| Caramelized Onion Quiche |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on May 10, 2012 |
This dish is special enough for brunch mom on her day! You'll need... 1 recipe pie dough** 2 Tbs olive oil 2 medium Vidalia onions, sliced thinly Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup half-and-half 3 large eggs pinch nutmeg 3 ounces Boursin cheese 2 ounces crumbled goat cheese To make... In
a large, heavy-bottomed saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high
heat. Add the onions and saute for about 10 minutes. Then, reduce to
medium-low and continue to cook for 20-30 minutes, or until they tender
and golden. HINT-
add little splashes of water while cooking to help even the onions out
and prevent burning. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 10
minutes more, until onions are completely caramelized. Stir in herbs,
salt and pepper remove from heat. (NOTE- Caramelize the onions in
advance and store in the refrigerator overnight to save time in the morning!) Preheat
oven to 375. Place tart pan on a baking sheet. Sprinkle half of both
the cheeses over the crust, followed by the onions and then the
remaining cheese. In
a medium bowl, combine milk, half-and-half and eggs. Season with
nutmeg, salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and
onions. Transfer the baking sheet and pie plate to oven, and bake until
just set in the center, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for about
10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve with lightly-dressed mixed greens or fruit salad. **Use your favorite recipe or frozen/pre-made dough to save a little time. ENJOY! created by me! |
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| Heart-Hand Card |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on May 10, 2012 |
This card is simple and sweet. Perfect for Mother's Day. You'll need... Colored paper (any color) Marker Scissors Decorations (glitter, pom poms, sequins, stickers, etc.), if desired To make... - Fold colored paper in half.
- Place hand near fold to form a half heart shape; trace hand to edge of fold.
- Cut hand shape out of card; cut heart shape out leaving thumb and forefinger attached.
- Decorate as desired.
ENJOY! |
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| Product Recalls: Whoozit Starry Time Rattle |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on May 10, 2012 |
Manhattan Group LLC, of Minneapolis, MN and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalled their Whoozit Starry Time Rattles. The clear spheres on each end of the rattle can break, releasing small parts, posing a choking hazard to small children. These rattles were sold at specialty toy and baby stores nationwide, in Canada, and online at manhattantoy.com from September 2011 through March 2012 for about $15. Consumers
should immediately take these rattles away from young children and
return it to the store where purchased for a full refund. For
additional information, contact Manhattan Group toll-free at (800)
541-1345 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit
the firm's website at manhattantoy.com.
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| Yum! Granola! |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on April 25, 2012 |
This delicious granola is easy to prepare. Great for hiking and camping trips.
You'll need: 4 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 cup slivered almonds 1 cup raisins 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 eggs white 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/3 cup honey 2 teaspoons vanilla extract To make... Preheat oven to 300 F. Spray two baking sheets with a nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, pecans, almonds, raisins, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, oil, honey and vanilla extract for about 30 seconds. Pour into the dry ingredients. Mix
the wet and dry ingredients together until the wet is evenly
distributed into the dry. Split the granola evenly between the two
baking sheets, making a doughnut shape with no granola in the center
(This is so that all of the granola gets evenly baked). Pat down the
granola with the back of a spatula. Bake
granola in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden,
rotating the baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Let granola
sit for 20 minutes before breaking into clumps. Store in an airtight
container. brighteyedbaker.com |
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| Product Recalls: Push 'N Snap Cabinet Locks Safety 1st Cabinet Locks |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on April 05, 2012 |
 Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) Inc., of Columbus, IN and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalled their Push 'N Snap Cabinet Locks. Young
children can disengage the cabinet locks, allowing access to cabinet
contents and posing the risk of injury, due to dangerous or unsafe
items.
These locks were sold at Bed
Bath & Beyond, and other retail stores nationwide and online at
Amazon.com from January 2004 through February 2012 for between $2 and
$4.
Consumers
should immediately remove the recalled locks from cabinets and contact
DJG for a free replacement Push 'N Snap lock with model numbers HS158 or
HS159. When removing the recalled locks, consumers are urged to
immediately store dangerous items out of reach of children. For
additional information, contact DJG toll-free at (866) 762-3212 between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website
at djgusa.com. |
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| Kidz Kafe-Passover Edition |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on April 05, 2012 |
Macaroons This delicious treat is perfect for Passover! You'll need... 3 cups medium shredded coconut (preferably unsweetened)
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp kosher salt
To make...
Mix all of the ingredients well in a large bowl. Set the bowl in a saucepan of simmering water.
