No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
Do you have a sister? I do. In fact I have many. Some are not directly related to me, one is a cousin and one is technically a half-sister. But the one thing that they all have in common is they are wonderful, smart, strong, loving, caring women. Another thing they share is that I love them dearly.
Sometimes you don’t realize just how much you love someone until something happens that shows you their character and depth. My half-sister, Geri, is 18 years older than me. (can you imaging what a surprise THAT was to my 38 year old mom!?!) so we didn’t know each other very well growing up. She is a scary-smart, no nonsense, roll up her sleeves and get things done kind of gal. We stayed in touch, but she lives in a different state and we could go months without talking. Then several years ago my half-brother passed on. He was not exactly a neat person and I found myself standing in his (extraordinarily cluttered) home wondering just exactly how to deal with the sheer volume of his belongings. Geri, who was getting ready to leave for her flight home, was watching me closely as I surveyed the scene and said simply, “Who’s going to help you with all this?” “No one,” I replied somberly. “Not true,” was all she said as she went to the phone to cancel her flight.
I love my sister.
Turns out we have a lot in common. For example, one of our all time favorite meals is Sausage, Potatoes and Green Beans. It is warm, comforting and oh so easy to cook. Sisters – I hope you’ll love it as much as Geri and me!
Fixing this Sausage Potatoes and Green Beans meal couldn’t be easier. This is all you need. In this dish I strongly prefer canned French-style Green Beans for their unique taste.
Just chop the onions.
Chop the potatoes.
Chop the Polish Sausage and fry it until it’s slightly browned.
Add the potatoes, onions, beans and butter (the butter makes it).
And 20 minutes later – you have the most wonderful meal in the world. Serve with a crusty loaf of bread and butter and Geri and I will join you for dinner.
A quick, very easy WONDERFUL meal.
Chop potatoes, peel and shop onions, cut sausage into finger width slices
In a large Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook sausage until browned on both sides. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the rendered fat.
Add onion and some of the juice from the beans. Sauté until onion is softened, scrapping up browned bits on bottom and sides of pan.
Add potatoes, green beans including juice, 2 tablespoons butter, and ¾ cup water.
Cook 15 - 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until potatoes are fork tender. Salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm Betsy. Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.
I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200. So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!' Then relax. I've got your back.
Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise? Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!
If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go! From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Or just take a Virtual Vacation!! Let's go!
If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes! I'm here to help. From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd! My recipes are tested and trusted. Let's cook!
Ever wished you could build your dream home? Like amazing house design and home building ideas? Me too! Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process. Let's play!
Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start? Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig? Here's everything you need to have a luau. How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club? You've come to the right place. Let's party!
So what’s your favorite Halloween memory? Mine is getting to draw creepy halloween silhouette pictures in grade school. I loved to draw spooky haunted houses with creepy trees, black cats on fences and of course a witch flying in front of the full moon.
Seeing these type pictures still brings a smile to my face. So does this Wicked Good Halloween Bark.
Making Bark is ridiculously easy. It’s ready in 15 minutes and is loaded with all kinds of fun flavors and textures. The salty crunch from the pretzels and peanut butter cups tempers the sweetness of the silky chocolate while the sprinkles and the candy corns add a great pop of Halloween color.
You’ll love making this Loaded Wicked Good Halloween Bark. My 5 secrets guarantee your bark will be as DELICIOUS as it is EASY!
For dark chocolate bark, you can’t beat Ghirardelli Chocolate Melting Wafers. They have a wonderful chocolate-ly depth of flavor without the typical dark chocolate bitter taste. You can get them on Amazon. For milk chocolate, most craft stores carry Wilton Light Candy Cocoa Melts. I don’t recommend using chocolate chips because in general when they melt, they’re thicker, less pourable, and harder to handle than melted bars or melting wafers of chocolate.
If it’s white chocolate you’re craving, Wal-mart, Target or Amazon carry Ghirardelli Chocolate White Chocolate Melting Wafers. You can also easily order them on Amazon. When working with white chocolate be EXTRA careful. White chocolate melts more quickly, and burns more quickly. Don’t even think about exceeding the 30-second microwave bursts, stirring between each. I do NOT recommend using white chocolate CHIPS as they tend to scorch way too easily.
