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Mardi Gras 2017!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #AustinTexas, #beads, #blog, #carnivals, #celebratory, #crawfish, #FatTuesday, #festivities, #FirstLadyofRealEstate #S, #flambeaux, #fun, #KingCake, #MardiGras, #MardiGras2017, #masks, #NewOrleans, #parades, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #ShroveTuesday, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on February 28, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Happy Mardi Gras & Fat Tuesday! Boy do I wish I was in New Orleans today enjoying the festivities and my favorite part, the FOOD. But for those of you who don’t know what the hustle & bustle is about today, I’m here to share with you. From the origins, to the traditions, and ultimately the food; after you’re done reading this blog post you’ll be a Mardi Gras expert and in need of a King Cake.

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras also called Shrove Tuesday,or Fat Tuesday,in English, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday”, reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

mardi6

Mardi Gras Traditions

Beads

It is believed that Mardi Gras parades began in New Orleans sometime around the 1830’s. … During the late 1800’s, inexpensive necklaces made of glass beads began to be tossed into the crowds by the parade krewes. The beads were an instant hit among the crowds of New Orleans residents and visiting Mardi Gras tourists.

mardi1

Flambeaux

When you watch any evening Mardi Gras parade, you’re bound to notice the literal torch-bearers of Carnival: the flambeaux performers. This tradition dates back to the early days of parades, when the torches were needed to light the way for the floats.

Many of the krewes keep this tradition going, though the torches themselves have been upgraded from the original wooden torches wrapped with lit pine-tar rags. It is customary to offer monetary tips to the flambeaux carriers if you enjoy their performance.

mardi3

Mardi Gras Food

King Cake

By far the most delicious of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras traditions is the King Cake. Between Twelfth Night and Fat Tuesday, you can find king cakes lining the walls of local grocery stores.

Traditionally, a New Orleans king cake is an oval shaped coffee cake, braided and covered in icing and sugar the color of Mardi Gras: purple, green and gold. A small plastic baby accompanies each king cake (Due to choking hazards, most king cakes now come with the baby on the outside, allowing the buyer to place it inside of the cake). King cake custom demands that whoever cuts the slice of cake that has the baby in it is king for the day — and also has to purchase the next king cake.

mardi4

Crawfish

Being that New Orleans is the lucky spot in which these delicious mudbugs thrive, it’s no wonder people eat these by the pound during this massive celebration! mardi5 So there you have it! You are now a Mardi Gras expert. Please share this blog with your friends and family so they too can join in and celebrate what today is all about!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life! Kathy

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I Got You Covered: Dinner’s On Me!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #easy, #Friday!, #light, #recipe, #refreshing, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #salad, #weekend, #www.AtxMoveNow.com, #youtube, healthy on February 17, 2017| Leave a Comment »

Happy Friday! There’s something about this particular Friday that has me in high spirits today. I cannot wait to get out of work to go home and relax and begin my weekend. I don’t necessarily have the drive and motivation to cook dinner on Friday’s but when I do, I always opt for something light because I know I’m going to make some not so good decisions during the weekend. So here is a quick, easy, and light salad recipe you can make for dinner tonight that will be sure to set the mood for the upcoming weekend.

Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Salad

sub-buzz-20874-1485974454-3

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4

Dressing/Marinade
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅓ cup honey
3 tablespoons stone ground mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ lemon
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
4 skinless and boneless chicken thighs

Salad
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
1 avocado, diced
1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
¼ cup cooked bacon, diced

PREPARATION

1. In a small bowl, add the olive oil, honey, stone ground mustard, Dijon mustard, 2. Lemon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
3. Remove ½ of the marinade and refrigerate to use as a dressing.
4. Add chicken thighs to remaining marinade and let it marinate for two hours.
5. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to a nonstick pan. Sear chicken on each side until 6. Golden, crispy, and cooked through. Set aside and allow to rest.
7. Put lettuce in a large bowl, add tomatoes, red onions, avocado slices, and hard-boiled egg.
8. Slice chicken into strips and place in the salad.
9. Add the remaining marinade to the salad and toss.
10. Sprinkle bacon on top.
11. Enjoy!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Always Ready for a Party!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #AustinTexas, #blog, #buzzfeed, #delicious, #easy, #February, #fingerfoods, #FirstLady, #party, #recipes, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on February 7, 2017| Leave a Comment »

It seems like February is the month of HUGE events. With the Grammys, Oscars, and the Superbowl; there’s always a reason to gather your friends and host a watch party. And of course the most important part about these parties is the food. So when you’re deciding who’s turn it is to host the next party, jot down some of these finger lickin’ good recipes to whip up or bring to the event!

