I squealed with delight when I spotted this vintage apron at the thrift store. I love blue and red together...
I adore that whoever made this used black thread to attach the ric rac red ribbon...she made it look like polka dots. I'll be wearing this today as I get ready for Thanksgiving !

My turkey is already done, thanks to Greenberg Smoked Turkey's. (Thanks Oprah for the most fabulous tip ever !) All I have to worry about are the 'sides' which are my favorite part of the dinner anyhow... and yummy desserts.

Have a great Blue Monday and wonderful Thanksgiving !

Salsa All' Amatriciana by Giada

When my kids walk in from schooland smell this simmering, they say the same thing every time !

"OOhh ! Oohh ! Is that the sauce with the bacon ?" Making this sauce makes me happy because I always know how they will react. They love it !
The recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Everyday Italian by Giada de Laurentiis.
This is super easy, and fabulous. comfort. comfort. comfort.

A family favorite of ours !!

{I originally posted this last year, but forgot to take a photo.}

Salsa All' Amatriciana { Giada de Laurentiis }

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces pancetta, diced ( I use 6-8 slices of bacon )
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano ( I use freshly grated Parm. Reggiano )

1 lb. favorite pasta

For the sauce:

In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta or bacon and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta/bacon and reserve.

Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the cooked pancetta/bacon.

Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve over your favorite pasta.

It's Foodie Friday

over at Designs by Gollum!

{Also participating in DIY Day over at A soft Place to Land & the krazy kitchen & Tuesdays at the Table.}

Here's a peek around my cozy town.

The color of this home is stunning....

And the color of this house reminded me of the book

I just finished...

Is that not one of the most beautiful colors ever ?

It's my 'giveaway'.

If you would like to read this book, please leave a comment.

Random.org will pick winners Wednesday Night (11-18), and I will announce them Thursday.

*UPDATE* and the winner is comment #12 (Jboo) !

Happy Blue Monday! Thanks for hosting Smiling Sally !

Also participating in Watery Wednesday & Waterside Wednesday !

Sausage & Potato Casserole

I mentioned this recipe last year on this post. I've made it every fall for 15 years!
Eating this feels like a great big HUG... TOTAL COMFORT...which I really need right now.
{A heartfelt Thank YOU to everyone who left sweet comments for me regarding my Nanny. I didn't expect any comments....it was just a private note to my Nanny.... but you lifted my spirits ...truly. Thank you...all of you. }

If you are lucky, you'll have just enough leftovers for a yummy lunch. It's amazing the next day!
Click for recipe
It's Foodie Friday over at Designs by Gollum.

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Dear Nanny,

I know you must have taught mom that prayer because she taught me. I've said it every day of my life and I still do.

I know you are with Jesus now and so I know you see my tears. When I woke up this morning, my heart was heavy and I was cold.

And when I opened your great granddaughters room to wake her, I could not believe the white light streaming through the window. It was so bright that the entire window reflected beside her bed.

I felt the warmth of the sun on my cheeks and couldn't help but think that this is your first morning in heaven ! I felt your love surround me instantly. I had to get my camera because I never want to forget what that felt like. The memories...oh the memories. That is what the tears are for.

Thank YOU for the memories Nanny.

The story of how you met Grandpa at a dance...

how you went to a dance with someone else! and met Grandpa and it was love at first sight ... followed by 69 years of wedded bliss!!

when I think of you, I see you & Grandpa dancing. Always.

I love how you and Grandpa made me believe that true love does exist. Neither of you wanted to be without the other, ever.

I loved your house in Idaho. I loved that you collected those tiny white avon lipstick samples.

Did you know I tried on every shade ? I think you had a zillion.

I loved every single Lanz Nightgown you sent me for Christmas !

I loved that you listened to mystery theatre radio. One summer I saved up enough babysitting money to get my own radio, and I would listen to the mystery theatre really late at night when I was supposed to be sleeping and knew you were listening to the same episode !

I love blue cheese dressing because of you ! Remember you would take me to Smitty's for lunch ? You ordered a side salad with blue cheese (on the side!) every time !

Sees Candy- Oh how you loved See's Candy ! I loved going to the See's Candy Store with you. Peanut brittle was your favorite. And mine too !

Mints....you always had mints in your purse ! I've had more Altoids this last month than ever in my life... I've thought about you a lot...

Oh Nanny...I'm so glad I was able to call you on your birthday (92) and hear your voice. I know you remember me now, for God has restored your memory.

But mostly Nanny, mostly I am thankful for your gift of Faith. Thank you for teaching Mom about God and of faith. You taught her, Mom taught me, and I'm teaching my children. I truly would be lost without it.

So today I'm flooded with memories that I will carry in my heart forever. Thank you for your love.

And Grandpa will join you one perfect day and then you can dance in his arms..forever. and ever.

