Thursday, April 29, 2010

Bbq Crockpot Chicken

Want the taste of bbq but don't have time to cook it. Put it on before bed or before you go to work and in a couple of hours; POW!!

Ingredients:
-1 chicken, cut up
-1 chopped onion
-1 chopped bell pepper
-1 lemon cut into quarters
-10 oz. Coke
-1 small bottle of ketchup
-3 tablespoons brown sugar
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:
Put all ingredients in crockpot in order listed.
Stir once.
Cook on low 8 to 10 hours*.
Remove skin and bones.
Serve** with French fries and cole slaw.

*Do not cook more than 12 hours.
**You can serve on a bun or alone.
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Friday, April 23, 2010

Perfect Rainy Day Desert: Chocolate Chip Cookies


Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 large eggs,beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• if desired, 1 cup chopped pecans, or chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Mix sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl by hand.
Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt. (The dough will be very stiff.)
Make sure that the dough is well mixed before moving on.
Stir in chocolate chips by hand.
You can add the pecans, or other nuts, at this time if desired.
Keep stirring and folding the chocolate chips and nuts into the dough until they are evenly dispersed.
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown. (You may even think that the chocolate chip cookies are underdone, but they will finish cooking through out of the oven.)
The centers will be soft.
Let cool completely* then remove from cookie sheet.

*If you try to remove the cookies while they are still warm, the chocolate chips are still very soft and this can cause a very big mess as well as messy looking cookies.


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Perfect Rainy Day Meal: Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese

Ingredients for Tomato Soup:
3/4 cup roughly chopped tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
3-4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
3/4 cup roughly diced onion
1/2 cup roughly diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup roughly diced carrot
1/4-1/2 cup half & half
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon roughly sliced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt & pepper to taste

Ingredients for Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
2 slices (per sandwich) bread
1/2-3/4 cup (per sandwich) shredded cheeses (I use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, & Parmesan)
olive oil



Directions for Tomato Soup:
Saute red bell pepper, carrots and onion seasoned with salt & pepper over medium heat.
Add parsley and garlic, & crushed red pepper flakes.
Add chopped tomatoes and 1 cup broth.
Allow to gently boil for 5 minutes.
Stir in can of tomato sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.
Ladle mixture into blender and puree until smooth.
Add up to 1 more cup of broth while pureeing.
Return puree to pot over medium-low heat.
Stir in additional 1/2-1 cup broth and 1/4-1/2 cup cream.
Taste and adjust salt.

Directions for Grilled Cheese:
Brush outside of bread slices with olive oil.
Add cheese between bread.
Place on grill.
Rotate sandwich on grill for prettiest grill-marks.
Grill until golden and crisp and the cheese is melted inside.

Serve grilled cheese with tomato soup.
Makes about 5 cups soup.
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Monday, April 19, 2010

Down For A While

As some of you may know, The Black Martha Stewart, has had a recent death in the family. Due to this situration Southern Charm & Black Martha Stewart will be down for a while. Due to recent death in my family I will soon be going out of town and will not be able to maintain the blog or fan page.

Starting May 1, 2010 I will be back running a promotion for my Salt & Sugar Body Srubs. I will also be giving away 4 scrubs during that time frame.

Thanks to thouse who have showed their support with phone calls & prayers; my family greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
"The Black Martha Stewart"
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Thursday, April 15, 2010

Baking Frenzy Success!!!

Last weekend I held a Baking Frenzy offering all of my cakes for $20! This offer was only valaid in the Jackson, MS Metro Area! The Baking Frenzy was a huge success considering I only took orders for 2 days!! Here are a few pics from the Baking Frenzy!








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Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Spring 2010 Must-Have Nail Polish

I am a fiend when it comes to O.P.I. polish!! This Spring the're making it all about the pink! PINK SoftShades by OPI is perfect for brides, prom, whatever. The line consists of four new porcelain pink Nail Lacquers that are perfectly innocent and innocently provocative!

The colors are:
Isn't That Precious?
Pink-a-Doodle
I Think In Pink
It's a Girl!

