Recipe Friday

Sweet Tea Rice with Jalapeño, Peaches, and Pecans

Featured in Southern Living May 2011

• YIELD: Makes 6 servings
• HANDS-ON: 10 MINUTES
• TOTAL: 25 MINUTES
• COURSE: Side Dishes/Vegetables

Ingredients

• 2 cups sweetened tea
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 large fresh peach, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

• 1. Bring tea to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat; stir in rice and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes or until tea is absorbed and rice is tender.
• 2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add pecans, and cook, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes or until toasted and fragrant. Add jalapeño, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in hot cooked rice, diced fresh peach, chives, 1/4 tsp. salt, and pepper.

Southern Living MAY 2011

Recipe Friday

Sweet Tea-Brined Chicken

Featured in Southern Living May 2011

• YIELD: Makes 6 to 8 servings
• HANDS-ON: 30 MINUTES
• TOTAL: 2 HOURS, 35 MINUTES
• COURSE: Main Dishes

Ingredients

• 2 family-size tea bags
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, halved
• 2 (6-inch) fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1 tablespoon freshly cracked pepper
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 1 (3 1/2- to 4-lb.) cut-up whole chicken

Preparation

• 1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a 3-qt. heavy saucepan; add tea bags. Remove from heat; cover and steep 10 minutes.
• 2. Discard tea bags. Stir in sugar and next 6 ingredients, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool completely (about 45 minutes); stir in ice. (Mixture should be cold before adding chicken.)
• 3. Place tea mixture and chicken in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag; seal. Place bag in a shallow baking dish and chill 24 hours. Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade; pat chicken dry with paper towels.
• 4. Light one side of grill, heating to 300° to 350° (medium) heat; leave other side unlit. Place chicken, skin side down, over unlit side, and grill, covered with grill lid, 20 minutes. Turn chicken, and grill, covered with grill lid, 40 to 50 minutes or until done. Transfer chicken, skin side down, to lit side of grill, and grill 2 to 3 minutes or until skin is crispy. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Total time does not include 1 day marinating time.

Southern Living MAY 2011

Recipe Friday

Sweet Tea Tiramisù

Featured in Southern Living May 2011

• YIELD: Makes 10 to 12 servings
• HANDS-ON: 20 MINUTES
• TOTAL: 13 HOURS, 30 MINUTES
• COURSE: Desserts

Ingredients

• 2 family-size tea bags
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 2 (8-oz.) containers mascarpone cheese
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 2 (3-oz.) packages ladyfingers
• 1 to 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa

Preparation

• 1. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a 3-qt. heavy saucepan; add tea bags. Remove from heat; cover and steep 10 minutes.
• 2. Discard tea bags. Add 1 cup sugar, stirring until dissolved. Bring tea mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 to 22 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 1 cup. Remove mixture from heat, and let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
• 3. Stir together mascarpone cheese, vanilla bean paste, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar.
• 4. Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form; fold into cheese mixture.
• 5. Separate ladyfingers in half. Arrange 24 ladyfinger halves, flat sides up, in the bottom of an 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Drizzle with half of tea mixture. Top with half of cheese mixture. Repeat layers once. Cover and chill 12 hours. Sift cocoa over top just before serving.

Southern Living

Product Review

Okay so I am so pale and need some sun-kissed skin in a bad way. I decided I would try this. Bad Decision. Yeah, really bad decision. Worst I have ever bought. It is very hard to spray out evenly and I was streaked. I decided to spray it on while standing in the tub so I could just spray the tub down if I needed to. Apparently I forgot to wash the bottom of my feet and the bottom of my feet were disgusting. It also turned me orange, which I hate! And to make matters worse every time I get in the tub my skins turns the water orange. To say it nicely I do not like it, not at all! So disappointed.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day

Sunday morning Jon went and got Tyler when he woke up and brought him to our bed. He also got out a card that he had for me in hiding. It was so sweet! Even Tyler and Mocha and wrote notes in it for me! Tyler let us sleep a little late so we had to get up and rush to get ready for church!

Church was so great and so sweet! The message was about several mother's in the bible and the sacrifices that they made for their children. Children are a wonderful blessing from God and I am so thankful for my little miracle that God gave me! He has truly blessed us! The message also talked about making sure we are a open bible to our children. That they are reading the bible through watching our actions. It really makes you think about how important it is to live your life for the Lord because your children's eyes are always on you.

