Barefoot Duchess

hi, i'm home.

2011-10-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hullo, there, people of whom I haven't talked to in a rather long time! How've you been? I've been busy. and also, I have an announcement to make. Okay, so, you know how Jocee and I are like best friends and stuff? Well, it just so happens that Jocee and I are one and the same. So yes, this has been Jocee all along. Now some of you guys have gotten the memo, when others have still been in the dark, but I thought it'd be cool to come clean, you know?

This is a blog about a girl who loves to cook. And in the event that she does cook, sometimes a disaster is bound to happen. And Jocee, I, am that girl. So, I totally got you guys good. I think. I'm not sure. I'm going to pretend I did. I don't know when I'll be posting, not much, unfortunately, since I have to manage Cupcake Dictionary as well, but I haven't died and fallen off the planet.

So, today isn't weird at all! You just found out that Sandra was really Jocee in disguise, der der le fler. And that cupcakes are really, really good. But you knew that, so, I'll leave now. Until next time, I'm going to have a fruit fiesta.
{pee ess: I am in desperate need of a new blog design. Help.}

~Sandra {Jocee}

the sweetie award

2011-08-19T11:17:00.000-07:00

What are your favorite sweet things to eat {or drink}?

To drink: Shirley Temple. It's sooo good. To eat....hmm, apple pie, or this strawberry oreo cream pie that my grandma makes. It sounds weird, but it's SO. GOOD.

Have you ever dreamed that Candyland was a real place?

No, but you never know what will happen!!

If there was a flavored brand of bubbles, what flavor would you get?

Umm....do I get to eat these bubbles? I don't know. I'd say Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, since it's my favorite flavor of ice cream {made by the fantastical Blue Bell}

Have you ever been kicked out of a bakery for smelling something?

Threatened. LOL, just kidding!! No, I haven't. Thank God, my life would be OVER.

What's your favorite kind of tea?

Chamomile. It soothes....

Strawberry or Red Velvet?

Hmm....I'd have to say....strawberry. Definitely :)

Have you ever poured a jar of sprinkles into your mouth?

Yes, once. They were candy cane sprinkles. It. Was. So. Fun.

Admit it: you've eaten icing straight of the jar, haven't you?

Why, yes. Yes I have. And I'm not afraid to say it, too!

Have you ever drooled while watching a cooking show?

What do you think I'm doing right now? Hehe :P

Thank you to the Homeschool Diaries for tagging me! I tag anyone who wants to be tagged.

By the way, before I go, what do you think of this blog design? Do you like it? Do you think I should change it up a little bit? I'm going to have Jocee help me out. I'm actually at her house right now :P

This is Jocee hacking you. I'm awesummmmmmmm

Yes, yes she is :P And now, I'm going to end this post before Jocee starts talking about cupcakes and dictionaries. Later!

-Sandra <3

AND JOCEE. Live, laugh, love, eat cupcakes, people!!!!!!

Hehe....oh...that...girl....

the epic fail of a chef {AKA: me}

2011-07-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

*first, I must apologize for not updating in nearly a month. Sorry! So-so sorry. second, I'm back now! So yay. And yes, that's pretty much all I have to say*

So, about two weeks ago I was over at Jocee's house, and we made Oatmeal Cookies. And let me say that the video below is going to ruin my reputation. I tried to tell her that she couldn't make oatmeal cookies without eggs, baking power and raisins {and vanilla or maybe even almond extract would've been nice, too}, but she hates raisins so we had to do without. Not to mention, her dad loves raisins, so he kinda devoured them. I don't know what it is with Jocee and raisins, but the fact that they are pretty much violated grapes doesn't sit well with her. I must say, that the video turned out to be a success, but the cookies? Eh, not so much.

Those are Jocee's hands in the video. I was kind of the behind-the-scenes person. But! I did get to:

Pour the brown sugar into the mixer
Film Jocee pouring the butter into the bowl
Man the mixer button
Cut out the cookies into the ice cream shapes
And fight about which font we should use for the video. I have better skills that Jocee on those types of things, but she doesn't want to admit it

Please, don't get us wrong here. The cookies tasted great! But, they didn't really...um...err...look...that great. I blame Jocee, just so you all know. So, since I'm trying to get my baking reputation back:

This usually works better when Jocee does it, but I try ;)

Much love,

Sandra <3

the girl with the guilty conscience...

2011-05-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

I am a horrible person. I'm so sorry. I haven't blogged in weeks, and I haven't posted recipes or anything!!
The good news is, I made strawberry short cupcakes yesterday for Memorial Day, and filled them with whipped cream and put strawberries on top.

(not my photo)

The bad news is, my camera is gone. It will be back, but for now, I am cameraless.

So yes, I make food, I write down recipes, but I don't post them, nor can I take pictures of them. I am the girl with the guilty conscience.

Forgive me.

Please.

-Sandra

new blog design!!

