Bites Around the Blogosphere

Been a while, hasn't it?

I'll get to this week's Bites in just a second. First, I thought I'd share a bit of what I've been up to. First of all, here comes Christmas, charging full speed ahead. Are you almost done shopping? I have just a few things to pick up and I'm finished. Hubs and I are really scaling back this year on our purchases. I like it this way. Less stress. Less financial strain. More enjoyment. What could be better?

Also, as if I haven't mentioned it enough, WE'RE MOVING TO GERMANY! We report to Grafenwoehr in September. I've been using Rosetta Stone to learn the language, and I've been looking at pictures and stories about Bavaria. I'm so excited. Wouldn't you be? Look at what I have to look forward to (photos found @ google.com):

...and that's just in Grafenwoehr! As time passes, I'll share more about Europe and what I learn. So far, I can tell you, in German, all about my small, white dog, my sandwiches and eggs and milk, numbers through six, and a little about men, women, kids, and clothing.

On we go....today's Bites:

Pumpkin Cranberry Pecan Upside-Down Cake at Beantown Baker

Grilled Chicken with Bacon Balsamic Glaze at Jenn's Food Journey

Spicy Corn Cakes with Black Beans at Lucy's Soup Can

See you tomorrow for the week's menu plan!

Bites Around the Blogosphere

Good Sunday morning to you! I've got a recipe to share with you a little later today. For now, check out these tasty bites I found this week:

Raspberry Jam at Andrea the Kitchen Witch, because making jam is yet out of reach for me, so I turn to others' expertise.

White Chocolate Peppermint Pie at Beat Until Fluffy

Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups at From Glitter to Gumdrops

Cherry Blueberry Preserve at Finding Joy in my Kitchen

Chicken Empanadas at Food for my Family

Coconut Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes at Soap Mom's Kitchen

Haystacks at Veggie Num Nums

Bites Around the Blogosphere

This is something I really enjoy doing: Sharing with you some of the best of what I've read in blogs in the last seven days. Here are some post I think you should check out:

Breakfast Burritos at Simply Scratch

Chocolate Beet Bundt Cake w/ Truffle Ganache Glaze at Always Order Dessert



Roasted Corn, Potato, and Chipotle Chowder at Andrea the Kitchen Witch -- I'm definitely making this soon!

Adorable Lemon Wedge Sugar Cookies at From Glitter to Gumdrops

Mocha Streusel Coffee Cake at Food Floozie -- If only I had all the ingredients NOW!

Lemongrass Soap at From My Motorhome to Yours

Grilled Apple Pie at Indigo's Sugar Spectrum

Cinnamon Swirl Bread at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. See you bright & early for menu planning!

Bites Around the Blogosphere -- School Edition

I've decided to take this Sunday as an opportunity to share with you some great school ideas I've found, along with many of my own recipes. Please feel free to add to this list in the comment section if you know of a great lunchbox recipe, waste-free school lunch idea, or something else to make the school day go more smoothly.

Breakfast

Breakfast is so important. I hate to think that some children go to school with empty tummies. Here are some quick and easy breakfast ideas for busy school mornings. Some are make ahead and others are so quick that they can be whipped up at a moment's notice:

• Banana Pancakes
• Popovers Stuffed with Eggs and Cheese
• English Muffins
• Vanilla Scones
• Hand-Held Omelets
• Blueberry Banana Muffins
• Whole Wheat Strawberry Banana Pancakes at A Foodie Fairytale
• Slow Cooker Ultimate Breakfast Casserole at A Year of Slow Cooking
• Breakfast Taco at Andrea the Kitchen Witch
• Fruity Breakfast Burrito at Angel Foods Kitchen

Lunch

Is packing a school day lunch box boring you to tears? Are you running out of ideas? Here are some blogs with plenty of food for thought.

• First, my new blog, 360 Lunch Boxes! I'll chronicle lunch for my two kids (and sometimes my husband) for the entire school year -- and maybe beyond!)
• A Pocket Full of Buttons
• Adventures in Bento Making: Bento Lunches by Pikko
• another lunch
• Crouching Toddler, Hidden Mother -- LOL I mean -- Crouching Mother Hidden Toddler Sorry 'bout that!
• What's for lunch at our house

After School Snacks

• Mini Maple Cupcakes with Honey Butter Frosting
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Honest Smoothies
• Healthier Double Chocolate-Banana Cookies
• Banana-Carrot Sandwich Cookies
• Wheat Crackers
• Triple Lemon Cookies
• Oatmeal Cream Pies (Just Like Little Debbie!)
• No Bake Peanut Butter & Jelly Snacks
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookie Bars at Simply Scratch
• Cheese Crackers at Andrea the Kitchen Witch
• Strawberry Banana Coconut Milkshakes at Angie's Healthy Living Blog
• S'Mores Whoopie Pies at what Megan's making

What are your favorite school day foods?

