My Favorite Recipes Book

Spinach Soup & Making a Roux

2012-02-13T20:49:00.000-08:00

Before I left the "nest," my mom taught me to make a roux. My mom's Broccoli/Spinach Soup and Clam Chowder is my favorite and they both involve making a roux. She probably said "roux" 20 times and I had never heard that word before that time. It sounded scary. It sounded hard. And......it wasn't! Woot woot! I LOVE taking this soup to someone on a cold day.
So...here's how to make it.

First off, if you have freezer space you and you love creamed soups....I have some great advice. Make a bunch of rouxs and freeze them. Then, whenever you want to make one, it will take you a fraction of the time. My mom made a bunch about a year ago and she let me borrow one when I was running behind one day and it was awesome. I think I am going to take a day this next week and make a bunch of them. Then I will feel even more like a super mom. (Something about doing something ahead of time to make things faster makes me feel like a super mom.)

If you want to make a roux ahead of time, here is the recipe:

1 onion, chopped
1 cube butter
1 quart half & half
1 cup flour

This roux is slightly different than the ones in my recipes, but it works still the same and will work with really any creamed soup you want to do. Just add in your "likings" and your good to go.

As for the Broccoli/Spinach Soup Recipe....here we go.

1. Start by cooking your chopped broccoli or spinach and onion in water. I always like to add in a handful of chopped carrots too, but that's up to you. If you are making spinach soup, thaw your spinach and drain it the best you can. For the broccoli, I like to chop in my food processor and I like it fine but also some small chunks too. Some people like larger pieces. Which are you??? Let your heart....or stomach guide you.

2. When your veggies are soft, you are ready to add in your chicken soup base and water. I've had people ask me what chicken soup base is. You can find it in the soup aisle and is right by the boullion cubes. It's in a tub and is paste like consistency. As for the water, I usually add about 5 cups (just over a quart). If you like a thicker soup, do a quart. If you like a thinner soup, do more. Keep your heat on and bring to a boil while you start on the next step....making the roux.

3. Melt a cube of margarine (or butter) in a saucepan and then add in a heaping 3/4 cup of flour.[Please note that if you are making the rouxs to freeze, melt your butter and onion together until the onion is soft.] You are going to start beating it like crazy. It's going to look like hundreds of little balls.

Keep stirring while you add in your evaporated milk and half & half. Now I'm lazy and I don't like to beat it for so long, so I put the milks in a glass dish and throw it in the microwave for about 2 minutes to speed up the process. Not necessary but does make it quicker. Keep beating with the heat on making it smooth and thick. The heat will continue to make it thicker. When it is good and thick and pulls away from your pan, it's good to go.

4. Go ahead and dump your roux in your veggies and stir in until smooth and combined. When it heated through, take off heat and add 1 cup sour cream (not necessary, but makes it even creamier) and cheese, optional.

My personal favorite is the spinach (even though normally I am a broccoli eater). When I first told my kids that it was spinach soup it took me a little while to get them to try a bite. But as soon as I did, they were asking for seconds and now ask me to make it for dinner. It's good stuff.

Enjoy!!!

Valentining

2012-02-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

I've been cooking like crazy lately (I hope to be posting some awesome new recipes I've been trying...soon), but the last few days I have been busy working on Valentines.

So my family has a little thing with mustaches lately. My dad sells these awesome mustaches that cost a quarter and we have been a little obsessed. It's amazing how entertaining they can be to my little guys. So, with Valentines coming up I wanted a way to use them and share the love of the "stache."

Here's what I just finished making for all their classmates, friends, and relatives:

I packaged them up with their very own mustache. I'm hoping my son's little 1st grade class has a blast with them and somebody takes a picture.

So excited to have those all done and they are done a WHOLE 4 DAYS EARLY. So proud of myself for not procrastinating I can't even tell you. I even got the dreaded (at least for me) Valentines box done too. CHECK, CHECK. Woot woot! We made a great little robot wrapped in duct tape with slinkies for arms. My son was so creative. Super proud.

Well....for Valentines day I am offering 15% off your order through Valentines day at my Etsy store. Just enter VALENTINES as the coupon code. Enjoy!!!

3 Lettuce Salad with Sweet Red Onion Dressing

2012-02-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

I completely forgot to post this on Monday....so I decided to give you one of my my all time favorite recipes.

This is my FAVORITE salad and one of my most requested items to bring to a party. I had it the first time at my bridal shower over 10 years ago. I didn't cook much back then, but I had to have the recipe and it became my staple for every get together from that point on.