I always like to include a salty item in the toppings, in this case the pretzels, but nuts of all kinds work well or even potato chips if you want to do a “snack” bark. This wicked bark is loaded with all kinds of other goodies such as mini peanut butter cups or mini Kit Kats, and loads of color from wonderful witchy gold stars. Seasonal items are also fun, like the creepy eyeball candy or the candy corn.
To prep I simply put each of the ingredients in a small bowl and line a baking sheet with parchment or a Sil-Pat silicone mat.
Grocery stores are starting to carry many fun sprinkle options, but one of my favorite sprinkle shops is Sweetapolita – with absolutely the best sprinkles ever. They have a delightful selection of sprinkles and will often send you a free “Emergency” sprinkle kit for your purse, just in case. How fun!
Beyond that, the sky’s the limit. Our Wicked Good bark is loaded with pretzels, creepy eye ball candy, and mini peanut butter cups. I usually chop the mini candy bars into bite-size pieces to include in the mix. I especially like the mini Reese’s Peanut Butter cups or the mini Kit Kat bars. Seasonal items are also fun, like the creepy eyeball candy or the candy corn. One note: The mini eyeballs are actually gum balls. Not being a gum fan I wouldn’t have used them had I realized that. Somehow gum does not seem to be a good fit with chocolate.
Aren’t those sprinkles wonderful!! They would make anything into a festive event. (Of course I LOVE anything that sparkles!)
The easiest way to do this is in the microwave. Place your chocolate in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 1 minute on 50% power. Very likely nothing will happen. Stir the chocolate and put it back for additional 30 second increments at 50% power. Most of the chocolate discs will not change shape and will have to be stirred after each heating to determine if they have melted enough. Be careful and do not over-cook as it can scorch the chocolate. Keep sneaking up on it in the 30 second increments. It will probably take a total of 2 1/2 – 3 minutes.
With a rubber spatula, scrape the chocolate from the bowl and into a puddle on the center of the parchment paper. Using an off-set spatula (if you don’t have one, treat yourself. You’ll love their versatility.) Spread the chocolate in an even layer about 1/4 inch thick. Try not to let the edges get too thick or too thin.
Working fairly quickly before the chocolate sets, add your toppings, pressing down slightly to ensure they stick.
Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. The final secret is once you peel off the parchment paper, the easiest way to break it is to put it on a cutting board and press the tip of a sharp knife into it where you want it to break. This is the least disruptive method and dislodges far less of the toppings than cutting it or breaking it into pieces by hand.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE: Store your bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until it’s needed. It will keep for 3 – 4 weeks no problem.
Here’s another version with the milk chocolate.
This Wicked Good Bark is a very flexible recipe based on what’s in your pantry. The recipe doubles or triples easily if you’re feeding a crowd. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper, set aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate wafers and heat in the microwave on 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each 30 seconds, until chocolate has melted and becomes smooth when stirring.
Using an offset spatula spread chocolate on the parchment or wax paper into an even layer, 1/4 inch thick. You should have about an 8 x 12 rectangle of chocolate.
Evenly sprinkle the toppings over the chocolate; set aside to cool on the counter if your house isn't too hot or refrigerate until set hard. Once cooled, transfer the bark to a cutting board and break the bark into pieces by pressing on it with the point of a sharp knife.
I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm Betsy. Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.
I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200. So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!' Then relax. I've got your back.
Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise? Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!
If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go! From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Or just take a Virtual Vacation!! Let's go!
If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes! I'm here to help. From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd! My recipes are tested and trusted. Let's cook!
Ever wished you could build your dream home? Like amazing house design and home building ideas? Me too! Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process. Let's play!
Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start? Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig? Here's everything you need to have a luau. How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club? You've come to the right place. Let's party!
When was the last time you snuggled into a big soft cozy chair, with a hot cup of cocoa, a warm, ultra-soft blanket wrapped around you and a fantastic book you’d been dying to read; the rain pattering softly on the windows, thunder rumbling in the distance and the space around your chair lit with the soft glow of the table lamp or a pumpkin spice candle.
