Let's Make Spinach Artichoke Tartlets

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  Here is where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm sharing a quick, easy appetizer anyone can make and everyone will love!  Spinach artichoke tartlets have quickly become one of my go-to appetizers.

 Here's What You Need

A box of Athens Phyllo Shells

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

I saw someone whipping these up on Instagram and knew I wanted to make them.  They proved to be not only quick and easy to make but also a crowd-pleasing appetizer.  I first made them for my Galentine's party.  Then turned around and made them for our Super Bowl party too.  

Athens Phyllo Shells are so versatile.  We almost always have a box or two in the freezer.  They are so easy to stuff with either a sweet or savory filling for an appetizer or dessert.  For today's recipe, I stuffed them with the spinach artichoke dip from Sam's Club.  

Here's What You Do

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Take your shells out of the freezer and arrange them on a baking sheet.  There's no need to thaw or pre-bake them.

Next, fill each shell with the spinach artichoke dip.  It takes a teaspoon or so for each shell.

Top the filled shell with a little bit of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Pop in the oven for 15 minutes.  Remove and serve.

It doesn't get any easier than that!  The creamy, flavorful dip combined with the crunchy shell is the perfect combination.  Can't wait to have them again!

Now it's your turn.  What are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!

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National Popcorn Day!

Hello there!  Today is National Popcorn Day and since popcorn happens to be one of my most favorite snacks, I thought I'd re-share a post I did years ago on making kettle corn.  

This recipe literally only takes a couple minutes to complete and I typically have all the ingredients on hand.  You can pull this off during a commercial break!

Here's What You Need

A Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker

1/2 cup Popcorn Kernels

3 tablespoons Cooking Oil

1/4 cup Sugar

Salt

Here's What You Do

Put your Whirley Pop Popcorn Maker on the stove and turn on the heat.  I usually start on high and then reduce the heat to medium after the kernels begin popping.

Pour in the oil, kernels, and sugar.  Shut the lid and wait for the popping to begin.  As soon as you hear the first kernel burst, give the handle a turn and keep slowly turning while the rest of the kernels spring open.  (This is also when you turn the heat from high to medium.)

When the popping stops, remove from heat and pour into a bowl.  Sprinkle with salt.  Enjoy!

Happy National Popcorn Day!  

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Let's Get a Little Crabby

I have a thing for Crab Rangoon, but making each individual little rangoon isn't my favorite thing to do.  So when I ran across this recipe for Crab Rangoon dip, I knew I wanted to give it a try.  We whipped up a batch the last time Ian and Kayla came over -- everyone loved it!  Thought you might enjoy it too so I'm sharing the recipe with you today.

Here's What You Need

2 cups crab meat (I used Crab Classic)

2 blocks (16 oz.) cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

2 green onions, chopped

1-1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbls. powdered sugar

1/2 tsp. garlic power (not salt like is in the picture)

1/2 tsp lemon juice

Here's What You Do

Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for a minute.

Chop the green onions (including the green stems).  

Mix chopped green onions, crab meat, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, powdered sugar, garlic power and lemon juice together.

Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.  

Serve hot.  You can dip crackers, fried wontons, pork rinds, or my favorite, Stacy's chips.  It tastes pretty wonderful!  

Let me chat about the crab meat I used for a minute.  My favorite is Crab Classic.  You can find it in the refrigerated seafood section of your grocery store.  Crab Classic is my go to crab meat for tons of reasons.  

Crab Classic products are made in a 100% gluten-free facility and is certified heart healthy by the American Heart Association.  It is made from wild Alaskan Pollock and King Crab meat.  If you would like to check out this product in more detail, hop over to their website at http://www.trans-ocean.com/crab_classic.html.

For this recipe, I purchased two bags of the crab meat and had a bit left over.  The bag is resealable, so I just sealed it up and popped it in the frig.  The next day, I tossed it on my salad for lunch.  It's only 80 calories for 1/2 cup serving!  

Just look at this goodness!

There's a recipe on the back of the package for Real Simply Seafood Salad.  I'm definitely serving it at my next luncheon!  Do you have a favorite crab meat recipe?  Would love to hear about it.

Linking up with:
Pint Sized Baker
Mandy's Recipe Box

Handmade Tuesday's with Kristen

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop with The Dwelling Tree

Green Fashionista and Martinis & Bikinis: Recipe Swap Eat Drink & Be Mary: Delicious Dish Tuesday Love From The Kitchen: Tuesday's Table The Diary of a Real Housewife My Own Home Caleigh's Kitchen Tuesday Talk Pennies into Pearls Simply Sweet Home

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Five on Friday - August 28, 2015

Welcome to Friday!  If you read my post from yesterday (HERE), you know what I'm up to this weekend -- I'm going on a float trip!  I'm so excited to be spending the weekend with friends and just a wee bit nervous about being in a raft floating down a river.

