Blog Archives

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps Appetizer And Sweet Sweet Love Songs

10/30/2011

Ahhhh...

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

These are a very popular appetizer but by golly,
I had never heard of them until Saturday
when I was scouring internet for any kind of chicken and bacon recipe, my love affair with bacon just will.not.end.
I.am.a.sick.person.I.know.already.Enough.

Chicken breasts, brown sugar, my boyfriend Bacon and chili powder.

And only 4 ingredients!

That's four,

only 4 ingredients!

How easy is that???

CLICK ON THIS TO GET PAULA DEEN'S RECIPE OF SWEET CHICKEN BACON WRAPS!!

So let's start these sweet, sweet nothings by chopping up some chicken into 1" cubes and slicing the bacon into thirds.

Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure
with a wooden pick.

And don't forget to spray the rack
or the cookie sheet.

Spray, spray, spray, spray!!!

Trust me, I know this from experience or rather,
lack of experience!

Stir together brown sugar
and
chili powder.

Talking about sweet brown sugar reminds me of
sweet love songs....

Well, I don't know if these song titles are from actual "love" songs but they have the word "sweet" in the title.

Let's see how many of these you know:

Sweet Caroline
Sweet Home Alabama
Sweet Bye and Bye
Sweet Emotion
Sweet Child O' Mine
Sweet City Woman
Home Sweet Home
How Sweet it Is
Sweet Gypsy Rose
Bittersweet Symphony
Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen
Sweet Dreams
Sweetest Thing
Sweet Cherry Wine
Sweet Talkin' Guy
Sweet Pea
How Sweet Thy Sound
(okay so the last one isn't actually in the title, it's only a lyric, but who doesn't love Amazing Grace!!!)

So, set up your work station with
the brown sugar
and
chili powder mixture,

the bacon wrapped chicken chunks,

and the baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

Dredge wrapped chicken in brown sugar mixture.

Place all the

chicken wraps on

the broiler pan or

the baking sheet

with cooling rack

placed on top.

Don't ya want to eat them right now?
Well, except for they're raw meat.

Maybe I'll wait until they're cooked for 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven.
Yeah, I'll wait till they're cooked.

And 30-35 minutes later, here are the cooked
Sweet Chicken Bacon Wrapped Appetizers!

Here are a few on an appetizer plate like most normal people would eat them...don't ya just want to grab one right now?!?!

But here's what I like to do, because I loves me some bacon...
Plate it up already, make it into a meal!

Doesn't it just look pure yummy?

P.S. by the way, it was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, if I'm going to serve these for an appetizer at a Holiday Meal, I would totally include some spicy honey-mustard dressing and some ranch dressing as condiments with these Bacon-Wrapped Chicken appetizers.

Four ingredients for an easy, popular appetizer...glad I found this one!!

Hope you enjoyed reading about this recipe as much as I enjoyed eating them :):)
See you next time!

Football Friday Discussion....Week 9!!!!

10/28/2011

Football Friday

Discussion

Week 9

Let's See What

Fans Have To

Say This Week...

Big 10

IOWA

Silver Fox: Now it's week #9. Way to go Marvin McNutt in getting the Hawkeye touchdown receptions record. Not to diminish it, but one can see why Indiana has a losing record---and I thought our defense has alot of room for improvement. Indiana does have a good offensive unit. I think they'll beat Northwestern this Saturday in Bloomington. Watch out! I predict there'll be over 100 points scored in that one. As concerns the Hawks; please don't go to sleep against the Golden Gophers. Get that offense fired up this Saturday on the road. And hopefully I'm seeing the defense making a little improvement. But, Shaun Prater is a big concern. What's going on with him? He has shown in the past that he's a much better player. Anyway, if we get this victory Saturday, we become bowl eligible. I think we'll need to get 7 wins this year to assure a bowl game, because of all the other Big 10 teams who will probably be bowl eligible as well. Besides, remember 2007 when the Hawks were6-6 and didn't get invited to a bowl. Before closing, I want to say that it's good seeing Vandenburg playing well more consistently. And there's a possibility McCall might come back before the end of the season. Hope so. As always---GO HAWKS!!!!!!!

Black And Gold Girl: With their toughest games coming up at the end of the season, it would be easy for the Hawks to look past the Minnesota team this weekend and focus on the next few weeks ahead. But if history has taught us anything, it's that anytime the Hawks look past a seemingly beatable team (IA State) we get burned in what should be a gimme game. I want to see some maturity from them this week and see that they're taking the game as seriously as they should be and aren't looking too far ahead. I have the Hawks beating Minnesota by ten points on Saturday!

Turnkey Tim: Iowa's game this week at Minnesota should be another tuneup before we play Michigan, but remember last year when we played apathetically and lost to the Golden Gophers. James Vandernberg has yet to win a game on the road; I look for the offense to be ready. True freshman McCall has been cleared to play and this could be huge. I hope to see him get some carries in this game if Iowa gets ahead early. He could be very helpful against Michigan. On defense, we have various people hurt. We need to see this unit improve vastly if we are going to have any success in November. Special Teams have been good and show much improvement as the season has progressed. 2:30 on BTN, I want to see Iowa dominate as Minnesota is not a very good team right now, but they do play hard. Turnkey Tim says Iowa 38-17

Hawkinator:

MINNESOTA
Ace: Geez I knew this season would be rough for the little rodents but didn't think it would be quite this bad.  Can they repeat last year and upset the Hawkeyes in Minneapolis again?  I doubt it, but they have nothing to lose and don't be surprised if they scare the Iowegians for maybe a quarter or so.  Doesn't look like they Gophs really have an oppurtunity for another win this season but the administration has given Coach Kill a vote of confidence to turn this thing around with a 7 year contract.  I wonder what Bronco Nagurski is thinkin?

