Friday, December 31, 2010 |
New Year Thoughts and Bacon Lovers Treats... |
Today has started off really well and I have a lot to get done, but when I sit down tonight it is going to feel good! The illustrator and I walked today. It was cold, but it felt incredible! We haven't been on a morning walk in months and even though it was 39 degrees out, the fresh air was just what I needed. Thank you to my in-laws for my new tennis shoes! They put a new bounce in my step and make my feet feel like I am walking on air!
Everyone in the blog world is talking about the new year...all I can say is I am ready for a new beginning. We are looking for some simplifications in life and being more self sufficient. This year is going to be about really getting to where we want to be ultimately. We were young when we got married, young when we had kids and while we are still young, we have started to really talk about our ultimate goals in life. You know the question about "where you see yourself in 5 years", well we have asked that of ourselves. We will see what this year brings, but I think there will be a lot of change for our group!
As far as food goes, we have changed a lot around here and I am loving it! We have all learned to accept the hands we were dealt with food allergies/intolerances. We have also learned to love some new things along the way. The boys are eating crazy things like beans and vegetables...I know crazy! I want to garden this year. The illustrator and I have talked about eating more seasonally too. This year is going to be spent learning about our environment and using it to our advantage!
Now, food! This was actually something I made when we had a get together with friends before Christmas. The pictures are horrible since there was no light, but I wanted to share anyway in case you are looking for some quick tasty snacks for get togethers later today or tomorrow. The time kind of slipped by me these past couple of weeks and when Jessica posted something on bacon grease yesterday and it reminded me of the Candied Bacon Popcorn I made.
Of all the food that was made that day, this was the one thing that got the most attention. I used my quickie caramel popcorn recipe with the addition of bacon grease for the caramel and bacon bits mixed in. While this is not something I would encourage you to eat everyday, I think it was a fun twist for a fun occasion! You could also use vegan bacon, but I sadly can't have that.
10 cups air popped popcorn 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 2 TBSP bacon grease (or Smart Balance Light) 1 tsp salt 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil sprayed with cooking spray. In a small pot over medium heat, add sugars, syrup, bacon grease and salt stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil. Allow to boil for 2 minutes without stirring. When the sugar mixture is done boiling, add the crumbled bacon and pour the caramel mixture evenly over the popcorn and stir to coat. Pour the popcorn mixture in the prepared pan and lay in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes.
Another bacon creation the illustrator made was Bacon Deviled Eggs. His mixture had a little mayo, chopped egg yolks, stone ground mustard, sauteed onions, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, salt and pepper. The man loves his bacon!
Are you a bacon lover or not? Even vegan bacon...do you like the flavor?
Any thoughts on the new year?Labels: about me, gluten free, holidays |
posted by Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen @ 11:39 AM |
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21 Comments: |
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Those bacon deviled eggs look amazing! Wishing you a happy new year :)
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Happy New Year!! I am a bacon lover but I don't use it very often. I think its perfect for a salty bite though (I use it as an accessory mostly!)
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It sounds like this is going to be an exciting year for you and your bunch-- can't wait to see what 2011 brings you!
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Oooo we have friends who make deviled eggs with bacon too, and that popcorn sounds ridiculously amazing!! Happy hew year! xoxo
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Sarena, what I want to see in 2011 is you trying out for Top Chef! :)
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Yeah. This is pretty much AMAZING.
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amazing is under-rated! I love the salty sweet flavor of this! LC
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deviled eggs with bacon!? now that sounds like a fabulous pairing!! hope you have a wonderful new years!
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bacon grease and popcorn...oh i bet your family was hugging you :)
i love what you said about food all/intols and that you all are learning to live with the hand you are dealt..and making it work, happily so!
happy 2011 to you all! xo
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My feeling is that you can't do wrong with bacon... soooooo good! And I love the sweet/salty popcorn idea!
Happy New Year, girl! I think you and your family have had a great 2010 and I wish you the best for 2011!
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Hi Sarena!! Even as a vegetarian there is something about the way bacon smells (and the salty-ness) that is very alluring. :) I do like vegan bacon and actually baked some tempeh earlier in the week that tasted very similar. I can imagine that the popcorn and eggs were delicious!
I'm really looking forward to a new start, also! I need to push myself out of my comfort zone more often and am going to strive to do it! :) Have a great celebration!
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I actually don't like bacon at all! Even if I wasn't a vegetarian, I wouldn't eat it. There's something about it that grosses me out!
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I always hated real bacon but love tempeh bacon. Jason and I are definitely thinking about the "where do you see yourself in 5 years" thing too. We want to make some positive changes that will hopefully lead to a positive future. Have a great evening!
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Mmmmm.....bacon! I love it but rarely eat it. My most recent way to eat it is crumbled on salad (doesn't the lettuce negate it?).
I, too, want to garden this year and eat more seasonally---let's do it!
Happy New Year!
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I made the candied bacon popcorn for the 2 New Years Eve parties I was invited to. I loved it, my kids loved it and my friends loved it. It was hit or miss for some who were afraid to try something new. Thanks for my new favorite snack.
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I'd like to start gardening too. I'll probably start small with potted herbs and veggies that I can just grow in pots on my deck. I don't have a big yard, but it'll be fun to see if I can grow anything. I'm excited to see what you guys do! Happy New Year!
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I'm all for the new year, too! I need a fresh start! Happy New Year!
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Popcorn covered anything i'm all about it! Can't wait to see what's next for you in 2011!!! Happy New Years!!!!
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I've been meaning to make deviled eggs all year long. I guess 2011 will be the year I try! Thanks also for sharing your thoughts in my comments :)
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This is just about the perfect recipe for me, since I loooooooooove bacon, and I'm allergic to dairy. FUN.
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Name: Sarena Shasteen - The Non-Dairy Queen
Home: Atlanta, GA, United States
About Me: Lactose Challenged
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Those bacon deviled eggs look amazing! Wishing you a happy new year :)