Tag: LIFESTYLE AND FOOD BLOGGER

Gallery

This BLT Salad will be a Mother’s Day Favorite!

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, blog, Breakfast and Brunch, entertaining, Fashion, Food and Lifestyle Blogger, food blogger, Food Blogger, Fourth of July, HEALTHY CHOICES, HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, MAIN COURSE SALADS, Memorial Day, MOTHER'S DAY, recipes, SALADS, SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS, Summer Suppers, Uncategorized, VEGGIES AND VEGANTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

If you are looking for a great salad to add to your picnic for Mom’s Day, graduation, or just a get-together, try this BLT Salad…..all the flavors of that favorite  bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich in a bowl! Simple and delicious!

BLT PASTA SALAD

with

Creamy Bacon Dressing

 

To keep the dressing from curdling, be sure to cool the bacon drippings to room temperature before adding to the mayonnaise.

Makes 20 servings 

COOK:

1 lb. dry campanelle pasta
1 lb. thick-sliced bacon, diced

WHISK:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. minced shallots
2 Tbsp. minced fresh basil
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
2 tsp.sugar

Salt and black pepper to taste

STIR IN:

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce 4 cups halved grape tomatoes

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Transfer pasta to a bowl of ice water; drain well.

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper- towel-lined plate. Reserve 3 Tbsp. drippings; set aside to cool.Whisk together mayonnaise, reserved drippings, shallots, basil, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper.

Stir in pasta, romaine, tomatoes, and bacon; toss to coat. Season salad with salt and pepper.

Dear Friends! I hope you enjoy this delicious salad! This year, I used medium sized ball jars for individual servings….they looked super cute on the table, and made serving easy (the best!).

This year will be my daughter, Jodi’s, first “Almost A Mom’s Day!” They are deciding what to name the baby, and I’m trying to decide what the baby will call Steve and I. 

Check out some of my fun finds! As always, thanks for swinging by and have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Cheers! Laura

CELEBRATIONS SHOPPING

SHEIN Lantern Sleeve Tied Neck Blouse Regular price $95.99 Sale price $49.99 + Free 7 day shipping!

SHEIN Lantern Sleeve Tied Neck Blouse

JLN Freshwater Pearl Rope Bracelet Regular price $39.99 Sale price $14.99

JLN Freshwater Pearl Rope Bracelet

 

24/7 Comfort Apparel Long Cool Woman Off the Shoulder Dress Regular price $96.99 Sale price $64.99 + Free 7 Day Shipping!

24/7 Comfort Apparel Long Cool Woman Off the Shoulder Dress

Women’s Tile Print Tunic Regular price $64.99 + Free 7 Day Shipping!

Women's Tile Print Tunic

Gallery

WHAT??? Our Dogs are ingesting remains of euthanized dogs????

Posted in DOG LOVER, Dogs and Cats, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years YoungTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

I could not believe my eyes when I recently read, with horror, that the FOOD and TREATS we give our dogs from certain companies, JL Smucker to be exact, are contaminated with the remains of euthanized dogs….

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?? We place so much trust in companies who supply food and nutrients to our babies, our pets,  and ourselves that something like this is incomprehensible! What astounds me more, is the passing off of responsibility, or actually, the irresponsibility of these companies. I’m not sure how the purchase of products used in these foods don’t have additional quality control by these manufacturers…..oh yea….more overhead and less profit…

Gone are the days when we had Ralph Nader and his “Nader’s Raiders,” would expose these kinds of atrocities. Have we resigned to take for granted that companies protect our interests and actually care about the quality of the goods and services they provide?

The J.M. Smucker Company, famous for Smuckers Jam, has responded to this report by issuing a voluntary recall of the tainted pet foods. Pet food with the labels Gravy Train, Ol’Roy, Kibbles N’ Bits, or Skippy Premium, can be returned to the store for a full refund. The FDA asked pet stores to stop selling these brands immediately. The same goes for the dog food brand Against the Grain, which also issued a recall last week for the same concern.

For a complete list of Smucker’s products, CLICK HERE.

For those of us who love to cook AND consider our pets family members, I think that preparing homemade meals for them is a great idea!

My dear friend, Gina, has a 16-year-old doggie named Jackie who is soon to be 17! Her secret to Jackie’s long and happy life is her private chef….her mommy, Gina! Here is Gina’s recipe for Jackie’s delicious 16th birthday cake and a few other nutritious doggie recipes…homemade, delicious and vet approved. Homemade doggie meals must contain protein, fiber and carbohydrates. It is always a good idea to ask your vet about necessary supplements as well.  Enjoy!

