Buttery Roasted Garlic

One of my favorite appetizers is roasted garlic. Chowing down on big pieces of garlic might not seem super appetizing but I assure you these bad boys are a huge hit!

These are fairly easy to make and you probably have everything that you need,

Head or two of Garlic (you can use jumbo but those cloves a pretty big.)
Half a stick or so of butter cut into pads
1-2 tsp salt
Preheat oven to 400 F
Break apart you garlic heads and brush off all the papery wrappings but do NOT peel it. You can chop off the stem of the garlic but it's not always necessary. Pile the cloves onto a long sheet of foil and top with the butter and salt. (note: It really does look like a lot of salt but I assure you it will taste just awesome.)
Fold the foil around the pile and roll up the sides into a packet and bake for about 30 to 45 minutes turning after about 25 minutes.

I recommend you use heavy duty foil if you are going to place the packet on the rack directly as the foil can sometimes tear and leak butter into your oven. Otherwise you can just place a cookie sheet in your oven while it is preheating.

The wonderful thing about this recipe is you can make it anywhere, oven, grill, fire pit and it will be delicious every time. Make sure you stick near it toward the end because you can smell when it is done.

Once the garlic has cooled you can open the packet and pick up the cloves by the tail and use your teeth to squeeze the super soft garlic out of the skin. If cooked properly it will be almost mushy and the salt almost has a grainy quality on the skin.

So chow down on these little bad boys but make sure you have a napkin and a breath mint for when you are done and it will surely be a crowd pleaser. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below.

Stay-cation In New Hampshire

I grew up in this wonderful state and while there will always be the dregs in the city, there are some beautiful place to visit. So weather you are from here or just stopping by we have lots to see and do.

Hiking is one of my favorite summer activities and with mountains and lakes, literally, everywhere your options aren't limited so here are a few.

Madam Sherries Castle: 

I personally have not yet been but I have been dying to go and I have heard wonderful things. The castle is no longer standing but some of the remains are intact, such as the grand staircase. Madame Sherri was known for her crazy shin digs and over the top parties. Until, of course, her money ran out. When she moved on the house was left to disrepair and left behind the haunting ghost of this once beautiful castle.

Directions to the Castle , Chesterfield, NH

Polar Caves: 

This one is an old memory for me. I haven't been in years but I intend to take my daughter up there as a sort of tradition. This is a wonderful example of how this region was built. There are wooden bridges traversing the gorges and caves to explore and huge glacial structures to explore. This is great if you have younger kids. (Strollers tend to get jammed so walking toddlers are probably more apt to enjoy this.) It's $11.50 for kids under 10 years old and $16.50 11 and up. Plan to spend the afternoon.

Polar Caves Website

Directions

Clark's Trading Post:

I love this place, there are a few of these trading posts scattered across the state but Clark's is by far my favorite. There is food, rides, games. They have the crooked room, the haunted theater and of course.... Bears on bikes, Yup, you read that right. They have trained bears riding bikes and performing tricks and some really cool stuff. They also have lots of other shows and activities. I would plan on spending most of your day here since there is so much to see but I promise, your kids will sleep on the way home.

Schedules and prices are subject to change due to weather, the bears health etc. So be sure to check out the website before you head up there.

Website

Directions

Kancamangus Highway:

To some, this is just a pretty road through the woods but to natives this is a little slice of NH gold. New England is pretty famous for leaf peeping in the fall and this highway is one of the most beautiful. With over looks and scenic rest areas there are no shortage of photo ops and breathtaking views. The Kancamangus highway is popular for bikers as the windy wooded roads wind up and down the mountains. No matter how many times you drive it you always see something new. All along the way are secluded swimming holes and hiking trails. Picnic spots and campgrounds. You may even get lucky and see a moose or two. If you have time and gas I highly recommend spending a day with a basket of cold fried chicken, pasta salad and a camera with a full battery.

Info guide

Located on RT. 112 in New Hampshire

These are some of the standard touristy places that are fun for the whole family. If your looking for a more adult time you can always hit up one of the many white water rafting establishments.

Three Rivers Whitewater was amazing and not too pricey. They also offer skydiving classes that I am dying to take.

If you want to take the kids out and keep them busy on a rainy day you can pack them up and head over to Krazy Kids in Concord. It's a little hectic especially around school vacations and when they host birthdays but the kids love it and there is so much to keep them busy. (If you choose to do a birthday there they will handle food, entertainment, games, cake, everything. Last time I brought my daughter they had Anna and Elsa. If you don't know who they are I envy you.)

If you have any other fun things to do this summer, post them in the comments and I will update the list as I go. Good luck and have fun!

"For Anything" Jalapeno Popper Dip

I get rave reviews on this stuff, I make it every year around the holidays and the first cook out of the year. Since the first cookout is fast approaching I thought I would share this wonderful little tid bit.

