Sunday, November 8, 2015
Pepper Jack Mac-N-Cheese with Smoked Onion and Pepper Sausage
Ingredients
1 pound macaroni noodles
2 Tbsp. EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), divided
1 pkg. onion & pepper smoked sausage, sliced into thin chunks
1 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp. flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 Tsp. garlic powder
Salt & Pepper, to taste
1 Tbsp. spicy mustard
2 Tbsp. jalapeno ketchup
2 cups pepper jack cheese
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Directions
1. Cook macaroni for 7 minutes or just under al dente.
2. Heat 1 tbsp EVOO on medium high heat, add sliced sausage and cook for about 4 minutes. Remove from pan; set aside.
3. In same pan as you cooked the sausage, add 1 tbsp of EVOO and butter. Once butter melts, add onions and green pepper; cook for 4-5 minutes. Add flour, stir and cook another minute. Add chicken broth and cook for one minute. Whisk in milk and bring to a bubble. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir in mustard and ketchup. Lower heat and add 2 cups pepper jack cheese and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
4. Drain pasta well and pour into cheese sauce along with the sausage; stir. Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish and top with remaining cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Place under broiler until cheese melts. Remove from over and ENJOY!!
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Armadillo Egg Recipe
Don't let the name of the recipe fool you! These stuffed and wrapped jalapenos are DELICIOUS!!
1/4 cup ground chipotle powder
1/4 cup turbinado sugar (light brown cane sugar)
1/4 cup ground ancho chile powder
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons green peppercorns (crushed)
1 teaspoon celery seed (or ½ tsp celery seed powder)
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
Instructions All-Purpose Rub
Mix all of the ingredients together; set aside.
Instructions for Armadillo Eggs
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and garlic until well blended; add salt if needed.
3. Cut jalapenos is quarters. Remove seeds and stems.
4. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeno quarter.
5. Take about 1/3 cup of the sausage and pat it into a 3-inch circle and place the stuffed jalapeno in the center of the sausage. Wrap the sausage around the stuffed jalapeno until it’s completely covered, and form into an egg shape.
6. Wrap each egg with one strip of bacon making sure the seam is down.
7. Season each egg with dry rub.
8. Place wrapped jalapenos on a cookie rack, placed on top of a baking sheet to catch the drippings.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp and sausage is cooked through.
10. Serve with ranch dressing, queso or salsa.
Enjoy!!
(recipe adapted from Hillbilly CAST IRON Cooking)
Picture from Hillbilly CAST IRON Cooking. |
Armadillo Egg Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 garlic cloves (finely diced)
6 jalapenos (cut in quarters)
1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground chorizo
24 slices bacon
All-Purpose Rub Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup cheddar cheese
2 garlic cloves (finely diced)
6 jalapenos (cut in quarters)
1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1/2 pound ground chorizo
24 slices bacon
All-Purpose Rub Ingredients
1/4 cup ground chipotle powder
1/4 cup turbinado sugar (light brown cane sugar)
1/4 cup ground ancho chile powder
1/4 cup paprika
1/4 cup kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons green peppercorns (crushed)
1 teaspoon celery seed (or ½ tsp celery seed powder)
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
Instructions All-Purpose Rub
Mix all of the ingredients together; set aside.
(This recipe will make more than you'll need, so place unused portion in an airtight container and use in other recipes.)
Instructions for Armadillo Eggs
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and garlic until well blended; add salt if needed.
3. Cut jalapenos is quarters. Remove seeds and stems.
4. Place about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling in each jalapeno quarter.
5. Take about 1/3 cup of the sausage and pat it into a 3-inch circle and place the stuffed jalapeno in the center of the sausage. Wrap the sausage around the stuffed jalapeno until it’s completely covered, and form into an egg shape.
6. Wrap each egg with one strip of bacon making sure the seam is down.
7. Season each egg with dry rub.
8. Place wrapped jalapenos on a cookie rack, placed on top of a baking sheet to catch the drippings.
9. Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is crisp and sausage is cooked through.
10. Serve with ranch dressing, queso or salsa.
Enjoy!!
(recipe adapted from Hillbilly CAST IRON Cooking)
Monday, June 1, 2015
I. Am. Enough.
For most of my life, I've struggled with my perceived idea of perfection and my inability to achieve it. How many of you look in the mirror every day and focus on your flaws and imperfections? Wishing them away, trying everything you can to cover or hide them. That's been me, I know exactly how you feel. Comments made in my childhood have stuck with me into adulthood. Comments like "you'd be pretty if you just lost some weight" and "you have such a pretty smile, just make sure to keep you mouth closed so no one can see your crooked teeth". Comments like that are hard to forget, they just hang out in the back of your mind, rearing their ugly head when you least expect it. What's even worse, comments made to me in my adult life had made my insecurities 10 times stronger.