It's kind of one of those throw whatever you like and pour that yummy dressing over it and you have a delicious salad. Here's the recipe and then I will give you the commentary about it.

As I mention in the recipe, I usually used bagged lettuce. For me, it's easier. Costco and Sam's have tubs of salad that makes it really easy to put this together. If possible, it's great to use a mixed green salad mix and then add in some romaine and spinach leaves. Whatever you have will be great though.

I love to add strawberries, but any kind of fruit....pears, raspberries, blueberries, even craisins are great.

Sugared nuts are always amazing in a salad. Don't you agree? Mmmm. Get your almonds (or pecans...my favorite) put them in a skillet and pour your sugar over them. The sugar will melt over them and after it has all dissolved I like to pour them on a sheet of wax paper or a cookie sheet in a single layer to cool.

Bacon. Do I need to say more? To make this salad easy, I usually have nuts already made up in the freezer (when I run out I make a lot), and I always have the frozen bacon in the freezer too. The kind you can buy at Costco or Sam's. I throw it in the microwave for a minute until it's pretty crispy and after it cools it crumbles really easily.

Parmesan cheese. Ok, the powdered kind does not work in this salad. However, if you don't have shredded Parmesan cheese, mozzarella is great too! Sometimes I do both.

Chicken. Honestly, I rarely ever put chicken in this salad anymore. Mainly because I make it as a side and not a main dish. However, if you were serving this with soup, for example, I might add chicken just to give it some protein. I think I'm cheap and lazy though and adding chicken drives up the price and the time on the salad.

The dressing is great. I like just a 1/4 c. chopped red onion, but if you feel like the onion taste is too light, add more. Add in all the ingredients in your blender, except the oil, and blend it up for a few minutes (you don't want to have any chunks of onion). Your dressing will be a beautiful pink color. After it's blended really well, keep the blender going and slowly add in your oil. Wait to pour your dressing over your salad until you're ready to serve. Don't pour the entire salad dressing over your salad...add about 1/2 or so and mix it and then see if you need more. You don't want it dripping (ok maybe you do...I'm just not a fan)..

So there it is. This recipe is a winner. Hope you all like it!

Mmmm Monday....Fruit Pizza

2012-01-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite desserts! I just had it yesterday and I'm still thinking about it. Mmmmm...yes. LOVE IT! Other than cutting up the fruit, it's really easy too. Having made it dozens and dozens of times, however, I do have a few little hints.

Here's the recipe:

And here's the tips:

1. I love easy recipes, so you could make your sugar cookie by scratch, but I love the way this mix turns out. Betty Crocker has many pouch mixes, so look for that section at the grocery store. Beat the egg and softened butter into the mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Roll dough into a large ball. I like to use a pizza pan, but if you don't have one, use a greased cookie sheet....it might need to be a little more oval. Flatten down the ball. I don't flatten it down all the way, but so it's about 1/2 the size if will end up being.

3. Bake at 375 degrees (350 if using a dark or nonstick pan) for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it. It might need longer. Sometimes, the center needs longer than the edges. That's why it's important to flatten out the ball. If the center does need more time and your edges burn, no worries, just cut them off. No one will notice.

4. While your cookie is baking you can start to make the mixture. I think the key to combining cream cheese with anything is...1. Make sure it's soft (pull out about 1/2 hour - 1 hour before) and 2. beat with your mixer BEFORE adding anything to it. This helps it from making the mixture clumpy. So beat your soft cream cheese, add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1/4 tsp. vanilla. Once that looks all good and great, add in the cool whip, but don't beat it in too much.

5. After your cookie is good and cooled, frost it with your cream cheese mixture and add on the fruit. I love it with kiwis, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries but you could add whatever you like.

I have made this for holidays for friends and it is a huge hit! For Valentines, add some red food coloring to the frosting and shape your cookie like a heart. For Halloween, add in orange and shape it like a pumpkin. I promise, they will love it.

So there you have it. Hope you enjoy this as much as I do!

Mmmm Monday....Pomegranate Salsa

2012-01-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

Pomegranate Salsa....I know it's a little past the season for pomegranates, but this is a very very favorite of mine and I had to share. Maybe bookmark for your Christmas party next year. It's just a great fresh salsa with a sweet little kick when you bite into a pomegranate seed. LOVE IT! I like to use cherry tomatoes because it makes the salsa so bright and I coursely chop them in my food processor. Makes it much easier than having to hand dice them all. (I'm all about making things easier.) You definitely don't want to puree them though, so be careful.

