Custard Filling For Pastries

Great custard recipe for filling pastries or donuts or eating as is with some fresh fruit!

What You Need:

4 egg yolks

1 2/3 cups of whole milk

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 cup of corn starch

2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

1/2 cup of sugar

Steps:

1. In medium mixing bowl whisk together the corn starch, salt, and sugar. Next add the egg yolks until well combined into a beautiful yellow color. Set aside.

2. In a small/medium pot add the milk and vanilla extract. Place on stove on a low/medium heat watching intently. When the sides begin to slightly bubble (not boiling) remove from the heat and slowly add to the batter. (Careful not to add quickly to the batter otherwise it could cook the egg yolks).

3. Transfer back to pot and heat on medium/low heat. Continuously whisk the batter in the pot until it begins to thicken into a custard consistency. (a few minutes).

4. Once thickened, remove from the heat and add the 2 tablespoons of butter immediately. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap, and place in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Custard With Puff Pastry

Servings: one puff pastry box will make 8 pastries.

Cut puff pastry into 8 squares folding in half (brushing egg wash on the inside and out) baking at 400 for 20 mins. Cut pastry open and insert custard and fresh strawberries. Top with powdered sugar! So yummy!

Dear Readers: I’m Having A Motherhood Moment

I’m currently reading a new read and it’s already making me teary eyed. I rather not share the title. I feel like it’s a bit morbid and possibly triggering. But as I’m reading I put the book down and I just think about how much I love my children. I think about how all my choices have them in mind.

Motherhood changed me.

It wasn’t about me any more, it was about them. I understood how important my role was and whether I am a “good mother” or “bad mother” that I was going to play a huge role in their life.

That’s a lot of pressure. Becoming aware how much I would be influencing my children…. just really stressed me out. And it still does sometimes. I may say or do something and then think, “great, did I just scar my kid.” I knew I was going to make mistakes. And I know I’ll continue to make mistakes. You just hope the good outweighs the bad.

Everything I do now is for my children though. Bettering myself is for them. Even when I go spend time with my friends I do it for them in hopes they will recognize that it’s important to do things for yourself too.

This is a role that I know was meant for me. I’ve known since I was a child really. More than anything I couldn’t wait to become a mother.

Before I was even a mother my worst fear was that I wouldn’t be a mother. How badly I wanted this, but also how much of this yearning felt like a calling. I just knew I needed to be a mom.

I just pray a lot. I try to anyway. I remind myself to pray without ceasing because truthfully I don’t know. I don’t know how this will all play out. I feel like a child in this world with so many questions. How there’s so much beauty but also so much sadness. And the sadness seems amplified when you’re a mother.

I have to trust that everything will be as it needs to be. That it will all be okay. And I do believe that.

My children reveal their innocence to me daily, and how badly I just want to protect them and shield them from the nightmares of this world. However sooner or later the truth will begin to unravel and I know many fears will begin to set in. And that breaks my heart.

I work on my bravery for them. I want to be the best example for them. It’s so hard though. So many answers I do not have. But I just know and believe that if my children have a strong faith and spirituality then they will be okay. They will persevere and they will choose love always.

The only way that may be possible is if I have a strong faith to pass to them. I work on understanding and becoming closer to God so that I may be the one to introduce them to that door that will lead to many beautiful things. I believe so much that our relationship with the high power is crucial in this life.

Do I have my doubts sometimes, of course I do. But my children have doubts in me sometimes too. So am I really any different?

I want to lead them to a life where they feel constant love and assurance. When they are feeling afraid they can close their eyes and pass it to God. I want them to find comfort easily and to develop compassion for all.

So many wishes for my children. I know I’m kind of rambling. But sometimes you just have to share your thoughts and be vulnerable. Admit that your afraid at times and share that you don’t know everything.

How I just want them to know how much I love them, but does a child ever really know how much a parent loves them?

With love,

m.g.

3 Ingredient Baked Ranch Chicken

First of all I know the picture isn’t the prettiest. I discovered this recipe and wasn’t sure if I was even going to like it.

Once I pulled the chicken out of the oven I took a quick snap just in case I might share this. Well, once I tried the chicken I was going to have to share this! The chicken wasn’t overcooked and the flavor wasn’t overpowering with ranch, it was simple and delicious!

This is an easy and very kid and husband approved dinner! My kids ate this up!

What You Need:

1/4 cup of buttermilk ranch dressing (give or take)

1/2 cup of Italian breadcrumbs (give or take)

1 1/2 lbs of chicken breasts (butterfly cut each breast if the chicken is very thick)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 and line a cooking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Coat chicken breast in the ranch dressing and then immediately coat in the breadcrumbs.

