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Recipe Help Needed--And a Prize For You in Return!

Any other bloggers out there feel like not posting when you're not running? That's how I feel right now. After Sunday's 9 mile hike my legs were feeling it, so yesterday's workout was a slow walk around the neighborhood at sunset with hubs. A nice stretch and a foam roller later, I'm feeling back to normal. We saw this rabbit on the way and spent too much time deciding if it was real or not. The little guy wouldn't move or blink!



Little bunny ran away...so I'm pretty sure it wasn't a statue. Genius right here guys.

I was craving some "comfort food" last night, and when I saw we had some sweet potatoes I decided to make mashed sweet potatoes--with a little extra ingredient. Of course, without an oven it was the "easy way"--i.e. in a microwave. But it was so easy and tasty!

-microwave a potato until soft
-mash with 2 tablespoons of milk (I kept the skin on)
-add in a heaping spoonful of PB and keep mixing

=PERFECT! The PB made this so creamy and comforting and it was exactly what I wanted. I paired it with a salad of spinach, mozzarella, flax, and balsamic.


I wanted to show you guys my savory oatmeal as well. It threw me for a loop at first to eat an oatmeal that wasn't sweet, but it can go either way. Into mine I added some wilted spinach, corn, and shredded mozzarella cheese. I also topped it with salt and pepper--it definitely helps to make the transition to savory. 


I also have some big news....tonight will be the last night in a hotel! WOO-HOO! Seriously, after 4 months, you can not imagine how beyond exciting this is for me. Sadly our house isn't finished being built, but our wonderful neighbors offered to rent out their completely finished basement apartment to us.  I'll be giving you the grand tour soon! It will be so convenient for us to be only 30 second drive away from the house site, plus....THERE IS AN OVEN! For 4 months, I've been making do with a mini fridge and a microwave. You better believe tomorrow I will be filling up the car with more groceries than you can think of. 
Here's where you guys come in. Tomorrow night I will be making our first non-microwaved, non-salad, non-takeout dinner of 4 months, and I need some help thinking of a great meal. If you had an oven after 4 months without----what would you create?
In the comments, leave me a dinner suggestion. It can be short, it can be an entire recipe, I don't mind. If it's super elaborate with TONS of ingredients, it might be too much for me. 
I will pick ONE dinner suggestion, and in return I will send YOU something for your time! I have been lucky in the giveaway department lately, so you'll get some of each of my winnings (plus some extras). 

--Honey Stinger Energy Chews
-Chocolate #9 Gels
-Gotein Protein Powder
-PLUS some extra goodies!

Sound easy? It is! Leave me two comments: one with a recipe or meal suggestion, and one naming your favorite candy. If I pick your recipe, I'll do my best to find your favorites and send them to you along with all the other stuff. 

Thanks!

Comments

  1. If I had no oven for that long I would be making my mom's spicy chicken pizza Spicy Chicken Pizza:

    1 package chicken chopped into cubes
    1/2 cup green onion
    2 garlic cloves minced
    2 tbl red wine vinegar
    2 tbl olive oil
    1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
    1 tbl corn starch
    1/2 cup monterey jack shredded cheese
    1/2 shredded mozzarella
    sliced almonds
    2 Boboli crusts


    Mix green onion, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, olive oil and chicken together in a bowl and let stand for a half hour. Add chicken to a pan and cook until done leaving the remaining sauce in the bowl. Add the corn starch to the remaining sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through add the remaining sauce to the pan until the sauce is thick in consistency. Take the chicken mixture and spread it evenly between the two Boboli crusts (the wheat Boboli is what I usually use). Then top with the mozzarella and monterey jack cheese and let cook. Halfway through the pizza cooking you can place the almonds on top so they won't burn. Cook on 350 until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, enjoy!

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  2. Oh man I will have to think on this one for a while! I can't IMAGINE being without an oven for 4 months. Ohhh my goodness.

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  3. PEANUT BUTTER? Wow, I never would have thought of that!!! Will have to give it a try.

    Ohmigosh you must be sooo happy to be moving back into a real kitchen!!! We rented an apartment for a year without an oven (but we did have a stove top at least) and it was awful!! We had a toaster oven and a BBQ too, and I still nearly went cuckoo.

