"Pumpkin Patch" Cupcakes

These little beauties were inspired by Charlie Brown.  "The Great Pumpkin" is a timeless classic that will forever hold a place in our mess of DVD's.

Last week I purchased a bag of those delightful candy corn pumpkins that can only be bought this time of year.  They are 100% sugar and my munchkins swarm to them like moths to a flame.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

These cupcakes can be whipped up in a flash.  All you need is candy corn pumpkins, vanilla frosting, food coloring, and some Vince Guaraldi tunes.

Green decorator's sugar, which has been in the Christmas aisles since August, adds a nice touch. 

24 cupcakes, any flavor, baked and cooled
2 containers vanilla frosting
green food coloring
green decorator's sugar
1 bag Brach's Candy Corn Pumpkins

Frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting.  I speak for munchkins everywhere when I ask you to please frost generously.

In a small bowl, add a few drops green food coloring to approximately 1/2 icing from one container.  Mix until icing is a nice shade of green.

Spoon 1 tablespoon green icing on top of each cupcake, and spread with a fork to create "grass".

Sprinkle "grass" with green sugar.

Top each cupcake with pumpkin.

Simple.  Easy.  Fun.

Happy Friday!

These little beauties were inspired by Charlie Brown.  "The Great Pumpkin" is a timeless classic that will forever hold a place in our mess of DVD's.

Last week I purchased a bag of those delightful candy corn pumpkins that can only be bought this time of year.  They are 100% sugar and my munchkins swarm to them like moths to a flame.

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

These cupcakes can be whipped up in a flash.  All you need is candy corn pumpkins, vanilla frosting, food coloring, and some Vince Guaraldi tunes.

Green decorator's sugar, which has been in the Christmas aisles since August, adds a nice touch. 

24 cupcakes, any flavor, baked and cooled
2 containers vanilla frosting
green food coloring
green decorator's sugar
1 bag Brach's Candy Corn Pumpkins

Frost cupcakes with vanilla frosting.  I speak for munchkins everywhere when I ask you to please frost generously.

In a small bowl, add a few drops green food coloring to approximately 1/2 icing from one container.  Mix until icing is a nice shade of green.

Spoon 1 tablespoon green icing on top of each cupcake, and spread with a fork to create "grass".

Sprinkle "grass" with green sugar.

Top each cupcake with pumpkin.

Simple.  Easy.  Fun.

Happy Friday!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chocolate Macaroon Tunnel Bundt Cake

Happy birthday to my sweet hubby!!

My husband's favorite cake has always been chocolate macaroon.

chocolate macaroon tunnel cake

Many moons ago, when my husband and I were planning our wedding, and I was having bridal showers, my Aunt Carol gave me my first (and only) bundt cake pan.  She had remembered Brian mentioning his love of this cake.  Inside the cake pan was the box mix for Chocolate Macaroon.

 I think it was Pillsbury that made it?

Anywho.... he was excited and I baked it for him for his birthday.

no need to put ALL of those holes in the cake with THAT many candles. four will do

The very next year, they quit making it.

Now I am not a fan of coconut, so if it wasn't his favorite cake,

this would have gone totally unnoticed by me.

But it was.

I searched high and low, and couldn't find one anywhere.

For years I tried to find him one that was similar, or maybe turn him on to a new cake?

One year I made this tall gorgeous Waldorf Astoria cake.

Red  is his FAVORITE color...

The cake was gorgeous!! But, it weighed about 50 pounds.

Epic fail.

I am most definitely a cake mix kinda girl!!

Well, back in the dark ages when we got married, and the cake was ripped from the grocery shelves,  Google wasn't even born yet.  It wasn't like today when you can just hop on your computer, or your phone for that matter and find whatever you want!!

But once google was born, I started trying recipes that said they tasted like the old box mix.

Year after year I tried. 

Bless his heart, he was so sweet to say "it's okay, I mean it's close...but not quite there"

He ate them every time so I wouldn't feel bad.

Finally, I decided to take a couple of different recipes and tweak them and merge them and

By George,  I had it!! 

I think his words were something like "You FINALLY did it!!"

In our house, on your birthday, you get to choose what you would like me to make you for dinner. 

(trust me when I say, that this gets VERY interesting with twins.

Most often their requests don't exactly "go" together!)

Then your dinner is served on "the birthday plate."

(compliments of my friend Candi who sent these to me long ago. Yes, of course, we have two!)

Brian's request last night was spaghetti and meatballs.  I made it using my spaghetti sauce I canned a couple of months ago. 