OHIO STATE
Buck-I:

MICHIGAN
A'maize'n Blue:

NEBRASKA
BO BIG RED: WOW, This is going to NEBRASKA'S Biggest test This year,no Jerad Crick for the rest of the season,Luckily they play at LINCOLN MEMORIAL. STADIUM.I like NEBRASKA at HOME BY 7 points.  PLEEEAAASSSEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PENN STATE
Wakow:

WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Steve:

Bill's Big 10 Corner
Bill says:
My last Big Ten power ratings were about a month ago (shown in parenthesis) so I thought it was time for another look:
1) Wisconsin (1)
2) Michigan St (8)
3) Nebraska (2)
4) Penn St (5)
5) Michigan (4)
6) Ohio St (6)
7) Iowa (7)
8) Illinois(3)
9) Purdue (10)
10) Northwestern (9)
11) Indiana (12)
12) Minnesota (11)

Big 12

Texas
Bevo jr:Thru the 1st half Texas is 4-2; how will the 2nd half of the season shape up? Who knows?? We’re not even sure who will start at QB – Ash or McCoy? But that’s not necessarily a negative as each brings a different edge to the offense. Should be fun this week since the Horns figure to score big against Kansas on Saturday. Our running game is progressing well, and we want Malcolm Brown to get 1K yards this season. Also look for numerous long passing plays as we need to step up that part of the “O”, especially since high-flying Texas Tech comes to town next week. (Did you see what they did to Oklahoma?) My Big 12 Power ratings: 1) Okla State; 2) OU; 3) K-State; 4) West Virginia; and everybody else. Oops, maybe I’m a little premature listing W. Va., but it looks like it could happen. As for UT, I don’t see the Horns as any better than middle-of-the-pack right now; but still growing! And you know the Sooners want to whip up on K-State Saturday after getting their knickers pulled down by Tech last week.

Saturday’s game – Longhorns 52, KU 20. HOOK “EM!

Oklahoma State
Boone's Boy:   The #3 Oklahoma State Cowboys take on the Baylor Bears this Saturday in what is expected to be a deep ball throwin, offensive battle. RGIII, Baylor’s QB was near perfect in pass completions during his first 4 games and Weeden continues to make his statement as CFB’s best quarterback. The Cowboy D is also creeping up the list in total takeaways, and if they perform, should alleviate the pressure for the offense to put up 50 points. Pokes need to maintain their win steak to allow for a shot at the National Championship game. Pokes 56 – Bears 31.

Texas A&M
Hullabaloo:

Pac-12

Colorado
Buffalo Up:

Utah
Red 5 Standing By:

Would Love To Have Volunteer Fan Commentators From:

Big 10
Illinois
Michigan state
Purdue
Northwestern
Indiana

Big 12
Have Texas and Oklahoma State, Texas A&M...how about Oklahoma, Iowa State etc

Pac-12
Any fans out there? I have Colorado and Utah covered, how about other team fans?
Independent team fans?
Open to suggestions, Notre Dame? etc :)

Email me (Angie) at [email protected]
or comment on this here post with your email.
Thanks!

Angie's Go-To Lentil Soup Recipe and Cake Pops

10/26/2011

Quick and Delicious Lentil Soup

Quick and easy and surprisingly tasty is what this
Lentil Soup recipe is.

There's lots of Lentil Soup recipes out there, different variations and
I've tried several.

I really always come back to this particular recipe though and
I can't figure out why.

I kind of think it has something to do with this...

Yup, probably the bacon thing.

It has to be the bacon with the marjoram that makes this Lentil Soup almost spicy tasting, although there are no additional spices other than black pepper.

Here's Sadie's recipe from a Pacific Northwest cookbook:

Lentil Soup
5 slices of bacon, sliced
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced onion
1 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsps dried marjoram
1 1/4 cups dried lentils, picked over
6-7 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf

In large heavy saucepan or dutch oven, saute bacon until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside.

Add carrots, onion, celery, garlic and marjoram and saute until onions are transparent, about 5 minutes.

Add lentils, chicken stock and bay leaf, and bring just to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. If soup becomes too thick, add more stock. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with crispy bacon.

I always drag my feet making this recipe; I consistently think it's not interesting enough because it has so few ingredients.
And then I make it and everyone is always amazed at how wonderfully different tasting and fulfilling this soup is. There's rarely leftovers.

So let's begin this Lentil Soup recipe that was given to me by a nice gal named Sadie...

In a heavy pot or dutch oven, fry bacon until crisp.

Oh gosh, sorry to hear there's BACON in this recipe *wink, wink*

Remove and set aside.

