Cheesy Macaroni Shells Pasta Salad

Summer time is a great time for salads, and salad side dishes.  This is one salad I like a lot that I just kind of threw together, and turned out it was also liked by those I served it to.  I'd tried other recipes for macaroni salads before, but was wanting something different.  This became thee macaroni salad of choice there after.  

Traditionally I now make this macaroni salad as one of the sides for our Thanksgiving dinner.    There are some ingredients in it that everyone loves, and some that others don't.  I found a happy medium with making it slightly different in batches as to please everyone.  Hey, I aim to please, or keep the peace, which ever!  All is well when everyone is happy!  

I prefer using the small shell-macaroni because of the size, and with the other ingredients being similar in size, this is more of an everything all-in-one-spoonful kind of bite!

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Cheesy Macaroni Shells Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1  pkg. (1lb.) of small macaroni shells pasta, cooked, drained, and cooled 

4-5 boiled eggs, chopped well

1  cup mayonnaise (I use Hellman's) or enough to moisten well

1  cup frozen sweet peas, thawed (optional)

1  8oz. pkg. sharp cheddar cheese block - chopped into pea sized squares

1  8oz. pkg. white cheddar cheese block, (or colby/jack blend, medium cheddar or jack cheese) - chopped into small squares.  (One mild cheese and one sharp cheese works well.)

1/4 cup red onion or green onions diced finely (optional)

1/4 tsp. seasoning salt

1/2 tsp. paprika

salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

Prepare macaroni to al denta according to package directions.  After macaroni is cooked, drain and rinse in cold water.  Once macaroni has cooled down, drain well.  In a large mixing bowl combine macaroni shells, chopped eggs and mayo, fold gently to mix.  Add the cheeses, seasoning, paprika, salt & black pepper and onions, fold gently again.  Add thawed peas and fold gently.  Cover. Keep Refrigerated. Serve cold.  Sprinkle with paprika on top to garnish before serving.

-This is even better if made a day ahead.  If the salad seems a little dry after sitting overnight, moisten it by gently adding in a little extra mayo, garnish with paprika.

Enjoy!...

Jewelry by Tammy - Black / Purple

Resent projects in my favorite colors Black and Purple!

Black glass rounds with crystal rondelles

Purple cats eye acrylics with gold glass.

-two styles of earrings.

Black crystals and glass with crystal rondelles

Purple pearls and purple acrylic faceted rounds set, 

necklace earrings and bracelet.

Hummus - Cheese & Red Pepper

I enjoy making Hummus, it's easy to prepare, tastes great, and is great for a snack or appetizer.  Hummus is good on crusty bread, crackers or pita bread slices, and I often use sliced cucumber instead of crackers (even better if you're carb conscience).  I use Garbanzo/Chick Peas beans in my recipes for hummus.  Beans are a good source of protein, little if any fat, and low in calories.  Which makes them a good choice for healthy eating.  There are many ways to make hummus and many ways to enjoy it.  For this recipe I use a few basic ingredients, items that I usually have on hand.

Cheese & Red Pepper Hummus

Ingredients:

1 can - 16 oz. Garbanzo/Chick Peas beans - drained

1/4 cup shredded cheese blend or preference

Roasted Red Peppers, 1/2 of one pepper - approx 2 Tbsp. chopped

Fresh Basil 3or4 medium size leaves - or 1 tsp. dried Basil

1 clove Garlic or 1/2 to 1 tsp chopped garlic

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

Black pepper and Salt - to taste

Directions:

In a food processor or blender add all ingredients.  Pulse, then blend until looking paste like.  If too dry add more oil or tbsp of water and blend more.  Serve.

Also can be chilled in the refrigerator and served later, cover or place in container with lid.

Enjoy!...

Celebrating a Friend's Birthday!

A Happy Birthday with Friends!

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It's always nice to celebrate good times together with friends.  We and our long-time friends who we have known for many years, enjoy meeting for dinner out occasionally at one of our favorite places, enjoying one of our favorite types of food, mexican food!  It's also a perfect place to celebrate together on special occasions too, so we shared in a birthday celebration with them by gathering at On The Border.  Hubby and I, along with the birthday girl and her husband, other family members and friends, had an enjoyable time there together with great food, drinks and laughs.

Speaking of drinks, I influenced others with my new version of the Strawberry Daiquiri, made with vodka instead of rum, which my Hubby named the Tamuiri, after me.  Most of the ladies chose to order one also, after having a little taste of mine!

We had a great time, which is easy to do since we always enjoy spending time with them, and their family.
Love them bunches!  

Tammy's Daiquiri

My new cocktail!  My version of the Strawberry Daiquiri, but I use vodka, instead of rum.  

My Hubby named it after me, the

Tamuiri!

