The winner for the My Memories Suite giveaway was Dawn!
Dawn, send your e-mail to christina (at) dinneratchristinas (.com) and I'll send you the information for your scrapbook suite!
Thanks everybody :)
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Checking In and a Giveaway
I've been lurking behind the scenes for awhile, checking in on a few of you guys. I know that Hannah just had her 20th birthday party, Laura continues to be the Queen of All, thrifting, and cooking away with beautiful views and crazy pets, and Ally is my Pinterest hero - making and creating all kinds of amazing!
I'm plotting and planning my return to food blogging. I have recipes pinned, blogs bookmarked, and an obscene amount of cookbooks scored during my hiatus. I never intended on the crazy turns our lives have taken in these past few months to impact my blog the way it did. Even though I haven't blogged much in these months, it still is very much a part of who I am and an outlet I crave. Stay tuned, I'm excited to show you what's ahead for us in our new married life!
Speaking of wedding, I'm still working on sorting through over 2,000 images provided to us by our photographer. My mom has chosen the photos for their parent photo album, and I made a few small albums for relatives and family friends, but that is about it.
Until I was given the opportunity to review My Memories Suite Scrapbook software. I was so happy to have this resource to be able to do something fun, creative, and lasting with our wedding photos.
I was nervous at first, because it required a download and I thought it'd be hard. I'm not the most computer savvy, I usually call on Johnny for anything beyond the usual e-mail writing and web surfing kind of jobs. When I open Photoshop and see all the buttons and tools I panic and get overwhelmed. I thought this scrapbook software would be the same, but it wasn't.
The buttons are clearly labeled and very easy to use. You can choose a template and it loads itself from there. It's very intuitive and guides you through each step. Helpful bubbles pop up with prompts and tips every now and then.
I also really like that there are unique things to add to pages, such as editing and playing with text, photo embellishments and effects, even calendars!
The few books I'd made were on a web site with free software and it did not have any of these options, you couldn't even change the font. I really liked the ability to personalize and spend time making My Memories Suite book unique and personal to us and our wedding.
I did find it difficult to add one photo at a time, but perhaps as I learn the software more I'll learn a shortcut or easier way to do this. The thumbnails to choose from were small, even for these spry 27 year old eyes.
There were also moments where it ran kind of jerky, but I think that's more a reflection on my computer's ability than the software.
It seems to be the type of thing you could lose yourself in for hours, making your creation "perfect," so plan accordingly!
Giveaway Prize:
1 digital copy of My Memories Suite scrapbooking software (Valued at $39.97)
To Enter:
Please visit www.MyMemories.com and tell me which theme you would love to use to build your next scrapbook! (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Follow My Memories on Facebook (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Follow My Memories on Twitter (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Rules:
That is a chance for 3 entries! Contest will close Saturday, March 17th at midnight. I will announce the winner Sunday, March 18th.
For everyone:
My Memories has generously offered all Dinner at Christina's readers a $10 discount on the purchase of the My Memories Suite software and a $10 coupon good for anything in the MyMemories.com store (combined $20 value)! Just use code STMMMS62904 at checkout.
Disclosure: As part of the review and giveaway, I received a complimentary copy of the My Memories Suite scrapbooking software to download and use. The images and review are my own, honest opinion of using this product.
All wedding photos shown are the work of twoweddingphotographers.com
I'm plotting and planning my return to food blogging. I have recipes pinned, blogs bookmarked, and an obscene amount of cookbooks scored during my hiatus. I never intended on the crazy turns our lives have taken in these past few months to impact my blog the way it did. Even though I haven't blogged much in these months, it still is very much a part of who I am and an outlet I crave. Stay tuned, I'm excited to show you what's ahead for us in our new married life!
Speaking of wedding, I'm still working on sorting through over 2,000 images provided to us by our photographer. My mom has chosen the photos for their parent photo album, and I made a few small albums for relatives and family friends, but that is about it.
