Candied Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad

This is another one of my favorite, quick, easy, and freaking delish salads.  This is so good and the presentation is amazing.  I actually don't even use the dressing below unless I am entertaining, it is so good just on it's own.  Enjoy!

Candied Pecan & Blue Cheese Salad

10 cups mixed greens
3 medium pears cored and sliced thinly
1/2 candied pecans (see recipe below)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (I always use more!)

Place your greens on a large serving platter. Top with pears, pecans, and blue cheese.  If you prefer to do individual serving, toss all ingredients in a large bowl and then add the dressing just before serving and divide equally into 8 servings.

Dressing

1/4 cup pear nectar
2 tbs vegetable oil
2 tbs white wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp black pepper

For the dressing, place all ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well until combined.  Dress salad just before serving.


Candied Pecans

1 1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup brown sugar

In a heavy bottom skillet, place nuts and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar melts and sticks to the nuts.  Remove from heat and let cool, give them a stir every couple of minutes until cool and / or ready to use.

Helpful Hint

Double the candied pecan recipe above and store half in the freezer for up to two weeks.  They compliment almost any salad.

Girls Club

Some months back one of my great friends asked if I wanted to be in her girls club, some people call it the "Time of the Month" club.  I had no idea what this was.....here is how it works:

You invite 11 girls to join your club, for a total of 12 girls.  You all meet once a month, we meet every second Tuesday of the month, for a total of 12 months. Each girl brings a pre determined amount of money, we do $40.00, and puts it into a pot.  All the girls write down their names on slips of paper, and at the end of the night, someone draws a name.  That name is the winner of the pot.  The winner of the pot host's the next meeting.  The money must go towards something just for them...clothes, art, shoes....NO ONE ELSE.  You also have to show everyone what you got at the next meeting.  Once someone wins the pot, they can not enter their name in the draw again, but you do have to pay every month  This allows everyone to win.

We like to meet in the evening after the kids are asleep, around 8 pm ish.  We started out doing a pot luck, everyone brings a munchie, but we had way too much food.  We then just asked half the girls to bring food at a time, and alternated every month.

This is such a great thing.  You get to hang out with your friends, meet new ones, talk about ANYTHING.

I say, start a group today.  If you do, I want to hear about it!

To all the ladies in my group, thank you for the laughs, the advice, and support!  You all rock!

Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding

Do you ever make rice for dinner and find that you have a ton left over?  I had that problem until I found this FANTASTIC recipe that uses cooked rice.  I am not kidding, you will thank me for this one later, it is just that good!

Creamy Coconut Rice Pudding

3 cups cooked rice (brown or white, I use basmati)
1 can coconut milk plus white milk to total 3 cups
2/3 cups sugar (you can cut this to 1/2 if you don't want it too sweet)
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 finely shredded non sweetened coconut
1 tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients above in a heavy bottomed saucepan.  Bring to a soft boil, then down to a simmer for 20 minutes....stir often.  It should still be soupy.  Remove from heat.  I stir every couple of minutes while it is cooling to keep from getting that milky film that puddings often get.  Serve warm or cold.

Variations:

Do not add the coconut in above.  While the pudding is simmering, toast 3/4 cups non sweetened coconut in a dry skillet over medium low heat just until edges start to turn golden.  Remove from heat.  After you put your pudding into serving dishes, sprinkle with toasted coconut and a little cinnamon.

You can also stir in the zest of one lemon or lime after you have removed the pudding from the heat.

Helpful Hint:

Once the pudding is cool enough, keep a piece of saran wrap over the pudding....pressing the saran wrap down until it touches the pudding (no air will should be between the saran wrap and pudding).  This will protect it from getting a film.  Store in the fridge this way as well.

Easy and fast Ham & Cheese Frittata

On days like today where we have to have eaten and be out the door by 5:30 pm to be at a game or practice....I like to make a quick and yummy meal like this one.

