Fireburning on the stovetop wohooa

Given my tendency towards multi-tasking, I've often made some mistakes - accidentally left wool sweaters in the dryer, left the dog outside and left pots on the stove. If you have let a pot of the stove only to notice a burning smell and then realized your mistake, fear not. There are some really simple remedies to clean your pot and have it looking like new.

For a stainless steel pot, try a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar, enough to cover all of your burned food glory. Simmer for about 10-20 minutes and then let sit overnight. Pour out the water and vinegar mixture and then get your elbows ready for some serious elbow grease action. Next, you'll want to use a mild substance, like Bar Keeper's Friend, and a soft scrub sponge. I won't use steel wool because I think it would scratch up the pot. This should help get any remaining crust of burned debris out of the bottom of the pan.

I have also heard people use oven cleaner or ammonia and letting the pot sit outside for a few days in a sealed plastic bag. And then the crust and debris supposedly comes off with very little elbow grease.

For a nonstick pot, if it's burned badly, I would pitch it. With all the hubbub over the carcinogens that can be released from the Teflon coating I wouldn't take a chance. Plus, any serious elbow grease or abrasion that may be required to clean the crust or debris may scratch the nonstick surface.

*Photo courtesy of Williams-Sonoma.

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And the winner is...

....entry number 18 aka Mommys Love 2008!! Congrats, Mommy! You're the lucky winner of the Soft Sea Life Toy. Hopefully this will help jump start your holiday shopping! :)
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Leftover lamentation

Don't lament over turkey day leftovers - embrace them! Ok, so in reality, this is advice I should heed myself. I've never been all that crazy about the Thanksgiving day meal and am obviously even less excited about leftovers. For me, I really need to convert them into something else so they're a little more appetizing; I just don't really care for the idea of plate after plate of reheated turkey dinner for a week. But this year, I think I have finally mastered the art of Thanksgiving dinner leftovers. It's all about creativity, folks. For example, my husband put together a sandwich with turkey, roasted potatoes, cheddar cheese and mayonnaise - toasted in the toaster oven. Ok, so this definitely pushes the limits of my taste buds, but there are some great ways to capitalize on leftovers. A lot of magazines and sites are now embracing this phenomenon. For example, last month's Food and Wine had a great segment on leftovers featuring turkey, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts. And Real Simple's daily emails have featured lots of ideas. Here are a few quick thoughts to get you thinking about your leftovers and how you might make them more tasty...the second time around.

Turkey

This is probably the most versatile ingredient....that is, if you're not a vegetarian! While you can still use it for sandwiches, like my husband, you can turn it into a whole different meal. One thing I would recommend is that you spend 10-15 minutes and shred all of the leftover turkey so that it's more recipe-friendly.

• Turkey Enchiladas: Fill turkey, vegetables and cheddar cheese in tortillas. Roll the tortillas and top with enchilada sauce. Bake for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until all cheese is melted.
• Turkey Salad: Mix turkey with mayo, celery, onion and any other salad ingredients like grapes, apples of walnuts. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and serve over fresh lettuce.

Mashed Potatoes

The November Food and Wine issue featured mashed potato spring rolls which I thought sounded really tasty.

• Creamy potato and leek soup: Saute 3 leeks until soft in large pot. Add 3C mashed potatoes and 6C chicken broth over medium heat. After heated through, puree using an immersion blender.
• Top any meat pie with mashed potatoes or drop into your favorite hearty soup.

Gravy

If your turkey was dry on day 1, this is a must have. If there isn't any leftover from the meal, you can always run to the store and grab a can or turkey gravy for adding some liquidity to your leftovers. My husband is a big fan of the open-faced sandwich, while I on the other hand, enjoyed a small dollop with our turkey and stuffing cakes (see below).

And what about these ideas using combinations of leftovers?

• Turkey and Stuffing combined with a beaten egg make turkey and stuffing cakes. Think crab cake. Form 2-3 inch cakes and drop into skillet with hot oil and brown. Top with leftover gravy or cranberry sauce.
• Turkey soup using leftover turkey, any leftover veggies (not in casserole form) with chicken stock. Season with salt, pepper and any herbs you fancy.
• Turkey pot pie using leftover turkey, leftover veggies and mashed potatoes. Add a light cream sauce, top with a puff pastry and bake.

