Lindt Gold Bunny Day

Today is Lindt Gold Bunny  Day!! To celebrate, each Lindt chocolate store will be giving away a free milk chocolate Lindt bunny to the first 500 customers who walk in the doror. No store? The first 500 who place an order on the Lindt chocolate site will get a free bunny too! If you are a rewards member, you can pick up your free piece of chocolate today too! YUM!

Blogging from A to Z in April

I just signed up for my very first blogging challenge. Yay! It is the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. What is it? From Arlee Bird, who created this challenge:    It all began with my post from Saturday March 27, 2010 when I set forth a challenge to all bloggers for the month of April.   Can you post every day except Sundays during this month?  And to up the bar, can you blog thematically from A to Z?
 
       Most of the time if you subtract Sundays from April, you then have 26 days--one day for each letter of the alphabet.  When April 1st lands on a Sunday you begin on that day which will be the only Sunday you would post during that month's challenge. 


        Using this premise, you would start beginning April First with a topic themed on something with the letterA, then on April second another topic with the letter B as the theme, and so on until you finish on April thirtieth with the theme based on the letter Z.  It doesn't even have to be a word--it can be a proper noun, the letter used as a symbol, or the letter itself.  The theme of the day is the letter scheduled for that day.
Sounds like fun, right? As you might have guessed from the banner above, I will be doing a disney theme!! I will include the disclaimer that every post might not be about Disney but most of them will be. Hopefully you will learn something or at least be entertained by them!

If you are interested in signing up for the Blogging From A to Z Challenge, just click here to join!

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 3/5/12

We are all still sick. I am much worse, and the poor baby's face is all crusty with snot :( He is also teething (2 more are poking out!) so it has been miserable around here. Therefore...  comfort food is the course of the week!

Monday: chicken fingers

Tuesday:  Ritz Cracker Crust Quiche (adapted from this recipe)

Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: Chicken  Pot Pie (adapted from this recipe)
Friday: something from the freezer

Dessert will be brownies, which I made yesterday from a mix!
Breakfast will be Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

For more menus, visit OrgJunkie!

Sickville

Moved into size 12 mo shirts but still fits into size 6 mo pants...`

Welcome to Sickville, population 3!!! Jeff came home from work Tuesday with a sore throat.... by morning, it was a full fledged cold. He called out Thursday and spent the whole day lying and sleeping on the couch, poor guy! :(  He is on the mend today... Meanwhile, my throat started hurting on Thursday, and today it is in so much pain! I have a slight cold too, as does baby E. A lot of sneezing and nose running from his tiny baby nose!

With all of this lazing about, I have actually started to plan next week's menu. Yes, I must be sick because I am looking forward to cooking this week ?!?! I need to use up some things, so I am thinking chicken pot pie and quiche. I have a hankering for muffins, too, I think I'll make muffins this week and maybe scones next week.

Blog-wise I am working on getting more reviews and giveaways up! Since I took such a long break, I feel like I ma starting all over again almost! But I promise I will have some good stuff up soon. Until then, you can still enter to win a 2 night stay in Estes Park CO!


In exciting news, E. is finally cutting his next 2 teeth! He has been teething on and off since he got his first 2 teeth on Oct 26th. This morning I noticed 2 off to the side that are almost all the way through. So exciting! It has also been a blast to hear how his speech is developing, from the sounds that sound almost like words to now, when he says mama clearly and knows who I am! He is pretty good with saying dada too. and he LOVES to sing! So cute. Hopefully someday I'll be able to get it on video.

Have a great weekend!!!

shopping time!!!

Facebook Freebies for you and your baby

Today, on the Baby Mum-Mum Facebook page they will be giving out "free coupons" so hopefully they are for free products or high value ones. E. LOVES these things - they taste like flavored cardboard to me but hey, as long as he is happy lol! They were actually the first non-puree food he had.

If you're looking for a treat for yourself, today on their Facebook page, Ghirardelli is giving away bars of their new chocolate creation, which is a mystery right now! Mmmmmm!! Wonder what it could be?

Unfortunately, there is no time when either of these are going live, so keep checking back! Good luck :)

Oero Caramel Brownies - Dos and Don'ts!

