Southern Pecan Pie Recipie

I have been struggling with weather or not to release my super secret recipe pecan pie recipe.  I remember the touching episode of TrueBlood where Sookie is defending then eating her Grans Pecan Pie.  When I saw the show I was in tears...and I am not a cryier.  It looks just like my Grandmas Pecan Pie.  I am from Texas and just a hop skip and Jump away from the imaginary town of Bon Temp so I was sure my recipe was going to be similar and give fans a small TASTE of the show they love.

My friend Dallas has posted 2 recipes on her blog you should check out.  They are inspired by the same episode of TrueBlood.  http://lovingtruebloodindallas.blogspot.com/2011/07/true-blood-recipe-of-week-grans-adele.html

Here is a video that should make you head to the store for all of your ingredients.

Ingredients.
1 9inch pie shell
1/3 cup of melted unsalted butter
1 1/4 dark brown Sugar packed
1 cup for dark corn syrup
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla
1/2 a cup of heavy cream
1-2 cups of whole pecans

1.  Preheat the oven to 325 F
2.  Combine the melted butter(I melt it in the microwave, allow it to cool so you don't cook the eggs) with the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and heavy cream.  Mix with a spoon until well blended.

3.  Poke wholes in the bottom of your pie shell.  (I know there is scientific a reason for this...but I do it because Grandma says so)  The lay your pecans in the shell of your crust.  This serves 2 purposes.  You will roast your pecans and pre-bake your pie shell just a bit.  Not all the way. I always time it at 8min.  I don't line the pecans up exactly perfect...But if you like go for it...

4.  Then pull your pie shell out and pour in your mixture. (YOU ARE pouring your mixture OVER the the pecans that are at the bottom of the pie shell) DON't over fill your crust. You will notice some of your pecans floating to the top...and that is perfect...

5.  Bake your pie in the oven on the lowest rack for 35-40 minutes.  It is VERY important that you don't over cook your pie.  Some folks think because your pie is jiggly it is not done.  But it is perfect.
6.  Cool in the refrigerator before serving.
Let me know if you make it...

Oh note on the side of my pie....I am made homemade yeast rolls and honey butter...I will save that recipe for another time.

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My 2011 Christmas Tree

My Favorite thing about Christmas is Setting up the Tree.  I like it so much you can find about 6 trees in my home.  (I have been so busy I only have 3 right now) My main tree is a 10ft tall tree I have had for over 7 years.  It is not prelit.  Every Christmas I spend hours wraping every single branch will a set of lights.  I am always asked if I can give tips on Tree decorating and I giggle....I am not a professional but I have perfected my methods over the year so I will share.  I would love to have a Twilight Tree but my husband put his foot down and said no way.  If you think about it I have a gold and amber tree....just like Edward's eyes.

I don't like this one is as much but you can see how it all has come together.  

The glow from the lights makes the lights so pretty.  

My first step is to set up my tree...I then add the lights wrapping each branch with the lights...I then add some twigs in the tree all over the tree.

Here are what the twiggs look like.  I tape them up when I store them...I get mine at Micheal's I use a coupon for 40% off and I get them for under $1.99 a bundle.  With my 10 ft tree I need about 2 bundles.   

My next step is to add my garland...I use a mesh ribbon that works perfect.  I was able to pick it up on clearance for $2 for ??/about 6 yards.  If I have some holes I add some gold poinsettias here and there just to fill in some spots.  I found the poinsettias after Christmas for about 75% off.   

I then add the ornaments.  All of my ornaments are shatterproof and extremely cheap.  I have purchased them after Christmas sales for no more than $3(for 6 to 12).  I have lots and lots.  I have a cat and 2 kids so I lose a few every year....

Now by this time my tree is really coming together.  I also add some gold ice cycles I found at the $1 store a few years ago and they have held up really well.  You can spray paint these if you want a different color.

I hope I have helped someone.  My tree ornaments didn't cost over $30.  My tree and lights were given to me...  My tree skirt was about $20.  You don't have to have alot of money to have a great tree.  If you use any of my techniques....I would love to see your tree...Please post below...in a comment or send me a message...