*Photos courtesy of Online Turkey Recipes, What's Cooking America, Food Network.

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Gobble Gobble

Thanksgiving is one of those cliche times where it's totally socially acceptable to divulge all for which you are thankful. And when I think back to the Pilgrims eating a feast outside without modern appliances, heat or solid shelter, I feel that I have much to appreciate. A quick list - my really supportive, thoughtful parents, my loving, patient and kind husband (that sounded almost like First Corinthians...), a job that pays the bills and a house that keeps us warm, dry and allows adequate space for 2 humans and 2 animals. It's moments like this that I shouldn't be thankful for my fuschia work bag...it might help me look cute when I walk in the office, but it won't really get me through any of life's tough moments. So I hope all of you take a brief moment to reflect on the blessings in life and enjoy your day with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

*Photo courtesy of art.com.

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The Rules

If any of you are crazy enough like I have been on occasion, to head out before dawn with the crazies on Black Friday, you're aware that there are a few unspoken rules. And to keep your sanity, wits and all of your hair, here are a few basic ground rules to keep your shopping expedition happy and productive!

Start early: If you really want the good goods at an insanely low price, plan to wait in line for a very, very long time. Last year, on our way home from the in-laws, my hubs and I noticed people at Circuit City (in tents!!!) at 7pm! Yikes! I guess if you want a 60 inch TV for $99 bucks (or something like that), you have to spend 10 hours to get it!

Play fair: This is not the time to cut in line or grab two of an item and hide one in Target for later. I like to think of this day as every man for himself, but in all honesty, this can be make or break for some people's Christmas. So follow the rules and help a fellow shopper sister out.

Be Nice: I have witnessed fighting, yelling and all out cattiness in the midst of the Black Friday madness. You know, this is about giving something fun to those you love. And really, is it worth getting in a fight over an Xbox at Walmart? Really? On the flip side, I also witnessed one woman handing out mini candy canes in line at some store in a mall. Boy was she everyone's BFF?! I will follow suit whenever I engage in some Black Friday revelry...everyone loves a candy cane after all!

Dress the part. Like a business trip, this really isn't a fashion show. Wear something comfy - a warm up suit, jeans, fleece, etc. And definitely wear comfy shoes like your sneaks. And ladies, leave your big heavy, leather bag at home. Your shoulder will hurt after 4 hours of hanging there.

Make a list. If there are specific items at a few stores that you're hoping to snag, right them down, by golly! Don't rely on your memory to serve you well post turkey coma and after waking up before dawn. And make sure you bring any coupons from the store fliers to get an extra 20% off.

And ladies, have fun! I love Black Friday - it sparks a child-like excitement in me, but only if it's in the best interest of fun and festiveness!

*Photo courtesy of Deal Locker.

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Romantic Night In

I'm definitely not the first person to post a recipe for a roasted chicken to woo the man in your life or wow your friends or family. But I will concur with those that have come before me (A Charmed Wife, Food and Wine, and Glamour Magazine), that this incredibly easy and hands off dish is sure to please! Since I'm not on the hook to cook a full Thanksgiving meal this year, I've been yearning to produce a full meal, keeping with fall's rustic delicacies. Since I was well-rested and feeling exuberant on Saturday morning, I was off to the grocer early (to avoid the Saturday morning mom crowd) and came home with a whole chicken, acorn squash, fresh spinach, red potatoes, onions and garlic. The remaining ingredients were already present in our kitchen back home. So, I present to you, the esteemed (har har) menu for our romantic Saturday night in.

Our Menu:
Roasted chicken with rosemary
I went with a basic recipe for roasting a chicken. I washed the chicken, removed the innards and patted dry. Oven was set to 325 degrees while I melted some butter, brushed over the whole chicken and then topped with salt, pepper and fresh rosemary. I measured the inside temperature exactly after one hour of cooking and voila- perfection!

