From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     I know I haven't been putting as much stuff up lately....but here's a recipe for what I made for supper last night! YUMMO! (and super easy which is something I love!)

Emeril's Chili

Recipe Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

--

Cook Time:

2 hr 0 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• Salt
• Cayenne
• 2 pounds stew meat
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• Crushed red pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 3 cups crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup canned dark red kidney beans
• 2 tablespoons masa flour
• 4 tablespoons water
• 1 bag Tortilla Chips
• 1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 6 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 small jar of jalapenos

Directions

In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to wilt. Season with salt and cayenne. Stir in the stew meat, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, and oregano. Brown the meat for 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, and beans. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer the liquid, uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, or until the beef is tender. Skim off the fat occasionally. Mix the masa and water together. Slowly stir in the masa slurry and continue to cook for 30 minutes. Reseason with salt and cayenne. Place a handful of the chips in each shallow bowl. Spoon the chili over the chips. Garnish with the grated cheese, sour cream and jalapenos.

Copyright 2012 Television Food Network G.P.
All Rights Reserved

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     I found this recipe on the Pioneer Woman and it looked easy and fun for the Holidays!!! She's my go to gal for recipes that everyone will enjoy! Find her here: www.thepioneerwoman.com

Christmas Finger Jello

Prep Time:

 3 Hours

 

Cook Time:

Difficulty:

 Easy

 

Servings:

12

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 boxes Cherry Or Strawberry Jello (3 Ounces Each)
• 2 boxes Lime Jello (3 Ounces Each)
• 2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 Ounces Each)
• 9 envelopes Plain Knox Gelatin
• Nonstick Cooking Spray

Preparation Instructions

First: Get organized! Having a tea kettle full of water helps, as does having at least two or three mixing bowls and a couple of glass measuring cups. This moves faster if you have all the equipment ready!

Second: Spray a 9 x 13 inch Pyrex with cooking spray, then give it a gentle wipe with a paper towel to remove the excess.

COLORED JELLO LAYERS:

One layer at a time, mix 1 envelope Knox gelatin with 1/4 cup cold water in a small mixing bowl. Add 1 cup boiling water, followed by 1 box of either red or green jello. Stir gently to combine so bubbles won't form. Pour into pan. Place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, or until set. In between each colored layer, pour a creamy layer.

CREAMY WHITE LAYERS:

***NOTE: The following mixture is enough for just under three creamy layers. You'll need two batches before the whole thing's done.

In a small glass measuring cup, measure 1/2 cup cold water. Stir in 2 envelopes of plain jello and stir to dissolve. Pour sweetened condensed milk into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of boiling water. Pour dissolved gelatin mixture into the condensed milk mixture, then add another 1/2 cup of boiling water.

Once you've used all of the creamy mixture, repeat the method below to make another batch.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Begin by pouring either a red layer in the bottom of the pan. Stick the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until it's set. While it's setting, mix up the first batch of the creamy mixture.

Remove the pan from the fridge and pour in a little more than 1/3 of the creamy mixture (or enough to coat the first colored layer.) Stick the pan in the fridge for 10-15 minutes until it's set. While it's setting, mix up the next colored layer.

Repeat the colored layer process with a green layer, followed by another creamy layer. When you're finished, you should have, beginning from the bottom:

Red
White
Green
White
Red
White
Green
White
Red

Note that you'll need to mix up the second batch of the creamy layer midway through the process to make sure you have enough for the middle layer. For the colored layers, just mix them right before you need them (when the previous layer is chilling in the fridge).

When all the layers are in the pan, chill for a good 2 hours to totally set everything. Cut into small squares and serve 'em as snacks!

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What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?...

    Wow! I can't believe it's Wednesday again already! Time sure flies when there is lots to do! In case you didn't already know it, I am a procrastinator. At work and at home. Consequently, I haven't had much time to read. I started reading some poetry to my children before bed, because it's quick and it's fun. Shel Silverstein is a favorite in our house....Here's one we read the other night...

Merry
by Shel Silverstein

No one's hangin' stockin's up,
No one's bakin' pie,
No one's lookin' up to see
A new star in the sky.
No one's talkin' brotherhood,
No one's givin' gifts,
And no one loves a Christmas tree
On March the twenty-fifth.

