Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Halloween

halloween comment at Viagraphics

Stay Cool With Sparkling Drink Desserts!!!

Sparkly "pops" Dessert Drinks

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These are wonderful. And sooooo Easy...All you need is some sparkling wine, Champange, or some fresh juice, pour into your popcicle molds and freeze (you can add a few slices of fruit for crunchies in them too) then when frozen (about 2 hours) take them out put inside your favorite wine glasses or regular glasses and piur in more drink (wine or juice) Stay COOL this HOT HOT summer!!!

Wine Gelée Recipe

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We all love champagne – make something a little different this year – sparkling "wine gelée,"Use  choice of Prosecco, Moscato,Champagne or other sparkling wine, I love Zinfandel wine!You can set it with plain gelatine. It makes a cool, refreshing, low-fat dessert (that also happens to be dairy, gluten and egg free, if that’s a concern!) Whoa...did this recipe say LOW-FAT? I'm in!!!!

Or make it with sparkling juice for the kids or those tea-totaling friends. Chill the mixture in champagne flutes and you could have fun with a tray of what looks like bubbly liquid, that’s actually set! Works for me...Try it on New Year's this year for something a little different!

To doll up your dessert, top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream and/or some fresh raspberries. I think that this will work wonderful for my first Red Hat "Game Time" Yup it sure will..... 

To make Sparkling Wine Gelée:: 

• open a 750 mL bottle of Prosecco, Moscato or other sparkling wine (or sparkling apple juice) 
• pour 1 cup of it into a small saucepan. 
• Shake two (1/4 oz.) packets of plain gelatine overtop
• let sit for 5 minutes to soften. 
• Whisk in 1/4 cup sugar until it dissolves,
• remove from the heat.
• Pour the remaining Prosecco into a pitcher a
• add the gelatine mixture; 
• whisk to combine and pour into tall glasses,
• fill them as you would a glass of bubbly.
• If you like, drop a few fresh raspberries or pomegranate seeds into each glass. 
• Refrigerate until firm.

Serve once set in at least 2 hours... Voila Enjoy!!!

Does Tea have an Expiration Date????

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How Old Are your Tea Bags? Since I'm a huge fan if tea I was concerned after going on vacation last week whether the tea I have had in a sealed Tupperware container was still good. I looked and didn't see any dates on the tea bags????? But, I am one with a very sensitive tummy so I decided to chick them rather than drink them. 

Now after doing some researched I wish I had kept them. I know they were from last year and I see now that tea is like honey, it never really expires.... But tea can taste stale, meaning that the flavor will decrease over time. And if you are like me and drink your tea black, then that could really hinder the savoring of a good cup of tea!

Bottom line is that tea really Never expires as long as its sealed tight with no air, humidity or light peeking in on it!

In China they sell very expensive tea that is 100 years old.

Lots of experts say that since tea does not contain any nutritional value "calories", if properly stored away from air and light it could last for many, many years.

Most manufacturers put 2 and 3 years expiration dates on their tea as only a guide since most consumers will not accept a food product with no expiration dates!

"Mary" at Salada states that the code on the tea bag box- "B4063" meant the "tea was manufactured in 2006, the 4th day of March." And that she believes "Two years is the best shelf life. Tea lasts a long time, but after two years is begins to dwindle in overall quality. However, it can safely be used indefinitely. I would say that if your tea is over a year old then toss it if you like to really taste the tea flavor. If your just looking for some flavored water to warm you up then drink it. Most tea bags aren't expensive to buy unless you really want to get into some exotic teas. 

Newer Salada Tea Bags Have "Best By" Dates Lipton Teas Are Either Date Stamped or Have Manufacturing Codes 

So how long you can you keep Lipton tea. Just to let you know, Lipton Original Tea in the 16-ounce bottle has a "drink by" date. Look on the cap of Lipton Iced Tea to find the expiration date. So does Snapple one of my favorite ice teas.

As for other teas, according to Lipton, the shelf life depends on the type of tea it is. The majority of their teas, "Black, Iced Tea Brew, Cold Brew Tea, Herbal, Black Flavored Teas, ChaiLatta, Earl Grey and English Breakfast can be enjoyed with quality, up to 18 months from the production date." Iced tea mix powder, in the can, has a "maximum shelf life of 12 months from the production date." And if you look into the can and it is all stuck together toss it!

