Recipe Swap Thursday #31

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls @ Boys, Bovines and Blessings. Hard to beat homemade cinnamon buns! YUMMY, yum, yum!

This week I'm sharing my Orange Maple Glazed Salmon. It is so good with the citrus of the orange, the sweetness of maple syrup and the extra kick of the worcestershire sauce!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Orange Maple Glazed Salmon

My family LOVES salmon, and this Sunday I'll be making it again for a family brunch. And if there are left overs... super good on a salad the next day!

1 large salmon fillet
1 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons worchestshire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ginger

- Lay salmon down on lightly greased baking dish or sheet.
- Combine remaining ingredients in bowl then spread on top of salmon.
- Bake @ 350° for 20-30 minutes, then broil for about 5 minutes to caramelize top.

Butter Chicken

I remember the first time I ever had Butter Chicken was actually in San Francisco! I had never tasted anything like it before, and very quickly I decided that I needed to give Indian food some serious trying. I love making Butter Chicken because it is different and my version is so quick and simple. It is nice and saucy which is perfect for dipping naan bread or covering a bed of rice.

2 tablespoons oil
1 onion
3-4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 can diced tomatoes (796 ml)
1 package Club House Butter Chicken seasoning
1 cup milk

- Heat oil in fry pan. Fry onions and chicken on medium high until chicken is no longer pink.
- Add tomatoes, Club House Butter Chicken seasoning, and milk.
- Simmer on medium for 10 minutes.
- Place in casserole, and warm prior to serving.
- Serve with naan bread and rice.

What To Wear To OPRAH?

Further to the Oprah Reservation Info Sheet Dress Code that asked us not to wear all-white or all-beige, I started to do my own research. I've been studying the audience at Oprah shows and apparently I'm not the only person who has googled "what to wear to Oprah" because I found some helpful information from stylists!

• Bright colors look best on camera.
• Try to stay away from white, beige, black.
• Red is a great TV color.
• No shimmer, or checks, or small patterns, or stripes.
• Find an interesting top and accessorize with jewellery or scarf.
• Be sure you wear well fitted clothes, not too baggy not too tight.
• No short skirts...camera men don't want to risk showing your underwear or lack there of.
• Dress in layers if cold outside.
• Comfortable shoes.
• Small purse, downsized to necessities (ID, $, lipstick). Large purses are not allowed in studio
• Just as important is fabulous hair, and picture perfect make up - waterproof of course!

Why do I care? Some say nicely dressed, pulled together guests have better chance of being seated better. Honestly, I just want to look, feel and be my best so I can fully enjoy my time with Oprah and be completely in the moment. I've been able to get shopping a few times and here are the start of some outfits that I'll choose from. Let me know what you think!

1. I really like purple on me, and I like that this jacket is fitted, but is it too much grey? If I choose this outfit I'll get a bright purple scarf, maybe a broach too!

2. This out fit screams spring! I love the pink!

3. Turquoise is my secret weapon color. This sweater is so bright. I would like to find some sort of blouse to put underneath it to make it more interesting.

4. Can you see the funky detail on the bottom of this Jessica Simpson shirt? It's pretty cool, but the jacket is dark so great for night out in Chicago, but maybe not the Oprah Show.

What do you think? Are any of these Oprah worthy?

OPRAH Tickets!

The question that I keep getting, and the one I love answering is: "How did you get Oprah tickets?"

First of all our April 12th tickets were Faye's doing and there is only ONE way to get them. They can't be bought. They can't be found. I wouldn't even really say you win them. They are earned.

I say they are earned because I believe they are divinely awarded to those who deserve them, those who need them, and to those who will further embrace the spirit of Oprah and pass on to others. This may sound crazy, but if you are an Oprah fan, you understand.

It's a good idea to join the Oprah Community on her web site. Then diligently and faithfully check The Oprah Show web site every day. You can then request to see the show and be in the audience by checking Last-Minute Reservations, Reservations By Topic, and the Current Reservations window which usually only is open for 12-24 hours, once a month. Read more about Oprah Tickets.

So over the past months, I requested and wrote Oprah several times. I even tried to get to her After Oscar show, and submitted show ideas for her farewell season. Faye did the same, but 10 fold. Then on March 15 (my birthday), the Oprah Reservation Window opened briefly, perhaps for the last time!? Faye submitted her reservation request and the next morning she had an email from Oprah... she got tickets!

So within 48 hours, Faye was to confirm the four guest names who would be attending. Next, we received the Oprah Reservation Info Sheet which explained seating, arrival time and location, required ID, dress code, security, cancellations and any special needs.

We will not know the topic of the show until we get there on April 12th, but regardless we are over the moon that this will probably be one of her last 20 shows or so.

