white chocolate dipped pretzels

 Today we made a simple snack - White Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Ingredient list:

Snyder of Hanover Pretzel rods

Toll House White Chocolate Morsels

Colorful Sprinkles 

Splash of Coffee Mate liquid creamer (Sweet Cream Flavor)

In a double boiler, melt white chocolate morsels. When softened add a splash of creamer and blend.  

Dip pretzels in chocolate and cover with sprinkles. 

That's it. Enjoy.  

The neighborhood kids thought they were "Awesome."  

Have a great weekend.

xo t & k

Read more »

Posted in: dessert,snacks

caramelized butternut squash

We are back after a very long break!

Today we set aside some of our other homeschool subjects so Kyle could make Caramelized Butternut Squash to go with a turkey that we baked. 

This is what we used...

 1 large butternut squash

6 tablespoons butter melted

1/4 cup dark brown sugar

Sprinkle of salt, pepper and cinnamon.

This is what we did...

He cut the ends off of the squash and cut it in half lengthwise.

Scooped out all the seeds.

Carefully cut off the outer skin with a paring knife.

Cut it into medium size pieces.

We melted the butter, added the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and pepper, then tossed all the pieces in the mixture.  

In a 400 degree oven, we roasted the squash for 45 minutes. Stirring and re-coating periodically.  

When finished cooking, we removed the roasting pan from the oven and served with our roasted turkey and a lovely spinach salad.

We hope you give it a try. It was just like an early Thanksgiving meal and the house smells delightful.

Read more »

Posted in: side dish

shrimp & grits

A special day requires a special meal.  Today is Chris's birthday and our anniversary.  

Chef Kyle is whipping up something amazing. 

SHRIMP & GRITS WITH BACON

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup grits
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, finely grated
• 8 ounces bacon, chopped
• 20 medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and pepper

Procedures

1. 1
   Add the butter and olive oil to a saucepan set over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Turn the heat to high and pour in the milk and water. Bring to a boil and slowly whisk in the grits. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes. When done, dump in the cheese and stir until it is melted. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
2. 2
   Add the bacon to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Cook until golden browned and crisp.  Pour out all but 3 tablespoons of the oil.
3. 3
   Add the shrimp to bacon. Cook until pink, about 1 1/2 minutes per side.
4. 4
   Scoop some of the cheese grits into a bowl and top with the shrimp and chopped bacon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

   
   

   **recipe modified from SeriousEats.com to accommodate food allergy to onions and scallions. 

   
   

   

   
   

   Kyle and Chris doing a high five for teamwork. 

   
   

   

   
   

   Chef and his favorite oven mitt.

   
   

Read more »