the booth

mexican nite: yucatan pork tacos

2010-11-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

we have been keeping up with the meal planning around here, but trying to be less creative. turns out building a pantry and spice cabinet from scratch looks bad on the account...

even if he loves the food.

since we are full into the holiday season though-

i wanted to pull out a few recipes i have wanted to try and go for it.

yucatan pork tacos

{stolen from inerikaskitchen.com}

3 lbs pork shoulder or butt

2 medium onions, diced

juice of 4 big limes

1/2 cup orange juice

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1 Tbsp garlic salt

1 Tbsp dried oregano

2 ripe avocados

juice of 1 lemon

1 bunch cilantro

salt to taste

warm corn tortillas, for serving (allow 2-3 per person)

In a large slow cooker, put the pork, onions, lime and orange juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt and oregano. Cook on low for eight hours. Shred the meat with a fork, discarding any large pieces of fat. Keep the pork warm in the slow cooker until you're ready to serve.

Put the avocado flesh, lemon juice, cilantro (the whole bunch, including most of the stems), and 1/2 tsp salt in a blender or food processor. Process until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Taste and add more salt if necessary.

To serve, use a slotted spoon to put about 1/4 cup of shredded pork on each tortilla. Drizzle with the avocado dressing. The pork juices will run down your arm no matter what you do, so protect your clothing.

So, these reminded me a bit of something renee used to make that we copied...

on a roll... with avocado, mayo, and pork meat...

i need you to remember what those were so i can make them.

now!

impressing a visiting dignitary - homemade chicken soup

2010-11-03T16:06:00.000-07:00

peg had to entertain a "very important guest" today

[which is some random guy in town to do a seminar]

dad requested a home-made something...

Homey Chicken Soup

4 over-sized chicken boobs go in crock pot for a few hours

(or you can do it in the stove it you want)

with 1 quart of chicken broth (don't do bouillon- has a fake taste)

peg: it makes your house smell all naughty

like you've been cooking all day...

meg: that's important

once the boobs are cooked through, take em out of the broth

and set em on a plate until they are all "chilled out."

peg: you do this cause they need to be chilled before you cube em...

and i like chunks better than mushed crap...

take your veggies:

1 large onion (or larger- cut in 1/2 in slices))

3 or 4 large carrots (or 3-4 cups of diced)

3-4 cups celery (diced)

peg: i would even make em cute [carrots]- score the sides

and slice em so they look like flowers...

[optional] add-ins:

red or green bell pepper,

or really anything you like...

... put all the cut stuff in the now heating broth,

ms. dash for seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

peg: and my taste is always heavy on the pepper...

after the veggies are softened a bit, add:

1 pound frozen Ream noodles (in the freezer section)

while that is softening,

you are cubing your chicken.

add that when you are done and let it get happy for a while.

soup freezes well and can be left on low in a crock pot until needed too.

peg: and i serve it with rolls and homemade jam if i have it.

meg: you would.

baked beans for a crowd - kicked up

2010-10-21T12:58:00.001-07:00

my assignment:

baked beans for about 150 people....

i called the booth [my mom]

knowing she would have the recipe for a crowd.

she did.

[sorry mom, i changed it just a bit...]

baked beans for 25
[kicked in the pants]

1 #10 can of pork and beans

1 lb of bacon (yes, a pound)

1 large yellow onion

1 large green bell pepper

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup ketchup

enough tapatio (or hot sauce of your choice)

to make you shimmy...

[i just added the heat and lessoned the sugar and grease, for my taste]

the bacon gets cut in 1 in strips and crisped up.

i drained most of the fat,

but kept just a little to saute both the finely chopped onion and pepper...

it goes in a slow cooker or roaster oven with all the rest o the goods

for about 3 hours on lowish.

big hit, mom.

lucky we had a little leftover to eat again today!!

~posted by meg~

gettin around to it! tutorial

2010-06-01T17:42:00.005-07:00

See this quilt in person @ Scrapbooks etc. in Mesa, Az. Also find kits there.

