Thursday, June 9, 2011

Out on Vacation!

Well, Here it is June already!

and I haven't posted since March!

EEEeeeekkkk!!!!

I have a lot of great supporters and followers and love this blog but I feel like I have been on vacation since March,

So, I just wanted to give an update to say "hello!"

and thanks for following, still, obviously if you are reading this!

I plan on still sharing some sprinkles of flavor because like I said I love this blog, I love food, I love to cook,

which I am still doing

but this blog really is just me sharing my love of food and cooking... sprinkles of flavor... that I enjoy

so, you should know that my timing of not blogging slowing down blogging coincides with warmer weather, and it is only getting hotter!

Which for me means living life outside!

Seriously!

I enjoy every second of living it up outside!

So, I will just say I think I am in a hiatus, hibernation, or vacation.

However you want to look at it.

So it may be fall and winter before I share more sprinkles of flavor!

If it is before then, we will consider it a treat!

So thanks for hanging in there with me!

Until winter next time,

Happy Cooking/Grilling!

Now go and enjoy some sunshine, beach, mountains, water, something outside!

Friday, March 11, 2011

First Ever Sharing Sprinkles of Suggestions Saturday

I am so excited to be extending my Sprinkles of Suggestions to a link party.

I primarily feature food and recipes on my blog but love getting ideas from others, especially in the crafty area and the best way for me to do that is through link parties.

So I would love to see what everyone is doing and have you share them here on Sprinkles of Flavors' Sharing Sprinkles of Suggestions Saturdays.

So, please link up something that you would suggest to your closest friends:
  • food/recipe
  • craft
  • diy/remodel/upcycle
  • great tip for family, home, healthy living
Share your great suggestions!

I wanted to share my St. Patrick's Day mantel because my inspiration for this mantel all came from visiting other link parties and checking out what you all had to share/suggest!




That's the great thing about link parties!

I found this great free Lucky printable for the middle of my mantle @ Reasons to Skip the Housework and I used glue and glitter to make the Lucky shine, then added a ribbon, and framed it

and

this great tutorial on how to make a rag garland over @ One Prim Chick to make
my St. Patty's garland

I am really in love with this and will carry it on to other seasons and occassions. Look out easter I already have my pastel fabric.

and then the other free lucky shamrock printable @ Madigan Made and framed it and put it between my two daughters' newborn pics. I thought this was really appropriate and love how it turned out.



I added my shamrock plant I have had forever and got at my local grocery store.

and also, included a frame of 7 four leaf clovers that I found in our yard the first year we moved in our current house!!

Now that I have shared my Sprinkles of Suggestions let's move on to yours...

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Quintuple Chocolate Brownies


I must warn you this is not my usual recipe share post.

I could not go without sharing this delicious treat from Dorie Greenspan's Baking From My Home to Yours though.

I loved it so much because you see...

I must confess I am was never a brownie person.

I love my sweets, don't get me wrong.

I have a huge sweet tooth, I can't go without out eating something sweet everyday,

There was about 7-8 mo., when I was pregnant with my first daughter for some reason I wasn't wanting any sweets but that passed, quickly, so much for the second go round,
Yes, that is me with my hubby VERY, very, preggo!

but I am not complaining!

Give me cake, cookies, cupcake, pie, plain ol' Chocolate, whatever I'll take it!

Brownies I will used to be able to say "No" to,

But that has all changed thanks to Dorie Greenspan and these

QUINTUPLE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Asparagus Roll Ups


I have been in the mood for spring lately.

Thankfully our February this year was not like last year, completely covered in snow all month!

And March hasn't been too bad except the *SURPRISE* snow we had this Sunday!

But I will move on and not talk about that too much. I don't want to mention the four letter s word too much because I hope it doesn't pop up again too many more times at all until December!

So, I have been buying a lot of asparagus lately.

I don't know why but it has become my go to veggie.

