Recipe of the Week: White Chocolate Oreos

So this is the time of year when all the wholesalers flood my office with goodies.  Don't get me wrong, I love it...but I seriously have to pace myself to get through the last 2 months of the year without gaining some serious weight!

Three weeks ago, it began.  The first tin arrived and it was white chocolate oreos.  To....Die....For (and I am not a big white chocolate fan).

I got to thinking that if you host a cookie exchange this year or are looking for a fast and easy Christmas cookie idea, I think this is it.

Enjoy!

Stacy

White Chocolate Dipped Oreos

Ingredients:

6 ounces of white chocolate

1 package of Oreo cookies, original

1 package of candy sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies

Directions:

Melt the white chocolate in the microwave.  This time it takes to melt varies, depending on the strength of the microwave.  Heat it up in 30 second increments as to not burn the chocolate.

Dip each oreo in the white chocolate and lay on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Decorate with sprinkles or crushed candy.

Let cool for 30 minutes.

47/52: A Long Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a time for family and our family sure does know how to have a good time!

Wednesday night is kinda like Christmas Eve to me.  Family gathers together to cook, celebrate, listen to music and give thanks.  Brian prepared a wonderful Italian dinner and we all had a wonderful evening together.

Our Thanksgiving Day is typically laid back with the parade and football on TV, everyone devouring the Black Friday ads in the newspaper and preparing to feast.  We were treated to an Oregon Ducks Men's basketball game in the evening which was a perfect way to wrap up a great day. 

Friday was spent out in Oregon Wine Country and a visit to 4 wonderful wineries for some unique tastings.  This year the weather was amazing and we all enjoyed a wonderful drive through Yamhill County under white puffy clouds and sunshine.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone.  The weekend flew by.  The parents are gone.  Brian went home Saturday and Uncle Steve leaves Thursday.  Our house is full of Christmas now...lights and trees and a different kind of holiday feeling.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Last (partial) week of November 2017

Welcome back Monday!

Did everyone survive  enjoy the holiday!?

Are you tired of turkey?  Check out Thursday's meal plan because I think I found a new "keeper".

Laura and her friends have more menu plans for you!

Enjoy!
Stacy

SUNDAY:  Pot Roast and Veggies
MONDAY: Pan Seared Salmon, Salad and Vegetables
TUESDAY: Beef Pot Pie
WEDNESDAY: Grilled Chicken Breast with Salad Bar Salad
THURSDAY: West African Peanut Soup with Turkey

Old Photo Friday: Remembering Aunt Judy

WHO: Aunt Judy, My Pop (James Y. Brady) and Ron Perry
WHAT: Slumber Party (my guess is that the parents were going to go out and party)
WHERE: Eugene
WHEN: Early 1946 (my Dad looks to be no older than 2.5 or 3)

Happy remembrance birthday to my dear Aunt Judy.  This is the first year that you are gone.  Always in our hearts and never forgotten.

Love, 
Stacy

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, 2017!

Blessings this day from our family to yours!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Much Love,

Stacy and Brian

46/52: Friday Night Date Night

Perfect train rides both north and south and a fun date night at Elysian Fields Brewery.

We filled our bellies with Pumpkin Stout, Tomato Soup with Toasted Cheese and Lamb Meatballs with Red Sauce.

How did you fill your weekend?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: THANKSGIVING WEEK 2017

Welcome to Thanksgiving Week!

How are you spending the BIG TURKEY DAY?  Leave me a comment and let me know your plans.  Are you cooking?  Going out to eat?  Watching football or the parade?

However you spend your day, I hope you have a wonderful time with friends and family.

Don't forget to check out Laura's site and all her friends as they share their menu plans.

