My Beautiful Month

In case you aren't on Instagram, or don't follow me, here's a peek at my Insta-Life lately.
[*All photos are taken from my Instagram account.]

 Sunday morning indulging: homemade sausage gravy and biscuits

The weather was bad so church had us all stay home and did a live Wednesday night broadcast.

THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES. THE CHAMPS!

Making our own hand soap with Doterra oils.

We stocked up for the huge snowstorm that was SUPPOSED to hit.

This is as close as they get. The fire brings them together.

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

{Super} Sunday Sweets

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!!!!!

How many of you are gathering with friends and family to watch the game today????

My family always gets together for the big game, and this year is no exception...even though a few tears were shed when Dallas (daddy's team) and Green Bay (my aunt's and grandma's team) were eliminated. We're still all in. It's tradition over here. Big TV. Packed room. And more food than you can imagine. It's fabulous.

It's football.

It's Sunday.

It's sweet.

Except for this....

This beautiful snow globe of white is why Mr. B and I are staying home today. My family is almost two hours away, and I love 'em and I'll miss watching the game with 'em, but I'd prefer to NOT end up in a ditch, ya know?

(However, I did drive a few miles down our street to pick up a family bucket from KFC. Definitely recommend staying off the roads if you're currently getting this crazy blizzard.)

Soooo....the snowstorm hits and plans change. Now, there's a possibility the in-laws may be over to watch the game tonight (they're only five minutes away) and food plans consist of a brownie sundae bar with all the fixin's, including three types of granola, vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, and whipped cream. Of course, there are plenty of fruit toppings to choose from, which also doubles as a choose-your-own-fruit-salad bar for those who may not want to indulge in a brownie sundae. I'm not sure who those people are and, truth be told, they probably aren't invited anyway.

I even cut out the brownies in cute football helmet shapes to coordinate with the days' festivities. I made football helmet krispie treats as well. These are the healthier option. Instead of rice krispies and butter, I used 6 cups puffed rice, 4 cups mini marshmallows, and 3 tablespoons coconut oil. DELICIOUS. And Mr. B never even knew the difference.

But, just in case you are in need of throwing together a quick appetizer or are of the I-don't-know-what-to-bring-to-a-Super-Bowl-party lot, here are a few delicious recipes worthy of gracing your game-day table.

Nachos (Two Ways)
Cold Vegetable Pizza (a popular reader item here on Sweet B's)
Ham & Cheese Crescents
Apple Coleslaw
Zesty Broccoli Dip
Potato Skins (definitely a must!)
Multiple Crescent Rolls recipes...quick, simple, and delicious.
Baked Egg Rolls and Snack Plates

Also bar-themes are excellent choices when one must feed a hungry crowd. Some of my favorites are baked potato bar, chili bar, nachos/taco bar, popcorn bar, or something I stumbled across the other day: a mac and cheese bar. What?! And don't forget DESSERT! Krispy treats are always a hit. (Ice cream bars/sundaes are perfection, obviously.)

Who y'all rooting for today?

I'm thinking we're anti-Seattle over here. Go AFC!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Thanksgiving Dinner Review

Now that Thanksgiving is over, we're all settled into the cookie-baking-and-Christmas-shopping thing (thankfully we decorated the house and tree at the beginning of November...yes, I put my tree up before Thanksgiving, and yes, I'm thankful because I get to enjoy it longer...), which means I am finding a little free time to share with you all.

Here's a peek at what Thanksgiving looked like over here.

Mama's cheeseboard was the prettiest and tastiest star of the show. She and my aunt recently returned from a trip up to Wisconsin and, of course, they brought back various cheeses to sample. Sidebar: why were they in Wisconsin, you ask? Well....my aunt (and my grandmother) is a HUGE Green Bay Packers fan. Mama (and my grandfather) is a HUGE Minnesota Vikings fan. (My uncle is a HUGE Browns fan...we're all HUGE fans of various teams over here; Sundays are fantastic.) My aunt, Joann, turned 40 a few weeks ago, and to celebrate she and my mother went to a Vikings-Packers game in Green Bay. You know, the one that recently ended in a tie. Daddy laughed and asked me what were the chances that two sisters, each liking a different team, would drive eight + hours to the game, and it actually end in a tie?! I guess the good Lord knew how uncomfortable that looong ride home would have been.

