tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80665596992766565192023-01-02T23:17:58.847-08:00Gluten Free BootyKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-65374443883251316842013-04-23T08:11:00.000-07:002013-04-23T08:14:06.915-07:00Sweet Potato Muffins<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRjkPMtD9YI/UXaka3WNjDI/AAAAAAAADSg/qrA9DmaPUCc/s1600/SweetPotatoMuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRjkPMtD9YI/UXaka3WNjDI/AAAAAAAADSg/qrA9DmaPUCc/s640/SweetPotatoMuffins.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made these on Sunday and they turned out amazing.<br />
They are high fiber and oh so yummy.<br />
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Also very easy to make.<br />
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<u>Sweet Potato Muffins</u></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes </div>
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1/2 cup almond flour</div>
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1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Oats</div>
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2 eggs</div>
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1/4 cup dried cranberries</div>
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1/4 cup blackstrap molasses</div>
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1/4 cup chopped walnuts</div>
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1 tablespoon cinnamon</div>
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1 teaspoon baking soda</div>
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1 pinch of salt</div>
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Preheat oven to 350. </div>
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Grease muffin pan or bake in cupcake cups.</div>
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Combine all ingredients then beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. I use my stand mixer. If the mixture seems to moist add a few more oats. </div>
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Pour into muffin pan and bake for 25 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove and cool on baking rack. </div>
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Yields 6 Muffins.</div>
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I store mine in the fridge and they make a great on the go breakfast.<br />
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TIP - <span style="background-color: white;">I peeled and pressure cooked 3 sweet potatoes and mashed them up with my hand blender. I keep the excess in a sealable container in the fridge and use as sides for dinners or when I want to bake another batch of muffins.</span></div>
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Hope you enjoy!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-49988004012707072772013-02-23T10:59:00.000-08:002013-02-23T11:01:58.033-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Chicken Tortilla Soup</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu6I3SiwoeU/USkRf1beFjI/AAAAAAAADQ0/7bL8pEbBzkg/s1600/IMG_5304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu6I3SiwoeU/USkRf1beFjI/AAAAAAAADQ0/7bL8pEbBzkg/s640/IMG_5304.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This one is a keeper. Trust me.</div>
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On to the recipe. </div>
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I made this and it was way to bland the first time. </div>
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So I made my own recipe.</div>
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1- Onion</div>
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1-Green Pepper</div>
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1to 2 t - minced garlic</div>
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2 t - Chili Powder</div>
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1t - Oregano</div>
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1-28oz Can Crushed Tomatoes w/ Oregano-Garlic-Basil</div>
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1-1/2 Cups of V8 juice</div>
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1-10oz can Chicken Broth</div>
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1-Can of Nibblets</div>
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1-Can of Black Beans</div>
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1-2 Chicken Breast (shredded)</div>
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2T of olive or cocoanut oil </div>
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Chop onion and green peppers and add to a large pot along garlic and oil. Cook until translucent. </div>
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Then add Chili Powder, Oregano, Crushed tomatoes, V8 and chicken broth. Bring to a boil add shredded chicken turn down and let simmer for 10 minutes. </div>
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Add beans and corn and allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.</div>
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Serve topped with shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream and guacamole.</div>
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No lie this recipe is a show stopper. </div>
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Easy to prepare and delicious.<br />
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Stay Warm :) </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-66493899373579100672013-02-04T14:14:00.002-08:002013-02-04T14:14:31.770-08:00A Healthier Popcorn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O54yo141yKY/URAxDVSPHaI/AAAAAAAADOU/RManiKvWt3Y/s1600/HealthierPopcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O54yo141yKY/URAxDVSPHaI/AAAAAAAADOU/RManiKvWt3Y/s640/HealthierPopcorn.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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I needed air popped popcorn for the Valentines Party Mix I was making and didn't have an air popper. So I improvised and what I got was a healthier cheaper version of my families favorite snack.</div>
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Here's all you need.</div>
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1/3 cup of popcorn kernels</div>
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1 thicker small paper bag. ( I used the Whole Foods smaller bag below)</div>
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{if you use a thin brown bag the kernel will bust threw the bag} </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1f25bkuq6Ek/URAxS52eSBI/AAAAAAAADOc/4fPs97g9XeM/s1600/PopcornBag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1f25bkuq6Ek/URAxS52eSBI/AAAAAAAADOc/4fPs97g9XeM/s640/PopcornBag.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Fold the top of the bag down twice and then place in your microwave.</div>
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I popped mine until the pops stopped approximately 1:30 - 2:00 minutes. </div>
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Pour and Enjoy!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lR6DiBYSINY/URAyq9M8sMI/AAAAAAAADPo/UVoWq_gK0tA/s1600/Popcorn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="614" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lR6DiBYSINY/URAyq9M8sMI/AAAAAAAADPo/UVoWq_gK0tA/s640/Popcorn1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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No Oil, No Butter, No Salt</div>
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That is unless you want some. </div>
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Then go for it. </div>
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But the great thing is you can control what you put on it which makes it a healthier choice. </div>
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This popcorn works great for making chocolate covered popcorn!!!</div>
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Hope you enjoyed! </div>
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What's your favorite popcorn or topping?</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-5009835850539493562013-02-03T09:42:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:49:36.094-08:00Gluten Free Valentine Party Mix<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg7bO-FLnL4/UQ6LMEBlJsI/AAAAAAAADL8/aNjeqWOv7OM/s1600/ValentinePartyMix3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xg7bO-FLnL4/UQ6LMEBlJsI/AAAAAAAADL8/aNjeqWOv7OM/s1600/ValentinePartyMix3.jpg" /></a></div>
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All you need!</div>
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2 cups - Air popped pop corn (no oil)</div>
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1 cup - Gluten Free Snyder Pretzel Rods</div>
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2/3 Cup - Raw Almonds</div>
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1/2 Cup of M&M's</div>
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Wilton Candy Melts</div>
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Pink Sprinkles optional</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--a_mqoik8g4/UQ6KdwQLSHI/AAAAAAAADL0/3x2d3Xuqxek/s1600/ValentinePartyMix1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--a_mqoik8g4/UQ6KdwQLSHI/AAAAAAAADL0/3x2d3Xuqxek/s640/ValentinePartyMix1.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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On parchment paper mix up half of the ingredients and drizzle melted candy melts over mixture.</div>
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(Repeat until all ingredients are used) </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEMX_B3fC9w/UQ6KaPs6Q4I/AAAAAAAADLs/Ri0_5PYOJ4Y/s1600/ValentinePartyMix5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEMX_B3fC9w/UQ6KaPs6Q4I/AAAAAAAADLs/Ri0_5PYOJ4Y/s640/ValentinePartyMix5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Allow to cool and harden then enjoy. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AmWy04nUs8/UQ6foC7zaQI/AAAAAAAADNI/ShkbdYPVGbc/s1600/ValentinePartyMix6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AmWy04nUs8/UQ6foC7zaQI/AAAAAAAADNI/ShkbdYPVGbc/s1600/ValentinePartyMix6.jpg" /></a></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-19461161363290452702013-01-20T10:19:00.001-08:002013-01-20T10:44:04.499-08:00Gluten Free Cinnamon Buns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9uOGPlCg8M/UPr7OdeKXaI/AAAAAAAADBI/hQIwwMLIQzk/s1600/SinBuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9uOGPlCg8M/UPr7OdeKXaI/AAAAAAAADBI/hQIwwMLIQzk/s640/SinBuns.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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OK I've been gluten free for over a year now and in that time my lips haven't touched not one single sweet decadent cinnamon bun. Have I craved them? Oh gosh yes. Have I seen gluten free options in the grocery store? Of course, but nothing I wanted to spend close to seven dollars on. Don't get me wrong they looked good but.... :)</div>
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Boy do I have a treat for you today!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SINnamon Buns!</span></div>
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yes i spelled that right and boy are they sinful.</div>
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Let me share what I did.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_-E5HwAWf0/UPr97UuXVgI/AAAAAAAADCU/PWFaqhgoTpA/s1600/IMG_4808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_-E5HwAWf0/UPr97UuXVgI/AAAAAAAADCU/PWFaqhgoTpA/s640/IMG_4808.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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First I made this <a href="http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/better-than-cup4cup-gluten-free-flour-blend-d-i-y-how-to/">flour blend</a>. </div>
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{BTW - I've never used a custom flour blend before. }</div>
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Secondly, I had never baked like this. Ever! </div>
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In my kitchen I have always used cups as measurements</div>
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never grams.</div>
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Just so you know this recipe calls for Tapioca flour and I had none so I substituted it for more white rice flour and had no problems.</div>
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So moving along I have to tell you I've been resistant to try this. </div>
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But I have to tell you if you are holding back...you need to move forward.<br />
This flour blend was easy to make and OMG it's so awesome.</div>
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Once you have your flour blend whipped up.</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/quickest-yeast-free-cinnamon-buns-a-preview-recipe-from-gluten-free-on-a-shoestring-quick-easy/">Gluten Free on a Shoestring</a> to snag the recipe for these lovelies!</div>
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Continue on I have lots of pictures to show you on how this recipe came together.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v92s7vhcqX4/UPr_yNRLYJI/AAAAAAAADD0/dlGtuM0VvG0/s1600/knead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v92s7vhcqX4/UPr_yNRLYJI/AAAAAAAADD0/dlGtuM0VvG0/s640/knead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mixed my dough in my standing mixer. Then rolled it out onto to my cutting board. </div>
