tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50435924743391922322024-03-05T03:46:19.376-06:00Jessica's lifeEverything from crafts, artsy stuff, projects, books, contests, work, personal life, etc.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-51405294782159698972022-03-05T07:31:00.001-06:002022-03-05T07:31:58.875-06:00lentOne thing I do is that I give up stuff for Lent. This year I'm going to weigh myself on Sunday and then I'll weigh myself at the end of Lent and see how much I've lost. This year I'm looking into eating healthier and hoping that it helps kick start me into healthier lifestyle. I always give up more then one thing (usually in case I slip up with something. I know, bad of me).<div>This year I've decided to give up sweets, chocolate, pop, unheathly white things (i.e. white rice, white bread,etc. Still eating bread and rice just going for brown rice or whole wheat/grain bread), and unnessasary purchases. Goal is to eat healthier and save money. I'm also listening to bible audiobooks.</div><div>Do you observe Lent? What do you give up, if you give up anything?</div>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-17083822635832729372022-01-02T14:47:00.001-06:002022-01-02T14:47:27.733-06:00new yearHere's to a start of a new year. Last year was full of downs. My stepdad passed away, was harrassed by his biological children, went house hunting (terrible time to do it), bought a house, been doing repairs on it, on 11/30 one of our dogs got out and still havent heard or seen anything, spent Christmas and new years at new house. <div><br></div><div>With this new year I'm going to work on getting back on top of my physical/mental and emotional self (gained a lot of weight and have just let myself go, depressing thoughts), going to move in and start staying at new place, upped amount putting into retirement after bringing it down for buying of the house, starting friday I'm doing an auto deposit of $100 weekly into my savings account. I'm also not giving up on finding my fur baby, she's out there somewhere.</div><div><br></div><div>What are you working on this year? Any suggestions on anything else I should do?</div>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-48116049825522882462021-09-24T13:04:00.001-05:002021-09-24T19:13:22.584-05:00bought a houseSo I bought a house this year. First time buying a house. I finished filling out the paperwork and signing and everything back in August. We havent moved in yet. <div><br></div><div>Yes we. I've been planning to move out for a while. This year just forced the issuse faster and instead of just me, my mom and younger are moving with me. Life throws wrenches in plans and you roll with it.</div><div><br></div><div>Every weekend I've done something to the house. One weekend we had the vents cleaned. Next weekend mom and I shampooed the carpets. The next weekend I had a guy come and replace the coil/spring of the garage door. This coming weekend I'm having the HVAC and a/c done. </div><div><br></div><div>I've got one more thing that I'd like to have done (chimney/fireplace cleaned). All I got to do is find someone and see if I can swing paying for it. </div>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-605169090476906192014-04-20T13:16:00.000-05:002014-04-20T13:16:03.336-05:00Happy 2014 Easter everyone!I haven't been on recently but I'm going to try and shoot to post once a week starting today. . . What are you doing for Easter (if you celebrate)? Today I bought some peep donuts from Dunkin Donuts. <a href="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2014227/rs_560x420-140327093719-1024-peeps-dunkin-donut.ls.32714.jpg" imageanchor=".25" ><img border="0" src="http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2014227/rs_560x420-140327093719-1024-peeps-dunkin-donut.ls.32714.jpg" /></a><br />
(found this picture online-forgot to take a picture of it myself).<br />
I am about to make some banana bread then ham, mashed potatoes and then maybe even making some deviled eggs. . What are some foods that you make?<br />
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In celebration of Easter, I'm sharing The Bunny Hop song. . I remember doing this in grade school. <br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UgLL_q5FMCU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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Happy Easter :)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-57821701582705448992013-12-28T12:42:00.000-06:002013-12-28T12:42:24.229-06:002014Okay everyone. . 2013 was a bust for my blogging and anything else I was trying to do. . Now lets try for 2014. <br />
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Today I signed up to join 1 challenge called "<a href="http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/2013/12/get-ready-for-january-2014-30-painintgs.html">30 paintings in 30 days January 2014</a>". You can find out more information about this challenge by clicking the link. I did ask and was told that it didn't all have to be paintings but I do know that the first 7 or so will be some painted ornaments that I'm behind on. The other 23 will be up in the air for me. I might do paintings or some other type of artwork. This should help me get back into the groove of posting on my blog and of doing more art.<br />
