Fresh Green Beans with Parmesan & Lemon Zest -Instant Pot or Steamed

The string beans are winding down in the garden, but I did get a couple meals from them over Labor Day Weekend:@) If you'd like to elevate a side dish and make it just a little more special, these Fresh Green Beans with Parmesan and Lemon Zest are very good. Cook the beans your favorite way, I like them in the Instant Pot, toss with a little butter, top them with parm, some freshly zested lemon peel, and salt and pepper. Super easy, very pretty, and mighty tasty! Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, I think you'll be pleased. 

Instant Pot fresh string beans: Beans in steamer basket, 1 C water, set to 2 minutes, automatic release.

Fresh Green Beans with Parmesan & Lemon Zest

Cooked hot beans.

Toss with a little butter-optional.

Sprinkle liberally with parmesan cheese.

Zest some lemon peel over top.

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Lemon Greek Yogurt Basil Vegetable Dip & Dollar Store Charcuterie Board

This Lemon Greek Yogurt and Fresh Basil Dip for Vegetables couldn't be easier and only calls for two ingredients. Ok, maybe four if you'd like to count salt and pepper:@) And as far as dips go, it's pretty darn healthy too! I like the idea of using flavored yogurt, and Walmart's Great Value brand has a nice mellow lemon taste. Add some veggies (peas are from the garden), some crisp pepperoni chips, spiced olives (recipe coming soon), and crackers... I called this lunch-good stuff folks.

I wanted to mention, if you're making charcuterie for just a few people, Dollar Tree has these tempered glass cutting boards. While I'm not a big fan of using glass for cutting, I do like this square 8" size as a board, and feel it's well worth the $1.25:@)

How to make Microwave Pepperoni Chips here.

Some boards have inspirational sayings or cute scenes on them, they come in square or round. I chose square clear glass.

The yogurt I used:

The snow peas were small but plentiful this year:@)

Lemon Greek Yogurt & Fresh Basil Dip

5.3 oz-ish Greek Lemon Yogurt

8 basil leaves, very finely minced

Generous few grinds of coarse black pepper

Pinch of salt

~Mix well, let marinate in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and serve with vegetables.

Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Lemon Snowball Cookies -No Bake

These No-Bake Lemon Snowball Cookies would be a great project the kids can help make. Perfect for this time of year, and especially if you happen to have a snow day. For different flavor options, we can use frozen orange juice or limeade instead of lemon. This will be a sticky project (be sure to chill the dough well), and the cookies will be soft with some bite from the walnuts. This is a nice little activity for a cold lazy morning or afternoon, have fun with it folks:@)

Lemon Snowball Cookies

1/2 C powdered sugar + more for coating

3 C finely crushed Vanilla Wafers-12 oz package

1/4 C butter, softened

3/4 C finely chopped walnuts

6 oz frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed

heaping 1/2 tsp lemon zest

1. Mix everything well. Clean hands are the best tool for the job.
2. Chill dough in refrigerator or freezer until you can roll it into small balls.
3. Drop cookies into a bowl of powdered sugar. Roll around to coat well.
4. Place cookies in covered dish in refrigerator for at least 4 hours, longer is better.
5. Shake on a little more powdered sugar before serving if desired.
6. Serve chilled. 

⛄Enjoy a snack and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Strawberry Salsa & Barbie Dollhouse Kitchen Renovation Update

My little strawberry patch did well this year and the first big round of fruit is winding down. I had fun coming up with new ways to enjoy the berries. This Strawberry Salsa was bright and fruity and and truly a little different. We enjoyed it as a dip with tortilla chips. I can see it served over grilled chicken too. The only thing that could make this any better would be fresh garden ripe tomatoes... But we have a way to go before that will happen:@)

Strawberry Salsa-adapted from Taste of Home

1 pint strawberries, washed, dryed, hulled and chopped

4 plum tomatoes, cored, seeded and chopped

1 small sweet onion, chopped-I used scallions

1-2 medium jalapenos, seeded if desired, chopped

2 T fresh lime juice

1 T olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1. Mix all, cover and let mingle in refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. Serve spooned over chicken or pork, or as a dip with tortilla chips or crackers.