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Here I continued to flour my board and knead until the dough was no longer sticky and became soft.</div>
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Once you get your dough just right it's then time to roll it out and for this I have an awesome trick to share with you.</div>
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For these buns you'll need to roll your dough into a rectangle no thinner than 1/4" thick.</div>
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Wondering how in the heck you can do this easily??</div>
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And without perfection sticks??</div>
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Take a look.</div>
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A regular rolling pin will fit perfectly in a jelly pan like so.</div>
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As you can see my pans are loved very much and played with often. haha :)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWlgcVOcKb0/UPsA4770ipI/AAAAAAAADGA/ixW_kp07BMg/s1600/trick1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tWlgcVOcKb0/UPsA4770ipI/AAAAAAAADGA/ixW_kp07BMg/s640/trick1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now cover the bottom of the jelly pan with parchment paper with a little excess over the edges. This will give you something to grab onto to when you start rolling the dough later.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvO5Tyobr-4/UPsBvfJa9MI/AAAAAAAADGM/WDyujkCy8ks/s1600/trick2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QvO5Tyobr-4/UPsBvfJa9MI/AAAAAAAADGM/WDyujkCy8ks/s640/trick2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You get a perfect rectangle and check out the thickness of the dough! </div>
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1/4" thick! No more no less!</div>
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Perfection.</div>
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Now we can whip up the cinnamon mix.</div>
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Using a spoon mix together until well incorporated then spread on the dough leaving about a 1/4" clean edge on all edges. I left a little more and that's fine too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atRSoXhV11Q/UPsCuzElOpI/AAAAAAAADHY/qV6t2k0I6Lw/s1600/cinmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-atRSoXhV11Q/UPsCuzElOpI/AAAAAAAADHY/qV6t2k0I6Lw/s640/cinmix.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ta-Da!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBvB7rGb0dc/UPsDXb0DRJI/AAAAAAAADIo/TAJeh13x3YM/s1600/rollup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBvB7rGb0dc/UPsDXb0DRJI/AAAAAAAADIo/TAJeh13x3YM/s640/rollup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now is where that extra parchment comes in handy. Roll on the long edge tightly to form a roll like so.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMr4fDmg5a4/UPsD5H_6Z2I/AAAAAAAADIw/kJ_lF9ruaN0/s1600/rollnscore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMr4fDmg5a4/UPsD5H_6Z2I/AAAAAAAADIw/kJ_lF9ruaN0/s640/rollnscore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I scored mine to make sure I got them all close to the same size before I sliced them.</div>
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You can just use knife to slice the rolls.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUPBbOw2Bk4/UPsEZWDbzvI/AAAAAAAADI4/Dqs-H1tnV_4/s1600/slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUPBbOw2Bk4/UPsEZWDbzvI/AAAAAAAADI4/Dqs-H1tnV_4/s640/slice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love how pretty they look!!<br />
You can grease a 9x13 pan or you can use a muffin pan.</div>
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I really love my Rachel Ray muffin pan. Nothing sticks to it and I never have to grease it.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCfYAGidFS0/UPsE8_Qr19I/AAAAAAAADJA/-9oX83mcO_0/s1600/busprebake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCfYAGidFS0/UPsE8_Qr19I/AAAAAAAADJA/-9oX83mcO_0/s640/busprebake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes they will bubble over. I removed mine from the pan and onto a cooling rack only minutes after leaving the oven. Make sure you cover the rack with parchment paper to keep the sweet stuff on the rolls and not your counter top. Then I spooned the spilled over cinnamon mixture onto each one. While they cooled a tad I made the icing. </div>
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The recipe calls for mascarpone and powdered sugar I used cream cheese instead. </div>
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Why? Well I just didn't have any mascarpone, so I improvised. </div>
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The end result??</div>
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Lip smacking, finger licking and the sound of forks hitting plates.</div>
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Anna had a friend over and they were both very happy with the buns.</div>
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Perfect start to a chilly Florida morning. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9jJYmsjiNU/UPsGkYm3KKI/AAAAAAAADKU/Z4YMJtHzfxg/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G9jJYmsjiNU/UPsGkYm3KKI/AAAAAAAADKU/Z4YMJtHzfxg/s640/kids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hope you enjoy and give this recipe a try.</div>
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Stay warm my sweet readers!</div>
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Giving credit where credit is due...</div>
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Thank you so much for a wonderful Gluten Free Cinnamon Bun recipe by <a href="http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/">Gluten Free on a Shoestring</a>. I haven't purchased many cookbooks since going gluten free but I have to tell ya </div>
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I will be buying this one.</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-44713098357969574962013-01-19T06:03:00.001-08:002013-01-19T10:46:04.299-08:00<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzfObUmNwgo/UPqpaI6ObPI/AAAAAAAAC-0/gMWH6AAs5a4/s1600/mongolianBeef.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzfObUmNwgo/UPqpaI6ObPI/AAAAAAAAC-0/gMWH6AAs5a4/s640/mongolianBeef.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ingredients</h2>
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<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 lb stew meat</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tsp olive oil</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 onion, thickly sliced</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tbsp minced garlic</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup Gluten Free soy sauce (I used Tamari)</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp fresh minced finer</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 hoisin sauce (Wizard's brand is Gluten Free but I couldn't find it)</li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Directions</span></h2>
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Freezer directions- dump all ingredients into a labeled freezer bag, seal, mix up, freeze flat. It's as easy as that!</div>
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When you're ready to cook-take the bag out of the freezer the night before and let it defrost in the fridge. The next morning dump the bag into the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you're going to be longer just add a bit more water so it doesn't dry out. Serve with fresh steamed, stir fried veggies or over rice!<br />
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This meal was so good. All I did was put all the ingredients into a freezer bag and freeze. Then just drop the contents into your crock pot and cover. I do need to tell you that I don't know if you can even say this is Mongolian beef because I was unable to find the Hoisin sauce but the meat was still so good. I will try some different grocery stores and see if i can find it and retry this meal again. It was excellent without it though.<br />
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Enjoy!!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-36242951830208284902013-01-17T04:44:00.002-08:002013-01-19T06:02:46.395-08:00Gluten Free-zer Crock Pot Chicken Tacos<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0AYk-SBhV0/UPfpM-ssYGI/AAAAAAAAC7M/Xw1mcqloBgw/s1600/IMG_4774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K0AYk-SBhV0/UPfpM-ssYGI/AAAAAAAAC7M/Xw1mcqloBgw/s640/IMG_4774.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Gluten Free-zer Crock Pot Chicken Tacos!!</div>
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These turned our great!</div>
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I cut the roof of my mouth on a regular corn shell taco. Am I the only one that does this? I don't know hot pizza and tacos have it out for me. :)<br />
So anyhow I decided to put everything into romaine lettuce and Oh My Goodness I'm hooked. </div>
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These things were great!</div>
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Crunchy! Strong! Delicious!</div>
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If you haven't tried this definitely try one.<br />
{and let me know what you think}</div>
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Ingredients</h2>
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<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3 boneless chicken breasts (This made a ton for us and we had to freeze the leftovers)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 packet of taco seasoning (I make my own <a href="http://glutenfreebooty.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-taco-seasoning.html">My Taco Seasoning</a> Recipe)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 can of rotel tomatoes or you can chop up fresh tomatoes and season as you like fresh is always better</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup of water (original recipe called for 1/4 of water and 1/4 of oil i don't like to add oil)</li>
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<div class="recipe-section instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5e5a57; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTDmDzEMBPo/UPfveXvmAJI/AAAAAAAAC9c/etMzlexicyE/s1600/ChickenTacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rTDmDzEMBPo/UPfveXvmAJI/AAAAAAAAC9c/etMzlexicyE/s640/ChickenTacos.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put your seasoning in the bottom of the pot.{Doodles optional} Place your frozen chicken tomato mix on top and cover. As you can see my frozen mixture didn't want to lay flat in the bottom this is why they recommend you thaw in the fridge over night. However this cooked just as awesome within a few minutes it had thawed enough and was flat in the bottom of my pot!</td></tr>
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Directions</h2>
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In your crock pot pour the taco seasoning place chicken on top and pour tomatoes over the top following with water/oil mixture. Don't stir.</div>
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Halfway through if you are home you can flip the chicken but it's not necessary. I didn't and the chicken was perfect.<br />
After the the meat is done just shred the chicken stir and serve on shells or lettuce.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlAxyNhgtzo/UPfwLWemR8I/AAAAAAAAC9k/zjB7brtZatE/s1600/IMG_4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlAxyNhgtzo/UPfwLWemR8I/AAAAAAAAC9k/zjB7brtZatE/s640/IMG_4772.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what the chicken looks like in the end. Honestly all you need do is stir and the chicken shreds itself.<br />
Serve with all your favorite topping!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqem7ikpnNs/UPfwP6HYCnI/AAAAAAAAC9s/VIaMM8Y9950/s1600/IMG_4769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqem7ikpnNs/UPfwP6HYCnI/AAAAAAAAC9s/VIaMM8Y9950/s640/IMG_4769.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tip! I know the writing is messy but you can write directions for your meals on the fronts of the freezer bags then when you pull it out you don't even have to fumble with a recipe!</td></tr>
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I hope you enjoy these tacos as much as my family has. </div>
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Like I said it made a ton. We had them for dinner two nights and I had them for lunch one day and we still have enough left over for one more meal which I will freeze for a day when I just don't feel like being in the kitch!</div>
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Giving credit where credit is due I found this recipe on <a href="http://whoneedsacape.com/2012/10/crockpot-chicken-tacos/">Who Needs A Cape</a>.</div>