Enjoy making this quilt in other color ways. I am trying it again in the "1933"

Line with a white background! Kind of fun!

Southwest Sunday Dinner

2010-06-01T12:50:00.007-07:00

K.E. From Mesa AZ asked for ideas for dinner with a southwest flavor. I just made a yummy Southwest Sunday Dinner. K, hope you like it. My family raved. I got to have the leftovers and they were way yum! Enjoy.

turkey taco lettuce wraps

2009-12-08T06:55:00.000-07:00

as usual, i called peg and asked her what she was makin for dinner.

it was sort of like this, only i embellished:

turkey taco lettuce wraps

ground turkey
mrs. dash (extra spicy)
tapatío
ground pepper
chopped cilantro
diced garlic
lettuce (large pieces)
tomato chunks

(serve with ranch vinaigrette spritzer)

yum!

• bright ideas • {a gratitude journal}

2008-11-26T07:32:00.000-07:00

on the topic of giving thanks...

how simple and cute is this?:

made by this far-too-creative-and-cute blogger

(yes, that's her real handwriting...feeling sick inside yet?)

(images originally posted by martawrites)

i recommend purchasing one from her store...
her handwriting is the best part.

and the packaging alone will leave you giggling.

i am grateful for more cute bloggers with
• bright ideas •

the best buttery crescent dinner roll recipe you've ever tried

2008-11-26T07:09:00.001-07:00

just in case you needed a
fabulous-rave-all-day-ask-for-the-recipe-perfect-
for-leftovers-but-gone-in-five-minutes-roll-type recipe...

...ya know, last minute for tomorrow...

(image originally posted by this blogger)

meg's really good buttery crescent rolls

2 c. milk
1/2 c. butter (1 stick)
1/2 c. sugar
2 t. salt
7 c. flour
4 eggs (beaten)
2 T. yeast

{preheat oven to 350 degrees}

1. dissolve yeast in 1/2 c. warm water and sprinkle
with sugar
2. put first 4 ingredients in large bowl and
microwave for 4 minutes
3. add 3 cups flour to melted ingredients, stir.
4. add yeast and beaten eggs to mixture, stir
5. add another 4 cups flour to mixture, stir
6. let dough rise uncovered in bowl for 1 hour
7. after rising, divide dough in half and roll out
each half like pizza dough to 1/4 in. thick
8. spread melted butter onto dough
9. cut with pizza slicer into 16 slices and roll from
wide edge in
10. place rolls on greased cookie sheet and bake @
350 for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden
11. brush again with butter before serving. YUM!

tips and secrets:
if you don't have a pizza slicer, it is easiest to cut from the middle to the outside with a sharper knife. also, there is no such thing as too much butter... so don't even think about skimpin!

bright ideas - centerpiece idea

2008-11-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

• bright idea! •

this one is stolen from this cute blogger.

i will be using it as part of my table decor this year.

my ever-growing collection of traditions will be adding this one:

you get the idea...

i am thinking everyone gets a few to write on...
let em live on the table...

love it.

i am grateful for creative bloggers with bright ideas!

praline yam and apple bake

2008-11-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

" You have helped me out before.
I need some more of your wisdom.
I need a yam dish that rocks for thanksgiving.
What do you have that is almost award winning."

- JAM
Provo, Utah

just a little sumpin sumpin we "cooked" up that we think all y'all might like.
we call it....

praline yam and apple bake
side dish for thanksgiving or let’s face it ……it could be a great dessert!

you will need:

3 yams
1 spice cake Mix
2 eggs beaten
2 cans comstock apple pie filling
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teas cinnamon
1 cube butter
2 cups chopped pecans
1 large casserole dish
1 large mixing bowl
1 med. mixing bowl
nonstick cooking spray

directions

cook yams in microwave till soft.
peel and place pulp in a large mixing bowl, mash with fork.
add 1/2 cake mix, eggs and vanilla.
stir to combine. add apple pie filling.
stir.
place in a large casserole dish, previously sprayed with non–stick spray.
in a small bowl stir together remaining cake mix, brown sugar and cinnamon.
cut in the butter till mixture resembles cornmeal.
add in chopped pecans and stir.
sprinkle or spread over top of yam mixture.
bake 45 min @ 350 degrees.
serve as a side with ham or turkey.
enjoy!

we hope you'll give it a try.

yum value = 10
(on a scale of 1-10)

drumroll please

2008-11-15T22:39:00.001-07:00

and the winner of the sumpin pumkin G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y is...

check out calli's food blog and the wonderful pumpkin recipe she submitted!

be sure and email us at askthebooth at gmail dot com with your address
so we can send you this little number:

thanks to everyone who participated!
watch out for the next giveaway and keep the questions coming!

another cute cookie turkey and edible pilgrim hats!

2008-11-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

we just received this cute tip:

"I just saw another cute idea on FamilyFun.com for pilgrim hats to go along with that lady asking about the turkey cookies...these look super simple just using the fidge stripe cookies, large marshmallows and melted chocolate...oh yeah, and yellow frosting..."

-Shel
AZ

click here to see the recipe and directions

she also sent us her variation of the turkey cookies!

-the booth ladies

and don't forget about the giveaway
ends tomorrow!!

adorable paper purses? yeah- we do that!

2008-11-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

"I saw the adorable shoe favors. Do you have one for purses per chance?"

Tia

Washington, DC

we do!
the shoe idea wasn't ours, but we have a few purses up our sleeve:

if you want to make these,

you will need:
cute paper (preferably 2-sided)
cute ribbon
glue (or double-sided tape)
buttons, flowers...etc for adornments
a bone for folding (get at any craft/paper store)

here are the templates.
just click on one to see it larger and print it out.
directions are on each one.

enjoy!

don't forget about the giveaway!
last day is tomorrow!

Cookie Turkeys for Thanksgiving!

2008-11-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

"I am looking for some cute favors for the Thanksgiving Dinner Table. I saw one made out of cookies, candy corn, and something else. It was cute, but I didn't see how they put it together.

Thanks for you help!"

-Cocoa from Arizona

you mean these things?

they are kind of self explanatory.
here is what you need:

and after you put them together with the frosting,
they look like this:

and on a table with cute things all over...

done. keep the questions coming- these are great!

and don't forget about the G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y!

it ends on the 15th!!

loaded baked potato soup

2008-11-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

doesn't the fall just make you want to curl up and eat soup?

we think so. here is one of our favorites:

its what we call: a "buy and lie"

loaded baked potato soup
("buy and lie" version)

12 cups water
3 cups bear creek creamy potato soup mix
3 large potatoes (baked previously)
1 bunch green onion
1 pint sour cream
2 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/2 lb bacon fried crisp

S&P to taste

bring water to a boil and stir in soup mix. reduce heat to simmer for 5 min. or until soup thickens. add cubed baked potato, green onion, sour cream and cheese and stir gently (chunks are good in this soup.) salt and pepper to taste. it will be very thick and creamy. serve in bread bowls with a little green onion and/or sour cream on top if you are feeling fancy.

sumpin pumkin G-I-V-E-A-W-A-Y!!

2008-11-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

what you could win:

yes that would be the most adorable apron you've ever seen!
(made, of course, by—the booth ladies—)

what we are looking for:
creative pumpkin ideas
it could be a recipe-type product, a decoration-type product, ya know...
just a little...
sumpin pumkin.

the rules:

1) on YOUR blog, post the idea/recipe/whatever comes out of your brilliant head...

2) on THIS POST, leave us a comment with a link to YOUR blog and we will all go check it out and steal your idea!

3) we will randomly select from those who comment to find the winner of our first giveaway and we will feature the blogs and recipes that we love right here on {the booth}.

