Category Archives: Agi's Creations

Weekend Birthday Celebration, Chocolate Mouse & High Tea

This is what I am wearing today: turtleneck, jeans, my favorite boots and my pink trench.

Jacket (Jacob). Turtleneck (R W & Co.). Jeans (Gap). Boots (Fergalicious). Purse (Olivia & Joy).

Friday was my husband’s birthday so my son and I let him sleep in and we made him breakfast: German Apple Pancakes topped with fresh whipped cream and a side of bacon. After breakfast I tackled dessert: home made chocolate mousse. It’s been a while since I last made it but it turned out amazing. Even Aiden gave me a thumbs up!!! Below is a picture of our breakfast feast, complete with a home made birthday card.

Chocolate Mouse Recipe

Ingredients
6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, or a mixture, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon warm water
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder, optional
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
Pinch fine salt
1/3 cup sugar

Directions
Put the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan filled with 1 inch or so of water to a very slow simmer; set the bowl over, but not touching, the water. Stir the chocolate occasionally until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, put the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50 percent power in the microwave until soft, about 1 minute. Stir, and continue heat until completely melted, about 1 to 2 minutes more.)

Whip the cream in a medium bowl until it holds soft peaks. Take care not to over whip the cream or the mousse will be dense. Cover and refrigerate while you cook the eggs.

Whisk the water and espresso powder together in a small bowl.

Put the eggs in another bowl that also sets over the water in the saucepan. Beat the egg yolks, pinch of salt, and sugar until foamy and light, about 30 seconds. Set the bowl over the water and whip with an electric mixer or whisk, moving in a circular motion around the bowl, until the eggs get very fluffy and hot to the touch, about 3 minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue beating on high speed until the thick ribbons fall from the beater when lifted out of the bowl, about 5 minutes more. Fold in the espresso.

Fold about a quarter of the eggs into the chocolate to lighten it, then fold in the rest of the egg. Finally fold the whipped cream into the chocolate base to make a smooth light mousse. Pour the mousse into 4 serving dishes or wine glasses. Cover and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour. Serve.

For a dark, double-rich mousse, use all bittersweet chocolate instead of the semisweet, and decrease the cream to 3/4 cup.

Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-mousse-recipe3/index.html?oc=linkback

Finished product

For dinner I made steaks with double stuffed potatoes and caesar salade.

Here are pictures of my husband blowing out his candle. My son accidently blew out the candle the first time :).

I had bought a Groupon for High Tea at the Fairmont last year and it was going to expire in a few months so I thought that post Valentine’s Day would be a great time for my husband and I to go. From the minute we entered the hotel, I felt as though I was back in the 1920′s. I’ve become a huge fan of the BBC show Downton Abbey, and kept waiting for Mr. Carson, Mrs Hughes or Mrs. Patmore to come around the corner. If you haven’t seen the show, YOU MUST!!! It’s one of the best series I’ve ever watched and that’s saying a lot, considering I enjoy my tv!!! We had a fabulous time. Below are pictures of our High Tea experience.

The ornate tea cup and saucer

My husband all gussied up

Enjoying the tea

Us and of the food

The sandwiches were amazing but there wasn’t nearly enough of them. My husband and I kept eyeing other people’s sandwiches wondering if they’ll eat them. We were tempted to ask if we could eat them, but figured it would be in poor taste. We were only kidding, well 90% kidding :). The cucumber sandwiches were the best.

The fabulous sandwiches

The yummy desserts

The fantastic scones

I ended our busy Saturday with a girl’s night. Below is my outfit. I apologize for my insane hair. I’m in desperate need of a hair cut.

On Sunday we just relaxed at home, made a yummy pasta dinner and I feverishly tried to catch up on Downton Abbey. The season finale was last night. I was on episode 8. Hopefully by the time you read this post, I will have caught up.

May this blog inspire you to do something special for your partner’s birthday and to go and have High Tea.

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

More Stripes & A Perfect Recipe To Use Up Leftover Ham

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Outfit #4

Jeans & Shirt (Gap). Cardigan (H & M). Necklace (Banana Republic). Bracelet (Stella & Dot). Watch (Michael Kors). Boots (Fergalicious).

Yes I know I’m wearing stripes again today!!! I told you I have a slight obsession with them. This top is fabulous because it’s simple and versatile. I layered it under a green cardigan and added a turquoise bracelet for a pop of color. My boots are my absolute favorite, love them, so versatile. These jeans are great because they are straight, so they work well in a boot and over a boot. All this combined makes for the perfect getting your son to preschool, running to the grocery store outfit. How’s your 30 in 30 challenge going?