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What is your favorite Crock Pot Taco recipe??</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-91030223733111273862013-01-15T14:26:00.001-08:002013-01-15T14:26:28.960-08:00CLARITY<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-170BQNbuG8o/UPVlF5hLw2I/AAAAAAAAC2E/om200_a8bu8/s1600/IMG_1246.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-170BQNbuG8o/UPVlF5hLw2I/AAAAAAAAC2E/om200_a8bu8/s640/IMG_1246.PNG" width="416" /></a></div>
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When I first started running there were times when I thought I was going to die. OK so I'm exaggerating a bit but it was tough in the beginning. You have to admit the picture above is pretty darn funny and fits perfect with how many feel when they first start running!<br />
Yes, that's me signaling to my sister-in-law, waiting for me at the finish, to call 9-1-1 cause I seriously felt like I was about to fall flat on my face!!<br />
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I can laugh about this now but back then I was really pressuring myself hard.<br />
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I would see all the runners in the mornings and they looked so fit and their movements were so fluid. I wanted to be like them. So naturally I was thinking within a few weeks that's where I would be.<br />
Uh...I quickly found out. Not so much!<br />
But if I had only known....</div>
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Oh how I wish I had known when I first started running all the signals that running sends your body. I would have been so much kinder to me. I wish someone had pulled me aside and said<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">"Listen this is what your going to feel and here is why </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">so be kind to YOU."</span></i><br />
I think I would have been more patient with myself and would have been more understanding had I known all the amazing processes that were taking place inside my body when I first started out. </div>
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I would have told myself </div>
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<i>"It's OK that you feel tired. It's OK that you can't sprint a mile non-stop. It's really OK that your muscles are sore and everything you're feeling right now is normal."</i><br />
And I would have loved it if someone had sat me down and had a real heart-to-heart with me.<br />
I imagine that conversation going...<i> </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>"Kim"</i><br />
[insert really really long pause here]<br />
<i>"I know what you're thinking... You're thinking back... Yes, way back when you where little Kim, AKA Kimmy. And I know you used to run super fast but honey, let's be honest with each other, it's been a long while since those legs have seen that kind of action.</i> <i>So be patient. It will come."</i><br />
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Being brought back to reality is always a good lesson. Sometimes hard to hear but always good.<br />
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So is knowing and understanding what's happening behind the scenes. </div>
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For example this next line shocked me when I read it. </div>
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<b>Did you know runners/endurance athletes have more blood volume than someone who is sedentary?</b><br />
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I never knew that!!<br />
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Really? Seriously?</div>
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YES RUNNERS have a HIGHER BLOOD VOLUME. I don't know about you guys but when I read this I was floored. I hope I'm not the only one out there that finds this totally cool and fascinating. :) Now with that being said just think about all the energy needed to build that extra blood!! And that's only one tiny portion of the runner transformation. So if you are just starting out remember this. It takes a lot of energy for your body to chisel away at the old you to strengthen and build the new you, </div>
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The Runner.</div>
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I bet you also didn't know running stimulates the body to expand its aerobic capacity by building
new blood capillaries beds, which is somewhat similar to building new
highways, so more oxygen and nutrients can be delivered quickly and
efficiently to your working muscles. Slow-twitch oxidative muscle fibers are
developed, blood volume increases, and glycogen stores expand. More
mitochondria and enzymes, necessary for greater energy production, are
created. Bone cells are stimulated and make stronger bones; connective
tissue, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are strengthened, and on and on. OK seriously! This is pretty freaking amazing dontcha think??? That is a heck of a lot of stuff going on inside our bodies. Geesh. How dare I get aggravated at me! It's true though and sadly we don't realize all of this internal work going on because we can't
see it; however, it becomes evident when overuse injuries, like
tendonitis, stress fractures, muscle strains, or shin splints appear. And boy-oh-boy we don't like any of these problems.<br />
So be careful, listen to your body and please please take it easy on yourself.</div>
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So when you start running remember this. There is a lot going on inside your body so trust it. It knows what its doing. Fuel your body right, drinks lots of water, get adequate rest, supplement your diet with a mutli-vitamin and keep an eye on your iron stores as they can become depleted much easier if you run regularly.</div>
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It's been a little over a year now that I've been running at least 3-5 times a week.<br />
<br />
In that year...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr8OUYKItL8/UPVlPGQvcTI/AAAAAAAAC2g/CV09BPZifzU/s1600/IMG_3723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yr8OUYKItL8/UPVlPGQvcTI/AAAAAAAAC2g/CV09BPZifzU/s400/IMG_3723.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
I ran my longest race which was a 10 miler at Disney.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaOiSSQPAqw/UPXVbuxqqAI/AAAAAAAAC6E/JHT4HAAzPAA/s1600/IMG_3702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oaOiSSQPAqw/UPXVbuxqqAI/AAAAAAAAC6E/JHT4HAAzPAA/s320/IMG_3702.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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I found strength in family and finished my longest run to date with my Sole Sista Jackie.<br />
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I'm a little less puffy these days due to running and eating a healthy diet.<br />
It's puffy not fat. haha<br />
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I've connected with some amazing men and women on-line and in person who inspire me to be my very best and teach me a lot about running.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dy1-z0HfKQ/UPVlF5QQryI/AAAAAAAAC2A/vTX5KfcKSLI/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Dy1-z0HfKQ/UPVlF5QQryI/AAAAAAAAC2A/vTX5KfcKSLI/s400/IMG_0960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in 2010 - Arlene, Myself and Gabby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've seen old friends take up running and let it take them places they never dared dream.<br />
Gabby up there on the right is a running machine. I talked her into going with me to a run and she hasn't stopped. You go Gabby Girl!!<br />
She just ran her second Half Marathon last weekend!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22xVqId2kms/UPVrpFGIx2I/AAAAAAAAC30/DEj0CSTUOFY/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22xVqId2kms/UPVrpFGIx2I/AAAAAAAAC30/DEj0CSTUOFY/s400/IMG_4718.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teri, Myself, Arlene and Zoe at the Orlando Color Run.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've made new friends and reconnected with old ones.<br />
We've all ran a few runs together and we hope to do more this year!<br />
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I've accomplished a lot in a year and I hope to keep excelling and inspire others to get out and move!</div>
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What have you learned about you, your body and running that you would love to share?<br />
I would love to hear from you!</div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-31673935841291501132013-01-14T04:54:00.001-08:002013-01-14T04:56:18.469-08:00The Color Run<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4a4BPbvGzI/UPP_y-8r_PI/AAAAAAAAC0c/YpLpxszlHjo/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v4a4BPbvGzI/UPP_y-8r_PI/AAAAAAAAC0c/YpLpxszlHjo/s640/IMG_4721.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ever since I heard about The Color Run I wanted to do it.<br />
It just looked like so much fun running around in clean white clothes and getting sprinkled with color!</div>
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After a long wait for the registration to open the race was finally moved from it originally decided date of December 2, 2012 to January 13, 2013.</div>
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It sold out fast.</div>
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Packet pickup was fun and easy and I bought a some fun shorts and socks from The Color Store.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkIcLibYeX8/UPP_M4y0NeI/AAAAAAAAC0U/yrNilWFOdz8/s1600/IMG_4678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zkIcLibYeX8/UPP_M4y0NeI/AAAAAAAAC0U/yrNilWFOdz8/s400/IMG_4678.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CRdvuQkP6U/UPP7UeMYPEI/AAAAAAAACyY/1ffnowDcUTI/s1600/IMG_4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CRdvuQkP6U/UPP7UeMYPEI/AAAAAAAACyY/1ffnowDcUTI/s400/IMG_4672.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7CRdvuQkP6U/UPP7UeMYPEI/AAAAAAAACyY/1ffnowDcUTI/s1600/IMG_4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zt1PSzBl0s/UPP7UvTN5MI/AAAAAAAACyc/1KmdF2xw7Ac/s1600/IMG_4675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6zt1PSzBl0s/UPP7UvTN5MI/AAAAAAAACyc/1KmdF2xw7Ac/s640/IMG_4675.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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10,000 people signed up and I believe they all showed up and brought a friend.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zR399ILBvWg/UPP7Wt6LTOI/AAAAAAAACyw/8Q4uyWMzL4o/s1600/IMG_4728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zR399ILBvWg/UPP7Wt6LTOI/AAAAAAAACyw/8Q4uyWMzL4o/s400/IMG_4728.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I felt like I was at an LMFAO concert.</div>
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There were chants...</div>
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"When I say COLOR you say RUN"</div>
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"COLOR ---- <b><i>RUN</i></b> ---- COLOR ---- <b><i>RUN</i></b>"</div>
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We had ... </div>
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Dancing rUnicorns, Beach Balls, Goodies be tossed into the crow.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4nfczlhZB8/UPP7YHynduI/AAAAAAAACy8/0-n7ByH8GJM/s1600/IMG_4730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c4nfczlhZB8/UPP7YHynduI/AAAAAAAACy8/0-n7ByH8GJM/s400/IMG_4730.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a Dancing Unicorn on top of the START tower. I promise!</td></tr>
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Dancing, yes lots of dancing, </div>
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Great Music, </div>
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Wild Hair including some white afros! </div>
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There was a great vibe here for sure</div>
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Everyone was happy and ready to run, party and get colored up.</div>
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Here we are at the finish. I'm on the left and my neighbor friend is on the right. <br />
We both agreed that a mask of some sort would have been nice while going through the color stations at each kilometer of the race.<br />
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It does get a tad hard to breath when your running with all the powder in the air. </div>
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All in all is was a lot of fun.<br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-77648471319289609772013-01-12T05:56:00.004-08:002013-01-19T06:04:08.383-08:00Gluten Free-zer Crock Pot Sweet-&-Sour Country Ribs<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVNLA-BloKY/UPFqnrRO1SI/AAAAAAAACvg/tHj0VlxZWx8/s1600/CrockPotRibs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVNLA-BloKY/UPFqnrRO1SI/AAAAAAAACvg/tHj0VlxZWx8/s640/CrockPotRibs.JPG" width="620" /></a></div>
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This meal turned out great. But next time I will be more prepared and really bring the country with some cornbread, may some gluten free mac-n-cheese and baked beans. Yummy!!</div>
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This time we were healthy with steamed broccoli and carrots and green beans on night one.<br />
Night two we were going to do rib sammies but we opted to just reheat everything. </div>
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We really liked this recipe and will do it again.</div>
