Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Chicken Marsala

Peace & Blessing for a New Year! We are now in 2018! Can you believe it.. Well for the 1st Foodie Tuesday of the year we have Smarty Marty take on Chicken Marsala! 

Chicken Marsala with mushrooms over garlic mashed potatoes

1st things first lets gather up the needed ingredients: 

For this dish we will need the following 

• 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• All-purpose flour, for dredging
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, stemmed and halved
• 1/2 cup sweet Marsala wine
• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

How to cook & Prepare : 

Put the chicken breasts side by side on a cutting board and lay a piece of plastic wrap over them; pound with a flat meat mallet, until they are about 1/4-inch thick. Put some flour in a shallow platter and season with a fair amount of salt and pepper; mix with a fork to distribute evenly.

Heat the oil over medium-high flame in a large skillet. When the oil is nice and hot, dredge both sides of the chicken cutlets in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Slip the cutlets into the pan and fry for 5 minutes on each side until golden, turning once – do this in batches if the pieces don't fit comfortably in the pan. Remove the chicken to a large platter in a single layer to keep warm.

Lower the heat to medium and add the prosciutto to the drippings in the pan, saute for 1 minute to render out some of the fat. Now, add the mushrooms and saute until they are nicely browned and their moisture has evaporated, about 5 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Pour the Marsala in the pan and boil down for a few seconds to cook out the alcohol. Add the chicken stock and simmer for a minute to reduce the sauce slightly. Stir in the butter and return the chicken to the pan; simmer gently for 1 minute to heat the chicken through. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Food Recipe & Directions By - The Food Network

Meal prepared & Styled By Smarty Marty 

Empower Hour with Kara Norman -The Power Of Our Thoughts

The Power Of Our Thoughts- By Kara Norman

I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself.  Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life. 

I found this book last week that I had forgotten. I also found this queen ornament for my tree that same day as well. I then came across this poem in my Facebook memory the following day. I’m on a journey of self care and healing. It’s amazing the power of our thoughts, energy, meditation and prayer what you can draw to yourself.  Take some time today to use the power of your thoughts and prayers to draw more beautiful things into your life. 

I hope this poem helps someone stand a lot taller today! 

One Flaw In Women-Poem (Author Unknown)

By the time the Lord made woman, 
He was into his sixth day of working overtime...
An angel appeared and said, 
"Why are you spending so much time on this one?" 
And the Lord answered, "Have you seen my spec sheet on her? 
She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, 
have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable
and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, 
have a lap that can hold four children at one time, 
have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart
-and she will do everything
with only two hands." 

The angel was astounded at the requirements. 
"Only two hands!? No way! 
And that's just on the standard model? 
That's too much work for one day. 
Wait until tomorrow to finish."

But I won't," the Lord protested. 
"I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. 
She already heals herself when she is sick
AND can work 18 hour days"

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. 
"But you have made her so soft, Lord."
"She is soft," the Lord agreed, 
"but I have also made her tough. 
You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."

"Will she be able to think?" asked the angel.
The Lord replied, 
"Not only will she be able to think, 
she will be able to reason and negotiate."

The angel then noticed something, 
and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek. 
"Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. 
I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."

"That's not a leak," 
the Lord corrected, 
"that's a tear!" 
"What's the tear for?" the angel asked.

The Lord said, "The tear is her way of expressing her joy, 
her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, 
her loneliness, her grief and her pride." 
The angel was impressed. 
"You are a genius, Lord. 
You thought of everything! 
Woman is truly amazing"

And she is! 
Women have strengths that amaze men. 
They bear hardships and they carry burdens, 
but they hold happiness, 
love and joy. 
They smile when they want to scream. 
They sing when they want to cry. 
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous. 
They fight for what they believe in. 
They stand up to injustice. 
They don't take "no" for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution. 
They go without so their family can have. 
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. 
They love unconditionally. 
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards. 
They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. 
Their hearts break when a friend dies. 
They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. 
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart. 
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. 
They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you. 
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. 
They bring joy, hope and love. 
They have compassion and ideals. 
They give moral support to their family and friends. 
Women have vital things to say and everything to give. 
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, 
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH. 

