tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61799226202633923822024-03-15T18:09:24.056-07:00Within the Kitchen... is where life happens, one meal at a timeWithin the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-23587089090567654722021-05-12T20:46:00.001-07:002021-05-12T20:54:37.452-07:00Simple Caramel Corn<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uXnn1OlxCpugXjw-NK2NbzDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jXCKPBuJlEU/VM7DwbXTetI/AAAAAAAAWlo/b6GUwvBr5wA/s640/IMGP5968.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Popcorn" width="426" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ha0b7DZ4w636wB0Q-HAsLjDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-r_uMkpDB52s/VM7EH3BYcuI/AAAAAAAAWic/VlPU5qnYxcQ/s640/IMGP5975.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Popcorn" width="427" /></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TjO3b6yt_D7WDvE18XBILTDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-slrBoVyiSEg/VM7D8QWnWDI/AAAAAAAAWiU/hQ-88yPT_zI/s640/IMGP5973.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Corn" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We made this for Superbowl 49! Go Seattle Seahawks!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/otkSWWc8OYjeivzxb43sITDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVoRcoQjUW4/VM7Crn7SewI/AAAAAAAAWhY/PLpnlNXT5vg/s400/IMGP5947.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Corn" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch the temperature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D6FKXYcf477Dcl7yQeVl4DDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gvD2PcrOEak/VM7DB7p4bGI/AAAAAAAAWhs/Nc2Csq8uYh0/s400/IMGP5955.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Corn" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix it well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eTZeJAQycPGPV3oScCGIBDDEM9gpcxa8WLQ8UhhAP8Y?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EKM4MpUBaKo/VM7FiWrJaoI/AAAAAAAAWjc/whYtS59Axrw/s400/IMGP6003.JPG" title="Simple Caramel Corn" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add chocolate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
12-14 cups popcorn (popped)<br />
<br />
1/2 c + 2 tbsp unsalted butter<br />
1/3 cup corn syrup<br />
1-1/4 cup golden brown sugar<br />
1/2 tsp kosher salt<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
1 tsp kosher or maldon flake salt<br />
<br />
1 cup chocolate or candy coating<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Put your popped popcorn in a very large bowl.</li><li>Preheated oven to 250 degrees F.</li><li>In a medium sauce pan, melt butter on low heat.</li><li>Add salt, sugar and syrup. Stir well until sugar melts into mixture.</li><li>Attach candy thermometer to the side of the pan.</li><li>Turn heat to medium high and bring to boil. DO NOT STIR.</li><li>Carefully, watch the thermometer. as soon as it reaches 248 degrees remove pot from heat.</li><li>Quickly stir in baking soda and vanilla. Stir well. The caramel will lighten in color a smidge.</li><li>Immediately, pour caramel on top of popcorn. Stir so popcorn is well coated. Be careful! It's hot and can burn!</li><li>Transfer popcorn onto large cookie sheet (2 if needed).</li><li>Place in oven for 45 minutes. Stir a couple of times.</li><li>Take out of oven and immediately sprinkle 1 tsp of salt.</li><li>Place on cooling rack and cool completely.</li><li>If desired melt candy according to directions and drizzle over cooled caramel corn.</li><li>If using dark chocolate, melt in double broiler and drizzle.</li></ul>
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Caramel corn should last a week, if stored in an airtight container. Trust me - it won't last that long!Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-19985148185865920682016-07-23T08:27:00.000-07:002016-07-23T08:27:11.376-07:00Easy Blueberry Freezer Jam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ26pR_-_mthsC1Ws_Fa-HsWFa8BTt1uEediVNnlH6jNr-APHjzPD4XETdKUz_ySeTVoQmlU4_ScAic1G2Xy0Zj87TtP2nYleb-rX1ZNNmZTjTT77Nz_1FsCXVrJt7WkmKIrBP_EAwEXE/s1600/Easy+BlueberryFREEZER+Jamwith+lime%252C+cardamom+%2526+nutmeg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ26pR_-_mthsC1Ws_Fa-HsWFa8BTt1uEediVNnlH6jNr-APHjzPD4XETdKUz_ySeTVoQmlU4_ScAic1G2Xy0Zj87TtP2nYleb-rX1ZNNmZTjTT77Nz_1FsCXVrJt7WkmKIrBP_EAwEXE/s640/Easy+BlueberryFREEZER+Jamwith+lime%252C+cardamom+%2526+nutmeg.png" title="blueberry freezer jam" width="426" /></a></div>
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Anyone with a free 20 minutes can make freezer jam. What's so great about freezer jam?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- quick</div>
- easy<br />
- tastes fresher and fruity than regular jam<br />
- freezes well<br />
- makes great gifts<br />
- less sugar than traditional jam<br />
- great activity for kids<br />
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<br /></div>
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Right now is blueberry season in Vancouver - I picked up 20lbs (that's right 20lbs!) of these plump and delicious berries last week. We froze a few pounds for winter smoothies and then went into cook/bake mode - sweet fruity, and buttery aromas were filling our kitchen thanks to hours of making jams, crumbles, pies and cakes.</div>
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Today, I'm sharing the freezer jam the kids and I mixed up. Normally, I don't cook the fruit I use in freezer jam but in the case of blueberries a little bit of cooking softens the berry skins and brightens the flavour of the blueberries. Luckily, it only adds a few minutes to the process. </div>
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<br /></div>
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If you don't like the spices I used or even the lime, just leave them out and you'll have pure, unadulterated blueberry flavour. The jams will last in the fridge for 3 or 4 weeks or place them in the freezer for up to a year.</div>
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<br /></div>
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To crush the berries, I pulse them a few times in my food processor - you want them chunky but broken down a bit.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Special equipment:</b> 4 - 1 cup glass or plastic jars.</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ingredients</h3>
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4 cups crushed blueberries (about 4-1/2 cups before crushing)</div>
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1 package freezer pectin (I use Bernadin pectin)</div>
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1-1/2 cup granulated sugar</div>
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zest of half a lime</div>
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juice of half a lime</div>
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1/2 teaspoon cardamom</div>
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1/2 teaspoon nutmeg</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Instructions</h3>
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</div>
<ol>
<li>Place berries in pan over medium heat.</li>
<li>Bring to a boil and remove from heat.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, mix together pectin, sugar and spices.</li>
<li>Add berries and lime juice and zest and stir for 3 minutes.</li>
<li>Divide among containers and let sit for 30 minutes to thicken.</li>
<li>Cover and refrigerate or freeze.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42VHfdwGWoBRGWZddirf3TMeNcaNOy33Mr7np4bQirFv1CsENgdhd_AS1Z2sky2fsQMMYBEFyNs5Z92c9m5ElHcZFMR5kdKHVN4sOLbDM3LfVoJ67GglPncuX5Io_SRGNuOvda3oMCDE/s1600/blueberry5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg42VHfdwGWoBRGWZddirf3TMeNcaNOy33Mr7np4bQirFv1CsENgdhd_AS1Z2sky2fsQMMYBEFyNs5Z92c9m5ElHcZFMR5kdKHVN4sOLbDM3LfVoJ67GglPncuX5Io_SRGNuOvda3oMCDE/s400/blueberry5.JPG" title="Blueberry Freezer Jam" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXfCirFSKh1dNMjpXxhLcPZEvbYfEZ0goDEgY8iaZ409tro19plzx86wi7Az64eesK8NNIZcNlgpskkDTgwvp6KJbUsoxKNVwIrwuHe6NTFLzdSJthrECSAN2BI1sIzlP8r3m2raEeEc/s1600/blueberry4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXfCirFSKh1dNMjpXxhLcPZEvbYfEZ0goDEgY8iaZ409tro19plzx86wi7Az64eesK8NNIZcNlgpskkDTgwvp6KJbUsoxKNVwIrwuHe6NTFLzdSJthrECSAN2BI1sIzlP8r3m2raEeEc/s400/blueberry4.JPG" title="Blueberry freezer jam" width="266" /></a></div>
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-63778467708531741552016-07-11T10:19:00.001-07:002016-07-15T10:40:05.915-07:00Beef Chili Cobbler<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E_wkaVYQ0u9zifWJZi7d7MJK_AW32b5iG6c-QugksCE?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_fKQ47jOSNpjTJnCG027fxH0XjVLwJyrdiT7S8Hoe4ZFMfb9buIklXjT2QN3Vu4NJvhdgdEF6ROpNzEIm05DrKEHwfmcuShY1mfrgxzTm2jMyg81p5sJU2bxjpY3N6acw3tx2YBtl7A/s640/IMGP2657.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Beef Chili Cobbler</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This dish is a huge hit in my house. The chili is delicious and, of course, can be tweaked to whatever you like - more spices, different spices, heck even taco seasoning tastes great in it. The biscuits are from Greg Henry's 'Savory Pies' which I reviewed <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2013/01/cookbook-review-savory-pies-by-greg.html" target="_blank">here</a>. You can substitute a different cheese if you like. As you can see, this is quite a versatile dish. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">You can make this dish ahead of time (in the morning or a day ahead). Make the chili, cool and refrigerate (I usually place it in another dish). Make the biscuit dough and refrigerate. I warm the chili first in the pan and continue as directed.</span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;">
Special Equipment: 12-inch cast iron pan</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Chili</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 lbs ground beef</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp ground pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 medium onion, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 poblano pepper, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 jalapeno, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 white mushrooms, diced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 garlic cloves, crushed</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tsp ground cumin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp chili powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp smoked paprika</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 red pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 14 oz can black beans, drained</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 cups beef broth</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Cobbler</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1-1/4 cups flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup corn meal</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp baking soda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup grated parmesan</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into on inch pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1-1/4 cups 2% milk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Instructions</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Chili</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">In the 12-inch cast iron pan, sautee ground beef with salt and pepper over medium-high heat to brown meat. This will take 7-10 minutes.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add onions, poblano, jalapeno, pepper, mushrooms, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic. Sautee for about 5 minutes.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add beans, beef broth and tomato sauce.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Simmer for 15 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Cobbler</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add flour cornmeal, salt, and baking powder t<span style="background-color: #f5f6f5;">o the </span>bowl of a food processor. Pulse 10 times to combine.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add butter, a piece at a time, and pulse until mixture has a sandy appearance.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add parmesan and pulse another few times to combine.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Add milk and combine on medium-low speed until coarse dough forms.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u>Putting it together</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Drop batter by the tablespoon or from an 2 inch ice cream scoop onto the chili (about 14 drops).</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Place the pan on a baking sheet to catch any overflow and insert into the oven for approximately 25 minutes (mixture is bubbly and cobbler is golden brown).</li>
</ol>
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-85512286934979180462016-04-20T12:36:00.001-07:002016-04-20T12:36:06.283-07:00Baked Halifax Meat Egg Rolls<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lH2JTsX-N8OUV4DidWclNCnqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X-2I81U4kkw/VvXSLOooGYI/AAAAAAAAY08/8B1WJE8hltYu4qdlbMe3u15dubQrh6LEACCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1609.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="479" /></a></div>
Growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia I was lucky enough to experience many amazing gastronomical creations that were not available elsewhere. My three top food items were:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Moon Mist Ice Cream - a combination of <a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/1309365-moon-mist-ice-cream-cool-colourful-and-out-of-this-world" target="_blank">grape, banana and bubblegum flavours</a> - the day I recently found out that Save-on-Foods carries it way out here in Vancouver was a very happy day indeed!!!!</li>
<li>Donairs - Halifax has the BEST donairs in the world. I miss them. I <a href="http://www.metronews.ca/news/halifax/2016/02/23/king-of-donair-in-halifax-to-expand-to-western-canada.html" target="_blank">read that King of Donairs</a> is expanding west. I hold out hope that some day they will open a shop out here on the west coast. </li>