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Put all ingredients into a freezer bag and freeze for later or pop it into the crock and go!</div>
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<div class="ingredients recipe-section" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5e5a57; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Ingredients</h2>
</li>
<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup ketchup</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup cider vinegar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoon mustard powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Coarse salt and ground pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 pounds country-style pork ribs, separated into single ribs</li>
<li class="ingredient last" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbecue sauce, for serving (optional)</li>
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<div class="recipe-section instructions" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #5e5a57; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
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Directions</h2>
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In slow cooker, whisk together ketchup, sugar, vinegar, mustard powder, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.</div>
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Add ribs to slow cooker, and toss with sauce. Arrange ribs, bone side up, in a single row. Cover; cook on high, 6 hours (or on low, 10 hours).</div>
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Serve ribs drizzled with pan juices and, if desired, barbecue sauce.</div>
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Cook's Note</h2>
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Oven method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In step 1, use a 5-quart Dutch oven or ovenproof pot with a tight-fitting lid; add 1 cup water. Cover; bake until ribs are tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Proceed with step 3.<br />
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Original Martha Stewart Recipe can be found <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/336477/slow-cooker-sweet-and-sour-country-ribs?czone=food/comfort-foods-center/comfort-foods-dishes&center=854190&gallery=274310&slide=284226">here!</a></div>
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Here's to finger lickin' dinners!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-42034393195177178832013-01-10T13:20:00.001-08:002013-01-12T04:57:11.102-08:00Run Like a Girl!<div style="text-align: center;">
One of my next runs I really want to go all out.<br />
You know with pink and sparkles all the fantastic stuff we ladies get to wear.<br />
Not that I look un-lady-like when I run it's just that I like to wear a lot of black.<br />
Yes, I am the Cat Woman of the roads around here.<br />
Every so often I'll throw in a colored top to jazz things up.<br />
But what I really want is to just GLAM up my run. </div>
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Here are some ideas I came up with that<br />
I'M SO LOVIN'<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHP6pOevdU/UO8vAkery2I/AAAAAAAACuY/pw7EDWTwnZo/s1600/LadyTrackShack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="740" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCHP6pOevdU/UO8vAkery2I/AAAAAAAACuY/pw7EDWTwnZo/s640/LadyTrackShack.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
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PS I don't know any of the lovely ladies who are posing so beautifully in their skirts. But I promise you I will get a group together and we will rock a race here in Orlando in full lady regalia.<br />
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If you would like some Team Sparkle merchandise hit their site at www.teamsparkle.com </div>
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So tell me how do you run like a girl?</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-10784350318936486572013-01-08T06:16:00.003-08:002013-01-19T06:04:41.232-08:00Gluten Free-zer Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff<div style="text-align: center;">
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Meal #1 of our Gluten Free-zer Crock Pot Meal Extravaganza!</div>
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BEEF STROGANOFF</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJmsZfoNZ_o/UOwo_7fO7yI/AAAAAAAACsI/gZ0ZfBCQ2Lg/s1600/image1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJmsZfoNZ_o/UOwo_7fO7yI/AAAAAAAACsI/gZ0ZfBCQ2Lg/s640/image1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ingredients</h2>
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<li class="ingredient first" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 pounds beef chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into thin slices (about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 large onion, chopped (about 2 cups)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 pound white mushrooms, trimmed and halved (or quartered, if large)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Coarse salt and ground pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2 tablespoons cornstarch</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tablespoons Dijon mustard - (it calls for 2T but I only used one)</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Cooked gluten free noodles for serving - I used Tinkyada Noodles</li>
<li class="ingredient last" style="border: 0px; line-height: 16px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 6px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chopped fresh dill, for garnish (optional)</li>
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Directions</h2>
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In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, toss beef, onion, and mushrooms with 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt and teaspoon pepper. Cover, and cook on low until meat is tender, about 8 hours (or on high for 6 hours).</div>
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In a 2-cup glass measuring cup, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water. Ladle 1 cup cooking liquid into measuring cup or use 1 cup of beef broth; whisk to combine. Pour into a small saucepan, and bring to a boil; cook until thickened, about 1 minute. With slow cooker turned off, stir in cornstarch mixture, then sour cream and mustard. Serve beef over noodles; sprinkle with dill, if desired.</div>
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Here's all I did...</div>
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I woke pulled the bag from the freezer and placed it into my crockpot.<br />
I
am used to cooking in my crockpot by adding a little water and based on
the reviews on this recipe I did just that and added 1 cup of water, set
the crock pot for 8 hours, covered and walked away.<br />
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A few hours later...<br />
I couldn't believe the wonderful aromas
that were greeting me even in our garage!!<br />
The whole house smelled
yummy.<br />
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When I popped the lid off and took a gander this is what I had.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py0cPWhqPmo/UOwo_2RimXI/AAAAAAAACsA/Ef5aeT4jc3I/s1600/image2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-py0cPWhqPmo/UOwo_2RimXI/AAAAAAAACsA/Ef5aeT4jc3I/s640/image2.jpeg" width="480" /></a> <br />
Man it smelled good, fell apart it was so tender and when I sampled a taste it was really tasty too!<br />
{Do make sure you season your meat the way you like so you get a very flavorful meat once cooked}<br />
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Note:
Do not cook over 8 hours because what juices you have will evaporate.
If this happens no worries just add a cup of beef broth to your corn
starch mixture and follow the recipes directions.</div>
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All in All ...<br />
We really loved this recipe. All though a lot of reviewers on the original recipe said the meat was bland I made sure to season mine well with salt and pepper prior to cooking and it tasted wonderful!<br />
They also commented that it was too mustardy.<i> Is that a word??</i> So I cut mine back to one tablespoon and tasted the sour cream mixture before adding it to the meat.<br />
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If you would like to check out the original Martha Stewart recipe click <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/336714/beef-stroganoff?czone=food/comfort-foods-center/comfort-foods-dishes&center=854190&gallery=274310&slide=283451" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">here.</a></div>
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Here's to saving time and eating well!<br />
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Do you have a favorite CrockPot recipe?? </div>
<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-17816534040502017642013-01-06T07:33:00.002-08:002013-01-19T06:05:00.708-08:00Gluten Free-zer Crockpot Meals<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hey I love being in my kitchen. I love cooking but just like anything it can become rather tiresome when you do it day in and out. As I'm sure you all know when your kids and hubby come home from work there is that one burning question they always like ask...</div>
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"What's for dinner?"</div>
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That question can really shred my nerves if I'm secretly asking myself the same question. </div>
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Plus it seems I'm always cooking while everyone else is relaxing, watching TV and playing outside. </div>
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I want to be involved in that fun stuff too guys!!!</div>
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So in order to be able to step out of the kitchen and into the fun world my family is enjoying during the last few hours of light we have in the evenings, I'm trying crockpot meals!!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTbkGBp_2mA/UOmYfKDFmoI/AAAAAAAACqE/bqjkFzE--Ig/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XTbkGBp_2mA/UOmYfKDFmoI/AAAAAAAACqE/bqjkFzE--Ig/s640/image.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't think I've ever bought so much meat at one time. These meals will be hearty, full flavored and paired with fresh salad or stir fried or steamed veggies </div>
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I have prepared 12 meals, where each meal should easily feed our family for two nights. </div>
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Leftover night will be a variance of the previous night but just as yummy!</div>
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I promise. :)</div>
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Ill be posting recipes, reviews and pictures of each meal so be sure to check back!!!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-71528073309080728902012-12-02T06:15:00.000-08:002012-12-02T06:15:52.863-08:00Carmel Toffee Cheesecake with Ginger Snap Crust<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made this for Thanksgiving and my family devoured it!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERsEz6R4S9k/ULtgpQVcfMI/AAAAAAAACoE/K5wZ2WcM_e0/s1600/IMG_4352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ERsEz6R4S9k/ULtgpQVcfMI/AAAAAAAACoE/K5wZ2WcM_e0/s640/IMG_4352.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I mean even the health nuts were shoving this in as hard as they could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's actually kind of crazy how it pulled together. I knew I wanted a ginger snap crust and just used leftover ingredients from my Carmel Apple Dip I had made earlier in the week to top it off.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NDmAOMaqf8/ULth5l70wVI/AAAAAAAACoU/pE8yQf3s0Nw/s1600/midel_logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="103" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_NDmAOMaqf8/ULth5l70wVI/AAAAAAAACoU/pE8yQf3s0Nw/s320/midel_logo.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used Mi Del Ginger Snaps (Found at Publix) and they worked perfect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you haven't had them before they are a softer snap than I am used to but really yummy.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fbWeEoYoSw/ULth-jvTvdI/AAAAAAAACoc/OXBZqTW6vTA/s1600/gf_chocchip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fbWeEoYoSw/ULth-jvTvdI/AAAAAAAACoc/OXBZqTW6vTA/s320/gf_chocchip.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mix and pack firmly in the bottom of your pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 8 minutes. All to cool before pouring the cheese cake batter in.</span></div>
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INGREDIENTS</h2>
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For the crust</h3>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 cups <span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">of crushed</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"> Gluten Free Ginger Snaps (I used Mi Del)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 tablespoon sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted</li>