Good Luck!

the giveaway will end on Nov 15th, be sure and pass it along!

Need a new pumpkin recipe?

2008-11-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

"Do you have any new pumpkin recipes for Thanksgiving?
I would like to try something different this year."

-K B

North Salt Lake, UT

a recipe for you.... and a give away too!!

here is a quick one to start.
we like to call this one "buy & lie" because it is
semi-homemade and so easy but very tasty and always a hit.

easy pumpkin mousse pie
(buy and lie)

1 pre-baked pumpkin pie from the grocery store bakery
1 8oz tub of cool whip

into a large bowl scoop out the filling of the pumpkin pie. be careful to scoop only the filling, leaving the crust in tact.
add the cool whip and wisk together completely. spread “mousse” into the pie shell and refrigerate. top with additional cool whip if desired.

this mousse filling is great in crepes or as a mousse on it’s own.

secrets & tips: the recipe also works very well with sugar free pumpkin pie and sugar free cool whip. awesome. husband said i scored with this one!

ok, one more last minute halloweenish thing: music!!

2008-10-31T07:17:00.000-07:00

this album is in the top 53 children's albums on itunes!

the album has haunted sounds to loop on the porch for trick-or-treaters
as well as fun hip-hop[ish] tunes for parties!
check it out and see what you like!

trickortreaters site

last minute halloween decor ideas!

2008-10-31T06:33:00.001-07:00

this gem of a gift box slash table decor slash whatever you want it to be
comes from this crafty blogger:

check her site to get the templates for the shoe.
i wish i was having a witch-only halloween party...

candy corn cupcakes! so so cute and easy.
stolen from this blogger.

and one from me:
get a white pumpkin!

i think they would look so great on a porch with a candle inside,
or you could paint them to look like ghosts,
or you could be like this little designer/blogger
and polka dot them as part of your fall decor around the house or porch!
so cute!

OH! and here is an article i found
about how popular white pumpkins are this season!

don't be a "lost boy" for halloween...

2008-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

"So I'm in charge of a large party this weekend and everyone is expecting me to make homemade root beer, witches brew style, you know what I'm talking about? P.S. I'm a man so pictures would help."

-J.M. Provo, UT

young man, we know oh so well how to handle this one. done it many times and it is so easy, its scary!!

i will see your "pictures" and raise you a video:

homemade root beer

use a large insulated drink cooler to brew it in. this is best to do outdoors or in a place where the cooler can chill and flow like a homemade fog machine. in the kitchen sink, usually works just fine. also, dry ice can be dangerous. be sure to use gloves when handling. do not allow children to handle the dry ice.

ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 gallon cold water
1 Tbsp. root beer extract/concentrate
2 cups dry ice broken into chunks. (more dry ice will produce more carbonation.)

makes about 16 8 oz. servings.

directions:
in a large cooler, mix together the sugar and water, stirring to dissolve sugar completely. stir in the root beer extract. carefully place the dry ice into the cooler, and cover loosely with the lid. do not secure the lid as pressure may build up.

let the mixture ”brew” for at least 1/2 hour before serving. leftovers can be stored in one gallon water jugs.

tips & secrets:
there are 16 – 8 oz servings in 1 gallon.
a little vanilla is a good addition to your root beer.
gingerale can be make in the same way using sugar, water and fresh ginger.
experiment!

a little pumpkin sumpin sumpin

2008-10-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

foto by m @ askthebooth

found this perfect recipe that would be great for any
fall gathering, party, shower,
or just a bored and cold afternoon.

pumpkin whoopie pies w/ cinnamon creme filling

ingredients:
3c flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2-3 Tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4tsp cloves (optional, but recommended)
1c granulated sugar
1c brown sugar, firmly packed
1/2c canola oil
1/2c applesauce
3 cups pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

directions: line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray. in a large bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. set aside.

in a separate bowl, whisk sugars, oil and applesauce together. add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.
add flour mixture over the pumpkin mixture and stir until completely combined.

