tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67436619686381473032024-03-13T14:13:14.827-07:00Keeping it Southern in ColoradoA blog to stay in touch with my southern roots. Join me for some fun recipes, craft ideas, art stuff and just plain old chat!Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-44039721308137619692011-01-06T07:27:00.000-08:002011-01-06T07:27:14.571-08:00Still obsessing....I'm still at it... obsessing about making flowers... making barrettes, pins and rings... oh, it's so FUN!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfIn9uDhI/AAAAAAAAAB4/VqPEVwYsao4/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfIn9uDhI/AAAAAAAAAB4/VqPEVwYsao4/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfKRaKtxI/AAAAAAAAAB8/842JUruYLjE/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfKRaKtxI/AAAAAAAAAB8/842JUruYLjE/s320/blog2.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfLEem-GI/AAAAAAAAACA/2Tc8wMWJ2aI/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TSXfLEem-GI/AAAAAAAAACA/2Tc8wMWJ2aI/s320/blog3.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-44611932262149494902010-12-31T09:56:00.000-08:002010-12-31T09:56:02.521-08:00The Perfect Cocoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TR4U1G9DJgI/AAAAAAAAABk/LJx7U8HfFUM/s1600/cocoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TR4U1G9DJgI/AAAAAAAAABk/LJx7U8HfFUM/s320/cocoa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now that it finally snowed in Colorado this year, it's time to break out the cocoa recipes. I love mine thick with melted chocolate, of course. No packaged cocoa for this chick! So, foodnetwork.com has a great recipe:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">Bring 4 cups whole or low-fat milk to a simmer in a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="crosslink" debug="52 59" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/saucepan/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">saucepan</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">over medium heat. Mix 3/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="crosslink" debug="118 129" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cocoa-powder/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">cocoa powder</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">and 3 to 4 ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl, then whisk into the milk. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring, until the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="crosslink" debug="278 286" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/chocolate/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">chocolate</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">melts and the cocoa is thick, about 2 minutes. Divide among 4 mugs and garnish each with homemade marshmallows (see below) or</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><a class="crosslink" debug="414 426" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cream/index.html" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">whipped cream</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Although, I use powdered sugar instead of regular sugar....and use a little more of the bittersweet chocolate. I never go exactly by a recipe. That's just me. I also like to add powdered espresso if it's just for the hubby and me. ;)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, toppings, toppings, toppings!! My faves are: peppermint sticks, whipped cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips/chunks.... the richer the better, I always say. hehe</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More toppings to use: cinnamon sticks, nuts, coconut, white chocolate, peanut butter chips, toffee, dried cherries, dried cranberries, candied orange peel, red pepper flakes, caramels.... oh the possibilities!!!</span></span>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-80024238338480395472010-12-23T15:12:00.000-08:002010-12-23T15:12:03.952-08:00Espresso Caramel Bars... oh my!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRPWr--2RcI/AAAAAAAAABc/ZYrAwWZxndk/s1600/GH0134-1_Espresso-Caramel-Bars_s4x3_med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRPWr--2RcI/AAAAAAAAABc/ZYrAwWZxndk/s1600/GH0134-1_Espresso-Caramel-Bars_s4x3_med.jpg" /></a></div>I just tried Giada's (you know the cutie patootie on Foodnetwork)... recipe for these super yummy espresso caramel bars. Oh my goodness... it's pure heaven in your mouth. You will love it. They are not hard to make and I am definitely adding it to my repertoire of Christmas candies.<br />
<br />
Recipe:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<h3 style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Crust:</h3><ul style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Vegetable cooking spray</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">12 whole (6 ounces) <a class="crosslink" debug="59 66" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cinnamon/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cinnamon/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">cinnamon</a> graham crackers, crumbled or 2 cups cinnamon<a class="crosslink" debug="113 126" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/graham-cracker/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/graham-cracker/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">graham cracker</a> crumbs</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/4 cup sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, melted</li>
</ul><h2 style="color: #3d3d3d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 7px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 7px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 2px;">Directions</h2><div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Caramel:</div></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup heavy <a class="crosslink" debug="14 18" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cream/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/cream/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">cream</a></li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 1/2 cups light brown sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 tablespoon water</li>