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For the filling:</h3>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2 1/2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 cups sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">5 whole extra-large eggs, at room temperature</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">2 extra-large egg yolks, at room temperature</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1/4 cup sour cream</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</li>
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For the topping:</h3>
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<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Heath Toffee Chips </li>
<li class="ingredient" style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Cool Whip</li>
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Carmel Topping</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 cup packed brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1/2 cup of Half and Half</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">4 T of butter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">1 T of Vanilla</span><br />
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Put brown sugar, half and half and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously for 5-7 minutes. Mine started to bubble and got a tad thicker. Pull from the burner and add vanilla. Put back on heat for another minute whisking continuously. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes then pour into a jar and refrigerate. Warm up in the microwave later and use as you wish! Yields 10 oz.</div>
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Be patient it will thicken up a lot after placed in the fridge. </div>
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DIRECTIONS</h2>
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.</div>
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To make the crust, combine the ginger snaps, sugar, and melted butter until moistened. Pour into a 9-inch springform pan. With your hands, press the crumbs into the bottom of the pan and about 1-inch up the sides. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool to room temperature.</div>
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Raise the oven temperature to 450 degrees F.</div>
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To make the filling, cream the cream cheese and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reduce the speed of the mixer to medium and add the eggs and egg yolks, 2 at a time, mixing well. Scrape down the bowl and beater, as necessary. With the mixer on low, add the sour cream, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly and pour into the cooled crust.</div>
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Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the oven temperature down to 225 degrees and bake for another 1 hour and 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and open the door wide. The cake will not be completely set in the center. Allow the cake to sit in the oven with the door open for 30 minutes. Take the cake out of the oven and allow it to sit at room temperature for another 2 to 3 hours, until completely cooled. Wrap and refrigerate overnight.</div>
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Remove the cake from the springform pan by carefully running a hot knife around the outside of the cake. Leave the cake on the bottom of the springform pan for serving.</div>
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Pipe dollops of cool whip and add some extra pretty to the top of the cake by sprinkling toffee chips around the edges.</div>
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Cut with a warm knife wiping after each cut keep from tearing your cake slices apart.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMWazZJv7Vw/ULthFLc8fqI/AAAAAAAACoM/A-ry6iUQEN0/s1600/IMG_4356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mMWazZJv7Vw/ULthFLc8fqI/AAAAAAAACoM/A-ry6iUQEN0/s640/IMG_4356.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Serve and Enjoy</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-77482446844450495302012-11-20T08:45:00.002-08:002012-11-20T08:45:55.913-08:00Caramel Apple Dip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDKIp9Mknos/UKuxuxLL2JI/AAAAAAAACmo/0qSwjVTC72g/s1600/CaramelApple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDKIp9Mknos/UKuxuxLL2JI/AAAAAAAACmo/0qSwjVTC72g/s640/CaramelApple.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
2 boxes of Cream Cheese<br />
1/2 cup of powdered sugar<br />
Caramel<br />
Heath Toffee Bits<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allow the cream cheese to soften on the counter. Mix cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Set aside.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--G8fGlrDWNY/UKuzNQrbKPI/AAAAAAAACmw/ndYhlnoCZGE/s1600/Caramel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--G8fGlrDWNY/UKuzNQrbKPI/AAAAAAAACmw/ndYhlnoCZGE/s640/Caramel.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
Homemade Caramel<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup of Half and Half<br />
4 T of butter<br />
1 T of Vanilla<br />
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Put brown sugar, half and half and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk continuously for 5-7 minutes. Mine started to bubble and got a tad thicker. Pull from the burner and add vanilla. Put back on heat for another minute whisking continuously. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes then pour into a jar and refrigerate. Warm up in the microwave later and use as you wish! Yields 10 oz.</div>
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Be patient it will thicken up a lot after placed in the fridge.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Spread the cream cheese mixture on a plate and top with caramel then sprinkle with toffee bits. </div>
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Cut organic apples into wedges and serve!</div>
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<br /></div>
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This was a hit at my house this fall. Hope you enjoy too! </div>
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-43523009504319751442012-10-22T10:43:00.000-07:002012-10-22T10:52:18.464-07:00Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9bYehgqeq0/UIVzKyB-IlI/AAAAAAAACj4/Hw4JANK8lDg/s1600/CheesecakeBites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="723" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9bYehgqeq0/UIVzKyB-IlI/AAAAAAAACj4/Hw4JANK8lDg/s640/CheesecakeBites.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I love Cheesecake and I love Pumpkin.<br />
Combine the two and in my book you've got yourself a little slice of heaven.</div>
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Not to mention most holiday recipes scream for pumpkin.<br />
So from October on through December most of my days are spent baking and working<br />
pumpkin and or ungodly amounts of cinnamon into my families diet.<br />
<br />
I just love the smell the spices warm my home with.<br />
Don't you?</div>
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So when I spotted this recipe I knew I had to try it.<br />
But before I share let me tell you what I very much love about this recipe.</div>
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1 - It doesn't take forever to make.</div>
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2 - While its cooling you can do other things.</div>
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3 - It's rather inexpensive.</div>
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4 - You can feed a crowd.</div>
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5 - One slice won't kill you with calories.</div>
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6 - They are easy to eat - no plate or fork needed.</div>
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7 - Easily accessible ingredients.</div>
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So here goes.<br />
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<strong>Ingredients:</strong></div>
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1 15-oz can pumpkin (Libby's is labeled Gluten Free)</div>
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3 eggs</div>
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1/2 cup brown sugar</div>
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2 tbsp cream</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract</div>
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1/2 cup granulated sugar</div>
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1 tbsp cornstarch</div>
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1 1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp nutmeg</div>
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1/2 tsp ginger</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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1.5 lbs cream cheese, at room temperature</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div>
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<em style="text-align: center;">for graham cracker crust:</em></div>
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1 Box of Kinnikinnick Graham Crackers</div>
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1 stick butter, melted</div>
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1/4 cup sugar</div>
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*whipped cream to top</div>
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<i>Whipped Cream</i></div>
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1 cup heavy whipping cream</div>
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1 tbsp powdered sugar</div>
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1 t vanilla</div>
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<strong>Directions:</strong></div>
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.</div>
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In a large bowl crush graham crackers with your hands. Add sugar and butter and mix well.</div>
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Press graham cracker crumbs onto a lined (parchment paper or silpat) jelly roll pan. Bake for 5</div>
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minutes until toasty. Remove and reduce oven temperature to 325.</div>
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Mix together the pumpkin, eggs, brown sugar, cream and vanilla in a large bowl.</div>
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In the bowl of a KitchenAid, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon,</div>
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nutmeg, salt and ginger. Beat until light and fluffy then slowly pour in pumpkin mixture. Continue</div>
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beating until mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.</div>
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Pour batter onto baked crust and bake for 50 minutes until edges begin to pull away from the sides</div>
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of the pan. Let cool completely before cutting into small squares and topping with whipped cream.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<strong style="text-align: center;">Time:</strong></div>
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1.5 hours</div>
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<br /></div>
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I ended up cutting mine a tad bigger than I had wanted but that's only because I was having a tough</div>
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time getting them all the same size. The next batch really will be little bites. I think this is my dessert</div>
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to bring to Thanksgiving this year!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7up5AkfAMo/UIWHBkUG1XI/AAAAAAAACk8/vkVDSy2mAD0/s1600/pumpkin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="765" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7up5AkfAMo/UIWHBkUG1XI/AAAAAAAACk8/vkVDSy2mAD0/s640/pumpkin.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And as always I give credit the the awesome recipes I find. I found this lovely on pinterest and just</div>
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changed a few ingredients so we could eat it gluten free. <span style="text-align: center;">To see the original recipe check out </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">www.eatliverun.com.</span></div>
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Hope you enjoyed.</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-36058978810733752592012-10-15T14:19:00.002-07:002012-10-15T14:30:30.278-07:00Unreal Candy<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNMYha7xuJ4/UHx9wM-YY9I/AAAAAAAACio/l1l09-NBSfk/s1600/unjunked-peanut-butter-cup-ecostiletto-photo-420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNMYha7xuJ4/UHx9wM-YY9I/AAAAAAAACio/l1l09-NBSfk/s320/unjunked-peanut-butter-cup-ecostiletto-photo-420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, Matt Damon and John Legend<br />
