A Recipe Review - Cosmopolitan

Ok, I'm no bartender, in fact, I'm not a big drinker, or even a social drinker, but one evening I had hit my limit, and wanted to chill out. I was a huge fan of Sex and the City, and still watch the reruns, and was fascinated with these little pink drinks they were always drinking. I scoured the internet, and found a recipe for these pink goddess drinks, that looked simple enough to make. So, I told my hubby he should go to the liquor store and get himself some beer because I thought he was working too hard. Oh, and by the way can you get these items for me while you're there? Oh and stop by the grocery store and pick up some cranberry juice please?

Half an hour later, I was on my way to making my pretty pink drink, and looking and feeling fabulous like they did in the show. Thank goodness I took a small sip instead of a big ole' gulp! That little sip just about knocked me out of my chair! It was terrible!

Not wanting to let the ingredients go to waste, I tried the recipe again, with a lot less vodka, and a little more juice. I still could barely choke it down! In the end, hubby got my pretty pink drink, son got the cranberry juice, an almost full bottle of vodka is still chillin' in the fridge, and I'm still trying to chill out.

I am looking for a sweet drink that doesn't taste like it's full of alcohol, even though it is. I used to get cherry limeades at the club in my younger years, and after 4 or so of those I was a tad bit tipsy. If anyone out there has a sweet tasting drink recipe that you think I might like, please send it my way. I don't like anything that remotely resembles the smell or taste of coconut, so please don't send these. :)

Cosmopolitan-
Rating - 1 Smile
http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink234.html

Corn Nuggets

If you like those sweet, delicious corn nuggets you can find on your plate at Red Beans, or on most Chinese buffets across the county, then you will love this recipe. With just a few tweaks, you can make a delicious side dish that tastes similar to the original.
The basic recipe, by itself is good, but I thought it was missing something, so I made a few changes. First of all, I didn't like the consistency of the batter, so I added 1/2 C. of cornmeal. I also didn't think the batter was sweet enough, so I substituted cream corn for the yellow corn, and added a total of 1/4 C. sugar. These changes seemed to do the trick, and made the corn nuggets delicious!
If you are going to give this recipe a try, please try it as it is written first, you may like it just the way it is. Fry up a couple of them, using the original ingredients, and then if you need to add extra sugar, or cornmeal, you still can.
If you have a corn nugget recipe that you and your family like, please share it. I am always looking for new recipes, and would love to give it a try!
Corn Nuggets-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.thatsmyhome.com/momsdiner/corn-nuggets.htm

A New Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

This is just so funny! I hope it puts everyone in the mood of the season!

You should try this! Sure to bring smiles from your guests!
Here is a new way to prepare your Thanksgiving Turkey.

1. Cut out aluminum foil in desired shapes.

2. Arrange the turkey in the roasting pan, position the foil carefully. (see attached picture for details)

3. Roast according to your own recipe and serve.

4. Watch your guests' faces...

May your stuffing be tasty,
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy Have never a lump.
May your yams be delicious,
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

A Recipe Review - Baked Chicken with Stuffing

Hearty, classic meal. This is the time of year I love to search for new recipes that use stuffing. We love stuffing around here, but I don't want to take away the anticipation of our traditional turkey and stuffing Thanksgiving meal, so I try to find meat other than turkey to combine with stuffing. The day I found this recipe, I was tired from not feeling well all day, and was looking for something quick and easy for the family. This recipe had everything I was looking for, simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and a wonderful flavor. If your family likes mushrooms, you may want to try substituting the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a little different taste.
All in all, this recipe tasted great. I paired it with buttered rolls, instant mashed potatoes, and a can of green beans for a complete meal.
If you are in a hurry, and looking for a hearty meal for your family, I'm sure you will like this one.

Baked Chicken with Stuffing-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1939,150190-238202,00.html

A Recipe Review - Mexican Lasagna

I was scouring the internet for new Mexican recipes to try, and I just couldn't find exactly what I had in mind. So, I decided to experiment, and the result was a dish that kept them coming back for more!
I starting searching for a bean burrito casserole, (I ate one of these casseroles at a church potluck 20 years ago, and have been searching for the recipe ever since) but I just couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. So, I decided to combine a couple of different recipes, and add a few of my own ingredients, and try something different.
My family loves pinto beans, and they were delicious in this recipe. You could substitute the pinto beans with refried beans, and I'm sure it would taste just as good. All of the recipes I came across called for the addition of brown rice, but it was late and we were hungry, so we didn't have time to wait an hour for it to cook. Luckily, I had a package of Uncle Ben's 90 second microwavable Spanish rice in the cabinet, so I used it instead. It added so much flavor, that I will probably continue to use it every time I make this recipe.
I don;t know what else to say about this recipe. It was hands down the best recipe I have ever created on my own. In fact, both of my kids, including my incredibly picky 3 year old son, loved it. They were all fighting over the leftovers, which by the way, the casserole tastes even better reheated. So, if you are looking for a crowd pleaser, that will have them fighting for the leftovers, give this a try. If you decide to try it, and you make some changes, please post a comment, and let me know how it turned out. :)

Mexican Lasagna-

Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.ddhfavors.com/store/FCrecipe.asp?iCID=5&r=1&Category_Name=Meats

A recipe Review - Fresh Basil Pesto

Ok, so I had all this fresh basil from my garden and had no idea what to do with it, when a friend suggested I make a pesto sauce. At that point, I had never even tried pesto sauce, as for some reason many green foods just didn't appeal to me (I was 24 before I would even touch guacamole! I love it by the way), so the thought of making a pesto sauce never entered my mind. But, not wanting my basil to go to waste, I thought what the heck, and hit the internet in search of a recipe.

