Our Good Life: October 2018

Posted by Terri Steffes / 31 October 2018 / halloween

Halloween in New Town, Saint Charles

We are approaching our sixth Halloween in New Town.  We moved<a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2012/10/halloween-at-new-town.html"> here in 2012 </a>as a place to land before we made our big move to the city of St. Louis.  We fell in love with this place, and well, the rest is history!<br />
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Over the years here in New Town, we have watched as Halloween has grown in popularity with our residents as well as our larger community of Saint Charles. New Town is a designation spot for the local youth for trick-or-treating!<br />
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Our community is divided into several districts, ours being called <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2014/10/beach-districthalloween-fun.html">The Beach District.</a>  We are called that as there is an actual beach on a lake in our district. It is new to us this year and next year will be the official opening!  Check the link to see the Beach District in its early Halloween glory!<br />
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I love how things have progressed since <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2016/10/halloween-2016.html">2016</a> and <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2017/10/halloween-in-new-town.html">2017.</a>  The decorations are much more elaborate and thoughtful this year and I am eager to share them with you!<br />
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Aren't they fun?  I am having a blast with these houses!  Our neighbors like to take golf cart rides all over the community and we have been so busy looking at houses!  Here are some of our decorations for this Halloween.<br />
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I wish you a happy and safe Halloween, everyone!  May your treat bags be stuffed with the good stuff!

Halloween in New Town, Saint Charles

We are approaching our sixth Halloween in New Town. We moved here in 2012 as a place to land before we made our big move to the city of St...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 30 October 2018 / book review

The Draughtsman's Damsel #ourgoodlifebooklist

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<i>I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.</i></div>
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I do love historical fiction, so when I was approached to read this book and offer my critique, it was easy to say yes. I have high expectations for my historical fiction writers.  Let's see if author Emily Klein can make the mark.</div>
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First, was a draughtsman a real thing? It seems that it is, and draughtsman is the English version of a drafter, as used in the US.  Girls weren't often, if at all, draughtsmen so this is a highly unusual occupation of a noblewoman in the Tudor times.</div>
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The book starts in Calais, France, a ferry spot to England. Since our architect, his wife and their daughter do make their way across the English Channel, this seems to be a clear connection. Throughout the book the Duke is building a palace (could it be the Notre Dame church?) and wants it to be of the Golden Ratio.</div>
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While we are in England with the family, the daughter is allowed to study mathematics, history and other meatier subjects than art and embroidery. She exceeds in her studies, and is allowed to help her father with his work.  After a crazy matrimonial match that falls apart, the father and daughter return to Calais, where the daughter is allowed to work on the construction of the new palace. It is she who discovers the errors that the mason is making, thus getting him fired and her becoming the target of jealousy. </div>
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To learn of the ending, please read the book!  </div>
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I enjoyed the writing style the author employed. It put me right in the middle of England.  The setting was well described, but lacking historical details. I found the characters to be exciting and full of life. Supporting the daughter and her father throughout the book was easy.  I was extremely fond of Belle as she was a feminist long before her time. What I found lacking was the political tug-of-war that was so prevalent during this time. I find that tedious and easy to skip over. That's a personal preference, no fault of the author.<br />
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About the Author</h4>
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Emily Klein is an author of historical romance novels set in medieval times. She is a staunch anglophile, with a keen interest in anything and everything British, and a fierce love for the English language and all its dialects. She also has an  interest in history, including but not limited to, medieval history. Emily also enjoys antiques and vintage clothing. In short, if it is part of history, Emily Klein will find it intersting.</div>
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In her novels, Emily Klein strives to delve into her characters' thoughts, feelings and true psychological motives, based on their personalities, pasts and societies in which they operate. Finding motivates and helping people as they strive to solve their life issues is no strange matter to Emily, who is also a trained social worker.</div>
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Emily lives in Israel with her husband, two young daughters and her little dog named Tofu.</div>
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I certainly enjoyed the book and would be happy to read another by the same author. If you would like to purchase this book, please consider doing so by using the link below. I will receive a small commission (which does not raise your price, by the way.)  Thank you!</div>
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The Draughtsman's Damsel #ourgoodlifebooklist

I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I do love historical fiction, so when I was approached to ...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 29 October 2018 / book review

The Coordinates of Loss #ourgoodlifebooklist

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<i>I was given this book in exchange for my honest feedback.</i></div>
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<i>The Coordinates of Loss</i> by Amanda Prowse is one of the books that is difficult to read but you can't put down.  It is a profoundly deep book that explores a parent's greatest nightmare, the loss of a child. Rachel Croft, the mother, goes to awake their seven year old son to find he is not there.  It becomes quickly apparent that Oscar is gone, as the family is on a yacht.  </div>
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Set in sunny and tropical Bermuda, the setting contrasts vividly with the parents' grief. With the support of their housekeeper Cee Cee, who has a similar story.  Through letters, the two women find a path to healing.  Cee Cee is a hero in this book, as she relives her story to help Rachel come to terms with hers.</div>
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The writing is beautiful, haunting, soul-wrenching.  The characters are well developed and we are exposed to raw, unrelenting grief. This book can be overwhelming, I found I could only read short bits at a time. I would read, sob, read, sob and finally made my way to the end of the book.</div>
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Of course, Amanda and her husband James and their marriage become another "character" in the story. We want to know if their marriage can take such a direct hit.  With such a loss, it is the way other people react to the situation that adds depth to the story.  Rachel's parents feel useless and respond with anxiety and over-protectedness.  Friends Vicky and Gino are supportive and understanding. Rachel's brother and wife react in oddly inappropriate ways. </div>
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I found the book very insightful and an accurate view of the grief of parents who have lost a child. </div>
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If you find you wish to order this book, please consider using the link below. I will make a small commission on the sale.  Thank you!</div>
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The Coordinates of Loss #ourgoodlifebooklist