are all fans of this candy that looks like, tastes like all those other candies but without all the crap that is bad for us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Think M&M's, Reece's Peanut Butter Cups and priced exactly the same!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've tried them and we love them at our house and this will be what the Trick-or-Treaters get from us this year.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most are Gluten Free all are 100% chocked full of REAL ingredients.<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RH2eyYN40zY/UHx9PoRZ3XI/AAAAAAAACig/xUHnAApiKG0/s1600/unjunked-candy-comparison-ecostiletto-photo-420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RH2eyYN40zY/UHx9PoRZ3XI/AAAAAAAACig/xUHnAApiKG0/s640/unjunked-candy-comparison-ecostiletto-photo-420.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watch the video and see for yourself.</div>
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And this candy can be found in regular stores!!<br />
I got mine at Walgreens!!! </center>
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<a href="http://getunreal.com/unreal-candy">www.getunreal.com</a> </center>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-73772934177704766942012-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:002012-10-11T19:35:07.961-07:00Inspiration Friday - October 12, 2012I have a little story to tell you that at the end may leave you with a little tear in your eye. No, it's not a sad story. It's a story about loving one another. A feel good story. One that I will leave you filled with hope.<br />
<br />
The past few months have been a total rat race around here. I am shuttling kids to Lacrosse and Cheer every night of the week. There are some nights I drop off come home cook dinner go back and pick them up, eat and collapse into bed. Sometimes it feels like, what's that movie?...um. You know the one with Bill Murray. Yeah Ground Hog Day! Sometimes my life feels like that movie. haha Ever feel that way?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfWQOpOdO4/UHdaEJQUnNI/AAAAAAAAChc/-tdxUOdpASI/s1600/groundhog-day-bill-murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pbfWQOpOdO4/UHdaEJQUnNI/AAAAAAAAChc/-tdxUOdpASI/s400/groundhog-day-bill-murray.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Among this daily rerun, I find myself hitting the store at night after picking the kids just to kill two birds with one stone and switch things up a bit. <br />
<br />
Well last night just happened to be one of those nights where we were out of milk and some other basics so after picking my oldest daughter up we stopped at Wal-mart to grab some milk and a few other items we needed.<br />
<br />
We stared off into no where while waiting in the long roped off coral just under the 20 items or less sign. Finally, we were ushered to register one where Doreen, the cashier, greeted us so nicely and began to scan our groceries. After exchanging lovelies and all my groceries were bagged she hit enter on the register and up popped my total, $25.02. I swiped my card and nothing. I swiped it several more times to pay and every time the reader would beep and return that the card could not be processed. I explained to Doreen that my card sometimes won't scan and that normally cashiers need to swipe it directly on the register. So she tried this as well and with no luck! :(<br />
<br />
At this point the line was really backing up and I could feel what felt like a million eyes looking at me. I could feel my face getting red with embarrassment and the feeling of humiliation was horrible as I had to tell her I had no other way to pay. Not to mention my daughter had already tore into her gum which she had to release back to the cashier. Not a good feeling. So I asked the clerk if I could take my groceries to the front service desk to try and pay there that sometimes my card will work there and she responded with "I'll just suspend your order and when you get a means of payment just come back and you wont have to wait or stand in line." So after all the swiping of the card forward and back, slow and fast, wrapping it in a plastic bag and swiping it and on to manual entry twice directly on the register I simply told her I will call my husband and be back. Then I did what felt like the walk of shame from the register towards the exit where I then called on my best friend, my husband.<br />
<br />
Gosh folks I can't begin to tell you that as my daughter and I walked away from the register how helpless and dejected I felt. After talking to my husband he assured me all was well with my account and that I should just give it another try. So back we went to the register where this all started. This time I was now behind the gentleman who had been loading his groceries onto the counter behind us just moments prior. Yes, he was there for everything we tried. Yes, he heard the whole dialogue. Yes, I was thinking this man is probably happy we moved on so he can finally get out of here.<br />
<br />
So now we stand watching, as what appears to be, the cashier clearing all of our stuff out of the register so she can now ring up this poor gentleman, whom I might add, has been held up by us and waiting a good 10 minutes just to pay and leave the store. The cashier gives me a look and I let her know I would like to try my card again if she didn't mind after he finished and paid for his items. And what she said next really took me aback. She gently smiled and softly said "He's is going to pay for your groceries." I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I immediately protested to him and begged that he please not, that I could pay for my groceries. But all I got was a calm look of determination as he swiped his card and then turned to me and said these very powerful words.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"It's done. Have a Blessed day and all I ask is that you do the same as I've done for you. When you see someone in need help them out."</b></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Through my shock, as I stood in front of this gentleman, I mustered up a most sincere Thank You that literally poured from the bottom of my heart. Did I cry? Why yes I did!! And my teen was so moved that she was speechless and teared up as well.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This random act of kindness really tugged at my heart and opened my eyes to the fact that </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>There are still wonderful, kind and loving people in this world.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And the act of one person can set off a cascade of events that can change the lives of many. </b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXB59Ing0Nk/UHdWXBT8nqI/AAAAAAAACgY/cccKoxNmjvQ/s1600/payitforward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IXB59Ing0Nk/UHdWXBT8nqI/AAAAAAAACgY/cccKoxNmjvQ/s640/payitforward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This whole story reminds me of this awesome movie. Remember Pay it Forward? </div>
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What a great story. </div>
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I really have to dig this movie out and watch it again. This time with my kids. </div>
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Any how we see movies and read about selfless acts of kindness a lot. I get chills every single time and I'm always left with a feeling hope. But to have this actually happen to you is beyond amazing. It's surreal and it's a memory I will never ever forget.<br />
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I hope you've been inspired by this post and leave you with one question. Have you ever had a random act of kindness bestowed on you? Or have you been the awesome person to help another out unexpectedly? Now's your chance to share and inspire. Tell me!<br />
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Happy Inspiration Friday! <br />
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<br />Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-24338761264182342532012-10-07T08:50:00.002-07:002012-10-07T08:50:40.608-07:00Meet Food's Erin Brockovich<div style="text-align: center;">
Robyn O'Brien is one hell of an amazing woman and she has such a powerful message to share.</div>
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W-A-T-C-H!</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-29988566262778216782012-10-01T11:35:00.001-07:002012-10-01T11:40:50.621-07:002012 Tower of Terror 10 Miler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had a great time and learned a ton on this run!</div>
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WE DID IT! </div>
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Here is my sister in law, Jackie, along side me on the Disney charter bus awaiting transport to the start! We were super giggly and excited to get going!</div>
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They had a bunch of screens setup where you could snap a quick pic so here we are just before the race in front of our favorite screen.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOwMuBpuL7U/UGnYj1gcvxI/AAAAAAAACeE/jbUjTrtkkr4/s1600/Image+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOwMuBpuL7U/UGnYj1gcvxI/AAAAAAAACeE/jbUjTrtkkr4/s640/Image+6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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See that big glowing blob behind me?? That's a full moon!!</div>
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How cool that we got to run under a full moon. </div>
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Keep in mind this race started at 10 PM! </div>
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Love it.</div>
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I saw a shirt while waiting in the gate that I loved so much I have to share it with you. </div>
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<q cite="http://quotationsbook.com/quote/46122/"><b>Dead Last Finish</b> is greater than <b>Did Not Finish</b>, which trumps <b>Did Not Start</b>.</q> </div>
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Are those not words to live by??</div>
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At this point my hair was pulled back and I had my game face on! I was so pumped to go!</div>
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We had several starts ahead of us including two wheel chair starts, the Elite start (only 20 people were in elite group) and then A corral. With each start having 5 minutes between them. Trust me with that many people excited standing and waiting the HEAT becomes quite stifling. </div>
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So we were so happy when our fireworks went off and corral B was unleashed!</div>
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At the end of the race everyone got a goodie box. </div>
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They were calling it a protein pack.</div>
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I took it and grabbed a banana and thought nothing of the box until the next day</div>
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and I was so pleasantly surprised!!</div>
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Most everything in this little black box was Gluten Free!!</div>
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The box contained Crunch Master Crackers, Hickory Farms White Cheddar Cheese Spread, Gummy's Smart Candy, A Cliff Bar and a Brown and Haley Almond Roca Toffee candy (both processed in a shared environment with wheat), and a bag of mixed nuts. </div>
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So pretty much everything I could eat and gave the bar and candy to my kiddos! </div>
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I was so super impressed with the GF foodies and so glad I took one.</div>
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And here I am back on the bus with my oh so cool medal!<br />
This sure beats the heck out of a t-shirt! <br />
My time on this run<br />
1:58:47 </div>
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I really was a hot mess at this point. Humidity was horrific! I have never ran in such heat. EVER.<br />
And I live here.<br />
Shocking I know. You would think I would be used to it. But when you are running in areas where no wind can stir, the humidity is extremely high and you have the heat of the day rising up and leaving the pavement, it slows you down, depletes your body and just down right makes for a challenging run.<br />
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I cried a little too when I came over the finish and bowed to have my medal draped around my neck.</div>
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Certainly not an experience I will ever forget.</div>
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{Getting chills just typing this}</div>
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So here is my next day Vanna photo with my medal! So happy and proud of ME!</div>
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I have since signed up for the</div>
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Disney Princess Half Marathon for Feb 2013!</div>
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Oh why the hell not!</div>
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It's only three more miles...</div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-84074678500410128102012-09-27T11:58:00.001-07:002012-09-27T11:58:41.973-07:00Halloween Stair Mice Cut Outs<div style="text-align: center;">
