I Like to Bake and Cook Blog

Saturday, January 7, 2023

My closet 2023 Fall/Winter

Happy January! And Happy New Year.

As you might know since our kids left the nest hubby and I have our own closet.

That and having a free bathroom is like the best of both worlds. No complaints.

I decided since January and July have been the times I chose many years ago to rearrange and allow myself to have some better organized space that I feel much more in control of my life in general. It’s a feel good feeling.

Today I’m updating my previous years post and pictures.

I am finally very happy with my January closet.

I started taking clothes shopping very seriously. Actually during Covid in 2020.

This is my 2023 winter closet. I move my clothes on opposite side of closet for different seasons. I’ll get to the other side when spring is almost here. Stay tuned!

When I shopped during Covid I bought mostly online with a company I knew my size and I realized I seldom get really dressed up anymore. I decided to not buy anything real dressy (although I do have dressy casual clothes from that same company from years ago and I still wear).

Some basic black styles work well for all seasons and all occasions .

I try keeping colors together for easy tops and pants.

Pants I have mostly black blue and grey. I do have brown but seldom wear brown . I do though wear beige and brown in spring, summer and fall on occasion. Beige, white, navy blue in summer along with sundresses.

I find sweaters handy for those times you need a little something to add to an outfit. I do have a few pinks, black, navy, grey and a few that are little bit “holiday” type sweater.

Turtle necks…. I rarely wear them but I can’t seem to part with them but with limits. Only neutral colors.

I’m a more basic clothes person but like an occasional pick up color. I love peacock blue , rust/orange and shades of yellow and green.

For some reason I don’t like red on me but love it and yellow in my flower garden.

**** I do have one red lightweight dress up and a few jean casual jackets.

I have the fringe jacket in taupe and black too! These 3 were a great buy(sale)very reasonable lightweight feel good addition easy to care for jacket that can be used in many social situations.

****My Spring/Summer wardrobe is much more colorful but I still try to stay with basic colors in my slacks/shorts.

****I love sundresses so you’ll see more of them as the weather improves.

I don’t buy many pastels (I think pastels age me)imo

and lean toward solid blacks, creams and grays for fall and winter. Blues of all tones, beige , corals and white for Spring /Summer.

I do like to shop so something other than my basic that I find irresistible I’m going to buy it but here is where control comes in. It’s not a good buy if you will only wear it once or twice!!!!

So my basic backsplash is neutral colors with accents like a nice simple chain, earrings or better yet a simple silver or gold shorter necklace. I have found scarves are nice but I had way too many and seldom used them so off they went to be donated.

On another note. This is the time of year to update your wardrobe and either discard, donate or go to resale shop. You can make $$ by reselling your nice items you don’t wear anymore.

I hoped this post helped someone today. I enjoyed writing it.

Wishing you the best 2023.

Blueberry Pockets or turnovers!

Re-post

I was a bit restless today so checking out the frige I noticed that I had a box of(2) Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie crusts that needed to be used so here goes my creation.(I look at expiration date)

I had bought this handy gadget(called dough press) last Christmas and figured it was a good time to play with it.

The other day I had made Blueberry soda with fresh blueberries so after straining them I had all these nice smashed blueberries. Approx. 3/4 cup.

Note: Blueberry pie filing can be used!

I didn't want to waste them so in a pot I added 3 T of minute Tapioca to the blueberries in a pot brought the juice to a slight boil to thicken and I now had a wonderful blueberry filling.

I cooled the filling and then filled the center with a quarter size dollop of blueberries, folded and baked. Yum.

When cool drizzle with confectionery sugar mixed with milk to desired consistency..

Super Easy!! I can't wait to make something else with these easy to fill pockets. I may even make Mom's homemade dough and the filling possibilites are endless. Meat, chicken, cheese and on and on.

I was able to make 5 possibly 6 pocket or turnovers. Gather all leftover dough and knead to make extra ones. You can make an extra one with the excess dough.

Happy Baking and Cooking from my kitchen to yours,

M.J.

I'm thinking Pasties maybe next!!

6" inch circle needed for size. (Cool Whip container lid is approx. 6").

Original 7/6/13

Friday, January 6, 2023

Sweet Potato salad

I love sweet potatoes made mostly in the microwave or oven with butter. When I came across this recipe I knew I had to make it.

I pretty much made it as I read it.

It had everything I liked in it and was easy! Double score!!!

Enjoy!

3 large sweet potatoes (cubed)

1 small red onion sliced in half moons

2T extra virgin olive oil

Salt

Pepper

Heat oven to 400°.

In a large bowl place all ingredients . Toss with olive oil , salt and pepper. Place on large cookie sheet in a single layer.

Bake until tender approximately 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool for 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve warm or room temperature. I tried it both ways and it’s so delicious….

Dressing

2 T apple cider vinegar

1 T Dijon mustard

1T honey

1/2 tsp. Cumin

1/4 tsp. Paprika

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a small bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, honey and spices. Gradually add in olive oil whisking constantly.

Pour over potatoes, add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently and serve warm or room temperature.

****Note:Garnish with dried cranberries and feta cheese if desired.

Serve warm or room temperature.

We’re having chicken cutlets and applesauce tonight with it.

Yummy!

Adapted fromDelish

Recipe adapted from Delish

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Boil and broil lobster casserole

Tonight we were blessed to have a quiet and uneventful evenings.

Easy lobster casserole, baked potatoes , Cole slaw and some fresh bread.

I could not ask for a better evening. Miss my family but life must go on.

Everyone is safe , well and happy so we have no complaints just plenty of grace and gratitude.

Merry Christmas!

***Lobster casserole.

Boil frozen lobster tails in vinegar and red pepper for 15 minutes after lobster tails have turned red.

Remove and drain lobster on paper towels until cooled. Remove shells.

Note: FYI: to remove shells.

I boil my lobster tails, drain and allow to cool. I then crack the shell (I press down on side of tail using a clean dish towel )and the lobster removes from the shell easily. In a separate pan I place 1stick of butter, 2 minced or i tsp. Garlic powder,1tsp. Dried Parsley and a pinch of paprika. Simmer until the Butter is melted.

In a casserole I place tails. Pour butter mixture over tails and place in oven not too close to coils. Broil for a few minutes making sure to not allow the Tails to brown too much. You can sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs if desired watching carefully not to burn the crumbs.

Place shelled lobster tails in baking dish and pour butter mixture over tails

Broil on lower rack until slightly browned.