Chicken Bacon Chipotle Cups

bacon

Chicken Parmesan Sliders

slider

Teriyaki Wings

teriyaki

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

quesadilla

Pizza Bombs

pizza

Crunchy Taco Cups

taco

Deep Fried Sticky Ribs

rib

Spinach Dip Mozzarella Sticks

spinach

For the recipes to these delicious snacks and more follow this link: CLICK ME!

Happy Partying! Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Easy & Healthy Cooking Tips for the New Year!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #2017 #healthy, #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #FirstLady, #healthydiet, #healthyeating, #healthylifestyle, #healthyliving, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #tips, #tricks, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on January 10, 2017| Leave a Comment »

By now eating healthy is seen as a lifestyle change and not a diet. Regardless, it can still be tougher for others to stay on the healthy eating train. Remember a tiger can’t change it’s spots overnight and the same goes for your eating habits. It’s going to take time to incorporate some of these tips into your daily diet and it’s okay if you fall off the wagon a time or two. As long as you get back on and to a more healthier you.

Cook with oils like olive oil and avocado oil because they’re not as processed as some other oils, like canola.

oil

Try poaching and braising your food instead of frying.

Stock up on frozen veggies and add them to everything.

stock up on frozen lean proteins, like shrimp and chicken.

Stock your kitchen with whole, minimally processed foods that are versatile so that you can use them in a lot of different recipes without getting bored.

foods

Keep complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice on hand.

carbs

Bookmark a bunch of healthy one-pan or one-pot recipes that you really enjoy.

bookmark

Do you have healthy tips that you’ve been using? Please comment below and share them. I would love to read them!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Slow Cooker Nights!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #AustinTexas, #blog, #cozy, #FirstLadyofRealEstate! #WarehouseAvailable #, #Friday!, #hot, #recipe, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #slowcooker, #soup, #warm, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on January 6, 2017| Leave a Comment »

BRRRR… Happy Friday everyone. If you’re in Austin, TX today then you’re probably freezing your butt off like I am. I can’t wait to go home after this long work day and snuggle up by the fire. The only thing that would make that better is if I had some hot dinner to go along with it. Here are 3 slow cooker recipes sure to warm the soul and your hands this cold and chilly weekend.

Slow Cooker Pot Roast

pot-roast

INGREDIENTS
3 pounds chuck roast
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 ounce dried onion soup mix
1 onion, diced
3 gold potatoes, diced
3 large carrots, chopped
½ cup water

PREPARATION
1. Place the chuck roast in a 7-quart slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle on salt, pepper, and onion soup pack. Top with vegetables and water.
3. Cook on low for 8 hours, or high for 4-5 hours.
4. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken & Biscuits

chicken

INGREDIENTS
3 chicken breasts, diced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups baby carrots, diced
21.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can refrigerated biscuits

PREPARATION
1. Place the chicken in a 7-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle on salt and pepper.
2. Add the veggies and condensed soup and mix thoroughly.
3. Cook on high for 3 hours.
4. Rip biscuit dough into small pieces and drop evenly over chicken. Cook an additional hour.
5. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Cornbread Chili

chili

INGREDIENTS
2 pounds pork shoulder, diced
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
1 tablespoon cumin
1 can kidney beans, drained
½ cup tomato, diced
½ onion, diced
½ cup red enchilada sauce
1 box cornbread mix, prepared according to instructions
Cheddar cheese to top, optional

PREPARATION
1. Place the pork shoulder, seasoned salt, cumin, kidney beans, tomato, onion, and enchilada sauce in a 7-quart slow cooker. Mix thoroughly.
2. Cook on high for 3 hours.
3. Dollop prepared cornbread evenly over mixture. Cook an additional hour.
4. Top with cheddar cheese if desired.
5. Enjoy!

