Breakfast Crown Experiment

Okay, I'm not much of a cook ... but due to my now long enjoyed freedom with the husband being the chief cook, I have fun trying new dishes. I love our ladies group the CKW Fellowship that meets on 2nd Saturdays of each month. Because it's a breakfast, we have delightful eats each occasion. Not particularly confident in my skills, I'm not one to experiment on the unsuspecting; I broke my rule this time with this googled gourmet find.

Now, in reality, it was two recipes - the Santa Fe Breakfast Ring and the bacon, egg and cheese wreath. These two recipes gave me a lot of ideas. I went to the store and purchased:

• parchment paper (Reynolds actually carries a one side aluminum, one side parchment), 
• eggs, 
• pepper jack cheese (but I had some regular shredded cheese at home)
• Pillsbury crescent roll package
• Farmer John link sausage package
• frozen hash browns with red and green pepper package
• Philadelphia garlic flavor cooking sauce (because the market didn't have the Santa Fe flavor called out in the Santa Fe recipe)

I had about an hour before I needed to leave for our Fellowship, so I cooked the sausage in small pieces, drained and set to the side. I scrambled the eggs and separate cooked the hashbrowns. I mixed the hashbrowns, eggs, and sausage, and real bacon bits (I had in the house) with half of the garlic flavor cooking sauce. I would have added onion, but didn't have any - my list failed to make it to my phone.

I took a pizza plate with the parchment paper on it and placed the crescent pieces in a circle. I sprinkled it with a bit of mesquite seasoning. I placed the shredded cheese (I would have preferred to use the pepper jack, but didn't want to take the time to shred it) around the circle. Atop that I placed the mix around in a circle. I placed more cheese around the circle. I then placed the ends of the crescent pieces up over these ingredients and sprinkled a final dash of cheese across the top.

I followed the directions to place it in an oven pre-heated to 375 for the required time.

I was punctual!
The ladies loved it!
The crowning glory was the message for the special ladies that come together every 2nd Saturday for this time of fellowship. Jesus was there! He has always been there and is!

However if you like this breakfast idea, there is so much room to play with this recipe. My guys at home don't like cheese, so I probably will remove that for their concoctions except for some pieces designated for me - definitely trying the pepper jack. One could add fresh sliced mushrooms. I even thought of pepperoni. I think having fresh salsa with it is also a very good idea.

As a googling gourmet, this was a fun dish to prepare. Enjoy your variations! Use the links to determine amounts and for pictures that take you step-by-step; I did.

First Installment of Living Greener in the Black

The eldest says that striving for a natural healthier life is a unique focus that needs be exploited to the benefit of those, especially people of color, that think it far reaching  -- in ease of putting into action and in grasping the possibilities.

She's right. Because it is not out of reach. It takes wanting it and moving there - with small steps, not necessarily huge strides. It is then amazing how easy it generally becomes to embrace and the world that opens up and expands before you. There's a wealth of knowledge and support out there and some misinformation too.

My intent is not going 100%; I'm going (albeit sometimes inperceptible) beyond where I am today, every day. I'm going to explore and exploit my adventure into this realm and hope that not only I glean something from it. I expect to enhance my own well-being and that of the lives I touch in so doing. May you also, if you come along for the ride.

On that note, Farmer's Markets ...
Attended one with the eldest in Texas in the summer, essentially in spectator mode. However, since I returned to California, I've been frequent the Fontana Farmer's Market Saturdays. This past Friday, visiting a recovering friend, I saw a Farmer's Market at the nearby Kaiser Permanente Hospital (apparently they have several). There are actually many Farmer's Markets in the area, currently listed under Southland Farmer's Markets. 

booty from my winning raffle ticket!

Other Farmer's Market pictures:

Farmer's Market goods (yes I even bought the orchid there!)

Fontana Farmer's Market

When I went to the nearby supermarket after Thanksgiving to get some fresh fruit (a Farmer's Market wasn't held that weekend), I was highly disappointed and recognized how indulged I've become. The fruit I purchased was more expensive and in lesser condition. The strawberries I bought were actually grossly molded underneath. I was so glad to get back to the Farmer's Market this weekend and pick up my fresh produce. 

This weekend, I made the utmost usage of the Thanksgiving turkey by concocting a soup - the ingredients were largely (with the exception of the turkey) from fresh produce and seasonings, and leftovers. There is a distinct improvement in the taste and texture of the vegetables, not to mention the increase of nutritional value. I was pleased with this accomplishment, freezing some for rainy days (looking out the window at the cloudy sky) and the cold/flu season, and keeping some for now.

I may sound like Susy Homemaker now; I'm far from it. I'm a busy family woman working outside the home with other consuming activities. The small steps in the culinary area I've taken actually help me enjoy cooking and prepare quick and healthier meals (my resistant family actually enjoy).

Well, there's the first installment of Living Greener in the Black ;-)

culinary pampering

My friend Cecilia hosted a Pampered Chef party Saturday and, though I've been to many in a somewhat bemused state of mind, I fell for the product hook line and sinker this time. I attribute that to an increasing enjoyment of cooking.

I may have mentioned the husband and I have an agreement - I cook holidays except in the warmer months when he barbeques, and otherwise he cooks. Now while I generally hold to my part, I frequently help on the other end to help with the flow of all things household. For the warm holidays I like to season meat experiment with rubs and spices, and to doctor sauces. More and more, though I've really begun to appreciate the art of cooking because it is not a 'responsibility'. I like sauces, and seasonings, and gravies, and making meals appealing and tasty.

So this time I could barely contain myself at the Pampered Chef party and, rather than it be my husband's order, most of the items are mine! I particularly fell in love with their seasonings and sauces. Oh my God's goodness! Cecilia served over poured over cream cheese with Wheat Thins (I couldn't stand these crackers in a major way!) - I was in heaven. And it was so easy, and so pretty, and SOOO delicious! The sauces I've ordered and fave tasted ...

Raspberry Habanero Sauce

Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce

Cecilia nicely packed up a little goody bag to take home. She has the ultimate Pampered Chef kitchen. She looks to have everything. But it was her party- so she buys more if she wants to ;-). The party itself featured a veggie pizza a la our consultant Diane Coronado. I'm not a veggie person AT ALL, although I try to make sure they make it on my plate somewhere, but this was really really good! I think the dill added was the secret ingredient, but the crunchy texture of the chopped up vegetables made for a delightful experience. 

I plan to try my own pizza (without veggies) with the Pillsbury Pizza dough rather than the croissant demonstrated; but I think the outcome will be similar - I already make this, but I've got some new ideas and a great cutter n the way that won't scratch my pizza stone! The husband was ordering the round pizza set; saved him $35 and then ordered some more utensils, a great little cookbook for a $1 and of course the sauces and get another utensil free. I had always considered them expensive - now I think I made a steal!

I'm not satisfied though. I'm having an online party in July. Yes, July, because my first granbaby won't wait! I'm excited. Yes for the granbaby, but also my party - there are so many more items I want. I am far from being chef material, but I think I deserve being pampered for my new found fascination in culinary arts. Let me know if you're interested in my online party. For all things Na'na and granbabies and otherwise pampered ;-) check out the label.