One of my 2011 food goals is to cook more veggies so that the whole house eats more veggies!
(Well, so that the people who live in the house eat more veggies, ya know what I mean!)

I must admit I have somewhat been slacking in this area,
from my posts you can tell I have a sweet tooth
and so most of my kitchen time is spent baking!!

Thus the veggies get left behind

enter the asparagus
easy, fast to cook up
and
they become green fries!!!
Viola!

But I also must admit there seem to be very limited asparagus recipes out there
and I didn't want the family to get tired of my go to veggie
so I was having to whip something else out of there with my green fries

So, who doesn't love cheese on fries!!!
Plus I have secretly been wanting to make something with my favorite dressing...

Clemson Blue Cheese, THE BEST BLUE CHEESE!

Thanks to some great friends in South Carolina for sending this to us!
(In a Clemson cooler and all! Go TIGERS!)

And with children if you make it into a wrap with bread and regular cheese
 (for my little bread lovin' kiddos)
it is even better because it instantly becomes a finger food

So, ENTER the asaparagus roll ups...

Monday, March 7, 2011

Double Caramel Butter Cupcakes

Thanks to friends for being great inspiration!

Oh, I love it when friends give me ideas for desserts.

This is one of those.

I don't think I would have ever put this combo together, but a friend was talking about one of her favorites from a bakery where she just moved from, a butter cupcake with caramel icing!

Hmmmm... Never had one!

So, what's a girl to do when she has a friend in need (craving some goodies), plus it is her birthday, and add in "I have never had that!"

Make your own!!!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Lemon & Cherry Squares

                     

I feel like I am constantly playing the seven degrees of Kevin Bacon, only a kitchen version though, with flavors or ingredients, no Kevin Bacon involved, maybe bacon though sometimes!

Also, while I am on this seven degrees, connections thing I want to thank the following for featuring my St. Patty's S'mores :

Tidy Mom
WhipperBerry
I heart Naptime


Thank you!




 
Now,

If you read my blog regularly then you *sigh* probably have a little insight in to how my *kitchen brain* works

(I am sorry! I will just apologize now)

But I am thankful that you read, follow, put up with my weird sense of humor and less then perfect pics and hopefully fix some of these great recipes!

So, this recipe came about from my Sweet Tart Muffins, a presidents' day inspired Cherry Muffin!

From that I had a lovely gal pal who hinted she is loving anything lemon and especially likes the flavors of lemon and cherry together. *hint*hint*hint*

So, reading up to this point you should know by now my brain is ticking away,

And so you have these lovely tart-like cookies, Lemon & Cherry Squares...

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

 


Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
(adpated from poem by Michelle Oakes @ Fabulous in First )

It's March 2nd Dr. Seuss
It's such an important day
Today we celebrate you
Happy Birthday we Say!

You wrote Cat in the Hat
Green Eggs and Ham
Created Horton, the Lorax,
The Grinch and Sam I am.

You wrote great stories
and a many a great rhyme
and when we read your books
we have a great time!

Happy Birthday!


This Seuss inspired party was for my daughter's first Birthday but I thought today would be the perfect day to share it and pay homage to the great Dr. Seuss on his birthday!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

THE Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies~ Pull up a chair and some milk



This Chocolate Chip Cookie really is the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie.

Crunchy around the edges, soft and chewy on the inside, and amazing flavor of a sweet buttery, sugar cookie with lots of chocolate flavor.

That is why it is my go to chocolate chip cookie, I have a close second, my Derby Day Chocolate Chip Cookie.

This weekend was one of those great weekends!

Sun is shining, it is 60 degrees outside versus the 30 something degree weather we had this time last year, birds are chirping, my St. Patty's S'mores Bars were chosen by Cheryl over at TidyMom in her wrap up party (enter me squealing in excitement, I just love TidyMom so I am definitely Lovin' This, sorry I couldn't resist!, it is one of my TOP fav spots on the internet), the girls got to play outside, and my husband requests these cookies.