Before I head out this afternoon, here's my Five on Friday for this week.

1.  Adult Gummie Bears
For the last five days, I have been soaking a big bag of gummi bears in vodka.  I thought this would be the perfect snack for the above mentioned float trip.  Have you ever had these?  Here's the recipe I'm following:

3 lb. bag of Haribo Gold Bear gummi candies (I hear this brand is the best for holding its shape)

1 bottle of marshmallow vodka (I used Smirnoff Fluffed)

Some of another bottle of Pearl regular vodka (after day 2 the liquid was a little low)

2 cups of fruit punch

Put the candy in a glass container.  Make sure you break them up before adding the liquid.  Cover with vodka and slip it in the frig.  Stir a couple times a day and make sure the liquid stays over the candy.  On day 4, I added 2 cups of fruit punch.  I'll let you know if they're a hit next week, but from the sample I tasted I believe everyone will love them.

2.  Dr. Cool Kits
Have you ever really wanted to make a volcano at home?  Well apparently you don't have to be a real scientist to do it.  You just need one of these Dr. Cool Kits!  Made for people 6 years and older, this kit would be great for anyone interested in volcanoes, earth science or geology.  I'm thinking it would make a great birthday gift for that niece or nephew in your life.  If volcanoes aren't your thing, Dr. Cool Kits come in a variety of other subjects that kids would love.  Wish I would have known about these when Ian was little.  They would have made an awesome gift for him to give his friends at birthday parties.

Click HERE to purchase

3.  Duncan Hines Perfect Size Cake 
Now that we're a household of two, I'm so glad to become aware of these little babies -- Duncan Hines Perfect Size Cakes!  They come in 5 different flavors:  Chocolate Lovers, Red Velvet Dream, Lemon Bliss, Strawberries and Cream and Golden Fudge.  The pan and frosting are included.  If you have kids at home, these would also be the perfect size to scarf down before they get off the bus.

4. Roscato Rosso Dolce
Last weekend when Kayla and Ian came over to dinner, they brought a bottle of Italia Roscato with them.  Loved it!  Here's what Winery Notes has to say about it:  "Northern Italy provides a spectacular backdrop for Roscato, a violet-hued red with aromatic notes of cherry, blackberry and red raspberry. A touch of sweetness and bright acidity underlies the appeal of this charming wine."   Thanks for introducing us to this sparkling blush.

5.  Parenting Technique

I have a bonus item today.  If you are in the St. Louis area and want to do something fun this weekend, check out the Midwest Salute to the Arts.  This event is located in a beautiful park setting and has something for the entire family.  It's organized by a great group of very dedicated volunteers and my hat's off to them for consistently putting together a wonderful show.  Sorry I'm going to miss it this year.

Have a truly fabulous weekend everyone!  Hope I survive the float trip to see you back here on Monday with my weekend recap.

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Hill Collection

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday
5 on Friday 
The Jenny Evolution
The New Mrs. Adventure
The Evolution of Mom
Why Girls Are Weird
This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Five on Friday - May 29, 2015

Hello Friday!  This week flew by for me and honestly Friday kind of sneaked right up on me.  But I'll take it!!  Weekends are always welcome around here.  But before we start the weekend happy dance, here's my Five on Friday.

1.  Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
With Memorial Day in our rear view mirror, my mind is thinking it's summer.  And if it's summer, it's time to start making homemade ice cream.  Several years ago we got a Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream and Sorbet Maker.  One of the best purchases of my life!!  This little baby makes homemade ice cream in a flash.  After you freeze the bowl, you just pour in your mix and turn it on.  In 20 minutes you are ready to enjoy your frozen treat.  Man I love summer!

Click HERE to purchase

2.  Popsicle Molds

Speaking of summer treats, who doesn't love a refreshing popsicle on a hot afternoon?  Well, these Zoku Classic Pop Molds are just what you need to make your popsicle dreams come true.  This baby is much more sturdy than other molds.  It's a breeze to make your mixture, pour it in the molds and pop this thing in your freezer.

Click HERE to purchase

3.  What!  Say It's Not So!!
Only two months after the Bachelor Finale, Chris Soules and Whitney Bischoff have called off the engagement.  What a week this has been for reality TV - First the Duggars took a big hit and now Chris and Whitney are no longer engaged.  Oh my goodness.  Raise your hand it you're surprised.  Anybody?  Guess when she showed up at the farm and the barn was back to normal she just couldn't take it.  What about that big ole ring you ask.  Well, according to some articles I read, they have to return the ring if they break up before two years.  Better luck next time Chris and Whitney.