First off: Do you know how to get the seeds out of a pomegranate?

Step 1: Cut off each end.
Step 2: Score the pomegranate by slicing it from one end to another.
Step 3: Fill a bowl full of water.
Step 4: Place the pomegranate in the water and break it open (it should open nicely along the score marks).
Step 5: Remove the seeds. By doing it in the water, you will avoid having the juice splatter all over your clothes. Been there, done that, it stains and is no fun.
Step 6. The membranes will float to the top and the seeds will sink to the bottom. Strain out the membrames and tada!!! You will have your pomegranate seeds. For those that don't like the work....Costco seasonally sells them already seeded.

I always double or even triple this recipe. I also will only add about 1/2 tsp of salt and then add more if needed. Sometimes, I find that if you are using salty chips, adding to much salt to this recipes can be over powering.

Enjoy! Happy Cooking! See you next Monday!

Mmmm Monday...White Chicken Chili

2012-01-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, we are going to start a new goal for the blog. A recipe every Monday. Some I will share that are in the book, and other will be new ones I have tried.

Tonight, I made the boys one of our very favorites (this is a 3 times a month recipe)....White Chicken Chili. I love this recipe. I have tried a TON of chili recipes (thanks to all the Chili cook-offs I've attended over the years) and this one is by far the best. I promise, you will love it. Every time I take it anywhere, I am asked for the recipe.

Here's the recipe (click for printable pdf version):

Saute until chicken is fully cooked in saucepan
1 lb. chicken breast (bite-sized chunks) --- see notes about this below
1 tbsp. oil
1/2 medium onion, minced
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Add:
2-3 cans great northern white beans, rinsed and drained
1 14 oz. can chicken broth
1 4 oz. can of diced green chiles, mild
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (I usually add less than this...if any at all because my kids can't handle the heat.)

Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer 30-45 min. Remove from heat and add:
1/2 c. whipping cream
1 c. sour cream

Ok....so now for the tid-bits. First off, I always use rotisserie chicken. Perhaps it's laziness or perhaps it's the shredded meat...but whatever it is I switched over and I don't know if I will go back. DO WHAT YOU HAVE THOUGH. If you have regular chicken, use it. It will still be awesome. If you use the rotisserie chicken, it's already cooked, so the first part cooks up in a snap. Basically just add your oil, onion, and garlic powder and heat until onions are tender and you are good to go to the next step.

I have a few things in my freezer at all times. My mom had them, and I have them. One of these things is chopped onion. Again, I am lazy so I will usually just buy the chopped onion in the frozen food aisle. For this recipe, I just throw about a 1/2 cup in.

The next step is adding the beans....that you rinsed and drained (I throw them in my strainer real quick), chicken broth, and the seasonings. About the beans...I always add 3 cans. My mom likes her chili not so thick so she only adds two. Do what you feel is right. :) Also, remember what I mentioned about the cayenne pepper and decide what kind of person you are. If my husband had his say, he would eat it at full strength. Sad for him, he doesn't get his say. The little munchkins do.

Bring that all to a boil and let simmer for about 30-45 min. so the beans get really soft and the flavors meld together. Let's be honest though, sometimes we are talking about a 5 minute simmer because this was a last minute dinner. Still great. I do recommend the time if you have it though.

Want a lower fat chili (I don't, but I always think I should), leave out the creams. Add some more chicken broth though so you have more liquid.

There you have it. Pick up some bread when you pick up your rotisserie chicken and you have an awesome warm meal for a snowy day.

I have attached the recipe. The recipe is already in my book...for those of you that have one.

The Messy Cook

2011-11-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

The Truth: I had high hopes for this blog. I wanted to put all these awesome recipes on here and post these decadent pictures (you know....the ones that make your mouth water and make you have to make the recipe NOW). Yes, that was the plan. However, this has been the plan for about 2 years and if you've noticed, there are no decadent pictures. In fact, there are hardly any recipes. The reason for this is: life. I have 3 little boys, I make a hand made craft, and I want to be room mother, baseball coach, tutor, and an amazing cook. So, what I end up getting is a messy kitchen and everything I make goes straight to the mouths waiting for it. Telling my kids to hold on while I put it in a fancy casserole dish, with a fancy colored napkin off the side, and getting the light just right is just not going to happen.

