Tuesday, April 29, 2014

iNSD and The Cherry On Top on Pinterest




 Pinterest

Leave a comment here or contact me via FB or e-mail at lmtroch@excite.com if you would like an invite to post on the board.  It's totally free, but you do need a Pinterest account.  There is just so much going on, it's a nice one stop place for folks to see what's go'n on.



Sunday, April 27, 2014

Weekly Menu Planner #6

Weekly Menu Planner #6

Save money.  Save time.  Save the hassle and plan your menu's!

Monday:  shrimp or chicken scampi

 recipe

Click on the image above to get an unbelievably easy recipe.  You will shake your head when you find out just how easy it is to make this from scratch.  Replace the shrimp with fish or chicken if you like.

Tuesday:  breakfast for supper

 recipe

This is such an easy way to make eggs.  You can make everyone's the way they like it, too!

I love to brown some thinly sliced potatoes, garlic and onion.  Then make a hole in the potatoes and place an egg in between.  Of course, drown it in hot sauce and cover with bacon and cheese.  Awwwwe......!  Hehehe...

Wednesday:  Jambalaya
 recipe

I'm giving you the reins a bit here.  I've linked you up to the page with a ton of different recipes.  However, this link :http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jambalaya/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=jambalaya&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Recipe&soid=sr_results_p1i4&rank=4 Seems pretty authentic and super yummy.  It's how I make mine, too.

Thursday:  Meat, starch, veg

If you are new to TCOT's weekly menu planner, then I need to explain.  M-S-V is a flex day.  You might want to go out for pizza or grab some hoagies on the way home for work.  Once a week is not a big deal.  It's a time when you eat left overs if you have them.  If this is not an option, then whip up a nice fish fillet of your choosing, boil or steam some potatoes and green beans.

Fun Food Friday:  nachos supreme

 recipe

I've got ya hooked up to a nice recipe, but don't feel like ya have to stick to it.  Take out what you don't like.  Maybe add some bacon.  Just make sure that you use all natural ingredients and try not to get too much stuff from a can or that's full of conservatives. Belgian's don't know nachos, but when I make them, they go crazy and ask me to make them again.  

We typically sit around the living room table and watch a movie while we eat are fun food on Friday.

Saturday: Beef Lo Mein

Check out this recipe for a super easy and very healthy meal.  Otherwise, look up your own recipe and find one you like more.  I love Pinterest and All Recipes!

 recipe


 Sunday:  quesedillas or some other sandwich that you like.

Quesedillas are so flexible!  Use bacon, shrimp, chicken...maybe you like corn tortillas or flour?  I love that!  Make a buffet in the kitchen and have everyone build their own, then slap that puppy in the oven for a couple minutes and voila!  Dinner is served!  Cheap, easy and fast!  That's my kind of meal.  Hehehe...

Get a tortilla, sprinkle some cheese, add some ham.  Then put another tortilla over the top.  Put it in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or even faster...drizzle some olive oil in a pan, spread it around and put your quesedilla in the pan for about 2 or 3 minutes on a low heat, flip and let sit for another 3 minutes.  So easy!

 recipe

Shooo!  That took a while!  I hope you can use some of this stuff.  If ya don't see something you like here, scroll back and find some other recipes from other weeks.  Just make sure ya plan.  You will thank yourself!








Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Just So Scrappy, Glorious Day

Hey, Y'all!  Welcome to The Cherry On Top.

Today I've got Just So Scrappy in the spotlight.  Now, prepare yourself.  You are about to see some seriously gorgeous stuff!  Hehehe...

First, I've got some really sweet layout love to show off.  Yip!  That's me!  I'm sipping on some lovely Mosel wine.  It's made right there on the river in Germany.  I love this region of Germany.  It's peaceful, small and not too far from where I live in Belgium.


Another layout with Glorious Day.  This day was indeed, glorious!  This picture was also taken in Germany.  Bernkastel to be specific.  This village is totally worth seeing.  You are gonna think you are in Epcot Center!  It's just too good to be true.