Anyhoo...Mama brought back a few types of cheese, along with some pear-peach chutney, to snack on while we waited for the holiday dinner. Cheese, chutney, crackers, nuts, and fruit? I don't even need the meal. I was in heaven. Mama, my aunt, and I were the only ones that actually appreciated the cheeseboard; everyone else just casually snacked. We were all, "Oh my gosh, you have to try the hard goat cheese one, with the pita cracker, spread on a little chutney, and top it with a nut, but it has to be the pistachio, that's the best one."

Ahh, never a dull moment over here.

It was a very odd Thanksgiving. I actually preferred the turkey this year WITH the gravy (I'm usually just a sides kind of girl). I enjoyed second helpings of Brussels sprouts, quinoa salad, and cornbread stuffing. Usually, I can't get enough of the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, cough, cough.....also, I didn't partake in any bread. Hmmm, interasante.

The dessert bar (on Mama's new coffee bar, wonder where she got the idea....wink, wink) consisted of pecan pie, pumpkin pie, these pumpkin and honey cookies, and Mama's infamous hot fudge cheesecake. I'm not a pie fan unless it involves fruit, and even then I prefer a cobbler, but I indulged in my cheesecake :P

Also, a few weeks ago Mama found a tasty recipe on Pinterest and asked if I'd make this quinoa for a healthier side dish for Thanksgiving. I did. The pistachios are fan-freaking-tastic, and the sun-dried tomatoes (which Mama and I both kind of do not like on their own) were actually quite decent in this quinoa dish. Lightly tossed with lemon juice, olive oil, and agave, it was refreshing, and very much welcomed alongside the stuffing and mashed potatoes. The only changes I made to the recipe: more lemon (+ zest) and more pepper. We're huge lemon fans.

I enjoyed it. She enjoyed it, so much as she took what little leftovers there were and portioned it out for her lunch for the week. I, on the other hand, ate my teensy portion the next day. And then I was sad because Mama and I no longer (and have not for the better half of a decade now) share the same household, nor the same refrigerator. Therefore, I was unable to eat her making-it-last-as-long-as-she-possibly-can portion. Hey, you do what you have to do.

This Lemon Quinoa Salad might be a new must-have at our Thanksgiving table, and a new favorite work lunch. It's too, too easy to make, and will immediately be doubled forever more. And I'll still not share. Probably.

Oh, and I was a little crafty over here at the library, where the kiddos and I enjoyed a Holiday Crafty Kids session. Check out my cute hand print turkey.

I hope everyone had a fantastic and fun Thanksgiving holiday!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

{Quick Appetizers} Crescents Galore!

Ahhh, crescent rolls. So easy, so versatile, so melt-in-your-mouth tasty. They're perfect all on their own. However, they're even tastier kicked up a notch. Crescent rolls are a staple in my household when it comes to appetizers, crowds, and game day. I have tried a plethora of crescent recipes, and below I included all my (and Mr. B's, of course,) appetizer favorites. So, take your pick (pssst...there are 6 of them)!

All you need is one 8-count can of crescent rolls, regular or jumbo is fine, (or more depending on the crowd you're serving), an ungreased baking sheet, an oven set to 375 degrees, and more or less of the following ingredients:

Crescent Poppers
3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp Neufchatel cream cheese, softened

Unroll crescents, separate and cut each one in half (giving you 16 poppers). Add a dollop of cream cheese to the center of each. Layer on a few pieces of bacon and pepper. (Add more jalapeno slices for more spice.) Fold sides up and twist at top to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes.


Pepperoni Crescents
mini turkey pepperonis
4 pieces mozzarella string cheese, halved
garlic powder
pizza sauce, warmed (optional)

Unroll crescents and separate. Place a few mini pepperonis and one half of the string cheese in the center of each crescent segment. Fold sides up and twist at top to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes. Serve with pizza sauce.










