Share a Spoon Theme - The Real stars of the Show!

Happy Saturday Smackers!
THEME TIME
THANKSGIVING
SIDES!

(See there's one bird but look at all those sides!!!!!)

So, I know I already posted the themes for the whole month, but we need to talk about this week's theme.  I mean...SERIOUSLY!  Yes, we always wait for the perfect bird.  Stuffing, dressing and gravy are wonderful and identified with Turkey day.  However, it isn't Thanksgiving without all the supporting roles.  Just like in any great show or movie, it really is the supporting cast that makes that lead role SHINE!

Think about it....mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green been casserole, cranberry sauce, corn souffle, rolls, vegetables, the list is endless.  Everyone has their favorites, and eventually the Thanksgiving table looks like an endless buffet because we try to make everyone's favorite.  That one dish that is the difference between Thanksgiving dinner and just any other TURKEY dinner.

So this week you Smackers better bring it!  I want your favorites!  What is that one, or twelve dish(es) that you have to have to make it Thanksgiving?

Aaaaaannnnnd, if you are looking for a perfect recipe for a side that you want but don't have in your recipe arsenal speak up!  I'm sure we can hook a sistah or brothah up!

See you Thursday Smackers! Bring it!

PINT - Duct Tape is gonna OWE me

It's STICKY LOVE DAY!

with

That One Mom!

(All post-its referencing the selling of children are for dramatization purposes only.  Comedic relief if you will.  I would never sell them for tickets.  Maybe for some peace and quiet, but never for movie tickets.  Geez people!  Gimme a little credit!)

Share a Spoon Theme - NOVEMBER

Happy Saturday Smackers!

Can you believe we are heading into NOVEMBER?

Oh! Em! Gee!

There are only three weeks of Share a Spoon left before THANKSGIVING!  So for the month of November, I am going to go ahead and lay out what we will be doing all month so you all can prepare.

I have received loads of emails regarding Thanksgiving.

Turkey, stuffing, gravy???  HELP!!!!  Please post recipes for...kind of emails.

Never fear...Think Tank Momma is here.

This week is Family Tradition week.  What's that must have go to dish that is your family's favorite on Thanksgiving?  I will be posting  the Turkey and dressing this week.

I bought a Turkey, just for you all.  I am going to roast it tomorrow, take pictures and show you just how easy it is to make the perfect bird.  This is fool proof people and it is the best, juiciest bird ever.

I will also be SHARING my momma's recipe for dressing.  I don't stuff the bird, I make my momma's dressing on the side.  It's a cornbread herb dressing and it's super yummy.

So for the next week, we will do must have Thanksgiving sides.  Perfect mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls, biscuits, breads?  

Then the last week before Thanksgiving we will do MUST HAVE SWEETS.  Oh yes, the pies....the cakes, the pies, the cakes, dAlrightid I mention PIE?

Alright Smackers there you have it.

This week - Family Traditions

Next week - Thanksgiving Sides

Following Week - Thanksgiving Sweets

The following Thursday is Thanksgiving and Share a Spoon will be taking the day off.

I am available for questions all month long.  Please shoot me an email if you have any questions or you need a food 911.  :P  My friend Nancy says I am her go to FOOD 911.  Makes me giggle.

Seriously, let me know if there is a specific recipe you want for your Thanksgiving table this year and I will try to accommodate you!

LOVE!

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet

We have almost given up the traditional form of Trick or Treating here at Casa di Romano.  We live so far out from actual civilization in the sticks so trick or treating out here is close to impossible.  Plus, if you pull up the trusty website with the registered perverts & sickos sex offenders & predators, the idea of going door to door is well, freaking scarier than living next to Michale Meyers and Freddie Krueger.

So instead of endangering the lives of the munchkins we have been doing the Trunk or Treat option provided at many churches in our local area.  It seems to be the thing to do here.

KoopZombie

Kamalama the Jack O' Lamatern

Khylee the Jaguar Fairy

Trunk or Treat was Wednesday night so on Halloween we will be having some goodies and treats at home.  If we have Trick or Treaters great.  If not, well, we already had some good safe fun and we will just enjoy an evening at home.