4.  National Mint Julep Day

Guess what tomorrow is -- National Mint Julep Day!!  In case you're wondering how to actually make a Mint Julep, here's my pal Martha Stewart's version:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons superfine sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

24 mint leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish

2 cups finely crushed ice

1 cup bourbon

Directions

Combine sugar, lemon juice, and mint leaves in a pitcher.

Crush well with a wooden spoon.

Add ice and bourbon, and mix well.

Pour into silver tumblers, garnish with mint sprigs, and serve.

5.  Something To Think About...

Enjoy the weekend everyone!  I've got Girls Night Out tonight to celebrate my friend Tracy's birthday.  Good times!  I'm also helping my friend and her daughter work on wedding invitations.  I'll be back on Monday to recap all about my weekend.  Hope to see you back then!

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Hill Collection

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday
5 on Friday 
The Jenny Evolution
Serenity Now

Five on Friday - April 24, 2015

Welcome Friday -- I was beginning to think you'd never get here!  I've had an eye thing going on this week (ulcerated cornea) and it's made the days go by a lot little slower than normal.  It's on the mend now and I'm so grateful to be seeing things once again.  Plus it didn't help that when I woke up on Thursday, I thought it was Friday.  Ever had one of those?!?

Well, now that it IS Friday, let me share my five with you today.

1.  Seatbelt Cutter Window Breaker Emergency Escape Tool
On my way home from work Monday evening, I saw the most horrible traffic accident.  An RV hauling a trailer with a van on it had a blowout and crashed into a pole, causing the entire rig to catch on fire.  The scene was one of total devastation and unfortunately both the driver and his passenger lost their lives.  It reminded me (again) that I had never purchased the Seatbelt Cutter Window Breaker Emergency Escape Tool.  This tool is under $10 and could potentially save your life.  Ordering one for myself this week!  Do you have one in your car?

2. National Pigs in a Blanket Day

On a MUCH lighter note, guess what day today is?!?  It's National Pigs in a Blanket Day!!  I love these things and haven't made them in, well -- so long I can't really remember.  So this weekend guess what I'm fixing -- good old pigs in a blanket.  If you need a refresher on how to do it, here you go.  

Ingredients

8 hot dogs

4 slices American cheese, each cut into 6 strips

1 8-ounce can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

Heat oven to 375. Slit hot dogs to within 1/2 inch of ends; insert 3 strips of cheese into each slit.

Separate dough into triangles. Wrap dough triangle around each hot dog. Place on ungreased cookie sheet, cheese side up.

Bake at 375 for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

3.  The Age of Adaline Movie

Another movie going on my list of ones I want to see -- The Age of Adaline.  The story line goes like this:  "After miraculously remaining 29 years old for almost eight decades, Adaline Bowman has lived a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. But a chance encounter with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones reignites her passion for life and romance. When a weekend with his parents threatens to uncover the truth, Adaline makes a decision that will change her life forever."  The beautiful Blake Lively plays Adaline.

4.  Nestle Delightfulls Filled Baking Morsels
One of my new blogging friends, Michelle, over at Grammie Time had a recipe for Sunflower Oatmeal Chocolate Morsel Cookies. They sound out-of-this-world delicious! One of the ingredients is Nestle Delightfulls Filled Baking Morsels with Caramel Filling.  Where have I been?!?  I'd not heard of these before.  I really need to get out more.  Nestle has other flavors too ~ Dark Chocolate Morsels with Cherry Flavored Filling, Dark Chocolate Morsels with Mint Filling, Milk Chocolate Morsels with Peanut Butter Filling.

5.  Words To Live By

Enjoy your weekend!  I'm off tonight to do a little volunteer thing with my friends Sherri and Tracy.  We're going to be "roamers" at Washington University's Spring WILD party.  Sounds interesting, doesn't it!  I'll try to get pictures to share on my blog Monday.  

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Hill Collection

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday
5 on Friday 
The Jenny Evolution
Serenity Now

Weekending - December 5, 2014

The weekend came...and now it's over.  It seems like it went by just that fast!  I was out of town most of last week and when I got home my friend, Carol, had visited my house.  How did I know she had been here?  Well, because this was the scene in my family room.

You see, I'm really not good at decorating trees.  Carol, on the other hand, is THE BEST at decorating trees.  So for several years I've had her come to my house and turn my trees into pieces of art.  We have five trees through the house and I'll be linking up to Home of Malones Holiday Link Up on December 16 to show them to you.  Hope you will follow me so you don't miss them.

Friday night was date night -- and frankly, we should have just stayed home.  Ever have one of those date nights that just didn't go that great?  Eric and I were both tired and it was cold and rainy outside, but I really wanted to go see Beyond the Lights.  I had been looking at several theaters to see what and when things were showing and I might have taken us to the wrong theater at the wrong time.  Yes, I drove us several miles to a theater that wasn't even showing that movie.  Thank goodness Eric is good natured!  We did end up finding the theater where it was playing and then neither of us really liked it that much.  I would suggest seeing it after it comes out on DVD -- don't waste your money seeing it in the theater.