Until I was given the opportunity to review My Memories Suite Scrapbook software. I was so happy to have this resource to be able to do something fun, creative, and lasting with our wedding photos.I was nervous at first, because it required a download and I thought it'd be hard. I'm not the most computer savvy, I usually call on Johnny for anything beyond the usual e-mail writing and web surfing kind of jobs. When I open Photoshop and see all the buttons and tools I panic and get overwhelmed. I thought this scrapbook software would be the same, but it wasn't.
The buttons are clearly labeled and very easy to use. You can choose a template and it loads itself from there. It's very intuitive and guides you through each step. Helpful bubbles pop up with prompts and tips every now and then.
I also really like that there are unique things to add to pages, such as editing and playing with text, photo embellishments and effects, even calendars!
The few books I'd made were on a web site with free software and it did not have any of these options, you couldn't even change the font. I really liked the ability to personalize and spend time making My Memories Suite book unique and personal to us and our wedding.
I did find it difficult to add one photo at a time, but perhaps as I learn the software more I'll learn a shortcut or easier way to do this. The thumbnails to choose from were small, even for these spry 27 year old eyes.There were also moments where it ran kind of jerky, but I think that's more a reflection on my computer's ability than the software.
It seems to be the type of thing you could lose yourself in for hours, making your creation "perfect," so plan accordingly!Giveaway Prize:
1 digital copy of My Memories Suite scrapbooking software (Valued at $39.97)
To Enter:
Please visit www.MyMemories.com and tell me which theme you would love to use to build your next scrapbook! (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Follow My Memories on Facebook (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Follow My Memories on Twitter (1 entry, leave a comment below)
Rules:
That is a chance for 3 entries! Contest will close Saturday, March 17th at midnight. I will announce the winner Sunday, March 18th.
For everyone:
My Memories has generously offered all Dinner at Christina's readers a $10 discount on the purchase of the My Memories Suite software and a $10 coupon good for anything in the MyMemories.com store (combined $20 value)! Just use code STMMMS62904 at checkout.
Disclosure: As part of the review and giveaway, I received a complimentary copy of the My Memories Suite scrapbooking software to download and use. The images and review are my own, honest opinion of using this product.
All wedding photos shown are the work of twoweddingphotographers.com
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kids in the Kitchen: Ham and Cheese Roll-Ups
I stole two kids for the weekend.
I don't have any of my own yet, so I need to borrow them in the meantime.
Thankfully, my goddaughter's mother is a very trusting woman, so I have my goddaughter and her little sister for three whole days.
Today was their first day here and we made dinner together.
I saw a commercial for these a few days ago using crescent rolls, so I added ham and the crescents to the shopping list. It's a really simple recipe, perfect for little helpers.
It's also really easy to change it up based on personal preference. You can change lunch meats, cheeses, or even add spreads, herbs and spices, or vegetables to your liking.
You will need:
2 cans of crescents (mine were 8 piece low fat)
16 pieces of cheese
16 pieces of ham (mine was reduced sodium and fat)
Have all the little helpers go wash their hands. While they're busy doing this, get the different components ready. I had each ingredient separate and ready for easy assembly once the kids got involved.
I assembled one and had them watch. After that, we took turns with each girl making her own roll-up and putting it on the baking sheet until we ran out of ingredients.
Pre-heat the oven to 375° and bake for about 12-15 minutes, watching closely because they start to brown quickly.
I served us with baby carrots and hummus on the side. Johnny loved them. He sat between the girls because they argued who got to sit next to him. (Nobody argued over sitting next to me...)
They were both really excited to eat the dinner that they made. Johnny and I made sure to tell them how good they tasted and what a good job they did. Both mentioned it was the best dinner and the best night a few times while eating.
In fact, they ate so well, both girls got to have a small bowl of ice cream. They gave dinner and dessert thumbs up! :)
I don't have any of my own yet, so I need to borrow them in the meantime.
Thankfully, my goddaughter's mother is a very trusting woman, so I have my goddaughter and her little sister for three whole days.
Today was their first day here and we made dinner together.
I saw a commercial for these a few days ago using crescent rolls, so I added ham and the crescents to the shopping list. It's a really simple recipe, perfect for little helpers.
It's also really easy to change it up based on personal preference. You can change lunch meats, cheeses, or even add spreads, herbs and spices, or vegetables to your liking.
You will need:
2 cans of crescents (mine were 8 piece low fat)
16 pieces of cheese
16 pieces of ham (mine was reduced sodium and fat)
Have all the little helpers go wash their hands. While they're busy doing this, get the different components ready. I had each ingredient separate and ready for easy assembly once the kids got involved.
I assembled one and had them watch. After that, we took turns with each girl making her own roll-up and putting it on the baking sheet until we ran out of ingredients.
Pre-heat the oven to 375° and bake for about 12-15 minutes, watching closely because they start to brown quickly.
I served us with baby carrots and hummus on the side. Johnny loved them. He sat between the girls because they argued who got to sit next to him. (Nobody argued over sitting next to me...)
They were both really excited to eat the dinner that they made. Johnny and I made sure to tell them how good they tasted and what a good job they did. Both mentioned it was the best dinner and the best night a few times while eating.
In fact, they ate so well, both girls got to have a small bowl of ice cream. They gave dinner and dessert thumbs up! :)
Friday, January 6, 2012
Let them eat (Wedding) cake!
To be honest, I really didn't care about having a wedding cake when we started planning a year ago. It just seemed silly to spend hundreds of dollars on one cake, especially since neither of us are big cake fans.
As luck would have it, our venue included the cake with our wedding package. I asked about excluding it, thinking we could make our own pies and Christmas cookies. We would have only received a $100 credit, so it ended up being worth it to have a cake!
I looked through the bakery's portfolio and instantly chose "Snowflake Tessie." It was simple and elegant. White icing with some white snowflakes. The topper was understated greenery, which went with my decor. In the sample the ribbons were red, but I knew that'd be a simple switch to my color choice of green.
In September we tasted wedding cakes and all of you guessed correctly - I went with Cannoli!
The thing I didn't count on was having to provide the topper and ribbon! I planned the wedding as frugally as possible, so I actually made the topper myself. I used the trimmed bottom of a plastic bowl, fake greenery I bought to make all the bouquets/boutonnieres, and lots and lots of hot glue! I was so proud of how it came out.
Thankfully, the women at the bakery tied the bows, I would never have been able to make them look so beautiful!
Because cannoli cream contains Ricotta cheese, Johnny chose to avoid it because chances were high that it had whey. Allergic reactions on your wedding day don't sound fun!
Instead of a "first slice," we did a "first bite" with some gingerbread men we bought ahead of time.
At the end of the day, I'm glad we had the cake. We took the top home and I had a few slices for breakfasts in the days after the wedding, since we weren't saving it to eat together. The rest I froze in individual slices to enjoy with my mom throughout the year when we get a craving!
As luck would have it, our venue included the cake with our wedding package. I asked about excluding it, thinking we could make our own pies and Christmas cookies. We would have only received a $100 credit, so it ended up being worth it to have a cake!
I looked through the bakery's portfolio and instantly chose "Snowflake Tessie." It was simple and elegant. White icing with some white snowflakes. The topper was understated greenery, which went with my decor. In the sample the ribbons were red, but I knew that'd be a simple switch to my color choice of green.
In September we tasted wedding cakes and all of you guessed correctly - I went with Cannoli!
The thing I didn't count on was having to provide the topper and ribbon! I planned the wedding as frugally as possible, so I actually made the topper myself. I used the trimmed bottom of a plastic bowl, fake greenery I bought to make all the bouquets/boutonnieres, and lots and lots of hot glue! I was so proud of how it came out.
Thankfully, the women at the bakery tied the bows, I would never have been able to make them look so beautiful!
Because cannoli cream contains Ricotta cheese, Johnny chose to avoid it because chances were high that it had whey. Allergic reactions on your wedding day don't sound fun!
Instead of a "first slice," we did a "first bite" with some gingerbread men we bought ahead of time.