 Before you know it.....the cat was in the tree...

I think it was the best decoration of all

Vampire Theme Christmas Trees 2011

It is that time of year again.  I just put up my trees and I wanted to see other Vampire Themed Trees.  So here they are.  If you have decorated your tree in a

This one is my fav.  It looks like she made garland out of Red, Black and White Fabric.  Here is a Great toutorial on how to make rag garland.  http://blog.catchmyparty.com/2011/03/02/diy-tutorial-from-a-catch-my-party-member-how-to-make-a-rag-garland/ It is super easy and will last a long time.  The snowflakes can be found at lots of different discount stores.  I have seen the snowflakes in both Red, and White.  I can also see just some black ornaments, with stickers of the movie characters.  I am sure the images have some sort of epoxy on them to keep them on the ornaments for many years to come.  I also see a Hallmark Twilight ornament.

<p><img src="http://twilightguide.com/tg/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/120.gif" alt="" title="1" width="600" height="1044" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-30296" /></p>
<p>Sent in by LauraK.</p>
<p>More <a href="http://twilightguide.com/">Twilight Eclipse</a> and <a href="http://twilightguide.com/">Breaking Dawn Movie</a> news at <a href="http://twilightguide.com/">Twilight Guide</a>.</p>

On Dazzled by Edward blog Auctioned off by Salt Lake City Twilighters Anonymous
 and Auctioned off for $4,000 for a great charity

Here is a link for a Vampire Themed Tree.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/gothicbeagle/6435774957/

The Walking Dead

Are you Watching TheWalking Dead?

WOW.  Last nights midseason finally is AMAZING.  You can watch season one on Netflix and catch up on season 2 via On Demand.  You will not regret it however you may have nightmares.  I don't scare easily but this show has me hiding my eyes.  New Episodes return in Feb.  The website has an awesome webisode you have to check out. http://www.amctv.com/shows/the-walking-dead

I often find myself wondering what I would do in a Zombie Apocalypse.  I have no FREAKIN idea.  I am voting for a Vampire Apocalypse.  At least you could have some time to live in piece during daylight.  Oh and Don't invite the blood suckers in.  These Zombies have no respect for time off during the day....and they don't abide by trespassing laws.  If I lived near the ocean...I guess I would take to the water in a Solar Powered yahat that I would take over....and sail to an island somewhere...Since I live in Texas I probably would not make it to the ocean....but it is the only plan I have.   What would you do..

Speaking with on the subject of what you are watching.....Are you watching GRIMM?  I cannot believe I like a major network TV show.   It is soooo unlike me. I am turning to the dark side.....becoming mainstream???

 But all I need to say to get you to watch is DAVID GRENNWALT...does that names sound familiar...It should.... Can you Say Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.  2 of my all time FAV shows...Also has some great affiliations with other shows I love like Eureka, and the X-Flies.  If that is not enough then ..... it is a drama series inspired by Grimm's Fairy Tales set in Portland.  A homicide detective discovers he is a descendant of "Grimms" who are in charge of keeping balance between humanity and the mythological creatures of the world.  You can catch up by watching episodes you have missed ON DEMAND.  You have to watch....I would hate for it to be cancelled.  Give a chance....Alot of shows are going to be showing repeats in December...so you know you have time....

V-Moda Headphones.

The crafts are on the way...The fabric in the background will be used for a fangtastic craft you will love.  Featuring BILL.  But until then I wanted to show you what I got today....My V-Moda V-80 True blood head phones.  The are soooo awesome.  so much better than the photos.  

 The box itself is one you will hang on to.  Who would put this in the recycling bin?

 Even the back is Cool

This is the headphones on my 4 year old.  I did this to show you that they are not the HUGE headphones but just the right size.  They are pretty sexy...what do you think?  You must give a listen to music on these headphones.  It is like your ears on "V"  If you would like a pair  Visit there website here.  When you go to check out enter the coupon code VAMPIRECRAFT for 20% off.