I think the first step to moving on is realizing the truth. So, I have just admitted the truth. I admitted it to all of you. Now, it's onto the future. I set my standards to high before. I kept putting off adding recipes to the blog until I got a great picture. Now that I realize this is never going to happy, I will start the "Wish this was a better blog, but it is what it is" blog.

To start off my new blog, I am posting a recipe......without a picture.

So, I LOVE my breakfast casserole that is in my book. It's called the Cheesy O'Brien Casserole. The reason I love it, is that I usually find that breakfast casseroles can be kind of bland, hard to get them to turn out right, and dry. This recipe uses Cheddar Cheese soup....which is kind of weird, I know....but it makes it very gooey and definitely not dry. Big fan.

However, I found another good recipe. My little sister has been making it for a couple years and it is SO fast. My older sister had a big brunch this last weekend and I was put in charge of making two of them. To make it easy, we made the "Easy Breakfast Casserole" (That's the name of it, great huh?). So, I will share that with you today.

EASY BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
Click here for printable version to put in your book.

7 eggs
1 c. milk
4 c. shredded cheese
6-8 slices of bacon (I bought the kind from Sam's Club that's already cooked and you just have to microwave. It made it just that much easier. Since I felt like the slices were a little smaller I did more like 12. Plus, can you really have too much bacon. Haha.)
8-10 frozen hash brown patties (This depends on how big your pan is. I bought the Kroger Brand from Smith's. It was $2 and comes in a 10 pack. I used 9 to line the bottom of my pan.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground mustard

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place hash browns in a single layer in a greased 9x13 baking dish (my pyrex dish worked awesome!).
3. Cook bacon and slice/crumble.
4. Sprinkle bacon and cheese over hash brown patties.
5. In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, salt and mustard. Pour over bacon.
6. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
7. Uncover and bake 15 minutes or longer until edges are golden brown and knife in center comes out clean.

Super easy! I think I put it together in 10 minutes. It doesn't have as much flavor as the other recipe I have in my book already, but with some ketchup it's great and it takes a lot less time. I would even think about making this for my kids before school. Oh wait, that would mean that I would have to have it in the oven at about 6:00 a.m. Nevermind. Sorry boys, you're having cereal still.

So, hopefully this is the start to a wonderful new blog full of tips, tricks, and recipes.

Happy Cooking!
Allie

Where I'll be

2011-09-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

UPDATED - I had some books left over from the show I did in Omaha this last week so I am leaving them with a friend. She will be taking them to the shows she is going to be at. I don't have a lot left, so if I sell them all at the earlier shows, I obviously won't have them at the later Omaha shows.

Here are the upcoming shows you can find me at:

Saturday, October 29th

St. Wenceslaus Fall Bowtique
15323 Pacific Street
Omaha, NE 68154
9-3:30

Wednesday-Saturday, November 8-12 - Simple Treasures Boutique

Legacy Events Center

Farmington, UT

Davis Fairgrounds across 1-15 from Lagoon

W-F 10-8, Sa 10-6

Wednesday-Saturday, November 8-12 - Grandmother's House Boutique

7711 S. Parker Road

Centennial, CO

Friday & Saturday, November 11th & 12th - Salt Lake Family Christmas Gift Show
South Towne Expo Center
Sandy, UT
10-9 p.m. The show runs through Sunday, but I will not be there that day.

Saturday, November 19th
Papillion-LaVista South
10799 Highway 370
Papillion, NE 68046
9-4

Friday & Saturday, November 25th & 26th
Santa's Workshop
Dixie Center At St. George
1835 Convention Center
St. George, UT 84790
10-6, Free Admission
Saturday, November 26th
Millard South Craft Show
14905 Q Street
Omaha, NE 68137
9-4

Friday & Saturday, December 2nd-3rd
Midway Swiss Christmas
130 W Main Street
Midway, UT
10-8

Recipe Shower Invite

2011-09-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

My mom is hosting a bridal shower in a month and decided to do a recipe shower. I just finished making the invite and cards for her last night and I loved the way it turned out.

Here is the recipe card that everyone will get and they will fill out to put in her book.

And here's the book I am making for her to put all the recipes in:

I hope she likes it....and I hope she doesn't read my blog. Pretty sure she doesn't, so I think I'm safe!

