Recipe Organization

:: Recipe Organization ::

If you are anything like me, a beautiful magazine focused on food, wine, design, or the outdoors is a prized read as a mother. I still love a hard copy version of a magazine.  They are quick and easy when life is hectic. The problem is, all of those Martha Stewart Living, Sunset Magazine, and HGTV Magazines start to pile up. The dog-eared pages of recipes, vacations, and DIY’s start to multiply in my magazine rack {that in it self seems to be a black hole}.  So with the mantra and song that beats to the rhythm of Olivia Newton John’s “Physical”, I myself want to “Get organized, organized.” 

The best way to do that with recipes is to organize them in a binder.  I know I know there is such a thing as cataloging recipes on websites etc., but I am old fashioned and I love the recipes I have collected over years.  I also enjoy and often download recipes from blogs that I follow, as well as from Pinterest. Yes it is somewhat of an upkeep, but it is the easiest way to find a recipe for a special occasion or for a quick and easy family dinner. 

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Berry Smoothie

 

 

:: Berry Smoothie ::

 

Fruits and vegetables are a struggle in my household.  I have a picky eater on my hands, and a little girl who eats enough fruit for the two of them.  Vegetables seem to be the bigger battle of the two, so why not throw in a couple into a smoothie?

 

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Almond Poppy Seed Muffins

  

:: ALMOND POPPY SEED MUFFINS ::

Isn’t it funny how certain sights, sounds, tastes, and smells evoke emotions and bring back memories? Well… the smell and taste of these muffins do just that for me. It brings me back to my early high school years spent in San Diego…. Happy memories surfaced of the carefree days spent with one of my best high school friends. We used to make these muffins after school or on the weekends. Back then, we made them from a boxed mix… and they really were delicious! I think we’d practically devour the whole dozen! I haven’t seen them since those years, long ago. I have found lemon poppyseed muffin mix… but that just isn’t the same in my opinion! There is just something magical about the combination of almonds with poppy seeds!

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Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches

 :: Key Lime Ice Cream Sandwiches ::

I am dreaming of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and quiet waves, but my reality is the kids are fighting and we need to do something to break up the day.  So off to the store we go to pick up a few items.  It was while cruising down the baking isle, that I discovered this magical find of Pillsbury’s Key Lime Cookie Mix.  Okay so it’s not the answer to my tropical dream, but key lime anything makes me happy.  A quick boxed cookie mix plus homemade vanilla ice cream = scrumptious ice cream sandwiches.

My Cusinart Ice Cream Maker has to be hands down one of the easiest appliances I own.  I keep the freezer bowl in my freezer so that it’s ready when I need it. Four ingredients, ten minutes of prep time, and a flip of a switch you are on your way to making ice cream. Paired with a yummy cookie, and your stomach will be doing the happy dance!  Once you make this easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe, you too will want to create more ice cream concoctions. Okay so now it’s your turn, let us know what type of ice cream you like to make or your favorite ice cream sandwich.  Summer is just around the corner……. [Read more…]

Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

 

:: Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding :: 

It really is simple. Use only the finest ingredients, pour some love into what you cook…. and the result is a rich, smooth, creamy dessert that will make your taste buds dance with delight!

You can adjust the sweetness of this particular dish by the amount of sugar that you add. It’s all a matter of personal preference. After allowing the pudding to chill in the fridge, dish it up and top with perfectly ripe banana slices & crunchy vanilla wafer cookies. The subtle hint of fresh banana combined with the tiny flecks of natural vanilla bean in the pudding makes this an old-fashioned dish you’ll remember!

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Grapefruit Margaritas

 

:: GRAPEFRUIT MARGARITAS ::

I am feeling like it is a Grapefruit Margarita kind of a Monday! There are two reasons to make these refreshing margaritas.  Number 1 it is Sara’s birthday today, so we must of course cheers to that! Happy birthday sweet friend Simply could not happen without you! Number 2, Ay ya ya!, it’s Cinco de Mayo this weekend. So break out your Margie glasses and put on some mariachi music, and let’s make a pitcher!

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