S'more's Indoors or Outdoors

Though we are still in summer mode, our thoughts are returning to fall as Memorial Day is in view. You can't go wrong making s'mores when you are hosting or just celebrating a beautiful day. If rain in in the forecast, read below on how to make your s'mores in the oven.

 To save time, make up s'more kits ahead of time before everyone heads out to the fire pit (sticks not included).  It's an easy way to distribute all of the makings for delicious s'mores and the containers are reusable.  Kids especially love having their own container of s'more goodies.  Check with your local grocer about selling berry baskets.  If that's not an option, they can be purchased on Amazon or the craft store Michaels.  Budget friendly places to purchase your fixings are Walmart or Costco.  Kraft sells StackerMallows, a flattened marshmallow that fits perfectly on your graham cracker? I like just eating them out of the bag!

**If rain is dictating you staying indoors for the weekend, have squares of aluminum foil ready to pop each basket of ingredients into, assemble your s'more and heat in the oven at 350 for just a few minutes until the chocolate and marshmallow have melted and enjoy.  Happy weekend and thanks for reading.  

I love these Gluten Free graham crackers if you are on a Gluten Free diet.

Holiday Traditions

~Traditions~

December has arrived and suddenly we are busy writing holiday cards, decorating our trees, putting lights on our houses, and baking goodies. It is important to remember those who have played an important role in our lives, past and present. Holiday traditions provide comfort and meaning to families and individuals.    

Here are a few of our favorite traditions I'd like to share with you . 

Passing down the family recipes...this is the Christmas cake my mom in law always made when hosting, and now I make and serve every Christmas morning.  *Can be made gluten free if you substitute gluten free cake mix.

Attending the town tree lighting and singing Christmas songs.

The traditional family Christmas morning cinnamon coffee cake.  I bought this baking pan from wilton so my cake is shaped like trees.  Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a snowy look.

St. Nicholas Day (Stocking Day)

grandgeneva in Lake Geneva sets up Christmas in the Country attracting visitors far and near for years.

The annual visit to take pictures in front of the house in the movie Home Alone with brunch after.
It's one of my favorite times of the year with my daughter Kaitlyn Kait-Lately

We like to visit the local zoo's Festival of Lights with our entire family.  From the time I was younger and our children were young to the present time, we have always loved taking drives in the evening to admire decorated homes for the holidays.

What are your family traditions? 

Savory & Sips with SkinnyPop

SkinnyPop is a staple snack in our home. With six tasty flavors to choose from, we find one to satisfy the taste buds of everyone. One of the reasons I love serving it is the popcorn is gluten-free (perfect for my Grandson with special dietary needs), peanut-free, preservative free, has no artificial flavors, and zero trans fat. These snacks provide delicious flavor with clean ingredients you will feel good about eating. It begins simply with popcorn kernels, sunflower oil and salt.  

My husband and I share a passion for sunsets, especially up north. We love packing a small cooler to take to the lakefront to enjoy our favorite wines and SkinnyPop. We always make sure we have a couple of flavors with us to pass and share with friends as neighbors and friends gather to witness each gorgeous sunset. Why pick just one kind when you can try them all?

The team at Skinnypop put together a helpful guide to help you pair wine types with it's most tasteful flavors It's a perfect reference when shopping for your entertaining needs...

What's your favorite flavor? Original, White Cheddar, Naturally Sweet, or the newest additions to the SkinnyPop family...Jalapeño and Dusted Dark Chocolate? 

You can't choose just one :)

Bloody Mary Bar for Playoff Weekend

Setting up a Bloody Mary bar is so easy to do!  It's always a hit on game day because your family and friends can make to their own liking. Spicy or mild!

I love Vintage Vine Bloody Mary Mix base from Lincoln Park Beverage Company. It has red pepper, honey, horseradish, onion, garlic and black pepper already in the mix and it's gluten free. 

Slicing, Dicing and Preparing Garnishes

I also like to offer V8 as a tomato base.  It has just 50 calories for 8 ounces and it has vegetable juices and spices already in it. Ketelone. is a favorite of mine as well as Titosvodka.

Let your guests pour their own tomato base and add their vodka, ice, and garnishes to their own liking. I love Blue Cheese, Feta, or Pimento stuffed olives as garnishes in my Bloody Mary's.  Check out my list below for other great garnish ideas.

Always offer soft drinks, wine, waters and PLENTY OF ICE! 

6 cups of the tomato base will make approximately 8-10 drinks.

Here are a few of my favorite Bloody Mary garnishes for your bar.  

Cubes cheddar or mozzarella, cut up summer sausage, pickle spears, quartered lemons or limes, stuffed olives, baby corn, marinated artichoke hearts, pepperocini peppers and sliced celery.

For spice offer Tabasco, Frank's Red Hot Sauce, Sriracha, A-1 steak sauce or Worcestershire sauce.

Protein offerings include cooked bacon strips, cooked shrimp and pepperoni sticks.

Have "beer chaser" pints on hand too.  Always a favorite!  

~May your team win & enjoy your weekend~

Taco Pockets for Election Day Viewing.

                Here's step-by-step how to make delicious easy to eat Taco Pockets

It's been a long road to election day and it's finally time to cast votes, find a comfy couch or chair and tune in to news coverage. Taco pockets are on our menu for Tuesday. (recipe below) Make them today for your viewing party.  I'll admit my I was tempted to taste these as they came out of the oven! After all, who would know?:)  You can make these ahead of time, place them on a parchment covered baking sheet in the refrigerator and reheat the next day. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and heat in a 350 oven until they are warmed through 10 minutes or so.  Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping.  I bought blue tortilla chips and my favorite Marianos Pineapple & Poblano guacamole.  Now for a pitcher of margaritas and we are all set for an interesting evening of election results.

1) Brown ground beef in a skillet until well browned, stirring often. Pour off fat.  Add taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water.  Stir in 1 cup of your favorite salsa.
2) Thaw PepperidgeFarm frozen pastry sheets for 30-40 minutes at room temperature. Heat oven to 400. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
3) Stir 1 egg and tablespoon water in a bowl.
4) Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a baking sheet. Cut into 4 squares. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet on other baking sheet.
5) Place 1/3 cup beef mixture on each center on square. Top each with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese. Brush edges of pastry sheet with water. Fold pastry over the filling and crimp edges with a fork. Brush the pastry squares with the egg mixture.
6) Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm and enjoy.

** To make these gluten free, substitute gluten free pie dough instead of Pepperidge Farm pastry sheets and use a gluten free taco seasoning.

Easy make your own breakfast this weekend

B.A.S.

Set up a self serve "make your own yogurt " bar for overnight guests this weekend.

Simply set out bowls, spoons, fruits and individual bags of granola for a quick breakfast so you can get out and enjoy the day. 

1)  Choose your yogurt (Greek or non Greek). 

Plain, vanilla, strawberry, peach, blueberry

What's your favorite?

2)  Blend with any or all of the following: Pineapple chunks, halved strawberries, blueberries

3)  Top with:  Banana slices, dried cranberries,  coconut flakes, and/or cinnamon

4)  Sprinkle and mix in your granola. Our favorite is udisgranola. Check it out in cranberry, vanilla, original or Au Naturel.  And it is all Gluten Free!!...

Enjoy and have a great weekend