The dollhouse is coming together nicely and I feel the kitchen has it's major pieces in place, I'll only change things out when if I find something I like better... It's fun looking for little 1:6 scale trinkets and items to help make the house look more realistic. Toys, mini salt and pepper shakers, craft store supplies, Christmas ornaments, anything goes. Ken is our model today, he's patiently waiting for his morning coffee to finish brewing... Say Hi to the nice people Ken... No??? Sorry folks, that coffee will be done soon, I promise:@)

The main working area of the kitchen: Gloria kitchenette to the left, which was a very good Ebay purchase! Providing a compact stove, oven, sink and counter, with seating. Actually, I like that my expanded kitchen layout provides ample seating as needed, between the high counter seats, the stool(s) at the island, and then the table and chairs in the dining area. As for the color, ~pink~ I mentioned previously that it's so dominant in these toys, I'm not fighting it (much)😉 I may paint some things as time goes on, but for now I'm ok with the look.

A glimpse into the dining area: I like that everything is open, and the dolls can interact in the scene. What needs the most work? The table and chairs... I keep asking my son to cut different sizes of wood and buying pre-cut pieces at Dollar Tree for the table top. But so far I don't have the look I want, which is a pedestal table small enough to seat the dolls, yet big enough for plates and food. And while I'm ok with the design of the chairs, this is the only pink in the room I really don't care for. 

And the long view... I decided that far wall with the window needed some kind of wallpaper, this is just wrapping paper from Dollar Tree, but I like that the different hues of pink, in the small scale, help to pull all of the colored pieces together just a little better.

So there you have it folks,

the kitchen as it is today.

As a point of reference,

this is what I started with:

Say goodbye to the nice people Ken.

Much better, thank you Ken.

Indeed...

~Make something just for fun,

and have a great weekend😊

Fizzy Retro Lime Jello & Cucumber Salad

I have to tell ya folks, when it comes to these old school Jello side dishes it doesn't get more cooling and refreshing than this Sparkling Lime Jello and Cucumber Salad. Perfect for summer:@) The cucumber helps tame the tangy lime, and this is something most people will like. We felt this one is also more suited as a side dish as opposed to dessert. My twist... Have you seen the new packs of Sparkling Jello at Walmart? They are intended to be made with the Aha brand of water, I just used Great Value Key Lime Sparkling Water. But I'm sure this would be great with the lime/watermelon flavored water. I made one box of the recipe in my 2 1/2 C thrift store mold. Two boxes can be simply poured into a loaf pan if you don't have Jello molds. Or just scoop it out of a bowl... The idea is just to try it!

I like that you can see some of the bubbles in this pic:@)

Not a big fan of lime Jello?

Use lemon instead.

I don't have too many green Jello posts...

So, yea, lime it was:@)

Sparkling Jello comes in three flavors,

and is sugar free:

Good ole regular Lime Jello would work fine too:@)

Best eaten the day it's made.

Sparkling Lime Jello and Cucumber Salad-inspired from Kraft

For each 4 serving size Sparkling Jello:

1/2 C boiling water

1 1/4 C sparkling water-I used key lime, can use lime/watermelon

1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and shred

1. Dissolve Jello in boiling water.
2. Stir in 1 1/4 C cold sparkling water. Refrigerate for about 30-45 minutes, or until slightly thickened. You may notice a lighter colored coating on top, I suggest scooping that off before stirring the Jello.
3. Stir cucumber into Jello. *Tip: I shred my cucumber onto a couple paper towels to let a little of the extra liquid drain off.
4. Pour into a mold or bowl sprayed with vegetable spray.
5. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or until set. Unmold and serve.
6. *Note: If using Sparking water, it's best to make this the day you're serving it so the water stays fizzy and bubbly.

Try something new and have a happy day:@)

Grilled Lemon Asparagus

The asparagus looked good at the store so home it came:@) I'm always interested in trying something just a little different, so I made some Grilled Lemon Asparagus. I simply let one bunch of cut asparagus, and some onion, marinate for about 30-45 minutes in the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon and some olive oil. Then tossed it into a hot grill pan. While subtle, the lemon flavor was there, and this made a nice side dish for Sunday dinner.

