Happy August- Make This Summer One to Remember!

As the heat of the summer wanes into the cooler months of autumn, days sometimes seem to slip away. Why not create some memories for the few weeks remaining before the kids go back to school? August is a popular month for camping (which is a great way to experience summer), but let’s face it, sometimes, we don’t have the time to reserve a weekend for camping or just don’t want to. Luckily, camping is not the only way to enjoy what is left of summer! Here are a few ideas for summer fun that can be done right in your backyard in just an afternoon or evening.

Have a Picnic

You don’t need anything fancy for a picnic, no baskets or fancy tablecloths. Just get what you like, and bring it outside in a box, tray or whatever you have. Don’t forget your camera for capturing those fun candid moments! See below for some yummy afternoon picnic ideas!

Main Course:

-Subs (we’ll make them for you if you want!)

-Sandwiches- pretty standard fare,Just pick your favorite!

-Wraps (buffalo chicken is my favorite!)

-If you are grilling or going to a park, they have grills you can use to make hot dogs and hamburgers. If you are like me, you might miss summer grilling more than anything else.

Sides:

-Pasta/Potato Salad

-Any fruit, strawberries and grapes are my favorite picnic fruits

-Animal crackers (because they are super fun, even for adults!)

-Graham crackers

-Chocolate chip cookies

Beverages

-Refreshing lemonade is always a fun way to celebrate summer!

-Punch

-Favorite sodas

Also, if your are celebrating with little ones, bring something for outdoor fun! Here are some ideas:

Bubbles, hula hoops, outdoor games such as horseshoes or bocce ball, a frisbee, football or soccer ball

You could also bring your picnic to a park with a playground. Don’t forget music! It helps to make any environment happier!

Romantic Picnic

Picnics aren’t just for kids! Take advantage of the temperate summer nights by bringing some wine, cheese, and grapes or strawberries out for a picnic under the stars with someone special! Maybe some chocolate too, because there is never a wrong time for chocolate.

Adventure Time!

There are many things that are just not as accessible in other months as in the summer, take the time to experience them! Take a boat tour in Alex Bay, head to the drive-ins, or visit the Thompson Park Zoo. Check out the zoo page for special events happening on the weekends to support the zoo!

Ice Cream

Okay...please understand that I am not by any means suggesting that ice cream is only good in the summer. That would be blasphemous. Ice cream is always awesome, but there is something special about having a delicious cone of your favorite delicious flavor when it’s warm outside. Why not set up an ice cream sundae bar to enjoy on a warm summer afternoon? Here’s

what you need:

-Dishes, cones, or waffle cones (or all of the above, just to be safe.)

-napkins or paper towels

-Ice Cream! If you have a lot of people to please, go with a half chocolate/ half vanilla, or a box of each, then pick out your favorite, because you deserve the best!

Toppings (I could actually go on for days about ice cream toppings, but I’ll just list a few favorites)

Use these and you ice cream  will practically be a health food (I am no expert though)

-Sliced strawberries or bananas

-Raspberries or blackberries

-chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts

-granola

(not so healthy toppings)

-hot fudge

-Chopped chocolate

-crushed oreos

-caramel

-M&Ms

-strawberry syrup

Most importantly, take time to savor what’s left of the summer. Take photos and make memories that last. Live in the moment, and make this summer one to remember!

-CM

We’d love to hear from you! How are you saying good-bye to summer this year? Let us know in the comments!

November update

Prepping for Thanksgiving:It’s early November still, but if you’re cooking, there are a few things you might want to do to get the ball rolling to make it so that you can relax on the big day.1. Figure out who will be there. If someone does not know, plan for them anyhow. It’s always better to have more than not enough.2. Find out if anyone plans on bringing anything, and be sure to let them know how many people you expect, especially if they are making a major part of the dinner.3. Look for sales on decorations

Going as a guest? Remember, even as a guest, there are ways to make your host’s life easier. 1. Ask if there is anything you can bring. If the host doesn't need anything, you may want to bring something anyway. See below for some easy recipes/purchases to bring.2.Arrive early to help cook if you can. Most people will really appreciate an extra hand.3. Let the host know as early as possible when or if you will be there for dinner. It will make it easier for them to plan.I have to bring something, but I hate cooking!

