Friday, November 25, 2011

Best Brussels Sprouts Ever!!

Hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving!!!  We certainly did. This is what was "left over" after about 30 people ate and ate and ate.  Wayne and I were invited to a Thanksgiving Potluck dinner and there were about 30 people there.  The food was sooooo good!  There was this table, 
which was full of side dishes and salads, then there was another table with nothing but meats and dip type dishes and cheeses.  Then there was a table with nothing but desserts and, last but certainly not least, a whole table with nothing but wine [and a few other choice beverages].  Suzanne made this awesome "veggie Turkey" and some most yummy pecan humus to dip the veggies in [adorable!!!]
 I brought a huge dish of Brussels and they were yummy!  I think I converted a few more "non Brussels likers" into Brussels "lovers".  I managed to come home with about 7 Brussels, which I'll have today in my salad.  So, if you're not a huge fan of Brussels, but would love to try them again, here's what you do:
Start with a fair amount of small to medium sized fresh Brussels [I used 4 lbs. in my recipe yesterday]
barely chop off the very end of the stems and remove any small or wilted leaves.  While you are trimming the Brussels, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil [pot large enough to accommodate all of your Brussels].  Once the water starts to boil, add the trimmed Brussels, 
 cover the pot and return it to boiling and boil for about 8 minutes, or until you can pierce the Brussels with a fork, but still have a little resistance.  While the Brussels are boiling, prepare a large bowl of ice and water [I usually use the same bowl to put the Brussels in as I trim them.  That way, I know if I have a large enough bowl for the ice water].  Once the Brussels are done boiling, quickly dump them in a strainer and immediately put them into the bowl of ice water, using a large spoon to make sure they all get dunked really good.  Let them sit in the ice water for the same amount of time you boiled them [about 8 minutes].  While they are sitting, preheat oven to 350 and prepare a large covered casserole dish [large enough to accommodate your Brussels, especially if you are going to *layer them*] smear organic salt-free butter all over the inside of the casserole dish and onto one side of a piece of waxed paper large enough to fit on top of the Brussels inside the casserole dish. 
Once the Brussels have sat in their ice bath long enough, dump them back into the strainer, to drain off the ice water [note how brilliant green they look!]
layer them on the bottom of the buttered casserole dish [sprout side up] and then lightly salt and pepper them and drizzle about 2 tablespoons of melted organic salt-free butter on top of them:
then cover them with the buttered waxed paper [butter side on top of the sprouts], 
 cover and place on the top of the stove [medium to high] until you can hear the Brussels begin to sizzle.  Then, remove them from the stove and place them on the center rack of the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes.  Serve immediately, while they are still hot ~ they are soooo good!!!
*Note* ~ if you are cooking a large batch, like I did yesterday, use a deep enough casserole dish for two layers of Brussels.  All you do is drizzle some melted butter on top of the first piece of waxed paper, smear it around good, and then put another layer of Brussels on top of it, salt pepper and drizzle butter on them, just like the bottom layer, and then cover that layer with yet another piece of buttered waxed paper [butter side on top of Brussels]
 
over and cook as directed above.  These Brussels are so good, you'll have people asking you to prepare them for every Holiday meal!!

It is such a beautiful day!  I think we may be heading up to the Parkway for a hike.  Happy Friday!!!  Don't forget, use coupon code FREESHIPFRIDAY for "free shipping" today only!  Plus, everything in my shop is marked down 10%!  A great chance to jump start your holiday shopping!!  Remember, support the Artists and Crafters ~ buy Handmade this Holiday Season!!

xoxo & peace always ~ Kathy

From "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving":

Linus:  In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice."
Peppermint Patty:  Amen
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Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving and a Black Friday Sale!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Thanksgiving!!  And, just so you know, since I just realized that all of the comments on my last post were on the giveaway post, Mary, Dana and Jen will all be receiving one of these awesome little necklaces, just for leaving their sweet comments!!  So today, I'm "thankful" for everybody that reads my ramblings.  I'm truly blessed beyond measure.  Thank you!!!
To show my "thanks" to all of you and to give you a chance to jump start your Holiday shopping, starting tonight at midnight, everything in my shop will automatically be discounted 10% and, if you use coupon code FREESHIPFRIDAY, everything will ship for free!  But take advantage of it tomorrow, since the "free shipping" sale will end tomorrow night [November 25th] at midnight.  Of course, coupon code HOLIDAY2011 will still be good until the end of December, for an automatic 10% off, but shipping will only be "free" on purchases made tomorrow. 