Ham & Cheese Frittata

6 eggs
1 tsp dried oregano
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup diced ham steak (I usually go to the deli and get about two thick slices of good quality ham)
1 plum tomato, diced
1/2 a yellow pepper, diced
1 large green onion thinly sliced

Pre heat oven to 350.  Lightly oil or butter a 9-in pie plate.  Whisk eggs with oregano and 1/8 tsp pepper in a large bowl.  Stir in cheese, ham, tomato, pepper, and onion until combined.  Pour into pie plate and evenly distribute vegetables.

Bake in the centre of oven until frittata is golden around the edges and firm when jiggled, about 25-30 mins.

I make this a whole meal by adding a simple green salad and a bun.

Great Idea:

Use the left over frittata for Denver Sandwiches the next day!

"Inn From the Cold", HipKids, and Citadel Fire Donations

I know everyone is feeling overwhelmed and tapped out with so many charities and recent events.  I just want to cover my bases and let you know that the following donations are wrapping up too this week:

"Inn From The Cold":

Earlier this month, I told you that they were falling very short on baby diapers and pull ups, wipes, formula, and diaper cream. 

I will be delivering any donations to them on this Wednesday May 25th.

HipKids May Project: "Deck My Ride"

This month, we are going to help decorate bikes, adaptive bikes and wheelchairs for the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta. Their fundraising event, in September, allows around 300 child and adult participants to walk, run or wheel their way to the finish line. This event helps create a Life without Limits for people affected by cerebral palsy and other disabilities. You can make spoke or handlebar ornaments, seat stickers, bike flags, or donate helmets and bike bells.

I will also be delivering any donations to them this Wednesday May 25th.

Citadel House Fires:

As most of you may know, last Sunday we lost some houses here in Citadel due to fire.  On of the families had no contents insurance.  May people have contacted me this week and asking how they can help.

Citadel Park School is accepting cash and gift cards for this family.  Their son attends this school and was left with nothing.

If you would like to help out, please bring your cash and/or gift cards directly to the school.

Thank you so much for your generosity!

Donations are all done for Slave Lake....THANK YOU!!

It is offical, we are done collecting donations for Slave Lake!

From the very bottom of my heart, I would like to extend the BIGGEST POSSIBLE THANK YOU to all who donated, supported, helped, volunteered, or played any role with helping the victims of Slave Lake.

My circle of friends and family are the best. I am so lucky and fortunate to have you all in my life!

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss

Last load off and running!

Second Load off to Slave Lake

When I came home today from picking up some donations, my front door entrance was covered in donations....it just doesn't get better then that!

I was able to call on Hayley Bennett, an angel in all respects, who has been coming to pick up the donations and driving them to Slave Lake.  No only is she making the trips, but stays for hours volunteering where needed.

This afternoon she came by to pick up our second load of goods to take up to Slave Lake!  The donations have been incredible!

I will be collecting donations until Monday evening.  NO CLOTHING PLEASE.  Anything donated after that will be given to "Inn From the Cold".

I am accepting the following:

• Toiletries
• Baby necessities (diapers/formula/wipes ECT)
• Towels / Face Clothes
• Bedding
• New Pillows
• New Sock / New Underware
• Bug Spray & Sunscreen

Please also note if you are interested in making a cash donation, you can do so at www.redcross.ca.

Here are a few pictures from today.

Slave Lake Donations Update #2

Our first round of donations have be delivered to Slave Lake! They are getting a lot of stuff but are a little overwhelmed with the goods vs help sorting the goods. 

I have spoken to Red Cross again today and they are still looking for the above items. NO CLOTHING except for new socks and new underware. With this in mind, I will be collecting goods until the end of day Monday.  Anything that comes in after that date will be going to "Inn From the Cold". 

I can not stress enough how much your generosity moves me. You are all so incredible! Thank you so much!!

First Load of Donations off to Slave Lake

Today we sent off our first round of donations to Slave Lake.  There is another load going out on Saturday morning.  Again, if you wish to donate, your can message me at taniarussell@shaw.ca or drop off at my front door.  I am going to contact Red Cross again tomorrow to see how they are doing with donations and what they still need.  This will determine how long I will run a collection for.  Below is the most current wish list from Red Cross:

• Toiletries (shampoo, tampons, pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, razors, shaving cream, deodorant, ECT)  Please note they are needed for men, woman, children, and infants.
• Diapers / Wipes / Formula
• Towels / Face Clothes
• Pillows / Blankets / Sheets
• Dog & Cat food

Thank you again to all the support and donations!  You are making a difference.  Here are some pictures, enjoy!

