Speaking of Red (and pink). . .

{RED}

[MFD's very own Red Shift]

my favorite is the guy fourth from the left

{RED}

Barbeque Pork Pasta

Whenever it gets warm. . . I start getting hungry for this. . . totally springtime.

1 box penne or rotini, cooked (preferably whole grain)

2 cups barbecued, shredded pork

2 carrots, grated

handful of cilantro, chopped

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 can Ro-Tel

1/2 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup beef broth

3 tablespoons oil

Saute onion, pepper and garlic in oil.  Add pork, seasonings, and beef broth.  Simmer.  Add the remaining ingredients and serve.

{RED}

(well, they aren't red.  oh well.  the cupcake liners are)

Symphony Brownies

(How have I missed these all of my life?!)

Apparantly Paula Deen is to be credited with this fabulous idea:

2 9 x 13 brownie mixes, mixed according to package directions

3 Symphony Bars with Toffee and Almonds

Pour half of brownie batter in  greased 9 x 13 pan. Place Symphony bars across the batter.  Pour remaining batter over the chocolate bars and bake at 350 for 40 minutes.  Cool or chill before cutting.

There is one left, sitting on top of the refrigerator.

Hopefully it stays there until Daniel gets home tomorrow.

{PINK}

[from Daniel and Cambria]

I love them.

(the roses, too.)

Coffee-Dove-Dark-Chocolate-from-my-MIL-Hazelnut-Vanilla-Muffins

Cambria thought they were good!

{adapted from Framed's muffins}

Cream together:

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 t. vanilla

3 T instant coffee

Whisk:

2/3 cup Vanilla Caramel Creamer (or milk)

2 eggs

Mix:

1 3/4 cup flour

1 T baking powder

cinnamon

Alternate adding wet and dry ingredients into butter mixture. Fold in chopped dark chocolate (or 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips) and 1 cup hazelnuts (or walnuts.)

Bake in muffin liners at 400 for about 12 minutes.

I have a couple left. . .

Come on over!

Coffee - Pecan Scones

2 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 t. baking powder
1/4 t. soda
1/4 t. salt
1/2 c butter, cubed
1 T. instant coffee granules dissolved in:
1 T. vanilla
1/3 c. whipping cream
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 (or more) cup pecans
1/3 (or so) cup mini chocolate chips


Mix dry ingredients; cut in butter to resemble bread crumbs. Stir in vanilla/coffee, whipping cream, and sour cream. You may need to add a little more whipping cream. The batter should be like biscuit dough.

Stir just until moistened, pat into circle on floured surface and cut into wedges. Place in pan, brush with more cream and sprinkle with sugar. I used coarse sugar. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes.