tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48083859823659356752024-03-18T22:47:11.152-06:00Crystal's Cozy KitchenCome join my family for dinner, cooking tips and an occasional dessert.CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-24057719713141066152017-01-13T15:21:00.001-07:002017-01-13T15:21:17.044-07:00Food Allergies<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During part of my withdrawal from blogging, I had a baby. I now have 3 adorable boys. Here's the most recent photo I have of them - taken last fall.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxorJ-sdKvqRFlyo9WKa6gs7fqIES_-5LNZDbNlG2OUwQiaIsrvIFxEjtOcOfxcHSC96f46yZZ3aElzPF7M7y6ukFtzstzKGGcRErdEd1ltWrJm2CNYM8WESlu5Tm_0ChC_9n4s-RCJqk/s1600/FallPhoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxorJ-sdKvqRFlyo9WKa6gs7fqIES_-5LNZDbNlG2OUwQiaIsrvIFxEjtOcOfxcHSC96f46yZZ3aElzPF7M7y6ukFtzstzKGGcRErdEd1ltWrJm2CNYM8WESlu5Tm_0ChC_9n4s-RCJqk/s320/FallPhoto.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I mean really, though aren't they adorable?! I may be a bit biased though ;). Thinking about them made me get sidetracked though...<br /><br />When the youngest was an infant he had neo-natal colitis. It took me 8 months to get a diagnosis and then he had it for 3 more months after that (luckily babies grow out of it). The GI doctor said that it was like eczema in his guts - except a different type (4 vs 2) and some more stuff that went over my head or I forgot. During this time I removed over 13 foods from my diet because they would affect him through me breastfeeding him. (Complete list for all of you who are wondering: Dairy, Soy, Wheat, Rye, Barley, Rice, Chicken, Beef, Black Beans - really most beans except chick peas, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Peanuts, and Fish are the ones I'm remembering right now. I could eat some Pork but only about an ounce or two every few days, which held true of most proteins I had to eat them in moderation. If I ate these foods he'd get blood in his stool and pretty much be miserable with stomach pain. I was so good at not eating these foods because I didn't want to cause him pain. There was no cheating, but I did manage to find some things that I could still eat... Coconut Ice-Cream is delicious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the wonderful time came that he outgrew this condition - which can I say I'm so grateful that he did, I really do feel for all you Mom's out there who deal with food allergies with your children! Late February last year I started eating a normal diet again. And for a week I felt slightly nauseous. After it went away I decided to wait to get tested for a food allergy (I was sure that's what the nausea was being caused by) because I really couldn't handle eating a special diet again. The frustration from figuring out what to eat was not fun, in fact I would break down crying over the knowledge I had to eat but not knowing what to eat (because let's face it you can only have vegetable soup and salad so much before going crazy - or maybe that's just me.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing I learned - if you want to avoid most processed foods, remove Soy, Dairy, Wheat, and Rice from your diet. It's really hard to find foods without those in them (Rice mainly because most gluten free processed foods have rice in them.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally got up enough courage to get my food allergies tested last month. However there was a preliminary appointment before the testing appointment so I didn't actually get tested until this month, earlier this week even on Monday. I tested positive for 2 foods. And let's just say that removing 2 foods will be easier than 13+ foods, but I'm allergic to Soy and Barley. I just have to say that soy is in pretty much everything. It's a good thing I know how to make my own vinaigrette, because most that are sold in stores have soy in them (sometimes just listed as vegetable oil...) My personal pet peeve is when something lists it as Canola Oil OR Soy Oil, can't you just say which one so I know if I can eat it or not?!? Barley sneaks in a lot too, most malt is made from barley (I like malt but it's not something we have frequently.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So starting next week I'm avoiding all things with soy and barley. Funny thing is before my crazy diet with my son's colitis I would avoid most soy (I did have some soy sauce for when I made Asian foods). I've rebelled at reading labels in the past few months and because of such I have let a lot of it into my house. I was semi-surprised how much I have because I do try to avoid it since it can make PCOS symptoms worse. So here's to going back to reading labels again. I really don't mind except how much longer I'm in the grocery store!<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My shout out to all those that have food allergies or kids with them. It can be hard! </span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-5084602450906227822017-01-05T12:29:00.004-07:002017-01-05T12:29:56.674-07:00Kitchen Basics: Vinaigrette<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome 2017. I hope this year is so much better for many people than last year was. With the coming of a New Year, comes the setting of goals by many people. One of those goals typically includes eating healthier... Last year I fell off the eating healthy bandwagon, although in my defense I had just eaten a super crazy diet for about a year... that ended in Feb/March of 2016. I had been nursing a baby with neo-natal colitis and couldn't eat about 20 different foods which made eating unhealthy quite difficult. So I regressed to bad eating habits :(.<br /><br />One thing that I am trying to do is to enjoy more salads. In doing so I've decided that I only enjoy salads IF I have multiple options for salad dressings. I get bored with food easily and if I'm bored with salad I tend to not eat it. At All. Unfortunately. I also have an issue throwing away food and buying multiple salad dressings typically leads me to not use them all before they expire. So homemade salad dressing to the rescue. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making a vinaigrette is actually pretty easy and inexpensive - you can make a lot for the cost of a pre-made bottle at the store (and you'll be avoiding all those added ingredients!) The most basic vinaigrette only has two ingredients (but I highly suggest adding some salt and pepper as well.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The ratio of these two is the important thing. The most common ratio is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts oil. If you want a more vinegar flavor you can increase it to 2 parts vinegar.<br /><br />The type of <b>Vinegar </b>you use will depend on the flavor you want the vinaigrette to have. The most common types of vinegar to use are Balsamic Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Raspberry Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, and Rice Vinegar. White Vinegar does not have much flavor and is not typically used in a vinaigrette. Balsamic Vinegar has a very distinct flavor and is often the feature flavor of the vinaigrette. Apple Cider Vinegar has a more mild flavor and can be used as a base for many different types of vinaigrette. I tend to use Raspberry Vinegar to make a simple vinaigrette when I have fruit on my salads (like spinach and nectarine, etc.) Rice Vinegar also has a more mild flavor. It is also a great choice when making Asian inspired vinaigrette. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The type of <b>Oil</b> used also matters. If you want an Olive Oil flavor you'll need to use Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you want other flavors to stand out more, you'll want to use a lighter oil. You can use a light Olive Oil, or any other Vegetable Oil. There are many different types of oil available in most supermarkets so the different combinations are numerous. I like to try different oils to see which I like most. However the two I use most are Olive Oil - light and extra virgin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Juices </b>are also sometimes added to vinaigrettes. The most common type of juice added is Lemon. Lemon juice can take the place of the vinegar or be added in addition. Citrus juices (lemon, lime, orange, etc.) are the most popular in vinaigrette, but not the only options. Again the options are really limitless when mixing all the different combinations. When making a vinaigrette, be sure the acids (vinegar and citrus juice) do not ever exceed a ratio of 2 acid to 3 oil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Seasonings </b>are the last aspect of vinaigrette I'm going to discuss today. When making a very simple vinaigrette it is wise to add a little salt and some pepper for a bit more flavor pop. Garlic is also another great addition. As are onions, shallots, herbs (fresh or dried), spices (paprika, nutmeg, etc). Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce can also be added. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next Kitchen Basics post I'll be discussing making a creamy vinaigrette. But first, what's your favorite vinaigrette - I'd love to hear what you put on your salads so I can use some of the ideas and be more excited to eat mine ;). </span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-643803711689526802017-01-02T08:47:00.000-07:002017-01-02T08:47:06.240-07:00Dear readers<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wow, it's amazing how much you can forget in a few years... I forgot how much time I actually put into this when I was posting every week. This fall unfortunately I had some things come up, health issues and other things that made me super busy. I also re-learned that when I get overwhelmed with everything I withdraw. From Everything. So while I had such good intentions on blogging all last fall and through last month, I did not. I disappeared again and that's not fair to you dear reader. I do apologize for that, sincerely. I am going to do better this year. I do hope you forgive me for leaving you hanging yet again.