Easy Hibachi Chicken with Fried Rice

March 31, 2020 •

I miss lots of things since we have been "self-isolating" but, I miss eating out with my friends and laughing and sharing time with them over some delicious food. So, I have been cooking a lot at home and today I want to share another family fav.
Hibachi Chicken with fried rice and this is a very easy dish to make and you can prep some before. 
Bring the taste of the Japanese Steakhouse home with this easy hibachi chicken and fried rice recipe



Let's get started..... 

You are going to need

Chicken Breast
Sesame Oil
Vegetable Oil
Butter
Soy Sauce
3 eggs
Salt & Pepper
Rice
Garlic powder
or other seasonings that you prefer
Veggies for fried rice if you want to add diced carrots, minced onion, green peas(Use frozen veggies, Do Not  Use canned)
Hibachi Chicken
Dice chicken breast into bite-size pieces
Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a large skillet.
Add chicken to skillet
Add salt & pepper
Heat for about 1 minute
Add 1 tablespoon of butter 
Add 1 tablespoon of Soy sauce
Add a dash of garlic
Bring the taste of the Japanese Steakhouse home with this easy hibachi chicken and fried rice recipe


Saute until cooked and remove from stove
Fried Rice
I prefer to make my rice in advance but, you can do it either way.

In a large skillet add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
 Add rice and let it fry for a few minutes. 
Give the rice a stir and fry some more
Make a well in the middle of your rice and add the beaten eggs
Stir eggs into rice mixture as it cooks.
At this time you can also add any veggies like peas, onions, carrots, etc. 
Add soy sauce to taste 
Remove rice from the pan and serve with Hibachi Chicken. 

 I hope you are enjoying this unusual time in our history, and are able to make some family memories that will last a lifetime.







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5 Easy Steps to Freezing Food

March 23, 2020 •

With everything that this world is currently facing, I thought about my Momma and how she always had a freezer full of food. It was always perfectly portioned and prepped and ready to go, at a moment's notice. 

Sundays were the day when family and friends would gather at her house to enjoy some of her delicious cooking and if more people than she planned for showed up, she would tell me, "just go out in the freezer and pull something". My Momma always knew what was in the freezer and it saved her many times over the years. She never let one guest know that she didn't have enough, because she always had enough, it was just in the freezer.

Why should you freeze food

Freezing food saves money and you can buy and freeze seasonal foods any time of the year

Freezing foods help with the meal planning

Reduces waste on foods that can be reheated

Saves time as you can cook things that are in the freezer ahead of time

What can you freeze

Chicken        
Beef 
Ready to eat meals(lasagna, quiche, etc)
Soup     
Herbs      
Bread

How to store food in the freezer

Using freezer storage bags is the most efficient way to freeze food and they prevent foods from becoming freezer burned and they keep the smells of the freezer out. 

 Vegetables and herbs need to be washed and chopped prior to freezing. 

 *TIP-freeze herbs in ice trays with just enough water to cover them, then toss in a freezer bag for easy storage and you can easily grab a cube or two of fresh herbs as needed.

What Not To Do

Do not freeze in glass jars unless the jars are freezer safe.

 Never, ever use hot water to defrost a frozen item as you run the risk of cooking the food and losing flavor and don't even get me started on the food temperature DANGER ZONE. Remember I'm a lunch lady and I have plenty to say about keeping your food safe.

Labeling

Make sure you label the items in the freezer with a name, date and maybe prep directions. Also, keep a list of what is in your freezer to help with meal planning. 

I know these times are going to hopefully change our world for the better, and I mean in a good way like having more Sunday dinners, freezing food and enjoying staying home again and loving each other just a little harder, tomorrow is a gift, not a promise.

Y'all stay safe and stay home!







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Simple Alfredo Sauce(As Good As Olive Garden)

March 9, 2020 •


I love it when I try a new recipe and it works out perfectly and, makes my people happy.
This recipe for Alfredo sauce did just that. I found this one over Modern Honey

My daughter loves Pasta Alfredo, but the sauce from the jar is not her favorite. I have played around with several recipes and had not found one that was as close to what she was wanting, until this one.