<li>Meat Egg rolls - Here is something that I have never found outside of Halifax - egg rolls made from a meat paste. No visible veggies, just meat. They are more flat than round and they are soooo good. Below is a recipe that is as close as I can come up with (based on a compilation of other recipes) to the memories of my childhood. Any other Haligonians out there missing their childhood egg rolls?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Makes 10 egg rolls.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time: 40 minutes (20 prep; 20 bake)</div>
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<br /></div>
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 lb ground pork</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 medium onion, diced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 stalks celery, diced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup shredded green cabbage</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp ground pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp sesame oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tbsp vegetable oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tsp Chinese five spice powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tbsp cornstarch</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1-1/2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tbsp warm water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tsp garlic, chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10 egg roll wrappers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
extra oil for brushing</div>
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.</li>
<li>Heat large pan over medium high heat and and oils.</li>
<li>Add pork, salt, pepper, and onions. Brown pork until cooked through – about 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Add celery, cabbage, and five spice powder and cook until vegetables are soft – about 5 minutes.</li>
<li>In a small, bowl combine cornstarch, soy sauce and water.</li>
<li>Add to pan along with garlic, cook for 2 minutes.</li>
<li>Take off heat.</li>
<li>Place pork mixture in food processor and pulse until a smooth paste is formed.</li>
<li>Place 3-4 tbsp of meat mixture in the middle of an eggroll wrapper.</li>
<li>Brush beaten egg along the outside of the wrapper (about an inch wide).</li>
<li>Fold one end of the wrapper over the long side of the mixture and press down. Then fold the other long side over that (like an envelope fold). Don’t make them too tight – they might burst.</li>
<li>Fold the ends over about half an inch – all seams should be on one side of the egg roll. If they don’t stick you can add a bit more egg wash to make ends stick.</li>
<li>Brush oil over both sides of egg roll and place on baking pan, seam side down.</li>
<li>Bake for twenty minutes, flipping at 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Serve with plum sauce or for something different serve with mango chutney!</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WbCzhbpp58jYNt8jkCxu2ynqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X06j8V5-RtM/VvXRz80nKSI/AAAAAAAAY08/9Jof3Z_FfWYLrXVJiNDVDEO4qhsYTTnAACCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1568.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iI-zPnM3U9lXq9tGbmNnNSnqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DhYTr8_80PI/VvXR4FJFPcI/AAAAAAAAY08/IyaZ_of8_MMy5BEYQ-JNND0nOEbsT7wFQCCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1569.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lJcM8Chfdp_PvlR_9TGenSnqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02ZdnMu6BUa3b6RKkWWOMNCeuk9CN69xKUadDfycfe9cI-Dt9RWY5ho_hJC1RBD_vtcMCCzL6oS4g5Mq3vCcoTnY_8ZvHoeYiDiB3YWWb7XPzCsZ8vpXcrRWfFgMa7gBNZQikcaaeujg/s640-Ic42/IMGP1570.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FppOSZhpVJtvZ8eI08q-ZSnqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TuWcqcrj6c/VvXR-t2n-FI/AAAAAAAAY08/qhCWfkHend06ooKlRBNnyzN6ek2cYx8ZwCCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1579.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zw-HY92T7na4XLFKN9fEXinqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NgHVeWX6wA4/VvXSCeSX95I/AAAAAAAAY08/miUvM81pnQ8EA_a-Tkuk8LC8tkQ2OCukgCCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1580.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u3pOXHOJG2xrF9sodiBAJCnqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-23mt2bm-txg/VvXSGdaO_8I/AAAAAAAAY08/9B0qsIxoAuYmz18Dg9S0wH2g7sTKcsNmgCCo/s640-Ic42/IMGP1582.JPG" title="Baked Meat Egg Rolls" width="427" /></a></div>
</div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-52323891319611597662016-04-07T09:59:00.001-07:002016-04-28T10:12:45.580-07:00S'more Tarts - A Grown Up Treat<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DztTg30ZBcU-yEFYR9b44soBssH7uNlA8woO-bSfQWc?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0kbyANzVCCQ/VvXdok4BHmI/AAAAAAAAY3A/W7uAg72MfQkJEIQwxtiOOKlQ3vC58_1cACCo/s640-Ic42/S%2527moretarts.jpg" title="s'more tarts" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
I love s'mores! Who doesn't, right? But sadly, we don't have access to a roaring campfire all that often. These individual tarts are a great way to bring back the s'more feeling when you can't make it outside (and bonus you can avoid all the smoke and ash of a real camp out).<br />
<br />
This sour cream ganache has a tart/sharp flavour to it and is very rich! I think you could serve two people with one individual tart, if desired.<br />
<br />
Makes 4, four inch tarts.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
Crust</h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1-1/4 c graham crackers</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 c coconut</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 c unsalted butter, melted<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Combine all three ingredients in a mixing bowl. </li>
<li>Remove two tablespoons of crumb mixture and set aside.</li>
<li>Press into 4 mini tart pans (10cm/4 inches each) - as compactly as possible.</li>
<li>Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Ganache</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 cup full fat sour cream at room temperature</div>
<div>
210 grams dark chocolate, broken into small pieces</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Melt chocolate in double broiler.</li>
<li>Take off heat and stir in sour cream until smooth.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<h3>
Instructions - final steps</h3>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Spoon ganache into graham tarts and smooth.</li>
<li>Place mini marshmallows over ganache to cover tarts.</li>
<li>Set oven to broil with rack about 4 inches from burner.</li>
<li>Place all tarts on a rimmed baking pan and place under broiler. </li>
<li>Carefully watch until marshmallows are golden brown. You may have to remove individual tarts if you find some browning faster than others.</li>
<li>If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with left over crumbs.</li>
<li>Can be left covered at room temperature for up to 6 hours.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TJ9hZXdFJbgmVZTo-2T2WcoBssH7uNlA8woO-bSfQWc?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o_XKWcyNfeI/VwUsPOYFXaI/AAAAAAAAY6w/RFOOA6WHfh82mypS9mhMOengavDbWn3jgCCo/s640-Ic42/IMG_0765.JPG" title="S'mores Tart" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too many marshmallows? Never!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xFnqMmcrvSUa3oVcHfQx2coBssH7uNlA8woO-bSfQWc?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7gjd8ZUabJg/VwUsPX7wNyI/AAAAAAAAY60/y1LNDy-DTDwXaYbKwerOH4HS_IQ5lf3OwCCo/s640-Ic42/IMG_0766.JPG" title="S'more Tarts" width="480" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rSKQED6NP6E_fvSZf5rFwMoBssH7uNlA8woO-bSfQWc?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lWoWWIm3SZQ/VwUsP-WnxxI/AAAAAAAAY7A/RVuRFe8yIPcXGYk8Iluvy-SlXF2_u7guQCCo/s640-Ic42/IMG_0769.JPG" title="S'mores Tarts" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decadence at its best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vOV5wf8e2botPJD4047pPMoBssH7uNlA8woO-bSfQWc?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bJmzSQBRJRo/VwUsQuXnurI/AAAAAAAAY7M/AnuFPQoYURgUcXjlVTlPTj8_dCYmAt89ACCo/s640-Ic42/IMG_0774.JPG" title="S'mores Tarts" width="480" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tjvx98g10JTDl83BSho53inqOlBjC5EjhU-hfLtwUu8?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w-WaXEkdvQ4/VvXcqZrQplI/AAAAAAAAY2o/b6dLz_91c-4FAGb9RQGAYODVDvUDv21iACCo/s640/IMGP1765.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
</div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-163422649993740302016-03-31T13:06:00.001-07:002016-03-31T13:06:17.202-07:00Hummus and Kale Salad Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Datri0DD9ZFbDzHekbezvOTdhSWwm8ZED_62ffZyQbM?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nKrDL9umjHo/Vvnm1hc3wHI/AAAAAAAAY5w/1wkXcgcb_S8MUayXgI6Il7CRc5WWTprFQCCo/s640-Ic42/hummus%2Bkale%2Bsalad%2B2.png" title="hummus and kale salad" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember when everyone was in love with kale?? Well, honestly I did not jump on the bandwagon because I just didn't like it even though I wanted too. But I didn't like it raw, I didn't like it steamed, or stir-fried or baked.<br />
And then the love fest with kale seemed to die down a bit.<br />
<br />
Jim Gaffigan and kale:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WcI7jgkwdCM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WcI7jgkwdCM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
Of course, that's when I finally found a kale dish I like, no, love.<br />
<br />
One afternoon while walking on Granville Street and spending too much money and time shopping, I realized I was hungry. Hungry to the point of not caring what I ate. I grabbed a salad at a specialty grocery store without really looking.....turned out it was a hummus and kale salad.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I didn't expect to like it but thought it would take care of my hunger and then figured I'd grab a coffee to cover the kale aftertaste. Except, I liked the salad. Mind blown. Today, I made my own simple version - chopped kale mixed with my favorite commercially made hummus. It's great on its own or with grilled chicken thrown in. Simple. Delicious.<br />
<br />
PS - bonus - kale is such a sturdy green that this salad will last 2 days in the fridge before it wilts!<br />
<br />
Serves four as a side dish.<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
1 bunch green kale, chopped small<br />
1 cup hummus<br />
1/2 red pepper, chopped<br />
2 green onions, chopped<br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
In a large bowl, mix the kale and hummus together.<br />
Add red pepper and onions. Mix.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AKoOVpZYYyyta7J0jYcJguTdhSWwm8ZED_62ffZyQbM?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withnthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-37_iTPKyTWQ/Vvnlmde_jjI/AAAAAAAAY5w/0cXIWppp9YEWvNROuLb1DBm0YEi-slcxwCCo/s400-Ic42/hummus%2Bsalad1.jpg" title="hummus and kale salad" width="400" /></a></div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-11389037685476025232016-03-25T18:30:00.001-07:002016-03-25T18:56:23.399-07:00Bunny Butt Brownie Bites<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uMxT8RGIFv0h_w7UhqZ_RvzLbyuaKLh0JnWQ5bBn60M?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CZWK2I64zmQ/VvXrcqU8-UI/AAAAAAAAY4A/U9aZYI3JEeQl5-_sEVoseo5yKXmxuf_vgCCo/s640-Ic42/Bunny%2BButt%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Bunny Butt Bites" width="427" /></a></div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-49415461059840574342016-03-16T09:38:00.001-07:002016-03-16T09:45:52.600-07:00Kefir Rye Soda Bread Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VYeEjikBxH2ZJdG2NpN3DdUFWbUhP_7VhdH_jWUkzhg?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aktOHA2lGfQ/VumNhaPlqBI/AAAAAAAAYzo/qfgizdjf380MU54R8ePRaKcMnuFbYcvFgCCo/s640-Ic42/Kefir%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="Rye Soda Bread" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With St Patrick's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share this easy, no yeast recipe for soda bread. It will go perfectly with Guiness Irish Stew or, heck, with a slab of butter and jam! If you don't have kefir, buttermilk can be substituted.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
1-3/4 cups whole wheat flour<br />
1 cup rye flour<br />
1/2 cup rolled oats<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/4 cup plain kefir<br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.</li>
<li>In a large bowl, stir together flours, oats, baking soda and salt.</li>
<li>In another bowl or large measuring cup, mix kefir and egg.</li>
<li>With a fork, stir wet into dry ingredients. Do not over mix.</li>
<li>Flour hands and shape the dough into a flat, round loaf.</li>
<li>Place on floured or corn meal sprinkled baking sheet.</li>
<li>Flatten into a disc that is approximately 4-5 cm high.</li>
<li>Score a cross into the dough with 1 cm deep cuts.</li>
<li>Bake for 40-45 minutes until it sounds hollow when tapped.</li>
<li>Transfer to a wire rack and cover with a tea towel (keeps it soft).</li>
</ol>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-33780574975345379372016-03-07T10:38:00.001-08:002016-03-07T10:39:32.295-08:00Brown Sugar- Spice Cookies Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Rf0B3x3rGoCcEwqa9USOKHK9GJEZKCbVpLpnTR22A2o?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bs35aHxvn3o/VtzU5b5li2I/AAAAAAAAYxM/2P1ElYBQj1k/s640-Ic42/Brown%252520Sugar%252520Spice%252520Cookies%252520final%2525202.jpg" title="Brown Sugar Spice Cookies" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These cookies are simple, crispy yet chewy, buttery, and sweet - perfect in a lunch for the kids, or as a treat with your afternoon coffee. They also make great ice cream sandwich cookies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Adapted from a recipe by <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/09/chewy-brown-sugar-cookies-recipe.html" target="_blank">Serious Eats</a>. I like to add my favorite spices to this - cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. I also will often use 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour and 1 cup all purpose flour. It adds a bit of fiber and I like the texture of the cookie with the pastry flour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leave some room around each cookie as they do spread. This recipe makes two pans of cookies (12 on each pan) so I refrigerate the second pan while the first bakes. It helps ensure the second batch doesn't spread too much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Quantity: about 24 cookies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ingredients</span><br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter,