<br />I hope you had a great New Year's Day and here's to an amazing 2017!</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-23996406614471038452016-11-09T15:03:00.000-07:002016-11-09T15:03:02.423-07:00Breakfast for Dinner? Yes, Please!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know some people eat breakfast for dinner without thinking about it, but I have met some people who think it's an odd concept. However as a Mom I LOVE making breakfast for dinner because it means my kids will actually eat a meal without complaining about how they don't like anything on their plate! I honestly think my middle child would not be as picky if it weren't for his older brother. My youngest is just starting to pick up on the peer pressure with eating :(.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I'll be discussing my top 3 pancake recipes, but before I do that I want to say that I discovered that baby food is a great addition in pancakes. Yes I did discover this after I got a few cases off Amazon and my youngest child refused to eat it. But it is a great way to add fruits and vegetables into the pancakes without your kiddos really knowing! (And a good way to get slightly green pancakes on St Patty's day - green peas...) I just add the contents of the jar to the bowl and use powdered milk. Just in case any of you have left over baby food that you don't know what to do with!</span><br />
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Here are my top 3 PANCAKE recipes: </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/11/whole-grain-peanut-butter-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Whole Grain Peanut Butter Pancakes</a> - I love these because they also have protein inside them, one less thing to have to worry about! Perfect for a busy night, especially those nights when I don't really feel like cooking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/whole-wheat-pancakes-waffles.html" target="_blank">Whole Wheat Pancakes</a> (Adapted from waffle recipe) - this one is made from whole wheat berries - not flour and has a more nutty taste. The waffle version has sweet memories but right now I don't have a waffle iron so pancakes it is!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/carrot-cake-pancakes-with-vanilla-cream.html" target="_blank">Carrot Cake Pancakes</a> - What's not to love about hiding vegetables in your kids food?! The Vanilla Sauce really makes these super tasty! Plus isn't it great to basically eat dessert for dinner? ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjITr4u9haq8ZTJ6A7nm4NrDcDDcdGadg63cal3ZcPAEPaYzoOSwFv8sx5D2bGETJusLTq6OhFNyz14vSAmiC7ghIgyJekBDtahyq0GB5IjdiZQpdjZyanVLwazE5VEhAKlUIFdbX51FZkm/s320/CarrotCakePancakes.jpg" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is your favorite pancake?</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-65583164504218865082016-10-27T08:05:00.003-06:002016-10-27T08:05:50.934-06:00How to talk yourself out of buying "the best deal"...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A while ago I was at the store and an announcement came over the speaker that I could get a free pairing knife just by going to a certain area of the store. Since I was pretty much in that area and only had to walk 10 feet, I figured I'd get a free knife... Of course you are all smarter than me and know that it wasn't going to be that easy! First we had to listen to a sales pitch on why we should buy this whole boxed knife set. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The salesperson starts discussing the knife that everybody has which is incredibly dull and won't slice bread without mashing it. Um. Yeah. I didn't agree with that and actually had to stop myself from giving tips on how to correctly slice bread so it doesn't get smooshed. I could do a whole tutorial on how to slice bread... but I'm sure the salesman wouldn't have appreciated me doing that there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A little later the salesperson was explaining how their fillet knife was so great and showed he could cut the skin off the tomato. At which point in my head I was like, "Man you have impressive knifing skills, how much did you practice to get that good?" I almost said that as well. I actually had to bite my lip to not say that out loud. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm sure that is not what was going through the head of the guy next to me who was asked if he liked fish... he was probably thinking, "I want a knife that could skin a fish that well." Now I'm not saying that a fillet knife won't make it easier to skin a fish, but it does take practice to use it as well as that salesperson!<br /><br />I am probably the only person who was in that group that walked away with a free knife and did not buy the whole set. Honestly I don't believe the knives were anything special but that salesman was really good!<br /><br />So lesson I learned that day - if you know your stuff you aren't as likely to buy an impulse purchase in the moment. Plus bonus lesson - it's only free if you don't make a purchase!</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-88624904690458418302016-10-21T10:26:00.002-06:002016-10-21T10:26:57.945-06:00Sanity Saving Puff Quilt Tutorial (no sewing individual 'pillows')!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I decided to try to make a puff quilt. I had heard that many people only make one because they are a headache to make. But I decided to do it anyway... I read a bunch of tutorials on how to make one and I could see why people would say one was enough, but once I get an idea I have to run with it. However, as I made my puff quilt I realized there was an easier way to make it than ALL of the tutorials I had read! So I decided I had to share how to make it because I'm all about helping make life easier for everybody!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This tutorial does not include making individual pillows or hand sewing the backs of each pillow closed! It involves sewing each square into rows and then two rows together before stuffing, so you only have to deal with the bulk of the stuffed pillows for 8 seams - plus adding the border (and they're long so you have plenty of quilt to help guide it through)! That's why I call this the Sanity Saving Puff Quilt Tutorial.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sanity Saving Puff Quilt Tutorial (How to make a Puff Quilt)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Materials Needed (toddler size):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30-8 inch squares coordinating fabric (I used minky and it is super soft!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">30-6 inch squares any fabric (this will be on the inside of the quilt so you can use anything - muslin, etc. Just make sure that if it is colored it doesn't show through the top fabric!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Extra coordinating fabric for the border - 4 strips 30 x 9 and 4 - 9 inch squares.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Extra fabric for underside of border - 2 strips about 8x26 inches (you'll want to measure the finished middle to be sure of the exact size) and 2 strips about 8x42 (again you'll measure during the process to make sure it's the right size)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1.5 yards for the back (will have a bit left over)<br />And thread, sewing machine, etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We'll start with the 8 inch squares and the 6.5 inch squares.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf41hDRH7gRZgq7MtTiJon_zHAdv5lrIR0wDswhZM0JW5QkTeka2vHbrefPapJT_oRBzOhsVSC1tC0lZyx4aIzTta7SyWrDv-IiAa-nWdjcvkPnRAr0qLc-JyqNidTHvzlVu4AwBj0oeg/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf41hDRH7gRZgq7MtTiJon_zHAdv5lrIR0wDswhZM0JW5QkTeka2vHbrefPapJT_oRBzOhsVSC1tC0lZyx4aIzTta7SyWrDv-IiAa-nWdjcvkPnRAr0qLc-JyqNidTHvzlVu4AwBj0oeg/s320/01.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Match them together on one corner with the smaller square on the wrong side of the 8 inch fabric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> At the sewing machine, start sewing, but about half way through, make a bunch. I used a 3/8 inch seam allowance for these.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt5Pffkc1nhkw5tt1toRd34TqHQy8psWQ6hGm5WVlPtNlYSyJ2qCbNJChY6JKlW9lBQxnR9j56PeWIClB3nOkJtV5CrEVechu9t1yrxfc01cFzjxrBzu2fJFFkXnqHeobPTlUu8za5Rs/s1600/04+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFt5Pffkc1nhkw5tt1toRd34TqHQy8psWQ6hGm5WVlPtNlYSyJ2qCbNJChY6JKlW9lBQxnR9j56PeWIClB3nOkJtV5CrEVechu9t1yrxfc01cFzjxrBzu2fJFFkXnqHeobPTlUu8za5Rs/s320/04+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Make sure the bunch is large enough that the bottom ends of the squares are now even. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Repeat on 2 more sides. Be sure to leave one side open. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Repeat for each of the 30 squares.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUBLkTpni3yhXRcAEjso6lmbO5Z7hbOL3_h9fOEs6-u299kCTLHEJpCleQe20uf7BKczMk-WzkR6yG2ft35yTGXuY-4AoJI2ZFnsyGFkQS6DOvtmvJ9RErgk2aIXum4lMOPUjPdKB09o/s1600/12+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiUBLkTpni3yhXRcAEjso6lmbO5Z7hbOL3_h9fOEs6-u299kCTLHEJpCleQe20uf7BKczMk-WzkR6yG2ft35yTGXuY-4AoJI2ZFnsyGFkQS6DOvtmvJ9RErgk2aIXum4lMOPUjPdKB09o/s320/12+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As I got going I made sure to put a pin in the middle of the fabric so I would remember to bunch them up.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKYnct3yYIL7doJWmui1Kv7Kz9fzViiBuinfPpng-nE5kjjoA2FJ_iZKl7AMXesKnj1yerSAfW08zWYJt2Y7-ICRFwUdEH4j4X4slIN5gnbBJdgxKHAayosqPRk76kVa-zbytd538iI/s1600/13+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuhKYnct3yYIL7doJWmui1Kv7Kz9fzViiBuinfPpng-nE5kjjoA2FJ_iZKl7AMXesKnj1yerSAfW08zWYJt2Y7-ICRFwUdEH4j4X4slIN5gnbBJdgxKHAayosqPRk76kVa-zbytd538iI/s320/13+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I won't say how many seams I had to rip before I decided this was a good idea.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3eX3ZQ6kwFwQM_RsTc0S_CRYo-MuuiVfosihkltBzPtpV6p0GMesrIlKHfJWTkvvAteFUjaApXJmU0E46KHCnvzPAXHi-kFcZrC0DDEAziUSK7QZnQK0wUH15RxR5NXJWdo2LiVWV1E/s1600/14+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3eX3ZQ6kwFwQM_RsTc0S_CRYo-MuuiVfosihkltBzPtpV6p0GMesrIlKHfJWTkvvAteFUjaApXJmU0E46KHCnvzPAXHi-kFcZrC0DDEAziUSK7QZnQK0wUH15RxR5NXJWdo2LiVWV1E/s320/14+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once you get to the pin, just remove and make the bunch. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxDt1AHm63K7k6pNfR0jYN09HNkAU3lkUcjjwNClb5V07WcmkRewZwYkU04afwOQ0diKM-1KaEkI8-x199GreoxDnOV3Dxj_eOl3KXlmg-yFGp31KUfhliHEAVNY4BtEd2LVKZvPc9i4/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxDt1AHm63K7k6pNfR0jYN09HNkAU3lkUcjjwNClb5V07WcmkRewZwYkU04afwOQ0diKM-1KaEkI8-x199GreoxDnOV3Dxj_eOl3KXlmg-yFGp31KUfhliHEAVNY4BtEd2LVKZvPc9i4/s320/15+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You'll thank me for this tip when you're not ripping seams because you're so into sewing that you forget what you're suppose to be doing ;).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KCRUoOEd-WUN3wNpv_BYg7CeAVjO90vu8mZ6r3y4fFz4xSuyiazXF892wPlt4I5w1dsX3WAJyQtIRVNTDgf1w-nwuzmMqrZfi3csRgGQAX9tLd55C5iXBj5vibmU25BikVmOOxBegck/s1600/16+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KCRUoOEd-WUN3wNpv_BYg7CeAVjO90vu8mZ6r3y4fFz4xSuyiazXF892wPlt4I5w1dsX3WAJyQtIRVNTDgf1w-nwuzmMqrZfi3csRgGQAX9tLd55C5iXBj5vibmU25BikVmOOxBegck/s320/16+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Because I used minky fabric, I left a bit of a gap at the end and as I sewed it stretched to become even at the end. If you are using all cotton you won't have to make that adjustment, just line them up so the squares match perfectly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dggxEKvKSr8KSQVJQFYdV3A8CMREMKKLex7pOwoDq5sxoIsTQLTuhfwRMnp_GMkPkZ5E8pdxh9xodq2SBj6kL0K9pBYECNtb3ULKZs-kd1FIYBYrO2yCFHHWVCWd6TZxloPC6-UC4jE/s1600/17+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_dggxEKvKSr8KSQVJQFYdV3A8CMREMKKLex7pOwoDq5sxoIsTQLTuhfwRMnp_GMkPkZ5E8pdxh9xodq2SBj6kL0K9pBYECNtb3ULKZs-kd1FIYBYrO2yCFHHWVCWd6TZxloPC6-UC4jE/s320/17+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Look at how great those squares matched up!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgNfFA_CnXlt9fLCQkdoGdtqSq9ruamGfEKStmI5QLrAKR2cq2s-YBdxDgU_EOFPJALehvUy0c8-8VjoqRxlrlUdfTLvX9BPKc0eWFBG-NNL0Y2cd4kROk8IK6ZAWgpCQgDilazAR1ok/s1600/19+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgNfFA_CnXlt9fLCQkdoGdtqSq9ruamGfEKStmI5QLrAKR2cq2s-YBdxDgU_EOFPJALehvUy0c8-8VjoqRxlrlUdfTLvX9BPKc0eWFBG-NNL0Y2cd4kROk8IK6ZAWgpCQgDilazAR1ok/s320/19+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once you have sewn all three edges on all 30 squares, lay them out in the pattern you want for the end quilt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfhY482Bd3blIdy8CS5PfS-h5ulJJTyhSgf553zPCCysHC9t4CSxo_r6lGjBIkbx-jzNwkZeP7Bl4Kry_Ob_GcPG32fqe1AU_rUuL8nMx-ocMkUQEKpnE666jOKstQmHQ_Q5qRi-z9J4/s1600/20+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfhY482Bd3blIdy8CS5PfS-h5ulJJTyhSgf553zPCCysHC9t4CSxo_r6lGjBIkbx-jzNwkZeP7Bl4Kry_Ob_GcPG32fqe1AU_rUuL8nMx-ocMkUQEKpnE666jOKstQmHQ_Q5qRi-z9J4/s320/20+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Then turn the openings so the first row points out, then the second row the openings face opposite. The first two rows should have the seams opposite the openings touching along the whole row.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8nlrTT8ahZypOjjbaCJQbtSesYmVbRp1MNvPFfLMPcl1_RN_NX3pln77A2jxSWCY_k5m_lKqaRTeUYhjGnsDPkdTP1ib0sUzLBqQtUpycg9aS6usEAEDiLZyrVBPrJpg6B5l1uUFYso/s1600/21+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8nlrTT8ahZypOjjbaCJQbtSesYmVbRp1MNvPFfLMPcl1_RN_NX3pln77A2jxSWCY_k5m_lKqaRTeUYhjGnsDPkdTP1ib0sUzLBqQtUpycg9aS6usEAEDiLZyrVBPrJpg6B5l1uUFYso/s320/21+copy.jpg" width="239" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Then the next two rows should look exactly like the first. The 3rd row the openings will face Row 2 and the 4th row openings will face row 5. If you're confused, keep reading - it should make sense in a minute!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KtlDf8zaVc6Hw6c1c1S_DoFDbt4JDudjJ73rot1AqQhTbkld7Fj5D_05BV62G-CSxktfJ00BnJaAt6DV27T7fX5axIAUYycNpKU7BRC60LVOuuFxd9h0FXQN-Ol8iAeiTVlkNKEtDtk/s1600/22+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0KtlDf8zaVc6Hw6c1c1S_DoFDbt4JDudjJ73rot1AqQhTbkld7Fj5D_05BV62G-CSxktfJ00BnJaAt6DV27T7fX5axIAUYycNpKU7BRC60LVOuuFxd9h0FXQN-Ol8iAeiTVlkNKEtDtk/s320/22+copy.jpg" width="219" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Sew all the rows together. When sewing the rows together I used a 1/2 inch seam allowance so as not to show the original seam.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlQ_I6G7DDie2vnzJnd76SvSZn2wpiBZHw0fm62QGx3vM3_4cHTRwkxyt1aP-CojCI_hmEISJ8WARA00ZYmbPaZwhOuVKuQ74qMAjX5UEy9GQ-a3q5bt2NyX32r6Q9JLfoLb8WbxoxU8/s1600/25+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOlQ_I6G7DDie2vnzJnd76SvSZn2wpiBZHw0fm62QGx3vM3_4cHTRwkxyt1aP-CojCI_hmEISJ8WARA00ZYmbPaZwhOuVKuQ74qMAjX5UEy9GQ-a3q5bt2NyX32r6Q9JLfoLb8WbxoxU8/s320/25+copy.jpg" width="222" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Then sew row 1 with row 2. Row 3 with row 4, and then row 5 with row 6. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWShICtw57oJS0JYHwk9L5LENuX7CVoqD2_XjRbPGIOAuBj5rA9rn493-oczOB2LI-M-Mq2uqc_HV7U_WqnmlO56u0tbfBLCai4_LqRzNuidvV21-yeEpJNBQK0ff8DhMi-Dp2Tu47xs/s1600/26+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWShICtw57oJS0JYHwk9L5LENuX7CVoqD2_XjRbPGIOAuBj5rA9rn493-oczOB2LI-M-Mq2uqc_HV7U_WqnmlO56u0tbfBLCai4_LqRzNuidvV21-yeEpJNBQK0ff8DhMi-Dp2Tu47xs/s320/26+copy.jpg" width="228" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> What you'll have is 3 sewn strips that look like these with the openings facing out on either side. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauf3D9iIuVD4KTbxHxxbLq29LLJTyKAODv7FqCDcImDpePuPIBoCYfQNJepTFHugNy7qqHfYDsMs5uciLTuy18s36I8Q8C4eQQMsQZ18nexhqQJn-y3FRUqOGb6oaQlq5AC9WyH4HETY/s1600/27+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauf3D9iIuVD4KTbxHxxbLq29LLJTyKAODv7FqCDcImDpePuPIBoCYfQNJepTFHugNy7qqHfYDsMs5uciLTuy18s36I8Q8C4eQQMsQZ18nexhqQJn-y3FRUqOGb6oaQlq5AC9WyH4HETY/s320/27+copy.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Every tutorial I read before making this had you sew individual pillows (stuffed) together. This is so much easier. I had the idea after I'd laid them out before stuffing them and trust me - you'll thank me so much for this time saver!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJLkedc7S5uHU_-VugprwbOl8z3UsjefhmeeRSeOy6KTtIzpZB7iTH0z_Uj3mSEC4gG2RnEDi2zenrR1YO9o3beEkgSJ8vCsBrO8G3a5X_BgegAIMPac-eSPKCxa8PUYY185FZgKAm3c/s1600/28+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJLkedc7S5uHU_-VugprwbOl8z3UsjefhmeeRSeOy6KTtIzpZB7iTH0z_Uj3mSEC4gG2RnEDi2zenrR1YO9o3beEkgSJ8vCsBrO8G3a5X_BgegAIMPac-eSPKCxa8PUYY185FZgKAm3c/s320/28+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> As you're sewing the rows together, be sure to pin so you can nest the seams better, if not you'll get a lot of off-set seams! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrWQru0A2mauuLm12Ubg7wR5aoCGhhE-9MjwDmA4EKL7TprnBnobnUpcv2MJlF_qVB9M5Giihsgh4AiM3ZB_Yvm2JQdcHpboR3_levYf93QdjTjobqP2wR9Mq1Te9Q0ae8ftkLMN1L7o/s1600/29+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrWQru0A2mauuLm12Ubg7wR5aoCGhhE-9MjwDmA4EKL7TprnBnobnUpcv2MJlF_qVB9M5Giihsgh4AiM3ZB_Yvm2JQdcHpboR3_levYf93QdjTjobqP2wR9Mq1Te9Q0ae8ftkLMN1L7o/s320/29+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once you've sewn the 3 sets, stuff them, then sew the open ends closed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy_1owHmygKQJ2jMR20U7I1QDDvi_PVsXu4VoYALR7M4FEujSNzVCnQ6t-a8KuPKf9AwFKbp_aC11iC_7GZ0PQ78O6nAdthp6EZlTaz4x3P7N-kzuOMCswLsPXYegbH4-gylrzCB9EE0/s1600/32+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy_1owHmygKQJ2jMR20U7I1QDDvi_PVsXu4VoYALR7M4FEujSNzVCnQ6t-a8KuPKf9AwFKbp_aC11iC_7GZ0PQ78O6nAdthp6EZlTaz4x3P7N-kzuOMCswLsPXYegbH4-gylrzCB9EE0/s320/32+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Then this is the hardest part - sewing the stuffed rows together. Be sure to pin the squares so the seams nest and make sharp corners. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMt1yzqoXieys1qWVSgcTwhf1Ch7lNNMLBuuLdCIuD8tlXLoQY2JLC8oFs_I32UrbxB26BtC-wrspJRhYnn-cd0USa2ZhyCgJGnLPAVrqPMskGGJ-RvAlc5SFZxKuqi-Z0VJnSNKuzAU/s1600/33+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMt1yzqoXieys1qWVSgcTwhf1Ch7lNNMLBuuLdCIuD8tlXLoQY2JLC8oFs_I32UrbxB26BtC-wrspJRhYnn-cd0USa2ZhyCgJGnLPAVrqPMskGGJ-RvAlc5SFZxKuqi-Z0VJnSNKuzAU/s320/33+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I had to pull this through my sewing machine and my hands were sore afterward - just a warning!