</ul><div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Chocolate Layer:</div></div><ul style="margin-bottom: 14px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet <a class="crosslink" debug="29 37" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/chocolate/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/chocolate/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">chocolate</a> chips</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1/2 cup heavy cream</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 3/4 teaspoons instant <a class="crosslink" debug="97 104" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/espresso/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/espresso/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">espresso</a> powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://images.foodnetwork.com/webfood/fn20/imgs/bltccc.png); background-position: 2px 10px; background-repeat: no-repeat; line-height: 21px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1 teaspoon smoked <a class="crosslink" debug="135 142" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sea-salt/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/sea-salt/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">sea salt</a>, optional</li>
</ul><div class="instructions" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Special equipment: a candy thermometer</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For the crust:</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Position an oven rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round <a class="crosslink" debug="181 194" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/springform-pan/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/springform-pan/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">springform pan</a>with parchment or waxed paper. Spray the paper and the sides of the pan with cooking spray. In the bowl of a <a class="crosslink" debug="305 318" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/food-processor/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/food-processor/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">food processor</a>, combine the graham crackers and sugar. Process until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Add the melted butter and <a class="crosslink" debug="441 445" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/blend/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/blend/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">blend</a> until the mixture forms into clumps. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing gently to form an even layer. Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the<a class="crosslink" debug="651 655" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/crust/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/crust/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">crust</a> is golden. Cool for 15 minutes.</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For the <a class="crosslink" debug="701 707" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/caramel/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/caramel/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">caramel</a>:</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">While the crust is cooling, in a medium heavy-bottomed <a class="crosslink" debug="770 777" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/saucepan/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/saucepan/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">saucepan</a>, combine 1/2 cup of cream, butter, sugar, and water. Stir over medium heat until the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a <a class="crosslink" debug="906 909" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/boil/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/boil/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">boil</a>and cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer registers 240 degrees F, about 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully pour the caramel over the warm crust. Cool for 20 minutes. Freeze until firm, about 10 minutes.</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For the chocolate layer: Combine the chocolate chips and cream in a small bowl and place over a pan of simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.<a class="crosslink" debug="1322 1326" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/whisk/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/whisk/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">Whisk</a> in the espresso powder. Remove the springform pan from the freezer. Pour the chocolate mixture over the caramel layer and smooth with a <a class="crosslink" debug="1464 1470" href="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/spatula/index.html" onclick="s_objectID="http://www.foodterms.com/encyclopedia/spatula/index.html_1";return this.s_oc?this.s_oc(e):true" style="color: #1e7bac; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; text-decoration: none;">spatula</a>. Sprinkle the top with smoked sea salt, if using. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.</div><div style="line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Allow the layers to come to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Using a warm, slightly wet knife, carefully cut around the edges of the chocolate layer. Release the side of the pan and remove the paper from the bottom. Cut into 1 1/2 by 1/2-inch bars and store airtight in a covered plastic container.</div></div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-59702493477896182442010-12-21T17:36:00.000-08:002010-12-21T17:51:08.720-08:00A new obsession...Yes, it's been 4 days now... and I'm completely obsessed with a tutorial I came across at Vanessa Christenson's blog. Oh my goodness... I can make my own beautiful flower pins AND flower rings now!! Let me show you...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV1_FRYAI/AAAAAAAAABQ/hvbDBx1CTcw/s1600/bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV1_FRYAI/AAAAAAAAABQ/hvbDBx1CTcw/s320/bag.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV2xuk6NI/AAAAAAAAABU/jUEfy5Fy2Ms/s1600/bag1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV2xuk6NI/AAAAAAAAABU/jUEfy5Fy2Ms/s320/bag1.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV3slBpuI/AAAAAAAAABY/Gzb_WIO-u68/s1600/bag2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TRFV3slBpuI/AAAAAAAAABY/Gzb_WIO-u68/s320/bag2.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
My friends are all getting big beautiful flower pins to add to their purses or cute little cardigans... so beware!!! They're coming at you SOON! I can't stop making them....and you can check out the tutorials here... her site is pretty awesome!! <a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/">http://www.vanessachristenson.com/</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span></span>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-89440855878662621472010-12-18T07:59:00.000-08:002010-12-18T07:59:17.824-08:00A really tasty treat to giveAnother great gift idea from Southern Living! I made Hot Espresso-Fudge Sauce and put them in 1/2 pint jars with a ribbon. Cute and soooo yummy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQzZdcqvtcI/AAAAAAAAABM/WmAGVHI9Ir0/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQzZdcqvtcI/AAAAAAAAABM/WmAGVHI9Ir0/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Recipe:<br />
