Thankful Thursday...

I had a whirlwind weekend of football in Medford, volleyball in Klamath Falls, tuff trucks (Go Darb #29) and migraines (YUCK!!)...so much fun except for the last one!!  All of this means that I am behind on my month of Thankfulness.  The fact is that there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for...no matter how bad of day you are having or how bad of a situation you are in...everyone can find something to be thankful for.  So here we go...

November 1st-I am Thankful it was Friday and that I got off work a little early to drive 3 hours and watch my Tater play is last football game.  Watching him play football makes this mama happy...happy...happy.

November 2nd-I am Thankful that my mom was such a trooper and went to the tuff truck competition with me.  It was her first red-neck sporting event ever and her facial expressions were hilarious!!  In fact she may have been more entertaining then some of the events...just sayin!!

November 3rd-I am Thankful for the shot I got in my rear end.  I realize a shot would not normally be something to be thankful for but when you think your head might explode in pain, then the relief is needed. Thank you Demerol.

November 4th-I am Thankful for basketball.  My Tales had her first practice of the season tonight and the Tater starts in 2 weeks.  It will be crazy but good.  Bring on the next 4 months...I think. :)

November 5th-I am Thankful for Darby and his girls.  1 1/2 years ago we started dating and it has been nothing short of amazing!!  I literally thank my lucky stars every single day.

November 6th-I am Thankful for running.  I know some of you are rolling your eyes right now and honestly I don't blame you but I can't quite explain the joy it brings me.  I know...I know...I may need to seek medical treatment.

November 7th-I am Thankful for my mama AGAIN!!  Today is her birthday...Happy 6?th Birthday!!

So there you have it folks.  Nothing too exciting...nothing super crazy but things to be thankful for nonetheless.  What are you thankful for today?  Sweet thanks-

Chocolate Covered Pretzel & Caramel Cookies...

This time of year makes me happy for a number of reasons...

1-Fall is a beautiful time year.

2-Football...Football...& more Football.

3-Stores carry fun baking items that aren't there any other time of the year.

 

A few weeks ago while in Medford, my sister, Jenn & I were in Walmart and I just had to look at the baking section.  This time of year there is a special area in the middle of aisles between the clothing and food section that has a number of seasonal items.  Cinnamon baking chips, gingerbread mix and caramel bits...to name just a few.  I was so excited (it's a food blogger thing) to be able to purchase the caramel bits because I have been thinking of this recipe for a while and they just wouldn't be the same without them.

 

To make them you will need a chocolate cake mix, 2 eggs, 1/3 cup oil, 1/2 cup Caramel Bits and 1 cup of chopped Chocolate Covered Pretzels (my favorite)...

 

Mix together the cake mix, oil and eggs.  The dough will be thick...

Add and stir in the Caramel Bits.  Aren't they so cute??...

Roughly chop the Chocolate Covered Pretzels and try not to eat them all before they get added to the dough or you have to chop more... 

 

Once all of the ingredients are added then begin forming the cookies.  You could use your hands and roll them into 2 inch balls or use a scoop (like I did).  Either way works great...the scoop is just faster.  Once on the cookie sheet use the palm of your hand or the bottom of a cup to flatten slightly...

Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes.  Don't over bake.  I know that I sound like a broken record when I say that but I promise you that it makes for a much softer cookie.  Cool on the cookie sheet for 3-4 minutes and then move to a cooling rack...

 

The result: An irresistible cookie that is both sugary and sweet (my favorite combination).  By using a cake mix the ingredient count is only 5 items...tell me...what could be better than that.  Enjoy.  Sweet & Salty-

 

Pre-Trick or Treat Dinner...Year 3

On Wednesday I gave you sneak peak at the menu for the night.  The Crock Pot Chili was an excellent idea.  It took me about 5 minutes to throw together in the morning and then it was just a matter of setting out bowls and toppings (that some of the guests brought).  So easy and so good.

 

 

The Dead Dog Muffins were easy and so good alone or dunked in chili.  Anything that kids can grab and eat in two bites seems to be a hit.  To make them I just cut Little Smokies in half and placed each piece in a mini muffin cup and poured corn bread batter over the top.  They only took about 11 minutes to bake...throw some blood (aka ketchup) on the table and watch them disappear.

 

Some of the kids favorite items are the things that I do every year.

Witches Warts (olives)...I need to remember to buy double what I think I will need...kids need one for every finger every time they decide they want some.  Ogre Toes...Dill pickles are disgustingly better when they are toes...