After Church we had a wonderful brunch together and took a few pictures together. We also sat on the couch and rested some during Tyler's Nap. It was so nice to take a break!

That afternoon I cooked a Low Country Boil, Cornbread, Homemade Ice Cream, and Southern Livings Sweet Tea Tiramisu. We had a couple of friends over to remember Kyle Comfort. It was a great evening. They poured Kyle a glass and turned one of the chairs up. It was so sad seeing it and they speech Jon gave was great and we all teared up. My heart goes out everyday to his wife and child. Later we had a bonfire and told stories.

Big Boy Bed

Two and half weeks ago we had to make the decision to either buy a crib tent or convert Tyler to his toddler bed! We looked and talked about both options. I even spoke to our pediatrician about it. Tyler had learned how to climb out of his crib and we were worried he was going to hurt his self. The crib tent is a little expensive and he will be two in a few months and we would convert him anyway and he does not like to be confined at all so we were scared when we tied it up he was going to freak out. Jon was off on a Friday and we just went for it and rearranged his room and converted his bed. Tyler was so excited about this move! He loved climbing in and out of his own bed and just smiling away in it. We were still nervous how he was going to sleep in it. He skipped nap that day but it was not out of the norm for him to skip it so we waited till bedtime and he did WONDERFUL. He has had no problems and loves it! We are so happy!



His New Toddler Bed


His Changing Table/Dresser


The Window Wall


Tyler fast asleep the first night

Our Extended Weekend

Monday morning I woke up early to watch a friends two little boys for her while she had a appointment. We watched cartoons, played with toys, ate goldfish crackers, drank lots of apple juice, and had a pretty good morning. Jon called and had got off early and came home a little before my friend picked up her children. Jon was wanting to go do something as a family so we decided to go to Nashville. We first thought we might go visit the Pantheon but it is closed on Mondays. BOO! Jon of course wanted to go to the Bass Pro Shop. No surprise right? He did want to pick up something for his boat for his upcoming fishing tournament. Also Tyler loves the fish tanks. This was our first stop and then we went to one of the malls and strolled around. We found some cute shoes for Tyler and took Tyler on a carousel ride. He screamed! I was so sad because he use to love it! He calmed down for some of it but cried again every time he saw his daddy. After the mall we had planned to have dinner but Tyler was not cooperating at the time so we drove back to Clarksville. Tyler did not fall asleep in the car like we had hoped and Jonathan decided we would eat at Captain D's. Tyler was so funny with his cups of ketchup and honey mustard. (His daddy taught him how to dip and he LOVES it!) He acted way better than we had thought he would so we ran over to our mall to go in to Border's. Tyler had so much fun looking at all the books and playing with the bead maze table. Overall we had a great day together and I love just getting to spend time together as a family!

Ordinary Weekend

Tyler working on one of his Easter Bunny's

Jon and His new Toy

Tyler and Daddy playing on the boat

Seal Team 6 Flying Home from Fort Campbell!

Daddy put up the tent in hopes to camp out in the back yard.

Playing tricks with Daddy

A Carnation from Church and Flowers from sweet friends for Mother's Day

Sunday afternoon Jon blew up Tyler's pool we filled it with buckets full of warm water and he cried his eyes out! Pool was a fail! We will try again soon!

Menu Monday

Okay so I have been horrible at doing this! Yeah I admit it! It has been crazy around here. This week is busy as well.

If you want to participate in Menu Plan Monday head on over to I am a Organizing Junkie and link in as well.

Monday
Dinner Out


Tuesday
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Mashed Potato's, Green Beans, and Rolls

Wednesday
Chicken Divan Casserole, Sugar Snap Peas

Thursday
Lemon Pepper Chicken and Pasta

Friday
Hail & Farewell
Dinner welcoming and saying goodbyes to other guys in my hubs unit.

Saturday Night
DATE NIGHT or Maybe Dinner with my parents

Sunday Night
Homemade Pizza

RIP CPT Kyle Comfort

A year ago today we lost a Hero to the war of terrorism. A great friend of my husbands got killed in action on May 8th, 2010 by a IED in Helmand Province. Captain Kyle Comfort, we will NEVER forget you and what you did for our country! He is a true Hero and died saving others lives. He loved this country and loved what he did! I feel blessed to have known someone like him.

Kyle's wife is a true Hero as well. I have never met anyone so strong in my entire life! I am so proud of her and her composer during this last year! She has done so much in his honor and I know he is so proud of her. I could only wish to be as great of a military wife as she is!