I was given this book in exchange for my honest feedback. The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse is one of the books that is diffic...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 27 October 2018 / breakfast

Death by Chocolate Breakfast Bowl

Breakfast bowls are extremely popular, for their good nutrition and clean food.  How about one that delivers for your sweet tooth, too?  That's where Death by Chocolate Breakfast Bowl comes in!  A decadent but healthy treat for breakfast!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3JsbneKMi8/W9IQrpnKKBI/AAAAAAAAtiY/XGkEYPPEjEciw9LmfjrH3A2-3UcZiLhrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Chocolate%2BCovered%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3JsbneKMi8/W9IQrpnKKBI/AAAAAAAAtiY/XGkEYPPEjEciw9LmfjrH3A2-3UcZiLhrgCLcBGAs/s640/Chocolate%2BCovered%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I am participating in a group of food bloggers to create Halloween Breakfasts. Listed below you are going to see a lot of great bloggers and their fun recipes. I urge you to check them out. I know you will love what you see!<br />
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I chose Death by Chocolate because that is the way I would want to go!  Protein rich quinoa, sweet chocolate chips (I use sugar free) and fresh strawberries make this a treat for breakfast.  See the recipe below.<br />
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Death by Chocolate Breakfast Bowl</h4>
<div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="border-color: rgb(255, 20, 3);">
<div class="info">
<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>2</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector(".print-options").className="print-options show-print-options"" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<button id="printWithImage" onclick="printDiv.call(this,"recipe","printWithImage"); return false;">With Image</button><button id="printWithoutImage" onclick="printDiv.call(this,"recipe","printWithOptions"); return false;">Without Image</button></div>
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<div class="image">
<img itemprop="image" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4p-EKieILE/W9INnwR_63I/AAAAAAAAtiQ/jFK1yZ6egxIFATCZ1sYGH5NB7dBbsvn3gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1248.jpg" /></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Death by Chocolate Breakfast Bowl</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT5M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 5 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT35M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 35 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT40M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 40 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
Delicious and decadent but still amazingly healthy!</div>
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<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
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1/2 c quinoa<br />
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1 1/2 c almond milk</div>
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1 T cocoa</div>
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2 t sugar substitute</div>
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2 T chocolate chips</div>
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4 sliced strawberries</div>
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Chocolate syrup for drizzling</div>
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<div class="instructions">
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instructions:</h3>
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Toast the quinoa by heating a pot, adding the quinoa and stirring for 3-5 minutes.  You don't want to brown it, you just want to bring out the flavors of the quinoa.  Add the milk, stir, reduce heat to simmer, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off heat, let the quinoa absorb the milk, about 15 minutes.<br />
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Stir in cocoa and sweetener until well blended.  Dish into two bowls.  Drizzle on chocolate syrup, then add 1 T of the chocolate chips and 2 halved strawberries to each dish.  Serve.</div>
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<div class="nutrition-info" itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
<div itemprop="calories">
calories<br />
284</div>
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fat (grams)<br />
8</div>
<div itemprop="saturatedFatContent">
sat. fat (grams)<br />
2.7</div>
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carbs (grams)<br />
37.6</div>
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net carbs<br />
31.2</div>
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protein (grams)<br />
8</div>
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sugar (grams)<br />
6</div>
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<div class="recipe-credit">
Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Dead and Breakfast</h2>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<em>Be Brave and Join Us for Breakfast and Brunch</em></h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Banana Mummy Rolls</a> by A Day in the Life on the Farm</li>
<li><a href="https://katerecipebox.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Breakfast Mummy Pastries</a> by Kate’s Recipe Box</li>
<li><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Death by Chocolate Quinoa Bowl</a> by Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cookingwithcarlee.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">English Muffin Mummies</a> by Cooking With Carlee</li>
<li><a href="https://www.thebakingfairy.net/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Frog Eggs Matcha Chia Pudding</a> by The Baking Fairy</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Halloween Pancakes</a> by Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cindysrecipesandwritings.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">I Only Have Eyes For You Omelettes</a> by Cindy's Recipes and Writings</li>
</ul>

Death by Chocolate Breakfast Bowl

Breakfast bowls are extremely popular, for their good nutrition and clean food. How about one that delivers for your sweet tooth, too? Tha...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 26 October 2018 / friday faves