You
are not trying to create a mock double boiler here, the bowl should be
in the water. Mix the batter well using a silicone or other heat-proof
spatula for about 2 to 5 minutes, just enough to dissolve the sugar and
warm all the ingredients.
Set the bowl of cookie
batter aside for 30 minutes so the coconut can absorb some of the
liquid. While the batter is resting, place the oven racks in the upper
and lower third of the oven and preheat to 350°.
Line
2 cookie sheets with parchment paper and scoop out tablespoon sized
balls of dough spaced 1-inch or so apart on the sheets. I used a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop to
portion the dough out. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the tray
positions after 10 minutes, until the cookies are golden brown. To cool
either places the pans directly on cooling racks or slide the parchment
paper on to the racks.
ENJOY!
blog.com |
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| Confetti Eggs |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on April 05, 2012 |
Krafty Kidz
This project is perfect for fresh springtime flowers! You'll need... Chicken eggs (white) Egg dye (optional) Safety pin Tissue paper Confetti Non-toxic glue To make... Dye
the eggs, if desired. Using the pin, make a small hole in opposite ends
of the egg; one small and one about the size of a pencil eraser. Blow
the egg into a bowl. Rinse egg THOROUGHLY with hot water. Dry
completely.
Once
dry, place a piece of tissue paper over the small hole and glue down.
Allow glue to dry, tissue side up, in an egg carton. Once dry, fill egg half full with confetti. Rim the outside of the opening of the egg with non-toxic glue. Add a square of tissue paper on top to seal. Let dry. Place in Easter baskets or use in an egg hunt! These are also a fun "gift" for a friend's birthday.
ENJOY! |
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| Jello Eggs |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on April 05, 2012 |
Kidz Kitchen- Easter Edition
 This is a fun surprise treat for your child's Easter basket. You'll need... One dozen eggs Safety pin Several packets of Jell-O (bright colors work best) A fine pastry tip Duct tape To make...
Using
the pin, make a small hole in opposite ends of the egg. Blow the egg
into a bowl (you may need to increase the size of one end to blow the
egg out). Rinse egg THOROUGHLY with hot water (note: eggs carry
salmonella. Please take care to clean well). Dry completely.
Once dry, place tape over one hole and place tape side down in an egg carton.
Make
Jello according to the directions. Using the pastry tip, carefully pour
the jello into the open end of the egg...pouring SLOWLY to keep the hot
Jello from overflowing. Place egg carton in refrigerator. Allow eggs to
set for three hours.
Enjoy!
justataste.com |
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| Signing Time Monthly Activity January |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on February 27, 2012 |
Sorry it is a little late! http://c2411672.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/hand-ycraft_Jan2012.pdf Check out back activities as well! http://www.signingtime.com/resources/activities/crafts/
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| Guest Post! Newborn Health Preparations Begin Before Delivery |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on February 23, 2012 |
By: Katie Moore A woman’s life changes the day she delivers a baby. A newborn’s health is at the top of a mother’s priority list, and health precautions for infants are first taken during pregnancy. Aside from the care of the hospital staff on delivery day, a mom is responsible for making sure that her baby has health insurance to cover all preventive care visits, as well for emergencies. There are also other considerations that mothers make to prepare for the future. Preparing for your Hospital Stay Taking a childbirth classis a great first step in preparing for your newborn's arrival. In a childbirth class, an expecting mother can learn about the available pain management medications, natural ways to manage labor pains, as well as learn about the facility where they will be having their baby. Childbirth classes are a great place to learn about optional procedures available at the hospital and other tips for preparing at home and preparing your hospital bag. Not only will an expecting mother gain knowledge about what will be happening to them physically on delivery day, meeting other expecting mothers provides emotional resources to share stories and tips.
Finding a Pediatrician
Before delivery day, expecting mothers picktheir choice of pediatricianfor their babies. The selection is made in advance of delivery because a pediatrician visits the infant in the hospital. Also, most doctors want to see a newborn after delivery within the first few days of being released from the hospital. It is easier for most new mothers to choose their pediatricians ahead of time so that they can select a professional they are comfortable with from the get-go.
Other Considerations
There are many optional procedures available today for newborns. For example, if you'd like to have your newborn son circumcised, there are a few ways it can be done so speaking to your doctor in advance to learn about how they provide this procedure can help answer any questions you have. Mothers might also considercord blood banking. The process works by collecting and saving blood from the umbilical cord in a registered blood bank. This waythe baby’s cord blood stem cells are available should the need for a medical transplant ever arise.
"This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact her via twitter @moorekm26."
