Shopping With Blue Sky

Blue Sky Scrubs is an online store for all your nursing uniforms and scrubs needs. Blue Sky offers a full selection and then some. They carry every size shape and color from green scrubsto the multi colored caps as seen on Grey's Anatomy and many other shows.

It's great to have some new choices other than the plain old green scrubs these days that is just plain boring! Blue Sky's prices are great. Check it out first and compare before heading off to the store. Why not have them delivered right to your door.

Happy Shopping ;)

Holiday Cherry Cheesecake With Lucky Leaf Pie Filling

Here is my favorite cheesecake recipe. To make it fancy like this one all you need is some extra creamy whip cream and some Lucky Leaf Pie Fillings of your choice. They have the best flavor with the most fruit packed into the can! I recommend this brand it's thicker and works better for all your baking needs.

Ingredients:

1-3/4 cups HONEY MAID Graham Cracker Crumbs

1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted

1-1/4 cups sugar, divided

3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

2 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

1 can (21 oz.) Lucky Leaf Pie Fillings

Directions:

PREHEAT oven to 350°F if using a silver 8- or 9-inch springform pan (or to 325°F if using a dark nonstick 8- or 9-inch springform pan). Mix graham cracker crumbs, margarine and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Press firmly onto bottom and 2-1/2 inches up side of pan; set aside.

BEAT cream cheese and the remaining 1 cup sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add sour cream and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour into crust.

BAKE 1 hour to 1 hour 10 min. or until center is almost set. Turn oven off. Open oven door slightly. Let cheesecake set in oven 1 hour. Remove cheesecake from oven; cool completely. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Loosen cheesecake from rim of pan; remove rim. Top cheesecake with pie filling just before serving. Store leftover cheesecake in refrigerator.

Happy Baking ;)

Apple Itunes Holiday Bar Cocktail Creation Apps

Apple Itunes has some new applications now available for you Foodies! They now have Apps that you can download your favorite Holiday Bar Cocktail recipes along with the photo's to show you what the finished Cocktail will look like.

Kim Haasarud a James Beard honored Mixologist, is presenting her Holiday Cocktail Creations. Working for companies such as the Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons Resort Maui, Moet Hennessy, Skyy Spirits and oh so many more.... has had her famous cocktails featured in the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, LA Times and of course more....

A guest Judge on Iron Chef America wears many many hats. Her cocktails such as Blackberry Rum Punch, festive Bellinis and the Salted Caramel Mocha are all available on the app.

The Itunes app show the photo, recipe, directions and how many the recipe will serve. There is so much more than I can write about today.

Go check it out... down load it to your IPad I am ;)

Happy Mixology ;)

Five Diet Rules You Can Break

Five Diet Rules You Can Break - From The Today Show

• Don't deprive yourself dessert, as long as you work the calories in it's doable! Bank your dessert calories during the week and treat yourself on Friday or Saturday.

• Portion control? Don't worry about it when it comes to non starchy veggies eat your carrots, peas, celery, spinach etc... they are filling and healthy.

• Never skip breakfast?.... it's okay too!

• Salads are best? Not all the time.... make sure they are filled with non starchy veggies, you can have a low cal whole grain sandwich if your not a salad person. Salad's are not for everyone.

Happy Weight Loss ;)

Chewy Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookies By Britt's Brother's Mothers Cookies!

I have the opportunity to share a wonderful new product that just hit the market going a hundred miles an hour and has no signs of slowing down!

Britt's Brother's Mother's Cookies

My box was hand delivered to my door today! I was so excited. We tasted and tasted. Had to grab a glass of milk! The cookies are large enough to share but did we? No! We all ate our entire cookie!

Britt's Brother's Mother's Chocolate Chip Cookies are "Amazing"....."Great!".... "Lalicious".... "Yummy!" All quotes from my Daughter Chloe', Son Jack and their Friend Ariana while they were testing out these huge chocolate chip cookies filled pieces of heaven.

In or around 1988 Cherri Detkowski (the baker) needed a new oven. She went to the appliance store to find one. The Salesman asked what she was looking for. Her response was "something that will bake cookies" for she was having a hard time baking Chocolate Chip Cookies. The Salesman said I have the oven for you a Gagganeau (a German brand appliance). She said as long as it bakes cookies and the price was right. He said this is the oven for you.

