These Are A Few of My Favorite Pinteresting Things (Recipes)

On June 16, 2015June 16, 2015 By Marylou HershbergerIn Home, Recipes2 Comments

I love reading about other people’s Pinterest ideas or recipes. I’m afraid I don’t use a cookbook as much anymore. Well, given that there are only 2 of us in the house and we don’t eat many meals together, and that most of what I do make is “no recipe needed” stuff and that most cookbooks don’t have pretty pictures, we just don’t use recipes as often as others probably do. If I had many mouths waiting for meals, I’d be looking for inspiration at all corners. 🙂

The recipes I’m sharing I’ve made either exactly like the recipe or fairly similar. Not like … “I finally learned to enjoy chicken rice casserole… I substituted beef for chicken, oh, and I used noodles instead of rice, and cheese, I don’t care for cheese [can you EVEN imagine me say THAT??] so I used pizza sauce. And it was delicious! I think I’ll try this recipe again.” That may be a bit of an exageration but once you do enough substitution, you are no longer really using the recipe. You’re using inspiration from the recipe.

I’ve already told you about the Gold Dust seasoning blend. Here’s another use for it. Recently I bought rotisserie chicken, deboned it, sauteed it with fresh, diced tomatoes, slivered Vidalia onions, green peppers from my garden (yay) and sprinkled it generously with salt and Gold Dust seasoning. I made a quesadilla out of it and ooh, la la! Quick and easy! Chicken Fajita Quesadilla.

Skinny Tomato Basil Soup

One of my recent finds was Skinny Tomato Basil Soup from The 36th Avenue. This is quite tasty!! The second time around I added tortellini to it (cooked separately) and topped with homemade croutons and Parmesan cheese. It’s probably no longer considered “skinny” after that. 🙂 Fresh herbs totally make this soup. Tonight I used fresh basil, thyme and oregano from little herb-garden-in-a-pot.

10-Minute Refrigerator Dill Pickles

I love dill pickles, especially the garlicy, vinegary homemade dill ones. I found a recipe for 10 Minute Refrigerator Dill Pickles from Flower Patch Farm Girl that nearly make me swoon. I know, it’s embarrassing! I made 2 quarts in time for our church Memorial Day Cookout. I kept some out for myself because I was afraid there wouldn’t be any left! And there weren’t many left. My note on Pinterest is the brine is so good I want to drink it. Tip: You can use the brine a second time but I found I had to add more salt and vinegar or the 2nd batch wasn’t as good.

Quinoa Burger

Okay, this next recipe I did a major substitution, quinoa for rice. The Quinoa Burger from Eating Well Living Thin I make with rice and then eat as a side dish. We didn’t have quinoa, had actually never bought any until recently so I used cooked rice. It is delicious so i have no reason to think that it wouldn’t be delicious with the quinoa, and healthier too. I’m sorry I don’t have a pictures. Feel free to go to her site and see! 🙂

Authentic British Fish and Chips

I eat Fish and Chips any chance I get. It is definitely not southern fare and southern fish are not as good as cold water fish like cod and whiting. We buy cod fillets at Sam’s Club and love them. I made a substitution for this one too since I didn’t have any beer on hand (yeah, shocking, I know!) I used ginger ale instead. And I didn’t make the chips. I roasted potatoes in the oven instead. So this is about the fish only. Authentic British Fish and Chips is delicious but mine didn’t look as pretty as hers. Maybe the beer makes the difference? It’s also a phone picture it doesn’t look as good here as it did in person.

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Roll-Ups

I’ve found a number of recipes from Jamie Cooks It Up that are amazing! Bacon Wrapped Chicken Roll-Ups are delicious as well and fairly simple for as pretty and flavorful. I didn’t use quite as much bacon and added some salt and sriracha sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Tip: You want to make sure the chicken is pounded very thin. This breaks up the fibers and keeps it soft. It may look raggedy before it bakes but after it’s finished, the pulverized chicken looks fine. Definitely a keeper. Sorry, no picture. Make sure to visit Jamie’s site. She has a lot of amazing but simple ingredient recipes as well as weekly and monthly menus for inspiration.

Bourbon Chicken

Bourbon Chicken (without the bourbon) comes from Jamie Cooks It Up too. I used it as a contribution to a cooking show with our church ladies. I should have a picture of it over rice like Jamie does but I almost forgot to take any food pictures, much less pictures after we started eating. Tip: Doubling the sauce recipe will stretch your meat. The sauce is worth it!