melted (7 ounces; 200 grams)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups packed dark brown sugar, divided
(10.5 ounces; 300 grams)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3/4 teaspoon salt (3g)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 large egg (50g)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract (10ml)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour (285g) <b>or
</b> 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour plus 1 cup all-purpose flour<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2g)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon cinnamon<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 teaspoon nutmeg<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 9pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">¾ teaspoon ground cardamom<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Instructions</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; vertical-align: top;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or
silpats.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mix butter, brown sugar, and salt in a large bowl.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Add in egg and vanilla and stir.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Add to the bowl, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg,
and cardamom and gently mix until combined.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pour 1 cup raw or turbinado sugar into a separate bowl.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18pt;">Scoop dough using a 1 inch cookie scoop, or about the size of a walnut
sized and gently roll in sugar.</span><span style="line-height: 18pt;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Place on cookie sheet and press down slightly to ½ inch thickness. Place
12 on each pan.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bake about 10 minutes - until golden edges appear and the tops have
puffed and crinkled a bit.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let cookies cool on pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to
cool completely.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br /></div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-10008353527265944732016-02-24T10:40:00.003-08:002016-02-26T09:03:15.334-08:00Messy, Mouthwatering Drippy Beef Buns<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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This messy, drippy beefy sandwich is great on any rainy, cold day...or any other day for that matter.<br />
<br />
We've had lots of beef dips before but never with peperoncini peppers until today - you can thank Ree Drummond for that! If anyone in your house doesn't like the peppers (they are quite mild) they are easy to pull out.<br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>Based on a recipe from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/drip-beef-sandwiches.html" target="_blank">Pioneer Woman</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<br />
2 tbsp butter<br />
2 tbsp vegetable oil<br />
3 lb blade pot roast<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp ground pepper<br />
2 cups beef stock<br />
1-1/2 cups water<br />
1 tbsp ground rosemary<br />
2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or crushed<br />
1 375 ml jar of pickled peperoncini peppers (12 ounces)<br />
dash of Worcestershire sauce (optional)<br />
2 drops liquid smoke (optional)<br />
<br />
2 medium onions, diced<br />
1 tbsp butter<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
<br />
8 crusty buns<br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 300 degrees F or 150 degrees C.</li>
<li>Season the roast by sprinkling salt and pepper evenly over it.</li>
<li>Add the butter and oil, over high heat, to a medium sized dutch oven or oven proof pot.</li>
<li>When the pot is very hot (almost smoking), seer the beef on all sides. You want a beautifully brown, caramelized colour on all sides.</li>
<li>Once seared, remove beef from pot and remove left over oil/butter. You don't have to clean the pot, just get rid of the extra fat.</li>
<li>Add back the beef, beef broth, water, rosemary and garlic.</li>
<li>Remove the stems, if desired, from the peppers (I usually just pull them off) and add them and all the juice from the bottle into the pot.</li>
<li>If desired, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke.</li>
<li>Bring to a simmer over medium high heat.</li>
<li>Turn off heat, cover and place in the oven for 3-1/2 to 4 hours. To test: The beef should easily pull apart with a fork when done.</li>
<li>You can remove the beef to another bowl to pull apart or shred the beef (if your roast was held together by string - remove it!) with two forks or just keep it in the cooking liquid.</li>
<li>Heat saute pan over medium heat and add butter.</li>
<li>Add onions and salt.</li>
<li>Saute until golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Slice buns (you may want to take out some of the bread so you have room for more meat!) and pile with meat and onions. Add some extra beef cooking liquid to make a moist, drippy, beautiful mess of a sandwich!</li>
</ol>
<br />
If you want to make this the day ahead of time, complete step #10. Take out the peppers, cool and refrigerate overnight (beef and peppers separately). The next day, use a spoon to remove the layer of fat that congeals on top and discard it. Add the peppers back into the pan and reheat on stove top over medium heat. Go to step #11.<br />
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You can also toast your buns before loading them with meat - this is a good tip if your buns are really soft.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nmTH8vVWYbLOeWk6rk9kgoKpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LOWe4gZtfw8/VrVhlSiQ7II/AAAAAAAAYnI/XvgWxY4S1OQ/s640-Ic42/IMGP1128.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7R4EOnQaIIoEnjrMrpHR3IKpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nj292LEXG9c/VrVhpIbLNbI/AAAAAAAAYnc/GYH0w6oARWc/s400-Ic42/IMGP1133.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh rosemary.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SI1BhOJEEXYPMbWJBEYDfoKpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GPvBljpximg/VrVhs3t1V4I/AAAAAAAAYnc/Vz_gi8SLydE/s400-Ic42/IMGP1134.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground rosemary.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OhQE10KnFTKhlMvA8gKV6YKpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ljC3CTb5TwU/VrVh0hC7fBI/AAAAAAAAYnc/cjnZYoOMf5Q/s400-Ic42/IMGP1141.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy but not super hot.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sTQmjgzKk_PzFO7o1NfrDYKpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oVXIAE3RBqQ/VrVh4IOpzNI/AAAAAAAAYnc/QVpwL5-hvn8/s400-Ic42/IMGP1143.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mouthwatering, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y5epSWHqttc6Y29OltSoJ4Kpl3df4jN5ry14lJkKACE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MZUCbZYQ5c8/VrVh7_zSXMI/AAAAAAAAYnc/BrwpHeSOrZM/s400-Ic42/IMGP1173.JPG" title="Messy, Mouthwatering Drip Beef Buns" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Practically falls apart.</td></tr>
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<br />Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-59986980776704659632016-02-12T09:57:00.002-08:002016-02-16T11:11:08.443-08:00Why cauliflower is hotter than Jennifer Lawrence - Spicy Cauliflower Couscous Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qw5KPB8Otc0xGyRAWoE7_TDsT7tAP995q3YIf90NerM?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MFHnmpk0fpM/Vr4bG-yPuBI/AAAAAAAAYsc/p8lGc5CnVUM/s640-Ic42/cauliflower%2525202.JPG" title="Spicy Cauliflower Couscous" width="427" /></a></div>
Have you noticed that cauliflower is hotter than Jennifer Lawrence these days? They are constantly being splashed across the news - Jennifer and cauliflower - but honestly, I've see more cauliflower lately than JLaw. Why? Why? Why?<br />
<br />
The price! Everyone is talking about the price of cauliflower. Last week a head of the white coniferous was selling for $7.99 - for one piddly head!<br />
<br />
Thankfully, a secret stash of the vegetable must have been unearthed as the price came down quite a bit at my local vegetable market - two heads for $4! Even though they aren't my favorite veggie, I grabbed four! I just had to figure out what to do with the cabbage cousin. I thought given their status of late, I had to do something more than serve them raw with ranch dip or steam them until they were limp.<br />
<br />
This recipe has a tonne of flavour, and not a lot of calories. It reminds me of couscous without the all the carbs and calories. Did you know an entire head of cauliflower (5 inches wide) has less than 150 calories???<br />
<br />
I added a little bit of oil to saute the onions, peppers and carrots but that's it. Spices are key in this recipe. I've listed what I use but if you hate cumin - don't add it! Add more (or less) chili powder. Kick up the curry, if that is what you like. Be generous in what you add - build up your favorite flavours.<br />
<br />
You can add other veggies, if you like. Or add beans, meat, prawns or parmesan cheese! The choice is yours.<br />
<br />
Here's hoping cauliflower's lower price is here to stay because I'd love to keep this dish on the menu at our house!<br />
<br />
Now excuse me, I have to go watch "Joy" - JLaw rules.<br />
<br />
One of my new favorite ways to eat this as a quick dinner is to slice open a pita, spread hummus on one side and then add a scoop of spicy cauliflower (warm or cold). Roll it up and eat! You could use a lettuce leaf if you want more crunch and fewer carbs.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
1 tbsp oil<br />
2 small heads of cauliflower, cut up in small to medium sized pieces<br />
1 small onion, diced<br />
1/2 yellow pepper, diced<br />
2 medium carrots. diced<br />
2 garlic cloves, chopped as small as possible<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp ground pepper<br />
3/4 tsp chili pepper<br />
1 tsp smoked paprika<br />
2 tsp curry powder<br />
1 tsp garlic powder<br />
1 tsp onion powder<br />
2 tsp coriander<br />
1/2 tsp sumac<br />
1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped<br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Working in batches, pulse the cauliflower 8- 10 times until the consistency of couscous or rice - you don't want mush!</li>
<li>Place the cauliflower in a large bowl and mix in all of the spices.</li>
<li>Place a large saute pan over medium high heat.</li>
<li>Add the oil.</li>
<li>Once hot, add the onions, pepper and carrots. Saute for 3-4 minutes.</li>
<li>Add the chopped garlic cloves and the cauliflower.</li>
<li>Saute for another 5 minutes until heated through.</li>
<li>Sprinkle with parsley.</li>
<li>Serve.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-68480275667835640542016-02-06T10:40:00.000-08:002016-02-06T10:40:16.455-08:00Review of Terra Coffee and Tea<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hAksU9s_Jmu_lNv_VCA4vmzuD5Bcl13ofGcMMVgMuzE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J1AEX38v14Q/VrUODN_B3lI/AAAAAAAAYmM/h0OsgDOo5G4/s400-Ic42/00%252520terra%252520.JPG" title="Product review - Terra Coffee/Ariel Tea" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect way to start your day or get through a long afternoon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Terra Coffee</h3>
</div>
When <a href="http://www.terracaf.ca/" target="_blank">Terra Coffee</a> asked if they could send me a sample of there coffee and tea, I was excited - coffee is one thing I just couldn't live without and my kids love herbal teas! I was even more excited when I opened the box - it was chock full of coffee, teas, and cocoa and hot chocolate. Over the past month, we've had a great time brewing and drinking all of the products.<br />
<br />
There are so many great things to say about the company and its products.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Company</h3>
Let's start with the company - <a href="http://www.terracaf.ca/" target="_blank">Terra Coffee</a>. It's Canadian! Based in Montreal, Terra Coffee roasts it's coffee beans to their own exact standards. In fact, over their 30 year history, they have created their own roasting method known as Torréfaction Artisanale Granito (T.A.G). It ensures that their beans are never be under or over-roasted and that the beans' "sugars have been fully caramelized in order to create the most body as well as deliver rich flavour notes."<br />
<br />
I also love, love , love that they believe in giving back and being socially responsible to the communities and farmers where they buy their beans through the Humaniterra Foundation.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Coffee</h3>
Terra coffee have a variety of blends and single source coffees available. You can buy them <a href="http://www.terracaf.ca/en/terra-coffee/roasted-coffees/by-type/blends.html" target="_blank">online </a>by the bean or ground. Over the past month we've enjoyed Terra's Gran Riserva - Cuba Caracolillo and Terra Classica - Le Montreal.<br />
<br />
Gran Riserva is part of their exclusive estate, single origin coffees selected by their own Master Roaster. Cuba Caracolillo is described as "highly intense aroma with a delicate sweetness and unmistakable hint of chocolate." We found it to be our go to morning coffee - it's rich and full bodied - a perfect way to start a busy day.<br />
<br />
We also enjoyed Le Montreal - a blend of beans from South America, Asia and Indonesia that are roasted in small batches. I prefer this blend in the afternoon - it's a bit earthy and still rich - a perfect pick me up to ensure you get through those long afternoon meetings!<br />
<br />
<h3>
Tea</h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WpT7NQ-FEWjjzHaeg-faWGzuD5Bcl13ofGcMMVgMuzE?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JvfUAKRYJsA/VrUOVkPAc-I/AAAAAAAAYmM/N08ikbpdAAc/s400-Ic42/tea%252520package.jpg" title="Product review - Terra Coffee/Ariel Tea" width="361" /></a></div>