As she was eating this she said, "it was as good as Olive Garden" Yes, Score!

The hardest part of this recipe was waiting on the Alfredo pasta to come to a boil.



This Alfredo sauce recipe with hints of garlic and fresh parmesan cheese uses only a few ingredients

Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

_________________________________________________________________________________

Fettuccine Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients
1 lb Fettuccine Pasta 
6 Tablespoons Butter
1 Garlic Clove(minced)
1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley

Instructions
In a large pot, heat water over high heat until boiling. Add salt to season the water. Once boiling, add fettuccine and according to package instructions.
In a large skillet or pan, heat butter over medium heat. add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream.
Let the cream reduce and cook for 5 to 8 minutes. Add half of the parmesan cheese to the mixture and whisk well until smooth. Keep over heat and whisk well until cheese is melted
Toss alfredo sauce with fettuccine pasta and add the other half of the parmesan cheese
*Add a little pasta water if it needs to be thinned down
*Use real fresh ingredients, you will notice the taste
*If you like more sauce taste you can use less fettuccine
______________________________________________________

 This recipe made me question the difference in whipping cream and heavy whipping cream and here is the answer.

I added shrimp to my fettuccine alfredo but, you can add chicken, sausage or any other meat you like.

Cheers!





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How to Choose a Meal Plan Service

February 24, 2020 • ,

I can sometimes make major decisions in a heartbeat and never really give them much thought. Other times, I ponder and ponder and weigh all the options and make flow charts, and consult with others and the decision isn’t even that big of a deal. 

This particular decision was one I pondered and literally thought about, for over a year. I weighed every option, and trust me when I say the market is swamped, with options. 

Have I got your mind wandering yet? 

Drumroll please, I finally chose a meal delivery service. 
After much deliberation, I went with Home Chef

Home Chef is the #1 choice in meal delivery service. I have really enjoyed having my meal boxes delivered each week and the ease of preparing the meals has made my life much easier.

Whew! I’m so happy I did!

We all have 24 hrs in a day and we all are busy in one way or another. I spend my days working in a Middle School cafe and you think cooking would come easy to me and it does but, some days I am just tired and do not want to cook at all once I get home.

 On top of working and shuttling kids to activities/ friends, I am also a Mom, a housekeeper, a daughter, a friend, landscaper, financial planner, housekeeper, judge, jury and
still try to find time just for me. 

 We all are under pressure every day and being pulled in many different directions so, I thought about going with a meal service mainly to help alleviate stuff off my to-do list. 

Feeding the kids is not a problem, I know what they like, but I like to explore different foods and this is 
why this meal plan is just for me.

 Here is just a glimpse of the delicious meals I will be receiving over the next several weeks. I went with 3 meals a week with enough food for two people in each kit. 
______________________________________________________
Ciabatta Steak Sandwich with Bacon Aioli

 Mojo Shrimp and Plantain Rice Bowl

 Steak with Cranberry Chutney

 Steak with Creamy Corn Risotto

 Garlic Peppercorn Salmon Scampi

 Chesapeake Shrimp and Grits

 ______________________________________________________
Fresh ingredients in each kit and easy to follow recipes for a delicious meal makes week night cooking a breeze.


I have had some favorites, but really all the meals are delicious and easy to prepare.

Home Chef is...............
#1 in customer service and trust me I read every review out there before making this choice.

 Flexible- I can skip a week anytime. I can also cancel at any time but, why would I do that? 

 Variety- offering up to 38 weekly choices using 

 Value -Priced from $6.99 each meal is affordable 
Home Chef meal kits come in this sturdy bag with everything you will need to prepare a delicious meal.
Also, as you know I love me some online grocery shopping, but even that takes time and planning. Now I can hopefully find some happy balance between online grocery shopping and Home Chef.

 These are my opinions and I was not paid to say any of this.
 I am just so excited to give Home Chef a try. 

 I have been getting these for about 3 weeks now and I really enjoy trying new recipes and all the fresh ingredients they put in the kit. You only will need utensils, pots and pans and a few things like pepper, olive oil, and cooking spray.
Easy, easy if you ask me.

