09/16/13

Pumpkin Pie Beer Cookie

It was cold today! Cold for us anyways. Yes. I think 73 degrees is cold! It was 93 yesterday. That’s a big difference. It put me in the fall food mood.

Pumpkin Pie Beer Cookies 1

I kink of cheated with this recipe. I had a pack of Pumpkin Cookies from last year. I checked the expiration, and they were still good. Our friend came over the other night and brought a variety of beers. One was Harpoon UFO Pumpkin. I figured it would be perfect for my Pumpkin Cookies. I followed the recipe on the back of the package but substituted the water for 2 Tablespoons reduced beer.

Harpoon’s Pumpkin is a very strong Pumpkin beer. A little too strong on its own for me. I plan to make this recipe from scratch in a couple weeks to take home. I talked to my Nanny Mathis on Skype yesterday and her and my Papa both want to try these.

I’m also thinking about make real Pumpkin Pie with it too. I’m going to go Pumpkin Crazy!! :)

Pumpkin Beer Cookies 2

These also have more of a cake like texture. That’s typical of all my cookies. They were still really good and I hope you give them a try.

Yesterday, Huck, Karl, and Greg got together and made a Pumpkin Porter. It was their first collaboration beer.

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They added Pumpkin to the grains during the mash. I saved a couple cups for soap and maybe a recipe. Pumpkin soap sounds good!

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Karl had an audience.

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They used Cinnamon, Allspice, and Nutmeg plus 8 cans of Pumpkin. Someone said it smelled like Thanksgiving and it really did!

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09/10/13

Cioppino And Dinner Together

Sunday, Huck and I went to 3 different grocery stores to buy ingredients for dinner.

We went to the Seafood Market for Mussels, Fish, Shrimp, and Crab. On the menu, Cioppino (Seafood Stew).

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We listened to music, cooked, and drank wine. Yes, I got Huck to drink Wine :)

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We put up our new baby gate so the dogs couldn’t bother us, too. Oh, I can not figure out how to work this stupid thing. It’s way smarter than me apparently.

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“Feed Me!!”

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We bought fresh baked bread from Joseph’s Market. I know it was fresh because it was still warm.  

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Big Pot of heaven!

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I followed the recipe by Giada De Laurentiis for the Cioppino.  It tasted like Seafood Tomato Soup. We both agreed it was good but I probably wouldn’t use as much tomatoes next time. Or maybe just more wine! 

That’s all I have tonight. Didn’t really have a lot to say tonight!

09/7/13

Buffalo Chicken Dip and College Gameday

Are you ready for some Football? I’m actually ready for everything but the Georgia Game! I think I’ll skip the South Carolina vs. USA game and watch the Old Dominion’s instead. I’m sure that game will be less depressing. Well actually, I have no idea who they are, so I can’t say that for sure!

I actually just read on ESPN UGA is the favorite today. Hopefully they’re right!

Weather UGA wins or not, I have some yummy snacks planned for the day.

Beer Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Number 1 has to be my Beer Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip!

Thomas Creek Red Ale with Buffalo Chicken Dip 1

This recipe came together with the help of Thomas Creek River Falls Red Ale. We actually met the brewer, from Thomas Creek, early this year at the Post-Jupiter Beer Fest party.

I actually just noticed Thomas Creek is in South Carolina and we are playing the Game Cocks. I’ll have to see if I can make a recipe with a beer from each state UGA plays this season. It’s hard to get some beers here is South Florida, but I’ll see what I can do. Stay tuned.

I’m currently watching College Gameday and for the second weekend in a row, ESPN has made me teary eyed. Last week it was the story behind Alabama’s quarterback, AJ McCarron, ‘Just Trust’ bracelet. This week it was Devon Walker’s story. Now, they are talking about how UGA has lost the last 3 years to the Game Cocks, and I’m about to cry again.