Taco Rolls
3 oz Neufchatel cream cheese, softened
2 tsp homemade taco seasoning mix
3/4 c shredded chicken (a great way to use up leftover chicken!)
1/3 c salsa
1/4 c shredded cheese, Mexican blend

Unroll crescents and separate. Combine cream cheese and taco seasoning; mix until smooth. Spread 2 teaspoons on each crescent, almost to the edges. Add a tablespoon of shredded chicken and a small dollop of salsa. Roll up, enclosing on all sides so it doesn't ooze out while in the oven, and place on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes.


Brie, Fruit & Nut Wraps
Brie cheese, peeled and sliced
apple slices (pear slices work well here, too)
nuts of choice (walnuts, pecans, almonds....)
honey

Unroll crescents and separate. Layer each crescent with a small slice of cheese, fruit, and a nut. Tightly roll up each crescent, making sure all sides are pinched closed. Place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly drizzle with honey. Bake at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes. [Yes, a glass of wine, or tea, is a must with these!]

These crescent rolls are perfect for game day appetizers, sides, snacks, brunch, AND dessert. Also, don't forget to check out my Cold Vegetable Pizza, which uses a package of crescent rolls as its crust. It's a definite winner, along with my gooey Ham Cheese Crescents!

Check back for the Crescents Galore Dessert version!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

House Update: The Kitchen

Y'all, it's been one year and the kitchen is almost finished!!!

These last few weeks Daddy has been up installing the new counter tops and, my favorite piece, the island. It's beautiful and completes the kitchen, while providing storage for pots, pans, jars, AND my cookbooks! My father does amazing and gorgeous work; he is unbelievably talented at his craft. Mr. B and I have done so much to this kitchen, not because it needed it (other than the fact that the wallpaper needed to come down) but we wanted to make it our own, or I should say my own since I'm the one actually in the kitchen.

Let's take a walk down memory lane, shall we?

 

Ughhh....other than the wallpaper, the kitchen was absolutely fine. There wasn't anything wrong with it, we just wanted it updated. To make it our own. We updated the refrigerator, mainly because it kept freezing our food, and Mr. B surprised me by installing a new microwave while I was in Chicago. He was tired of looking at the messed up door. We drew out a plan and a timeline on what we wanted to do with our new home, saved up the money, and now--one year later--my kitchen is complete (almost). Once Mr. B and I finished painting, Daddy came up to install the back splash, which I love.

But the counter tops, I despised. They had to go. I mean they were okay, but I know what my father can do. I watched him build and supply many, many customers with beautiful cabinets and counter tops over the years, and I knew (finally!) it was my turn. And it's absolutely perfect. I am in love with my kitchen.

Isn't it beautiful?! I keep smiling like a little schoolgirl with a crush every time I walk into this kitchen.

I continue to be in awe of what my father can do at his craft. It's absolutely flawless, and his attention to detail is superb. He really keeps in mind what the customer wants and he delivers. When he was asking me questions about the island, at the time, I had no idea which side I wanted to display the cookbooks or the storage doors. It makes you really think about your space. And that's what he does. Daddy makes you think about what works best for you. How I actually use my kitchen, what's convenient to me, where do we walk, how much space do we need to open the fridge and the dishwasher....He's brilliant.

And if you're interested, visit his Facebook page, Creative Woodworks, for an estimate, or to contact him with any questions. (There are also pictures of his other beautiful wood works, so check it out!)

And, now, a sneak peek at the dining room....

Here's a closer look at my new coffee/tea bar!!!















We re-purposed the old island by turning it into the coffee bar I have longed for desperately since I was in college. Eventually I plan to paint it and strip the wood, and possibly have my father install a shelf, or drawer, of some sort in place of the stools. Also, I'd like to put a shelving unit above the bar along with some coffee and tea decor. It's a work in progress. But more importantly, I'm loving the free counter top space!

One room at a time....

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

Our Super Bowl Party

We are obsessed with football in my family.