Selin Family dropping off donations.

Our first load of donations, ready for pick up.

The loaded trailer off to Slave Lake.

Just spoke to Edmonton Red Cross Re: Slave Lake

I just spoke to the Edmonton Red Cross in regards to what is need in Slave Lake, here is what they said:

• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Pillows / Blankets
• Towels / Face Clothes
• Baby Formula / Diapers
• Dog / Cat Food

I am sending our first shipment off to Slave Lake tomorrow.  We have already collected a ton of stuff!

Thank you to McLean Family who were the first to donate!
Thank you to Selin Family who returned their bottles and used the money to purchase their donations!
Thank you to everyone who has responded!  Your generosity is overwhelming!

Slave Lake Donations Update

I have contacted a lady who is doing all she can to help with the Slave Lake Crisis.  When I spoke with her today, she said she would be making a trip up to Slave Lake tomorrow and again on Saturday.  I would like to have as many hygiene kits available to her by Friday afternoon.  She also mentioned that they need non perishable food as well, I am happy to pass that along as well.

Thank you so much!

Help the victims of Slave Lake - Personal Hygiene Kits

Hello Everyone,

I will be collecting supplies to create personal hygiene kits for the victims (men, women, and children) of the Slave Lake fire.

Here is a list of the things I will be collecting to put in them.  Please note that I will be using large zip lock bags to package the kits, please keep this in mind when donating.

• large zip lock bags
• shampoo / conditioner
• tooth brushes
• tooth paste
• combs
• soap
• new underware / socks
• razors (men and woman) and shaving cream
• face clothes
• kleenex / wet wipes
• tampons / maxi pads
• diapers
• sunscreen
• bug spray
• formula
• gum / chocolate bars / granola bars

If you would like to donate, you can email me at taniarussell@shaw.ca or leave the goods at my front door.

Thank you so much and please donate!  This could be your family in need!

Banana Bread

This is my favorite banana bread recipe.  I like to make it a little bit healthier, so I substitute whole wheat flour for the all purpose flour, egg whites instead of eggs, and leave the chocolate chips out.  Today was an exception with the chocolate chips....what can I say, the kids run the show.  The picture below is the whole wheat version.  You can do half all purpose flour and half whole wheat flour if you want, get crazy!

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 beaten eggs
1 1/2 cups mashed banana (5 medium)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup sugar (I use brown)
1/2 melted butter

Optional:  1/4 cup of chopped walnuts and/or 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Grease your loaf pan.

Combine flour, powder, soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Make a well in centre of flour mixture and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine eggs, vanilla, bananas, sugar, and butter.  Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture.  Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy).  Fold in nuts and/or chocolate chips.  Spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake at 350 for 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted near centre comes out clean.  Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Help Hints:

If you can, freeze your bananas and then thaw.  You get much better taste this way.  It is also a great way to use over ripe bananas, stick them in your freezer until you have 5.  They also thaw quickly at room temperature.

If you find your bread is browning quicker then it is cooking, cover loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.

Donovan and Simone Pic's

Donovan at Lacrosse.

Simone at Skating.

Mommy and Monsie.

Donovan now lives on the drive way with his hockey net.

Monsie getting ready for a birthday party.

Simone at soccer....love this pic.

Donovan, for the first time, having to entertain himself while his sister plays a sport.

The kids when they handed over their money to KidSport.

Gymnastics.

Tostadas Salsa Verde and kids meals using tortillas

At our house we have very different eaters.  When Ivan and I have Tostadas Salsa Verde (Ivan's favorite dinner), Simone has a cheese quesadillas, and Donovan has a Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana Roll up.  Good times.

Tostadas Salsa Verde

4 flour tortillas (6 inch)
3/4 cup shredded Jack cheese
2 1/2 cups shredded poached chicken
1 cup jared green salsa
1/4 chopped cilantro plus more for serving
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1 cup shredded ice burg lettuce
3 plum tomatoes
1/4 cup sour cream

Pre heat the oven to 400.  Arrange the tortillas on a rimmed baking sheet.  Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the tortillas and bake until golden brown, 8 - 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl toss together the chicken, salsa, cilantro, and cumin.  Spoon the mixture evenly over the tortillas: bake until heated through, about 8 minutes.