Maryland Crab Cakes with Horseradish-Sriracha Remoulade

When we were in Hilton Head last year, my friend ordered the crab cake entree at Skull Creek Boat House. Their crab cakes are rolled in salt and vinegar chips before they’re fried. Some crab cakes have lots of bread or cracker filler. Theirs did not. It was filled with crabby goodness. Since then I have I’ve been dreaming making the perfect crab cake. Restaurants charge enough that you don’t want to pay a lot for 2 crab cakes and then not like them. Lump crab meat can cost up to $14/lb. here so it’s not the cheapest meat to make. But I went in pursuit of a recipe online. Maryland Crab Cakes with Horseradish-Sriracha Remoulade totally fit the bill! I didn’t take a pictures but mine looked a little gray instead of a white and golden color like hers but it was delicious! I did roll some of them in salt and vinegar chips. My sister said she couldn’t tell a difference. I thought the addition of the chips added the perfect bit of flavor. The sauce packs a punch! I’m guessing it should with horseradish AND sriracha!

Pork Neck Bone Stew

Okay, I’m not so much posting Pork Neck Bone Stew because it is my favorite recipe but because a) I only tried it because I accidentally got unsmoked neck bones [I wanted the smoked for stuff like black-eyed-peas, etc. The unsmoked does not add great flavor to beans!] and b) It’s been re-pinned more than any other recipe I’ve pinned. I don’t know if that’s because a) people accidentally got the wrong meat like me or b) because there aren’t many recipes out there for pork neck bones. I don’t remember what I paid for the meat, but the flavor was quite good (from the bones) and it’s a way of stretching a little meat. It’s been pinned from my board 38 times! It’s by far not the most delicious sounding recipe out there. Tip: I found it to be very spicy (hot) so added a little sugar and cream to tone down the flavor. If I was making it to include kids, I’d back off the cayenne pepper and jalapenos. Tip 2: My bones had very little meat so any picture I’d have taken would’ve not looked as meaty as hers. Mine was literally little tid-bits of meat in a rich gravy.

Crack Bread

Crack Bread was a big hit at our weekly office meetings! I usually tried to find artisan bread that was marked down at Walmart. An electric knife is quite important to get clean cuts, unless you’re better at cutting bread with a serrated knife than I am. Serve with pizza sauce and/or ranch dressing. This pictures was taken before I baked it into a delicious, gooey goodness!

A few more quick ones:

Edamame Hummus Delicious and healthy dip (I added soy sauce and ginger since I thought it needed a little more Asian flavor)

Cilantro-Pecan Pesto Mediterranean Layered Dip Delicious, pretty and healthy

Sweet & Salty Party Mix Far from healthy but delicious combo of sweet and salty. I made some to give away at Christmas.

Have you tried any of these recipes?

Click HERE to see my boards and see what else I have pinned.

White Christmas

On December 20, 2014March 31, 2015 By MarylouIn Home, Uncategorized5 Comments

It seems like every year we barely manage to get Christmas decorations up. We certainly don’t get every room decorated. In fact, we barely get the living room and dining room a little decorated. This year I had a little more time and wanted to change things up a little. I often use the same decorations from year to year. But this year I was more into Pinterest. 🙂 And lots of fun to things to make!! I also didn’t want to buy any more than I had to. So armed with a woods, paint in a can, and lots of gold glitter, I made a white Christmas.

White Tree Pin

This was from an idea that I had pinned last year and never got to making. My tree is not shaped as nicely as theirs. 🙁 Note to self: Next time check out the shape better before using a whole can of spray on an odd shaped one.

I may have used my fair share of glitter this year. I’m pretty sure I’ll find it corners for a while after it’s cleaned up.

This 3D star was fairly easy to make, considering I have a program to easily customize stars and print them. I didn’t know where my embossing tool was. If I could’ve used it, the star would’ve looked a little less worn. I glued 2 together and used glue and glitter to cover the seams.

3D Stars Pin

Pine cones from my back yard, some white paint and a little gold glitter.

The snowflakes were made from coffee filters, a trick I learned from Clarita. It is much easier to cut than paper.

I starched and ironed them to make the flat.

I got my design ideas from this Pin

We don’t have a fireplace, which is sad for 4 months of the year, but I like to use the top of my sister’s piano as a mantel.

The NOEL idea was from this pin

The N comes from a pallet my mom cut down for me. The O is from grapevine. The E was a particle board letter from Hobby Lobby that I wrapped with jute string. Do you say “jute”or “jute string.” I apparently don’t know. The L is also from Hobby Lobby. I think it was 50% off. I am delighted that Savannah finally has a HL!! Plus, we’ll have another one just a 45-minute drive from here before long.

These were lots of fun to make!

The stars were a lot easier to make than the 3D stars I made last year.

The link for the 3D stars, the ball ornaments and the flat ornaments.

I use a heavy cardstock. Everything hold its shape better than regular paper.

And goodness, my walls are not 2 different shades of green. Lighting. It makes a big difference.

I have this house and church for a while. Many years, actually. I think Wally World used to sell them. They were made to be painted but I thought they were so pretty like they were.

