Works for Me...

I haven't posted anything lately and I know all three of you missed me. :0 )  I have a friend who writes a funny blog Monday through Friday with each day on a theme.  So today,  I'll do a "Works For Me" Wednesday.  Maybe I can keep it up Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The backstory:
Ever since I graced my first maternity store, I've been wearing a half camisole under my shirts because 1) most maternity tops are low cut and 2) everything expands during pregnancy.  The brand I found in the store, Noppies, is a European brand and about $30 for one camisole.  I haven't be able to find another similar camisole until NOW.  I've found that I still wear my camisole every. single. day. and its getting a little sad looking.  I think I will need extra 'help' with my underpinnings all the days of my life.  Here's my find.

The Bandini by Barely There, sold at Kohl's at about$ 16 for a two pack.  Comes in various colors (black and neutral are best) and though it is marketed as a alternative for your traditional support garment (SG), I highly recommend it in addition to said garment.  I think they are snug, so buy one size up for the recommend size on the package.  They run XS to XL.  I still have about 15 S.G.s that I need to burn because they are useless, but that's neither here nor there.

Secondly,  I made some delicious cheese and chocolate fondue for my birthday. Both are simple recipes.  The Gruyere cheese is a little high flutin', but the end result is worth it.  Oh, so good.  I ate the leftovers at breakfast, lunch, and dinner the next day.  Obviously, my wistfulness for toned arms is not a serious goal yet.

Since I'm on a roll, here's the sweet little preschool backpack I bought Jay.  I know.  He's two.  He's too young for a pencil pouch and protractor.  But if you've got to carry your own underpants, you might as well look good doing it.

Bras, fondue, and backpacks.  It's a good thing.

Cheese ball!

I have two New Year's food traditions: Black Eye Peas and a Cheese Ball.

Here's the recipe I used for the cheese ball from Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons Cookbook.

Strawberry Cheese Ring

16 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

One 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 small onion, chopped

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 tsp. garlic salt or powder

Cayenne pepper to taste (omitted)

1 cup strawberry preserves

Ritz crackers

Combine all ingredients except preserves and crackers in a food processor or electric mixer. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Scoop mixture onto a platter and mold into a ring formation (place a sheet of wax paper between your hands and the mixture to prevent melting and stickiness). Spread strawberry preserves into the center of the ring and serve with crackers.
 
Sooo good!  I started making it last NYE.  If you like pimento cheese, you will like the spread.  It is easy to over indulge on this one!

 If you've never made black eye peas, it is extremely simple.  Buy a one pound bag and soak the dry peas overnight.  Drain and rinse peas.  Over with 6-8 cups of hot water and bring to a simmer.  I simmer it all day, adding more water.  I add boneless pork chops that have been cut into cubes about halfway through the day.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  This is NOT a good crock pot recipe; best to use the stove top.  Serve with cornbread and butter.  The peas and pork form a stew and I like to top with chopped, raw onion.  The stew is even better the next day.  The stew thickens in the fridge and is delicious reheated.

My mamasita taught us this recipe and it's a favorite for me and sis.  xxoo Mommie!

Mmmm... Kettle Corn

Liked it so much that I have to share.

I do grocery shopping at Wal-mart and they only carry Orville Redenbacher popcorn, which does not carry the "no trans fat" label. I did buy some of their single serving kettle corn, and it had an off taste-- too fake salty.

Maybe it's the economy and the whole back-to-basics marketing movement, but I bought some plain ole kernels. Great Value brand. $1.25. The O.R. kernels were 4 dollars!

Parade magazine (in the Sunday paper) had a recipe this weekend for sweet and spicy kettle corn. I let out the spicy and just kept it sweet. It was wonderful.

As I was popping, I remembered those early grade school history lessons about the pilgrims learning about corn from the Native Americans. I felt all Pioneer Annie.

Before microwave popcorn hit it big, we cooked our popcorn in an air popper. But to cook it on the stove is kinda like magic. You heat the oil, drop in the kernels, and cover.

You shake the pot and wonder, Will it burn? Will it pop? And lo, it does. It did.

One 1/2 cup of kernels made an entire pot full-- probably 6-8 cups. It was caramelized, rugged, and wholesome.

Here's the recipe from Bobby Flay.

Sweet and Spicy Kettle Corn

3 tbsp. oil (I used vegetable)
1/2 cup kernels
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. kosher salt
2 tbsp. ancho chili powder * (I omitted)

Heat oil one minute on medium heat in a heavy 4 quart pot. Drop kernels in a single layer and cover with sugar. Cover with lid. Shake pot periodically to prevent burning. Take pot off the stove when popping slows to pops every 3-5 seconds. Remove lid and add salt and chili powder if desired.

Enjoy, home pioneers!