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I'm also going to try and lose weight again. I am the heaviest that I have ever been and am really unhappy with it. One of my friends has lost 40 pounds since August. What she has been doing is cutting out the processed foods, milk and breads. I think that I might try taking a step in that direction. When 2014 starts I'm going to cut back on the processed foods, eating out, breads and milk. One that will be easy will be the milk and regular bread as I don't drink milk or eat bread so much at the moment anyways. The hard part might be the processed foods, eating out and other bread options. I love rice and finding unprocessed food might be difficult but it will get me trying new recipes. <br />
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jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-9454612516482013792013-05-09T17:08:00.001-05:002013-05-09T17:08:46.084-05:00Children's book review- Ways to Live Forever by Sally Nicholls-This is in a format that I'm using for work. I'm going to try and start doing this for every book I read-<br />
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<a href="http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/images/144.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/images/144.jpg" /></a><br />
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Nicholls, Sally Ways to Live Forever Realistic Fiction<br />
I.L.: 3-7 R.L.: 5th Lexile: 580 212 p. 2008<br />
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Sam is an eleven year old boy who is in the final stages of leukemia. With the idea from his teacher and the help of his best friend Felix (and Google), he writes a book. Sam’s book includes facts, lists, adventures and the day to day stuff. Will he break a world record? How will he see a ghost? Will he find out all the answers to the questions that nobody answers? How much does the human soul weigh? What kind of teenage stuff will he do?<br />
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The chapters are short, simple and written in a journal format. The drawings range from torn out journal pages to postcards to family portraits. It was a sad topic put into the perspective of an eleven year old boy. This book is sad but with a fun and informative twist to it. <br />
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If you liked this book you might also like Each Little Bird that Sings by Deborah Wiles and Ten Good and Bad Things about my Life (so far) by Ann Martin.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-27241703574123644042013-03-21T13:13:00.000-05:002013-03-21T13:13:20.992-05:00Artwork working on the past few monthsAll of these artworks are using fabric. You've got my name tag done in seed beads with a papillon on the front and a winnie the pooh scene on the back. The others are Star Wars snowflakes- Yoda, Stormtrooper, R2D2 and c3po. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZA1Y2olGBH5Qwmi_apm8TG2OrkooGT9OWahz5ucT5A_l9cxlljz6FgyGGL5QiTlJB9YpxLcgl6eKictzyR6Y6QCtwPgyQGtd3n49rQG58AzTDcUVqJ8c8Gnvki3IqnS2loSkBHBBdIml/s1600/DSCN8223.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZA1Y2olGBH5Qwmi_apm8TG2OrkooGT9OWahz5ucT5A_l9cxlljz6FgyGGL5QiTlJB9YpxLcgl6eKictzyR6Y6QCtwPgyQGtd3n49rQG58AzTDcUVqJ8c8Gnvki3IqnS2loSkBHBBdIml/s320/DSCN8223.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGrm0LxXZFYy1KuNWDh11OXj-A_sazDqaWRw3VfrXo4Qicr5UUoF5WwkaV27UExCEudpOCKI89hvEzqVJ7sWt_dUWqg32aXGc6D-x5QlKI7vesNH7mhMvvQeaIgxl9WiHsInobH7Np0Gn/s1600/DSCN8224.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGrm0LxXZFYy1KuNWDh11OXj-A_sazDqaWRw3VfrXo4Qicr5UUoF5WwkaV27UExCEudpOCKI89hvEzqVJ7sWt_dUWqg32aXGc6D-x5QlKI7vesNH7mhMvvQeaIgxl9WiHsInobH7Np0Gn/s320/DSCN8224.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb450Rd9fobV4Jywxp2T5HLUolAjoT1uoOF_Ji_fpF2MTbDSfrTXsja645gqab6ejxfDUQzpaY_HuGEBl_S3YjTPEFhyphenhyphenqKxrkOWD3QfHbjAsPqXneOgkfdRqakG36A8P9zlYq2z_rkvOt/s1600/DSCN8299.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb450Rd9fobV4Jywxp2T5HLUolAjoT1uoOF_Ji_fpF2MTbDSfrTXsja645gqab6ejxfDUQzpaY_HuGEBl_S3YjTPEFhyphenhyphenqKxrkOWD3QfHbjAsPqXneOgkfdRqakG36A8P9zlYq2z_rkvOt/s320/DSCN8299.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kGOa88XCy80ySJE52AxrkCtCmYABMiI_B9sIFTM9lUfWeoTzXXGBZqI8qU4s5FghmLWoOna09SYRtmkCK7biDLIlyftvP2nBOoI8fOeFQwUOfEYSYgpsHLXcUmVOQZ9GIE7kUBpfqSf6/s1600/DSCN8300.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kGOa88XCy80ySJE52AxrkCtCmYABMiI_B9sIFTM9lUfWeoTzXXGBZqI8qU4s5FghmLWoOna09SYRtmkCK7biDLIlyftvP2nBOoI8fOeFQwUOfEYSYgpsHLXcUmVOQZ9GIE7kUBpfqSf6/s320/DSCN8300.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhgApMMW_JFMN_K4r8UIxsqfdfzmCroljRMVzCc_BQ2T7hL0mhDEqwhcdHqdk6gszRZ4Oy_-gNMHJJEhM8JQsLQJzL54_G1PNMKDjm_lJUoIJ_YV18xPOhwpah9agZs1a2_AaedH3X2l/s1600/DSCN8301.