Swiss Days

2011-08-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

It is just a few days away before Swiss Days. It has been an insane summer and I had a lot of plans for my blog and unfortunately, I just haven't had the time. Not sure if that had to do with my 3 crazy little boys, moving, or making way too many cookbooks. Hmmmm.. Anyway, if you are visiting me for the first time, I hope you will visit again. I plan to get on top of things and start posting recipes, tips, tricks, and pictures. In the meantime, check out my website (click on the link at the side) to order and contact me if you have any questions at all!

Thanks!
Allie

myfavoriterecipesbook@gmail.com

Sweet Smell of Spring Boutique

2011-03-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

I will be at the "Sweet Smell of Spring Boutique" out in Riverton, UT from 9-5 this Saturday, March 12th. It will be held at the Small Wonders Pre-school. The address is: 2332 W. 12600 S.

http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a4d304d6a45314e7a453d0d0a&blogview=true

For those that live in Omaha, I will be back in Omaha to be at the Millard West Craft show on April 2nd and the Millard South Craft show on April 9th. I will be bringing my books from Utah, so if there is a specific book you want, please email me so I can make sure I have it for you.

I can't wait for SPRING!!!

Where am I and where am I going?

2011-02-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Wow, this is a big question. I only wish I knew the answer.

As of right now, I am mostly just selling online (Etsy and my website). I am planning on having my books at the Millard West Craft Show on April 2nd in Omaha. I will also be selling at two different boutiques in March in Utah. I will update the information when I receive it.

I have been cooking a lot lately. Trying new recipes. Inventing some. Perfecting others. I now just need to put my fingers to the keyboard and type all these recipes up so you can add them to your books. I hope to do this soon.

If you ever have any questions or want to reserve any books for the shows I'll be at, email me. I'd love to hear from you.

Blogtastic Extravaganza

2011-01-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

I am doing a giveaway with the blogtastic Extravaganza on this awesome blog: www.skittaskattfurniture.blogspot.com the 18th-22nd. Go to her blog for a chance to win.

I am also offering all my customers a discount on any purchase over $30. Enter coupon code 10OFF at check out. To order, click here.

I hope you all had a great holiday season! I have been busy in the kitchen and will let you know if I add more recipes.

Finally!! My website is up and running.

2010-11-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

I just finished my website! Now you can order directly through there. Check it out and let me know what you think.

www.myfavoriterecipesbook.com

The Hunt for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

2010-10-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends came to visit me last week and it was so much fun. She shares a love of cooking and recipes too, so we tried out a few. I thought I would share them with you as they were super yummy!

First off, she told me that she went on a craze to find the best chocolate chip cookie recipe and I was lucky enough to get to make them with her and partake.L Yes, they were awesome! I am a salt person and I loved the salt in this recipe. You couldn't really taste it while you were eating it, but the after taste was delightful. I'll be honest, I am a "easy recipe" cook. This recipe was definitely not an easy recipe. However, there are times when you want something really good and you don't mind taking the time to get it. This is one of those recipes.

1 2/3 c. flour

1 2/3 cups bread flour

1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (course)

1 1/4 cups unsalted butter

1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 1/4 pounds bittersweet chocolate (I did 1/2 bittersweet and 1/2 semi)

Sea salt.

1. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream butter and sugars together until very light, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla. Reduce speed to low, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Add in chocolate chips. Press plastic wrap against dough and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. (Let's be honest, I couldn't wait that long. I waited 20 minutes and that was hard enough. I'm sure it would have been better if I waited, however.) Dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Scoop the size of generous golf balls of dough onto baking sheet. If you want, you can sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Bake until golden brown but still soft, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then slip cookies onto another rack to cool a bit more. Repeat with remaining dough, or reserve dough, refrigerated, for baking remaining batches the next day. Eat warm, with a big napkin.
Yield: 1 1/2 dozen 5-inch cookies.

Next, we made a light pumpkin trifle. It was good, but you what would have made it better?? For it NOT to be light. Yes, I think I'm going to make it again this week and I will post the light and non-light version of the recipe for you.

Lastly, we made Honey-Lime Enchiladas. They were awesome. They weren't my husband's favorite (he doesn't like to mix sweet in with his entree (Pineapple on pizza is definitely a no-no....but a YES YES for me.) but I liked them. I got them off of this site:

http://mmmcafe.blogspot.com/2008/03/honey-lime-enchiladas.html

Check it out. It's a great site.

Well, that's it for me. I'll let you know how the trifle goes next week.

Good News! I'll be at Skutt Chic Boutique.