With so many favorite teams, there was always a favorite team playing and a football "gathering" every weekend. Some times we participated in more than one a week. We had high school football, and College Game Day (to say we are HUGE Ohio State fans is a HUGE understatement), and of course NFL Sunday. It was always fun and always entertaining. Cousins (and siblings) went to separate high schools, so there were occasional rivalries. But Ohio State always united us every Saturday. When Sunday rolled around, it was every fan for himself.

Browns. Cowboys. Bengals. Vikings. Packers. (The Titans for a short time.) Bears. (Oh, and a team I refuse to mention on my blog. And it's not only a Browns' fan's dislike. This team is strongly disliked by everyone...another united stance.) And later on, boyfriends and husbands added the 49ers and Colts to the mix. Everyone was allowed to have their own team. BUT we had one rule.....you can't like a team just because they win, and not be a fan when they lose. In other words, you couldn't be a front-runner. You couldn't jump from team to team. We strongly dislike front-runners over here.

There were victories and defeats, tears, and yelling, silent treatments and, yes, one incident of a perturbed fan getting up and turning off the TV. (Daddy's Cowboys were beating my aunt's unmentionable team.) Needless to say, everyone watching was not happy. This then resulted in Daddy leaving Thanksgiving dinner at my grandma's house, deciding he would walk home in the rain and snow to finish watching the game at our house. Well, we don't live in what you would call a city (or town, haha), so it wasn't going to be a short walk. Mama wasn't too happy when she had to hurriedly pack up two kids, who found the situation hysterical and upsetting at the same time, say good-bye to her stunned family, and drive down the road to pick up a stubborn husband.

Yeah, football is a BIG DEAL.

Growing up, I wasn't like other kids who put their homework off until the last minute, running around like a chicken with its head cut off Sunday night. I worked ahead in study hall, did my homework throughout the week, and studied for exams during commercials. I had to go to our school's Friday night games, and I wanted to enjoy football with my family on Saturdays and Sundays. No time for school work. Only food, yelling, and games. A girl has her priorities.

That's the kind of football game days I grew up with, so I was excited when we moved into our new home with lots of room for entertaining. Hello, football gatherings! (Except Mr. B's family isn't like mine. I mean they watch the game, but there's maybe two or three people and no food. And most of the time Mr. B wouldn't even stay at our house to watch the game. We have all this space.....I like to make food....What the....? Hmmmm...) Well, in case I haven't mentioned it, Mr. B is a huge 49ers fan. He has been ever since he was a little boy. And he's obsessed. A very true and dedicated fan. I've never known anyone like him. So, you can imagine how SUPER excited I was that they made it to this year's SUPER BOWL. It's time to plan a party, my friends.

Go big or go home is how we do it in my family. Especially when someone's team is in the Big Game.

We have balloons, and party stuff, lots of room, games, and plenty of food. AND cake. (In my family, football days are usually all day events. Mr. B's is a tad different. It's a shame, really.)


On today's Super Bowl menu we have my famous nacho bar (you can find the recipe here). Football and nachos are a must in this household on any game day. Mr. B would not be happy if they didn't top the list.

Next, we have a generous bowl of what I like to call the "Good Stuff." It's my Chicken & Wild Rice Salad. I'm obsessed with this salad, and so our my in-laws. Lately it's been a must every time they come over. Mr. B won't touch the stuff, so I buy him his favorite coleslaw, KFC's. (Which, funny enough, he never used to eat before four months ago.....)

And while there, this morning, Mr. B decided we might not have enough food, or that people might want meat, so he brought home a bucket of chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy.

I've been craving homemade pizza for a couple of days now, and last Sunday I made a double batch of pizza dough, giving me four pizza crusts. Earlier this week I made a tasty Margarita pizza for me and the hubby, knowing I'd be making my absolute favorite pizza today. (My in-laws have not yet had my homemade pizza and they can't understand why Mr. B and I hate ordering greasy pizza, so hopefully today they will jump on our train....) Oh, it's so good. Straight from the oven, room temp, or cold. The.best.

My Spicy-Lime Popcorn (recipe below), which is the only way I prefer to eat popcorn. This stuff disappears before I realize it. And then I realize I'm the one who ate the entire batch.