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Black Friday 2011

I did it.  I broke a 10year streak of avoiding stores on black Friday. (I sent my hubby) But I had a great reason.  I have a lovely Nikon DLSR camera with all of the fancy lens and I LOVE IT.  The only problem is sometimes I don't want to carry it around I want something lighter but I didn't want to sacrifice the image quality.

when I saw the Black Friday add for Target for the Nikon L105 Digital camera for $99.99 I had to jump on that offer.  I was worried.  I couldn't find any reviews for this camera.  But I made the purchase anyway...(or I told my husband to go get it).  I found the camera on amazon for $249...

and Target claims regular price is $199

specks... 15x ZOOM. 12 megapixels, 720p HD video and 3" LCD screen.

He went early this morning instead of late at night.  He said he got in....He got out and it was easy. AND there were tons on the shelf..but check with your local store. He also picked up the extended warrently for just $7.99.  It does not come with SD card or Batteries and camera bag...just FYI

Sooooo To the Review.  I got it home and after about 10 minutes I figured it out with ease.  I already have a Nikon camera so everything was familiar with the format....It has just a less than a quarter of the functions of my big camera but perfect for my needs.  PLUS it takes videos.  How fun for vacations, and I only have to carry one device around.  A trip to Disney is in the near future.  I put the image on AUTO focus and I was really happy with the quality...I even played with the different settings.  I really liked the quality.  Again not as good as my DSLR (a $1,200 camera) but way better than other point shoot cameras I have tried in the past.  I have a drawer of 3 point and shoot cameras I have tried and I despise.  I give them to my kids to take to school and on field trips and to use for their needs. 

Push the shutter button half way down to focus and all the way down to capture the photo.  You may be a bit surprised by the speed of everything if you are a custom to other cameras.  The shutter button is sensitive and if you are not aware on how to focus you may miss it...This piece of advice is going is the most imporant...Work on the shutter button...Or the TAKE THE PICTURE BUTTON.

 The flash does not automatically pop up so raise it if you need it....It makes a huge difference.  The lens is NOT changeable.  but it has a 15x Zoom.  I am not a professional photographer but I am an image snob...I really liked the quality.  The image size (file size) is the same as my DSLR.  Which makes me a bit sad...I have not printed the images yet.  But I am confident in the images is see on my computer.  Many of you know I my day job is a as a graphic designer...so I believe the file size is AWESOME.  I wanted to post this review before they are all gone and the sale is over.  You can always return it if it is not a good fit for you.  If it is a gift don't forget to give a gift receipt.  The warranty is a good buy as well.  

I took about 150 photos.  Mostly of my kids...Here are some of my cat. (I hope you don't mind I didn't want to post personal pictures of my kids)  I didn't alter them AT ALL.  My cat thought something was up and I to zoom and take the photo with one hand an pet him with the other hand. (and yes it was easy to use just one hand and the shutter speed was pretty fast)  I used auto everything and flipped up the flash.  I loved the results best cat photos I have taken.  My cats eyes usually look weird when I have to use the flash.

My Review of Breaking Dawn Part 1

My head is spinning so much information....

If you have read the books you abosuolutely have to see this movie.  You will LOVE IT.  I think I will have to see it again.  Stay for the credits...A small surprise scene at the end..

I have to admit.  I am a huge Twilight fan but I had no idea how they were going to pull off this subject matter addressed in Breaking Dawn without it being CORNY.  But they did it. Would have love some more sex...You will have to use ALOT of your imagination.  I get they have to keep it PG13 but....  It is not a secret Bella is going to have a baby...and They pulled the entire situation off really well.  I have to warn you Kristen looks the part.  She is not her pretty self....  Don't get mad at me but Taylor (Jacob Black) was awesome!  He was warm, and personable and stole your heart with every scene.   I could 't help but join team Jacob on this movie.

If you haven't read the books....I feel sorry for you....This book is DARK, and so is the movie.  I can't imagine how folks who have not read the book are going to understand this movie.  It followed the books really well...The sweet sappy puppy love stuff is over....Stuff is going down. Welcome to Married life Bella.

I hope that was a good enouph not to give anything away but give my honest opion I am so mad I have to wait FOREVER?  What did you think?

