The 4-1-1

So....you volunteered. Now what? You search the web aimlessly...okay, frantically, for that perfect something to show your child (and the world) how special they are. Send in ordinary cupcakes- out of the question. Store bought - never! But, you also don't want to repeat what the last mother did...no matter how fantastic.

You have just entered the mind-set of the "ROCKSTAR" parent.

Pretty soon, mothers and fathers will be saying "How did you do that?" and "That's so cool!" or "Mmmmm, delicious! I MUST have the recipe!" Before you know it, you will be called upon so regulary for contribution that you will almost hear the crowd cheering and see your name in lights!

That's exactly what my road to stardom was like. But, it didn't end at kid functions. Nope. My family and friends noticed the extra-special attention I gave to gatherings. Whether it was a weekend at the lake or Thanksgiving dinner, there was always something extraordinary to make my loved ones feel exactly that~ loved. So, my input is regularly given and I love it!

Within this blog you will hear just about everything; including successes AND failures. (Afterall, you don't have to be perfect to ROCK!!) Favorite recipes, party ideas, ways to save time and $$$ - you name it. A lot of things are pulled from the Ultimate Resource Guide (aka "the www"); but, others are my own tricks. The beauty is that it's all right here.

Are you ready to ROCK??


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Friday, June 4, 2010

Spice It Up

Alright, being a mom is definitely my FIRST priority; but, I just made the best....no, THE best Black Bean Hummus EVER! (Okay, I'll try to stop capitalizing.) I had to jump on here right away and share.

I am not a vegetarian, but I do pride myself on eating healthily. It's really important to me to share good habits with my kids. That doesn't mean depriving myself; so, please don't call me a hypocrite for my love of cupcakes. It just means a lot of steamed veggies, fruit, turkey and chicken. I rarely eat red meat, but if you are a serious carnivore (like my husband)~ I won't judge. It also means making a lot of things from scratch. Even when I was working full time, I would try to do the majority of my cooking on the weekend, or after the kids were asleep. In my opinion, without the preservative, added colorings, and artificial flavorings, etc. dishes are just better for you.

This is super easy, which is exactly how I like it. (I am no less busy now than when I was working...) And, in true ROCKSTAR style, it tastes gourmet. If I were sharing it with my kiddos, I would probably lighten up (or omit) the cayenne pepper. Also, if I was making it for a party, I would definitely double it.

Drumroll, please......

Black Bean Hummus
  • 1 clove garlic

  • 1 large can of black beans - drain & reserve juice

  • 2 TBSP reserved juice from the beans

  • 2 TBSP lemon juice

  • 1 1/2 TBSP tahini

  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper


Now, here's the tricky part... put everything into the food processor and blend until smooth. Scrape the sides occasionally. You can add a bit more liquid if needed.

If you are making this healthy snack for your #1 fans, here's a fabulous way to share your wonderful dish:


Carrot Patch Pots (as seen on FamilyFun.go.com)


You will need:


  • Mini Carrots
  • Hummus
  • Small plastic cups / condiment containers
  • Parsley
  • Small Terra Cotta Pots
  • Ear of corn holder (...I will explain)
Fill your plastic containers with hummus (you could also use cream cheese or ranch dip). Take your mini carrots and poke a hole in the end using one prong of the corn holder. Take a sprig of parsley and stick it in the hole. Place 3-4 carrots in the hummus, like it's growing. Place your plastic pot of carrots into the terra cotta pot.


I would encourage you to assemble these shortly before presentation and cover them tightly, if storing. Also, be sure to secure them if you are travelling because you surely wouldn't want your carrot patches to look like they had been trampled on by a mean rabbit.




These would be super cute for an Easter or Spring celebration. After the kids (or adults) were done with their snack, they could decorate the terra cotta pots. If you really wanted to ROCK it out - take a bag of top soil and some seeds and turn your snack into craft.



Hello, ROCKSTAR. May I have your autograph?
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