Recipe #15 - Gorgonzola and Sun-Drried Tomato Bison Burgers

Gorgonzola and Sun-Dried Tomato Bison Burgers

Ingredients:

 

4 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled          

3 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon sea salt     
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pound ground bison meat

Method:

Combine Gorgonzola, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add ground bison and use your hands or two forks to lightly combine all ingredients, taking care not to overwork. Add a tablespoon or two of water if needed to hold together. With dampened hands, form mixture into 6 patties of even thickness. Place patties on a baking sheet, cover loosely and refrigerate for at least an hour.

 

 

Preheat grill or broiler. Cook burgers about 4 minutes per side to desired doneness, turning carefully with a spatula halfway through.

 

 

<3 RaneeB.

Recipe #14 - Fresh Veggie and Canadian Bacon Pizza with Homemade Crust

Fresh Veggie and Canadian Bacon Pizza with Homemade Crust

Ingredients

 

Crust4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup set aside
1 envelope instant yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups tepid water
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cornmeal for dusting the peel

 

 

Toppings2 cups part-skim mozzarella or other reduced-fat cheese
2 medium tomatoes, sliced
2 ounces Canadian bacon, diced
2 cups sliced or chopped fresh vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, asparagus, or onions, or a combination
4 teaspoons thinly sliced or finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or oregano, or a combination

 

 

 

 

Cooking Instructions

 

1.) If using a standing mixer, in the bowl whisk together the 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Pour in the water. Attach the dough hook. With the mixer on low, beat until the dough forms a ball, stopping the mixer and pushing down the dough with your hands as needed so it combines well. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the dough pulls away from the side of the bowl.

 

2.) If mixing by hand, in a large bowl stir together the 4 cups of flour, yeast, sugar and salt using a large wooden spoon. With your hands, blend the dough into a ball. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining 1/2 cup flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, working it in for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and does not stick to the side of the bowl.

 

3.) For either method, set the dough aside to rest for 15 minutes.

 

4.) To knead the dough with the mixer, beat on medium-low until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Push the dough away from you with the heels of your hands. Fold the dough back over onto itself. Continue to knead the dough for about 30 seconds, or until the dough is smooth and elastic, then work the dough into a ball.

To knead by hand, turn the dough out as directed above and knead for 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Work the dough into a ball.

 

5.) Lightly coat a large, clean bowl with 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Put the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside in a warm place (about 85ºF) until the dough doubles in size, about 1 hour.

 

6.) Fold down the dough, patting it into a disk, and place it back in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The next day, remove the dough and cut into two equal portions. Shape each into a ball.

 

7.) If you plan to use the dough that day, leave it on the counter, covered with a clean kitchen towel, for 1 hour to let it relax so shaping is easier. If you plan to use the dough another day, wrap it well in plastic wrap or put in an airtight plastic bag, and refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the dough, then when you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

 

8.) To prepare the dough, put it on a large, lightly floured surface, such as a counter, and press each piece of the dough into a flat disk. Work one disk in your hands, rotating it around and around while pulling it out gently until it is 12 inches in diameter. Repeat with the second disk.

 

9.) If available, set 1 or 2 pizza stones on the oven rack in the lower third of the oven. Preheat the oven

to 500ºF.

 

10.) Dust the peel with cornmeal and place the dough on top. Brush each pizza with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Sprinkle with the cheese. Top, in order, with the tomato slices, Canadian bacon, vegetables, and herbs. Slide the pizza off the peel and onto the pizza stone in the oven.

 

11.) If you do not have a pizza stone, turn 2 sheet pans (at least 12x18 inches) over and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal. Assemble as directed above. (If you have only 1 sheet pan, assemble only 1 pizza at this point.)

 

12.) Bake the pizzas for 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crusts are golden brown. Let the pizzas rest for 3 minutes before cutting each into 8 slices. Serve 2 slices to each person.

 

 

<3 RaneeB.

D.I.Y. Sea Salt Clarifying Shampoo

 

This shampoo is the perfect way to give your end of summer hair some love. It is extra clarifying and will remove all of that chlorine from swimming and product buildup!

