Liquid chalk markers: review

Remember the chalkboard grocery list that I made?  I started out using regular old chalk on it but I had my eye on some liquid chalk markers.  My wonderful husband was in Dearborn over the weekend and picked up a pack for me!!

They are AWESOME -- see the difference for yourself...

While the liquid chalk markers do write much smoother and cleaner (no more chalk dust!), unfortunately they don't magically improve my handwriting. ;)

My husband got them from Michaels Craft Store, use this 40% off coupon before Saturday if you want to get a pack for yourself!

Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken

You can find the recipe here.  The title says it all -- make this, you won't be disappointed.

We had this for dinner tonight and it really is better then takeout!  It tastes just like orange chicken from your favorite Chinese restaurant -- only fresher.  A little lighter even, since you make it with all chicken breast and no "mystery meat".  However, dinner was an hour late because I had no clue what I was doing frying the chicken.  First the oil was too hot, then it wasn't hot enough, but I got it all worked out before I messed up too many pieces of chicken.  While I was cooking the chicken, I threw some Basmati rice in the rice cooker.  Rice cooker rice really is the best -- it comes out moist and fluffy every time.  The sauce is the best part though, fresh ginger and garlic, a little orange juice, and brown sugar for the perfect amount of sweetness...YUM!  The rice and sauce freeze really well so I made a double batch and froze half.  The chicken really doesn't take that long once you know what you're doing, so next time I make it it should take less then half the time.

Chalkboard Grocery List

I saw this awesome blackboard project from Little Lucy Lu and couldn't wait to make one myself.

I got the frame from a consignment shop for $0.61 -- it was home to a water damaged picture that I promptly removed.  The frame was still in perfect condition though, so I spray painted it white and then added a coat of some leftover light blue/grey paint that I had on hand.

While the frame was drying, I spray painted the glass with two coats of blackboard paint.

Once the frame was dry, I used a really fine grit sand paper to do some distressing and allow some of the white paint to show through.

Then I glued the glass back in the frame and that's it.  Grocery list board = done!

Also, how cool are these chalk paint pens?!?   No more screechy scratchy!  I think I'm going to buy one next time I'm in Jackson or Ann Arbor.

Parmesan Knots (and graduation weekend)

This might just be the best cheater "recipe" I have ever seen.  Not because it's super homemade (far from it), or especially impressive, but because it is so easy, delicious, and only 15 minutes start-to-table.


Behold the Parmesan Knot (did I mention that they look pretty neat too?!):

  
Easy Parmesan Knots

• 1 tube (12 ounces) refrigerated buttermilk biscuits ( I used Pillsbury Golden Layers Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits)
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (I did use the green can stuff)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1. Roll each biscuit into a 12-in. rope and tie into a knot; tuck ends under. Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
2. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; brush the warm knots with the mixture.               

We were blessed to have a lot of family in town for Isaac's graduation and I wanted to make something that everyone could snack on --  even the kids liked them (even though they "had green on them").  I'm holding on to this recipe to use for potlucks, quick appetizers, and as a side for pasta night.  You can also try variations on the parmesan/herb mixture like cinnamon/sugar for a breakfast knot or a sugar glaze with fresh fruit for a light dessert.

The graduation ceremony was wonderful and I could not have been more proud watching Isaac walk across the stage!

Pinterest

My mom, being the unbelievably awesome mom that she is, found out about Pinterest and immediately sent me a link because she knew I would love it.  And like all mothers she is always right! :)  Pictures of food, kitchen chairs, design, paper flowers, cakes, lace, and everything else!

It also gives you a place to tag and keep track of all the awesome pictures that you find around the web.  I'm still figuring out how it all works, but I can already tell that this one is a keeper.

P.S. Sorry for the lack of posts -- it's final exam and paper time for Isaac and since we share a computer he has needed it night and day.  But exams are almost over so I'll be back! :)

P.P.S. I found the most wonderful set of four kitchen chairs at a consignment shop -- I haven't bought them yet but I can't stop thinking about them so I foresee that I'll be heading back there soon!  I'm thinking a nice coat of creamy white paint would be perfect....