Friday Favorites #18

I'm back!  I hope you enjoyed my posts on #FreakyFruitFridays.  It was fun to work with produce that I don't see often in my local stores. Thank you to <a href="https://www.melissas.com/">Melissas Produce</a> for sponsoring that post!<br />
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In case you'd like to check them out:<br />
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<a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2018/10/freaky-friday-muffins-with-cherimoya.html">Cherimoya Muffins</a> (taste just like apple muffins!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2018/10/cinnamon-pancakes-with-blood-orange.html">Cinnamon Pancakes with Blood Orange Syrup</a><br />
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We had a busy weekend with going to our homecoming at our college alma mater.  Both my husband and daughter are graduates of the University of Missouri. It was fun to get out and see friends from long ago.<br />
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We have season tickets to the symphony and the first concert was on Sunday. We traded in some of our other tickets to get 4 tickets to this event.  I love it when all four of us can go to the same event. It's fun to share our favorite movements and moments.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9Ut9hf-lsg/W9ID8wVgKwI/AAAAAAAAthw/6ZikMevLV6ccBhqvKmvYzKLMDyMgVKGjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9Ut9hf-lsg/W9ID8wVgKwI/AAAAAAAAthw/6ZikMevLV6ccBhqvKmvYzKLMDyMgVKGjQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1064.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our daughter's birthday was Wednesday.  She asked me to bake her <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2018/06/rustic-keto-vanilla-cake-tastecreations.html">one of my Keto cakes </a>and so I did, with 2 T of Penzey's cake spice added in to make it a spice cake.  I love the darling sparkler candles she found. You can find some similar ones here.  (FYI, if you purchase from the link below, I will make a small commission!)<br />
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I'm reading the most amazing book called Miracle Mornings by Hal Elrod.  I have always wanted a focused morning ritual and just couldn't seem to get my act together. This book put it all together for me and I am completely sold. I'll keep you posted because I am only on day 3!  (Again, if you purchase this book from here, I will make a small commission!)<br />
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This weekend we have another home football game with the Missouri Tigers and the whole family is going to dinner to celebrate our daughter's birthday. I am looking forward to this meal at <a href="http://www.bloodandsandstl.com/">Blood and Sand!</a>  I hope each of you has a wonderful weekend filled with things you love!<br />
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Friday Favorites #18

I'm back! I hope you enjoyed my posts on #FreakyFruitFridays. It was fun to work with produce that I don't see often in my local s...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 25 October 2018 / book review

The Secret of Clouds #ourgoodlifebooklist

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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this novel.*</span></i></div>
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I selected this book to review because one of the main characters is a teacher. I was curious to see if the author would have a true understanding of what a teacher's life was like, and how they would portray a teacher in today's world. I needn't been concerned, Alyson Richman does beautifully in looking at how a teacher's life can be intertwined with her students.</div>
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From the publisher:</h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Katya, a rising ballerina, and Sasha, a graduate student, are young and in love when an unexpected tragedy befalls their native Kiev. Years later, after the couple has safely emigrated to America the consequences of this incident cause their son, Yuri, to be born with a rare health condition that isolates him from other children. Maggie, a passionate and dedicated teacher agrees to tutor Yuri at his home, even though she is haunted by her own painful childhood memories. As the two forge a deep and soulful connection, Yuri's boundless curiosity and unique wisdom inspires Maggie to make difficult changes in her own life.  And she'll never realize just how strong Yuri has made her — until she needs that strength the most......</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">A novel that will make readers examine what it means to live life with a full heart.</span></span></div>
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This is my first novel by Alyson Richman. What a gift it was to read her delicious prose. The characters, a caring and compassionate teacher, a gifted and mature-beyond-his-years student, and a married couple with a tragic past. The story is artfully woven, showing us the life of a young teacher as she navigates teaching and a relationship, then introducing us to a student suffering from a disease that does not allow him to attend school and then his parents, stricken with their son's illness, a past that is difficult to understand is still happening in the world. We get to watch the story unfold as the teacher brings her skills to work to improve the life of her student. While the story is so much more than a teacher and her student, it was through this lense that I read the story, having been a teacher myself.</div>
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I highly recommend this book to all those who love an endearing story.  This is a deeply personal story of courage, love, and the circle of life.</div>
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The Secret of Clouds #ourgoodlifebooklist

*I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 23 October 2018 / snacks

Halloween Dipped Pretzel Rods with Sprinkles #DollarTreeHoliday

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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.**</b></i></span></span><br />
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I am so excited to share with you that this is the first in a series of three posts, featuring products from the Dollar Tree!  This is a holiday series so you will see a Halloween post, a Thanksgiving post, and a Christmas post. All products were purchased by me, with future payment by Dollar Tree for the post.  I love Dollar Tree and usually hit them first before I do my weekly grocery shopping.</div>
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I like to pass a little treat to the parents when they take their kids trick-or-treating. I love this little treat as it has a little kick to it!  Those Bacon Habanero style pretzels are so good!  Package them up in a little holiday zipped bag and they are good to go!</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
What you will need:</h4>
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<a href="https://www.dollartree.com/snack-factory-original-pretzel-crisps-3oz-bags/244912">Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps</a></div>
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Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps Bacon Habanero style</div>
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Pennystick Honey Wheat Braided Pretzels</div>
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1 c white chocolate chips</div>
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1 t vegetable oil</div>
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Fall sprinkles</div>
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Melt the chips, then stir in the oil.  Dip the pretzels into the melted chocolate. Place them on parchment or waxed paper.  Add sprinkles. Let cool until hardened.  Package them in cute Halloween snack bags!</div>
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My Dollar Tree is a mile from my home. It has become a part of every holiday and day-to-day living. I eagerly await the catalog (here's <a href="https://ads.dollartree.com/html5" rel="nofollow">the holiday catalog!</a>) and stock up my favorite products. Go and see your local Dollar Tree and see what's there for you!<br />
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Check out our other bloggers who are using wonderful Dollar Tree products for these amazing projects!</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.daytodayadventures.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY Fall Table Centerpiece</a> by Day to Day Adventures</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://familyaroundthetable.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY Halloween Picture Frames</a> by Family Around the Table</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.thetipgarden.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY Minion or Emoji Halloween Costumes</a> by The Tip Garden</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.dailydishrecipes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">DIY Spooky Halloween Centerpiece</a> by Daily Dish Recipes</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Halloween Pretzel Treats</a> by Our Good Life</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://apronstringsotherthings.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fall Harvest Family Fun Night - An Alternative to Halloween</a> by Apron Strings and Other Things</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://thefarmerslamp.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">4 Farm-Tastic Halloween Decorating Ideas</a> by The Farmer’s Lamp</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>