Yummy deliciousness right there

Drain all but 2 Tbsp. of grease.
See all that leftover brown stuff stuck to the bottom of the pan...THAT'S YOUR FLAVOR for this tasty soup. The broth is going to soften all that bacony bacon candy stuff up (deglazing in cook-speak I guess) and flavor the soup broth which in turns flavors the lentils as lentils like to soak up lots of flavor and moisture.

Add the vegetables and marjoram.

Ta-Da! The wonderful aroma in the kitchen begins.....

And the cooked vegetables should look something like this.

Only less blurry.

Drain and rinse the lentils.
Add the lentils, stock, and bay leaf to the pot.
Then take a real blurry picture of the broth being poured into the pot because you are the worst picture-taker in the history of the world. No, universe.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes.

Holy smokes, this is simmering hot!

The lentils are going to soak up a lot of broth.

Keep some extra broth on hand if you need to add more liquid after simmering.

Season to taste. Remove the bay leaf
and serve with crumbled bacon to sprinkle on top.

Lentil Soup topped with bacon, yummm

And most of all, be surprised at how nourishing this soup really is!

So are you wondering where the
cake pops are in this here post?

After all, I did mention cake pops at the top in the title.

Well, HERE THEY ARE!

Oh my

goodness,

don't they

look

yummy?

A super nice customer of ours has a Cake Pop business.
And she surprised us with a little Cake Pop gift!!!

I'd been hearing about cake pops a lot recently but never really knew what they were.

They are cake and frosting on a stick.

And these were fantabulous!!!
We couldn't wait to eat them.
We devoured every single Cake Pop that night because we were curious about all the flavors. There was chocolate, white, apple, pink lemonade, cookies and cream, yum!!!

Here's their business card which is totally colorful, cheery and adorable!
Don't ya just want to eat those cake pops right off their card?

Cute, cute card and simply yummy cake pops.
I would totally order these pretty treats for a wedding, birthday, baby or wedding shower, or simply just to give as a gift.
And I guess they make cake pop bouquets too. And their prices are so reasonable, I really could not believe it!

Don't ya just want to grab the whole bundle and run with them before anybody can catch you and ask you to share?
Oh my! These would make a nice Christmas gift too. Or for Christmas parties. Or for the lady who sells cars and lives in the yellow farmhouse. :):):)

Yeah, that's the ticket!

Hey, have a good

Wednesday!!

Angie's quick add-on....Oh, by the way, I have made this Lentil Soup recipe with turkey bacon and it was tasty as well!
I've also made it with fried provolone instead of bacon and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version and it was good too, less tasty but I would definitely make it again for a vegetarian meal.

Football Friday Week 8!

10/22/2011

Football Friday Discussion FINALLY

Posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A day late!!! Crap!!!

But here are the fan opinions

for this week's games....yay!

Big 10

IOWA
Silver Fox: Week 8, and I'm feeling better about the Hawkeyes after beating Northwestern. But, the defense is still a concern. Good effort and determination last week by the Hawks, except for Shaun Prater. All Big-10 Conference cornerback last year---probably not the case this year. Hope he does much better this week against DeMarlo Belcher. Otherwise what should be a clear Hawkeye victory could turn into a nailbiter. Would enjoy seeing McNutt get the team touchdown reception record Saturday. He deserves it. As well as, let's take the running game to Indiana, control the clock, and wear down their defense. Let's get that fifth victory!!! Talk to you next week GO HAWKS!!!

Black And Gold Girl: Last week, the Hawks gave me hope for the remainder of the season. I was worried coming off of the loss to Penn State that it would be a long season for us Hawks fans, tuning in each Saturday to a display that would leave me less than satisfied. We seem to have struggled against Northwestern the last few years, and somehow last Saturday we were able to show the same comeback mentality in the second half that we did the last few years. Our defense managed to contain Persa, and we turned a game around that I thought would almost definitely end in favor of Northwestern. As for the game against Indiana, I predict that the Hawks taken an early two touchdown lead and maintain that lead all through the game. Hawks win by two touchdowns.

Turnkey Tim:

MINNESOTA
Ace:

OHIO STATE
Buck-I:

MICHIGAN
A'maize'n Blue:

NEBRASKA
BO BIG RED: Jard Crick the heart of are Defense is out for the season,should go in first round next year in the NFL,he will be missed. Nebraska 5-1 plays Minnesota 1-5 should and i say SHOULD be a slam dunk Nebraska by 3 Touchdowns after the Bye week.

PENN STATE
Wakow: #21 (BCS) Penn State takes on #who cares Northwestern today. Penn
State's offense should play equal to the Wildcats' (horribly), but the
defense will decide the game. Penn State is ranked #6 in the nation
with points scored against, but they are ranked 82nd with points score
for. Look for a Penn State victory somewhere in the neighborhood of
14-3.

WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Steve: QB Russel Wilson asked about his pre-game preparation: goes to internet.

. First, studies the stadium clock location/sidelines.
. All week long, he's playing in that stadium - coach comment - unbelievable!
. Coach sees him in hallway month before camp. He's carrying a silver ring, with 150 flash cards. Plays dual ramed with phrases to understand new badger terminology.
. Coach comment: "Never seen that before".
. My comment "This guy is special"
. QB Luck catches pass for 1st down.

. QB Wilson catches pass for TD - same week.
. Hiesman competition? Really?
. Gonna with the game this week "Really"?
. My predication....... we are gonna win again and win again big!
ON another note..........Wisconsin Steve becomes and Uncle today! I am one lucky man!

