Thursday, August 29, 2013

Apple Pie Pops

I made Apple Pie Pops over the weekend and they were a hit!
This recipe was super easy and fun to make. 

Here is the recipe...

Ingredients (Makes ±40 pops)
Cookie cutter of your choice
40 Lollipop Sticks
1 Apple, finely chopped (I used two but, it was way too much)
2 Ready Pie Crusts (4 sheets)
1 egg white
Flour, for dusting
2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
2 tbsp Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon 
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
1/4 c Water
Pinch of Salt

    
In a pan on medium head, add apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, water and salt. 
Stir.
Cook until apples are tender.
Remove from pan and let cool.
Flour your work surface and unroll pie crust. 
(My grandma would kill me if she knew I was using store bought crust.)
Cut your shapes out and reuse dough scraps for more.
 Assembling:
Place a lollipop stick a little more than half way on the dough.
Place cut out dough on a baking sheet like so and
add about a half teaspoon of pie filling in the center.
 Add the other piece of cut dough atop and seal with a fork around the edges of each pop.
With your egg white coat the top with a brush and sprinkle a little sugar.
You will need to poke a small hole in each pop in the center so the pie filling can breath.  
 Bake at 375 for about 15-18 minutes or until brown.
And waalaa!
You can make these with any filling you want, strawberries, cherry, pineapple...

Enjoy!



Friday, August 16, 2013

Simple Caprese Salad

Last night I was craving tomatoes but, I wasn't in the mood for any old salad.  I did some searching for summer salads, I came across a caprese salad and I thought "I must have this!"  This would be perfect for a quick snack or an appetizer when having guests over. Here is what I did...


Cut two medium tomatoes like so

 Slice the mozzarella cheese - then in half-moons.
Add one cheese slice in each cut.

Then add the basil. 
I added a leaf per cut but, if you prefer more go ahead and add it now.

Drizzle the evoo, basil, salt & pepper to taste.

Enjoy!


Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Black Bean Tacos with Honey Lime Drizzle

After making these tacos a few times, I wanted to share this recipe with you.
If my husband likes a meatless meal - that means it was pretty good!
Hope your loved ones like it too!

This will make 2-3 servings.
Ingredients:
1 tbs coriander
1/2 tbs cumin
pinch dried red pepper flakes (spicy lovers, add a tsp of cayenne pepper)
1 can black beans with liquid
1 avocado
1 tsp olive oil
juice two limes & zest from one
2 tbs honey
feta cheese
flour tortillas

Instructions:
1. Heat a dry pan over medium-low heat and add beans, coriander, cumin, red pepper flakes (cayenne pepper optional). Cook until all liquid has cooked off (about 5 minutes). 

2. In another small pan heat to medium-high.
Brush avocado with olive oil and sear face down on pan for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

3. Arrange tacos in the tortilla with beans first, feta then avocado.

4. In a small bowl mix, lime juice with zest and honey.  Drizzle over tacos.

5. Enjoy!!



Monday, August 5, 2013

Unity Tour

311 - 3 - 3 - 11! 

Being married into a 311 loving family - 
I have become a fan too!

Justin's family took us to the 311 Day concert last year in Las Vegas, which is an entire weekend of 311 events.  We were lucky enough to be asked by Mrs. Nikki Hexum (lead singers wife) to join her in the VIP room.  And by the way, she is the kindest person ever. After watching the Hexum's children play around the room, Nick Hexum walks in... and you can tell by the looks on our faces we were beyond excited!
This year we decided to go to the Unity Tour where 311 preformed with Sublime with Rome, Cypress Hill, Pennywise and G Love & Special Sauce.  We were bummed to find out that 311 was not headlining the concert but, we were happy to be there.
Amber
 The hubby and I 

20 Weeks - Half way there!!

So thankful we had seats for this concert - my pregnant feet would have been killing me.  
If any of you have a chance to see 311, I would highly recommend it.
311 Set List

Hope you all had a great weekend!