A Couples Night Out at Mimi’s Cafe

Litchford Park have you ever been to Mimi’s Cafe?

Fellas have you ever wanted to take you lady out on a date to a place that wasn’t to expensive but still ad good tasty food?  Well I heard that Mimi’s Cafe is a great place for just that.  Mimi’s Cafe is about 10 minutes away from our community at 6320 Plantation Center Dr.

They open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. during the week and 11:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.  You can visit their website Mimi’s Cafe to pre-order or call ahead sometimes they can get real busy during the week.

I’m planning a night out at Mimi’s with my friend-girl on Friday.  They have these small appetizer dishes called Small Plates and they are all less than $7.00 each but you can get a coupon for a Free Small Plate at Mimi’s if you ‘Like’ them on Facebook.  As long as your order is $15.00 or more you’re good.  Tomorrow Friday, July 16th is the last day for this promo and I want to eat good, have a fun time and save a buck or two.

Guy’s, this is a good opportunity to spoil that special someone in your life.  Call and make a reservation and surprise your lady friend.

Everything you need to know about Grilling the Perfect Sirloin Steak

Our Gift to you for The Holiday:

How to grill perfect sirloin steaks

Always Keep on Hand!

We are all so busy, who has time to go shopping anymore? Here is my list for the 6 foods you should always have on hand.

1. Milk, it has so many uses plus tons of nutritional value.

2. Eggs, omelets can make a quick breakfast or dinner.

3. Popcorn, as snacks go it is pretty healthy, easy to make and perfect for impromptu movie nights

4. Tuna, especially the flavored kind, add it to a salad, sandwich or just eat it out of the container.

5. Frozen veggies and fruits: Load up on the kind that are flash freeze in season.

6. Nutella, it will jump start your morning, or if you need a chocolate fix just grab a spoonful.

Now… what to do with the leftovers?

St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone. Did you use the video I posted below to make corned beef and cabbage last night?

Unfortunately, I did. It was horrible. *Important note*  It was not the recipe, just the taste buds of this writer.

My husband loved it, but since I barely ate any, we have so much leftover!

Now I find myself in a bit of a conundrum. What should I do with it all? Should I chuck it and take my loss or should I try to find something edible to do with this cured beef?

I did a little bit of research and came up with some ideas. Maybe you’ll find these useful too!

1. Corned beef hash for breakfast.

2. Make corned beef soup.

3. Corned Beef Casserole.

4. Reuben Sandwiches

5. Corned Beef Spinach Strata

How to Make Your Favorite Irish Dish

Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time to celebrate all that is green. It’s also time for many people’s favorite Irish dish…. corned beef and cabbage!

I have never made this dish, because in all honesty, it’s not one of my favorites. My husband is loves it though, so I thought I would try to make it for him tomorrow.

This video shows exactly how to make corned beef and lamb stew.  It’s from a famous restaurant near Chicago. It seems pretty easy. Let us know if you try it too!

Yummy Truffles

I adore chocolate, and truffles are my favorite kind! I found this easy recipe that combines chocolate, cream cheese and nuts. Delicious! Let me know if you try them. They seem to be super easy to make. The perfect treat for a small indulgence!

Ingredients

* 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 12 (1 ounce) squares BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted
* 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
* Suggested coatings, such as ground PLANTERS Walnuts, unsweetened cocoa, powdered sugar and/or BAKER’S ANGEL FLAKE Coconut

Directions

1. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add sugar, mixing until well blended.
2. Add melted chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.
3. Shape into 1-inch balls. Roll in walnuts, cocoa, powdered sugar or coconut. Store in refrigerator.

Photo courtesy of Sylvia.

Odd Combo

I found this odd cookie recipe here. It combines shortening cookies with potato chips! I know it sounds like a weird combo, but it got good reviews. You may want to try them out for your Super Bowl party next weekend, who doesn’t like chips at a party?!

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups crushed light potato chips
• 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream the shortening and the sugar together until light. Stir in the vanilla and the flour then carefully fold in the potato chips.
3. Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 to 18 minutes or until just golden brown, do not over bake. Sprinkle warm cookies with confectioners’ sugar and remove to wire racks to cool.

A Little Something on the Side

It happens the same way almost every weekday. Meal planning for weeknight dinners happens on the way home from work and of course, I’m only thinking about the main dish – side dishes are just an afterthought. I end up just going with the same old-same old for the side dishes, which is usually just a big salad. I’ve got to get out of this side dish rut!

So, I went on the hunt for some fresh new salad ideas, that I can whip out in 15 minutes or less. I’ll be trying out a new one tonight, to compliment….. hmmmm…. something. I’ll figure it out on the way home.

Here’s the recipe for  Speedy Pear and Pecan Salad….. finally, something to do with all the leftover Pecans from Christmas baking!

Recipe: Blue Moon Martini

Party planners take note. For the first time in almost twenty years, there’s going to be a Blue Moon on New Year’s Eve.

Most months have only one full Moon. Occasionally, however, two full Moons squeeze into a single month. December, 2009 is such a month. The first full Moon appeared on Dec. 2nd; the second, a “Blue Moon,” will come on New Year’s Eve. New Year’s Eve blue moons are rare, occurring every 19 years. The last time was in 1990; the next one won’t come again until 2028.

So, as you toast the New Year, make your libations fitting as well.

Try this recipe for a Blue Moon Martini.

Aladdin’s Eatery

This little café serves up some of the finest Middle Eastern food in the area.  It’s on Falls of Neuse, across from the North Ridge Country Club.  The menu is large and includes an array of salads, wraps, pita pizzas and plates.  I always load up on appetizers like hummus, tabouli (parsley salad), fatoush (bread & tomato salad) and baba (eggplant dip) with their outstanding pita bread.  There are plenty of choices for vegetarians but also some great grilled meats, chicken, beef and lamb primarily.  If you’re not familiar with Middle Eastern food, drop by and ask for recommendations.  The staff is always helpful.  Check out their menu here.

What are your favorite places for a quick bite?

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