Thirsty Thursday & An Appetizer

Where did this week go? Can you believe it's already THURSDAY??

You better believe I'll be making both of these tonight!

We have a ton of honeycrisp apples in our fridge right now and this cocktail is the perfect way to use them!I love champagne and I love apples so it's the perfect combination...and so EASY to make!

And the baked brie- I've loved it ever since I was a little kids. I've had it several places before but I think what makes this one better is what I serve it with... Anna's ginger thins. Y'all-these are SO good. You HAVE to try them...and what better way to try them than dipping them in Kahlua and brie??

Happy Thursday! What are you drinking tonight?

Thirsty Thursday & An Appetizer

Hey loves! Can you believe it's Thursday already?? Me either! Where did this week go? I'm totally not complaining though.

We're having a few friends over tonight and I needed something easy peasy to fix for an appetizer. 

The requirements: No cooking, hardly any prepping and delish

Cheese tray it is!

Since the weather here has been freakin cray cray, we're soaking up 

every last bit of warmth that we can get. A cheese tray on the deck is perfect...and what is a cheese tray without wine? Nothing, I know.

This cheese tray (courtesy of Martha), looked perfect for tonight. 

I'll be heading to the store after work to pick some of these pairings up!

And while I'm there, I'll grab a few of these inexpensive wines. Can you believe that all of these are under $12?? Rumor has it that they're GREAT!

See you tomorrow ladies!

Thirtsy Thursday & An Appetizer

These wonton cups are SO delish...I sometimes even make them for dinner. If you like it spicy, add some sirachaaaaaa.

And how simple are those margaritas? I've made them a million times with many different sorbets. Blood Orange is currently my favorite but raspberry, mango and lemon are delish too.

Happy Thursday! I'll be back tomorrow with some birthday faves!

xoxo

BLT Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing

Y'all, this recipe is SO good!

Eric didn't want a SALAD for dinner- I guess it's not manly enough. 

I think this one made him change his mind.

It's SO easy and oh so good! I tor the basil and added it to the salad...Eric isn't a big basil fan but I love it! I Added more to mine:)

To caramelize the corn, place in nonstick skillet on medium. 

Don't touch-let it be!

The creamy avocado dressing is delish too-I think I may 

keep some in the fridge all the time!

Super Something

Well, Sunday is the Super Bowl roman numeral something. 

I don't know who is playing and I honestly don't care!

You see, I like football for the drinking and the food. Tailgating is my favorite part- maybe that's why I don't know a lot about football.

Maybe it's the fact that I'm just not that into it I've had a little too much to drink every time I watch it.

Any way, all I know is that we're having people over! Eric wants to make wings. I'm not sure what I'm making yet but here are a few things I've seen on Pinterest...

 Sopapilla Cheesecake 

 Ham and Poppy Seed Rolls

 Antipasto Squares

Charleston Cheese Dip

I've had all of these and they are all delish. Promise.

I'm not sure what I'm making and who knows

 if I'll make any of these- we'll see

And maybe we'll indulge in some of these...

Cranberry Margaritas

Happy Weekend Loves!

I'm starting the Advocare 10 day cleanse on Monday so 

this will be my last bad food meal.

More on that on the Monds

P.S. Remember there is still time to enter:

Prosperity Dip

Hey loves! How is the new year treating y'all?

January 2nd always seems a little better than January 1st...agreed?

Well, did ya make the traditional New Years Day dinner?

 I did- except with a twist!

My Menu:

 Prosperity Dip- for prosperity

Collards-for money

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin- for good things to come

corn bread- because it's good

veggie casserole- just because

Sock It To Me Cake- for luck 

(I always hide a quarter in it, boiled first, of course)

 

 

I usually HATE black eyed peas...like with a passion.

My sister thinks that they taste like waterfalls. 

I'm not so sure I know what she means but I think I agree.

This year was different. 

black eyed pea lovers and haters, 

introducing...

Prosperity Dip

Not the original name but I think it's quite fitting:)

Thank you, Ree. I'll totally be eating black eyed peas from now on!

And the best thing- It couldn't be easier!

Prosperity Dip:

(adapted from here)

• 2 14-ounce cans Black-eyed Peas
• 1/4 whole Onion, Chopped Fine
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream
• 1 1/2-2 cups Cheddar Cheese
• 8 Tablespoons Salsa
• add as much salt, pepper and hot sauce as you'd like 

mash drained black eyed peas, leaving some whole

add other ingredients and combine

place in casserole dish and bake at 350 ish for about 30 mintues

or until cheese is bubbly 

That's it!

Serve with tortilla chips and watch it disapear!

If you don't have everything, improvise. I think I may use pepper jack cheese next time!

SBCGSA Grilled Cheese with Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Can you guess what SBCGSA stands for? 

Don't scroll down!

Take a guess and leave it in a comment:)

Last night our meal was the bomb diggety. 

No Joke

I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to make this genius creation but boy, am I glad a did!