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRk9z02RMPfnzQrd6CJBzADY-1R7XRJiQC9HqDvt3Wr7tC9ihFJXTzLn8pyyoOAHMd1gwIXhoIFV-Y2ebioOkvM0vxHnekcWZoiTw1O0SWcvJuPUwL4bkfWar92XDl2ZHsQeU2tlLvVs/s1600/36+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRk9z02RMPfnzQrd6CJBzADY-1R7XRJiQC9HqDvt3Wr7tC9ihFJXTzLn8pyyoOAHMd1gwIXhoIFV-Y2ebioOkvM0vxHnekcWZoiTw1O0SWcvJuPUwL4bkfWar92XDl2ZHsQeU2tlLvVs/s320/36+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Once all the rows are sewn together, it's time to add the border! And I somehow missed making the border so hopefully the description makes sense, if not please ask for clarification. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Start by measuring the dimensions of the finished rows. Cut 2 strips of the underside fabric to equal the length (these will be the shorter measurement). Then sew them to 2 of the strips of coordinating fabric, making 4 bunches along the way - it does help to pin to have even spacing. Sew along the ends as well. Then sew 3 dividing seams down it. Stuff with fiberfil and sew closed. Add to opposite ends of the quilt.<br /><br />Next, sew a 9 inch square onto each end of 2 of the strips of coordinating fabric. Measure the quilt and cut the 2 longer strips to equal the measurement. Sew the coordinating fabric to the underside fabric and repeat steps from above, making an additional poof square where the ends squares are. Sew finished border to the quilt.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7aPvfEcsRPXjfThkWU35bFL4WSQEUDvdtFrKe8aHfLUd-AyuVmN0qLpnIh1p-emCYz2cISa71ieIYm2fopLbZ73v68SxtHMmfqmnR3mHD6lOTvN1JQZY9Soc9tx005auZ3JJ5_nMvm0/s1600/39+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE7aPvfEcsRPXjfThkWU35bFL4WSQEUDvdtFrKe8aHfLUd-AyuVmN0qLpnIh1p-emCYz2cISa71ieIYm2fopLbZ73v68SxtHMmfqmnR3mHD6lOTvN1JQZY9Soc9tx005auZ3JJ5_nMvm0/s320/39+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> To sew the backing on, measure quilt dimensions again. Cut backing fabric to meet it. Sew inside out leaving an opening to turn (about 1 foot or a bit larger, remember you're pulling all the stuffed quilt through it!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCTa5mf5vOXTI36VflBxteHzGKIg1kcjXU9Ris4uEN2vNFRNwfjZquf9RBV14jcEAPTMRxq45VcQAstTci6A739nQ2mvqASrOpZzYmj2UVj-r522EzlXgf8v4yRzv5EjkXMuauNJjUgAg/s320/44+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once flipped, pin opening closed and pin on either side of the border seam. Sew closed.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMyuytHHnZB8t7HQIibaPAxwc4T0J-5MWq0UdrhqG9885kYlvL__LyzHUJba5bnAfURjSKWCYUOor2k0D4v-x8We8Fwv9GBULAPM2j6ZOkHFeTZj8JB8o9k_zaiN1bxxx3UDA0rTDWbk/s1600/41+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMyuytHHnZB8t7HQIibaPAxwc4T0J-5MWq0UdrhqG9885kYlvL__LyzHUJba5bnAfURjSKWCYUOor2k0D4v-x8We8Fwv9GBULAPM2j6ZOkHFeTZj8JB8o9k_zaiN1bxxx3UDA0rTDWbk/s320/41+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To sew together, we'll be stitching in the ditch, between the pins. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJM-ySZKiIVD3JFFYrONdqHcwWOG28K2ZehsTA3IQh0104lJkp2p-5dtXRelNzg39jWElk3NUYcHn_jKvYp6zoIqqgywSy8xsJYw-HshuvHDbPpL33hEbiifiUX2r8iEznNVFPKNdFOQ/s1600/43A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwJM-ySZKiIVD3JFFYrONdqHcwWOG28K2ZehsTA3IQh0104lJkp2p-5dtXRelNzg39jWElk3NUYcHn_jKvYp6zoIqqgywSy8xsJYw-HshuvHDbPpL33hEbiifiUX2r8iEznNVFPKNdFOQ/s320/43A.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here you can see the pins on the top side, where we'll be stitching. Stitch in the ditch to quilt the two layers together. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHRtMZIiwgHl4Y8vvwiV2x31eiKj9d3NyMcutPeYdlbFcthiJLQHc7zezRj3yYxUgq5wkt_tLRRy35O2-ZD3h32v3TAw5LJjA7b6WEUBBNw7k3VQc2LMTXl8cWzhlI3_MtTGzQT6kt2w/s1600/45+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHRtMZIiwgHl4Y8vvwiV2x31eiKj9d3NyMcutPeYdlbFcthiJLQHc7zezRj3yYxUgq5wkt_tLRRy35O2-ZD3h32v3TAw5LJjA7b6WEUBBNw7k3VQc2LMTXl8cWzhlI3_MtTGzQT6kt2w/s320/45+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Here's what the seam looks like on the back.<span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhM0j9MiG9vrY6D-pcWYtxdu4yoKYqkwbPcXGGYIEU5VSiaD0g-J-ODlFOizU_-fIuJHlVKs3TU0aSTaOsBke5_Gb5R_9QTdDKf3ChjpAbzk8qqBG1C5OuggaJsDikL3ew9_ignq4Whg/s1600/47+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhM0j9MiG9vrY6D-pcWYtxdu4yoKYqkwbPcXGGYIEU5VSiaD0g-J-ODlFOizU_-fIuJHlVKs3TU0aSTaOsBke5_Gb5R_9QTdDKf3ChjpAbzk8qqBG1C5OuggaJsDikL3ew9_ignq4Whg/s320/47+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> And you're done! <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZaBKLXE_vgj-ogDd_n7MqP9LIwUoiU3GT7PFF4R49RiV-D-2yad0LVeXJlx4g9sz8QzTd2DjVIROKz9E1x8c_lCyPLl4hzIzhFqC-A-f5MhuUoQyj-PoPM2R45yLcN3M8MTiGZb5DDM/s1600/49+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZaBKLXE_vgj-ogDd_n7MqP9LIwUoiU3GT7PFF4R49RiV-D-2yad0LVeXJlx4g9sz8QzTd2DjVIROKz9E1x8c_lCyPLl4hzIzhFqC-A-f5MhuUoQyj-PoPM2R45yLcN3M8MTiGZb5DDM/s320/49+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Step back and admire the finished product. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77SEZeEdomeCnSAVx5Vbh40eY60O91VonVgn3P8rqQ1XmTuNddBx-zD9vM6vg61Rptxdv3RYlukKgLdcLHAu10Tw3DqwYWJkZHs1QUuhtan-nxSDJw0SLTps1LsosqkfwWWpxyCxnyXc/s1600/49a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77SEZeEdomeCnSAVx5Vbh40eY60O91VonVgn3P8rqQ1XmTuNddBx-zD9vM6vg61Rptxdv3RYlukKgLdcLHAu10Tw3DqwYWJkZHs1QUuhtan-nxSDJw0SLTps1LsosqkfwWWpxyCxnyXc/s320/49a.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> And be thankful that you saved a bit of sanity by not sewing 30 individual pillows together and then sewing them into rows!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuRqkxS3rqIrxtQpsREoD7sjaeoSaQkkRYy9QihjceOSZKGwanYVqE8TxVl1_vy5LEWAGPwMgfidN-3hed4ri4cZT1bAvXtZZEce4Q40k3yVYNR8ByctrIblADfi3ABAQswVNYdKvdvc/s1600/50+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuRqkxS3rqIrxtQpsREoD7sjaeoSaQkkRYy9QihjceOSZKGwanYVqE8TxVl1_vy5LEWAGPwMgfidN-3hed4ri4cZT1bAvXtZZEce4Q40k3yVYNR8ByctrIblADfi3ABAQswVNYdKvdvc/s320/50+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV6HhYNybsaGZhXYbxT4ZXdFTaJzI6i04RfbtpFO_lZerF3p-9ZWejUL7_COtlPlCG4O0vKV9u2fBHf4kB-aBezzDGucsrfM7rDaDAEUvo1XPOdYzoflxuj4I2DEwQ7j1l9Mric5QcAE/s1600/51+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZV6HhYNybsaGZhXYbxT4ZXdFTaJzI6i04RfbtpFO_lZerF3p-9ZWejUL7_COtlPlCG4O0vKV9u2fBHf4kB-aBezzDGucsrfM7rDaDAEUvo1XPOdYzoflxuj4I2DEwQ7j1l9Mric5QcAE/s320/51+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> One bonus item you can do is sew a matching pillow. It's super easy - you'll just need 4 extra squares. I sewed all 4 together and then stuffed them and then sewed closed. Then I put the back on the same way as the quilt, but it was much easier since it was smaller!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgUVueO9Z1iq9Exgs5uYbOfJaiZVOWnQXp9ctS9L7aCzeF-mq05aq7SVQw1RnDncJOf7BoSWP6yCiqC567F1pFLVNhE1oAmmH9CN6ZrKPLj9PPR2sTKx3en3Ae6HF6Y2zR7WJXJr0p10/s1600/52+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgUVueO9Z1iq9Exgs5uYbOfJaiZVOWnQXp9ctS9L7aCzeF-mq05aq7SVQw1RnDncJOf7BoSWP6yCiqC567F1pFLVNhE1oAmmH9CN6ZrKPLj9PPR2sTKx3en3Ae6HF6Y2zR7WJXJr0p10/s320/52+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I think it would be super cute with button in the middle!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to make an easier, sanity saving Puff Quilt.</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-24957096353964262962016-10-19T09:16:00.000-06:002016-10-19T09:16:12.130-06:00Fresh Salsa using a Food Processor<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my favorite snacks is chips and salsa. I've already shown a version of <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/fresh-salsa.html" target="_blank">fresh salsa</a> where you chop them by hand. This version uses a food processor which greatly reduces the time making them (and with three kids now I am all about saving time in the kitchen). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The main problem I have when making salsa in the food processor is that it seems to be very liquidy when it is done. So spell check told me that liquidy isn't a word but I choose to believe that spell check is wrong not me ;). Actually the nerd in me had to look it up and it is a word - but not as accepted as other synonyms, however, I'm keeping it because I think it's the best of the synonyms to describe what I'm writing. But getting back to the salsa - I've recently found a way to counter the extra liquid problem and this salsa is pretty close to perfect, without the time commitment! Extra bonus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fresh Salsa</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNVinOTXn_JY3bld06RDFw9EOUM9VpXQJCUGt2vt7Ko36MzkBk5vA2pDIJ_uHDQQ0Z1e6i8RwWu-Y0c2Mg9eITyjRGgvRCfY3LUthq8OoJu7dUnzI1p35sppheCMaAWEIYyrveIsARIU/s1600/01+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNVinOTXn_JY3bld06RDFw9EOUM9VpXQJCUGt2vt7Ko36MzkBk5vA2pDIJ_uHDQQ0Z1e6i8RwWu-Y0c2Mg9eITyjRGgvRCfY3LUthq8OoJu7dUnzI1p35sppheCMaAWEIYyrveIsARIU/s320/01+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First you'll need tomatoes, I actually grew these in my garden. I'm pretty impressed with myself since I don't have a green thumb! They aren't very large so I needed a few of them. You'll want about 4-5 normal sized tomatoes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the stem area and the seeds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1pBaRhprxFwd79W7BuUgLK8nDS6T7r3vyzYsfz9XIZ6WAJR9Xj8k4jKMInOagL8yHH8cMWmY25bKelQOw2YBeJyMp0CWr6yIzPGYbYlwDfDHo3R3bWEXR6MzPlGi6vZQ_3_1C9W-9ns/s1600/03+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1pBaRhprxFwd79W7BuUgLK8nDS6T7r3vyzYsfz9XIZ6WAJR9Xj8k4jKMInOagL8yHH8cMWmY25bKelQOw2YBeJyMp0CWr6yIzPGYbYlwDfDHo3R3bWEXR6MzPlGi6vZQ_3_1C9W-9ns/s320/03+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place the tomatoes in a food processor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNY4knAu2J15am3l-20whdfLWvF7Cg4dHz8kWraOHfm9Zq-YwtetNSYP1X4vZXFSNJE_bo3yNNzoZw64ozoqFM9-lOuWmO_iWw7Kc0LJfcwnVTO7tIqckkrV2uTrR5NNL2hEThKPn2NM/s1600/05+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNY4knAu2J15am3l-20whdfLWvF7Cg4dHz8kWraOHfm9Zq-YwtetNSYP1X4vZXFSNJE_bo3yNNzoZw64ozoqFM9-lOuWmO_iWw7Kc0LJfcwnVTO7tIqckkrV2uTrR5NNL2hEThKPn2NM/s320/05+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You'll also need a green bell pepper and a jalapeno. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9qDvkWy73Jmc3LpuQQEdP4uXTOT29sz2yOY0ro53P8qoG_WdQHlZZYP6Zj7meCug9cwIbkI-7O-4iLRUJobT4nbJD2kk_3CKYsTJU6zXx3c84ggzqwMxX3wFsnm0_jIz-4ZC25Z7aeY/s1600/07+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9qDvkWy73Jmc3LpuQQEdP4uXTOT29sz2yOY0ro53P8qoG_WdQHlZZYP6Zj7meCug9cwIbkI-7O-4iLRUJobT4nbJD2kk_3CKYsTJU6zXx3c84ggzqwMxX3wFsnm0_jIz-4ZC25Z7aeY/s320/07+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remove the seeds and stems of those and put them in with the tomatoes. (Be careful when handling jalapenos - use gloves or be super careful not to get the insides on you... it can be irritating and painful!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PnA6H2Lfa95ovzV3o7huIKeXNNdoOvWg6aUluLnSP0ECMOirE4nA2k1mp8freCiB5CEgSP-2PMzq3DmdMvvQ4d2mXs0YuYpceuLDSYGBNtnXhQeD9X33oPfb67a_HsYZZV612Iy3ABg/s1600/09+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0PnA6H2Lfa95ovzV3o7huIKeXNNdoOvWg6aUluLnSP0ECMOirE4nA2k1mp8freCiB5CEgSP-2PMzq3DmdMvvQ4d2mXs0YuYpceuLDSYGBNtnXhQeD9X33oPfb67a_HsYZZV612Iy3ABg/s320/09+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pulse them until you've reached the desired choppedness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Place into a bowl.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI5BaAZ9Mph-YHdCeUAM71241qpjLZ5phUkM2Gqk9J7o0LENIVuUddRltADk0_4b0V0VJ2HRhkBRJ1R0KjBp_rGLK_CkCcDpqtYjyCkygd0CZdcfDR2qGDCnVk9ydMkXIM74AWVDFWW4/s1600/12+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI5BaAZ9Mph-YHdCeUAM71241qpjLZ5phUkM2Gqk9J7o0LENIVuUddRltADk0_4b0V0VJ2HRhkBRJ1R0KjBp_rGLK_CkCcDpqtYjyCkygd0CZdcfDR2qGDCnVk9ydMkXIM74AWVDFWW4/s320/12+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp lime Juice, 1 tsp Salt (or a bit less if you like to use less salt) and <a href="http://crystalreynolds.thrivelife.com/freeze-dried-chopped-onions-3828.html" target="_blank">1 cup Freeze Dried Chopped Onions</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vYPo_49Frw0paQBP-XjWNmfqTbET324K6Ooqv_J3FDEXvE0wVh-cF0AkRETukvwzaoDW6NmqzoLR4PM0_n3SLin9KSh1Ah82wlWjkjJQX4-fII8AIvxtPetcchBLb1dmZTxpD0H2tSU/s1600/14+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vYPo_49Frw0paQBP-XjWNmfqTbET324K6Ooqv_J3FDEXvE0wVh-cF0AkRETukvwzaoDW6NmqzoLR4PM0_n3SLin9KSh1Ah82wlWjkjJQX4-fII8AIvxtPetcchBLb1dmZTxpD0H2tSU/s320/14+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I honestly love that I don't have to chop the onions and they soak up all the extra liquid, it's totally win-win!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWC8sopjka4gjfqhSm47SU3LaD_NVFZqvkha-guAP3ulIcNwZpWiG9VtHTeVyuUB4YkcUAWtV8BYZuiVTZEBZVXKm89sQMuCbEE4j2h5K8eG-h2YjWA-pZBn9AwpJhK9wwf7QiryNQ4o/s1600/15+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWC8sopjka4gjfqhSm47SU3LaD_NVFZqvkha-guAP3ulIcNwZpWiG9VtHTeVyuUB4YkcUAWtV8BYZuiVTZEBZVXKm89sQMuCbEE4j2h5K8eG-h2YjWA-pZBn9AwpJhK9wwf7QiryNQ4o/s320/15+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix them all together. At this point you can also add some <a href="http://crysatlreynolds.thrivelife.com/cilantro.html" target="_blank">cilantro</a>, I don't because my husband doesn't really like it but it does make me a little sad that I don't! Okay sometimes I do add it to make me happy...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour (or longer).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcmAJZe56OERX_CLxC_J95H1eEeny-9IbJAQrWonRmteCKjZ7dRJ9x2mRQJCjGNgQ_JlxdbjqeQruJVQ-zpRT5i3dTmz-g4YCLkbtDbZaeo2ULSLyQtHbZmz19AUjxCTTjTujmiaXWI8/s1600/18+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpcmAJZe56OERX_CLxC_J95H1eEeny-9IbJAQrWonRmteCKjZ7dRJ9x2mRQJCjGNgQ_JlxdbjqeQruJVQ-zpRT5i3dTmz-g4YCLkbtDbZaeo2ULSLyQtHbZmz19AUjxCTTjTujmiaXWI8/s320/18+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLTKITg7CDmQEB7NvXHel6Hf7k5lpFqt0aGwRPEgyp4KS2YEM48N1PdWFsgy2m4wIbpGt8Tiblr8CYVnj-Au8anwQEggTXh0CtdDTEtbtC6T2ANJVA4kQzW-rYDfC-JzvlIvnsnYdXDg/s1600/21+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLTKITg7CDmQEB7NvXHel6Hf7k5lpFqt0aGwRPEgyp4KS2YEM48N1PdWFsgy2m4wIbpGt8Tiblr8CYVnj-Au8anwQEggTXh0CtdDTEtbtC6T2ANJVA4kQzW-rYDfC-JzvlIvnsnYdXDg/s320/21+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We ate these with some delicious <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/05/shredded-pork-quesadillas.html" target="_blank">Shredded Pork Quesadillas</a>! YUM.</span><br />
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<br />CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-78803018447864726432016-10-17T08:16:00.001-06:002016-10-17T08:16:07.918-06:00I'm back!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's now mid-October and I'm excited to delve into blogging again. I'm going to be posting 1-2 recipes each week with photos. I will also be re-starting my cooking basics series in December or January, I'm still working on getting that one organized. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also going to be starting to post sewing tutorials and tips as well since that is a hobby I've been enjoying in the past few years. Most will be things I have designed and products I feature in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FrogKissin" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> (in case you'd rather buy than make.) I will also be sharing some photography posts occasionally as well since I have learned it is a passion I also have. My favorite photography sessions involve adorable newborn babies (all newborn babies are adorable!) </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN1ru6n6lrtvGqrKV9q2ENeOASFLx0OrtEm6CUTpfrG3XmcUqocCrP-LKOQLtr0YhWsnEOC4VBq12RzYKGNnKgKEQ8ahAolw_7lI1E4XVE88jcGxDM2Um5M6dOCPSCqiYYqNLCG66Hew/s1600/50+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN1ru6n6lrtvGqrKV9q2ENeOASFLx0OrtEm6CUTpfrG3XmcUqocCrP-LKOQLtr0YhWsnEOC4VBq12RzYKGNnKgKEQ8ahAolw_7lI1E4XVE88jcGxDM2Um5M6dOCPSCqiYYqNLCG66Hew/s320/50+copy.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a teaser for my first sewing tutorial. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I look forward to sharing with you and hearing from you again!</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-24744747712990621302016-08-23T11:59:00.000-06:002016-09-30T09:10:02.096-06:00Hello again...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wow, I walked away from this blog after I just couldn't handle it with my post-partum depression. I didn't really look back, but I did miss it from time to time. I actually thought about starting a new blog because I was so sure no one was even visiting here anymore. Lately I have been thinking I should do something about this blog and the accounts associated with it. I decided to see how I could close my account so it didn't get hacked and all that stuff I didn't want to have to deal with. Then I logged on I saw how many people are actually coming here every month! I hope that you all have enjoyed reading some posts and I'm honored that so many people have found my little blog in the past few years! When I saw that people were still vising and commenting (sorry I haven't been good at answering comments, but I will start again!), I decided I couldn't leave this blog alone floating in the cold space of the internet anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So 3.5 years later I am looking to start blogging again in Mid-October (I have to get my ducks in a row first!). Things in my life have changed and that's pretty normal ;). I'm sure things have changed in all your lives in the past 3.5 years as well! So this is me wanting to know what features you would like to see on this blog so as I'm reassessing my plans I can take what my readers want into account. So the mic (comment section) is now yours to let me know what you want to see on this blog from here on out... I will take all your suggestions into account and figure out what will work for this blog and will let you all know what is coming in a little over a month!</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-83003207988359727672013-02-06T07:00:00.000-07:002013-02-06T07:00:10.410-07:00How to make Quinoa in a Rice Cooker<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">T<span style="font-size: small;">his is the second post in my how to make <span style="font-size: small;">series. T<span style="font-size: small;">he first<span style="font-size: small;"> was how to make quinoa <span style="font-size: small;">on th<span style="font-size: small;">e stove top. Today we're discussing how to make it in a rice cooker. I really love cooking<span style="font-size: small;"> quinoa in a rice cooker<span style="font-size: small;">... okay I admit <span style="font-size: small;">I also love cooking rice<span style="font-size: small;">, cous cous<span style="font-size: small;"> and <span style="font-size: small;">Irish oats in my rice cooker as well.<span style="font-size: small;"> It is just so much easier to start it and forget about it! (And honestly<span style="font-size: small;">, who doesn't love a food they can just put in something<span style="font-size: small;"> and forget about for a while - that's why slow cookers are so popular<span style="font-size: small;">!)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsVgvrqsSw8Xd8ri2UqtvFE7YEHQm_9b837Y28MecC2chZZPkbcXCO77Yw2Qbng7SZmaxtM-d8PsJ_4ytod6mwbAgUXNPpNZnJ7aqa9tiemuAVZukCqUSYoOitKcFMy_m_o4y70My7bA/s1600/Quinoa_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsVgvrqsSw8Xd8ri2UqtvFE7YEHQm_9b837Y28MecC2chZZPkbcXCO77Yw2Qbng7SZmaxtM-d8PsJ_4ytod6mwbAgUXNPpNZnJ7aqa9tiemuAVZukCqUSYoOitKcFMy_m_o4y70My7bA/s320/Quinoa_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsVgvrqsSw8Xd8ri2UqtvFE7YEHQm_9b837Y28MecC2chZZPkbcXCO77Yw2Qbng7SZmaxtM-d8PsJ_4ytod6mwbAgUXNPpNZnJ7aqa9tiemuAVZukCqUSYoOitKcFMy_m_o4y70My7bA/s1600/Quinoa_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How To Cook Quinoa: Rice Cooker </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_oxOkCqVe22TNtU0WKEzAU8x_XUckV6Nn8NJ09FXPMgHRpygoW6v57UNLPJmvVKmvQgXcmbMX1GVlw94XeAId1MNcR_Pza7YIIkdhPUp8nZ92bE_F0M284p1xwMqPiolKwolkaDztWw/s1600/Quinoa_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_oxOkCqVe22TNtU0WKEzAU8x_XUckV6Nn8NJ09FXPMgHRpygoW6v57UNLPJmvVKmvQgXcmbMX1GVlw94XeAId1MNcR_Pza7YIIkdhPUp8nZ92bE_F0M284p1xwMqPiolKwolkaDztWw/s320/Quinoa_03.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> First