The tea samples were abundant and included:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bursting Berries from their Spa Collection</li>
<li>Vanilla and Pear White Tea</li>
<li>Lemon Citrus Green Tea</li>
<li>Moroccan Mint</li>
<li>Masala Chai</li>
</ul>
<div>
Their Ariel line of teas is huge and available in loose leaf and biodegradable pyramid-shaped tea bags. A portion of their tea sales also go to charity.<br />
<br />
Our favorite by far was Bursting Berries from the Spa collection which is caffeine free an dmade from herbs, spices and fruits. Bursting Berries is a fruit infusion of dried elderberries, raspberries and other mountain berries. This tea is so fruity, fresh and sweet - no bitter notes at all. We had it hot and made another batch cold. It's now the kids favorite tea! I foresee us making this as an iced tea throughout the summer months.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/63pnw2VztIbmshmSFq8fbGzuD5Bcl13ofGcMMVgMuzE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8ZZAEfAzrA/VrUOTq3QgCI/AAAAAAAAYmM/yUlqF27OHG8/s400-Ic42/berry%252520tea.jpg" title="Product review - Terra Coffee/Ariel Tea" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bursting Berries from the Spa Collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We weren't big fans of the vanilla pear tea but a friend loved it so we sent it home with her. I think that's the great thing about this line of teas - there is something for everyone.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/srHi-N5CIzOB1v6tdtq9cmzuD5Bcl13ofGcMMVgMuzE?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nt1sWOBiU4s/VrUOSYS62PI/AAAAAAAAYmM/S3mNAVveAuM/s400-Ic42/vanilla%252520pear%252520tea.jpg" title="Product review - Terra Coffee/Ariel Tea" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla and Pear White Tea - something for everyone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Hot Chocolate and Cocoa</h3>
This brings us to the cocoa and hot chocolate. The hot chocolate is rich and chocolaty - perfect on a cold wintry day - especially when topped with a hand full of marshmallows.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This dutch processed cocoa is 100% organic, dark, and rich. Do you know what the difference is between dutch processed and natural cocoa? Dutch process cocoa is bathed in a potassium carbonate solution to neutral cocoa acidity. Dutch process cocoa usually has a pH level of 7 (same as water) vs natural processed cocoa that has a pH level of 5 or 6. Natural cocoa has a sharper flavour. Due to the neutrality of the dutch processed cocoa, it doesn't react to alkaline leaveners like baking soda. As a result baking powder is m ore common in recipes using this type of cocoa.<br />
<br />
I've used the cocoa in my <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2011/03/chocolate-blast-mint-brownies.html" target="_blank">favorite brownie recipe</a> with lovely results - deep, dark, fudgy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If, like me, you live no where near Montreal don't despair - they deliver! If you sign up for their newsletter you will receive <a href="http://www.terracaf.ca/en/" target="_blank">25% off your first order</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*I was not financially compensated for this post. I received
a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own.</div>
</div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-39130561585520646732016-02-02T05:53:00.000-08:002016-02-02T12:32:32.153-08:00Cardamom Vanilla Tea<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DqpD5I4I-y37V51oEgZTIC-yaQRZcL7bLstAZbONNA4?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="http://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RxjjyFp3o9k/U0Qu2N4svpI/AAAAAAAATjw/5OwwtIneQI8/s640/cardamom%2520tea%2520text%2520.jpg" title="Cardamom Vanilla Tea" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
So simple, so good.<br />
<br />
A former work colleague of mine would occasionally bring a cup of this delicious tea into work for me. Her husband makes her a cup every morning! <br />
<br />
Makes 2 cups of tea.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
1.5 cups water<br />
1 cup milk<br />
2 black tea bags<br />
2-3 cardamom pods<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1/2 vanilla bean pod<br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan.</li>
<li>Simmer for 20 – 30 mins. </li>
<li>Remove tea bags and pods.</li>
<li>You can also add a little bit of fresh ginger if desired. Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bcAF4PqSivKWuYyYaVzc6S-yaQRZcL7bLstAZbONNA4?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fEuRxPJcISk/U0QtFxYLe5I/AAAAAAAATiU/JjYNqEGJTSc/s400/00%2520square%2520seeds%2520tea%25202.jpg" title="Cardamom Vanilla Tea" width="398" /></a></div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-22893287266612036362016-01-16T18:40:00.000-08:002016-01-29T16:18:21.163-08:00Mango Blueberry No Nut Granola Recipe<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wAL9KBkdtE6WNNjB3kE2dkIJaT8-ZO376JI5-ungRaE?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RCRybxddNmU/Vpr6govCMrI/AAAAAAAAYkE/J3E_RjhAWJA/s640-Ic42/IMGP1050.JPG" title="Mango Blueberry Granola" width="425" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Every few months I make a batch of granola. The kids eat it with yogurt or milk. They also love taking it to school as a snack at recess. For this reason, I make it nut free. <br />
<br />
This time I used coconut oil. At room temperature, it is solid but as soon as it hits 76 degrees it will begin to liquefy. By heating the oils and the spices, the spices bloom and their flavors and aromas are released. Your kitchen will smell great!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2Ho0CCnMf-h4AB1QKDh2fEIJaT8-ZO376JI5-ungRaE?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-991dN9Ak5Sg/Vpr7Ey5N9rI/AAAAAAAAYkU/-97ps3GpJ4o/s640-Ic42/IMGP1081.JPG" title="Mango Blueberry Granola" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
This makes a big batch of granola so I usually distribute half of it into small snack bags so they are ready for lunch boxes or snacking at anytime. The other half of the batch goes into a big container that we keep on the counter for easy kid-access!<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Note about coconuts from this Health Canada <a href="http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/pubs/securit/2012-allergen_treenuts-noix/index-eng.php" target="_blank">site</a>:</b> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">A coconut is a seed of a fruit and nutmeg is obtained from the seeds of a tropical tree. Coconut and nutmeg are not considered tree nuts for the purposed of food allergen labeling in Canada and are not </span><strong style="background-color: white;">usually </strong><span style="background-color: white;">restricted from the diet of someone allergic to tree nuts. However, some people have reacted to coconut and nutmeg. If you are worried, consult your allergist before trying coconut or nutmeg products. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also make sure anyone who eats it knows there is coconut oil in it.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br />
</span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/4 cup canola oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 c maple syrup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tbsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp ground nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp cardamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8 cups rolled oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup wheat germ</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup wheat bran</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup milled flax</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup dried blueberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1 cup dried mango, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp fleur de sel</span><br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In medium sized pot combine oils, maple syrup,vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stir over medium-low heat until just simmering and remove from heat. Watch carefully and be careful not to burn yourself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Combine oats, wheat germ, bran and flax with salt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pour oil mixture over oats and stir until well combined.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spread granola on two large cookie sheets.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden. While baking, stir granola every ten minutes to ensure even baking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remove from oven.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If desired, add sprinkle of 1/2 tsp fleur de sel. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cool completely.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Place in large bowl.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Add dried fruits and combine.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Store in air tight containers.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aYWwAmd2kezX4JGh08Uo7fx-ZWgONfxMneW6sDrg07BnWCS4H3tu3OKbvYeyl1TOK1jRP3n9bZrxCnOBxLLykFzqXfKUe6uLs-cD15PLLqAMP4dSjZRUqZmovj6bKs4rfRAsF3sh5sY/s1600/square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4aYWwAmd2kezX4JGh08Uo7fx-ZWgONfxMneW6sDrg07BnWCS4H3tu3OKbvYeyl1TOK1jRP3n9bZrxCnOBxLLykFzqXfKUe6uLs-cD15PLLqAMP4dSjZRUqZmovj6bKs4rfRAsF3sh5sY/s400/square.jpg" title="Mango Blueberry Granola" width="398" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span>Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-69585859192401736112016-01-10T15:28:00.000-08:002016-01-10T15:28:50.686-08:00Grandma's Easy Date Squares Recipe<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFDnDJhQEIUEqeV3kt67UMsJRTY9joC1kYZrYLn6hrrJYJYQmlI7uxazsROV3KgNY-JWnCBOUsUSX6LNtJlEM_8vhyphenhyphen-GuJlEUk9U0bGSSWTpMzCBwB3gM2OADZ3dGNGWP1IDEWItjLVY/s1600/date+stacked+test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFDnDJhQEIUEqeV3kt67UMsJRTY9joC1kYZrYLn6hrrJYJYQmlI7uxazsROV3KgNY-JWnCBOUsUSX6LNtJlEM_8vhyphenhyphen-GuJlEUk9U0bGSSWTpMzCBwB3gM2OADZ3dGNGWP1IDEWItjLVY/s640/date+stacked+test.jpg" title="Easy Date Squares" width="426" /></a></div>
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Date squares? Have you ever had one? Is it a dessert you associate with your great aunt Agnes? Date squares seem to have become something of an "old-fashioned" dessert. Date squares or matrimonial squares (some say because they were made with so many "dates". Get it? You gotta go on a lotta <u>dates</u> to get married???) as they are known in some parts of Western Canada have been around since at least the 1930s.<br />
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They are made from a layer of sweet, gooey dates that is sandwiched between two layers of buttery golden oats.<br />
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My mom used to make them when I was a kid but I hadn't thought much about them since then. That is, until my 9 year old son saw a bag of dates at the grocery store. He wanted to try them. They were on sale so I bought two bags since my brain flickered with the idea of date squares. Turns out my son didn't like dates straight out of the bag (no surprise). That left me with two bags of dates and the brain flicker turned into a brighter light (luckily I didn't have the urge to walk into it). <br />
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I knew the kids would love the oat mixture - it's pretty much a crumble topping but I wasn't sure about the dates in the middle. Would the texture be appealing? In a word. YES. Yes, it would . Granted the dates are mixed with enough sugar to make them sweet and delicious and taste bud friendly to almost anyone.<br />
<br />
I think date squares deserve a new minute in the sun, another 15 seconds of fame and it starts right here. Try this recipe. Let me know what you think of them. I know you'll love them (so will your great aunt Agnes so be sure to share)!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Ingredients</b></h3>
2 cups dates<br />
3/4 cup water<br />
1/4 cup orange juice<br />
1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1/4 cup brown sugar (can reduce or increase this amount to suit tastes)<br />
<br />
1-1/2 cups large flake oats<br />
1-1/4 cup flour<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened<br />
1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tbsp cinnamon<br />
<br />
<h3>
Instructions</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Fruit Mixture:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Place dates, water, juice, baking soda and sugar in sauce pan.</li>
<li>Bring to a boil.</li>
<li>Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Remove from heat.</li>
<li>Using a fork or potato masher, squish the date mixture a bit to form a coarse paste.</li>
<li>Cool.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Oat Mixture:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>In large mixing bowl, add flour, sugar, oats, salt, baking powder and cinnamon.</li>
<li>Mix with hands,</li>
<li>Cut butter into 1 inch pieces and add to bowl.</li>
<li>Using your hands, rub and mix butter and other ingredients together until you have a crumbly mixture that will hold together if squeezed.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>Making the squares:</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.</li>
<li>Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non stick spray.</li>
<li>If desired, line with parchment or nonstick foil, letting it hang over edges for easier removal later. </li>
<li>Place half of oat mixture in bottom of dish and use your hands to firmly press mixture evenly over bottom.</li>
<li>Add all of the cooled date mixture on top of crumble and spread evenly (I use an offset spatula).</li>
<li>Add rest of oat mixture over dates.</li>
<li>Gently press down to cover fruit.</li>
<li>Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, until top is golden brown.</li>
<li>Remove from oven and cool completely.</li>
<li>Either cut in pan or remove by pulling overhanging foil.</li>
<li>Cut into desired number of squares.</li>