(and ok so the birds weren't chirping but everything else above is true)

Out of all the things I make, all the new things I try to make, weekly...

My husband comes out with, "Can you please make those Chocolate Chip Cookies?! You know the ones... and don't change the recipe, ANY!"

Ummm... Ok, so why would I change the recipe?

Hmmmm... Ok, maybe he knows me too well. And that I have to try new things in the kitchen ALL the time.

But this really is one of those recipes you just don't CHANGE! and if you do, you always come back to the way it is..

because it is just that darn good!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

S'mores Bars~St.Patty's Style



Proud to say featured on:



What's a girl to do when you want something sweet in a hurry?!!!
 Resort to no bake, with chocolate, and marshmallows.
 Yes, I said it no bake!

A travesty I know!


I usually stray away from no bake, but desperate times, call for desperate measures and this did not fail me...

I have a new cookbook and found this tempting picture of what they call "chocolate marshmallow fingers" looking back at me and I kept reading the ingredients and all I could think about was s'mores.

It only involves a few ingredients and some heating on the stovetop,

 So it was on!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

1943 Vintage Joy of Cooking Chicken Tamale Pie~Update


Let me tell you a little bit about how I came across this recipe.

This is a first time fix for me.

Here it is the end of February and all I can think about is how I have not cooked anything this month from my vintage 1943 edition of Joy of Cooking.

If you have been reading my blog then you know that one of my 2011 goals is to cook from my 1943 edition of Joy of Cooking.

So I started thinking about the chicken I had in the fridge and a casserole type dish.

So I go to my 1943 Joy of Cooking and thumb through the index, the first thing for Chicken is a la King.

Not exactly what I am looking for (don't ask me what "exactly" I am looking for, I don't know, it just has to speak to me, cook me)

Across the page from Chicken a La King is Chicken Tamale Pie. Sounds delish! Not what I expected a tamale recipe to be though, I must confess I am a tamale virgin. I have never had a tamale, but after watching way too many  numerous cooking shows this is not the tamale I know, I expected for there to be corn husk involved.

Maybe that is why it is a tamale pie, I guess a tamale casserole if you want to consider it that.
(Yep, wikipedia confirmed my suspicions!)

Anyways, that is how my brain works when it comes to food!

So, let's get to the tasty part...Chicken Tamale Pie!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Sweet Tart (Cherry) Muffins~ It's Presidents' Day!



In honor of Presidents' Day and Washington's Birthday I began thinking about cherries!


Yeah, yeah, I know! A very un celebrated holiday but a good excuse to think about cherries and the fable supposed chopping down of the cherry tree!

For whatever reasons you want to pick,

Presidents' Day, George Washington's Birthday, National Cherry Month (February), because they are red...

cherries are always great to eat and even better when sweetened up!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Amazing Blueberry Bread


Ahhh...Blueberries

If you don't have any blueberries in your fridge right now I hope this makes you want to go get some.

We love them at our house.

The kids love to just eat them like candy (I am serious, I won't tell them otherwise either)

I love to throw them in cereal and well make this lovely cake like bread.

(Yes I put it in a loaf pan and call it bread so I can feel better about eating it, you can do the same, give it a try it will make you feel better)

So, let's get down to business at hand...

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

French Breakfast Puffs aka Baked Doughnuts

Warm, butter, and cinnamon. Need I say anymore?

Ok, so these have been going around but I wanted to share ...

Just in case you haven't had one!

You must make these this weekend!

Sorry, but you will be hooked.

And there won't be leftovers, because you have to eat them warm, and dang it you just start popping them into your mouth, because you say "mmm... that was good, just one more" and then "one more".

So, I apologize ahead of time.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Last Minute Valentine'sIdeas~ Cupcakes and Cookies!



Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Well, here it is upon us! Luckily I had my ducks in a row and have my Valentine's made!