Bill's Big 10 Corner
Bill says:
Unfortunately, I don't have time to file a report this week. In St. Louis for the World Series game 2.
GO Hawks,

Big 12

Texas
Bevo jr: . – Longhorns are half way thru the season with a 4 win/ 2 loss record. We have a bye this week; a good time to lick our wounds (wounded pride mostly) and clink our glasses to Okie games being in the rear view mirror. Also a good week to ‘sharpen the saw’ in preparation for the 2nd half – we can still make 2011 a good season, and them 2 Okie schools schooled us good on what we need to work on to play top level FB in the Big 12. We’ll get there, easy to see the improvement in every game. Maybe not until next year, but we’ll be back! For the rest of this season, it’s a different kind of fun – watching the newbies grow & improve as opposed to taking for granted that UT will chalk up the usual 10 or 11 wins every year. And we’ve probably got another lump or two coming our way.Yes, it’s a different year, but let’s take pride in watching in watching these baby-Horns develop and grow into a solid team. Kansas next week, with Texas Tech and Missouri on the horizon. –HOOK “EM!!!

Oklahoma State
Boone's Boy:

Texas A&M
Hullabaloo:

Pac-12

Colorado
Buffalo Up:

Utah
Red 5 Standing By:

Would Love To Have Volunteer Fan Commentators From:

Big 10
Illinois
Michigan state
Purdue
Northwestern
Indiana

Big 12
Have Texas and Oklahoma State, Texas A&M...how about Oklahoma, Iowa State etc

Pac-12
Any fans out there? I have Colorado and Utah covered, how about other team fans?
Independent team fans?
Open to suggestions, Notre Dame? etc :)

Email me (Angie) at [email protected]
or comment on this here post with your email.
Thanks!

There Are Several Vintage Women Who Hang Out In My Bathroom

10/20/2011

Yes, I have vintage women in my bathroom and they stare at me while I'm brushing my
voluminous mane of flaxen hair. And teeth.

These women hang out by the shower....on the wall.

They don't say much but they're in good moods because they smile all the time.

Maybe because they all look so pretty....

For 1943.

Can
you
see
the
date
down
at
the
bottom
of
each
picture?

See it?

This girl's from November of 1943.

Each of these prints are from a vintage 1943 advertising calender for Timken Bearing company.

The calender came to me complete with all twelve months and in excellent condition. Each month is a different lady.

The calender belonged to my Grandparents.

See the Timken Bearing
slogan over there?

Some of the monthly calenders
have the slogan
"Miles of Smiles On Timken Bearings"
printed on them...

Other months have a picture of a bearing advertised on them.

I have all twelve months of this calender but only display six months at a time because the prints are large..16" x 20".

This print is the lady representing Miss January 1943.

Isn't she so pretty?

And look at that cheery yellow background,
would ya.

And here we have Miss Timken Bearing For May 1943.

I like how her bow tie has been photo shopped on or whatever they called it back then.

Miss April 1943
looks like one of the
"older" ladies
who were featured
on the calender.

She looks all of 28 years old.

I wish I could photoshop my cheeks to
look like hers every day.

My sister JoJo likes this one.
She put a post-it note on Miss February 1943 several years ago that said this girl's name was JoJo.
The post it note hung on this picture for several years until it fell off one day, so I guess we need to find Miss February a new name.

Oddly, in all twelve months of this calender, only two women are blonde. The rest of the models are redhead or brunette.

This lady is my favorite I think,
Miss March 1943

Look at all the beautiful colors used on these prints. And notice how all these models are dressed.

You don't find that level of business attire or modesty too often today, quite contrary in fact, yikes.

And then we have this lovely lady Miss November 1943. She looks like she was an office manager or maybe out assisting in union organizing or something.

The coloring of the cheeks, eyes, and lips and such are a hoot to see.

Seriously, who ever looks this perfect? Those eyes!

The other lovely ladies for the other months are hidden under these prints in the frames. I change the prints out every 6 months or so.

Oddly enough though, none of my family members have ever noticed
when the prints change out.

The color scheme on the other months are exactly like these prints; the soft purples, pinks, yellows, greens, blues.

One day I may display all 12 months on my limited bathroom wall space, I think I can squeeze them all in, just barely.

In the meantime, I just enjoy the six prints that are up.

Oh, by the way,
below the vintage women prints is an old grocery store basket that makes a nice container for powder room essentials like lotions and such.

But it also displays a small vintage lapel pin collection I have.

Do you like how I couldn't end this post without mentioning one of my collections? I am a sick person, I know.

I have more vintage pins that this.

Much more.
Lots more.

It's just that I have a vintage hoarding problem.

But I am getting better at not having to display whole entire collections at once.

I like the little gold airplane pin over there on the top left though.

I love those old grocery store hand carriers.
Much prettier than today's red and blue plastic baskets.

Hey, thanks for looking at my pictures!

Football Friday Discussion is tomorrow and I think this weekend I will be posting about some pub food I made. And it certainly was not, uh, healthy.
Is pub food ever healthy? Guess that's why it's so darn good :):)

Have a good day today!!!

Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

10/19/2011

I want to grab this cheesecake bite right now and eat it. Are other people's mouths watering?

Now that's a mouthful!
Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites
Whew. I got dizzy just typing that.