PLEASE pass this post along to all your women friends and relatives to remind them just how amazing they truly are.

Kara Norman

www.empowerherinc.com

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty - White Chicken Chili

Depending on what part of the country you are in the weather is getting a little cooler.. so when the weather is a bit cold a nice delicious chili will do the body good. Smarty Marty Foodie Tuesday dinner idea this week is her White Chicken Chili 

1st things first gather all your ingredients 

What you will need : 

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14 ounces each) chicken broth

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, drained, divided

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Sliced jalapeno pepper, optional

DIRECTIONS

In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chicken and onion in oil until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, chilies, cumin, oregano and cayenne; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low. With a potato masher, mash one can of beans until smooth. Add to saucepan. Add remaining beans to saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender.

Top each serving with cheese and, if desired, jalapeno pepper. Yield: 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)

Recipe from - www.tasteofhome.com

Prepared and Styled By - Smarty Marty 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Turkey Sausage & Sauerkraut

This week specialty Dinner Idea from Smarty Marty is her take on Turkey Sausage and Sauerkraut!  This ingredient list will serve 4 and it's approximately 50 mins. 

Mashed Potatoe was placed on the side with garnishments. 

Ingredient Listing: 

•  tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds hot or mild (or a combination) Italian turkey sausages (about 6 sausages) 
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter 
• 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds 
• 1 large bulb fennel, trimmed, quartered and thinly sliced, plus 1 tablespoon fronds for garnish 
• 1 Gala apple, cored and thinly sliced 
• 1 pound sauerkraut, drained well 
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 

1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, turning often, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. ...
2. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Add potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes. ...
3. Add broth, vinegar and mustard.

Recipe By : Food Network 

Food Styling & Photography By: Smarty Marty

Empower Hour with Kara Norman - Are you Charged Up?

Are You Charged Up?

I would describe myself on most days as pretty high strung and always going at least 90 miles an hour on any given day. This seemed to work well for me for most of my life but earlier this year I was stopped dead in my tracks.  As I mentioned in my previous Empower Hour post my oldest daughter started college last fall and it threw me for a complete loop. Little did I know the impact the changes were also having on my younger middle school age daughter. She started having severe anxiety as well as other challenges and just was not her self. As I️ worked to help my daughter learn better coping skills I️ began to look at my own strategies to handle stress and life’s many curve balls. We often do not realize the toll that life transitions and daily stresses can take on our bodies and spirits.

I️ am the queen of putting everyone else first and running on empty. I️ heard someone the other day talking about how we put more value on our cellphone batteries than we do on our own physical and mental well being. I️ thought about how we know where all the cell phone chargers are around our homes, in our cars and how quickly we can locate outlets when we are out and about. Low cell phone battery percentages can send us into panic mode. So let’s think about self care the way we charge our phones. Unfortunately we do not come with a low battery signal that alerts us when we are almost empty. It is important to be present with ourselves and check in internally on a daily and even hourly basis to see where we are. 

Here are a few practices that I have worked into my daily routine to keep me charged up:

Yoga - I️ recently started taking yoga classes and learning new meditation techniques to keep myself calm.  Although I am not flexible and totally look like a goof ball on my mat it helps me to get re-centered when I️ have a busy schedule or day. It has calmed me down quite a bit and I️ find that I now fight to stay in peace and calm versus going 90 miles an hour!  I have definitely learned to breath more deeply and to stay in the moment.  

Make Sleep & Rest a Priority - Get rest when you need it and don’t feel guilty! Over the Thanksgiving break I️ literally stayed in pajamas for two days over the break just relaxing, sleeping and spending time with my family. I️ learned recently that when you sleep and rest your cells rejuvenate and are restored nightly. I’m working on getting those famous 8 hours of sleep every night!

Unplug - Set aside time to unplug from electronics and get out in nature, rest, exercise or spend uninterrupted time with loved one or friends.

Healthy Diet/Water – What we put in our bodies is important. A balanced and nutritious diet can help us stay charged. When we are super busy it is easy to fill ourselves up with lots of junk.  I am learning to plan meals ahead of time and keep healthy snacks around at all times. It’s amazing the difference I feel when I eat well.