Enjoy!
Stacy

MONDAY: Crock Pot Chili and Cornbread (Seahawks on Monday Night Football)
TUESDAY: BLTs and Chips
WEDNESDAY: Italian Night (family arrives and the prep cooking begins)
THURSDAY:

Appetizers

Marcona Almonds

Aged Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Dip and Crackers

Vegetable Platter with Dip

Champagne Mimosas

Entrée

Roast Turkey & Gravy

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes Gratin with Carmelized Onions

Classic Stuffing

Brussels Sprouts with Marjoram and Pine Nuts

Buttery Peas

Relish Tray with Deviled Eggs, and Black Olives

Cranberry Relish

Rolls

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie

Apple Pie

FRIDAY:  Leftovers and Wine Tasting
SATURDAY: Nacho Bar and the Civil War (Ducks vs. Beavers)

Old Photo Friday: Dressed like a Turkey

WHO: Mom (Jennifer Dare)
WHAT: Thanksgiving Day
WHERE: Unknown
WHEN: Thanksgiving 1967

Dear Mom,

Best (worst) holiday outfit EVER!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacy

P.S (from Pop) THE PICTURE OF YOUR MOM IN RED WITH TURKEY---WAS TAKEN IN K.FALLS--RALPH AND VIRGINA CAME DOWN---POPPIE

Menu Plan Monday: Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole

I know......Thanksgiving leftovers already?  These casseroles have been flooding Pinterest and recipe sites for years, but this year I think I am going to make one the day after Thanksgiving.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Leftover Thanksgiving Casserole

Ingredients:

3 cups leftover stuffing

4 cups leftover turkey, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 can milk

2 cups green beans

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

4 cups mashed potatoes

1 cup gravy 

Directions:

Preheat over to 350F.

Place 1.5 cups stuffing on bottom of an 8 x 11 casserole dish.

In a mixing bowl, place 4 cups turkey, I can soup, 2 cups green beans and milk and mix together.

Place the turkey and vegetable layer on top of stuffing.

Heat 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce in the microwave and drizzle across the turkey vegetable layer

Heat up potatoes for about 2 minutes in the microwave so that you can give them a good stir and then layer on top of casserole.

Finally add another 1 1/2 cups stuffing on top.

Place in the oven for 30 minutes, uncovered.  Remove from oven and drizzle re-heated gravy on top and then serve.

45/52: Fall Saturday in Woodinville

Brian and I explored Woodinville, Washington on Saturday afternoon, our kick-off to the holiday season annual trip.  Molbak's is a great home/garden store...but their stuff is pretty expensive compared to Michael's or JoAnne's.  Needless to say, we didn't come home with any holiday treasures.

Or did we?

Two (purchased) bottles of wine later after some amazing tastings at Long Shadows and JM Cellars and we didn't come home empty handed after all.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: Middle of November 2017

Welcome back, Monday!  I missed you (said no one ever)!

It's hard to believe that it's the middle of November.  Is anyone playing Christmas music?  Hallmark Christmas Movies....dare I say....decorating?  Anyone?

Don't forget to check out Laura's site for more menu and organizing tips.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Monday: Steak with Spaghetti and Brown Butter Sauce
Tuesday: Grilled Chicken Thighs with Squash and Salad
Wednesday: Grilled Salmon with Stir Fry Asian Veggies
Thursday: PF Chang Lettuce Wraps

Old Photo Friday: Do you want to build a Snowman?

WHO: Jennifer Dare (my Mom)
WHAT: Building a snowman
WHEN: 1965-66
WHERE: Probably Klamath Falls, OR 

Our seasons are changing and the weather is getting cooler.  Are you ready to build a snowman?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: Italian Sausage Bread Stuffing

Stuffing has to be one of my all time favorites...why don't I eat it more often!?  I am a stuffing purist, but I love the thought of adding sausage and other flavors to create a whole different flavor profile.

Will this be on your holiday recipe list?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Italian Sausage Bread Stuffing

Ingredients:

4 cups day old white bread (sourdough/callah bread/ciabatta)

Cooking Spray

1 pound Ground Italian Sausage

1/4 cup chopped red onion

4 chopped celery stalks

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon ground sage

1 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, grated

Directions:

Preheat oven 350F.

Place the cubed bread on a baking sheet; then spray with cooking spray.  Bake in the oven for 5 - 10 minutes until golden brown.  Remove from oven and cool slightly.

