Freezer Recipes - Rachel Ray's Top 20

Where do I go to search for great freezer recipes? Everywhere. This month on Rachael Ray's magazine site she has her 20 favorite freezer friendly meals posted. Try some out and let me know what you think. Follow the link to get to them.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/special-recipe-collections/top-20-freezable-recipes

Headband - Ponytail - Barrette Holder A fun craft!

I have to give credit for this. I saw this as a post on a friends Facebook page. (Thanks Emily Wedgewood). This is a link to another blog, and a cute activity for older girls. Reese is a little young, but would be cute to do in a year or two.

Headband - Ponytail - Barrette Holder

Check out the Live Life Create Art Blog!

http://livelifecreateart.blogspot.com/2010/09/headband-ponytail-holder-and-barrette.html

Reindeer Food

Well, the days have gotten away form me and I forgot to purchase the ingredients for reindeer food. What will I do? Improvise. I will have the kiddo help me crush some peanuts, pecans, and a few pretzels together. I already have these ingredients as well as a little glitter so the reindeer can see in the dark. Quick, easy, mom forgot to make it, reindeer food.

Artichoke Dip

Artichoke dip is a classic. This one is super easy and can even be used as a side item.

2 cans artichoke hearts

1 cup mayo

1 container shredded Parmesan cheese

Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Serve in the casserole dish with wheat crackers (Wheat Thins) or bagel chips.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Thinking of an easy gift? THink about chocolate dipped pretzels. Simply heat up regular milk chocolate. Melt, do not scorch. Dip salted pretzels and let cool on parchment paper or waxed paper. Put in clear bags with pretty bows. An easy "happy".

Shrimp Pasta

Shrimp is one of those things that if you buy it on sale, you can freeze it for a pretty long time. A month ago I did just that. I bought a pound of shrimp and kept in its original wrapping and froze it. Saturday night I was able to pull it out for a quick supper with items from my pantry.

3 -6 cloves garlic (this sounds like a lot but will flavor the shrimp and pasta)

1 lb. shrimp

1 lemon or lemon juice (to taste)

1/4 c. white wine (optional, but really adds to the dish)

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

3 Tbsp. butter

Cooked Pasta - spaghetti, linguini, or similar pasta type works best

salt and pepper to taste

Heat pan and add olive oil. Saute' finely minced garlic in the pan. Place pealed shrimp in hot pan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Saute' until cooked through. Add the wine, lemon juice, and butter. Combine all ingredients. Add pasta to the pan and toss. Serve with crusty bread and fresh parmesan cheese.

Beef Bourguignon with Red Wine

I found this recipe online. Charles has been asking me to find other crock pot recipes. I tend to only make a roast. I searched and found this. I have not made it yet, but this will be on the menu this week! The web address in which the recipe is featured can be found at the bottom of this post. Happy eating.

Beef Bourguignon with Red Wine

* Crock Pot beef stew with red wine and bacon, along with carrots and other seasonings

Ingredients:

1 lb. bacon, cooked, reserve grease

3 lbs. beef, cubed

flour

1 1/2 cups red wine

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 ribs celery, sliced

2 carrots, diced

4 to 8 ounces sliced mushrooms

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper

Preparation:

Slowly cook bacon in large skillet; remove to crockpot. Dredge beef cubes in flour, brown in bacon fat. Transfer meat from skillet to crockpot. Saute vegetables and garlic in bacon fat; remove to crockpot. Gently stir beef, vegetables, bacon and wine. Add bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste. Cook on low 7 to 9 hours.