2011-05-14T20:31:00.000-07:00

Do you like it? I like it. Yay, we all like it!! And now, in celebrating, I shall post a picture of my brand new obsession:

I have decided, that from now on, I will not dream in black and white, nor shades of gray, nor technicolor. I shall dream only in Paris. And macaroons ;)
-Sandra

never satisfied

2011-04-20T10:48:00.000-07:00

As my little sister draws countless designs on my arms and I read up on HTML codes and blog headers, I'm thinking: when will I ever be satisfied? (I just realized this is my first meaningful post on this blog)
I always want something...and if I get it, I'm happy for awhile, then I want something else again. It's like an infinite loophole. You know? I do.
I'm redesigning this blog [AGAIN] and I'm going to an egg hunt today with Jocee!
I think I need some iced tea.
I'm craving these:

I blame YOU, Jocelyn, for this. tsktsktsk.
Byee! Have fun in the kitchen :))
-Sandra <3

that girl luvveessss sweets.

2011-03-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

I am happy. Very happy. Well, happy and disappointed. I'm happy because I have alot of announcements concerning this blog, and disappointed because I haven't followed through on those New Years Resolution's I made. It's not New Year's anymore..I should've done them by now!!
The reason I haven't really been cooking as much as I should lately is:

I'm juggling several things right now (including that dreaded thing called school)
My camera hasn't really been working right (evil little troll, but hey! I'm working with it and maybe I'll get a new camera soon!)
I have a ton of music stuff I'm working on
I'm lazy. And making too many excuses

So, from now on, I won't make any promises, unless I know I have a plan. Now, onto the happy things about this blog:

I'm working on re-designing it (maybe sometime in the future I'll get a custom blog design)
I just discovered weheartit.com and they have countless pictures of...just about anything!
I'm making this blog a little less formal. I want it to be more casual and inviting, so more people will find it...a little different from the other cooking blogs (and I know this isn't the best)

Maybe that was all the happy news I had...but look at these really cool pictures!

I probably should've mentioned I liked sweets ;) Bye bye, all :))

-Sandra

Singing Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down...

2011-02-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

The title has nothing to do with this post. I just love that song. And I like sugar. Alot.
I'm officially labeling this blog as "under construction" because my friend is helping do some really cool things with this blog, and I'm soo excited!!

In the meantime, she asked if I could post a picture of these cupcake:

She really likes cupcakes. Speaking of which, check out her blog!! Cupcake Dictionary. Unique name, I know, but just look at it. You won't be disappointed ;)

Stay tuned and have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

New Design!!

2011-02-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

That's right! I got a new design!! I was pretty tired of the old one, and my friend Jocee of "Cupcake Dictionary" introduced me to Shabby Blogs, and voila! My blog is great!! I'm still learning, mind you, so it's not perfect.

Valentine's Day is coming up, and I'm thinking up some new recipes to show you, and I can't wait :) So stay tuned and thank you so much, Jocee!

-Sandra

(Picture property of We Heart It, sadly I don't own this)

Happy 4th, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Martin Luther King Day and All That Jazz...

2011-01-18T08:53:00.000-08:00

So first I'd like to apologize for posting like...well to be correct Eight Months after my last post. I didn't mean to do it, I promise!! But I got really busy and my camera was being an "Evil Little Troll" (That's what I named him) so I couldn't really post anything remotely interesting. Second, Happy New Year!! But it feels like that was a year ago. I don't get it.

I did have an extremely remarkable Thanksgiving and Christmas, we made the famous "Over the Rainbow Macaroni & Cheese" And spent some great quality time with the family. I had very adventurous excursions with my Aunt and Uncle (more details on that will come soon) and Grandparents, and of course my parents and siblings.

I did make some New Year's Resolutions for this year, and I wanted to share them with you so here they are:

Make New Year's Resolution this year
Post on "Barefoot Duchess" atleast 16x more than last year (I wasn't very specific, I know)
Finish "14", "Saga of My Heart" and "Until the Last Rose Dies" (Novels I'm currently writing, it's alot of work!)
Create atleast six new recipes in the following six months
Read the "Lord of the Rings Trilogy" with my mom (yes, we're just NOW getting around to reading it)
Google the things I say I will (and sometimes I've sat down and gone to Google but by the time I get there I forget what to Google!)
Buy a new Laptop, Camera, and iPod (yes, iPod, I actually need one believe it or not)

Also, I'll try to post some more pictures to the blog. Even if I have to force "Evil Little Troll" to work. I hope you have a great day and have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Ballet Austin Dinner Party

2010-05-05T07:48:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday my mom and I were invited to a dinner party for those interested in joining the Ballet Austin Guild. And I have to say it was the best dinner party of my life!
It was held in a fabulous home, by some very generous friends.

The appetizer was delectable, and the company splendid.
But one of my favorite parts was the dinner.
It was wholegrain angel hair with a type of mushroom sauce. And a classic salad with a mix of Arugula, and, several other kinds of lettuce, tossed with a savory vinagrette, and polished off with toppings of olives and cherry tomatoes.
The bread was, I believe, Ciabatta, toasted with a little bit of olive oil, salt and pepper to bring out the flavor.
Strawberry Delight was given for dessert, and it was by far one of the most fantastic desserts I've ever eaten. It was a meringue, sweetened to perfection, topped with a homemade whipped cream, and fresh, chopped strawberries. The crust was almost like vanilla wafers, and it gave the Delight a flavorful and fabulous finish.