     Speaking of poetry...have you ever read a novel written completely in verse? One popular example would be Crank by Ellen Hopkins. This novel is about just what it sounds like: Crystal Meth. It is told in first person from the perspective of a 17 year old addict. Being in verse adds to the drama and illogicality of an addict. If you enjoy the first one, there are more in the series.
     I haven't actually read a novel in verse, yet, but this one in particular is on my To Read List. I'm curious about how a story unfolds in verse and how it all works. I've noticed more of this type of novel lately, but there aren't too many out there yet. Some other titles include:

Far from you by Lisa Schroeder
What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonja Sones
Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell
The Realm of Possibility David Levithan
Love and Leftovers Sarah Tregay

Give yourself something new this holiday season; try a novel in verse. It might be your new favorite.

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     The other day, I had the opportunity to help judge some decorated office doors at Cedar Valley Friends of Family. They were generous enough to give me a cookbook for helping out. I thought I'd share something fun from their book today and remind you that they are there and that they help a lot of people...

Cinnamon Ornaments for Hanging

1 C. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 C. applesauce

Mix all dry ingredients. Add applesauce, a little at a time until it gets the consistency of play dough. If too dry, add 1-2 T. more of applesauce. Roll out 1/4 inch thick on ungreased surface. If too sticky, sprinkle surface with ground cinnamon. Use cookie cutters to cut into shapes. Air dry 4-5 days. Makes 1/2 - 1 dozen shapes. When wet, use a straw to make hole for hanging. Use a ribbon to hang.


Something fun to do with your kids this holiday season!

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday...

     Welcome to Wednesday my friends, and welcome to yet another edition of What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday!!!! Today, I thought I'd share some thoughts from one of our high school pages on one of her favorite books, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  You know we all love books for different reasons. I might love the romance aspect of a particular story, while Kathy loves the dialogue and you might love the historical part. In the same way, we all choose books and take recommendations for different reasons. Sometimes, I choose to read a book because someone didn't like it! Weird, right? Anyway, Abby eventually wore Kathy down to read this book, where I haven't been able to convince her to try something I suggested yet...So, I have this book at home right now because someone was able to convince someone I've been trying to suggest books to, to read it. Go figure! Oh, and because Abby's favorite books are ones that make her "feel" something; anything, just "feel" it! A girl after my own heart...
     This story, at its heart, is the story of Hazel and Augustus, two high schoolers, both with cancer, and how their relationship develops in spite of, or because of the cancer. Abby says this book is great for adolescents because it  makes you realize your life isn't as bad as you think. It deals with a lot of issues that teens face....parents, life, religion...afterlife, does it matter, should we care.She told me that the book is very emotional, but at the same time very "real". She could totally see this happening in "real life." It's a coming of age story with a twist.. John Green makes you see things like having cancer, very differently. He writes in first person from Hazel's point of view and the language is very much that of a teen, not that of an adult trying to write like a teen. Yet, he presents all sides of the story/issue and even some sides you didn't even think about. It sucks you in and makes you feel what it's like to be a teen and to be a teen with cancer.

   

     My favorite quote of Abby's about this book was that "it makes you cry a river of tears and then drown in them....but you love it anyway!"
     My favorite quote of Kathy's about this book was that "it takes a big box of boo hoo" to finish it!

Finally, Abby says, "Everyone should just read this book!!! Just Read the Book!!!!"

Book Trailer Monday...

Here's a heartwarming Christmas story just in time for the holidays....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     Here's a little treat you can make all for yourself :)! Sneak back out to the kitchen after supper is all cleaned up and everyone else is busy doing something else and make yourself one of these!!! (Of course, if you want to share, I imagine your family would love these too!! I'm just sayin...)

Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup
created by Melissa at No. 2 Pencil 

1 Tablespoon Butter
1 Tablespoon Granulated White Sugar
1 Tablespoon of firmly packed Dark Brown Sugar
3 Drops of Vanilla Extract
Small Pinch of Kosher Salt
1 Egg Yolk (discard the egg white)
Scant 1/4 of All Purpose Flour
2 Tablespoons of Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

Start by melting your butter in the microwave. Add sugars, vanilla and salt. Stir to combine. Separate your egg and add the yolk only to your cup. Stir to combine. Add flour, then stir again. Add the chocolate chips, and give a final stir. Cook in microwave 40-60 seconds, start checking for doneness at 40 seconds. Mine takes 50 seconds. 

Serve warm.

Brought to you by the lovely online pinboard PINTEREST.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday...

     HI! It's Wednesday AND it's the day before Thanksgiving!!! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Not only do we get to eat tons of awesome food, but we get to spend time with our family and friends! Plus, I was born on Thanksgiving, so that makes it extra special...Then, there's Black Friday shopping...So much to do, so little time.
     Consequently, I'm not reading Iced by Karen Marie Moning very quickly. I will say that I am loving it, though! The main character, Dani, is a 14 year old with a mouth that says whatever she is thinking! Yet, she also is quite grown up for her age due to the walls of Faery coming down and her being a superhero and all :). Dani was mentioned in the other Fever series books, but she wasn't a main character. Now, in this new novel, she takes center stage. It was a little hard in the beginning for me because I had really grown attached to many of the other characters who now are playing more cursory roles so that Dani can be the star. Her conversation style is much younger (she is 14),  but it's very quick. She is going a thousand miles a minute. All. The. Time. Iced takes place in the same world as the other Fever novels, but from a different point of view and after everything that happened in the previous novels.
       I already can't wait because I went to the author's website and I see that she plans on writing 3 novels from Dani's perspective, and then she is going to go back to the point of view in the first 5 Fever novels and combine the two!!! Karen Marie Moning can't write them fast enough!!!
     Don't you just love it when a book is sooo good that you can't put it down and can't wait for the next one to come out!!

     What's your latest favorite read? Share it with us in the comments so we can all find a new one to get hooked on!

Book Trailer Monday...

     Have you ever read a graphic novel? Comics as a kid? The graphic novel has really risen in popularity recently. I've picked up a few just to see what they were like...it's hard for me to see things differently than I had imagined them, ya know? Regardless, here's one you may be interested in trying...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     This one's just because I was hungry for chili and the idea that there is chocolate in this recipe intrigued me...Plus, there are no beans, so my family ate it too!! Bonus!

Cincinnati Chili (a little background from the book A Man and His Pan by John Boswell..."Somehow, as chili was passing through Ohio, a tributary broke off and headed straight for Cincinnati. This strange concoction is unlike any other chili you've ever tasted and is positively addictive. The "secret ingredient" is a chocolate bar! Cincinnatians serve their chili over spaghetti topped with grated cheese and chopped onion, and accompany it with oyster or saltine crackers. the chili also works well over rice, doubles for sloppy joes, and makes a great taco filling.")

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper
1 can (28 oz.) stewed tomatoes
1/2 C. beef broth
1 T. red wine vinegar
1/2 chocolate bar (2 oz.) like Hershey's (no almonds)

1. In your nonstick frying pan, cook the ground beef, onion, celery, and garlic over medium high heat, stirring often to break up lumps of meat, until the beef loses its pink color, about 5 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. cook, stirring, 1 minute.
2. Add the stewed tomatoes, beef broth, vinegar, and chocolate; cut up the tomatoes while cooking with a pair of kitchen scissors. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer 1 hour, adding more beef broth if the chili gets too thick.

Serves 4 to 6.

Note: We eat this over rice and I always add more chili powder and chocolate. Sometimes, I even add some hot peppers because we like it hot!! We also eat it with Fritos and cheese, too, if we have them. Try it and add your own twist!!

Book Trailer Monday...

Here's the book that is currently on my nightstand...Iced by Karen Marie Moning. Karen Marie Moning's Fever series is one of my absolute favorites with Shadowfever (the book right before this one) being one of my favorite books ever...but I thought she was done with the series?....Here's the latest installment...And it's written from a different character's point of view. Cool.

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Here's one in honor of November, Thanksgiving, Pumpkins, and Janette!!!