    I'd make a big ol' homemade pizza!!!!!!!!

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  4. I am so excited for y'all to finally get out of a hotel room, that's awesome! I racked my brain trying to think of something really good, but with not too many ingredients. Since we had it for lunch, I suggest enchiladas.

    Flour/corn tortillas, filled with ground meat, rolled up and put into a pan, top with sauce and cheese, and bake!

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  5. I love PB M&Ms! Those things are the best.

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  6. YEAH FOR GETTING OUT OF THE HOTEL!!! That's going to be sooo exciting!!

    I'd make chicken/portobello mushroom marsala with garlic and fresh parsley fingerling potatoes! SOOO DELISH!

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  7. swedish fish for sure. can't get enough of those dang things

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  8. OK, if it were me, I'd make:

    Maple Salmon - Combine pure maple syrup (maybe 1/3 C), minced garlic (I like lots), generous pinch of salt, dash pepper, soy sauce (to taste - maybe 1-2 TBS). Marinate Salmon for half an hour in the fridge, and bake in preheated 400 degree oven, uncovered, for twenty minutes or so or til it's done.

    I always serve with Quinoa - http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Quinoa-Side-Dish/Detail.aspx - with extra lemons

    and Roasted Broccoli with garlic... mmmmmm.

    Enjoy whatever it is you decide to make! :)

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  9. I think I'd probably make homemade pizza...maybe a little boring, but so delicious! That or a calzone stuffed with spinach!

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  10. dang...everyone else is already beating me to the punch! i was going to suggest pizza too! i guess though in an effort to be a little more creative i'll say this: the crust on that sucker has to be super fat and doughy!! at least that's how i like mine. :) oh, and top it with chicken and a slew of veggies, be sure to arrange said toppings so that you have a smiling pizza. everyone needs to smile when pizza's on the menu. ;)

    ya, i'm a dork. that said, CONGRATS on getting out of that hotel!! such great news and looking forward to the grand house tour when all's done! :)

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  11. my favorite candy are junior mints. :)

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  12. Pan seared salmon with balsamic salmon over wilted spinach with white raisins and shallots and a side of israeli coucous or risotto. It is SOOOO easy. And you only two pans! I happy to send the recipe if you decide you want it..

    Fav candy, hmph, maybe reese cups/reese pieces although i do like hersheys cookies and cream bar

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  13. I think you should make enchiladas!! Here's my latest favorite version: http://lifeinbeantownusa.blogspot.com/2011/05/break-in-kitchen.html

    And then for dessert, some energy cookies: http://lifeinbeantownusa.blogspot.com/2011/04/energy-to-burn.html

    I bet you're super-excited to get an oven again! And I thought just 2 weeks with a mini-fridge was rough.

    Oh, and my favorite candy in the whole wide world is Reese's. But they have to be frozen. Yum!

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  14. You are a trooper girl! I love that you couldn't decide if the bunny was real or not, I do that ALL the time :-)

    If I hadn't had an oven for 4 months I think the first thing I would make would have to be this:

    http://thecollegiatecook.blogspot.com/2011/03/cheesy-broccoli-and-pasta-casserole.html

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  15. Nothing makes me feel more domestic than making rattatoullie. Easy to.

    Eggplant
    Olive oil
    Garlic
    Yellow and green squash
    Sliced mushrooms
    Onion
    Green pepper
    Sliced tomato
    High quality parmasean.

    Simply sautéed eggplant cubes, oil and garlic until soft
    Add to bottom of a large baking dish. Sprinkle some salt and parmesan.
    Add each veggie layer by layer with salt and Parma in between.
    Save tomatoes for top layer and cover with rest of cheese.
    Cover and bake for about 45 minutes.


    So simple but so good!!!

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  16. My favorite homemade meal is eggplant parmesan. I usually use this easy recipe from Whole Foods: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/1857. Simple and a little healthier than the usual - though I definitely put about ten times as much cheese and use real bread crumbs!

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  17. My absolute favorite candy is peanut M&Ms!

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  18. I would want to make meatballs. No question.

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  19. Here is a shrimp dish I absolutely love. It can be served over ripe avocado slices instead of pasta or rice. Very pretty and makes up pretty quickly. The curry flavor is very light. The Captain thinks he doesn't like curry but he loves this.