Halloween Dipped Pretzel Rods with Sprinkles #DollarTreeHoliday

**I was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicki...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 22 October 2018 / essential oils

Favorite Fall Essential Oil Blends

Fall is such a great time for fall essential oil blends. I love the different scents that remind me of fall, and, I have some recipes that might help you hold back those fall colds that sneak up on us!  I use both Young Living and Do Terra oils, as they both are high quality oils.<br />
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My last list was <a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/2018/05/essential-oil-blends-for-sleeping.html">Essential Oils for Sleeping</a> and it was very popular! I made a handy printable to download so you can keep it by your diffuser.  We love falling asleep to our favorite scents!<br />
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These fall essential oils blends will be perfect for daytime use.  They fill my house with delightful scents that make me feel like fall is indoors!  I love to diffuse these when I have guests over. They make the house feel extra cozy in the fall.<br />
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Do you use essential oils?  What are your favorites?  Be sure to look for high quality oils, where ever you decide to purchase. Only the best for our family and friends!<br />
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Want to make these air fresheners?  Here's what to do:  In a 2 oz spritzer bottle, triple the amount of drops and put them in the bottle.  Fill to the shoulder with distilled water.  Cap.  Shake before using.  The bottle below are perfect for this as they have a fine misting spray.  (P.S. Excellent for gift giving!)<br />
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Favorite Fall Essential Oil Blends

Fall is such a great time for fall essential oil blends. I love the different scents that remind me of fall, and, I have some recipes that m...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 19 October 2018 / breakfast

Cinnamon Pancakes with Blood Orange Syrup #FreakyFruitsFriday

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<i style="font-size: small;">This post is sponsored on behalf of Freaky Fruit Fridays. Our generous sponsor, Melissa's Produce has provided us with products for recipe creations. As always, all opinions are my ow<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia"; white-space: pre-wrap;">n.</span></i></div>
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When I learned about this outstanding opportunity to explore some exotic fruits, you can be sure that I flew from my stove and up to the computer to apply! I am grateful to be selected for this so fun opportunity to work with a product I don't see very often!  Thank you to <a href="https://www.melissas.com/Blood-Oranges-p/1432.htm" rel="nofollow">Melissa's Produce!</a></div>
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We were given all these fruits to experiment with. First I just admired the colors.  I am totally in love with nature and what it can produce!  I decided to work with the oranges first, as I have had some delicious food made with them and I wanted to give them a try.  I made the decision to make syrup because I hoped the color would be fabulous, and oh, it was!</div>
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Blood oranges are the primary orange grown in Italy. The climate provides the needed temperatures to develop the anthocyanins that give the fruit its red color.  The blood orange is a bit harder to peel than a regular orange, and its skin may reflect some dark pigmentation.  The fruit is citrusy with a raspberry overtone. I also read that it has the highest concentration of Vitamin C of all the oranges.</div>
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Melissa's Produce was so generous in sending a huge box full of fun fruits.<br />
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<div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="background-color: rgb(237 , 241 , 242); border-color: rgb(255 , 7 , 34);">
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<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>2</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" style="background: rgb(252, 34, 5);" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<img itemprop="image" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--C2UbWV1aFs/W51LyE8XMgI/AAAAAAAAs3Q/L7UB1puH16IdPGUI89dx54cMrHGSWeazACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6095.jpg" /></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Cinnamon Pancakes with Blood Orange Syrup</h3>
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<span class="prepTime" content="PT45M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 45 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT30M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 30 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT75M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 75 mins</span></div>
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This citrisy orange syrup is extra special for Halloween, what a fun breakfast to serve on Halloween morning!</div>
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ingredients:</h3>
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1 c complete pancake mix<br />
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1 T cinnamon<br />
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1 c milk</div>
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2 T butter</div>
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2 c blood orange juice, fresh squeezed</div>
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6 T sugar</div>
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1 T grated blood orange peel</div>
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instructions:</h3>
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Combine juice, sugar and peel in a pot.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and reduce liquid by half, about 15 minutes.  Let cool.<br />
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Combine milk, cinnamon and pancake mix together.  Heat frying pan.  Add 2 T butter, let melt.  Using a large scoop (# T capacity) scoop batter and pour into frying pan. Cook pancakes on one side until edges look dry and bubbles appear in the center.  Flip, let pancake rise, and cook until bottom edges are slight brown.  Remove pancake from pan and place on a plate.  Repeat until all the batter is used.</div>
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Stack pancakes on a plate (3 per person) and drizzle blood orange syrup over the pancakes.  Serve.</div>
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NOTES:</h3>
<pre style="white-space: pre-line;">Make the blood orange syrup the night before to save time in the morning.