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| ProductRecalls:Travelin' Chef Expandable Thermal Food Carrier |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 26, 2012 |
California Innovations Inc., of Toronto, Canadaand the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalledtheir Travelin' Chef Expandable Thermal Food Carrier. Gel that contains diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol can leak out of damaged freezer gel packs, posing a poisoning hazard if ingested by children or adults. The recalled product is a four-piece food carrier set, which includes a light blue thermal carrier with black carrying handles, a medium plastic food container, a large plastic food container and a freezer gel pack. The recalled thermal carrier has the code "1-38018-69-07" printed on a white label on the inside of the main compartment on the left hand side. These food carriers were sold at Walmart between August 2008 to December 2011 for about $22.
Consumers should immediately stop using the gel packs and dispose of them according to federal, state and/or local regulations. It is recommended that consumers contact their local waste disposal authority for instructions. Consumers may return the gel pack to Walmart for a refund of $6 or contact California Innovations customer service at (800) 722-2545 for the same refund. |
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| Glowing Jars |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 26, 2012 |
Capture the stars with this fun craft! You'll need... Mason jar (any size) Glow-in-the-dark paint Assorted paint brushes Tomake... Paint small dots of varying sizes covering the entire exterior of a mason jar. Allow to dry completely. Expose to light for several hours before enjoying the "stars" at night.
Try this application on other items too: glass bowls, ceiling fan blades, sports water bottles, etc...
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| Breakfast Rolls |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 26, 2012 |
Here's a healthy, on-the-go meal that's customizable.To speed up your morning, make ahead and reheat! You'll need... 1 (13.8-oz.) can refrigerated classic pizza crust 2 oz. (1/2 cup) low-fat shredded cheese 3 oz. smoked turkey or ham, cut into small strips
1 cup baby spinach leaves, raw 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
To make... Heat oven to 400°F. Spray large cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In medium bowl, combine eggs, milk and pepper; beat until well blended. Heat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray; add egg mixture and cook 3 to 5 minutes or until eggs are set but moist, stirring occasionally. Unroll dough; pat to form 14x10-inch rectangle. Cut dough into four 7x5-inch rectangles. Divide low-fat cheese evenly onto half of each rectangle to within 1/2 inch of edges. Evenly divide meat, spinach, Parmesan cheese and eggs onto each rectangle. Roll untopped dough over filling, burrito fashion (or fold into a turnover for ease). Place on sprayed cookie sheet. Spray rolls lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F. for 15 - 20 minutes or until golden brown. |
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| Product Recalls: Bugaboo Carseat Adapter |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 24, 2012 |
Bugaboo Americas, of El Segundo, CAand the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalledtheirBugaboo Carseat Adapter. When the adapter is used on a stroller that also has a wheeled board accessory attached for transporting a standing toddler, and the car seat is positioned so the child faces forward, the car seat can disconnect from the adapter and fall. This recall involves the Bugaboo car seat adapter models 80400GC01 and 80401GC02. The adapters are devices designed to attach car seats to stroller frames. They are made of silver aluminum tubing and black plastic connecting parts. These adapters were sold atBabies "R" Us, Buy Buy Baby, Neiman Marcus, other department stores and independent juvenile stores, Bugaboo.com and other online retailers nationwide from December 2005 to July 2011 for about $45. Consumers should immediately stop using the adapter and contact Bugaboo for a free service kit and decals. For additional information, contact Bugaboo atserviceus@bugaboo.comor (800) 460-2922 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website atwww.bugaboo.com
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| Chinese Paper Lantern |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 24, 2012 |
This craft is perfect for the end of the Chinese New Year celebration, the lantern festival. You'll need... Construction paper Scissors Tape Stapler Ruler Pencil Glue, glitter, sequins, if desired to decorate your lantern
Tomake...
- Use your ruler to measure and cut one inch off the short end of your paper. Set aside to use as the handle.
- Fold your paper in half lengthwise.
- Draw a line one inch from the end of the long edge of the paper opposite the folded edge. This will be the line where you stop cutting.
- Measure and mark lines one inch apart starting at the folded edge and moving towards the "stop cutting" line.
- Cut on the marked lines up to the "stop cutting" line.
- Unfold the paper.
- Re-crease the paper in the opposite direction. This will hide any pencil marks.
- Match the long edges together on the lantern and use tape to hold it in place.
- Staple the handle to the top of the lantern.
- Make as many lanterns as you wish and display them around your home.
- If you wish, add glue, glitter, sequins or other things to decorate your lanterns.