Then something amazingly crazy happened. Someone came into my life and showed me that all those "flaws" and "imperfections" were me and loved me because of them. Celebrated them. Helped me become comfortable with them. I saw myself through someone else's eyes. And then slowly, it happened. I finally realized that I am beautiful, in my own way. I. AM. ENOUGH. And guess what? So are you! Embrace those things that make you uniquely you. Celebrate them! Someone, somewhere, someday is going to love you for you and all those awesome things that make you unique. But, you must love and embrace yourself first. No more trying to change for others. YOU. ARE. ENOUGH. If you don't believe me, make a list like I did and you'll see for yourself just how ENOUGH you are.
I am strong.
Passionate.
Sincere.
Kind.
Loyal.
Creative.
Compassionate.
Adventurous.
Giving.
Feisty.
I love deeply and with my whole being.
I make mistakes, lots of mistakes. But I learn from them.
I find inappropriate things humorous.
I can be sensitive, at times.
I look for the positive, when there seems like there is none.
I take risks even though I'm scared of failure.
I am fully aware of my weaknesses.
I'm not afraid to apologize for my wrongs and I forgive easily.
I cry at cheesy commercials.
I'm addicted to coffee and chocolate.
I am chubby, my teeth aren't perfect and sometimes my gray hair shows, but that's me and that's enough.
I. AM. ENOUGH.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Listing of Vintage Markets, Flea Markets and Antique Shows by State
Here is a list of Vintage Markets, Flea Markets and Antique Shows by state. I have added links to the website of each show for your viewing pleasure. If you know of a great show I have failed to add, please let me know. Enjoy and Happy Junkin'!!
Alabama
Fairhope Antique Show
Antiques in the Garden
Alaska
Arizona
Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market
Old Brick House Vintage Market
Gather: A Vintage Market
Phoenix Flea
Flagstaff Antiques Summer Showcase
Antiques on the Square
Apple Festival Antique Show
Arkansas
Vintage Market Days
Ft. Smith Vintage Flea Market
Antique Festival of the Ozarks
The Junk Ranch
California
Gypsy Chic Vintage Market
Vintage Country Flea Market
Topanga Vintage Market
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Treasure Island Flea
Three Speckled Hens
Little French Flea Market
The Queen Bee Market
Long Beach Antique Market
Petaluma Fall Antique Faire
Camp Vintage
Junk Bonanza
Colorado
The Vintage Whites Market
Horseshoe Market
World Wide Antiques and Vintage Show
Lone Star Revivals Vintage Market
Connecticut
Elephant's Trunk Country Flea Market
Madison Antiques Fair
Harwinton Antiques Weekend
Greenwich Winter Antique Show
Delaware
New Castle Antique Show
Arden Fair & Antiques Market
Delaware Coast Antiques Show
Florida
West Palm Beach Antiques Festival
Treasure in Town Arts & Antiques Fest
Georgia
Country Living Fair
Scott Antique Market
Hawaii
Idaho
The Vintage Vixens Market
Illinois
The Vintage Market
Indiana
Tri-State Antique Market
Heartland Antique Show
Woodruff Place Flea Market
Iowa
The Porch Junkies
Cedar Rapids Antique Show
Kansas
Antique Show at Overland Park
Craftapalooza & Fabulous Vintage Market
Vesper Vintage
Kentucky
Fleur de Flea Vintage Urban Market
Preservation Station Market Days
Louisiana
Maine
Boothbay Harbor Antiques Show
Maine Antiques Festival
Maryland
Baltimore Summer Antiques Show
Massachusetts
Somerville Flea
Brimfield Antique Show
Barnstable Antiques Show
SoWa Vintage Market
Michigan
Michigan Antique Festival
Allegan Antique Market
Minnesota
The Vintage Carnival
Duluth Junk Hunt
Cambridge Antique Fair
Junk Bonanza
Mississippi
Ripley's First Monday Trade Days
Tupelo Flea Market
Canton Flea Market
Junknista: A Vintage Market
Missouri
Vintage Market Days
Antique Festival of the Ozarks
Montana
The Vintage Whites Market
The Prairie Sisters Vintage Market
Nebraska
Funky Junk Market
Wellfleet Junkin in June
Junkstock
Lexington Antiques & Crafts Extravaganza
Junktoberfest
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Summer Antiques Show at Birchfield Manor
New Mexico
Great Southwestern Antique Show
New York
Annex Flea Markets
Brooklyn Flea
Stormville Flea Market
Great American Antiquefest
Washington County Antique Fair & Flea Market
North Carolina
Antiques Extravaganza of NC
Liberty Antiques Festival
North Dakota
JunkFest
Ohio
Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market
Burton Antiques Market
Olde Stark Antique Faire
Scott Antique Market
Oklahoma
Vintage Market Days
The Old Chicken Farm Vintage Barn Sale
Industry Flea
Vintage Tulsa Show
OKC Land Run Antique Show
A Touch of Rust