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I designed some cute mice cut outs for Halloween!</div>
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If you would like to grab a set just click the below donate button.</div>
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ONLY $1! </div>
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All you do is print, cut and stick.</div>
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Stairs, Walls and Cabinets will be instantly transformed!<br />
Don't forget to include your email address so we can email you the files!<br />
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Enjoy! :) </div>
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-47434657922194089182012-09-17T11:14:00.001-07:002012-09-17T11:16:04.686-07:00Florida Citrus Harvest Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5PQElIDmsU/UFdoAZrrGaI/AAAAAAAACYs/1IYTnz5hyi0/s1600/CitrisCalendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="noshadow" height="476" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5PQElIDmsU/UFdoAZrrGaI/AAAAAAAACYs/1IYTnz5hyi0/s640/CitrisCalendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am always lost as to when my favorite citrus will be plucked from the trees. So I decided to create myself (and you of course) a handy calendar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sharing is Caring!</div><div style="text-align: center;">:)</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-77552877256037131182012-09-17T08:09:00.001-07:002012-09-17T08:21:04.022-07:00Homemade Gluten Free Caramel Sauce<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I lived in Texas a long long while back I worked with a girl who hailed from California. </div><div style="text-align: center;">One of the things she told me that stuck with me was an awesome tid-bit she learned while working for a local bakery in her hometown.</div><div style="text-align: center;">and...</div><div style="text-align: center;">that little tid-bit just so happened to be how this bakery make its caramel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3j5vHLFckk/UFMj_g6Kv_I/AAAAAAAACYA/8JDgYXOeLDk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-09-14+at+8.31.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3j5vHLFckk/UFMj_g6Kv_I/AAAAAAAACYA/8JDgYXOeLDk/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-09-14+at+8.31.03+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was stunned when she told me that all they did was put cans of sweetened condensed milk into a pressure cooker and let it go for a while. When the cans had gone as long as they needed and had cooled what lay inside was a most amazing caramel that the bakery could then use in its lovely recipes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Now fast forward a few years...</div><div style="text-align: center;">No longer in Texas and now unable to eat Gluten.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's Monday night and we have just finished dinner and we all are craving ice cream. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And after watching my seven year old woof down the last remnants of vanilla ice cream clinging to the sides of the carton the night prior I knew we needed to make a trip to the store.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I hopped into my truck and off I went.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This was a quick in and out job. No lolly gagging. Just get the goods and get out!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Easy right? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So after grabbing the cold sweet stuff from the freezer section I am on my way to the registers when I have to pass a shelf that's 7 feet tall and holds every ice cream topping know to man.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I won't lie it bent my neck.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I scanned it from top to bottom in three passes as not to miss a thing.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was quick.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ok OK! I stood there for like a good 15 minutes reading labels and checking out the yummies. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;">15 minutes is pretty fast isn't it? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I spotted the Magic Shell. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> You know the stuff you squirt on your ice cream and it creates a hard chocolatey force-field over your dessert. mmmm</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I noticed that the caramel had malt in it so I decided against looking further to find a </div><div style="text-align: center;">Gluten Free Friendly version</div><div style="text-align: center;">because I was taking WAY to much time and besides</div><div style="text-align: center;">I needed to get back home to my baby birds.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes I call my family my baby birds, including my hubby.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You might be wondering why I call them this?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, because the first thing that comes out of their little mouths when they get home and spot me is...</div><div style="text-align: center;">What's for Dinner tonight? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheep Cheep Cheep</div><div style="text-align: center;">I need a snack! I'm hungry! </div><div style="text-align: center;">{It never stops}</div><div style="text-align: center;">and by-the-way I am not complaining. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So when I got home we all had our ice cream.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each birdie had its favorite.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some with chocolate, some with peanut butter, some with both.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some even had sliced bananas and peanut butter. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But I still had this hankering for caramel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then today I am looking around on twitter and come across an interesting tweet.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And well what do you know it's how to take a can of sweetened condensed milk and magically turn it into an ooey gooey can of caramel love!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">hmm...i ponder a bit thinking. I know I've heard of this before. Where did I hear about this????</div><div style="text-align: center;">And instantly I am transported back to Texas 15 years prior and I can still hear Cindy telling me about how her hometown bakery made their caramel!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> I have to admit I didn't try the recipe 15 years ago but I can assure you I will be trying it this time around.<br />
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I did make a quick visit to Eagle Brands website and they highly caution cooking caramel in the can.<br />
They simply state this is an old way of making caramel and caution against it.<br />
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Here is what they say to do to make the perfect caramel at home.<br />
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For an easy caramel topping or dip, simply heat <strong>Eagle Brand</strong> Sweetened Condensed Milk using the following directions.<br />
<div style="color: red;">For safety reasons, do not heat in the can (an old cooking method). </div><div style="color: red;">Instead, use one of the following methods.</div><div style="color: red;"><br />
</div>OVEN METHOD:<br />
Pour 1 can <strong>Eagle Brand</strong> Sweetened Condensed Milk into a 9-inch pie plate. Cover with aluminum foil; place in larger shallow pan. Fill larger pan with hot water. Bake at 425° for 1 1/2 hours or until thick and caramel-colored.<br />
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STOVE TOP METHOD:<br />
Pour 1 can <strong>Eagle Brand</strong> Sweetened Condensed Milk into top of double boiler; place over boiling water. Over low heat, simmer 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until thick and caramel-colored. Beat until smooth.<br />
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MICROWAVE METHOD:<br />
Pour 1 can <strong>Eagle Brand</strong> Sweetened Condensed Milk into 2-quart glass measuring cup. Cook on 50% power (medium) 4 minutes, stirring briskly every 2 minutes until smooth. Cook on 30% power (medium-low) 20 to 26 minutes or until very thick and caramel-colored, stirring briskly every 4 minutes during the first 16 minutes and every 2 minutes for the last 4 to 10 minutes. Make sure to use potholders when removing the glass measuring cup from the microwave, as it will be hot.<br />
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<div style="color: red;">CAUTION: DO NOT HEAT IN CAN</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">And what emerges is an incredibly awesome caramel</div><div style="text-align: center;">that's Gluten Free of course! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ice cream watch out because you are so about to be draped in a heavenly smooth brown delight!</div><br />
Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-50398633286457751962012-08-28T15:06:00.005-07:002012-08-29T06:40:04.961-07:00Lake Meadow Naturals<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldagDl3i_TY/UD0pJV-VffI/AAAAAAAACWk/6W1YzwatJ9U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-08-28+at+4.24.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldagDl3i_TY/UD0pJV-VffI/AAAAAAAACWk/6W1YzwatJ9U/s640/Screen+Shot+2012-08-28+at+4.24.46+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxYNSSA84V8/UDu1vZ2XmdI/AAAAAAAACVQ/SJzprz8YqG8/s1600/Horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cxYNSSA84V8/UDu1vZ2XmdI/AAAAAAAACVQ/SJzprz8YqG8/s640/Horses.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
I recently had the opportunity to visit Lake Meadow Naturals Farm in Ocoee, Florida and I have to tell you it was an amazing experience. For those of you who know me, you know I was raised in a very rural part of the country. Laurel Fork, Virginia to be exact. It's beautiful there. Very lush and green with lots of dairy farms and cabbage crops that are worked by some of the hardest working people I've ever known. It's a slower pace of life along the Blue Ridge but one I yearn to return to. I felt that same comfortable easiness from back home when I pulled into this beautiful farm nestled in a quaint rural part of Ocoee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Meadow Farm isn't huge by any means but it's plenty big enough to leave an impact on our area. I fell in love with the way this farm is ran. It's well organized with friendly hands that aren't to busy to stop, say hi, chat a bit and proud to show you around. Dale, the owner of Lake Meadow Naturals, was kind enough to give us a tour of his farm and teach us a little about what he does and why he does it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You can tell Dale really loves his work and cares a lot about animals, our environment as well as our next generation of farmers/consumers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>"I want children to know where their food comes from and not think that it just comes from a store." </i></span>-Dale </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's comments like these that make it easy to see that Dale cares.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today this valuable life lesson can be learned via the Pick-Your-Own area where your children can come and select eggs straight from the hens nests. I love this idea and I will be taking my kiddos over there very soon to do just that! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you visit the farm you'll see several types of chickens, the ever popular Rhode Island Red, the beautiful Plymouth Rock and the Rhode Island White, with the Rhode Island Red being the most popular egg laying fowl on property. But this isn't a popularity contest. Everyone and everything here is equally important and each has a job to do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXyTFLJ4G7I/UDuyUCZUD8I/AAAAAAAACT8/jNFKiwDZfT4/s1600/Red+Rooster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXyTFLJ4G7I/UDuyUCZUD8I/AAAAAAAACT8/jNFKiwDZfT4/s640/Red+Rooster2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
What the Chickens do!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This farm has 3000 chickens that spend their mornings laying eggs. Then around lunch time the doors to the chicken coops open and they are released into the farms court yard to bask in the sun, stretch their legs and socialize with one another in the fresh air. As night time falls they then make their way back to the safety of their coops where they roost and bed down for the night. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBFv1X29qzc/UDuyizPZ8SI/AAAAAAAACUE/FIsMt2DNc24/s1600/Speckled+eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBFv1X29qzc/UDuyizPZ8SI/AAAAAAAACUE/FIsMt2DNc24/s640/Speckled+eggs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
