I loves me some bacon, and I loves me some chocolate. Therefore, I would like to try this candy bar. Just once. Not a lot, because I'm being very good with my sugar intake, but since I can't have this (don't drink Diet Coke anymore, either, plus it's fake), I need the chocolate.

More bacon fun: Bacon Unwrapped (blog) & Everything's Better With Bacon (Flickr group (I am not a member))

A. The George Foreman grill makes perfect bacon.
I know I could have done some research, but I decided to wing it and threw some on. Yes! No more buying pre-cooked bacon at twice the price. (I really can't fry bacon correctly. It's very sad.) The grill was a Christmas present to me, but has been mostly claimed by the gift-giver as "his" grill; however, I've been attempting to cook things on it, and am very happy with it. I'm okay with it being "our" grill.

B. I may not be collecting as many links for the occasional Crafty Fun Friday posts, but the old posts still come in handy.
Niece K has a pair of those knock-off Crocs. When we were out on Thursday, her mom gave her $ to buy us dinner. She declared that she wanted to save at least $5 so she could buy two of those little charms that fit in the holes. I promised her she could make tons of them for $5 and sent her mom this link. She's made several - for herself and her brother - although she'll probably still want some storebought ones.

C. Did a tiny bit of online shopping today at The Paper Princess
I ordered this cute pencil and red & white baker's twine, which I've wanted for ages. I also found rocket pens for a future gift package (but didn't order yet, but added to the gift ideas journal). If you're doing theme gifts, you might want to take a quick tour.

Hope everyone is well. My big task today is laundry. A taco attacked my new white shirt, and my brother's dog peed on my new pink-stiped one (it was just a drop, but it's in the super-extended wash cycle anyway). Otherwise, it's watching old horror movies and filling Etsy orders.

Speaking of Etsy: If you got this far, a top-secret, blog-reader only sale: (1) Order any of the monster products (there are 2 tees and a tote at the moment), and get free shipping. When you get your invoice, don't pay it - wait for me to send a revised invoice without the shipping (unless it will let you edit the amounts). (2) Order any of the remaining sleep masks (there aren't many), and I'll add a free pair of ear plugs (individually wrapped).

If you know me at all, or have been a reader of this blog for awhile, you might have noticed a lack of conversation about cooking. I like to cook, but there are obstacles: I'm just not that good at it, our kitchen is tiny and no fun to cook in, and is too messy. Plus, I hate cleaning up, so I usually don't start. Occasionally, I'll cook for John, which is always a surprise, but it's simple food. No apologies, mind you, just stating a fact.

But last night, when I visited my dad, he said he wasn't feeling too well. I also suspected that he hadn't eaten much for the last couple of days. So I said, "how about a custard?" Which is bizarre, because he's been hinting or outright asking for custard or custard pie for ages, and I just nod and say, "oh, that would be nice, but I don't know how." But last night, it seemed like it couldn't be that hard, and the offer just popped out of my mouth. Of course, Dad doesn't have a recipe book anywhere, so I called John and had him look up one online and call me back with the ingredients and directions.

I had to run to the store for vanilla and nutmeg, because I figured the spices in Dad's cupboard were old, if he had what I needed. I also picked up stuff for stroganoff.

The custard was simple, although the amount of sugar called for seemed odd and high (1 - 2 cups), so I used a bit over 1 cup, kind of splitting the difference. Dad's oven is psychotic (remember the Thanksgiving turkey?), so I knew it would take longer than usual. After about 50 minutes (it was supposed to take 40), I bumped up the temp. and waited another 20 minutes. Finally, I pulled it out and decided it looked pretty done. Dad and I tasted it. He said it was good, but too sweet. I told him I'd come back on Saturday and make one with half the sugar. I was relieved to be there for that extra time, though, because he had a little incident with elevated pulse and pressure and needed his nitrostat. I'd also made him take some Pepto Bismol tabs for his upset tummy. By the time it was all done, he was feeling better, just wiped out.

( moved behind a cut for length )
Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

My hips might thank you, Better Made*, but my tastebuds & tummy do not. Why have all the Andy Capp Cheddar Fries been taken off the shelves? And replaced by craptastic Better Made Cheddar & Bacon Fries, which do NOT compare (I ate one and threw the bag away. Ick.). I know it was the Better Made drivers who did it, because the owner of the quirky convenience store told me that the BM driver was the one who reset their shelves the day before I noticed the disappearance. This was the place I stopped at a couple times a week to get a Cherry Crush and bag of Cheddar Fries. Whenever I'm in a party store, gas station, grocery store, I cruise by the chip section, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar blue bag. Two places had a couple of the hot fries left, but no cheddar. They have been wiped out of the entire area. I just want to know WHY?!

milady1's father is apparently also addicted, and she has promised a report as to their availability on her side of the state.

