Crispy Corn Beef and Cabbage Wedge Salad

As someone with the last name Murphy, 

Corned Beef and Cabbage is mandatory on St. Patrick's Day.

This year we are living on the "wedge" this March 17th...

As the luck of the Irish would have it, 

this recipe is quick, easy and delicious.

Grilled wedges...

and an amazing dressing...

that is dripped and drizzled...

then topped with crispy, savory corned beef.

Forget the pot of gold, 

I want this at the end of the rainbow!

Crispy Corn Beef & Cabbage Wedge Salad 
with Sweet Mustard Dressing

for the dressing
whisk together:
2 Tablespoons Sweet Mustard (I love Just For All)
2 Tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
4 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Cut head of green cabbage into 6 wedges, leaving the core intact.  Brush the sides of each wedge with olive oil and grill (either on outdoor grill or stove top grill pan) for about 5 minutes on each side.  Then cute about 10 slices of deli corned beef into strips and fry until crisp in a pan.

Drizzle wedges with dressing and top with warm crispy corned beef

All the Creatures were Stirring...Holiday Cocktails

The holidays are here and I am ready to stir it up!

I am giving 2 festive cocktails a whirl this Christmas.

Jolly Jelly Cocktail

When enjoying a cocktail, I tend to be a creature of habit.

Typically I will have the old standby, a vodka soda.

With one spin of spoon, I've transformed the old standby 

into something as jolly as a bowlful of jelly...

I definitely think it would make Santa laugh and stay for a sip...

I prepared the standard vodka, soda and crushed ice...

and swirled in a dollop of raspberry jam.

I may preserve this recipe all through the winter!

Hot Buttered Rum, Pa, Rum, Rum

When there is a chill in the air, 

you long for something warm in your mug...

I've drummed up the easiest, Hot Buttered Rum.

It is one of the finest gifts to bring to the Christmas Cocktail menu!

I've taken my favorite recipe and made it even easier...

Fill your cup with one shot of rum and very hot water...

then stir in my secret ingredient...

the magical Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Butter from Trader Joe's...

 Cheers!

The best holiday gifts from Trader Joe's

I love Trader Joe's for so many reasons.

It started in my hometown, 

I can rely on them for quick easy dinners, 

they always have free samples,

their products are one of a kind and

it is inexpensive.

This year it is also a treasure trove of fun gifts for everyone on my list!

Bread and Butter Hostess Gift

There is nothing better than fresh bread and creamy butter.

These 3 unique flavored spreads, 

paired with a fresh baguette is a comforting gift your host can enjoy the next day.

Hi Ho Cherry O

Cherries are cheery, colorful and crucial to have on hand to garnish drinks and desserts.

They are a great gift and paired with a festive toothpick holder, it's 

the "cherry on top"!

No Bake Gingerbread

There is nothing like the holiday smell of fresh baked gingerbread.

Give them a Trader Joe's candle and cute gingerbread men 

and you've all of the elements without any of the work!

Blue Cheese Burgers

Give that fast food lover the 1st class treatment!

This wonderful spread elevates any hot dog or burger 

and this elegant ornament spruces up any tree...

Ring around the Rosemary

Definitely a present they will go nuts for!

Top this amazing nut mix with a fresh rosemary wreath. 

It instantly decks the halls and gives them something to enjoy while they conspire by the fire.

Make it a Blue Blue Christmas

Blueberries and Acai are all the rage to eat and to scrub on your skin.

It'll give them the instant holiday glow!

There is a reason Ho, Ho, Ho rhymes with Trader Joe, Joe, Joe!

Home-made Holiday Chocolate Bark

There is nothing like homemade for the holidays.

Treats created for family and friends is so special and personal.

This year our chocolate bark is going to bring joy with each bite!

One of the best things about chocolate bark is that is is so customizable.

You can add in crushed candy canes, freeze dried berries, nuts, toffee, espresso bits...

anything and everything tastes great covered in chocolate, right?