    Prawn Curry
    For 2 Servings

    1 tsp canola oil
    1 medium green onion, finely chopped
    1 garlic clove, minced
    1 or 2 tsp chopped, fresh ginger
    1 tsp mild curry powder
    200 ml (1/2 can) light coconut milk mixed with 2 tsp cornstarch
    1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
    1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
    16 prawns (31 - 40 count), cooked with tails removed
    16 fresh snow peas, stringy edges removed
    2 servings linguini or brown rice

    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    Add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook 1 to 2 minutes.
    Mix in the curry powder and cook 1 minute more.
    Add the coconut milk/cornstarch mixture, lime juice and brown sugar.
    Bring to a simmer and cook until the coconut milk is thickened by the cornstarch.
    Add the prawns and snow peas and simmer until just heated through, about 3 or 4 minutes.
    Divide and serve over pasta or rice.

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  20. This is shrimp with coconut milk too but completely different... also delicious.

    http://wecanbegintofeed.blogspot.com/2011/04/skinny-shrimp-in-coconut-milk-with.html

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  21. And, by the way.... nice to be moving into an apartment. Hope it works out very well for you and the hubs and the kits!

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  22. Wow--how tough to live w/o an oven for four months! Seriously happy you are getting the chance to move on...

    No time to find my recipes, but I'd make something with black beans, no doubt! Maybe black bean enchiladas or black bean burgers. Have fun!

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  23. Favorite candy--licorice pastels that I get at the beach each summer!

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  24. If I were you I would make either burrito or eggplant lasagna, recipes can be found here...

    http://wealthshealth.blogspot.com/p/recipes.html

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  25. My all time favorite candy is Reeses, but lately I've been liking Whatchamacallits :)

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  26. Stuffed green peppers with an acorn squash on the side and an apple pie for dessert! (or maybe peanut butter pie in your case!) YUM! Now I might just need to make this soon. I don't know how you made it so long without an oven. Pure torture!

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  27. My favorite candy is Airheads! MMMM

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  28. Baked Penne Recipe

    Whole Grain pasta
    Jar of tomato-basil sauce (or your preference)
    Reduced fat shredded mozzarella
    1 cup skim ricotta cheese
    1/4 cup reduced fat Pesto

    -Preheat oven to 400degrees
    -Cook pasta. When done put in bowl with 2 cups pasta sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese, the ricotta and the pesto. Stir until blended well.
    -Put pasta mix into baking dish. Spread remaining pasta sauce and cheese over the top.
    -Bake for 30minutes or until cheese melts.

    This used to be one of my favorite recipes (until I developed an allergy to tomatoes). Even if you don't make it your first night, please try it, it's amazing! (And have some for me!)

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  29. In one of my nutrition classes we had to come up with a mediteranian recipe...my group made a greek pasta salad - so freakin good.

    Pasta noodles (we used penne)
    Pesto
    Roasted pine nuts
    Sundried tomatoes
    Green peppers
    Onions
    Garlic
    Kalamata Olives

    We basically just made up the amounts and I don't remember what we used, but we sauted the green peppers, onions & garlic, then mixed everything together.

    As for the rest of the dinner - how about some Catalina Chicken:
    1/2c apricot or pineapple jam
    1/2c catalina or french dressing
    1/2 pk onion soup mix
    mix together & pour over 5-6 chicken tenders. Bake at 350 for 45-60 min.

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  30. My favorite candy is peach rings or milk duds

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  31. You should try Greek Chicken Barley Salad. It's so delicious.

    http://frecklefacedgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/greek-chicken-barley-salad-yummo.html

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  32. I'd make homemade whole wheat rolls! It will not only be amazing fresh, but it will also make your whole basement smell so yummy. My favorite recipe is from the lionhouse - you could google it.

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  33. MAKE. A. PIZZA.
    Trader Joe's crust (the best crust; go early, they run out early at least around here); any tomato sauce, and toppings to your heart's content.

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  34. I have not made vegetarian lasagna in a LONG while but I LOVE it...one of my all time favorites! This is the recipe I use: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Spicy-Vegetarian-Lasagna/Detail.aspx

    Favorite candy is reese's or pretzel m&ms! Congrats on moving out of the hotel...woo hoo!!! that is great news!