How to Read Lipton's Manufacturing Codes 
Lipton places date codes or manufacturing codes on their tea bags and powdered mixes. To understand the code, the first number is the year, the next letter is the month, and the two numbers that follow denote the day. The letters and the months they represent are: A- January; B- February; C- March; D- April; E- May; F- June; G- July; H- August; X- September; J- October; K- November, and L- December.

The date codes on some Lipton tea bags and powdered tea mixes are "Best if Use By" dates. According to the web site, the products "will generally maintain good quality for several months after that date. Your best guide to freshness is simply to smell and taste the product." I myself keep my tea in a dark cool place and I will drink it way before it has time to expire. 

To avoid having a "stale" cup of tea keep it in a dry, cool, air tight container, some people even store it in the freezer. When in doubt, brew it up and give it the "taste test!"

Tetley Teas FQA

Bon Appi-Tea.....

July is National HOT DOG Month

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Did you know that July is National Hot Dog month and 21st of July is the National Hot dog Day?? Yup one of kids and back yard bar-b-ques favorite!  Hot Dog Day is an annual event and it began in 1972. And, New Yorkers consume more hot dogs than any other city, beating out Chicago and Los Angeles! 
And according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, [did you even know that this council existed, I didn't]  Americans will be consuming the infamous little red tubes of "meat" in record numbers this summer.

 

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The Council estimates that over seven billion [wow] hot dogs will be eaten by Americans between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During the past July 4th weekend alone (the biggest hot-dog holiday of the year), 155 million will be eaten! Of those numbers 818 will be eaten every second during the month! Wow!! Every year, Americans eat an average of 60 hot dogs each. [hmmm not me] They are clearly one of the country's most loved, but most misunderstood, comfort foods. Below you'll find some frequently asked questions regarding the hot dog. 

How did the "Hot Dog" get its name you ask? Well the term "hot dog" actually is credited to sports cartoonist Tad Dorgan. At a 1901 baseball game at the Polo Grounds in New York, vendors began selling hot dachsund sausages in rolls.

Now for the healthy question. What are hot dogs actually made of? do you really want to know?  The council actually refers to the "hot dogs" insides as "specially selected meat trimmings" is that scary? You bet-cha!  

But fear not, as the DOA [Department of Agriculture] has rules about this and the "hot dog" has become much leaner and must be made of muscle from the animal. Does that make you feel better? 

In most supermarkets the casings are cellulose casings, which are removed before packaging and some still use the traditional natural casings. :) Feel better now? These are made from animal intestines. Yuck! But there is still that unknown substance that the law allows, 3% non-meat ingredients???? Hmmm now what could that be???? Don't get too scared, this is usually just some sort of milk or soy product with a little nutritional values added to our dogs! Believe it or not the "dog" may be high in sodium and fat, but they are also a good source of protein and iron and other necessary vitamins. 

To tally it all up, eat the "hot dog" if you like them, just 


The Weinermobile

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Do you remember this "weiner" mobile? It's one of the most unique yet most recognizable vehicles ever designed and just the sight of it will make you hungry!


How about an "Octopus Dog"

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Make them for the kids.... These are called "Octopus Hot Dogs"


Let's Make "Mummy Dogs"

How to make them

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How to make them




The "Dog" Hor Dog Buns

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Easy to make 

You will need:

1 

just follow the photo and get a package of pre-made roll dough, shape into the the dogs face, use one for each ear and 3 for the face, one for each cheek and one for the forhead, they will blend together as they bake, the back side can be plain with no face. The features are black beans stuck into the dough right after you remove them from the oven... add your dog between 2 and there's your Hot "dog" too cute!!!! 


Safe way for kids to eat Hot Dogs....

And for a Hot Dog Recipe:


This is called "The Bull Dog"

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Ingredients

• 6 all-beef hot dogs
• 6 hot dog buns
• Mustard, for serving
• Classic Creamy Coleslaw, for serving
• Real-Deal Chili, for serving
• Chopped white onion, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat griddle to medium heat. Fill a medium saucepan three-quarters full of water; bring to a boil. Add hot dogs, reduce heat to simmer, and cook until hot dogs are plump and heated through, about 6 minutes.
2. Using tongs, transfer hot dogs to griddle. Open buns and place interior-side down on griddle. Cook hot dogs and buns until lightly browned.
3. Serve hot dogs in buns with mustard, coleslaw, chili, and onions.