Junk Hippy
Oregon
Portland Flea
Expo Antique & Collectibles Show
Salem Collectors & Flea Market
Junk Bonanza
Pennsylvania
Phila Flea Market
The Washington Antiques Fair
Renninger's Antiques Extravaganza
Rhode Island
Providence Flea
The Newport Antiques Show
Little Compton Antiques Festival
South Carolina
Vintage Market at the Park
South Dakota
Tennessee
Nashville Flea Market
Murfreesboro Antiques Show
Fiddler's Antique Show
Southern Junkers Fall Market
Texas
Sweet T Vintage Market & Southern Junk
Vintage Market Days
Vintage Variety Market
Loot Vintage Market
American Vintage Market
Gypsy Tramps Junk Revival
Ruffles and Rust Expo
Lone Star Market
The Horse Flea
Round Top Antiques Fair
Petticoats on the Prairie
Junk Hippy
Marburger Farm Antique Show
A Touch of Rust
Junk in the Truck Vintage Market
Funky Junk Roundup
Utah
The Vintage White Market
Salt Lake Antique Show
Vermont
Antiques & Uniques Festival
Virginia
Fredricksburg Big Flea
DC Big Flea
Washington
Ridgefield Junk Bonanza
Valley Vintage Market
The Farm Chicks
Farm & Frills Antique Show
Clayson Farm Antique Show
Funky Junk Sisters
Junk Fest Flea Market
Packwood Flea Market
The Mad Hatter Vintage Flea Market
Pickin' on the Prairie Antique Show & Artisan Market
Ragtag Revival at Wickering Heights Antique Show & Vintage Extravaganza
West Virginia
Lewisburg Flea Market & Antique Show
Wisconsin
Elkhorn Antique Flea Market
Warrens Cranberry Festival
Wyoming
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Cheddar Parmesan Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 TBSP baking powder
6 TBSP unsalted butter, melted
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 TBSP honey
Salt & Pepper to taste
2 jalapenos, one sliced for topping and one seeded and diced for muffin mixture
3/4 cup Parmesan, plus additional for topping
3/4 cup Cheddar, plus additional for topping
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a muffin pan with liners or spray unlined muffin pan with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt & pepper.
4. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, garlic, honey and diced jalapenos.
5. Pour egg mixture over dry ingredients and stir together until moist.
6. Add both cheeses and stir until combined.
7. Fill each muffin cup with one large scoop of batter, making sure to distribute evenly.
8. Place on slice of jalapeno on each muffin and then sprinkle with Parmesan and Cheddar cheeses.
9. Place muffin pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
10. Let cool in pan for about 10 minutes. remove and place on wire rack to continue cooling.
11. ENJOY!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
This recipe is a great way to get your Philly Cheesesteak fix in a much healthier way. You can use thinly sliced steak or deli roast beef to make this recipe super easy. Enjoy!
Ingredients
8 oz. thinly sliced roast beef
8 slices of pepperjack or provolone cheese
4 small green bell peppers or 2 large
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 (6oz.) package mushrooms, sliced
2 TBSP butter
2 TBSP olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper - to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Slice peppers in half and clean out ribs and seeds; set aside.
3. Add butter, olive oil, onions, mushrooms and garlic to saute pan. Saute over medium heat until onions are tender (about 20 minutes).
4. Slice roast beef into thin strips and add to saute pan. Cook until heated through (3-5 min.).
5. Place half a slice of pepperjack cheese in the bottom of each pepper.
6. Add meat mixture on top of cheese.
7. Top with another half slice of pepperjack ( I used shredded instead). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is golden on top.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Garlic & Jalapeno Cauliflower Mash
My name is Amber and I'm addicted to potatoes. Seriously, it's true. French fries, au gratin, baked, mashed, it really doesn't matter. And when you're trying to eat healthy and low carb, potatoes are not your friend. So, one of my favorite go to low carb side dishes to replace potatoes is my Garlic & Jalapeno Cauliflower Mash. Super easy to make and delicious!
Ingredients
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup jalapeno cream cheese
1 tsp southwest seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Place steamed cauliflower, garlic, jalapeno cream cheese and southwest seasoning into a food processor and blend until smooth.
3. Salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Super easy, right?! I love to serve this with pork loin or steak. Add some steamed veggies and you're good to go with a great low carb dinner. Enjoy!
