another really cool appliance, a retro microwave. How fun! It comes in all sorts of fun colors. I would for sure buy a mint green one.






Aren't these kitchen gloves adorable? I love the little cupcake fabric and yellow bow. Very cute and makes me want to start working around my kitchen.














Obviously I have cupcakes on my mind, LOL! However, I do love this print. It's so cute. Love the cherry on top of the pink frosted cupcake. I also like the cut of this apron and the feminine pink bows. This would make a fabulous gift.











And of course there must be rules!





Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend. Look for some upcoming recipes. I have a few that I will be posting right away.

White Chocolate Chip Cookies

White Chocolate Chip Cookies


I L-O-V-E white chocolate. And I'm always looking for a way to incorporate white chocolate where ever I can in a recipe. My husband is a huge milk chocolate fan so we often go with the traditional chocolate chip cookie. However, recently I came across this recipe that calls for white chocolate chips and I decided to try them out. Not only did I love them but my husband ate nearly half the batch by himself. The only warning I would give out to those who are cookie lover's as much as we is....be careful they are addicting. If you are trying to lose a few extra pounds before the Spring/Summer season begins it would not be a good idea to bake a batch and leave them sitting on the kitchen counter. You'll not be able to just have one. Perfect for entertaining, parties, and gifts. I hope y'all take the opportunity to try the recipe. They are delicious and you won't be disappointed. I'm thinking of baking a batch for Easter this year.

1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. flour
2/3 c. Hershy's cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. chopped walnuts
1 pkg. vanilla chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to butter mixture. Stir in nuts and white chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly brown around the edges. Cool on wire rack. Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

Also, I wanted to thank Libby over at http://cookingwithlibby.blogspot.com/ for giving me an award. She has all sorts of fantastic recipes. If y'all like some Southern Cooking I suggest stopping by her blog. Thanks Libby!

Upon receiving this award I'm suppose to post 7 interesting things about me. Considering this is a cooking blog I'll keep them food related.

1.) Remember in that movie MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING when the dad used Windex for everything. I'm that way about olive oil. I use it practically in every dish. I also use it for other things besides cooking. I'm so addicted to olive oil that I carry a small glass jar with me in my purse.

2.) I love Milka. Milka is probably my greatest weakness when it comes to all brands of chocolate. My favorite is the white chocolate.

3.) My husband and I love granola bars. I have found a sweet and salty mixed nut bar that's dipped in a chocolate coating. It's so good. It's by Cascadian Farm. I never leave home without slipping a bar into my purse to help me in those emergency situations when you find yourself starving. Here's the link http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/product_detail.aspx?cat=21&upc=0-21908-40774-6

4.) About two years ago I switched out my cooking oil and began using Coconut oil. Coconut oil has a lot of health benefits and gives a yummy flavor to bland foods. I use a virgin Coconut oil from Wholefoods. A tiny tsp. can go a long way.

5.) I went cold turkey and stopped drinking soft drinks all together. Instead I drink Canada Dry Green Tea. Oh my goodness is it delish! I feel better and even dropped a few pounds since I've stopped drinking soda. I haven't craved a soda in months. I even made a Green Tea float with vanilla ice cream. It's really good and will taste even better this summer. http://canadadry.com/#/products/greenTeaGingerAle

Grilled Salmon

GRILLED SALMON

When living in the Pacific Northwest I fell in love with salmon. I could eat Salmon every day. It's one of my favorite things to order when I'm on the West Coast. I use to go fishing on the Rogue River for Salmon and Steel head. I use to fish my grandpa in Northern California (not for from Mt. Lassen) for Rainbow Trout. I know some of you are probably shocked at the very idea of seeing me fish but I do enjoy it. I haven't been in years and I really miss it. That's probably one of the things I miss most about my childhood, fishing and camping in the mountains. I wish everyone had the experience to catch their own fish, clean it, and cook it at least once in their lifetime.

My husband grew up on the Gulf of Mexico. Two types of fish that he's use to catching are Red Snapper (another favorite) and Catfish. I'm not a big fan of catfish unless it's blackened. They are such ugly creators (Catfish). However, I do have some lovely recipes that I will begin to share on preparing Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Red Snapper, and Catfish. I'll start today with a quick and easy Salmon.