4. Place the chicken on the cooking pan and bake at 375 for 30 mins. Once the 30 minutes is up pull the chicken out immediately and allow to rest for 8 to 10 minutes. Then serve with suggested sides.

Enjoy!

Suggested sides; mashed potatoes and veggies

Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade For A Pot Roast In The Slow Cooker – So Juicy!

What You Need:

3-4 lbs of boneless chuck roast

1 sweet onion cut in 4 chunks

1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of unsalted butter

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon of chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

1 tablespoon of rosemary

1 teaspoon of parsley

1 tablespoon of soy sauce or light brown sugar (there was a time I didn’t have soy sauce so I substituted with brown sugar because it just seemed like it would be good and I was pleasantly surprised!)

Steps:

1. Place your meat in the slow cooker, along with the chunks of onion. In a small mixing bowl mix together the rest of the ingredients, except for the butter. Pour marinade mixture over the meat. Top the meat with the butter. Place lid.

2. Cook on low for 8 hours. Once the 8 hours are up shred the meat well and serve immediately.

Serve over white rice or with some corn tortillas. Enjoy!

Note: when putting away the leftovers I did drain a lot of the oil from the meat. We ate it for 3 days and every day was better!

Ree Drummond’s Waffle Recipe Is The BEST EVER

I think I won some mom brownie points with these waffles this past weekend. They are scrumptious! And well, with a stick of butter of in there, of course they are!

Don’t you love when you try a new recipe and you are pleasantly surprised! Of course sometimes you try something new and you experience disappointment. But sometimes the recipe risk is the best thing ever!

I’ll be making these today and actually freezing them so my girls can eat them for the rest of the week. We topped our waffles with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup. I hope you enjoy these as much as our family did!

For the direct link to the recipe CLICK HERE

Ree Drummond Waffle Recipe

What You Need:


2 cups of all-purpose flour

1/4 cup of sugar

1 tablespoon of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 1/2 cups of milk (preferably whole milk)

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 eggs plus 2 additional egg whites

1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted (original calls for salted, I’m just not a fan of salted butter)

Steps:

1. Mix the dry ingredients together (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt)

2. Mix the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, egg whites, vanilla extract, and melted butter)

3. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix well.

Enjoy!

Meat And Cheese Charcuterie Board Inspiration – Visual Layouts And Pairings

Get started! Charcuterie Boards short cut!

#ad as an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases


Charcuterie boards are so much fun! They are kind of like snowflakes, they are each unique in their own way. And what a way to display your creativity! I love it! This blog is specifically meat and cheese but I see myself sharing a sweets charcuterie board blog too in the future. So many possibilities!

I went to a wine tasting last weekend to celebrate a friends 35th birthday. There was a total of 5 of us and we all met because of our daughters. Our girls all met last year in kindergarten and now our little beauties are in first grade. It’s been so much fun developing these types of friendships and I’m so grateful.

Back to the wine tasting, one of the girls brought a prepared charcuterie board that we all got to enjoy and indulge in. A friends of hers actually creates them as a business!

Just sitting with the girls drinking some wine in the vineyards while snacking was pure bliss. If you’re a mom you know how badly you have to take some time for yourself to recharge your batteries.

The board we snacked on. My favorite is the spicy meat paired with a flavored goat cheese and crispy cracker. So yummy!

We all get excited about having a charcuterie board party. Maybe the wine was kicking in or we were just really hungry which resulted in this charcuterie board being the best thing ever. But this charcuterie board inspired this blog.

I share some layouts to help you with your charcuterie board party that you may be planning and some common pairings. You don’t have to follow it exactly but use this more as a guide and have some fun with it!

Thank you for reading and have fun charcutering! (I just made that up)

Charcuterie Board Visuals


Charcuterie Board Pairings And Tips

Would love to see your board! Share it with us on instagram!

Click here 🙂


For additional pairings with wine specifically check out this blog!

Fall Wines And The Perfect Pairings That Go With Them

25 Cute Breakfast Art Ideas That Will Make Your Children Or A Loved One Smile

Cute breakfast food art doesn’t have to just be for children! As I was searching for ideas for my girls I thought, you know what, my husband would loved these too.

Which is why the title is for ‘A Loved One’ .

I’m so excited to try some of these out.

Which numbers will you make?

Note: Most of these photos don’t have watermarks so I don’t know who should receive credit! If any readers know please let me know!


1.

This would be perfect for Valentine’s Day or maybe an anniversary.

2.

Cute little Owls.

3.