Speaking of crying, Oopie go sick on Huck recliner yesterday, and it smells horrible! I tried cleaning it but it still smells. On top of stinky chairs, I have a lot going on right now with my job, the Barley Dolls, the blog, and The Drunken Soap Company and not enough time for any of them. I’m not committing myself 100% to any of my projects. I haven’t promoted the soap company like I need to, and my blog views are way down. I was overwhelmed and needed some quite time to think. I grabbed my beach chair and headed to the beach.

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It was nice to think with a view like this. The Barley Dolls are doing great and luckily do not require much time. I enjoy my new job and LOVE having a steady paycheck. The problem is the blog and the soap company. I had a nice routine before I started my jobs. Now, I just need to find a good balance. I don’t know what I’m going to do with the soap company, yet. I thought about putting it on the back burner for awhile until I can commit more time to it. I can’t do everything and that’s OK. It’s better to do one thing well than half ass three different projects.

Well, this post got a little deep. I’m off to get ready! Big day planned. Now, we have to find Huck a new chair.

Oh and does anyone want a Dog? His super cute!

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And worthless!

Beer Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup Chicken (Shredded)
  • 6oz Cream Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Beer (IPA or Red Ale)
  • Extra Cheese for top (If desired)

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Mix all ingredients together and add to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese if desired.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve hot with Chips, Carrots, Celery, ect.
ENJOY!
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09/3/13

Labor Day Weekend

This was my first 3 day weekend in… like 5 years. In the past I could move my schedule around to have multiple days off in a row, or I worked from home and could do whatever I wanted anyways.

Now, I remember how great 3 day weeks are.

FRIDAY

My weekend started on Friday with Pizza and Beer at Mellow Mushroom in City Place.

Mellow Mushroom City Place

After dinner, we walked down to the water. All the times I’ve been to West Palm, we’ve never walked along the water.

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It was really nice just sitting and talking.

SATURDAY

Saturday, I was up bright and early for College Gameday! I was SO EXCITED to watch football! We watched a few games laying around the house before going to a friends house for a beer tasting and dinner.

UGA Football

You wouldn’t believe how much trouble we had to go through to get the UGA game on. Cory didn’t doesn’t have cable, and ABC wasn’t available in his area.

Cigar City Hunahpu's (2)

We cracked open Honey Boo Boo while we were there, too. We tried Honey Boo Boo {Hunahpu Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout} and Honey Boo Boo’s Mom {The regular Hunahpu}.

Cigar City Hunahpu's

We drove 4 hours one way for this beer, and I really hate to admit this, but I didn’t think it was that great! Good Yes! But not worth the hype. Sorry Cigar City!

SUNDAY

Sunday was laid back. We went to lunch at Rocco’s Taco for the first time.

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We did a little house shopping, and Huck found a new spoon

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The rest of the day was spent relaxing, grilling, and Jenga.

MONDAY

Our friend Karl smoked a couple Pork Shoulder. And it was SO GOOD! I miss smoked food.

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Holly made Drunk Watermelon {Watermelon, Mint, Sugar, and Vodka}

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Karl made some really good spicy BBQ Sauce.

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Holly also made Fried Ice Cream with Bananas Fosters. I was so full from dinner but managed to eat every last drop of this stuff!

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They went all out with dinner!!

After dinner, we played more Jenga and enjoyed the storm.

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It was nice listening to the rain from the screened in porch.

We came home early Sunday with full bellies and were in bed before 10. It was a long weekend.

Right now, me and Oopie are watching Contraband.

Oopie likes the movie.

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He also thinks Mark Wahlberg is hot. He can’t take his eyes off of him as you can tell!

Well that was my Labor Day! Now I’m off to bed. Good Night!

08/27/13

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today is my Mommy’s Birthday.

My plan was to sneak home and surprise her, but she decided to go out of town… Oh and flights were SUPER expensive because of Labor Day.

So, I will not be able to see her. This recipe is as close to her as I can get. I get a little sad around holidays and birthdays. I miss seeing them whenever I want.