Gotta run...I have to get my Brussels Sprouts ready for Thanksgiving dinner!!

xoxo & peace always ~ Kathy

“What day is it?
It's today, squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.” ― A.A. Milne

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

New Stuff, Holiday Shopping and A Give Away!!!

Just had to share this gorgeous image!  I love it!!

I have been a busy little bee today!  Just look at all the new things I made and listed for sale in the shop!  Just in time for the Holidays!  I pulled out the last of my Murano glass beads that I've been hoarding for over a year.  I finally decided to stop "saving" special little treasures that I've collected over the years and make something awesome with them that I can share with you!  I think [for sure] these are my favorites today:
The gorgeous blown glass beads remind me of hot air balloons.  They are beautiful!  And then there's these:
I love the Amber color!  And last, but certainly not least, these:
They would be perfect for Holiday Parties!  And then, I made these...just because they remind me so much of Candy Canes.  The vintage White Milk Glass fluted beads are so pretty!
I love this little necklace, too!  And since I also love all of you, I'll be giving one of these away:
All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and let me know what you think about the new things.  Ozzy will be picking a winner Friday!  Good Luck!!

And don't forget!  Use coupon code HOLIDAY2011 at checkout from my Etsy shop to get 10% off of your entire purchase.  Coupon code will be good through December 31st and, you can use it over and over again.  Please be sure to tell your friends!!  Thanks for being so awesome!!

Happy Tuesday!!  xoxo ~ Kathy

"And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." - Dr. Seuss

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Wordless Wednesday...

Happy Wednesday!

xo ~ Kathy

"Cause you never can tell what goes on down below!  This pool might be bigger than you or I know! --- McElligot's Pool [Dr. Seuss]

Monday, November 7, 2011

Happy Monday!!!

When I woke up this morning there was a light fog looming in the forest between the earth and the sky.  The morning sun was just beginning to beam through the trees and the birds were all singing to welcome the day.  I poured my first cup of coffee, grabbed my camera and out I went [still in my P.J.'s] and this took my breath away...autumn colored leaves, still hanging on to the trees, but being beckoned to the ground by their fallen friends, while the beautiful evergreen of the Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron await below to soften their landing.  Happy Monday!!

But before I go, I have to share these awesome little "Feng Shui" earrings:
I'm in love with the laser cut wood leaf branches ~ they are so pretty!  And these are for sale in the shop, if you are interested!!

Enjoy your day!!  xoxo ~ Kathy

"Nobody gets to live life backward.  Look ahead; that is where your future lies." ~ Ann Landers

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Winter Soup & Brand New Stuff!!!

Don't know about you, but I'm almost ready for Spring!  Seems as though "Winter" is already here!  I can't seem to shake this cold bug and I can't get warm!  So last night, I made a big pot of "Winter Soup", using a recipe I got from my Aunt.  The stuff is sooooo good...warms you right down to your very core:
All you need is:
1 can of Tomato Sauce (15oz)
2 cans of Black Beans (I like the Ranch Style Brand best)
1lb of ground meat (beef, chicken or turkey, whichever you prefer, I like turkey best)
A pinch (or 2 or 3 or 4) of Shredded Mexican Cheese
A dollop (or 2 or 3 or 4) of Sour Cream
Tortilla Chips (how many is up to you)
All you do is:
Cook the ground meat in a big pot.
Add 8 cups of water
whisk in Mrs. Grass Minestrone Soup Mix
bring to a boil
add tomato sauce, RO*TEL and black beans
stir all together really good
return to a boil
reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes
serve up in bowls with cheese, chips & sour cream to your liking!!
ENJOY!!