Unfortunately, I left my camera at home so I didn't get to take any pictures.

While there, my mom and I met several people, including the president of Ballet Austin Guild. And by the time the party was over we were all excellent friends.

So, all-in-all, the food was amazing, the company fantastic, and by far it was the best dinner party I've ever had. I will look forward to joining the guild.

Have great fun it the kitchen!!

-Sandra

It's May!

2010-05-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

A lot of things have happened since I last posted. My father had a birthday, my brother is graduating from college, and my sister is growing taller by the minute.

I woke up early this morning, meaning I had some time to brew some Chamomile tea and eat my breakfast before my morning rush began.
A friend recently had given me a fine china tea cup and saucer. And get this: it's dishwasher safe!
So I now have china that can be stuck in the dishwasher directly after use.

This afternoon I will be accompanying several of my friends to attend a picnic at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
It will be a wonderful chance to explore many different kinds of flowers and gardens!

What a busy day! But, May is a great month for it!

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Resurrection Sunday Brunch

2010-03-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, my church will be hosting a brunch. My mother and and several other ladies are in charge of the menu. My mother had asked me to help come up with ideas. And we are still trying to figure out what we should bring.
We have decided on something like a fruit platter, and I think Baked Honeycrisp Apples would be a nice treat. But there's something missing. The apples are good by themselves but what if there was a topping to give it that extra bite? Any Suggestions? I'm thinking of an Oatmeal Crumble.
If you have any ideas for the menu please feel free to comment.

Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

What I Ate Today - Baked Honeycrisp Apples

2010-03-12T20:24:00.000-08:00

Hello!

This is my first edition of my new series: What I Ate Today. The recipe I have on spotlight is Baked Honeycrisp Apples. It is an easy, simple, yet delightful recipe for baked apples, that will bring the comfort into your day.
Here's how I made it

Take 2 to 3 Honeycrisp apples (they are at most grocery stores) and halve them. Spoon out the core with a melon baller (found in the kitchen aisle at your local store).
After the cores are taken out, cut the apple into thin slices, and set them aside into a bowl.
Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of sugar onto the apples, then add 3/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix it lightly with a spoon.
Take an orange, cut it in half, and squeeze 1/4 cup of the juice into the batter.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour onto the mixture to thicken it, and mix it.
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, line the apple slices up, about 5 to 6 in a row.
Into the oven, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the apples are golden brown, and tender but still have a slight, crunchiness to it.

This recipe is simple, fun, and the ultimate comfort food!

More to come!

Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

And the Winner Is... (continued)

2010-03-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

As you all might have known I had a recipe contest held last October (Yes, October). And I had left you all with suspense since the winner hasn't been annouced yet. Well, I say It's high time for the winner to be announced.
I left you all with my top two choices for a simple chicken recipe: Baked in a Crock Pot by Fightin' Mad Mary or Roasted with an Herb by an Anonymous Reader.

And the moment you've all been waiting for....the winner is...

Roasted Herb Chicken by the Anonymous Reader!

Congratulations! The recipe for Roasted Basil Chicken will be posted soon!

Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

What I Ate Today

2010-03-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hello, all!

It's been quite a long time since I last posted. Well, I'm back! And I would like to reveal to you a brand new series in my blog, called: What I Ate Today!
Every once in a while I will spotlight one of the meals in my day and show it to you, telling you how I made it, and how to improvise with one ingredient or another. Also I might have a Q&A specialty at certain occasions.

Enjoy!

-Sandra

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T20:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, everyone!! This is my favorite holiday ever because it's Jesus' birthday, and we spend time with family and friends. I spent my Christmas with my parents, grandparents, aunt and uncle, and sister! It was absolutely amazing fun!!
My Grandma suggested we play the newlyweds game (I think that's just too cute!), so we did. It turned out very interesting; my parents won; they got ALL the questions right on the first round, and the majority of them on the second. My aunt and uncle got second place, while my grandparents got last (a total surprise!).
Christmas dinner was spectacular: with the famous Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese (it truly IS "over the rainbow"), and my Grandma's perfect Collard Greens. The turkey was roasted to perfection, and the butternut squash and mashed potatoes; oh, you could not go wrong!
All in all, my Christmas was sooo perfect!!

I wish you all a VERY Merry Christmas, and have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

P.S. the macaroni and cheese was gone less than an hour after it was done!! Looks like mom will have to make more tomorrow :)

It's My Birthday!!!

2009-12-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my favorite day of the year: it's my birthday!! I had the pleasure of inviting friends over and we listened to Taylor Swift (my absolute FAVORITE singer) and went shopping at the Domain!! Well....we went window shopping but hey we still got to go!! A special package arrived from...(I'm not naming any names) and a special Williams-Sonoma gift card was in it, as well as some Homemade Apple and Pear Crisp Jam (Apple and Pear Crisp recipe by Ina Garten)!! Thank you to everyone for making my birthday special!!

Merry Christmas and have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Snow!!

2009-12-04T10:42:00.000-08:00

As I write this it is snowing outside!! Finally!! I've been waiting for this all year!! My family and I are going to play in it soon (if the snow sticks). Considering it is going to be my birthday in eight days, this is a GREAT present.