Using a scoop makes the pancakes close to the same size.</pre>
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<div class="nutrition-info" itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
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calories<br />
159</div>
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fat (grams)<br />
1.5</div>
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sat. fat (grams)<br />
1</div>
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carbs (grams)<br />
35</div>
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net carbs<br />
32</div>
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protein (grams)<br />
3</div>
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sugar (grams)<br />
34</div>
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Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxOt2WHF_ag/W7qaba0M6-I/AAAAAAAAtJs/LybN3cLPskYmhxzx4e8CoxeM74ixAILQgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dxOt2WHF_ag/W7qaba0M6-I/AAAAAAAAtJs/LybN3cLPskYmhxzx4e8CoxeM74ixAILQgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_6093.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Don't you want to make this for your kids on Halloween? These delightful "eyes" were purchased from Dollar Tree!</td></tr>
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These eyeballs are at a premium so <a href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=845001&u=1347058&m=64888&urllink=www%2Edollartree%2Ecom%2Fspooky%2Dhalloween%2Dbouquet%2Fe241&afftrack=">I found this </a>at the Dollar Tree that you can use instead!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbquUvU1WVU/W7qaFYXlLKI/AAAAAAAAtJk/DA2O92IIUnoTOrMlFHXuifT27g3z0HBnwCLcBGAs/s1600/39755245_10155833485388036_1615842382668890112_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbquUvU1WVU/W7qaFYXlLKI/AAAAAAAAtJk/DA2O92IIUnoTOrMlFHXuifT27g3z0HBnwCLcBGAs/s640/39755245_10155833485388036_1615842382668890112_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Check out all the different Freaky Fruit Friday recipes that feature these incredible fruits. I know you will find a recipe you just have to try! </div>
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://houseofnasheats.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cast Iron Blood Orange Chicken Thighs</a> by Amy at House of Nash Eats</li>
<li><a href="https://www.hezzi-dsbooksandcooks.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chocolate Cupcakes with Dragonfruit Frosting</a> by Heather at Hezzi-D's<br />Books and Cooks</li>
<li><a href="https://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cinnamon Pancakes with Blood Orange Syrup</a> by Terri at Our Good Life</li>
<li><a href="http://faithhopeloveandlucksurvivedespiteawhiskeredaccomplice.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dragon Fruit & Papaya Pico de Gallo</a> by Colleen at Faith, Hope,<br />Love, & Luck Survive Despite a Whiskered Accomplice</li>
<li><a href="https://www.simpleandsavory.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Freaky Blood Orange Sangria</a> by Anne at Simple and Savory</li>
<li><a href="https://palatablepastime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Passion Fruit Zombie</a> by Sue at Palatable Pastime</li>
<li><a href="https://familyaroundthetable.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sauteed Chayote Squash, Onions, Garlic and Rosemary</a> by Ellen at Family<br />Around the Table</li>
<li><a href="https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seafood Stuffed Chayote Squash</a> by Wendy at A Day in the Life on the<br />Farm</li>
<li><a href="https://www.cookingwithcarlee.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tex-Mex Sheet Pan Breakfast</a> by Carlee at Cooking with Carlee</li>
<li><a href="http://culinary-adventures-with-cam.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whole Vermilion Snapper with Fennel and Blood Oranges</a> by Camilla at<br />Culinary Adventures with Camilla</li>
</ul>

Cinnamon Pancakes with Blood Orange Syrup #FreakyFruitsFriday

This post is sponsored on behalf of Freaky Fruit Fridays. Our generous sponsor, Melissa's Produce has provided us with products for re...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 18 October 2018 / book review