scoop batter onto a cookie sheet in heaping tablespoons, about 1 inch apart. bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

foto by m @ askthebooth

cinnamon cream filling

ingredients:
1 (8oz) pkg cream cheese (i used light/neufchatel), softened
6Tbsp butter, softened
3-4c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1-1 1/2Tbsp cinnamon

directions: cream butter and cream cheese together so there are no lumps. (getting the cream cheese softened is the key). stir in vanilla and cinnamon. stir in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. if you wanted to be real intense, you could even sprinkle the tops of the cookies with powdered sugar or powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon.

made about 2 1/2 dozen whoopie pies
(using 2 cookies per whoopie pie)

secrets and tips: i didn't actually use vanilla cause we didn't have any (shh... its ok). and a trick my granny taught me: cool your cookies straight on the cold counter. they will cook faster and then you can frost and eat them sooner.

Q: Where do I get greasepaint (make up) for halloween? My boys want to be the blue man group!

2008-10-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

-G.K.,
Mesa, AZ

A: This stuff you wont usually find in stores.
(Though if you were in UT, I would know exactly where to send you!)

What you're looking for is an oil-based make-up. You will find many "cake foundations" and those will work, but they will look dry and crack within a few minutes even.
I would say if you were going to go with the best stuff possible: Ben Nye.
He's the real theatrical makeup guru. Next would be Mehron, and then maybe Jim Howle. If you were to google those, you'd find the best blues with that nice and shiny wet-look you are going for because they make a great oil-based foundation (generally used for clown make-up...etc.)

Certain party/costume stores may carry Ben Nye actually, so I would call around, but if you want to I found a few online as well:

Your only problem now will be getting them here in time for the big day!

Online-wise, here are a few options:

Halloween Costume World
Price for blue make-up only: $2.99
Shipping for 1-day express: $24

Costumes of Nashua
Price for a "blue man" kit (comes with latex bald cap, blue gloves...etc. and a great castor-oil based paint): $32.99
Shipping for 1-Day express: roughly $10-12?

Tips & Secrets: When you order this, whether in the store or online, I would be sure to purchase some "color guard spray". This goes on the bare skin before you go to town with the foundation so their faces don't turn blue for a few days. There is also a "color set powder" that you will use to set the paint so it doesn't rub off all over everything as badly. So your best bet would be party stores, or maybe even a Sally's Beauty Supply...

I hope that helps! Let me know if you need anything else!

innovatively sweet

2008-10-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

here is a trick to make your fall guests smile a hint
around halloween party time...

+

+

= party in your mouth!!

"Snickers" Mix:

1 candy corn
+
2 plain [halloween colored] m&ms
+
2 peanuts
=
snickers!

or try:

1 candy corn
+
2 peanuts
=
payday!

or try

2 candy corns
+
2 plain [halloween colored] m&ms
=
3 musketeers!

and were it me...
i would serve it in a small dish like this,
or if you had a crowd,
put it in a bigger bowl with note cards
(the size of long bookmarks) with recipe directions...

you could also serve this in little holiday muffin cups (paper soufflé cups) or bags...

to purchase:
think Smart n Final, Party Places, or the "cute section" of Target or Walmart

October Woes

2008-10-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

lets talk:

i understand it's busy, i understand you have a bagillion kids running around trying to finish projects, and husbands that are crazy busy and trying to make it work in this ridiculous economy...

here we will help give a few new and fun ideas about how to make your life more simple and economically friendly while letting you enjoy the holidays and get the most out of what you do best.

feel free to comment on any ideas you like, and if you have any questions feel free to ask the booth! wanna know how to make a fast and easy and cuter-than-ever baby blanket? need great ideas for a shower or gift? wanna know how to make great costumes out of materials in that hole of a sewing room/scrap vault of yours? just ask us and we can help!

if we don't know- we'll find out how for you.

askthebooth@gmail.com