Celebrating Independence Blog Hop WINNER !!!

The Celebrating Independence Blog Hop winner of a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree is Angie Adair ! Congratulations! And thank you to all the participants for dropping by. Hope to see you all for the next hop :-)

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop - Final Day

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

.

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Here's a yummy recipe to try. Come back all 4 days for more recipes. Save them for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Chestnut Cake

3/4 pound whole chestnuts, drained

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 tablespoons dark rum 9separated)

16 ounces unsweetened chocolate chips (separated)

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Then grease the parchment paper.

Separate the eggs.

In a food processor puree the chestnuts with the butter and 4 tablespoons rum, scraping down the sides, until the mixture is smooth. Melt 10 ounces chocolate chips and add to mixture blending well. Add egg yolks one at a time.

In another bowl make meringe. Beat the egg whites, add salt, beat until soft peaks. Add the sugar a little at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.

Whisk one fourth of the meringue into the chocolate mixture, then fold in remaining meringe. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees 45 minutes to an hour, or until a knife inserted comes out with crumbs adhering to it and the top is cracked. Let cool 5 minutes, remove and let cool completely.

Glaze: Melt 6 ounces of chocolate chips. In serparate pan bring to a boil 1/2 cup cream. Mix melted chocolate and hot cream, stirring until smooth and then stir in 1 tablespoon of the rum. Glaze the cooled cake with mixture.

Serve cake with whipped cream and chopped chestnuts or chocolate chips.

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 3

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

.

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

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Here's a yummy recipe to try. Come back all 4 days for more recipes. Save them for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Pizza Lasagna

1 pound cooked ground sausage

8 ounces diced pepperoni slices

1 pound fine shredded mozzerella cheese

32 ounces pizza sauce

1 pound no boil lasagna noodles

4 ounces sliced black olives

1 medium thin sliced onions

1 medium think slices green pepper

8 ounces sliced mushrooms

Premixed pizza spice

Mix the sauce with 1 cup water in a bowl and pizza spice.

In a 9 x 12 baking dish / lasagna dish cover bottom with a thin layer of pizza sauce first and then alternating, noodles, sausage, pepperoni, olives, onions, peppers, mushrooms, repeat until all used (or pan is filled :-)

Bake 350 degrees for 45 minute to an hour or until no longer runny and vegetables are tender. 

Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 2

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

.

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's a yummy recipe to try. Come back all 4 days for more recipes. Save them for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Buffalo Onion Rings

1 egg

1 cup flour

Salt Pepper

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Milk

Whisk egg, flour, salt, pepper, hot sauce, add milk until a  medium consistency batter forms. (not too thick, not too runny).

Heat oil in deep fryer 350 degrees or deep fry pan. Oil should be deeper than onion rings.

Fry until golden brown one side, flipping over to get even browning.



Celebrating Independence Blog Hop ~ Day 1

The Blog Hop Spot

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Celebrating Independence Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree.

To enter you do two things:

.

1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join (If you don't see the link, then you may already be a member).

2. Leave a comment on this post.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here's a yummy recipe to try. Come back all 4 days for more recipes. Save them for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Breakfast Cookies

3/4 cup whole-wheat bread flour

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 egg 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup corn cereal flakes

1/3 cup raisins

1/3 cup chopped pecans

Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine flours, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl, set aside. Combine butter, oil and sugars in a mixing bowl for 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla and beat another minute. Add flour mixture, beat another minute. Stir in oats, flakes, raisins and pecans.

Cover Cookie sheet with parchment paper. Form ball with about 3 tablespoons of dough and space 2-1/2" on the parchment. Flatten balls to 1/4-inch thick. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the final day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering other months by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a simple dinner to make for any busy day. Save it for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Chicken Casserole

1 pound boneless chicken, cooked and shredded
2 cans (approx 21 ounces) condensed Cream of Onion Soup
2 cups milk
1 can green peas
8 ounces slightly crushed sout cream & onion potato chips (divided)

In a big bowl stir all ingredients together except 2 ounces of the chips. Spoon into 2 quart shallow casserole dish. Sprinkle on remaining chips. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the second day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering other months by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for the special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Simple Fudge Truffle Easter Eggs


1/4 pound Butter, melted
7-1/2 ounces cook and serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup Milk
16 ounces Confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
10 ounces chocolate bark

Combine butter, pudding mix and milk. Bring to boil. Simmer 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add sugar and vanilla and stir until well blended. When cool enough to handle, shape into eggs. Place on wax paper lined tray. Chill until firm. Melt chocolate bark and dip eggs. Place on wax paper until coating hardens.