 If you enjoyed this article can you please drop me a line in the comments section below or hit the share button.

 Thanks for stopping by,







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Homemade Oven Fries

February 14, 2020 • , ,

We love french fries in our house.

We even love the occasional fast food fry but, I really like to make them at home in the oven.

Trust me these fries are much better and more delicious than the fast-food ones. Also, homemade fries are cheaper than store-bought bagged fries(hello markup)

So let's grab a couple of russet potatoes and get started.

Have you made fries at home in the oven before and they have been soggy and limp

Do you wanna know why this is?

If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.
Homemade Fries with grated parmesan cheese

The reason that your fries can sometimes be soggy is two things,
you need to wash and soak the potatoes
then, you need to dry the potatoes

You know like, give them a bath.

 Starch and potatoes go hand in hand so, if you do not soak your potatoes you will not get the right texture of fries because of all the starch build-up.

 Which fries to make?
If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.


  • Steak house fries are about 3/4 to an inch thick
  • French fries can be any size you prefer like a shoestring or you can use this french fry cutter for perfectly cut fries every time.
  • Also, I have used a mandoline that my parents got me many years ago. I am sharing the video below about the use of a mandoline 


After Cutting your fries
  • Soak in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes
  • Remove cut fries from water and pat dry
  •  Lay a piece of parchment paper or foil on a baking sheet and spray it with Pam. 
  • Spread your fries out on the pan and give them room.     
  •        Crowding the fries cause them to steam instead of getting crispy
  • Drizzle with olive oil and salt and bake for about 10-15 minutes depending on the size of your fries.
  • Shoestring fries take just a few minutes and steak house & wedges take longer
  • Halfway thru baking make sure to flip your fries for even cooking
  • Bake in a 400° oven
If you are looking for a homemade fry recipe this is it. Baked in the oven and golden delicious and perfect overtime.


Remove when they are to your favorite crunchy level and enjoy

Top with your favorite seasonings or freshly grated parmesan cheese

If you tried this recipe let me know what you think? 

I love feedback.
















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52 Week Money Savings Checkup

February 5, 2020 • ,

Can you believe it is the first week in February and, we are well into our savings challenge? 

I issued the challenge of a 52 Week Savings Challenge on 1/6/20

I told you I would check back on you and see how it is going, and here we are.

 Did you start in week 1?

 or

 Did you start at week 52 and working your way backward?

 Either way, it is saving and that is our goal

 If you started in week one you should have $21 in your savings envelope

 and if you started at week fifty-two, back in January you should have $297 in your savings envelope. 

 Cha Ching!!!
Savings Challenge Checkup
Now, I know the second one is a lot of money but, think about it like this. 

 By the time Christmas gets here, you will only be depositing a few dollars each week and it will not be as dramatic because you took the hard steps in the beginning. 

 Remember the money only gets touched for emergency and only you can define what an emergency is to you.

 Ok, now back to saving and I will check up regularly and see how it's going. 

 Happy Savings!









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Foodie Friday-Haberdish

January 17, 2020 • ,


Welcome to Foodie Friday!
I know, I am behind the times because this restaurant has been opened since 2016 in NoDa but, better late than never, right? 

NoDa is in the North Davidson Street area of Charlotte and it has such a cool, funky vibe with bars, restaurants and lots of cool places to just hang out. If you haven't visited NoDa in a while, you are really missing out.
 I have a list(literally)of places I want to eat, and this week's foodie Friday had been on the top of the list for a while now.

Today's Foodie Friday features Haberdish.
Owned by Jeff Tonidandel who also owns several other restaurants in the area like Growlers, Crepe Cellar and Reigning Doughnuts(adorable and delicious)
Read all about my love of Reigning Doughnuts and other places to eat along the light rail line here when I was featured on Charlotte's best bites.

If you like riding the light rail it runs thru NoDa from the University Area and all the way to South End, so ride the rail to your next adventure.


Y'all know as a Southern girl, I have eaten my weight in fried chicken(anything fried), collard greens, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, and this meal was no different.



The Deviled Eggs were the best I have had since my Momma's.