</ol>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-18042658026245517072015-12-06T19:53:00.000-08:002015-12-07T12:48:00.231-08:00Double Chocolate Candy Cane Bark<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XD0MT0wq6EtXZ7B_b_oE-2qEr6tQ-3BK5JHG69DPdjc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/_aorpZ2RcMcE/TRAiNVbGC4I/AAAAAAAADVI/VLv3ZPensHg/s400/IMGP4949.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
Need an easy, delicious sweet treat for dessert or a hostess gift? Try this! Any bag of chocolate chips will do and in any flavour. A few crushed candy canes and maybe a few extra sprinkles and you're done!<br />
<br />
<strong>Ingredients</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>3 bags of milk chocolate chips</li>
<li>3 bags of white chocolate chips</li>
<li>1 bag skor bits</li>
<li>5 candy canes, crushed</li>
<li>various sprinkles or other candies (smarties) or crushed cookies</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qOnIlBkmtkUiTLQHhH0yiWqEr6tQ-3BK5JHG69DPdjc?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.ggpht.com/_aorpZ2RcMcE/TRAjH7aQo0I/AAAAAAAADVM/i7_wObubTSk/s400/IMGP4945.JPG" width="550" /></a></div>
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<br />
<strong>What to do</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>Melt chips in separate bowls or sauce pans (careful not to burn them).</li>
<li>Spread melted white chocolate on a cookie sheet that has been lined with a silpat.</li>
<li>Sprinkle 1/2 of skor bits over white choclate.</li>
<li>Spread melted milk chocolate over white and spread with a light hand. </li>
<li>Sprinkle with more skor bits, candy sprinkles and crushed candy canes.</li>
<li>Place in fridge until set.</li>
<li>Break or cut into pieces.</li>
<li>Enjoy!</li>
</ol>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-8606717226592082312015-11-14T06:14:00.003-08:002015-11-14T06:14:54.860-08:00Bacon Wrapped Turducken for Sunday Football<div style="text-align: center;">
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There are days for salad with no dressing and a squeeze of lemon. Sunday football and especially Grey Cup on Sunday November 29th, isn't one of those days! Football calls for a little bit of decadence and a whole lot of easy. Easy dishes, that is. Because who wants to send the day in the kitchen when you could be watching the game? GO EDMONTON!<br />
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A perfect fit with game day feasting is a turducken! Specifically, a bacon wrapped turducken. That's right, a duck wrapped in chicken wrapped in turkey, wrapped in bacon I'll give you a minute to think about that........drooling yet? How about a layer of stuffing and another inside layer of bacon??!!!! Sorry vegetarians, this is not your kind of meal. Carnivores, jump for joy!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I9ozVWKoAEJLCHSJJqTFOLMJA23oMAEhMWXo3QiaCGI?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6mP-0Qeg5I0/VkAxnopOFcI/AAAAAAAAYWc/e9UV-n9D3BE/s400-Ic42/IMGP0141-001.JPG" title="Bacon Wrapped Tuducken" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.echelonfoods.com/" target="_blank">Echelon Foods </a>has added just such a turducken to it's line of deliciousness. I've been a big fan of their turduckens for awhile now and have served them at previous Thanksgiving dinners- both the <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2013/10/turducken-roast-review.html" target="_blank">roast</a> and the <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2012/10/turducken-thanksgiving.html" target="_blank">whole beast. </a> Our guests are always impressed!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l3ioGiZZXcn4YnZ_9iLRSbMJA23oMAEhMWXo3QiaCGI?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withnthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hdSs4Tv3kXM/VkA0RrUoc4I/AAAAAAAAYZ8/J2sWsd2i6Y0/s400-Ic42/IMGP0248.JPG" title="Bacon Wrapped Tuducken" width="427" /></a></div>
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But it's for more than the holidays. In fact, it's perfect for any game day and is sure to make a huge impression on your guests - a definite touchdown. It's easy to make - just defrost and throw it into your oven for four hours. And since you are putting such a show stopper on the table, you can add other premade or easy to make side dishes to round out the feast.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VMmNV2a0LwZdSwPrPXINWbMJA23oMAEhMWXo3QiaCGI?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0FK_mZxFCY/VkA11JyktMI/AAAAAAAAYbc/1RJKti_ahzA/s400-Ic42/IMGP0281.JPG" title="Bacon Wrapped Tuducken" width="427" /></a></div>
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For our buffet, I made a quick batch of orange infused cranberry sauce, simple cheesy potato skins, raw veggies, chips, salsa, guacamole (store bought), date squares that I had made earlier in the week, all of our left over Halloween candy, and a few other dishes. Trust me when I say, the bacon wrapped turducken was the MVP of the game! The outer layer of bacon comes out crispy and the birds on the inside are quite moist.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vNypkeaCSUM6QWbTAiAhgbMJA23oMAEhMWXo3QiaCGI?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.witinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ooRcuEpHoB4/VkA26MzDwKI/AAAAAAAAYco/h9Np-WHAx0U/s400-Ic42/IMGP0321.JPG" title="Bacon Wrapped Tuducken" width="427" /></a></div>
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I loved that with a little pre-planning I could watch the game with guests and not get stuck in the kitchen.<br />
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I highly recommend any of Echelon's turduckens but the bacon wrapped turducken roast will definitely score a touch down at your next football (or hockey or baseball or basketball or whatever sport you're into) feast. Echelon will deliver your bacon wrapped turducken frozen solid to your door (the dry ice is an added bonus!). You can start defrosting right away (it will take 2-3 days to thaw so factor that in to your timing) or put it in your freezer until you need it.<br />
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Our roast easily fed 12 people and none went away hungry!<br />
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Note: I received a bacon wrapped turducken for review but opinions, as always, are my own.</div>
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<br />Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-3333440961827436682015-10-24T06:14:00.001-07:002015-10-24T06:14:14.830-07:00Harry Potter Birthday Party Part 5: The Cake<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L0pzR6v8fXMh-VjXhn_K9GDemx0Wn7zhy_dQn_t4HbU?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I32hKfYXcwg/VZLIeesVXuI/AAAAAAAAXx4/yWG4MWCVRos/s640/Harry%252520Potter%252520cake%25252010.jpg" title="Harry Potter Birthday Cake" width="427" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;"><span style="line-height: 23.04px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you missed our other Harry Potter Birthday Party post, check them out:</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-align: start;" /><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em; text-align: start;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/07/harry-potter-kids-party-invitations-1.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Invitations</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/08/harry-potter-party-decorations-2.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Decorations</a></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.04px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/08/harry-potter-birthday-party-games-and.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Games and Activities</a></span></span></li>
<li><a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/09/harry-potter-birthday-party-great-hall.html" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party - Great Hall and Honeydukes</a></li>
</ul>
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Such a simple cake but the kids loved it!</div>
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It's a simple five layered <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2012/07/raspberry-chocolate-cake-with-chocolate.html" target="_blank">chocolate</a> and vanilla cake with <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2011/09/butterfly-birthday-cake-and-vanilla.html" target="_blank">vanilla frosting</a>.</div>
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It's covered with marshmallow fondant. Let me be clear, I dislike regular fondant and try to avoid it like the plague! It tastes awful. When I use it, I make figurines (e.g. on our <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2013/05/plants-vs-zombies-birthday-party.html" target="_blank">Plants vs Zombie cake</a>) but would never cover a cake in it. But I had heard rumours that marshmallow fondant is not only easy to work with but also tastes waaaay better. So what the heck, I thought, let's try it.</div>
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It doesn't taste like marshmallows but it is sweet and pleasant tasting. More importantly all the kids (and my husband) ate it and liked it - not one peeled it off the cake! That says something!</div>
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It was easy to work with. Even though I rolled it a bit too thin, it still adhered to the cake well and it was easy to smooth out. The ribbons on the bottom of the cake hid a bit of messiness around the edges of the cake!</div>
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After it was covered, I added a bit of color gels to pieces of extra fondant. After rolling them out and cutting them into shapes (you can use whatever cookie cutters you have on hand or even cut them free style with a knife), I wrote on them with edible ink. The kids gave me their favorite spells and quotes from the Harry Potter books and movies and I just copied them onto individual fondant pieces. If you rub a tiny bit of water on the cake or the back of the fondant piece it will be easy to adhere it to the cake!</div>
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Note: Make sure you make the fondant a day or so in advance - it makes it much easier to work with.</div>
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Here are the sites I referred to when making our marshmallow fondant:</div>
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Recipe: <a href="http://whatscookingamerica.net/PegW/Fondant.htm" target="_blank">http://whatscookingamerica.net/PegW/Fondant.htm</a></div>
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Recipe: <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/recipe/marshmallow-fondant" target="_blank">http://www.craftsy.com/recipe/marshmallow-fondant</a></div>
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Great Video by My Cupcake Addiction: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKqSND8sPc" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaKqSND8sPc</a></div>
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-86676803571258455112015-10-04T16:21:00.002-07:002015-10-04T16:21:16.058-07:00Grammie's Ginger Snaps<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5hPYTXCYMU1GiR60J543mIiIuR3naQGHT-ozhVM_o4g?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZiAf1tY4KJA/VhGq_k6t5VI/AAAAAAAAYU8/b44uInZAt34/s640-Ic42/IMGP0089-001.JPG" width="427" /></a></div>
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Only nine ingredients and a little bit of time stands between you and these spicy, sweet ginger snaps. These are so easy to pull together. My kids love rolling them in the sugar and placing them on the baking sheet. I prefer to use raw sugar to roll the cookies in - it's crunchier than regular granulated so it adds a great texture element.</div>
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The video below was made by my 11 year old - I think she did a great job - don't you?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwiQBoQEM6qQvK85l_iV5eNFIK4QVNsNeX7N2C60jlrKAPmEu2u37GT8t0ouY91iBXaKiKF_KGRbWVmBfQnuA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 cup butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/2 cup molasses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.5 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tsp ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3/4 tsp salt</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup extra granulated sugar or raw sugar in bowl for dipping cookies</span><br />
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</span> <strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Instructions</span></strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<li>Cream butter and 1 cup sugar well.</li>
<li>Beat in egg.</li>
<li>Mix in molasses.</li>
<li>In another bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.</li>
<li>Add to the creamed mixture and mix well.</li>
<li>Shape into 1 inch balls.</li>
<li>Roll in sugar and on baking sheet.</li>
<li>Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.</li>
<li>Cool on pan for 5 minutes and then transer to wire racks to cool completely.</li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes about 4 dozen cookies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0DYMOtK5RlagiN_G8bYkP4iIuR3naQGHT-ozhVM_o4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kaqwr8nXh9Y/VhGrp4egipI/AAAAAAAAYVE/L3sq-T64kw0/s400-Ic42/IMGP0083-001.JPG" width="427" /></a></span></div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-10853830641607984162015-09-21T07:58:00.001-07:002015-09-21T08:29:53.211-07:00Harry Potter Birthday Party: The Great Hall and Honeydukes #4<div dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So much candy!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.04px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This week I'm sharing the 4th post in my Harry Potter Birthday Party series. Today we're focusing on the Great Hall and Honeydukes - both of which were in our dining room!</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.04px; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you missed the other posts, check them out:</span></span><br />