LINK to Tomato Sauces

spaghetti with meatballs on the birthday plate

We enjoyed a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs with a side of sweet corn (don't ask me, he said his Mom always made corn when she made spaghetti... it's his birthday I didn't ask questions!! ;)

 and ciabatta cheese bread.

After his dinner I brewed some decaf coffee and we blew out candles and enjoyed his cake!

it looks like a giant donut from this angle!  That "puddle" of icing in the middle is the BOMB.  just sayin'....

In our family when one of us has a birthday, after the birthday person blows out the candles, we go in order of "who's birthday is next" and they get a trial run at the candles!

one of our twins... he's got four candles down, now he needs to get nine next month!

So here is the recipe that I use for his birthday cake every year.

I just have to say that when I put this on the fireplace to take a picture, my boxer looked at it then at me with that look like "For ME?!?!"

Chocolate Macaroon Tunnel Bundt Cake

Cake

One Chocolate Cake Mix- prepared according to box instructions

(I have used German Chocolate or Devils Food)

Filling

2 egg whites

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flaked coconut

2 Tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons vanilla

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon butter 2 Tablespoons Milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

for chocolate glaze you can add 2 Tablespoons of cocoa to the above mixture.

(I glaze with both flavors.  Because did I mention how good that puddle of icing int he middle is?!?!)

If you're in a hurry, you can cheat and microwave frosting in a can and drizzle over the top. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare cake mix as per box instructions.  In a separate bowl mix up the coconut filling.

Pour about 1/2 of the cake mix into your bundt pan. Now spoon filling in a "tunnel" on top of the batter.

Be careful not to let the filling touch the pan.

 Now pour and evenly cover the tunnel with the rest of the batter.  

Bake the cake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 20-30 minutes and turn onto a plate to cool the rest of the way.

Drizzle with frosting if you desire.

Happy birthday to my sweet hubby!!

My husband's favorite cake has always been chocolate macaroon.

chocolate macaroon tunnel cake

Many moons ago, when my husband and I were planning our wedding, and I was having bridal showers, my Aunt Carol gave me my first (and only) bundt cake pan.  She had remembered Brian mentioning his love of this cake.  Inside the cake pan was the box mix for Chocolate Macaroon.

 I think it was Pillsbury that made it?

Anywho.... he was excited and I baked it for him for his birthday.

no need to put ALL of those holes in the cake with THAT many candles. four will do

The very next year, they quit making it.

Now I am not a fan of coconut, so if it wasn't his favorite cake,

this would have gone totally unnoticed by me.

But it was.

I searched high and low, and couldn't find one anywhere.

For years I tried to find him one that was similar, or maybe turn him on to a new cake?

One year I made this tall gorgeous Waldorf Astoria cake.

Red  is his FAVORITE color...

The cake was gorgeous!! But, it weighed about 50 pounds.

Epic fail.

I am most definitely a cake mix kinda girl!!

Well, back in the dark ages when we got married, and the cake was ripped from the grocery shelves,  Google wasn't even born yet.  It wasn't like today when you can just hop on your computer, or your phone for that matter and find whatever you want!!

But once google was born, I started trying recipes that said they tasted like the old box mix.

Year after year I tried. 

Bless his heart, he was so sweet to say "it's okay, I mean it's close...but not quite there"

He ate them every time so I wouldn't feel bad.

Finally, I decided to take a couple of different recipes and tweak them and merge them and

By George,  I had it!! 

I think his words were something like "You FINALLY did it!!"

In our house, on your birthday, you get to choose what you would like me to make you for dinner. 

(trust me when I say, that this gets VERY interesting with twins.

Most often their requests don't exactly "go" together!)

Then your dinner is served on "the birthday plate."

(compliments of my friend Candi who sent these to me long ago. Yes, of course, we have two!)

Brian's request last night was spaghetti and meatballs.  I made it using my spaghetti sauce I canned a couple of months ago. 

LINK to Tomato Sauces

spaghetti with meatballs on the birthday plate

We enjoyed a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs with a side of sweet corn (don't ask me, he said his Mom always made corn when she made spaghetti... it's his birthday I didn't ask questions!! ;)

 and ciabatta cheese bread.

After his dinner I brewed some decaf coffee and we blew out candles and enjoyed his cake!

it looks like a giant donut from this angle!  That "puddle" of icing in the middle is the BOMB.  just sayin'....