Grilled Lemon Asparagus

1 bunch asparagus, washed, trimmed and cut into pieces

1/2 large onion, cut into large chunks

juice of 1 lemon

1 Tblsp olive oil

Lots of freshly ground black pepper

Salt for serving

1. Mix everything except salt in bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Right before cooking, add pinch of salt, stir and pour into a medium hot grill pan.
3. Cook for about 8 minutes or until desired doneness, stirring occasionally.
4. Add sprinkle of salt before serving.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

ReView: Lemon Fudge & Barbie Fairy Bubble Wands

If you're looking for a tasty little sweet treat that's perfect for spring, Easter, Mother's Day or any day... This Lemon Fudge will fit the bill. Fudge is also something different for folks that don't bake to bring to holiday get-togethers. Creamy, smooth and mild, it will appeal to most. Sprinkles are optional, but always fun:@)

As the weather begins to get nicer,

how about a little craft the kids can play with outside...

These Fairy Bubble Wands for Barbie

are an easy project most kids can help make from pipe cleaners and beads:@)

Boys can make them for their action figure dolls too...

🌷Have a Happy Weekend🌷

Jello Rice Krispy Treats

I was getting ready for Sunday dinner and wanted to have a little something sweet on-hand... I love the unexpected fruity flavor of these Jello Rice Krispy Treats. Since I'm always cutting recipes in half or less, I happened to have some lime Jello open, so that's the flavor I used. Also thought the slight hint of green worked well for spring:@) Sprinkles are totally optional, but are always an easy way to make things more festive, and holiday choices are everywhere. 

One note: I'm always saying 'you know your crowd'... 

I purposely cut back on the Jello, 

I just wanted a hint of flavor, not a big punch of flavor. 

I made a half batch and used sugar free Jello,

I'll list what I did below.

You can click the link to Kraft to see the microwave version.

Jello Rice Krispy Treats-adapted from Kraft

2 Tblsp butter

1 tsp sugar free Jello, flavor of choice, can add more

5 oz mini marshmallows

1 tsp vanilla

3 C rice krispy/krispie cereal

1. In non-stick skillet, over low heat, melt butter, add Jello and stir until mostly dissolved.
2. Add marshmallows, melt over low heat stirring constantly, still incorporating the Jello.
3. When marshmallows have melted stir in vanilla.
4. Remove from heat and gently fold in cereal.
5. Pour into parchment or wax paper lined bread pan. Pat top down to create a solid cookie.
6. Top with sprinkles if desired, gently pat sprinkles down so they stick.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Cut into squares, store in airtight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day🐰

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Creamy Carrot and Pineapple Jello Mold -Easter or any day

What makes this Creamy Carrot and Pineapple Jello Mold a little different than the traditional Sunshine/Sunset Salad is, yep, you guessed it... The addition of cream:@) And I just ~love~ the color for Easter! I used the clear top to one of those 7"-ish plastic Easter eggs, you know the ones, they're at Dollar Tree and Walmart. The top holds 3 cups. I sprayed it well and laid it in an oval bowl for stability, then unmolded it like any Jello mold.  Use any fresh greens for the top, parsley, chives, dill, I used some leaf lettuce from my Aerogarden. The only thing I might do differently, use orange Jello if making a carrot for Easter next time. Or, maybe add a drop of red food coloring to the lemon Jello. 

Don't want to make a carrot shape?

The recipe below fills a 3 C bundt pan or any bowl.

Double, etc. for larger molds.

The Easter egg,

I used the clear top for the mold:

Have room on the buffet for two (or more) Jello side dishes?

This Two Ingredient Jello & Cream Cheese Salad couldn't be easier:@)

I made it in the bottom half of one of these eggs.

And my Jello Pinterest Board can be found here.