Cherri baked a batch of cookies in her new Gagganeau oven and she was shocked how amazing the cookies turned out. They were perfect. She was amazed how the right oven made a difference! She continued to bake from then on.

While Cherri's Children Brittney and Rick were in school Cherri would bake these cookies for all the Football and Sports parties after the games. Brittney and Rick's Friends would load up the pockets of their hoodies and sneak them away because they couldn't get enough of them.

With the slow economy and needing extra income Cherri's kids said "Mom you need to sell your cookies!" She finally gave in. Now her famous Chocolate Chip Cookies are on the market and available for purchase. She has hit the ground running.

Rick, Cherri's Son put a post on Face Book that the cookies would be coming in the Fall, the first day they received hundred's of hits! I do have to say I was one of them. They have arrived!

Britt's Brother's Mother's Cookies are huge, chewy, gooey and loaded with tons of chocolate chips. All homemade no preservatives.

She bakes them fresh for each order and sends them out within 12 hours of baking. Packed in a gorgeous gift box for giving. Each bag is sealed with six cookies in each, packed with tissue and a gift card personalized for gift giving.

Britt's Brother's Mom's Cookies are great for gifts for the Holidays or anytime. The product and packaging are all first class and anyone receiving some will be so impressed as well as happy after they try one.

Here is the price list for Cherri's Premium Chocolate Chip Cookies:

1 Dozen (boxed) $22.00

1/2 Dozen (boxed) $11.50

Singles (wrapped) $2.00

Mini-Mother's (wrapped) $1.00

Party Trays Available Also

Call or email to order:

Britt's Brother's Mother's Cookies

(248) 625-6737

bbmcookies@yahoo.com

Happy Cookie Eating!

Pumpkin Pie Tarts With Maple Glaze

Written by my friend Rico Cunningham

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to tell you guys about one of my favorite Thanksgiving dinner traditions. Since before I can remember, my mom has baked pumpkin pies for our entire family to enjoy. The thing I love the most about the pumpkin pies she bakes is that they aren't overly sweet like the kind you find from most places. You can actually taste the true flavor of the pumpkin. Maybe it's because I grew up on it, but outside of the ones my mom makes, I have difficulty eating pumpkin pie. Most of them are just too sweet for my liking.

Each year my mom bakes about four to six pies depending on how many of my extended family members decide to visit for the holidays. My family holds a Thanksgiving feast every year at our house in Jacksonville. The rest of the dinner is your garden variety Thanksgiving meal with a turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cornbread and cranberries. While most of my family stuffs their faces on that stuff, I save plenty of room for dessert. After I have my fill of pumpkin pie, I always end up plopping onto the couch and watching some Directtv. Sometimes I even get a second wind and can even grab another slice a few hours later. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts with Maple Glaze by: Joy The Baker

makes 9 tarts

crust recipe from King Arthur Flour

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes

1 large egg

2 tablespoons milk

1 large egg (for brushing the dough)

For the Filling:

3/4 cup pureed pumpkin

1 large egg

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar

Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 teaspoons maple syrup

2 tablespoons milk

To prepare the Crust:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and salt. Add the cold butter and break it up in the flour mixture using your fingers, a pastry cutter or a food processor. There may seem like there’s a ton of butter in your flour. There is. Work it in until only pea sized lumps remain in your mixture. The mixture should also hold together when squeezed into a ball.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Add the mixture all at once to the dry ingredients and stir to make sure that moisture is introduced to all of the flour mixture. Lightly dust a clean counter with flour and knead the dough on the floured counter for a few turns until it really starts to come together. Divide the dough in two, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. I find that the dough is just a bit easier to work with when it’s chilled.

While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling:

In a small sauce pan, heat pumpkin puree and spices over medium heat. Just heat through until the spices become fragrant. This helps to bring loads of flavor into the filling. Remove from heat and place spiced pumpkin in a medium sized bowl. Whisk in egg, salt and sugar and place in the fridge to rest while you roll out the dough.

On a well floured work surface, press dough into a 3×5-inch rectangle, roll the dough out to about 1/8-inch thickness. The dough should be slightly larger than 9×12-inches. Trim dough with a pizza cutter, creating a rectangle that is 9-inches tall and 12-inches long. Using the pizza cutter, cut each side into thirds, creating 9 squares. Place dough squares in the fridge while you roll out the second piece of dough in the same way.