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Monday, April 12, 2010

Wardrobe Must-Haves for Spring/Summer 2010

Sometimes its hard balancing motherhood, work, school, husband/boyfriend and still trying to maintain your Inner Martha at the same time. Since this week we are all about musthaves, this post is dedicated to wardrobe musthaves for spring and summer 2010. Not only will I help you with whats in and what not; I will feature my fave trent that I have in my wardrobe and a link to purchase it. I hope you enjoy!

Multi Prints:
Multi Prints are in! Whether its in a dress or in a skirt; it all works well!

Butterfly Print Cowl Neck Dress
Lane Bryant
$59.50














Denim:
I've always been a denim girl. I love a great denim jacket, skirt, etc. This season denim is bring back the romper and jumpsuites.

Source of Wisdom Dark Wash Tattered Boyfriend Jean
Torrid
$16.97














Rompers/Jumpsuites:
The 1950s is back with the modern day romper for women! Personally I prefer the jumpsuit since the romper isn't figure friendly for my body!

Apple Bottom Sleeveless Chambray Flutter Ruffle Jumpsuit
Macy's
$98.00













Military:
I guess its cool to dress like the military! Me personally, I only prefer the hats! You can get military styled jackets, tanks, and pants.
Adi Designs Military Fleece Lined Cap
Target
21.99













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Sunday, April 11, 2010

Must-Have Week

This week is all about the must-haves! We're going from fashion, to household appliances, to cosmetics. Sit back relax and enjoy your Sunday!

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Friday, April 9, 2010

Frappuccino Friday

What better way to cool down on a hot spring or summer day, than with a Frappuccino?! I love frappuccinos whether they are from Starbucks, Cups, Boarders, or my favorite hometown spot Fusion Coffee House!! This is a quick recipe that I use at home. The recipe I have is for a Mocha Frappuccino.



Ingredients:
-1 cup extra-strong cold coffee
-1 cup crushed ice or 1 cup of small ice cubes
-2 tablespoons cocoa powder
-2 tablespoons sugar
-2 tablespoons chocolate syrup*

Directions:
-Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth.
-Pour into glass.
-Top with whipped cream and chocolate syrup.

*You can use any syrup of your choice to change the flavor. For example, caramel, vanilla, hazlenut, or any of your favorites.


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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Turkey Thursday

These burgers are easy to make, and do not even take much time.



Ingredients:
-1 pound turkey, grounded
-1/2 small onion, finely chopped
-Olive oil
-1/2 beaten egg
-1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
-1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
-1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
-2 tablespoons of French herbed bread crumbs
-Salt (to taste)
-Pepper (to taste)
-Buns

Directions:
-In a large mixing bowl, put together the ground turkey, onion, egg, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper, and mix them together.
--In case the mixture becomes sticky, add more breadcrumbs to it.
-Now shape this mixture into patties.
--You can decide about the size of these patties as per your liking.
-Coat each of these patties with olive oil so that they do not stick to the surface while they are being cooked.
-You may fry or grill these burgers.
-Cook them for about 5 minutes on both sides.
-Place burger on the bun and dress to your liking.


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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Watermelon Wednesday

If you love watermelon you will love my watermelon muffins!!

Ingredients:
-1 1/2 cup flour
-2 teaspoon baking soda
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1 pinch salt
-1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
-6 tablespoon room temperature butter
-2/3 cup sugar
-2 eggs
-1/2 cup milk
-1/2 cup watermelon juice
-1/2 cup watermelon pulp

Directions:
-Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in large bowl and set aside.
-In another large bowl cream butter and sugar.
Add eggs one at a time.
Whip in milk, juice, and pulp.
-Add wet mixture to dry mix.
-Blend just to incorporate.
-Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full.
-Bake 25 minutes.
-Let cool for 20 minutes.


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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Trout Tuesday

Today lets dive into the ocean!!

