Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Split Pea Soup with Garlic Croutons

As the holidays are upon us with parties and gatherings, I find it harder to be in control of my diet. I decided that my best choice is to make sure our meals at home are healthy, low fat and lower calories. Also keeping plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits available helps. It leaves a little more wiggle room when we are eating away from home.

So, we will be eating a lot of soup, mostly bean soups with a little meat. It needs to be hearty so dear hubby doesn't miss that meat! Here is a recipe I developed today that turned out really good. Dear hubby loved it and so did I. We will enjoy it for a couple of nights this week. 

                               

Split Pea Soup

       

Split pea, Soup, Smoked Ham Shank,

       

        See Split Pea Soup on Key Ingredient.    

   


Enjoy!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Our Family Baking Day

Baking is so much more fun when you do it with somebody. Especially special somebodies, like sisters and nieces at Christmas. We all met at my sister Lori's house to bake this past weekend. The week before, she suggested we send her the recipes we wanted to make and she would have all of the ingredients available for us. How great is that! This will give you a peak at what it's like to bake at Lori's house.


This basket and table had all the baking necessities

A closer look

This table had utensils, cookie cutters, flavorings and decorating items

Bowls and measuring cups and spoons

Baking pans, parchment paper and other wrapping material




Our niece Misty
 Our sister Lori

Our sister Kathleen
Oatmeal Scotchies

Peanut Butter Bars

Italian Anise Cookies with Icing
Coal for the naughty kids

I didn't get pictures of everything. We also made peanut butter balls, rice crispy treats, sugar cookies. We almost had peanut brittle, but there was a little problem with the cook time which produced smoke coming out of the microwave and resulted in the "coal" you see above. I'm sure I'm forgetting a couple of things that were made. It was all fun! Especially the time spent with family! I love them all! 

Thanks Lori, for everything! Especially the memories!

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Peanut Butter Balls


   
   

Peanut Butter, Chocolate,


   
   


        See Peanut Butter Balls on Key Ingredient.
   


   


Here is the link for the Italian Anise Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles.

Here is the link for Granny's Sugar Cookies.

Enjoy!