That's Shallotta Gluten Free Spaghetti

For a quick, easy late night dinner, grab a handful of shallots. 10, in fact. Boil your pasta. Combine. And voila! An easy alternative to a bowl of french onion soup. Add your favorite bread roll, grab your favorite movie, a glass of wine and what a wonderful way to relax after a stress filled day.

Ingredients you will need:

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 shallots, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
1 pound gluten free spaghetti
1 cup grated parmigiana-reggiano cheese
A generous handful of chopped flat leaf parsley

To begin:
Bring a large pot of water to boiling. While water is heating up, in a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, approximately 20 minutes.

Next:
In the boiling water add the salt and spaghetti. Cook until al dente. Pour 3 ladlefuls of the pasta cooking water into the cooked shallots and stir. Drain the pasta and add to the shallots.

Serve the spaghetti and add the cheese and parsley; season with pepper.

Add your favorite bread and you have yourself a healthy alternative to a take out dinner.

"Happy is said to be the family which can eat onions together. They are, for the time being, separate, from the world, and have a harmony of aspiration." 

Charles Dudley Warner

Now to you-

What is your favorite "stay at home" comfort dinner?

Mint Chocolate Gluten Free Pretzel Recipe

This simple recipe for chocolate pretzels is one I gravitate to every holiday. 3 ingredients, a 200 degree oven and you have yourself a quick treat for the school function or office party. Of the three recipes that I have created with these ingredients, this, by far, is my favorite. I enjoy the minty taste of the candy kiss, with the salty crunchiness of the pretzel and just a hint of chocolate.

You will need for this recipe:

M & Ms

Hersheys Candy Cane Kisses

Gluten Free pretzels

Instructions:

Cover your cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

Lay out your pretzels on the parchment paper.

Place a candy kiss on the pretzel.

Place in a 200 degree oven.

Depending on your oven, bake for approximately 5 minutes. Or just until you notice the candy cane kiss beginning to melt.

Remove from oven and gently press an M&M into the melted candy cane kiss.

Allow to cool. 

Place in an airtight container. 

Yes, that is my new favorite chocolate almond milk iced coffee. Addicted.

More chocolate pretzel recipes-

A Gluten Free Valentine Treat

Halloween Scary Eyes-Gluten Free Recipe

Now to you-

What is your favorite chocolate covered pretzel recipe?

How I Spend My "Me Time" Tag

I enjoy watching "tag" videos and reading the tag responses on blog posts. I happened upon a fun tag video on Wonder Forest's blog. The "Me-Time" tag. The last time I shared a tag blog post was back in March. This looked like a fun tag to participate in, so I am sharing with you my answer's to the "Me Time" tag.

We all need a little me time. 

1. What do you watch or read during your me time?

I recently discovered the Outlander series books. In fact, my husband bought me the whole series and that is what I have been reading. I enjoy reading. It will take me awhile to get through this series. And I can honestly say that these are the first books that I will reread. I previously felt that there are just so many good books out there, why would I want to reread a book. But this Outlander series, I want to read over again and see what I missed the first time. 
On Saturday nights, I will watch movies on Netflix, but other than that I always have a book in my hands.

(photobombed by Charlie)

2. What do you wear during me time?

I have comfortable, warm, fleece pants that are my go to pants. Usually with the fleece pants, I will throw on an oversized t shirt. But, I always wear a snugly pair of slippers.

3. What are your me time beauty products?

I give myself an at home manicure when I have some me time.  As I have previously shared, my cuticles need to be soaked and pushed back. I try to do this activity at least once a week. 

4. What is your current favorite nail polish?

My favorite nail polish brand is Zoya. However, I have been enjoying putting on glue on nails after I have completed my at home manicures.

5. What do you eat/drink during me time?

I have been trying to eat healthier. My grocery store sells cut up fruit in a large container. I have been snacking on that as I sit on my computer.
I drink both coffee and tea. I prefer the flavored coffees with my iced coffee almond milk as a creamer.  