Roasted red potatoes and onions
Another easy peasy deal. Dice about 6-8 medium sized red potatoes into 1-1 1/2 inch cubes. Chop onion into 1 inch pieces. Slice a whole head of garlic. Place all ingredients in the roasting pan with the chicken. They cook the same amount of time and hey, it's one less dish to clean!

Baked acorn squash (recipe here)

Spinach salad
Basic spinach salad topped with dried cranberries, feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette.

Pinot Noir...duh, wine is part of the menu!!

If I do say so myself, the meal was savory and delicious and my hubs seemed pretty impressed with my culinary skills. Let's just keep it our little secret that there really weren't any culinary skills involved in this meal, shall we?
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Oops

When moderating my comments earlier this morning, somehow they all disappeared when I tried to publish them. If you left a comment either for a regular post or especially the giveaway, please repost and I'll approve. My apologies!
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Holiday Tip 4: Get your bake on

I love holiday baking, but there is nothing worse than being under the gun to produce cookies, cupcakes or cake for a function. And this is precisely why I like to get started on baking a little early. But two little things can make this expedition much less stressful - your freezer and advance planning. That's right friends, you can make pies, cakes, cookies, muffins or anything else a few weeks before you need them (probably no more than 6-8 weeks). As long as you wrap the baked goods in plastic and place in either an airtight container or zippered bag, they should be fine. I would suggest that for most cookies, cakes or cupcakes you frost them after they're defrosted. And speaking of defrosting, slow is best. Pull the item out of the freezer at least 48 hours in advance of needing it and place it in the fridge. Unwrap from the plastic wrap and place on the appropriate serving dish and frost, if necessary. Enjoy (the stress free approach to holiday baking)!


*Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart.
Related Posts: Holiday Tip 1: Stock up on sugar, Craisin-y Cookies, Flour Power.
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Don't forget

...giveaway ends Wednesday! Sign up here!
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Holiday Tip 3: They're just cards

I've always really liked Holiday cards. I love looking forward to seeing a stack of pretty envelopes awaiting my arrival at the mailbox. All of that being said, I'm well aware that the joy brought by these greetings can be fleeting, notably as you put together your outbound cards. Holiday cards do require a substantial effort with many different moving parts - addressing, stamping, writing, let alone buying them! Here are a few of my tricks to get these delightful greetings out to the postmaster without going postal teehee!

Make like Santa and make your list and check it twice. Start with your card list. As I've already mentioned, I rely on my trusty little Holiday notebook for all of my Holiday-planning needs. I start with my family, then friends, then colleagues (these may be obligatory if you work in the type of office where people exchange personal cards).

Plan Ahead. If possible, buy your cards after Christmas to get some rock-bottom deals. If you didn't do this last year, head to your local card store or hit your keyboard to check out some options online. I always figure I'll need at least 5-10 cards more than I estimate. For example, if I estimate needing 50 cards, I buy at least 55. You never know when you'll need an extra...for your hairdresser, dog walker, etc. No matter how thorough your list, it's always best to plan for card "inflation."

Get to work. Early. There is no reason that you can't start putting your return address labels and stamps on your cards in early or mid-November. I usually use TV time to multi-task and these sorts of little jobs are perfect. I also start addressing the cards early. I am always surprised by how long this actually takes, particularly if you have a long card list.

Hit the card accessory stores early. And by accessories, I mean stamps and photos. If you buy holiday-themed stamps, get out to your local post office early - you'll get a better selection of stamps and you won't have to fight the insane holiday lines. If you decide to ignore my advice, plan to be at the post office when it opens (maybe 5 minutes before) in the morning to grab your stamps. And if you plan to insert a photo with your card, pick it out and have it developed soon. When you pick it up or have it delivered from your fav online photo shop, make sure your keep them with the rest of your cards so you're not digging through stacks of paperwork for photos that are likely bent and mangled.

Organize. I keep my cards, holiday address labels (yes, I'm nerdy like that), holiday stamps, photos and a few red and green pens in a small shopping bag in a closet. That way, when I have a spare 30 minutes to work on the cards, everything is at my fingertips.

