Homemade Peanut Butter Cups

I made these last night for cousin's pizza and movie night. I realized after I made them that the last time we got together I made peanut butter and chocolate cookie sandwiches. I really need to branch out.




Homemade Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Source: Baking Bites

approx 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)- I used semi sweet chcolate chips
1/2 cup creamy organic/natural peanut butter
1/2 cup crunchy organic/natural peanut butter
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
generous pinch salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Set 2-dozen mini muffin/bonbon wrappers on a baking sheet (I couldn't find the mini wrappers so I used the regular sized muffin wrappers and came out with 12 peanut butter cups).

Melt approximately half of the dark chocolate, using a microwave-safe bowl and cooking it in short (30 second) intervals, stirring frequently, until smooth. Use a spoon to pour a little chocolate into each muffin wrapper. Use a small, very clean brush to paint the chocolate up the sides of each wrapper. Alternatively, you could add extra chocolate and swirl it around, pouring out the excess later, to coat the inside of the wrapper.

Chill candy shells until set, about 20-30 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter(s), confectioners’ sugar, salt and vanilla. When the mixture has come together, heat it in the microwave (again in short intervals, stirring frequently), until it is very, very soft. Working carefully with the hot filling, transfer it to a pastry bag (or plastic bag with the tip cut off) and pipe a generous amount of the filling into each prepared candy cup. Chill again for approx 30 minutes, or until set.

Melt all remaining chocolate and, when the candy fillings have set, fill each muffin wrapper up with chocolate. Chill until set.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

Makes 2 dozen.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to pop in and say Happy Thanksgiving! My parents are in Long Beach with the Strombergs and we are heading to Rob's parents in Los Altos in a half hour or so. Alright, that's all the time I have. Need to blow dry my hair!

Weekend at the Beach vs. Wine Tasting

A couple weekends ago we graciously declined a date with our friends to go wine tasting because we were going to the beach house. We invited our friends Paul and Amy and their twin boys Ben and Matt. I saw a picture of the wine tasting event and even though I had fun at the beach, I was a bit jealous – they looked like they were having fun! But then I thought to myself, “can my friends say they had twin boys wrestle them to the ground and fart on them on more than one occasion?” I think not. Oh, and in their parent’s defense, the boys always say “excuse me” each time.

Boy's wrestling





Matt & Buddy



Boys and Buddy squeezing his way into the picture oh so sly-ly



Rob finally has cartoon watching companions.



Paul's famous German Meatballs and Potato Dumplings




Beautiful Sunset

Goat Cheese and Potatoes - Need I Say More?

I made this recipe a week or so again and it was mmm mmm good. But, if you ask me, anything that has the ingredient of goat cheese is doomed to be good.

Goat Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spicy Louisiana Potatoes

2 ounces goat cheese
2 oil-pakced sun dried tomatoes, rinsed under water, patted dry, finely chopped
1 scallion, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped basil
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
1/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
4 (1/4 pound) skinless boneless chicken breasts
4 teaspoons reduced calorie mayo
1 1/2 pounds baby spinach, rinsed (I didn't use spinach)

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a nonstick bakin gpan with nonstick spray.
2. Combine the cheese, tomatoes, scallion, basil, and thyme in a bowl, mashing with a fork, until blended. Place breadcrumbs in another small bowl.



3. Cut a pocket into the side of the chicken breast about 2 1/2 inches long. Place 1/4 of the goat cheese mixture inside each slit. Lightly press the pocket closed with a fork. Brush the top side of each breast with the mayo. Dip the chicken, one piece at a time, coated-side down into the bread crumbs. Transfer coated-side up to the baking pan.
4. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with nonstick spray. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden, about 25 minutes.
5. Meanwhile place the spinach in a large steamer basket set in a saucepan over 1 inch boiling water. Cover tightly and steam until the spinach just wilts, about 3 minutes. Transfer the spinach to a platter, ten top with the chicken. Again, I didn't do this step.

4 Servings
Calories: 284
Fat: 12 grams
Fiber: 5 grams

Potatoes

1 1/2 pounds red bliss potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch wedges
1 red onion, cut into 8 wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray.
2. Combine the potates with cold water to cover by 2 inches in a medium saucepan, bring to a boil.



Cook 7 minutes. Drain the potatoes, transfer to a large bowl, and toss with the onion, oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, salt and pepper.



Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake until the potatoes are tender and crips around the edges, stirring once, about 30 minutes.

Serving size: 2/3 cup
Calories: 127
Fat: 2 grams
Fiber: 3 grams



Both recipes out of the Weight Watchers Simply Delicious Cookbook

What's in a Name?

I won't go into why but I googled surburban chic today mainly to see if my blog comes up (it does) and found something interesting. Before I go into that, I have a confession. A few people have said to me, "I like the name of your blog, Suburban Chick, so cute!" I never corrected them, but my intent was for my blog to be Suburban CHIC not CHICK, pronounced "sheek". To me it was an oxy moron. There isn't too much glamour to the word Suburban or those who choose to live in the 'burbs. Chic can be defined as "attractive and fashionable", "style and elegance" or "stylishness or modishness." Anywho, people liked "chick" so I didn't correct them. I liked that they liked it - even though it was not my original intent.

Anywho, I found on the google page that Suburban Chic is actually a terminology that I didn't know about or maybe I did on some subconscious level. Maybe all of you knew this except me?

Urban Dictionary says Suburban Chic means:

Usually used to describe women past their prime who lives in smaller towns, or suburbs, but think that they are hip, and dresses real smart. The fact is however that you clearly can tell that they'er not from a big city, and that they don't really follow the newest trends.

Example:

Look at that woman, she really think she is hip

yes, she is so suburban chic

Say Hello to Our Little Friend

Well, this is a first.



Yes, we have a plant growing out of our sponge. This is reason number 23 that I hate sponges. Apparently niether Rob or myself have been using this sponge so it is now resting in peace in our garbage can.

Buddy & His Birthday Gift

We love you Buddy!