Bites Around the Blogosphere

Every Sunday, I like to take the time to introduce a few blogs that are new to me, some great-looking recipes and articles, and other fun stuff I stumble upon. Here are some from this week:

• Kool-Aid Play Dough by 50s Housewife -- About the only think Kool-Aid's good for! But this dough is nice to look at and smells nice, too!
• Fruit Dip by Andrea the Kitchen Witch -- Very retro, very tasty.
• Vanilla Wafers by Angel Foods Kitchen -- Homemade is always best!
• Peanut Butter Crumb Cake by Anne's Antics -- Peanut Butter & Cake in the same sentence?  'Nuff said.
• Neapolitan Cup Cake by Beat Till Fluffy -- It's so pretty! You've got to see it!
• Make Your Own Almond Milk by Eat from your Pantry -- She hosts Make Your Own Mondays meme that would be fun to join!
• Peanut Butter Crusted Sweet Potato Fries by Fake Ginger
• Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls by Finding Joy in my Kitchen
• Coffee Parfait by HaupLight -- Not for the Diet-Conscious, but definitely great for a splurge!
• Grilled Parmesan Corn on the Cob by Jenn's Food Journey -- YUM! That woman is a grilling expert!
• Hasselback Potatoes by Neo Homesteading -- They look so good that I can't resist adding them to my recipe pile!
• Vegan Cheese Sauce at Penniless Parenting -- but note that Brewer's Yeast IS NOT the same as Nutritional Yeast (nicknamed "nooch") -- Don't be scared. It's really, really good.
• Homemade Mayonnaise by Stonesoup -- Something I've always wanted to do!

A new meme I'd like to encourage you to join: Vegetarian Foodie Fridays!

A new blog I found: Fed Up With Lunch: The School Lunch Project

Bites Around the Blogosphere..and an Award!

Happy Sunday to you all! I hope today finds you refreshed for a wonderful week ahead! I have lots planned for this week, including school shopping, hair cuts, and the big monthly grocery shop. I'll be continuing my bare bones series and dishing up some fantastic treats. Plus, I'll be announcing another giveaway soon. :)

 

In the meantime, pull up a chair and check out some of the posts that have piqued my interest this week. Then, scroll down and see my newest award. :)

 

April at Angel Foods Kitchen gave me the Versatile Blogger Award! and check out her cute apple pies! Thank you, April! :)

 

Angie at Angie's Healthy Living Blog made meatless "meatballs" that look delicious.

 

Check out this Linguine with Bacon, Spinach, and Sage at Finding Joy in my Kitchen. YUM!

 

Cool down with Haniela's Coffee Granita

Mandy from Mandy's Recipe Box asked me to Guest Post, and I was happy to do it. :) Check out her Baked Potato Wedges with Parma Dip.

Check out Mare's Refried Black Beans with Avocado & Fried Egg and Jicama-Cucumber Slaw at Meet Me in the Kitchen. Wow!

Fat-free Blackberry Frozen Yogurt at Neo Homesteading has my mouth watering.

Go and see the recipe for Pea, Parsley, and Walnut Pesto at Pink of Perfection. It's a frugal masterpiece!

OH MY...Michelle at Real Life Foodie Adventures has captured my attention with her Chai Spice Cookies.

Feel badly about indulging in too many sweets, but still need something sweet? Check out this milkshake recipe at The Fat Girl's Guide to Living.

The Spinach and Ricotta Pasta by Liana at Tomatoes and Basil looks scrumptious!

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffle Cookies by Allyson at Wee Veg look like the perfect lunchbox or after school treat. Yes, I'm already thinking about school, since it starts back up in just over a month. :)

What Megan's Making is a blog I check in on regularly. There's a recipe for Sugar Cookie Bars that are perfect for when you have a house full of children this summer. Turns out, it's a guest post, so check out Fake Ginger, written by Amanda. I know I will!