I entered a contest for bloggers: Circle of Moms Top 25. If you click on the link located on the side you can vote for me. It’s really easy to vote. All you have to do is click on this link. Just click on vote and it’s as simple as that. Thanks so much. You can vote every day until Jan 23. Please vote for me. Thanks :).

Yesterday, in my morning haste, I forgot to check my son’s music class schedule. We arrive and realize that it doesn’t start until next Wednesday. The good news is that I found a great and very affordable venue for my son’s birthday (it’s in May, but things book up very quickly) and my son and I both made new friends. So my belief that everything happens for a reason rings true.

Ham & Lentil Stew

A few years ago at work, I was hungrily eyeing one of my friend’s lunches. She was eating homemade ham and lentil soup. She let me have a taste and it was amazing. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover ham after the holidays. So here is the recipe. It makes for great leftovers and you can literally throw in the kitchen sink and it will taste amazing.

Ingredients

use as much leftover ham as you have or 1/2 lb, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 lb of dry lentils (I use 2 cans of lentils)
1/4 cup of dry sherry
5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (I use organic chicken broth)
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 tsp. minced fresh thyme
2 cups chopped fresh spinach
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp of red wine vinegar
top with crumbled goat cheese (I omit this part, we don’t like goat cheese)

Total time: 1 hr (realistically about 1.5 hrs, including all the preparation and clean up)

1. Brown ham in oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; transfer to place and set aside.

2. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic to the pot. Reduce heat to medium, and sweat for 5 minutes.

3. Stir in lentils, increase heat to medium-high and cook for 2 minutes.

4. Deglaze pot with sherry; simmer until nearly evaporated. Stir in ham, broth, tomatoes, and thyme. Bring stew to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer, partially covered, until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.

5. Add spinach to the stew and season with salt and pepper.

6. (Optional) Finish soup with vinegar. Garnish with goat cheese.

This soup is phenomenal. It is hearty, and gets better with age. Enjoy!!!

Happy Thursday Everyone!!! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!!! Just noticed I used lots of smiley faces in my blog today :).

Welcome 2013

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Happy 2013 Everyone!!!

We spent our NYE at a friend’s place; it was kid friendly. The kids partied hard!!! We all had a great time. We celebrated at 9pm (New York time), so that the kids could participate. Below is an attempt at a nice family picture, but again Aiden had other ideas.

My family and I are celebrating New Years day with a feast. We are having German Apple Pancakes, bacon and sausages for breakfast. For dinner we will be feasting on pigs in a blanket, wings and deviled eggs. Yes, I know this is not the healthiest start to 2013, but that’s our tradition: to pig out on New Years Day.

Hope you all are having a fantastic start to the New Year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post on 30 in 30!!!

Happy New Year’s Day Everyone!!!!

Here is my previous post that includes the recipe for German Apple Pancakes. Enjoy

http://vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/christmas-tree-cupcakes-german-apple-pancakes/

Making Shortbread with Aiden

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As you guys are reading this post, my family and I are high atop a mountain, eating breakfast with Santa, playing in the snow and watching the reindeer.

I typically leave the shortbread making to my mother-in-law, but this year I wanted to try and make it with Aiden. He loves using the cookie cutters, so I thought I would give it a try. He was quite helpful, but as you parents know, when a child helps everything takes longer. He helped me cut out about 10 and we added some green and red sprinkles and he loved that. Below are pictures of us making shortbread and the recipe.

1 lbs (2 cups) of butter
1 cup of rice flour
1 cup icing sugar
3 cups of sifted flour

1. Cream softened butter.

2. Add the rice flour and icing sugar.

3. Add the sifted flour and mix until combined.

4. This dough is quite soft (even after I refrigerated it for 1 hr), so I had to roll out the dough in small batches. Use the cookie cutters to cut out various shapes. Place on pan. Decorate with sprinkles. Bake at 325 degrees for 12 mins.

Mama’s little helper

The finished cookies

I like these cookies because they are easy to make, light and not too sweet.

May this blog inspire you to bake a batch of shortbread cookies.

Happy Saturday Everyone!!!!!

