Simple Chocolate Croissant

Ingredients

Croissant dough

Powdered sugar

Chocolate bar

Cooking spray

Egg



I used refrigerated croissant dough, although homemade croissants are so much better! First, I preheated the oven to 345°. I greased a cookie sheet with cooking spray and folded the dough out into the premade triangles. I broke a Lindt milk chocolate bar into squares and put two squares of chocolate in each croissant. I rolled each triangle of dough and pinched the ends closed. I then whisked an egg and brushed it on top of the croissants. On half of my croissants, I put almonds on top before cooking and the other half I left it plain. I cooked them for 10 minutes. When they were done, I sprinkled them with powered sugar and drizzled melted chocolate on top. (I didn't put any sugar on the croissants with the almonds on top as seen in the picture above.)

My only complaint? Not enough chocolate for my sweet tooth, but it would go great with coffee or a cappuccino.

Orange Sherbet Ribbon Scarf

        

Orange Ribbon Sherbet Scarf

I crocheted this scarf because I wanted something really soft and colorful to accessorize my wardrobe.I chose a fuzzy orange mohair yarn, but when the scarf was done, I thought it rather plain. My creativity took over, and I decided to thread two different color ribbons through it. (I save ribbons off of everything: packaging, chocolate boxes, old clothes.) I was happy to be able to recycle the ribbon and it gave my scarf a very feminine and delicate look. Every time I wear it, I get compliments. It's definitely my little piece of sunshine on a cold day! :)

Garden Veggies and Brown Rice

Ingredients

1 yellow squash

1 zucchini

5 grape tomatoes

sea salt

2 garlic cloves

Pepper

Olive oil

Parmesan cheese



I've had a bag of brown rice in the cupboard for a while. Every time I went to get something, it would fall out and land in my hands. I'm not a big rice person, so I ignored the bag for a while, sticking it back behind the cereal boxes and crackers.

Today, I decided to cook it. I put the rice in a pot with 2 1/2 cups water and let it simmer with the lid on for about 45 minutes. I added a little butter and sea salt to it. Meanwhile, I got out a skillet and placed it over the stove. I added olive oil and garlic and let it cook, while I started cutting the zucchini and squash. I cut them into thin circles and placed them in pan along with some diced grape tomatoes. I added a few dashes of sea salt and cooked the veggie mix until the zucchini and squash were tender. I added the veggies to the brown rice and sprinkled on some Parmesan. Yum!

Costs: Around $4

Servings: 2

Scrambled Mornings

Ingredients

Mushrooms

Spinach

Onion

Cherry Tomatoes

Cheese

2 Eggs

Butter or Olive Oil

Dash of pepper and salt

After cooking a delicious calzone the night before, I decided to scramble the leftover ingredients. I will be the first to admit, I waste a lot of food. I use the ingredients to cook a particular meal and then forget about the leftovers, until they are molding in the back of my fridge.

So I sauteed the mushrooms, spinach, (diced) onion and tomatoes in a pan. I removed the sauteed vegetables and then cooked the eggs. When the eggs were just about done, I melted the cheese on top.

Recommended cheeses: Feta, Goat or Cheddar.

Additional Tip: I had leftover biscuits in the fridge and they were a little soggy, so I popped them in the toaster and they were delish.

Spinach, Mushroom, & Pepperoni Calzone

Ingredients

Pizza dough or Grands Biscuit Dough

Fresh Spinach

Mushrooms

Pepperoni

Mozzarella Cheese

Tomato or pizza sauce

Butter or Olive Oil

My son and I love to cook together. This meal is really simple and fun for us to make. Simply roll out the dough and cut acccording to the number of calzones you want. (You can make 4 small calzones or 2 large ones.) I prefer Grands Biscuit Dough for a flaky, buttery taste. Spread tomato sauce on the bottom half of the dough and add the rest of the ingredients.  Fold the top half over the bottom half and use a fork to pinch the sides closed. Cut three slits in the dough. Brush with some butter or olive oil. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes on 350°. How long depends on how crispy you want your calzone and the type of dough you use.

Costs: $9 But keep in mind you will have leftover ingredients ;)

Time: 20 minutes from prepartion to finish