In our family when one of us has a birthday, after the birthday person blows out the candles, we go in order of "who's birthday is next" and they get a trial run at the candles!

one of our twins... he's got four candles down, now he needs to get nine next month!

So here is the recipe that I use for his birthday cake every year.

I just have to say that when I put this on the fireplace to take a picture, my boxer looked at it then at me with that look like "For ME?!?!"

Chocolate Macaroon Tunnel Bundt Cake

Cake

One Chocolate Cake Mix- prepared according to box instructions

(I have used German Chocolate or Devils Food)

Filling

2 egg whites

1/2 cup sugar

2 cups flaked coconut

2 Tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons vanilla

Glaze

2 cups powdered sugar

1 Tablespoon butter 2 Tablespoons Milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

for chocolate glaze you can add 2 Tablespoons of cocoa to the above mixture.

(I glaze with both flavors.  Because did I mention how good that puddle of icing int he middle is?!?!)

If you're in a hurry, you can cheat and microwave frosting in a can and drizzle over the top. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray your bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare cake mix as per box instructions.  In a separate bowl mix up the coconut filling.

Pour about 1/2 of the cake mix into your bundt pan. Now spoon filling in a "tunnel" on top of the batter.

Be careful not to let the filling touch the pan.

 Now pour and evenly cover the tunnel with the rest of the batter.  

Bake the cake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 20-30 minutes and turn onto a plate to cool the rest of the way.

Drizzle with frosting if you desire.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Afternoon Movie: Legends of the Fall

I remember when Legends of the Fall  hit the big screen.  Brad Pitt was never hotter and the name "Tristan" became quite the trend.

I can understand why.

Yesterday, still weak on the energy from battling the flu last weekend, I did something I haven't done in years.  I sat and watched a movie while Moopa napped.

Encore was playing Legends of the Fall.  Brad Pitt was dreamy and Anthony Hopkins was commanding.  The evolving tale of this family tugs at my heartstrings because it so perfectly portrays how complicated life is when children grow up.  

People develop different ideals.  They fall in love.  They grow apart and but family always ties them together.

There is so much love, passion, family, war, politics, history and heart in this film I needed a box of tissues every half hour yesterday.

I cannot watch this film without crying my eyes out.

Tristan, I have nowhere to send this letter and no reason to believe you wish to receive it. I write it only for myself. And so I will hide it away along with all the things left unsaid and undone between us. (Susannah)

Oh Susannah.  Excuse me as I dry my tears.

And now, to Target for a Frappuccino.

I remember when Legends of the Fall  hit the big screen.  Brad Pitt was never hotter and the name "Tristan" became quite the trend.

I can understand why.

Yesterday, still weak on the energy from battling the flu last weekend, I did something I haven't done in years.  I sat and watched a movie while Moopa napped.

Encore was playing Legends of the Fall.  Brad Pitt was dreamy and Anthony Hopkins was commanding.  The evolving tale of this family tugs at my heartstrings because it so perfectly portrays how complicated life is when children grow up.  

People develop different ideals.  They fall in love.  They grow apart and but family always ties them together.

There is so much love, passion, family, war, politics, history and heart in this film I needed a box of tissues every half hour yesterday.

I cannot watch this film without crying my eyes out.

Tristan, I have nowhere to send this letter and no reason to believe you wish to receive it. I write it only for myself. And so I will hide it away along with all the things left unsaid and undone between us. (Susannah)

Oh Susannah.  Excuse me as I dry my tears.

And now, to Target for a Frappuccino.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Thank Heavens for the Dog

Every few nights, my little guy sneaks into our room because he can't sleep.  Or he had a bad dream.  Or he just feels like it.

Regardless, I flag him into my bed because my butt is not gettin' up.

Recently I inquired why he is sneaking into our room at night.  He told me it's because he "doesn't have anyone" when he gets afraid.

His older sister has the Moopa in her room.  I have Daddy.  The Sports Fanatic has his bunk bed.

Don't ask.

Tonight when I went to say goodnight to dear LLG, he had solved his problem.

I'll let you know how this new "arrangement" works out.  I'm thinking the dog is pretty pleased.  

As long as my "midnight wanderer" stays in bed and the dog doesn't leave a 2am poop on the rug I'll let this continue.

Thank heavens for the dog.  She causes plenty of problems but she manages to solve them as well.

Have a fabulous Wednesday.  The weekend is on its way!

Every few nights, my little guy sneaks into our room because he can't sleep.  Or he had a bad dream.  Or he just feels like it.

Regardless, I flag him into my bed because my butt is not gettin' up.