In keeping it lower in calories, I use Jordan's Skinny Mix - Strawberry Daiquiri, it is low calorie, with only 30 calories for 4oz., and less sugar than the regular types.  And, the addition of fresh or frozen strawberries kicks up the flavor.  Skyy Vodka is my first choice, or Kettle One Vodka.  I've also started using flavored vodka.  Pinnacle Kiwi-Strawberry.  It adds to the flavor nicely.  When I'm out at a restaurant I order a Strawberry Daiquiri, but ask them to make it with vodka instead of rum.

I used the directions from the back of the Jordan's bottle, but altered it as follows:

Directions:

In a blender combine 4 oz. of Skinny Daiquiri Mix with 1 or 2 oz. of  vodka.

Add two fresh or frozen strawberries.  Blend with 1 and 1/2 cups of ice until slushy.  

If not sweet enough add a packet of no-calorie sweetener.
Garnish with strawberry if desired. -or rim glass with sugar.

You can use the regular Strawberry Daiquiri mix and any vodka of choice for this as well.  Most mixes have the instructions for preparing on the back of the mix. 

Cheers, and Enjoy!

~Tammy~

A Few of My Favorite Things

I've been thinking (I know... dangerous huh?...but seriously), about the many things that we all have in our lives, that we feel we just couldn't live without.  Or that we just wouldn't want to live without also.  I have my own list and thought it was worth a mention to share it, and maybe others have some or several that are the same.  Besides it has been raining the past two days and since I was a little bored, I spent some time writing and adding to this over a 48 hour period.  It is a bit lengthy, so you might want to grab a coffee or a cold drink, perhaps a snack and sit back and have a good read, or skip this and come back later. *wink*  

The first and foremost would be: Although they are not "things" they are people, in my life!

•  My Family and Friends.  They are a huge part of me and who I am.  I love them all and feel so blessed and very glad I have had them to share in my life.  Even though I may not get to see a lot of them as often as I would like, they are still close in my heart and always in my thoughts!  (Within this list, is a list for this one)

- My Mom and Dad, without them I surely wouldn't exist, and I am truly grateful for them giving me life, raising me and all that they have done for me throughout my life.  I am blessed to have my parents, their love and guidance, and for them having married each other and lovingly being together for over fifty years.  I am a true blend of both of them in many ways, and I am so glad I got their good sense of humor gene.

- My Sisters, they are the first best friends I ever had.  Being the youngest of three girls, they were the first girls I looked up to and wanted to be like. So many memories from growing up together sharing love and laughter through the years, and it's fun to look back or reminisce with them and have a good laugh about it now and then. (speaking of growing) being their little sister that passed them both in height.  They're my Sissy's and I'll always be their baby Sis! ...Chance made us sisters, hearts made us friends!   

- My Husband, for being "the one" who loves me most, has my heart, and chose to spend life with me.  Through highs and lows I know he will always be there, and will be the one that shares with me in a life of better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health, and all through the good days and bad days, the not loving this so much times, all the I love you's, and I love you moments, and all those in between.

- My Daughters,  two of the most beautiful gifts life has given me, and who have given my life even more meaning, making it happier and more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined.  My proudest, challenging and most rewarding accomplishments.  They are two of the best things that ever happened to me and my life, and they are also two of my closest friends

- My Granddaughters, I'm very happy to be a Grandmother to two of the cutest little girls.   It's fun to see a do-over of your kids, in their kids.  I love hearing them yell out "Grandma!" when they see me.  Being a Grandparent is a whole new kind of love! 

- My Extended Family and In-Laws, all those who are a part of my life and have shared moments with me big or small.  From my Grandmas and Grandpas to Aunts, Uncles and Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.  My In-Laws, Mother-In-Law and Father In-Law, who always made me feel a part of the family, even before their son and I were married.   My Sister-in-Laws, who are my other sisters, and also friends.  One I call "My Big Little Sister", of the same name as me, who was a friend in high school before we were sister-in-laws.  My Brother-In-Laws who are the big brothers I never had!  My Son-In-Law, who has been a great husband, father, and the son we never had.

- My Friends, they're unexpected gifts, and they become extended family too.  I'm glad to have friendships that have lasted through the years, and close friends that are like family.  I've always liked these friend quotes ...a friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you anyway!  ...good friends are like stars, you don't always see them but you know they're always there!  

and these "Things"...