And, of course, the celebrated team: 49ers cupcakes and ice cream, with a Football Berry garnish.

We also have a plethora of beverages, and Mr. B would kill me if I forgot his pretzels. (I wanted to dip them in red chocolate and decorate, but he wouldn't let me "ruin" them.) And for some reason he thought we needed chips and dip. Holy frijoles.


Obsessed with Football. Yes.


Spicy-Lime Popcorn

Makes 4 cups popped.

4 c popcorn, popped (bag or air-popped)
1 tsp cumin
pinch of ground pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp lime juice
1 tsp lime zest

*NOTE: If using air-popped, add 3 Tbsp olive oil and 1 tsp salt.

Mix everything, except popped popcorn and lime juice, in a small bowl. Add seasoning to popcorn and carefully mix together. Sprinkle with lime juice and enjoy!


Football Berries

Serves how ever many you need.

Strawberries
Dark chocolate, melted
White chocolate, melted

These are quite self-explanatory. Dip the strawberries in the dark chocolate and allow to chill in refrigerator overnight. The next day, using a toothpick, draw football lines on top of the harden dark chocolate. Allow to chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Sadly, the white chocolate was not cooperating.

*Looking for even more tasty recipes to please your crowd during the Super Bowl? Then don't forget to check out my seven days of Game Day posts, including nachos, cold pizza, broccoli dip, and many more!

Go 49ers!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi

The Royal Party

As I'm sure you all know, my 26th birthday was a few weeks ago, and my friends and I celebrated like royalty.

Literally.

We dressed in our best royal attire and had a fabulous, Queen-worthy time.

And in our honor, our friends created these beautiful royal invitations.

Since my friend Emilia's birthday is two days after mine, we celebrated our days together, as Your Royal Highnesses.

After the arrivals and crowning and decorations, it was time for food. Making an appearance were most of our favorite dishes....mixed berries, grilled peaches and strawberries, egg salad-stuffed tomatoes, salad, lime tortilla chips and mango salsa, macaroni and cheese, and mini cheesecake bites. There were also wine and tea selections.

Check out our spread!

And the best part: a Grilled Cheese Bar!!!!

YUM-O

I've been downing grilled cheeses like they're Caramel Macchiatos, so when Jessica asked what food I wanted to celebrate my special day, I shouted "GRILLED CHEESE!" before she even finished the question. Emilia didn't seem to mind.

And Jessica made it happen. Because she's AWESOME like that.

Jessica was so kind and (wo)manned the grill to make our perfect grilled cheeses.

My grilled cheese (with tomato, of course) was just what Your Royal Highness ordered.

This was fabulously tasty.

And the grilled peaches were absolutely sinful.

My BFF was in attendance :)

I was having so much fun and just like that it was 10 o'clock at night and I had to leave because I had LegoMania at work the next day. I felt bad. I totally broke up the party because everybody was blocking me in and therefore had to move their cars. And therefore decided it was time to go as well. :(

I spoiled my own party.

Anyhoo, I was also bummed because we never got around to watching the featured film, The Princess Bride.

One of my all-time favorites. Super-excited. Super-bummed and went around for days after quoting the movie until I finally made time to get my Westley and Buttercup fix.

Westley: I told you I would always come for you. Why didn't you wait for me?
Buttercup: Well... you were dead.
Westley: Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.
Buttercup: I will never doubt again.
Westley: There will never be a need.

Inigo Montoya: That Vizzini, he can fuss.
Fezzik: Fuss, fuss... I think he like to scream at us.
Inigo Montoya: Probably he means no harm.
Fezzik: He's really very short on charm.
Inigo Montoya: You have a great gift for rhyme.
Fezzik: Yes, yes, some of the time.
Vizzini: Enough of that.
Inigo Montoya: Fezzik, are there rocks ahead?
Fezzik: If there are, we all be dead.
Vizzini: No more rhymes now, I mean it.
Fezzik: Anybody want a peanut?



But before I left......

Gifts!

Happy Birthday, Your Royal Highness!

Me and Emilia

Next time, make your birthday party a royal celebration to remember!

With Love and God Bless,
Brindi