Follow these handy tips and you'll end up a card, not Christmas card-scarred. Har har har, I crack myself up sometimes!

*Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.
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I heart...Our very first giveaway!!

So many of you have been kind enough to read, and maybe sometimes comment on this blog of mine. Lucky for all of you (and the sweet babies in your life), the wonderful people at CSN Baby have graciously offered to partner with me for our very first giveaway!! I may not have any babes of my own (well besides my dashing hubs of course teehee), but I have certainly bought my fair share of baby gifts for friends and family. And let me tell you, this site has some awesome gear, at an amazing price. They have tons of stuff - toys, nursery decor, nursery furniture, strollers, etc. Check it out - perfect for your next shower or ahem, the coming holiday season!

I'm excited, are you?!? So, drum roll please, here it is, our first giveaway product...this awesomely cute sea life soft toy.

Since I don't really have much to say in the way of babies, I thought I would share one of my fav recipes for seafood. Get it, a seafood recipe with a sea life baby toy?!

Sauteed Scallops with Lemon

• 8-10 large sea scallops
• 1 C buttermilk (or regular milk will do in a pinch)
• Approx 1 C all-purpose flour
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 Lemon sliced
• 2 Tbsp olive oil

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over med-high heat.
2. Toss scallops with buttermilk and then thoroughly dredge in flour.
3. Place scallops in skillet with olive oil and saute 1-2 minutes on each side. Add lemon juice and lemon slices to the pan to cook with the scallops.
4. Serve warm. Good accoutrements include steamed vegetables, rice and/or a Caesar salad.

So, gals and dolls, here's what you need to do to enter to win this darling little toy for tikes. Check out the CSN Baby site and leave a comment below with your fav baby product. And you don't have to be a mama yourself to enter - just think of all the kiddos in your family like nieces, nephews, God-children, etc. Perfect for the holidays or an upcoming shower. You have until next Wednesday, November 25th to leave a comment - good luck!! And many, many thanks to the CSN Baby folks for making this possible!! :)

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Monogram madness

It's no secret that I like myself, oops I mean my name... especially in embroidery thread. Probably not a big surprise since I write about how I entertain myself on a daily basis. Anywho, I blame my Mom for my pseudo-obsession with monograms as I often had sweatsuits, lace collars on fancy dresses, tote bags, etc with my name or monogram on them as a child. Some things never die.

Here are a few of my favorite monogram finds.
1. Personalized Bottle Opener from Lillian Vernon at $10, 2. Monogrammed Jute Carry All from Ballard Designs at $20-$32, 3. Personalized Soap from Pottery Barn at $59, 4. Carving Board from Williams-Sonoma at $99, 5. Monogrammed golf towel from Preppy Parade at $19, 6. Oval Monogram Cocktail Napkins from Gracious Style at $36 for12.
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Holiday Tip 2: Just Plan It

I use a small spiral notebook that I bought last year at Michael's for all of my Christmas planning. And it has a pretty white reindeer on the cover so it's perfectly seasonal...and I can't forget what I keep in this notebook.

I divide it into several sections, one for Christmas Cards, one for gifts (ideas and actual purchases) and my general To-Do list. By jotting down my Christmas card list, I can figure out how many cards, photos, stamps, etc that I need. For me, the most useful section is definitely on gifts. It helps me jot down ideas when I have them (usually when I'm not out shopping) and I can also track what I've purchased for each person. I'm famous for having something in the closet, that I found in May and forgetting all about it!

*Photo courtesy of Pretty Paper Book.
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What is marriage?

I really loved this video and thought it would start off the week well. If only life were this simple... :)

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On the road again

Being a consultant, I'm bound to be on the go from time to time. The next few weeks are jam-packed with off site meetings outside of my local region. So, I'll be on the road with a few of my co-workers. I don't travel a lot, but enough to know just how to pack and make myself comfortable in a hotel for a few days. A few of my "secrets" are below.

Pack lightly. You're on a business trip - it's not a fashion show, nor am I trying to get a date (not like Sal and Don at right). I try to bring interchangeable outfits like skirts and pants that match the same blazer and work in the same color family, i.e. black, navy or brown. This also helps when having to pack shoes, which are inevitably among the heavier items in a suitcase. The other plus here is that I always travel with men and they're usually less critical of the only girl in the group when I have the same number of bags...