Brush one set of 9 squares with beaten egg. This will act as the glue for the top layer of dough. Spoon about one tablespoon of pie filling into the center of each brushed dough square. Top with a piece of dough and use a floured fork to crimp the sides closed. Use the tines of the fork to create vent holes in each tart.

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Let tarts rest in the fridge for 30 minutes while the oven preheats.

Remove tarts from the fridge and place in the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

While the tarts bake, whisk together ingredients for the glaze and set aside.

Let baked tarts rest on a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. Best served within 2 days.

Recipe by: Joy The Baker

Happy Baking ;)

Summer is over, Fall is here German Chocolate Cake

Summer is over, Fall is here

Guest post of the week by Darrin Avery

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Summer vacation is long gone and everyone in the family is looking for an opportunity to relax and enjoy an old fashioned meal. Thanksgiving fits the bill. For our family, Thanksgiving has always meant the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. When my mother was living that dinner included a pot of perfectly seasoned southern greens from her garden; and a beautiful and delicious German chocolate cake.

We still enjoy a great meal, but we miss my mom dearly. After the meal, the family usually settles down to do something relaxing. Having satellite television from http://www.directstartv.com/localchannels/Kansas/ means that we have a ton of channels from which to choose, so we flip through football games and parades until we find something that suits the family--or I should say what suits my husband since he is captain of the remote. However the best part of Thanksgiving is that we are together as a family one more time. Of course with Black Friday sales starting so early these days, the family togetherness will give way to hunting for those special bargains for that next big family holiday! Stay tuned . . .

German Chocolate Cake

One big, tall 9-inch cake; about 16 servings

For the cake:
2 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chopped
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
6 tablespoons water
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 ¼ cup + ¼ cup sugar
4 large eggs, separated
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sugar
3 large egg yolks
3 ounces butter, cut into small pieces
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
1 1/3 cups unsweetened coconut, toasted

For the syrup:
1 cup water
¾ cup sugar
2 tablespoons dark rum

For the chocolate icing:
8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 ½ ounces unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream

1. Butter two 9-inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with rounds of parchment or wax paper. Preheat the oven to 350°.

2. Melt both chocolates together with the 6 tablespoons of water. Use either a double-boiler or a microwave. Stir until smooth, then set aside until room temperature.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, or by hand, beat the butter and 1 ¼ cup of the sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the melted chocolate, then the egg yolks, one at a time.

4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Mix in half of the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, then the buttermilk and the vanilla extract, then the rest of the dry ingredients.

6. In a separate metal or glass bowl, beat the egg whites until they hold soft, droopy peaks. Beat in the ¼ cup of sugar until stiff.

7. Fold about one-third of the egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it, then fold in the remaining egg whites just until there’s no trace of egg white visible.

8. Divide the batter into the 2 prepared cake pans, smooth the tops, and bake for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool cake layers completely.

While the cakes are baking and cooling, make the filling, syrup, and icing.

To make the filling:

1. Mix the cream, sugar, and egg yolks in a medium saucepan. Put the 3 ounces butter, salt, toasted coconut, and pecan pieces in a large bowl.

2. Heat the cream mixture and cook, stirring constantly (scraping the bottom as you stir) until the mixture begins to thicken and coats the spoon (an instant-read thermometer will read 170°.)

3. Pour the hot custard immediately into the pecan-coconut mixture and stir until the butter is melted. Cool completely to room temperature. (It will thicken.)

To make the syrup:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the sugar and water until the sugar has melted. Remove from heat and stir in the dark rum.

To make the icing:

1. Place the 8 ounces of chopped chocolate in a bowl with the corn syrup and 1 ½ ounces of butter.

2. Heat the cream until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate. Let stand one minute, then stir until smooth. Let sit until room temperature.

To assemble the cake:

Remove the cake layers from the pans and cut both cake layers in half horizontally, using a serrated bread knife.
Set the first cake layer on a cake plate. Brush well with syrup. Spread ¾ cup of the coconut filling over the cake layer, making sure to reach to the edges. Set another cake layer on top.

Repeat, using the syrup to brush each cake layer, then spreading ¾ cup of the coconut filling over each layer, including the top.