For those who live where snow is falling: Have fun in the snow!!

And have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Its Here - Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Finally Thanksgiving is here, after days and days of cooking and cleaning, it's time to sit down and eat!! My family is here: my Grandma Sugar (mom's side), and my Grandma and Grandaddy (on dad's side). We're all tortured because of the turkey cooking in the oven. All the herbs just make your mouth water! We made a lot of things ahead of time: Apple and Pear Crisp by Ina Garten, Pineapple Cheese Pie (family recipes), Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese, and my Grandma made Sweet Potato Pie!! We also made: the dressing, and the Collard Greens. I'm so tortured.

Pics to come!!

Happy Thanksgiving and have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

It's Almost Here!!

2009-11-24T09:01:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here! This past Saturday my Grandma Sugar came from Chicago. Since then we have been shopping -not only for Thanksgiving but for the house- and doing...oh just about everything! Yesterday we all went to the grocery store to buy the ingredients we needed, it took us around an hour-and-a-half, and two grocery carts!
I had the pleasure of buying a Honeycrisp apple (I would've taken a picture but I ate it before I realized I was supposed too). It tastes very sweet, slightly tart, and has a crispy bite to it. I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a new type of fruit to try. It works as an excellent snack. I looked at pictures of this Honeycrisp apple online and apparently they don't do it justice. At the very least, this apple weighs about 1lbs, and is about twice the size of your fist (in my opinion). But none the less it is amazing.
This morning I have started making the collard greens (with the help of mom and grandma of course), and later on we will make the Pineapple Cheese Pie.
Tomorrow comes the famous Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese, Ina Garten's Apple and Pear Crisp, and many more recipes.

More to come!

Happy Thanksgiving and have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Thanksgiving Preparation

2009-11-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday! But the cooking, the decorating and the CLEANING; it just takes it all out of you. So this year I'm trying to make things simple. Which isn't working that well. Since I have all my grandparents coming down this year, I will be slightly distracted from the other preparation. I've been persuading my rockin' awesome choleric-sanguine mom to go to the store and get all the ingredients for the fantastic meal early, but since my mom isn't the fastest choleric-sanguine in the world, we are going to be packed with things to do at the last minute.
My Grandma Sugar (mom's mom) is arriving on Saturday, and since she's been so busy lately, we're just going to let her relax. But if she wants to go and shop and party, hey there's no stopping her! (I call her Grandma Sugar because she's so sweet and gives us lots of love)
My dad's parents are coming down on either the day before Thanksgiving, or the Tuesday before. So that means we have more to prepare, and so little time to prepare it.
So with all this said my secret is out. My mom and dad are not the fastest people in the world like my grandparents are.
This year I have decided to explore my possibilities. I am leaning towards the idea of making Ina Garten's famous Apple and Pear Crisp. And hopefully my Grandma (on my dad's side) will make her delicious Sweet Potato Pie! Not to mention my mom's Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie.

More to come!

Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

New Blog!

2009-11-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hey, everyone! I just created a new blog: Dark Countess. It has ideas, for shopping the latest fashions, accessories, color schemes, and more! Be sure to check it out!

And the Winner Is....

2009-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who commented on my last post about the chicken recipe idea. But unfortunately only one idea will be selected. It came down to two choices: Baked in a crock pot by Fightin' Mad Mary, or Herb Roasted by an Anonymous reader.
I have tested both of these ideas -with my own twists- And the winner is......(drumroll)....alright, okay. The winner will be announced on my next post showing the new recipe!
So for now, keep watching for my new post!

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Recipe Ideas

2009-10-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

I'd like some ideas for a chicken recipe and I need your help. Something creative, but not too extravagant and/or for lack of a better word: bland. It's creative and it's also a good way to get involved in cooking.

If you have any ideas, post them in the comment section, and if I find an idea I like, it could be in one of my next blog posts!

So feel free to give ideas!

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Turkey Sandwiches

2009-09-16T13:00:00.000-07:00

I promised you recently I would post my recipe for Turkey Sandwiches. Well, it's beyond time for this to be shared, so here it is!

Take two slices of bread, (this can be any bread you like: whole wheat bread, white bread, french bread, etc..) and spread some mayonnaise over it. The amount doesn't matter, you can customize this sandwich any way you want.
Then, on one slice of bread, assort some iceberg lettuce. Make sure the lettuce is really fresh. Nobody wants wilting lettuce on their sandwich.
On the other slice of bread, place a slice of cheese onto it (this can be any cheese you want too).
On top of that slice of cheese, assemble some shaved turkey onto it.
(Optional) I like mustard on my turkey sandwiches, so if you like mustard (again this can be any mustard: coarse grain, Dijon, etc..), squeeze any amount of mustard on top of the turkey, and spread it out evenly so there will be a thin layer of mustard.
If you'd like, you can add tomatoes, or anything that you think will give this sandwich a finishing touch.
Carefully place one slice of bread on top of the other, and cut it into two triangular slices (or four triangular slices, or squares, etc...).
Enjoy!