Southern Living Party Cookbook 2018 #ourgoodlifebooklist

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<i>I received an eBook for free in exchange for my honest opinion.</i></div>
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I was thrilled to pieces to be selected to review the newest Southern Living Party Cookbook.  I saw my first Southern Living Party Cookbook in my beautiful Carnegie Library in my hometown in the 70s. It was my first inkling that the world was a fun, fun place. Knowing the other book so well, I was eager to see how this book would measure up to its classic sister.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNFzCR5oeRo/W8Oi3ZuuueI/AAAAAAAAtbU/c1b9zC8HdvMy0SjHbK60ZpPgGqi5jmslACLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2BReview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A book review of the new cookbook Southern Living Party Cookbook #netgalley #southernliving" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XNFzCR5oeRo/W8Oi3ZuuueI/AAAAAAAAtbU/c1b9zC8HdvMy0SjHbK60ZpPgGqi5jmslACLcBGAs/s1600/Book%2BReview.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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From the Publisher:</h4>
This new essential guide to entertaining is divided by occasion, offering a fresh lineup of menus and ideas for every celebratory scenario life serves up from What Can I Bring? author, Elizabeth Heiskell, in this update to the best-selling book of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ era, Elizabeth’s tell-it-like-it-is voice provides a twist to the classic Southern advice that is a refresher for entertainers of any age or experience. Packed with delicious recipes from the original book like Smoked Salmon Canapes, Hot Cheese Squares, and Brandy Alexanders, the book also includes popular picks from the current pages of Southern Living as well as Elizabeth’s treasured recipe box. The Southern Living Party Cookbook is an entertaining handbook loaded with lifestyle tips and hilarious Heiskell stories, along with lush photography to help you get the look from table setting to plated dish.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGIXYAmO2CI/W8OjDuSp1CI/AAAAAAAAtbk/sFF_IxHqg8kI8Ab0QpTQRRcH6OAEmPRcQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0709-min.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="I loved this new party cookbook by Southern Living. Fantastic tips, tablescapes, and recipes are abundant. #netgalley  #southernlivingpartycookbook #partyrecipes" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1194" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FGIXYAmO2CI/W8OjDuSp1CI/AAAAAAAAtbk/sFF_IxHqg8kI8Ab0QpTQRRcH6OAEmPRcQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_0709-min.jpg" title="" width="477" /></a></div>
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My review:</h4>
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The Southern Living Party Cookbook by Elizabeth Heiskell is a fresh take on the classis 1972 version of the same title. Instead arranging the book by food groups, this book centers its organization on the occasion. Want to know how to entertain for Christmas? Or a picnic? Or having your boss for dinner? There are sections that will deal just with those topics! Classic recipes such as a Brandy Alexander to the posh Chocolate Chai Tea, Elizabeth has covered many recipes and includes ones from her own. </div>
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I adore the lifestyle tips and the fantastic photography that inspires you to take your party to the next level. I enjoyed hearing stories from the author's own life, and the full menus she includes for each party. I made the Chocolate Chai tea for my own little "happy fall!" party but you'll have to get the cookbook to get the recipe!<br />
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This book is THE PERFECT GIFT for the new bride or anyone who wants to take their parties to the moon and back. Information on invites, setting the table, and the all important Rsvp. No party fouls will occur with the guidance of this comprehensive text.<br />
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I highly recommend this book that will be out on November 20. You can pre-purchase your very own here:</div>
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Southern Living Party Cookbook 2018 #ourgoodlifebooklist

I received an eBook for free in exchange for my honest opinion. I was thrilled to pieces to be selected to review the newest Southern Liv...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 17 October 2018 / dinner

Eric's Famous Chili #choctoberfest2018

Choctoberfest continues! Our son-in-law makes a mean bowl of chili and I asked him to share his recipe for Chocolate Chili for this post. Chocolate is his "secret" ingredient. When I had the chance to use <a href="https://www.fortechocolates.com/pages/choctoberfest2018">Forte Artisan Chocolates</a>, I knew I wanted to try them in his chili.<br />
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If you are a long time reader of Our Good Life, you know that we are all about living YOUR best life. Forte Artisan Chocolates fit right into that philosophy. They encourage you to Celebrate Life Through Chocolate, and hey, nobody needs to tell me that twice.  This chili uses one of the Gusto bars to deepen the spices found in this chocolate chili recipe. Listen to the flavors: Lemon and Pepper, Aztec, Orange Jazz, Rosemary and Sea Salt, Honey, Milk Love, Balsamic Vinegar, 71% dark, White Cloud, Milk Sea Salt, 64% dark, White Swan Espresso.  Two new recipes will be made using the Balsamic Vinegar one and the White Cloud one.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nq4Ol89TpE/W8OLu7EJJXI/AAAAAAAAtao/lO3PmYrx1N42lr6YOWe706BLeBF0MbT9wCLcBGAs/s1600/chili%2BForte1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Nq4Ol89TpE/W8OLu7EJJXI/AAAAAAAAtao/lO3PmYrx1N42lr6YOWe706BLeBF0MbT9wCLcBGAs/s1600/chili%2BForte1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now that I have your attention with all of these incredible flavors, I am proud to let you know that you readers can receive a free bar when you purchase three using the code Choctoberfest2018. Grab a few of these decadent bars for stocking stuffers!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vZZJQrXTOA/W8OSRvBlozI/AAAAAAAAtbI/HepL6s6yu7s53BNCHsXedjmESg3kIN_oQCLcBGAs/s1600/Forte%2Bchili2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vZZJQrXTOA/W8OSRvBlozI/AAAAAAAAtbI/HepL6s6yu7s53BNCHsXedjmESg3kIN_oQCLcBGAs/s1600/Forte%2Bchili2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Forte chocolates inspire the creativity in me. I am already thinking of Halloween and Christmas treats but also there is a vegetable sauce in the making as I write! I cannot wait to share the versatility of these chocolates for both savory and sweet cooking.  We will be entering this chili in our neighborhood chili cook-off. I'll keep you informed of the result!<br />
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<div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="border-color: rgb(255, 16, 5);">
<div class="info">
<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>12</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Eric's Famous Chili</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT20M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 20 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT1H30M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 1 hour and 30 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT1H50M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 1 hours and 50 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
This award-winning chili has a secret ingredient: (chocolate) in the form of a bar and cocoa. It deepens the flavors of the spices</div>
<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeIngredient">
2 lb lean ground beef<br />
<div>
2 cans diced tomatoes</div>
<div>
2 cans red beans, drained</div>
<div>
2 cans kidney beans, drained</div>
<div>
1 green, red and yellow pepper</div>
<div>
1 red onion</div>
<div>
1T garlic salt</div>
<div>
1T A-1 sauce</div>
<div>
3 T chili powder</div>
<div>
1 bar chocolate<br />
1/4 c cocoa powder</div>
<div>
1 T hot sauce</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<div>
In a dutch oven, brown beef and add peppers and onion, cook until softened.  Add beans and tomatoes.  Let simmer 10 minutes.  Add salt to taste. Then add all the spices and chocolate adjusting the spices to taste.  Continue to simmer until broth has thickened.  Let the chili rest so flavors can develop.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nutrition-info" itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
<div itemprop="calories">
calories<br />
405</div>
<div itemprop="fatContent">
fat (grams)<br />
5.1</div>
<div itemprop="saturatedFatContent">
sat. fat (grams)<br />
1.9</div>
<div itemprop="carbohydrateContent">
carbs (grams)<br />
49.9</div>
<div>
net carbs<br />
35</div>
<div itemprop="proteinContent">
protein (grams)<br />
40</div>
<div itemprop="sugarContent">
sugar (grams)<br />
3.6</div>
</div>
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Eric's Famous Chili #choctoberfest2018