Be comfortable. No one wants to sit in the car or on a plane for hours in an uncomfortable outfit. I typically travel in low-ish heels (no more than 2 inches) and in a comfortable suit or other ensemble. I also always bring a few key items in my carry on/tote bag (like I previously mentioned here) like my ipod, work notebook, a bottle of water and a snack...after all, sometimes being on the road can leave you (and your stomach) stranded.

Be prepared. I once went on a day trip to DC without rain gear. And it poured...allll day long which made for a pretty miserable trip. Check the weather before you go and bring the requisite outerwear and rain gear. Now, I always pack a lightweight umbrella...just in case!

Don't forget your essentials. Nothing makes a business trip more stressful than forgetting essential items - your cell phone charger, computer charger, laptop (!!!), etc. Double check that you have your essentials for staying in touch with the office and home before you leave. And just in case, I try to email my hubs a copy of my hotel information so he can call direct, if he feels so inclined.

Home sweet home. More frequently, I'm noticing that hotels are offering more services to make your room a little more homey...nice toiletries, fluffier towels, better beds, etc. I always bring a pair of slippers because I really love slippers and because I don't really like the feeling of hotel carpets. Somehow, it feels a little homier too. I also usually try to pack a magazine or novel to read before bed. There's nothing worse than working the entire time you're on the road. And after all, everyone needs to "turn it off" and recharge.

*Photo courtesy of AMC.

Related posts: Forget to pack your shaving cream?, Who Knew: Packing a Silk Blouse, Ready, get set, jet set.

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Holiday Tip 1: Stock up on sugar

That's right folks, it's the perfect time to stock up on your holiday baked goods. The last time I was at our grocery store nearly everything on the baking aisle was discounted. It's basically a fact that grocers jack up the prices on baking products after Thanksgiving. I read a magazine article to that effect last fall and actually watched it happen in my own store. So, now is the time to grab some extra sugar, flour, vanilla, chocolate chips and anything else you may need to make your favorite holiday desserts.

One word to the wise - be sure you check your current inventory before you head to the store. No one needs 15 lbs of granulated sugar in their pantry!


*Photo courtesy of Woman's Day.
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Thank your vets!

Be convinced that to be happy means to be free and that to be free means to be brave. Therefore do not take lightly the perils of war. -Thucydides

Happy Veterans Day! Don't forget to thank a Vet!

*Photo courtesy of Marine Corps council.

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I heart pasta

I'm a big fan of pasta for several reasons: fun shapes, easy preparation, it doesn't go bad in your pantry and you can make a big batch for upcoming meals. Sometimes I think my hubs must think I'm crazy; I pull out my big 13x9 baking dish and go to town with pasta, tomatoes and cheese. Pretty much three of my favorite things in the culinary world - carbs, sauce and cheese - any combination of these three equals happiness in my book...and belly. And you're probably wondering why on earth I would ever make a 13x9 pan of baked pasta for 2 people. Well my friends, meet pasta leftovers; pasta leftovers meet my blog friends. That's right, I am an absolute master when it comes to pasta leftovers. It all comes down to this - use your freezer. Here are a few of my tricks:

Determine what size portion you want for leftovers. I typically make 2 sizes - lunch and dinner, where lunch is a smaller portion for the hubs or I to take to work and dinner is a larger, double portion perfect for dinner for two. I know what containers work for each now - a 2 Cup-ish round Ziploc container for lunch (usually about 1/2 full) and a 4 Cup square container for dinner.

Use consistently-sized containers. I use multiples of the same containers for each, lunch and dinner portions. This makes it easy when I roll out of bed in the morning and need to grab lunch as I always know what type/size container to look for in the freezer.

Moisture is key. When freezing pasta, make sure it's thoroughly tossed in sauce. This will ensure that when you defrost and reheat, it's not all dry and sticky.