Go start that crock pot and crank up the fire. It’s going to be a warm and cozy weekend with these recipes in your hand.

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Pass the Cocktail Please!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #Christmas, #cocktails, #festive, #FirstLady, #holidaydrinks, #holidays, #party, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on December 15, 2016| Leave a Comment »

What’s a holiday without a few bottles of champagne and yummy cocktails. Say no more, the blog post you have been waiting for is here. Your ultimate drink stop is awaiting. Just keep reading for all of the recipes.

Sherry Bazaar

sherry

Ingredients:

35ml Fino Sherry
15ml Dolin Chamberyzette
10ml gin (Cream Gin works best in this)
5ml strawberry liqueur
A slice of lemon

Method:

Stir all the ingredients over ice, then strain into a glass. For a punch, just quadruple the ingredients, pour into a bowl and add ice.

Clementine Negronis

clementine

Ingredients:

35ml clementine-infused gin
35ml Campari
35ml Cocchi sweet vermouth
Two drops cranberry bitters

Method:

“Before your party, add the dried skins of two clementines to a bottle of your favourite gin. Leave it to sit for 48 hours then strain for clementine-infused gin.

“Pour all of your ingredients into a glass and stir with ice. Serve with a dehydrated slice of clementine, cranberries and a blast of Wham turned up loud.

French 75

french

Ingredients:

15ml lemon juice
7.5ml sugar syrup
37.5ml gin
Fizzy wine

Method:

Pour the lemon juice and sugar syrup into a champagne flute with your gin. I like to use Burleighs Distillers Cut as it’s full of floral and warm spices that go really well in this drink. I then top up with whatever fizzy wine my wife has left (of course this should be champagne, but needs must). If you’re feeling fancy, decorate with a lemon peel twist.

Spiced Daiquiri

spiced

Christmas Spiced Syrup Ingredients:

500ml water
500g white sugar
20g black peppercorns
20g cloves
20g star anise
20g cardamom
10g cinnamon bark
Two pieces orange zest
One piece lemon zest
One vanilla pod

Christmas Spiced Syrup Method:

Mix the water with all the ingredients, and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from the heat and pour into a plastic jug. Leave to cool. Strain when room temperature.

Daiquiri Ingredients:

20ml ruby port
20ml rum
20ml lime juice
20ml Christmas spiced syrup
20 ml pomegranate juice

Daiquiri Method:

Add all the ingredients to shaker with ice, give a hard shake then strain into a chilled glass.

Vin Chill Factor

vin

Ingredients:

25ml gin
25ml Tempranillo wine (or any other red wine you like)
15ml grenadine

Method:

Pour all your ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Strain into a flute, then top up with prosecco.

If you wanted to share with guests, simply multiply your ingredients, add to a punch bowl and pour over a full bottle of Prosecco. Ladle into glasses.

Rum Punch

rum

Ingredients:

One part sour: lemon juice
Two parts sweet: strawberry liqueur
Three parts strong: rum
Four parts weak: water. I recommend brewing your water with a bag of mulling spices for an extra kick.

i.e. 100ml lemon juice, 200ml strawberry liqueur (or sugar syrup), 300ml rum, 400ml spiced water.

Method:

Put all these ingredients straight into a large vessel, throw in a few slices of orange and some ice and you’re away. You can also ladle this drink into tea cups, wine glasses or anything you like!

Happy Holidays and remember to drink responsibly!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #AustinTexas, #blog, #buzzfeed, #chicken, #December, #dinner, #easy, #FirstLady, #holidays, #holidayseason, #recipes, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on December 12, 2016| Leave a Comment »

This week’s dinner theme: chicken. It’s one of those versatile ingredients that you can literally do ANYTHING with. So here are some different chicken recipes for you to make this week to highlight this yummy and inexpensive bird.