GINA’S DOGGY BIRTHDAY CAKE 

CELEBRATIONS AND SUNSETS DOGGIE CAKE

Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup honey (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots  I used 1 cup applesauce instead
  • 1 cup whole wheat or white flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • Add all ingredients to list

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 6 cup ring mold.
  2. Combine the egg, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, and honey, if desired, in a large bowl; blend well. Stir in the carrots and mix thoroughly. Sift together the flour and baking soda and fold into the carrot mixture. Spoon cake batter into prepared pan.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes; then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

SCOOBY’S ORGANIC FOOD FOR DOGS (Pinterest)

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 6 pieces each
  • 2 pounds frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, green beans, carrots)

Instructions

  1. Place ingredients in slow cooker in order listed, covering chicken completely with vegetables
  2. Cook 5 hours on high or 8 hours on low
  3. Remove from slow cooker, shred chicken and stir into rice and veggie mixture until evenly distributed.
  4. Store covered in fridge for up to three days or freeze in single-serve portions.

DOGGIE STEW(From Damn Delicious)

“This recipe has a balance of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains, but the ratios can easily be adjusted to suit your pup’s breed and/or needs.”

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 pounds ground turkey
  • 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
  • 2 carrots, shredded
  • 1 zucchini, shredded
  • 1/2 cup peas, canned or frozen

DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.
  3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Let cool completely.

Dear Friends,

As always, thanks for swinging by! I wanted to share this important information with all of my pet loving friends. I have been so fortunate to have had 16 years with my dog, Britty, but after this recall, I wonder just how long our pups can live with real food…

IMG_0048

 

 

Cheers to the pets who give us so much unconditional happiness and love.

💕Laura

CHECK OUT THESE GREAT FINDS……

WiFi Camera, LeFun Wireless Surveillance Camera IP Camera Nanny Cam with Pan Tilt Zoom Motion Detect Two Way Audio Night Vision Remote Control 2.4G WiFi for Baby Monitor $55.99

WiFi Nanny Cam

WiFi Camera, LeFun Wireless Surveillance Camera IP Camera Nanny Cam with Pan Tilt Zoom Motion Detect Two Way Audio Night Vision Remote Control 2.4G WiFi for Baby Monitor $55.99

$55.99

Two-Sided Dog Tag Round -Customized Pet ID Tag – Personalized Pet ID Tags – keep calm, call my mom, i will lick you, i’m lost, $19.99

Two-Sided Dog Tag Round -Customized Pet ID Tag – Personalized Pet ID Tags – keep calm, call my mom, i will lick you, i’m lost, rescue Regular price $19.99 Size LARGE MEDIUM SMALL

Personalize your pooch's ID tag with this adorable personalized tag! Makes a great gift!

$19.99

Bright LED Dog Collar Safety Light with a Push Button Switch $9.99 + Free Shipping

Bright LED Dog Collar Safety Light with a Push Button Switch $9.95 + FREE SHIPPING Color BLUE GREEN ORANGE PINK RED WHITE YELLOW , ONE SIZE

Keep your pooch safe and visible at night with this Bright LED Dog Collar Safety Light with a Push Button Switch

$9.99

Breathable Dog Harness $22.99 + FREE SHIPPING

Adjustable Soft Breathable Dog Harness

$22.99

Color
PINK BLUE BLACK YELLOW PURPLE RED GREEN
Size
XS S M L XLCELEBRATIONS AND SUNSETS DOG HARNESS

Adjustable Soft Breathable Dog Harness Regular price $22.99 Color PINK BLUE BLACK YELLOW PURPLE RED GREEN Size XS S M L XL

Adjustable Soft Breathable Dog Harness Regular price $22.99 Color PINK BLUE BLACK YELLOW PURPLE RED GREEN Size XS S M L XL

$22.99

Gallery

FLY EAGLES FLY! And a few great Cooking For a Crowd Recipes!

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, Chicken Dinners, COOKING FOR A CROWD, entertaining, Food and Lifestyle Blogger, food blogger, Food Blogger, KITCHEN GADGET BLOGGER, KITCHEN GADGETS, Life Style Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, SALADS, SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS, SLOW COOKER RECIPES, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, TAILGATINGTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

WOW!! What a game!! The game, the halftime show, the commercials….all so great! I think my favorite part was Justin Timberlake’s tribute to Prince and HARMONIZED!!!!