Chocolate Pecan Pie with Brown Ale

Making food that reminds me of home always makes me feel a little better. My mom makes the best Pecan Pie. Thanksgiving hasn’t been the same without her Pecan Pie. Sunday, I was just planning on making regular pecan pie to ship home to her. I started looking through the pantry and realized I have a bunch of chocolate and decided Chocolate Pecan Pie would be the perfect birthday treat!

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I used my Mommy’s recipe for the Pecan Pie, minus the Corn Syrup, and just added the Beer and Chocolate. They turned out great, even without Corn Syrup.

I substituted Brown Sugar for the Corn Syrup. I don’t know if that is an acceptable substitute but it worked.

They tasted like mini brownies.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

I hope you have a great day. I know these pies are not the same as a hug, but it’s as close as I can get.

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Chocolate Pecan Pie with Brown Ale

Serves 30 Mini Pies or 1 Large Pie

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tablespoon Butter (Melted)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/4 cup Beer (Stout, Porter, or Brown Ale)
  • 1/8 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1/2 cup Pecans (Toasted and Chopped)
  • 30 Mini Phyllo Dough Shells
  • 1/3 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
  • 2 tablespoons Beer (Stout, Porter, or Brown Ale)

Directions

Preheat over to 350 degrees.
Combined Sugar, Vanilla, Butter, Egg, Beer, Cocoa Powder, and Pecan in a bowl.
Add Mini Phyllo Shells to a lined baking sheet and add filling to each. {I had a little filling leftover}
Bake for 12-14 minutes or until shells are toasted and filling looks set. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
While Pies are cooling, Melt Chocolate in the microwave {10 second increments}. Once Chocolate is fully melted, add the Beer. Stir and drizzle over Pies and ENJOY!
Large Pie: Add filling to precooked pie shell. Cooking time will be longer.
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08/19/13

Banana Nut Bars with Brown Butter Glaze And Brown Ale

I went a little Banana Bread crazy yesterday. I made Banana Bread 3 ways while testing a recipe and they all turned out amazing. Of course!

Banana Nut Bread with Brown Butter Glaze with Brown Ale

I made loaf bread, squares, and muffins. Each had a same base recipe with a little something different in each recipe. This was hands down my favorite. I think it was the Brown Butter Glaze that made these such a winner.

After baking all day, I delivered yummy goodness to some friends to get the yummy goodness out of my house! I haven’t been to the gym much lately, so I didn’t trust myself with fresh baked goods.

Lazy Magnolia Southern Pecan Banana Nut Bread

I used Lazy Magnolia’s Southern Pecan Brown Ale in this recipe for the bread and glaze.

Banana Nut Bread with Brown Butter Glaze with Brown Ale 1

One quick story before I call it a night. I shipped my Mommy and Sister some Drunken Soap. My Dad picked it up from the post office today and was really excited when he opened the box and found “Fudge”! He almost took a bite, too. I guess I need a warning label… Do not eat me!

I haven’t seen my Daddy in over 5 months or any of my other family, but my Mom! I miss their faces! They needs to plan a trip to see me… Hint Hint!!

Banana Nut Bread and Brown Butter Glaze with Brown Ale

Serves 2 Loaf Pans or 1 Loaf Pan and 1 Brown Pan or Muffin
Website Adapted From Betty Crocker Banana Bread recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 large Bananas (Ripe and Mashed)
  • 1/2 cup Brown Ale Beer (or Milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Pecans (Chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Ale Beer (Or Milk)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combined Sugar, Butter, Eggs, Banana, Beer, and Vanilla in a large bowl.
Mix Flour, Baking Soda, and Salt in a bowl.
Add 1/2 of the dry ingredients into wet ingredients and combined. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and combine. Add nuts and stir. {Do not over mix batter.}
Spray pan with cooking spray and add batter.
Bake until cooked through and toothpick comes out clean when inserted into center.
Loaf Pan: 50-60 Minutes
Brownie Pan: 20-25 Minutes
Muffin Pan 20-25 Minutes
While Bread is baking, heat a pan over medium heat. Add Butter to pan and cook until Butter turns a light brown color {remove from heat and do not walk away. It WILL BURN!} Add Butter to bowl and mix in Powdered Sugar and Beer. Drizzle over Bread.