And might I add a mighty tasty mouthful of delicious dessert goodness
this recipe is.

A mouthful that will make you smile a big old pumpkiny cheesecake smile.

Seriously, pumpkiny is a word.
Look it up.

Dear Nice Readers,

I lie sometimes here on this blog. It's a disease I can't control.

Love,
Angie

I'm not lying about how scrumptious and fluffy this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bite recipe is though!

Or that I will make you smile with the following pictures.
Or at least get a slight upturn of the mouth.
Or a minor crinkle of the eyes.

This picture is the startins' of a big pumpkiny smile.

Startins' is a word.
Look it up.

See, a horsey was carved by my niece.

Doesn't that make you smile?

And here's the horsey pumpkin all
lit up at night.

Now, I bet THAT made ya smile!

And now let's move onto this
Cheesecake Bite Recipe.
I came across this recipe on the website www.picky-palate.com. The website has many other cool recipes with beautiful food pictures. Way cooler than my blurry, tacky pictures :)

To see the recipe from Picky Plate,
CLICK HERE for Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites Recipe

And this is the lineup...Not too many ingredients here! Rather affordable really.

We start by mixing the finely ground oreos (I used my food processor, thanks Aunt Stephanie :) with the melted butter and pat evenly in the bottom of each sprayed muffin tin.
By the way, this recipe calls for a cheesecake tin. I went EVERYWHERE looking for a cheesecake tin in town, and could not locate one so I did what other readers have done and just used a muffin tin. The only downside to that is the little cheesecakes concave a little in the middle after baking. No worries though.

Partially bake the oreos in the tin for 10 minutes...Angie's note: 10 minutes is too long, watch the bottoms carefully so they don't burn, try 5-6 minutes.

Next beat cream cheese, sugar and pumpkin.
Well gosh, if you insist!!!

Beat in egg, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg until combined.

Pour evenly into

the twelve cups,

filling about 3/4

way full.

Spoon about a teaspoon of caramel

into the tops of each filled cup and

swirl with a toothpick gently.

Bake for 25-28 minutes or until cheesecake is cooked through. Let cool completely.

A little aside here. The recipe calls for a Pumpkin Spice Hershey's Kiss to be used on top after baking.

Have you tasted the Pumpkin spice Hershey's kisses?

Yuk. Bad aftertaste.

So I just used the Hershey's Dark Chocolate kisses.

Remove cheesecakes from pan and top each with a spoonful of caramel and a Hershey Kiss.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

SERIOUSLY, LOOK AT THESE!
AND THEY TASTE AS DELICIOUS AS THEY LOOK!

Because I can not be responsible around cheesecake, I'm serious, that and combo appetizer plates, and chips and dip, I packed these up and sent them to Kalona Auto Parts (Napa) with Leslie, their fantastic delivery driver.
Uh, of course I scarfed two just to make sure they were edible :)

These Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites look so pretty grouped on a plate; they would make a fabulous gift or just a special desert for the family. And the pumpkin taste is not overpowering one bit, just the right amount of pumpkin creaminess.

Do I have you hooked yet?
If anyone makes these, please let me know how they turn out!

Have a great Wednesday!!!!

My Love Affair And A Husband Who Does Not Take It Seriously/Crispy Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts

10/16/2011

I'm having a love affair.

His name is Bacon.

Crispy Oven-Roasted Chicken with Roasted Garlic, Pancetta/Bacon and Rosemary

Bacon and I go way back.

I know he's not good for me.

But he keeps reappearing.

That rascal Bacon reappeared last night in a
Crispy Oven-Roasted Chicken with Roasted Garlic, Pancetta/Bacon, and Rosemary recipe.

I have made this recipe probably 15-20 times.
Katie Lee Joel, the recipe author, says that this is the recipe to make to encourage a man to pop the question.

Even though Tim and I have been married 400 years, I keep making this dish for him, hoping to hear that question every girl wants to hear..."Hey Angie, want to go out and buy all new furniture for the house today?"

Sadly, it hasn't happened yet.

Maybe tonight will be the night Tim pops the big question to me. He's in a good mood, the Iowa game vs. Northwestern is coming on. He has his throne chair and his beverages.
Now all he needs is this chicken dish. Again.

Please note this dish is made with skin-on, boneless chicken breasts. Most boneless chicken breasts in the grocery are skinless. You will probably need to buy the bone-in breasts and take the breast meat off the bone, but leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on is very important to this recipe. The skin is what crisps and seals in the flavor. Last night I experimented and used boneless, SKINLESS breasts and the taste is flavorful but nothing like with the skin-on, crispily tantalizing your taste buds.

Very few ingredients for this tasty chicken dish.

Look.

Do you see him over there?

In that clear bowl? looking all yummy-like?

Hellooooo Bacon!! *wink wink*

And the recipe is embedded below. Remember, I think you have to use Mozilla in order to view and print the recipe.

Crispy Oven-Roasted Chicken with Roasted Garlic, Pancetta, and Rosemary
Katie Joel
Yields 6 servings

6 boneless, skin-on
chicken-breast halves
Kosher salt
Freshly ground
black pepper
1/2 lb. pancetta or slab bacon,
cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 T olive oil
15 garlic cloves
Canola oil
1 T fresh rosemary,chopped, plus sprigs for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Rinse chicken, and
pat dry. Salt and pepper each piece. Set aside.