Chomp! We each bit off the other's head!
At the end of the day, I'm glad we had the cake. We took the top home and I had a few slices for breakfasts in the days after the wedding, since we weren't saving it to eat together. The rest I froze in individual slices to enjoy with my mom throughout the year when we get a craving!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wedding Eats
Back in September I blogged about Johnny's and my trip to New York for wedding food tasting! We were so impressed with all of the samples, that it didn't really help to narrow down our choices. After much deliberation, we finally settled on:
(old photo of mine from the tasting)
Passed Hors d'Oeuvres:- Mini Buttermilk Biscuit with Honey Mustard Glazed Ham and Swiss Cheese
- Franks in Puff Pastry with Honey Mustard Sauce
- Twice Baked Fingerling Potato Stuffed with Bacon and Boursin Cheese
- Beef Tenderloin Medallion on Crostini with Goat Cheese and Oven Dried Tomato
- Mini Mozzarella en Carozza with Pomodoro Sauce
- Oven Roasted Mushrooms with Sausage and Sage Stuffing
Displays:
- Artisan Cheese Table - A selection of domestic and imported cheeses, dried fruits, assorted fruit preserves and honey, crackers.
- Arthur Avenue - A selection of imported Italian meats, imported provolone, marinated artichokes and olives, garlic crostini, breadsticks, mustard, ciliegine mozzarella, and fine extra virgin olive oil.
Sadly, Johnny and I did not get to try (or even see) the displays. We were busy with pictures during the cocktail hour and riding on the merry-go-round, so we didn't make it over to that part of the room. However, we did get to eat all of the hors d'oeuvres because the staff thoughtfully kept bringing a plate with 2 of everything on it over to us.
Buffet:
- Mixed Green Salad
- Assortment of rolls and butter
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Cider Glazed Pork Loin over Braised Red Cabbage with Bacon Jus
- Roast Beef Tenderloin with Carmalized Shallots and Madeira Jus
- Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes
- Apple Glazed Carrots
The buffet was amazing! Everything on it was delicious, especially the beef. I filled my plate and stomach to the brim. Unfortunately, my dress started to feel really tight so I stopped at one plate. I didn't want to be uncomfortable the rest of the night, but boy was it good!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas Dinner
Right after the wedding my parents left for Italy. Johnny and I came back to North Carolina with my brother and his girlfriend, Claire. We had a really low-key Christmas with just my God daughter and her family, us, and my brother. I loved the small Christmas. It was really fun company and just enough food to feed us, without going overboard with a gazillion sides and stress.
My brother cooked Christmas dinner, so no recipes, just sharing the day in photos!
First, he rinsed off the duck that had been brining for 48 hours.
Then, he scored the skin so the fat could render as it cooked.
Our first course was ...cheese. Just cheese. Lyn brought cheese, Michael brought cheese, and I had cheese. It was pounds and pounds of all kinds. Salami wrapped provolone, goat cheese, baked brie, and sharp cheddars.
Michael brought this wine all the way from California to share with us. He has been storing it for 4 years in a cellar, so we were really excited about it.
He was really proud of this "crust." Apparently it's sediment, and meant he stored it correctly on its side? He told me to take a picture, so I obliged...
All of the meal in progress-- busy kitchen!
The duck resting.
Awesome, crispy skin.
Really cute presentation. Legs, thighs, breasts, then wings.
My god daughter, Marissa, led us in prayer.
Then the family was ready to chow down!
The roasted duck with red wine cherry gravy.
Roasted teeny tiny potatoes with onions and garlic.
White wine braised kale with bacon.
The wine continued to flow...
...which led to funny faces...
...and new brother-in-law love!
After dinner, we went down the road to show the girls a really over-the-top decorated house. It's been on The Today Show and HGTV.
The Newlyweds!
Merry Christmas! :)
My brother cooked Christmas dinner, so no recipes, just sharing the day in photos!
First, he rinsed off the duck that had been brining for 48 hours.
Then, he scored the skin so the fat could render as it cooked.