I love verse on this chalkboard printable from here. It’s why we celebrate!

My sister made these balls from grapevine.

So, wow. What did I do before Pinterest? I’m guess a whole lot more searching!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, filled with peace and joy amongst the busyness.

February via Instagram

On March 29, 2014 By MarylouIn Home, Photography, Travel

Day 32 – Feb. 1

We have 2 bird feeders and the birds are tearing up the food. Most ends up on the ground but they clean some of it up there. Bird watching has been a source of entertainment for us!

Day 33 – Feb. 2

Sunday lunch was omelette with bruschetta-type filling and fried grits patties.

Day 34 – Feb. 3

Beauty on our table. Kroger often has discounted tulips!

Day 35 – Feb. 4

Watching the Ham-Nye debate with my parents & sister

Day 36 – Feb. 5

One can of specialty paint cost more than 6 “vases”. It’s mirror paint and the process deserves a post of its own.

Day 37 – Feb. 6

After pictures of the vases. Working on decor items for upcoming Widows Banquet.

Day 39 – Feb. 8

View from my bedroom window. Weekend vacation on Hilton Head, thanks to a really good deal shared with us!!

Day 40 – Feb. 9

Our condo was 50 feet from the somethingth hole of a golf course. There was a bike path running past the course with a couple of little water holes.

Day 41 – Feb. 10

A beautiful old church in Beaufort SC. It sits on a bluff overlooking marsh and a river.

Day 42 – Feb. 11

The craft for the girls at Kids’ Club is themed on Valentine’s Day.

Day 43 – Feb. 12

I picked up the roses for the banquet and they were exactly what I wanted!

Day 44 – Feb. 13

A cold, dreary day calls for bright colors. (they look much brighter on my phone! Think fuschia instead of dull rose! 🙂

It also calls for fortitude (something about locking the keys in my car!)

Day 45 – Feb. 14

Turning the Ladies Restroom at church into a flower arrangement station

Day 47 – Feb. 16

Finally had the “redbird” land where I wanted him to. One of many bird pictures on my camera card. Sigh.

Day 53 – Feb. 22

The doors are open because it’s a beautiful day. Toys are out because we have guests with a cute little man.

The backdoor, not to be outdone by the front, wanted to be open too!

Day 55 – Feb. 24

Finally! A day pretty enough to spend on the beach. And with good friends from out-of-town too!!!

Day 57 – Feb. 26

More tulips!

Day 59 – Feb. 28

Tulip trees are usually some of the first to bloom in the south.

January via Instagram

On March 29, 2014March 29, 2014 By MarylouIn Home, Photography, Travel

This year I started a 365 project that’s really more of a 321 or 297 or something other than one-a-day. I make up for it by posting more than some on other days. Well, actually, there are some times that it’s just too hard to narrow it down to one. Like when I’m on vacation! It is a struggle to find a picture when a days is very run-of-the-mill work, eat, sleep. That’s partly why I’m doing this too, to find the unusual in a “normal” day.

I started out in true form by missing Jan. 1. Then again, it might be because I decided on to start this project on Day 2.

Day 2 – Jan. 2

Day 3 – Jan. 3

I found this title interesting. I thought the general idea was that women are good communicators. Not?

Day 4 – Jan. 4

Went shopping in Brunswick with a friend. She treated me to Bonefish Grill. I find it impossible to eat there without some Bang Bang Shrimp.

Day 5 – Jan. 5

A quiet Sunday evening … perfect for burning candles and enjoying hot chocolate.

Day 6 – Jan. 6

Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can’t have grilled hamburgers. Baby George Foreman grill to the rescue. Served on lettuce in lieu of a bun, with purple onion, tomato, cheese & chipotle sauce. With a side of potato wedges.

Day 7 – Jan. 7

Pretty winter sunset.

Day 8 – Jan. 8

One of the finer things in life. Anne’s Italian Cheese Bread toasted with butter. Ooh la la!

Day 9 – Jan. 9

Came across this in Job. I totally agree! (Job 6:6)

Day 10 – Jan. 10

Another Friday at work … getting bills paid and checks in the mail.

Day 11 – Jan. 11

We had taken all the pictures off the fridge before Christmas when we were doing heavy duty cleaning. We thought it might be a nice break to not have pictures up. Poor fridge looked forsaken. Today I put up the pictures from Christmas mail 2013.

Day 13 – Jan. 13

Even though our office is along a fairly busy 4-lane highway inside the city limits, the empty lot beside us is a place where wild turkeys come to feed occasionally.

Day 14 – Jan. 14

These Valentine gifts just crack me up. Why do people spend $ on something this big? I’ll be nice and not call them tacky. 🙂

Day 15 – Jan. 15

The sunset was beautiful but my phone camera can’t capture it. Bummer I didn’t have my real camera with me.