Creamy Carrot and Pineapple Jello Mold

4 serving size lemon Jello

1/2 C boiling water

3/4 C ice water

8 oz-ish can crushed pineapple, with juice

1/4 C cream, light or heavy whichever you have

1 C shredded carrot

1. Dissolve Jello in boiling water.
2. Stir in ice water and pineapple, then cream. 
3. Place in fridge until partially set, approximately 30-45 minutes.
4. Fold in carrots, spoon into mold sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Cover and place in refrigerator 4 hours, overnight is always best.
6. Dip mold in warm water, dry outside of mold. Plate on top, turn mold upside down to release Jello.
7. Poke greens under rounded side of "carrot" for garnish.
8. Cover and store in refrigerator until serving.

Have a happy day:@)

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Lemon and Herb Marinated Olives

While these Lemon and Herb Marinated Olives are certainly fancy enough for any holiday meal, they'd be great on a game day charcuterie board, or sandwich platter too! With simple flavors, salty olives, fresh thyme leaves and lemon, this is an appetizer that comes together quickly, and brings a big pop of flavor to the party. I also like that it's marinated and served at room temperature. Extra bonus: Even though we just had that incredible cold snap, the thyme in my garden still offered a few green leaves for this appy:@)

Lemon and Herb Marinated Olives-from Martha Stewart

2 C large unpitted green olives, drained-I used pitted with pimento

1/3 C extra virgin olive oil

2 Tblsp chopped fresh parsley

1 Tblsp lemon zest

1 Tblsp lemon juice

2 tsp fennel seeds-I didn't have this

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

few grinds of black pepper

• Toss everything together, let marinate at room temperature for an hour. Store any leftovers in a covered jar in refrigerator.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Yogurt Dip with Lemon and Dill

This Yogurt Dip with Lemon and Dill had my crew divided... It was liked by some, while others felt it was kind of lacking ~something... I still wanted to share it because it's very similar to a Weight Watchers dip recipe, but my version does call for a little sugar, while still being healthier than most other dip options. And if you're used to marinating chicken in yogurt before grilling, I think this flavor profile would work well for that too, just stir in a little olive oil. I say try it for yourself if you like dill and lemon folks! And if you figure out what might make it even better... Please let me know in the comments:@)

Yogurt Dip with Lemon and Dill

For each 5.3 oz Greek Plain Yogurt:

1/4 tsp dry dill weed

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt, or to taste

3/4 tsp sugar, or to taste

1/4 tsp fresh lemon zest

1. Mix everything well, let mingle covered in fridge for at least an hour. 
2. Stir and serve with vegetables or potato chips.

Snack well and have a happy day:@)

Fresh Tomato Salad with Lemon and Oregano -No Sugar

Ripe garden tomatoes are truly one of summer's greatest gifts! But by the time August rolls around we may be looking for something just a little different to do with them... This Fresh Tomato Salad with Lemon and Oregano is a very nice side dish. The lemon replaces vinegar for a big burst of citrusy flavor, and minced parsley adds just an extra note of freshness. While this salad is very nice when first mixed, don't hesitate to let this one marinate for a while folks. Good stuff:@) 

Full disclosure: I used this recipe as inspiration and just winged it on measurements.

Fresh Tomato Salad with Lemon and Oregano-from Taste of Home

8 large tomatoes either sliced or cubed

2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

1/3 C olive oil

2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp dried oregano

2 Tblsp fresh parsley, minced

S&P to taste

• Options: Either plate the sliced tomatoes and onions so you can drizzle the whisked dressing over the platter as in the original recipe. 
• ~Or-
• Mix everything in a bowl as I did.

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Let's use what the garden gifts us and have a happy day:@)

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Lime Margarita Oyster Crackers, No Bake, Less Oily -Sugar Free Lime Jello

While these Margarita Oyster Crackers are alcohol free, they are sweet and the flavor does really pop with lime and salt. I used sugar free Jello for the big burst of lime, and added some lemon pepper seasoning for a little flavor boost and black pepper kick too. This is a fun snack for summer noshing or while binge watching shark week with a nice cold drink. My son said a bowl on the bar would be dangerous if he was out for beers with the guys-a good enough endorsement for me:@) My only question, I don't know why it didn't turn green???