Dat's Genieten means...Ah, the life!  That's a loose translation.  Literally, you would say, "That is enjoyment".


Click on the image below to get to the store and click JSS on FB to visit the Facebook Page.

 JSS store

If you know The Cherry, then you know I've got some goodies for you, thanks to my generous designers.  For this kit, I've got three I've made!

I just couldn't stop playing with this kit.  Purple is my favourite colour and everything is in here because the kit is huge.  There are tons of add ons, too.  Click on the previews to go get a closer look. FYI, JSS sells her kits at a TCOT price.  That means it's a super, good deal! 

This first, "Perfect" word art FREEBIE can be downloaded from my Facebook page.





 FREE Download TCOT FB

You are going to have to keep your eyes out for this gorgeous frame cluster. JSS will release it shortly, over on the blog.  The best thing to do is stay in touch with my Facebook Page where I give daily updates for amazing FREEBIES.  I've got the image hooked up to the JSS blog.  There are always freebies over there.


 Blog JSS

This one is all hooked up for direct download. FREEBIE.  It should make ya, "Happy"!  Ha!

FREEBIE

Thank you for hanging out at The Cherry On Top!  Make sure ya do it again!




Sunday, April 20, 2014

Weekly Menu planner #5

Whoooo Hoooo!

I can't believe we are already on #5!  I thought I'd do this for two months to see what kind of reaction I get and so far, it's pretty good, but there is always room for improvement.

I'm gonna start the week off with meat, starch, veg.  This way if you have left overs from the weekend, you could eat them here.

Monday:  meat, starch, veg

We will be having chipolatas/sausage, mashed potatoes, carrots (mixed in that stump recipe from a previous menu) and gravy.  It's a favourite of the kids and when made from scratch, very healthy.

Do yourself a favour and do NOT use margarine or other nonfood fat.  Stick with butter and olive oil.  They are both actually, healthy and when consumed in moderation, even good for you.  Start taking the time to read the ingredients on the food you purchase.  If ya can't pronounce it or have absolutely no idea what it is, then by all means, do NOT buy it!

I'll help ya out by providing a homemade gravy recipe and tell you this.  I was terrible at making gravy in the beginning.  It really did take me a long time before I got it right.  Now, I can whip up any kind of sauce and gravy in less than 5 minutes.  All from scratch and with real food ingredients.

Click here for a VIDEO on how to make gravy.

I keep my gravy drippings (which rarely ever have fat that I need to skim off and a little bit of fat makes it taste goo, too.) I reserve my veggie and potato water as well.  Then I take 2 tablespoons of flour or corn flour and shake it up vigorously with 2 tablespoons of COLD water and add at that to the meat, potato and veggie reserves.  Stir until heated through and thickened and add salt, pepper....

Tuesday:  fresh pasta and sauce of your choosing

As you probably have heard, eating less meat is always good.  Try to go for a meatless day today.  Whip up some spaghetti from a previous planner or how about buying some fresh penne pasta with an arribiata sauce.  Mmmm... one of my favourites!  I love it with diced egg plant.

Click on the image below for the recipe, but do NOT use the sugar.  The tomatoes are sweet enough!

 sauce

Wednesday: meat, starch, veg

Here's a time for flex.  Whip up some left overs, bring home some hoagies if it's too busy or get out your grill pan and grill up some pork chops!  Mmmm...maybe considering purchasing frozen potatoes as long as they are JUST potatoes.  Serve them with some sour cream and chives and sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top.  Mmm....yummy.  Serve this with a favourite vegetable from the family, like frozen corn or fresh cauliflower.

