Meltaways

These delightful little cookies always seem to be on Christmas platters, but I’m here to tell you that they’re great all year round. They are so easy to customize – you’ll be amazed at all the delicious ways you can make them. With their buttery melty texture, they are always a hit.

Meltaways02

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Devotional – Replacing Ritual With Relationship

Just a quick reminder this morning – something I read this week that really touched me.

God wants to replace our ritual and religiosity with a soul satisfying spirit saving relationship.

Hope that brings a little perspective to your day and a fresh outlook as you start your week!

The Best Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Ever

Reblogged from Bakerlady:

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I used to just throw some salt and oil on my pumpkin seeds every year. Then a few years ago, I came across a recipe that used these ingredients. I've tweaked the recipe quite a bit based on what I've learned from making Chex mix from my mom's old old recipe of it. Newer recipes use WAY less butter and seasoned salt.

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I pulled up this blog today as it's pumpkin carving time again. I'll be sure to have some new pics from this year soon, but wanted to share the seed recipe again for those of you who are new to Bakerlady. Enjoy!

Veggie Lasagna

I tried, but I can’t give up my noodles in lasagna. I just can’t do it. The idea for this recipe came from a zucchini lasagna I saw on Pinterest. When it came time to slice up the squash to replace the noodles, I chickened out. Tangent – why is it chickens get such a bad rap? Are they really cowardly? Anyone know? I saw some at the zoo the other day (yes, my kids love looking at the most boring of animals), they didn’t seem particularly afraid of us…I wonder when chickens became the scaredy cats of scapegoats? Anyway, I decided to use all veggies in place of meat instead.

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Devotional – Like Nothing In This World

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I was talking to a friend the other day over Skype (best invention ever) about how amazing the peace of the Lord is. When I happened upon this scripture in my devotional time this week, I knew it was meant for sharing. Continue reading

Cosmo Cosmo & The Big Winner!

It’s here!! The winner of the Seattle Chocolates giveaway! Hooray! Free chocolate! Thank you for sharing, subscribing and following! I’m so blessed to have such wonderful readers. I wish I could give chocolate to you all. Alas, I have only one bag to give away. So without further delay…

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Devotional – God the Spotter

Exodus 33:14 The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Often I’m paralyzed by the fear that God is asking me to do things beyond my abilities. I worry, as Moses did in Exodus that the job is too big. The problem too complex. Large goals mean stretching yourself and that’s frequently a painful process. Continue reading

Crusting Buttercream & The Great Cupcake Pan

This week I had the tremendous privilege of making the topper for a wedding tower. The bride and groom wanted a giant cupcake, so that’s what they got. I tested out several buttercream recipes and absolutely loved this one. It tastes delicious and crusts up beautifully but is still soft enough to cut thru.

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Adobo Pork Chops

I’m a big wuss when it comes to spicy foods. So, don’t let the name of this recipe scare you. I actually almost missed my 21st birthday celebration (aka: go out with my friends and let them attempt to get me blitzed) because I went out for Mexican food with my momma and hubby earlier in the day. We split a giant plate of nachos and I accidentally ate some of the juice from a jalapeno that had leaked onto my portion of the chips. Not even the actual pepper! Just the remnants of it. I got so sick to my stomach, all I wanted to do was bow down before Loo, god of porcelain all night. Which, I’d kind of expected to do on my 21st birthday, just not before consuming any alcohol!
I rallied that night and managed to go out, celebrate in full newly-drinking-age glory and not have to revisit “Loo”. It was the first time I realized the blessing of an Irish heritage. Drinking chops? Yes. Food thrill seeker thru spice? Not a chance. Um, clarification. When I said “drinking chops”, I meant chops as in “expertise in a particular field or activity”, not the cut of meat. Hmmmm. Maybe not the best choice of wording there. Just got a mental image of pureed pork going into a glass. Ewwww. Boy have I gotten off track here. All this to say, spicy food has never been kind to me.
That was many birthdays ago, and my taste buds have developed a little. A very small little. I still can’t handle more than mild salsa, but I love love loved these chops. The marinade is just the right level of heat with a depth of flavor from orange juice and cinnamon that makes it mouth happy food! If you’ve never heard my rant about what temperature to cook pork to, see here. Overcooked pork is one of my biggest pet peeves. Besides feet. (shudder)
You will love the flavor of these chops. It is absolutely phenomenal. Yum yum yum! PS: All those gorgeous grill marks happen when you leave your meat alone! Put it on the grill and don’t touch it for about 4-5 minutes. Then change the direction and don’t touch it again! It’s the constant moving of the meat that makes you miss out on the pretty presentation of those crosshatch grill markings.
Adobo Pork Chops
from BHG Low Calorie Magazine 2012
6 boneless pork top loin chops, cut 3/4 inch thick
2  tablespoons packed brown sugar
2  tablespoons olive oil
2  tablespoons orange juice
2  tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
1  tablespoon red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
2  teaspoons chili powder
1  teaspoon ground cumin
1  teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
1/2  teaspoon salt
1/4  teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4  teaspoon ground cinnamon
3  cloves garlic, minced
1. Place chops in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish. For marinade, in a small bowl combine brown sugar, oil, orange juice, cilantro, vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne pepper (if desired), cinnamon, and garlic. Pour over chops; seal bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours to 24 hours, turning occasionally.
2. Drain chops, discarding marinade. For a charcoal grill, grill chops on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium heat for 12 minutes or until chops are done (145 degrees F), turning once halfway through grilling. Makes 6 servings.

Strawberry Lemon Drop

In one of my more boneheaded moves EVER, I gave up alcohol for Lent this year. I’m not Catholic, but I like the tradition of sacrificing something I enjoy for 40 days in an effort to refocus my attention on the things that really matter. I didn’t think thru that I’d be giving up a beer on St. Patrick’s Day, girls night out cocktails and martinis with my hubby after a particularly trying day. I guess that means it was a successful experience since I really felt the pain of the loss. Actually, this blog is the product of Lent. A couple years ago I decided to give up Facebook for Lent. After about 3 days, I was so deprived for online community that I started Bakerlady. I kind of missed the spirit of sacrifice that year. I stuck to the “wagon” much better with alcohol. Today was the end of my deprivation and I celebrated by making one of my all time favorite drinks. Of course I have to share my joy (hic-up!) with all of you! Continue reading