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

Total Time:

1 hr 20 min

Prep

30 min

Cook

50 min

Yield:

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

Cake:

• 1 (18 1/4-ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 egg
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted

Filling:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (16-ounce) box powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine the cake mix, egg, and butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan.

To make the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla, and butter, and beat together. Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and mix well. Spread pumpkin mixture over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to overbake as the center should be a little gooey.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.

Variations: For a Pineapple Gooey Cake: Instead of the pumpkin, add a drained 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple to the cream cheese filling. Proceed as directed above.

For a Banana Gooey Cake: Prepare cream cheese filling as directed, beating in 2 ripe bananas instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above.

For a Peanut Butter Gooey Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix. Add 1 cup creamy peanut butter to the cream cheese filling instead of the pumpkin. Proceed as directed above.
 

©Television Food Network G.P.
All Rights Reserved.

 

 

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday....

     It's Wednesday again reading friends!!! What's In Your Library Bag this week?! Do you like to pick up books especially for the holidays. I know a lot of authors come out with Christmas titles every year...I've read a few and they are always a good read. And now is the perfect time to start....

Here's a list to get you started....there are definitely more, but here's a teaser....

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber
The Christmas Train by David Baldacci
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
The Light of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans
The First Gift of Christmas by Richard Paul Evans
Gideon's Gift (Part of Red Glove Series) by Karen Kingsbury
Maggie's Miracle (Part of Red Glove Series) by Karen Kingsbury
Sarah's Song (Part of Red Glove Series) by Karen Kingsbury
Hannah's Hope (Part of Red Glove Series) by Karen Kingsbury
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
I'll Be Home for Christmas by Fern Michaels
Bring me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
All I Want For Christmas is a Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks
An Amish Christmas by Cynthia Keller
An Angel for Christmas by Heather Graham
Amish White Christmas Pie by Wanda Brunstetter
The Heart of Christmas Max Lucado
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evaovich
The Christmas Bus by Melody Carlson
Of Course...A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Christmas Homecoming by Anne Perry
The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson
A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh

Book Trailer Monday...

Here's a book that I've seen go out as a book club selection and I've seen it pop up on reading lists, but never had the urge to take it home...Now with a movie trailer out, it looks amazing!!! That begs the question: read the book first or watch the movie...

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?..

     Welcome to another edition of What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday? This week I thought I'd talk about a book that one of my coworkers, Emily, just finished and told me all about. Sounds definitely thought provoking and like one I'd enjoy reading.
     The book is Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It is a YA (young adult) selection and it is about suicide. The main character, a teenage girl, commits suicide and the rest of the book is the 13 reasons (events/people) why. She records messages on cassette tapes to the 13 people that influenced her decision to commit suicide. So, as each one listens you piece together the whole story of what affected her and why. Reasons like, a cry for help to a guidance councilor who didn't taker her seriously and a school bully who wouldn't stop. Emily told me that the story/author really makes you stop and take a look at suicide and why someone might choose to do it. It really puts you in their shoes, so to speak. This thought provoking young adult novel, Thirteen Reasons Why,  reminds me of many of the Jodi Piccoult novels I've read. In fact, she wrote one called The Pact, which is about a teen suicide pact. The other characteristic of this novel that reminds me of Jodi Piccoult is the idea that through the story, the author can actually make you see the point of view of whom you would traditionally consider the "bad guy"or at least not popular character, like the one committing suicide. Not that the person committing suicide is bad; it's just not usually viewed as an acceptable choice. I find this a really great quality of a fiction book; for the author to be able to make me look at something that is real, like suicide, and make me look at it differently than I ever have before.
     So, if you are up for a great thought provoking read, try Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher or give a Jodi Piccoult novel a whirl. You won't be disappointed.
   

Book Trailer Monday...

Sometimes it's fun to revisit an old classic. Here are Chapters 1 and 2 of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. It's a little long, but I wanted to see if it might interest you in reading the entire novel. Also, the other chapters are available on www.youtube.com if you care to keep listening....

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?