Day 16 – Jan. 16

Had the young married ladies over for the evening. My sister made some beautiful and delicious crepes! The rest of the menu was Brazilian Shrimp Stew, Tiropitas & a house salad.

Day 17 – Jan. 17

One of my S.S. students gave me a mug for Christmas. I’m enjoying it on these cold days! (I need to figure out how to keep it spot-free)

Day 18 – Jan. 18

College hockey tournament in Savannah. A favorite January event.

Day 21 – Jan. 21

Finally getting New Year’s Letters out!

Day 22 – Jan. 22

My sister-in-law, JoAnn had posted White Chocolate Snickerdoodle Cookies on FB so I had a craving for them. Made them at work and my co-workers could enjoy them as well.

Recipe is HERE.

Day 23 – Jan. 23

Instead of it being dark when I leave work, there’s still light in the sky. Yay for days getting longer!

Day 24 – Jan. 24

It may be sunny on St. Simons Island today but it’s windy & in the 30s. Not a good day for tourists. I was there to take pictures of several jobsites.

Day 26 – Jan. 26

Another Saturday in Savannah. This time to see the Les Miserables play that they brought back for 2 weeks.

And to eat at Lady & Sons

(goofy me!)

Day 27 – Jan. 27

Took my friend Carmel out for her birthday.

Day 29 – Jan. 29

The day that we held our breath and hoped and prayed it would snow here. Drinking a caramel machiatto in anticipation. (It didn’t snow. 🙁 )

Day 30 – Jan. 30

Sewing is therapeutic for me, assuming I’m not trying to do something on a hard deadline.

Day 31 – Jan 31

Annual Spelling Bee at church. The winners of the youngest category. They’re both in my SS class.

This one is for the Birds

On March 20, 2014March 20, 2014 By MarylouIn Home, Photography, Wildlife

So after many posts about travel, here is a post from my own backyard. 🙂

We have two bird feeders that have been getting a lot of attention, both from the birds and us. When we have some time to relax and the sun is shining nicely (it didn’t happen very often at the same time this winter), our backyard is a favorite place to do both. From the quantity of pictures, one might think I’m stalking the birds. From the evidence of extreme skittish-ness in the cardinals, I think they’d agree. However, the number of cardinals has risen in the last week or 2 and they’re much less frightened. Guess they’re fattening up before heading north.

[lighting: overcast]

Because I have pictures for so many different days, this could be a lesson in lighting and how it affects the warmth/coolness of the photo.

The finches are bossy little things and are often scolding at each other.

[lighting: late afternoon sun]

This is a bird flounce if ever I saw one!

In yo face!

They eat about 10% of the seed and the rest gets tossed to the ground.

[lighting: shade]

I had moved the feeders close to my bedroom window so I could shoot out of it without them seeing me. It worked sometimes.

I’m nowhere near a bird photography expert, but they love to have something to land on. In the next shot, I had raked together some pine needles, pine cones and branches to burn in the fire ring. It made a nice landing spot. Our grass is not very green yet but it’s greening up fast.

[lighting:overcast]

See the bird below with a little red color, Lois thinks it’s a finch. This was the only time I saw it. It looked funny, like there was something wrong with it.

[lighting: late afternoon sun]

We have this post that Lois put the decorative spool thingy on and planted a vine, the name escapes me at the moment, and the land there often. Makes a beautiful picture!

[lighting: female cardinal in shade, late afternoon sun in background]

[lighting: early afternoon sun]

[lighting: midday overcast – you can see filtered light hitting the leaves]

Wow! That’s quite a difference in those last 3 shots!

Same lighting as 2 shots ^^ but the finches barely stand out.

A birdbath is another place I can occasionally catch them. In this case, they’re here because my presence disturbed them from eating and they’re to wary to back to it.

[lighting: birds in shade, late afternoon sun on background]

The male looks rather upset. It’s the same male as the shot above this. His feathers fluffed up give him a different look.

Can you find all of the cardinals. I was this from some distance and only saw the males. Once I zoomed it in, I saw the females as well.

There are 6 birds in case you’re wondering.

There’s a little rain falling in the next one.

Tuesday night I was catching some late evening (overcast) light and noticed a different bird come flying in.

To the naked eye it looked like a robin but acted rather aggressive. A couple of seconds later, a second bird flew in and then I thought I knew what they were.

A pair of Baltimore Orioles migrating north. However, going by pictures here, I’d say they are Orchard Orioles. But, what I thought was the female doesn’t look anything like the female on that sight. It was getting close to dark so it was hard to get a good shot. Plus, they only stuck around a few minutes and we didn’t see them again.

So what are some hobbies/ways of relaxing you enjoy?

Got Shrimp & Grits?

Category: Home

These Are A Few of My Favorite Pinteresting Things (Recipes)

White Christmas

February via Instagram

January via Instagram

This one is for the Birds