I've provided you with a recipe, but I'm not so keen on the canned soup.  There is often too much salt and conservatives.  I think it would be fine without the soup, but some fresh mushrooms instead.  One can of soup a week won't be too, bad.

 recipe


Thursday:  risotto, zucchini, prosciutto

Have you ever made risotto?  It's not difficult, but it does take some time.  I make mine just like I do bulgar, quinoa, orzo...I brown my garlic and onion then add the risotto (a good full cup for 4) and stir it all together.  Then I add my stock ladle full by ladle full as it absorbs in.  Add in your salt and pepper, but not too much salt because the meat you use may be salty.  I always use prosciutto.  If you can't find that, use bacon or something similar.  (This meal is great vegetarian as well.)  Add some white wine if you like.  I add 1/4 cup.  Make sure the risotto never sticks to the bottom and that there is always a little liquid just covering the dish until the desired taste/bite of risotto.  I like to use zucchini in this dish, too.  Put your meat and parmesan chess in the last few minutes of cooking.

This dish is super similar to mine and sounds really good!

 recipe

Fun Food Friday:  blackened fish, hush puppies and corn on the cobb

Let's get all southern up in here!  I loves me some hush puppies and blackened fish!  If you don't like the spice, then just make any fish your favourite way, but stay away from the breading and fryer if you want it healthy.

The spice recipe here looks just perfect!

 recipe

I looked at several recipes until I found the healthiest one.  This is also the way I make mine!  You may be super surprised to see just easy it is to make these, but it will take a little bit of time if you never done it.

 recipe

Saturday:  club sandwiches

Choose your type of bread.  Anything NOT WHITE is healthier and anything fresh is always best.  Toasts it if you like, then add some sliced turkey, lettuce, bacon, tomato and mayo.  That's it!  Serve it with pickles or use any sliced meat you prefer.  Get something from the butcher is possible.  If not, check the packaging to see how much junk is in there.  Hehehe...  Go organic any time possible.


Sunday:  grilled meat, baked sweet potatoes and grilled veggies

Choose your favourite meat to slap on the grill. Shrimp, fish, steak...  Always get organic if you can afford it.  We will be having our Easter dinner today.  A leg of lamb with rosemary, garlic and olive oil on the grill.  Grilled peppers, zucchini, squash, mushrooms are always delicious with a touch of salt, pepper and olive oil.  Take your potatoes, sweet or regular, coat them in olive oil and wrap them in foil.  That's it!  Just 40 minutes if they are big.  So easy and really healthy, too!

Below is a great leg of lamb recipe!

 recipe

There you have it!  A week full of fresh, versatile, healthy meals.

Leave comments if you use any part of this, ok?  I like to know what you think.  If you have questions or requests, leave those, too!  Pass the link around and share the ideas so we all get eating healthier!  Don't forget to focus on all of the things you CAN eat rather than the things you cannot eat.

Have a great week and see ya back here next Sunday!















Friday, April 18, 2014

Romajo's Bunny Hop

Howdy, Hoppers!!!

Welcome to The Cherry On Top!

 the shop

I've got a couple of goodies for you thanks to By Romajo Scrap Shop.  Enjoy the freebies, leave me some love and check out my other links where I have more treats!

My first on is some really cute, free word art.  Click on the image and it's all yours!

ALL FREEBIES HAVE BEEN TAKEN DOWN.  CONTACT ME IF YA JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT.

 download


This pretty banner can by found on my Facebook Page.  Become a fan by liking the page and ya get even another goodie.  You will love it over there and wished you were a fan a long time ago!

 FB FREEBIE

Here's another FREEBIE from another CT member.  Click on the link and head to her part of the hop!

 blog

I made this card last year.  If you like it, just right click and save it.


This is the Easter card I will be using this year.  I combined both of my freebies and used just a couple of other things from the kit in the shop.  I'm Pinning it on to my board, "Free Digi Scrap Stuff".  Click on the preview below, and simply download the image again from over there.  I post all kinds of great FREE stuff on Pinterest that you won't find on my Facebook or here.

 Pinterest

This free kit comes in two parts.  The ellies can be found on Romajo's blog and the papers on Romajo's Facebook Page.



You are set with some serious FREEBIES.  They are for personal use only and cannot be sold.  Please share the links.  It's the best way to say thanks!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Weekly Menu Planner #4

Welcome, to yet another Weekly Menu Planner! #4

We are on a two week Spring Break and we will be in Germany for part of that.  In celebration of me being in one of my favourite countries, how about a little cuisine from Germany?  Let's keep it simple!