I don't think BM manufactures these, but they must control that section of the planogram. When I was in college, I worked at a drugstore; occasionally, planners would try resetting certain products right out of a section, and I think this is what happened. Note that I've done no research, because I like my hypothosis.

*I believe BM is a Michigan-based chip maker. Many people like their products, and favor them above the main brands, but I've never been a huge fan. Now, I hate them for depriving me of my favorite snack.

I wish Panera had a drive-through. I don't want to get out of my PJs just yet, but I really want a spinach & bacon "souffle" (cross between a quiche & strata, with croissant crust). Like, now.

A Halloween Treat at Not martha that can't wait until Friday.

In the Crafty Fun Friday post back on Oct. 6, I included a link to a recipe for Crockpot Corn Pudding. My friend Jennifer made it for a little party last night. It was yummy, GONE, and declared perfect for Thanksgiving by everyone there.

She also made what's become a signature offering for her: Spinach Dip Pizza. I don't know what the actual name for it is, but I've been hearing about it from her, and was delighted to finally try it. The recipe was easy enough that I could have tried it any time at home, but I hadn't yet. Not only was it easy, but it was scrumptious. I wasn't the only one who made a pig of herself, and others were tempted to.

Spinach Dip Pizza
Boboli prepared crusts
Spinach dip (from the deli, or made from scratch)
Mozzarella cheese

Spread the dip on the pizza, smother with mozzarella cheese, bake (450°) for 6-7 minutes, until the cheese is nice & bubbly. Slice & serve.

You can also add other goodies. Jen added sliced black olives to one, and I was thinking that artichoke hearts would be yummy as well. Or one of those artichoke dips instead of the spinach dip. The point is simplicity and ease, so I'll try not to get too carried away when I make it for myself.

(I'm using my Jayne avatar because it was a costume-optional party and I wore my Jayne hat and Blue Sun t-shirt)

Once a month, the big group that we're a part of has a birthday snack/lunch potluck thing. I've been trying to bring healthier choices, not b/c I'm a health freak, but b/c almost everyone brings sweets and I need SOME alternative. Last month, I brought brocolli slaw and my favorite Havarti & herb cheese w/ gourmet crackers. This time (yesterday), I made a Village salad. These two options were yummy, and kind of healthy, but pricey. I'd like to keep my offering under the $10 price.

Any suggestions for dishes that are not sweet (that is so covered), that I can either just buy, or make ahead, or mix up at my desk (like I did w/ the salad), but not too pricey? Baking isn't an option, but we do have microwaves, a toaster and a George Foreman grill (that I spotted in the cupboard). The food sits out for a couple of hours, to give everyone a chance to come by.

One person regularly brings a Mexican dip, and someone else always bring hummus. Otherwise, it's almost all desserts.

I did have an idea for bruschetta, but I don't know how long it can sit. My favorite salsa (Wild n Mild) tastes exactly like a bruschetta topping I had years ago. I thought about draining the salsa and then adding it to crunchy bread rounds. But is there a step I'm missing? And wouldn't it get soggy?

( My 'recipes' )

John is forever insisting that Charlie has some monkey in the mix. Okay, I say it too. And here is some further proof. Last night, Charlie and I shared a banana.

What I love about this little goober is that he will try anything. He loves oranges and nectarines too, and I think he likes grapes. I've already talked about how pistachios are his very favorite thing.

This isn't a great pic (settings were off), but the best angle, so I had to share. The picture at right has corrected settings, but a less than complimentary angle.

We really like these noodles! I bought one box for John a few weeks ago and he loved it. So I pick up a few whenever I get to the store. I finally got around to trying some tonight, and wow!

The box is the cooking/serving container. You empty it (everything is in pouches), add 1 cup of water (there is a fill to line) and then empty most of the pouches back into the box and nuke it. I hope they have the Pad Thai version the next time I go. This kind was good, but a little too peanutty for me. Still, good, and recommended.

I was thrilled to see lights on when I walked onto my floor this morning. I made a glass of peppermint iced tea*, and sat down to work. Ten minutes later... the lights went out. Since the temp has started going down, I can't help but wonder if this is my company's way of saving some $ under the guise of conserving electicity (since the last thing we were told is that it would last through Wednesday). This would make a great storyline on The Office.

Olivia (my iPod) has been my constant companion these last few days in the dark. Now, I need to get "In the Dark" (Billy Squire) to make it complete. And a nightlight. And a blankie. (It's actually cool in here. Probably a combination of iced tea, no lights making heat, and the fans everyone has on.)