Top with the lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.  Sprinkle with the remaining cilantro.

Great Idea:
Using the same recipe, cut out smaller circles from the tortilla with a cookie cutter.....you have a great appetizer!

Useful Tip:
I love cilantro, but it has to be fresh.  One of the ways I keep it that way is to put it in glass with a very small amount of water and keep it in the fridge.

Kid's Cheese Quesadillas

2 tortillas
1/2 cup favorite cheese

Lay one tortilla on a cookie sheet, sprinkle the cheese on, and place the other tortilla on top.  Bake in a 400 oven for about 8 minutes.

Kid's Peanut Butter, Honey, and Banana Wrap Up

1 tortilla
Peanut Butter
Honey
1 Banana

Spread peanut butter on the tortilla.  Drizzle with honey.  Place the banana at one end of the tortilla and roll.  Yummy goodness.

*Tostadas Salsa Verde from Everyday Food

"Inn From The Cold" needs your help!

As you know, I am a coordinator for HipKids.  I got an email from the director saying that they had a meeting with "Inn From the Cold" today and they are in urgent need of the following:

• Diapers Sizes - 1,2,4,5,6
• Training Diapers
• Formula
• Diaper Cream
• Baby Wipes

If you would like to help, you can drop off any goods at the address below or to me.

Thank you!
Tania

Inn from the Cold
#106, 110 - 11th Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0X5
P: (403)263-8384 C:(403)390-1597 F:(403)263-9067
https://remote.innfromthecold.org/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx
https://remote.innfromthecold.org/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx
www.twitter.com/innfromthecold

3 Separate Blogs - What do you think?

Hello Everyone,

I am wanting your opinion.  Do you think I should keep the blog the way it is? Or, separate into three different blogs - Charity Info, Recipes, and Family?

Cheers,
Tania

Things coming up.....

As most of you know the kids have started into their spring sports.  Donovan is in spring hockey, lacrosse, and gymnastics.  Simone is in soccer, skating, and gymnastics.  I will be posting pictures and updates on that soon.

I also wanted to let you know that Donovan and Simone will be handing over the money they raised for KidSport ($60 total) on Tuesday.  They will be having their pictures taken and a little blurp written on them.  I will forward that along as well.  Thank you so much to everyone who supported them.  They feel so good about what they did and I can't wait for them to see how it will all come full circle on Tuesday and where the money will go!  THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

I wanted to give you a heads up on a charity project that I will be launching soon called "Project Ameni T's".  HipKids will be done this month and they we won't have anything until the Nash Family and Friends 4th Annual Food Drive in December so I am antsy to get the ball rolling on a new project.  I have been brewing this one up for a while and can wait to give you all the details in June!  As a hint, I need you to start saving up any hotel amenities you may have or can get your hands on (shampoos, lotions, conditioner, ECT).

Also, I would love to hear back from you as to what you would like to see my post more of or less of.  There is a pole question at the bottom or message me!!

You my friends and family ROCK!  Updates soon!

Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies with Reese's Pieces....my favorite cookie (for now)!

This is my new favorite cookie!  So rich and crunchy. 
I made these on Saturday, as I am still trying to fill up my freezer and replenish our snack supply.  YUMMY!

3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup Reese's Pieces* (you can use 1 cup of peanuts or chocolate chips too!)

In a large mixing bowl beat butter and peanut butter with an electric mixer on med to high speed about 30 seconds or until combined.  Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.  Beat until combined, scraping the side of the bowl occasionally.  Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.  beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.  Stir in any remaining flour.  Stir in rolled oats and candy pieces.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoons 2 inches apart onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.  Bake at 375 about 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.  Transfer to wire rack and let cool....if you can!

Helpful Hint:
When putting my cookie dough on my cookie sheet I use a medium scoop from Pampered Chef.  This way I get even cookies and clean fingers! 

*Better Homes & Gardens