Summer Mini Fruit Tarts Dessert!!!!

This is a wonderful little fresh dessert to make for family, friends, or just for you! Lots of scrumptious goodies and so easy. 

Here’s what you need.

Super simple! 

1. First, preheat the oven to 355 F (180 C).

2. Using your electric mixer, mix the butter and sugar until fluffy.

3. Add the egg and mix to combine.

4. Then add about 2/3 of the flour and continue mixing.

5. Finally, add the rest of the flour and working with your hands, form a nice smooth dough ball.

6. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into about 1/10-inch (2 mm) thickness. 

7. Using a cutter or a glass with a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm) or slightly more, cut out circles.

 

Just like this.

8. Grease and lightly flour the back side of a mini muffin pan.  Yes, we are working with a flipped mini muffin pan here. Fun, huh? 

9. Cover every other mini muffin cup with a cut out circle  and then crimp the edges.

10. Bake at 355 F (180 C) for about 15-20 minutes or until beautifully golden. 

11. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. 

12. Then fill your shells with sweetened whipped cream and lots and lots of fresh fruit. You can use a little vanilla custard too, I like to spray whipped cream on the top for a delightful dessert! Enjoy!! 

These lovely tarts taste best when refrigerated.

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Grilled Pizza For A Summer Treat!

Summertime is "Grilling" time and I LOVE pizza!! Most people do. Its easy, quick to cook, and yummy! Here is a favorite of mine that has lots of options for those who like their pizzas with different toppings. I like pineapple & cheese toppings, so that is what I used in the recipe, however you can add any toppings you like. The combos are endless! Enjoy!!

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Ingredients

1-2	large wheat tortillas
1 lb	grilled chicken
1/2 c	salsa
1 can 6 oz	chunk tidbits Pineapple ea. cheddar & monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 can(s)	diced tomatoes, no salt added, drained well Optional:
1 pkg             1 sm	Pepperoni onion, sliced & grilled
1 sm	green bell, sliced & grilled
1 c	mushrooms, sliced & grilled

1. Grill chicken breasts let cool and rip in shreds[if you have left over chicken you can use that too]

2. Grill onions and green peppers and mushrooms with low fat margarine[I use

" I Can't Believe It's Not Butter"]

3. Brush both sides of the tortilla shells with olive oil

4. Place on grill rack for 1-2 min. on each side. Remove from grill, top w/  salsa, cheese's, chicken, diced tomato & veggies.

5. Place back on grill, close lid so cheese will melt.

Happy 4th OF July!! Make some Grilled Corn on the Cob!!

I love Grilled Corn on the Cob!! There is just something wonderful about the taste, here is a recipe that includes an extra twist by adding Jalapeno pepper to spice it up. I prefer butter, or honey butter [just whip up a few drops of honey with some butter] or try adding a little cinnamon with your butter ...yummy ...you chose...

Ingredients

• 
  Preparation1 jalapeño pepper
• Cooking spray $
• 7 teaspoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon grated lime rind $
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 ears shucked corn $

1. 1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. 2. Place jalapeño on grill rack coated with cooking spray; cover and grill for 10 minutes or until blackened and charred, turning occasionally.
3. 3. Place jalapeño in a small paper bag, and fold tightly to seal. Let stand for 5 minutes. Peel and discard skins; cut jalapeño in half lengthwise. Discard stem, seeds, and membranes. Finely chop jalapeño. Combine jalapeño, butter, lime rind, honey, and salt in a small bowl; stir well.
4. 4. Place corn on grill rack. Cover and grill for 10 minutes or until lightly charred, turning occasionally. Place corn on serving plate; brush with jalapeño butter.

HAPPY 4th of July

Yummy Tomato Slices

Here is a great recipe - it's easy and healthy.  