One four serving size sugar free Jello = approximately 1 Tblsp.

Tip: Do take the time to fish the crackers out of the bag instead of just dumping them into the bowl. 

This is best without the small broken pieces and crumbs.

My favorite lemon pepper seasoning:

I do suggest buying a fresh one each spring:@)

My Pig In Mud Jello Pinterest Board can be found HERE.

Margarita Oyster Crackers

7 oz oyster crackers -this is the Dollar Tree size

2 Tblsp light flavored oil-I used vegetable oil

2 tsp sugar free lime Jello

1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

(Alternately: 10 oz oyster crackers -Aldi size, 2 1/2 Tblsp oil, a whole pack of Jello, 1 1/4 tsp seasoning)

1. Add oil to medium size bowl, stir in Jello and lemon pepper seasoning. Mix well.
2. Add crackers, gently mix. Cover and stir occasionally for an hour. I like Lock-N-Lock bowls, and just give it a shake and turn it upside down every once in a while.
3. Store in air tight container.

Snack boldly and have a happy day:@)

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Saturday ReView: Easy Boho Bag for Barbie & Fettuccini with Lemon Sauce

The idea behind this Barbie Boho Bag is that it's basically a fabric yo-yo and I've glued a recycled water bottle cap to the inside to create the circle base and flat bottom. I love this idea and you can use any size cap, just adjust the size of your fabric circle. The most time consuming part of this project was waiting for the glue to dry! The straps can be anything, thin ribbon, yarn, bakers twine, cording, etc. The bag can go over the shoulder or across the body, and honestly, I didn't think about across the body until after I tied the straps, I would have made them longer if I had. But overall, this is a cute little quick project, perfect in any color, and I'm sure your girl would love to have some one:@)

You can see my full step by step picture tutorial about how to make a fabric yo-yo here.

The knots can be on top of the shoulder or moved down so they only shown on back of the bag.

What I did for a 1" water bottle cap:

Cut 5 1/2" circle of fabric, use pinking shears if you have them. Folks, you only have to buy them once, and sometimes you can find them at thrift stores or yard sales. If you do fabric crafts, pinking shears are a good investment.

Glue bottle cap to center on wrong side of fabric. 

Cut your straps, use ~at least~ 12" for each one, aim for at least 18" if you have it.

Fold edge over a liberal 1/4" and begin sewing your strap around the edge leaving about 1/8" on the outside folded edge. Keep stitches at least 1/4" apart. Do this just shy of half way around the circle.

Using another piece of your strap, do the same for the other side.

Making sure to use the two ends from the same strap, scrunch the fabric together to close each side. As it gathers, guide it so the cap is on the inside.

Using the doll for reference, determine how long you want the straps. Tie each side of the straps into a knot and cut excess off. 

Simply stretch the hole open to fill the bag, pull ties and scrunch fabric together to close it.

Barbie says a girl can never have too many bags😉

To me, pasta is one of life's little pleasures. While I acknowledge we shouldn't eat it every day, boy I wish we could:@) This Fettuccini with Lemon Sauce was a fabulous side dish, perfect with any protein, grilled, stove top or oven. And if you toss some veggies into the boiling water the last few minutes of cooking time, you have starch and vegetable taken care of in one pot-you are welcome:@)

Make something yummy, and just for fun, and have a happy weekend:@)

Fresh Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding Dressing & Gourmet Gift Baskets for Father's Day

Let's face it folks, guys aren't always easy to buy for... But if there's one thing I'm sure of, they do like to eat! May I suggest considering a great gift tower or basket of goodies this Father's Day from Gourmet Gift Baskets.com, they make the perfect gift whether your dad is local or across the country. I love the variety to choose from, everything from a breakfast in bed (k-cups included), to peanut butter cup popcorn for the dad with a sweet tooth, to fresh fruit and nuts. And yes, their generosity was the inspiration for this Fresh Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding Dressing. The pudding adds a little vanilla flavor and makes a sweet sauce that has some creamy body to it. Oh, and it's only two ingredients-gotta love that:@)

This gift box is called Farmer's Market and it was at my door in two days.

