Tag: foodie

Gallery

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! No Tricks, Just Treat Yourself to this Delicious Pumpkin Cookie with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, AUTUMN, BACK TO SCHOOL, blog, Comfort Food, COOKIES, DESSERT, entertaining, FALL, Food and Lifestyle Blogger, food blogger, Food Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, PUMPKIN, recipes, SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Cookies are hands down the ultimate comfort food for fall. It seems that every holiday celebration features a favorite cookie as a part of the seasonal celebration. Serve these little Pumpkin bites warm with a cold glass of milk. Don’t forget….always underbake!

PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

pumpkin-cookies

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz. cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.
  2. In another bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Stir in the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture by hand until just combined.
  3. Drop on prepared baking sheets by heaping tablespoonfuls; Butter the bottom of a drinking glass and then dip the bottom of the glass in a bowl of sugar. Flatten the dough balls with the bottom of the glass until they are about ¾ inch thick, dipping the glass in sugar as necessary to prevent sticking.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes. Cool cookies on wire rack.
  5. Once cookies have cooled completely, frost or drizzle with cream cheese frosting.
  6. While the cookies are cooling make frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and pumpkin pie spice and beat until smooth and creamy.
Gallery

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, appetizers, BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, blog, CAULIFLOWER, Comfort Food, food blogger, Food Blogger, Life Style Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, recipes, Summer Suppers, Uncategorized, VEGGIES, VEGGIES AND VEGANTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I never realized that people actually read my blog and look forward to my recipes until dinner last night with friends celebrating my 62nd birthday!! Wait….62? Shit.  Anyway, my friend, Stephanie, wanted to know why I don’t blog more. I am, unfortunately for my husband and kids, never short of words, so that isn’t the problem. I love summer and spend as much time as I can outdoors because summer is soooo short. But promising that I would blog more, my new office is now located on the back deck until it rains. 

Speaking of summer, a recent trip to Miles Market in Ohio proved to be somewhat of a decision-making challenge. The locally grown produce was fresh and abundant. Ultimately, I came home with this massive head of cauliflower that was so big, it wouldn’t fit into the produce bag.  I came home from teaching aerobices the other day finding this huge cauliflower on the sink with a note from my husband who loves to do ‘refridgerator management.’ It read, “Do something with this thing. It’s taking up the whole damn refridgerator.” That’s a little exaggerated, but it is big and needed to be cooked. 

So, bored with the usual, but creative recipes for preparing cauliflower, I came upon a great recipe from Delish.com….Buffalo Cauliflower with blue cheese dipping sauce. My shortcuts with this dish are store-bought blue cheese dressing and Franks Hot Sauce. 

So, what really is buffalo sauce you ask? As a retired teacher, I love info that nobody really cares about. So the buffalo, fortunately,  has nothing to do with this guy…..buffalo.jpeg There actually are many stories with claims to fame of this spicy stuff, but they all originate in Buffalo, New York. Yep. There is even a National Buffalo Wing Festival in Buffalo, where John Young was inducted into the National Buffalo Wing Hall of Fame in 1964 with his Mombo Sauce.

Here it is….super easy and surprisingly not too spicy……..

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER with BLUE CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE 

fullsizeoutput_2177

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp. butter, melted
  • 1/4 c. buffalo sauce (such as Franks)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss cauliflower with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast for 20 minutes, until the florets are starting to turn golden and slightly crispy.
  3. Mix together melted butter and buffalo sauce. Pour over roasted cauliflower and toss with tongs to combine. Return baking sheet to oven and roast for another 10 minutes, until the cauliflower is fork tender and slightly crisp. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side.

Dear Friends, I hope you like today’s recipe and feel free to share or ask for a new recipe. I love to share my yummy and EASY finds. Until next time….

Cheers!  🍾 Laura

P.S. Check out my new store, FOLIO TRENDS for the latest styles and trends for women.

IF YOU HAVE TIME, CHECK OUT THESE GREAT FINDS….

GAME GOLF Live Tracking System $144.93 (you save $155.06!)

