I remember as a kid my favorite thing about carving pumpkins, was the pumpkin seeds my mom roasted and we snacked on for the next few days - if they lasted that long.
She would rinse them and salt them with Lawry's seasoning salt. But this year, I wanted to switch things up a bit and try some new flavors....Can you believe my husband had never tried roasted pumpkin seeds until I started making test batches? Seriously, he's glad to have me around to introduce him to culinary delights like these.
Smoky Chipotle Pumpkin Seeds
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
4 tsp. Smoky Chipotle Tabasco
4 tsp. water
2 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. smoked salt
1 tsp. kosher salt
dash of black pepper
Mix ingredients together until seeds are coated. Spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet either greased or lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. smoked salt on top. Bake at 275 for 30 minutes or until crunchy.
My husband is obsessed with this Tabasco sauce. I bought it for a recipe I found on Pinterest and he fell in love. What would we do without Pinterest? These seeds aren't spicy upon first taste, but it's definitely a building heat, the more you eat, the spicier they become.
I've already made several batches, I didn't even get a picture until my third batch, and I'm anticipating they will become a new household favorite.
How do you roast pumpkin seeds? Are you like my husband and have never even tried them?
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I've had this idea for awhile but it was solidified when my grocery store started carrying Chocolate Brownie Marshmallows. I had previously purchase the Chocolate Mallow Bits, which are basically a lucky charm marshmallows, when they were on clearance at our local store. This concoction is for any chocolate lover.
Triple Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
3 TB. butter
1 bag Chocolate Brownie Marshmallows
3/4 C. Chocolate Mallow Bits
6 C. Cocoa Krispies cereal
Sprinkles (optional)
Melt butter in stock pot. Add marshmallows. Stir continuously on low heat until melted. Remove from heat, stir in cereal and mallow bits. Mix well. Spread batter into a greased 9x13 pan. Add sprinkles if desired. Let cool. Enjoy!
For these I used Halloween cookie cutters rather than cutting them in squares. If you want to use cookie cutters, I recommend spreading the batter on a cookie sheet instead, it will make the final treats thinner, but much easier to cut with a cookie cutter.
Do you have any special holiday treats? I saw some mint brown marshmallows too, I might have to make a grasshopper version as well.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
This Birthday Party for One package is only a bit more work than a card itself, but it leaves a big impact!
It has just 4 ingredients and will fit in a small bubble envelope.
2. Confetti
3. Candle
4. Funfetti Mug Cake Mix
(8 Tablespoons of cake mix measured out into a Ziploc bag with printable instructions)
Sign, seal and deliver!
Such a fun way to send someone special a little envelope of extra love and attention on their birthday.
(You could even send one to yourself, I won't tell)
XOXO,
Holly & Co
I wanted to share a super easy granola recipe, that can be modified to suit your tastes.
I modified a recipe found HERE at Annie's Eats.
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Yield : about 13 cups (3 32oz. containers + 1 cup extra)
Ingredients
2 cups shredded coconut
2/3 cup cashew pieces
2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
6 cups rolled oats
6 TB coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup REAL maple syrup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups Craisins
8 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup oat bran
Preheat the oven to 325. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out coconut, cashews and almonds, and toast lightly. Watch closely, they will toast fast. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a large bowl. Add in wheat germ, oat bran, cinnamon, salt
In a bowl, mix coconut oil with rolled oats. Coat thoroughly. Spread oats on baking sheet and toast lightly. about 3-5 minutes.
Add oats to the bowl. Add honey and maple syrup to bowl. Stir until coated. Spread mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and press the granola firmly into the pan. (I used a glass dish) Let cool to room temperature. Break the dried granola into small pieces. Stir in Craisins and chopped chocolate.
Store in airtight container.
I modified a recipe found HERE at Annie's Eats.
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Yield : about 13 cups (3 32oz. containers + 1 cup extra)
Ingredients
2 cups shredded coconut
2/3 cup cashew pieces
2/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
6 cups rolled oats
6 TB coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup REAL maple syrup
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups Craisins
8 oz. dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/3 cup wheat germ
1/3 cup oat bran
Preheat the oven to 325. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out coconut, cashews and almonds, and toast lightly. Watch closely, they will toast fast. Remove from the baking sheet and place in a large bowl. Add in wheat germ, oat bran, cinnamon, salt
In a bowl, mix coconut oil with rolled oats. Coat thoroughly. Spread oats on baking sheet and toast lightly. about 3-5 minutes.
Add oats to the bowl. Add honey and maple syrup to bowl. Stir until coated. Spread mixture evenly on the baking sheet. Bake until golden, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove from oven and press the granola firmly into the pan. (I used a glass dish) Let cool to room temperature. Break the dried granola into small pieces. Stir in Craisins and chopped chocolate.
Store in airtight container.
I eat mine mixed with greek yogurt. Ryan eats his like cereal and pours milk over it.
In my opinion, it's the perfect amount of sweet. I doubt I'll buy granola ever again.
XOXO,
Holly &Co.
If you spend lots of time browsing Pinterest - raise your hand.
Pinterest is such an amazing website and I love all the inspiration and ideas found there. However, it's a time suck. A BIG one. or it can be.
I find that I'm pretty good at referring back to what I pin, especially when it comes to recipes, but I thought it would be fun to start a Pinterest in Action feature, to show all of you some of my favorite finds on Pinterest.