2010-10-04T16:05:00.000-07:00

I just called and got into the Skutt Chic Boutique this Saturday. I will also have my books at the downtown Farmer's Market as well, so you can find me either place.

The address for Skutt Catholic High School is: 3131 S. 156th St. It starts at 9:00 a.m.

I am working like crazy to have a huge amount of books, but if there is one you want in particular, email me or get there early for the best selection.

Thank you Millard West!

2010-10-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at Millard West! I sampled the Cowboy Caviar and my Aunt Lael's Cookies (Coconut Chip). I wish I would have brought more books, so if you are checking out my site because I ran out, please shoot me an email and let me know which ones you are interested in and I can either have them for pick-up at another show or we can arrange to meet somewhere. I also have another dozen books I haven't taken pictures of yet, so I will try to get those up soon as well.

I love finding new recipes and after I deem them "tried and true" I will post them on my site. I can also email them to you. If you are interested in joining my email list, please email me and let me know if you you would like just recipes or recipes and special offers. I will not sell your email or use it in any other way.

Lastly, check out my post about hosting a recipe book party! With the holiday season coming up, host a party and earn a chance to get a free book. (Limited dates available.)

Last week at the Farmer's Market

2010-10-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

The Downtown Omaha Farmer's market is coming to a close on Saturday, October 9th. That will be my last week down there. Stop by and pick up your books for the holiday season. If there is one(s) you want for me to have for you, please email me so I can make sure to have made them up. I will be in the spot next to the man with the wooden trains. Please come see me! Hope to see you there.

Want to Earn a Free Book??

2010-09-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

Would you like to earn a free "My Favorite Recipes Book?" Host a Recipe Party!

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I am taking down dates for anyone interested in hosting a party. Host a night of good food, good recipes, and good company.

Email me for all the details.

*Offer only valid in Omaha and Utah.

Current Books - $30

2010-09-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here are all the books I currently have. I have limited stock of all of them, so once they are gone, they are gone. If you are interested in any of them, shoot me an email and I can have it for you to pick up at the Farmer's Market, Craft Fair, mailed to you, etc. All the books on this post are $30. They are all books that I have purchased (I did not hand wrap these....see previous posts for hand wrapped books) but they all include about 130 of my FAVORITE recipes and scrapbook paper in all 200 slots.

Red Weave

Plain Black (comes in red & brown too)

Navy Texture

Pink Floral

Black Leather (comes in red & brown too)

Red leather with laces on the spine

Black Diamond

Black Chain (comes in red too)

Red Print

Black Floral

Red Dots

Pink Stripe

Brown/Blue Dot

Current Books - Part 2

2010-09-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

Here are my books that have been hand wrapped in duck cloth. This is a thicker, more durable fabric. If you prefer a window, no problem. I'd be happy to wrap any book in these fabrics or you can even pick out your own.

Green Floral Duck Cloth - $33

Flower Duck Cloth - $33

Black Damask Duck Cloth - $33

Green/Brown Damask Duck Cloth - $33

Red Fashion Duck Cloth - $33

Current Books - Part 3

2010-09-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

Laminated Fruits - $38

Here are examples of the laminated fabric books I have. These books have been hand wrapped by me in fabric which has been laminated to resist the all too common spills in the kitchen. If there is a specific color you are looking for, I can find a fabric that's perfect for you!

Laminated Brown Damask - $38

Laminated Black Damask - $38

Laminated Cherry - $38

Laminated Apple Pear

Laminated Cooks Kitchen - $38

Laminated Yellow Apple - $38

Dinner Idea

2010-08-31T19:37:00.000-07:00

As I have said before, Sunday dinner is special to me. Last week, the menu was:

--Corn on the Cob (from the Farmer's Market) : I like to add a little sugar to the water. Get it to a good boil and throw the corn in. I put the lid on and cook for about 7 minutes. Salt, Pepper, & Spray Butter and it's divine.
--Salad : From a bag. If I had my choice I would have had Jean's 3 Lettuce Salad....My Favorite!
--Cantaloupe, Pineapple, & Strawberries: Can't beat fresh fruit. Mmmm.
--Savory Rice
--My standard dinner rolls : Rhodes Rolls sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and salad supreme
--Kabobs : I marinated my chicken chunks with my Aunt Kathy's Marinade. Then I cut up some onions, and green & red peppers I got from the Farmer's Market and added them to the skewer.

THEN, on to dessert. The most anticipated course.