GAME GOLFAbout the product
  • GPS Real Time Automatic Shot Tracking
  • Strokes Gained Analysis-Robust metrics to pinpoint improvement opportunities
  • Range Finder-Get precise distances to greens, hazards and landing zones
  • Insights-See club distances and shot dispersion patterns
  • Challenges-Compete online with friends and golfers worldwide

Certified Refurbished & Pre-owned Amazon Devices

 amazon pre owned devices ad

 

 

Gallery

Gimme S’more Lovin’ this Summer!

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, blog, Comfort Food, COOKIES, entertaining, Fashion, Father's Day, Food and Lifestyle Blogger, food blogger, Food Blogger, Fourth of July, Grilling, Life Style Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, Memorial Day, MOTHER'S DAY, recipes, Summer Suppers, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Ahhhhh….summertime! Picnics and seasonal celebrations calls for putting a twist on your favorite treats! 

All the ‘fixins’ for a desert s’mores buffet seems like a great idea until the next day when the ants have invaded the delicious droppings from the well intended sweet treat. “What was I thinking,” you remind yourself.  

Well, alas, here is an inviting alternative to the work and the mess while preserving the integrity of the sweet s’more…. S’Mores Cookies which I found in a back issue of Cuisine Magazine.

No more long, hot, dangerous pokers prancing around the fire in the dark, carrying a flaming marshmallow in search of that elusive graham cracker and chocolate. This delicious cookie even looks the part!

S’Mores Cookies

fullsizeoutput_208b
Enjoy the delicious taste of s’mores without the mess with these S’Mores Cookies!

Makes 4 dozen cookies
1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup fine graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp. each baking soda and kosher salt
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (8 Tbsp.)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup each granulated sugar and packed
  • brown sugar 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 24 large marshmallows, halved horizontally or the new flat ones 
  • 48 Hershey’s chocolate bar pieces (4 bars)IMG_8128

Preheat oven to 375°.

  1. Whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cream butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 5 minutes.
  3. Beat in egg and vanilla until incorporated. Blend in flour mixture on low speed just until incorporated.
  4. Scoop dough with #60
    scoop (about 1 Tbsp.) onto ungreased baking sheets.
  5. Bake cookies 4 minutes. Top each with a marshmallow half and bake until golden, 4–5 minutes more.
  6. Transfer cookies to cooling racks, press chocolate pieces on top, and let stand 5 minutes. 

Dear Friends, Cheers to summertime, picnics and all of the celebrations that create great memories! I love this s’mores cookie, because the thought of rescuing the little ones from flaming marshmallows and dangerous sharp pokers is relieving at best! Feel free to shop my latest finds for trends in style for home and you!

Cheers and happy baking!

🍷 Laura

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my new shop, FOLIO TRENDS, for the latest in ladies’ fashion. These are a few of my faves + FREE SHIPPING!

COLD SHOULDER LACE BLOUSE $34.99

FOLIO TRENDS OFF THE SHOULDER BLOUSE

 

STRIPED CANVAS BEACH TOTE WITH ZIPPER $24.99

FOLIO TRENDS STRIPED CANVAS BEACH TOTE

TWO PIECE DRAWSTRING PANTS SET $36.99

FOLIO TRENDS TWO PIECE DRESSING

S’MORES MAKER $39.99

S'MORES MAKER

 

 

Gallery

3 BOWLS to put the SUPER in your SUPER BOWL PARTY!

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, blog, Chicken Dinners, cleveland indians, entertaining, food blogger, Food Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, recipes, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

So, you’re not a big football fan. I get it! I live in Cleveland. But you know that SUPER BOWL SUNDAY seems to be an American holiday handed down to us.  The day the world seems to stop and either focuses on a football game, or commercials….that would be me.  Football in Cleveland isn’t exactly a nail biting experience, so the thought of cheering on a team, ANY TEAM, sounds inviting. Well, if you can’t beat em, join em and plan the perfect Super Bowl party! Set it up, Self Serve, Easy Clean up! Do it! And NEVER miss another Super Bowl game, or commercial!

