Emmett and Ella

My husband was in the VTCC: Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets while in school. He made some amazing friends who we are blessed to still be in touch with. This was a blanket and beanie set for baby Emmett with a matching beanie for his big sister Ella. GO HOKIES!

Beer Brined Chops w/ Roasted Veggies over Parmesan Polenta

If you are in need of comfort food but like to watch your figure...this is a great dinner to make!

Pork Chop Marinade:

1 12oz Sam Adams Bonfire Ale

3/4 C Water

1/2 C Kosher salt

5 Garlic cloves: minced

1 tsp Black pepper

1 TBsp EVOO

1-1.5 inch-thick cut pork chops

Marinate overnight in refrigerator Take out of fridge about 1-2 hours before grilling to allow meat to come to room temperature. Sear both sides about 1-2 minutes, turn down heat and cover. It should take about 10-12 minutes to cook depending on thickness. Check with a meat thermometer: 145-150 degrees. Allow meat to rest for about 5 mins before eating to allow all the juices to redistribute throughout.

Roasted Veggies

2 Large Zucchini: 1-in pieces

1 Large Eggplant: 1-in pieces

Campari Tomatoes

3-5 Garlic Cloves: minced

1/4 C EVOO

1 tsp dried sweet basil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients onto a cookie sheet and roast in the oven at 425 for about 20-25 minutes, until veggies are tender but not overcooked.

Parmesan Polenta

Boxed Polenta: cook according to instructions but use chicken broth instead of water

optional additions: black pepper, basil, or parsley

After polenta is done "cooking", add 1/2 C grated Parmesan

Plate polenta first on plate, pile veggies on top and don't forget the pork chops!

Hailee

I made this set for a friend's little girl Hailee who was born back in May. It is a ripple afghan in lavendar, sage, and cream (Caron Simply Soft Yarn) with a matching beanie and booties.

My favorite part of this set was seeing the pictures of precious Hailee wearing her accessories with her blanket.

Chocolate Peanut Butter BonBons

These are just amazing! My family enjoys these as well as ALL my friends!

They are so simple and so much better than anything you'll find in the stores.

1 26oz jar of Smuckers Natural Creamy Peanut Butter

1 stick softened unsalted butter

2 cups confectioners sugar

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/3 cup Crisco

*In a large bowl combine peanut butter and butter: beat on high 2 minutes

*add sugar, beat slowly until combined then mix on high 1 minute

-cover with saran and place in fridge 1-2 hours

-use plastic spoon to scoop and make peanut butter balls: about 1 to 1.5 inch(es). Place on wax paper lined cookie sheet and back into fridge for 1 hour

*In a double boiler combine chocolate chips and Crisco over low heat until smooth

*using a fork, place 1 ball at a time into chocolate and flip over 1 time...remove quickly and place back onto waxed cookie sheet

-Refrigerate 1-2 more hours until chocolate is set: keep refrigerated and enjoy!