Happy 3rd B'day to LilE

We had the opportunity to once again be with LilE on her birthday. Three--what a wonderful age. We had so much fun watching her open gifts, play with friends, and eat cupcakes.
Because her b'day is so close to Valentine's, KLee decided to go with a valentine theme b'day party. Fun was had by all.

Valentine Theme B'day Party--LilE made the centerpiece

Happy Birthday to LilE!

LilE, JD, and KLee

Happy Valentine's Week

I am truly married to a very thoughtful and loving man. He knows how much I love fresh flowers. He has faithfully through the years remembered anniversaries and Valentine's Day by sending beautiful bouquets (even though money in those early years probably could have been spent more wisely). This year was no exception, but did have a little different twist. Knowing that Valentine's Day would fall on a Saturday and that we would be in SC celebrating LilE's third b'day, Smitty sent roses on Monday, February 9th, in order for me to enjoy them all week. I was the envy of every woman who walked into my office. Their male counterparts took a little different view. Thanks Smitty for being a very special Valentine to me!

Cook for the Cure Recipes

I wanted to share a couple of recipes that we cooked during our recent culinary arts class and Cook for the Cure program. I am looking forward to another culinary arts event in late March. I hope to have additional recipes to share at that time as well.

Garlic Chicken

2 tbsp crushed garlic

1/4 c olive oil

1/4 c dry bread crumbs

1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Warm the garlic and olive oil to blend the flavors. In a separate dish, combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Dip the chicken breasts in the olive oil and garlic mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture. Place in a shallow baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Red Lobster Biscuits

2 c Bisquick Baking mix

2/3 c milk

1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 c margarine or butter, melted

1/4 tsp garlic powder

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix Bisquick, milk, and cheese until soft dough forms; beat vigorously for 30 seconds. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto non-greased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Mix margarine and garlic powder; brush over warm biscuits before removing from cookie sheet. Serve warm. Makes 10-12 biscuits.

Hope you enjoy!!

Cooking for the Cure/Pass the Plate

Saturday I spent 6 hours participating in a deliciously fun activity and a worthwhile cause. Students in our high school Culinary Arts class wanted to do something that would help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation to honor their culinary arts teacher who recently was diagnosed with breast cancer. After doing some research, they discovered the Cook for the Cure program presented by KitchenAid.

These students presented a culinary workshop preparing many delicious recipes and the fun part was we got to eat everything we prepared. Our theme for the day was Adventures with Phyllo. Our menu included black olive and basil souffles, strawberry spinach salad with poppy seed dressing, garlic chicken, Red Lobster's cheese and garlic biscuits, dilled carrots, baklava, and chocolate covered cake balls. I will post some of my favorite recipes on a later post.

All participants (this was small group of 8) were presented with a Cook for the Cure plate, which has been registered through KitchenAid. Every time this plate is passed (with food upon it) to someone else, that person will go on-line and register the numbered plate and then pass it on to someone else who will do the same. Every time the plate is registered KitchenAid will donate $5 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Go to http://www.kitchenaid.com/ for further information on this program. I can go on-line and track the times my plate has been registered. I can't wait to see how many times my plate gets passed. Be watching... who knows who may be receiving the plate.