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmhgApMMW_JFMN_K4r8UIxsqfdfzmCroljRMVzCc_BQ2T7hL0mhDEqwhcdHqdk6gszRZ4Oy_-gNMHJJEhM8JQsLQJzL54_G1PNMKDjm_lJUoIJ_YV18xPOhwpah9agZs1a2_AaedH3X2l/s320/DSCN8301.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMEiV8u9xzUNWhgjOE6y4HFgt5uu0LwHJIaR3c2_CnH85Eq0mWSqFQ56ns7uozIL6C6noSRbVGvSl0jE9UdV9x0HiqyChbrq5ksj5TT5VmwC-s8fckjhS6LhQhgbqgXj7FaKO7qgIKHb3/s1600/DSCN8302.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMEiV8u9xzUNWhgjOE6y4HFgt5uu0LwHJIaR3c2_CnH85Eq0mWSqFQ56ns7uozIL6C6noSRbVGvSl0jE9UdV9x0HiqyChbrq5ksj5TT5VmwC-s8fckjhS6LhQhgbqgXj7FaKO7qgIKHb3/s320/DSCN8302.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxB14dptx5hVogSXQ-qz-1hJP11Ir_qbN2kPcBgRZdEFRJEoke6VpxghjMV2_1qwA6nAs3eW8SGGEf0d4FmzYOGgrmMLCaS3Uh6qFJyRLUY-jHyEiW1I-wH4x6aqnBsytgtgcQJU-fzcV/s1600/DSCN8306.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxB14dptx5hVogSXQ-qz-1hJP11Ir_qbN2kPcBgRZdEFRJEoke6VpxghjMV2_1qwA6nAs3eW8SGGEf0d4FmzYOGgrmMLCaS3Uh6qFJyRLUY-jHyEiW1I-wH4x6aqnBsytgtgcQJU-fzcV/s320/DSCN8306.JPG" /></a>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-543365151991449092013-01-03T14:14:00.001-06:002013-01-03T14:14:30.748-06:00A New YearI'd just like to say Happy New Year (a little late/belated but still). I also hope that you had a Merry Christmas (or other holiday that you celebrate). I'm glad to have the holidays over with. One of my much loved pets passed away a week before Christmas and I'm taking it VERY hard. It does help to have other pets around tho. <br />
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Now, this past year I did terrible on all of my challenges. This year I'm going to give it another go. I joined a gym that I'm going to in the mornings and am working on my eating habits. I did gain all my weight and some back this past year but here's to giving it another go *raising glass*. I'm going to sign up for the challenges that are going on again this year. <br />
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so to just name a few things that I'm looking to do: dusty bookshelf reading, new recipe every other week or at least once a month, finish art projects that I've started or new art project every month, work on getting healthy and losing weight, work on writing reviews for books that I read, become organized/less of a hoarder, stop eating chocolate/or eat less, work on getting things crossed off my bucket list, and I'm pretty sure that I've got others but I think that enough at the moment. . . <br />
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are you going to be doing any challenges/resolutions this year?jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-74729191098217166042012-12-25T22:54:00.002-06:002012-12-25T22:54:31.002-06:00Merry Christmas!!Merry Christmas everyone! I hope that you all have a safe and Merry Christmas!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-32692554318900716392012-12-15T21:06:00.000-06:002012-12-15T21:06:34.552-06:00more ornamentsIt would only allow me to add 5 pictures on the last post. Here are the rest. I also made boxes for them from Christmas cards from a program that the library I work at offered.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqixDB5J1ObPHu9yGxAjZAmGvG6gikzICOccDwq93RSHSqqW28F-g_Z4HkWGu3KJ38DIXv1M-O7EH2AKuXZYTxL9yFpkRS11St0DgkgK78MdY4v_CWe6MV1P8bjBc3OHlAUsisdXclQCcS/s1600/DSCN7555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqixDB5J1ObPHu9yGxAjZAmGvG6gikzICOccDwq93RSHSqqW28F-g_Z4HkWGu3KJ38DIXv1M-O7EH2AKuXZYTxL9yFpkRS11St0DgkgK78MdY4v_CWe6MV1P8bjBc3OHlAUsisdXclQCcS/s320/DSCN7555.JPG" /></a><br />
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jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-58493653309292340572012-12-15T20:48:00.000-06:002012-12-15T20:48:08.870-06:00OrnamentsI had someone order 8 ornaments for Christmas. . Here they are the final painted products pictured below <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTikFw708GhUpu1Y8OPASRbCvr7Sx9WHPepKKpiGXzNvUirXnDRKVNDFOINpgjIg9OZlE3_D3VGYSzzO_JEpmeFdLaNgN1MI_8M_eaLxCcaP3XB12ry1KmL3m1eX5oGqGG3EJkSNE15Qy1/s1600/DSCN7557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTikFw708GhUpu1Y8OPASRbCvr7Sx9WHPepKKpiGXzNvUirXnDRKVNDFOINpgjIg9OZlE3_D3VGYSzzO_JEpmeFdLaNgN1MI_8M_eaLxCcaP3XB12ry1KmL3m1eX5oGqGG3EJkSNE15Qy1/s320/DSCN7557.JPG" /></a><br />
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jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-72046429127364609102012-11-22T13:59:00.000-06:002012-11-22T13:59:21.776-06:00Happy Thanksgiving Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! I'm thankful for so much. I'm thankful for all my friends and family, for my cats, my dogs, my job, the roof over my head, the food on our table and so much more. What are you thankful for?<br />
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Whenever I think of Thanksgiving, this song always pops into my head<br />
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jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-58690217598576211922012-11-12T20:34:00.000-06:002012-11-12T20:35:16.679-06:00Chicken EnchiladasI have tried this recipe before and really enjoyed it. This time I made a few changes. I found this recipe in the Trim The Fat with Alpine Lace Cheeses.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