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<li><a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/07/harry-potter-kids-party-invitations-1.html" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Invitations</a></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/08/harry-potter-party-decorations-2.html" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Decorations</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 23.04px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/08/harry-potter-birthday-party-games-and.html" target="_blank">Harry Potter Birthday Party Games and Activities</a></span></span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not true to the movie but more inspired by it, we used beautiful gold tablecloths, silver and gold paper plates as well as cheap plastic goblets. I found the goblets at the local Dollarama and the cloth and plates on sale at an art store.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XcHOVjiEs8JDPtMfZXVE-057shRZI_TGz6MtObum334?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yr9DKb7J5C8/Ve0GEh8CVwI/AAAAAAAAYS0/eUMuTTLljtY/s640-Ic42/00%252520hp%252520group%252520food.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The glow sticks looked waaaaay better in person! The kids loved them...and they lasted for over 10 hours!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">I wanted to make the candles hang from the ceiling but I didn't have a tonne of time. Instead, I bought glow sticks and hooks to hang them from the ceiling. I also hung tulle to make it more magical. I have to say the glow stick were the amazing. They looked great during the party even though it was daylight. That night my </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;">daughter</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;"> had three of her best friends sleep over for a Harry Potter movie marathon, and the glow sticks were even more AWESOME. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Great Feast</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">The food itself wasn't really food from the books or movies. We had grilled chicken wings, pizza pops, veggies and fruit. We did, however, give them Harry Potterish names like wicked wings, pizza pasties, fleur de la coeur fruit and herbology bites (veggies).</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">We served 'pumpkin juice' which was really orange-mango juice!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold disposable table cloth, gold and silver plates & napkins and plastic goblets completed the Great Hall Feast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids devoured these wings!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; white-space: pre-wrap;">Honeydukes</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dining room side buffet became Honeydukes!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H2eSRx6X41jLRbQ2GmJwRfITQ5xfWGZmGhQzpRFR_vA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="340" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a-LffrrOV-I/VZXxFiu1FPI/AAAAAAAAYTI/-VUtfTtQTSg/s640-Ic42/cady.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We picked up some Martha Stewart chalk board signs and easels to write out the candy names.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Wj29ZsQxyTPRxaXObHJnxvITQ5xfWGZmGhQzpRFR_vA?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CS9bQxX9hjo/VZXzXolYjvI/AAAAAAAAYTI/PyQr4fOhn2c/s400-Ic42/candy5.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These containers had chalk board sticker already attached and ready to go.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZZPJfFdF7r0OlLYjizcMubCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1jsKekTRoc4/VYY4b-wo0gI/AAAAAAAAXWs/IPXTQZBncLs/s640-Ic42/IMGP7450.JPG" width="427" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bWKHjKe1mKFzg4F592eadLCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhz3QjIAWls/VYY3k7E3YEI/AAAAAAAAXWE/RreyPFmuUXw/s400-Ic42/IMGP7445.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also bought cheap tongs so the kids could get their candy without sticking their hands in the jars!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the candy shop, I bought a bunch of cute and cheap glass containers from the dollar store and lots of candy from them too. The candy went into the containers. From Michaels and Dollarama, I bought funky labels (on sale) and we gave the candy HP names including:</span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">acid pops (lollipops)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">gringott gold bars (caramels)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">exploding rockets</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">laughing taffy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">love potion necklaces</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">life preservers</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">every flavour beans</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">golden snitch snacks</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">chocolate frogs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">jelly slugs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;">forbidden forest bears</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2;">Chocolate Frogs</span></span></h3>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xOfBZaKrhJfKoKQ1RXi7S7Cgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rTqlJQwDTwc/VYY4FGftiZI/AAAAAAAAXWc/YLayEbcDAqA/s400-Ic42/IMGP7448.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 14.08px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;">W</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2;">e made our own </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px;">chocolate</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2;"> frogs. They are simple to make if you have the frog mold. I ordered one (two would have been better as it would have allowed me to make more at once) from amazon.com. The molds make quite a big frog! I melted about 2/3 of a bag of melting candy from Wilton and filled each cavity half full. I then sprinkled rice cereal in the middle and topped it off with more chocolate. I then threw them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to set. I started the process over again until I had about 24 frogs.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.2;"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also printed out Honeydukes labels and placed them on some resealable bags so the kids could 'shop' at the store and take their favourites home as part of their loot bag.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zbVBe0azLf0996Xk-JTLNrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XCtjCT1y8wo/VYYkvAeVk6I/AAAAAAAAXIc/pRM7ErB1bUY/s400-Ic42/IMGP7192.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you love my daughter's Gryffindor coloured nails?!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3OcWvnT67d3-PKZL3gFamLCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FL2DJl18x6c/VYYrhIszSjI/AAAAAAAAXNM/J4DZpW1O-hc/s400-Ic42/IMGP7271.JPG" width="267" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KdVpyK1ZIYso-KXr95AdIrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N8gBuS7cmHY/VYYrsUkYuMI/AAAAAAAAXNU/sTPWWVoasUE/s400-Ic42/IMGP7277.JPG" width="267" /></a></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e-BXMJOCEW7SyorhlmpZZE57shRZI_TGz6MtObum334?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUWu-WbTTBk/VfCCZOKTy9I/AAAAAAAAYT0/2kEnbdOmfc0/s400-Ic42/hp%252520frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They look better than this - bad lighting! Lumos!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px;">Loot Bags</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sGmt1eE43SbZO6P0gSqCN3Ok7Qug5hLYRiZDaq1QUTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_CG0qxIu4hU/VZXszapq6XI/AAAAAAAAYRo/l6H_54Vrhck/s640-Ic42/upright%252520bag.jpg" width="427" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What else was in the loot bags? Glad you asked! I found the cutest owl pens at a local art store and Harry Potter magnets at our local toy shop. These with the candy bag went into our loot bags. The bags were simply brown paper bags with a customized thank you sticker attached. Adorable, don't you think?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cy8DPydWXF5zzIOz14VmSnOk7Qug5hLYRiZDaq1QUTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzYwFFq-t08/VZXs2MO7aSI/AAAAAAAAYRo/oUqE5dSDd2E/s640-Ic42/loot.jpg" width="427" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t20pWC_KA61fQFwiwanwMXOk7Qug5hLYRiZDaq1QUTg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wJI3fmQ7lSU/VZXs1QEqU5I/AAAAAAAAYRo/4IONQvfxgqM/s640-Ic42/loot%252520bag%252520sticker.jpg" width="427" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanks for reading! Our next and last Harry Potter birthday party post will be all about the cake!<br />
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-21853851441531468612015-09-14T12:32:00.002-07:002015-09-14T12:32:53.371-07:00REESE Peanut Butter Chocolate Eclairs<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_8LRjYjcAR9f7vOzpTnXNTvCsphU23ghbW2BatwKEtU?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SMjr7mUexjg/VeUlz2SsljI/AAAAAAAAYRM/1eKpNZwyoaw/s800-Ic42/REESE%252520%2525281%252529.png" title="REESE peanut butter chocolate eclairs" width="426" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chocolate and peanut butter - is there anything better? This combo makes my mouth water just thinking about it. And Reese does it perfectly. Whether it's their famous peanut butter cup or their candies, I can't say no when they're offered up (or when I pass them in the grocery store).</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A52AFV9OyK8vNLjCyx-4jjvCsphU23ghbW2BatwKEtU?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pb6RW_wTpPw/VeUl0ofiGMI/AAAAAAAAYRM/XVme2v72UJw/s800-Ic42/TEXT%252520%2525281%252529.png" title="REESE peanut butter chocolate eclairs" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I picked up my first jar REESE peanut butter and chocolate spread while I was down in Washington State last year - as soon as I tasted it (yes, on a spoon...don't judge), I wish I had bought a few more jars. It quickly disappeared and I tried to forget about it until my next US trip.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, now I'm happy to say that you can buy this delectable thick, creamy spread, which is full of finely crushed pieces of peanuts to give it the texture of the famous REESE peanut butter cup, in your local Canadian grocery store!</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0aYog-RYzvKXSSqncPCfTskvzALt5Kcq97laQ7iLO_M?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LD5CB_-19MY/VePDgSCBgRI/AAAAAAAAYOI/e0e5W7cUZuY/s400-Ic42/IMGP9805.JPG" title="REESE peanut butter chocolate eclairs" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when asked by Hershey to create a recipe featuring this spread, of course, I said yes!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After much thought and input from the family and a few test recipes, we all decided this REESE peanut butter chocolate eclair was the unequivocal winner. The kids have already asked that it be part of our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus!</span><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pFVyrw-U0cE7jwh7_xkXLskvzALt5Kcq97laQ7iLO_M?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJv4tCXcpWQ/VePCduDubQI/AAAAAAAAYMA/JWRDBHmmMxI/s400-Ic42/IMGP9720.JPG" title="REESE peanut butter chocolate eclairs" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eclair pastry sometimes intimidates people - don't let it! It really isn't that difficult. Make sure you use a strong spoon when you are stirring the dough - one wooden spoon was harmed in the making of this dessert! The handle broke - make sure yours is sturdy!</span><br />
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</div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Pastry Dough</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Ingredients</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 tsp sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 large eggs + 1 egg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Directions</span></h3>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place milk, salt and sugar in a sauce pan over medium high heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bring to a boil and immediately remove from heat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quickly add flour in one dump and stir until dough is formed. It should be glossy and come together in a ball that comes away from the sides of the pan easily.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place back on medium heat and stir continuously until a milky white film forms on the bottom of the pan.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes (you don't want to cook the eggs).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Break 4 eggs into liquid measuring cup.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pour one egg at a time into dough and stir until incorporated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Repeat with each egg, one at a time.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dough will look like a thick and shiny paste. If it is too dry, beat the remaining egg and add half of it. Set aside the other half.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have one, place a half inch decorating tip inside a pastry bag and then add the dough. If you don't have one, simply place the dough into plastic resealable bag and cut half an inch off one of the bottom tips of the bag.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place a silicone mat on baking sheet (you may need two sheets).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Starting about half inch above the baking sheet, pipe a 3-4 inch strip of pastry. Leave 2-1/2 inches between pipings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depending on size, 12-16 eclair should be piped.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't already, beat one egg. Brush each eclair lightly with egg. With the brush, gently push any dough tips back into the dough.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bake for 30-35 minutes, switch pans half way through baking if using two pans. You want the pastry to be completely dry or it will collapse. (you can take one out and open it to check if dry).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once golden brown, turn off oven but DO NOT remove pastry. Open oven door two inches and let the pastry sit for 30 minutes. This will help dry the pastry out so it's not soggy in the middle later.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove from oven and cool completely.</span></li>
