Yesterday was a gorgeous day after so many days of rain. We just had to take the boat out. Leaving shore, look what I spotted ! I love that blue truck. To me , that's in the blue family...right Sally ? By the way, it's Blue Monday at Smiling Sally.

Walking along the coast,just look at what I found ! My very first starfish and sand dollars ! I never, ever thought I'd be so lucky. These little beauties must have been waiting just for me to take them home. I found this perfect bowl at a local vintage store. It's all tattered looking, but I love it. It's shallow, and the perfect home for these newbies at the Cozy Kitchen !

Participating in Thrifty Finds at Southern Hospitality

Outdoor Wednesday over at a Southern Daydreamer, and Watery Wednesday and finally

Waterside Wednesday hosted by the wonderful Barbara Jacksier !

Buffalo Chicken Strips

This one's for the boys...

What is it with men and hot wings anyways ?

I tried Martha Stewart's Buffalo wings. They were great. It took me forever to prepare, and that was a few years ago, and I was never inspired to make them again. It was just too messy and fussy for me.

I have a secret and I'm going to share it with you. Come here.... a little closer....ok...that's good.

Ready ?

These came out of a bag !

This summer I tried Tyson Buffalo Chicken Strips simply because they were on sale at Walmart.

If you could have seen the look on my hubby's face when he came home for dinner and tried one.... his exact words were.... "Did you pick these up from Hooters ?"

I've never eaten at Hooters. Ever. { But I hear they serve great buffalo wings. } Ya, right ! He loved these, and even splashed extra Franks Sauce on his because he likes his wings super hot. I thought they were hot enough ! Just serve with blue cheese or ranch on the side...and you're done. How easy is that ?

I always have to have an 'back up plan' on days I run way too many errands, like today. I was comforted knowing that dinner was taken care of.

These are perfect for football season... a lot of people tailgate.. or just stash a bag in your freezer so when you are out shopping all day, you know what's for dinner. So, there. That's my secret. It's my version of not cooking, but everyone's still happy !

They really are good. I mean really good ! I hate to admit it, because I take pride in cooking for my family, but my hubby has actually called from work to ask if I can make these !

Do yourself a favor, give yourself the night off in the kitchen, and serve these up. If you like hot wings, you'll like these.

Participating in Foodie Friday & Friday's Family Recipe

Miss Mermaid

I grabbed my camera and headed to town.

How I adore Miss Mermaid atop this old home.

These homes are from waaay back when pirates came to shore...

soooo romantic.... I can imagine Elizabeth Swann in a white flowy dress standing on that balcony

looking towards the water, waiting for Jack Sparrow to come back from the sea.... (sigh)

This is her view...

It's Outdoor Wednesday hosted by the wonderful Susan at a Southern Daydreamer & Waterside Wednesday,hosted by Barbara Jacksier &Watery Wednesday , and hooked on houses.

Million Dollar Oats 'n Honey Granola Pie

I cried on my birthday.
Why ?

Because when I was busy making coffee,
my daughter was busy washing Barbie's hair.

I asked her Why?

"Because it's your birthday and I want her to look pretty".

{sniffle }

She could hardly contain herself as she said she had lots of presents for me and that she wrapped them all herself.

She was right !
11 presents and 12 tulips.
That's lots and lots of presents and flowers !
{sniffle}

My boys are really sick with the flu, but one of them felt 'well' enough to come downstairs with a gift for me.
My boys are LEGO fanatics. They have bins and bins full of legos. They create the most amazing original Lego Creations ever.
This is what he made.

{Go ahead, hand me a tissue would ya ?}

A replica of my kitchen.

He knows how much time I spend in this kitchen and he knows my love of cooking. He even made sure my 'nick knack' shelf was there ( left side ).

And he knows it's my dream to have wood floors in my kitchen one day... so he said..."Mom, I even gave you wood floors."

Let me tell you... I cried like a baby.

These lego floors are the only floors I will ever need. Thank you God, for blessing me with a child so loving and thoughtful. I will never want for anything more than the love of my children.

{I feel like Julia Child. Yes I do.}

Oh ! And speaking of Julia and cooking... I made a pie for my birthday by default ! I was actually searching for my cake recipe and couldn't find it, and this happened to be on top, and I only had 30 seconds before I had to leave for the grocery... soooo

I made THE PIE that won $1 MILLION dollars in the 2004 Pillsbury Bake off created by Suzanne Conrad .

