Happy Valentines Day

Call me a cynic....

... but I don't buy into the whole roses, Hallmark cards, and candy thing.

Personally, I hate roses.

(More of a tulip girl myself.)

But my husband knows, don't buy me something that will be dead within a week.

What's the key to my heart?  A new Kitchen Aid mixer.  ;-)

But to those who love Valentines Day...... may it be a happy one for you!

Mama J

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Bars

These tart and sweet bars take a childhood classic and put a little twist to it. Not only are they delicious, but they make the perfect gluten-free Valentine's Day treat! 

Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Bars
((Printable Version))

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
4 cups miniature marshmallows
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
1 (10 oz.) bag white chocolate chips (1 1/2 cups)
6 cups rice "krispie" cereal
3/4 cup dry cranberries

Directions:
1. Melt the butter in a pot and add the marshmallows.  Stir until the mixture is melted and add the vanilla.

2. Add the rice cereal, white chocolate chips, and cranberries.  Stir until combined.

3. Spread into a greased 9 x 13 pan.  Press down with a greased piece of waxed paper.

4. Cool and cut into squares.

Linked to:  Sweet As Sugar Cookies, Gooseberry Patch, Weekend Potluck

Raspberry Heart Meringues (Gluten Free)

These cute little bite sized meringue hearts are simple and easy to prepare.  With a hint of raspberry, they make the perfect Valentines Day treat. Plus, they have the added bonus of being gluten free and low in fat!

Raspberry Heart Meringues (Gluten Free)
(Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens)
((Printable Version))

Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon raspberry jam (room temperature)
6 drops red food coloring (optional- I didn't use it)
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup white sugar
1/3 powdered sugar

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200F.  Line two large cookie sheet pans with parchment paper.

2. In a small mixing bowl, mix the two sugars together.  In another small bowl, mix the raspberry jam and (optional) red food coloring.  Set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form (when the beater is lifted, the tip of the egg whites should softly curl.)  Add the sugar mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating for 5 to 7 minutes on medium speed, or until stiff glossy peaks form (the tips stand straight up) and all the sugar is dissolved.

4. Use a spatula and gently fold 1/2 the meringue mixture into the jam, then gently fold jam/meringue mixture into the remaining meringue.

5. Use a pastry bag (I used a zip lock bag with the tip cut off) and pipe meringues into hearts, or Xs and Os.

6. Bake for 1 1/2 hours and then turn off the oven and allow to cool in the oven with the door ajar.

Strore in an airtight container.

Linked to: Sweet As Sugar Cookies, Gooseberry Patch, Katherine Martinelli

Triple Chocolate Kit Kat Cookies

It is almost Valentines Day and my kids are still working on their Halloween candy. I decided to help them out by unloading all their Kit Kat bars and turning them into cookies.

I'm hoping they won't be upset by this.

After one taste of these, something tells me they won't be.

Triple Chocolate Kit Kat Cookies:
((Printable Version))

2 1/4 cups flour
2/3 cup dark chocolate cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/3 cups (2 2/3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
1 (10 oz.) bag white chocolate chips
About 2 or 3 Kit Kat bars, chopped (or as many as you can cram into the dough)

Preheat oven to 350F.  In a bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

In a bowl, beat butter, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until creamy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Gradually add the flour mixture.

Stir in the white chocolate chips and chopped Kit Kats.

HERE IS THE CRITICAL STEP....  TAKE NOTE:
Hide all evidence that you have raided your children's candy stash.

Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a parchment lined cookie sheet pan.

Bake for about 8 to 9 minutes.  (Remember to under bake your cookies and allow them to cool on the cookie sheet pan.)

(inside view)

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Pasta with Sauteed Leeks, White Beans, and Walnuts

Leeks and yellow peppers get sautéed with garlic and olive oil to make this delicious pasta sauce. When added with creamy white beans, crunchy walnuts, and tossed with pasta, it will be come your new "Meatless Monday" favorite.

Pasta with Sautéed Leeks, White Beans, and Walnuts
(Source: Vegetarian Times)
((Printable Version))

Ingredients:
1 pound pasta, cooked al dente
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 large leeks (about 6 cups)
1 cup yellow bell peppers, chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
 2 cups cannellini beans, cooked and drained
1 cup vegetable broth
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
Parmesan cheese for topping

Directions:
1. Cut the darker green parts off of the leeks and cut in half lengthwise.  Chop and soak well in water to thoroughly clean.

2. Cook leeks and yellow pepper in olive oil with the red pepper flakes for about 10 minutes.

3. Allow the leeks to brown on the bottom of the pan.  (Do not use a non stick skillet.)  Add the garlic and then add the broth and scrape up all the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.

4. Add the beans and simmer for about 5 more minutes.  Serve over pasta with chopped walnuts and parmesan cheese.

Cellos, footballs, and screaming kids.... oh my.

I hear there was some big football game on the other night?

I was at a party.

I remember hearing the TV.

But, with 10 adults and 11 kids in the house...

... it proved to be a bit of a challenge.

I remember sitting in front of the TV.

But between all the good conversation, food, and drink....

...I'm not sure if I ever really looked at the TV.

I do remember jumping up and starting a dance party during half time.

But a quick glance at the TV....

... and that was enough for me.

What is my fondest memory of the evening?

Sitting down to play at the piano with my talented husband and friends on guitar, cello, bass, and vocals.  (And a little bongo to boot.)

Forgot football.

Forget the TV.

Give me friends and good music.

That is all the entertainment I need.

Storm Troopers? Beer? Together?!?

Is this for real?

Could it be true?

Is there really a Star Wars beer out there?

Sadly, no more.

I know I'm a day late and a dollar short with this story.....  but I've just discovered this and the images bring me great joy.

This is a Russian Imperial Stout.  8.50% ABV.

BeerAdvocate gave it an overall rating of "A", "outstanding".

Would you really expect anything less from  a beer with the name 'Stout Trooper'?

So what's 'the dark side'?

Apparently the brewer at New England Brewing Co. received a 'cease-and-desist' letter from the legal department of George Lucas and his film company.

So what did they change the bottle to?

Sorry if this is old news to some of you beer lovers out there.  I know it all happened over two years ago.


But as being new to me....


                     ....it made me laugh.

From what I gather this beer is no longer made....

         ....and this makes me sad.

That is one bottle cap that would have been a MUST HAVE for my son's collection!