Jalapeno Popper Dip

2 blocks Philadelphia Cream Cheese room temp.
approx. 1/4 cup Mayo
1/2 Jar Jalapenos roughly chopped
Dash Worcestershire sauce
          Parmesan cheese
          Crushed Ritz Crackers (optional)

That's it, I know, a lot right....
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Mix and mash the cream cheese, Worcestershire, jalapenos and a shake or two of the Parmesan cheese.
Press the mixture into a ceramic mini loaf pan or something oven safe that the mixture will fit into.   Sprinkle cheese and a few jalapeno slices on the top and cover with the crackers.
Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes.
Uncover and pop back in for about 10 minutes.

Once cooled slightly its ready to be served. You can dip crackers, chips, even veggies. Top your dinner roll with it for a little kick in the pants.
Enjoy!

My Famous Corn Chowder

As the wife of a picky husband choosing my meal plans can be a bit of a struggle. This, however, is sure to please even the pickiest of diners. How can you go wrong with bacon, potatoes, corn and cheese.

Famous Corn Chowder
Serves 4
4-6 Bacon strips
4-5 medium potatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces and rinsed
3 cups chicken broth, (or 2 bouillon cubes and 3 cups water.)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen onions
2 cans corn
2 cans creamed corn
1/4 cup heavy cream
couple cups of shredded cheddar cheese to taste
1/2 tsp Garlic salt
salt & pepper

You're going to need a big ol' pot. By that I mean one of those big metal pots that your Mom or Grandma made soup or chili out of, although, any 'large serving' pot will work. Heat the pot to med high heat and fry up all that yummy bacon. Once crispy and crumbly scoop it all out and set aside. Leave behind the fat and toss in the potatoes. Fry those up until slightly browned on the edges. Add the onions until smelling good and you can see through them.
Pour in the broth and bring to a light simmer until potatoes are cooked through. Dump in those cans of golden deliciousness and reduce the heat so the chowder stops boiling and shake in all those wonderful seasonings. Slowly add the cream, (go easy here, if the liquid in the pot is still boiling the cream will curdle and I can assure you that is NOT yummy.)
Sprinkle in the cheese, (go ahead, add a little more. No ones watching.)
Once all that yumminess is melted scoop and serve.
We usually use Vienna bread, toasted in the oven, but crustier breads, like french or italian, are great for scooping the cheesy goodness.
Garnish with shredded cheese and the bacon you made in the beginning.

I will let you know you can add more bacon if you like but the extra fat and bacon bits in the bottom of the pan will turn your chowder mixture brown. I can assure you it tastes just fine but as we, now, call it, it looks like poo soup.

That said give it a try and let me know how it comes out!

Milano Cookies

Milano is doing a sweepstakes and I gotta tell you I love those things. I received an entry for this post so for more information check out blogher.com and let em know who sent you. Yummy!

These guys are so goooood!

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Simple Fried Egg Sandwich

This was really easy and really yummy!

You need: 

2 Eggs

Bread

2 Pepper Slices about 1/2 in rings.

Mozzarella Cheese

Salt and Pepper

I am a big butter fan but you can use Pam or what ever you want to use to grease the pan. 

Melt some butter in a pan until bubbly. Drop in your two rings and make sure the pan is hot or your eggs will leak out. 

Crack your eggs right into the rings and pop your bread in the toaster. Salt and pepper your eggs to taste. (I like my eggs less runny so I will flip them and turn off the heat while I ready my pan but sunny side up works just fine.) 

Most people will use a green pepper but I prefer the sweet peppers for breakfast and the green for dinner.

Sprinkle a little of that wonderful shredded Mozzarella cheese and slide onto your toast. (I butter the toast too but as you can imagine I am not the dieting type.)

All that's left is to chow down and I can assure you it is wonderful! For a more balanced breakfast you can add some fresh fruit and maybe some yogurt.

Easy Szechuan Shrimp & Broccoli

This stuff is amazing and didn't take long to make. This is a big plus for cold days and for people who like a little heat in their lunch.

Easy Szechuan Shrimp & Broccoli

2 Cups Frozen Med or Jumbo Shrimp
2 Cups Chopped Fresh or Frozen Broccoli
2 Tbsp Szechuan sauce

Seriously, that's it!

Defrost the shrimp in a bowl of cold water. While that is thawing out, (doesn't take long) chop up your broccoli into bite sized pieces. The smaller you cut them the faster they cook. Throw the broccoli (or really any veggie you want.) into a fry pan with a little oil or butter, depending on your preference, and stir fry for just a minute or so. Toss in the shrimp, it is alright if there is a little ice on them still, the water will help thin the sauce a bit. Fry just until hot and the veggies are cooked through but crisp tender.
Toss with the Szechuan sauce until coated and chow down!

One of my favorite MYOTO recipes ever and just so easy.