The Hoppy Easter Blog Hop

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the Hoppy Easter Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy of my Steampunk Romance book.

To enter you do two things:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering other months by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a deviled egg appetizer to make for the seafood lover. Save it for later though, so you can continue on your hop. Just click here to return to the list of blogs and pick you new destination.

Salmon Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Ingredients
8 large eggs
2 ounces smoked salmon
3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
4 tablespoons cream cheese
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Hard boil the eggs. Cool and remove shells. Cut in half lengthwise. Remove yolks to bowl. Combine yolks, salmon, chives, cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and blend with mixer until creamy. Add mayonnaise a little at a time if too stiff. Fill egg whites. Garnish with more minced chives.

With Love Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ WINNER

Thank you to all those that entered and are now following. Come back around and comment every month to continue having a chance at the monthly giveaway.

Congratulations to the winner of this stop in the With Love Valentines Day hop!

katsrus

With Love Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ Last Day

Welcome blog-hoppers for the last day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Peanut Butter Delight

1st layer


1 cup flour
1/2 cup margarine
2/3 cup chopped fine walnuts


Mix and pat down in bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish.
Bake 350 degrees / 15 min.
Cool2nd layer


1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 cups whipped cream


Mix well and spread over crust.

3rd layer


1 small vanilla instant pudding
1 small chocolate instant pudding
3 cups cold milk


Mix well and pour over 2nd layer
Top with whip cream, sprinkle with bits of chocolate or nuts.

With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop ~ Day 3

Welcome blog-hoppers for the third day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Baklava

1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough 1 cup water

1 pound chopped nuts 1 cup white sugar

1 cup butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 cup honey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(175 degrees C). Butter the bottoms and sides of a 9x13 inch pan.

Chop nuts and toss with cinnamon. Set aside. Unroll phyllo dough. Cut whole stack in half to fit pan. Cover phyllo with a dampened cloth to keep from drying out as you work. Place two sheets of dough in pan, butter thoroughly. Repeat until you have 8 sheets layered. Sprinkle 2 - 3 tablespoons of nut mixture on top. Top with two sheets of dough, butter, nuts, layering as you go. The top layer should be about 6 - 8 sheets deep.

Using a sharp knife cut into diamond or square shapes all the way to the bottom of the pan. You may cut into 4 long rows the make diagonal cuts. Bake for about 50 minutes until baklava is golden and crisp.

Make sauce while baklava is baking. Boil sugar and water until sugar is melted. Add vanilla and honey. Simmer for about 20 minutes.

Remove baklava from oven and immediately spoon sauce over it. Let cool. Serve in cupcake papers. This freezes well. Leave it uncovered as it gets soggy if it is wrapped up.

With Love, Valentines Day Blog Hop ~ Day 2

Welcome blog-hoppers for the second day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

White Trash



1 pound almond bark
1 cup Rice Chex cereal
1 cup ChoclateTeddy Grahams cookies
1 cup of pretzel sticks, broken into pieces
4 ounces mixed nuts


Mix all ingredients except the almond bark.
Melt the almond bark in microwave, stirring frequently, and then stie into other ingredients.
Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.
Cool and eat.

With Love, Valentine's Day Blog Hop ~ Day 1

Welcome blog-hoppers for the first day of the With Love Valentines Day Blog Hop.

I'm giving away a $50 Jewelry Shopping Spree plus one pdf copy from my backlist of books.

To enter you do two things:

  1. Click the JOIN THIS SITE tab at the top of the righthand column and join.

  2. Leave a comment on this post.

While this is a special contest for the blog hop, joining this site and leaving a comment will also enter you in the monthly contest of this blog. You can continue entering by commenting at least once in any month while you are a member.

Here's a sweet treat to make for your special day. Save it for later thought, so you can continue on your hop to Ruth Hill's blog.

Grape Dessert



2 pounds Red Grapes
2 pounds Green Grapes
8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup sugar


Blend cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar with mixer.
Fold in grapes.

Topping


1 cup brown sugar
1 cup crushed pecans