Supplies:

• 1 tablespoon clear shampoo (creamy shampoos are not clarifying)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3 tablespoons of course sea salt ( mine is pink cause I’m fancy…totally just use regular it’s all good!)

 

 

I tossed my sea salt in the baking soda to make sure all the lumps were out and then combined in with the shampoo. You want it to be thick and salt heavy.

 

 

 

Let me know if you give it a try! I don’t recommend this more than every few weeks when your hair is looking dull and needs a good clarifying shampoo, otherwise it may strip too much moisture from your hair as the salt is a bit drying. Make sure to use a great conditioner after.

 

<3 #RaneeB

 

How To Dress Your Body Shape As A +PLUS+ Size Woman

The first thing you need to do before shopping for womens plus clothing is to take a close look at the contours and proportions of your body figure.

Plus size isn't a category by itself. There are both tall and short full figure women, and each and one of them has a different body shape that requires different set of styling and clothing strategies to look their best. For example, you might have wider shoulders compared to your hips, while your girlfriend who is also a plus size has wider hips than shoulders.

Well-Balanced Proportions Can Make You Look Trimmer

By knowing what body shape you have, you'll be able to decide where and how to correctly place clothes and accessories, to create curves on the right places so that you'll make any prominent body part less obvious, but still keep your waist defined to help you look trim. These balanced proportions equal a proportional hourglass body shape.

Basically, downplaying any prominent areas of your body to achieve well-balanced body proportions, can help you look leaner and taller. Balanced outfit proportions de-emphasize and conceal any prominent body part you may have. Ever thought about why many pear shapes look shorter and "thicker" than they are? That's because their hips take the center-stage and make the eye go horizontally. 

Do You Have Short or Long Legs?

Also, another key factor to dressing your full-figure size is your body frame's vertical line; meaning, how long your upper half is compared to your bottom half (torso versus hips and legs).You might have longer or shorter legs than your upper body or vice versa, which also requires a couple of outfit adjustments. 

Despite that image consultants are preaching about balanced body proportions, having long legs is considered attractive - simply because it elongates your frame and can trick people into thinking you're taller and thinner. Short legs can make you look stumpy. However, super-long legs and a super-short torso may throw off your proportions.

Plus Size Fashion Advice: Petite Plus Size Clothing

If you're a plus size at 5'4" (163 cm) or shorter then you need to look for petite plus size clothing, as well as work strategically with prints, shapes and other details - helping you look taller. 

Petite plus size clothes can be found at online stores such as: 

Woman Within

One Stop Plus

Jessica London


Avenue


Lane Bryant


Fashion Bug

Land's End

Talbots

Torrid


ASOS (size 12 to 16)

Here are 3 tips on how to look trimmer with clothes and accessories: 

Wear heels. If you're not a high-heel gal, then an inch or two is enough to slim your legs and body figure

Go for knee-length (or shorter) skirts and shorts. If you have muscular legs avoid garments that extend right on the thickest part of your legs - your calves. It brings attention to this area and can visually make you look stubby!

Show more skin. Deep necklines and short (knee-length or shorter) skirts and dresses instantly slim down your full-figure stature. They might come off as tacky for conservative 

tastes, but as long as you keep the other part modestly clothed then you're safe!

For example, wear a sweater with plunging neckline and go for a bit more conservative looking pants or skirt

Strategies to Looking Slimmer & Flattering Your Full-Figure Body

So Why Do You Want to Appear Leaner?

Curves are hot, but you need to make sure you look good with them. You want to look curvalicious, not frumpy :-) That means avoiding anything that makes you look bulky and rather focus on smoothing out your lumps and bumps.

You don't have to hide them but if you want to look your best, you need to make sure your proportions are balanced and that you've got the curves on all the right places. 

Your main focus when buying womens plus size clothing is to create a trimmer silhouette that makes the eye go up and down, instead of side to side.

For this you need to pay attention to what details you put on your body frame and how you combine the colors of your outfit.

Compared to petites you have more space to work with and you can handle bigger details, however, it's extremely important that you select details that are scaled to your body size. Because if you for example put on a dainty necklace, you'll emphasize your large proportions.