1 3/4 cups fat free sour cream (<i>used regular, not fat free</i>)<br />
1/2 cup chopped green onions<br />
1/3 cup minced cilantro (<i>put a little pinch in because one family member doesn't like cilantro</i>)<br />
1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno chili pepper (<i>left out</i>)<br />
1 teaspoon ground cumin<br />
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (<i>left out</i>)<br />
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 3 X 1-inch strips<br />
1 teaspoon minced garlic (<i>left out</i>)<br />
8 flour tortillas (8 inch)<br />
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Alpine Lace reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese (<i>used any kind of cheese</i>)<br />
1 cup bottled chunky salsa (medium or hot)<br />
1 small ripe tomato, chopped (<i>left out</i>)<br />
sprigs of cilantro (optional) (<i>left out</i>)<br />
<br />
directions:<br />
1. preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 13 X 9 X 3-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.<br />
2. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, green onions, cilantro, jalapeno pepper and cumin.<br />
3. Spray a large nonstick skillet with the cooking spray, pour in the oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and garlic and saute for 4 minutes or until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork. (<i>this time around I did it on a forman grill instead of the pan with garlic. I tried it step 3's way the last time and enjoyed it more.</i>)<br />
4. divide the chicken strips among the 8 tortillas, placing them down the center of the tortillas. Top with the sour cream mixture, then roll them up and place them, seam side down, in the baking dish.<br />
5. Sprinkle with the cheese, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Spoon the salsa in a strip down the center and sprinkle the salsa with the tomato. Garnish with the sprigs of cilantro, if you wish. Serve hot!<br />
makes 8 servings<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWwCshj5A1MfDZ9qY6c6Ea61KWH6Hx4B6bvjUPddOzFQa77o4u8YXDU8WAwsGS-jT3rBpKP6lfK8F1imebXnnt4RLkkPfU1xRlPzopN3JZRdUgY2rg7lsOTtLJFWDEQSSd_0BFnMIn2T0/s1600/DSCN7416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWwCshj5A1MfDZ9qY6c6Ea61KWH6Hx4B6bvjUPddOzFQa77o4u8YXDU8WAwsGS-jT3rBpKP6lfK8F1imebXnnt4RLkkPfU1xRlPzopN3JZRdUgY2rg7lsOTtLJFWDEQSSd_0BFnMIn2T0/s320/DSCN7416.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6suBxA80QRzHQIysWRruc2Ns9ZabUcKryuoBFCJTfUGm6gS4ToIpgtrClPb2VtLGV43TJugZvWhBVri0TfwRpcP7_Nzljnt2cCAx1eiWNqvhtA8v6v88YrEdqXHqqUA0HQYqjPnyz5Rg/s1600/DSCN7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6suBxA80QRzHQIysWRruc2Ns9ZabUcKryuoBFCJTfUGm6gS4ToIpgtrClPb2VtLGV43TJugZvWhBVri0TfwRpcP7_Nzljnt2cCAx1eiWNqvhtA8v6v88YrEdqXHqqUA0HQYqjPnyz5Rg/s320/DSCN7418.JPG" /></a><br />
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I made a packet of spanish rice to go with it and made a good dinner. Tastes good and will be doing this recipe again. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-67193235269433307432012-11-07T00:17:00.000-06:002012-11-07T00:17:02.509-06:00Double-cheese ziti with bacon, s'mores cupcakes and marshmallow frostingToday I tried 2 different recipes. One was called <b>Double-cheese ziti with bacon</b> found in one of those small leaflet like recipe books called Tasteofhome Best Loved Casseroles Recipe Cards (with something about displaying until December 8, 2009).<br />
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Ingredients: <br />
1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta<br />
3 cups (24 ounces) 4% cottage cheese<br />
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon butter, divided (<i>only used 1/2 cup butter</i>)<br />
1/2 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 teaspoon white pepper (<i>I just used regular pepper since I didn't mind black specks</i>)<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt<br />
3 cups half-and-half cream<br />
1 cup milk<br />
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese<br />
1 cup crumbled cooked bacon, divided (<i>only made 4 slices, 3 inside and 1 on top</i>)<br />
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs (<i>didn't add this</i>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0TNqfPs7SGnj1MtdxWHexpoQKIS0y_5GgXXozK_Y7dkVsYaB9WYL3rDlEUB3NmquPjDjwF5OJsCw3fRK3oWiRGgJgajXvaT5nqi5b-045mJsCmbJKn98g0swLZEGNKmK3WH-eA2ULKJT/s1600/DSCN7385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0TNqfPs7SGnj1MtdxWHexpoQKIS0y_5GgXXozK_Y7dkVsYaB9WYL3rDlEUB3NmquPjDjwF5OJsCw3fRK3oWiRGgJgajXvaT5nqi5b-045mJsCmbJKn98g0swLZEGNKmK3WH-eA2ULKJT/s320/DSCN7385.JPG" /></a><br />
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directions:<br />
1. cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place cottage cheese in a food processor; cover and process until smooth. set aside.<br />