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta

cheesy

https://www.buzzfeed.com/jodyduits/sneak-some-veggies-into-this-delicious-cheesy-chicken-and-br?utm_term=.yeeAzGnYY&sub=4178219_8172537

Honey Garlic Chicken

Orange Chicken

Chicken Fajita Pasta

fajita

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alvinzhou/this-one-pot-fajita-pasta-will-add-spice-to-your-weeknight-r?utm_term=.dwLekaBdy#.af7AK0rez

Stuffed Chicken Parm

parm

https://www.buzzfeed.com/alvinzhou/prepare-yourself-for-complete-satisfaction-with-this-stuffed?utm_term=.hlAWyEMZ8#.nfBGRKPoB

Which recipe are you most excited about trying? Comment on this post if you liked these recipes!

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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What’s In Season In December

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #buzzfeed, #cook, #December, #endof2016, #FirstLady, #FirstLadyofRealEstate!, #food, #recipes, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on December 5, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Let’s end this year with a BANG. Here’s a list of what’s in season for the last month of 2016 and some recipes to go with them.

season

Chicken Pot Pie

chicken

http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/chicken-pot-pie/

Rigatoni with Mushrooms, Parmesan, & Rosemary

rigatoni

http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/rigatoni-with-mushrooms-and-rosemary/

Garlic Alfredo with Brussel Sprouts

brussel

http://minimalistbaker.com/garlic-white-wine-pasta-with-brussels-sprouts/

Beef Pho

pho

http://www.loveandoliveoil.com/2016/11/quick-beef-pho.html

Taco Lentil Soup

lentil

http://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/2016/11/slow-cooker-taco-lentil-soup/

Belgian Waffles

belgian

http://www.halfbakedharvest.com/crispy-belgian-waffles/

For more inspiration and recipes visit: 31 Delicious Things to Cook in December

Happy Cooking! Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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My Must Have Thanksgiving Dishes!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austin #YourRealtorandFriendforLife!, #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #dinner, #Family!, #FirstLady, #gathering, #holidays, #holidayseason, #recipes, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #thanks, #thanksgiving, #Thanksgivingdinner, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on November 21, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Thanksgiving week is finally here! I’ve given you TONS of recipes and tips and tricks these past couple of weeks to make your Thanksgiving dinner a HUGE success. In this post I’m going to share with you some of my all-time favorite must have dishes to have on this special day.

Oyster Stuffing

oyster

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/oyster-stuffing-recipe.html

Baked Mac n’ Cheese

cheese

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/baked-macaroni-and-cheese.html

Collard Greens

southern-easy-collard-greens-recipe-1024x576

http://divascancook.com/soul-food-collard-greens-recipe-southern/

Mashed Potatoes

yw0104h_real-mashed-potatoes_s4x3-jpg-rend-sni12col-landscape

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/real-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html

And my #1 FAVORITE Thanksgiving dish!

Sweet Potato Pie

ny0207_callies-sweet-potato-pie-jpg-rend-sni12col-landscape

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/calleys-sweet-potato-pie-recipe.html

So that’s my list! But let’s not forget the most important part about Thanksgiving isn’t the food, but the people you get to share it with.

Your Realtor and Friend for Life~ Kathy

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Move Over Pumpkin Pie!

Posted in Austin Texas Neighborhoods, Healthy Living, Kyle Texas Neighborhoods, Leander Texas Neighborhoods, Recipes, tagged #Austinrealestate, #Austinrealtor, #blog, #dessert, #dinner, #fall, #November, #pie, #recipes, #REMAX, #REMAXPoshProperties, #sweet, #thanksgiving, #www.AtxMoveNow.com on November 16, 2016| Leave a Comment »

Continuing our Thanksgiving theme, let’s give an ode to dessert. Everyone’s favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner no doubt. I know we all look forward to that delicious pumpkin pie on this day but let’s let other pies be the star of the show as I show you some just as worth pie recipes to make this turkey day.

Cranberry-Lime Pie

lime