 

Cheeto Puffs...Cheetos are a hit on their own...name them Petrified Rat Tails and watch them get gobbled up...

 

No meal at my house is complete without dessert...

The spiders are just store bought brownie bites that I added a little frosting, chocolate sprinkles, edible eyeballs and chocolate legs to.  To make the legs I put chocolate chocolate chips in the microwave to melt and put the melted chocolate in a Ziploc bag, snipped the corner off and made a thousand (not really but it felt like it) V's on wax paper.  They need to be refrigerated to set completely.  I had planned on using thin black licorice string but couldn't find any so I had to go with plan "B" which actually turned out so much cuter.  I think they may just be my most favorite Halloween treat EVER!!

I had planned on doing marshmallow pops but decided to do donut skewers instead.  Two store bought donut holes topped off with a ghost peep is tasty and festive.  Especially when served in a clear glass with holiday candy..

 

I finally got to use my spider web tiered cake plate that I bought last year on clearance!!  I realize that I'm easily excited or at least that is what Tater told me.

 

I also decided last minute to make Candy Corn Punch...

 

It was so fun.  Fill a clear glass with ice, pour Orange Crush soda until the cup is 1/3 full, next slowly poor yellow Gatorade until cup is 2/3 full, lastly slowly pour Zero Calorie Lemonade Vitamin Water until the cup is full.  Be sure not to mix it up so that you can have the fun affect.  The layers will stay separated because the sugar content in each drink is different.  Pretty cool!!

The best part of the night is always the sweeties.  I love having them over all dressed up.  So cute...

 

Strawberry Annie...



 

 

Moss the Hunter...

 



 

Football Playin' Hannah (great team choice!!)...

 

 

Aubrey Belle...

 

 

Flapper Girl Hailey...

 

 

Scary Lanie and Punk Harley...

 

 

And a little adult entertainment...Lori is such a luck girl!! :)

 

 

I hope you all had a safe Halloween.  I can't wait until next year!!  Sweet Halloween-

 

Pre-Trick or Treat dinner...the plan...

For three years now I have selfishly invited my friends and their sweet babies over to my house for dinner before they head out to find treats.  I realize it is a win-win situation...I get to enjoy children who still like to dress up (since Tater & Tales don't anymore) and they don't have to plan or make dinner.  When you want to steal (not really physically...mommy moments that I don't get anymore) peoples kids you have to feed them first...funny how that works.

Every year I try to do something new and this year is no exception.  I will say this though...I don't feel as prepared as I do some years!!!  I haven't even done my shopping (lunch hour chore) and the desserts are going to have to be store bought items that I "dress up".  It is crazy how huge life changes can do that to you. 

The menu is always where I start.  I have to do something that both parents and kids will like.  It has to be something that I can throw together pretty quickly or prepare ahead.  Most importantly...it has to be something that I can name something seriously gross (cause it is Halloween and it is a requirement).

Here is my plan:

Dinner-

 

Crock Pot Chili Bar w/yummy fixings

(Fritos, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado & onion)

 

Mini Corn Dog Muffins w/ketchup

aka-Dead Dog Muffins w/blood

 

Olives aka Witch Warts

 

Mini Dill Pickles aka Ogre Toes

 

Cheese Puff Curls aka Petrified Pig Tails

 

Dessert-

 

Brownie Bite Spiders

 

Marshmallow Pops
 

I'm not sure that all of the kids will love the Chili but it will be nice for adults to grab a bowl and fix it however they like.  It will also be nice to throw everything in the crock pot before I leave for work.  I find that the kids are so hyped up for trick or treating that they can't even think about dinner too much.  Hopefully they will eat a Dead Dog Muffin or two.

So there you have it.  Tune in Friday to see how it turns out.  Sweet dinner-

a HUGE thank you...

On the weekends I take a break from the computer.  I will occasionally get on to look for a recipe but other than that...NOPE.  So when I opened my computer early this morning I was a little taken back and emotional. 

I really just can't even thank all of you enough for all of the amazing support I have received since announcing that I was buying the Happy Horse Deli.  When you do something like this you hope that it will be accepted well...but you never know.

I had hoped that you would be happy for me...I had hoped that you would still want a Saucy Turkey (or whatever your Happy Horse vice might be) after I took over...I had hoped that you would be grateful that another Lakeview business would not be closing its doors but I am honestly so teared up by the reaction that all of you gave me.