     Well, it's Wednesday again....And it's one week until Halloween!!I imagine all of your little witches and goblins are super excited about now. Have you been reading Halloween stories? Going to haunted houses? Having parties? The library is having a Halloween party with stories, crafts and fun this Saturday, October 27, at 10:30 a.m.!! Miss Sue will tell some fun Halloween stories and then there will be several craft stations with treats for the kids to visit. Costumes are welcome at this Family Friendly Event!!!
     Janette and I were talking about stories we read our kids the other day and she told me that her favorite Halloween story to read to her children is The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey. For me and my house, we enjoy Halloween poems. Several years ago in a Scholastic book order we found a Halloween Night poetry book. It has become a well loved favored book. I thought I'd share a couple here with you...

Pumpkins On Guard

Look at all the pumpkin faces
Lighting up so many places.

On the porch and in the yard,
Pumpkin faces standing guard.

Looking friendly, looking mean,
With a smile or with a scream.

Orange faces burning bright
In the cool October night.

How about this one....

Sick or Treat

I got a lot of treats tonight
And I just ate them all.
From candy bars to bubble gum,
My taste buds had a ball.

But now my stomach's doing flips.
Oh what a Halloween.
The Biggest trick from all those treats?
I'm slowly turning green.

Lastly....

I'm Not Afraid

Thank you for the water
And the extra goodnight kiss.
I know it's getting late but first
I have to tell you this.

I'm not afraid of scary things
Thant dance out in the dark.
I'm not afraid of mournful sounds
That make the dogs all bark.

I'm not afraid of closet doors
When they are open wide.
I'm not afraid of drapes and shades
Where shadows like to hide.

I'm not afraid of ghosts and ghouls
That haunt each Halloween.
I'm not afraid of anything
That I have never seen.

I'm not afraid of creaking steps
Or gurgles in the sink.
I'm not afraid of basement groans
(At least that's what I think).

I'm not afraid of all those things
That bump or growl at night.
I'm not afraid of anything_
But please leave on the light.

Enjoy this Halloween and maybe try something spooky to read....

Book Trailer Monday...

Linda Lael Miller has been quite popular with all types lately...She writes historical western romance, with emphasis on western....Here are a couple to peak your interest...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Here's a recipe I found on Pinterest that I think I just must try!! However, this staff morning day came just too early!! Next time ladies!:)

Breakfast Casserole

Makes: 12-18 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 – 1 pound sausage
• 1 package crescent rolls
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 5 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 Tsp oregano or rosemary
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Place a skillet over medium heat and add the sausage. Break up the sausage as it cooks, letting it brown completely.
3. Unroll the crescent rolls and spread them out in the bottom of a 9×13 pan, pressing the seams together to make one large sheet of dough.
4. Spread the sausage over the dough.
5. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the sausage.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk, oregano or rosemary, salt, and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the eggs are set.

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?

     So, last Thursday all of us librarians attended ILA, Iowa Library Association, Conference in Dubuque. This is always a fun experience to get out together and get excited about what we are doing here at the library. We are each allowed to choose the sessions we want to attend, picking and choosing what we are interested in or what might be pertinent to our specific job role, i.e. teen librarian.
     My favorite session that I attended was called, Going Clubbing: Spicing up your book clubs. Now we don't currently have a library sponsored book club, but I think it would be fun. Besides, I try and provide that type of interest here on the blog. Hey! Perhaps I should incorporate both....hmmmm....something to think about...
     For now, I just wanted to mention that the biggest draw for me of this particular speaker was her enthusiasm! She was excited about reading and sharing and talking about her favorites with others. It got you excited, just listening to her and her energy. The other strong point to the young adult book club at the University of Dubuque, that she discussed, I thought, was the way they try to incorporate different forms of media into their discussions. Not only do they read the books, but during discussions, they might bring book themed foods; or listen to a playlist from the story or one the author created and wrote while he wrote; they might include you tube videos or clips from the audio book version of the story. How perfect! Because in today's society, we all have access to all of these different forms of media and they can really add to our reading experience. Plus, it's just another way to "spice" things up a bit. I think we get busy in life, cause really, what is life if not busy, and then we get away from reading books. By giving more visuals, we can bring back our youthful excitement about reading and sharing our reading with others. Nothing makes me happier than to have my daughter come home and tell me all about the book she is reading and how excited she is to finish it and see what happens.
     I thought I'd include a link to the speaker's blog on the titles they have been reading in their Young Adult book club and see if her style of describing and incorporating might appeal to you and give you a new idea of something to read....Check her out here...http://www.becky-jean.blogspot.com/p/ya-book-primer.html

     On another note...I'd love to hear your opinions on whether or not you'd like an online book club or a regular one or any other ideas you might like to see here...Leave me a comment and we'll go from there....