And just to drive home the fact that the gift is from our house to yours, 

we are giving it in mini tin dwellings.

My favorite recipe is from my friends at Organization and Relocation.

Not only do they keep me inspired to be clutter free and make my household beautifully serene, 

their founder's legendary bark is a holiday party must.

Home Sweet Home indeed!

Ramen around the Christmas Tree! 5 Noodle Gifts

My family loves ramen.  

It's fun to eat, easy to make 

and there are so many ways to celebrate with it for the holidays.

This year it will be Ramen around the Christmas Tree!

O Christmas Tree, Cup O Christmas Tree Gift

This eco-friendly gift is perfect for everyone, 

especially the "Christmas Tree Huggers" on your list...

Save your Cup O' Noodles container and plant a mini evergreen inside.

What a way reduce, reuse, recycle and say, 

Peace on Earth!

Printable tags are here

Make it a Ramen Holiday

Everyone loves Chex Mix, but this version has a slight Asian flair.

It makes a unique gift that is totally addictive...

Dry ramen noodles add to the flavor and crunch
and wasabi peas give it some kick...

It is definitely a flavorful adventure!

Ramen Holiday Snack Mix

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees

In a large bowl combine:

2 packets of Top Ramen broken into bite size pieces

3 cups Rice Chex 

3 cups Wheat Chex

1 cup peanuts (I like Planter's Red Skins)

1 cup wasabi peas

Melt 6 tablespoons butter and stir in:

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Then pour over dry ingredients and stir to coat.

Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.  Allow to cool before placing in airtight containers.

Printable tag here

Give Santa's Beard some Cheer

Ramen noodles served on a Santa plate,

give him a delectable make over!

The perfect way to watch his hair Ho, Ho, Grow...

Top Ramen with Ramen 

Deck the gifts with ramen and ornaments.

The recipient will be bowled over with this ramen ornament 

and red and green packaged noodles.

The perfect present presentation.

Make a Ramen Wreath

My son would eat ramen daily if he could.

What better way to top his gifts than with a wreath of one of his favorite things?

To make:

Cook plain ramen noodles in boiling water until just soft, about 2 minutes.

Drain and let cool on paper towels.

On a parchment lined baking sheet, form a wreath shape with the ramen, packing the ramen tightly together.  It helps to form it around a small bowl in the middle, then remove the bowl before placing in a 250 degree oven for approximately 1 hour until wreath is set. 

Have yourself a Merry Ramen Christmas!

Festive Ways to use Licorice for the Holidays

I'm dreaming of a Vine Christmas!

Red Vines are vibrant, fun and the epitome of holiday cheer.

Here are a few festively easy ways to celebrate the season with them.

A Sweet Sleigh Gift

Who wouldn't love a load of licorice?

Perfect for party favors, teachers, Secret Santas, co-workers, neighbors...

it is the easiest, cutest and most economical present of all.

It is guaranteed to have them laughing all the way through the holidays...

Kids' Table Snowman Place Settings

There must have been some magic in that licorice hat we made.

It turns a simple place setting into a fun place to laugh and play!

Cut black Red Vines into the desired lengths to make the hat.

Dip end of the vines that you would like to adhere into a small pot of boiling water for just a few seconds to soften it.

  Place where you would like it to stick 

and pinch together with your fingers for a minute or so.  

Place on parchment paper until dry.

And don't forget his carrot nose!

I cut the stem end flat and used a touch of peanut butter to "glue" it to the plate.

Give Santa what he really wants on Christmas Eve

Milk and cookies are nice but a little ordinary don't you think?

Surprise St. Nick with a jolly Red Vines treat.

I took our milk and cookies plate...

and covered it up, so he'll never know...

Make the perfect straw

There is no better way to drink a holiday beverage than through a 

Red Vines Straw...

Snip each end and let the party begin!