--Fruit Pizza - yummy.

I'm loving Cherry!

2010-08-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is my new favorite book! It is a beautiful cherry checkered fabric that I have laminated with vinyl to be spill resistant. To complete it's stylish look, it is pulled together with a beautiful red bow tied up the spine.

TYPO - Blondies

2010-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just realized I have a typo on the books I sold at the Farmer's Market recently. If you happen to check my site - Please update this. It will make a HUGE difference. The recipe printed says 1/4 c. butter, but it should be 3/4 c. butter.

This is a new recipe, so for everyone that doesn't have this. You'll want to add this. It's a yummy one!

Blonde Brownies

3/4 c. butter
2 1/4 c. brown sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 3/4 c. flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 pkg. (each) choc. & butterscotch chips
1/2 c. chopped almonds (optional)

Mix melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well. Add dry ingredients and mix just to combine. Stir in chocolate & butterscotch chips and nuts. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely and cut into small bars.

Sorry for the typo!! Hopefully, it won't happen again.

Happy Cooking!
Allie

Sunday Dinner

2010-07-26T06:08:00.001-07:00

Sunday is my day to cook. I absolutely love cooking all day for a wonderful Sunday dinner, I just hate the clean up. I wish I was on one of those cooking shows with someone right behind me cleaning up every mess I make. Oh, wouldn't that be nice.

Last night I had the following menu:

Best Steak Marinade with Flat Iron Steak

Savory Rice

My Standard Dinner Rolls

3 Lettuce Salad

Fresh Corn on the Cob from the Farmers Market

It was super yummy. For dessert I made a Key Lime Pie that unfortunately didn't turn out quite right but I also made my new favorite cookies. Have you ever been to Paradise Cafe? I LOVE that Chocolate White Chocolate Chip Chippers. To die for! Love them. I searched the internet and found this recipe on picky-palate.com. Click here for the recipe.

I will mention that the dough is really sticky, so this time I put it in the fridge for a few hours and it made it much easier to scoop and I think they turned out better. They are addicting, so be careful. :)

So Excited

2010-07-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

It's sad when you get SO excited about something like fabric, but boy am I excited! I just discovered laminated cotton and I am in love. They are perfect for the recipe books. I now can take any fabric and for just a few dollars more can laminate the fabric to make it the perfect cover for your recipe book. Here are a few pictures of two I have just done.
I wish you could reach into the computer and feel them. It's AWESOME!

More Information

2010-05-10T15:07:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post my current Etsy description of my books for any new visitors to my site. So if you don't know what my books are, here is the sales pitch: :0)

This is the PERFECT recipe book. It's a blank recipe book, family recipe book, easy recipe book, make your own recipe book, recipe organizer and stylish recipe book, ALL IN ONE. It is in a nice photo album with scrapbook paper in all 200 recipe slots where you can add your recipes. It's perfect because the pages are plastic so you no longer will be spilling on your recipes and if you do, just wipe off the plastic.

This is my favorite recipe book, but it's really meant to become YOUR favorite recipe book. I include over 125 of my all time favorite recipes inside the book, but I leave space after every section to easily add your own. I also don't glue my recipes in so you can slip mine out and put your own in.

The recipes included in the book are my All time favorite, tried and true, and family recipes. These are collected recipes that time and time again my mom or I have been asked for them or recipes I have tried out that I know I want to make time and time again. They are printed on paper that goes over the scrapbook paper to give the book its style. Because this recipe book is unlike other recipe organizer, it makes for a perfect gift for someone just starting cooking (graduation/wedding). However, it's also great for someone who already loves cooking and these recipes can help them add to their collection.

In this "My Favorite Recipes" book there are 9 sections: "Appetizers & Drinks," Breads," "Breakfast," "Soups," "Salads," "Sides," "Entrees," "Cookies," & "Desserts." You can easily add to my recipes by printing out your own, sliding in an index card or recipe card, or just slipping in a piece of paper or magazine card into one of the section.

Thinking of doing a RECIPE SHOWER?? This would be a perfect gift. I will even include 20 Cute Recipe cards for you to send out with the invitations. Then they can come to the shower with their recipe card and you can easily slip them in this book. Want a book that goes with their wedding colors and don't see one....I can wrap it in fabric that fits just the style. Convo me with questions or requests!