2. In a medium ovenproof skillet over medium
heat, cook the pancetta until crispy, about 6
minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and set
aside. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
Add the olive oil and garlic. Cook until the
cloves are golden, then bake in the oven until
the cloves are soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully
remove the pan from the oven, and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet, heat
1 inch of canola oil over high heat until very hot
but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken
skin-side down in the hot oil. Let cook 3 to 4
minutes to start crisping the skin. Do not turn.
Carefully transfer the pan to the oven, and bake
until the chicken is cooked through, 7 to 8 minutes.
Remove the pan from the oven, and plate.

So we start by salt and

peppering the chicken

front and back.
(Remember, don't do what I did tonight and use skinless, definitely use boneless but skin-on.)

Set aside.

Hello Bacon, you bad boy you. I looooove you!!!

You are hot.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) you're going to get real sizzzzzlin' hot.

In a medium ovenproof skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta/bacon until crispy, about 6 minutes.

Remove crisped bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the olive oil and and garlic cloves.

Cook until the cloves are golden, then bake in the oven until cloves are soft, 5 to 7 minutes.

And this is where I get brave, and feel I should come clean about my unhealthy love affair and reveal that deep, dark secret to Tim.

I walk into the living room where Tim is watching the Iowa game and inform him I am having a love affair.

He's devastated.

Can't you tell by his reaction?

Or maybe his reaction had something to do with what was going on the tv.

So I gently bring it up to him again.
Tim, I am having a love affair.

I know, I know Tim.
I'm sorry.
It just happened.
Everything about him smelled so good.

Gosh, you're not having chest pains are you?
Oh, I'm sorry to cause you this much pain.

What?

You would like me to move AWAY from the TV???

I have a feeling you're not taking this very seriously Tim.

I just told you, I am having a love affair!!!

Finally! You're taking what I have to say seriously!!!

His name is Bacon. I continue to be drawn to him even though I know he's not good for me. It started one Sunday morning when I was making eggs and pancakes...

What?!?!

Why do I have to move AGAIN???!!!

I'm spilling my heart out to you!

I don't think you know how I wrestle with this love affair?
You don't care, do you? How can you not care?

It's real you know. And probably not the most healthy.

Finally. I have your attention.

Let's have a heart-to-heart about Bacon and...

Seriously?!?! Really?!?!

Oh
for Pete's sake?!!

Stop being so depressed about this love affair news Tim.

Really. Try to control yourself.

Gosh, sorry you're so broken up about it.

You know what? Forget it!

You're not even listening to me.

I'm going back to cooking.

Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 inch canola oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking.
(Angie's Note: Not necessary to use one inch of oil, just enough to cover the bottom)

Carefully place the chicken skin side down in the hot oil. Let cook 3-4 minutes to start crisping the skin.

(Remember, I used skinless breasts this time, I definitely recommend using skin-on!!

Carefully transfer the pan to the oven, and bake until the chicken is cooked through 7 to 8 minutes.

Remove the pan from oven and transfer chicken to platter.

Sprinkle with pancetta/bacon,

garlic cloves

and fresh rosemary.

Plate up with some yummy mashed potatoes and enjoy.

This chicken is flavorful, the rosemary melds fantastically with the bacon for a unique taste. Paired with starchy mashed potatoes with butter, cream cheese, milk and salt and pepper....I'm in heaven!!!

Have a good Sunday!! I'm hoping to make up some kind of Black Bottomed Mini Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites today. We'll see if I can get some house cleaning done first.

NAH!!!!!!!!!!

Week 7 Football Friday Discussion-Busy Week for Commentators!

10/14/2011

Gosh, sorry readers, no fun graphics and color this week...the cars have been super busy and my time is stretched t h i n!

I think other commentators are stretched thin as well because this is a lean week with team opinions :)

Even my own husband, superfan Turnkey Tim has not submitted his comments yet.....Update 8:30pm Friday night, Turnkey Tim got his in :)

Nonetheless, enjoy the pickins' we do have :):):) and check back before tomorrow's games to see if any other comments trickle in!

Have a great weekend everybody!!

Big 10

IOWA
Silver Fox: Now on to week 7. But first, I guess I'll comment on the Penn State game. I didn't recognize the Iowa team, because that wasn't Hawkeye football. The fan that I am, I don't like to be so critical. However, that was disgusting for the most part. My worst: fears were confirmed with our defense. The game wasn't as close as what the final score would lead one to believe. Kudos to Micah Hyde for his play, tho. As for the offense; as always, Marvin McNutt was very good. It's a shame he's not getting more plays designed for him. Vandenburg had a less than desirable game. I'm not sure he's our guy at quarterback. But, I can't fault him for effort. He does play hard; even when things aren't going well. I like that in a player. The guy I was most impressed with was Marcus Coker. I enjoyed watching his second and third efforts carrying the ball and bowling defenders over. Way to go!!! The body language with the rest of the team was showing little to no enthusiasm. We better come out with fire on Saturday night against Northwestern, or else it's going to be another loss. If that happens, then make no Bowl Game plans my fellow Hawk fans. But, I'll be there like always. No matter what, I don't quit on the Hawks. I know there'll be better days-just hoping they will take place this year yet. I know this team is better than what they showed last week. GO HAWKS!!!

