Sweet Memories Cooking - Cucumbers

Last night's dinner--Eggplant Parmesan

I like Eggplant Parmesan. Not something I make often as it is labor intensive, but when I do, I try to do it right. The recipe I use is from my cousin John over at Sweet Memories Cooking. Both my husband and oldest son love eggplant parmesan. The only thing I do different is make it "less saucy". I like to taste the crunch of the coating over the eggplant. My other eggplant recipe is s copycat recipe from the Olive Garden. It is quite good as well. I will share it with you next week as I plan to make it this weekend as well. He has a great Facebook page and you tube cooking videos. I made a caramelized brussel sprout dish (my own invention) and not sure it is a keeper or not. Likely not as it lacked visual appear, but tasted ok.

Another guilty pleasure..........

I hate it when a really good series comes along. Towards the end of the "season", I start to worry if it will be picked up for another year or just end. Many good shows just end and leave you hanging. Not many have closure and that is sad. Anyway, I am completely addicted to Downton Abbey. Some years have been lackluster. I confess that season 2 was difficult for me when Matthew died at the end of season 1. But, all in all........This definitely ranks as one of my all time favorite tv series. I love the era. I love the clothes. I love the style. I love the romance of the time period. I love the scenery. I love the traditions. I LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY.

Happy Monday. A new start to the week. The weekend is over. The workday is over. Time to enjoy the evening just a little bit........... Time to confess my new guilty pleasure.

I tried to read this series years ago and just could not get into the time travel thing, but looking at the series as I am reading the book I realize that it contains much more about the history and customs of the time. I have heard it referred to as a time when people just lived in the moment. Simple. No future, no plans, or organization. Just survival for today. I spend so much time planning and organizing and much of the effort is wasted and I become exhausted and demoralized. Maybe I need more of living in the moment. More mindfulness. Being in the moment instead of planning for future moments. Anyway, I am enjoying the series and the book very much. Perhaps you can too..........

Ok, so the real reason I planned to blog today was to share my breakfast plans........... These guys look so good. I am planning brunch later on this morning and these guys will be the star attractions to the meal.

I guess I finally figured out what they mean by, "It's a dog's life."

Pepper is our dog. She is a rescued dalmatian. When I mean rescued, I mean RESCUED. She was found tied to a pole on busy route 17 with a toy and a water bowl. My kids felt we needed a new pet. Of course they did!!!!!!! Neither of them lives at home full time anymore........ She came into my life at a very dark and challenging time for me. I did not think I could take care of myself, let along someone else, but she is loving, low maintenance, and sheds, sheds, and sheds some more. I had always heard that Dalmatians were clean dogs, but probably the worse shedders. Lots and lots of white hair everywhere. The only way we can control it is by washing her very regularly. I discovered a wonderful business in town. It used to be called Bark n Bubbles, now it is Dirty Paws I have included the link. http://dirtypawsdogwash.net. It is a full service dog grooming salon, but you can bring in your dog and wash/dry yourself for a lower price. Start to finish it takes 45 minutes and when I dry her, I see thousands of white hairs flying off (and not into my house). Anyway, back to the picture. My husband did not think she would sleep in a bed, but she rather loves her bed and it is located near a vent so is a very warm spot. My husband did not think she needed a blanket, but LOVES her blanket and snuggles up to nap when tucked in. What does he know.............

Brrrrr!!! It is cold, cold, cold outside. Let me introduce you to my new, favorite tea. I love this stuff. My mom gave me a box of this stuff.

It is delicious and tastes warm and spicy. Kinda like warm apple pie and cream. I have not seen it in our Giant grocery store, but will check Wegman's when I go today.

Better go for now........water is hot and it is time for my morning tea. Baking plans later in the day............See you soon.

This is so much fun. I love adding new items to my store!!!!!! Stop by and check them out.

Overnight Winter Wonderland!!!!! It is beautiful.

Now for snow removal...................

My new favorite food!!!!!! http://www.biscoff.com/indulge/biscoff-spread I made cinnamon rolls, EXCEPT I switched biscoff spread for the sugar, butter, and nuts. YUM!!!

One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp

One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp

Really tired last night and on my way home, I found this recipe on pinterest. Yum. Stopped off at the store for a few things and VOILA!!!! Dinner time success. And all in one pot. This recipe is a keeper. One Pot Lemon Orzo Shrimp - A super easy one pot meal that the whole family will love - even the orzo gets cooked right in the pot! http://damndelicious.net/2014/08/15/one-pot-lemon-orzo-shrimp/

Some items in my Etsy shop. Stop by. I am adding new everyday!!

Congratulations to ME!!!!!!

Congratulations to me!!!! I just started my blog today.  Will talk about crafting, sewing, home decoration, gardening, cooking, and whatever else.  To celebrate my first day, I am hosting a giveaway to the very first person who visits my blog, posts a comment,  and choses to follow me in my blogventures.
Everyone likes a giveaway.  Keep posted for the next one...............
Giveaway#1

Skulls and bones pin cushion.

Make sure I have contact information.  I will email the winner for details on where to send the pin cushion.

Tomorrow, perhaps a recipe.  I think I will make black bean and chicken enchiladas.  yum yum!