John 14:1-4
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

I love you Nanny. Always. Forever. and ever. November 5, 2009

Singing in the Rain

This is my Pink Saturday Post hosted by Beverly at how sweet the sound.

glorious: delightful; wonderful; completely enjoyable

rain: rainfall, rainstorm, or shower


chase: to follow in pursuit

dance:to leap, skip

It's Outdoor Wednesday over at A Southern Daydreamer & Wordful Wednesday !

Biscuits & Gravy

I'm a California girl who married a cowboy.
(Anyone born in the midwest is a cowboy to me!) So naturally, my husband was horrified when I had no idea what biscuits & gravy was. I remember the first time he made them for me. I was more scared that he didn't use measuring cups than I was trying it. Although I liked it, I'm a purist in the kitchen and that means I like to "measure" ! I knew I had quite a task ahead of me...to find the best biscuits & gravy recipe out there. This is the recipe we use now, and although I hate to admit it, this recipe is sooooo good and comforting and perfect for cold winter weekend mornings ! A definite 'boys' breakfast !

Sausage Gravy {adapted from Southern Living, March, 2003}

16 ounces pork sausage ( I use Jimmy Dean "Sage")
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 2/3 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink. Drain fat from skillet.

Add flour, milk, salt and pepper to large bowl. Whisk until well blended.. Add milk mixture to skillet with sausage and simmer until thickened, takes about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve over biscuits. I use the frozen Pillsbury Grands biscuits in Buttermilk or Southern Style.

Yield: Makes 4 cups

Note: This is the recipe doubled so I can use the whole pound of sausage.

If you don't need to feed six or more, then cut the recipe in half.

It's DIY Day over at a soft place to land. & Tuesdays at the Table & Foodie Friday !

November is here. That means it's time to break out our Coco-motion machine by Mr. Coffee !

We are big cocoa drinkers, here at the Cozy Kitchen!

I bought this 6 years ago on sale at Walmart for $19.99. I cannot tell you enough how much we LOVE this machine. You can find it also at amazon.com.

Clearly, the best twenty bucks I have ever spent !

I love that all I have to do is add milk & cocoa and walk away !

There are so many reasons to love this little machine...

• the kids love to watch the cocoa whirl around

• while they are playing outside in the snow, Cocomotion is busy at work, just waiting for them to return!
• it turns off automatically
• serving cocoa before school on a snowy day is a breeze !
• just press the button again, and it warms the cocoa right back up
• it makes your cocoa the PERFECT temperature ! No guessing ! {If it's too hot for my daughter, I just add a splash of cold milk to her mug}
• makes an awesome Holiday gift for a new family ! They will use it for years !

I feel like it's the 'simple things' that we remember so fondly.
Like sipping cocoa while watching the first snowfall...

Or maybe the time mom delivered hot cocoa to them out on the front porch because they were frozen cold, but didn't want to come inside just yet...

{We used to live where it snowed... my boys miss those winters !}

I don't want my children to remember the Legos I bought them or the newest Wii game.

I want them to remember cozy family time.

Because that is something they can re-create with their own families one day.
It doesn't cost a lot, and there is nothing like a steamy cup of cocoa to make you feel cozy, and safe and secure...and those feelings are priceless.

This cup is for Smiling Sally. Thanks for hosting Blue Monday !

.

Spinach and Bacon Quiche

I've been a wee bit under the weather this week, so I've resorted to my favorite 'easy' meals. Breakfast for dinner. Unexpected and the kids loved it. I served this quiche with sliced fresh naval oranges on the side.

Spinach & Bacon Quiche {Paula Deen & Friends cookbook page 155}

6 large eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk ( I used milk )

Salt and pepper
2 cups chopped fresh baby spinach, packed

1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese

1 (9-inch) refrigerated pie crust, fitted to a 9-inch glass pie plate

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Combine the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use mixer to blend. Layer the spinach, bacon, and cheese in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture on top. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the egg mixture is set. Cut into 8 wedges.

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE ?

{click on top photo to enlarge} photo taken at 7:01pm

I took a walk with my daughter after dinner.
The sun began to set ... and the most glorious rays were shining down.
I forgot my camera.
We ran home as fast as we could.
By the time I grabbed my camera, I was too late to catch the rays.
I took the picture anyways.
I finally downloaded them, thinking they were not going to turn out, and I freaked out at what I saw.
Do you see the "face" ? I totally did NOT see that face when I took the photo.

I put arrows where I see eyes, and then a bridge of the nose. And a mouth, and chin...
I don't feel like it's a "happy" face either !
What do you see ?
{This photo taken at 7:02pm}

It's Outdoor Wednesday over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ 

Fairy Wands

Last year I made Magic Wands which were a huge success.