I could have eaten a bunch more of these smoked deviled eggs cause they were really yummy.


These hushpuppies are big and delicious and served with a soft creamy butter

Really big hushpuppies served with a sweet tea butter



These foods are right up my Southern Roots dirt road of things to eat


Fried Chicken comes in white or dark meat. This is 2 of each an it was perfect

We had the 4 pieces of chicken(2 white/2 dark) and the collard greens and mac & cheese, you can see the sides are huge.


The inside of Haberdish is simple decor that makes you feel comfortable and welcome

Haberdish markets themselves primarily as a walk-up restaurant but will take reservations for large groups.

 They have plenty of room in the dining area, bar or the glass-enclosed patio.


The Bar at Haberdish is a nice size to accommodate a crowd, but also not the main attraction either

Stop by the bar for a drink or a local craft beer, and enjoy some Southern hospitality and down home cooking.

I am happy to have finally eaten at Haberdish but, now I can't wait to go back again.

Haberdish
3106 N. Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205 
704-817-1084




If you enjoyed reading my blog, please give it a share on social media, leave a comment/like or subscribe to all new posts sent directly to your inbox. 

Cheers,



📸 by Gary Nash

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How to Set And Achieve Any Goal

January 15, 2020 •

Here we are, Mid-January and are you wishing you were taking steps to a new goal in your life. Those New Year's resolutions wore off right about the time as the champagne hangover. 

 It is ok, life happens to all of us and we can start over any minute, day, week or month.

This is how I have seen the success of my goal setting over the years.

1. Write your goals down and have a clear plan on how to achieve each goal. 
Tape your goals up where you will see them every day and this will help you stay focused on the end prize of your goal. Make a goal board, if you have too. Cut out pictures of your goal and that will inspire you to work harder at achieving. I love goal boards, they really help me when I am trying to envision what my goal is.
But then again, I am a visual person. 
One of my goals is to save money and I am using the 52-week money challenge to help me. Are you saving money this way?
Check it out here if you would like to get involved.

2. Set goals for different areas of your life. 
If you can achieve a goal in one area of your life, why not make goals for relationships, money, and self. This way all areas have a chance of growing and becoming better. 
Goal Setting that actually works


3. Get a partner if needed 
If you already know you need accountability to reach your goals, then reach out to a friend and ask to become goal partners. You cheer each other on, and it will be fun also. You can even contact me, and we can become cheerleaders for each other.
4. Make goals measurable 
 Set review times to see how the goal is progressing and how much longer until you celebrate. Break down large goals into small manageable pieces. Stay on top of your goals and monitor them often.


5. Set goals that are realistic and attainable
Realistic is a big word here. What is your "REALISTIC" goal? Don't just make something up off your head, really put some thought into your goal.
How are you going to hit your goal target? I always say you have to have a map and a plan to get anywhere. What are you doing today to reach your goal?
It is ok if baby steps are all you can do each day! 

 My Goals for 2020

My goals for 2020 are written down, mapped out, and I have made a goal board. My goals this year will push me out of my comfort areas, which I think is a good thing. 
My goals will make me a better person and hopefully, the people around me will become better humans too.
My goals are customized to me and my life and will bring me joy and happiness and make my life better.


 BE BRAVE, TAKE THE HILL!
NOW THE QUESTION IS........
WHAT IS YOUR HILL?

 If you enjoyed visiting my blog please give it a share on social media, leave a comment or subscribe to all new posts sent directly to your inbox. 

 Cheers until next time,





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Foodie Friday- Flock

January 10, 2020 •

I hope everyone is back in the swing of the New Year.
My household and I are just getting back to routines and schedules after some time off of work and school.

 We are starting to look forward to Spring Break coming up in March. 
Where should we go for a break? 
The Mountains?
The Beach?


Remember, I told y'all my 2020 adventures included lots of food goals? 
Then I kicked off the New Year with this post here!

And now, yep you guessed it more food.

 This Foodie Friday is featuring Flock.
A nice quaint, family-owned and operated restaurant located in the Morrison Plantation shopping center in Mooresville, NC. I had been trying to get here for some time because I kept hearing about their charcuterie board and trust me, it did not disappoint. They also make all their salad dressings in house. 