Don't OD. No, you mustn't eat all of your leftovers within the first week. Once you freeze your pasta, it will keep for about a month in your freezer. I try to space out the leftovers over a few weeks so it seems more enticing (ok, leftovers are never that enticing) later on. No one wants to eat spaghetti every lunch and dinner for 7 days.

*Photo courtesy of All recipes.

Related posts: Use yer freezer, Great steak dilemma, Fresh berries.

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Just around the corner

The holidays are almost here...and yes, they can be extremely daunting. As a kid, I remember the holidays being much more magical...and not just because I believed in the big man in the red suit! That's why this year, I'm vowing to be a little more organized and have a little more fun. To get myself together, I figured I would start a bi-weekly series on planning ahead for the holidays...sort of like an advent calendar but minus the cute picture and tasty little chocolate square. Stay tuned for some fun (and hopefully helpful!) posts.

*Photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

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Get your pumpkin fix

I was up early Sunday morning with the pooch and to catch up on some work. Being that it was a beautiful morning and I was feeling particularly productive, I started in on breakfast and decided on pumpkin muffins. Now mind you, I have a fab-u-lous recipe for lowfat (woo!) pumpkin muffins from Cooking Light (see below), but my lovely mama sent me a Happy Thanksgiving package complete with pumpkin muffin mix from Crate and Barrel.

I settled in on the easier option (mix) and continued some IT network document catch up (a real snoozefest, if you will). I was pretty pleased with the result - these would be perfect for the morning of Thanksgiving while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - a definite tradition in our home. So in case you don't have a Crate and Barrel in your 'hood or are feeling ambitious with your from-scratch baking abilities, try this recipe - it's sure to please.

Pumpkin Muffins (from Cooking Light)

• 2 3/4 C all-purpose flour
• 1 C granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 C canned pumpkin
• 3/4 C fat-free sour cream
• 1/3 C skim milk
• 1/4 C vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg white
• Topping: 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp brown sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Combine flour through salt in medium mixing bowl, combining well. Make a well in the center of the mixture.
3. Combine pumpkin through egg white and mix well. Add to flour mixture, stirring until just moist.
4. Spoon the batter into 18 (paper-lined or greased) muffin cups.
5. Combine topping and sprinkle over muffins.
6. Bake at 375 for about 25 minutes. Remove muffins from pans and coil on wire rack.

*Photos courtesy of Crate and Barrel and myrecipes.com.

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Thinking about home renovations?

A buddy from work, Russ, and his wife, Becky, recently bought a house in the area. A quick back story on this adventure of theirs - I've been hearing about their house hunting expeditions for at least the last 12 months (probably more like 20-24 months in reality...basically since I started working with Russ about 2 years ago). I actually even went to look at one option over lunch hour when Russ still worked at the same job site as me. I've heard about closing nightmares, realtor nightmares, estate sale nightmares...you name it, they went through it! Finally about 2 months ago, they found the perfect pad and are now working on making it theirs. The house is sort of a fixer upper, if you will - complete with 1970's carpet, paint and wood paneling (I've never seen it, but Russ has shared beaucoup photos)! And to chronicle their home "renovations" aka demolition, Becky started a blog, Our Pile of Bricks.

In a word, it's fantastic. She's witty and incredibly honest about their adventures. You must check this out if you're event thinking about renovating your home. It will inspire you and make you feel about this big, if you're like me and have never done anything even close to this level of intensity around the house. Good luck guys - can't wait to see the finished product!

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Dress your Doorstep

I'm sort of on a doormat kick lately. I like having a few to choose from based on the season and I'm also pretty enthusiastic about having a very welcoming home (appearance wise). While attending a cousin's bridal shower, she received this monogrammed doormat with her future last name. What a genius gift! In fact, I was sort of jealous that I didn't think of registering for one of these myself. Maybe a Christmas gift perhaps (hi Mom!!)? Anywho, I've found a few different options that transcend the seasons - a few options that really say "welcome home" to me.