This is not always the case,

So, for those of you who may be looking for last minute ideas (because that is sometimes me) I wanted to share these cute, simple, ideas!

Cupcakes, cookies, pancakes, etc.

Pick one to whip up for your sweeties to make Valentine's a little extra special with something homemade...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Heavenly Strawberry Fudge

These Strawberry Fudge squares scream "Bite Me!" Bet you can't take just one bite!
As featured on top ten at
linkparty

Pure sugar bliss!

Creamy and rich with a hint of strawberry, AND pink!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner this is a perfect treat to whip up for anyone...

the kids, parents, neighbors, friends, significant other.

Anyone would love to receive this treat.

And it is quick and easy to make, and my favorite part is that it is homemade candy that doesn't require a candy thermometer!


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Valentine's Day Cookies with Glaze Icing

Ahhh... Hearts painted red, and pink, and sprinkled with love!




Ok, you can't let Valentine's Day go by without having sugar cookie hearts, especially if you have kiddos!

Besides chocolate, decorated sugar cookie hearts have Valentines Day written all over them.

How can you resist?

Monday, February 7, 2011

Quick Hot Ham and Cheese Party Rolls




Who doesn't love a quick and easy, but delish sandwich?

These Hot Ham and Cheese Party Rolls basically just require a homemade spread that can be made in less than 15 min., assembled then cooked for less than 15 min!

And just like that you have a wonderful sandwich for supper or for a get together, perhaps a birthday, shower, or sports event.

It really is that versatile!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Italian Creme Cake~ An Italian Imposter?

Italian or Southern? Either way I am eating it!!
This was my first attempt at Italian Creme Cake.

It was a request from a friend for her husand's birthday, so I went searching for info. for the perfect Italian Creme Cake recipe, not even knowing what that should really be, but looking at various trusted sources I finally came up with one I trusted.

Interestingly enough I became a little more confused about the whole "Italian" part as to whether this is a cake of Italian origin or not.

This is why I hate names like this, it is so misleading,
 I digress back to my "Real Deal Cheesecake" and my refusal to call it "NY style" cheesecake since I am not from NY and never been to NY. (sure I have had cheesecakes that claim to be "NY style" but again...)

So, anyways, I thought now would be the time to share this recipe with Valentine's Day coming up! 

Why not celebrate with some layers of goodness?!!!

Very sweet, just right cake with coconut and nuts, layered with yummy cream cheese frosting and stacked high!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Birthday Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake

Ok, well, I have to admit, this is not an original idea...

But an idea I loved and had to steal...

Because if you don't already know it...

Today is MY birthday and I LOVE peanut butter and chocolate and cheesecake!!!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Valentine Peppermint and White Chocolate Heart Lollipops


Sweets for your sweeties!


Aren't these just too cute?!!

Well, it is almost February, that time of year when cupid visits.

So, let's get ready with some great, simple, festive, red, white, and pink treats...

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Real Deal Cheesecake


The Golden Deliciousness!
 


Ok, I hear that this is supposed to be like New York style Cheesecake, I am reluctant to say that because sadly enough I have never been to New York to have "real" Cheesecake. (and I am not going to go on what others say, if it isn't local then I am not claiming that it is!)

Having said that this is "the real deal".

What is "the real deal" you ask? (So, glad you asked!)

It is baked cheesecake, and not too creamy, but thick, dense cheesecake!!! That gets better after day two!

I sadly enough know way too many people that only eat no bake, out of the box or store bought, frozen cheesecake and never had "the real deal", baked cheesecake.

It is a travesty to me!

So, let's get started so everyone can have "the real deal"...

Monday, January 24, 2011

Orange Yum-Yum Rolls

Yum Yum!
Smell the citrus? the sugar?
That is about all I can say about this beautiful concotion of homemade bread, fresh grated orange rind with freshly squeezed orange juice and sugar!
So, I will say it again, "Yum-Yum!"