you'll need to rinse the quinoa. (I discussed a different method in my last post on quinoa.) I lined a strainer with paper towels (double layer)
and then ran water over the quinoa. I must admit that I really felt like
quinoa and styrofoam have a great tendency to cling to my hands!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bpO9F6oBEvjJRTZ-jrVMX5S_aXdVdmDsUq-TWmETuTsutdRmC7WVryc5l_d83dz2z-rIdX7b-W3C52Wni9sANGSWYqmc5a6Wj23X7zBe9S0C7bnzz-AKXRdSkrIrhwgtFZwcfqD-lbs/s1600/Quinoa_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bpO9F6oBEvjJRTZ-jrVMX5S_aXdVdmDsUq-TWmETuTsutdRmC7WVryc5l_d83dz2z-rIdX7b-W3C52Wni9sANGSWYqmc5a6Wj23X7zBe9S0C7bnzz-AKXRdSkrIrhwgtFZwcfqD-lbs/s320/Quinoa_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Give it a good rinse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpJBOeLVoNb8opOE6Omtk09nJzqCe3ZWSjQqr27eal1p9ghDha-DWVfYCiafYB5AtpKzsOWHP2cTcPRtTkQcP_7Rj9RZHEJ63lfIOywjh0Bq8LGP82-y5nog-_Acp6nhU9O7QCCKhjoI/s1600/Quinoa_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpJBOeLVoNb8opOE6Omtk09nJzqCe3ZWSjQqr27eal1p9ghDha-DWVfYCiafYB5AtpKzsOWHP2cTcPRtTkQcP_7Rj9RZHEJ63lfIOywjh0Bq8LGP82-y5nog-_Acp6nhU9O7QCCKhjoI/s320/Quinoa_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Once it is rinsed, grab the sides of the paper towel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7vaBkFcH-Wl7e5nyvVLucw8y8KfJihH7JFYKqhcHvyaHJ6hiSTA5wxXKEGwwn4zvTs5xSyUC1y-baan_jUDzxkexJ1PBbnOw9favCNXWWJjgucgM800Hh7XpIG-rI3520JVYQcdhDc/s1600/Quinoa_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXW7vaBkFcH-Wl7e5nyvVLucw8y8KfJihH7JFYKqhcHvyaHJ6hiSTA5wxXKEGwwn4zvTs5xSyUC1y-baan_jUDzxkexJ1PBbnOw9favCNXWWJjgucgM800Hh7XpIG-rI3520JVYQcdhDc/s320/Quinoa_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">and remove paper towel (with quinoa in it) and drain. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJAxRVZVadmQbnsTSft_E8RpX90xxmKwVz_wMZ13gmmdcfsWsoSUgrNKh30hQCOe8d6Cs2oIszwP1eDFEj4h9IMRneMxqNa26f9101KTOQW_yVlXXASy2R_smKqn1Q2aYgTOfUYb1ZM8/s1600/Quinoa_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJAxRVZVadmQbnsTSft_E8RpX90xxmKwVz_wMZ13gmmdcfsWsoSUgrNKh30hQCOe8d6Cs2oIszwP1eDFEj4h9IMRneMxqNa26f9101KTOQW_yVlXXASy2R_smKqn1Q2aYgTOfUYb1ZM8/s320/Quinoa_05.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Then place the quinoa in the bowl of your rice cooker.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JVgzWBNGAhaVz9lRFXUtPObqzfuwjlAqUXOK82ysijgMEgI6AHmIU08p2RzkMXMhOr10nh-qXo5lyCz6LP6ffsLBQRavUDprGNBj4c2mNd_SDq3JNn_-ptBcdV88uL2zg7sLvMJ6RUg/s1600/Quinoa_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-JVgzWBNGAhaVz9lRFXUtPObqzfuwjlAqUXOK82ysijgMEgI6AHmIU08p2RzkMXMhOr10nh-qXo5lyCz6LP6ffsLBQRavUDprGNBj4c2mNd_SDq3JNn_-ptBcdV88uL2zg7sLvMJ6RUg/s320/Quinoa_06.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Then add in some water (or broth - broth gives it a better flavor.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMge_l38AYxpxuYmKm6073SbIkXPcSmgxIjYGCIGNQ-_041I97muxiyCjz58xFhjaF6Vrq8TEbW-wIyr90hXhWa9ls5sdT2zdz8HofY94TcHXr8SMRkyZok5DU9jIZ5BdXJvsaAzMeBw/s1600/Quinoa_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMge_l38AYxpxuYmKm6073SbIkXPcSmgxIjYGCIGNQ-_041I97muxiyCjz58xFhjaF6Vrq8TEbW-wIyr90hXhWa9ls5sdT2zdz8HofY94TcHXr8SMRkyZok5DU9jIZ5BdXJvsaAzMeBw/s320/Quinoa_07.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> For
each cup of quinoa you'll need about 2 cups of water - the exact amount
depends on your rice cooker and your elevation, etc. Start with 2 cups
to each cup and adjust as necessary. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJkjRLIqO5U0CPnlVe9371VL_TetstpcRsc6X_nSWBypZrT9Ch1UXctlwYFhmDNiGqSiqx-w3YA9mIjX8Kz7-R8qvf-6t24Yv1fqz7G7IoFQcxdhfyAjnbZRda76495VjtRLkKU4JWVU/s1600/Quinoa_008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJkjRLIqO5U0CPnlVe9371VL_TetstpcRsc6X_nSWBypZrT9Ch1UXctlwYFhmDNiGqSiqx-w3YA9mIjX8Kz7-R8qvf-6t24Yv1fqz7G7IoFQcxdhfyAjnbZRda76495VjtRLkKU4JWVU/s320/Quinoa_008.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Cook until water is absorbed and quinoa is 'fluffy'.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Eat plain or add into any quinoa recipe such as <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2011/10/quinoa-with-roasted-peppers-caramelized.html" target="_blank">Quinoa with Roasted Peppers and Caramelized Onions</a>, or <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2010/03/beef-bacon-quinoa.html" target="_blank">Beef and Bacon Quinoa</a>.</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-79431163353434329712013-01-31T10:12:00.001-07:002013-01-31T10:12:08.223-07:00How to make Quinoa on the stovetop {Recipe: Tex-Mex Quinoa}<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This year I want to start a How To make series. So for this first post I'm going to explain how to cook quinoa. I'm going to be doing two posts on this. First I'm going to post how to cook quinoa on the stove-top (with other ingredients). The next post is going to be how to make quinoa (plain) in a rice-cooker (my preferred method.)</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now some brief info for those of you who have never heard of quinoa or those of you who have but don't really know what it is. (First - pronunciation - Keen-Wah) Quinoa is a seed that originated in South America (mainly the Andes region). It is a power house and contains antioxidants, amino acids and protein. While quinoa is typically bunched in with grains, it is actually a relative of the spinach families. (Although tastes nothing like spinach! Side note - you can actually eat quinoa greens, but availability is limited.) The flavor of quinoa is actually quite bland but there are so many combinations of spices that can enhance the seeds. </span><br>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCsVgvrqsSw8Xd8ri2UqtvFE7YEHQm_9b837Y28MecC2chZZPkbcXCO77Yw2Qbng7SZmaxtM-d8PsJ_4ytod6mwbAgUXNPpNZnJ7aqa9tiemuAVZukCqUSYoOitKcFMy_m_o4y70My7bA/s1600/Quinoa_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2t5_hyphenhyphenLEzH6Nl6JYr5EmxHpa4CPOxyFteq56_6EK0aeIRnZ87ManL9BxGBkKgcVoPX5ZUqbOt0ivj5CqFTWM-qAUU0anbp9mBXzAqCSBziFBJxcJk-q9teIQThyphenhyphenpe-d7aqHeqcib3Pg/s1600/Quinoa_32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2t5_hyphenhyphenLEzH6Nl6JYr5EmxHpa4CPOxyFteq56_6EK0aeIRnZ87ManL9BxGBkKgcVoPX5ZUqbOt0ivj5CqFTWM-qAUU0anbp9mBXzAqCSBziFBJxcJk-q9teIQThyphenhyphenpe-d7aqHeqcib3Pg/s320/Quinoa_32.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> How to Cook Quinoa: Stove Top (recipe: Tex-Mex Quinoa)</b></span></span><br>
</div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-to-make-quinoa-on-stovetop-recipe.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-72362243360553969332013-01-21T16:19:00.000-07:002013-01-21T16:19:53.591-07:00My computer is in a bad spot<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So one of my unwritten goals this year was to post more on my blog... and I did well for the first week ;). However, I felt the need to make the next post I posted about one that had a recipe. The main problem? I don't have any photos edited for a recipe post... I have realized in the last week that the main reason I haven't edited photos is because my time I like to edit photos is in the daytime and currently my screen is facing 3 south windows. That means I have BIG time glares on my screen for pretty much the whole time the sun is up. Unfortunately glares and photo editing don't really get along. (Plus lately the time I've had for photo editing while the sun is down has gone to editing photos for my friend's baby that I took New Year's Eve.) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I'm thinking I should move my computer so the glare is not there. However, I really, really, really like where the computer is besides the whole glare issue...I don't want to put dark curtains up because it's better for my mood when I have the natural light. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So right now I'm debating as to what to do and I still haven't edited any recipe photos. But I do have a few I'm really wanting to share, so hopefully I'll be able to edit them soon - after the sun goes down...</span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-7922918696691520882013-01-04T17:02:00.001-07:002013-01-04T17:02:28.904-07:00I'm not so sure the end of the world isn't soon!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Driving on our main street out of town my husband and I saw this picture: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHcEcWzHSkMdPmVJcZaV0D21FrWoZfO8OUHBN_ochNKZmIb8sqSahYCEV-H1jpSE-XaObxWTxdxjzrc13lolhvH1LLF42y6z7nWju3Cd11VDmlxu7y_hyGJ62TB0lPMoPV7czcf-AGe4/s1600/EndofWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHcEcWzHSkMdPmVJcZaV0D21FrWoZfO8OUHBN_ochNKZmIb8sqSahYCEV-H1jpSE-XaObxWTxdxjzrc13lolhvH1LLF42y6z7nWju3Cd11VDmlxu7y_hyGJ62TB0lPMoPV7czcf-AGe4/s320/EndofWorld.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We're pretty sure it's the end of the world!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Or they're just <span style="font-size: xx-small;">put up the sign and the gas <span style="font-size: xx-small;">station isn't open yet...)</span></span></span></div>
CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-29298970550977216672013-01-03T06:00:00.000-07:002013-01-03T06:00:04.683-07:00The only constant is change<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm sure you've all heard the old adage - "The only constant is change." Well I certainly feel that applies to my blog. I started this blog when my oldest son was not quite 5 months old. He'll be turning 4 in a few months! When I started this blog, I was still adjusting to being a stay at home mom and the only thing I felt I could blog about was cooking - since I knew how to do that ;). </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br>
<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-only-constant-is-change.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-13816295889597870152013-01-02T08:00:00.000-07:002013-01-02T09:39:56.032-07:00My Resolutions<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My husband and I like to set goals for different areas of our lives.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Physical</span>, emotional, spiritual, family, house, finances, etc.</span><br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47815753@N02/4827649465/" title="MainCourse1 by crystalscozykitchen, on Flickr"><img alt="MainCourse1" height="499" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4080/4827649465_efd8ba33c2.jpg" width="500"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Physical </b>- Live healthier - I'm going back on my PCOS eating plan (took a break after the baby came... I'm not that with it while being sleep deprived and spending most of my energy keeping 2 kids alive ;). I'm also going to attempt to exercise 5 days per week - I think I can now that my baby isn't quite so attention needy - but I'm going to monitor and adjust this as needed. My goal is to get to a point where I'm exercising 30 minutes each day I exercise. I'm starting out at 10-15 and working up.</span><br>
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<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-resolutions.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-58606713667858679612013-01-01T06:00:00.000-07:002013-01-01T23:15:20.953-07:00Setting and Achieving Resolutions<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Every year many people across the world write down goals for the coming year... resolutions they hope will make themselves better by the same time the next year. The interesting thing is that <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703478704574612052322122442.html" target="_blank">88% of resolutions</a> end in failure. That means that only 12% will actually meet their resolutions. Sooooo do you really want to set a goal with only a 12% chance of success? Doesn't sound too enticing does it? Hopefully I'll be able to share a few ideas with you that can help you be part of the 12% instead of the 88%.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br></span>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47815753@N02/4589453361/" title="DSC01802 by crystalscozykitchen, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC01802" height="375" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4041/4589453361_75d9eb860e.jpg" width="500"></a>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br>
<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2013/01/setting-and-achieving-resolutions.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-85383017095360288702012-12-21T15:05:00.000-07:002012-12-21T15:06:07.740-07:00Blogging Break<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hello friends. I realized that I have taken an extended blogging break without letting you know. Things have just been a bit crazy here lately. I have lots of fun posts that I'm tossing around in my head and can't wait to share them with you. I'll be back at the beginning of 2013. Things will be mixing up a bit in that I'm going to be posting about other things than just food - I'm going to be discussing adventures in motherhood and fun tidbits that I find that I think you'll enjoy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Oh and I'm also glad that the end of the world didn't happen today... not that I was really worried ;). </span>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-84777828390038564872012-11-05T16:05:00.000-07:002012-11-05T16:07:20.156-07:00Whole Grain Peanut Butter Pancakes<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Occasionally I deviate from my planned menus to make a craving or satisfy my 3 year old's desire for food he will eat. It seems he eats most of the same foods every day! I always make sure we're stocked on bread, crackers, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, yogurt, apples and bananas. He seriously doesn't touch his veggies. At his 3 year check up I mentioned this concern and I was told to keep offering them but not push them on him and eventually he may just eat them. (Oh and to give him a multivitamin every day.) </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One night I asked him what he wanted to eat and the answer was, "Pancakes". I can do that, and since I do not like being a short order cook, I decided to just make them for all of us. He typically does not eat whatever I make for dinner (unless it's a boiled egg, pancakes, waffles, boxed mac & cheese, you get the idea...) I wanted to make sure we were getting some protein as we hadn't had much that day, so I decided to make peanut butter pancakes... I think these turned out pretty well ;).</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF39_-df_xZf1cCjzEqk5wqAAZvl5_U3S10EJGcDytGGHusfBxe0Wdzn7HmbCy4r-XUfq7M904JqojJt7tLfqK36fz9lsTj0ehWn1BB9s0CUww9CYxoyuG5fnivPUm789hFUo1-S_PjV8/s1600/Peanut+Butter+Pancakes23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF39_-df_xZf1cCjzEqk5wqAAZvl5_U3S10EJGcDytGGHusfBxe0Wdzn7HmbCy4r-XUfq7M904JqojJt7tLfqK36fz9lsTj0ehWn1BB9s0CUww9CYxoyuG5fnivPUm789hFUo1-S_PjV8/s320/Peanut+Butter+Pancakes23.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whole Grain Peanut Butter Pancakes</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/11/whole-grain-peanut-butter-pancakes.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-585630727427076312012-10-22T03:19:00.000-06:002012-11-06T10:33:52.781-07:00Postpartum Depression<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/08/weve-been-keeping-busy.html#more" target="_blank">previously mentioned</a> that I had postpartum depression. However for some reason I felt the need to write a bit more about what it is like to have postpartum depression. It is different for every person who gets it, so this is only what it is like for me... </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2ibTQFI4pWTzgK50gOQjtabxWsoDHJb8N4CKgSuqX2nawP4C0WDzu_UvcZrSZ_-6DxmEViDJYqJWNj9TWBosbRsJC_iaiVmac-ddP42jDfqY65hAaU44azwzxAHU1LdZNvIGl-yPfrk/s1600/Newborn_Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2ibTQFI4pWTzgK50gOQjtabxWsoDHJb8N4CKgSuqX2nawP4C0WDzu_UvcZrSZ_-6DxmEViDJYqJWNj9TWBosbRsJC_iaiVmac-ddP42jDfqY65hAaU44azwzxAHU1LdZNvIGl-yPfrk/s400/Newborn_Collage.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/10/postpartum-depression.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-67540338102492018222012-10-17T07:14:00.000-06:002012-11-05T16:07:51.938-07:00Black Bean Tortilla Casserole - Freezer Meal Style<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is part of my freezer meals series... or how we survive the first few weeks after we have a baby!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I know I've shared this recipe before, but I made a couple of minor
changes for the freezer version... The linked recipe on the bottom
however is not updated.</span><br>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I made this to freeze, I actually did 2.5 times the recipe and made 2 to freeze and 1 to eat the night I made it (after all I was pregnant and didn't want to cook anything else that day!) The only thing different would be that the corn tortillas were a little bit soggier in the freezer meal (but I would prefer soggier tortillas in this casserole to most frozen dinners you can buy in the store! Well there are more expensive frozen meals I actually enjoy, but they're more expensive...)</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsIP02ZSsppdPE2U4RfYbEBBvhLKcNZdZzzzSJHEryf_wm3H1zPRfrZFOD1PsIyyLiL41M4MPkSo_h-308V6F3zU41H4A8MoK9JipsVSDDOPLAD8_uCcwiAp4Oh40MO7ybRcgb4bl9Y/s1600/32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsIP02ZSsppdPE2U4RfYbEBBvhLKcNZdZzzzSJHEryf_wm3H1zPRfrZFOD1PsIyyLiL41M4MPkSo_h-308V6F3zU41H4A8MoK9JipsVSDDOPLAD8_uCcwiAp4Oh40MO7ybRcgb4bl9Y/s320/32.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Black Bean Tortilla Casserole</b></span></span><br>
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</div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/10/black-bean-tortilla-casserole-freezer.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-49576483716527065002012-10-12T14:15:00.000-06:002012-10-12T14:23:25.358-06:00Gluten Free Black Bean Brownies<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found this recipe on <a href="http://eatgood4life.blogspot.com/2012/05/dark-chocolate-and-black-bean-brownies.html" target="_blank">Eat Good 4 Life</a>