2. in a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic salt until smooth. Gradually add cream and milk. Bring to a boil: cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.<br />
3. drain macaroni; transfer to a large bowl (<i>make sure it's a very big bowl, I thought I'd used one big enough but needed something bigger. had a tough time tossing</i>). Add the cheddar cheese, white sauce and 3/4 cup bacon; toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in. X 9-in. baking dish. (Dish will be full.) Melt remaining butter. Add bread crumbs; toss to coat. Sprinkle over casserole.<br />
4. bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon. Bake 5 minutes longer or until bubbly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xCqf3KvmX_UdMX3K0pCAm5hJ0U3qjLxvhPhwI3PqmqptsqYrcnOgVPrUhKLJH1qeo2pt2DnF5VrFepsQP7yobENBNo7BpN4uPGPxSHcOSFWy_9HmdUm_RtZxaNYZnhw-yuUoGRz2e-UG/s1600/DSCN7387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xCqf3KvmX_UdMX3K0pCAm5hJ0U3qjLxvhPhwI3PqmqptsqYrcnOgVPrUhKLJH1qeo2pt2DnF5VrFepsQP7yobENBNo7BpN4uPGPxSHcOSFWy_9HmdUm_RtZxaNYZnhw-yuUoGRz2e-UG/s320/DSCN7387.JPG" /></a><br />
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<i>This recipe was pretty good. I feel that the bacon helped to make this dish even tho I'm not a big fan of bacon. I will be making it again since everyone in my family enjoyed it.</i><br />
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I also tried a recipe called <b>S'mores Cupcakes</b> that I found in the book called Cupcakes! from the Cake mix Doctor by Anne Byrn. I have a lot of cake mixes and I volunteer my time and a cake (or cupcake) helping out at PADS (people who provide food, a place to sleep, etc for the homeless). <br />
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ingredients:<br />
24 paper liners for cupcake pans (2 1/2 inch size)<br />
7 whole graham crackers, coarsely chopped<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 package (18.25 ounces) plain German Chocolate cake mix<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 cup milk chocolate chips<br />
Marshmallow Frosting (<i>after S'mores cupcake directions in this post</i>)<br />
2 Hershey's Milk chocolate bars, broken into 24 small pieces, for garnish<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoAEpJd35l-9AlM7Fmcx7XrHxEhyphenhyphenOPlma_ENtbY24ixM-DqCf3MqdtaeJ8_x6z2k8murJLEnEP5_ekBpF_RYn2Lb6fl5hpLQ-ovUZJWjaTz2vL_3frLM6jlVH4qGXUEwJ37VfLmbSTKgT/s1600/DSCN7386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoAEpJd35l-9AlM7Fmcx7XrHxEhyphenhyphenOPlma_ENtbY24ixM-DqCf3MqdtaeJ8_x6z2k8murJLEnEP5_ekBpF_RYn2Lb6fl5hpLQ-ovUZJWjaTz2vL_3frLM6jlVH4qGXUEwJ37VfLmbSTKgT/s320/DSCN7386.JPG" /></a><br />
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directions:<br />
1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners. Set the pan aside.<br />
2. Place 1 scant tablespoon of chopped graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each liner. Set these aside. Reserve the remaining graham cracker crumbs for garnish. Set aside 3 tablespoons of the sour cream for the frosting.<br />
3. Place the cake mix, pudding mix, remaining sour cream, water, oil, and eggs in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Stop the machine and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides again if needed. The batter should look thick and well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are well distributed throughout the batter. Spoon or scoop 1/4 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it 2/3rds of the way full. (you will get between 22 and 24 cupcakes; remove the empty liners, if any.) Place the pans in the oven.<br />
4. bake the cupcakes until they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 19-22 minutes. Remove the pans for the oven and place them on wire racks to cool for 5 minutes. Run a dinner knife around the edges of the cupcake liners, life the cupcakes up from the bottoms of the cups using the end of the knife, and pick them out of the cups carefully with your fingertips. Place them on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes before frosting. <br />
5. meanwhile, prepare the Marshmallow Frosting.<br />
6. Carefully remove the liner from each cupcake, taking care that the graham cracker crumbs don't fall off, before you frost them. Place a heaping tablespoon of frosting on each cupcake and swirl to spread it out with a short metal spatula or spoon, taking care to cover the tops completely. Garnish with the reserved coarsely chopped graham crackers and a piece of milk chocolate. The cupcakes are ready to serve.<br />
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<b>Marshmallow Frosting</b><br />
ingredients:<br />
1 jar (13 ounces) marshmallow creme<br />
3 tablespoons regular or reduced-fat sour cream<br />
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract<br />
<br />
directions<br />