This makes a perfect wedding present, graduation present, birthday present, or a present just for the cook in you. I have MANY different styles of books. Convo me if there is a specific color you are looking for. I have many books that have a window in the front (this particular one doesn't) and I can type anything you want in that. I can also wrap books in fabric if there is a specific color scheme you may be looking for.

Current Books

2010-05-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the current books I have available. Sorry, the photos aren't the best. If there are ones you are interested in, let me know and I can give you more pictures and information on it.

Couple Places to Find Me

2010-05-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I wanted to let you know of two places I will be at this week. Since it's Mother's Day next Sunday, many of you might be in the need for a gift. These recipe books are a perfect gift. They also make an awesome graduation and wedding present as well for those women just starting out cooking. Here are the locations:

If you're in Omaha, I will be doing the Midwest Trade Days Show out where Scary Acres normally is. The address is: 17272 Giles Road, Omaha, NE. I will be there Friday and Saturday 9-5, May 7th and 8th.

If you're in Utah, my books will be at a party a friend of mine is doing. I won't be there personally, but I will have my books there to purchase. Here is the info on that:

Easter Tomb Rolls

2010-04-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe off a friend's blog and I think it is such a fun idea for Easter.

Easter Tomb Rolls

1 pkg. frozen dough, thawed

6 T. sugar

1 t. cinnamon

1 bag large marshmallows

1/4 c. butter, melted

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. Divide the dough into individual roll-sized portions. Press each portion into a flat circle. Place 1 large marshmallow in the center of each roll. Pinch roll dough very firmly around the marshmallow. Roll each into a seamless, or nearly seamless ball with your hands. Brush rolls with melted butter sprinkle. Sprinkle sugar mixture over rolls. Cover rolls with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Take rolls out of refrigerator and bake for 15 minutes, until rolls are golden brown.

Just like Christ's Tomb, these rolls will be empty.

I haven't tried this recipe yet, but I am excited to try it out and use it as a "teaching opportunity" for my kids.

Want your Recipe Album Personalized?

2010-03-11T17:06:00.000-08:00

I just made a book for someone on etsy that wanted the album to be burnt orange. I didn't have a burnt orange book, so I decided to add some fabric to it and I loved how it turned out. I added some coordinating paper to the inside and I really think I might get addicted to doing it this way.

I Made it! Blog Party

2010-03-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

I'm headed to a blog party at everything etsy. Check it out! They have lots of great tips and there are some amazing handmade items showcased.

I just updated my blog with the books I currently have. The recipes I have collected that are printed in the book are tried and true and this book would make a perfect gift for you or for someone else. I don't glue in my recipes, so it truly can become your very own, "My Favorite Recipes" book.

The scrapbook paper is stylish and my recipes are printed in different fonts to catch your eye and help you remember placement in the book. Approx. 125+ recipes are included in the book and there are empty slots for you to slip in your favorites, or you can slide mine out to add yours.

Many of the books come in different colors. Let me know if you are looking for something specific.

Remember to check out Everything Etsy and joing the "I made it Blog Party!"

My Favorite Recipes Book

2010-03-03T13:14:00.001-08:00

This is the PERFECT recipe book. It's a blank recipe book, family recipe book, easy recipe book, make your own recipe book, and stylish recipe book, ALL IN ONE. It is in a nice photo album with scrapbook paper in all 200 recipe slots where you can add your recipes. It's perfect because the pages are plastic so you no longer will be spilling on your recipes and if you do, just wipe off the plastic.

As an added bonus, I have included 125+ of my All time favorite, tried and true, and family recipes. These are recipes that time and time again my mom or I have been asked for them or recipes I have tried out that I know I want to make time and time again. I didn't glue them in, however, so they are easy to slip out to create your very own.

How this book came to be: It got to the point where I was sick of having 15 different recipe books along with many loose papers scattered about. That's when I typed up all my recipes and created the "My Favorite Recipes" book. There are 9 sections: "Appetizers & Drinks," Breads," "Breakfast," "Soups," "Salads," "Sides," "Entrees," "Cookies," & "Desserts." When I don't have time to type them up...I just slide in an index card or the loose paper into the slot until I do have time.

This makes a perfect wedding present, birthday present, or a present just for the cook in you. I have MANY different styles of books. Click on my etsy link if you are interested in purchasing! Thanks for visiting!

Books Available

2010-03-03T13:10:00.000-08:00

#3 - comes in dark chocolate brown & black

#4 comes in black, red, and brown

#5 comes in red and black

#10 is navy and is textured

#14 is comes in red, chocolate brown and black