If it wasn’t recently, you need to – sometime soon. That wonderful, warm cozy sensation such an activity inspires is called hygge (pronounced “hooga”)
The word hygge comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being” and it encompasses many things, including the art of creating intimate gatherings, removing annoyance from your life, cultivating an attitude of gratitude for your current blessings, enjoying cozy togetherness and especially cocoa by candlelight. This is hygge.
Another key component of hygge is sharing fabulous comfort food with family and friends. While I don’t remotely agree with Danish politics, at a Danish hyggelige dinner there are no divisive discussions about politics, family issues, or someone’s dysfunctional kids. No one makes snide comments, complains, or is overtly negative. Everyone pitches in and lends a hand, so that not one person gets stuck doing the dishes. There’s no bragging, or attacks, or competition. It is filled with well-meaning communication with a focus on appreciating the here and now, the good food, and the folks. We all need a little more hygge in our life.
Our regular dinners with our dear friends are hyggelige to the max. These are the faces of hygge.
So for our Simple Pleasures Sunday this week, and to send you some hygge of your own with love, here’s another one of my favorite comfort food recipes – Jeff’s Vegetable Beef Soup. This soup is like wrapping yourself in a soft warm snuggly blanket. It’s really, really, really good. It’s also really, really easy. Just chop some stew meat or chuck roast and add it to a stock pot to sear over medium heat. While the meat is browning, chop some potatoes like so.
Next chop some celery, carrots and onions. Jeff loves using a bench scraper to transport food in the kitchen.
Add 4 quarts of water to the stock pot and scrape the bottom of the pot to dislodge any browned bits. Then add 15 cubes of beef bullion and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and all the vegetables except the cabbage.
Let everything cook for 30 minutes at a low simmer. Jeff generally uses green cabbage, but he thought the red cabbage would add some festive Halloween color. (Besides which, that was what we had in the vegetable crisper…) Waste not, want not. Doesn’t this look wonderful?
You may be tempted to rush it, but the soup needs the full 45 minutes of cooking time to tenderize the meat and allow all the wonderful flavors to mingle and marry. It’s worth it when you’re rewarded with this.
This Vegetable Beef Soup is so tasty and filled with love. Look at all that beautiful fall color and the meat is fork tender. Not to mention, t’s just brimming with hygge.
A warm, savory comforting bowl of love. An AlohaDreams.com recipe brought to you with hygge.
Add beef bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce and all vegetables except cabbage.
Break cabbage slices apart and add to soup. Cook, uncovered and additional 15 minutes. Serve.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm Betsy. Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.
I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200. So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!' Then relax. I've got your back.
Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise? Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!
If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go! From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Or just take a Virtual Vacation!! Let's go!
If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes! I'm here to help. From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd! My recipes are tested and trusted. Let's cook!
Ever wished you could build your dream home? Like amazing house design and home building ideas? Me too! Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process. Let's play!
Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start? Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig? Here's everything you need to have a luau. How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club? You've come to the right place. Let's party!
Welcome to the first of a series of recipes which take advantage of our Poached Shredded Chicken Master recipe. It’s designed to create maximum results with minimal efforts.
This one’s for all the hard working moms (and dads) who spend 8 hours working (at the office or at home) only to drag themselves into the kitchen at the end of a long, tough day to pull together a delicious meal for their family because they know family dinner is key to family unity and strength. This one’s designed to make your life easier and your table livelier.
Emily and Serena – this one’s for you !
Even better – use my Make Ahead Shredded Chicken and you’ll have dinner on the table within 30 minutes. They freeze great too!
Here’s how: Just split the buns in half and place them in a baking dish like this.
Then combine 3 cups chicken, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup chopped picked jalapeno pepper slices and crumbled bacon.
Divide the chicken mixture between the buns, then top with the cheese.
In a small bowl, combine 8 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Spoon half the butter mixture over the cheese and place roll tops on the rolls.
Pour remaining butter mixture over roll tops and bake, covered with foil, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 – 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted and top of rolls are light brown. Serve.
Your family is going to love these darling little sandwiches. They’re fun and they taste fantastic!
Grab some shredded chicken and whip up these deliciously easy and cheesy chicken melts in minutes. A Worcestershire and butter bath add even more extra flavor to these tasty sandwiches.