From top to bottom: Monogrammed doormat from Williams-Sonoma at $69; Fleur de Lis doormat from Overstock at $36; Patches Coir Doormat from Pier 1 at $12.68; Blue Crab welcome mat from Bed Bath and Beyond at $15.
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Don't trifle with my trifle

Last Thanksgiving, I was in charge of bringing dessert to my in-laws for our feast. Now I may have been raised in the South, but my parents are New Englanders through and through so I'm definitely not a big pie person. Prior to turkey day, I spent weeks thumbing through home magazines, searching Internet sites for a fall-themed dessert and finally, the delightful Paula Deen had something perfect up her sleeve - a Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle. In a word, I could have eaten this with the serving spoon...the entire thing....hiding in the closet. It really is heaven in a pretty glass bowl. Yes, it's that good. And for me, because it isn't made with chocolate, this is a big deal. A really big deal. I modified the recipe a bit to suit my tastes. Check out this recipe below and be prepared to wow your Thanksgiving companions! :)

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

• 1 (14 oz) package gingerbread or spice cake (or you can make your own, if you're feeling ambitious)
• 1 (5.1 oz) box cook and serve vanilla pudding mix
• 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin (not the pie filling)
• 2-3 C fresh whipped cream
• 1/2 C packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp allspice or ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• Topping - crushed gingersnaps or grated bittersweet chocolate

1. Bake the gingerbread according to the package directions for 13x9 pan; cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding according to package directions and set aside to cool.
2. Stir the pumpkin filling, sugar, and spices into the pudding.
3. Crumble or cut gingerbread into 1-inch cubes. Place in the bottom of a large, pretty glass bowl. Pour 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the gingerbread, then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat with the remaining gingerbread, pudding, and whipped cream.
4. Sprinkle of the top with crushed gingersnaps or grated bittersweet chocolate, if desired. It adds a little something for presentation purposes. :)
5. Refrigerate overnight. Be prepared to be amazed!!

*Photo courtesy of Food Network.
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Rock the Vote

Hello friends,

Today is another election day - woo! Another opportunity to voice your opinions in your state or district's future and another opportunity to exercise your civic duty! I'm pretty hardcore when it comes to voting - not really in the vein of who you vote for, just that you vote period. On the same token, I think it's equally important to be informed and for you to know why you vote for your candidate. It's that simple. I hope you all take the time to get out today for your state elections and wear your "I voted" sticker proudly...I am.

*Photos courtesy of Paul Ogata blog and Purdue online.

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Meals for the week

A few people have asked about my menu planning and keeping meals prepped for the week. Yesterday, I took a good look in our fridge and freezer and came up with some perfect options for this week. Often times, any almost-past-their-prime food will dictate the week's meals. This week, we have some leftovers and fresh veggies that need to be consumed.

Monday: Swordfish with lemon and butter, vegetable stir fry
Tuesday: Leftover chili with Frito's
Wednesday: Out to dinner with a friend
Thursday: Chicken enchilada casserole (recipe here) with side salad
Friday: Celebrating my Mother in Law's birthday

Related posts: DIY Salad Bar, One Ingredient, Two Meals, Whats for dinner.
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It's like home shopping, but cooler

It's that time of year. Yup, the holidays are just around the corner. And if you're anything like me, you like to get started with your shopping a little early. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that I finish my shopping early, but my spending and mall excursions are spaced out over a few weeks. But like most, I'm sure you're planning to do a little shopping over the ether - that is from the comfort of your home. And these days, retailers are using every trick in the book to lure shoppers to their sites - free shipping, extra discounts on larger orders...you name it, these offers are out there. And while you can subscribe to all your favorite virtual stores, you probably won't have the time (or energy) to comb through the gazillions of emails you'll receive, if you do sign up for their weekly newsletter and the like. Alternatively, there are some pretty nifty sites that allow coupon codes to be posted. All you have to do is search on the site name (like crateandbarrel.com) and you can see any of the current (and accurate) codes. Beware, some sites don't allow this information to be posted, but if all else fails, you can always google "Crate and Barrel coupon code" to improve your chances.

Here's a list of some of the sites I've found that post coupon codes:
Retail Me Not
Current Codes
Coupon Code
Coupon Mountain
Grocery Game (The message boards on this site are highly reliable and have awesome deals!)
Pinching your Pennies (The deals are posted in the forums section)
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