Choctoberfest continues! Our son-in-law makes a mean bowl of chili and I asked him to share his recipe for Chocolate Chili for this post. Ch...

Posted by Terri Steffes / 16 October 2018 / sides

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Coconut Flour Bread

Welcome to the October Pinterest Challenge AND Day 2 of Choctoberfest!!  This month I wanted to try<a href="https://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/keto-low-carb-coconut-flour-bread/"> Brenda's Keto Low Carb Coconut Flour Bread</a> for this challenge.  Brenda blogs at Sugar-Free Mom and it is one of my favorite blogs for getting low carb foods. I saw this bread and knew I wanted to give it a try!  Plus, it's World Bread Day, too!<br />
<h4>
Pinterest Challenge</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHC32EMcCfM/W75z2L9LDeI/AAAAAAAAtM8/yqcb6MDwzJQCbDHMKH20g8G17F4w6TEBwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0387.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Low Carb Keto Chocolate Coconut Flour Bread" border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHC32EMcCfM/W75z2L9LDeI/AAAAAAAAtM8/yqcb6MDwzJQCbDHMKH20g8G17F4w6TEBwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0387.PNG" title="" /></a></div>
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Brenda's bread came out beautifully when I made her recipe. The crust was crisp and the bread had great texture. Perfect for me to have a bit of toast with breakfast, which is what I was dreadfully missing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlV24hDLuSg/W8OQpdNRvbI/AAAAAAAAta4/oe6uBA1bK4k3aDg1RhZ1PScjFd4vKNlzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Chocolate%2BCoconut%2BBread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OlV24hDLuSg/W8OQpdNRvbI/AAAAAAAAta4/oe6uBA1bK4k3aDg1RhZ1PScjFd4vKNlzwCLcBGAs/s1600/Chocolate%2BCoconut%2BBread.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h4>
Low Carb Keto Chocolate Coconut Flour Bread is born!</h4>
Brenda's bread gave me the confidence to play with the recipe. I switched out the olive oil for a coconut oil that created a rich taste, thanks to <a href="https://www.barleans.com/">Barlean's Butter Flavored Coconut Oil.</a>  I added cocoa for that chocolate flavor I was missing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WKC7in_FC0/W750RZZHUWI/AAAAAAAAtNI/9UCcTOebFMswkQmNarrD2rzro1XWoab6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1201" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3WKC7in_FC0/W750RZZHUWI/AAAAAAAAtNI/9UCcTOebFMswkQmNarrD2rzro1XWoab6QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0395.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also missed have some kind of dessert bread, and decided to use the foundation of Brenda's bread with some tweaks to make it more dessert-like.  Thus Keto Low Carb Chocolate Coconut Flour Bread was born!  The bread isn't too sweet, but does make a delightful French toast (small pieces) and is fabulous spread with nut butter.  A dessert bread has been born!<br />
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<strong>To join next month's #pinterestchallenge, click here to sign-up ⇒<span style="color: purple;"> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeG6AorhGfzjLgu74G9ym6dTttLrpX4SBfN8F6902cjpHzp7A/viewform" rel="noopener" target="_blank">November Pinterest Challenge</a></span></strong><br />
<h4>
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</h4>
<hr />
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<div class="recipe-inner" id="recipe" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Recipe" style="border-color: rgb(255, 16, 5);">
<div class="info">
<span class="yield" itemprop="recipeYield"><strong>Yield: </strong>8 slices</span><span class="author" itemprop="author"><strong>Author: </strong>Terri Steffes</span><button class="printbutton" id="printbutton" onclick="this.parentElement.querySelector('.print-options').className='print-options show-print-options'" type="button">Print Recipe</button><br />
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<img itemprop="image" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9L4M1rdgwBI/W75sA5-2qXI/AAAAAAAAtM0/fm5MY3HKCHYcfWRgihy-JLAqLxnak8PbQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0369.jpg" /></div>
<h3 class="recipe-name" itemprop="name">
Low Carb Keto Chocolate Coconut Flour Bread</h3>
<div class="time">
<span class="prepTime" content="PT10M" itemprop="prepTime">prep time: 10 mins</span><span class="cookTime" content="PT60M" itemprop="cookTime">cook time: 60 mins</span><span class="totalTime" content="PT70M" itemprop="totalTime">total time: 70 mins</span></div>
<div class="summary" itemprop="description">
This low carb bread has a chocolaty and buttery flavor that adds up to a sweet treat without the sugar.</div>
<div class="ingredients">
<h3>
ingredients:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeIngredient">
<div>
6 eggs<br />
<div>
1/3 c <a href="https://www.barleans.com/">Barlean's butter flavored coconut oil</a></div>
<div>
1/3 c water</div>
<div>
1 c coconut flour</div>
<div>
2 T Swerve sweetener</div>
<div>
1 T baking powder</div>
<div>
1 T cocoa</div>
<div>
1 t xanthan gum</div>
<div>
1/2 t salt</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="instructions">
<h3>
instructions:</h3>
<div class="ing-section" itemprop="recipeInstructions">
<div>
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.   Using a stand mixer, place the eggs, coconut oil, water and blend until well combined.  Add the flour, Swerve, baking powder, xanthan gum and salt and beat until well incorporated.  Dough will be thick.  Line an 8 by 4" loaf pan with parchment paper.  Pour batter into the pan.  Bake for 40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool for 20 minutes, remove from pan, cool 15 minutes more.</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="nutrition-info" itemprop="nutrition" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/NutritionInformation">
<div itemprop="calories">
calories<br />
144</div>
<div itemprop="fatContent">
fat (grams)<br />
12.7</div>
<div itemprop="saturatedFatContent">
sat. fat (grams)<br />
9.2</div>
<div itemprop="carbohydrateContent">
carbs (grams)<br />
15.1</div>
<div>
net carbs<br />
1.7</div>
<div itemprop="proteinContent">
protein (grams)<br />
5.5</div>
<div itemprop="sugarContent">
sugar (grams)<br />
.4</div>
</div>
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Created using <a href="https://www.recipesgenerator.com/" target="_blank">The Recipes Generator</a></div>