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  35. This isn't close to 4 months, but I had to go away for job training for 4 weeks and eat whatever horrible food they served us...one of the biggest things I missed while I was gone (probably second to my husband) was my own kitchen and cooking my own food! All I could think about towards the end was what I would make when I got home, and all I could think of was how much I was craving a delicious, homemade baked spaghetti!! It's so simple, but I love it SO much...if I had to pick a "last meal", spaghetti would totally be my pick!! Here's my recipe...it's nothing fancy though!!

    1 box spaghetti
    1 jar of spaghetti sauce
    1 can petite diced tomatoes (drained)
    1 onion, chopped
    1 tbsp minced garlic
    1 lb ground meet (we use venison, but anything is fine!)
    2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    italian seasoning or oregano

    Cook the spaghetti according to the package, drain, and place cooked spaghetti in a casserole dish. Brown the meat, onion, and garlic, and drain any excess liquid. Add the tomatoes and sauce. Pour the sauce over the spaghetti, and top with mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle italian seasoning or oregano on top of the cheese and bake at 375 until it starts to brown.

    So simple, but so good. And hey, it will get you all carbed up for a run the next day!!

    Whatever you make, enjoy it!!

    My favorite candy: Reese's Pieces

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  36. I'd go with something light and fresh, like a greek salad topped with grilled chicken! Add to romaine/spinach: kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumbers and tomatoes, and a light greek/lemon-y dressing!

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  37. My favorite candy: mike n ikes!

    P.S. YAY finally out of a hotel! So exciting!!

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  38. wow, what a great idea for a potato

    fav candy

    is peanut brittle candy or dessert?somewhere in between.love

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  39. tonight we are having tri colored rotini with parm and steamed broccoli stirred in. super simple
    hubs will have his with chicken breast, mine without

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  40. I made this one just the other night... It's a healthier version of a recipe I've made in the past.

    Wild Rice Chicken Casserole

    1/2 lb. chicken breasts, cubed

    1 cup frozen broccoli florets

    1/2 cup short grain brown rice

    1/4 cup wild rice

    1 1/2 cup water (there may be some excess water, so you might want to reduce this to about 1 1/4)

    low-fat cheese (amount and type based on your own preferences.. last time I used two 100-calorie packs of colby and cheddar)

    **Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit**

    1) Blend the two rices together in a casserole dish. Add water.

    2) Mix in cubed chicken and frozen broccoli. Stir.

    3) Cover dish with foil and bake for roughly 50 minutes.

    4) Uncover dish, add cheese, and continue to bake until cheese is melted.

    I usually sprinkle some freshly cracked pepper and a little garlic sea salt on top after it is done cooking.
    When I made it, there was some excess water (since I was using a new type of rice), but I was able to drain it by just lifting up one corner of the foil slightly. I'm pretty sure that if you just reduce the initial water amount to 1 to 1 1/4 cups it should be fine.

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  41. as for my favorite candy... I love almost everything (which can be a problem at times, lol), but I have a real obsession with jelly belly jelly beans. oh my gosh, so tasty! :D

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  42. Lasagna! I use the recipe on the box and it's always good.

    I am so excited to see the real house when you finally finish, I can't imagine the sense of pride you will feel!

    I like sour patch kids. Like I could eat a 4 lb. bag in on sitting like them.

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  43. Obviously following directions isn't my strength. I still like sour patch kids.

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  44. WOW! I am seriously (seriously!) impressed that you got by that long with only a mini-fridge and a microwave! That's nuts! Here is my suggestion:
    Layered Two Bean Enchilada Casserole. I just made this and it's quite delicious! I used this recipe:http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/layered-chicken-and-black-bean-enchilada-casserole/Detail.aspx
    But in the bean mixture I replaced the chicken with a can of salsafied low fat refried beans, mixed in 2 chopped roma tomatoes, and several chopped green onions.I also reduced the cheese to 1 cup (and used mozzarella) and used a 6 oz nonfat container of greek yogurt rather than the sour cream.
    It is sooo good. The kind of meal I don't mind eating four days in a row

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  45. Yay for getting out of the hotel!! If I was without an oven for that long, I'd definitely want an oven meal to cook...even if it is in the middle of summer, and I don't usually turn the oven on in the summer!