So what about you?  Live in a great neighborhood?  Do you travel to another neighborhood where the candy is better it's safer?  Do you do a church festival or something similar?

Whatever the case have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN and enjoy stealing the kiddos candy the tricks!!

Share a Spoon - Peanut Butter Zombie Eyeballs

<img src="http://i636.photobucket.com/albums/uu81/Adrienzgirl/Share%20a%20Spoon%20Warm%20the%20Heart/ShareaSpoon5.jpg" border="0" alt="Think Tank Momma"></a>

Happy Thursday Smackers!
It's Share a Spoon - Spooktacular
compliments of
Sexy Steph from The Blue Zoo
Stephanie is quite the baker, you can find her over at The Spotted Cake as well, and she loves the sweet treat themes.  She asked for Halloween Treats so we are getting tricky with it today!  Everyone say "THANKS STEPH!"
Now, for some fun Halloween made up stuff to make it sound cool facts.  Did you know that all ZOMBIES have bloodshot eyes?  Did you know their eyes are made from peanut butter?  It's true.  I'll show you!
Peanut Butter Zombie Eyeballs
Ingredients:
2 sticks softened butter2 cups peanut butter1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 lbs Confectioner's Powdered Sugar1/2 bar Baker's Paraffin wax2 bags Milk Chocolate Chips (Semi-sweet may be substituted)1 bag White Chocolate Chipshandful of mini chocolate chips red, blue and green food coloring pens
In a large mixing bowl, or counter top mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, peanut butter and vanilla.  Slowly add confectioner's sugar.  You may not need all of the 2lb bag.  I typically use about 3/4 of a bag.  However, in the summer when it's really humid I tend to use more.  Mix until the batter is thick and pulls away from the attachment with ease and is not sticky.
Roll into 1" balls and place on a sheet tray lined with wax paper.  Refrigerate rolled balls for an hour.
Over low heat, in a medium sauce pan melt the wax.  Once all the wax is melted stir in the milk chocolate chips one bag at a time until smooth and shiny.

Using a toothpick, dip the chilled peanut butter in the chocolate and allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the pot.

Work quickly.  Soft peanut butter balls will fall off of the toothpick when dipped in the warm chocolate.
Return the dipped balls to the refrigerator and allow to cool completely.

In a microwave safe bowl melt the white chocolate.  First for 30 seconds, stir.  Then  15 seconds, stir.  Repeat until white chips are completely melted and stirred smooth.  The consistency will resemble frosting.

Dip the completely set chocolate covered peanut butter balls into the white chocolate about 1/3 of the way.  Remove quickly, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl.
In the middle of the white chocolate place a mini chocolate chip for the pupil.  Return the refrigerator to cool and set the white chocolate.

Now the fun part.  Color a blue or green iris around the mini chocolate chip and add some bloodshot squiggles with a fin tip red food coloring pen.
Voila!  Zombie Peanut Butter Eyeballs.  They are fun and creepy and the kids love coloring the eyes.  

(These look awesome in a black cauldron with gummy worms tossed in.)

If you are not into the creepy eyes, these look beautiful without the pen details.  Especially for a black and white dinner.
Cook's NOTE:  I have tried all the recipes for PB balls out there.  Graham cracker in the mix.  Coconut in the mix.  Lots of fillers.  This recipe yields roughly 60 1" balls.  Those recipes will get you more.  My recipe gives you a very creamy peanut butter center.  

Have a Happy Halloween Smackers!  Remember, cook with your kids!





 

PINT - Singing in the Rain

IT'S STICKY LOVE DAY!

with THAT ONE MOM!

Alrighty Smackers!  That's all I have for you today.
Bring your Halloween treats Thursday for Share a Spoon!

Share a Spoon Theme - Spooktacular

Happy Saturday Smackers!
It's THEME TIME! 
and
It's SPOOK-A-RIFIC!

My good friend Stephanie from The Blue Zoo and The Spotted Cake chose today's theme.  She wanted treats for Halloween!  This should be fun!  I love treats and HALLOWEEN is just the funnest of all the holidays!
So, if you LOVE sweet treats, and you LOVE Halloween, or even if you don't but you make something fun, this theme is for you!
I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!
Now go....

Whip up your witch's brew!
See you Thursday!