It’s SUPER BOWL 51, and you can find the foods from each team to serve.
For the New England Patriots you might try your hand at New England Lobster Rolls.grid-cell-20146-1385426272-16

And for the Atlanta Falcons the perfect desert would be Georgia Peach Cobbler. 

6fdd0c00-34d3-4fce-83da-df6f6bca845d

Friends LOVE to bring something, so why not have a Chili cook off and have everyone bring a crockpot of their favorite chili OR set up a great chili bar of your own, add a plate of cookies and a self serve bar. It’s a party!

One of my favorite chili recipes comes from a local Ohio chain of restaurants called “Skyline Chili.” The recipe is a copy but pretty damn close and pretty damn delicious. This is how you order it up or as they call it “ways.”

Ways…….
Their signature dish
3-Way
Steaming spaghetti covered with their secret recipe chili, topped with a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.

4-Way
A 3-Way with onions or beans.

5-Way
A 3-Way with onions and beans.

Chili Spaghetti
Steaming spaghetti covered with our secret recipe chili.

CINCINNATI CHILI……THE RECIPE!

ways

Serves 4

CHOP TOGETHER:

2 small yellow onions, chopped 5 cloves garlic
2 lb. ground round (or l lb. ground round & 1 lb. ground chicken or turkey)

ADD:

2 Tbsp.each unsweetened cocoa powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cider vinegar

1 Tbsp. each chili powder, tomato paste, and sugar

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. each ground cinnamon and celery salt

1/2 tsp. each ground allspice and cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp. ground cloves
2 cups water
1 can tomato sauce (15 oz.)

SERVE IT UP

Cooked spaghetti Shredded Cheddar Chopped red onions

Pulse yellow onions and garlic in a food processor until minced. Add ground round and process until paste-like; transfer to a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Cook mixture until meat is no longer pink; drain and return to pan.

Add cocoa, Worcestershire, vinegar, chili powder, tomato paste, sugar, cumin, cinnamon, celery salt, allspice, cayenne, and cloves; cook 5 minutes. Stir in water and tomato sauce; bring mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 25 minutes.

Serve chili on spaghetti topped with Cheddar and red onions. (Optional red kidney beans drained and warmed)

How about a……

 Bowl of Tequila Chili
Slow-cooked with beef, poblanos, jalapeños & onions. Topped with 3-cheese blend.

Try this delicious copycat recipe from Chili’s Restaurant. Make it a super easy clean up and serve it in an edible bread bowl! bread-bowl

c00441f3bb85dd320c34d6739a82758a

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans, drained
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 1/2 fluid ounces tequila
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon while it cooks; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, kidney beans, onion, garlic, tomato sauce, tequila, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper; simmer 20 minutes.

Last but not least…..Try this creamy flavorful twist on the usual bowl of chili!

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI

o-bread-bowls-facebook

Serves 4

 

MELT:

4 Tbsp. unsalted butter

2 cups diced white onions

1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic

1 Tbsp. ground cumin

STIR IN:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups half-and-half

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 can navy beans (15 oz.), drained and rinsed

1 can diced jalapeños (4 oz.)

Juice of 1/2 a lime Salt to taste

Diced fresh tomatoes and fresh cilantro leaves

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and cumin; sweat, partially covered, until onions soften, 10 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 2 minutes. Stir in broth, scraping up any brown bits, then bring to a simmer. Add half-and-half and chicken; simmer chili until thick, 5 minutes. Stir in beans, jalapeños, and lime juice; season with salt. Garnish chili with tomatoes and cilantro.

 

THEN THERE’S THE BAR……Set it and forget it!

BLOODY MARY & MIMOSA BAR

fullsizeoutput_1d8a

OH Yeah!! That yummy GEORGIA PEACH COBBLER…..

Ingredients

1cup Original Bisquick™ mix
1cup milk
1/2teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2cup butter or margarine, melted
1cup sugar
1can (29 ounces) sliced peach, drained or 3 ripe fresh peaches sliced.
Directions

1 Heat oven to 375ºF.
2 Stir together Bisquick mix, milk and nutmeg in ungreased square baking dish, 8x8x2 inches. Stir in butter until blended. Stir together sugar and peaches; spoon over batter.
3 Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until golden.