Please keep all of Kyle's family and friends in your prayers as we remember and celebrate Kyle's life today. Especially his wife, Brooke, his daughter, Kinleigh, and his Mom, Ellen. This has been a hard year for them and I am praying for comfort and peace for them today!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mother, both of my fantastic Grandmother's, my sweet Mother-in-law, and Jon's Grandmother. You are all wonderful women! We love you very much and appreciate all that all of you do in our lives!

Happy Mother's Day to all Mom's out there! Hope you have a wonderful day!

My Mother

Jon's Mom

My Mom's Mom & Dad

My Dad's Mom & Step-Dad

Jon's Mom's Mother

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday (a day late)

Tyler is loving drawing here lately! We practiced with tub crayons and sidewalk chalk.







Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

National Day of Prayer

Today we are celebrating the 60th annual National Day of Prayer. Our nation is in desperate need of prayer. Please take the time to pray as a family, with a group, with your church, or by yourself today.

Please remember to say a prayer not just today but everyday for:

Our Nation

Our Country

Our Government

Our State Governments

Our President

Our soldiers who are fighting for our freedom

The families of soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country

All the victoms of the devasting Tornados in the South

All the families that lost loved ones due to the Tornado's in the South

Our Police officers and Fire Fighters.

Cinco De Mayo

Raise your Margarita in celebration of Cinco de Mayo but remember to not only celebrate that drink in your hand, but the history of strength and defiance the day marks for our neighboring nation!

Cheese Dip, Tostado Chips and Taco salad is on our menu for tonight! What are you having?

My Favorite Things

Lately I have found some new brands I like and some other things that I am loving as well.

1. EOS-Evolution of Smooth

-I had heard a lot of people raving about the lip balm so I grabbed some to try it and I love it! It is in this cute little ball or you can get the smooth stick. I like the ball! I have the summer fruit and the sweet mint! I really like this a lot and I am super picky about chapstick!

- Next I got adventurous and decided to buy the Lotion. I was needing a new good lotion and not one that is heavily perfumed. I really like it. It leaves your skin so soft and it feels so refreshed.

- Okay I have not bought this yet because I have not found "island blue" in a actual store yet! I am not paying shipping for shave gel! I hate paying shipping cost! I hate it! But I am dying to try this!


2. Nike+ Sportband
This thing is great! I inserted the little chip in my nike shoes and all I have to do is put on the bracelet hold it down for 3 sec. and off I go! Love it!!!!

3. AVEDA
The week before the Brigade ball I decided to be brave and go get my hair colored. I have never had anyone do my hair except one lady. Sadly I never have time to drive to Alabama to go get a haircut and color and do not always have the time when we are there. So my roots were a hot mess and needed to be fixed. I could not go to such a major event with my hair like that! I had asked a friend earlier in the week were she goes and got brave and called. I have had so many highlights that pretty much all of my hair is blond so I just decided to dye it all blonde. Well for one I love my hair and two I am in LOVE with the Aveda spa! LIKE IN LOVE! They did an amazing job and I love the products she used in my hair. It was a great experience and I will continue to go there forever!
1. Smooth Infusion Style Prep Smoother

2. Phomollient Styling Foam

3. Blue Malva Shampoo

4. Damage Remedy Restructuring Conditioner

RIP Sidney Simpson

Last Monday morning I was woken up to phone call I did not want to hear. My dad called to let me know that my grandfather had passed away. He had been fighting a hard fight with cancer. 2 years ago he found out he had colon cancer when he had a colonscopy and has been fighting since then. He had a hard fight to fight and was willing to fight for life till the end. A week and a half before he died when he had his Dr.'s appt they had told him there was nothing else they could do. His cancer had spread greatly. He had many tumors in his liver, one being over 7cm in size, and it was covering his spine, his ribs and both of his lungs. What a stong man and my grandmother was one strong women! She was by his side every moment! She did all she could and more to help him and be there for him. Please remember her in your prayers as my family as she deals with the love of her life being gone. Also her health is not very well so please pray that she will now be devoted to taking care of herself.

The South

Last Wednesday the South was hit with several Horrific tornados. Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virgina suffered major damage. There is 250 dead and many more injured. Please, Please Pray for all of these states, the families of those lost, the families that lost everything, the power companys, the many volunteers, and all that are involved. Also please donate your time, blood, clothing, water, baby items, bibles, money or anything else you are able to do.