Everything was packaged securely, fresh, and sealed well.

It's a very nice mix with a little bit of everything...

Under the snack bags is a log of summer sausage, brick of cheddar cheese and some crackers. 

And of course there are buckets of beer and munchies because, 

you know, snacking isn't just for football season:@)

No need to worry about the correct size or color. 

You don't need to know if he's still into last year's hobby...

Just pour a cuppa and scroll through Gourmet Gift Baskets for the perfect Father's Day gift.

I think you'll both be happy:@)

Fruit Salad with Vanilla Pudding Dressing

3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding

1 C lemon/lime soda, divided-reserve 2 Tblsp

2 oranges, peeled and cut into segments

1/2 lb grapes cut in half, any color

2 red apples, cut into bite size chunks

Optional-you'll have more than enough dressing to toss in a handful of berries if desired

1. Pour pudding mix into large bowl. 
2. Measure soda, pour 2 Tblsp into separate bowl. Add the rest of the 1 C to the pudding. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add oranges and grapes to pudding.
4. As you cut the apple, add the slices to the second bowl with soda. Mix to coat so the apples don't brown.
5. Scoop apples out into pudding mixture.
6. Gently stir to coat everything.
7. Push plastic wrap down into bowl on top of fruit. 
8. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours. Stir and serve within 4 hours ideally.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

I'd like to thank Gourmet Gift Baskets for their generous sample to review.

All opinions are my own.

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Chili and Lime Corn on the Cob

The corn looked pretty good the other day so I picked up my first few ears of the season. Popped them into the ♥Instant Pot, 1 C water, 2 minutes, automatic release, and shortly thereafter... Lunch was served:@) Every once in a while I mix up the flavors a bit, this time I tried Chili and Lime Corn on the Cob. A little chili powder and freshly grated lime zest was a very nice addition! When I was a kid, we'd have one "summer dinner" each year... A dozen ears of corn and garden fresh tomatoes! While I wouldn't trade a fresh ear of corn with butter at it's summer best for anything, my little spice additions are great for ears at slightly less than peak perfection.

Other flavors to try with corn on the cob:

Cilantro salt

Old Bay Seasoning

Lawry's Chili and Garlic Seasoned Salt

Buffalo Wing Sauce and Blue Cheese Dressing

Lemon Butter

Chipotle Powder

Curry Powder

Sweet Red Thai Chili Sauce

Southern BBQ Butter

Cajun Seasoning

Barbie Style:@)

Chili and Lime Corn on the Cob

Plan on one lime per 6 ears of corn.

Cook corn as desired, roll liberally in butter, sprinkle with S&P, lightly dust with chili powder and zest a lime over ears. Roll, serve and enjoy!

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Walmart's Pineapple and Coconut Water Spritzer with Splash of Rum

It's the little things in life folks... I saw a new (to me) flavor in the Walmart brand of bottled waters and it screamed summer, so home it came:@) This Pineapple and Coconut Water Spritzer with a beautiful slice of lime and splash of rum is surprisingly tasty and perfect for a hot lazy afternoon lounging poolside. It's a wink and nod to a Pina Colada, but with ~much~ fewer calories. You could also easily make it a mocktail by using a drop of rum extract, or leave the rum out entirely and you have a refreshing flavored water.

Just wanted to share something I've been enjoying,

get it before it's gone!

Try something new and have a happy day:@)

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs and Mediterranean Marinade

These Lemon and Oregano Chicken Shish-Kabobs are the best thing I've eaten in a while folks. I found the recipe on the Perdue website and have to say, if you're looking for an easy marinade for chicken, you can't go wrong with olive oil, fresh garlic and oregano. I think all the cool kids might call this a Mediterranean Marinade:@) Use whatever veggies you'd like, but zucchini goes well with both lemon and oregano. And whatever you do, be sure to add more onion, there isn't one bite that isn't enhanced by a grilled sweet Vidalia onion! Full disclosure, a few slices of lemon did fall off the skewers and through the grate, but I was still left with lots of flavor. Don't hesitate to try this one, it gets my Darn Good label and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Now, are you supposed to eat the lemons?