Dear Friends,

Whether you’re a Patriots fan, a Falcon’s fan, love Super Bowl commercials, want to see Lady Gaga at half time,  or just love food, I hope you enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday! 

Cheers!

Laura

Gallery

3 ROCKIN RECIPES TO RALLY FOR A WIN! GAME 7!!

Posted in AUTUMN, blog, cleveland indians, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years YoungTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Cleveland fans are amazing. No matter what the weather, they are out there showing support….even for the….Browns. But tonight is an amazing night for baseball fans! First pitch at 8 tonight…73* and even if you aren’t from Cleveland, the enthusiasm is contagious and well worth the visit! 

Here are some delicious dishes for your rally party! These are great do aheads, so your guests can help themselves and you can enjoy the game! Enjoy and GO TRIBE!!

REUBEN STRATA WITH THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING

If you don’t have any leftover corned beef, buy about 1 pound unsliced corned beef from the deli counter at your local grocery store.

Makes 12 servings
COAT:

  • 1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

COVER:

  • 11/4 lb. sliced pumpernickel bread, staled
  • 3 cups diced corned beef
  • 3 cups sauerkraut, well drained
  • 4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 11/2 cups Thousand Island dressing
  • Salt and black pepper

BLEND:

  • 10 eggs
    21/2 cups whole milk
    2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Coat bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Cover bottom of dish with a layer of bread slices. Top with 1 cup each corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup dressing over top, then season with salt
and pepper. Repeat layering two more times.
Blend eggs, milk, and Dijon until combined; pour over layers in baking dish. Sprinkle remaining
1 cup cheese over top. Cover strata with plastic wrap and press down. Refrigerate strata at least 1 hour
or up to 24 hours. Remove plastic and preheat oven to 350°.
Bake strata, uncovered, until
puffy and cooked through (160°), about 1 hour. Let strata stand
10 minutes before serving.

SIMPLE ROMAINE SALAD WITH RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

This is quite possibly the most delicious dressing I have ever made! Serving small individual salads makes entertaining easy so you can enjoy your guests and the game! 

img_6521

For the Salad

Layer cut up romaine lettuce and top with shaved parmesan

 For the Dressing
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
3 Tbsp minced shallot
2 1/2 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp dijon mustard
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

This recipe I found on pinterest (and borrowed the beautiful pic) and is soooo easy and delicious. Perfect for a game! (You definitely want to double this recipe!

ORANGE MARMELDE-SIRACHA WINGS

orange-marmelade-sriracha-wings-facebook-labeled

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken wings & drummettes (separated)
1/4 cup salted butter
2 Tbsp siracha sauce
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp orange marmalade
optional: sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt to the water. Boil wings for 8 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Drain wings and use a paper towel to dry them completely. Line a cookie sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. Place wings on foil and bake for 20 minutes. Turn wings over and bake for 15 minutes longer. Meanwhile melt butter in a sauce pan. Add marmalade & siracha sauce. Mix and cook over medium/low for 5 minutes. After wings are finished baking, toss them in the sauce and place back on cookie sheet to broil for 2 – 3 minutes until the sauce on the wings start to crisp up. Garnish with sesame seeds 

Dear Friends,

As always, thanks for swinging by! Even if you aren’t going to rally tonight, I hope you enjoy these simple and delicious recipes. The magic to great entertaining is making it simple but making it look like you put a lot of effort into everything.

Food, family and friendship all go hand in hand so cheers to making time together special.

GO TRIBE!

🍺Laura

 

 

 

Gallery

HOW TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE TAILGATE PARTY

Posted in AUTUMN, blog, cleveland cavaliers, entertaining, FALL, Father's Day, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, MEXICAN FOOD, recipes, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

If you want to know what a ‘thing’ tailgating is, just take a walk through the UK Stadium, or the muni lot outside of Cleveland Stadium before a football game. Being raised by parents from Brooklyn, New York, the concept of eating food served from the back of a pick up truck was bizarre yet fascinating. Actually, tailgating is a serious thing.