For Valentine's Day, since we were spending it at home, I wanted to make Jeff and gooey, luscious dessert. Well, I tried at least!!

deliciousness

I found the recipe for Oero Caramel Brownie Bombs and knew I had to make it! Not only did it sound so rich and gooey, but I had brownie mix and caramels that I needed to use up, not to mention my current obsession: Who Nu cookies. (Note that in the original recipe, the cookie dough, brownie batter and caramel are all homemade.)

However, things didn't go as planned. The original recipe said to put the bottom layer of cookie dough in a 9x13 pan, but there was no way it would cover the bottom of that large of a pan. But... I had already planned to use brownie mix for a 9x13 so I just did so... stupidly. That made the brownie batter too thick so I had to bake it twice as long and thus the cookie layer got overbaked. Still edible, just really baked. The Whonu cookies got lost in all the batter. Oh, and my caramels melted but once cooled became hard and sticky. With each bite I felt like the fillings in my teeth would come out.

This would be the life on LB the baker!!

all ready to go!

BUT. It was still really, really good!!! with the adjustments below, I would make it again.
To recap: If you are a "do it all homemade" person, follow the link above to the original recipe at Rock Recipes. If you like a few shortcuts, try my redone recipe below.

after the bottom layer, the goodness begins

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 7x11 inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper and again lightly grease the parchment.

Prepare the cookies and caramels beforehand, as you need to work quickly once the cookie layer comes out of the oven. You can make the brownie batter as the cookie layer is baking.

 

Chocolate Chip Base 

 

Cream until light and fluffy:

½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
Add
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat well.

Sift together
1 cup + 3 tbsp flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda

Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, folding to combine well. Fold in

½ cup chocolate chips

Spread in the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. (325 degrees for glass bake ware) Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with

18 Oreo or chocolate sandwich cookies, broken into quarters

2 dozen soft caramel candies, cut into quarters or two dozen teaspoons homemade soft caramel  

 

one box brownie mix, prepared as directed

Pour batter over the Oreos and caramel, return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the surface of the brownie batter is no longer glossy (may take up to 45 minutes). Cool completely.

Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache if desired. Cut in 2 inch squares.

(I thought they would be rich enough with the ganache, but here is the recipe if you so desire)

 

Chocolate Ganache

In the microwave, scald 1/3 cup whipping cream, almost to boiling. Pour over 1 &1/3 cups chocolate chips. Let stand for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spoon the ganache into a Ziploc bag and using sharp scissors, snip a small corner of the bag off and pipe a thin stream of the ganache in a continuous circular pattern over the squares.

the cookie layer is so overdone you can't even tell it is there!

Daring Bakers' Feb 2012 Challenge: Quick Breads

The Daring Bakers’ February 2012 host was – Lis! Lisa stepped in last minute and challenged us to create a quick bread we could call our own. She supplied us with a base recipe and shared some recipes she loves from various websites and encouraged us to build upon them and create new flavor profiles.

cheesy, oniony, with a little kick

I was really excited about this one because I LOVE to make quick breads. Because they are, well, quick to make lol and also EASY. Plus some, like banana bread, are a good way to get in fruits and other good for you items.

Reading the info about this challenge, I realzied I had never mad a savory quick bread before, and I knew I had to try one! The recipe I used is below, except I forgot to buy asagio cheese, so I just used grated Parmesan. I also just eyeballed the cheese and the onions. I so rarely do that.. it was a bit freeing!! I also used a can of light beer that we already had.

this pic is for Jeff!

Green Onion, Cheddar & Asiago Beer Batter Bread

Makes one 9” x 5” (23 x 13 cm) loaf
Adapted from Recipe Girl’s Cheddar Chive Beer Batter Bread
Ingredients
1 tablespoon (15 ml) oil
1 cup (240 ml) (100 gm/3½ oz) sliced green (spring) onion
3 cups (720 ml) (420 gm/15 oz) all-purpose (plain) flour
3 tablespoons (45 ml) (45 gm/1½ oz) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (10 ml) (10 gm) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) (6 gm) salt
1 cup (240 ml) (115 gm/4 oz) grated sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup (120 ml) (2 oz) grated Asiago cheese
One (12 fl oz/355 ml) (about 1½ cups) bottle beer (such as amber ale)
¼ cup (60 ml) (55 gm/2 oz) butter, melted and divided

time to get the mix on!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to moderately hot 375°F/190°C/gas mark 5. Spray 9”×5″ (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with cooking spray.
2. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add green onion and sauté 3-4 minutes or until tender. Cool to room temperature.
3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a bowl; make a well in the center of the mixture. Add onion, cheeses, and beer. Stir just until moist.
4. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Drizzle evenly with 2 tablespoons of butter. Bake for 35 minutes; brush with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Bake an additional 23 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes in pan on a wire rack; remove from pan. Cool completely on wire rack.