As we enter this busy holiday season and transition into a new year I️ hope that you will join me in creating your own self care practices, becoming more mindful and definitely slow down.

Cheers to the holiday season and running on a full charge!

Kara Norman

www.empowerherinc.com

Foodie Tuesday by Smarty Marty- Rigatoni & Kale

This week Foodie Tuesday idea is Rigatoni & Kale

It's that time of the week where we are bring a recipe idea to you straight outta the kitchen of our beloved contributor Smarty Marty(My sister) and This week delicious delights is a take on Kale and Rigatoni noodles! 

Riggies with Charred Tomatoes, Hot Sausage, Kale and Ricotta

Let's gather up all the needed ingredients 

Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 pound hot sausage
2 shallots, chopped
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry sherry or sweet vermouth
1 bunch Tuscan kale, cavolo nero, stemmed and chopped
1 pound rigatoni
2 cups fresh ricotta cheese, sheep or cow’s milk
EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling
1 tablespoon chopped thyme
Shaved Pecorino cheese

Preparing the ingredients to get ready to be cooked 

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the rigatoni.

Preheat broiler and place a rack in the upper third of oven. Arrange the tomatoes on a baking sheet and toss with a little olive oil. Place under the broiler and char until they burst. 

Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, 2 turns of the pan. Add sausage, brown and crumble. Add shallots and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Stir shallots and garlic into sausage for 2-3 minutes then deglaze with sherry or sweet vermouth. Add kale to pan and wilt into sausage. Add charred tomatoes to sauce.

Cook pasta in salted water to a minute shy of cooking time, reserving a mug of starchy cooking water. Drain rigatoni and toss with sauce and starchy water for a full minute. 

Plate pasta in shallow bowls topped with a fat mound of ricotta, some thyme, a drizzle of EVOO, a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Shred or shave pecorino over the dish and serve.

Recipe by Rachael Ray

Cooked and Styled By Smarty Marty

Recipe By :  Rachael Ray 

Giving Thanks Cards- Free Download!

Just in time for the Thanksgiving Holiday we have these Giving Thanks Cards that would be something great to share with family and friends fellowship! Open File and Print as many as you like to share. 

Download your free Giving Thanks Card Here!

Empower Hour with Kara Norman- A Woman & Her spirit!

Stay tuned for our Bi-weekly power hour of positivity with Kara Norman! 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Beef Short Ribs

This week foodie Tuesday meal idea by Smarty Smarty is Beef Short Ribs with mashed potatoes, aparagus and steamed carrots  

1st Things first gather the ingredients you will need for this meal 

Ingredients

4 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch long pieces.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2/3 cup light brown sugar.

1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

1 tablespoon white vinegar.

1/2 teaspoon dried ground thyme.

2/3 cup ketchup.

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Directions for cooking the short ribs 

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Arrange the short ribs in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper, to taste. In a small bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate. Pour the sauce over ribs and toss well, coating all the pieces. Cover with aluminum foil and roast until cooked through and tender, about 3 hours. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to brown the top. Transfer to a serving platter and serve.

Meal cooked and styled by Smarty Marty

Recipe by - Food Network 

Foodie Tuesday with Smarty Marty- Cabbage Soup

This week Foodie Tuesday Dinner Idea is Cabbage Soup

Gather the items need for this delicious delight

Ingredients

½ head of cabbage, chopped

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup white or yellow onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

14 oz can basil, oregano, garlic diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

few shakes of black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (optional)

Ingredients

½ head of cabbage, chopped

1 cup celery, diced

1 cup white or yellow onion, diced

1 cup carrots, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups chicken broth

14 oz can basil, oregano, garlic diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

few shakes of black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Instructions
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add celery, onions, bell peppers, and carrots.
4. Saute until slightly tender.
5. Stir in garlic.
6. Pour in chicken broth.
7. Stir in tomatoes and cabbage.
8. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
9. Cook until cabbage is tender.
10. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, black pepper and salt (if using)
11. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
12. Serve and enjoy!