Googling the ultimate tailgate supplies was amazing and for many people its much more than a thing….its a huge investment in time and dollars. Check out these rare and unusual finds……

Tailgater Dual Tank Backpack Drink Dispenser 210oz $39.95

71ucxrwjuzl-_ux679_

 

Backpacks aren’t just for books!
Backpack beverage dispenser serves up shots, your favorite brew, or most delicious tailgate kool-aid in style
Lightweight nylon, padded shoulder straps, mesh bag for extra cups
Two 24″ in canister hold a whopping 210 ounce capacity; measures 25½”x12”x4”

Deluxe Six-Pack Beer Belt Holster

71xdd4whyil-_sl1000_

Really………

Hiding that six pack around your waist has never been so easy
It even has a hidden zippered pocket on the back keep your money, license, and credit cards safe
Featuring a classic camo appearance
Measures 43”x4½” and adjusts to accommodate waistlines between 28” and 43″

 

The Grill Sergeant BBQ Apron $19.99 and free shipping for Amazon Prime Members

71gdx2ukmcl-_sx522_

 

Get your grill on
Our unique camouflage grilling apron holds everything a real man could want or need for an afternoon of fun.
One size fits all with adjustable strap
Makes a Great Fun Gag Gift
Great for parties

 

Instagate Tailgate In A Box: $19.99 + $6.49 shipping

81j-aisyqal-_sx522_

 

#1 game day solution for tailgaters
More than 50 tailgate items in 1 over $50 in value
Includes foldable tailgate grill, 3 bbq tools, minit-lite® charcoal and party supplies
2016 Tailgater magazine game ball award winner
New and improved value and performance

 

And last, but not least….this is actually a good one….

NFL Wooden Tailgate Toss Cornhole Football Field $74.86 and free shipping for Amazon Prime Members

61vnfkabwvl-_sx522_-2

Choose your NFL team

Size: 24 x 48″
Two 24″ x 48″ all-wood target boards
Vinyl shield with a Football field design and your teams favorite colors proudly displayed
Foldable legs for easy storage
Eight 16oz bean bags included

Here’s the million dollar question: Tonight is a gigantic nite for Cleveland sports,  having both the Cavs game after the official Ring Ceremony AND hopefully the last World Series game for the Indians, so do we call it a tailgate party, or is that just a football thing? If we had to rename the snack attack for these sports, we could call it “BASE ‘N BASKET BALL SNACK PACK!” Hmmmm.

Here’s an easy and crowd pleasing appetizer:

PIZZA CUPS

ad0391cc-19e2-44d9-8543-e17fa3a9c48c

Ingredients

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
36 wonton skins

Directions

1 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 18 muffin cups with cooking spray.
2 In 10-inch skillet, brown beef with pizza seasoning and salt over medium-high heat until beef is browned; drain. Return beef to skillet; stir in pizza sauce.
3 Place 1 wonton skin in each muffin cup. Divide half of ground beef evenly among muffin cups. Top each with about 1 tablespoon cheese. Repeat layers starting with second wonton skin.
4 Bake 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

PEPPERONI PIZZA FOOTBALL CHEESE BALL

This Pepperoni Pizza Football Cheese Ball is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a tailgate party!

IMG_3885
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz finely shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 5 oz bags mini pepperoni slices
3 green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup chopped bacon
1 4 oz jar diced pimientos, drained and patted dry

Instructions
Beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy. Beat in the Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix in half of the pepperoni slices, green onions, bacon, and pimientos.
Line a small bowl with plastic wrap. Spoon cheese mixture into bowl. Press mixture into bowl so that it takes on the shape of the bowl. Use the ends of the plastic wrap to wrap up the cheeseball firmly. Transfer the wrapped cheese ball to a cutting board and use your hands to shape it into a football.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and cover with remaining pepperoni, pressing gently to adhere.
Serve with pretzels, bread sticks, crackers, and veggies.

Dear Friends,

Thanks for popping in! If sports is your thing and you love tailgating, I hope you enjoy these recipes and reading about these unusual supplies to complete your tailgate! 

Cheers to celebrating enjoying all that each season has to offer with friends and family!