As I was making this recipe, my daughter passed by me in the kitchen, and made her usual yuck face that she makes every time I try something new that she thinks looks less than appealing. I have to admit, deep down inside, I was making the same face as I saw this green goop forming in my chopper. But I also have to admit that nothing smells better than fresh basil and garlic being chopped together.

So, I finished chopping the green goop, and placed it in the refrigerator to chill while I made the rest of our meal; spaghetti and meatballs, and garlic bread. My husband was the only one brave enough to try it, and he said he liked it. But, if you know my husband, you know that if he really likes something, he goes back for more. He not only didn't go back for more of the pesto, he didn't even finish what was on his plate. So, I think he was trying not to hurt my feelings.
All in all, the recipe wasn't bad, but it really wasn't that good either. I don't know if something was missing, or if that is how pesto is supposed to taste. Either way, it's not something I care to make again anytime soon.

Fresh Basil Pesto -
Rating - 2 Smiles
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001329fresh_basil_pesto.php

A Recipe Review - Mississippi Mud Cake

I must be in another one of my chocolate moods, or maybe the nice cool air has awoken my need to bake, either way, this recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth craving.
When I was growing up, my grandmother made a Mississippi Mud cake that was to die for. It was smooth and delicious, and incredibly RICH! It was wonderful! Well, she passed away on New Year's Eve of 2000, and sadly, I never wrote down any of her delicious recipes. So, I hit the internet in search of this recipe from my childhood, and I was happy to find it right off the bat.
If this recipe isn't the same one she used, I can't tell. It is rich, chocolaty, and just to die for! Let me warn you though, you need to really love chocolate (I mean really love it) if you are going to make this recipe! It is RICH! A small piece of this cake is all you need at one time to get your chocolate fix.
If you store it in the refrigerator, it enhances the flavors, and makes the cake even better.
I thought I would share this recipe with you, since the holidays are fast approaching. It is the perfect holiday treat, and will put smiles on the faces of all who try it. Enjoy!!
Mississippi Mud Cake-
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/166/Mississippi_Mud_Cake12401.shtml

AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!

Well, here it is the 13th day of September, and I am finally finding a few spare minutes to sit down and write. I have been super busy with my business, www.ddhfavors.com (YEA!) and now I am watching my brother's 2 sons, who are 2 and 3, during the week while he works. Oh, and in case you didn't read my plea for potty training help from last month, I also have my own 3 year old son. So, I have two 3 years olds, and a 2 year old running around here every day. Did I mention that they are ALL BOYS?!?!?! God bless my 10 year old daughter, she is a big help, in fact, she is keeping them occupied right now.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I'm still here. I've had a few people contact me to make sure I was alright (thank you), so I figured I should post an update. I plan on writing a few posts this weekend; there is a lot of stuff going on in the world that I would like to comment on. Did you all hear that our government granted Mexican trucks cart blanch to the entire nation? In case you missed it, here is an article: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20625369/. It's a good read.
Well, my peace and quiet is over as I am surrounded by toddlers. I promise to post more recipe reviews in the next few days; I have a lot to share. :)
~Dana~

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

You Are Strawberries with Cream

Fresh and uncomplicated, you are always enjoyed but often overlooked. You're confident in who you are. You don't need a facade to feel better about yourself.

What Dessert Are You Most Like?

A Recipe Review - Perfect Mashed Potatoes

My family loves mashed potatoes, and while we usually opt for instant potatoes for a quick fix, I love to make real mashed potatoes every once in a while. The problem was, I didn't like the way my mashed potatoes tasted, until I found this recipe.
I always thought a potato is a potato is a potato, but that isn't true. Each type of potato has a distinct flavor, and each type of potato has very distinct purpose. The trick to truly divine mashed potatoes, is the use of Yukon gold potatoes, as this recipe shows you. I always used regular russet potatoes, and I just did not care for the taste. No matter what I added, cream cheese, sour cream, cream, etc., they just didn't taste right. So, I scoured the internet for the perfect potato recipe, and after much searching, I found this recipe. It intrigued me because it was more than just s recipe. It provided a thorough explanation of the different types of potatoes, and it made perfect sense.
If you love mashed potatoes, but have been unable to find a technique for creamy, buttery potatoes, then this is the recipe for you. Enjoy!
Perfect Mashed Potatoes -
Rating - 4 Smiles
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/001509perfect_mashed_potatoes.php

If you have a mashed potato recipe that you would like to share, please post a comment here, and include the recipe. I would love to try it out, and let you know what we think, :)