What the Farmers do! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Dale and his crew collect eggs several times throughout the day. After the eggs are collected they go into a bath for about 15 minutes and then inspected and graded.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKjGJWEQIBw/UDuypaRcC4I/AAAAAAAACUM/RD4UHoGCMtU/s1600/Egg+Baskets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oKjGJWEQIBw/UDuypaRcC4I/AAAAAAAACUM/RD4UHoGCMtU/s640/Egg+Baskets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I never knew how inspection and grading worked but it's a very simple process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mB_cr_ZQPeU/UDuyw2AU_UI/AAAAAAAACUU/SMnJ9jweV_Y/s1600/Egg+inspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mB_cr_ZQPeU/UDuyw2AU_UI/AAAAAAAACUU/SMnJ9jweV_Y/s640/Egg+inspection.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Each egg passes in front of a light that reveals any cracks in the shell. See that egg above? It will be placed aside due to fractures revealed by the light. However, if the egg is free of cracks it is then weighed and dispensed in a trough with eggs of the same size and weight for packaging. The eggs are then placed into cartons and refrigerated.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGFKr3wy7nk/UDu1RJQHM3I/AAAAAAAACVA/5HXzhocnNnY/s1600/Duck-Eggs.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aGFKr3wy7nk/UDu1RJQHM3I/AAAAAAAACVA/5HXzhocnNnY/s640/Duck-Eggs.png" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, and do you remember when all eggs came in those grey or off white paper cartons? Not those shiny pastel colored Styrofoam containers you see in your local grocery store or super markets today.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm talking the real paper egg cartons of yesterday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hneBKSUuM/UDu1jNMFYKI/AAAAAAAACVI/TYx8DXZfjtU/s1600/Generic+Egg+Crates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3hneBKSUuM/UDu1jNMFYKI/AAAAAAAACVI/TYx8DXZfjtU/s640/Generic+Egg+Crates.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> Well these lovely eggs are packaged in those same paper cartons. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And these cartons have a wonderful twist. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> They are made from 100% recycled Orlando Sentinel Newspapers! </div><div style="text-align: center;">And when you have used all your eggs you can return your carton to the farm where it will be broken down and recycled once more. I totally loved this! </div><div style="text-align: center;">After the eggs are placed in their cartons</div><div style="text-align: center;">then it's off to the cooler for chilling where these eggs will briefly sit until delivered. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Where will these eggs end up?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well for starters you won't find them at Publix.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you're a local and you want to get your hands on these just visit your local farmers market!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't have a farmers market near you? No worries.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These beauties can be found in health food stores such as Chamberlain's as well as other popular health food stores. Call your local health food store and inquire.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't live in Orlando and reside in Kissimmee/St. Cloud? Then hit up The Green Place.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's no lie. </div><div style="text-align: center;">These eggs are popular and </div><div style="text-align: center;">hitting the the mixing bowls of some of Orlando's Top Chef's and are served to patrons of the most prized hotels in the City Beautiful.<br />
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If you get a chance you really should go for a hormone and antibiotic free egg that you know comes from a healthy happy hen. :)<br />
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Like I said earlier, I learned a lot during our visit and some of the facts were just amazing!<br />
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For example..</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you know???</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7hIGwx50VI/UDu2ocMDiRI/AAAAAAAACVY/tX3CQY_m2Ro/s1600/Chicken+Feed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7hIGwx50VI/UDu2ocMDiRI/AAAAAAAACVY/tX3CQY_m2Ro/s640/Chicken+Feed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Lake Meadow Naturals chicken feed is ground in New Smyrna and doesn't contain any fillers, antibiotics or hormones. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It's 100% CORN!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Imagine that!<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They have a Pick-Your-Own area for children to hand select eggs straight from the hens nest for purchase. Keep in mind this is First Come -First Served and is a wonderful way to teach your children where their food comes from.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9hULyELMMY/UDu5Pqjc4mI/AAAAAAAACVw/JzGFuZ2shlI/s1600/Jellies+and+Honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h9hULyELMMY/UDu5Pqjc4mI/AAAAAAAACVw/JzGFuZ2shlI/s640/Jellies+and+Honey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> The also have a country store on property where you can get wonderful heritage meats, cheeses and<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNUq8FVKmQw/UDu5fsdUlZI/AAAAAAAACV4/8sbzGO3GUgE/s1600/Spuds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aNUq8FVKmQw/UDu5fsdUlZI/AAAAAAAACV4/8sbzGO3GUgE/s640/Spuds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> seasonal heirloom fruits and vegetables along with lovely canned jellies, jerky, and even some delicious GLUTEN FREE SPAGHETTI SAUCES! <br />
{Ill be reviewing this lovely find in a separate post!}<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Meadow Naturals also raise Turkey. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Now you can purchase your holiday turkey with none of the bad extras you get with a regular store bought turkey. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Say bye-bye to the genetically modified turkey in your local store and hello to a beautiful bird free of antibiotics and hormones from Lake Meadow Naturals.<br />
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You'll also find lots of different cuts of Heritage Meats in their freezers as well!<br />
Have no idea what Heritage meat is? Well neither did I!<br />
I had however heard of Heirloom Seeds and Dale explained to me that Heritage means the stock has not been bred to heighten or selectively change a breed and they have been the same for fifty years or more.<br />
Basically Heritage is a NON-GMO livestock, where Heirloom is NON-GMO plants.<br />
Pretty cool, eh?<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another beautiful fact is...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pesticides are NOT used on property.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They use the age old technique that was used back in the 1950's, the Guinea Hen!</div><div style="text-align: center;">These hens are amazing and eat bugs and larvae keeping the farm clean of insects without the use of harmful pesticides. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes folks this is how farms kept insect populations in check before Monsanto!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4D9mny4UHwk/UDu30YehAbI/AAAAAAAACVo/QIzs_xlevRk/s1600/Honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4D9mny4UHwk/UDu30YehAbI/AAAAAAAACVo/QIzs_xlevRk/s640/Honey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Lake Meadow Naturals is home to over a half a million honey bees! </div><div style="text-align: center;">Sitting close to Orange groves, these bees make wonderful local Orange Blossom Honey. And when the Orange trees aren't blooming they make a wonderful Wild Flower Honey. <br />
{I'm almost out of honey so I'm super excited about this find!!}</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lake Meadow Naturals recycle 75% of everything they use! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So as you can see Dale's operation is very environmentally friendly and is a finely tuned machine that works harmoniously with mother earth. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They also produce and sell Duck eggs!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amazingly duck eggs have a higher nutritional value than regular chicken eggs! </div><div style="text-align: center;">So if your iron is low...try duck eggs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Duck Egg 15% Iron - Chicken Egg 5% Iron </div><div style="text-align: center;">And did you know that most folks who have an allergy to eggs can consume Duck eggs?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know this is a ton of information and I haven't shared everything I learned with you. </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you get a chance to visit this farm please do. It's a great experience I promise. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2D-jzVTvCNI/UDu3LPi70eI/AAAAAAAACVg/9gUE8rGXG7M/s1600/Kimmy+and+dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2D-jzVTvCNI/UDu3LPi70eI/AAAAAAAACVg/9gUE8rGXG7M/s640/Kimmy+and+dogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>I'll close with this.<br />
Me on a farm with dogs = Pure Happiness.<br />
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All photo credits go to <a href="http://www.jcpjr.com/main.htm">JCPJR Photography.</a><br />
Please don't use with out permission.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">If you would like to learn more about Dale and his lovely farm you can visit them online at</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://lakemeadownaturals.com/">http://lakemeadownaturals.com/</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8066559699276656519.post-37475082889345436332012-08-21T12:50:00.002-07:002012-08-21T12:51:34.212-07:00Taco Tuesday!<div style="text-align: center;">I deem this Tuesday </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5g0rCEE3aU/UDPl1a-NZhI/AAAAAAAACTQ/lRwqtXQDLdU/s1600/TacoTuesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="noshadow" height="97" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5g0rCEE3aU/UDPl1a-NZhI/AAAAAAAACTQ/lRwqtXQDLdU/s640/TacoTuesday.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And with that I give you the Taco Pizza.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VQxuDuMoE4/UDPgI_08GXI/AAAAAAAACSI/MwZssYRVGgE/s1600/TacoPizza2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="noshadow" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VQxuDuMoE4/UDPgI_08GXI/AAAAAAAACSI/MwZssYRVGgE/s640/TacoPizza2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's super easy to pull together and here's all you need.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pizza Dough</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow my <a href="http://glutenfreebooty.blogspot.com/search/label/Pizza">Pizza Dough Recipe</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Sauce </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup Tomato Sauce</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 -1/2 Tablespoons of Pace Mild Salsa</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-1/2 t of Taco Seasoning</div><div style="text-align: center;">{You can always add more if you need more spice} </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pizza Toppings </b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Half a pound of Ground Beef</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://glutenfreebooty.blogspot.com/2012/05/homemade-taco-seasoning.html">Homemade Taco Seasoning</a> or Taco Seasoning Packet</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mexican Blend Cheese</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh Tomato</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put it all together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brown the ground beef and add 1/3 of the taco seasoning along with three tablespoons of water. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let simmer. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spoon sauce over pre-baked pizza crust.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cover with seasoned ground beef and sprinkle with fresh cut tomatoes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cover with as much Mexican Blend Cheese as you desire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until the pizza is golden.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Place directly on rack for a crispier crust!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ejZAAA_-ws/UDPjwviGEdI/AAAAAAAACS0/tteFqW7XGg0/s1600/TacoPizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="noshadow" height="334" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ejZAAA_-ws/UDPjwviGEdI/AAAAAAAACS0/tteFqW7XGg0/s640/TacoPizza.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">NOTE: </div><div style="text-align: center;">I always remove my crust from the pan after the initial baking and after topping the pizza place it in the oven directly on the rack for the full 15-20 minutes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Serve with a side salad and enjoy!</div><br />
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</div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17021677150754864025noreply@blogger.com0