Until next time…

🍸Laura

 

 

 

 

 

Gallery

SURPRISING DOLLAR STORE TRICKS (AND TREATS) FOR ENTERTAINING

Posted in AUTUMN, BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, blog, Breakfast and Brunch, COOKIES, entertaining, FALL, food blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, PUMPKIN, recipesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

So, you are invited to holiday parties for every holiday, and the worst thing is when you forget to label your dish with your name, or it gets washed off, and you either never get your dish back, or its months, and yes, maybe a year or two. And when the next occasion arises to use that perfect dish,  you  insanely look everywhere. After every cupboard, drawer, and storage bin has been ransacked (that’s an extreme word, but true) you realize that you took an appetizer to Sally’s house, and never got your dish back. SOLUTION: THE DOLLAR STORE.

I know, I know, your mother always told you to watch your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves. However, can you put a price on your favorite pumpkin platter or your divine deviled egg dish? NO. The seasonal serving opportunities await your dollars at the dollar store. By the way, I am not making any money endorsing this retail establishment, although, not a bad idea!

Today, we are going to a fall clambake and my $2.00 purchase created this fun seasonal serving idea for a delicious desert that I call PUMPKIN PIE CHEESECAKE BITES. I have two favorite versions for this dip.

Normally now, I just leave the serving dish with the leftovers at the party, but this one came out so cute, I’m conflicted, so I may bring it home 🎃

PUMPKIN PIE CHEESECAKE BITES

RECIPE 1 (a little sweeter than recipe 2)

IMG_6502.jpg

Ingredients

¾ cup International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer
1 3.4 oz package pumpkin spice instant pudding
1 8oz package cream cheese, softened
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
Graham cracker crumbs for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a bowl, whisk together the International Delight Pumpkin Pie Spice Creamer with pumpkin spice instant pudding. Set aside for about 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar.
Add in pudding to cream cheese mixture and beat.
Once well combined, fold in the 2 cups of thawed whipped topping and refrigerate.
When ready to serve, fill bowl with Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip topped with graham cracker crumbs.

If you can’t find pumpkin spice instant pudding (it’s pretty  seasonal), you can use either vanilla or cheesecake instant pudding with a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

PUMPKIN PIE CHEESECAKE BITES

RECIPE 2

INGREDIENTS

1 -15 oz. can pumpkin puree
1 -8 oz. container Cool Whip, thawed
1 package 1.5 oz. Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 

Directions

Cream together all ingredients with an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Serve with Vanilla Wafers, Cookies, or Graham Crackers.

img_6499Dear Friends,

Celebrating something every day helps to create the happiness we all deserve to have. For me, its difficult to overlook the inevitable snow, but I love enjoying the beauty of this season and everything that comes with it.

Cheers to you! Laura

 

Gallery

THE PERFECT COOKIE

Posted in COOKIES, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, recipes, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I have always marveled at those perfectly shaped cookies in the bakery department at the grocery store.  I’m never sure what’s in them or how they got to be so perfect, but I’ve finally found the magic recipe!

Cookies are a personal thing; some like chewy, some like crunchy, but personally, I like them just a little underdone and buttery…Eating a cookie made with fake butter is definitely a waste of calories. Browning the butter is a plus up in the flavor of this cookie.

So, here it is….(drumroll)…

SALTED BROWN BUTTER CINNAMON CRINKLE COOKIES

Makes 36 cookies

INGREDIENTS
10 tablespoons butter, sliced
2½ cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F
  • Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Place the butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts and begins to foam.
  • Continue to cook,  until the butter becomes an amber color, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
  • Add the granulated and brown sugar.
  • Pour the cooled butter into the sugars and mix on medium speed to combine.
  • Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing just until smooth.
  • Slowly add in the flour mixture until just incorporated.
  • Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Divide the chilled dough into 1- tablespoon sized balls.
  • Roll each ball into the powdered sugar and place onto the prepared pan, about 2- inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

DID SOMEONE SAY SHOPPING??? Check out these finds!