Recently I inquired why he is sneaking into our room at night.  He told me it's because he "doesn't have anyone" when he gets afraid.

His older sister has the Moopa in her room.  I have Daddy.  The Sports Fanatic has his bunk bed.

Don't ask.

Tonight when I went to say goodnight to dear LLG, he had solved his problem.

I'll let you know how this new "arrangement" works out.  I'm thinking the dog is pretty pleased.  

As long as my "midnight wanderer" stays in bed and the dog doesn't leave a 2am poop on the rug I'll let this continue.

Thank heavens for the dog.  She causes plenty of problems but she manages to solve them as well.

Have a fabulous Wednesday.  The weekend is on its way!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

The Versatile Blogger Award

the versatile blogger award

I have been blessed to have been awarded The Versatile Blogger award by not one,

but two fellow bloggers! 

 I felt very honored to be among those they nominated!!

Now it's MY TURN to pass on the love!

Thank you to The Devilish Dish and to Crumbs in my Mustachio for giving me this award!

The rules of this award are:

1. Thank and Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Send the award along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

1.  We have four kids, and lots of people think that we have "separate families" because of the distance between the first two and the last two.

2. My Mom is my very best friend.  We talk at the same times everyday and when we don't my life is totally thrown off-kilter.

3. I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary with my husband. (which is weird, because I am only "29!?"

4. I LOVE to not only give gifts, but to WRAP them.  I think that wrapping presents and giving cards is becoming a lost art.

5. Ever since I had twins, almost nice years ago, I HAVE to sleep with a pillow next to me.

6. When I was in 9th grade I was held up by a man at a stop light at gun point. I was with 3 friends, he went to jail for taking $8.01 from us. 

7. I absolutely HATE when my kitchen counters are cluttered and dirty!

Now it's time to tag 15 more bloggers.  It's really hard to choose only 15!!

Here they are in random order"

1. Basilmomma: a busy mom that likes to cook

2. Party Pinching

3. Love. Peace. Happiness. Cooking

4. Newlywed Chefs

5. Food Warms the Cockles of my Heart

6. Bake Your Day

7. Knead to Cook

8. Crap I've Made

9. I'll Get You my Pretties!

10. Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate

11. The Country Cook

12. Newlyweds Blog

13. Tastes Better with Friends

14. Divine Dinner Party

15. The Sisters Cafe

Now, if you haven't seen some of these, make sure to check them out!! For all of you, show the love, and pass it on!

the versatile blogger award

I have been blessed to have been awarded The Versatile Blogger award by not one,

but two fellow bloggers! 

 I felt very honored to be among those they nominated!!

Now it's MY TURN to pass on the love!

Thank you to The Devilish Dish and to Crumbs in my Mustachio for giving me this award!

The rules of this award are:

1. Thank and Link back to the person who gave you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Send the award along to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them!

1.  We have four kids, and lots of people think that we have "separate families" because of the distance between the first two and the last two.

2. My Mom is my very best friend.  We talk at the same times everyday and when we don't my life is totally thrown off-kilter.

3. I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary with my husband. (which is weird, because I am only "29!?"

4. I LOVE to not only give gifts, but to WRAP them.  I think that wrapping presents and giving cards is becoming a lost art.

5. Ever since I had twins, almost nice years ago, I HAVE to sleep with a pillow next to me.

6. When I was in 9th grade I was held up by a man at a stop light at gun point. I was with 3 friends, he went to jail for taking $8.01 from us. 

7. I absolutely HATE when my kitchen counters are cluttered and dirty!

Now it's time to tag 15 more bloggers.  It's really hard to choose only 15!!

Here they are in random order"

1. Basilmomma: a busy mom that likes to cook

2. Party Pinching

3. Love. Peace. Happiness. Cooking

4. Newlywed Chefs

5. Food Warms the Cockles of my Heart

6. Bake Your Day

7. Knead to Cook

8. Crap I've Made

9. I'll Get You my Pretties!

10. Chocolate, Chocolate and More Chocolate

11. The Country Cook

12. Newlyweds Blog

13. Tastes Better with Friends

14. Divine Dinner Party

15. The Sisters Cafe

Now, if you haven't seen some of these, make sure to check them out!! For all of you, show the love, and pass it on!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Valuable Lesson in Losing

This year, my son's football team is "winning challenged".  We have played six games and lost every one.

Some we have lost by a landslide.  Some we have lost in a down to the wire dogfight.  Regardless, we have lost every game.