Fried Asparagus with stuffed mozzarella cheese, rolled with prosciutto, anchovy garlic butter
Fried Asparagus
We kicked off dinner with these fried asparagus stuffed with mozzarella and rolled in prosciutto and they were really delicious! Something about the mixture of asparagus and prosciutto, wrapped together makes a tasty combination but, add frying and that really makes it over the top.


Charcuterie board with aged blue cheese, brie, capicola, pate, olives, pickles and grapes
Cheese & Charcuterie Board
The menu options offered at Flock for the cheese & charcuterie board are endless as you can customize to your liking. You can have all cheese or a mixture of meats and cheese. Whatever you like, Flock will make.

 Our board came with brie and aged blue cheese, capicola, pate, olives, pickles, grapes, and bread.


A small plate of truffles is the perfect dessert size and the perfect end to a delicious meal
Truffles

 These truffles were the perfect end to an awesome meal. You know how it goes you fill up on your food, and hardly ever save room for dessert, trust me this is the one time when you need to save room for these assorted truffles.
Flock-Where friends meet and cheese. Located in Mooresville, NC

Flock is open for lunch and dinner
Closed on Mon & Tue
Open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11am to 12 am
129 Marketplace Ave
Mooresville, NC 28117
980-444-0275




















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52 Week Money Savings Challenge

January 6, 2020 •

I am going to keep this short and sweet. Who could use $1,378? You know Christmas will be rolling back around again and I want to share how you can get ahead of the game.

This is not my idea as it has been around forever but, I do like doing this challenge every year.

This is called the 52 week challenge. Yea, I know we are in week two of the New Year but, it's ok.  We are only $3 behind.
You can start this challenge at any time during the year, your end result will differ though.

For the most bang from your savings account, you can also start at week 52 and work your way backward. It's all up to you.

Do you need an accountability partner? 
I know I do, we can cheer each other on for 52 weeks.
 Let's Have Fun and save some cash.

52 Week Money Savings Challenge


 So, here we go-get an envelope and mark it January and follow the guide above but, really you are just depositing one more dollar then you did the following week. Then month by month you keep saving. I call this the fill it and seal it method.

Open a new savings account if you need to, so you can keep track of your money savings goal. 

This money is not to be touched unless for emergencies only.
Only you can decide what is an emergency in your house but, my wish is that you will give it a great chance and push yourself out of your comfort zone and in December you will be so happy you did this.

If you need a partner to cheer you on, let me know. I am here for you.

Happy Savings in 2020,



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Why Sunday is my favorite day!

January 5, 2020 •

Happy Sunday! 
Do you have a favorite day of the week?
Of course, you do and I am sure most of you are going to say it is Friday.

Well, my favorite day is Sunday!
It has always been a day where the world seems to spin a little slower. Growing up I remember Sundays as the day we went and saw family members or just took a drive out to the country.

Sundays were my Mom's favorite day also and I have spent many Sundays gathered around the table with my entire family and friends eating some of the best food I ever put in my mouth. 
Fried chicken, collards, pintos, biscuits, banana pudding(yummy)
Why Sunday is my favorite day!



Sundays for me are the day before a week of unknowns and work and school and that can be stressful.
So, I like to take Sunday and chill and just slow down.
Why Sunday is my favorite day!

I like to cook a meal on Sunday and just stay close to home.
Sunday's give me a chance to regroup with myself which is something my mind craves.

My Top 5 Sunday Routines
1. Make a list of what's coming up this week and put it on the calendar. Kid's activities, gym, anything that makes you feel together. Make sure to schedule some fun things into your list like coffee with friends or a quick hike.

2. Get your laundry done. This is a biggie for me, as I hate to have someone say on Monday morning that they are missing their favorite shirt and they think it is in the laundry basket.

3. Go grocery shopping and make sure to get all the lunch box snacks for you and the family, plan your meals in advance is the best thing anyone can do before shopping. I only shop for about 3 days worth of groceries at a time. Remember do your shopping online and you can read more about that here.