And now, for my latest award. Thank you so much, Yenta Mary at Food Floozie, for bestowing this honor on me. Everyone, go check out her blog for some lovely eats. I recommend you start with her Peanut Butter Pie. Go for the recipes, but stay for the wit and humor that abounds.

On to the guidelines for this lovely award.

1. Accept your award. :o)

2. Post the award image to your blog (right click, save as on the image) and leave a link back to me. ;)

3. Pass this award on to seven more bloggers deserving of a good Sunday back-pat. Don't forget to let them know they've received an award!

Only seven? Ick. I hate choosing amongst friends. However, in the spirit of the award, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't, so here goes...

1. Brae at I am NOT a Volcano and Other Such Stories is working very hard right now. She's growing a human in addition to all her other baby human responsibilities and more. She hasn't been around much lately, owing to first trimester woes, but I hope she knows her blog is loved by many. :)
2.  Shannon at What's For Lunch at Our House blogs about bento lunches. Her creativity and dedication to fun, healthful lunches for her family earns her this award.
3. Michelle at Girl Gone Granola is raising her kids naturally, growing chickens and gardens and happiness.
4. Andrea the Kitchen Witch strives to keep unnatural "foods" out of the bellies of her family. I know it's not always easy, since it's my goal as well.
5. Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom blogs about food, family, great deals, and more.
6. Joy from Joy of Desserts has such a welcoming demeanor that comes through on her blog...and I'm sure in her home as well.
7. And finally, Heather at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen. I've spoken of her before, I know, but it's true! She's spectacular. Down to earth and on the same mission as me: eliminating the junk!

Come on back later for day 3 of A Week of (Healthy) Bare-Bones Meals.

Bites Around the Blogosphere 6/13

Good morning, dear readers. Welcome to the 200th posting on this blog! As today is only day 164, you can see that I write quite a bit. ;)

As of this posting, there are 182 public followers here. I'm humbled and honored that you would consider this blog a part of your regular reading. I hope you've enjoyed my recipes and banter so far, and I look forward to many more.

I'm hoping to reach 200 followers before July 4th. I have another giveaway for you at that time!

But for now, let's focus on other blogs. Here are some from the past week that I think are worth checking out:

Frugal Fresh Pineapple Salsa at 2 Make Ends Meet

A Book Club is forming (Reading The Help) at A Year of Slow Cooking. Want to join in?

Mediterranean Pasta Salad at Andrea the Kitchen Witch

Fire Roasted Ketchup at Beantown Baker

Pastry-Wrapped Cream Cheese and Pesto at Confessions of a Bake-a-holic

Rhubarb Meringue at Finding Joy in my Kitchen

Can All You Can -- Check out the vintage posters at Girl Gone Granola. I love them!

Blackberry Jam at Joy of Desserts -- Check out her Vintage Recipe Meme -- It's fun!

Edamame-Stuffed Wontons at kitchen meditation

Pistachio Brownie Wedges at Meet Me in the Kitchen

Blueberry Buckle at One Crazy Cookie

Are any of these blogs new to you? I encourage you to compile your own list of neat blogs for your readers to check into. I know I'd love to read more blogs, and what better way to find them than through word of mouth?

An Announcement! And Bites Around the Blogosphere

***ANNOUNCEMENT***

There's a giveaway coming! Be here Monday morning, June 7th, to find out what it is. It's going to be great!

And now, onto Bites Around the Blogosphere. I really want to make a button for this. I have button frustration. Yes, I know there are people I could pay to make a button for me, but I'm just not ready to pay for a graphic for this blog. I'm still trying to figure it out for myself. If only I knew how to decipher those html codes...

Every week, I like to share with you some of the yummy-looking recipes that I come across on my Blogger Dashboard Reading List. Usually, I post this list Sunday mornings, but I was never any good at waiting. ;)

Here they are for this week:

• Roasted Garlic Spoon bread at A Year of Slow Cooking. I sure do miss her posting a new recipe each day. Now she only posts about one per week. Anyway, this one looks super yummy!
• Pizza Pockets at Angie's Healthy Living Blog
• Margarita Cupcakes at From Glitter to Gumdrops
• Spinach Pancakes at Crystal's Cozy Kitchen
• Lemon Blueberry Pudding Cake at Dining with Debbie
• Banana-Cashew Balls at Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen
• How to Make Farmer's Cheese at Haniela's. Now I want to make cheese.
• Cherry Garcia Ice Cream at HaupLight
• Crisp Polenta Cakes with Braised Cabbage and Beans at Herbivoracious
• Butter Brickle Ice Cream at Lamp Unto My Feet
• Heirloom Tomato and Basil Tart at Meet Me in the Kitchen
• Red, White, and Blue Dessert at Mom. Undecided.
• Spring Vegetable Couscous at Pink of Perfection. A $5 dinner!!!
• Zucchini and Feta Flatbread at Simply Life
• Peach Ice Cream at The Modern Day Mom..in case you didn't get enough peaches around here last week!
• Tiramisu Cheesecake at Trendy Treehouse
• Hostess Cupcakes -- Homemade! at What Megan's Making

And just for fun this week, here are a few great giveaways you can enter! Note that I'm not affiliated with any of these sites; I'm just listing them here for your enjoyment. :)

• Zojirushi Mini Bento Giveaway at Adventures in Bento Making
• Betty Crocker Mississippi Mud Supreme Bars Mix at Angel Foods Kitchen
• Head Organics at Fun Saving Money
• Proactiv Blemish Stick at Heavenly Savings
• Late July Organic Snacks at Turning the Clock Back

Breakfast and Bites Around the Blogosphere

Day 150.

 

Yesterday, I got my very first fire ant bite since moving to Georgia almost a year ago. The little devil bit me on my Achilles tendon and it's been swelling, itching, and hurting ever since. Anyone have a home remedy for ant bites?

Here's a recipe for some yummy, healthier waffles to kick-start your Sunday. The cook up puffy, fluffy, and aromatic. Enjoy them with apple butter, honey, or maple syrup...or just by themselves.

Apple-Cinnamon Waffles

What You Need:

• 2 cups flour (use all-purpose, whole wheat, or a combination of the two)
• 2 Tbsp sugar (you can actually omit this entirely if you'd like!)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• dash of sea salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup apple sauce
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

How it's Done:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. Meanwhile, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk. Stir in applesauce.
4. Combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
5. Pour 1/3 cup batter onto a standard size waffle iron and cook as manufacturer suggests.

Bites Around the Blogosphere

A weekly segment in which I recommend delicious recipes and articles around the blogosphere.

1. Little Calf, Little Calf Bento Lunch at A Pocket Full of Buttons
2. Sweet and Spicy Shrimp at Andrea the Kitchen Witch
3. Homemade Ding Dongs at Beantown Baker
4. Fried Ice Cream at Christy
5. Thai Chicken Pizza at Confessions of a Bake-Aholic
6. Black Bean and Summer Squash Enchiladas at FatFree Vegan
7. Penne A la Vodka at Jenn's Food Journey
8. Broccoli with Bacon and Breadcrumb Topping at Mennonite Girls Can Cook
9. Blueberry and Cheese Rolls at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen
10. Jamie Oliver's Delicious Cheesy Corn at Snack Girl

Bites Around the Blogosphere...But First, Some Breakfast.

Breakfast. It's important. Filling up your tank after a long night's fast is important for your bodily functions. Breakfast helps you think clearer, be in a better mood, and work more efficiently. Find something you like and eat it this morning. It doesn't have to be a breakfast food. If grilled cheese and tomato soup call to you, have some. Try not to be called to the candy bars...but do eat something. Here's a little something to get you started:

Vanilla Scones

What You Need:

• 2 1/2 to 3 cups cups all-purpose (or use whole wheat, or half white, half wheat)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/3 cup chilled butter, cut into chunks
• 1 vanilla bean (just the scrapings)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup milk

for the icing:

• powdered sugar
• enough milk to make a pourable icing

How it's Done:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and lightly spray a large cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Combine flour (start with 2 1/2 cups), sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add cubes of butter. Cut them in until they're tiny bits smaller than peas. I like to pinch it in with my fingers so that I can properly judge how big they are.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg. Add milk, vanilla scrapings, and vanilla extract. Pour into dry mixture and stir to combine.
5. The dough should begin to form a ball. If it's too wet still, add additional flour.
6. Knead a few times...maybe ten times total. Divide dough in half.
7. Pat each half into a circle 1" thick on the greased cookie sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut into wedges just like pizza. Don't separate them.
8. Bake 20 minutes or until just lightly golden on top.
9. Remove from oven and let cool five minutes before icing.
10. For the icing, combine powdered sugar with milk until the desired consistency is met. Pour onto scones. You can add some vanilla extract to the icing for even more vanilla flavor if you'd like.