• Coffee!  My having coffee is a serious thing and an important part of my morning, day, life and existence!   Seriously!  If you know me, you know I am not kidding.  I must have it!  I want it!  I need it!   I believe this to be true, and I am sure some certain family members would attest to this statement!  Plus I know I am a much better person with it, than without it!  I do really love it though, and everything about it as well, the smell, the taste! Ahhhh!
• Sunshine, This plays an important role in my mood, my happiness or lack there of! Not to mention my ability to achieve anything productively with ambition.  If it's raining this situation is worsened.  Spring and Summer are my favorite seasons, with warmer weather and lots of sunshine!  I am like a flower that has to have my sunshine, and I am not a happy flower without it.  (just like the coffee... give me both, and I am a very happy gal! :)  and also...The Moon and the Stars too!...'cause we all want the moon and the stars!
• Chocolate, one of the true guilty pleasures in my life!  I am a chocoholic, I'll admit!  I love the stuff, dark chocolate would be my first choice, but honestly if it's chocolate, I'm for it!   This would be a good place to mention Nutella since it is a form of chocolate ...It contains cocoa and hazelnut, so I say it is!  I love me some Nutella, (If you hadn't noticed) I've written about and added recipes here to my blog about Nutella too, and there are more to come about that and chocolate too I'm sure!
• Wine, this is my favorite "adult beverage", as I would say to my granddaughters.  Red wine is my favorite, but I'll take white on occasion.  There are so many different types and flavors to choose from.  It goes well with everything if you ask me!  Sometimes for me there is nothing better than chill-laxing with a glass of wine after dinner, outside on a nice evening.  Cheers! *clink of the glass*
• Laughter, because I love to laugh! ...it makes you feel good, is good for the soul and it's been said that it's good medicine.  I've always enjoyed hearing children's laughter.   Have a good Laugh!  Laughter is contagious!  If it's funny, I like it!  I laugh at myself...a lot!  So, Laugh on! & Giggle-Giggle!
• Music, I love music, I enjoy most varieties! Not a rap fan! The mood dictates the tunes! I do love old motown and R&B. One moment might be - Al Green, Marvin Gaye or Barry White and then another might be some - Queen blasting out "Another one bites the dust"! Maybe - some Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, or The Eagles.  Some Michael Bublé, Harry Connick Jr. or Peter Cincotti.  Some country with Carrie Underwood, Tim & Faith, or Martina! Some classical sounds of Alessandro Safina, Andrea Bocelli or Sarah Brightman. Or perhaps just chill-laxing with some soothing jazz from - Gato Barbieri or Ottmar Liebert.  I enjoy most of all music genres.  It's nice when you hear a song and it reminds you of a certain time or a place, or someone.  
• Italian Food, this is my all time favorite food.  This leads me to think of other favorite foods associated with Italian foods as in Basil, Garlic, Olive Oil, Oregano, Parmigiano Reggiano/Parmesan Cheese,  Pasta, Prosciutto,  and Tomato Sauce.  (singing..."these are a few of my favorite things"!)  If it has garlic in it, I'll probably like it!
• Mexican Food, a close second to Italian food.  I love spicy, the hotter the better most of the time!  So much to love in this category.  I make great fajitas and taco salad healthy style at home, and my salsa is a hit with everyone, and I am told I need to bottle it, and so the recipe is ...my lips are sealed. *wink*
• Jewelry, I do like pretty things, sparkly, shiny things too.  Jewelry is so varied in style, there is something for everyone.  Be it expensive or inexpensive,  I love it all....Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets, Rings.  Since I make some of my own jewelry, this is a hobby of sorts now too.  Bring, bring the bling, bling!
• My Computer which includes many things of course, like the Internet, so I can perform many tasks throughout the day.  E-mail, Shopping, Facebook and of course my Blog! Uploading Digital Photos, and Gaming is in there sometimes too.  Not to mention if you need to know something the internet is full of answers!  Just ask Google! *giggle*
• My Car, because lets face it, without it I wouldn't be able to go anywhere!  I do really love my current vehicle which is a Toyota Sequoia. I love driving it, and man, it drives like a dream!
• My Cell Phone/smart phone, which I thought I didn't want.  Let me explain, I had a flip-open style phone for ...forever, and when time came to upgrade, as it was on it's last leg, so to speak.  I fought getting on board with the "Smart Phones", maybe 'cause I thought I wasn't smart enough and I had said I didn't want all the bells and whistles types, as I called them.  Well after my daughter got the Android, aka Droid and I saw all that she could do with it ...I wanted all those bells and whistles after all!  Yep, I got the Droid shortly there after.  I have thought many a time since, how did I go so long without it?  Also since it is a mini-computer it has most of all the things I listed about the Computer and is on-the-go.  Fantabulous!
• Flowers, because they are beautiful and most of them are very fragrant and smell nice.  Gardenias, are my true favorite, they are a beautiful white flower and it smells so sweet.  I remember falling in love with these the first time I saw/smelled them.  Maglolias, such a beauty and the smell is heavenly!  Hibiscus, Iris, and Clematis are a few of my other favorites! 
• Hummingbirds, I enjoy watching them, and attracting them to my yard.  They are just so fascinating to me. I also like Butterflies, they capture your attention, and I think they are both quite beautiful.
• The color Purple,  this is such a beautiful color!  I love all shades of it as well!  Black is also an all time favorite and Gold too, I  love the two together!
• Smiles and Smiling, A smile can be like a hug, a greeting, a flirtation, an apology, a thank you, or a happy expression.  It can warm your heart and someone else's at the same time.   It looks good on your face, and makes others smile too.  Smile!  A little song I sing to my granddaughters- "Be optimistic!..Don't you be a grumpy...When the road gets bumpy...Just smile, smile, smile!" ...If you see someone without a smile give them yours!   