Breaking Dawn Quilt Raffle.

If you are a twilight fan then you have seen the AWESOME quilts made for each book in the Twilight Saga, by the Twilight Quilters Coven. Well yet again they have made a quilt for Breaking Dawn.  It is just $5 for a raffle ticket and all of the money goes to charity.  I have my ticket....I am hoping this year I win.  I had to share..
http://twilightquilterscoven.blogspot.com/2011/11/breaking-dawn-charity-quilt-cast-member.html

Now I have to go....It is 10:30 am.......and I have to see Breaking Dawn Part one....I have my tickets for the noon showing.

Huge Breaking Dawn giveaway

http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/2011/11/66-free-giveaways-for-breaking-dawn.html

There is a HUGE handmade giveaway for Breaking Dawn inspired items.  66 items you can win.  Check it out.  at Bacon time with Hungry Hungry Hippon & TLC Creations.  Be sure you follow her instructions....

These are my top 3.

New Kristen Stewart Movie..

Have you seen the trailer for the New Kristen Steward movie.  Snow White and the Huntsman?  If not visit this link.  http://www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com/#/video

It looks really good.

The other movie I am looking forward to in 2012
1. Breaking Dawn Part 2
2. Snow White and the Huntsman.
3. The Hunger Games
4. Underworld: The Awakening.
5. Dark Shadows.  Johnny Depp....NUFF said.


What about you ....Any thing?  I don't really like Chick Flicks....

Semi-Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipie

It has taken me a few years to perfect this recipe.  My grandmother makes Chicken Pot Pie from scratch but this is my semi-home made Chicken or Turkey Pot Pie Recipe.  I am posting to assist with all of your left over Turkey from Thanksgiving.  This is the perfect recipe to prepare the morning of or day before.  This is a perfect recipe for a sick or ill friend you are providing dinner for.  AND did I mention it is really inexpensive.  

Ingredients

1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 table spoon of sour cream

Pepper to taste

1 bag of steam fresh mixed vetab les.

1 box of Pillsbury pie crust (2 pie crusts needed) (you can use the pie crusts in disposable pie pans but the shells are not very deep so you will need 2 sets of pie shells)

1lb of cooked chicken or turkey.

Non stick spray

Instructions. 

1.  Prepare chicken to your taste. Left over chicken and Turkey is PERFECT.  I bake mine in the oven until done.  At the same time steam your veggies in the Microwave. 

2.  Shred chicken and add to a bowl with steamed veggies, 1 tablespoon of sour cream and pepper.  Mix all ingredients well. 

3.  Lay your 1 pie crust in a glass (non stick spray ) pie pan, and fill your pot pie mixture.  Top your pot pie with the 2^nd pie shell.  Pinch the edges .  Poke a few fork holes in the top of the pie. (at this point your can cover you pie in foil and refrigerate, or FREEZE your pie to eat at a later time.  I have never waited longer than 5 days after freezing or 24 hours after refrigerating.) 

4.  Bake at 350degrees until pie shell is golden brown, Usually about 25-35 minutes of cook time.  

No one has to know it wasn’t from scratch.  

Let me know if you make this and what you think.

Twilight Marathon

Movie theaters all over the US are having Twilight movie marathons.  Beginning Nov 17, starting at 4pm with Twilight and playing all of the movies.  At midnight you will see the new Breaking Dawn movie part I.  I did this last year all by my lonesome.  And BESIDES the bimbo who took my seat when I went to the bathroom it was AWESOME.  (Of course you know I got my seat back, I just gave her the look.....)  I am going to pass this year and wait for Part II...I may watch the movies at home...but I will keep you updated.

Only $20 for all the movies is a great deal.  I had a great time at Cinimark.  Between each movie they gave lots of free merchandise from the movie.  Check a theater near you and let me know if you go...What a great thing to scrapbook.

http://cinemark.com/twilight-marathon

Crazy Clips

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile.  I have returned to school and it is really cutting in to my quality crafting time.  I found this simple fun and easy craft and I had to share with you.  You can find the original post on Crafting Rebellion  a blog where you can find crafting tutorials and Inspiration with EDGE.  You can find the tutorial on on her original blog post LINK HERE....