4. Clean out your bag and maybe your car. Just a simple run thru to clean out that side door pocket in your car that accumulates all the trash. Your bag/purse to get rid of crumpled receipts, or the change bouncing around in the bottom and anything else that happens to be trash.

5. Spruce up the house. Go through and empty trash cans and wipe down sinks and make sure everything is ready for a brand new week. 
Laying out your clothes is not new advice, you have been doing that since you were a kid but, making sure that you are planned is the key.



How do you celebrate the beginning of a new week?
Do you slow down and relax or plan a strategy or do you just go with the flow?

Why Sunday is my favorite day!


What is your favorite day? 


Here's to hoping you have a great Sunday and an enjoyable week.






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A first timers guide to making a Charcuterie Board

January 1, 2020 • ,

Well, the Christmas rush is over and we welcome 2020. Each year millions of people make resolutions and some of those resolutions see completion and others fizzle by the wayside.

 I don't make resolutions myself, but I try to live my best life every day, that God grants me another one. 

My 2020 is filling up with lots of adventures and my own set of goals. Cheers,  hoping that we all become better humans to each other and can just be KIND.

With the holidays being over I wanted to put together (drumroll please)My First Ever Charcuterie board or Cheese Board. My resolution for this year has a bunch of food goals built into it, and this post was the first on that long path of deliciousness.

Honestly, I can't say the word Charcuterie(it just doesn't come out right) so from here on I may just say cheese board, also it is easier to spell.

I know you have seen these elaborate boards on the covers of magazines with all kinds of cheese and meat and some things I can't identify, we are not going for that look this trip. (baby steps)
Make your board fit your family and what they like.
 If your kids eat goldfish then add goldfish, make it your own.

Charcuterie means a mixture of meats, cheese and often nuts. 
I like to think of the Charcuterie or Cheeseboard 
as a fancy snack tray.
 I am sure some high browed chefs may disagree but, I am ok with that. 

What Goes on your Board
Pepperoni
Sliced Deli Meat
Any Deli Cold Cut 
Prosciutto(my fav)
Diced Beef Jerky
Pickles
Olives 
Pesto
Crackers
Bread
Pretzels
Fruit(I am using Star fruit-a tropical fruit from Southeast Asia)
Brie Cheese
Havarti
Block Cheese
Cheese Ball
Goldfish 
If you eat block cheese(yes) add block cheese

What to use as a board

So, you don't own a big fancy cutting board or marble tray, it is ok!
I own several cutting boards and a very nice marble board from Sur La Table but, my cheese board is going to nod to my home town of Mooresville and I will be using a gift from my school district. 
They gifted us these nice wood cutting boards with the Mooresville logo and I love it.

You can use a cookie sheet or a large baking pan or any cutting board you own, I promise it will be beautiful.

If you are using olives or anything with a juice to it, make sure to put them in little ramekins.

If you want to see a professional build a cheese board, go check out my friend Chrissie over at off the eaten path. I watched her video about 5 times before I jumped into my own board. Thanks Chrissie!

 Drumroll and BAM!
A first timers guide to making a Charcuterie Board

Not bad if I say so myself
I think next time I would like to add some other things for color because the cheese and crackers are clashing. 

A first timers guide to making a Charcuterie Board

I used a mixture of Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto and Capocollo meat with a mixture of cheese, nuts, olives, gorgonzola crackers, and added the delicious Star Fruit-a tropical fruit that comes from a tree native to Sri Lanka. 

I found it at my local Harris Teeter and was so happy. If you have never tried Star Fruit it is like an apple and a pear at the same fantastic moment. I suggest you try for yourself, you will be surprised.

I found out about Star Fruit at work, as it is a fruit we serve often as a menu option.

Star Fruit is a delicious fruit

Look how beautiful they are when sliced and then I placed them in this adorable moon shape(I couldn't resist)

Mixed Fruit

Here we topped Mandarin oranges with the Star Fruit


All said and done I would build another cheese board or Charcuterie board for a get-together. It makes it easy for your guest to snack and sample several types of meats, cheeses, nuts or whatever you put on your board.

I would love to know how your Charcuterie board goes, so please leave a comment below.

Happy New Year Y'all!










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