But on the other hand, you can strategically put on a couple of extra necklace layers to create a fuller look that complements your body scale.


Basically, I recommend you to base your "plus size fashion mantra" on 3 basic golden strategies:

Ensure proper fit. I know how tempting it is to hide your body in layers and oversized
clothes, but they’ll only make you look bigger! Great fit makes sure nothing looks lumpy. Lumpy is frumpy.

Your bra is especially important - it has to fit to keep your bust up and eliminate unevenness in your silhouette that will only distract the eye.


Get the body scale right. Scaling prints and accessories with your size makes sure you won't look bigger in comparison.


Strategically work with prints, shapes and details to make the eye go up and down. Vertical details are your best friends.

e.l.f. Haul with RaneeB.

e.l.f. Studio - 144 piece Bright Eyeshadow Palette - $15

e.l.f. Studio - Flawless Finish Foundation SPF 15 (Almond) - $6

e.l.f Studio - Maximum Coverage Concealer - Oil Free (Nude) - $3

e.l.f. Studio - Blush (Blushing Rose) - $3

e.l.f. Studio - Makeup Mist & Set with Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C & E - $3

Website: http://www.eyeslipsface.com

I Got It ALL for $30 and "FREE SHIPPING"!

The Dos and Don'ts of Fall 2013 Fashion Trends

Hey Luvz, I have some "Pre-Fall/Fall fashion tips to talk you ladies about that might help everyone to be just a little more "Fashion Forward" & also be the talk of the town!


1. DO invest in eye-catching outerwear.
Statement-making outerwear manifested itself in a bevy of ways this season (think bold furs, oversize parkas, and cool leathers).

DON'T be afraid to experiment with various colors, lengths, and textures.
DO consider the rest of your outfit when rocking these coats. Keep everything else simple.


2. DON'T forget a super-cute hat.
DO remember this motto: "When in doubt, put a beanie on it!" -Lol
DON'T forget the other types of hats you can wear this season. Fedoras, floppy knits, and even baseball caps are at your disposal.


3. DO embrace classic prints.
Sick of the floral and kaleidoscope prints from spring? Well, say hello to classic prints like houndstooh for fall.

DON'T shy away from this print for the office. Menswear fabrics lend a chic and professional touch to your outfits.
DO keep in mind that houndstooh goes with everything! As I once said, its basically a neutral.


4. DON'T put away your leopard print just yet.
Yes, you read that correctly. One of fall 2013's hottest trends is already in your closet.

DO play with different colors of leopard this season. Classic brown and black will always be in style, so have a little bit of fun and choose a pink or red version instead.
DON'T overdo it. A little leopard can go a long way, so stick to one piece featuring the cat print.


5. DO pick up an emerald green piece.
DON'T ignore how cute emerald green can look when paired with jewel tones, such as garnet, amethyst, and sapphire.
DO look for different ways to incorporate the shade into your wardrobe. A structured bag or high heels in a vibrant hue is like an exclamation point at the end of your ensemble.


6. DON'T shy away from layering
DO mix textures with your pants, skirts, and tops. A sheer dress over leather pants allows you to layer without looking bulky.
DON'T go crazy with colors or patterns when layering pieces. An outfit with many components should look as streamlined as possible.


7. DO take a chance on winter white.
When the temperature's low we all have a tendency to reach for dark colors, but why not grab a winter white piece instead?

DON'T think you can wear winter white only for a night out. A chic coat fits in at the office, and denim works for the weekend.
DO save your flouncy pieces for spring. Choose weather-appropriate staples such as chunky knits, jeans, and jackets that make sense in autumn.


8. DON'T bail on the peplum.
It's the trend that won't die, so hop on the bandwagon if you haven't already!

DO find the right peplum for you. Where it's placed on a dress, shirt, or skirt can determine just how good you look.
DON'T underestimate how flattering a peplum can be. It can help define your waist or add curves.


