Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Crock Pot Wednesday


I love pasta, and what a wonderful comfort food on a cool Fall day.  Did I mention I loooove pasta!   ;)

Bolognese Sauce

Ingredients
5 strips bacon, finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh basil, finely minced
1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, finely minced
1 1/2 tsp fresh rosemary
3/4 cup(s) onion, chopped
1 1/2 pound(s) ground chuck
1 cup(s) dry red wine
1 can(s) (28 ounce) whole peeled tomatoes, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp garlic, finely minced
2 Tbsp sugar
1 bay leaf
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper


Directions
To make the sauce:  Cook the bacon and herbs in a large skillet over med-high heat until the bacon is soft (about 4 minutes).  Add the onions and continue to cook until they aregolden brown.  Add the chuck; stir occasionally until browned.  Add wine, bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes.  Transfer the mixture to a clow cooker and add the remaining ingredients.  Set at high and allow to slow-cook for 5 to 6 hours.  Serve hot over pasta.  YUM!


Joining Debbie @ Dining with Debbie for a little "Crock Pot Wednesday"




Enjoy,
Sharon

Monday, November 16, 2009

Happy Birthday!



Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter!




















Today is her 22nd birthday and she has brought so much joy to my life I couldn't love her more. 

So celebrate and enjoy your day sweet girl!!



Friday, November 13, 2009

A Little Yum to go with Your Cranberries!



Cranberry-Orange Tart

Ingredients
CRUST:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt
6 Tbsp chilled butter, cut into small pieces
1/3 cup ice water
Cooking spray

FILLING:
1/3 cup orange juice
2 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange marmalade
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts, toasted
1 Tbsp grated orange rind
1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries

Preparation
Preheat oven to 425°.

To prepare crust, lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a bowl; cut in butter with a pastry blender or 2 knives until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Sprinkle surface with ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time; toss with a fork until moist and crumbly (do not form a ball). Gently press mixture into a 4-inch circle on plastic wrap. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.

Slightly overlap 2 lengths of plastic wrap on slightly damp surface. Unwrap and place chilled dough on plastic wrap. Cover dough with 2 additional lengths of overlapping plastic wrap. Roll dough, still covered, into a 14-inch circle. Place dough in freezer 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can be easily removed.

Remove plastic wrap; fit dough into a 10-inch round removable-bottom tart pan coated with cooking spray. Fold edges under or flute decoratively.

To prepare filling, combine juice and cornstarch in a large bowl; stir well with a whisk. Add remaining ingredients; stir well. Pour mixture into prepared pan.

Bake at 425° for 20 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350° (do not remove tart from oven); bake an additional 35 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.


Joining Designs by Gollum for a little "Foodie Friday"

Delish!
Sharon

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Wishes and a Parade finale!



It's finally here!  The day we have been anxiously awaiting!
I have so enjoyed this 13 days of madness, the late night visits to see the latest, the smiles and giggles, such sweet comments, the heartfelt posts and the history lessons of why we do what we do.  I have met so many new and wonderful people and have been truly inspired by you all.  One thing about it; you girls sure know how to party!!

Congratulations to all the lucky Winners!
day 1 ~ Sarah @ Hyacinths for the Soul
day 2 ~ Michelle @ Chocolate and Marmalade Tea
day 3 ~ Courtney @ Haunt Jaunts
day 4 ~ Laurie @ Bargain Hunting with Laurie
day 5 ~ Carol @ Charli and Me
day 6 ~ Lisa @ Another Day Today
day 7 ~ Barb @ Bella Vista
day 8 ~ Bunny Jean @ Bunny Jean's Decor...and More!
day 9 ~ Rainy Day Farm
day 10 ~ BJ @ Sweet Nothings
day 11 ~ Susan @ Thoughts from Over the Rainbow
day 12 ~ Tricia @ Altered School Marm
day 13 ~ Jen @ Lipstick and Laundry

If you have not already done so, please email your address to sharon@fiberdoodles.com  All prizes not claimed within two weeks will go on eBay! (just teasing)

Thank you, thank you so much for participating!

Now on for a final Parade!


















































































































































Now take a bow; you all are AWESOME!!


If you have not had the opportunity to visit all of the Party Participants please do so.  You will be glad you did!


Have a safe, joyous and Spooktacular Halloween!
Sharon



Party Participants



Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween Party ~ Day 12 and some Spooky Drinks and Desserts

Joining Designs by Gollum for a little Foodie Friday

Some Screamin' Desserts


Carmel Cream Cheese Brownie


Pretty Apple Tart


Pumpkin-Goat Cheese Cheescake



Pumpkin Cream Tarts with Candied Cranberries


Classic Pumpkin Pie


Ghoulish Petits Fours


Haunted House Cake


To Die for Drinks


Witches' Brew (root-beer float)


Pina Ghoulada


Spooky Halloween Spirits


Gall-of-Goat Float


Boo-Nilla Shake  (the eyes and mouth are melted chocolate)


Bloody Black Currant Punch


Hot Spiced Concord Grape Juice

Oh what frightful ideas to serve up at your next Halloween bash!

BOO,
Sharon




And the winner of Day 11's give away goes to
using the random generator

# 90 ~ Susan @ Thoughts from Over the Rainbow
Please email your address to sharon@fiberdoodles.com

~ To participate in tomorrow's give away ~

1.  Join the party (for one entry)
2.  Post my party button on your blog (for one entry)
 3.  Post my Blog button on your sidebar (for one entry)
4.  Follow me (for one entry)

If you are already participating in the party, have the party button, blog button and follow, your name is already in the hat!

Thank you for participating!!



Country Living & Martha Stewart.com

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Halloween Party ~ Day 11 and a Tablescape!

Joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for a Halloween Tablescape Thursday!






























Please be sure to pay a visit to all of the other participants for some great and inspiring ideas!

Are you hungry?  Be sure to join us tomorrow for Foodie Friday

BOO,
Sharon



And the winner of Day 10's give away goes to
using the random generator

# 95 - BJ @ Sweet Nothings 
Please email your address to sharon@fiberdoodles.com

~ To participate in tomorrow's give away ~

1.  Join the party (for one entry)
2.  Post my party button on your blog (for one entry)
3.  Post my blog button on your sidebar (for one entry)
4.  Follow me (for one entry)

If you are already participating in the party, have the party button, blog button and follow, your name is already in the hat!

Thank you for participating!!



Country Living

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Halloween Party ~ Day 10 and Decorating with Pumpkins Outdoors

Joining A Southern Daydreamer for a little Outdoor Wednesday!


A great way to greet guests


A warm welcome


I see hay rides and a weenie roast with this guy


I think it is the Candy Bandits


Don't trust these guys!


The WOW factor!


Happy to meet you!


A table all to their own


Peek-a-BOO and too cute!


A great accent for any Halloween party


A warm greeting to any entry


I love white pumpkins!


Simple but makes a statement


An adorable centerpiece vase


A sweet treat greeting


Isn't this a sweet bean bag toss game!


Pumpkin Topiary


Ready for a festive gathering!

Have a wonderful day,
Sharon





And the winner of Day 9's give away goes to
using the random generator

# 65 - Rainy Day Farm 
Please email your address to sharon@fiberdoodles.com

~ To participate in tomorrow's give away ~

1.  Join the party (for one entry)
2.  Post my party button on your blog (for one entry)
3.  Post my blog button on your sidebar (for one entry)
4.  Follow me (for one entry)

If you are already participating in the party, have the party button, blog button and follow, your name is already in the hat!

Thank you for participating!!



Country Living