Thursday, April 26, 2012

Dripping Roast Beef Sandwiches with Melted Provolone

This yummy sandwich is perfect for the spring, filling but not to heavy.  I originally saw the recipe as an ad in Rachael Ray's Magazine.  I tried it and must give it two thumbs up!  I adjusted the recipe (found on Campbell's website) to my taste and have since had this sandwich a couple of times for dinner.

Personal Photo


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1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed French Onion Soup
1 tablespoon reduced sodium Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound thinly sliced deli roast beef
4 Pepperidge Farm® Deli Classic Soft Hoagie Rolls
4 slices deli provolone cheese cut in half
1/4 cup drained hot or mild pickled banana pepper rings  

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Heat the soup and Worcestershire in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high heat to a boil. Add the beef and heat through, stirring occasionally.

Divide the beef evenly among the rolls. Top the beef with the cheese slices and place the sandwiches onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 3 minutes or until the sandwiches are toasted and the cheese is melted. Spoon the soup mixture onto the sandwiches. Top each sandwich with 1 tablespoon pepper rings.


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

25 Handmade Gifts Uner $5

I am one of those people who can spend an hour in Hallmark searching for one card and am always indecisive on what type of gift to give.  I am a true believer that any gift you give should be meaningful to the receiver because after all it truly is the thought that counts!  While doing some browsing on Pinterest, my new favorite hobby {read addiction} I came across this wonderful blog entry on The 36th Avenue.  Read the post here and take a peek below at some goodies in store for you over there!

Photo from The 36th Avenue Blog

Photo from The 36th Avenue Blog

Photo from The 36th Avenue Blog

Photo from The 36th Avenue Blog

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Golden Cake with Vanilla Frosting

In my mind, a sweet, classic, simple Yellow Cake with Vanilla Frosting is the perfect dessert to a Easter Dinner.  Thanks to Rachael Ray Magazine, we have one for you to day!  I've made this once before and cannot wait to try it again.  I apologize for the "half cake" final product, it was almost gone before I realized I hadn't photographed it!

Happy Easter!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Pesonal Photo

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2 3/4 cups flour

2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 cups sugar

5 large eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups whole milk

Vanilla Frosting


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees . Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in three parts, mixing until just incorporated.

Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Transfer the pans to a rack and let cool for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the pans to release the cakes and invert; let cool completely.

Slice the cakes into 2 layers each. Stack and frost with the vanilla frosting.



FROSTING

2 1/2 sticks (10 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

5 cups confectioners' sugar

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

1 - 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the confectioners' sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Add the vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat at high speed until fluffy, adding an additional 1 tablespoon milk if necessary.


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Gender Reveal Baby Shower

On new year's eve a very dear friend of mine announced she and her husband were expecting their third child.  Soon after we began discussing baby shower ideas, and another friend and I will host this occasion in July.  Initially we discussed having a gender reveal baby shower, where the gender would be revealed to the parents.  Although the couple ended up finding out the gender (a boy!) the thought of a gender reveal shower has been stuck in my head, I can only imagine how fun it would be!

The details of how a shower with such a HUGE secret were a little fuzzy to me, but after some research and four great experiences shared by bloggers (check them out here, here, here and here), I understand the ins and outs of this intricate event!  Anyone planning a baby shower soon???

Getting the gender to the shower host and keeping it secret is the tricky part!  Have the ultrasound tech write the gender on a note card and place it in a sealed envelope.  Deliver the envelope (no peeking!) to the host of the shower so they can begin planning the reveal.  Get the guests involved as soon as they receive their invitation by suggesting they wear blue or pink to the shower displaying their thoughts.

Photo from Snug as a Baby Bug Blog
Play plenty of friendly competitive games. Keeping the guessing going is key, and a little friendly competition adds to the fun!

Photo from Nothings and Notions Blog
After plenty of food and fun in games its time to reveal the baby's gender to the parents and guests.  Either of these choices I think are super cute ways to break the news to the parents.  If the parents already know what the gender of the baby is, the cake/cupcake reveal method is definitely the way to go.  But, if the parents don't know what they are having, the balloon's and box reveal is such a perfect opportunity to capture their authentic reaction and joy!


Photo found on HouseDressingStyle Blog

Photo found on Pinterest



Thursday, April 12, 2012

Peanut Butter Cookies

Can you already imagine the smell of fresh baked peanut butter cookies filling your kitchen?  This recipe is so simple it is ridiculous!  Another interesting little tidbit, it is easy to split in half and still makes tons of cookies!

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

Personal Photo

1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix together above ingrediants and roll into small balls the size of marbles.  Place on cookie sheet, mast both ways with fork. 

Bake at 375 degrees until brown, about 7 minutes.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Beach Foot Lace Barefoot Sandals

How fun are these for all you beach wedding brides??? I've never seen anything more unique for a beach wedding, practical and fashionable!  Find different styles here.

Picture from Wedding are Fun Website


Thursday, April 5, 2012

HAPPY EASTER

We hope everyone will have a wonderful and blessed Easter.  Today we leave you wit 15 DIY Easter Sweets from DIY Home Sweet Home Blog!

Picture and Instructions from DIY Home Sweet Home Blog

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Father of the Bride Gift

I'm almost speechless.  These are the cutest darn things I've seen in awhile!  They just give my heart a warm fuzzy, perfect gift from a daddy's girl!  Find them at this Etsy shop.

Update:  I gave these to my father on our wedding day.

Picture courtesy of Etsy