Have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Labor Day Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake -with a Slight Twist-

2009-09-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

In my post Labor Day Preparation, I mentioned the Strawberry Short Cakes I would make. It's not a gourmet dish or a secret family recipe, it's something that you can make any day! Not just for special occasions. Actually the shortcake part of this recipe, is something that millions of people buy at their local grocery store everyday in the U.S.
So here's the recipe for Strawberry Shortcake.

Bake one yellow box cake into twenty-four cupcakes according to the directions.
After the cupcakes are out of the oven, let them cool for 15-20 minutes so they will be completely cooled for the whipped cream.
After the cupcakes are completely cooled, set them on to a plate (don't put more cupcakes on the plate than you can fit on it).
Take about one to two 8oz cartons of whipped cream (depending on how much whipped cream you like on shortcake) and spread them onto the cupcakes as shown on the picture above. Set it aside.
Then, take some strawberries (a one pound carton is fine) and slice off the top. After that, chop them up into about 4-5 bite size pieces per strawberry.
Assemble the strawberries onto the shortcake and whipped cream (three or four slices per shortcake).
(Optional) For a unique finish on this dessert, sprinkle some orange zest on top of the shortcake.
Enjoy!

This dessert is fruity, fun, and absolutely delicious!!

Have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Labor Day Preperation

2009-09-06T15:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Labor Day, so I've been working on what to do. So far, I'm on the Mini Strawberry Short Cakes. Well, it's like short cake but I'm not using the actual short cakes.

More to come! I'll post pictures!!

Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Strawberry Short Cookie

2009-08-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

The title of this recipe may seem a little bit strange but since I didn't have any cake around when I made this, I decided to use the sugar cookies I bought that day.
But anyway, here's how to make these Strawberry Short Cookies.

Take about 4-6 strawberries and cut them in to 3-4 bite size pieces (be sure to throw away the top of the strawberry) and set them aside in a small bowl.
Meanwhile, take a sugar cookie, put it onto a plate (it really helps if the cookie isn't cold), then take a large spoonful of whipped cream and put it onto the sugar cookie. Make sure it's not sliding off of the cookie.
Put some of the strawberries on top and enjoy!

To make a two-layer short cookie, just do the steps above twice.

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

(P.S. Check out my new blog http://emeraldcountessofthenorth.blogspot.com)

Sight Seeing in Corpus Christi!!

2009-08-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am now home from my vacation. But I just have to show you my experience!!!
So without further ado, I present: The Sights of Corpus Christi!My friend-who I was visiting while I was there-got most of these pics. The picture below she got in the car. She didn't get out because we were in a hurry to get to the gorgeous beach on Mustang Island.My friend let me take pictures of her kid's hermit crabs. Named: This One and That One. Don't ask me which is which.

More posts to come!

Have Great Fun in the Kitchen!!

-Sandra

Corpus Christi!!!

2009-08-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I have been home from Texas A&M University since late Sunday night, and on Thursday, I left for Corpus Christi! So far, I went to the Gulf, and the Bay, Macaroni Grill, a Ferry, saw the U.S.S Lexington, and Mustang Island!! I'm soo excited about being here, I don't care about it being almost midnight!!!
Pictures from all these great locations soon! And a recipe for simple Turkey Sandwiches.

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Vacation, Vacation, Vacation!!!!!!!

2009-07-31T13:33:00.001-07:00

I am now officially on my vacation!! Even though College Station (home of the Texas A&M Aggies) may not seem like a vacation spot, I'm there to watch a state swim meet as my free time. I know: a swim meet. But I choose to do some interesting things for my leisure time! So far everything is going fine, more to come!!

Have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Vacation!!

2009-07-25T11:12:00.001-07:00

I am now officially going on vacation the last weekend of July!! Meaning freetime!! And more recipes!!

I managed to squeeze in this post in my break time.

Have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Back to Work!

2009-07-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

But I really don't want to!

Hey, everyone! Check out and follow my friend's new blog! Swimming 101

Have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

The Vacation is Almost Over!

2009-07-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of my vacation. All my relatives have gone back home, I am sad for them, but I am still enjoying the last hours of my free time. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of watching Speed Racer for the first time. It was amazing! Five out of five stars! I definitely recommend it.

More recipes are soon to come! Have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Vacation, Vacation!!

2009-07-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

For the past few days, I've been enjoying my vacation. Watching I Love Lucy, The Patty Duke Show, and others is pure Heaven for me. My vacation will end on Monday, so then I will be back to posting recipes.

More to come! Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

The Driskill Hotel

2009-07-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

I went to the Driskill Hotel yesterday for lunch, and OMG! It was amazing!! I learned all about it being the second most haunted hotel in America. There were quite a few "ghost stories" I have heard about the Driskill. Here's a little excerpt from probably the saddest story in the world.
A very young girl was staying at the hotel with her father. She was playing with a little ball near a staircase and the ball fell down the staircase and the little girl tried to get it, but tripped and tumbled down the stair case to her death. She was four years old.
While I was at the Driskill, I got a tour of some of the areas of major interest, such as the painting of the little girl who died on that staircase. Her name was Cassandra. She looked very pleasant. But when you looked at her, no matter where you stood, she stared at you. No matter where you stood.
There were some very strange sofas in the lobby. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, so I couldn't take pictures. The sofas looked like they were occupied, but no one was there. It was very mysterious.
The cafe was amazing. I ordered a Driskill Burger with Chili Spiced Steak Fries. It hit the spot!