We did end up with some last-minute company (family) and fortunately, they aren’t staying for the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony on Friday 😳? Chile is always a great crowd go to for me, but if chile doesn’t seem to rock your taste buds, and you are serving a crowd, check out this 8 layer lasagna! The Secret is the Borsin Cheese in the bechamel sauce! Holy cheese balls, Batman! Put this recipe in your lineup for a winning event!

8-LAYER LASAGNA

TURKEY LASAGNA

Both the meat and béchamel sauces can be made the day before assembly and chilled. The assembled lasagna may also be frozen—thaw before baking.

MAKES ONE 9X13X3″ 

FOR THE MEAT SAUCE:

  • 11/2 lb. ground chuck
  • 11/2 lb. ground mild Italian sausage ADD:
  • 2 cups yellow onion, diced
  • 2 T. garlic, minced
  • 2 T. tomato paste
  • 2 t. each dried basil, thyme, and oregano
  • 1/2 t. red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf

CALORIE CUTTER….Use ground chicken or turkey and chicken or turkey sausage!

STIR IN; SIMMER:

  • 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes in puree
  • 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth or water  + 2 T. balsamic vinegar

SHORTCUT……..Skip the tomatoes & broth….Add a jar of your favorite ready-made pasta sauce…AHHHHH!!

FOR THE BÉCHAMEL—

  •  1/4 Cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 10 oz. Boursin cheese,
  • 8 oz. frozen chopped spinach 1 egg, beaten

1 lb. oven-ready lasagna sheets, parboiled. *Careful….these guys stick together, so keep them separated.

1 lb. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced 6 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated

 

Preheat oven to 400° with rack in the center.
Brown the meats in a large saute pan over medium-high heat; spoon off as much of the fat as possible. Add onions, garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings. Saute until onion softens, about 8 minutes.

Stir in both types of tomatoes, broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes; set aside.
Saute onion for the béchamel in melted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, cayenne, and nutmeg; cook until onion softens, about 5 minutes. Stir often to prevent scorching.

Stir in flour to coat; cook 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add Boursin in small pieces and whisk until smooth; season with salt. Set aside 1 cup béchamel for the top of the lasagna. Cool remaining sauce for 10 minutes. Whisk in frozen spinach and egg. Prepare lasagna sheets +  have both cheeses ready. Assemble lasagna alternating layers ending with bechamel and parmesan cheeses.

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden. Allow lasagna to rest 20–30 minutes before cutting and serving. 

The best part of all of this??? I made AND served the ENTIRE lasagna in my new Ninja Cooking System $149.99 + FREE PRIME SHIPPING!

NINJA BLACK WITH FOOD

LEFTOVERS? Easy….make Lasagna Soup. My Steve used to make ‘Refridgerator Management Soup on Sundays. We were never sure what was in it and I have to admit…a little scary sometimes. Well…..the snowstorm came and you have a TON of leftover lasagna……OH….. So, when life gives you too much lasagna…make lasagna soup!

Here is a delicious recipe for lasagna soup, and if you do have leftover lasagna….Check out the verson of “Leftover Lasagna Soup!”

LASAGNA SOUP

(Leftover lasagna soup to follow!

Makes 6 servings (8 cups) Total time: 45 minutes

BROWN:

  • 1  lb. bulk Italian sausage

  • 2  cups chopped onions

  • 1  cup diced carrots

  • 2  cups sliced button mushrooms

  • 2 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic

ADD:

  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can chopped Italian-style stewed tomatoes in juice (14.5 oz.)
  • 1  cup dry mafalda pasta
  • 2  cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 cup diced provolone or part-skim mozzarella
  • Shredded Parmesan
  • 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil

Brown sausage in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and carrots; sauté 3 minutes. Stir in mushrooms and garlic and sauté 3 minutes more.

Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and simmer until cooked, about 10 minutes. Add spinach and cook until it wilts, about 1 minute.
To serve, place diced cheese
in each serving bowl, then ladle soup over to melt. Garnish servings with Parmesan and basil.

LEFTOVER LASAGNA SOUP

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 C. Low sodium chicken brother
  • 1 can chopped Italian style stewed tomatoes in juice
  • Leftover lasagna (refrigerated or at room temperature)

DIRECTIONS

  1. Place broth in a pot. I prefer to use ready made chicken stock which is more flavorful than broth.
  2. Separate the layers of the lasagna keeping the cheese in a separate pile.
  3. Cut the noodle layers  into bite size pieces and add everything to the broth except the cheese.
  4. Cut the cheese up into bite size pieces and place in individual serving bowls.
  5. Ladle warm soup over the cheese & serve!