In the meantime, Happy Reading!

Book Trailer Monday...

Here's an intriguing YA selection, Ashfall by Mike Mullin... The sequel, Ashen Winter, just came out...

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Here's another Pioneer Woman recipe. I was watching some back shows and saw this recipe and thought it looked pretty yummy!! Of course, when doesn't her recipes look yummy.

Tequila Lime Chicken

2012 Ree Drummond, All Rights Reserved

Prep Time:

15 min

Inactive Prep Time:

3 hr 0 min

Cook Time:

10 min

Level:

Easy

Serves:

12 servings

Ingredients

• 4 limes
• 1 cup tequila
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 jalapeno, sliced
• 1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
• 12 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups grated Monterey Jack

Options for servings:

• Corn tortillas
• Flour tortillas
• Grated Monterey Jack
• Pico de gallo
• Jalapeno slices
• Lime wedges
• Avocado slices
• Sour cream

Directions

Slice open the limes and squeeze the juice into a food processor or blender. Add the tequila, olive oil, salt, garlic, jalapenos and cilantro. Blend the mixture until totally combined. Add the chicken to a large plastic bag and pour in the lime-tequila mixture. Seal the bag and marinate in the fridge for several hours or overnight.

Remove the chicken from the bag and grill it over medium-high heat. Rotate the chicken 45-degrees on both sides to create nice grill marks, and continue grilling until the chicken is cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Melt the Monterey Jack over the top of the sliced chicken breasts.

Slice the chicken and serve it on a plate topped with the sides.

Book Trailer Monday...

Here's a hugely popular long lived series....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

     This was in my inbox this week....

Gooey Cookies and Cream Chocolate Cake Bars

1 Devils Food Cake Mix

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg

1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

14 Oreo Cookies, broken into bite size pieces

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with tin foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Place cake mix, butter and egg into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Use your hands, it works much quicker  Press into prepared baking pan. Top with broken pieces of cookies.

3. Pour sweetened condensed milk over cookies and top with chocolate chips. Bake for 23-25 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from oven.

4.  After 5 minutes of cooling, run a plastic knife around edges to loosen, this makes it much easier to remove from foil.  Let cool completely, remove foil from pan, then cut into squares.  I cut off all of the edges before cutting into squares (makes for neater squares), but do whatever you’d like!!

Makes 12 bars

 Thanks Vicky!!!:)

What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?

     Hello Again!!! Welcome to What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?? Today I'd like to talk about reading apps. Do you have a Kindle? Nook? Ipad? Ipod? Smart Phone? Do you use it to read or have it read to your children?? I am somewhat Old School in that I always said I didn't want one because there's just something about touching a book and turning the pages...However, opinions change and I definitely see a time and place for such readers. For example, I don't have a Kindle or Nook, but I do have an Ipod, presumably for music, but it works great when I lay down next to my kids at night and can read in the dark. Or when I take my youngest to an appointment with me and can hand him my Ipod and have an app read stories to him to help keep him entertained. Wow! Amazing!! Peace and quiet and reading! What could be better?!
     I also noticed in the kids' book orders recently that Scholastic has come out with a reading app called Storia. Currently, it only works on an Ipad, but the concept is there. You get free books when you purchase others and you can also purchase more, of course. I thought it looked interesting.
    I have purchased the Read Me Stories app through itunes which reads stories to my first grader and every so often he gets to download a new one. Also, when I asked a coworker if she used any reading apps, she told me that she didn't have an app per se, but had downloaded several Story Boy books from itunes for her children to read. All of which were free. Better yet.
     After doing a search on the internet, I found that there are several interactive titles out there where the child gets the story read to them, but has the opportunity to play little  mini games throughout. It looked like several Dr. Seuss titles, a Toy Story Read-Along, etc. It also mentioned the title, The Fantastic Flying books of Morris Lessmore for the Ipad which was rated as the best interactive book out there today coming in at a whopping $8.99!!!
    Even if you don't have one of the aforementioned devices you can search YouTube and find books that will read to your children. Sometimes it's a parent reading the story, or a little older child. Other times, you just hear the narrator and you see all the pages of the book turning. (I have a son who is obsessed with YouTube.)
     Sometimes it seems like maybe technology is taking over...but really, you can use it to your advantage and really enhance your reading experience!! Try it, you might like it. I know I did.
   