I really don't know.

I did try one with a piece of chicken, it was a little much for me personally.

I just squeezed the juice over everything with the remaining pieces, messy but good:@)

Lemon Oregano Chicken Kabobs-from Perdue

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1" cubes

1/4 C olive oil

2 tsp dried oregano

2 minced cloves garlic, how big should the cloves be? You know your crowd:@)

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

Assorted vegetables, onion and peppers 1" square, zucchini aim for 1/2" thick. Cherry tomatoes, scallions, etc. optional

2 lemons cut into 1/8-1/4" slices/rounds

1. Mix olive oil, oregano, garlic and S&P. *At this point you have a choice, you can reserve 1 Tblsp or so of the marinade for brushing the veggies later, or just add the chicken to all of it. I added the chicken, then added the veggies to what was left in the bag after I took the chicken out.* Let chicken marinate in refrigerator 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. I cooked mine at 3 hours, it had lots of flavor.
2. Preheat grill to medium high.
3. Skewer meat and vegetables, aim for a piece of lemon next to each piece chicken.
4. Oil grill grates and cook over medium/low heat approximately 10-15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Sprinkle with salt once off grill and serve.

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Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Christmas Jello Balls -A No-Bake Confection

As you may know, I have a bit of an infatuation with Jello... This easy Christmas Jello Balls recipe comes from a gentleman in Newfoundland, his mother made them every Christmas. While it doesn't seem too easy for folks in the US to get the thick milk called for, I thought I'd try making some with sweetened condensed milk. Now, I obviously can't speak to the authenticity, but I can say, this is a fun little three ingredient addition to the Christmas candy list! You can make both red and green, I just whipped up some strawberry to see how it would taste... We likey:@)

Christmas Jello Balls-adapted from Lord Byron's Kitchen

3 oz Jello, any flavor-but red and green are fun for Christmas

3/4 C thick cream (if you can find it) ~or~ sweetened condensed milk

2 C unsweetened coconut, very finely grated-mine was sweetened, I ran it through the food chopper

1. With the back of a heavy spoon, mix Jello and milk well, it will be thick.
2. Stir in 1 1/2 C coconut, mix well, it will be very thick.
3. Roll into ~small~ 1" balls, roll balls into remaining coconut. These are sweet folks, smaller bites are best.
4. Add parchment or wax paper to air tight container and lay balls on it. Cover with lid.
5. Place in refrigerator for 2 hours.

Make something new this holiday season and have a happy day:@)

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Craftstic Monday

Lemon Poppy Seed Spritz Cookies -Halloween or Any Day

The dough for these Lemon Poppy Seed Spritz Cookies is a dream to work with! It was the perfect consistency and the cookies stuck to the baking sheet without any trouble at all. ♥I like that in a spritz cookie:@) My first thought was, how could 1 tsp of poppy seeds be enough for all of that dough? But it really was, although, if you're a big poppy seed lover you may want to add a bit more. The predominant flavor is lemon, but you will notice the poppy seeds too. Don't hesitate to give these a try folks, any time of year using any disc shaped desired. They are flavorful cookies that would be perfect with a nice cup of tea.

I used the Oxo spider disc from their fall set since we're getting close to Halloween:@)

Spider web napkins are 98¢ at Walmart this year.

Recipe easily cut in half, just estimate half of the yolk.

Half of the recipe will make two cookies sheets.

My Spritz Cookie Pinterest Board can be found here.

Lemon Poppy Seed Spritz Cookies-from Wilton
1 C butter, softened
3 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 C sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp lemon extract
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp poppy seeds
2 3/4 C A/P flour
1/4 tsp salt

1. Cream butter, cream cheese and sugar with mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add yolk, vanilla, lemon extract and zest and poppy seeds, mix well.
3. Mix in flour and salt.
4. Load cookie press with dough and desired disc, press cookies onto cool, ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool on cookie sheets for 2 minutes, then remove cookies to rack to cool completely.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

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