Snowflake Ornament and My Famous Rum Ball Recipe c/o Martha Stewart

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This is what I am wearing today: my bow cardigan, chambray top, skinny pants and boots. I was hoping to wear my sparkly flats, but we still have way too much snow on the ground for that.

Cardigan (J Crew). Chambray Shirt (American Eagle). Pants (Gap). Boots (Browns)

The last day of preschool before the holidays was yesterday. This is what my son brought home in a brown paper bag that was decorated like a reindeer. I love it!!!! It’s my first present my son made at school. He told me yesterday that preschool is his favorite. He loves going. Music to my ear :). I’m amazed at how well he has adjusted to school. Can’t believe he is half way done his first year of preschool!!! Where has the time gone????

Yesterday I managed to finish cleaning the house, mail the last Christmas letter straglers, finish my Christmas baking, write some extra blog posts and relax with my husband. Today is also going to be a busy day with a birthday party in the morning and my dad arriving. Looking forward to Saturday as we head up to Grouse Mountain to have breakfast with Santa and play in the snow and then head to grandma’s on Sunday.

Rum Balls (Recipe from Martha Stewart)

Served chilled, these balls are formed when a batch of brownies is broken into bits, flavored with dark rum, and rolled.

Yield Makes 4 dozen

Ingredients

- Vegetable oil, cooking spray
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark rum
- Coarse sanding sugar, for rolling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray; set aside. Melt butter and chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Set aside.

2. Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in chocolate mixture, then fold in flour. Pour batter into prepared baking sheet. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake until top is shiny and a cake tester inserted into center comes out with some crumbs attached, about 10 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Break up brownie into small pieces; transfer to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. With machine on low speed, pour in rum, and mix until crumbs start to come together to form a ball. I add much more rum than the recipe calls for. I basically add it until it almost falls apart. My husband loves it that way.

4. Shape into 1-inch balls, and roll in sanding sugar to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet; refrigerate, uncovered, until cold, about 2 hours. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

* I actually roll the rum balls in cocoa.

May this blog inspire you to make an ornament with your child and to try my rum ball recipe.

Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!!!!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

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We had our book club meeting Tuesday night and this is what I wore. This cardigan will be perfect to wear during the holidays. Love the bows and sparkles!!

Cardigan & Necklace ( J Crew). Jeans (R W & Co.). Boots (Browns). Bracelets (Jacob). Watch (Michael Kors).

A Christmas Carol

We decide to read Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol as our December selection. We wanted something short and light and this worked. Most people are familiar with this classic in either the movie or book format. As I was reading it, I kept imagining Mickey as Crachett. My all time favorite version of A Christmas Carol, is Mickey’s Christmas Carol, the 1983 version.

I, like many, believed that Dickens was paid by word, but that is incorrect. Rather, he got paid by installments, according to “The Dickens Report” from the University of Santa Cruz. Hence, why some of his books are so long. I could have sworn he was paid by the word, the way he went on describing the beginning scene. When I started reading the book, my mind immediately went to the opening scene of the Disney version, making it harder for me to read the book patiently. Dickens does a wonderful job of describing the first and third ghosts. The imagery of the first ghost, left me with a peaceful feeling, whereas the third ghost left me feeling rather ominous. The Ghost of Christmas Future left you innerved, not only because he didn’t speak but also for what he represented.

We discussed whether this book was mean’t to be a ghost story. Upon further research, I found that this book is referred to as “A Ghost Story of Christmas”. I don’t feel as though it’s a ghost story but more a story of retribution; of learning from one’s past mistakes and trying to live a better life. Sure the third ghost appears to be quite ominous, but the idea of Scrooge’s future is more frightening, than the ghost himself. Maybe we are just desensitized now to the idea of ghosts??

Another theme discussed briefly was the idea that one can’t be happy and rich at the same time. I don’t think that that’s what Dickens was implying. I think he wanted people to be the best they can be, regardless of wealth and social status. I think that one can be happy and be rich and Scrooge ended up being both. What do you think? Can you be rich and happy?

I really liked this classic book and what it represents. We should all try to be more like the “new” Scrooge and give to others.

So what do you think of Dickens’ classic novel?

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I made a quick and easy Spinach and Artichoke dip for our meetup. Below is the recipe.