</ol>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Filling</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Ingredients</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2/3 cup Reese peanut butter spread</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1/4 c heavy or whipping cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 tbsp unsalted butter</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Directions</span></h3>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix all ingredients at medium-high speed for one minute until incorporated and slightly lighter in color.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Putting filling in eclairs</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut each eclair length wise put do not cut through (like a hot dog bun).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place filling in a pastry bag or strong resealable plastic bag with the end snipped off.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pipe the filling into sliced pastries. </span></li>
</ol>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Topping</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Ingredients</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup Reese peanut butter chips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup salted, roasted peanuts, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Directions</span></h3>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I find it easiest to melt the chips in 1/4 cup batches in the microwave (about 45 second should do it).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place each batch in a pastry bag with a very small 1/4 inch opening and drizzle on top of the eclairs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Top each eclair with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let set until the melted chips have set again (about 15 minutes).</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pastries are best on the same day they are made but will last a few days in an airtight container.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M6I4cFkhzngpcGmiC2RkNskvzALt5Kcq97laQ7iLO_M?feat=embedwebsite"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFmjkm8CfQhnAEiTMO2CsDOazSYSKuMySso1RXtCBoOTXRY9CuVWMZ6Ye_d4L1-Ag4-8o7Sn-bW7-qpVZVsQ6IbX-Ic3HKLu5RuHPGwKZmHgRrtfZFQRYNvGgPqiUrgxhXcSfE6Q5dLY/s640-Ic42/IMGP9722.JPG" title="REESE peanut butter chocolate eclairs" width="427" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want more amazing recipes using
Hershey's Reese peanut butter chocolate spread? Of course you do! Find them by
following the #doyouspoon hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, check the <a href="http://www.hersheycanada.com/en/reese/" target="_blank">Hershey site for more info on this spread</a>!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Disclosure</b></span><span style="font-family: "Futura Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>:</b> I received free product samples and was
compensated for this post by Hershey's Canada. The opinions expressed are, as
always, my own. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-15974179622002453332015-09-10T06:11:00.001-07:002015-09-10T06:21:08.723-07:00Back to School Lunchs and Snacks IdeasI've been thinking about lunch and snacks for the kids now that school is back in session. I'm sharing a few of my thoughts below.<br />
<ul>
<li>There are some incredibly talented parents out there that can create amazing bento box lunches. I'm not one of them - no time, no talent. I want healthy, easy to prepare food that my kids will actually EAT - not just a bite. I want it gone. Let me tell you, it doesn't happen often. Having said that, I do find that my kids often like little bits and bites of things for lunch - a few veggies sticks, a few crackers, a couple pieces of meat and a piece of fruit often sees great results. But of course, they go through phases - sandwiches and only sandwiches, absolutely no sandwiches, only hot dishes, o ly cold dishes...blah blah blah. If they make it themselves, they can go for it. If I make it..well, sometimes they get what they want and sometimes they don't.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Don't forget that left overs are some of your best friends! Any casserole can make a hot lunch the next day. BBQ chicken (or most other meats) can be transformed into a pasta salad, sandwich or fried rice for a relatively easy next day lunch.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Kids usually eat fast...they want to get out and play. Keep it simple, easy to eat. Most importantly give them things they will actually eat - who loves finding a lunch full of uneaten food??? If they are coming home with 1/2 of it eaten - give them less for a week and see if they are satisfied.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Try to have things they can choose from - feeling they have control over what goes in their lunch box may decrease the amount of uneaten food that comes back home.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>This will also free up a bit of time for you in the morning - and who doesn't need a couple of extra minutes! Of course this depends on the age of your children and their level of maturity.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5vpGk3sw-GY9QtRh_Z-MtXWSqnxfwxL8YokfymcvgKI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aLifnrflgc/VfCMv6eCdRI/AAAAAAAAYUI/WlY68l-EkbM/s400-Ic42/IMGP9148.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li>I'm always on the look out for new products the kids might enjoy. Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to be sent Litehouse's new <a href="http://litehousefoods.com/products/opadipity-litehouse%E2%84%A2-sweet-dips" target="_blank">Opadipity</a> dips to try. They come in sweet and savory flavours including creamy ranch, cucumber dill, spinach parmesan, creamy cheesecake, strawberry delight and vanilla almond. We love them - they are also gluten free and have no preservatives! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If you're kids like to dip fruits and veggies, I recommend giving them a try. I portion the dips out into small containers so the kids can pick their favorite dip, precut veggies/fruit or breadsticks for a school snack or lunch.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Vaj8RZNuuaR_QhqeaGeMm3WSqnxfwxL8YokfymcvgKI?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EELhg-QeQYo/VfCMz6dXU3I/AAAAAAAAYUQ/ZoDfwMFYrro/s400-Ic42/IMGP8833.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm always looking for new lunch and snack ideas, here are a few of mine:</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Peanut free ideas - look <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2011/08/kids-peanut-free-lunch-ideas.html">here</a>.</li>
<li>no nut granola</li>
<li>hard boiled eggs</li>
<li>homemade muffins</li>
<li>cereal and yogurt (separate containers)</li>
<li>Fruit - our favorites</li>
<ul>
<li>canteloupe</li>
<li>apples</li>
<li>apple sauce</li>
<li>grapes (cut if required)</li>
<li>strawberries</li>
</ul>
<li>Veggies - our favorites</li>
<ul>
<li>carrots</li>
<li>celery</li>
<li>fennel</li>
<li>peppers</li>
<li>broccoli</li>
<li>cauliflower</li>
</ul>
<li>chicken</li>
<li>tuna</li>
<li>salmon</li>
<li>hardboiled eggs</li>
<li>rice</li>
<li>seaweed</li>
<li>leftovers including cold pizza and pasta</li>
<li>pita</li>
<li>bagels</li>
<li>breadsticks</li>
<li>cheesesticks</li>
<li>pre portioned dips</li>
<li>granola bars</li>
<li>wagon wheels</li>
<li>fish crackers</li>
<li>homemade rice krispies</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-718859353924605022015-08-21T13:50:00.000-07:002015-10-09T13:42:18.201-07:00Harry Potter Birthday Party: The Games and Activities #3<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQl5pcPE3j6KRXymZcpV_HIOdokqIj8D_T_SlYDZ39xouDSPr42WqJyuy6QaB-HP0CA6_jhOPTg4jJLIuSgW697J3xF_3voOPgeIje6e4j5EeVb1ssZRvzrx-VSV-7_4glb7uAYcQbN0/s1600/brooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQl5pcPE3j6KRXymZcpV_HIOdokqIj8D_T_SlYDZ39xouDSPr42WqJyuy6QaB-HP0CA6_jhOPTg4jJLIuSgW697J3xF_3voOPgeIje6e4j5EeVb1ssZRvzrx-VSV-7_4glb7uAYcQbN0/s640/brooms.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Games and Activities - Harry Potter Birthday Party</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't you love those Quidditch brooms! Originally, they were just for the Quidditch game we had planned for the back yard but then we had the brilliant idea to turn them into a craft too.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The brooms were only $3 each and we also bought duct tape in a variety of colours and patterns. We set up the broom station in the backyard. The kids decorated their Quidditch brooms by simply wrapping as much or as little tape as they wanted. We also had a bunch of permanent markers in case they wanted to write Nimbus 2000 on it. They loved it! They took them home as part of their loot bags.</span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Quidditch</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After they were finished decorating, they were separated into two teams for the Quidditch match.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The goal posts were made from hoola hoops and mop broom handles from the dollar store. We simply used more duct tape to attach the hoops and handles. The screw end of the handle was pushed into the ground and they stood up quite well. We made 6 hoops and placed 3 on each end of the field.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ugvKRBETBGo/VZSLXy-Y3_I/AAAAAAAAYHE/cuETrjRxkR0/s400-Ic42/quiddich.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We based the rules of the game on this <a href="http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2011/11/harry-potter-party/" target="_blank">post</a>. The kids were divided into two teams. Two balls were placed on the field. There was a medium size one, the Quaffle, that the kids tried to move forward by passing to team members and throwing it through a hoop. This earned them one point. There was also a second bigger ball, a Bludger, that the kids could pick up and throw. When the bigger ball hit you, you had to freeze for 5 seconds and drop the smaller ball (if you had it). All the balls were squishy so no one could get hurt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally the snitch (a yellow tennis ball) was held by an adult and was thrown in at a random time. Whichever team caught it received extra points.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yRuX1-cDtD_koYu73khhpImX2uJ1rwZqb0_1NvLcSqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_J3T7pS7kaU/VYYZT1jUvkI/AAAAAAAAXDQ/GOvAh_Z5lpw/s400-Ic42/IMGP5662.JPG" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the first few games the kids played the games while on their brooms. They had to keep the brooms between their legs to keep getting hit to a minimum. But they eventually placed the brooms aside and kept playing.</span></div>
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</span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FzsfQmAahk4/VZSLNbQxdjI/AAAAAAAAYHE/weEWGBr_EYo/s400-Ic42/crests.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We printed out banners for each House!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Flying</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The brooms also served another great purpose - photos! Each child climbed onto their brooms and then jumped off the seat bench of our picnic table. After the party, I photoshopped (very roughly) a Quidditch pitch background. We sent it to the kids after the party as a thank you. It was a great surprise for them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From this:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5X0Z3FmvoaQ/VYY1tngHG6I/AAAAAAAAXUk/QbF5MuxTD4U/s400-Ic42/IMGP7411.JPG" width="265" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to this:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XyQg7MfKLcXkVSIO4YOII_KrdDKNJfWK5qxWMZHY1w9h3MgMyhnTIbanCPHHVp9mXPeohAkm-gmZzcWu7a2J6Cn6mQeiTY534GmGrUpHudYuWARJHoNnQO1NdEGTgCeTHtmQXzNkh8E/s1600/HP+Jack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XyQg7MfKLcXkVSIO4YOII_KrdDKNJfWK5qxWMZHY1w9h3MgMyhnTIbanCPHHVp9mXPeohAkm-gmZzcWu7a2J6Cn6mQeiTY534GmGrUpHudYuWARJHoNnQO1NdEGTgCeTHtmQXzNkh8E/s400/HP+Jack.jpg" width="265" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Ministry of Magic Memo Game</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I found this <a href="http://10digitdesign.blogspot.ca/2014/07/how-to-make-ministry-of-magic-memo.html" target="_blank">great blog </a>that showed how to make Ministry of Magic Memos </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in detail</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. At first, I was going to use the memos as decorations but then came up with the idea of using them into a game!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We reused a huge piece of corrugated plastic board that was going to be thrown out. We simply cut out circles in three sizes - big, medium and small. Next we printed out a bunch of names of people who worked at the Ministry of Magic including Delores Umbridge, Arthur Weasley, Mad Eye Moody, Bartemis Crouch, and four others. You can find a list of employees <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Ministry_of_Magic_employees" target="_blank">here</a>. Pick your faves! Finally, I printed off the Ministry logo and "Ministry of Magic Mailboxes".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The game is simple enough - just make a line (we used a broom) and have the kids throw the memos through the holes. The smaller the hole the more points it is worth. We did it as individual players but you could do teams if you sort the guests into different houses.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying the memos threw the holes is harder than it looks!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This one was simply a Harry Potter trivial pursuit game I found on<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_2138678992"> </a></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.amazon.ca/21289-Trivial-Pursuit-Potter/dp/B00MHUVJ4M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440113356&sr=8-1&keywords=harry+potter+trivia">amazon.com</a></span><span id="goog_2138678981"></span><span id="goog_2138678982"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. We used it at the party but it was also a birthday gift. </span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.6666666666667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It would be pretty easy to come up with your own trivia though and save some dollars, if you don't think you'd play it much. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After all the activities were completed, we moved back into the house for food and a trip to Honeydukes! Come back to read the next post for details!</span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And check out our previous Harry Potter Birthday Party Posts:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/08/harry-potter-party-decorations-2.html" target="_blank">Decorations</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2015/07/harry-potter-kids-party-invitations-1.html" target="_blank">Invitations</a><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/09/harry-potter-birthday-party-great-hall.html" target="_blank">Food</a><br />
