black candy apples

October 30, 2013

witchy_candy_apples_2Candy apples are always popular this time of year- but this twist on them is so fun for Halloween.  A bit of black added to the hard candy shell and you’ve got witchy black apples that every bit as tasty.  With the help of a candy thermometer these could not be more simple to make!   The entire process only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

witchy_candy_apples_1

black candy apples
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup water
  • ⅔ cup light corn syrup
  • 1¼ tsp black food coloring
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 6 8-inch sticks
  • 6 apples (I used Honeycrisp!)
  • parchment or wax paper
  • cooking spray
  • candy thermometer
Instructions
  1. Begin by lightly spraying your parchment or wax paper with a coat of cooking spray so that your apples can be removed from it easily once set. (This step is important!! The first time I ever made caramel apples I missed this one, and believe me- prying my apples off of the wax paper was NOT fun. )
  2. Place the sticks securely in the apples, placing them at the stems. (I usually use a hammer to lightly tap the stick into the apple, and I remove the stems!) Set aside.
  3. In a saucepot over high heat, combine the sugar, water, corn syrup, food coloring and cinnamon. Stir to combine, and then insert your candy thermometer. (Follow the directions on your thermometer for correct placement.)
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high, and boil until the thermometer reads 300F, about 15 minutes.
  5. Once at 300F, remove from heat and quickly dip the apples into the syrup, rolling to evenly coat. Place the candied apples on the prepared wax paper and allow to cool. Apples can be made up to 6 hours in advance of serving.

witchy_candy_apples_4 witchy_candy_apples_3

We have found that the best way to enjoy these pretty apples in by slicing them, to protect your pearly whites from biting into the hard shell.  However you decide to serve them, they certainly make a fabulous centerpiece for your Halloween feast!  Enjoy!

Happy Halloween Eve!

shansig

 

Posted in halloween, holidays, recipes, something sweet | Tagged | Leave a comment

winter skin essentials

October 29, 2013

Winter can be especially cruel on our skin.  Drinking lots of water, eating healthy and getting  plenty of rest are the first steps in maintaining healthy skin year round.  For extra help during these dry and cold months I turn to these favorite products:

winter_skin1Eucerin Intensive Repair Hand Cream for instant dry hand relief that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. 2Cuticles can become especially dry and brittle during the cold months – Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream protects the delicate skin around your nails. 3I have a very bad habit of biting my lips while sleeping, especially when they are already dry.  Kiehl’s Lip Balm soothes the pain and repairs the damage left from my bad habit and the cold air. 4Coconut Oil is an essential in our home for many reasons including skincare.  This gently moisturizes Jettie’s delicate skin while I often use it for a eye makeup remover. 5Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a celebrity favorite for it’s deep cleaning power that leaves the skin feeling refreshed and hydrated – not tight and dry.  6O’Keefe’s for Healthy Feet protects your feet from the dry harmful air that can often cause cracking and pain. 7Vaseline Cocoa Radiant has been a favorite moisturizer of mine for many years.  Apply at night for that soft buttery skin feeling in the morning.

What do you use to battle the harsh winter air?

brandyjsig

Posted in beauty, nails, product love | Tagged | Leave a comment

his style | sticky

October 28, 2013

his_style_sticky_2It wasn’t long after meeting Sticky I knew he had a passion for style.  Granted his most cherished possessions were a green pair of low profile sneakers and a collection of thrift store tees (one donning the phrase “aged to perfection”).  But his curiosity was there and it was not long into our relationship he was asking for my opinion.  Like many well dressed husbands he takes no credit for looking put together.  “She dresses me” is his common reply to someone telling him he looks good.  When it comes down to it though he is the one who is wearing the heck out of the clothes and is willing to take chances.  I absolutely love his classic metro style with a twist, but I also love that he can throw on a grubby hat and some camo waders and look just as comfortable.  The man for the most part feels good in his own skin which is what style is all about – a valuable lesson he has taught me over the years.

Today is Sticky’s birthday.  A man with a heart of gold who knows no stranger.  We are so lucky to have such a genuine and honest man in our world.  He has far exceeded any husband I could have ever dreamed of and could not be a more loving father to our Jettie.  Cheers to our guy!  We love you!

his_style_sticky_3 his_style_sticky_1 his_style_sticky_4|WEARING|denim blazer similar/octagon pattern shirt similar/jeans similar/polka dot pocket square similar/tonal shoes similar

brandyjsig

Posted in outfits, style | Tagged | 3 Comments

halloween flashback

October 25, 2013

With Halloween rapidly approaching we thought it may be fun to share with you our girls first Halloween costumes.  Say hello to “Jettie Spaghetti” and “Adelynn, one of the Three Little Pigs”.

halloween_flashbackLast year we wanted to do something as a group but wasn’t sure how to give everyone a significant role.  When the concept of “A League of Their Own” became a possibility we were one character short – what was Josh going to be (without having to be “Stilwell Angel”).  Once the idea of a candy vendor came up we knew we had our costumes.  Luckily Brandy J’s mom is a master of many trades including pattern making and sewing.  She put together the little girl’s uniforms as well as the Jimmy Dugan costume and our vendor’s hat.  Everything came together brilliantly and we could not have had more fun.  We even got our “There’s no crying in baseball!” moment.

rockford_peaches_1 rockford_peaches_2 rockford_peaches_3 rockford_peaches_4 rockford_peaches_12 rockford_peaches_11 rockford_peaches_5 rockford_peaches_9 rockford_peaches_8 rockford_peaches_7 rockford_peaches_10 rockford_peaches_6I am not sure how we will ever top last year’s but we’re already having fun trying!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Posted in costumes, halloween, holidays, personal | Tagged | 3 Comments

creamy tomato-balsamic soup

October 24, 2013

Let’s get this out of the way.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with a good ol’ can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup.  I certainly enjoyed many a grilled cheese dunking in that salt and tang concoction (and wouldn’t necessarily pass on a bowl today).  But if you have never made your own tomato soup you are truly missing out on something special.  This recipe landed in my lap about a year before I was married and we have been making it ever since.  It’s depth of flavor is intoxicating – infuses your entire home with that wonderful “mmmmmm” aroma.  If that wasn’t enough to entice you the process of making it could not be simpler.  It does however take a little longer than the can but if you’ve got the desire to make it from scratch this is the recipe to try.

roasted_tomato_soup_4roasted_tomato_soup_3

creamy tomato-balsamic soup
 
Print
Ingredients
  • 1 cup less-sodium beef broth, divided
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped onion
  • 5 garlic cloves
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, drained
  • ¾ cup half-and-half
  • Cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 500°.
  2. Combine ½ cup of broth, sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Place onion, garlic, and tomatoes in a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Pour broth mixture over tomato mixture. Bake at 500° for 50 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned.
  3. Place tomato mixture in a blender. Add remaining ½ cup broth and half-and-half, and process until smooth. Garnish with cracked black pepper, if desired. Server with crusty bread.
Notes
Strain through a fine sieve for a silkier soup. Make a double batch if you are feeling really hungry (serving size is small).
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 4½ cup servings

recipe courtesy of Cooking Light

roasted_tomato_soup_1 roasted_tomato_soup_2Much like Shan’s this soup is good news for your waist line with only 120 calories a serving.  That doesn’t include the bread (or grilled cheese) of course.  Enjoy!

brandyjsig

Posted in recipes, what's cooking | Tagged | Leave a comment