1 can of Artichokes
1/2 cup of Mayonaise
1 package of Kraft Italiano cheese
1 brick of Cream cheese, softened
1 package of Spinach
3 cloves of Garlic

1. Place spinach, garlic, artichokes and softened cream cheese in the food processor and blend.

2. Add mayonaise and continue to blend until it’s mixed well.

3. Place the spinach and artichoke mixture in a corningware dish, add the cheese and mix well.

4. Bake covered at 400 degrees for 20 mins. Enjoy!!! Serve with vegetables, crackers or nacho chips.

It’s a fantastic quick appetizer to throw together quickly and your friends and family will love it. It’s one of my signature dishes I bring to parties.

Mulled Wine

I also made mulled wine last night, but forgot to take pictures. It’s a great warm alternative to hot chocolate around the holidays.

1-2 bottles of cheap red wine (whatever you have at home will work)
1/2 cup of sugar or less
slice 2 oranges
add 3-4 cinnamon sticks
1 liter of apple juice
handful of cloves (I put mine in a tea strainer, makes it easier to serve)

Add all the ingredients in a pot, warm slowly on the stove until nice and warm. Serve in mugs and enjoy!!!!

May this blog inspire you to explore Dickens’ classic ” A Christmas Carol” and to try the dip and mulled wine recipe.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

2 Replies

We had our book club meeting Tuesday night and this is what I wore. This cardigan will be perfect to wear during the holidays. Love the bows and sparkles!!

Cardigan & Necklace ( J Crew). Jeans (R W & Co.). Boots (Browns). Bracelets (Jacob). Watch (Michael Kors).

A Christmas Carol

I really liked this classic book and what it represents. We should all try to be more like the “new” Scrooge and give to others.

So what do you think of Dickens’ classic novel?

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

I made a quick and easy Spinach and Artichoke dip for our meetup. Below is the recipe.

1 can of Artichokes
1/2 cup of Mayonaise
1 package of Kraft Italiano cheese
1 brick of Cream cheese, softened
1 package of Spinach
3 cloves of Garlic

1. Place spinach, garlic, artichokes and softened cream cheese in the food processor and blend.

2. Add mayonaise and continue to blend until it’s mixed well.

3. Place the spinach and artichoke mixture in a corningware dish, add the cheese and mix well.

4. Bake covered at 400 degrees for 20 mins. Enjoy!!! Serve with vegetables, crackers or nacho chips.

It’s a fantastic quick appetizer to throw together quickly and your friends and family will love it. It’s one of my signature dishes I bring to parties.

Mulled Wine

I also made mulled wine last night, but forgot to take pictures. It’s a great warm alternative to hot chocolate around the holidays.

1-2 bottles of cheap red wine (whatever you have at home will work)
1/2 cup of sugar or less
slice 2 oranges
add 3-4 cinnamon sticks
1 liter of apple juice
handful of cloves (I put mine in a tea strainer, makes it easier to serve)

Add all the ingredients in a pot, warm slowly on the stove until nice and warm. Serve in mugs and enjoy!!!!

May this blog inspire you to explore Dickens’ classic ” A Christmas Carol” and to try the dip and mulled wine recipe.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

Christmas Tree Cupcakes & German Apple Pancakes

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This is what I am wearing today to take my son to Gymnastics class: a navy and gray striped sweater, jeans and boots. Later today is my son’s first preschool Christmas concert. I can’t wait!!! I have to remember to bring kleenex with me, as I’m sure I will go into the “ugly cry”.

I’m trying to take pictures in a different, less busy location. Not sure what I think of the lighting. Please bare with me as I try different locations. Taking pictures outside is out of the question because it’s raining.

Sweater (Gap). Jeans (R W & Co). Boots (Browns). Necklace ( J Crew). Watch ( Michael Kors).

I’ve mentioned it before that every month I make cupcakes for an inner city school. For this month, I made Christmas trees for the kids.

German Apple Pancakes

A friend of mine gave me this recipe many years ago and it’s my favorite go-to recipe for a special breakfast. I don’t make them often, just for my husband’s birthday, Father’s Day and when we have guests stay over, but when I do make them, they are a huge hit. They are super easy to make and I serve them with fresh whipped cream. You don’t need any syrup, they are sweet enough by themselves. These would be a fantastic treat Christmas morning.

Ingredients
2/3 cup flour
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cut into pieces (about 1 pound)
3 eggs
1/4 cup, light brown sugar
5 tablespoons granulated sugar plus more for tin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup whole milk

Topping Ideas
Maple syrup
Fresh whipped cream
Strawberry jam
Extra confectioners’ sugar
Fresh squeezed lemon juice

Tools
Measuring cups and spoons
6-cup jumbo muffin tin
Pastry brush
10-inch nonstick skillet
Food processor
Mesh strainer

Directions
This recipe makes 6 pancakes.

