NEW-”Linky Followers”-Google is going Buh-Bye!

Hellow Google Friends-I don’t want to loose you.

As you’ve probably heard, the popular Google Friend Connect (“GFC”) is going away March 1st for non-Google blog platforms like WordPress, and it will be eventually phased out completely to be replaced by Google+. Google is phasing the “Friends” out and is not providing a service to move followers over.

Bloggers know a good “follower” tool is really needed. Those of us who use Linky Tools and know the owner/creator (Brent Riggs), realized he would be perfect for developing some kind of really easy to use “follower” system.

Introducing LINKY FOLLOWERS (www.linkyfollowers.com)

Brent has created a FREE service and he launched it on 2/4/12. You’re the first to be invited to try it out.

Keep in mind this is a new service–there will no doubt be some bugs that the test group didn’t catch. Just contact Brent (brent@brentriggs.com). He is great about fixing things fast. Don’t let a bug or an “oops” hurt your first impression. You’re being invited to be some of the first users of this great new tool, and your feedback will help him iron out any problems very quickly.

I am asking you to please click the “Linky Follow Tool“. It’s easy, quick and did I mention, free? You’ll love the tool. It’s a cool way to organize and follow the blogs you love. As soon as you have an account, please then “Follow Me”.

Please sign up to be a linky follower and then “Follow Me”! This is found on the right side bar of each of my pages right below Google Friend Connect.

Please, please, I don’t want to loose you as a follower. I need you in my life. Love-Rebekah

Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce

I love entertaining-there’s something wonderful about bringing someone into your home and fattening them up. It makes a weird lady, like me, feel good. In fact, if you are ever in the area-look me up. We’ll start off with my homemade Jalapeno Jelly, Cream Cheese and Crackers. Then, we’ll move on to a yummy Whole Wheat Pizza or maybe Sesame Almond Chicken for dinner.

Then, we’ll top off the evening with a warm, rich dessert that hits the spot-Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce. This simple dessert can be made ahead of time and is so very delectable. I don’t use that word-”delectable”-lightly, mind you.

At the end of the evening, we will both be so stuffed that a lounge by the fireplace with a gas of wine will be the only remedy.

This recipe is similar to others-however, I found that increasing the amount of raisins, cinnamon and using Mexican Vanilla takes this over the top.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce.

For the Pudding:
4-5 Cups of Sweet Breads
-toasted and cut into 1″ cubed pieces
-or cut into cubes and dried in the oven at 300 degrees for 10 minutes
1/2 Cup of Raisins or dried fruit of your choice
2 Slightly Beaten Eggs
2 Cups of Milk
1/4 Cup Melted Butter
1/2 Cup + 2 TBS Sugar
1 tsp (heaping) Cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla (substitute with regular vanilla, if applicable-but add another 1/4 tsp)

For the Butterscotch Sauce:
1/2 Cup of unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Half and Half
1/3 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla (substitute with regular vanilla, if applicable-but add another 1/4 tsp)

Combine the cubed bread pieces and raisins in a large mixing bowl.

In another medium mixing bowl, slightly beat the 2 eggs.

Add the 2 Cups of Milk.

Add the melted butter.

Next, add the sugar and stir thoroughly.

Add the 1 tsp Cinnamon.

And the 1/2 tsp of Nutmeg.

Finally, add the 1 1/2 tsp of Mexican Vanilla.

Stir thoroughly until the spices are distributed throughout the liquid.

Add the liquid mixture to the cubed bread and raisins.

Gently fold the liquid mixture in with a spatula.

Pour the bread pudding into a greased 8 x 8 pan.
Bake at 350 for 50-55 minutes, or until puffy and a knife comes out of the center clean.

Now-for the Butterscotch Sauce! (Make this right before you serve the bread pudding.)

Combine everything, except for the Mexican Vanilla, in a medium saucepan and cook over a medium/low heat for 5-8 minutes or until slightly thickened. Once the liquid comes to a full boil, immediately remove from heat.
Add the 1 1/2 tsp Mexican Vanilla and stir.

Transfer the desired amount of Bread Pudding onto a plate and pour the hot Butterscotch Sauce on top.

Grab your socks (so they aren’t blown off) and enjoy!

Mary Magda-kitty.

I can’t believe the cuteness that I am surrounded by on an daily basis. Between Biceps, Maxwell and Bianca, there is no end to me oohing and ahhing in our house.

And, here is proof.

Seriously. How am I supposed to get any work done when this is happening right under my nose?

The answer: I don’t. I just have to give in to the cuteness, and not try to fight it.

Everyone is happier that way.

Guilty Pleasures

Dear Readers:
I have a confession to make. I am a simple girl in a materialistic world. I have found a few simple pleasures that I enjoy, and I enjoy them fully.

Peppermints. Simple. Cheap. One bite is all I need to feel decadent. Crush them up and add to ice cream, melted almond bark, or in a brownie and you have heaven.

And this leads me to brownies.

I’m not getting paid, compensated or fed brownies for saying this.
These are $2 a box, guilt free, amazing brownies.
“What? How can that be?,” you say. It just is. Try them. Trust me.

I keep finding, buying and apparently collecting these vintage Swiss metal serving dishes. I haven’t paid more than $10 for a set. The bright colors make me smile. I think that’s worth $10.

I’m not getting paid, compensated or given free products for saying this-I wish they would, though.
When I can’t wash the mop top, I use this product. With a few spritzes, the greasiness goes away and this stuff allows me one more day before I have to shampoo.

I have found too many awesome ceramic cats. Nuff said.

I’m not getting paid, compensated or given free products for saying this-AGAIN, I wish they would.
This was a gift from Biceps on a day he deemed, “Pamper Day“. I love this cuticle cream and it resides on my night stand. Each night as we recap our days, I smooth the lotion into my cuticles. And it’s awesome.

These are a few of my guilty pleasures. I hope you share in them, too. It might make your day, your week, or your new current obsession.

Love-Rebekah