Recipe By  Divas Can Cook 

Food prepared and Styled By Smarty Marty 

Empower Hour with Kara Norman- Drop the Ball

Halloween has come and gone and left me with a new perspective on parenthood and my journey as a woman moving through my life.  See for me this was my first year not rushing home to get my daughters ready to trick or treat. I have a sophomore in college and an 8th grader in middle school.  This year my youngest daughter had other plans that involved her going home with a friend and trick or treating in a neighborhood other than my own. I woke up on Halloween morning to a page full of past Facebook Halloween memories.  As I scrolled through the memories filled with snaggletooth smiles and dozens of costumes between the two of them over the years, my heart sank.  Where had the time gone?

I fought crazy traffic after leaving work and came home to a quiet house.  My husband had picked up candy for the trick or treaters earlier that day. It was my first time being home to greet the trick or treaters as I always took the girls out and hubby stayed behind.  It was so quiet and empty. I texted my youngest to see how things were going and reminded her that I needed to see a picture at least.  I checked in with college girl to see what her plans were and I received a selfie of her with the caption “I am a tired college student #spooky”.   This new normal is very hard at times for sure.  I hugged my hubby for comfort and we settled in to welcome the trick or treaters.  My dog comes around the corner and  I had a light bulb moment and found a costume that I picked up a few years ago and wrestled him down to take a few pictures.  He was not happy, but I felt so much better. 

As the evening went along I got to see all the little neighborhood kids at the door and the proud parents.  I reflected on my experiences with my girls and I realized that I tried to do too much and was often not fully present for many wonderful moments.  I was that busy super mom juggling a million things.  In our country, we fought hard for women’s rights over the past decades to be equal to men.  I think we swung way too far over to the other side.  We have this new badge of honor that we wear that is celebrated when we are slaying it as women, crushing goals and the myth that we can have it all.   All the while we are more sick, tired, depressed and not living in the moment.  Yesterday was a huge reminder of the importance of being in the present, taking things off our plates and slowing down as women and especially moms.  I never thought of the day my girls would become more independent or the day they would leave the nest. 

This past year of transition has left me feeling lost, filled with anxiety, depressed, unmotivated and just not myself. I am in the process of healing, practicing more self-care and redefining who I am as a woman now that my roles are changing.  I look back and realized all the balls I had in the air are not as important as the quality time spent with my kids when I was not super stressed, worn out or distracted.  Yesterday was a reminder that we are constantly evolving and change is happening all around us.  On this week’s Empower Hour I want to remind everyone to drop a few balls every day that you are trying to juggle to make room to fully embrace the special moments in life!

Here are some great tools to learn to do less, be more present and drop more balls:

• Drop the Ball: Achieving More by Doing Less: by Tiffany Dufu
• Own Your Glow – A Soulful Guide to Luminous Living and Crowing the Queen Within:  by Latham Thomas
• Oprah & Deepak Chopra Making Every Moment Matter 21 Day Mediation Series (https://chopracentermeditation.com)

Celebrate Life Every day!

Foodie Tuesday by Smarty Marty - Egg Plant Parmesean

This week dinner idea is Egg Plant Parmesean! 
 

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant cut into 3/4 inch slices
1cup seasoned dried breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
2 garlic gloves
1 tablespoon of minced basil
1 tablespoon water
1/4 teaspoon red crushed pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl beat the egg and water together. Place the bread crumbs in shallow dish. Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture then in crumbs, being sure to coat thoroughly.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant slices and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender.
While eggplant is cooking, combine spaghetti sauce and pepper flakes and minced garlic cloves in a saucepan over low heat.
Place half of the eggplant in a greased 1-qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the basil and Parmesan cheese. Arrange spaghetti sauce over top; sprinkle with remaining basil and Parmesan
cheese. Layer with half of the mozzarella cheese and the remaining eggplant; top with remaining mozzarella. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 5 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted.

Images & Food Styling By Smarty Marty!

Boo! Are you scared- Free Download Iron On T-shirt Design!

Just in time for Halloween! 

Here is a quick DYI project!