ENJOY!!!
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08/10/13

Shark Week

I only worked two days this week, but it felt like a full week. Working in an office is SO different than working from home. I enjoyed my first two days, though. I felt more productive, and it’s nice knowing I have a nice paycheck coming in every two weeks.

Check out my trash can at work…

Is anyone else excited College Football season starts in 3 weeks?? I can’t wait. My favorite time of year: college game day, snacks, football, and beer.

Thursday, I worked all day and even went to the gym. Yesterday, Huck dropped me off and picked me up from work. Instead of going to the gym, we decided to stop at TBC of happy hour.

 

At the time, TBC sounded like a better idea than the gym. Now, I’m regarding that idea. After TBC, we went downtown for the Abacoa Food Truck Invasion, and I ate some really greasy food and had a few heavy beers.

 

The lines at the Food Truck Invasion are long and move really slow. We waited over 30 minutes for Tacos and an hour for a couple empanadas. The food is good, and it’s fun, but I do not recommend going hungry. With all the screaming kids, lines, and heat, you’ll quickly go from hungry to hangery!!

My bad eating continued this morning with breakfast. We went to Berry Fresh.

Fried Green Tomatoes and Pimento Cheese… Why not?

It was really good, too. The Fried Green Tomatoes were perfect. I ate all the Tomatoes, Eggs, and Pimento Cheese, but left over half the potatoes behind. I left satisfied without feeling miserable.

 

Huck ordered a Chicken BLT with a really good homemade Potato Salad.

My plan for the day included cleaning, working on a few blog post for next week, working on our Oktoberfest plan :), work on the Barley Dolls stuff, and getting my new business page up and ready.

Instead of doing any of that, I’m stuck watching Shark Week. Luckily, I can, kind of, work of some of my projects during commercials but It took me over an hour to get this far on my blog post.  

Damn you Shark Week!

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. If you’re bored, I recommend Shark Week. I’m definitely not going into the water anytime soon.

08/7/13

Thanksgiving In August

A couple days ago, Huck told me he wanted Turkey for dinner. We both thought it would be a great idea to have Thanksgiving for dinner since we have so much to be thankful for in our lives.

I made Turkey, Potatoes, Dressing, Ham, Gravy, and Deviled Eggs. Scaled down versions of everything of course.

It was really good, and now, I feel miserable. Scaled down or not, I still ate to much.

Huck and I have a lot to be thankful for in our lives. Today, the doctor told him he was healthy. He even went on to say he was cured. He will just follow up every 6 months. I really like his surgeon. He is very personable and laid back. I hate doctors that think they’re better than you are or talk down to their patients. I’ve worked for a few of them in my career. 

I’m thankful because my husband is healthy, and I start a new job tomorrow. My new office job… 9-5 Monday-Friday… Yep! After 5 years of 12 hour shifts and working from home, I’m going back to the 9-5. Actually, I’ve only had one 9-5 M-F job in my entire life.

I told my friend I feel like I’m losing my freedom. And this may sound really cheesy, but I’m going to miss Huck. I enjoyed when we were working together, but lately I haven’t had any work. There’s only so much “blogging” I can do. And I need my own money.

I’m really excited about this job, though. It’s in insurance {Workers Comp and Car}. I’ve never worked with Automotive Insurance. I’m a little nervous, but everyone at the office seems great and helpful.

I knew it would be a great place to work when I walked in and seen a big Georgia G on the wall. The people in the office are huge college football fans and one of the guys is a Bulldog, too. It has to be a great place to work, right?

Well, I’m off to get ready for work tomorrow.   

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