This year, I wanted to make them for little hands, and so the idea of Fairy Wands was born. I love that these are bite size !

My daughter loved making these with me. They taste just like Mother's Circus Animal Cookies.


These make great treats for special friends. I found the cutest set of little boxes at Michael's by Martha Stewart in the Halloween section. It's all on sale now. The pretzels fit perfectly inside these boxes !



Fairy Wands by Queen B

1 Bag mini pretzel sticks
1 lb. Almond Bark ( vanilla flavored coating )
Nonpareils or other fun sprinkles


Melt the Almond Bark in a double boiler or just use sauce pan, but keep on low heat til melted.
Dip pretzel in melted almond bark.
Roll in sprinkles.
Cool on parchment lined cookie sheet til dry.

It's DIY Day over at a soft place to land ! Happy Halloween !
{Participating in THE KRAZY KITCHEN,  Tuesday's at the table, & DIY fall festival show off & Todays Creative Blog & FOODIE FRIDAY! & Show & Tell Friday

Sausage Swirls

Fall has arrived here at the Cozy Kitchen. The leaves are falling. I love how these last few leaves are holding this sweet nest in place.

It's Blue Monday over at Smiling Sally's!

I have learned that the simplest pleasures bring the greatest joy. I've learned that it's nearly impossible for anyone to wake up in a bad mood on Sunday morning when they lazily wake up to the smell of Miss Paula Deen's sausage swirls wafting into their bedroom. Every time I passed one of my children in the house yesterday, I heard..."I love you mom".
These itty bitty bites make my family swoon.

{ this was one of two platters that I served. Both platters were gone in six minutes. I need to double this the next time! }


Mr. B even mentioned them several hours later as I was folding laundry.
I just smiled and my heart felt soooooo happy. I'm ready for fall, and cozy meals in the upcoming months. I like to serve these Christmas Eve morning, since they are so easy. You can even prepare them the night before, and pop them in the oven the next morning.

Sausage Swirls by Paula Deen
Two 8 oz cans refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 pound ground sausage ( I like Jimmy Dean Sage )

Separate 1 can of dough and form into 4 rectangles.

Firmly press perforations to seal.
Take the uncooked sausage and cut into 8 chunks.
Using 4 chunks of the sausage, spread thin layer on each rectangle.
Starting at the short end, roll each rectangle tightly into a cylinder. Repeat with other can of dough and sausage.
Place on a plate, cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
Cut each roll into 4 slices.
Preheat oven to 375.
Place sausage swirls 1/2 inch apart on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake 18-20 minutes.

*We love to dip them in mustard! Yum!

5 Bean Chili

Breakfast. Uh-huh. My breakfast. This was soooooooo good that when I came home from dropping the kids off at school, I was eating this by 8am. Really. I couldn't wait for lunch. No way.
So, now that I got that off my chest... the night I was making this, I called my sister and told her I was nervous about serving this to my husband, for he is a CHILI CRITIC. He loves to make chili here at the Cozy Kitchen, and well... I was really worried about what he would think.
I was almost certain he wouldn't like it. But not only did he like it....... he RAVED about it through out dinner, and so did my boys. {It was too spicy for my 5 year old daughter though.}
They all said it's a KEEPER and I'm so glad, because they don't even know it yet...but leftovers are even better !! Thanks Emeril !

Oh ! And another thing... My husband taught me to eat chili with saltine crackers, topped with margarine and then topped with a spoonful of chili. Oh my word. YUM!! I wish I knew about that when I was growing up. All those years I ate chili alone...how sad. If you haven't tried it, you should. I've never been able to eat chili without saltines again.

5 Bean Chili - Emeril Lagasse

1 pound ground chuck
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons Mexican style chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, broken up with your hands
3 cups beef stock or canned low-sodium beef broth
2 bay leaves
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained great Northern beans
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained pinto beans
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained kidney beans
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained black beans
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained navy beans

In a Dutch oven, over medium-high heat, cook the meat until well browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onions, bell pepper, garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper, coriander, and cinnamon, and cook until vegetables are soft, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the tomatoes, stock, and bay leaves; bring the mixture to a simmer, partially cover, and cook for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beans, stir to combine, and continue to cook another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the flavors have come together and the chili has a nice, thick consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

*I topped mine with a dollop of sour cream & shredded cheddar. Yum!*

It's Foodie Friday over at Designs by Golllum !

It's Outdoor Wednesday over at A Southern Daydreamer , Watery Wednesday, & Waterside Wednesday !

hide -to obstruct the view of.




tran⋅quil - free from commotion or tumult; peaceful; quiet; calm:





har⋅mo⋅ni⋅ous- forming a pleasingly consistent whole



lone- being alone; without company or accompaniment; solitary; unaccompanied:

It's Blue Monday over at Smiling Sally's !