• This chocolate-chip pie is sure to be a favorite, and it is super easy to make! Remember to bring with Cool whip or Whipped cream and french vanilla ice cream for an even more decadent treat. Chocolate chip pie

• Green-bean casserole- This is a classic Thanksgiving dish that is easy to put together and something everyone will love! Green bean casserole

• Deviled Eggs- A classic appetizer, and great to munch on while waiting for the dinner, or during the game. Deviled Eggs

Still not feeling the cooking vibe? Alright- here are some other ideas. How about something to keep the little ones busy? Here are some suggestions and links

• Grab bags with dollar store items

• Thanksgiving craft kits. Often, the kids have their own table for Thanksgiving. Why not let them decorate it? This website has great ideas for Thanksgiving crafts (paper cup turkey, and other centerpieces, and coloring pages for place-mats) that will help the little ones personalize their space. Below are a few links to check out for ideas!

Thanksgiving craftsAll Kid's Network CraftsEnchanted Learning crafts

In the mood for some appetizers for the game or for Thanksgiving Day? Ask about our Deli Platters for your next event!Check out our Pintrest page for more great fall ideas!

Summer favorite- S'mores!

As you're sitting around the fire enjoying the last little bit of summer, many of you may have thought of making S'mores. Like friends chatting and laughing around the fire, s'mores are classic and reminiscent of summer days. They make memories that will warm us throughout winter (hopefully!)
We've all had the classic S'more though? right? Isn't it kind of boring by now?
The S'more is definitely classic, but it can always be dressed up a bit to give it a bit more flare.
I was thinking of some add-ons and variations to the s'more and came up a with a few ideas you might like.
1. The Elvis S'more: Sliced bananas and peanut butter spread on the graham cracker
2. Berry-more: Sliced strawberries, dark chocolate with the classic graham cracker and marshmallow
3. Nutter- Spread Nutella on the cracker before adding marshmallow and chocolate
4. Sinful Smore- Make classic S'mores, but add Oreos (I said they sounded good, not healthy!)
5. Peanut Butter Cup: Spread peanut butter on the cracker, then continue with the classic S'more
6. White Chocolate: Pretty self-explanatory, use white chocolate instead if the usual, may also be good with berries,

*Warning, these will be messy! Enjoy! Stay tuned for more summer fun!

Image from: http://thecupcakecure.wordpress.com/tag/smore-cupcakes/

When life gives you lemons...

Hopefully it also gives you sugar and water or your lemonade won't be very good! There are few things that go together better than hot summer afternoons and an ice cold glass of lemonade (well, perhaps a margarita...), but today we'll stick with lemonade. Sitting on the porch, sipping lemonade, these are the days we dream about all winter.
We get all those lovely mixes and such, but making your own lemonade is really so simple, and it reminds me of going to my grandma's house in the summer! So, if you're in the mood for a bit of nostalgia...
Here'e what you'll need:
1 1/2 Cups Water
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
Zest from 2 lemons
2Cups of lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of salt

How you do it:
Boil the lemon zest, sugar and water, stirring until sugar is dissolved. IMPORTANT: LET COOL then pour into pitcher

Stir in your lemon juice and salt, add water and ice and some lemon slices

But doesn't it take FOREVER to juice a lemon?
Not really. I just roll it on the counter under my palm, slice it in half and squeeze over a bowl, then get the seeds out with a spoon. If you have a citrus press, you can also use one of those (if you don't know what a citrus press is, there is a link with a picture of one. It's the second link in my sources, and don't worry, I won't tell)

Fresh lemonade is great for cookouts, to go with muffins for brunch, or just for sipping outdoors with a good book! Enjoy!

Photo from Foodnetwork.com

Sources:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/perfect-lemonade-recipe/index.html

http://www.thekitchenista.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=93:how-to-juice-a-lemon&catid=56:how-to&Itemid=87

Pot Roast and Leftovers

You know we love leftovers for lunches! A great classic is always a good pot roast. It makes a great weeknight meal because it can be made in a slow cooker and will be ready for you after a long day at work. There's nothing better than knowing a great meal is waiting for you!
The recipe I use is simple and requires only a few ingredients:
4 Lb. Chuck Roast
1 package of onion soup mix
1 Cup of water
Garlic- I use about 3 Tablespoons of minced
salt and pepper to taste
3 Potatoes, peeled and chopped
baby carrots and 1-2 stalks of celery, chopped

Let everything cook on low for 8-10 hours.