So. Much. Yummy. Butter!!!

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 2/27/12

Monday: Dr. Oekter Pizza Ristorante (thank you BzzAgent!)
Tuesday: Italian Style Chicken Dinner (didn't make last week)
Wednesday: something from the freezer , have to dig around and see what we have!
Thursday:  leftovers

Friday: Fettuccine alfredo
Saturday and Sunday: I try not to cook on the weekends! Saturday we are going to an ice cream social, so I think that we will have a frozen for dinner. Sunday will be leftovers.

 For more menus visit orgjunkie

Giveaway: Win a 2 Night Stay in Estes Park, CO

Enjoy a 2 night family vacation in Estes Park, Colorado any time between April 8th – 22nd for a family of up to 6 people (a value over $550) in time for Spring Break!!!

This event was put together by Two Little Cavaliers the prize is being provided thanks to our sponsor Estes Park Central. This event is open worldwide, however you must provide your own transportation.





 I am sooooo excited to be part of this giveaway! Like I said in the teaser post, I lived in Colorado for 6 years, not far from Estes Park. We always took visitors up to Esters Park so they could see how gorgeous the Rocky Mountains are. Estes Park is SUCH a cute town. They have a great "main drag" section without of cute shops. Of course, the Stanley hotel where Stephen King wrote The Shining is there. And Rocky Mountain National Park, which has lots of animals and hiking trials, just caps all of the natural beauty of the area. Whoever wins this vacation is totally lucky - if I could take the time to go, I would totally enter myself!

About Estes Park Vacation Rentals: Experience luxurious accommodations, breathtaking views, cozy fireplaces and the ultimate premier vacation rental. Established in 2007, Estes Park Central holds high standards in private luxury vacation rental properties and guest services. With our Estes Park Vacation Rentals service and cabin rentals, we offer personalized lavish vacation rental accommodations to meet your individual needs. All our private vacation rental properties feature top of the line appointments, fully equipped kitchens, TV and DVD, fireplaces, cozy living areas, free wireless Internet, twin/queen/king beds with luxurious bedding and views of the Rocky Mountains.

 About the Condo: This is a newly constructed, luxury, two bed/two bath condo with gorgeous mountain views overlooking Marys Lake and only 3 miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Our rental is fully-equipped with a Jacuzzi bathtub, king and queen-size bed, queen-size sofa bed in the living room, gas fireplace, washer and dryer, TV with cable, DVD and a gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops. A private hot tub on the deck overlooking the mountains enhances your relaxation. The historic Marys Lake Lodge is located on this unique property. It has been totally restored to its original grandeur.Marys Lake Lodge offers 2 separate dining experiences for your pleasure. Grandmaison’s Chalet Room offers world-class international cuisine with a European flair in an elegant ambiance. The Tavern serves delicious meals in a casual atmosphere with live music every night all summer. The rest of the year the live music continues Wednesday through Sunday evening. The Escape Spa and Salon offers a complete salon experience to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

*While this particular condo is not pet friendly they do offer other condos and vacation homes under their management that that are pet friendly.




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Coming Soon: Win a Stay in Estes Park, Colorado

I will be joining Two Little Cavaliers and other bloggers in giving away a 2 night stay in Estes Park, Colorado (right next to Rocky Mountain National Park) for a stay anytime April 8th – 22nd for a family of up to 6 people (a value over $550) right in time for Spring Break! This prize is being provided by our sponsor Estes Park Central . The Giveaway will run from Monday February 27 at 12:01am and run through March 6th at 11:59pm, so check back for all of the info!

If you are ablogger, you can join in the event for FREE! Click here for more information.

I lived in Colorado for 6 years, so I am totally excited to be part of this giveaway!!!