Love your crock pot or your new NINJA COOKING SYSTEM ? 

Add these two great recipes for a winning game lineup!

BBQ PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES (slow cooker style!! yea!)

PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICH

MAKE THE SAUCE:
  • 1 C. Ketchup
  • 1/2 C. light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 C. cider vinegar
  • 3 T. mustard
  • 2 T. tomato paste
  • 1 T. Worcestershire sauce
  • salt + pepper to taste
Make the Rub:
  • 1 T. each brown sugar + chile powder
  • 1 t. each kosher salt, black pepper + garlic powder
  • 1/4 t. cayenne pepper
  1. Trim 3 lb. boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, coat with rub and place in a 4-6 qt. slow cooker.
  2. Add 1/2 C. minced onion and sauce to the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on high for 3 hours until chicken is fork tender.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred.
  5. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, toss with sauce & serve on kaiser rolls with slaw.

Jalapeño Slaw

Two great versions of this delicious twist on coleslaw from my favorite Cuisine Magazine…..No need to purchase slaw dressing! One, made with yogurt, super creamy and the other made with a spicy and refreshing vinaigrette. Try them both!

Each recipe serves 4

VERSION 1: Creamy Jalapeño Slaw

fullsizeoutput_3ecf
Creamy Jalapeno Slaw

COMBINE:

  • 1 bag coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 C. chipped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 C. shredded carrot
  • 1/2 C. finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 C. finely chopped and seeded jalapeno* 

*Add the seeds for a spicier slaw

WHISK + toss with coleslaw mix , cover & chill 1 hr.

  • 3/4 C. plain yogurt
  • 1 T. white vinegar
  • 1 T. minced fresh garlic
  • 1/2 t. ground cumin
  • salt & pepper to taste

 

Adding sliced 🥑avocados to this delicious slaw? Check out this new gadget! After seeing one of my friends almost slice her hand in two…I decided this was a great tool to have!

AVOCADO SLICER

Dotala 3 in 1 Avocado Slicer Tool Works as a Splitter, Pitter and Cutter as knife peeler scoop with Comfort-Grip Handle,Green (Green-Slicer) $8.99 + Free Prime Shipping 

VERSION 2: Jalapeño Slaw with Citrus Vinaigrette

WHISK together + Add to Slaw Mix

  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh orange juice
  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp.sugar
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper

TOSS:

  • 1 pkg. coleslaw mix (14 oz.)
  • 1 cup sliced mini sweet peppers
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 jalapeño, sliced

Dear Friends,

Wow!! What a game and I have to admit….I’m usually pretty big on the underdogs! (Maybe because I’m a dog lover!). My Steve is an avid football follower and is glued to any game…Me? I’m all about the food and fun. One of the most wonderful things about these huge events is the cities that are featured. Visiting Philadelphia has to be a highlight of last summer. I’m a tourist all the way! Check out this game memorabilia….PHILADELPHIA EAGLES SOUVENIR

Framed LeGarrette Blount Rushing Touchdown Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl 52 Champions 8×10 Football Photo Professionally Matted #1 $74.99 + FREE SHIPPING

I hope you enjoy these recipes. Food is such an enjoyable part of our lives, whether we are dining out or dining in! These are tried and true recipes for a no fool meal!

Until next time,

🍷Cheers! Laura

 

Gallery

Comfort….

Posted in Aging with Grace Blogger, blog, Comfort Food, Food and Lifestyle Blogger, Food Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, Losing a Loved OneTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Today I learned of a friend’s passing.  A tearful whisper in the wind.

My friend was kind, cheerful, giving and loving, to her family and to her friends. Everyone knew the cancer had returned, but her heart wouldn’t allow her to share the burden she carried when hope turned to prayers and words turned to tears.

Visiting her Pinterest boards today, it became clear that words of inspiration and thoughts reach deeply into our hearts and minds.

With tears in my eyes, I wanted to write..

“My dear Friend,

I wish I could have shared your pain and kept your private fears and tears close to my heart. I pray that your pain is gone and you are at peace.”

These are some of her posts….

Geralyn's words

Comfort comes with time and we hope that time does heal, although the pain never really goes away. Comfort comes in many ways and opening our hearts to comfort during difficult times can help.
Geralyn

My upbringing always brings me to food. Growing up, food was always the center of happiness, sadness and just about anything in between. My Steve always says that dining with family is an experience….they are the only people he knows who can be discussing what they want for the next meal while they are eating…too true:)

So for me, comfort food is just that, and I have found this delicious twist on stroganoff with just the right amount of heat and the right amount of comfort. Enjoy!