Can you imagine ?? $1 million dollars ! Um...I still wouldn't trade it for my Lego Kitchen or 11 presents and 12 tulips.

But boy howdy, it was GOOD !! And I'm not even a pie girl !

It was still amazing the next day, so if I make this for a party, I will go ahead and make it the day before because I hate rushing around when I expect company.

Oh...and another thing.

I used a deep dish pie dish with this...but I'll use a regular pyrex pie dish next time because the filling didn't go to the tippy top.

Without further ado.....

Created by Suzanne Conrad

Million Dollar Oats 'n Honey Granola Pie

1 refrigerated Pillsbury® pie crust (from 15-ounce box), softened as directed on box Filling
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup corn syrup
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs , lightly beaten
4 Nature Valley® Oats 'n Honey crunchy granola bars (2 pouches) crushed. To easily crush granola bars, do not unwrap. Use rolling pin to crush bars.

1/2 cup chopped walnuts *(I did NOT add, just because my family is not crazy about nuts in desserts)

1/4 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Whipped cream or ice cream , if desired

Heat oven to 350°F.

Place pie crust in 9-inch glass pie pan as directed on box for One-Crust Filled Pie.In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter on high 50 to 60 seconds or until melted.

Stir in brown sugar and corn syrup until blended. Beat in salt, vanilla and eggs.Stir crushed granola bars, walnuts, oats and chocolate chips into brown sugar mixture. Pour into crust-lined pan.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.

During last 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover crust edge with strips of foil or pie shield to prevent excessive browning.

Cool at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream.

Store in refrigerator.

{Participating in Tuesdays at the table & Tasty Tuesday & it's DIY day over at a soft place to land }

Blue Skies

So here's a peek outside my kitchen window... Thank you God for such beautiful blue skies !

Happy Blue Monday ! {Thank you Smiling Sally for hosting!}

Smokey BBQ Brisket

One of my hubby's favorite childhood memories is that of his dad making smoked brisket in a real smoker... Everytime we fly out to visit, his dad has smoked brisket waiting for him.
Well, I wanted to bring that 'feeling' into our home. I think it's important to make not only my favorite childhood foods, but also my husbands. But I don't have a smoker and I don't want one. I don't have the room. Remember, I live in a cozy house. {Very little storage }

Being married to a guy from Missouri means I had to find the most awesome smoked bbq brisket recipe out there, and I have ! I've been making this for years. It's simple. It's economical. This brisket was $13.99 . You can get it for around $8.00 when it's on sale !! It feeds my large family. Makes enough for leftovers ( Yahoo ! ) and get this... my husband said it rivals his dad's ! I almost cried right then and there !

When COZY weather arrives, you will be sooooooo HAPPY you bookmarked this recipe ! I promise, it's SOOOOO GOOD !!

{La Rochere goblet in the "Bee"pattern from TJ Maxx ! $2.99 }

1 (4- to 6-pound) beef brisket, trimmed
1 (5-ounce) bottle liquid smoke
1 onion, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 to 2 teaspoons salt
1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
1 (12- to 18-ounce) bottle barbecue sauce ( I use KC Masterpiece )

Place brisket in a large shallow dish or extra-large, heavy-duty zip-top plastic bag; pour liquid smoke over brisket. Sprinkle evenly with onion, garlic salt, and salt. Cover or seal, and chill 8 hours, turning occasionally.

Remove brisket, and place on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, discarding liquid smoke mixture. Pour Worcestershire sauce evenly over brisket, and fold foil to seal; place wrapped brisket in a roasting pan.

Bake at 275° for 5 hours. ( I put the lid on also )

Unfold foil; pour barbecue sauce evenly over brisket. Bake 1 more hour, uncovered.

{Southern Living, JULY 2003 }

It's DIY day over at a soft place to land & Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum and it's my Frugal Friday post because this feeds a lot of people for very little & hooked on houses and Friday's Family Recipe ! Whew ! Why ? Because everyone needs this recipe ! I need a nap now !

Outdoor Wednesday

jump: to spring clear of the ground or other support by a sudden muscular effort; leap: to jump into the air...extend: to stretch forth or hold out...

It's Outdoor Wednesday hosted by the wonderful Susan at a Southern Daydreamer & Waterside Wednesday,hosted by Barbara Jacksier !