ETA: I may not have Billy Squire on my playlist, but I do have Everlast/Santana's "Put Your Lights Out" and KT Tunstall's "Through the Dark," LOL.

*Tea: Quite good. Not my favorite, but that's just because I'm not all that into minty teas. Like the cherry flavoring, the peppermint is subtle, and another I could recommend.

I've been using my (free) Flickr account quite a lot lately. I don't blog about all of it, so feel free to go over there and check it out. This AM, I uploaded pics of the ribbon swap packages I was preparing (they're ready to mail now). If you click on the little pic to the left, you can see one of the packages, plus my new stationary (home-made, but I like it). I'm thinking about giving myself a little b-day gift of a paid Flickr account. Those of you that have one - do you like it?

I just wanted to do a quick review of one of the teas I bought for the swap. Because it's 215° F here* right now, hot tea is out of the question, so I make iced tea. Teas taste different hot v. cold, but I'm not drinking hot tea right now, not for anyone, so you get a review of how this tea tastes over ice. Anyway, I got two different kinds of "St. Dalfour" Organic Tea: Peppermint and Black Cherry.

So far, I've tried the cherry, and I must say - it ROCKS over ice! A very mild cherry flavor. It's almost an aftertaste. I take a gulp sip of it, and taste tea, then the cherry. Very subtle. Very nice. I will be buying more. I like that the bags are foil and plastic, so they don't pick up flavors from other things (like if I store the peppermint and cherry teas together).

I am still a loose-tea lover. In fact, the shop I bought this tea at has the perfect thing for me - an infuser cup (the coffee/tea press isn't getting it done). But I haven't had the $ to place a big Adagio order, so I've been experimenting with nicer teas in bags. I have found a winner!

For the record, how I make iced tea at work: Put sugar in mug. I put in too much, but less than I used to. Fill with hot water from the little spigot. Add tea bag. Let it steep for 3-4 minutes. Take out bag & stir. Pour over a big glass of ice. Suck it down. Repeat. We don't get a lot of perks here, but I'm a fan of the hot water spigot and giant ice dispenser, both just down the hall.

*I may have exaggerated just a little. But it's hot. Really hot. And muggy. And they turned off the air at 11.

ETA: Did I mention that this tea was cheap? Just over $3 a box ($3.19?)! I'll try the peppermint tomorrow.

I finally got some corn on the cob. I had issues w/ the grocery store this afternoon, so I gave up and went to Super Kmart. They had lovely corn 20 cents per ear. I got some for dinner, but one for lunch too, b/c I've been craving it. I cooked it using the method I heard on the radio the other day - shucked it, wrapped it in 2 wet paper towels, then 2 min. on high in the microwave. Turn it, then cook for another 90 seconds. Butter, salt, chow. Yum!

I have some sewing to do, but it will wait until evening. Right now, it's a little nap, then Sarah's open house, followed by the remainder of the Firefly marathon (self-hosted) and AC. Have a good Saturday!

I think I've mentioned before how much i love POM Wonderful Tea (black). Sad thing is, it's pricey for daily drinking, AND hard to find (the only store around me that carried it sold out and hasn't gotten any in). But lookie what I found: a recipe for it!

However, if I can find it locally again, I'll pick it up on occasion. It's good stuff!

Tonight: Sewing at fullfaun's. Doesn't look like I'll get around to making a skirt, because no time or moolah to shop for patterns and the like, but I have a present to make for my knitting vacation swap partner and need to finish it so I can mail that package! Everything is in the car.

Tomorrow: 8:15 AM, saltnlt552 is picking me up (with wet hair) to get our hair cut. Her friend Lisa does it well, and for so little money that I'm cool with washing my own hair and going there with a wet head. Then, we shop a little. Then, hopefully, a nap. Then, at 5, I'm seeing t3ars43v3r to get her Sr. pics and give her some movies.

Whew. I'm tired, just thinking about it! Good to see some of my buds, though.

Quick tea review: Adagio RAWKS. I'm almost out of all the samples I ordered. Now I'll pick a few of the flavors and order bigger tins. The tea press was a waste and kind of a pain. Don't bother -- get a pot or mug with an infuser. The Stash tea I made this morning (peach) had soy in it. Why is there soy in my tea?

Got out of work early because I had some time saved up. Cruised on over to "Have You Any Wool?" in Berkley, because it's adorable and I had an inkling they'd have the pattern I wanted. Yes they did - a Lucy Bag. I also got some orangish Cascade yarn (for Project Spectrum), some sale needles for IH, and a couple of pretty feltable Debbie Bliss something-or-other to use in one of the prize packages.