Oprah, we're doing our best to look and feel and be our best when we see you!

This is me getting my hair done by the fabulous Jeremy! Nothing dramatic, just a trim, and warmed up color with some highlights.

Faye's OPRAH Hair Transformation

With only 17 days to Oprah, you can only imagine the kind of preparation that has been going on! This week, Faye decided to take a big step and go short again. She also got her locks lightened up a bit in part due to a dream she had that blonds have a better chance to be sitting front row. Faye, your hair is now TV and Oprah ready! It looks fabulous!

Well, I go for my cut and color tomorrow morning... Jeremy, no pressure, but this seriously has to be the best cut and color you've EVER done!

Recipe Swap Thursday #30

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Maple Pecan Breakfast Ring @ Frugal Antics Of A Harried Homemaker. Oh my, this is something I'd  like alot!
 

This week I'm sharing my Kielbasa & Sauerkraut. Every now and again I get a craving for this heartburn inducing, ethinic dish. You can eat as it, or make a sandwich out of it with rye bread!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Kielbasa & Sauerkraut

Every now and again, I get a craving for this ethnic dish. Kielbasa sausage is very common here on the Prairies. You may know this sausage as kielbasa, kovbasa, klobasa, kolbasa and kubasa depending on your Eastern European background. Sauerkraut, directly translated from German means sour cabbage, is finely shredded cabbage that has been fermented by various lactic acid bacteria, giving it a distinctive sour flavor. Fry up and combine Kielbasa & Sauerkraut and not only do you have heartburn waiting to happen, but a you have a pretty good little meal.

It's also pretty imperative to eat this with some rye bread, even make it into a sandwich if you like, with some mustard (Keen's Mustard is our favorite)!

kielbasa, 1 ring (500g)
sauerkraut, 1 jar (796ml / 28fl oz)
1/2 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons margarine
salt
pepper

- Cut sausage up sausage into bite size slices.
- On medium heat, add margarine to fry pan.
- Fry onion, then add kielbasa and sauerkraut. Fry until all starts to brown and sauerkraut is soft.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.

Oprah BIG NEWS!

It's been exactly a week since I received this text message:
"R U AWAKE? can I call u right now? If not when??? BIG NEWS!"

My response:
"Yes. Call!"

That is when I found out my good friend, Faye, got tickets to go to an Oprah show, and she was calling to ask if I'd come with her! All I remember saying was "OMG, OMG, OMG" as I tried to get my kids their breakfast. Then as my husband came down the stairs, I started to get all choked up, and I asked him "Do you mind me taking off to Chicago for a few days... to see Oprah!?!"

I'm off the charts excited for this trip! It's Oprah's farewell, her 25th season, and her last shows. I've always been an BIG Oprah fan, not only because she inspires me, but because she is so good at what she does. Like so many other millions, I get such a charge out of her and know that I've lived a better life because of all that her and her guests have taught me!

As excited as I am to see Oprah, I'm just as excited to be going on this trip with Faye (and two other fabulous women). Faye is the ultimate Oprah fan and I can't wait to spend time with her in Chicago. She is one of my old school prairie buddies and she's simply one of those people who I know I will be friends with forever. It's ironic, because over the years, Faye has been my "Oprah"... I've admired her deep love for her family, her tenacity to run her own business, and her call to duty when she knows someone is in need of a little help. She always the first to show up in a big way. Faye, you deserve this trip, I'm honored that I get to go with you, and truly blessed to have had you as a friend for so many years!

The flights are booked, we've got a suite at the Omni, and now we've got to figure out our Oprah worthy wardrobe! Watch out Chicago... there are some Prairie girls coming to see Oprah!

I'm so looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime Oprah adventure, and hope to share as much as I can with you!

Recipe Swap Thursday #29

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! May the luck of the Irish be with you on St. Patrick's Day today!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Farmer's Casserole @ This Chick Cooks. Looks great! I might just make this for Easter Brunch this year!
 

This week I'm sharing my Snickerdoodles. OK.. and I couldn't resist rolling some in decorative, green sugar for St. Patrick's Day!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Snickerdoodles

My mom would spontaneously make these Snickerdoodles every now and again...and if I remember, my brother would gobble them up! They have a nice sugar and cinnamon coating which makes them perfect compliment to a cup of coffee.

1 cup margarine
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

- Cream together margarine and sugar, beat in egg.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then roll in white sugar and cinnamon to cover.
- Place on cookie sheet, flatten with bottom of glass.
- Bake @ 350° for 12 minutes.
- Makes 48 cookies.

And just for fun, I rolled some in some decorative, green sugar rather than cinnamon for St. Patrick's Day!