Monday: meat, starch, veg (Choose your own if you don't like German cuisine or follow the recipe and just don't use the kraut.)

A typical dish is sauerkraut, potatoes and pork.  Chop your potatoes up rather large, chop carrots if you would like more veggies, add whatever pork meat you would like.  I like to use a mix.  Think about some thick, lean bacon, a tiny ham still on the bone, a thick slice of ham, sausages...kilbasa... (If you don't like pork, substitute those yummy veggie dogs!  They won't need to cook long.)  Then pour your sauerkraut over the top and add enough water or bouillon to cover the dish.  I would make it in the slow cooker on the slowest level and let it cook while you are at work or you can simmer it on the stove.  Note:  If ya wanna trade up this meal for in the weekend with the skillet lasagne, it will be a time saver.

Wow!  I grabbed this recipe, I thought looked great.  Mine is a little different and faster, but this one! I'll try this one next time.  Mmmm.....

 recipe


Tuesday:  fish, starch, veg

Choose your favourite fresh or frozen fish and cook it how you like.  Grilled, steamed and baked are the healthiest ways to cook it.  Maybe look for a cajun spice recipe!

Everything goes with fish.  In Belgium, they often eat it with croquettes or mashed potatoes.  Mmmm...I really like mine with rice.  A quick and easy way to get some rice to go with your fish is this.  Chuck your rice and water in your rice cooker and turn it on.  When it's finished, take the lid off and throw in one of those gelatinised bouillon thingies and a pad of butter and stir!  MMM....If you have no idea what I'm talking about use half a regular bouillon cube or a 1/2 tsp of powdered bouillon.

Carrots, green beans, broccoli...all go great with fish!  Steam them and don't add too much slat or butter or use one or the other.

Wednesday:  Beef Stroganoff

 kraft

The image is all hooked up to Kraft Recipes.  It's not my all time favourite place because they use a lot of recipes that have processed food, but this is one that doesn't  Yay!  Their recipes are typically really easy and fast.

This recipe is very close to the one I make.  You might be very surprised at how easy this meal is.  The thing with getting your meat just right is to use a good cut of meat and cook it fast or get a less good cut and let it sit until it falls apart.  This second method is cheaper and taste a lot better. Mmmm....This is also awesome in the slow cooker!

Thursday:  gourmet tunafish sandwiches with raw veggie boat side

Mix all of these ingredients in a large bowl:  diced, hard boiled eggs 3x (if you have time), a large can of tuna, chopped pickles or relish if you wanna save time, mayo (take it easy!), a shot of dijon mustard, pepper (no salt, it's in the mustard), and some parsley....Onion and celery if you like is yummy as well.

If you use all of these ingredients, then you will NOT need to make extra raw veggies, but do so if you like.  If you have to put out some dip to make the veggies more...appreciated/eaten, then do so!

Another tip for the eggs, break open some eggs in a greased muffin pan, then put them in the over for...I forgot 5 to 10 minutes?  It goes really fast.  While you are putting all of your ingredients together the eggs will be finished!

Use the freshest bread you can get or even better, some older fresh bread toasted.  I love tuna on toast!

Fun Food Friday:  hot wings, raw veggie tray and loaded french fries

Awwwweee....your mouth is watering, isn't it?!  Get some fresh wings, throw them in the fryer for the fastest method (once a week won't hurt, too much).  Just take your favourite hot sauce and mix it with some butter over low heat and toss your wings when they are finished, in it.  Awesome and super easy, right?!