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush melted butter inside each muffin cup; coat with granulated sugar. (I use pam in the pan and I omit the sugar)

2.An adult can peel, core,and slice each apple into twelve wedges, then cut each wedge into three pieces.Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.Add the apples and saute, turning occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes, until caramelized. Remove pan from stove; let cool 5 minutes. Divide the caramelized apples among the muffin cups.

4. Place flour, salt, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and milk in the bowl of a food processor. Process for 3 minutes.

5. Pour batter over apples. An adult should place tin in oven and lower heat to 400 degrees. Bake 15 minutes. Pancakes will puff up during last 5 minutes of baking.

6.Take tin from oven and turn it over on a flat surface to remove pancakes. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.

One Giant Pancake: If you prefer, you can make a traditional large pancake to share instead of six individual ones. Follow the steps for the recipe, using an 8-cup apple pan or a 10-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet or baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the edges become puffed and golden. An adult can run a knife along the edges of the pan and then, using potholders, turn out the finished pancake onto a serving platter, cut into wedges.

I hope you and your family enjoy these as much as mine do.

May this blog inspire you to Christmas-a-fy your cupcakes and to try these mouth watering pancakes for breakfast or for brunch.

Happy Monday Everyone!!!!

50 Shades of Blue, Red Hightlights, Hamburger Soup and Ginger Molasses Cookies

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This is what I am wearing today: blue sweater, jeans, boots and my blue Coach watch. This is for you Michelle!!!! Here it is: 50 Shades of Blue. I thought that it would look funny to have so many different shades of blue in one outfit, but because the jeans are neutral and the watch is so small, I find the three go together well. Plus my favorite color is blue .

Jeans (Gap). Sweater ( J Crew). Boots (Fergalicious). Necklace (Banana Republic). Bracelets (Poshlocket). Watch (Coach).

As you can see my hair has been cut, thank God!!! It was lacking shape and color. We added some red highlights and I love it. Check it out.

Canadian Hamburger Soup

‘Tis the season for making warm, hearty soups. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law and it’s fantastic. It’s Hamburger Soup and it taste amazing. It’s rich, hearty and pretty much includes everything but the kitchen sink. You can totally add whatever you want, or just stick to the recipe. It’s the perfect soup and meal for the Winter season.

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onions, peeled and chopped fine
1 garlic cloves, minced fine
1 (28 ounce) cans plum tomatoes, undrained
4 cups low sodium beef broth
1 (10 ounce) cans tomato soup (I use 1 28oz. can of crushed tomatoes instead)
3 carrots, peeled and chopped fine
4 celery ribs, leaves removed and chopped fine
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper ( even more is better)
1/3 cup barley
salt, to taste

Directions

In a large dutch oven, brown meat, adding onions and garlic. When meat has lost its pink colour, drain off any excess fat if there is any visible.

2. Add all remaining ingredients, turn heat down to low so soup is barely simmering, cover, and let cook for about 2 hours (even longer is fine). After one hour, taste soup and add salt if necessary.

3. If you have leftovers (soup freezes well, so consider making the whole pot even if it’s a lot for your family), be aware that it tends to thicken when cool. When reheating, I always add a little more beef broth.

Enjoy. I’ve even put some Kale into the food processor and added it to the soup. You can’t even taste that it’s in the soup. It’s cooking on my stove as we speak. Enjoy. I’ve even put some Kale into the food processor and added it to the soup. You can’t even taste that it’s in the soup. It’s cooking on my stove as we speak.

Here is one of my favorite cookie recipes: Ginger Molasses Cookies. I made it this past Friday as a hostess gift. They are soft, chewy and just the right amount of molasses and ginger.

Crinkled Molasses Cookies

1 cup of sugar
3/4 butter
1/4 molasses
1 egg
2 cups of flour
2 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 tsp of ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

1. Cream butter, then add sugar, molasses and egg.

2. In a separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.

3. Add flour mixture to your creamed butter. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

4. Roll into whatever size balls you wish. Roll it into sugar. Place balls 2 inches apart.

5. Bake at 350 degrees between 8-10 mins. Depends on how big you make the cookies and how chewy you like them. I recommend baking them for 8 mins.

