“DIY Crafts: Faux Fireplace Mantel”

November 27, 2012   -   3 Comments

I recently had an opportunity to work with the Martha Stewart team on a fun holiday project. For the project, I chose to drape a mantel. The mantel I chose was actually one my friend Melissa had recently constructed in 8 days. …

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“Peanut-Butter Swirl Brownies”

November 27, 2012   -   None

Dollops of peanut butter filling are spooned onto brownie batter; pulling a knife back and forth through both results in a marbleized look. Ingredients FOR THE BATTER 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for pan 2 …

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“Creating Christmas Cheer with Pier 1”

November 27, 2012   -   None

I recently stopped into the local Pier 1 store to check out their holiday decorations. I don’t know about you but Christmas is one of my favorite holidays and winter is one of my favorite seasons. It’s almost like I was a …

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“10 Celebrity Couples Talk Babies Before Marriage”

November 26, 2012   -   None

Earlier this month, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard announced that they’re expecting their first child in the spring. And although they’ve been together for years, the longtime couple are not yet married. But they’re not the only Hollywood couple to have a baby before the wedding. From Angelina …

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“Broccoli and Pork Stir-Fry”

November 26, 2012   -   None

Coins of peeled broccoli stalks add a faint sweetness and crunch to savory pork. Broccoli and Pork Stir-Fry Prep Time: 25 min Total Time: 25 min Yield: Serves 4 Ingredients 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 1/4 …

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“Brown Sugar and Pecan Sticky Buns”

November 24, 2012   -   None

Pecan Sticky Buns are probably one of my favorite breakfast treats. They are so amazingly delicious, especially warmed with a little butter on top. Prep Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes plus resting Yield: Serves 12 Ingredients All-purpose flour, for work …

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“Expanding Picky Palates”

November 22, 2012   -   None

One thing you’ll learn quickly as a parent is that even young children have unique palates. From my experience with six kids of my own, it can be extremely difficult when every child wants something different for dinner. So what do you …

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“Bacon Cheddar Grits”

November 22, 2012   -   None

This side dish pairs well with fried chicken or grilled pork and shrimp. Ingredients 4 slices bacon, finely chopped 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional) 4 1/2 cups water 1 cup quick-cooking grits Coarse salt and ground pepper 1 cup plus another 1/2 …

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“Places To Visit: Hilton Waikoloa Village”

November 22, 2012   -   None

As temperatures cool off, travelers aren’t the only ones heading to warmer climates — Humpback whales journey to the refreshing waters of Hawaii, and Hilton Waikoloa VIllage offers guests the chance to Sail with the Whales*, Dec.1, 2012 through April 15, 2013, starting …

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“Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Avocado”

November 21, 2012   -   None

Choose heavy, undamaged avocados. One that yields slightly to pressure is best for slicing and dicing; if pressure leaves a small indentation, the avocado is best mashed. Avoid very soft avocados, as they will be overripe and unusable. Prep Time: 15 minutes …

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“S’mores Cookies”

November 21, 2012   -   None

No fire necessary to create these gooey, chocolaty treats. Yield: Makes 30 Ingredients 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled) 1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled) 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon …

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“Spicy Cheddar-Stuffed Burgers”

November 20, 2012   -   None

These burgers feature cheddar cheese that melts between two patties instead of on top of one. However, mixing chipotle pepper purée with the ground meat before stuffing the patties adds a deliciously spicy kick to the burgers themselves. Have tomatoes, red onion, …

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“Sweet & Savory Bacon Pancakes”

November 19, 2012   -   1 Comment

These bacon pancakes satisfy both the sweet and savory senses. Surprise your family with this breakfast on Saturday or Sunday morning. Sweet & Savory Bacon Pancakes Prep Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Yield: Makes 8 Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour, …

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