Friday, July 29, 2011

Peacock Extravaganza!


What a lovely collection of everything Peacock! Thanks to Eden Gemstone for including my Peacock Lampwork Glass Earrings in her beautiful treasury on Etsy!


Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Meat Substitute

Ok, so, I'm on this new "thing" where I'm trying to stay away from livestock/farm-raised/processed meats. Not only is it (mostly) inhumane how these animals are raised (if you can call an 8 week old chicken, raised), but also very unhealthy.

Farm raised meats contain high amounts of growth hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and even pesticides - the sort of things that can give cancer a start and encourage it to grow out of control. Believe it or not, chicken is the worst. It is pumped so full of chemicals and hormones that it's unbelievable. Is it any wonder that the rate of cancer in the United States is one of the highest in the world? It's because of all the unnatural stuff in our food, mainly meat and dairy products.

So, with that being said, I'm trying to stick to just wild game and fish/seafood. This really isn't much of a problem for me b/c I love wild game and seafood. Chicken actually does gross me out unless I'm cooking it at home. Have you ever bitten into a chunk of chicken only to have your teeth bounce right off of a nasty gristle?? It's probably one of the most disgusting things while eating. Oh, and not to mention I've been to a chicken processing plant. Absolutely disgusting, and sad, all at the same time.

Let's get back to being positive, shall we! I LOVE portabella mushrooms. Actually, I love all mushrooms!! LOL! I like to take those big grilling portabellas and fixing them up.
First, take your mushrooms and turn them over, and remove most of the black gills. The gills aren't really that tasty, and it gives you room to fill them :)


I like to quickly saute the mushrooms in a touch of butter and olive oil to get them going.


Next, saute a slice of onion for each mushroom in some butter and EVOO. Place the sauteed onion in the mushroom cap and squeeze some fresh garlic over it. Drizzle with Balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and finish with your favorite seasoning blend (I like the Cavender's Greek Seasoning).


Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until tender with a fork (depends on thickness of mushrooms) about 365 degrees. Not sure why my picture is vertical! Haha!! But, you see the finished product :)
Let me know what you think!

♥
Amanda

Monday, July 25, 2011

Chloe's 5th Birthday Pawty!

I know...this is VERY late...but I just had to share some pictures. Chloe turned 5 back on St. Patty's day. I wanted to do a Pawty and boy was it a success! Complete with custom made cupcake toppers and invites!

Here are a few pictures :)

Birthday Girl!


The Spread: Custom made Birthday Cake for Chloe and her friends (Pos Bag of Bones Bakery). Custom made St. Patty's day themed sugar cookies (Cookies by Sara), and custom made fondant "Pug" face toppers for my cupcakes (Small's Sweet Shop)!


Chloe devouring her birthday cake!


Sitting on my lap, taking a break from the excitement!



Some of Chloe's friends; Tyler, Charlie and Vespa

Friday, July 22, 2011

~♥ Friday Spotlight ♥~

Ouachita River Valley Animal League, Monroe, Louisiana- ORVAL helps low-income families pay for their vet bills thus lowering the amount of surrendered animals that go to the already extremely overcrowded, high-kill shelter located in Monroe. ORVAL also has a foster program.

100% of the proceeds from purchases of Doggie treats goes to help the ORVAL funds, which in turn helps those furbabies get into and STAY in their homes!


Oatmeal Doggie Biscuits

Each bag contains 12 (1 dozen) small doggie treats but special orders of a larger quantity or larger sized biscuits may be made. Only $1.50 a dozen!!

Peanut Butter Doggie Treats

Each bag contains 12 (1 dozen) small doggie treats but special orders of a larger quantity or larger sized biscuits may be made. Only $1.50 a dozen!!

Questions about the ingredients, or would like a larger quantity, send Erin an email at ErinLove@PanachebyErin.com

♥
Amanda

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Mmmm...Lemon Chicken Piccata

I love just about anything with lemon in it...sweet or savory!

I found this recipe in the Spring 2011 edition of Food & Family by Kraft Foods. It's very easy to make, and fairly healthy. I highly recommend making it if you need a chicken pick-me-up!


You will need:
2-3 large lemons, divided
4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup (or a large dollop) Kraft Reduced Fat Mayo with Olive Oil
22 Ritz crackers, finally crushed (about a cup....I didn't have Ritz so I used the Multi-grain Club crackers...just as good and maybe a little healthier!)
2 T Olive Oil
2 t chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 T butter

~Cut 4 thin lemon slices from one lemon and put aside. Squeeze juice from remaining lemons.
~Coat chicken with mayo, then dredge in cracker crumbs.

~Heat olive oil in large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5 minutes. Turn chicken and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes or until chicken is golden brown on both sides and done (165-degrees). Transfer chicken to platter; sprinkle with parsley. Cover with foil to keep warm.

~Carefully wipe any crumbs from skillet with paper towel.
~Add lemon juice and chicken broth to skillet. Cook on medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until slightly reduced, stirring occasionally. Add butter and lemon slices. Cook and stir on low heat 3 to 4 minutes or until butter is melted and lemons are heated through.

~~Serve over chicken with a bed of angel hair pasta (or your favorite pasta)!! DELISH!!

**I usually take my OWN pictures, but I was so anxious to try this that I forgot to! This picture and recipe are from Kraft Foods - Food & Family Magazine and Website.

Enjoy!

♥
Amanda

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