CAJUN CHICKEN STROGANOFF

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

  •  8 oz. dry wide egg noodles

  • 8 oz. kielbasa, sliced 8 oz. button mushrooms, quartered 4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

  • 11/2 lb. chicken breast tenders

  • 1/2 tsp. each cayenne pepper, paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano

  • 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste

  • 2 tsp. minced fresh garlic

  • 1/2 cup dry sherry

  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth

  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • Sliced scallions

DIRECTIONS

Cook noodles in a pot of boiling salted water according to package directions; drain.

Sauté kielbasa and mushrooms in 2 Tbsp. oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until browned, 5 minutes; transfer to a bowl.

Combine chicken with seasonings, tossing to coat, then dust with flour. Sauté chicken in remaining 2 Tbsp. oil in same sauté pan over medium-high heat until nearly cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Push chicken to the side of the pan, stir in tomato paste and garlic, and cook 1 minute.

Deglaze pan with sherry, scraping up any brown bits; simmer until nearly evaporated. A

dd broth, Worcestershire, and reserved kielbasa and mushroom mixture, bring to a simmer, and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.

Off heat, stir in sour cream.

Serve stroganoff over noodles and garnish with scallions

Gallery

3 Sensational Recipes to take the Labor out of your Labor Day!

Posted in appetizers, BACK TO SCHOOL, blog, entertaining, food blogger, Food Blogger, Grilling, LABOR DAY, Life Style Blogger, Living & Loving Life at 60 Years Young, MAIN COURSE SALADS, recipes, SALADS, Summer Suppers, Uncategorized, VEGGIES, VEGGIES AND VEGANTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Labor Day….summer’s last hurrah? I’m not sure what happened to the ‘dog days of summer,’ but our August has been more of an Eskimo Dog…..chilly with precipitation! Fortunately, the outlook for Labor Day looks good so let the picnics begin!

Last minute company?? No worries with these eazy breezy dishes! Keep it seasonal AND simple…

First, let’s start with an appetizer that doubles as a salad…..

IMG_8655

SLICED BOSC PEARS WITH GOAT CHEESE AND PECANS

Simply slice pears in 1/4 inch slices, top with 1 T. goat cheese, add a toasted pecan and serve! Want to fancy it up? Drizzle a little store bought…did I say that??? …..balsamic glaze over the top.

WEDGE SALAD DIP

I found this recipe on Pinterest recently, and I thought…”Genius!’ This dip has all of the incredible flavors of a wedge salad, serves a crowd and is always a hit! Duplicating this as a Greek Salad Dip, or any of your favorite salad combos work well! *As a side note, however, not everyone loves blue cheese, so I like to use the blue cheese on 1/2 and label it!

IMG_8473INGREDIENTS
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • 1 package Ranch Dressing Mix
  • 1½ c. chopped romaine lettuce
  • ½ c. chopped tomatoes
  • ½ c. chopped cooked bacon
  • 2-4 oz. crumbled blue cheese (according to taste)
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, and Ranch Dip mix and mix until smooth.
  2. Spread into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate or other similarly sized pan.
  3. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese, and chives.
  4. Enjoy with your favorite crackers

NOW FOR THE MAIN COURSE!!

Crowd pleasing  and delicious!

GRILLED HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICHES WITH ROASTED ONIONS AND PEPPERS

fullsizeoutput_2487

  • Pre-heat oven to 400*F.
  • Slice assorted peppers, red, yellow, green & orange in 1/2″ slices.
  • Slice sweet onions, preferably Vidalia in 1/2″ slices.
  • Place onions & peppers in a roasting pan. Drizzle 3 T. over top & sprinkle with salt & pepper. Roast approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are transparent. 
  • *Careful not to over-roast or they become mushy…..
  • Grill assorted Italian sausages. Cut into 2 inch slices & place on top of the onions & peppers. Serve with fresh Italian rolls & enjoy!

 

For dessert?? Vanilla Ice cream with fresh sliced peaches on top!

VANILLA ICE CREAM WITH PEACHES

Dear Friends,

Thanks so much for swinging by! As I have gotten older, even though I love to cook….and eat….dining out is soooo much easier. I’m constantly on the hunt for dishes that have amazing flavor and have the look of something complicated that took a lot of time to prepare.

Cheers to enjoying your Labor day filled with time spent just the way you like it.

Until next time…

🍹Laura