Book Trailer Monday....

We just got the book the Unwanteds by Lisa McMann and as I read the back cover, I thought, well this sounds fun! So, I brought it home. Seems that I left it laying around and now I have to wait for 2 of my children to read it before I do!!! I told you it looked fun :)!!

Here's an interview with the author and a reading from this fun looking middle grade novel....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Here's one that just sounded soo good when Janette was talking about wanting to make it!! Be warned, I have not tried this, but can't wait to!!! Maybe you should try it and let me know what I am missing! wink, wink...

Chocolate Monster Cookie Pie
Yield: 8 slices

Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 C. Graham cracker crumbs (about 10 whole graham crackers)
1/2 C. quick oats
3 T. brown sugar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 C. butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract

For the Filling:
1.5 oz. box fat-free sugar-free chocolate pudding (I think I'd just use regular instant pudding myself...)
2 T. brown sugar
1 1/4 C. non-fat milk
1/4 C. peanut butter
1- 8 oz. tub reduced-fat Cool Whip
1/4 C. mini chocolate chips
3 T. quick oats
3 T. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 C. peanut butter M&M's

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. Stir together graham cracker crumbs, oats, brown sugar, and salt until well-combined. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until mixture is moistened. Press into bottom of pie plate. Bake for 8 minutes or until crust is light golden. Let cool completely. Whisk together pudding mix and brown sugar until combined. Whisk in milk until smooth and thick. Add in the peanut butter and vigorously whisk to combine. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Stir in mini chocolate chips. Pour into pie crust. Sprinkle oats and chocolate chips on top. Refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours until firm. Sprinkle M&M's on top right before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Book Trailer Monday...

This is a cute trailer on Kay Wyma's new book Cleaning House about how children nowadays feel entitled to everything and how to turn that around....

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

Loving the Pioneer Woman again....

Italian Sloppy Joes

Added by Ree on September 19, 2012 in Main Courses, Sandwiches

Prep Time  Cook Time 10 Minutes

Servings 1

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

• Leftover Spaghetti Sauce
• Thick Slices Of Garlic Bread (either Storebought Or Homemade)
• Mozzarella Cheese Slices
• Minced Fresh Parsley

Preparation Instructions

Heat up the leftover spaghetti sauce until hot and bubbly.

Bake two garlic bread slices until golden brown and crisp.

Preheat broiler. Place one slice of garlic bread on an ovenproof plate. Spoon spaghetti sauce over the top, adding as much as you want. Top with a slice or two of mozzarella, then place it under the broiler just until the cheese melts. Sprinkle with parsley, prop the second piece of bread on the side, and serve with a knife and fork!

Thoughts on a Thursday...

Appropriate for today.....

hustings

   \ HUHS-tingz \  , noun;

1.

The political campaign trail.

2.

(Before 1872) the temporary platform on which candidates
for the British Parliament stood when nominated and from which they addressed the electors.

3.

Any place from which political campaign speeches are made.

4.

Also called hustings court. A local court in certain parts of Virginia.

Quotes:

But he still had to go out to the hustings , a wordwhose
meaning he'd never learned, and campaign forpeople, or at least
give speeches.

-- Tom Clancy, Executive Orders

Now, do not let them lure you to the hustings , mydear Mr. Brooke.

-- George Eliot, Middlemarch

Origin:

Hustings  is derived from the Old Danish word hūs-thing
which meant "house meeting."