I couldn't have asked for anything more and now I hope that I can make it as great (or even better) as Bill and Prairie have done for so long because I know that is a tall order.

I am seriously scared to go on this adventure but somehow all of your kind words have made some of that disappear and melt away.

I just wanted to pop in and tell you how grateful I am.  Every comment, conversation, text, phone call and message meant the world to me.  Thank you!!  Sweet community-

Exciting Announcement...

For a few months this has been in the works and because I'm not very patient, it has been REALLY hard to not spill the beans. 

I'm pregnant!!  Haha...just kidding!!  Seriously!!  No more babies for this gal...at least not in the form of a human.  Though I do have a new baby in a sense...

I am purchasing the Happy Horse (HH) Deli here in Lakeview.  I hope you are as "happy" as I am!!

It is a huge leap of faith for me, as I will be quitting my 8-5 job at the beginning of the year, to make this work (insert...scared happiness).  Leaving a job that you have been at for years, with people that have become like your family is a very difficult thing. 

I am not a risk taker...routine and stability are two things that I love. 

I also believe that you need to follow your dreams.  We only get one life on this earth, there are no second chances.

As a teenager I worked for Bill & Prairie at the Happy Horse every day at lunch and on Saturdays.  It has always held a special place in my heart.

That combined with fact that I love to cook...it just seemed like a perfect fit.

Here is my plan of action (so far)-

The HH will be closed the first few days of January and will officially be open for business on January 6th, 2014.

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I will not be making changes to the deli menu...why mess with a good thing.  In fact I will be using the same products, right down to the mustard.   

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I will not be changing the name...again...don't mess with a good thing.  I had thought about it (Sweet Taters and Tales has good ring to it) but lets face it...what would everyone call it anyway?  The Happy Horse.

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I will be making the inside my own.  I can't help it...decorating is too much fun!

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I will be adding desserts.  Did you hear my heart skip a beat?  Custom order cakes, cookies, cupcakes and other yummy desserts are only a phone call away.  I will also have fresh baked goodies to enjoy while you visit or to take home.

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The HH will be available at night and on weekends for private parties. 

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The HH will have two private rooms available during lunch, upon reservation.

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I will offer made to order Deli Trays.

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I will also be available for catering.

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Our hours will be 10-4 Monday-Friday, in the beginning.

I have a ton of other ideas but this is what I am starting with.  Tune in for other exciting details.

So what does this mean for Sweet Taters and Tales?  It might mean that my posts are fewer and farther between for a little while but I promise to try and keep up.

I am beyond excited to be doing this.  I look forward to seeing you soon.  Sweet adventure-

Broccoli and Mushroom Twice Baked Potatoes...

I will admit that making twice baked potatoes can be a little time consuming.  Let me also say this...it is worth it!!  These might not be feasible on a weeknight, but for Sunday dinner, I think...YES!  For some reason I don't cook potatoes very often.  The fact that I suffer from a huge case of "side dish brain freeze" doesn't make that seem very logical.  Potatoes=side dish...I need to remember that and add them to my shopping list...like ASAP.

Most of time I see twice baked potatoes with sour cream, cheese and bacon but I wanted to do something a little different.  I was serving them with a roast so I thought that veggies would be a great idea.  I happened to have broccoli and mushrooms on hand...so that is what I went with.

To make them you will need 4 baking potatoes, 4 oz. of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of chopped mushrooms, 1 cup of broccoli (cut in small florets), 1 clove of garlic and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese...

To make the process easier I baked my potatoes early in the day at 375° for 45-50 minutes but you could certainly bake them right before dinner.  Let them cool completely...

When it is dinner time you need to cut a small hole in the top of the potato...

It makes it so much easier to scoop the insides of the potatoes out...

I just put the inside of the potato in a bowl as I scrape them out with a small spoon...

I sautéed the mushrooms and broccoli over medium heat in about a tablespoon of olive oil until they were soft and added a clove of minced garlic to them the last minute of cooking...

Add the vegetable mixture and the rest of the ingredients to the potato in the bowl, add salt and pepper to taste...

Mix until the cream cheese is incorporated through out the potatoes...

Take the potato mixture and stuff it back into the empty potato skins, top with additional cheese and bake at 350° for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through...

I'm ready for Sunday to get here already...they were too good not to make again.  Sweet taters-