While Standing in line at the Checkout Counter....

As I was waiting in the check out line of Home Goods  this delightful book just caught my eye and I just had to get out of the line to check it out. The pages were filled with delicious recipes and gorgeous photos and I was totally mesmerized as I turned the pages. And wow the price was only $3.99. I thought what a buy!! So of course it just fell into my cart with the few other things I was purchasing.

  French Macaroons are all the rage now and I've wanted to try making some. So here is a little peak into this book. Its jammed packed with wonderful recipes and photos.

          French Macaroons  

 Front Cover 

Introductory Pages

Basic Instructions

Sweetheart Macaroons

These would be perfect for a Shower, wedding, anniversary or Valentines Day

Back Cover

Isn't this just a charming cook book. It's 80 pages full of the most luscious photos, recipes, how to's and tips. I'm so excited to start making these. Have you made these? How did you like them? Dying to hear from you all. Your comments are always welcome and appreciated!!

Nann

I'm participating in these fun linky parties:

The Bunny Hop http://bunnyjeansdecorandmore.blogspot.com/
Thriving on Thursdays http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/03/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-9.html
2805 Potpourri Friday  http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
Open House Party  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/ 
Show and Tell Friday http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
Feather Nest Friday  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
Home Sweet Home http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/
Pink Saturday  http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/
Seasonal Sundays http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Sundays Best Par.tay  http://my1929charmerblog.com/sundays-best-21-par-tay/
Sunday Showcase
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/03/sunday-showcase-party-no-91.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderTheTableAndDreaming+%28Under+The+Table+and+Dreaming%29

My Mardi Gras Table

And here we are....what I've been dying to show you...TaDa.....

My Mardi Gras Tablescape

The tablecloth is actually a beautiful deep purple satin. And its cut as a square. The color does not hold true here in the photo. But it is because I'm still learning to edit and adjust the color ratios of the photos.

The chargers are a bright green. The color is not true here. But I purchased them at Walmart for $1 each at Christmas time.

The plates are Noritake that I got on sale on clearance many years ago for only $2 each. What a buy!

This is the centerpiece. I bought it at either a party store or a dollar store a few years back. It went perfectly with the little Mardi Gras paper salad plates.

The mask at the top of the centerpiece I cut out of one of the small paper Mardi Gras plates. I glued it on to a dowel and stuck it into the middle of the centerpiece. I put the little centerpiece in a small square vase and then strands of  Mardi Gras beads to hold it up and keep it in place. I then set it on another gold doily in the middle of the table and put more strands of beads all around it. 

 I purchased the beads at the dollar store. There were 6 in a package of purple, green and gold. They were so inexpensive that I bought several packages. Some as plain beads, some with crowns and some with little coins in the various colors.

The napkins are paper and I purchased three packages...one of each of the Mardi Gras Colors, purple, gold and green. Another dollar store purchase.

To do what I did you open them up and lay them on top of each other changing the way each layer lays as shown in the picture.

Then with your fingers and thumb grab the bottom and  gather at the bottom. (See photo) Then carefully put it into your glass or goblet. (See next photo) These crystal glasses my daughter brought me from Romania when she was on a High School Band tour in Europe. They really are beautiful.

The gold doilies you can purchase at party, discount or dollar stores. These were less than $2 for the whole package of them. The MardiGras little plates I purchased on sale for half off at a party store a year or two ago. They really add color and theme to the table. The masks came 6 in a package for $1 at the dollar store.

The table turned out so beautifully and I was so pleased. My oldest grand daughter walked in as I was getting it ready for Fat Tuesday's Mardi Gras dinner and just squealed with delight.  It's always so fun to have your family love, appreciate and enjoy what you are doing.

THANKYOU for being with me today. I love to have you visit!

Nann

I'll be joining these fun linky parties:

Wow Us Wednesdays  http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/
Cozy Home Scene
http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/2012/02/your-cozy-home-party-8.html
Tabletop Tuesdayhttp http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2012/02/105th-table-top-tuesday.html

Metamorphosis Monday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/breathtaking-before-and-after-welcome.html#more

Debbies Newbie Party
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/
Sunday Showcase
http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2012/02/sunday-showcase-party-no-90.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UnderTheTableAndDreaming+%28Under+The+Table+and+Dreaming%29

Seasonal Sundays
http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/2012/02/seasonal-sundays-89road-trip.html
Sundays Best Par.tay
http://my1929charmerblog.com/sundays-best-20-par-tay/
Thriving on Thursdays http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/02/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-8.html
Open House Party http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
2805 Potpourri Party http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
Feather Nest Friday http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
Home Sweet Home http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/

MARDI GRAS...Let the Good Times Roll

You saw the book cover now lets see all the fun stuff inside.

                      My Mardi Gras Book

THE  HISTORY  of   MARDI GRAS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                          

       COLORS  and  KING CAKE

PROCLAMATIONS

THE  REX  BALL  and  COURTS

THE  KING  REX  PROCESSION

THE  PARADE  and  MARCHING  BANDS

FRENCH  QUARTER and

BEADS -CURRENCY OF MARDI GRAS

THE  BIRTHPLACE  of.....J A Z Z

THE  MUSEUM  and WORLD FAMOUS BEIGNETS

So...'Let the good times Roll' or as they say it in french in  New Orleans..

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

'Laissez les bons temps rouler'

And please come back tomorrow for my gorgeous Mardi Gras Tablescape.

Nann

PS. These are the products I used to create my little Mardi Gras scrapbook. Go check them out at http://mytatteredangels.com/

                                         

I am participating in these fun linky parties:

Tablescape Thursday  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/springtime-table-with-daffodil.html#more
Thriving on Thursdays  http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/02/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-8.html
Open House Party http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

2805 Potpourri Party http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday  http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

 

Feather Nest Friday http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
Home Sweet Home http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/

It's Mardi Gras Time

Today  I'm going to share with you a tradtional cajun dish JAMBALAYA that we will be eating for 'Fat Tuesday' which is tomorrow. Let's get to the good stuff... the recipe and eating.

     Jambalaya...A New Orleans Tradition

    I've had this delicious, easy and fast recipe for years and have enjoyed making it many many times. Hope you'll try it.

  Jambalaya  (Absolutely delicious and easy)

2 T. butter

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped

1 medium green pepper, coarsely chopped

½  - 1 lb. cooked Polish Sausage or Kielbasa Sausage, cut into ¼ - ½ inch slices

½ - 1 lb. frozen large cooked shrimp, thawed

16 oz. can tomatoes with green pepper & onion, undrained and cut up

14 ½ oz. can chicken broth

6 oz. can tomato paste

¾ cup uncooked long grain rice

2 teaspoons sugar

1 teaspoon thyme leaves

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon (or more to taste) cayenne pepper

1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

1 bay leaf

In a large dutch oven, melt the butter and sauté onion and green pepper for  3-4 minutes or until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients accept  for shrimp and blend well. Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. Add the defrosted shrimp the last 5 to 10 minutes to heat through.  Remove bay leaf. Serve with Crusty Bread and a Green Salad. 

Here is another Jambalaya recipe from Taste of Home that has been tauted to be pretty authentic. Go check it out. It had good reviews.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Captain-Russell-s-Jambalaya

     Captain Russells Jambalaya

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                           
THANKYOU for joining me today to help celebrate Mardi Gras here on my blog. The next few days we will be continuing the party. So come on back!!