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| Green Bean Stir-Fry with Pork & Shallots |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 24, 2012 |
This healthy recipe is simple and perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year. You'll need... Approx. 1 c. of green beans, stringed and sliced at an angle 2 shallots, sliced 3 cloves garlic, roughly minced 1/2 pound pork, sliced thinly 1-2 teaspoons light soy sauce or to taste To make... Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt. Blanch the green beans in the water for about 2 minutes. Remove, drain and shock (run under cold water to chill rapidly).
Heat a wok or saute pan until almost smoking. Add 2 tablespoons of oil and swirl to coat. Turn heat to low; add garlic and shallots. Stir-fry until aromatic. Add pork slices. Turn heat to medium-high. Add soy sauce. Stir-fry until lightly browned. Add about 2 tablespoons of water.
When the pork slices are almost cooked (thin slices will ensure a quicker cooking time), add the green beans. Stir-fry until well-mixed. Add another 2 tablespoons of water and turn heat to high. Stir-fry briskly for about 1 minute. Add more soy sauce, if needed. Remove from heat and serve with steamed brown rice. smokywok.com |
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| Product Recalls: Bugaboo Bee Strollers |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 13, 2012 |
Bugaboo Americas, of El Segundo, CAand the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), have recalledtheirBugaboo Bee Stroller. The front swivel wheels can lock while the stroller is in motion, causing the stroller to tip and posing a fall hazard. The recalled strollers are made for newborns and toddlers up to 37 pounds. They are sold in two frame colors: silver and all black. The stroller's seat comes in black or denim colors and canopy colors include yellow, black, khaki, blue, pink and red, plus special collections colors such as tangerine, soft pink, light green, dark purple, denim and the Missoni print collection. Production dates from January 2011 through September 2011, which are printed with the month abbreviated and year, i.e "Jan. 2011", the "Bugaboo Bee" name and company address are printed on the date code label located on the stroller frame under the seat unit. "Bugaboo Bee" is also printed on the side of the seat backrest. These strollers were sold at Toys R Us, Buy Buy Baby and other baby product stores nationwide, online at Bugaboo.com and other online retailers between February 2011 and September 2011 for about $650.
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled strollers and contact Bugaboo or the retailer where the stroller was purchased to receive free replacement swivel wheels. For additional information, contact Bugaboo at serviceus@bugaboo.comor at (800) 460-2922 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at bugaboo.com/non-swiveling-wheels.
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| Bubble Prints |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 13, 2012 |
Here is a fun indoor activity for younger children (my older kids love it, too). Use it to make homemade wrapping paper! You'll need... Store-bought or homemade bubble solution Copier paper or light-colored construction paper Plastic drinking straws Newspaper or plastic tablecloth Several shallow disposable containers, such as aluminum pie tins
Tomake... Cover your work surface with a thick layer of newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. In each shallow dish, blend 1 cup of store-bought or homemade bubble solution with 1/2 cup of tempera paint. (To make your own bubble solution, mix 3 cups of water, 1 cup of dish soap and 1/4 cup of corn syrup.) Set out your paper (try copier paper or light-colored construction paper) and several plastic drinking straws. For younger children, pierce a small hole halfway up the straw with a pin; this will help prevent accidental swallowing of the paint but won't interfere with the bubble-blowing process. Now for the fun! With one end of the straw submerged in the bubble solution, the kids blow until bubbles mound up in the container. The best time to take a print is just as the bubbles begin to overflow. Gently touch the paper to the bubbles and then lift to see your print, repeating until the paper is sufficiently covered. Blow more bubbles as needed. For a different effect, try printing one color over another. familyfun.com |
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| Paper, Paper, Paper-How to Declutter Your Space. |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 13, 2012 |
Paper is the number one source of clutter in nearly every home. From the incoming mail to kids' art projects. Learn how to manage paper from the minute it enters your home. Potomac Community Center. To register go topaperpaperpaper.eventbrite.com. FREE.
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| Beef Tenderloin with Mustard and Herbs |
| By Miss Becka Marsch on January 13, 2012 |
This recipe is super easy to make, healthy and delicious. Make it for dinner tonight or special occassions. You'll need... 1 (2 1/2-pound) beef tenderloin, trimmed Cooking spray 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard To make... 1. Preheat oven to 400. Prepare grill pan or heavy bottom pot. Heat over medium-high heat. 2. Lightly coat beef with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Sear beef on all sides. 3. Transfer meat to baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes or until a thermometer registers 145° or until desired degree of doneness. Let beef stand 10 minutes before slicing. 4. Sprinkle parsley, thyme and rosemary in an even layer on cookie sheet.Brush mustard evenly over beef. Place beef in herb mixture; roll beef over herbs, pressing gently. Slice beef. Serve with roasted vegetables, orzo or a crisp salad. cookinglight.com |
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