More to come! Have great fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

(P.S. Notice that the name "Driskill" has the word "KILL" at the end of it!!!)

The Celebration Continues!! -Mount Bonnell-

2009-07-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

While my relatives were here we had the pleasure of going to Mount Bonnell. It was very beautiful. So beautiful, I took over sixty-eight pictures, and I had to limit them for this post.
They're were a lot of fenced areas on one side, and barely any on the other. I saw some people who were brave enough (and stupid enough) to sit on the very edge, having a little picnic, and definitely enjoying the scenery. They're were multi-million dollar houses all around us; in the hills and on the edge of the lake.
The picture with the number four on it was mysterious so I decided to take a picture of it.

This is a major family trip and I do recommend you go to Mount Bonnell soon.
These locations are sooo beautiful, they'd be a great place to have a private picnic with a loved one.Have a great summer and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

A Second Vacation!!!

2009-07-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is but since I've been on vacation, I can't seem to stop blogging! Today my family and I will possibly go to Mount Bonnell. I've been there before, and it's absolutely gorgeous! Especially the view of the lake and the lakeside mansions. Hopefully I'll be able to get some snapshots of this. Then I will be able to share them with you!!

Many more updates to come!! Literally!!!

Have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Post July Fourth Celebration

2009-07-05T13:23:00.000-07:00

I am having a Pre and Post July Fourth celebration with some relatives. We plan on doing alot while they visit.
While a few relatives went out to eat, I ate leftover Barbecued Ribs and Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese-click the following link- (Five Cheese Roni and Cheese [You'll have to do part 2 separate])

That's all for now. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to get pictures of the food, but that's okay.

Happy Belated Fourth, and have great fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

(P.S. Since it's a holiday I will have more time blog! Yippee!!)

Happy Fourth!!!

2009-07-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

I just got back from watching the July Fourth fireworks!!!! Of all the states I've been to Texas has the best fireworks....but hey I live there..lol!!

Happy Fourth and have great fun in the kitchen, and at the grill especially!!

-Sandra

Herb Scrambled Eggs

2009-05-15T18:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry I couldn't get a better picture. These eggs actually look better in person.

I've been really busy lately, and I can barely get a blog post in edgewise. It kinda feels like I run a very small blog with a few posts here and there to show how you can cook better and reviews on what I made that you should make too. Either way let's get on with these eggs.

In a medium-sized bowl combine 5-6 eggs with 2-2 1/2 tablespoons of milk or half-and-half and beat until the eggs are completely broken up. Set that aside.
Meanwhile, chop up 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh basil , 1 teaspoon of fresh oregano and a 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme.
Put that all into the bowl and beat it with a whisk.
Put in a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it again, and set it aside.
Meanwhile, put 1/2-1 tablespoon of butter in a medium sized skillet. Turn it on medium-low.
After you've let it heat up, take the bowl with the egg mixture whisk it a couple of times more, and pour it into the skillet. Let it alone for half a minute.
After the half minute is up, take the spatula, and fold the eggs. The best way to do this, is to start near the middle of the skillet, and fold it around to the edges.
Keep on folding until the eggs seem to come together (like in the picture above).
Take the eggs out before they're just done (and I mean just before they're done!). Put them in a serving bowl and serve warm.
Enjoy!

These eggs are healthy, delicious, and hit the spot with just about any breakfast. Happy Belated Mother's Day and Happy Fathers Day and have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Just An Update...........

2009-04-15T11:47:00.000-07:00

I've been really busy lately, so I haven't been able to blog in a little while. Trying to nail new recipes, retesting the old ones, and modifying some others to make them fool proof. Other than that, I'm still really busy!! I only have enough time to squeeze in a short blog post. But maybe soon everything will be less cluttered, and I can post some longer posts.

I may post some dinner entree`s in the future so look for those.

Have fun in the kitchen!!

-Sandra

Homemade French Fries

2009-03-24T17:56:00.001-07:00

You may not know this, but I have a little bit of "Southern" cooking in me. So I decided to share this french-fry recipe with you.
You only need three simple things to make this, and you won't have to go back to the store and get them!

On a cutting board, peel three or four (depending on the number of people) russet potatoes. After every speck of skin is peeled off, slice the potatoes into strips-any size is fine-and put them into a bowl.
Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch of canola oil or vegetable oil (depending on the size of the skillet) on medium-low temperature, until it starts to pop a bit. The way to find to find this out is to drop a little bit of water into the skillet, and when it pops, (not too much!) the oil is ready. Put the potatoes in to the skillet, in one layer, and cook until golden brown. Don't walk away! If you have to do these in separate batches, that's okay. But don't let the oil get too hot! If it does, the fries will brown too quickly, but will still be raw inside.
After the potatoes are golden brown, set them on a plate covered with paper towel, and pat them gently.
Salt them lightly, but don't put too much on!! (optional)
After the potatoes are cooled, take the paper towel out from under the potatoes.
Enjoy!