Fish is really healthy (contains a lot of Omega 3 for your heart and is considered low fat). It has even been said that fish helps improve your mood. I'm not sure if that's true or not but I seem to be happy to eat it. Pregnant and nursing mothers need to be sure to watch out for the type of fish they eat because some have high levels of mercury (can cause birth defects). You can find a list of those types of fish on the online.

Ok, so here's an easy Salmon recipe I came across last year. It's really easy and tastes great. I like to grill fish rather than cook it inside (doesn't leave that fishy smell in the house).

Ingredients

1 bunch of cilantro leaves, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, chopped * I used about 1 tsp of garlic salt

2 cups of honey

juice from one lime

4 Salmon steaks

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together cilantro, garlic, honey, and lime juice. Heat until honey is easily stirred, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool.

2.) Place Salmon steaks in baking dish, and season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture over salmon, cover, and refrigerate 10 minutes.

3.) Preheat your grill.

4.) Lightly oil your grill grate. Cook Salmon for at least 5 minutes on each side.

SHRIMP CREOLE BRUSCHETTA

Ingredients

1 c. finely chopped pimiento-stuffed green olives

1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained and finely chopped

1/4 c. extra-light olive oil

3 tbsp. red wine vinegar

2 tbsp. capers

2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1 tsp. minced garlic

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

24 jumbo fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tsp. Creole seasoning

2 tsp. olive oil

24 toasted French rounds

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine green olives, red peppers, extra light olive oil, vinegar, capers, parsley, garlic, and pepper; cover, and fridgerate.

2. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp and Creole seasoning; toss gently to coat shrimp.

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until shrimp are firm and pink. Spoon about 1 tablespoon olive mixture on top of each toasted French round. Place shrimp on top of olive mixture.

Sweet Potato Praline Casserole

Sweet Potato Praline Casserole

I listed my holiday menu on my retro blog http://sweetpralinemadness.blogspot.com/ and Sweet Potato Praline Casserole is always one of our favorites during the holiday. I told Libby I would post my recipe on my cooking blog for her. If y'all are looking for something to bake for Christmas dinner....this is awesome.

Ingredients

3 c. mashed sweet potatoes

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. butter

1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

For Topping

1 c. brown sugar

1/3 c. flour

1 c. chopped pecans

1/3 c. butter; melted

Directions

1.) In large mixing bowl, mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, butter, milk, and vanilla.

2.) Pour into a 9-inch square greased baking dish.

3.) Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle over potato mixture.

4.) Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.

* Can be doubled and baked in a 9x13 baking dish.

Banana Pudding

BANANA PUDDING

Y'all, I love a good banana pudding from time to time. I was thinking of whipping up a batch over the weekend and when I went to grab my recipe, it was gone. I have no idea where I put it. I'm sure if we ever move I'll find it then, LOL. I logged onto some cooking sites and came across this recipe.

It's so fantastic! My husband told me that it was the best banana pudding he has ever had. I must agree, it's awesome. If you like banana pudding you'll love this recipe.

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) can Eagle brand sweet milk
1 1/2 c. cold water
1 pkg. vanilla pudding mix
2 c. whipping cream, whipped (I used cool whip)
3 medium bananas, sliced
vanilla wafers

Directions

1.) In large bowl, combine milk and water. Add pudding mix, beat until well blended. Chill for 5 minutes.
2.) Fold in whip cream. Spoon pudding mixture into a glass serving bowl.
3.) Top with 1/3 each of the vanilla wafers, bananas and remaining pudding. Repeat layered twice, ending with pudding mixture. Chill thoroughly. Garnish as desired with crumbled vanilla wafers for decoration.

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Truffles

These are so easy to make and they are delish. Perfect for the holidays! They make the best goodies for neighbers, family & friends, or a office party.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) package cream, softened

3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted

3 cups semisweet chocolate chips, melted

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioner's sugar until well blended. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla until no streaks remain. Refridgerate for about 1 hour. Shape into 1 inch balls.

* You can take a toothpick and dip into chocolate and drizzle across truffle to make it look more elegant.