Ingredients:
-4 trout fillets
-1/4 cup breadcrumbs
-1 tablespoon butter , softened
-1 small bunch parsley , chopped
-zest and juice of 1 lemon , plus lemon wedges to serve
-1/8 cup pine nuts , toasted and half roughly chopped
-1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:
-Heat the grill to high.
-Lay the fillets, skin side down, on an oiled baking tray.
-Mix together the breadcrumbs, butter, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and half the pine nuts.
-Scatter the mixture in a thin layer over the fillets, drizzle with the oil and place under the grill for 5 mins.
-Sprinkle over the remaining pine nuts, then serve with the lemon wedges.


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Monday, April 5, 2010

Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Monday

This is a meatloaf recipe you'll use again and again, enjoy! Meatloaf needs mashed potatoes to qualify as the ultimate comfort meal. These are the tastiest, creamiest mashed potatoes and go perfectly with meatloaf according to comfort food eaters everywhere!

Meatloaf Recipe

Ingredients:
-1 package Lipton Onion Soup Mix
-2 pounds lean ground beef
-1 large egg
-2/3 cup milk
-3 Tablespoons ketchup
-3 Tablespoons brown sugar
-1 Tablespoon yellow mustard

Directions:
-Preheat the oven to 350F.
-Mix the onion soup mix, ground beef, egg and milk together.
-Form the combination into a well packed loaf shape in a 13 X 9 X 2 loaf pan.
-Combine the rest of the ingredients and spoon onto the top of the meatloaf.
-Bake uncovered, for about an hour. When done, take the meatloaf out of the pan and place on a serving plate. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:
-4 pounds yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
salt and pepper
-2 cups heavy cream
-3 tablespoon butter
-2 tablespoon chopped chives

Directions:
-Put the potatoes into a large pot, add 2 tablespoons salt, and cover with cold water.
-Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well.
-Heat the butter and cream in a small saucepan.
-Mash the potatoes well with a potato masher until smooth and free of chunks.
-Add the hot cream/butter mixture and season with salt and pepper. Mix well, adding the chives while mixing.




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Reciepes for Everyday of the Week

Hey Everyone!! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. This week I will post a reciepe for everyday of the week. I hope you enjoy!!


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Saturday, April 3, 2010

BROCCOLI AND OLIVE SALAD WITH LEMON-DILL VINAIGRETTE

Broccoli and Olive Salad with Lemon-Dill Vinaigrette

Ingridents:
-6 cups fresh broccoli flowerets
-14 cups torn mixed salad greens
-1 large red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
-1 cup pitted kalamata olives
-1/4 cup olive oil
-1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
-1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
-1/8 teaspoon salt
-4 ounces crumbled herb or plain feta cheese

Directions:
-In large covered saucepan, cook broccoli in a small amount of boiling water about 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
-In large salad bowl, combine broccoli, salad greens, bell pepper and olives.
-In screw-top jar, combine oil, lemon peel, lemon juice, dill, garlic, crushed red pepper and salt. Cover and shake well. Pour over greens mixture; toss lightly to coat. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

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HORSERADISH-MUSTARD NEW POTATOES

HORSERADISH-MUSTARD NEW POTATOES

Ingridents:
-4 pounds new potatoes
-1 large red onion, cut into 3/4-inch chunks
-1 tablespoon butter
-2 tablespoons flour
-1/8 teaspoon salt
-3/4 cup chicken broth
-3/4 cup sour cream
-2 tablespoons horseradish mustard
-2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
-1 teaspoon pink and black peppercorns, cracked

Directions:
-Scrub potatoes; cut in halves or quarters. In a covered Dutch oven, cook potatoes in a small amount of boiling, lightly salted water about 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to pan.
-In medium saucepan, saute onion in butter for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
-Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour and salt. Add chicken broth. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.
-In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, horseradish, mustard and remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Stir into broth mixture. Cook and stir until heated through.
-Pour sauce over potatoes; toss lightly to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with chives and cracked peppercorns.

Makes between 10 to 12 servings.

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Good Morning!!

Due to family illnesses I have been away for a while. I'm dealing with two very ill uncles (which are actually brothers) in two different states so I haven't really had much time to do anything for myself. Today I'm going to post a few of the recipes for some of the items I'm cooking for sunday dinner. I hope you enjoy!