9. DO rethink your leather pieces.
Leather can be sporty, edgy, or downright womanly depending on how it's styled.

DO go for a colored leather piece every once in a while. Style it as you would a regular knit.
DON'T try an all-leather outfit ---- unless you're into that whole biker-babe trend. (Yuck!)


10. DO fall in line with military-inspired looks.
Khaki green is on its way to becoming a staple in your wardrobe.

DON'T avoid girly versions of the utilitarian trend. How about a tailored top or slim pants?
DO add accents like lace or brocade to amp up the luxe factor.

Recipe #13

Coconut Rice and Peas

I used this recipe before for a competition, this one also went well. This calls for pigeon peas, but you can also use other alternatives like kidney beans or black eyed peas.

Ingredients

4 Cups  Long grain rice, rinse well

5 1/2 Cups cups water

2 Cups  Coconut milk

3 to 4 Cups  Pigeon peas, cooked and drained

1 Cup  Scallions, chopped

8 Sprigs Thyme

1 Scotch Bonnet pepper, whole

1/4 Cup Olive oil

Salt to taste

Procedure

Over high heat in a heavy-bottomed stock pot, combined and stir all the ingredients. Bring to a boil uncovered, then reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, rice should be cooked.

Recipe #12

Jamaican Curry Chicken and Potatoes with Scotch Bonnet Hot Peppers

A recipe of mine that I did for a competition. It worked out alright.

Ingredients

4 Tbsp.  Olive oil

1 Yellow onion, chopped

1 tsp.  Freshly minced ginger

1 small Scotch Bonnet pepper, minced (do NOT touch your eyes or face) after handling, immediately wash hands)

1/2 Stick butter

2 Tbsp.  Jamaican curry

1 1/2 lbs.  Chicken, chopped into 1-inch pieces

2 Large Russet potatoes, chopped

1 (16-ounce) Can coconut milk

8 ounces Chicken stock

Procedure

Heat the oil in a medium-size saucepot at a medium heat. Add the onions, ginger, and Scotch Bonnet peppers, let saute for 5 to 8 minutes. Add butter and curry powder and let sit until curry powder turns a dark gold. Add the chicken and continue to cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Add the potatoes and cook for another couple of minutes before adding the coconut milk. Let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Serve.

Recipe #11

Apple Pie

My recipe for Apple Pie.

Ingredients

(Use flaky pie dough recipe for Apple Pie)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

3 Tbsp all-purpose flour 

1/4 cup water

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/3 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

8 (35oz) Granny Smith apples-peeled, cored and sliced

Procedures

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. In a saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to make a pale roux.

3. Add in the water, nutmeg, cinnamon, white and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, once boiling reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes.

4. Roll the pie dough out. Place the bottom crust in your pan.

5. Mound the apples on top of the crust, this mound will higher than the edges of the crust.

6. Gently and slowly pour the sugar/butter liquid over the apples.

7. Cover the top of the apples with top layer of crust or streudel topping.

a. If using crust, cut slits into it. Can do an egg wash with sugar for color and texture.

b. Cover the outer edges of crust with foil; this will help prevent burning.

8. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325 degrees, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-40 minutes .... until the apples are soft.

Recipe #10

Flaky Pie Dough

My recipe for Flaky Pie Dough 

Ingredients

10 oz  Pastry flour (all-purpose)

7 oz  Shortening, cut into small squares and chilled

1 tsp  Salt

3 oz  Water, ice cold

Procedure

1. Collect all equipment.

2. Collect and scale all ingredients.

3. Dissolve salt into cold water, set aside.

4. Place flour into a bowl. Add cold shortening. Use a pastry blender and cut-in fat until the mixture resembles peas.

5. Add salt water mixture to the flour/shortage (do not add ice cubes).

6. Mix very gently, until the water is absorbed by the flour. Do NOT overwork the dough.

7. Place the dough on plastic wrap. Press down until it resembles a saucer 1" thick. Cover completely with the plastic wrap.

8. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

Rolling out/Baking Procedure

1. Dust a table lightly with flour.

2. Divide dough into a 12 oz portion and an 8 oz portion.

3. Roll dough to the size desired.

4. Place dough in the bottom of the pie pan.

5. Place filling inside pie dough.

6. Roll out remaining dough to cover pie filling. Place over pie. Cut any loose dough from edge.

7. Crimp edges of dough together. Make a slit in the top of the pie to vent.

8. Put pie onto a cookie sheet lined with foil (to make for easy clean-up).

9. Place in oven and bake at temperature 375 degrees. Garnished as desired.

Best New Makeup Finds Under $20 - Part 3

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips in Nude ($11 each)

There's no risk of overdoing it with these shimmery neutrals; use black or deep brown as liner.

ImPress by Broadway Nails ($6)

Stick-on nails are faster than polish! Choose the right size for each nail, and it'll look like a manicure.

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil ($18)

Handy for on-the-go touch-ups, this top-pick stick now comes in double the number of shades (eight total), with dark options, too.

Rimmel London Match Perfection 3 Tone Blush ($5)

Multi-shade blushes look more true to life, and this one has shade adjusters for blendability.

L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Balm ($8)

Our new go-to lip soother wins kudos for being supersoft and smooth. Plus, it comes in eight lovely, sheer shades — all with SPF 15 to boot.

CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation ($14)

The white swirl of anti-aging serum makes this foundation extra hydrating, so it goes on nice and easy. Remember to pair it with sun protection!

Revlon ColorStay Crème Gel Eye Liner ($10)

The secret to great-looking liner is in the lid: It hides a pullout brush that's long enough to hold steady as you draw it, penlike, along your lashline.

Recipe #9

Frozen Cappuccino Bars

Stage 1

Ingredients

1 (13 ounce) box whole graham crackers (may not use all)

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 1/2 cups cold milk
3 (3 1/2 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
1 tablespoon instant coffee
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
chocolate sprinkles or grated semisweet chocolate bar

Procedure

Arrange graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan, breaking crackers to fit if necessary.

Beat cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.

Beat in 1 cup of the milk.

Add remaining milk, pudding mixes, instant coffee and cinnamon.

Beat 1 to 2 minutes or until well blended (mixture will be thick).

Gently stir in 2 cups of whipped topping.

Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the crackers in pan.

Arrange more crackers over the pudding or cover the pudding with crushed graham crackers.

Top with remaining pudding mixture.

Cover with remaining whipped topping.

Sprinkle with grated chocolate or sprinkles.

Freeze 3 hours or overnight. Let sit out of freezer for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Best New Makeup Finds Under $20 - Part 2

Iman Luxury Translucent Powder ($20)

Light and silky, this powder and its luxe compact will tempt you to de-shine your nose during the day and in public.

CoverGirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara ($9)

Yow, that's one big brush! We tried it and found that it grabbed every hair.

Almay Intense i-Color Shadow Stick ($7.50 each)

Brush, shmrush. These shadows go right on eyes; blend with your fingers.

L'Oréal Paris Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer ($13)

A tired woman's best friend: Worn on its own or under foundation, this brightener makes skin look fresh fast.

Sonia Kashuk Complexion Perfector ($19)

For an evening out, this tool guarantees flawless-looking foundation: Brush on base first, then blend and pat with the detachable sponge.

Best New Makeup Finds Under $20 - Part 1

Maybelline New York Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation ($11)

Ample coverage and SPF 16, but so ultralight it doesn't feel like, ugh, makeup — perfect for a polished workday look.

NYC City Duet 2-in-1 Split Lipstick ($3)

For a gal who likes to keep her options open, this lipstick packs two shades plus (light, dark, and blends).

NYX Cosmetics Bronzer & Blusher Combo ($9)

Take the guesswork out of mixing blush and bronzer shades with this coordinated duo. And tote the mirrored compact for lunchtime touch-ups.

Mary Kay Lip Liner and Eyeliner ($12 each)

These smooth operators (marykay.com) have built-in sharpeners. Try the clear lip liner with any lipstick!

Physicians Formula Youth-Boosting Concealer ($13)

A 3-in-1 tool: liquid concealer for undereyes, a stick formula for spots, and a roll-on blender so you won't look like you're wearing cover-up. Genius.