Spooky box of wine

 True!

This is a fake foam pumpkin I bought from the local craft store. We measured the nozzle on the box of wine spout.  Then we drilled a hole in the front with a paddle bit. We carved the top like you would a traditional pumpkin. Then we dropped the bladder from the box of wine in and pulled the spout out of the hole. If I'm serving white wine or a sangria I toss in a couple ice packets. 

Always a crowd pleaser! And doubles as a great Halloween decoration.

Upstairs Fridge

  Yep enough said!

Burnt beans

  Burnt Beans

1 Bags of Fresh Green Beans

1/4 Cup Chicken Broth

3-4Tbs Balsamic Vinager

1 Tbs Olive Oil

Garlic Powder

Dehydrated Onions

Herb Blend

Add the olive oil to a sauté pan. Steam the green beans in the chicken broth adding the spices. Once the beans turn bright green and start to soften up turn the stove top to high and add the balsamic. Toss the beans until all the liquid is absorbed and they begin to get a little char on them. 

Enjoy 

Northern White Bean and Ham Soup

1bag of dried northern white beans

1/4 lb ham

1 cup fresh/frozen kale

3 large carrots

1/2 large sweet onion

Garlic

Itailan Spice blend

Onion and herb blend

Dried onion

1 box of chicken or beef broth

Soak your beans overnight in three times the amount of water. I used left over ham from Christmas Day. It was perfect before going into the soup but after OMG! I also had some homemade chicken broth on hand. I still ending up using 1/2 a box of beef stock in addition. Add all the ingredients to your trusty crock pot on low for about 6 hours. The beans will be very soft perfect if you want to zizz them up with an emersion blender that would be super yummy! Enjoy :)

  

Buttercream Recipe

Do you love a light but sweet buttercream?  Then this is it!  It can be whipped up quickly and is just yum.  I do sift the confections sugar one cup at a time.  It is a bit tedious but worth the step for that light and fluffy texture.

Buttercream recipe

1 1/2 sticks butter

1/4cup criso

1 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups confectioners sugar

2-4 tablespoons milk

To make a Crumb Coat for a two tier 6" & 8" make a double batch.  Check the consistency after each tablespoon of milk.  6 Tablespoons seemed good for the frosting decor but when it got warm the frosting became a bit drippy. 4 Tablespoons seemed to be the sweet spot :)

Left Over Turkey and Corn Chowder

White and Dark meat skin and bones removed chopped in small pieces

Left over mashed potatoes (or store bought works well too)

2 cans cream of chicken soup

Small Bag of frozen corn with peppers and onions

A little garlic powder salt and pepper

Add chicken broth and milk until you get the consistency you like.

Serve with shredded cheese on top

Yum!

Zucchini on the Grill

Do you love zucchini but get tired of the boring pan saute? Give this yummy grilled method a try. It's the perfect blend of owey goewy yumminess that we all love in a great side dish.  Plus, it's not too terrible for us.

4 zucchini
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
1/3 cup bread crumbs
garlic powder
onion powder
mix blend cheese

Scrap the insides of the zucchini to make a boat.  Generously rub with olive oil, cracker pepper and sea salt.  Mix the zucchini pulp with the remaining items.  Stuff the filling back into the boats, sprinkle a little more cheese on top and grill.