"CATS FUN-FRIDAY TIP"

Hey everyone....you/we made it....it's finally Friday. Well.....if you're like me you already have your weekend planed out or I should say...."my new recipes planned out" :-) I do want to take a moment and share this tip with you....recently, while washing the lids to my pans, I had noticed a "water build up" around the inside of the lid. I won't waste your time of telling you how this kicked in my "OCD" or how I then took down all my pots and pans and removed all the lids to see how they looked. I also won't share with you how "long" it took me to come up with this "cleaning tip." :-)
Here's the thing....I wash all my pots and pans/lids by hand....I do not submerge into water but this will still happen while you are washing a lid. It's going to happen and it may seem trivial but this was driving me nuts! :-)
Needless to say...they are "all" cleaned back up looking pretty and ready for my next baking/cooking adventure! You can see in pic below that I do have an "older semi-retirement home" and I do make a "focal point" using the shelf above my stove. I've been blessed to design many "gourmet kitchens" and sometimes it's a bit frustrating not having what I design for others but we do projects one "design at a time." Meanwhile,  it's about using what I have and definitely making things work for my family.
I always say...."Trends come and go but Family is Forever" so make sure your home functions to your family's lifestyle.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog: www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you do....hold lid with one hand and take a dry paper towel and pinch it into the rim (between glass and lid) and run it around to let the paper towel absorb the moisture.
Seriously....that's it.....I almost didn't post this but was recently talking to a group of ladies that stated they had the same issues. :-)

All cleaned....back up on "display" looking pretty as ever! My OCD was a bit better however I am now "pre-spring cleaning closets" :-) :-) :-) or :-( :-( :-(

CAT'S ALMOND/HAZELNUT DROPS!

Hey everyone....well if you're like me the week is going too fast! Sometimes I can't believe it's already Wednesday due to just feeling like I just left church last Sunday. Time does fly too fast sometimes. Due to my "weight loss journey," I've twisted some of my old recipes that I'd like to call "healthi-r"...and who doesn't need an afternoon pick-me-up. These are great to make with kiddos...freezer friendly & just a great healthi-r snack to grab on the run. I keep mine in the fridge in a sealed container so they last longer. Ha! They can be addicting so be careful :-) They are called "drops" due to not being able to call them the traditional no-bake cookies.  I truly believe what makes these taste so sweet is that I "roast the almond flour" by Nature's Eats. That's right....roasting the almond flour enhances the nutty flavor in the flour. It only takes a few minutes and most of the time it's what your oven temp is usually needed for baking. Ovens vary....but I roast mine @ 350* for about 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of flour I am roasting. You just line a cooking sheet with parchment paper....add your "almond flour by Nature's Eats & roast for 3-5 minutes stirring half way....definitely set your timer....does roast quickly. The smell is amazing and well worth the extra time!
Anyway, hope your week is going well. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers on my "weight loss journey."

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

CAT'S ALMOND/HAZELNUT DROPS!

Here's all you need...

1/2 c. "Roasted" almond flour by Nature's Eats
1 c. sliced almonds by Nature's Eats
2 1/2 c. Quaker gluten Free Quick 1-minute oats
3/4 c. Nutella hazelnut spread
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1/2 c. unsweetened almond milk
1/4 c. organic coconut palm sugar (optional....if you need less sugar....omit 'cause you get enough
"sweetness" from your hazelnut spread & peanut butter.
1 TB. unsalted butter

Here's all you do...

Roast 1/2 c. almond flour per directions above.
In a large bowl, combine almonds & oats.
Fold in roasted almond flour & stir until combined.

In a non-stick pan ( I keep one just for baking) melt on medium heat the butter, milk & sugar. Stir until combined. This is a quick process.
Remove from heat & fold in hazel nut spread until well combined.
Mix into the dry ingredients.
Fold in creamy peanut butter

Drop by rounded spoonful onto a lined cookie sheet and "flash freeze" for about 10 minutes.
Remove....Serve on a cake plate or store in fridge for a "healhti-r snack"

Tip....I use "small parchment cups" to serve and store. Less mess :-)

"ROASTING ALMOND FLOUR by NATURE'S EATS"

Hey everyone....I have to share the ultimate new baking trend. It's "roasting" your almond flour by Nature's Eats. This almond flour is healthy and when you "roast" it before using in your recipe it enhances the natural almond flavor. The smell is absolutely amazing during this process. You will be seeing a lot of my "healthi-r" recipes using Roasted  Almond Flour by Nature's Eats. The process is so easy and you most likely are using the oven temp already for your baking needs. I actually will remove half of my almond flour that is called in the recipe and roast it....depending on the recipe I might roast it all. Roasting does change the texture of the almond flour a bit but in most of my recipes it's a win...win :-) Pic below is roasting almond flour and sliced almonds by Nature's Eats. The recipe for this step is coming soon but the technique is the same. Also a "clever tip" when using the parchment paper!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy roasting your almond flour and when we meet up in person you can "thank me" for the amazing smell in your kitchen :-) It's addicting!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Roasting Almond Flour by Nature's Eat's"

Here's all you do...
Pre-heat oven to 350*
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place your almond flour on baking sheet and roast for 3-5 minutes (oven vary so watch carefully)
Carefully stir half-way through.
Let cool.