And even though it's gotten cold, I guess it's still not cold enough to scare these little guys off yet.  I found this cute little fellow hanging out by the woodpile yesterday :)
And, as promised, here's some brand new earrings [appropriately named "Gypsy"] that I made today: 
They are for sale in the shop, if you want to grab a pair.  And, they are only $18!  Plus, don't forget to use coupon code HOLIDAY2011 for 10% off your total purchase!  I'm in love with those laser cut wood teardrops!  I bought several different kind, so stay tuned for more [much more].  Happy Thursday!!  Stay Warm!!

xo & peace always ~ Kathy

"Even if there's nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit." ~ Anonymous

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

It's the time of the Season...

 
...I can see so many leaves!  I must be having the best day ever!  This is the view from my studio window:
 And my driveway:
I love Autumn, with its gorgeous display of color, but I'd just as soon skip right over Winter and go straight to Spring!  So today, when I awoke to this awesome Autumn view, I decided to make some "Season" earrings, of which these gorgeous glass leaves clearly represent:
And, of course, I also decided that I'll be giving some away on this post!  All you have to do is leave a comment, telling me about your favorite Season and which pair of earrings you like the best.  Ozzy will be picking a winner on Monday morning!  Good Luck!!  If you want to see more photos of them and read the descriptions, they are all for sale right here in my shop!

Seems as though traveling to three major cities in one week has taken its toll on my immune system.  I'm feeling a little better today, but still coughing and stuffed up a tad.  Wayne is also feeling a little "under the weather", so I cooked us up a big ole pot of Red Beans & Rice, using my favorite "Blue Runner" Red Beans from Gonzales, Louisiana and some "Savoie's" Andouille Sausage!  Of course, I think it's against the law [seriously] to eat Red Beans & Rice without cornbread, so I dug out my last box of Jiffy Cornbread mix and forgot that I had ran out of milk, so I used 1/3 cup of "Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk" instead.  Lol ~ they didn't taste any different, but were slightly off on color...they looked more like bran muffins, but were way more yummy!
So I hope all of you are staying well so far this Autumn!  It's hard to stay warm, that's for sure!  Another one of my "under the weather" picker uppers is my favorite "Gypsy Cold Care Herbal Tea" ~ mix in a teaspoon of local honey and it really does keep you feeling better!!  I promise!

Good Luck in the drawing!  Ozzy loves the leaves, too:
  love & peace always ~ Kathy

P.S.  Don't forget...use coupon code HOLIDAY2011 in my Etsy Shop for 10% off your total purchase...now through December 31st [can certainly be used more than once]  Please share with your friends and keep encouraging purchasing of handmade goods!  Thank you!!

"The biggest mistake people make in life is not trying to make a living at doing what they most enjoy." ~ Malcolm S. Forbes

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Holiday Coupon Code!!!

Hey Everybody!!!!  As promised, here is a Holiday Coupon Code that will be good until December 31st.  Just enter coupon code HOLIDAY2011 at checkout and enjoy 10% off of your total purchase.  Be sure to keep checking the shop, as I will be adding new things daily, like these:
 I named them "Migration", since they reminded me so much of the Monarch Butterfly migration that makes its way through my area in the early fall.  The glass leaves are gorgeous!  And speaking of gorgeous, Wayne and I took a ride to the Biltmore Estate yesterday, just to walk around and see what was still blooming.  There was hardly anybody there, so we basically had the whole place to ourselves, which was awesome!  And lots of things were still blooming, but this was my favorite:
And this cute little cactus flower:
Lots of Roses:
And a beautiful afternoon:
Happy November!!!  Check back tomorrow...I'm having a giveaway!  

love & peace always ~ Kathy

"November always seemed to me the Norway of the year." ~ Emily Dickinson