Patrick.Swayze. Yep, definitely one of the first crushes I ever had.
I have never seen him dance with his wife before, and thought this was a beautiful tribute to him, and the love and life they shared.

Swayze wrote about his love for his wife. “How grateful I am that you chose to love me. I know that because of you, I’ve found my spirit. I saw the man I wanted to be. You are my woman, my lover, my mate and my lady. I loved you forever, I love you now and I will love you forever more.”

While I was out this weekend, I stumbled upon this old Ball Mason jar that has bubbles in it... They reminded me of fish bubbles, so I had to have it ! I suddenly have an apron obsession. I found this vintage hostess apron and I love the blue organza...it's sheer and feminine.
It has faded red roses which I find so charming ! I love blue and red together ! I'm packing this up and sending it to my sister who loves anything vintage !
Blue Monday hosted by the wonderful Smiling Sally!

Corn & Cheddar Chowder

If you're a regular reader of mine, you have seen this soup recipe before, but it deserves another look in case you are looking for a fabulous soup recipe for the fall !

IT. IS. AMAZING.

I have to have it on our menu at least every other week through the winter.

It's fast, easy and sooooooooo delicious. The best part ... Leftovers are just as good !

Outdoor Wednesday

climb: to go up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet or feet only.

twirl: to cause to rotate rapidly; spin; revolve; whirl.
It's Outdoor Wednesday hosted by the wonderful Susan at a Southern Daydreamer !

Southwestern Salad with Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken

This salad is so yummy and a family favorite ! I knew I wanted to grill on Labor Day, and I knew exaclty what I wanted to make ! I just didn't think I'd be doing it in the rain !
Southwestern Chicken Salad

10 C. torn romaine

1 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 C. cherry tomatoes (or whatever you have )

1/2 C. Caesar Salad Dressing ( I used Ken's Tableside Caesar)

2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 TBS. snipped fresh cilantro

1/2 C. broken tortilla chips

* 1 1/2 C. chopped cooked chicken ( NOTE: I used the grilled chicken )

1. In large bowl, combine romaine, black beans, tomatoes, (and chicken )if you want to add it all together. ** I made the salad and served the chicken on the side.

2. For dressing : whisk salad dressing, chili powder, and cumin. Pour over salad. Toss to coat.

Sprinkle with cilantro and tortilla chips.

Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken

Oooh this summer I discovered KC Masterpiece Lime Chipotle Marinade and it's amazing !

I just marinated the chicken for a few hours, and grilled !

Plenty of leftovers for my hubby to take to work.

He'll be Oh so Happy !

P.s.

It's DIY Day at a soft place to land !

Molasses Spice Cookies

When I'm stressed, I lose all interest in food. I decided to make comfort cookies, trying to coax my appetite back. While I was baking these, my house smelled like a "home" and childhood memories flooded back. I remember when I would come home from school, and my mom already had dinner simmering on the stove, and it was always such a comforting feeling. If your looking for a 'comforting' cookie, these hit the spot. The first thing my boys said when they walked in the door from school was........ MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm , what's that smell ? {Heavenly}

For those Ina Garten fans ... I found these La Rochere glasses at TJ Maxx ! $2.99 each. This pattern is Versailles, which is perfect for me because it has shells on it ! ( Ina has the Amite pattern by Cristallerie La Rochere )

Molasses Spice Cookies (Cooks Illustrated THE BEST RECIPE COOKBOOK)
Preparation time: 30 minutes. Makes 18 large cookies.


2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1/3 cup for rolling cookies
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsulphered molasses

Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice together in a bowl and set aside.

Use an electric mixer and beat the butter for 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes with mixer set at medium speed. Add egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat until combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula.

Add dry ingredients and beat at low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds.

Place remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow bowl. Working with 2 Tbsp of dough each time, roll dough into 1 3/4 inch balls. Roll balls in sugar and place on ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart.

Bake until the outer edges of the cookies begin to set and centers are soft and puffy, about 11 to 13 minutes. Cool cookies on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks .

Note: do not overcook. The centers of the cookies should be somewhat soft and spongy when you take them out of the oven, otherwise they will end up hard and dry.

plate -"Shoreline" by Spode. ($2.99 at TJ Maxx) I love this pattern !

It's DIY Day at a soft place to land and my entry for Foodie Friday hosted by Desgins by Gollum