Just a few of my favorite things!...
~Tammy~

Chocolate Fondue

Look at that!  A Fondue party in the making! 

I purchased a fondue pot to give to my daughter for a birthday gift last year, and her Sister got her the chocolate needed to go with it.  Chocolate fondue instead of birthday cake!  We had all the goodies for dipping: Strawberries, Brownies, Bananas, Marshmallows and Pretzel Sticks, and that made it quite the fondue experience!  We decided later to also add some peanut butter to the chocolate too....mmm.  It was delicious!   It was a fun day, and now it's also a great delicious memory!

I found the Wilton Chocolate Pro-Chocolate Melter pot and Fountain & Fondue Chocolate to go with it at Jo-Ann's fabrics and craft store.  I just knew my daughter would absolutely love it.  Getting to enjoy it with her made it even better, and that much more special.  Especially since I am a total chocoholic, as she is too...she definitely gets it honest!

This would be a fun take-a-long to a party or a pitch-in.  If you don't have a Chocolate Pro fondue pot you can melt chocolate in the microwave (or in a double boiler).  I've done that on occasion to serve with strawberries as a dessert, or an anytime treat.  I use chocolate chips - semi-sweet or milk chocolate.  Simply follow the directions on the package for melting the chocolate, then dip some fruit pieces, marshmallows, cake pieces or other goodies into the melted chocolate!  Yum! 

Do the fondue!...

~Tammy~

What the...Friday?

an unusual event or item, something of question? or

...things that make you go hmmm?

WTF?

What the...Friday

is that?:

"Sometimes it feels like, somebody's watchin' me!"

WTF?!  Should I be paranoid?...lol

I opened the frig and found this looking at me!
Kind of like...Peek-a-boo!
OhMyGosh! ...it was a funny moment for me and it definitely made me laugh.
Oh course I just had to capture it on film, and share it too!

Here's lookin' at ya!...

~Tammy~

My Monday Message...

~ My Message for Monday ~

Hold that thought!

Think before you speak!

All too often words said in haste, are usually wished to be erased!  

  Before you say it have a heart, hurtful words cause wounded hearts!

An apology spoken won't make it go away, remember to have caution with the words that you say.  

Be thoughtful, considerate and always be kind, you'll get the same in return you'll most likely find! 

Be nice!  nuff said...
~Tammy~



(o:  Keep Smiling!  :o)

image source


Labels: Monday Message

Shopping at the Red Barn Flea Market

A day at the Market

Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Red Barn Flea Market and Plaza, located in Bradenton, Florida while my husband and I were visiting his parents, who live near there.   My Mother-in-law had some interesting and unique coasters at her house which I told her I really liked.  She said she had bought them at the Red Barn and would be happy to take us there the next day to do a little shopping, and I could look for them while there.  We went the next afternoon.

The place was huge, containing many shops selling everything you could imagine.  Over 600 booths and specialty shops, also some good eats and beverages too.  There is something for there everyone.  Some shops were selling beautiful handmade items made with shells, printed t-shirts, home goods, sporting supplies, and there were also many jewelry shops.  We were at the Red Barn for a few hours and I know we didn't see it all!  We also were able to locate the coasters I wanted, and I actually think I could have stayed all day in that little shop that sold them, so much to look at and like in there.

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The Coasters: These unique coasters are double layered acrylic squares, each have a circle cut out of the top layer and a square napkin is placed between the layers. They kind of resemble CD cases.  I think these coasters are practical and pretty cute too.  I really like the ability to change them with the use of different colored, festive or themed napkins.

Not much to look at own their own...

But, add a napkin and these fun coasters go with any occasion!  Birthdays, holidays and more!

I also purchased these wine-themed napkins from the same shop,

...and a napkin holder, which works well as a holder for the coasters too!

What a great find and so cute!

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I also enjoyed shopping at one of the jewelry shops and I bought some new add-a-beads and a new style of bracelet to put them on.  

Loved these purple beads!

I filled the bracelet nicely with old and new beads!

I enjoyed the visit to the Red Barn Flea Market and now have my coasters to remind me of the fun shopping day there, and memories of a great time with family!



The Happy Shopper!...

Happy Independence Day July 4th, 2012

Happy 236th Birthday America!  

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable celebration!  


Enjoy!...
~Tammy~

I found these links to some great videos of fireworks!:
Fireworks

Fireworks

Fireworks