6. What is your favorite candle?

I do not have a favorite candle. I will burn anything. I pick up candles at the thrift stores. Also, candles on clearance, I am not picky. I enjoy the fire and the glow the fire gives off when the candle is burning. That is comforting to me. 

7. Do you ever have outdoor me time?

Yes, during the warm months I enjoy working in my flower beds. In fact, last year was my first attempt at caring for a rose plant.

I enjoy bike riding as an outdoor activity.  Just sitting on our front porch with a cup of coffee is an outdoor activity that both my husband and myself enjoy.

8.  Would you ever go see a movie alone?

No, I would not. I would rather sit at home in my comfy fleece pants. I can wait patiently for the movie to be available on Netflix or Red box.

9.  What is your favorite online shop?

My newly discovered Etsy. I can sit for hours and find many, many items to purchase. 

10. Anything to add? What else do you during me time?

I spend quite a bit of time on my computer. I enjoy watching You Tube videos, or reading blog posts about how to better improve your blog. 

But, if truth be told, I spend way too much time on Instagram. Lol.

Now to you-

Please copy and paste the questions and answer in the comments or in your own blog post and share the link.

• What do you watch or read during me-time?
• What do you wear during me-time?
• What are your me-time beauty products?
• Current favourite nail polish?
• What do you eat/drink during me-time?
• Current favourite candle?
• Do you ever have outdoor me-time?
• Would you ever go see a movie alone?
• Favourite online shop?
• Anything to add? What else do you do during me-time?

The Anatomy Of A Recipe That Failed

More often than not, recipes that I try from articles or cookbooks are successful. But, on occasion that one attempt at recreating a particular recipe, goes awry.

This happened to me yesterday. I discovered a vegetarian recipe for a skillet cookie. The photograph of the baked cookie looked wonderful. 

I bought the ingredients. Followed the directions. Everything looked great until, I cut into the cookie and it turned into a crumbly mess.

This looks exactly like the photograph-

until this happened. Nope not even a glazed sugary icing helped this mess.

This reminds me of the movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Everyone around the table is seated and ready to eat. Chevy Chase is carving the turkey. When he inserts the knife, the turkey collapses. When I inserted the knife to cut the cookie, it was as though a volcano was had erupted and cookie bits were flowing down the sides of the knife.

Let others see your mistakes

Earlier this summer, I tried unsuccessfully to recreate 3 different recipes using a new organic sugar. Each of the recipes failed. I tried to create my friend's cookie recipe using the sugar. The cookie turned hard and tasted like dirt. Another recipe was a simple lemonade drink. But, because the sugar was incredibly bad, the lemonade tasted like dirt. Also, I wanted to experiment with zucchini brownies, however, in the trash they went. Again tasted like dirt.

I missed an entire week's worth of posts because nothing worked. Instead of sharing my recipe mishaps, I started with the whole, pity party, feelings. 

But as I've shared before, blogging has taught me to step outside of my pity party box and try again. 

First thing first, in the trash went that sugar. 

Brittany Bullen shared a post in which she discusses the authenticity in your brand, she states:

"Readers/customers want to see who you really are. It helps them trust you. 

Sometime bloggers feel like they have to represent themselves as flawless in order to be respected, but in my opinion, it's more fun to read posts by bloggers who aren't afraid to embrace their imperfections. 

 
It's the flaws that set us apart and connect us with each other. Don't be afraid to let your readers see you make mistakes from time to time."

In order to succeed

That is why today I am sharing my cookie fail. I am out there "trying" to make great cookies. While this time my attempt failed, I will not let it get the best of me. Just because this recipe failed, does not mean the next one will. I don't know, maybe the person who shared the recipe forgot to add an ingredient? It does not matter, there are so many more great recipes I want to try that this mishap is inconsequential. 

On my wish list is a new Vegan Cookbook. Maybe I should start there.

Now to you-

I can not be alone in failed recipe attempts. Please share in the comments below, what recipes you tried failed miserably?

How To Completely Change Your Cooked Rice Strategies

Cooking rice that is not sticky or too wet can be a difficult task. Rice is very particular. Cooked too long, rice can burn to the bottom of the pan. Get sticky and mushy. Too much liquid and the rice will result in wet rice. 