Then headed over to meet fullfaun at Maggiano's (in Troy). She was taking John & I out for dinner. What a nice treat! We had Zucchini Fritte as an appetizer and I think I could have just eaten that for dinner. But I did get some spinach & chicken Manicotti (half of it is in the fridge) and Anita & I shared the creme brulee. Great conversation too! One little dark spot, but it was resolved: our server was excellent, but she had some help that was not. He almost dumped my dinner in my lap, then started bawling out the server for not moving the bread basket. "It's not my fault..." He was a jerk, so John asked to see the manager and explained that the guy had been out of line and that our server was doing an excellent job.

Now, we're home. I got another email about IH, bringing the donations I'm aware of to 14 (plus my SIL's impending package, but she didn't want to enter the contest). I'll check my email again in the AM, and then take care of the drawing for this and the Spring contest.

Tomorrow, we're taking t3ars43v3r shooting. John will give her a quick gun safety lesson, and she can use my little .22 - only good for target shooting anyway. (Which is all I do.)

I am going to have such a yummy dinner! Unorthodox, probably, but yummy for certain. I felt the urge to stop at my favorite grocery store and pick up some brocolli slaw and Garlic Expressions dressing (fabulous bread dipper, if you're looking for one). While I wandered, I also found some yummy crackers and my favorite cheese (Havarti, with herbs -- couldn't find a picture, and don't feel like photographing my groceries).

There is plenty for dinner, and for lunch tomorrow. I've tried the brocolli slaw with that dressing every time I've been in the store, and finally had to buy some. I'm not a big fan of the brocolli, but smother it in some garlic dressing, and I do all right. I also got a mini cranberry bundt cake (cupcake size) and a tiny bar of gourmet chocolate (a square, really).

ETA: I wish I'd know that the little container of dressing inside the slaw IS the Garlic Expressions. I wouldn't have had to buy a whole bottle of it! But now I know. (And I would have known if I'd read the freaking LABEL better!)

I also picked up some goodies for John, especially when I saw the small selection of "Original" New York Seltzer. The original is in quotes because there is no way it is. This stuff has 5 calories per serving. The original Raspberry Seltzer had 80 calories and 21g of sugar per serving. John just asked me about this the other day - "Do they still make New York Seltzer?" I said no and got him some Clearly Canadian. But then, there was this stuff on the shelf at Papa Joe's, and the guy that was stocking the area said they'd just started getting them in. It's been many years since I've seen these, so I wasn't paying attention to the calorie count. This stuff is "lite" but John will probably like it anyway. (I had to photograph this because the newer stuff isn't online anywhere that I can find.)

Good news: The "promotion" I mentioned that John got will come with some kind of pay increase, so it actually IS a promotion. Don't know how much yet, and I don't know when it officially starts (he has another week and a half of training), but that was a nice surprise. Supposedly (I've learned not to ever count on anything from these people) it's full-time, salaried, not just more hours at his old payrate. It's pretty obvious that his direct boss is kind of a flake (the new manager seems okay) in addition to being kind of an ass. John was sent to the wrong location for training today, not told that it was day 1 of EIGHT, and not filled in on various other things. But the job is officially his, so that's nice.

I've picked up most of the goodies for the Spring contest package. I'd like to hit one more store, but I think I've done pretty good.

Finally... the pet supply store by work not only has the best prices on the best catfood (now in a herring, slightly lower fat version, plus coming in the next few weeks: true low fat), they just started carrying the cats' favorite* treats at the cheapest price I have EVER seen ($7.50 - I've never seen them under $12 in the stores (they're $9.98 online, but then you have to add shipping)). Last time I was there, they had 1 jar left (of course I got it). Today, when I stocked up on the regular food, they had all the flavors, including the cod (which I won't buy... ew) and the salmon, which I did buy. I didn't think it was possible, but I am now more popular than ever. Charlie is mewing at me in his pitiful little squeak, and they're all waiting in the hall for me.

*Cass doesn't like any cat treats that I can tell. Popcorn, please. She scoops it up and eats it out of her paw. Cats can't digest corn**, so she doesn't get much of it. She's just so darn cute when she does that! It doesn't hurt her, though. I have to watch her with any food in a bag. Most of it, she won't eat. But oh, does she love scooping out bits and leaving them on the bed, etc.

**Hint for cat-parents: read the labels on your pets' food. You may be surprised. Did you know that cats can't digest corn? And that a good % are allergic? That's how I found out about the can't-digest thing - Sheldon is allergic. Lots more on the subject, here, by my friend Lisa (this is how we met!).