Today's feature is Pesto-Chicken Penne Casseroles
The original pin is from Taste of Home via tasteofhome.com Here is the link to the recipe - LINK
The recipe states that it makes enough for 2 8x8 casserole dishes. After reading the reviews, I saw that some people said it made a lot more than 2. After I made the sauce, it seemed like a lot. I cooked up 2lbs of penne instead of the 1lb suggested by the recipe.
Pinterest is such an amazing website and I love all the inspiration and ideas found there. However, it's a time suck. A BIG one. or it can be.
I find that I'm pretty good at referring back to what I pin, especially when it comes to recipes, but I thought it would be fun to start a Pinterest in Action feature, to show all of you some of my favorite finds on Pinterest.
Today's feature is Pesto-Chicken Penne Casseroles
The original pin is from Taste of Home via tasteofhome.com Here is the link to the recipe - LINK
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| Source: Tasteofhome.com |
The recipe states that it makes enough for 2 8x8 casserole dishes. After reading the reviews, I saw that some people said it made a lot more than 2. After I made the sauce, it seemed like a lot. I cooked up 2lbs of penne instead of the 1lb suggested by the recipe.
I ended up with 4 8x8 casserole dishes. Yep, 4. Thank goodness the package of aluminum pans I bought came with 3.
I've cooked it both fresh and frozen, both turned out delicious :) Great for days when you don't feel like cooking, or have unexpected dinner guests.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I've cooked it both fresh and frozen, both turned out delicious :) Great for days when you don't feel like cooking, or have unexpected dinner guests.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
These cookies are a spin off from my mom's classic chocolate chip cookie recipe. It is tried and true. It works in high elevation and near sea level - no need to change a thing.
1.5 sticks of butter
2/3 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. white sugar
1 large egg
2 t. vanilla extract
2 C. flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 C. chocolate chips
1/2 C. butterscotch chips
Combine softened butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together, slowly add to the dough while mixing. Chill in the fridge for 30 -60 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake at 350 for 8-10, just until slightly golden. Enjoy!
1.5 sticks of butter
2/3 C. brown sugar
1/2 C. white sugar
1 large egg
2 t. vanilla extract
2 C. flour
1/2 t. baking soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 C. chocolate chips
1/2 C. butterscotch chips
Combine softened butter and sugars. Beat in egg and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together, slowly add to the dough while mixing. Chill in the fridge for 30 -60 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake at 350 for 8-10, just until slightly golden. Enjoy!
I did it! I made homemade french bread.
I used a recipe I found on this blog: Craftiness is not optional.
50 min
20 min prep
2 loaves
2 cups warm water
1.Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).
2.Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.
3.Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.
4.Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
5.Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.
6.Punch down and divide in half.
7.Shape dough into two long slender loaves.
8.Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet.
9.Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors).
10.Cover and let rise until doubled.
11.Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.
12.Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.
Seriously yummy bread. It also works with wheat flour, as I found out, because I ran out of white. But if using wheat flour, give it a little more time to rise.
Also, you don't need a bread mixer for this recipe. I used a whisk and my hands, and it came out great.
I doubt we will ever buy another loaf from the grocery store.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
I used a recipe I found on this blog: Craftiness is not optional.
50 min
20 min prep
2 loaves
2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5-5 1/2 cups bread flour
1.Dissolve yeast in warm water (110 degrees) and sugar in large bowl; allow yeast to proof or foam (about 10 minutes).
2.Add salt, oil, and 3 cups flour; beat for 2 minutes.
3.Stir in 2 cups flour to make a stiff dough.
4.Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
5.Place in oiled bowl, turn dough to coat all sides, cover and let rise until doubled.
6.Punch down and divide in half.
7.Shape dough into two long slender loaves.
8.Grease and sprinkle with cornmeal either a french bread pan or large cookie sheet.
9.Place loaves in pan and cut diagonal gashes on top of each loaf (I use scissors).
10.Cover and let rise until doubled.
11.Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.
12.Note: You can sprinkle or spray water on the loaves during baking if you want a really crunchy crust.
Seriously yummy bread. It also works with wheat flour, as I found out, because I ran out of white. But if using wheat flour, give it a little more time to rise.
Also, you don't need a bread mixer for this recipe. I used a whisk and my hands, and it came out great.
I doubt we will ever buy another loaf from the grocery store.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
...have I been so ready for a weekend.
Today I totally woke up thinking it was Saturday, what a rude awakening.
But, I made it through my workday, and I'm celebrating with Cowboy Cookies.
{if you don't have M&M's or pecans, you can just use the chocolate chips. That's how I make them}
These are becoming my new favorite cookies.
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It's started warming up here in Nor Cal, much to my disappointment.
Neither Ryan or I have A/C in our cars.
Yes, I know, it's crazy, but I enjoy no car payment more than I dislike no A/C.
Which makes for a ::warm:: drive home on summer days.
I cannot wear shorts to work, and I have short legs, so I prefer not to wear capris, which pretty much leaves me with long pants, skirts, or dresses.
I'm really loving all the cute summer dresses from Down East Basics.
I'm so in love with this dress.
I think this will be my anniversary gift from Ryan.
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Hope you are enjoying you're evening as much as I'm enjoying my cookies.
Back tomorrow with some finished projects.
XOXO,
Holly & Co.