TIP: using the same parchment paper...fold paper in half using it to add the almond flour into your ingredients. No mess!

CAT'S WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY W/ NATURE'S EATS!

Hey everyone....hope you're week is going well. I'm excited to share that I'm collaborating with Nature's Eats products on my weight loss journey. I absolutely love their products for cooking and baking. They have so many healthy products to choose from to make your "weight loss" easier. I've been on this journey since last October. I've lost 10 pds. but still have 40 more to go. I know this can be achieved with using healthy products & having the best "life coach"....my daughter, Nichole. She's always kept me positive & focused! I've realized that "loosing weight" does not mean you "sacrifice taste"...it's all about using the "right ingredients." #nature'seats! :-) You'll be seeing lots of new healthi-r recipes all using Nature's Eats products. I'm excited about this new journey ahead...so keep me in your prayers....and send positive thoughts! :-)
#Cat'sCookingHealthi-R w/ Nature's Eats

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
Quilt Blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com
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Products I love!

www.natureseats.com

"BE STILL MY HEART-GRANOLA"

Hey everyone....hope all is well and you had a wonderful "chocolate day." I was a bit down in my back but my "sweet neighbor" came by with "lemon curd filled cupcakes." Yes...that's what I said. Everyone should have a neighbor like her....they were very pretty and d'lish! If you know me, I'll be getting that recipe for us all to enjoy! Well this recipe is for my "sweet grandson Davin." Words can't express how proud I am of this young man. He has such an old sole and excels at everything he does. Definitely a product of his successful Mom & Dad!  He is currently playing Basketball so I wanted to come up with a fast and easy granola recipe that my daughter can make during her busy schedule as well. This is definitely a "heart friendly" granola for any child doing sports or after school snacking. I'm going to try and mail some to them this week to do a test of how long it stays fresh when mailing. This recipe is also healthy for us "older kiddos" that might be watching our sugar levels. I've used several of my favorite healthy ingredients but you can change it up to accommodate your family's taste buds. Perfect on yogurt...ice cream....whatever your "heart" desires. I called it "Be still my heart-granola" due to while I was baking it this morning, he text me a video of him scoring a huge play during his basketball game this morning. Oh my goodness, I can't always be at his games so it's so dear to my heart when he sends me a video...#bestmorning! :-)
Enjoy the smell while baking!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog;  www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need:

3 cups Quaker Oats Gluten Free quick 1-minute oats
1/2 c sliced almonds ( I love Nature's Eats almonds & walnuts)
1/2 c roughly chopped walnuts
1/2 c roughly chopped pistachios
1/4 c honey
1/2 c creamy peanut butter (I used Smuckers Natural Creamy peanut butter)
1 tsp. salt
1 Tb. unsalted butter

Here's all you do:

Pre-heat oven to 275*
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper
In large bowl combine oats, almonds, walnuts & pistachios (or nuts or your choosing)
In a "microwave safe dish" combine honey, peanut butter salt & butter for about 15 seconds.
Stir until creamy.
Add to oats and blend well.
It will be a bit lumpy and you can combine with clean hands if desired (this would be the part your kiddos would enjoy :-)
Pour onto baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from oven...stir...and bake an additional 30 minutes.
Remove from oven and let completely cool before storing in an airtight container.
I store mine in a mason jar and keep in refrigerator.

Options...when completely cooled add some sugar free dark chocolate chips or candy of your choosing if you'd like to turn recipe into a "trail mix" and/or divide granola & do both!
This recipe also makes a great gift!

Products I use & love!

Creamed peanut butter, honey, butter & salt

Chopped almonds, walnuts & pistachios

Mixed ingredients 

Enjoy the smell while baking!

"VALENTINE PANCAKES 4 KIDDOS"

Hey everyone....this is a fast and furious post for a fun and semi-sweet Valentine breakfast for kids of all ages. Valentine's day is tomorrow which is also a school day so this simple fun breakfast can be made the night before and refrigerate until morning then warm in microwave. The syrup I used is sugar free and you can sweetened it with sugar free candy as you melt in the microwave with syrup. Your kiddos will have a fun sweet breakfast without the sugar before going to school. I will be definitely making these for my grandson soon but it won't be until summer. So, in this case....try this fun recipe any day with your kiddos as a sweet surprise. Show your love everyday so on Valentine's day you can go straight for the chocolate! Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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Quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...
Favorite pancake mix
Syrup
Hershey's cacao unsweetened powder
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Nutella (optional)