While you are at work- remember several times how much you love slow cookers. I always feel like I have my own personal chef at home!

Things to think about-
Some people prefer cooked pasta instead of potatoes in the pot roast- might be interesting to try-
I also sometimes use the little red potatoes instead

Of course, the Pot Roast leftovers make great lunches, I like to make Biscuits with them (usually just Grands) and bring those to heat up with the Pot Roast. You can have a little bit of home in your lunch. Perfect!

Marie's Easy Slow Cooker Pot Roast from allrecipes.com (link listed below)

source of photo and recipe variation

Pack a lunch!

It can sometimes be tough to find something to bring for lunches for work or school. I started making my lunches in college to save money, but found that I really like it. When the day is tough, it's nice to have a little but of  something to remind you of home for lunch, plus you don't have to worry about standing in line- Bonus- packed lunches are usually healthier too! Seems like a win-win. But what to make- you can only take so much peanut butter and jelly! I have a few ideas to share with you-
-any leftovers are good for lunches. I usually make extra rice whenever we have it on the weekend because I know I will use it for lunches later, then throughout the week, I make extras of what we are having so that there is enough for lunches. I do BBQ chicken rice and "taco rice" a lot simply by putting leftovers over rice. We usually have one mexican night every week with tacos or fajitas. Regular chicken can always be added to make chicken fried rice.
-We can't have rice everyday either though, can we? I do like sandwiches and I think they have their place, I just don't like the same thing everyday. Every week I usually get at least two sandwich meats that go well together for a club- really just depends on what you like. If you just want to use one of the meats, there is some variety. I try to include bacon, but bacon never seems to survive in my house until the next day! I use provolone or swiss cheese and spinach or leaf lettuce. The farmer's market is great for getting your freshest vegetables, and it really makes such a big difference.  Bonus! It's usually cheaper than the stores too!
-To go with sandwiches, I like to make a quick pasta salad on the weekend- I use corkscrew pasta, olive oil and a water,  and a splash of balsamic or white wine vinegar then add fresh parsley (chopped), basil and bacon bits (sometimes) The great thing about pasta salad is adding in whatever you like- olives, diced tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, pepperoni all go well too, and no re-heating is necessary, so it's great if you don't have a microwave.
-Tuna, chicken or egg salad- again, these are easy enough to throw together on the weekend for lunches during the week.
-fruit or veggies and dip
-Make a parfait- layer vanilla yogurt, vanilla yogurt and your favorite berries and top with granola
-Soups- great for winter/fall and easy to make in bulk and freeze for later
Remember, once in a while, include cookies or dessert too- there are some days at work when you know you'll need a bit of chocolate to boost your mood!

Hope you got some brilliant ideas! Have anything to add? Don't be afraid to share your ideas in comments- we'd love to hear them!

Southwestern Chicken Pasta Salad from Cookinglight.com 

Sources and more great ideas!
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/15-fresh-brown-bag-lunch-ideas
Image source: http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-lunch-ideas-00412000067923/page26.html

Happy Monday.

When you're at work, it's hard to think of a better feeling than knowing that a fabulous dinner is waiting for you at home, right? That's why we love slow cookers! Here is what I am trying tonight:

Orange Chicken- This is an Asian style dish,so try it if you're in the mood for takeout.
 It goes perfectly with rice and green beans or asparagus sauteed with minced garlic and a touch of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar
What you need:
about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thawed and chopped into small pieces
flour (to coat chicken before cooking)
olive oil- enough to saute chicken
salt 1/2 Tablespoon
3 Tablespoons of Ketchup
6oz of frozen orange juice concentrate (you can just put in refrigerator overnight to thaw)
4 Tablespoons of Brown sugar

Mix Orange Juice, brown Sugar, Vinegar, salt and ketchup. Pour flour into a bowl, cover chicken chunks in flour, shake off excess

Pour a small amount of olive oil into a skillet and brown chicken- It doesn't need to be fully cooked since it's going in the crockpot. When chicken is done cooking, pour into crockpot with sauce.

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Enjoy!