Nann

I will be joining these linky parties:

Foodie Friday http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
Show and Tell Friday  http://romantichome.blogspot.com/
Feather Nest Friday http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/
Inspiration Friday http://www.atthepicketfence.com/
Home Sweet Home  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/
Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/
Thriving on Thursdays  http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/02/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-8.html
Open House Party  http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/
2805 Potpourri Party http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/
Metamorphosis Monday  http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspiration-around-blogland-welcome-to.html#more
Tabletop Tuesday http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2012/02/104th-table-top-tuesday.html
Cozy Home Scenes http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/
Newbie Party http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2012/02/teen-boys-bedroom-makeover-newbie-party.html

Banners and Headers for my Blog and other 'Profound' Subjects:)

Hello all my delightful readers. I have just put up a new header/banner. And it's in Pink. I do love Pink (and red too). And the last two headers/banners I did all by myself. I'm sure you're saying well 'big deal'. But for me learning how to do things on blogger has been daunting to say the least. Its a slow process to teach an old dog new tricks. I am, however, learning more and more each day so this is a real milestone for me. Now its on to widgets and  gadgets and more! (smile).

 These are my headers since I first started in mid November. And I'm sure there will be more in the future as time goes on. I really want to do one with some of my beautiful foods too since this blog is more about Food And Tables then anything else. But one step at a time here.            

 Tell Me Which One Do YOU like Best? And Why

(Please answer in comment section....nothing like putting you on the spot. Smile)

      February 18, 2012

                  

                                                                              

                                            February 11-18, 2012                              

  

                                                                         

            January 18 - February 11, 2012

                                                                                 

       January  1 - 18, 2012

                                                                                     

       December 2011

                                                                     

      November 2012  

THANKS for joining me on my little journey through blog headers. I was just tickled that I actually got my second blog header/banner up by myself and wanted to share it with someone. And you dear readers are 'that' someone.

Nann

I am particpating in these fun blog parties:

Metamorphosis Monday
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/inspiration-around-blogland-welcome-to.html#more
Tabletop Tuesday http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/2012/02/104th-table-top-tuesday.html
Cozy Home Scenes http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/
Newbie Party http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2012/02/teen-boys-bedroom-makeover-newbie-party.html
Sundays Best Par.tay
http://my1929charmerblog.com/sundays-best-19-par-tay/

Seasonal Sundays
http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Pink Saturday

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/

A Darling Dinner for Two... or more.

Valentines Dinner was at home and I made a simple menu that we loved. There was not alot of time to make dinner in the first place so here for your enjoyment is what we had. And we LOVED everybite.

    Fresh Fried Shrimp and the

BEST EVER TARTAR SAUCE

 you have ever tasted!!

                                                                  

Of course the tartar sauce is from scratch/homemade (recipe below) and it is claimed to be the same Tartar Sauce that you get at the famous seafood Restaurant whose name is R..L....... I got the recipe from a friend who got it from 'Top Secret Recipes.' I honestly don't know if its the exact recipe or not but as far as I'm concerned its a dead ringer. 

See all those little delicious tidbits of yumminess just swimming around in there. Wow they make this sauce taste like a million dollars. And here it the recipe.

R.. L...... Tartar Sauce

1/3 cup Miracle Whip Salad Dressing

2/3 cup Sour cream

1/4 cup Confectioner's Sugar

3 Tablespoons sweet white onion, chopped fine

2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish from jar with the relish juice

3 Teaspoons carrot, chopped fine

1/4 Teaspoon salt

Chop the sweet white onion in food processor, put in small container

and set aside. Chop carrot in food processor, and add to onion.

Mix in remaining ingredients and stir to blend thoroughly.

Do not use electric mixer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight

to let flavors blend.    DELICIOUS!!!!

I also made my very easy and 

 Fabulous High Heat Salted Baked Potatoes These are to die! They are also a recipe from R..L....... One night several years ago when we were having dinner there I asked the manager how the potatoes were made. He said after washing and drying the potatoes rub generously with softened butter and roll them in course salt. Then slightly brush to take some of of the salt off but leaving on a good coating on. Then bake in a 475 degree oven for 50 minutes. That's it!  We add sour cream and cheese and sometimes chives and they are worth every bite.                                         
                      

                                                                   

And lastly here is The Boccoli Salad recipe that you have all asked for.