                                                           

Saturday night was Girls Night Out.  We were celebrating Sherri and my birthdays so Tracy surprised us on the dinner location.  We headed to Element in St. Louis.  Great atmosphere, great bar, GREAT food.  Definitely a winner location!

Love these girls!!

Cheers!

Sunday I hosted book club at our house.  We followed the gift exchange idea I found HERE.  It was really fun!  Start with your gift in front of you.  I printed little slips of paper that had instructions like exchange your gift with the person who will be travelling the furthest at Christmas, exchange your gift with the person wearing the most red, etc.  Enough slips were in the bowl for everyone to have two turns.  It was definitely a successful way to do a gift exchange and I will do it again.

One of the soups I made for book club was Tuscan Tortellini Soup.  I found the recipe (and this picture) over at Damn Delicious.  It was yummy guys!!  The recipe called for spicy sausage -- I used sweet.  It still had a baby kick to it.  Overall -- easy recipe and I will definitely make it again.  I fed the leftovers to Eric for dinner and he loved it!

                                                       

I'm planning on spending Sunday evening totally vegging.  I haven't done that in a while and the couch is calling me.  Plus if I don't erase some stuff off my DVR it might explode.  Hope your weekend was everything you wanted it to be.  Hope to see you here later this week for more Penny's Passion.

Check out what others were up to this weekend.

Join the Gossip

Champagne and Suburbs

B Loved Boston

I Should Be Mopping the Floor

Life of Meg

More Pieces of Me
Bella and the City

Let's Make Chili

With cold weather knocking on our door, it's time for me to add chili to my list of comfort food. Almost everyone has a chili recipe -- some are more complicated than others.  Mine is super simple -- and equally tasty.  Perfect recipe to throw together during this busy month.

I start with about a pound and a half of hamburger.  Season the hamburger with salt, pepper and McCormick's Monterrey Steak Seasoning (love this stuff).  Brown and crumble the burger.

Side note:  Have you ever used one of these little gadgets from Pampered Chef?  I love it.  It crumbles hamburger or sausage easily and doesn't mess up the finish on your pans.  It's called a Mix 'N Chop and costs $11.50.  It's worth it -- also could make an excellent stocking stuffer.
                                                       

Sorry, I digress -- back to the chili making.  Place the browned, crumpled burger in a large pot.  Add in two cups of water, a large can of chili beans (I use mild because I'm a spicy wimp), can of kidney beans, can of black beans and a Edmond's Chili block.  The chili block can be found in the refrigerated meat section in most grocery stores.

Let this mixture simmer for an hour or so, stirring occasionally.  That's it.  Your chili will be ready to scoop and garnish with your favorite toppings.  

Linking up with:
Pint Sized Baker
Mandy's Recipe Box

Handmade Tuesday's with Kristen

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop with The Dwelling Tree
Southern Beauty Guide
The Diary of a Real Housewife
The Jenny Evolution

Five on Friday

Another week has flown by -- this summer is going WAY too fast!!  Here's some of the things I savored this week and want to share with you.

1.  Trader Joe's Lavender Dryer Bags
These gems are the bomb!  My friend Tracy's Christmas gift is a bag of her favorites things and a few years ago she introduced me to the Lavender Dryer Bags from Trader Joe's.  Since then, I have always requested they return each year.  These babies leave your towels and sheets smelling so refreshing.  I love crawling into bed with fresh sheets and the wonderful smell of lavender.

2.  Ebates

Are you using Ebates?  If not, you should really, really, really think about giving it a try.  If you shop online at all, you could be getting free money.  That's right folks - FREE MONEY.  Click on Ebates above, sign up and check it out.  Seriously, you have nothing to lose and only money to gain.

3.  Roasted Sweet Potatoes

I'm in love with roasted vegetables these days.  One of my favorites is roasted sweet potatoes.  I found this recipe by Jessica Schumacher on allrecipes.com and we can't get enough of them.

Ingredients:

2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

2.  In a large bowl, toss the dry onion soup mix, sweet potatoes and vegetable oil until the sweet 

     potatoes are well coated.

3.  Arrange the mixture on a large baking sheet.  Bake in the preheated oven 40 to 50 minutes, or 

     until the sweet potatoes are tender.

That's it!  Simple as can be and oh so good.

 

4.  Bridal Shower

At this time a year ago my house was bustling with preparations for my daughter-in-law Kayla's bridal shower.  Soon I'm going to be posting a more in-depth blog about the shower so visit again to hear and see all the details.

5.  Thought to Live By



Enough said.

Have a great weekend everyone!!  Linking up with Amanda, Lauren, Rebecca, and Jennie for more Five on Friday fun.