Kids Who Dress For Success

I have recently been faced with a pet peeve of mine. Mind you, sometimes there are reasons behind these decisions and those are at the discretion of the parents. (I still believe the parents are in charge of their children's behavior until they are adults or prove their maturity.)
Wearing PJ's to school! As a teen. of course, this is very common. They have to get up so early, (too early according to some recent studies conducted among adolescents.) This however is merely the tip of the problem. There are dress codes in high school to keep the kids focused on school an not on the chicks cleavage who sits by the window. What about conveying the importance of "dressing for success" to the younger kids too. I am seeing a significant amount of children, elementary school kids, going to school in their pajamas.
One woman informed me that it was a compromise, her son (9) wanted to wear shorts to school on a 30 degree day. So to avoid a fight she agreed to let him wear his sweatpants to school. I get compromising with your children, we need to teach this to them as well, but when do they learn pride in their appearance? How do you feel after a fresh start in the morning, teeth brushed dressed and ready for work or school. Do you feel more productive? Maybe even feel better about yourself?

Getting dressed everyday sets an expectation for kids. That they have started their day and it is time to get to work and start learning. It also boosts a child's self esteem, think about how you feel when you go somewhere and realize your under dressed? How about when you stay in your pajamas all day, do you get lots done or do you tend to hang out on the couch?

It's these things like this that makes me wonder who gets more control the kids or the parents. If we upset our children and they go to their teacher we get called in to explain ourselves. Even letting our children walk home from school can cause an arrest warrant out for the parent who raised smart, responsible children. I find it infuriating, frustrating and ultimately disappointing. I guess the message we are trying to convey to society is what, hide your kids away because everyone is out to get them. Also, they get to do whatever they want because we don't want to cause a lifetime of disorders.

Ugh, I drank form a garden hose, walked home from school, played in the mud and I would never be allowed anywhere in my pajamas because I was taught to have more respect for myself than that. Why is it that the next generation will never learn these things?

I think it is time to take back responsibility for our own children and return to being their parents. They aren't your friends, they aren't your ward and you are not merely keeping them alive until they move out. hey are our kids and I think they deserve more. But hey, that's just me!

Off the soap box again...

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Alright Fine, You Win Twitter

I fought it and fought it simply because I had no use for it. Turns out I now have a use for it so I went ahead and updated my twitter account.
 @girlnexdoor   and @nmomadventures are the handles and you are all welcome to follow my shenanigans with my munchkin.
If you follow I will return the favor.
Thanks a lot for your support and don't forget to check out all my other pages.

Pintrest.
Facebook
Tumblr
StumbleUpon
reddit

See you all around the internets!

#twitter #peerpressure #socialnetworking #Mommyblog

Shout Outs To Some Women Keeping It Real

Normally I will wander off on some rant or DIY or something but I have been finding some pretty awesome chicks out there doing what I aspire to. Being a SAHM/Nanny/Mom and trying to look like superwoman while we do it. Lots of times we can feel kind of alone, am I right? Well, these ladies are really holding it down and deserve a little recognition.

Tatted Mom - 5 Things SAHMs Didn't Sign Up For  She is absolutely right!
Originally published at Mom.Me - 6 Things You Need To Know About Being A SAHM  Loved this one too.
Oh Get Over Yourself Already - Rachel Grise

Seriously, lets look at life for what it really is and take things a little less seriously. We are turning into and raising our children as neurotic and paranoid nut jobs sometimes. Lets spend a little more time enjoying and making light of the stresses. Just my two cents.

When One Decides To Be Different

So, I posted a few weeks ago about my sudden urge to dye my hair blue. That plan has not changed! Unfortunately, as is always the case when you do these things yourself, it didn't come out exactly how I wanted. Well, here is what happened. My husband informs me that he is really unsure of my strange decision and since he is always my cheerleader he got me to doubt myself. So I thought a compromise would be in order. He likes when I go blonde so I figured I will just bleach the whole thing and then dye the bottom blue. Well, if you have read my older posts about Enjoying A Little Tradition then you saw my photos of what my hair normally looks like. Well here is my half dye job now..

It's not so bad that it must be hidden from sight so as not to frighten the villagers but does indeed require a second attempt before I race to the salon and beg the poor women to fix it. I joke and I really hope I don't discourage you to try something new and different so that is why I am posting all this.

Heads up to all brunettes, This always happens when you go from brown to blonde. Don't freak out it is completely fixable, but first you have to properly take care of your hair first. Other wise you get that dry straw hair that is completely unmanageable. Before you bleach it, you should use a clarifying shampoo, preferably sulfate free, and a hair mask or intense conditioner. Then use your conditioner after you color too. I used Splat dye and it worked so much better than say a regular color like Loreal or something. Those dyes are meant to be used by people to have a similar to that color and not meant for a drastic change like I am looking for. Anyway, I will update you as the hair comes along and post more photos of the progress.

In the mean time it is back to work for me. Caring for children and praying that one of them doesn't decide to share his illness with me. (Also, his brothers reaction to my hair this morning was absolutely priceless.)

P.S. It occurs to me that I should let you know that when bleaching a second time you should always wait about a week to prevent major damage.