No, I really have much more to say, plus the recipe, so you can enjoy your own...

Friday, January 21, 2011

Classic Sausage Balls

Need a quick but filling breakfast?

Perhaps an appetizer?

An only 3 ingredient breakfast meal?

Well, let's revisit the forgotten sausage ball...


 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Cheddar Cheese Corn Muffins

It is that time of year,

time for chili, stews and soups.

So, here is my great little "corny" muffin to go with those warming, stick to your rib meals...



Tuesday, January 18, 2011

1943 Joy of Cooking: Potato Volcano with Welsh Rarebit

Ok, so I am sticking to one of my 2011 food goals and cooking from my vintage 1943 edition Joy of Cooking cookbook.

I found this recipe while looking through the Vegetables section (another one of my 2011 food goals, cook/eat more veggies) and it just had FUN written all over it (it included the word volcano, plus it includes beer as one of the ingredients).

So let's get to exploring Potato Volcanos with Welsh Rarebit (otherwise known as cheesy potatoes with beer!)...




Monday, January 17, 2011

Chicken Phyllo

Need an idea for a nice sit down dinner?

Need an idea for a family meal?

Need an idea for a prepare ahead meal?

Need an idea for a meal that will feed a lot of people?

Need an idea for a meal on the go/wrap?

You get the picture...

You are in luck!!! I have the answer to all those questions in this recipe! Truly, no joke!

 This is my new "go to" recipe.

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Sprinkles of Suggestions Saturday

These are just a few of my suggestions:



+

Ok, I have never posted on a Saturday before (but I have also never missed a weekday either until this week).

But then there was this recipe for Peanut Butter Cup Bars over at the Brown Eyed Baker. I must say most everything she posts I save for my to do list at some point. So then I started thinking, what if someone else has not had the pleasure of being introduced to this lovely site (hard to believe) or this lovely recipe.

My mind is already spinning with ideas of lining the pan with chocolate then adding the layers or actually taking the time to do this in mini muffin pan for inidividual cups! But this recipe is great just the way it is and really simple, so a double plus!!!

So, this is more about sharing than suggestions, because who am I to suggest you do anything, but share, suggest, whatever you want to call it, I am HIGHLY suggesting you make this recipe, like now, or at least sometime this weekend.

So, lets get to it...

Friday, January 14, 2011

White Chocolate Cake with Rich White Chocolate Frosting

So with the world outside of me being blanketed with snow what better way to celebrate mother nature than with a white on white cake, with a twist ( I couldn't stand to not try something different and my mind has already been thinking about Valentine's Day!).

Not much else to say, except this cake is darn good!

I was surprised at how rich it was, especially since I had just finished up a Triple Chocolate Cake with Fudge filling and Chocolate Buttercream icing!!

So without further rambling, let's get started...

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Blackeye Pea Salsa Soup

 Well I am from the south and I had good intentions of having blackeye peas and hog jowl for New Year's.

Why? I don't know. I have never done that before in my life although I come from a family that does. I seriously don't think I have ever had blackeye peas before.

Needless to say I didn't do the whole blackeye peas and hog jowl thing on New Year's. (I got this great invite from friends to have dinner at their house on New Year's so that got me off of my kick real quick!)

So, I had this can of blackeye peas sitting in my cupboard, along with some hog jowl in the fridge. (My husband kept opening the fridge and gravitating towards it, always asking "and what is this? It's like bacon?" It was the meat eater coming out in him, he could smell the salty pork a mile away, I swear! I think he was almost in withdrawals from Country Ham at Christmas time)

Anyways, so then I continue to think about my blackeye peas and hog jowl, and then I keep thinking about soup because it is so cold outside. And all this keeps swirling in my head like the tornado scene from Wizard of Oz. (scary being inside my head isn't it?!)

So, finally I just get out my blackeye peas and hog jowl and start cooking and end up with this wonderful soup!