Materials Needed:

• T-shirt 
• Iron On Paper
• Printer 
• Iron 
• Download the Boo Design Here! 

print on Iron on T-shirt transfer

Trim the design /phrase and Iron on !

**Follow Direction from the Iron On Paper**

Now your all ready for some tricks or treats!

Empower Hour with Kara Norman!

Reflections of Foundation of Strength! 

Remembering my grandmother’s legacy today on her birthday. So important to tap into the strength of the amazing women that came before me and make me who I am today!#mylegacy #heritage

I posted this about her in 2013:
Today is my Grandmother's birthday, she passed away a few days after President Obama was elected. I remember calling her the next day after he was elected and she was so proud to have lived to see that day! On this day, I miss her terribly, but know that she is so proud of me in Heaven. She was a STRONG woman of faith and I feel her prayers carrying me through life now. I think I get some of my empowerment spirit from her. She attended Clark Atlanta University at a time when women were not going to college, she even majored in math! She told me that she remembered seeing Mary Mckeod Bethune and W.E.B Dubois on her campus teaching classes! I also remember learning that after my grandmother retired she used to teach a woman in her 70s how to read once a week! She was also an empowered mom raising 6 children in a very difficult time. My grandmother taught elementary school when schools were integrated many years ago. Could you imagine being a teacher in that classroom on that day! Thank you Grandma Lucy for leaving such a beautiful and strong legacy and thank you God for giving me such a wonderful role model and support system for so many years!

This scripture came in my spirit this morning "I can do ALL things in Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13. I immediately thought about my Grandma Lucy who was a strong woman of faith and wisdom. She raised 6 children and endured many trials. She always had a open bible on her bed until the end. Today I felt her strength that no matter how hard and challenging things are you must have your faith to triumph through it all.

Thank you Grandma for passing down one of the best gifts a family can receive..FAITH!

Have a faith filled Day Everyone! 

Ancestral Prayer- Taken From Own you Glow - Latham Thomas! 

"Light a candle and sit in silence. Ask for guidance as you tune in to the silence. Start to speak to you ancestors silently or out loud"

I honor my unique gifts, talents and powers. I come from a strong and powerful people. I release the baggage and ancestral wounds that have been past on to me. I will turn the pain and struggle of my past into purpose. I celebrate the freedom that I have because of sacrifices made before me. I promise to honor my lineage and live out my truth. I bow to the legacy that gave rise to me. Through my thoughts and actions, I pave the path for a legacy I will leave behind"

Be Empowered! 

Foodie Tuesday By Smarty Marty- Veggie Stuffed Chicken Breast!

This week dish Foodie Tuesday Dish By Smarty Martyis Veggie Stuffed chicken Breast ! 

Pull out your ingredients and lets get ready to prepared a delicious delight!

Veggie Stuffed Chicken Breast Ingredient Listing

4 boneless skinless chicken breast
8 oz. Feta cheese sliced
6 oz. mozzarella cheese
1 medium white onion
3 or 4 large garlic gloves
1/2 red bell pepper
2 cups of fresh chopped spinach
1 cup of chopped mushrooms
1/2 teaspoon of flaked pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Slice the chicken breast in half not going all the way through and spread open, lightly tap down flat with mallet.
Salt and pepper breast on both sides to taste
Heat olive oil in a frying pan and add onion, pepper, 3 garlic cloves, mushrooms and sauté until mushrooms and onions soften.
Now add spinach until spinach softens
Remove combination from frying pan and place in a bowl to add the feta cheese, the last garlic clove, salt and pepper to taste; add flaked red pepper mix completely.
Place equal amounts of mixture on the breast and roll the breast. Secure with toothpick or string.
Lightly spray a large rimmed sheet pan with olive oil (any pan will do) lined with foil or parchment paper and place in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until stuffing reaches internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Top chicken breast with mozzarella cheese and bake a additional 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Food Preparation and Styling By Smarty Marty 

Peace Be Still

Peace Be Still... 
in a chaotic World a prayer for Peace will serve the earth just right.