The Recipes:

Sourdough, Brie, Chicken and Granny Smith Apple Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

2 slices sourdough bread

a few slices of brie

deli sliced buffalo chicken

granny smith apple, sliced thin

mayonnaise

Dijon mustard

Directions:

•  heat pan over medium and spray with pam
• coat once slice of bread in a little bit of mayo- (trust me)
• put in pan to toast, flip once crusty
• layer (in this order) brie, apples, chicken
• cook on low until melted
• take this layer and put it on a plate
• coat another slice of bread and toast both sides
• put on top of other layer 

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 

I honestly don't have a recipe but I'll let you know what I did!

• roast a butternut squash
• caramalize a couple of onions
• add red pepper flakes, and  a couple bay leaves
• add a box of RR chicken stock
• add squash
• add some milk, fresh thyme, hot sauce, nutmeg
• puree
• S&P to taste
•  add a dollop of greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, and nutmeg

Both delish and pretty easy. So do me a favor, make this tonight and let me know your thoughts. If you don't pin it asap, you'll be glad you did!

In other news, we're making some progress on the house. 
I wish 
some 
was 
A LOT 
 but it's not. 

More on that tomorrow! And I need help. We have a dilemma in the dining room!

Falling for Fall: Sweet Eats

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days....my dog ate my homework computer cord. Not the part that they sell at Best Buy- the one you have to order from the manufacturer. 
Thanks Riggs.
 I REALLY appreciate it.

Anyway, here's what you came for. Sweet eats for Fall

Pumpkin Spice Doughnuts
(I can't wait to try this recipe)

 Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

 Homemade Caramel Apple Pops
(I We have a serious addiction to the kind you buy in the store)

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

Baked Pecan and Kahlua Brie
(I serve mine with Anna's ginger thins. 
Make this at your next party and it will be a hit...I promise)

 Pumpkin and Gingerbread Trifle
(Hello Thanksgiving)

Ok, your turn. Dish (no pun intended:)

What are some of your favorite sweet treats for fall?

 Check out the other Falling for Fall posts

The Table

Outside

Asparagus with Herbed Goat Cheese & Steak and Arugula Sandwiches

Whew, that was a long title. But so worth it! We had a delicious dinner last night! The best part-it was super easy!

Without further adieu, the recipes!

Asparagus and Leek Soup

inspired by Giada 

WARNING: YOUR PEE WILL SMELL REALLY, REALLY, BAD

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2  leeks (white and light green part only), thinly sliced

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth 

2 bunches medium asparagus

a handful + a few leaves of chopped fresh basil leaves 

Goat Cheese

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Goat Cheese:

mix goat cheese and a few tablespoons of basil

add S&P to taste

set aside

 

Soup:

Heat butter over medium heat

saute leeks until soft

add all of the ingredients

taste, taste, taste, adjust seasonings

 bring to a boil

turn pot off

Blend until smooth

keep warm

serve with a dollop of goat cheese

Leftover Steak and Arugula Sandwiches

with Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients:

1 left over steak

2 sm Focaccia rolls, toasted

 Baby Arugula

Horseradish sauce, recipe follows

Spread sauce on both sides of rolls

add a layer of steak

top with arugula

Horseradish Sauce

1/4 cup mayo

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

1 tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

a splash of White Wine Vinegar

S&P to taste

mix all ingredients

that's it!

Here are some sucky Iphone pics from our dinner:

 

 

Thai Coconut Curry Soup

He hates it.

 I love it.

He's out of town? Problem solved.

It is out of this world good and I can't wait for you to try it yourself!

Oh, and the best part, it quick and super easy to make.

 Recipe adapted from here

2 Teaspoons of vegetable oil

1 Tablespoon of Thai red curry paste

3 cups of chicken stock (see notes)

1 14 oz can of light coconut milk

1 piece of ginger, peeled, about 2 inches

2 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)

2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

chopped vegetables of your choice

(in my case frozen green beans, canned bamboo shoots, carrots, bell peppers)

chopped fresh cilantro

heat oil over medium-high in soup pot

add curry paste and cook for a bit (make sure not to burn about 30 sec)

Add coconut milk, chicken stock and ginger

(I didn't have any stock so I used water and bullion cubes)

Bring to a boil

reduce heat

add chicken

cook until done

add vegetables

cook until done

Serve with rice (if you want, I usually eat it by itself)

 Garnish with lime juice and cilantro

It's that simple and soooo delish. I wish I had leftovers. 

Oh wait, Lindsey and I ate the whole pot! 

She's going to kill be but....

Tradd Street Chicken Casserole

If you live and Florence and don't have this cookbook, you should. If you live anywhere and don't have this cookbook than you should. It's amazing. I haven't had a single thing out of it that's bad. The Florence Junior League put it together years ago and it's a staple in most kitchens around here.

You can purchase it here. And I highly recommend that you do!

This recipe is adapted from Stir Crazy!

So simple and so delicious! I think I will be keeping at least one on hand in the freezer from now on!

Tip: 

not sure how ya'll cut celery

I'm probably a little late on this one

I used to cut long pieces and then cut them into tiny piece

now I do it like this:

SOOO much easier!

Mango Pico de Gallo and Margarita Popsicles!

Since Cinco De Mayo is this weekend... I thought I would share a combo for a fiesta!

