Missing A Loved One

Well, I'm having a tough week as I am really missing my dad a lot. I've been pretty weepy at the thought of him and wish he was here to give me a big hug. I love my dad with all my heart, but I am so frustrated that he's not here to encourage me and be proud of me for the accomplishments I am achieving in my life. For those of you who don't know, my dad left our family about 10 years or so ago and officially cut off all contact with us kids at that time. So my journey has been one where I have dealt with the fact that he's not around for me, my siblings and our children, but I also understand that I'm being protected from anything that could happen that would caused more hurt in my life. It is times like these that I wonder, "Why was it him and not someone else?" I know there is a plan and a purpose and I'm greatful for what I've learned during these years, but that thought is still there out of selfishness for me wanting to hear my dad's words of adoration and affirmation. It's even more difficult when other's, like my sister-in-law's dad, say such encouraging things to uplift me and I wish it were my dad. Well, for all the letters I've written him over the years, he knows I love him and miss him, but I would love even a little 4-word letter back..."I love you too!" I'll be fine and continue to carry on with my family and friends, but I know that something will trigger this longing I have to be with my daddy and again, swim through all these emotions with more strength than last time. So to my dad I say, "I love you with every fiber of my being!" Love, your missy pink polka dots

My dad was always the one cooking up a storm at our house whether it was a main dish or dessert so this recipe is for him.

Ice Cream Sandwich Dessert

2 packages (24 ) ice cream sandwiches
1 container cool whip or whipped cream
1 jar caramel topping, I like Mrs. Richardson's
Heath Toffee bits, You can buy the bag down the baking isle or the bars and smash them.

In a 9x13 pan, place a layer of ice cream sandwiches, cutting to fit the bottom if needed. Pour a layer of caramel topping and spread out evenly. Add another layer of ice cream bars and pour more caramel over spreading evenly. Sprinkle some Heath toffee bits over the caramel layer, top with cool whip and sprinkle with more Heath toffee bits. Freeze until you are ready to serve. Enjoy.

Happy 4th of July

Hello Friends -

Happy 4th of July, well almost. I love celebrating this holiday and enjoy all the festivities and food that it brings. I also want to acknowledge that it means more than food and fun. If you have a chance this weekend to read the Declaration of Independence I suggest you do so. I'll be the first to admit that I sometimes have to re-read it to understand some of the things they are saying, but it is worth taking 15 to 20 minutes to read it. History was never one of my strong subjects, but as I get older I don't want to take these historical documents for granted. You can read the document at this link below: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

My tip for today: I have found that for any sticky mess like stickers or tape that has left residue, labels on glass jars I might want to keep, gum stuck to my kids fingers and everything thing else along those lines, grab your peanut butter or a similar product. This rubs the sticky right off without a big mess. It also is ok for the kids in case they ingest it. I for some reason can never find my Goo Be Gone and turned to my Jif. So next time you are faced with this type of a problem, grab your jar and try it out.

Ok - here is a salad I am bringing to my sister-in-law's annual 4th of July party. It's my Easy Cheesey Caprisi Salad and it's so easy to make and is very filling. You can make ahead, just don't pour the dressing on until 30 minutes before you serve it.

Easy Cheesey Caprisi Salad
Several Servings
Cook Time: 10-12 (For the pasta)
Prep time: 10 minutes

1 large package (family size) Buitoni Fresh Three Cheese Tortellini, cooked and cooled
1 container mini buffalo mozzarella balls, drained
1 container cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1 package fresh basil leaves, sliced *Use as many or as little as you'd like
1 bottle Newman's Own Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Mix all the ingredients and chill for 30 minutes prior to serving.

Have a safe and joy filled 4th of July,
Kirsten

Welcome to my 1st Blog

Hello Friends -

This is my first ever blog and I've stepped another foot into the 21st Century as my sister says! I will be filling this blog with exciting things going on in my life, recipes I find or create that just have to be shared and anything else I think is worth reading.

Currently I'm training for my 1st triathlon, the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, on July 12th. I am on the last leg of my 11-week training schedule so I've begun bricking my activities. So like today, I biked and ran, tomorrow, I will run and swim. I'm very excited as we approach the BIG day, I still cannot believe I'm actually doing it! This is the BIGGEST athletic accomplishment I've ever attempted. Come down to Lake Nokomis on Sat. July 12th to watch and participate in the festivities.

I'm still working on the Second Havest food shelf I'm starting at my church. Right now the only thing in our way is temporary space to store the food until our spot at the church is ready. I keep hitting brick walls. I know it'll come when it's suppose to.

I recently made a live appearance on KSTP channel 5's Twin Cities Live show to surprise John Hanson, one of the hosts. I had submitted my Off the Grill Jalapeno Poppers and John wouldn't try them and he got a lot of flack for not tasting even a little nibble. So Rebekah Wood, the other host, had me come with a plate of them and surprise John on Friday, June 20th's show which is with a LIVE audience. Everyone knew except John so that was a hoot. They want to have me back to do a cook off so I'll keep you posted on that. If you want to see the video of Rebekah and John making my recipe go to www.twincitieslive.com and go to the Eat section in the middle of the page and you can scroll down the list of recipes to the Stuffed Jalapenos. I've added the recipe below for you in case you need an appetizer for your 4th of July celebrations.


Off the Grill Jalapeno Poppers (Stuffed Peppers)

Kirsten Shabaz of Lakeville sent in her recipe for Jalapeno Poppers. Try them on the grill!
10 jalapeno peppers
1 8 oz. pkg softened cream cheese
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
5 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
Leave stems on and cut each jalapeno in half lengthwise. Scrape out ribs and seeds from each pepper half. Set aside.
Mix all filling ingredients until well blended and put into a ziploc bag. Cut hole in corner of bag to use as pastry bag. Fill each jalapeno half.
Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes, or place on the grill over medium high heat on a piece of aluminum foil. Grill for 25-30 minutes. Cook until filling is bubbly and browned on top and jalapenos look "steamed."

Until next time,
Kirsten