An AlohaDreams.com recipe
Line the bottom of ta microwave safe plate with 2 paper towels. Add the bacon in a single layer. Cover the bacon with 2 paper towels. Microwave on high for 5 minutes. When done check the bacon and microwave in additional 30 second bursts until the bacon is done to your liking. Crumble and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine 3 cups cooked shredded chicken, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, ¼ cup chopped picked jalapeno pepper slices and crumbled bacon.
Top with 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese. Set aside.
Pour remaining butter mixture over roll tops.
Bake, covered with foil, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 - 10 minutes more or until cheese is melted and top of rolls are light brown.
Serve with pickled jalapeño slices if desired.
Reheat any leftovers in the microwave for 30 - 60 seconds.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm Betsy. Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.
I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200. So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!' Then relax. I've got your back.
Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise? Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!
If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go! From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Or just take a Virtual Vacation!! Let's go!
If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes! I'm here to help. From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd! My recipes are tested and trusted. Let's cook!
Ever wished you could build your dream home? Like amazing house design and home building ideas? Me too! Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process. Let's play!
Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start? Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig? Here's everything you need to have a luau. How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club? You've come to the right place. Let's party!
Hi guys!
Who wants a super-tasty, quick, easy weekday recipe? Me too! In talking with many of you, a common theme is: we need easy recipes that come together quickly and taste wonderful after a hard day’s activities.
Done and done.
Meet one of your best solutions – Poached Chicken. This makes 14 cups of incredibly delicious poached chicken. All ready for you to shred as the foundation for 7 meals!
I know, that sounds like kissing your sister – but you’re going to love my poached chicken. Sure you can buy a rotisserie chicken and shred it. But my recipe tastes so much better, it’s less expensive AND you can make up a BIG batch and freeze to use in all the wonderful quick and easy chicken dishes I’m going to be sharing with you in the weeks ahead. Like these Cheesy Chicken Melts. They’re savory gooey cheesy chicken goodness in mini sandwiches.
If you’re not careful, instead of being a great foundation for your next masterpiece, poached chicken can be tough and flavorless. Well NOT in our kitchens. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves.
Pull up a seat and let me tell you our secrets:
2. We’re gong to use (wonderful smelling) seasonings and mix some of that cooking liquid back in when we shred it. Good-bye dry, tasteless chicken.
3. We can shred it using a stand mixer or a pair of forks. Can you say easy?
4. Finally, we’re going to make enough for 7 meals at once and then freeze it in meal-size portions so we can quickly whip up something like my Cheesy Chicken Melts. Hello delicious!
Are you in? OK then – let’s get started.
This workhorse is the foundation for many super-tasty, quick, easy weekday recipes.
When chicken is cool enough to handle, using two forks, shred meat. (Or, if you own a stand mixer, my favorite way is to use the dough hook, adding the hot chicken in 3 batches to the mixer, turn on to low and run until chicken is shredded.)
Divide the chicken into 2-cup portions (12 ounces) and transfer to 7 of the freezer bags. You want to fill your bag about ¾ of the way full. Pour 1/4 cup chicken cooking liquid into each, squeeze out the air and flatten.
Seal and store quart bags flat in a 2-gallon freezer bag.
Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. In a hurry? Use the defrost setting on the microwave.
NOTE: Can also use bone in, skin on chicken. This will reduce the yield of cooked chicken to about 12 cups. If you use skin-on chicken, simply remove and discard the skin before you shred the chicken. You may also find that you need to skim some of the fat from the cooking broth before spooning it over the chicken.
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
I'm so glad you dropped by. I'm Betsy. Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.
I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200. So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!' Then relax. I've got your back.
Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise? Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!
If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go! From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Or just take a Virtual Vacation!! Let's go!
If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes! I'm here to help. From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd! My recipes are tested and trusted. Let's cook!
Ever wished you could build your dream home? Like amazing house design and home building ideas? Me too! Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process. Let's play!
Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start? Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig? Here's everything you need to have a luau. How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club? You've come to the right place. Let's party!
Never miss a single Fabulous Recipe!
Sign UP today and ENJOY free Recipes & Party Ideas in your inbox.
(No spam - I promise!)