So simple! Bear cubs.

4.

A healthier kind of ice cream.

5.

Spring Pancakes!

6.

Imagine making this as a hint and surprising your kids with a trip to Disneyland!

7.

So cute!

8.

A bear that’s cute and you can eat!

9.

Piggy.

10.

Cheetah.

11.

Love the little strawberry sunflower.

12.

Perfect for our malt o meal breakfast days.

13.

Perfect if you love coconut flakes.

14.

This owl has beautiful eyelashes.

15.

Imagine being served this as a surprise breakfast :).

16.

Too cute!

17.

Ladybug.

18.

Another piggy inspiration.

19.

Bagel and cream cheese and berries. yum.

20.

For the one that loves butterflies.

21.

Spider-Man.

22.

Crabby.

23.

Perfect for The Holidays.

24.

Piggy with strawberries.

25.

Cute flower.

Which on is your favorite?

25 Funny And Cute Doggy Pictures To Make Anyone Smile

1.

When you tell your kid to go clean their face.

2.

But I’m not tired yet.

3.

But first, coffee.

4.

Case of the Mondays.

5.

When playing hide and seek with a toddler.

6.

“Mama can you snuggle me?”

7.

Netflix and chill ready.

8.

I’m the real seal, I mean deal.

9.

Weeeeee

10.

Friends call me chef.

11.

You can’t sit with us.

12.

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.

13.

Big pimpin’.

14.

Paws and claws done.

15.

Hi.

16.

Delicate cycle or heavy?

17.

She doesn’t even go here.

18.

My bologna has a first name.

19.

The WiFi isn’t working.

20.

I’m sorry, you want me to do what?

21.

Benddddd and SNAP.

22.

I’m not tired, you’re tired.

23.

Self care.

24.

You bake at 350 and then you’re going to want to flip them at the ten minute mark.

25.

That’s hot.

Roasted Poblano And Chicken Chili Soup With The Use Of A Crockpot

Love when you discover a delicious recipe on accident! I call this a chili soup because my intentions were to make a chili but at the end of this whole thing the consistency was more like a soup, but I was not upset! This is so good! With the perfect amount of heat! I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Total Cook Time: 6 hours and 15 minutes

What You Need:

A crockpot***

1 1/2 – 2 1/2 lbs of chicken thighs (not breasts or tenders)

1 4oz can of green chiles

1 1/2 cup of chicken broth low sodium

5 poblano peppers

1 8oz block of cream cheese

1/2 to 1 cup of frozen corn

2 15.5oz cans of Bush’s Best White Beans in Chili Sauce

1 tablespoon of olive oil

For The Spices:

1 teaspoon of salt

1/2 teaspoon of pepper

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

1/2 teaspoon of thyme

1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of basil optional

Toppings (Definitely Would Not Skip):

Freshly Diced avocados

Shredded Monterey cheese or Pepper Jack for even more of a kick

Fresh Chopped cilantro

Crushed up tortilla Chips

Steps:

1. Add your chicken thighs, chicken broth, Green Chiles, 1 poblano pepper with the top cut off and seeds removed, the olive oil, and spices. Set for LOW at 6 hours.

2. At 4 1/2 hours, line a cooking sheet pan with foil and place the remaining 4 poblanos on the pan. Broil both sides (3- 5 mins on each side) until charred. Immediately place the peppers into a large ziplock bag and allow to steam for 10 mins. After the 10 minutes, peel the skin and cut in strips.

3. By now there should be about an hour left to cook. Quickly open the lid and add the block of cream cheese, the 2 cans of beans undrained, the corn, and the roasted poblano peppers. Place lid back on crockpot adding about 15 to your cooking time. (Total crock pot time 6 hours and 15 minutes)

4. Turn crockpot off, remove lid, and begin to mix and shred the meat. Taste and add additional salt or spices as needed.

Serve immediately with fresh cilantro, Monterey cheese, and diced avocado!

So good!

Note: if this is too spicy, just add a dollop of sour cream to your serving. Enjoy!

30 Mesmerizing Marble iPhone Wallpapers

when in Rome.
tranquillity.
kissing in the rain.
cloud 9.
twilight.
blue lagoon.
deep thoughts.
lavender honey.
broken heart.
make a wish.
raindrops on roses.
Romeo and Juliet
hypnotic.
secrets.
ice.
sweet dreams.
butterfly kisses.
yours truly.
starry night.
pinky promise.
mystery.
sparkle in her eyes.
riverdance.
subliminal messages.
minimalist.
fountain of youth.
kiss me.
moon and stars.
for him.
mermaid tail.