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mixes

I pretty much have a shelf dedicated to Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake mixes in my pantry. I'll pick them up when they go on sale and try to ensure I have ample stock of various flavors - Chocolate, Devil's Food, Dark Chocolate, German Chocolate, Butter Pecan, Carrot, Lemon, Cherry Chip, Golden, Spice and of course Rainbow Bit!

The Betty Crocker SuperMoist web site has many great recipe ideas (and coupons), but here are some of my personal favorites that have been in my family for years, or new ones I've dreamed up:
Pina Coloda Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ghost Cupcakes
Dirt Cake
Black Forest Cupcakes
Butter Pecan Cake Cookies
Chocolate Devil Cake Cookies
Lemon Strawberry Imperial Cake Cookies

Now maybe, I'll go bake myself a cake... it just happens to be my birthday today!

Recipe Swap Thursday #28

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday!

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Triple Chocolate Amish Friendship Bread @ Butter and Oven Mitts. Looks great!
 

This week I'm sharing my Butter Pecan Cake Cookies. Super easy, super moist, super good!I can't wait to dream up more cake mix cookie recipes!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Butter Pecan Cake Cookies

I've only recently started trying and experimenting with cake mix cookies. So far, I love them! Here's my creation from yesterday.

1 Betty Crocker SuperMoist Butter Pecan Cake Mix
1/4 cup margarine, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Chocolate Drizzle:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon margarine
1 tablespoon milk

- In mixing bowl, combine cake mix, margarine, oil and eggs.
- Drop 1 inch balls onto cookie sheet and top each with some chopped pecan or walnuts.
- Bake @ 350° for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate chips, margarine and milk together in microwave for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Drizzle over cookies.
- Makes 24 cookies.

iLove My iPad

Nestled nicely in between the paper towel dispenser and the dog treat jar on my kitchen counter top is my iPad. It's the perfect place to quickly look up, check up and sync up.

My iPad / iPhone duo has really made keeping myself and family organized effective. Here are some of the apps I use most days:

1. We use the Calendar for all our schedules which not only sync and push to my iPhone but my husbands as well. This include appointments, kids functions and travel itineraries.

2. Email of course. Synced to iPhone along with Contacts.

3. Social Media: Friendly for Facebook, HootSuite for Twitter, as well as LinkedIn.

4. We have a few weather apps WeatherEye and The Weather Channel to help us plan outings and wardrobe.

5. iBooks. I just love reading on the iPad... it's just makes sense to have the back light for reading in bed.

6. Feedler makes reading all the blogs that I subscribe to sooooo easy.

7. This past weekend I just used the Air Canada App to check in on my iPad then used the digital boarding pass on my iPhone. Pretty cool.

8. Other notables are some of the magazine apps (Oprah or Martha Stewart), there are some good recipe apps (All Recipes or President's Choice), Netflix works well, and then we have games galore, mostly pre-school apps for our toddler.

iPad 2 is now available... perhaps I need an upgrade!

Recipe Swap Thursday #27

Welcome to Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday! And welcome to March... where the heck did February go?

The most popular recipe from last week's Recipe Swap Thursday was Butter Me Up, Baby! Gooey Butter Cake @ Extreme Personal Measures. YUM Butter Cake - I'm going to have to try it!!
 

This week I'm sharing my Chicken Tetrazzini. My family LOVES this little pasta and chicken dish!

How to swap:

1) Link directly to your recipe. Scroll down to "Click here to enter" button. You will be prompted to enter the URL (link directly to your post), Name of your recipe, and Email (not visible), and then select a Thumbnail to upload.

2) Visit the other recipe links!!

3) Please include a link back to Prairie Story so everyone can see all the delicious recipes. Feel free to grab the Prairie Story Recipe Swap Thursday badge, or Tweet/Facebook this swap to your friends and followers.

Thank you to all recipe swappers, blog hoppers, my loyal readers, Twitter and Facebook followers, fellow foodies, family and friends for your support. I'm so happy to be able to share my Prairie Story, and appreciate that you take a precious moment or two out of your busy day to visit my blog!

Chicken Tetrazzini

Tetrazzini usually involves  a thin pasta, poultry or seafood, mushrooms, and sometime nuts in a creamy parmesan sauce. There are many variations and mine includes Roasted Garlic!

Tetrazzini is actually an American dish invented by a chef in a hotel that the Italian opera star, Luisa Tetrazzini frequented.

4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt & pepper
1 lb fettuccine, cooked
2 cans mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon parsley flakes
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
4-8 Roasted Garlic cloves

- Brown onions and chicken in olive oil in fry pan, season generously with salt & pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked fettuccine (or linguine, or spaghetti) with chicken mixture and the rest of the ingredients.
- Place in greased 9x13 baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake @ 350° for 30 minutes.