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-3769392249219896652015-08-14T08:31:00.002-07:002015-08-14T08:31:38.192-07:00Quick and Easy Chicken Pot Pie <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyCnYnGZofnBDVWR7ayGq0sC3f5AsmTzl4Cqtv1n-_oFXahBZlTbcMcwoQFSSgLhxH7-fgysJs_13FyVhUsBr72gcCQugYOh7JoQx71xEFYgm17x62rSGLcQ1dkbPZDtj4Byii34x9BY/s1600/icecream1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDyCnYnGZofnBDVWR7ayGq0sC3f5AsmTzl4Cqtv1n-_oFXahBZlTbcMcwoQFSSgLhxH7-fgysJs_13FyVhUsBr72gcCQugYOh7JoQx71xEFYgm17x62rSGLcQ1dkbPZDtj4Byii34x9BY/s640/icecream1.png" title="Chicken Pot pie" width="426" /></a></div>
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As much as I enjoy making my own stock, pie crusts from scratch and fresh farmers market veggies, there are times when I just don't have the time...or motivation, or time or desire or time to make a pot pie from scratch! This is especially true in the heat of the summer. </div>
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So when my daughter asked for chicken pot pie for dinner, I wanted to say no, how about ... pretty much anything else. Instead, I went the quick and easy route - store bought rotisserie chicken, store bought pie crust, some fresh and some frozen veggies, and even gravy from a package. I know, some of you stopped reading at "store bought" but for the rest of you who don't mind the easy way out on occasion (and seriously, who hasn't earned an easy night now and then), you'll love how this pot pie reminds you of the ones your mom made when you were a kid (or the frozen ones she threw in the oven). They don't call it comfort food for nothin'.</div>
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1 rotisserie chicken (3-4 c chicken)<br />
1 tbsp butter<br />
2 packs instant gravy powder (or 2 cups gravy)<br />
2 c water<br />
2 c chicken stock<br />
2 carrots, diced<br />
3 celery stalks, diced<br />
1 medium onion, diced<br />
2 tbsp tomato paste<br />
3 cloves garlic, crushed<br />
1 tsp smoked paprika<br />
1/4 tsp cayenne<br />
1/2 tsp chipotle powder<br />
1/2 c grated cheese<br />
1 c frozen corn<br />
1 c frozen peas<br />
1 double pie crust, store bought<br />
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<li>Pull apart chicken into small chunks.</li>
<li>Set aside.</li>
<li>Melt butter in large sauté pan over medium high heat.</li>
<li>Add onions and stir . Cook for 3 minutes.</li>
<li>Add garlic. Stir for one minute.</li>
<li>Add spices. Stir for another minute.</li>
<li>Add tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute.</li>
<li>In large bowl or 4 cup measuring cup, whisk together gravy powder, water and stock.</li>
<li>Add to sauté pan.</li>
<li>Add chicken. Stir.</li>
<li>Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-10 minutes until mixture starts to thicken.</li>
<li>Remove from heat,</li>
<li>Add cheese.</li>
<li>Stir.</li>
<li>Add peas and corn. Stir.</li>
<li>Let sit while you roll out pie crusts.</li>
<li>Line 9 inch pie plate with bottom pie crust.</li>
<li>Pour in chicken mixture.</li>
<li>Quickly top with remaining pie crust.</li>
<li>Cut in vent holes in the top crust.</li>
<li>You may want to wrap a bit of foil around the edges to prevent over browning (but take it off after the first 20 minutes of baking).</li>
<li>Place in oven for approximately 40-45 minutes until golden brown.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvqwNlo34kR-EA21QxF1ymPNfgQjiwiVP840XvYJy3jMdkteYr1kFbruTAGN9rJ7WqNYYKihWIGizedQkr9CvAI492Rr7heRmI7Pytr3nYOa4z-5RYrRKE6pmgHNRHJ5Me6q_hcreN9o/s1600/IMGP8819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvqwNlo34kR-EA21QxF1ymPNfgQjiwiVP840XvYJy3jMdkteYr1kFbruTAGN9rJ7WqNYYKihWIGizedQkr9CvAI492Rr7heRmI7Pytr3nYOa4z-5RYrRKE6pmgHNRHJ5Me6q_hcreN9o/s400/IMGP8819.JPG" title="Chicken Pot pie" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179922620263392382.post-39785793036655433982015-08-08T19:54:00.000-07:002015-10-09T13:44:36.293-07:00Harry Potter Party: Decorations #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NXNOiieZqzeMoIBgL4xF0bCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EXqIjIoA0-4/VYY8glH1tKI/AAAAAAAAXZs/DwrmPugCL8s/s400-Ic42/IMGP7490.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></div>
Start at the beginning <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/07/harry-potter-kids-party-invitations-1.html" target="_blank">here.</a> And then here for <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2015/08/harry-potter-birthday-party-games-and.html" target="_blank">games and activities</a> . And here for the <a href="http://withinthekitchen.blogspot.ca/2015/09/harry-potter-birthday-party-great-hall.html" target="_blank">food</a>. It describes the beginning of our daughter's 11th birthday party - Harry Potter themed obviously! My bit of advice this week is to start the decorating process as early as possible. If you have an idea of the type of things you'll need, you'll be able to find good prices on things as you're out and about in daily life instead of panicking at the last minute before the party! That's how I found the owls for the Owlery and potion jars.<br />
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This post will cover our decorations for our King's Cross Station, the Portrait Hall, the Gryffindor Common Room, the Owlery, Potions and Herbology decorations.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">King's Cross Station</span></h3>
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Our front door was covered by a "brick wall". I found brick-wall craft paper at Michaels (it was in the school section - I think it was meant for bulletin boards or as class decorations) which I then taped onto 2 tarps so the kids could walk through it. If you have the time you could paint the wall on a sheet like they did <a href="http://myharrypotterparty.blogspot.ca/2009/03/platform-9-34-brick-wall.html" target="_blank">here</a>. At our party, the kids handed in their Hogwarts' Express Ticket (included in their invitation) and then went through the wall. Upon walking through the wall, the kids entered the Portrait Hall.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OjewH_HJFDXt0o-i-f-_rLCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gbf8JHkAhiM/VYZXeZLTpYI/AAAAAAAAXtk/2oGp4TBnkXg/s400-Ic42/IMGP7792.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just printed these off the net. </td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">Portrait Hall</span></h3>
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To create the Portrait Hall we simply printed off many Hogwarts or Hogwarts-like pictures found in the movies. I found most of them on Harry Potter Wiki. Check here for <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Images_of_portraits" target="_blank">great pics.</a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ydXn_5EhfHLxVrrmyjo6_LCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cnfkajya4Xw/VYZL5nAqplI/AAAAAAAAXk8/p2JBr9ujGew/s400-Ic42/IMGP7672.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the same area we also posted Educational Decrees. You can find them <a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Images_of_Educational_Decrees" target="_blank">here</a> and just print them off.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aDYhOGdm8O1Xaakdf1FKXWYW7SCvKyYz_oM8cK2IwSI?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIuCe9XcoY8/VasPf-d45SI/AAAAAAAAX_c/rYC-CRrBQC8/s400-Ic42/00%252520decrees.jpg" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="289" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Owlery/Potions</span></h3>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k5W-kybd_L1STzicIm9XSRMrr4vCVqv12NhdwQjWX-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="321" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2lSC-ASE6e8/VZX0wZKI0QI/AAAAAAAAYAE/QfiEzIN2_SM/s400-Ic42/image.jpg" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="400" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/euXvpSjV4guV7IDsspOVM7Cgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T8kgQ91w1cs/VYYvq_Jwx_I/AAAAAAAAXQM/KL1S88V8Vbo/s400-Ic42/IMGP7342.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few owls on a window sill makes a great owlery! <br />
(We added a few regular birds in cages but the kids didn't seem to mind!)</td></tr>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PNosfWGasCo0l03QKnqdfrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjNSnjFeQUM/VYY6-enOWvI/AAAAAAAAXYk/c74erYK026U/s400-Ic42/IMGP7474.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our living room was a mix of areas. First, we had the Owlery. At our local Dollar Store we found a variety of cute owls - all under $5 each. We placed them on a window sill and I made an "owlery" sign to place underneath. Simple and cute!<br />
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We have a Harry Potter book with some potion labels so I just photocopied them and taped them to some little bottles for a Potions Class effect. We added food colouring to some water to represent potions.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CG4bKmbI49CvlJUkFSyXZrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X8xF4HCL4Ec/VYY6fLQ2FqI/AAAAAAAAXYM/5Otc9wsbLxA/s400-Ic42/IMGP7471.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rszxNSmZ9Z2VQ_fBrzW4OrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s2iP3kcbIjY/VYY6o7ZYmOI/AAAAAAAAXYU/jzNYAVG9Qpw/s400-Ic42/IMGP7472.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZoSunGpbvpY9SZjXZ9AQPrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xM4lFLEywhM/VYY7TsBrLJI/AAAAAAAAXY0/sAdbJQ51TpU/s400-Ic42/IMGP7478.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wn-pU7tKjL31pxC1x19tabCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A07asDCyqHA/VYY7gTx7i_I/AAAAAAAAXY8/OFbcMuEVM4c/s400-Ic42/IMGP7479.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FDvhTV5L5ZKl2HpOkSBtj7Cgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7vPqAbO2020/VYY7rNXWCqI/AAAAAAAAXZE/D1mDA6iubO4/s400-Ic42/IMGP7480.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></div>
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We had potions in another window and in some glass cupboards. Most of these were jars that I already had or picked up at the Dollar Store and then filled with colored water. In a few of the jars, we placed toy spiders, worms, and other icky things we found! </div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Gryffindor Common Room</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The portrait of the Godric Gryffindor,one of Hogwarts founders, was given a place of honour in our Gryffindor Common Room</td></tr>
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The living room door also had a picture of the fat lady on it and, of course, a password was needed to get in when it became the Gryffindor Common Room.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KgrCI3nMaaB3Q_Flp0KogrCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yX6HkNYTwjo/VYZMykP9crI/AAAAAAAAXlk/k8DqZYNBeeU/s400-Ic42/IMGP7677.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/laT0ahX8jxRC09tjg3lXZbCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B9IK-p8LnA8/VYZPTd-WglI/AAAAAAAAXnc/UlPc79ycVTw/s400-Ic42/IMGP7699.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered this poster online. We used it as decoration in the Gyffindor Common Room on the day of the party but it looks great hanging in her room now.</td></tr>
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In the room, we placed some posters that I had ordered on line, a Gryffindor Notice Board. The Board was my daughter's idea and I loved it! She wrote a bunch of notes and announcements for it and even added a few socks in case any House Elves wanted freedom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3GtzFlxtcjhnLm_XjiFqNbCgdh4Lo9pcSd_WNsDYdds?feat=embedwebsite" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="www.withinthekitchen.blogspot.com" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IOEu7_6xGhI/VYZNe9iuwDI/AAAAAAAAXmE/OKCJmZlNF_o/s400-Ic42/IMGP7683.JPG" title="Harry Potter Birthday Party" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this Notice Board! We found the Gryffindor crest online. It's removable and re-positionable so after the party we moved it to my daughter's bedroom wall.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Finally, we hung a portrait of Professor Dumbledore and one of his sister.</span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: blue;">Herbology</span></h3>
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On the other side of the room was our Herbology section. I printed a bunch of plants descriptions from the books and movies and placed them in front of plants we already had. I loved the addition of the Mandrakes (which were really troll dolls found, of course, at the Dollar Store).</div>
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I found a Herbology Do's and Dont's list <a href="http://waynedorrington.blogspot.ca/2015/05/official-harry-potter-pottermore_31.html" target="_blank">here</a> that we stick to the wall above the plants.</div>
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Next post will describe our Harry Potter birthday party games and activities.</div>
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Within the Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04243414841805545175noreply@blogger.com0