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Yummy Steak Marinade for Steak Salads
I've recently switched back to a low carb/no sugar diet and one of the main meals in my home is.....SALAD. I'm always looking for new ways to add more flavor to the proteins I add to my salads and came up with this fabulous marinade for steak. Nothing beats a delicious steak salad, right?! It's super easy to make and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Ingredients (makes enough for 2-3lbs of meat)
4 cloves of garlic, minced or finely chopped
1/4 cup jalapeno infused red wine vinegar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 TBSP soy sauce
2 TBSP worcestershire sauce
3 TBSP lemon juice
2-3 TBSP mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp italian seasoning
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Place the cut of meat of your choice in a zip lock baggie and pour marinade over the top. Seal bag and place in the refrigerator. For best flavor, marinate for 8 hours.
Grilling or broiling the steak are the two best ways to cook it. Make sure you baste with leftover marinade for even better flavor. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
No-Sew Fabric & Drop Cloth Curtain Tutorial
Hi all! I found a super fun and easy way to make curtains without using your sewing machine or, as in my case, no sewing skills whatsoever. All you need is a few supplies, a drop cloth, fabric and an iron. Yes, you read that right, I said iron.
Here's what you'll need:
1. A drop cloth big enough for your project. I used the 4'x15' below that I found at Lowe's.
2. Fabric of your choice. I used 2 yards of the bird print and 1 yard of the chevron print. I found both at Hobby Lobby for 40% off. WOOHOO!
3. Fabric scissors and measuring tape.
4. Stitch Witchery (pictured below). This AWESOME product can be found at most fabric and craft stores. I found mine at Hobby Lobby.
5. Last, but not least, an iron.
Ok, enough nonsense from me. Let's get to the nitty gritty of this project. The first thing you want to do is fold your drop cloth in half and cut down the middle. If you used the same size drop cloth as I did, you will end up with two panels measuring 4'x7 1/2' with three finished sides. Great, right?!
Next, you want to measure how long you want your fabric to be. I made my fabric section 24", so I cut and extra 1". I only wanted a strip of the chevron fabric, so I cut it to 10" wide and extra 1".
Now you get to play with the iron and Stitch Witchery. But before we do that, I need you all to promise not to burn yourselves. Why do I want you to promise? Because I burned myself a few times, or maybe more, but who's counting. Let's just say I won't be wearing shorts anytime soon. Those that know me well will not find this surprising.
First, you're going to use the iron to make your hems. I made mine 1" all the way around (see below).
Next, measure out a piece of Stitch Witchery and follow the directions on the package for making your hems permanent. It will involve and iron and damp cloth.
Now for the super fun part......ASSEMBLY. First, you want to measure how long you want your drop cloth section to be and cut it 1" longer on the cut end of the drop cloth. Remember, we want to leave the finished sides alone. Next, measure out your Stitch Witchery to the width of the drop cloth and place it on the cut end. Once you've done that, lay the top section of your fabric piece over the end of the drop cloth and use your iron and damp cloth to attach. If you use two different fabrics, you will follow the same process for that piece of fabric and also to attach the two fabrics together. Viola! You're done! I also added ribbon to mine, which is done by the same process. Super easy, right?!
Here's how mine looked when finished:
I had leftover chevron fabric, so I ripped strips and tied them to the ring clips for a little extra pizazz. You can find drapery ring clips at Hobby Lobby or most fabric stores. They just clip to the curtain and then hang the ring on your curtain rod.
Super fun and easy way to get the exact look you want for a fraction of the price. Plus, it will be super simple to change out the fabric later if your design theme changes. I love that!! Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned for more fun and easy ways to decorate your home.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
New Recipe Sunday: Spicy Chickpeas
I absolutely love chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans. They are delicious in Indian dishes, hummus and as a standalone dish like the one below. This dish is great as a side or main dish and goes perfectly over jasmine or brown rice. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive or coconut oil
3 tsp cumin seeds
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp
salt
1 1/2 tsp
chili powder
1/8-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional depending on your heat preference
1 tsp
lemon pepper
1 can (28oz) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, diced
2 (15oz) cans
garbanzo beans, drained
1 tbsp
lemon juice
1
onion, chopped
Directions
1. In a large pot over low heat, warm oil, cumin and garlic; heat until cumin turns a darker shade of brown.
2. Add salt, chili powder, red pepper flakes, lemon
and pepper seasoning; mix well. Increase heat to medium and stir in onions; cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes; once the juice begins
to thicken add in chickpeas and mix well.
4. Add in lemon juice and mix well. Continue cooking until garbanzo beans (chickpeas) become soft.
5. Remove from heat and place into a serving bowl; serve immediately. Dish can be served as is or over rice.
*For a thicker sauce, puree 1/3 cup of garbanzo beans in food processor and add after tomatoes.
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