And now, for some delicious bites around the blogosphere. These are some delectable tidbits I found this week:

• Vanilla Bean Cheesecake at Andrea the Kitchen Witch
• Slow Cooker Carnitas at Angel Foods Kitchen
• Zucchini Fritter Cakes at Anna Dishes
• 10 Ways to Eat Less Meat at Cheap Healthy Good
• Strawberry Yogurt Mask at Coupon Cookin'
• Gingerbread at Green Gourmet Giraffe
• Apple Cupcakes at Haniela's
• Steak Sauce at Jenn's Food Journey
• Chili Potato Dippers with Cheddar Jalapeno Dip at Lamp Unto My Feet
• Focaccia Hamburger Rolls at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen
• Chocolate Tim Tam Hedgehog at StoneSoup

Happy Cooking! See you throughout the week!

Bites Around the Blogosphere 5/16/10

Whew! Life has been BUSY around here! We just had a successful yard sale this weekend. I'm glad to be rid of lots of stuff and have some extra cash, but it was an exhausting experience. Anyway, it's Sunday. It's time for some yummy bites around the blogosphere.

Bites Around the Blogosphere is a weekly feature here at All Home Cooking when I share some of my favorite bites from other bloggers. I hope you'll enjoy them. Tell them Michelle @ All Home Cooking sent you. :o)

S'Mores Muffins at A Foodie Fairytale

Key Lime Cookies with White Chocolate at Andrea the Kitchen Witch

Easy Tempeh Tostadas at Bankrupt Vegan

Flowers, Bugs, and Babies at Cookie Crazie

Vanilla Ice Cream at Jenn's Food Journey

Blueberry Polenta Coffee Cake at kitchen meditation

Buckeye Cake at Lamp Unto My Feet

Herbed Yogurt Spread at What Megan's Making

Enjoy! See you back here later for a tasty recipe!

Bites Around the Blogosphere

New here at All Home Cooking: Each Sunday, I'll be showcasing some of the recipes, articles, tips, and more I found throughout the previous week. I hope you'll find them useful and helpful and inspiring as I do.

This week's Bites Around the Blogosphere:

Quiche with Country Ham, Broccoli, and Swiss recipe from Andrea the Kitchen Witch. Sounds delicious and reminds me how frugal and easy quiches are. I need to make one. Soon.

Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes recipe from Beantown Baker: Boy do these look good and fresh! Perfect for a summer dessert!

article, "How to Eat Green without a Greenmarket," at Cheap Healthy Good: An informative article on eating well.

Steak, Anaheim Chile, and Scallion Tacos with Guacamole and Cojita Cheese recipe from For the Love of Cooking: Yum! I want to try this recipe. I love recipes with many complex flavors together vying for the top spot on my taste buds!

Gluten Free, Vegan Chocolate Cake recipe from Ginger Lemon Girl: Inspired me to make a flourless cake this week. Looks decadent. Check it out!

article, "Composting 101" (and check out 102 as well) from Girl Gone Granola: while I'm not ready to start composting this year (with a PCS -- military move-- in our very near future), this information was very helpful and I've stored it away for future use.

article, "Children and Technology," by I'm Not a Volcano: Her weekly Touchy Topic Tuesday posts are controversial and fun, and not to be missed.

Penne with Beef and Bell Pepper recipe at Jenn's Food Journey: Colorful. Pleasing to the eye as well as the palate.

Rhubarb Crunch Cake at Mennonite Girls Can Cook: This recipe made me jealous for rhubarb, so I went out and bought some and I'll be making pie with it this week.

Ham & Cheddar Waffles at Out of the Box Into the Kitchen: Got my wheels turning for other savory waffle combinations.

Homemade Toothpaste recipe at Wee Veg: Homemade. Toothpaste. Yeah. Love it.

Hide & Seek post at What Matters Most. Lovella is like a breath of relaxing, fresh air. Her blog is a wonderful, welcomed pause in my day.

If you visit any of these blogs, tell 'em I sent you. It's always nice to know where your traffic is coming from...and maybe they'll come visit me, too! :o)

Have a wonderful Sunday!