and had to try it. However I don't know where their nutrition
information came from as I could not get the same numbers in any recipe
calculator I used (however if I used Raw Sugar instead of normal sugar
it did not calculate ANY additional sugar so something was a little off
and maybe that's what happened to that nutritional information). </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The other thing I loved about these brownies is that they use black beans - which help regulate blood sugar because of their high protein and fiber content. So these shouldn't cause as much of a spike in blood sugar! Something we all can live with ;). Black beans have more benefits you can <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=2" target="_blank">read about here</a>.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have made a few changes and included some ingredients you can add in as well... and thanks to my son who saw me writing this post, I now have a batch of brownies in the oven that I can smell and they are almost done baking... I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtp5piY31P2b8avsZP9NAsqh1LdYoqKMgW30SUrkS2RfyHlvM5QBCjSDCspdhDBg3L6evATKFxdX0v07REPt4bNnja8Mrm_H25dXFRhfD9xWMOCM8Gem6ho5_TV6v9Mt_J26fR98icdA/s1600/BlackBeanBrownies40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtp5piY31P2b8avsZP9NAsqh1LdYoqKMgW30SUrkS2RfyHlvM5QBCjSDCspdhDBg3L6evATKFxdX0v07REPt4bNnja8Mrm_H25dXFRhfD9xWMOCM8Gem6ho5_TV6v9Mt_J26fR98icdA/s320/BlackBeanBrownies40.jpg" width="320"></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> Black Bean Brownies</b></span></span><br>
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</div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/10/gluten-free-black-bean-brownies.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-45206462076914765392012-10-01T08:13:00.002-06:002012-10-01T08:20:30.027-06:00Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole - Freezer Meal Style<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is part of my freezer meals series... or how we survive the first few weeks after we have a baby!<br>
<br>
I know I've shared this recipe before, but I made a couple of minor changes for the freezer version... The linked recipe on the bottom however is not updated. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I made this to
freeze, I actually did 3 times the recipe and made 3 to freeze and 1
to eat the night I made it - after all who wants to make 4 dinners and then make another one ;). This pretty much turns out exactly the same whether it is fresh or frozen - gotta love that! As far as veggies served with this - I stocked up on frozen veggies when they were on sale and used them, or I bought a packaged salad to eat with it. It is really nice to not have to really prepare dinner when you're exhausted from taking care of a newborn ;). </span><br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlJN0CVMcKGY7cdEY-4ipapfO7g_Z_bKjlfcg7_FF27zVHjbzGExzkMz_o6T_pQrgOyYt9F3VkNevyYktsbK8OixHmYOGPriwZsXA7VV3206v9CSk0QlgouFDFb2I_kIwiLe7seLntcA/s1600/CCBC30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPlJN0CVMcKGY7cdEY-4ipapfO7g_Z_bKjlfcg7_FF27zVHjbzGExzkMz_o6T_pQrgOyYt9F3VkNevyYktsbK8OixHmYOGPriwZsXA7VV3206v9CSk0QlgouFDFb2I_kIwiLe7seLntcA/s320/CCBC30.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cordon Bleu Casserole </b></span><br>
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</div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/10/chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole-freezer.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-67220782380652701932012-09-26T09:50:00.000-06:002012-09-26T09:51:40.241-06:00Teriyaki Bowl - Freezer Meal Style<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is part of my freezer meals series... or how we survive the first few weeks after we have a baby!<br>
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This is one of those recipes that was adapted in the process... I made two of these freezer bags to start and after the first it was clear that it needed to be changed! So you'll see some pictures that illustrate what not to do! ;) Also I have to admit I did not take a finished product photo (that whole survival for the first few weeks after a baby comes - I forgot to take the pictures...) So this photo comes from the original <a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/teriyaki-bowl.html" target="_blank">Teriyaki Bowl</a> post that I made. But it looks similar ;). <br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq06pOSWSDSK5Sq8rlIHYL5xJwHwNwH1G2yViiA_WvL-e8JOUNV4UZj20NjCP-Ex4d7k3tYI1hec87CzzW4QA0WF8UCyYett0sS_IpYajd4l_dvQLX1ow8obb9-iZJUzy_SIiHniFYmY/s1600/TB21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnq06pOSWSDSK5Sq8rlIHYL5xJwHwNwH1G2yViiA_WvL-e8JOUNV4UZj20NjCP-Ex4d7k3tYI1hec87CzzW4QA0WF8UCyYett0sS_IpYajd4l_dvQLX1ow8obb9-iZJUzy_SIiHniFYmY/s320/TB21.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken </span></b><br>
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</div></div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/teriyaki-bowl-freezer-meal-style.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-74411498057199109742012-09-18T14:56:00.001-06:002012-09-18T15:01:28.926-06:00Cranberry Onion Chicken<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
This is part of my freezer meals series... or what keeps us eating in the few weeks after we have a baby!</div>
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I can't remember where I found this chicken recipe (nor did I keep the link with it - I hate it when I do that!), but after searching for the recipe... it looks like the origin is actually from <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/catalina-cranberry-chicken-89628.aspx" target="_blank">kraft foods</a>... I loved how simple and easy this recipe is. It only has 4 ingredients! How much more simple can a recipe get?!? I also love that it is a slow cooker recipe - not hassle (at least not if you get a slow cooker liner... yep tried them for the first time after having our baby and it makes clean up so much easier. They may not be as environmentally friendly, but they did help keep my sanity for the first few weeks!)<br>
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I have to admit that I had some reservation when I made this - I didn't expect it to taste very good... but I was surprised! It actually is really good despite the interesting combination of ingredients.<br>
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Another interesting tidbit - this is the first time I've used onion soup mix in cooking. I had a bugger of a time trying to find it in the store (silly me - it was on the soup isle ;).</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cranberry Onion Chicken</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP59781zK7CqRD-1QTZMRhE7efJMyjqSN9HGSaZxlp2-QNvjgn8B_nNzh80_OFmWYC6C015_Vcv0cvnjRa173PA442yQprIV3d6jJ7ivXF2nVJ4hBxTMVUN7l96ZxbdiIxFKpNNUVtaA/s1600/Onion_Cranberry_Chicken01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYP59781zK7CqRD-1QTZMRhE7efJMyjqSN9HGSaZxlp2-QNvjgn8B_nNzh80_OFmWYC6C015_Vcv0cvnjRa173PA442yQprIV3d6jJ7ivXF2nVJ4hBxTMVUN7l96ZxbdiIxFKpNNUVtaA/s320/Onion_Cranberry_Chicken01.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
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</div><a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/cranberry-onion-chicken.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4808385982365935675.post-29190437161510526242012-09-06T13:38:00.005-06:002012-09-18T15:02:27.867-06:00Apricot Swirl Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MwPmMX7S5I-QMHZBgbVnHAKZ3bH2OrQm78gbXu0JHk6XmV9BTHGcGsgyqtKT5rOxeVGaxgaOAN5is3zyNOGp-6SR88Mk4ED3IAdGzuxo5l638Hn87kygDvYnksqp6G_pDm34_BQGnnE/s1600/Apricot+Cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MwPmMX7S5I-QMHZBgbVnHAKZ3bH2OrQm78gbXu0JHk6XmV9BTHGcGsgyqtKT5rOxeVGaxgaOAN5is3zyNOGp-6SR88Mk4ED3IAdGzuxo5l638Hn87kygDvYnksqp6G_pDm34_BQGnnE/s320/Apricot+Cheesecake.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">About a year ago (actually a year and a month, but who's counting?) I decided to try making an apricot cheesecake. Partly because of some canned apricots that needed to be used up, and what better way to use the apricots than to make a cheesecake? So I searched for a cheesecake recipe that had apricots, and you know what I found? A lot of cheesecake recipes, but either it was a plain cheesecake with an apricot sauce or a cheesecake with chunks of apricots in it. I'm not such a fan of chunks of fruit in my cheesecake... But that's my own preference... </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So what's a girl to do? I made my own version. Tell you what, it was perfection the first time through. However, I only took pictures of the final version not the process. (Sad day.) And I waited to make it again... guess what, I still haven't made it, but I can not keep this from you for another day, it is delicious and while I haven't made it since - it is on my list. I probably won't make it for a while though since my time is consumed keeping a baby fed, diapered, clothed and also keeping up with my 3 year old son! So this is just going to be a recipe post... no step by step tutorial - yet.</span><br>
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<a href="http://crystalscozykitchen.blogspot.com/2012/09/apricot-swirl-cheesecake.html#more">Read more »</a>CrystalsCozyKitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17322418257469127025noreply@blogger.com8