Crazy Clips

Vampire Diaries 2011 Premiere

Last night was the Premier of Vampire Diaries.  I was so excited I didn't have to wait that long after the season finallie of True Blood. (my favs) So waiting didn't suck

I have never been accused of being a PRUDE but last nights episode of Vampire Diaries I was really missing Jenna.  I was a bit disturbed with Matt and Jeremy smoking Weed, but so happy they didn't drive.  The level of alcohol at Elenas party was also just a bit disturbing.....AM I getting old?  These kids are still in high school and underage.  BUT for some reason I was okay with the level of blood and death, and sex.  Go figure, I am weird... I am a mom of a teen.  Luckily he is a boy and doesn't really watch much TV.  I had to say it ...don't get mad..

I am completely okay with it in Trueblood... because it is on HBO.  And all of the charaticres are of "legal" age.   When they mess up...Oh well.

I was thinking about Buffy and she drank a few times IN COLLEGE...they had a few parties with cups...but they never really said what was in the cups.  Vampire Diaries is the only Teen Show I watch.  How are all of the rest.

I really love the wolf/vampire love between Caroline and Tyler.  That is my favorite story line on the show so far.  They both deserve to be happy but....what is going to happen.?????  Can't wait to find out.

Custom True Blood Mugs

She is at it again.  Making absolutely fabulous one of a kind mugs for the True Blood fan.   These are some new designs.  What a great birthday or holiday gift.    You can visit her in her etsy shop Maid of  Clay

Blood Bags.

Halloween is just around the corner...and with back to school over many stores are putting out thier Halloween items.  I love Halloween!  Not as much the cutesy stuff but all of the other things...

I saw the blood bag for 96 cents at my local drug store.  Pretty fangtastic  Not sure I would eat it??
This blood bag would be great for a party favor or decoration.  You can put a label over it.  So if you you were having a Trueblood Party you could make labels for trueblood....Vampire Diaries....Being Human...You get the idea.

You will need to purchase Create a label full sheet labels from Avery.  Then Print measure the size of the bag Label.  Design a personalized label...trim it out and put that baby over the current label.

Really easy and fun.

  

Embroidery Machine

For the longest time I have wanted a small Embroidery machine.  I have been saving up and just ordering this one yesterday..... after lots and lots of research.  I am expecting this week I will keep you updated on what I think.  The price was alot lower than some I have seen in the past.  AND I can design my own designs....

How to make Paper Roses

I love paper roses.  They look really great on handmade cards, a tags and scrapbook pages.

I think the easiest way to make them is with a paper punch.

You will need the following supplies...
6 petal flower punch
paper of your choice
and a glue stick and wet glue.

Here are the steps...
Punch 6 flowers out..
Then crease all of the flowers evenly....

Cut one in half and close the flower...
Now cut out one petal...and close the flower....(2 flowers)
then remove 2 petals...(1 flower)
It is really pretty easy...
Here is another tutorial

Here are some paper roses Ideas...

I would love this in darker colors.

wouldn't this make a cute center piece

Crabcakes

I love to cook....   I am not the best cook but I love to try.  I recently purchase a cook book and wanted to share a few recipes from it.

I recently made crabcakes.   Perfect for a TrueBlood party.  The are pretty small.  I made them the size of Hockey pucks or a little bigger.  I was afraid to make them because I didn't know how to prepare the crab.  I went to my local supermarket.  (a high end one with a fresh seafood counter)  I didn't see any whole crabs just some HUGE crab legs.  I asked the person behind the counter..."If I wanted to make my own crab cakes....could I use the leg meat."  He says yes...and he could steam them for me.   So I took my freshly steamed crab legs home and extracted all of the meat.  I wish he had already had it done...but no worries.

Check out Whitney Miller's cookbook.  She was the season one winner of MasterChef.

I mixed all of my ingredients in a bowl together

look how yummy it is on the inside...

Here is my Cauliflower Mac-N-Cheese also in the cookbook