Ice the sides with the chocolate icing, then pipe a decorative border of chocolate icing around the top, encircling the coconut topping.

(It may seem like a lot of chocolate icing, but use it all. Trust me. You won’t be sorry.)

Happy Baking ;)

Asian Glazed Cedar Planked Salmon

There is no better way to start out the Winter Season than keeping that out door grill ready!

You can grill all Winter long if your prepared.

Here is a recipe for Asian Glazed Cedar Planked Salmon courtesy of Moon Valley Rustic Furniture. They carry small size Cedar Grilling Planks for grilling your favorite recipes. Made of pure Cedar that adds a delicious sweet and smokey taste to meats, vegetables and seafood.

This recipe is easy and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 2 (12 inch) cedar planks, pre soaked (see directions)
• 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on

Combine all ingredients in small bowl and whisk together.

Brush mixture over salmon and let sit for 10 minutes, letting the Salmon come to room temperature.

Preheat grill to 375 degrees.

Place pre soaked Cedar plank on grill close the lid and heat for three minutes until you start to hear a crackling sound turn plank over (carefully with tongs) and place the salmon on skin side down. Close the grill lid and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Do not open the lid! The Salmon should be Medium Well.

Remove the Cedar Plank from grill and serve (the Salmon should come right off leaving the skin if you use a spatula)!

Directions for soaking Cedar Plank:

• Soak Cedar Plank under water for about two hours
• Plank can be reused up to two more times depending on how long you cook on it each time. Wash thoroughly (sanitize with vinegar and water). Pre soak again the next time you need to use it.

If you interested in purchasing some Cedar Planks hop on over to Moon Valley you can purchase to small 12 inch planks for around $16.00.

Happy Cooking ;)

Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece Made From Costco Or Supermarket Fall Flower Bouquets

This is what you can make from that Fall Bouquet of flowers you just purchased from Costco or the supermarket.

They tend to come all bunched together in a pretty wrapping. But once you get them home open up and put them in a vase for some reason they do not look the same as they did when you choose them.

Here I took two antique pieces that matched. One a juice picture the other a candy jar.

Add water and floral food.

I then separated all the greens from the flowers to use as my base. Cutting them so the stem was long enough that the green lemon leaves just started to peek out of the vase.

So you have your container with all the greens in it for your base.

Then add the next flower, here I did the yellow small bunches, cut apart adding to three sides of the arrangement. Remember make everything even all the way around if you can.

The tall pieces were kept more to the middle of the arrangement for height. Then fill in with the remaining flowers. Here we only had two Sun Flowers, the stems were cut short and put at the base (they are very heavy) so the head of the flower doesn't fall over.

When choosing your bouquets pick one that the flowers have not fully opened yet. They will when you cut the stems and last longer.

Trimming your stems daily and changing the water will help keep your Bouquets lasting at least a week or so.

Tip: keep your table centerpieces low so that all your guests can have a conversation with out leaning around the arrangement. Keep the mammoth arrangements for the buffet table.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Best Diner Near the World Trade Center Los Angeles

The Author of this post is Mae Sweet

I don't know about you, but when it's time for lunch, it's time to watch some satellite TV that I got after searchingCable Television vs Satellite, to break up the day. I work in the Los Angeles World Trade Center building on 5th and Flower Street, and one of the best lunchtime luxuries is escaping to the burger joint located on the 6th floor of the adjacent Boneventure Hotel. The casual restaurant is located at the other side of the bridge that connects the two buildings, and they do a fantastic business for lunch for their low prices and big screen televisions.

Usually the channel is set to CNN and I noticed that most of the other patrons like to sit by themselves to catch up on the news. The place is huge and all these single diners scramble for the best seats in the house for TV viewing in peace and privacy for their lunch break. In addition, outside the order window are two ashtrays located at the end of the bridge, so with a smoking facility handy, quiet time in front of the TV and the best meal values on the block, this is the favorite watering hole for the workers in the Trade Center and hotel guests alike. I still don't even know the name of the place, so just get yourself to the 6th floor and head for the bridge to the Boneventure.

Italian Herb Romano Spice Blend Now Available From Karen B's Cooking Made Easy!

Karen B's Cooking Made Easy favorite Spice Blend

"Italian Herb Romano"

Is in and available for purchase today!

I am so excited to bring this to all my readers. This is my favorite spice blend and can be used for almost anything.