Black And Gold Girl: Black And Gold Girl is nine months pregnant and is exhausted and is requesting a bye week. Blog author Angie (and mother to Black And Gold Girl) says Black And Gold Girl is cranky too. Angie hopes Black and Gold Girl doesn't read what she just wrote.

Turnkey Tim:Who are the Iowa Hawkeyes? They are as confusing as the economy. Is Ferentz conservative or has he thrown caution to the wind? Hell if I know. Are they the team that played five good quarters of offensive football or are they the offensive team that showed up against Penn State? One thing's for sure, come six o clock Saturday the Hawks better show up and play some serious football. This is a key game in the 2011 season. They need to get the Northwestern monkey off their back and win since they've lost to them three consecutive years in a row. If I had to predict a score, I'm figuring Northwestern will probably win. I hold out all hope that the Black and Gold shows up to kick some arse, hoping that somehow the Hawks would make Forrest Eveshesky proud. Should be a great environment. All those going to the game better be ready to help their team. I'll be watching from my executive chair from home. GO HAWKS!

MINNESOTA
Ace: I'm goin fishin for a few days and hope that when I get back I don't learn that the huskers scored a 100 on the goophers!

OHIO STATE
Buck-I:Well, it's a little hard to be optimistic going into a game with an undefeated Illinois team this weekend with the memory of the 4th quarter last week against Nebraska. Illinois always seems to play Ohio State tough and I don't expect anything different this time. If they pressure Miller like Michigan State did it could be a long afternoon. Miller looked much more poised and comfortable last week and made some very good plays when they should have been stopped. If he can stay healthy and with Boom Herron coming back from suspensions we should have a chance at coming out with a win. I have a feeling it will be a close one decided in the 4th quarter. Last weeks game even though there was a breakdown in the 2nd half gives me a little more hope for the 2nd half of the season. Either way - I'm already looking forward to Basketball! GO BUCKS!!!

MICHIGAN
A'maize'n Blue:

NEBRASKA
BO BIG RED: We have a Bye this week but in responce to last weeks game. WOW The biggest come back in the history,of Nebraska!!! Lavonte David not only turned around the game, he may have saved Nebraska’s season. Memorial Stadium was swirling with negativity and was very quiet (save for a smattering of boos) when Nebraska trailed Ohio State 27-6 midway through the third quarter. Then David stripped the ball from Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller, giving NU possession at the OSU 23-yard line. Nebraska scored in two plays, and the Huskers were on their way to their biggest comeback in school history, a 34-27 victory. David’s strip was one of two turnovers the Huskers created in the second half, and both led to touchdowns. Nebraska out-yarded Ohio State 187-17 in the fourth quarter. “I’ve been a part of some pretty great ones. That’s up there,” Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said. “I’m proud of our football team, I’m proud of the character on our team. They just kept fighting!!!!! Way to go BO.See ya after the Bye week.

PENN STATE
Wakow:

WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Steve:

Bill's Big 10 Corner
Bill says:
Michigan at Michigan St: Michigan has lost 3 in a row in this series, I'll go out on a limb and pick Mich.
Purdue at Penn St: Penn State goes to 6-1
Indiana at Wisconsin: Wisconsin to 6-0
Ohio St at Illinois: Illinois is hot and moves to 7-0
Northwestern at Iowa: NW has had Iowa's number lately and unfortunately is my pick here :-(
On tap for next week ............Wisconsin at Michigan State .

Big 12

Texas
Bevo jr: . – We couldn’t do much trying to stop OU, and as a follow-up we have 50 points-per-game Okla State coming to Austin. Bad karma? Or just bad luck?

This week’s practice for the Horns team has focused on responding to adversity (getting gut punched by OU), putting the last game behind us and preparing for the challenge ahead that is OSU. We know our d-backs are not one of our strengths, and that they will be bombarded by a Weedon to Blackmon aerial assault (Shock and Awe, only better). New faces will get PT on the Texas defense as coaches try to find ways to keep this season from wobbling out of control, ala 2010.

Can the “O” line toughen up and protect our QB practitioners better? It’s hard to pass or see the field when you’re running for your life. UT practices are still locked down and off limits, but rumor has it there will be another new QB getting audition time; look for Mykele Thompson to take a snap or 2, (and maybe even Miles Onyebule) as coaches try to find that dynamic offensive formula that has been elusive thus far. Ya gotta score lotta points to play with OSU!

Also watch for speedsters Goodwin and DJ Monroe get the rock more and run for open spaces, and Fozzy Whittaker to be the wildcat. Could be fun.

Yes, this very young Texas team is definitely a ‘work in progress’ but it’s time to ‘buck up’, hit back, and show what you can be. HOOK “EM!!!

Oklahoma State
Boone's Boy:Watch out Texas, the Pokes are coming to town in high gear after putting up 70 on Kansas. I know, I know, it’s Kansas, but our 2nd string piled up just as many yards/points as the first team. If Texas thought Jones and Broyles were a problem, wait until they have to deal with the Weeden/Blackmon combo. Should be a good showing from OSU, hopefully the Longhorns have healed since their beat down in Dallas last week. Last year the stands cleared pretty early and OSU fans were able to sit 50 yard line 20 rows up, cheering the Cowboys to their first victory over the Longhorns since forming the Big 12. Best part about this game is you can wear your hunting clothes (Orange) and fit right in.