1. remove the lid from glass jar of marshmallow creme and place the jar in the microwave on high power for 45 seconds. (<i>not sure if that might have been too long because mine overflowed but mine was also in a plastic jar</i>) With a small rubber spatula, scrape the creme out of the jar and into a mixing bowl. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract. With an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until the frosting is fluffy and well blended, 1 minute.<br />
2. Use to frost any chocolate cupcakes of your choice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT33a1luGdfAtlWATkfdGxECf0jBV_OCj2JrQ3ln9F1Z9SQ547_sQXVIYqsxt82uAUQ2aKgp7XZIT10Td1dE93sGytjWcG1UzFXqk8IsJ5y_csrWqb3h_nsjfGz1OC-ZPjYPubsm-V-TjG/s1600/DSCN7389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT33a1luGdfAtlWATkfdGxECf0jBV_OCj2JrQ3ln9F1Z9SQ547_sQXVIYqsxt82uAUQ2aKgp7XZIT10Td1dE93sGytjWcG1UzFXqk8IsJ5y_csrWqb3h_nsjfGz1OC-ZPjYPubsm-V-TjG/s320/DSCN7389.JPG" /></a><br />
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<i>The cupcakes are real rich. I feel like you'll have to have a cup of milk handy/on the side. The frosting didn't turn out the be what I thought it would be like. I'm not sure if I added too much vanilla or sour cream was too warm but the frosting didn't seem right. These cupcakes smelled exactly like S'mores. I also made little changes here and there (very tiny chocolate pieces for garnish, no wire rake, kept cupcake liners on, etc.). Overall, was a good recipe and I'd probably make it again some time.</i>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-59640050141263230102012-11-01T11:00:00.001-05:002012-11-01T11:00:20.589-05:00Free Ebookstoday only!<br />
http://www.freeebookpartay.com/jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-54376600182510862022012-10-31T10:40:00.000-05:002012-10-31T10:40:07.484-05:00Happy Halloween!!what is Halloween without. . <br />
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<a href="http://www.nwf.org/~/media/Content/Objects/Crafts/Plants/pumpkin_carving2.ashx?w=360&h=344&as=1" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="344" width="360" src="http://www.nwf.org/~/media/Content/Objects/Crafts/Plants/pumpkin_carving2.ashx?w=360&h=344&as=1" /></a><br />
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jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-17423165852699260182012-10-29T22:50:00.000-05:002012-11-01T11:42:42.501-05:00Hops and other things going on that sound like funIf anyone is interested, there are a bunch of hops going on right now. I am not part of them but like to share with others when some are going on because I'm always happy to win something from doing them. <br />
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The <a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/10/spooktacular-giveaway-hop-50-gone.html">Spooktacular Giveaway Hop</a> from October 24th to October 31st with over 450 blogs participating. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.romcon.com/_blog/Blog_Hops/post/Wicked_After_Dark_Blog_Hop_-_October_24th-_November_1st/">Wicked After Dark Blog Hop</a> from October 24th to November 1st with 220 blogs participating.<br />
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The <a href="http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/09/ya-mythology-hop-sign-ups.html">YA Mythology Giveaway Hop</a> from October 26 to November 4 with 93 blogs participating. <br />
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The <a href="http://www.readersconfession.com/2012/09/fall-in-love-blog-hop-sign-ups.html">Fall in Love Blog Hop</a> from November 1 to the 9th with 40 blogs participating.<br />
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A <a href="http://www.rbtlreviews.com/2012/10/nice-or-naughty-christmas-card-exchange.html">Naughty or Nice Christmas Card Exchange</a> that sounds like fun. Can sign up until November 30th <br />
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Enjoy and have fun.<br />
-Jessicajessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-91826830776046469532012-09-06T12:01:00.000-05:002012-09-06T12:01:08.531-05:00One Ornament done this year so far<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdz3ZS1kV11r1Bnf90LqyX99HDvdzOC7Jefi12zEJ4BL-dbCzbcfV2UEhRXMKQPwSR6uoJ6ozCBBeT7LZ2auRNmKD5-cWFAC2onzxchw601jDENXUNRhWYg5qGNiH4TB8TaIVaZeupk5n/s1600/DSCN6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdz3ZS1kV11r1Bnf90LqyX99HDvdzOC7Jefi12zEJ4BL-dbCzbcfV2UEhRXMKQPwSR6uoJ6ozCBBeT7LZ2auRNmKD5-cWFAC2onzxchw601jDENXUNRhWYg5qGNiH4TB8TaIVaZeupk5n/s320/DSCN6465.JPG" /></a><br />
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So I paint animals onto ornaments. Here's one that a relative wanted me to do for her to give as a gift to her friend. I still have to spray it with a sealer but I'm happy with it. I always doubt myself tho. I hope that they like it. . jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-48381455962963806692012-08-26T21:14:00.002-05:002012-08-26T21:14:50.723-05:00BlogI am experimenting on the blog background, coloring and such. Give your input at any time as I will keep making changes.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-67470745774795893582012-08-26T21:12:00.000-05:002012-08-26T21:12:46.896-05:00VacationsI have been on 2 vacations this year. One was to Country Thunder in Wisconsin where this was the first time that I was able to attend the whole concert. The second one was to the Authors After Dark Convention in New Orleans, LA. I try to do one book thing a year which is usually my vacation. This year the book thing was just the open book signing for Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Chicago (about an hour drive away from me). <br />