Silpat 12 Perfect Cookie Baking Sheet $18.62 Free Shipping for Prime Members

516tvdm-obl

Ice Cream Scoop – 3 Piece Stainless Steel with Trigger Cookie – Melon Scoop Spoon Set Small – Medium – Large $10.95 Free Shipping for Prime Members

71qowDpDZ8L._SL1500_.jpg

Home Basics Cookie Jar with Metal Top $19.99 & FREE Shipping

51xFK3b5-tL.jpg

Dear Friends,

Thanks for stopping in. Share a cookie and share a smile to brighten someone’s day. Until next time…..

Laura

 

Gallery

EVERYTHING BIRTHDAY CAKE

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, blog, entertaining, food blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, recipesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

Today I’m 61…..  So, let’s talk birthday cake! And cocktails…ok…

BOOZIE BIRTHDAY CAKE COCKTAILS!

There are so many theories about where birthday cakes originated, and even when the first birthday candles were blown out, but the tradition has survived the test of time with newer variations popping up daily. Just check out the Pinterest Birthday Cake board!  So many cool ideas from so many amazingly creative people! 

Click here to see why you get to celebrate your birthday every year!  Go figure that the ancient Romans were the first to celebrate birthdays but only for men! Yikes!

SO MANY CHOICES!! TOO MANY CHOICES? NOPE.

IMG_1800_2

CHEERS TO CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS! recipelarge_uvbdaycake

THE SIGNATURE PINNACLE BIRTHDAY CAKE

birthday-cake1 PART Pinnacle® Cake Vodka 
1 PART DeKuyper® Vanilla Liqueur
1 PART Half and Half
Rim martini glass with multi-colored sprinkles. Shake with ice and strain into prepared glass. pinnacle-cake.jpg

 

 

 

THE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

DRINK-GRID-0090-Upside-Down-Cake-2

2 OZ SMIRNOFF® ICED CAKE
1 OZ ORANGE JUICE
1 OZ PINEAPPLE JUICE
TOP OFF WITH CLUB SODA
GARNISH WITH SPRINKLES + CHERRY AND AN ORANGE SLICE.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

recipelarge_pineappleupsidedowncake
1 part UV Cake Vodka
3 parts pineapple juice

Blend with ice and serve.


THE STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE MARTINI

DRINK-GRID-0046-ICED-STRAWBERRY-SHORT-CAKE-MARTINI12 OZ SMIRNOFF® ICED CAKE
3 FRESH STRAWBERRIES
2 OZ LEMONADE
0.5 OZ AMARETTO LIQUEUR
MUDDLE STRAWBERRIES AND VODKA + ADD THE LEMONADE, AMARETTO AND A LITTLE ICE TO A COCKTAIL SHAKER + SHAKE BRIEFLY BUT VIGOROUSLY +

STRAIN INTO A CHILLED MARTINI GLASS + GARNISH WITH A STRAWBERRY

BIRTHDAY CAKE SHOT
All you need to do now is make a wish.birthdaycake_101ds2

  • 1 OZ Baileys® Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream
  • .5OZ Smirnoff® Iced Cake™ Flavored Vodka
  • Whipped Cream & Multi-colored Sprinkles
  • Mix ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Strain into a shot glass.
  • Add whipped cream and sprinkles.

And…my favorite one….THE EXPRESSO MARTINI that my daughter Jodi surprised me with after an amazing sunset cruise around Chicago last week!

IMG_0029

2 OZ Baileys® Espresso Crème Liqueurcocktails_baileys_espresso_martini

.25OZ Smirnoff® vodka

 25OZ Espresso

Shake over ice and Strain into a martini glass.

Thank you for swinging by today and I hope you enjoy making these boozy birthday creations or some of your own! Cheers to many more birthdays, big and small!

Laura

CHECK OUT MY SUNSET’S SHOPPING…..

Lilly Pulitzer Women’s Carmel Dress $98.00 & FREE Returns.

81yxXK51lML._UY879_

 

 

Rebecca Minkoff Avery Cross-Body Bag $150.46 Free Shipping for Prime Members & Free Returns.

 

 

91agHIJ+wGL._UX679_

Rebecca Minkoff Women’s Georgina Gladiator Sandals $63.49 sale price & FREE Returns.

819InlGonXL._UX695_