These fries are simple, fun, and absolutely delicious!! I have a hamburger/meatloaf recipe to go with this, and I may post it soon.

Have fun in the kitchen!!!!

-Sandra.

I'm On Vacation!!!!

2009-03-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation in Dallas with my family. That's why I haven't been able to post anything, lately.
First my parents surprised me by reserving a suite in a four-star hotel.
The suite is fabulous!!!

On the last day in Dallas, I went to a Mongolian Grill and had the Sweet and Sour Pork. It was very good. There at the grill, you get a recipe card, and it shows you how to make the food, by putting the ingredients into a bowl, such as your meat, vegetables, sauce, and seasonings, and giving them to a cook to grill. Here's how it turned out:And when they mean "sweet and sour", they mean "sweet and sour"! But overall it was very good. I believe there was a farmers market in Dallas but unfortunately I didn't get a chance to go see it.

Also I went to Barnes and Noble to check out their selection of Barefoot Contessa Cookbooks. I didn't buy one, but the selection was amazing!!

More to come!!!!

-Sandra

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries from Ina Garten

2009-02-14T12:41:00.000-08:00

This weekend for Valentine's Day, I made Ina Garten's Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. It sooo easy to make and sooo good. The White Chocolate part I added, and it makes a difference in the intense chocolate flavor. If you want to try this recipe, click here: Food Network Website.

This recipe is great for Valentine's Day parties, and even a special dessert.

Happy Valentine's Day and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Homeade Kasoo Dip (Queso)

2009-01-31T15:41:00.000-08:00

If you're wondering about the spelling of Kasoo, this is the way I always thought it was spelled - believe it or not (guess I need to learn Spanish). I love this dish. But I have it only so often. So I think it is a good idea to share this recipe with you.

In a crock pot, empty two cans of Rotel ( 10 oz each cans). Then turn the crock pot on high.
Meanwhile, in a saute pan, take at least 1 pound of hamburger meat and dump into the saute pan. Turn to pan on high to start with. Then, turn it down to medium so you won't have to tend it as much. Check it every few minutes, and chop it down to tiny bite sized pieces.
Then, chop 1 32oz box of Velveeta cheese into tiny cubes. Throw them into the pot.
Take the browned meat, and season it with 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Tony Chaceres, but don't season it too much! Taste it while you gently pour the seasoning on. If it is perfect seasoned to your satisfaction, drain the meat in a strainer. This takes out all the fat.
Put that into the crock pot. Reduce the temperature to low, and cook until the cheese is melted.
If you are impatient like me, you can take the Kasoo, and microwave until it is done.
Put the finished Kasoo into a bowl, and on a plate put on some tortilla chips.
Enjoy!

This dish is easy, fun, and is great for parties, preferably Super Bowl parties.

Way to go SixBurgh Steelers and have fun in the kitchen!!!!!

-Sandra

Creme Anglaise Ice Cream from Ina Garten

2009-01-25T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just recently, I made Ina Garten's (the Barefoot Contessa) Creme Anglaise Ice Cream. It was very easy to make and the ingredients are the types that we use everyday.

Here is the mixture before it is chilled and churned to the consistency of ice cream.

I tasted this before chilling (because it looked and smelled sooo good) and it was amazing.

Here is the finished ice cream. Devoured in five Minutes. But I made myself a small serving, anyway.

Also, here is a link to the recipe if you desire to make it. Click here: Food Network Website

Have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Mixed Fruit Smoothie

2009-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't posted some recipes in a while but my days have been just so crowded. So to make up for this, I have decided to give you a fool-proof recipe for a drink that is sure to satisfy your thirst needs.

If you're wondering why I'm posting so many drinks is because soon I may post some foods and the drinks just may go with the dish. Okay, back to the recipe now.

Sometimes my Father makes smoothies. In this case it's a mixed fruit smoothie. So I'll show you how to make it. It's very good and is healthy as well.

In a blender, combine 3/4 to 1 cup of mixed fruit (strawberries, mangoes, and papayas are fine) and 1 1/2 bananas. Also a half-can of frozen white grape juice from concentrate (you can find it at your local grocery store) Then press the "blend" button until smooth.
Take about 1 quart of crushed ice and pour some into the blender. Press the "ice crush" button until ice is crushed. Continue this process until all the ice is crushed.
Take about 1/4 of a cup of unflavored yogurt and put it into the mixture, then press the "liquefy" button until smooth.
Spoon into a glass, any kind is fine.
Enjoy!

Happy New Year and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Grape Slushy Remix

2008-12-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

I was at Sonic today for lunch and thought about their slushy. So I decided to try a recipe of my own, because I love their slushy and have them only so often. So here is my remix recipe of the slushy.

So take some ice (about 1 cup) and pour it into a blender.
Press the "crush ice" button on the blender and crush the ice until it is smooth like snow.
Take some grape (or any kind of previously made kool-aid) and pour it into the crushed ice until the ice is completely colored.
Press the "liquefy" button on the blender and blend until mixed in.
Take some sugar (about 1 tbs. and 1/2) and put in to the mixture
Then take some spearmint, (optional) two or three leaves are enough, and drop it into the blender.
Mix in by pressing the "liquefy" button. Then spoon it into a glass (a highball or martini glass is fine) and mix in with spoon.
Enjoy!!!