Made by Great Lakes Tea & Spice Company, it is Spicy & Authentic.

You can sprinkle it on pizza or pasta, rub it on fish, pork, chicken or beef, stir into dips or add to dipping oils for a zesty starter.

It has a wonderful Italian Herb flavor with that hint of Romano Cheese tucked in! The aroma you smell while cooking is so amazing it makes your mouth water.

You can also add to Extra Virgin Olive Oil as shown here for dipping with your favorite bread or bread sticks.

Italian Herb Ramono 3.6 oz tin $13.95

To order email me: kmbierley@gmail.com

We use Paypal

Great for Hostess and Holiday Gifts!

Order now while supplies last!

Happy Cooking ;)

Luscious Lemon Cake Brought To You From "tomatoes on the vine"

Here is a favorite Blog of mine "tomatoes on the vine"

Click here to go visit: tomatoes on the vine

She is so kind and always has pleasant things to say! Go check out her wonderful recipes and enjoy ;)

The photo is of her Birthday cake Luscious Lemon Cake. I want a piece of it right now. She has the recipe on her blog with photo's of the steps to make this yummy dessert!

Happy Cooking ;)

The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg By Martha Stewart

Okay, I do have to say I may have egg on my face!

After doing more research after recently posting "How To Boil Eggs So They Peel Easily" and having a Friend and loyal Reader make the recipe, and not be able peel the eggs! I ran a few more tests.

I tried one recipe that we all know is "always perfect"! From no other than Martha Stewart!

So here we are I am sharing The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg recipe by Martha Stewart! I made the eggs this morning and it worked!

However, please pay attention that she states: room temperature eggs!

Ingredients

Makes 1 dozen

• 12 large eggs, room temperature

Directions

1. Place eggs in a large saucepan. Cover them with cool water by 1 inch. Slowly bring water to a boil over medium heat; when the water has reached a boil, cover and remove from heat. Let sit 12 minutes.
2. Transfer eggs to a colander; place under cool running water to stop the cooking. Eggs can be peeled and served immediately. Remaining eggs, with shells on, may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

From Martha Stewart Baby, Special Issue 2000

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs - Martha Stewart Recipes

Happy Cooking ;)

Brine Your Thanksgiving Or Holiday Turkey Before Roasting

Brining your Turkey the night before makes 100% difference in how moist your Turkey will be after roasting. After roasting your bird will be so juicy you will not believe your eyes and I guarantee you will not go back to the way you were used to roasting.

You can brine Chicken also! I will post some other brining recipes that are yummy too!

One of my Favorite Food Network Celebrities who's show is amazing everyone should take the time to watch is Alton Brown's Good Eats. You will learn how to cook a recipe easy with results that look like you been in the kitchen for hours!

Here is Alton's recipe for Roasting Turkey:

Ingredients

• 1 (14 to 16 pound) frozen young turkey

For the brine:

• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 gallon vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice berries
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped candied ginger
• 1 gallon heavily iced water

For the aromatics:

• 1 red apple, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup water
• 4 sprigs rosemary
• 6 leaves sage
• Canola oil

Directions

Click here to see how it's done.

2 to 3 days before roasting:

Begin thawing the turkey in the refrigerator or in a cooler kept at 38 degrees F.

Combine the vegetable stock, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve solids and bring to a boil. Then remove the brine from the heat, cool to room temperature, and refrigerate.

Early on the day or the night before you'd like to eat:

Combine the brine, water and ice in the 5-gallon bucket. Place the thawed turkey (with innards removed) breast side down in brine. If necessary, weigh down the bird to ensure it is fully immersed, cover, and refrigerate or set in cool area for 8 to 16 hours, turning the bird once half way through brining.

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Remove the bird from brine and rinse inside and out with cold water. Discard the brine.

Place the bird on roasting rack inside a half sheet pan and pat dry with paper towels.

Combine the apple, onion, cinnamon stick, and 1 cup of water in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add steeped aromatics to the turkey's cavity along with the rosemary and sage. Tuck the wings underneath the bird and coat the skinliberally with canola oil.

Roast the turkey on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F for 30 minutes. Insert a probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Set the thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees F. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting. Let the turkey rest, loosely covered with foil or a large mixing bowl for 15 minutes before carving.

Happy Thanksgiving ;)