 Fresh Broccoli Salad

2 Tablespoon butter

1 (3 ounce) package Oriental-flavor ramen noodle soup, seasoning packet reserved

1/2 cup slivered almonds

1 (16 ounce) package broccoli coleslaw

1 (16 oz.) package broccoli florets

4 green onions thinly sliced (green part only)

1 cup sunflower seeds (I used 1/2 cup salted and 1/2 cup unsalted)

1/2 cup salad oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Reserved packet from Ramen noodles 

Whisk together the salad oil, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, and reserved seasoning packet in a separate bowl; Let sit about two hours. You will have to stir it occasionally.

Melt butter in a frying pan. Crush the ramen noodles into small pieces; stir the crushed noodles and almonds, into the butter and cook until golden brown.

Break up the broccoli florets into smaller pieces. Put about 4 cups water on to boil. When boiling, add the florets to the water and blanch them for ONE minute. Quickly remove the broccoli with a wire strainer and immediately put them into a bowl of ice water. This brings out the bright green color of the broccoli without cooking it.

Toss the strained cold broccoli florets, the coleslaw mix and the green onions  in a large bowl. Add the sunflower seeds, ramen noodles and almonds. Toss to blend.

When ready to serve pour the dressing over the salad and toss. Serve. Expect rave reviews.

NOTE: If you need to stretch the salad add a small torn bunch of romaine hearts to the salad. I have done this in the past and it has worked out well

Well there you have it. A simple but delicious meal we so enjoyed for Valentines Day. You don't always have to go out for a special occassion when you can make a fabulous one at home for a fraction of the cost and probably in the same amount of time it would take you to dress up and drive to the restaruant. So...ENJOY!

THANKYOU for joining me today. It is always such a pleasure to have you with come.

Nann

I am linking up to these wonderful parties:

Seasonal Sundays  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/

Sundays Best Par.tay http://my1929charmerblog.com/sundays-best-19-par-tay/
Foodie Friday http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/
 Domesblicity- Thriving on Thursdays http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/

Openhouse Party http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

Show and Tell Friday http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

2805 Potpourri Party http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Fridays http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

Home Sweet Home http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/

Tablescapes Thursday http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-day-table-setting-welcome-to.html#more

How Do I Love Thee....Let Me Count the Ways

Happy Valentines Day to you All. It has been a simple but very special day for us today and I wanted to show you some sweet special things. Little things that say.... I  Love  You....

Beautiful Red Roses that Last forever

Homemade and decorated cookies from our neighbor Michelle

                                       

  Homemade Cinnamon Rolls & Chocolate from our

 dear friend Paula M.

                   

                                        

Chocolate Eclairs and a Hersheys Chocolate Bar for my wonderful  husband. (His favorites)

                                        

    Homemade pink Chocolate chip cookies from two darling little

neighbor girls named Ella and Lucy. Thankyou you sweet girls!

   Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and a beautiful card  
from my loving husband

                                        

       Homemade cupcakes from our oldest granddaughter Hannah

                                                                                                                                                    

 A gorgeous Handmade Tussie Mussie from a  new friend  Beverly.           

How grateful and blessed I feel tonight to have the wonderful family and friends that I have.

THANKYOU all for becoming my friends on this blog. It has been such a joy to have you join me these few last months.

Again.....Happy Valentines Day

Nann

P. S. I'm now going to watch the delightful movie 'Valentines Day.' It has an all star cast and is so fun and upbeat. The perfect ending to a perfect Valentines Day.

I am linking up to these parties:

Seasonal Sundays  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/
Sundays Best Par.tay  http://my1929charmerblog.com/sundays-best-19-par-tay/

Pink Saturday
http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/
Domesblicity-Thriving on Thursdays
 http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/02/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-7.html

Openhouse Party http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/

 Show & Tell Friday 
 http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/02/show-and-tell-friday_16.html

2805 Potpourri Party http://twenty-eight-0-five.blogspot.com/

Feathered Nest Friday http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

Inspiration Fridays http://www.atthepicketfence.com/

Home Sweet Home  http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/

Tickled Pink Fridays http://www.504main.com/

Tablescapes Thursday http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/02/valentines-day-table-setting-welcome-to.html#more