Best of 2016

     I keep meaning to blog, to say hi, or even post a new recipe but time wouldn't slow down for me. Now, we are already at the end of the year. I actually like blogging. I love cooking. I just haven't been cooking as much. Luckily, my husband has been cooking. He really does a good job.

     Before I recap our favorite recipes, I want to recap the year. We are still in North Carolina but we bought a house. Moving is so much work. We still have boxes to unpack and we moved over 5 months ago! At work, I have been working on a temporary detail which I love. However, it is temporary but I am still able to work on the detail for a couple more month. Personally, I love my husband and kids with all my heart. We have lost a cousin, nephew, an Aunt, and friends. It has been hard and they will always have a place in our heart and memories. Now, lets talk about food.

Favorite Breakfast:

 

 Breakfast Bake 

Favorite Dinner:

 

Skillet Hamburger Pasta

Favorite Cake:

 

Italian Cream Cake

Favorite Dessert:

 

Chocolate Souffle 

I wish you and your family a 

Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year!

Scotland

Greetings Everyone! I have returned from my trip to Scotland. It was great since I spent time with my Dad and sister. Also, I tried some great food over there. Yes, I had tea and scones in Edinburgh. I tried sticky toffee pudding and Cranachan. I had dinner in a pub and snacks on a train. I have photos to share with you.

 This is a photo of Edinburgh castle. Queen Mary of Scots lived there. She gave birth to future King James of England. As you can see, the castle is well defended and was never conquered.

Since we took a tour of the castle, I wanted to share some photos of the grounds. It really is beautiful with a spectacular view. The Edinburgh castle is one of Scotland's most visited attractions. During our visit, we were unable to visit the Holyroodhouse Palace since Queen Elizabeth was in residence.

I had to capture a Scotsman in full outfit. I did see the gentleman at several locations. Normally, I did not see many men wearing the traditional kilt but it was nice to spot some. I did ask the family if anyone wanted me to bring them home a kilt. Sadly, my family said no. Since kilts are not cheap, I didn't buy one even with a lower than normal exchange rate.

This is a photo to show a view of the city. It is beautiful with so much history. One day I will bring the kids and my husband with me. Cheers!

Six Bean Salad

     Occasionally, I will post a healthy recipe. My philosophy is to eat your fruits and vegetables, then you can have some sweets. No wonder my kids will eat their vegetables. The first time I had a five bean salad was while I was in the military. I liked it but I like beans and green beans. My favorite is green beans so I doubled the green beans.
     Since we were having a cook out. I decided to make some easy side dishes. The five bean salad was one of the side dishes. My husband will not eat this dish. He wouldn't even try it. The kids would try it but they preferred the macaroni salad. 
     I will have to make this dish for my Dad. He would appreciate it as much as I did. I will post photos of my trip soon. I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July. Be safe.

Six Bean Salad
2 cans (15 oz) green beans
1 can (15 oz) waxed yellow beans
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans
1 can (15 oz) black beans
1 can (15 oz) white kidney beans
1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans
1 tsp grated onion
3/4 cup sugar
2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp celery salt, additional for garnish

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the green beans and yellow wax beans. Drain and allow to cool.
2. Rinse off the kidney beans, black beans, and garbanzo beans. Set aside. 
3. In a small bowl, combine the onion, sugar, vinegar, oil, salt, and pepper. 
4. Gently, toss all the ingredients in a large bowl. 
5. Lightly top with additional celery salt.
6. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Recipe adapted from Samina Cooks. 

Two years ago.......................I made Strawberry Fool with blueberries.
Three years ago.....................I made Strawberry Whoppie Pies.
Four years ago.......................I made Bacon and Cheddar Scones.

Did you already know........................
-Green beans originated from Mexico and South America.
-In the 16th century, the Spanish explores introduced beans to Europe.
-Green beans and dry beans belong to the Phaseolus vulgaris family.

Cinnamon Tea Cookies

     Alright, I haven't made cookies for while. So, it was time. I wanted something spicy and sweet which match these cookies. These cookies did not last. I really like spice so I did increase the amount of spice in the recipe. 
     Lately, I have made this deal with my daughter. I will make the cookie dough if she bakes the cookies. Since she wants the cookies, she always agrees. I think it is a nice arrangement. She does a great job. She likes the arrangement since she always gets the first cookie. I always tell her if she doesn't want to make all the cookies then freeze the dough. She has never frozen the dough and has made tray after tray of cookies. Why save some dough for later when she can have all the cookies today. Plus she knows Mom will make more cookie dough if asked. 
     Also, I'm heading to Scotland this weekend. I am going with my sister and we will see my Dad. I will post some photos of my trip next month.

Cinnamon Tea Cookies
1 1/3 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 cup sugar
10 Tbsp butter, softened
1 egg
2 tsp vanilla extract. 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 
3. In a small bowl, whisk the flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda. Set aside.
4. In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter until fluffy. 
5. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
6. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and combine. 
7. Scoop 1 inch dough onto the baking sheet. Space the dough at least 2 inches apart. 
8. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until medium brown.

Recipe adapted from Tazo.

Two years ago.....................I made Paint Splatter Cupcakes.
Three years ago...................I made Flag Cookies.
Four years ago.....................I made Sweet Cakes.

Did you already know.................
-Cinnamon sticks are called quills. 
-Indonesia is the largest producer of cinnamon.
-The ancient Egyptians used cinnamon as an embalming ingredient.

Skillet hamburger Pasta

     Since my son keeps requesting this meal, I had to post it. I think we have made this meal at least three times. When I initially made this dish, I forgot to add the cheese (which is very unbelievable for me). Every since, we haven't added cheese. It is very easy and delicious recipe. However, it is very easy to burn the bottom of the skillet. 
     My son even cooked it by himself including chopping the onion. It was crazy the mess he made just from chopping one onion. It even made him cry. My husband liked that my son actually cooked a whole meal with no help but my husband didn't enjoy the aftermath of the mess left behind from our son. The meal is made with one pan but it still appeared our kitchen was hit by a tornado created by our son. This is the perfect meal for a busy night. Remember if an 11 year can make it, you can too.

Skillet hamburger Pasta

2 tsp olive oil
1 lb. ground beef
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 Tbsp flour
8 oz. can tomato sauce
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup pasta, uncooked
2 Tbsp ketchup
2 tsp mustard
1 stalk of green onions, chopped

Directions: 

1. In a large deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and onion.
3. Saute until the beef is browned. 
4. Sprinkle the flour over top and stir into the meat. Allow to cook for one minute.
5. Add the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir. 
6. Add the pasta and stir to combine. 
7. Allow the mixture to cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is the desired texture. Stir often. 
8. Add the ketchup and mustard to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
9. Top with the green onions and serve.

Recipe adapted from Budget Bytes.

One year ago............................I made Southern BBQ chicken.
Two years ago..........................I made Steak Stir Fry.
Three years ago........................I made Radish and Potato Soup.
Four years ago..........................I made Red, White, and Blue Cupcakes.

Did you already know....................
-The U.S. has more tornadoes than any other country.
-The U.S. has about 1,200 tornadoes a year. 
-The fastest winds on Earth were from a tornado which can reach about 300 mph.