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Favorite Holiday Recipes

August 15, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

I realize with the temps hovering in the 90s that it is hard to even stir up any interest in the holidays, but I’m hoping a few of you will humor me today.

I’m interested in knowing what are some of your favorite holiday recipes or traditions.

What recipe do you have to make or it just isn’t Christmas?

What traditions do you follow every year?

What new traditions have you started?

I’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts.

I’ll start the ball rolling… I must make sugar cookies at some point during the holiday season. It isn’t an option. I’m sure if I didn’t the world would slip off its axis or some other tragedy would descend upon life as we know it… at least at my house. Generally, Captain Cavedweller can’t even wait until the cookies are decorated to start devouring them.

Let me know what you love to make (or your family insists you make) during the holidays, what one tradition you couldn’t give up.

She Who is Eagerly Awaiting Your Responses

Posted in Christmas, Entertaining Ideas, Holidays | Tagged , | 4 Comments »

Loaded Baby Bakers

August 12, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

If you are looking for an easy side dish that is filling and really yummy, give these potatoes a whirl.

Ingredients

 

Butter makes everything better!

 

Add toppings

 

Add sour cream and try to refrain from eating more than your share!

 

Loaded Baby Bakers

1 pound baby baking potatoes (I cheated and used Schawn’s roasted bakers that are pre-cooked)

1/4 cup butter, cut in cubes

1/2 cup bacon pieces (use the pre-cooked, pre-crumbled kind you find next to the salad dressings)

1/2 cup shredded colby-jack cheese

1/3 cup sour cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine potatoes and butter in a foil pouch and seal. Bake on a grill over medium indirect heat for 15-20 minutes if you are using pre-cooked potatoes, you’ll need a bit longer if you are using uncooked potatoes. You can also toss them in the oven at 400 for 15 minutes. Which I did while I was cooking the meat to go with the potatoes.

Once they are done. open up the foil, sprinkle on the bacon, cheese and seal back up until cheese melts – just a minute or two. Then add sour cream and close your eyes in bliss as you take a bit and your tastebuds do a dance of gratitude.

Enjoy!

She Who Likes Loaded Baby Bakers Way Too Much

Posted in Quick and Easy, Recipes, Sides | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

USA Today

August 11, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

Cedar Wreath

The other day a reporter from USA Today called me to talk about some easy holiday tips and recipes.

I’m still in shock that she wanted me to share some ideas. After all, my postings are somewhat random, I tend to ramble and throw things together willy-nilly.

But I shared some recipes and tips that anyone could use to simplify their holiday entertaining. Hopefully, the article will come out in a special publication this fall.

So that interview got me thinking that it would be kind of fun to publish a book with holiday tips, recipes, photos and how-to videos.

Stay tuned! The plan is to have it ready to roll in October.

While I’m working in the book, I thought I’d see if any of you have suggestions on holiday tips you would find helpful or the types of recipes or how-tos that could assist in your holiday plans. If you have any thoughts to share, please post a comment below! I look forward to hearing from you!

She Who Is Dragging Her Feet at Getting in the Holiday Mode!

Posted in Musings | Tagged , , | 4 Comments »

Hawaiian Luau Party Theme

August 10, 2011 by Shanna Hatfield

If you have toyed with the idea of hosting a party, but can’t think of a fun theme, why not try a Hawaiian Luau?

These parties are casual and fun and perfect for summer evenings.

Take the party outside to a patio, deck or backyard for the perfect setting.

Invitations

Send a simple invitation using some bright flowered paper or cardstock. If you can find something with a Hawaiian theme, even better.  Encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts or flowered dresses to fit in with the theme.

Decorations

You don’t need to spend a fortune on decorations. Keep it simple and use things like pineapples and coconuts to decorate the tables. You can cut a coconut in half and nestle candles inside or leave whole and pile beside pineapples for a fun centerpiece.

Silk leis, grass skirts, raffia table skirts and other fun items can be found inexpensively at party stores or online. One source I use is Oriental Trading  for inexpensive party supplies. They have oodles of luau items available.

You could also use seashells for decorations. Fill canning jars with sand and top with a votive.

Make sure each guest receives a lei to wear upon arrival as well as a big “Aloha!”

Fun and Games

Hawaiian music playing in the background is a must. Whether you choose “Tiny Bubbles” or maybe Elvis’  “Blue Hawaii” there is a good list of music available here.

Encourage a hula contest or get everyone going with the Limbo. Here are a few more game ideas.

Give each guest a tiny box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts as a take away from the party.

Food

You can have a fairly simple menu. If you want to make it a little authentic, serve kalua pork sweet potatoes, tropical fruit and don’t forget the shaved ice!

To make the pork you’ll need:

pork butt

liquid smoke

salt

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Score the fat of the port butt into 1-inch squares and rub with  salt. Sprinkle liquid smoke lightly over all sides of the meat and into the fat. Wrap securely in tin foil and bake in oven for at least 4 hours. Shred the meat and serve. You can add sweet potatoes to the oven 1 1/2 hours before the meat will be done.

Enjoy!

She Who Needs Some Shaved Ice

Posted in Entertaining Ideas, Party Theme | Tagged , | 2 Comments »

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