Date Night- Spicy Ranch Wings and Soft Pretzels

Friday night is usually the time that Brian and I try to spend special time together.  And while we never go out, I usually try to make something special, or sometimes he treats me to bringing supper home!

First, I made these soft pretzels which the recipe I found on Allrecipes.  I made some home-made cheese dip to go with it as well.  It was good, but I am not 100% thrilled with it yet, so once I tweak it a bit, I will share it as well.

I also made these Spicy Ranch wings which were very easy to make. And they are baked not fried! (Recipe at bottom)

We also enjoyed this appropriate little flick. Although a little silly(for my husband's taste), it made us laugh and we still enjoyed it.



And while this was a post about our date night, I could not resist posting a few pictures of my cuties.

She can't help it.  She wants to be just like her daddy.

I know the coloring in this one is weird, but what do u think?  Does she look like me? I'll have to scan an old picture of me soon...

Spicy Ranch Wings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken wingettes
• 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce
• 2 TB butter, melted
• 1 1/2 TB cider vinegar
• 1 envelope spicy ranch salad dressing mix (I only used half of it)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

1. In a gallon size resealable plastic bag, combine pepper sauce, butter and vinegar.  Add Chicken wings; seal bag and toss to coat evenly.  Refrigerate 4-8 hours.
2. Place chicken on racks in two greased baking pans.  Sprinkle with dressing mix and paprika  Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until juices run clear.

(Note: this recipe can easily doubled/tripled etc.)

Serve with ranch dressing!
 
Happy Hump Day!! 
 
Sunday is Adeline's Birthday, but all the family is coming on Saturday to celebrate.  We are looking forward to it.  I can not believe she will be one!!

Smoky Mountain Vacay

We took our first family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.  We could not have gone at a better time.  The weather could not have been more pleasant and autumn had just painted all the trees red, orange and yellow.  It was beautiful.  We also enjoyed our time of rest and relaxation with our two little ones.

This was our view from the awesome cabin my Uncle let us use.

Fortunately for us, Uncle Walker and Aunt Emily kept the girls one night so that Brian and I could enjoy a night together. We were very thankful and much enjoyed our night out, even more so when we came home and both of the girls were sound asleep in their beds!  GREAT job Auntie Em and Uncle Walk.

This was just one of the many beautiful views as we went up and down the mountain.

Our vacation was sadly short-lived... Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head home!

But we made a few stops on the way home.  First we stopped to let our animal lover, Campbell ride the mini horses..

But, riding the horse deemed less attractive as it was to just look at it and pet it... So off we went.

We saw this little dude in front of one of the gas stations where we stopped.  She got one step ahead from last time by actually getting on the mechanical horse, but as soon as it started moving..she wanted OFF!

But I could not let a good ride go to waste.  SO, me and Adeline jumped on!

And quite frankly, I do not blame Campbell for getting off..That thing really moved!

We also came across this farm stand not too far off the mountain.

There were so many pumpkins of all shapes and sizes!

And soo many apples to choose from as well.

But the girls were tired..so it was time to head home.

I stole these two pictures from my SIL, Emily, her pictures turned out much better than mine. :)

We had a great time, and I hope it won't be too long before we have another chance to get away!

Fall Festival

Rather than bore you with the details of all the preparations and how much time it took to prepare for the fall festival.  I will just let you see images that portray the event much better!

We sold pumpkins..

 pumpkin bread..

 sausage cheese muffins

chocolate oatmeal cookies..

along with apple butter, pear preserves

and instant chai tea mix

Oh! And my sister, Lele, made these really cute make-up bags to sell as well.

The girls were the key to our pumpkin selling success.

Here is a glimpse of everything once it was wrapped..

And Campbell made a new buddy while we were there.

While Adeline enjoyed some time with her Grammy. (Thanks Grammy and Grandpa for all your help!)

We still have plenty of apple butter, pear preserves and chai tea mix.  So e-mail me now if you would like some! These make great holiday gifts! ehfnorris@gmail.com

After a long week and weekend, we took off for our first family vacation ever!  We headed north to the Great Smoky Mountains.  It was a much needed time of rest and relaxation and fun family time.

(More on this later)

Have a great weekend!

Preparing for Fall Festival and Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Well, you may have noticed that I'm behind on my "blogging."  This time, I have been making apple butter..
So, if its been a while since I've last posted, its probably because I have been peeling fruits of some sort!

We have also been preparing for the Fall Festival in Rogersville, Alabama. If you live anywhere close by, Please come see us!! It is this Saturday, October 16 from 10:00-2:00 in the downtown area (parking lot behind Hardee's.) We will be selling pumpkins, pear preserves, apple butter, pumpkin bread, sausage cheese muffins, chocolate goodies and other yummy treats along with many other vendors!  (I will post pictures and recipes on this later.)

Here is a picture from last year..

I was 9 months pregnant, mind you...
Also, let me tell you about our past weekend... We went to the pumpkin patch with some friends from Church.  Campbell had an absolute blast.  I must say that she takes after her Daddy because she was out there bossing the animals around the pin.

This pig would squeal and run away as Campbell just giggled and kept chasing!

Adeline on the other hand is a bit more timid around animals.

She was hanging on to Daddy for dear life.

Some other highlights of the trip were...

The baby ducks..Campbell was mesmerized..

They both enjoyed the miniature horse.

Campbell enjoyed the toddler play area.

 While Adeline enjoyed a snack.

And Campbell even got to be the leader of the "cow train.

We also got to pick out our own pumpkins..i.e.- Campbell picked out a pumpkin for Daddy, a pumpkin for Mommy, a pumpkin for Campbell and a pumpkin for Adeline.

And because Campbell dominated the photo shoot at the pumpkin patch, let me show you Adeline's new trick.

She likes to climb up in this rocking chair and rock herself...or Stand...

Whew!  3 days later I am finally finished this blog..quite a few interruptions these days!

Have a great weekend!