While the bread is toasting, brown the sausage and drain the fat.

Add the toasted bread cubes to a large bowl, then add the sausage, chopped onion, celery, parsley and spices.  Season with salt and pepper and mix well.  Add the egg and continue to mix together.  

Slowly begin to add the broth 1/4 cup at a time until the stuffing is wet.  Continue to mix together.  You may need more or less broth, depending on desired consistency of stuffing.

Add the mixture to a 2 qt baking dish; top with cheese then cook for 20 minutes or until heated through and golden brown on top.

44/52: November Skies

Quiet and cold skies this weekend.  

Another week away for Brian and another quiet Saturday spend in our cozy West Seattle home.

Christmas movies on the new Hallmark Channel App (thank you Fire Stick) and tacos in front of the TV on Saturday night.

This is a perfect weekend, right?

Enjoy!
Stacy

Menu Plan Monday: November 6-9, 2018

Happy Monday, Everyone!

As we head into the middle of fall how is your menu plans shaping up for the holiday season?  Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving in 3 weeks?

Get some great planning ideas from Laura!  Here is our menu for the week ahead.

Enjoy!
Stacy

MONDAY:  Meatloaf with Potatoes and Veggies
TUESDAY: Baja Shrimp Tacos
WEDNESDAY: Thai Peanut Chicken with Sweet Potato Zoodles
THURSDAY: Pizza Night!  Seahawks Game

Old Photo Friday: Fall Fishing

WHO: Diamond Jim Brady
WHAT: Fishing
WHERE: McKenzie River - Springfield, OR
WHEN: Mid 1980's

Fall always reminds me of hunting and fishing, two hobbies that most of my family members were avid participants of.

Enjoy!
Stacy

Recipe of the Week: World Vegan Day

World Vegan Day is celebrated by vegans around the world every November 1st and was established in 1944, although the exact date is unknown.

Today you see vegetarianism and veganism everywhere...perhaps living in the pacific northwest, I tend to see it more than other parts of the country, but it's growing to the point that both Portland and Seattle have numerous vegan and or vegetarian restaurants in town.

I'm certainly up to try anything and this meal sounds right up my alley.  Although I follow Meatless Monday, I am not entirely convinced that I could become a full time vegan.

Enjoy!

Stacy

Vegan Stuffed Shells with Cashew Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups raw unsalted cashews (soaked in water 2-6 hour)

1 cup water

jumbo pasta shells (one box or approximately 24)

4 cups kale

1 tablespoon coconut oil

juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon salt

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 jar marinara sauce

1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional)

Directions:

Soak the cashews for a minimum of 2 hours, up to 6 in water.  Drain and when ready to make the sauce add cashew to 1 cup of fresh water.

Cook the pasta shells according to instructions.  Drain and rinse with cold water, set aside.

Clean and desteam the kale.  Chop into small pieces.  Heat oil in a saute pan and add kale to pan, seasoning with salt and pepper.  Cook until wilted, then remove from pan and set aside.

Transfer the cashews and water into a blender or food processor.  Add lemon juice and blend on high until a thick texture forms, resembling ricotta cheese.  Place mixture in a large bowl.

Add cashew cream, cooked kale, diced garlic, basil and oregano to the bowl and stir well to combine.

Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a large casserole/baking dish.  Pour half the jar of marinara sauce in the bottom of the dish.

Using a spoon, scoop the cashew/kale mixture into each shell and add them to the baking dish.

Top the shells with the rest of the marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheese (if using) and bread crumbs.

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

43/52: Happy Halloween

It was a quiet weekend in Seattle. A beautiful Saturday morning walk among fall leaves.  Brian was in Colorado Springs last week so we had a catch up on  downtime, re-charge your batteries, easy-to-prepare meals, sports kinda weekend!

Then....the holidays started!  Halloween is the official kick off of the holiday season and the ghosts and goblins came out on Tuesday night and we had a nice little party at Rebecca Lane.

It's okay for adults to dress up too, right!?

Enjoy!
Stacy