<br />
Melt 8oz package of semi-sweet chocolate or unsweetened chocolate and 1/2 cup butter in saucepan. Stir, stir, stir... Add 2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons instant espresso....stirring.... Add 1 cup milk... stirring..... Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/8 tsp. salt.<br />
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Cover and chill for up to 2 weeks. When giving as gifts make sure you include a reminder to refrigerate!<br />
ENJOY!!Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-7497043339035865472010-12-15T14:37:00.000-08:002010-12-15T14:37:44.269-08:00Is there anything prettier than a cookie wearing pearls?Ok, so my pictures do not do these sugar cookies justice... I think they look so pretty and sweet out on a red plate. Go buy your cookies some pearls! They are precious... and an easy added touch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQlDDrEMbNI/AAAAAAAAABE/PL0qbV2WN8E/s1600/cookies1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQlDDrEMbNI/AAAAAAAAABE/PL0qbV2WN8E/s320/cookies1.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQlDF2__AOI/AAAAAAAAABI/hd6VgicWWjQ/s1600/cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQlDF2__AOI/AAAAAAAAABI/hd6VgicWWjQ/s320/cookies2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-12402470593551249542010-12-14T08:53:00.000-08:002010-12-14T08:53:54.136-08:00Salt Dough OrnamentsThese are so fun and easy to make. It's a super fun craft to do with your kiddos. Mine helped me, and they are so proud of their ornaments. What is better than that??<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQegRJpNHDI/AAAAAAAAAA8/3tSit7kswLQ/s1600/doughorn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQegRJpNHDI/AAAAAAAAAA8/3tSit7kswLQ/s320/doughorn1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQegTlBXkWI/AAAAAAAAABA/MBtBeygMIH8/s1600/doughorn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQegTlBXkWI/AAAAAAAAABA/MBtBeygMIH8/s320/doughorn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Recipe for Salt Dough:<br />
<br />
3 cups flour<br />
1 1/4 cups warm water<br />
1 cup salt<br />
<br />
Heat oven to 250. Roll out dough. We used cookie cutters to make our shapes. But we also made snowmen by hand. (I will post those pics later!)<br />
<br />
Don't forget to make your holes for your ornaments to hang!! Bake about 45 min to an hour.<br />
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Let cool and then paint, decorate and glitterize!!!<br />
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This is also a great gift for your kids to give to grandparents.Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-50692847825623828452010-12-13T18:38:00.000-08:002010-12-13T18:38:13.062-08:00Whimsical Kissing Balls?? What, Paula???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQbX9wJSecI/AAAAAAAAAA4/B8I0M0UaibY/s1600/KissingBalls_Article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQbX9wJSecI/AAAAAAAAAA4/B8I0M0UaibY/s320/KissingBalls_Article.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Paula Deen. Of course I do! And I usually love everything she does...with a little less butter. But I don't think I can get into the "whimsical kissing balls" found on her site. Maybe it's cute but I just don't get it. I would much rather see mistletoe hanging... sweeter and classier. Just my opinion!! Let me know what you think.</div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-74838500537369106192010-12-13T14:13:00.000-08:002010-12-13T14:13:54.036-08:00An easy and adorable cookie to pass along...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQaaZowRd7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/rTgAAy6zT80/s1600/cookie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQaaZowRd7I/AAAAAAAAAAw/rTgAAy6zT80/s320/cookie1.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQaadCSi-zI/AAAAAAAAAA0/gG-zBNQYg3I/s1600/cookie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jNS0uSWa3Mk/TQaadCSi-zI/AAAAAAAAAA0/gG-zBNQYg3I/s320/cookie2.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>This is so cute and EASY. If you need a pretty little cookie to give to your neighbors, here it is! Just take your favorite oreos and dip them in white candy melts. Then sprinkle with crushed peppermint. They just look FESTIVE!Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-45311576752859548422010-12-13T08:51:00.000-08:002010-12-13T08:51:06.771-08:00Just so ya know...Being southern does NOT = Bama Belles on TLC! We do not have lawnmower races!! Oh my goodness...Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-4662573660707096982010-12-12T19:57:00.000-08:002010-12-12T19:57:24.691-08:00A Southern Staple at Christmas<a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=50400000108671">MyRecipes</a>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-2118162152251865122010-12-12T18:55:00.000-08:002010-12-12T19:16:17.775-08:00This is so TINSEL!!We've been watching a lot of Disney's "Prep and Landing" lately so the lingo is rubbing off. But, really, this is soooo tinsel!! I am totally planning on making these for preschool teachers. I love love love them!<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><div align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chachingonashoestring.com/tag/beautiful-christmas-series/" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-widget','www.chachingonashoestring.com']);"><img border="0" title="Beautiful Christmas on a Budget" src="http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz318/kaleyfaline/Beautiful-2ds-1.jpg" /></a></div></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6743661968638147303.post-32602328852311459012010-12-12T18:05:00.000-08:002010-12-12T18:34:58.421-08:00My new blog!!Welcome to my southern corner of the blogosphere! If you like a little southern charm, a little artsy fartsy(ness), and some cooking chat, then please join me. I love my Southern Living magazine! I love my Auburn football! And, I love to talk talk talk!!<div><br /></div><div>That's right, y'all... let's keep it southern in Colorado. :)</div>Sheila at Keeping it Southernhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04499468103767920297noreply@blogger.com0