Cowboys 56 – Longhorns 24

GO POKES!

Texas A&M
Hullabaloo:

Pac-12

Colorado
Buffalo Up:

Utah
Red 5 Standing By:

Would Love To Have Volunteer Fan Commentators From:

Big 10
Illinois
Michigan state
Purdue
Northwestern
Indiana

Big 12
Have Texas and Oklahoma State, Texas A&M...how about Oklahoma, Iowa State etc

Pac-12
Any fans out there? I have Colorado and Utah covered, how about other team fans?
Independent team fans?
Open to suggestions, Notre Dame? etc :)

Email me (Angie) at [email protected]
or comment on this here post with your email.
Thanks!

Football Friday Coming Late Afternoon

10/14/2011

Oh my goodness!!

Work is crazy busy today!!!!

Will post Football Friday Discussion

late afternoon today!!! thanks!!!

A Tale Of Two Minestrones And A Bulldog

10/11/2011

A Tale Of Two Minestrones And A Bulldog

Once upon a time a nice (questionable) lady (questionable again) named Angie made two Minestrones. One Minestrone was by Rachael Ray. And the other Minestrone was by Giada De Laurentiis.

While making the Minestrones, Angie wondered how Giada stays so skinny after making all that delicious food that she whips up on her cooking show.

Photo from CookingLight.com

Angie also pondered how much money does Rachael Ray REALLY need to make in a lifetime?

Photo from Babble.com

But Angie digressed and eventually got back to the work at hand....the two Minestrones.

Both Minestrone recipes were similar, yet each was very different.

Angie took pictures of all her hard work on these two Minestrone recipes over the course of two nights. She was so proud of herself; she had documented two soup recipes and would share it with the world!!!!!!

And then one day Angie went to share both Minestrone recipes with the world.

It was then that Angie came to the full realization that she has mashed potatoes for brains.

Angie had accidently deleted Giada's Minestrone recipe pictures. all forty of them.

She shook her fist and shouted, "WHY, WHY?"

But she knew why.

Because she has mashed potatoes for brains.

But like most strong heroines, Angie picked herself up off
the linoleum floor,

told the cats and dog to quit staring at her,

dusted off her apron

and proceeded to make a Veggie Minestrone recipe instead to share with the world.

But first we have Rachael Ray's Mighty Minestrone Soup recipe!

Don't let the list of ingredients scare you off this recipe.

It is really quite easy and quick to make, full of hearty flavor and exceedingly healthy!

Look at that yummy pancetta!

I didn't know exactly what pancetta was, so I went to the deli at my grocery and they sliced 1/4 lb. off for me. I assume it comes packaged too, not sure.

OhOhOh, click on this for the link to Rachael Ray's _Mighty Minestrone recipe!!!!

And thus begins the sauteeing of the pancetta and the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook all until the vegetables are softened.
By the way, the pancetta aroma with the veggies is fantabulous!

Add the beans, chickpeas, herbs, tomatoes, stock and water to the pot and bring to a bubble. Add the kale or chard and cook until wilted...

Add the pasta and boil the soup until the pasta has cooked al dente.

Remove the soup from the heat and allow to cool about five minutes.

Serve with plenty of grated cheese at the table and some crusty bread for mopping.

This Mighty Minestrone soup is fantastic! The chickpeas bring a wonderful element of flavor as well as texture.
The kale or chard (I've used both) brings a lovely element to this dish as well.

Now onto the Veggie Minestrone!!!

Oh. My. Goodness!

This Veggie Minestrone is so healthy and truly one of the easiest soups ever to make!!

And this is the link to Uncle Bill's Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Recipe, click here.

We start with sauteeing the onion.

And move onto adding the stock, zucchini, carrots, beans, celery, tomatoes and spices.

This is starting to look DELISH!

Let simmer on medium-low for 25 minutes.

Can you even believe how easy this is?

OH! Look who came to visit!!!
My niece dog Princess Hemi!!

Hi Princess!!!
Auntie Angie loves you Princess!!!!

(Princess is what we would call,
um, full-figured.)

Princess Hemi, stay still, so I can take your picture pu-leeeze!

Okay Hemi, Penelope is not afraid of you so you can stop trying to scare the cat!

Clearly, it's not working. You're too adorable and sweet and cuddly-snooky to scare anyone!!!

What?

You don't like to be called sweet and adorable and cuddly-snooky?

Hemi, don't leave!!!
I'm sorry I called you sweet and adorable and cuddly-snooky!!!

I promise I won't do that anymore. STOP!

You are a regal dog! Yes, you are so mean, grrrrrrrrrrrr!!

I'm scared of your mean bulldogly cuddly-adorableness, oh sorry Hemi, come back!

Come back you scary mean-scary-growly dog you; there's Veggie Minestrone to eat! Come back Princess!
I'm soooorrryy!

Well after all that activity, I plate up a big bowl of
Veggie Minestrone.

And I share this tasty Veggie Minestrone with two turkeys.

Gobble gobble.

And so the evening ends with our heroine eating a super quick, super healthy version of Veggie Minestrone and making certain not to delete the pictures she took of the process.

And Angie was happy once again.

The End.

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