We're finally back to beautiful weather!

After a couple of sketchy weeks, the weather has finally turned beautiful again here in Livingston, TX. I guess it's true what they say about Texas weather... whatever that saying is, I'm sure it's true.

Today was filled with glorious sunshine, gentle breezes and warm temperatures approaching 70. Apparently a great day to break out the chainsaws and tear down some trees! All around the park today, above the sounds of happy birds warbling, over the shouts of "Hello!" from RV'ers excited to be able to get out of their homes and enjoy the warmth, over all of that, the raucous wail of chainsaws could be heard from all corners.

What is it about trees that has humans in constant battle with them? Everywhere you go, if there are trees, and there are humans, you'll hear chainsaws. In the immortal words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?".

Brrrrbrrrbraaahhhhh, crack, crack, thud.... there goes another one. Another casualty in the war between trees and men.

Oh well, maybe when all the trees are gone we can have peace and harmony with grass... Thwap, thwap, brrrrrrrrr... wait, is that a lawnmower? ugh... LOL

How would you like a to host a block party, sponsored by a major food producer, for FREE?

Do you like to cook? I hope if you're reading this blog you at least know someone who does!

Do you like to host parties and be social with all your neighbors?

How would you like some free food and maybe a couple other goodies for yourself?

My wife has found a great way to have some fun with your friends, eat some good food, and try some new products and it's all for free! It's called a HouseParty and you can read about it on her website by clicking these links; SweepTalk .

You could host a Brat BBQ sponsored by Johnsonville completely free. Or maybe a pizza party sponsored by DiGiorno is more your style. Either way you will get everything you need to host a party absolutely free, right down to the napkins and party favors in most cases!

What better way is there to make great friends and try great stuff?

Decadent Red Velvet Brownies

Just in time for Valentines day.... Nancy found this recipe in Southern Living and wanted to try it.  They were excellent - a very refreshing change from a normal brownie.

Ingredients

• 1  (4-oz.) 60% Ghiradelli Cacao chocolate baking bar, chopped
• 3/4 c. butter
• 2  c. sugar
• 4  large eggs
• 1 1/2  c. all-purpose flour
• 1  (1-oz.) bottle red liquid food coloring
• 1 1/2  t. baking powder
• 1  t. vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line pan with foil by trimming two long foil pieces to a 9-inch width. Fit strips, crossing each other, in the pan, lightly grease foil (or use Reynolds non-stick foil).
2. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30-second intervals. Whisk in sugar. Add eggs, 1 at a time, whisking just until blended after each addition. Gently stir in flour and next 4 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pan.
3. Bake at 350° for 44 to 50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
4. Lift brownies from pan, using foil sides as handles; gently remove foil. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting (below) on top of brownies.  Garnish with curled white chocolate, if desired

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1  (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
• 3  T.  butter, softened
• 1 1/2  c.  powdered sugar
• pinch of  salt
• 1/2  t. vanilla extract

Preparation

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, salt and vanilla, beating until blended. 

Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded
• 1 (4.5 ounce) package quick cooking long grain and wild rice with seasoning packet
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 c. carrots (chopped or sliced)
• 1/2 cup white wine

Directions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine broth, onion, carrots and chicken. Bring just to boiling, then stir in rice, reserving seasoning packet. Cover and remove from heat.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper and flour. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in contents of seasoning packet until mixture is bubbly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in flour mixture by tablespoons, to form a roux. Whisk in cream, a little at a time, until fully incorporated and smooth.  Add wine.  Cook until thickened, 5 minutes.
3. Stir cream mixture into broth and rice. Cook over medium heat until heated through, 10 to 15 minutes.  

Chicken Soup

Chicken Primavera with Pasta

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups frozen vegetables (broccoli, carrots, red peppers, snow peas, etc)
• 1 tub (10 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme
• 3 cups hot cooked pasta
• 1 T. minced garlic.
• 1/4 t. crushed red pepper (optional)  

Nancy's Note: There is a $1.50 coupon you can print right now!  Limit 2 prints per household.  I think Wal-Mart's price is about $2.50 or so before coupon.  (Just click above or this image)

Directions:

• Cook and stir chicken in large nonstick skillet on medium heat 5 to 6 min. or until done. Add vegetables; cook 2 to 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Add cooking creme, garlic and red pepper; cook and stir 3 min.
• Stir in pasta. 

Shredded Barbeque Beef for Sandwiches (Crockpot recipe)

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 to 3 lbs lean chuck roast or bottom round
• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons spicy mustard or Dijon
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation:

Place beef roast in crockpot. (We use and highly recommend the Hamilton Beach 33967 Set 'n Forget 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker) Combine remaining ingredients; pour over roast. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH for 4 to 6 hours. Remove roast, shred meat. Place shredded meat back in crockpot; stir to coat well. Spoon barbecued beef onto toasted sandwich buns and serve with extra sauce, if desired.
Serves 6 to 8.

Note: We served ours on Kings Hawaiian Sweet Sub Snacker Rolls topped with Kraft "Touch of Philly" Shredded Mexican Four Cheese.  We highly recommend that combination!

Sweet, Sticky and Spicy Chicken

Serving Suggestion: serve with rice

Ingredients

• 2 T. brown sugar
• 4 T. honey
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 5 teaspoons chopped garlic
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha hot sauce (available at most Wal-Mart Supercenters)
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 T. flour
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1/2 inch strips
• 1 green pepper, cut into strips
• 1 medium onion, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

 Directions

1. Mix together brown sugar, honey, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and hot sauce in a small bowl.
2. Mix the flour, salt and pepper.  Dredge the chicken strips in the flour mixture.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken strips and brown on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Add the peppers and onions and cook another 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens, 8 to 10 minutes.