So, the other day, I mentioned that I had ordered a whole bunch of tea and a tea press (all the links you could possibly want are there).

Two things prompted this. First, saltnlt552 got a little gift bag full of Stash tea bags as a (bridal?) shower favor and saved the whole thing for me. I enjoyed that tea over several mornings and was determined to get some. Couldn't find it locally, though. Then, I was reading Claudia's Blog*, and she mentioned chocolate tea. That reminded me that I needed to look for some Stash tea online.

So, I went to Stash first, and ordered a tea press and a bunch of samples. Then, I went to check out Adiago. I ordered several samples of their tea, including a chocolate tea. I did get a white tea, but mostly black, because that's just what I prefer.

Just based on service, I much prefer Adiago. I got a notice from Stash today, saying my order had been shipped. I got my order from Adiago today (FedEx driver in a Budget rent-a-truck was at our door when we got home from dinner - excellent timing). Six tiny tins (aren't they adorable!?) - I neglected to add something for scale, but they're maybe 3" tall. It all smells so yummy! Too bad the tea press is taking the slow boat. I can't compare the packaging yet, but I really do love these little tins.

*I really wanted to link to the blog that got this whole thing started, but it wasn't easy! I did finally track it down.

And it is, so far! Good sleep, good blood sugar levels, good email waiting for me when I got up. I've pretty much determined that the fatigue is linked to my interesting new med (more on that another time) and that some vitamins and caffeine in the AM will help. I ordered a tea press and some sample packs from Stash (and Adiago), so I will be in fine shape in a week or so!

(Okay, at the moment, John is yelling at Charlie, so it's not such a beautiful morning, but it will pass.)

Last night, we met up with my goddaughter, for some tea and coffee drinks and to meet her new boyfriend. I gave her the new messenger bag I made for her (no pics), filled with most of the movies I promised her (can't believe I forgot the Hitchcock flicks) and she immediately requested a backpack. Well, she is going to college in the fall, so I will comply. Probably. I will at least attempt one. I love seeing her, and catching up. She had her Senior pics taken on Thursday, & I've put in my order for an 8x10. She graduates June 13th, the day after John's birthday. Guess where I'll be?!

Little meme action:


Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti

Off for some target practice and breakfast (in reverse order) and then maybe a nap. Tonight, nephew N's 4th birthday party. I made him another 18" sq. Spiderman silky, this time with a Spiderman patch on the flannel side & a mini 9" pocket-size silky. They're packed in a mid-sized Spiderman lunchbox, with a Spiderman head antenna topper added for whimsy, wrapped in Spiderman paper and tagged with a home-made Spiderman tag. Can you guess what N's most favorite thing in the world is?

Oh, just a reminder: I'll be drawing the winners for the Interim House contest one week from today! I've heard from several more people, and am very excited about what's either headed to IH, or has already arrived.

This may be the first year we don't have our traditional Christmas breakfast in 15 years or more. I may drag my butt out to the store tomorrow to get ingredients to make a small one for John & I. But I thought I'd share. This is prepared the evening /day before and refrigerated, then baked right before serving. Along with that and the butter factor, we only have this once a year. But it's really a great breakfast (maybe not the healthiest in the world...)

When we all gather, we have at least 3 of these. Glass baking dishes deliver the best results. You can also modify this to be meatless -- add hashbrowns, some veggies, etc. or add mushrooms, onions, etc. to the meat. My "people" are simple folk, so the fewer embellishments, the better.

Mel's Christmas Strata
(Originally from another source, but I've modified it so much, that this is my own version)

12 slices firm white bread, cubed
1 pound cooked & crumbled bulk sausage
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (low-fat okay, but fat-free does not work!) - someone goofed once and used 4 cups... and it rocked!
6 eggs
1 can Carnation Evaporated Skim milk
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. dry mustard (optional)
½ stick melted butter or margarine (butter dish out of this quantity before melting) – (original recipe called for ¾ to 1 stick, but ½ is more than enough if you use sausage. If you use ham, then increase to ¾.)

Butter a 9x13 glass baking dish (use the stick intended for melting - this dish doesn’t need any more butter!). In large bowl, toss bread cubes, meat and cheese.

Beat eggs until foamy and add milk, dry mustard and salt, beating again with eggs. Add to the bread mixture in the bowl and toss together, until the ingredients are evenly mixed and the bread is fairly coated with the egg mixture.

Pour mixture into buttered baking dish. Pour melted butter evenly over the top. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Uncover and bake in a preheated oven at 325º for one hour.

Serve with peaches or fruit salad.