Foodie Tuesday By Smarty Marty - Beef BBQ Ribs

This Tuesday meal tip idea is BEEF BBQ RIBS WITH GARDEN SALAD

To get started with this mean you will need the following for your Beef BBQ RIBS

4 pounds beef ribs
2 tablespoons of steak seasoning
1 small onion
1/4 cups of Worcestershire sauce
3 or 4 gloves of garlic
1/3 cup of molasses
1/2 cup of ketchup
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions for Preparing

Trim fat from rib meat. Sprinkle with steak seasoning, add chopped onion and garlic with Ignore sauce. Place in a Dutch oven and cover with water. Simmer for 2 hours. Drain.

In a small bowl, combines together molasses, lemon juice, ketchup, dry mustard, garlic powder and chili powder. Mix well.

Place the drained meat on a broiler rack. Brush molasses mixture over ribs. Broil on medium for 10 to 15 minutes, turning and basting with sauce often.

add a garden salad to the side and some butter potatoes and you have some delicious delights for yourself and family! 

Food Styling and Dinner By - Smarty Marty! 

2007 On a mission to capture everything- My anniversary journal

It’s My 11th Anniversary in Photography Service, For the next eleven days, I will journey through my experience of beginning Kustom Kreation Photography…

2007-

After starting my journey fall of 2006 as 2007 approached I was clear on my way to shooting anywhere from Fashion and Glamour, Portrait Weddings and Special events. I begin to shoot my then seven year old son and t-ball team. Taking actions photos of the team as well as individual posed pictures. During this year I became pregnant with my second child. I was not going to allow my pregnancy to be a factor in my budding photography business. More then ever I was pursuing my passion. Capturing my own maternity pictures. Taking on many special events. For the 1st time I was recommended to do special event photography for a celebrity event.  I was scarred out of my wits seeing that I was a budding new artist. Nervous and scarred I took on this project and with the feedback I received from my client was one of the biggest lessons to date moving forward capturing special events. This was a real breakout year… I was shooting any and everything…

Portraits * Special Events* Maternity* Daycare Center

With my new baby and camera in tow we were on a mission to capture all that we see…. 

Go Kustom! 

This blog is a reblogged originally written 2013! 

Written on our Wordpress Blog here!

Foodie Tuesday By Smarty Marty! Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms

This week dinner ideas is a take on your regular chicken breast! 

Chicken Marsala with mushrooms over garlic mashed potatoes

Let the cooking begin... But first here are the ingredients for your dish

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced*
• salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ cups sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup Marsala wine** see note
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh Chopped Parsley for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet over medium heat add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add the chicken and lightly salt and pepper. Cook until lightly brown and cooked throughout. Remove chicken and set aside on plate.
2. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil and sauté the mushrooms for 1-2 minutes. Add marsala wine and bring to a boil over medium high heat for 1-2 minutes. This allows the alcohol to burn out. Add the chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, ground mustard, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil and reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Place chicken back in the sauce and continue to simmer for about 1-2 minutes.

Recipe by- recipe critic 

Preparation and Food By Smarty Marty 

2006 When It all began- My anniversary journal

It’s My 11th Anniversary in Photography Service, For the next eleven days, I will journey through my experience of beginning Kustom Kreation Photography…

2006 is when my journey officially begin after history of creating picture art and always toting my camera around capturing many amazing events in my journey in life. After encouragement for others I finally decided to invest in my 1st DSLR camera (Nikon D50) thanks to my personal photographer friend Willie Ross of Ross Photography that advised me of what camera to get started with. Once I was able to purchase  my camera I was eager to capture any and everything. I was now a professional photographer and it was time for friends and family to get on board and hire me for all their photography needs. My initial goal was to be like the 20 minute mall photographer where you go right in take pictures and prints done in less then an hour. I would have my new clients come to my in home studio take pictures and print them off from my inkjet computer and viola! I had a studio & printing facility right in the comforts of home. Over time ideas information and processes change. Grateful for all opportunities that came my way in the very 1st beginning. Every dream has to start somewhere and here’s to my evolution in my photography journey! 

Go Kustom! 

This blog is a reblogged originally written 2013! 

Written on our Wordpress Blog here!