    I'd make Super Duper Chicken Mac and Cheese:

    Cook a bag of macaroni of your choosing (I like using pinwheels because they are cute).
    Pour half of the macaroni into a greased baking dish (I use a 9X13).
    Sprinkle with generous amounts of cheese. I use Colby Jack.
    Open a can of precooked chicken in a can. Sprinkle half of the chicken on the noodles and cheese.
    Repeat and layer with the other half of the noodles, cheese and chicken.
    Mix together one can of Cream of Mushroom soup and one can of milk. Poke holes in the macaroni mixture and pour the milk/soup combo into the holes. I poke about eight holes and pour the mix down into the macaroni.
    Cover thoroughly with more cheese. Really, you can't use too much cheese!
    Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

    So delicious. So comforting. So fattening.

    This is a winter meal for us, but after having no oven, I do this one up right quick!

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  46. One of my favorite candies is Gobstoppers.

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  47. haha i was going to suggest spicy bbq chicken pizza! whole wheat dough, sauteed onions, bbq sauce for the sauce, marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce and top it with some mozzarella cheese. it's best cooked on a grill but i'm sure an oven would work too!

    since everyone else here has suggested pizza as well my backup would be steak tips! marinate them in some terriyaki sauce, sear them on the stove and then pop them in the over for 20 or so minutes. then sautee some petite carrots in white wine and steam some string beans and pair with some kind of starch, either white or sweet potato.

    and end it with some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies!

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  48. my favorite candy is bottle caps or jr mints!

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  49. Whoa! I can't believe you made it that long with out an oven!! I would make German Pancake (my whole wheat version)

    6 eggs
    1 cup milk
    1 cup whole wheat flour(or white)
    1 tsp vanilla
    Mix and place in 2 greased pie pans at 425 for 20-25 mins. It will come out a little golden around the edges and all puffed up!

    After it cools it will deflate a little but that is ok. Then cut a slice and add a little pb banana and syrup! SO GOOD!

    Sarah

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  50. Yay for an oven!!! I would be so sad without mine :(

    I would probably splurge and make my healthy pastitso dish (basically Greek Lasagna). It's pretty versatile - you can add/subtract veggies, meat, cheeses. Just the Béchamel sauce needs to stay!

    http://crazyrunninglegs.com/2011/02/25/healthy-kinda-pastitsio

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  51. congrats on moving out of the hotel :) WOOHOO!

    My most favorite healthy, oven-prepared recipe:
    http://letsmoveitmommas.blogspot.com/2010/10/seriously-delicious-healthy-creation.html

    It will link to my blog for my spinach lasagna!
    rissarose80@yahoo.com

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  52. I would bake spaghetti squash and top it with this nutritional yeast-based queso "cheese" sauce from my friend Caitlyn's blog:

    http://www.thespoonfuloflife.com/2011/02/02/fuel-for-a-busy-school-day-2/

    It's AMAZING!!

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  53. Good luck with the move! HOW EXCITING!! And I got your email :-)

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  54. Yum ... all of these suggestions sounds amazing!! Favourite candy - violet crumble - yum!

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  55. So i love this recipe you chop up some veggies, and crisp up some white beans and its totally delicious

    http://shortskirtsandscience.blogspot.com/2010/11/cooking-giant-crusty-creamy-white-beans.html

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  56. that is so exciting!!! i can't imagine living out of a mini fridge and microwave for 4 months, but i've been consistently impressed with all of the meals you make and your creativity! PB in mashed sweet potatoes sounds amazing...i might have to try that tonight :)

    a recipe to try - cheesy italian risotto. i thought of it the other day and haven't made it yet but want to. cook risotto by package directions (you'll need arborio rice and chicken broth) and toward the end of cook time add in freshly grated parmesan and romano cheeses, fresh basil, and your favorite marinara sauce! yumm!! i don't know if its too hot down there for this, so if it is you can wait to make it this fall ;)

    happy cooking!!!!

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  57. i'd say that my fave candy is super dark chocolate. and anything gummy made by haribo.

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