The boys are good kids.  They work hard.  Despite their less than desirable record they still show up to practice eight hours each week.

We have a variety of athletes on our team.  Some are fast.  Some are strong.  Some have a good arm and some have a good understanding of the game.  There are even some who still don't know exactly what is going on, but they still show up.

Watching your child lose every game is no walk in the park.  The parents, players and coaches are all frustrated.  There are many opinions as to why we are losing, and everyone thinks they have the answer.

But this week I had an Oprah "Ah Ha!" moment.  What matters most was suddenly crystal clear.

We may be losing, but we need to focus on what is important.  Despite our record, each player is valued.  As long as the players show up and put their heart in, they deserve to play in the games.

They are part of the team. 

Every game, the coaches make certain all twenty six players have time on the field.  Rather than field the best eleven and have most of those boys play both ways (sport talk for offense and defense), they rotate the boys in.  Our team doesn't have 14 kids playing 95% of the game and 12 kids playing 5% of the game.

Many teams don't share that system of play. 

Foul language is not permitted and the players are expected to be respectful.  The boys don't bully and they don't blame each other for a loss.

We have kids on the team who get out on the field and are confused.  They line up in the wrong position.  Those boys have teammates who move them where they need to be.

This is because their coaches told them who needs the help.

There is something to be said for coaches who value the kids on their team.  There are many coaching mentalities, and the best come with putting the players first. When players are valued by their coaches, they are also valued by each other.  They learn by example.

I wish all parents had this same experience for their munchkins. 

Every team represents their town, their families and themselves.  A winning record might be good on paper, but character is what wins in the long run.  And if winning games is our biggest challenge, than I would say we have it easy.

Our team has already won where it matters.

This year, my son's football team is "winning challenged".  We have played six games and lost every one.

Some we have lost by a landslide.  Some we have lost in a down to the wire dogfight.  Regardless, we have lost every game.

The boys are good kids.  They work hard.  Despite their less than desirable record they still show up to practice eight hours each week.

We have a variety of athletes on our team.  Some are fast.  Some are strong.  Some have a good arm and some have a good understanding of the game.  There are even some who still don't know exactly what is going on, but they still show up.

Watching your child lose every game is no walk in the park.  The parents, players and coaches are all frustrated.  There are many opinions as to why we are losing, and everyone thinks they have the answer.

But this week I had an Oprah "Ah Ha!" moment.  What matters most was suddenly crystal clear.

We may be losing, but we need to focus on what is important.  Despite our record, each player is valued.  As long as the players show up and put their heart in, they deserve to play in the games.

They are part of the team. 

Every game, the coaches make certain all twenty six players have time on the field.  Rather than field the best eleven and have most of those boys play both ways (sport talk for offense and defense), they rotate the boys in.  Our team doesn't have 14 kids playing 95% of the game and 12 kids playing 5% of the game.

Many teams don't share that system of play. 

Foul language is not permitted and the players are expected to be respectful.  The boys don't bully and they don't blame each other for a loss.

We have kids on the team who get out on the field and are confused.  They line up in the wrong position.  Those boys have teammates who move them where they need to be.

This is because their coaches told them who needs the help.

There is something to be said for coaches who value the kids on their team.  There are many coaching mentalities, and the best come with putting the players first. When players are valued by their coaches, they are also valued by each other.  They learn by example.

I wish all parents had this same experience for their munchkins. 

Every team represents their town, their families and themselves.  A winning record might be good on paper, but character is what wins in the long run.  And if winning games is our biggest challenge, than I would say we have it easy.

Our team has already won where it matters.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Olive Garden Night at Home! Zuppa Toscana, Salad and Breadsticks

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, Salad and Bread sticks

Who doesn't like the all you can eat soup, salad and bread sticks from the Olive Garden??

It's such an easy place for lunch, and it's always good!!

My niece and I used to go there quite a bit, and one time we tried the Zuppa Toscana

soup and it was so yummy!! 

 I had to figure out how to make it!

If you ever want to make something that you have had a restaurant, the site you need to check is copy kat recipes.  Thank God for google, I found it and use it A LOT.

So, that is where this recipe came from, copykatrecipes.com  It's not mine, it's not theirs,

it's the Olive Garden's.

But I am going to share this with you.

And then you need to pass it on... get it?

for other copy kat recipes click HERE

When you make this soup, you will be instantly hungry! From the moment the Italian sausage starts to brown with the red pepper flakes, to sauteing the onion, garlic and bacon, your tummy will begin to growl!