<br />
Now the Authors after Dark convention was actually a prize that I won from the <a href="http://www.simplyali.com/">Simply Ali blog</a> when she was having her birthday bash. It was a long drive and an awesome time. The best convention that I have attended yet. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-33406783324639067352012-08-26T21:00:00.000-05:002012-08-26T21:00:26.949-05:00UpdateSo much has happened since the beginning of this year. I haven't been on much but am planning on trying to get back on more. I have been reading and trying to keep track of the books that I have read.<br />
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Books read:<br />
<br />
Wonder- <i>TBR</i><br />
The invention of Hugo Cabret- <i>TBR</i><br />
Bone Crossed - <i>TBR and series</i><br />
Master of the Mountain<br />
the Hunger games- <i>TBR</i><br />
Silver Borne- <i>TBR and series</i><br />
Suddenly Wolf<br />
Suddenly Wolf 2<br />
Lost<br />
Emma's Education<br />
Sweet Captivation<br />
Wild Fascination<br />
Keen Inclination<br />
Hot Inspiration<br />
Mikayla's Family<br />
Justice -<i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Brawn - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Wrath- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
A Prideless Man<br />
Catching Mr. Right<br />
Mate Dance<br />
Saving Valor<br />
Out of my Mind<br />
War Horse<br />
Runner<br />
The Strange Case of Origami Yoda- <i>TBR</i><br />
The Familiars<br />
Stolen<br />
Hidden<br />
Panther's Prey<br />
The Bartimaeus Trilogy book 1 - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Breaking Dawn - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
River Marked- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Blood Hound- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Winter of the Wolf<br />
Hour of the Lion<br />
Make Me Sir- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Lean on Me- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Breaking Free - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Tiger- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Nightshade<br />
Shadow of the Dragon<br />
Tied with a bow<br />
Educating Aphrodite<br />
Mastiff - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
The Fault in our Stars<br />
SNAP<br />
From Baghdad with Love - <i>TBR and DBS</i><br />
The Merzetti Effect<br />
Pegasus and the Flame<br />
The One and only Ivan- <i>TBR</i><br />
The Rowan- <i>DBS</i><br />
Fifty Shades of Grey- <i>TBR</i><br />
Colter's Promise- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Acquainted with the Night<br />
Subjugated<br />
Stalked<br />
Notorious<br />
To Command and Collar - <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Bear Meets Girl- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Bloodrose<br />
Wolfsbane- <i>TBR</i><br />
Fierce Radiance<br />
Doms of Dark Haven<br />
The Abused Werewolf Rescue Group<br />
The Bartimaeus Trilogy Book 2 The Golem's Eye- <i>TBR and Series</i><br />
Dark Elves Taken -<i>TBR and DBS</i><br />
Dark elves Salvation-<i>TBR and DBS</i><br />
Dark Elves Mastered -<i>TBR and DBS</i><br />
Dark Elves Dissent -<i>TBR and DBS</i><br />
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Hopefully I'll post more regularly and not post such a long list. I have been keeping up with some of my challenges but not as much as I'd like to be. I'm working on the Dusty Bookshelf Challenge, the TBR challenge and the Series Challenge. The goal weight challenge, the artsy challenge, the bake and cook challenge and the read and review challenge have all gone out the window. I have a new job on top of my old job and find myself working 7 days a week without too much time to work on the challenges that have gone out the window.<br />
for the series challenge, I have caught up/finished the Twilight series, the Mercedes Thompson series, Shelly Laurenston's Pride series, and many more. jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-16587880283555190012012-08-09T10:29:00.000-05:002012-08-09T10:29:25.343-05:00author after darkA while back I won registration to authors after dark. It is in New Orleanss,LA. Guess where I'm at? :) yes, I am currently in New Orleans! This was a big step for me. Right now I am in a panel for historical romances with Beth Williamson, Sandy Sullivan and other authors. Will blog and tweet throughout the event.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-21257317214115541972012-05-13T22:17:00.001-05:002012-05-13T22:17:31.214-05:00Happy Mother's Day!!When I think of Mother's Day this is the song that pops into my head. .