This recipe was found on Chatty Crone's blog. I thought it looked so good I wanted to go to my kitchen and make them....Cut your tomatoes in half crosswise, season with salt and pepper. In a small frying pan add crushed garlic, olive oil and fresh thyme, cook til golden, take off the heat and add in grated parmesan cheese. Place your tomato halves cut side down on and oiled grill until you get grill marks, then turn them over with tongs and spoon the garlic cheese mixture on top and continue cooking. (Pinterest)
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Which Helps You Shop Healthier: Pushing a Cart or Carrying a Basket?

 http://www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=poll_do_you_shop_with_a_basket_or_a_cart

thanks again Chatty .....


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Frittatas Are Really Great Hot of Cold!!!

Frittata

(Italian open-faced omelet)

I love Frittatas! They are filling and can be eaten warm or cold. And with springtime tomatoes starting to grow they are a great addition to a frittata. I also like to add fruit like blackberries, blueberries, and mulberries. 

A frittata (Italian plural: frittate) is an Italian egg dish, similar to a crustless French quiche, that is studded with a variety of flavorful, seasonal ingredients. Often referred to as an "open-faced omelet," frittatas are cut into wedges and served warm or at room temperature as part of a breakfast, brunch or light meal.

The ingredients you add to your frittata are mix and match as you like, and making frittatas is a great way to clean out your fridge. :)

4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• Eggs -- 6 to 8
• Milk -- 3 or 4 tablespoons
• Optional ingredients (see variations) -- 1 to 2 cups
• Salt and pepper -- to taste
• Olive oil -- 2 or 3 tablespoons

Method

1. Beat the eggs and milk together in a large bowl until smooth.
2. Prepare the optional ingredients as needed. Allow to cool if necessary and stir into the eggs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-low flame. Give the egg mixture a big stir and pour into the skillet and cook over low heat until the frittata is well set but still runny on the top, 6 to 8 minutes.
4. Set the frittata in the oven under a broiler until the eggs are cooked through and lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Let the frittata rest for 5 minutes, then cut into wedges and serve with a side salad and slices of crusty bread.

Today in National Tater Day!!

Today is National Tater Day so indulge!!!

National Tater Day is an unofficial food holiday set aside to celebrate the potato. It has been celebrated annually on March 31. While it is a day set aside for potatoes, this day may have come about because of a different food celebration that occurs just days later. On the first Monday in April each year, there is a local observance for sweet potatoes in Marshall County, Kentucky. It has been an annual day for sweet potato celebration since the 1840s. 

The potato is the leading vegetable crop in the US.

National Tater Day History  

The exact reason that National Tater Day came about is unknown. It is also unknown who had the idea for National Potato Day. The history of the potato goes back over 2500 years. Potatoes sustained the economy in Ireland for centuries. Americans did not start to use potatoes as a food until the 1870s. Prior to that, potatoes were primarily considered livestock feed. 

Amazing Twice Baked Potatoes

Serves:	6
Prep Time:	1 Hr
Cook Time:	2 Hr

Ingredients

6	potatoes, bakers
1/2	yellow bell pepper
1/2	green bell pepper
1/2	red bell pepper
1	red onion
1/2 c	ham
1/2 c	bacon, cooked
1/4 c	milk, 1%
5 Tbsp	margarine
5 Tbsp	olive oil, light
1 lb	cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Tbsp	garlic pepper
1 1/2 c	sour cream

Directions

1

 pre heat oven to 350 degrees wash potatoes, poke holes with fork, bake for about 2 1/2 hours

2

 while those are baking dice up the onion, peppers, ham, and bacon

3

 sautee the onions, and peppers and garlic pepper in the olive oil until tender. remove from heat

4

 mix the crumbled bacon, and diced ham with the onion mixture, sautee for about 5 minutes.

5

 drain oil from mixture.

6

 when potatoes are tender when stabbed with a fork, remove from oven, cut in half, length wise, and allow about 10 minutes to cool

7

 when potatoes are cooled, scoop out the inside with a spoon being careful not to break the skin. save the shells on a foil lined cook sheet

8

 put the scooped out potato into a bowl, mash with margarine, milk, sour cream and half the cheddae cheese

9

 when done mashing to your desired chunkiness, or smoothness, add in the bacon, ham, onion mixture. mix well

10

 begin scooping mixture back into shells fill them as full as you can they can be over flowing

11

 cover the potatoes with remaining cheese. bake for about 15 minutes at 350.

12

 Let cool about 10 minutes before serving..