Makes between 2-4 dozen. Depends on the size of balls you make.

Enjoy!!! They will be devoured, I promise you!!! These will be a hit at Christmas.

Don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a $50 Gift Card to Stuck On You Labels.

Happy Thursday Everyone!!!

Polka Dots and Pork Chops

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This is what I wore yesterday: my Tippi sweater layered over a button top, skinny jeans and my boots. Yesterday was a gorgeous day with the sun shining.

Sweater ( J Crew). Shirt (Jacob). Jeans (R W and Co.). Boots (Browns). Necklace (Stella & Dot). Bracelet (The Bay). Watch (Michael Kors).

Not only do I love stripes but I’ve also developed a love for polka dots. Like stripes, everyone can wear polka dots. Adding a polka dot sweater or skirt is a good way to add some flair to your outfit. Below are different ways to wear polka dots. You can even incorporate some of them into your holiday attire.

Polka dot skirt with polka dot top (although from the sun’s glare you can’t see the polka dots on the top)

Jacket (R W and Co.). Blouse (Jacob). Skirt (J Crew). Heels (Aldo).

The polka dot blouse up close

Polka dot skirt with burgundy Tippi Sweater

Sweater & Skirt (J Crew). Heels (Aldo). Necklace (Banana Republic). Watch (Michael Kors). Bracelet (The Bay).

Polka dot blouse

Skirt, Blouse & Tights (Jacob). Heels (Aldo).

Make it festive, add a green cardigan

Skirt, Blouse, Tights& Cardigan (Jacob). Heels (Aldo).

Polka dot sequin top with a lace skirt

Top (J Crew). Skirt & Tights (Jacob). Shoes (Aldo).

Polka dot sweater with black pants

Top (J Crew). Pants (Gap). Shoes (Aldo).

Polka dot top with trouser jeans for a more casual look

Sweater (J Crew). Jeans (Gap). Shoes (Rocket Dog).

Thank you J Crew for this gorgeous sequin top. I absolutely adore it. There are many outfit possibilities with this top. To make it more casual, layer it over a turtleneck or a chambray top. Wear it with a red skirt for the holidays. Add a boyfriend blazer to change things up a bit. Like I said, the possibilities are endless!!!!

As you can see polka dots are so much fun and they come in many different forms. Have fun with them. See how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe. Check out Old Navy and the Gap as they have some really cute polka dot sweaters.

On a completely different topic, my husband makes the best pork chops you will ever eat. Below is a picture of his masterpiece.

Pork Chops

season the pork chops with season salt and pepper
grill it either on the bbq or in the oven
as the pork chops cook, baste with olive oil, repeat many times (this keeps them nice and moist).

Double Baked Potato

bake in either microwave, bbq or oven
cut in half and scoop out inside of the potato and put it in a separate bowl.
1 egg
1 cup of sour cream
2 tbsp of chives (fresh chives are best)
2 tbsp of butter
mix above ingredients and insides of potato together and then place back into empty shell of the potato
add shredded cheese to taste to top of potatoes (as much cheese as you want on your potato)
put back into oven or bbq and bake for another 15 mins, or until the cheese has melted.

We made some corn and peas to go on the side. Enjoy!!! These pork chops are even more delicious and mouth watering in real life.

May this blog inspire you to go out and purchase something with polka dots and to grill up some pork chops.

Happy Friday and Weekend Everyone!!!!

Vodka Infused Lemonade

I blog about life, motherhood, fashion, recipes and anything and everything that inspires me.

Category Archives: Agi's Creations

Weekend Birthday Celebration, Chocolate Mouse & High Tea

More Stripes & A Perfect Recipe To Use Up Leftover Ham

Outfit #4

Ham & Lentil Stew

Ingredients

Welcome 2013

Making Shortbread with Aiden

Snowflake Ornament and My Famous Rum Ball Recipe c/o Martha Stewart

Rum Balls (Recipe from Martha Stewart)

Ingredients

Directions

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

A Christmas Carol

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Mulled Wine

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Mulled Wine and Artichoke and Spinach Dip

A Christmas Carol

Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Mulled Wine

Christmas Tree Cupcakes & German Apple Pancakes

German Apple Pancakes

50 Shades of Blue, Red Hightlights, Hamburger Soup and Ginger Molasses Cookies

Canadian Hamburger Soup

Ingredients

Directions

Crinkled Molasses Cookies

Polka Dots and Pork Chops

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