Here's all you do...
Mix Pancake mix as directed but add a Tablespoon of Hershey's cacao….this will give the pancakes a "chocolate look" without the sweetness.
Heat a non-stick griddle on medium heat with your oil choice or butter :-)
Cook pancakes as you normally do but as you finish each one lay them on a cutting board lined with parchment paper to cool. The cutting board gives a sturdy surface to cut out hearts.
 Once slightly cooled use a heart cookie cutter to cut each pancake. Use different heart shapes if you wish.
I also dusted cocoa powder on plate and place a fork before dusting to give it a fun look. Do so if you wish....you'll score points with the kiddos :-)
Melt syrup in a microwave dish with a few semi-sweet chocolate chips to desired temp and drizzle over pancakes....yum! (use a squirt bottle if desired or just drizzle with a whisk)
If you desire, I made some Chocolate Hearts with Nutella....freeze them until you get ready to serve. They loose their shape fast! Still working on that hack for us!
Hope you  enjoy and have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Dust cacao powder up high then remove fork B4 adding pancakes :-)

Ingredients I love!

Be still my heart :-)

"CHOCOLATE COVERED VEGGIES....yes please!"

Hey everyone....hope all is well. We all know Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us and personally I feel everyday is Valentine's Day. I know...sounds corny….but this day puts too much pressure on people. If you just take the time throughout the year showing someone you care then on this day you can splurge on "chocolate" :-) I'm not much on flowers but chocolate and a sweet hand made card from my grandson is all I need. I'm still having to cut back on my sugar so Valentine's Day is a bit hard for me. I recently googled low carb chocolate recipes and I had to laugh....I came across chocolate covered veggies. Why didn't I think of that when my daughter was young. What a clever way to "tie in" some veggies on Valentine's Day. What a fun project to do with the kiddos as well. I had to try with a few of my veggies that I love....carrots, radishes and then for a salty kick....sliced almonds. Oh my goodness....yes...I realized that anything you can "dip in chocolate" is absolutely d'lish! Yes you can do the norm....chocolate covered strawberries...apples...bananas...kiwi...cherries...apricots and then for a salty kick, you have chocolate covered potato chips...pretzels...pickles...bacon and even jalapenos. Oh my gosh even cheese....can you say..."yes please" to all of the above. Not to put a dampen on your chocolate haven right now but the recipe below is actually made with sugar free Hershey candy. If you don't need to watch your sugar use what your "heart desires"...after all it's Valentine's Day! Enjoy!

Blessed Cooking from my Home to Yours,
Cat
email q's....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
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quilt blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

Here's all you need...
Favorite veggies or fruits
Hershey's sugar free candy (or your choice)
Coconut oil

Here's all you do...
Wash and rinse your veggies or fruits (pat dry with paper towel)
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (hint...make sure your baking sheet fits in freezer...if not use a plate or a non stick paper plate)
Melt chocolate with a 1/4 tsp of coconut oil in a microwave safe dish on low in 10 sec interval's, stirring as you go until chocolate is melted.
Dip your veggies in chocolate and place on parchment lined baking sheet...
Place in refrigerator to harden (about 15 minutes)
Remove and place in airtight container and keep in refrigerator until you bag them up for your favorite Valentine or place on a sweet glass cake plate like I did.
Tip: I bought carrot chips, already sliced and good to go! The radishes were cut in half, then I cut each half again trying to get a piece of the "stem" to have something to hold on to :-)
Almonds were bought pre-sliced as well. Also I used one hand for picking fruit and one hand for dipping in chocolate. I used same bowl when needing to make more melted chocolate. Such a easy and fun project to do with kiddos and a great gift to give to a friend or loved one.
For the kiddos, I bought some X & O pretzels then drizzled melted chocolate and place in decorative bag if desired.
I guess in my "mind" it's a somewhat healthy Valentine's gift! :-)

Products I Love

Veggies I Love

Yum!

Healthy Edible Decor'

Sweet gift for kiddos

"ROOSTER = WELCOME....NO MATTER WHAT STYLE"

Hey everyone...hope your week is off to a great start. Recently, I was at a friends house and as soon as I walked in, I immediately felt welcomed. That's correct....I was welcomed by "Rooster décor"....I felt right at "home" and maybe it's because I also love and have rooster décor. Her home really touched my heart....it made me realize that a "Rooster" is like a "Pineapple"....they both symbolize welcome. Yes, maybe it's a "south thing" but then I did some design research. No matter your design style you can incorporate a "rooster"....Country French....Rustic....Modern/Country...Farmhouse or whatever your décor. You can incorporate a "rooster" just about in any room. It just amazes me of how something so simple can have different meaning in someone elses "design eye." I always say...."no mater the design trend....make your home suit your family's needs." Designs come and go but your family is forever!

Below are some designs incorporating a "Rooster" :-)

Have a great week & check back soon!

Blessed Cooking from My Home to Yours,

Cat

email q's...cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

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Quilting blog....www.ihearditthroughthequilt-vine.blogspot.com

"Country French"

"Modern/Country"

"Rustic"

"Farmhouse"