Mango Pico de Gallo

 via

1 c. small cubes of mango (about 1 medium to large mango)
1/2-1 large jalapeno (1/2 without seeds is a nice, mild-medium heat; go from there)
1/4 c. chopped cilantro
1/4 of a medium red onion, finely chopped
Juice of 1 lime
2 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher or sea salt to taste

mix ingredients. serve immediately

Margarita Popsicles

 via

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (8-12 small limes, usually)

1/4 cup silver tequila

1/4 cup orange liqueur

12 3 oz disposable paper cups

12 wooden popsicle sticks or spoons

 Heat water and sugar in a small sauce pan until completely dissolved and the water is clear. Let cool.

Pour into a pitcher with lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.

Pour 2 1/2 ounces (5 Tbsp) of margarita into each cup.

Place cups into a baking dish and put the dish in the freezer.

After about 2 hours, start checking the popsicles. Once they're frozen enough to support the wooden stick, insert a stick into each popsicle, pushing 3/4 of the way into the popsicle.

Let freeze several more hours or until completely frozen (I let them freeze overnight)

To serve, peel the paper cup away from the popsicle, starting at the seam of the cup, and carefully remove the bottom.

Consume immediately.

Hope everyone has a great Thirsty Thursday! I will be spending my night at The Taste of Hartsville!

  

 

 

 

What a Weekend...you bought WHAT?!

What a crazy weekend! I'll break it down for you day by day.

Friday:

I went to a rehearsal for a fashion show held by Saint Anthony's Women's League. Yes, this was my modeling debut.  Then a few friends came over and we had a few of these! 

 via

They were delish. Highly recommend (I used vodka)!

Saturday:

I made my fashion show modeling debut. It was actually pretty fun! I went with Eric's mom, sisters and Aunt. 

I wore a cute black dress from Pretty N' Bliss. Then, I wore some really cute outfits from Flirt Boutique. They always have SUPER cute things. My friend Lacey bought it last year and always stocks up on awesome outfits.Great gameday finds for Clemson and Carolina fans as well.

Here are some pics from her store. Check it out if you are in town!

 

Then, we had some people over and grilled out. Eric and William made delicious burgers.

Sunday:

We had a family lunch to celebrate my little brother Frank's 10th birthday! CRAZY

 

And then....
ERIC BOUGHT THIS BOAT!

Say what? Yes we have a boat now... just in time for the summer!

Throw name ideas our way. I personally like Mother Fletcher but it's not going over so well.

Though we won't be purchasing one of these for a long time, how CUTE are they?

 

via 

I wish they made them in my size!

Cajun Pork Tenderlion, Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds and Blue Cheese Slaw

Last night we had the most amazing dinner- and it was ready before Eric got home! i picked up the new food network magazine at the grocery store the other day. It has tons or great recipes in it. Highly recommend getting it. 

I found the pork tenderloin recipe from the magazine. Ahh..it was great!

Roasted Cajun Pork

via

1 T Cajun seasoning

1 T packed light brown sugar

1 large pork tenderloin

1/4 t salt

2 t evoo

(I used a little bit of regular sugar because I barely had enough brown. I also made more of the spice rub)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Mix Cajun seasoning, sugar and 1/4 t salt together.  Sprinkle pork with mixture. Heat olive oil in large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add pork and sear until browned on all sides (around 5 minutes). Transfer to oven and roast until internal temperature is 145 degree. Around 18 minutes. Let rest, slice and serve!

That's it! So simple yet soo good!

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds

 via

Preheat oven to 350 

slice sweet potatoes- about 1/2 inch thick

lightly coat with olive oil and salt

bake for 20 min (flipping once)

turn oven to 400

bake 15-20 minutes (turning once)

These little rounds are delicious. The natural sugars caramelize and they just melt in your mouth. I will be making this a staple. Can't get much easier then that!

Blue Cheese Slaw

via

So i read this recipe and had already been to the store- what to do? improvise! 

 My Recipe:

1 bag broccoli slaw mix

equal parts mayo and sour cream (about 1/4 cup each??)

a squirt grainy mustard

a few dashes Worcestershire 

salt and pepper to taste

blue cheese crumbles to taste

 hot sauce to taste 

mix all ingredients (except for slaw and blue cheese). MAKE SURE YOU TASTE the dressing before you add the slaw. Mix slaw and blue cheese. Add hot sauce.

This is more like a salad. I'm really not a slaw person AT ALL. This however, was pretty tasty.

This dinner was delicious and oh so simple. Prep time was maybe 10 minutes and the hardest part about cooking was flipping the potatoes. Can't get much better than that! I would totally serve this to dinner guests- it's that good! I forgot to take pictures- bad virgin recipe blogger mistake.

Tonight we're having open faced blackened fish sandwiches- topped with blue cheese slaw.

Wednesday we're having pork tacos.

I'll let you know how this meal planning goes. This will be my first attempt!

Thirsty Thursday and an Appetizer

Pineapple Mojitos

 

 via

 Cheesy Summer Squash Spirals

 via

I think I will whip up some of these with goat cheese tonight!

Enjoy and Cheers!