I hope you like this! Happy Holidays and have fin in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Crimson Duchess

2008-12-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

So this is another drink like the Sparkling Grape Juice-with a Twist but with a different theme. This recipe is simple and will have you drinking like a duchess. Namely me.

Take a glass (a highball or martini glass is good) and fill it 3/4 of the way with Ginger Ale. I use Canada Dry but any other brand is fine.
Zest an orange or tangerine and put it into the ginger ale.
Squeeze some orange juice and put it into the drink.
Take some maraschino cherry juice and pour some into the drink. This is what gives it the crimson color and flavor.
Get two cherries out of the cherry jar, and drop it into the drink.
Take some spearmint and garnish the rim of the glass with it.
Enjoy!!

This simple drink should make a party or meeting sparkle. Happy Holidays and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Simple Orange and Walnut Arrangement

2008-12-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

I took some pictures of this simple fruit and nut bowl and thought that this would be a good arrangement for a little get-together. So I decided to share this easy arrangement with you for you just in case you don't know what to do for a fruit bowl at a party.

So take a simple fruit bowl and put five or six oranges or tangerines in it.
Place some whole walnuts in and space them to your delight.
Take the top of a pineapple and put it in the top right or left corner. This gives it an attraction.

I hope you like this!!! Happy Holidays and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Five Cheese Roni and Cheese part 2

2008-12-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished dish. Right now it is more than 3/4 of the way gone!!! That shows how much this recipe is treasured in our family. When you get that first bite, you get the crunchiness of the top layer, and then the soft, gooey, milkiness of the other layers. The five cheeses, just melt in your mouth. It's just to good for words!!!!!!!! Happy Holidays and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Five Cheese Roni and Cheese

2008-12-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

If the name surprises you at first, its because my little sister always confronts me when I make her macaroni and cheese and she says, "I want roni cheese! I want roni cheese!" So today mom is making a recipe called Over the Rainbow Macaroni and Cheese by Patti LaBelle, but I changed it to, Five Cheese Roni and Cheese. So she was making her third batch of it because everyone devours it on the spot. Here is a photo of the uncooked dish. Unfortunately I can't reprint this because of the copyright. But I have a link for the recipe on Oprah's website. I will post the finished dish soon. Happy Holidays and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Sparkling White Grape Juice - with a Twist

2008-12-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

So after Christmas dinner I was bored and decided to make a drink with the leftover sparkling white grape juice we had. I went to a grocery store previously with some relatives and bought things for a breakfast I made that Christmas Eve, so I had all the ingredients for this cool experiment.

Take a simple highball glass(a martini glass will do also) and fill it 3/4 of the way full with sparkling white grape juice. I like Welch's but any other brand is fine.
Get four of some fresh raspberries ,gently washed, and drop them into the juice.
Take some fresh spearmint sprigs and garnish on the rim of the glass. But don't let it fall into the drink!
To make this drink even more refreshing, tear a leaf of the spearmint and drop that into the drink to give it minty flavor and decoration.
Enjoy!!

This simple non-alcoholic drink is refreshing and perfect year round but especially for the holidays. This can also be an alternative for champagne on New Years Eve for parties. Kids should enjoy this also. More recipes soon to come. Happy Holidays and have fun in the kitchen!

-Sandra

Barefoot Duchess

hi, i'm home.

the sweetie award

the epic fail of a chef {AKA: me}

the girl with the guilty conscience...

new blog design!!

never satisfied

that girl luvveessss sweets.

*Singing* Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down...

New Design!!

Happy 4th, Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Martin Luther King Day and All That Jazz...

Ballet Austin Dinner Party

It's May!

Resurrection Sunday Brunch

What I Ate Today - Baked Honeycrisp Apples

And the Winner Is... (continued)

What I Ate Today

Merry Christmas!!

It's My Birthday!!!

Snow!!

Its Here - Happy Thanksgiving!!!

It's Almost Here!!

Thanksgiving Preparation

New Blog!

And the Winner Is....

Recipe Ideas

Turkey Sandwiches

Labor Day Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake -with a Slight Twist-

Labor Day Preperation

Strawberry Short Cookie

Sight Seeing in Corpus Christi!!

Corpus Christi!!!

Vacation, Vacation, Vacation!!!!!!!

Vacation!!

Back to Work!

The Vacation is Almost Over!

Vacation, Vacation!!

The Driskill Hotel

The Celebration Continues!! -Mount Bonnell-

A Second Vacation!!!

Post July Fourth Celebration

Happy Fourth!!!

Herb Scrambled Eggs

Just An Update...........

Homemade French Fries

I'm On Vacation!!!!

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries from Ina Garten

Homeade Kasoo Dip (Queso)

Creme Anglaise Ice Cream from Ina Garten

Mixed Fruit Smoothie

Grape Slushy Remix

Crimson Duchess

Simple Orange and Walnut Arrangement

Five Cheese Roni and Cheese part 2

Five Cheese Roni and Cheese

Sparkling White Grape Juice - with a Twist

Singing Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down...