Fall has hit our area, and we are HUGE soup eaters.  This rainy, cold and gloomy Monday just called for this body warming soup! 

With the spiciness of the peppers and sausage to the creaminess of the broth, it's a match made in heaven... or at least the Olive Garden!

*~*

Zuppa Toscana

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground Italian sausage

1½ tsp crushed red peppers

1 large diced white onion

4 Tbsp bacon pieces (I bought the REAL bacon pieces in the salad section, worked great and not as much grease)

2 tsp garlic puree

10 cups water

5 cubes of chicken bouillon

1 cup heavy cream

1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes (sliced with skins left on)

¼ of a bunch of kale chopped (I used my kitchen shears)

1.Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

2.In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.

3.Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions, bacon and garlic. Cook until boiling.

4.Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

5.Add heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.

6.Stir in the sausage.

7.Add kale just before serving.

Makes 6-8 Servings  ( I always double it!!)

*~*

 Olive Garden Salad Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoon corn syrup

2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoon Romano cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, or one clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

1 tablespoon lemon juice

sugar (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender until well mixed. If this is a little too tart for your own personal taste, add a little extra sugar. You can enjoy your Olive Garden salad dressing for about 10 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*~*

Olive Garden Salad

1 bag Dole American Blend Salad

4-5 slices red onion

4-6 black olives

2-4 pepperoncini (if you like a sweet pepper, you could use a banana pepper)

1/2 cup croutons

1 small tomato, quartered

freshly grated Romano cheese (Parmesan Cheese works well too!)

Chill one salad bowl in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place bag of salad in bowl. Place on top of the lettuce the red onion, black olives, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, and croutons. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like, and add plenty of Olive Garden Salad Dressing on top.

Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana, Salad and Bread sticks

Who doesn't like the all you can eat soup, salad and bread sticks from the Olive Garden??

It's such an easy place for lunch, and it's always good!!

My niece and I used to go there quite a bit, and one time we tried the Zuppa Toscana

soup and it was so yummy!! 

 I had to figure out how to make it!

If you ever want to make something that you have had a restaurant, the site you need to check is copy kat recipes.  Thank God for google, I found it and use it A LOT.

So, that is where this recipe came from, copykatrecipes.com  It's not mine, it's not theirs,

it's the Olive Garden's.

But I am going to share this with you.

And then you need to pass it on... get it?

for other copy kat recipes click HERE

When you make this soup, you will be instantly hungry! From the moment the Italian sausage starts to brown with the red pepper flakes, to sauteing the onion, garlic and bacon, your tummy will begin to growl!

Fall has hit our area, and we are HUGE soup eaters.  This rainy, cold and gloomy Monday just called for this body warming soup! 

With the spiciness of the peppers and sausage to the creaminess of the broth, it's a match made in heaven... or at least the Olive Garden!

*~*

Zuppa Toscana

INGREDIENTS

1 lb ground Italian sausage

1½ tsp crushed red peppers

1 large diced white onion

4 Tbsp bacon pieces (I bought the REAL bacon pieces in the salad section, worked great and not as much grease)

2 tsp garlic puree

10 cups water

5 cubes of chicken bouillon

1 cup heavy cream

1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes (sliced with skins left on)

¼ of a bunch of kale chopped (I used my kitchen shears)

1.Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.

2.In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.

3.Mix together the chicken bouillon and water, then add it to the onions, bacon and garlic. Cook until boiling.

4.Add potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.

5.Add heavy cream and cook until thoroughly heated.

6.Stir in the sausage.

7.Add kale just before serving.

Makes 6-8 Servings  ( I always double it!!)

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 Olive Garden Salad Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/3 cup white vinegar

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoon corn syrup

2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoon Romano cheese

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, or one clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes

1 tablespoon lemon juice

sugar (optional)

Place all ingredients in a blender until well mixed. If this is a little too tart for your own personal taste, add a little extra sugar. You can enjoy your Olive Garden salad dressing for about 10 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

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Olive Garden Salad

1 bag Dole American Blend Salad

4-5 slices red onion

4-6 black olives

2-4 pepperoncini (if you like a sweet pepper, you could use a banana pepper)

1/2 cup croutons

1 small tomato, quartered

freshly grated Romano cheese (Parmesan Cheese works well too!)

Chill one salad bowl in freezer for at least 30 minutes. Place bag of salad in bowl. Place on top of the lettuce the red onion, black olives, pepperoncinis, tomatoes, and croutons. Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like, and add plenty of Olive Garden Salad Dressing on top.

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