I've got ya hooked up to a wing recipe, but I don't bread mine.  It's healthier.

 wings recipe


Blue cheese dressing and ranch dressing is unbelievable easy to make and SO much better for you and your family than the stuff from the shelf.  I'm hooking you up with some recipes for both!  After you make these, you're gonna be like, "Oh, my God!  Why haven't I always done?!"  That's what I've been saying for the last 10 years!  Hehehe...It literally, takes 5 minutes to make!!!!

 ranch recipe

 blue cheese

People!  I don't know about you, but everything fries are my weakness!!!  Le'me dip'm in some Ranch and I'm in heaven!  Make your fries, shake your favourite cheese or cheeses over them with some cooked bacon and some scallions and parsley.  OMG!!!  Let it all melt in the oven and voila!  Ok, this might take some time, but the family will love you for it.  I would!  Call me, ok?!  Hehehe...


Saturday:  Italian Subs/hoagies/grinders... depending on what part of the woods you're from.  Hehehe...


Now, I've got a recipe if ya  need one, but probably not.  Throw any kind of meat you like on there.  We typically do ham, salami and chicken...Watch your cheese though!  Don't go throw'n some Swiss on there!  Keep it mild!

 recipe

Sunday:  Skillet or classic lasagna

Lasagna is a bugger to make!  Way too much work for me and the kids don't like it.  However, a classic lasagna is so awesome.  I'll hook ya up with a recipe.  Note:  lasagna is also very expensive to make because of all of the ingredients, if you choose to make it fresh.

This recipe looks awesome except for the sugar?!  Ah, sweet lasagna?!  No way!  Leave it out.  Tomatoes are really sweet!  Check out your sauce, too!  No sugar!!!  I also do NOT like Fennel seeds.  If you don't know what they are, stay away from them.  They are super powerful and to me, they steal the show.

 lasagna recipe

You WILL thank me for this next recipe.  It's the fastest, cheapest and really quite healthy way to eat lasagna.  You ARE welcome!

 recipe

All righty then!  You are set for this week.  If you are using any part of my recipe series, please be a doll and leave a comment once in a while?  If you have suggestions, questions or would like for me to start doing a shopping list, let me know by commenting.

Thanks for checking out The Cherry!











Made By Keuntje Debut at The Cherry


Welcome, Friends and Fans!

Today, I am debuting Made By Keuntje!  She's another uber talented designer I work with.  As you can see by this first layout I made with her newest Easter release available at Scrap Takeout.  This colour combination is definitely a favourite of mine.  Is it not just gorgeous?!  Top it off with one of my all time favourite pictures of Liam!  Ha!


This second layout is showing the festive side of the kit.  Don'cha just love when a kit has this kind of versatility?!  Yes, please!!!


This is a closer look at the new kit, "Easter Fun".  It's definitely on the eclectic side which makes a perfect match for me!  Hehehe...Click on kit images to get to the shop.


 sto

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Next, I wanna show off my favourite kit from MBK.  Robot Love!

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Again, I used the kit in two totally different manners.  The first one is cartoonie, cute fun.  Another super fun photo of my spaghetti mushed, Liam looking very happy!  Don'cha just love all of the original elements?!

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My second layout is just the opposite.  The sweet, soft side of the kit.  Such gorgeous, romantic colours.  Mmmm...ya just wanna touch it!

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I want to show you just a couple other layouts I made with Made By Keuntje's lovely ellies so you get a better feel for her artistry.  She's new to the designing scene and I have to say, because I always do...hehehe...That she is off to a fantastic start!  She hardly looks like a beginning designer, don'cha think?!

The masculine, dark, rich side...

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The frolic, bright side...

 sto

And the vintage, country feel with a hint of fun!

 sto

What fabulous versatility in an artist?!

She even dabbles with templates!


Click on the image to download this lovely, frame FREEBIE designed by The Cherry On Top.

 download

Here's the FREEBIE she has offered on her Facebook Page.  Click on the image to go to FB Page.

 fb

Click on the image below to get to her blog, where you can find links to get more FREEBIES!


 blog

Get more FREEBIES by heading to Throwing  Some Scraps Around's blog where she also featured Made By Keuntje.

 blog



Wasn't all of those goodies and this amazing hook up with a new, fabulous designer, worth it?!

Thank you so much for visiting The Cherry On Top!  See ya in a couple days for week #4, weekly menu!