While researching the best ways to cook rice, I discovered that I was not alone with these results. Many people left comments on websites expressing that rice is not an easy item to cook.

Now, I know on my blog I like to share with you inexpensive ideas to replace costly items. But, after my latest failed attempts to make the perfect rice, I decided to invest in a rice steamer.

Recently, I posted on Instagram my experience with cooking Minute Rice that went terribly wrong. Let me just reiterate, Minute Rice.

I seemed to have trouble cooking rice in a minute, so, I went searching for a way to cook the rice using my crock pot. Well, let's just say that at least the rice did not burn. However, some of the rice had became glue like and sticky while some of the rice remained uncooked. It was crunchy and mushy at the same time. 

Needless to say, I decided to invest in a rice steamer. 

I researched rice steamers online and then proceeded to purchase one at a major retail store. 

I set up the steamer as per the cooking instructions and steamed the rice. Finally I had success with nice fluffy rice. The rice was not sticky, too wet, burnt, or crunchy. 

"Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor." Truman Capote

I will be cooking and experimenting more with the rice steamer. I want to know exactly how many minutes the rice takes to cook. I want to try different types of rice such as Basmati, wild rice, also, short and long grain rice.

Basically, I am just happy that now I can successfully make that perfect rice.

Now to you-

Let us know of your rice success stories.

Random November Favorites

Last month I tried a couple of new items and I want to share what I discovered with you. One item was a new purchase. One item was an exciting new discovery. Two items are old favorites.

So, on to Random November Favorites.

This first exciting, new discovery has been around for a bit. But, I just recently discovered this website, below, to which I am now addicted. 

A couple of weeks ago I purchased my Plum Paper Planner from PlumPaperDesigns store on Etsy. This, of course, lead me down a rabbit hole to discover stores that sell supplies for said planner. Which then leads to stores that sell clothing, socks, gloves, jewelry, and... I digress. Yes addicted.

My new purchase item was the Bare Necessities Matte 2 pallet from Silk Naturals. Silk Naturals philosophy-

Our philosophy is that makeup should be fun. Good makeup, made with great ingredients, sold with integrity and kindness is fun. Make up that does what the description says, that lasts all day, lip glosses that taste great, and concealers that make you look like you were born flawless- is fun.  Overpriced, over-hyped, bad makeup made with junky ingredients isn't fun- so we really go out of our way to make sure that it's all fun, and that you love being our customers.

I have wanted to try the Urban Decay Naked pallets. However, Urban Decay is not a cruelty free product. So, when I finally hit pan on my eye shadows, I ordered the Matte 2 pallet. This product sells for $22.50.

The eye shadows are sold in loose powders in separate jars.

These are fantastic neutrals that are great for mixing and matching. They are easily blended. I have been using them for about a week now, and I am extremely satisfied. The colors last all day without any creasing. Even without a primer. The product is sold in a small black bag. 

As an extra bonus for my purchase, I received a set of false eyelashes and a sample size of Reckless eye shadow.

I am not compensated for this product. I want to share companies that are cruelty free.

This next product I discovered this summer.

Yes, Iced Coffee. My husband and I stopped by a coffee shop, ordered the iced coffee and we were hooked. I use this product as a creamer in my coffee or drink it straight from a glass when that 3:00 "sluggishness" sets in. 

My last monthly favorite are my Kiss glue on nails.

These glue on nails do not chip and come in a variety of lengths and sizes to fit your nail beds. 

Apply with glue to a clean nail and they last for up to a week. 

This kit sells from $5.99 to $6.99. They are sold at most large retail stores. 

The glue on nails did stay on my nail beds for a full week. Some of them actually stayed on for a longer period of time.

The nails are just a fun little beauty item that is not expensive to purchase and maintain. 

I did research on the Kiss company and to the best of my knowledge, Kiss is a cruelty free company. They are listed on the PETA website as being cruelty free. I did not see any mention of them on the Leaping Bunny website though. Please let me know if you have any information about this company.

Now to you-

Please share with us in the comments below some of your favorite items from last month.