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CXgoJ0f5EsQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Happy Mother's day to all the mothers out there!
I will hopefully post an updated post in one of the coming days. . .jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-59828736235747880262012-02-21T10:37:00.004-06:002012-02-21T11:00:54.208-06:00Lent and questionSo Lent begins tomorrow (unless you started yesterday). Do you celebrate Lent? What are you giving up or do you do something different?<br /><br />I'm starting tomorrow and I plan on giving up reading and the purchasing of anything that isn't a need. I have already started giving up sugar/sweets/junk food and will continue through Lent and further. I'm also planning on trying to do something more each day. i.e. walk the dogs everyday, exercise everyday, set a goal for myself everyday, etc. something like that.<br /><br />Question for everyone. Would you consider audiobooks reading? I am planning on giving up reading . . would that mean that I give up listening to audiobooks too?<br /><br />any ideas? want to share?jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5043592474339192232.post-90140179482439089432012-01-16T21:51:00.004-06:002012-01-16T22:03:27.141-06:00Pepper Jack Cheesy MacOk everyone. . you will have to bear with me as I get into the swing of things. Eventually I should be able to remember to take pictures of the recipe that I choose in steps but I forgot to do it this time. and it's been over 2 weeks. . sorry. <br /><br />This recipe was the first time that I've tried this. I got it in an email earlier on today and I thought that it sounded good so I made it for dinner tonight. The recipe:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/144036/Pepper-Jack-Cheesy-Mac/detail.aspx?cmp=EM_VBB_eJAN_009">Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac</a><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />2 cups (8 oz.) dry elbow macaroni<br />2 cups (8-oz. pkg.) shredded cheddar cheese<br />2 cups (8 oz.) shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided<br />1 can (12 fl. oz.) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk<br />1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper<br />1/2 to 1 cup broken tortilla chips (your choice of color)<br />1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)<br /><br />Directions<br /><br />PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease 2 1/2-quart casserole dish.<br /><br />COOK macaroni in large saucepan according to package directions; drain. Return to saucepan.<br /><br />ADD cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups Pepper Jack cheese, evaporated milk and black pepper to macaroni; stir until combined. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Combine remaining 1/2 cup Pepper Jack cheese, tortilla chips and red pepper flakes in small bowl. Sprinkle over top. Cover tightly with foil.<br /><br />BAKE for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake for an additional 10 minutes or until lightly browned. <br /><br />*copied from website http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/144036/Pepper-Jack-Cheesy-Mac/detail.aspx?cmp=EM_VBB_eJAN_009 (link is also provided when you click on the Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac above the ingredients)<br /><br />My picture of how mine turned out<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuhXKWVru95nx8DmuyfbFw37pGG4Eu8wjad_qb747-7q2oXwL4SUY_GIBTvwQHsyLp_QAgyI7wGrtcg-7ZQea819PyML8s9bZkEWNREj9DDeD9_0aPDodSMLohTB4yQAHMufLWk_WFkqJ/s1600/DSCN1077.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIuhXKWVru95nx8DmuyfbFw37pGG4Eu8wjad_qb747-7q2oXwL4SUY_GIBTvwQHsyLp_QAgyI7wGrtcg-7ZQea819PyML8s9bZkEWNREj9DDeD9_0aPDodSMLohTB4yQAHMufLWk_WFkqJ/s320/DSCN1077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698444602869708962" /></a><br /><br />Now everyone in my family ate it and enjoyed it. I did make a couple of changes by using reduced fat cheddar cheese and using the cheaper priced (Jewel Osco) evaporated milk. I stuck with the lower amounts on the few that they gave choices. I also kept it in longer without the foil because it didn't seem to be browning. . . I would suggest not doing that because it did make it a little dry (but not too much). <br /><br />Overall, this is a very good recipe and I will be making this again in the future.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05598281441740484352noreply@blogger.com0