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<strong>Now let's see what other things Pinterest inspired! Head over and visit the other hosts to see what they crafted, cooked, built, or tried!</strong><br />
<br />
<img alt="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" class="aligncenter wp-image-26311" height="500" src="https://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Pinterest-Challenge-Blog-Hop.png" title="Pinterest Challenge Blog Hop" width="500" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><strong>Erlene - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://mypinterventures.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a></span> • Gail - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.purplehuesandme.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Purple Hues and Me</a></span><br />Kristie - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.teadoddles.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Teadoodles</a></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"> <span style="color: black;">• Lynne - <a href="https://myfamilythyme.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Family Thyme</span></a><br />
</span></span>Joanne -<span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank"> Our Unschooling Journey</a> <span style="color: black;">• Jenny - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.cookiescoffeeandcrafts.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Cookies, Coffee and Crafts</a><br />
<span style="color: black;">Shirley - <a href="https://intelligentdomestications.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Intelligent Domestications</a> <span style="color: black;">• Debbee - <a href="https://debbeesbuzz.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Debbee's Buzz</a></span><br />
</span></span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Beverly -</span> <a href="https://acrosstheblvd.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Across The Boulevard</a></span></strong></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"> </span> • <span style="color: black;"> <span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Julie -</span> <a href="https://www.sumoftheirstories.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Sum of their Stories</a></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br />
</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">Chelsea -</span> <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.makingmanzanita.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Making Manzanita</a> <span style="color: black;">• Katrin - <a href="https://www.kreativk.net/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Kreativ K</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Michelle - </span><a href="https://ourcraftymom.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Our Crafty Mom</a> <span style="color: black;">• Marie -</span> <a href="https://www.theinspirationvault.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">The Inspiration Vault</a></span><br />T'onna - <a href="http://www.sewcraftycrochet.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">Sew Crafty Crochet</span></a> • Chelc - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.insidethefoxden.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Inside the Fox Den</a></span><br />Laurie - <a href="https://myhusbandhastoomanyhobbies.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3366ff;">My Husband Has Too Many Hobbies</span></a> • Alexandra - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://eyeloveknots.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Eye Love Knots</a></span><br />Katrin - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://northernfeeling.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Nothern Feeling</a> <span style="color: black;">• Emily - <a href="http://domesticdeadline.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Domestic Deadline</a><br />Terri - <a href="http://www.terristeffes.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Our Good Life</a> • Rebecca - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://hellocentralavenue.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Hello Central Avenue</a><br />
<span style="color: black;">Leslie - <a href="http://onceuponatimehappilyeverafter.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After</a></span><br />
</span>Roseann - <a href="http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">This Autoimmune Life</a> • Toni - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.girljustdiy.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Girl, Just DI</a></span></span></span></span></span></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">Kelley - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://simplyinspiredmeals.com/&source=gmail&ust=1539116277139000&usg=AFQjCNFP520RcIE4ApcYBVOHK1VTcBJvXA" href="https://simplyinspiredmeals.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Simply Inspired Meals</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"> </span></span></span></span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="color: black;">• Lauren - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://momhomeguide.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Mom Home Guide</a></span><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><strong>Debra - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://www.shoppeno5.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Shoppe No.5</a> <span style="color: black;">• Lydia - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://lydiasflexitariankitchen.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Lydia's Flexitarian Kitchen</a><br />
<span style="color: black;">Susan - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="http://www.suzerspace.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Suzer Space</a> <span style="color: black;">• Habiba - <span style="color: #3366ff;"><a href="https://craftifymylove.com/" rel="noopener" style="color: #3366ff;" target="_blank">Craftify My Love</a></span></span></span></span><br />
</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
For Pinterest Challenge<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="793904">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=793904" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<br />
For Choctoberfest<br />
<div class="InLinkzContainer" id="801103">
<a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=801103" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div>
<script src="https://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br />

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