Our first course was ...cheese. Just cheese. Lyn brought cheese, Michael brought cheese, and I had cheese. It was pounds and pounds of all kinds. Salami wrapped provolone, goat cheese, baked brie, and sharp cheddars.
Michael brought this wine all the way from California to share with us. He has been storing it for 4 years in a cellar, so we were really excited about it.
He was really proud of this "crust." Apparently it's sediment, and meant he stored it correctly on its side? He told me to take a picture, so I obliged...
All of the meal in progress-- busy kitchen!
The duck resting.
Awesome, crispy skin.
Really cute presentation. Legs, thighs, breasts, then wings.
My god daughter, Marissa, led us in prayer.
Then the family was ready to chow down!
The roasted duck with red wine cherry gravy.
Roasted teeny tiny potatoes with onions and garlic.
White wine braised kale with bacon.
The wine continued to flow...
...which led to funny faces...
...and new brother-in-law love!
After dinner, we went down the road to show the girls a really over-the-top decorated house. It's been on The Today Show and HGTV.
The Newlyweds!
Merry Christmas! :)Friday, December 23, 2011
Brining a Christmas Duck
It's no secret that I'm a fan of duck over turkey. Since roasting duck for Project Food Blog (boo hiss), I've made it again for Johnny and myself, and last year for Thanksgiving.
My brother is home for Christmas this year, and my God daughter and her family are coming to visit. I asked my brother if he wanted to do duck and he said yes, and that we should brine it.
I've never brined a bird, but he said "Mrs. Food Blogger" could handle it, and I accepted the challenge.
I googled a bit and went off his recommendation of "salt, sugar, and orange" to come up with the below on my own, based on what we had.
1.5 cups table salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp mustard seed
1 Tbsp fennel seed
1 tsp celery seed
1 Tbsp black pepper
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup brewed tea, cooled
1/4 cup orange juice
2 navel oranges, cut into chunks (include peel)
1 head of garlic, cloves crushed and peeled
1-2 cups water, as needed
I put everything but the oranges and garlic in a 2 gallon zip bag. I squished the bag for a few minutes to help dissolve the salt and sugar. Then I added the oranges and garlic. I let everything sit for about 30 minutes to let the flavors start to blend.
Then I added the duck and squeezed the air out of the bag. I added about 1 cup of water for the solution to cover the entire duck. Once the bag was sealed, there was no air in it and the brine surrounded the entire bird. I put the bag in a giant bowl in the fridge to avoid any tipping or unplanned leaks.
I'm going to let it brine until Sunday morning when Chef Michael comes to prepare it. I'll let you all know how my first brining experience turns out! I'm excited!
Have you ever brined anything?
My brother is home for Christmas this year, and my God daughter and her family are coming to visit. I asked my brother if he wanted to do duck and he said yes, and that we should brine it.
I've never brined a bird, but he said "Mrs. Food Blogger" could handle it, and I accepted the challenge.
I googled a bit and went off his recommendation of "salt, sugar, and orange" to come up with the below on my own, based on what we had.1.5 cups table salt
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp mustard seed
1 Tbsp fennel seed
1 tsp celery seed
1 Tbsp black pepper
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup white wine
1 cup brewed tea, cooled
1/4 cup orange juice
2 navel oranges, cut into chunks (include peel)
1 head of garlic, cloves crushed and peeled
1-2 cups water, as needed
I put everything but the oranges and garlic in a 2 gallon zip bag. I squished the bag for a few minutes to help dissolve the salt and sugar. Then I added the oranges and garlic. I let everything sit for about 30 minutes to let the flavors start to blend.
Then I added the duck and squeezed the air out of the bag. I added about 1 cup of water for the solution to cover the entire duck. Once the bag was sealed, there was no air in it and the brine surrounded the entire bird. I put the bag in a giant bowl in the fridge to avoid any tipping or unplanned leaks.
I'm going to let it brine until Sunday morning when Chef Michael comes to prepare it. I'll let you all know how my first brining experience turns out! I'm excited!Have you ever brined anything?
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