Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings for #SundaySupper

Happy Game Day, ya'll! While the mister is interested in watching the actual you know, game, I am all about the food, drinks, and commercials that come with Super Bowl Sunday. Who is with me?

My fave foods to stuff my face indulge in while watching any sport are nachos loaded with glorious cheese, salt and vinegar chips, and/or chicken wings.

Since we're watching what we eat these days at Casa de Crews, my beloved nachos are out, as are the chips. But the wings? I found a way around that one, my friends! As a girl born in Buffalo, New York, I knew I had to get a wing fix, somehow.

Tuesday night, we often join our friends for live trivia at our local Buffalo Wild Wings, and I almost always order the Salt and Vinegar dry rubbed wings, when we play. Don't get me wrong, I love the traditional Buffalo style, but the flavors on the salt and vinegar are my absolute favorite!

So after scouring the internet for the right recipe, I was disappointed to come up empty handed; I was a sad lil' wing connoisseur--until I played with a few spice combinations to find what I consider the perfect at home salt and vinegar chicken wing. After a bit of trial and error, and copious amounts of taste testing, ahem, I think I finally got this recipe just right.

I baked these babies for a somewhat "lighter" version. Enjoy!

Salt and Vinegar Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
1 pkg chicken wings (approx 20 wings and drums)
3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
2 tablespoons old bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon white salt

To make:
Coat wings in old bay seasoning
Line wings on a foil-covered cookie sheet, or broiler pan and bake at 400* for 50 minutes
Halfway through cook time, flip wings over to ensure both sides become crispy
Mix vinegar and white salt in a separate bowl
Toss cooked, crispy wings in vinegar/salt mix

(if you are clueless like I was as to how a wing should be trimmed, this tutorial was very helpful!)

...and don't forget to browse the below dishes for some more game day grub inspiration!

Game Day Appetizers:

• Honey Mustard Pretzel Crunch from Shockingly Delicious 
• Salt and Vinegar Wings  from Casa de Crews 
• Saucy Wings and Thighs from Hot Mama's Kitchen Chaos 
• Gluten Free Cheese and Onion Rolls from Small Wallet, Big Appetite 
• Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
• Steak Rolls from Cravings of a Lunatic 
• Alpine Sliders from Manu's Menu 
• Hellfire Wings from Yours and Mine Are Ours 
• Easy Nacho Bar from Momma's Meals 
• Jalapeno Popper Taquitos from Curious Cuisiniere 
• Skinny Game Day Guacamole Potato Skins from Daily Dish Recipes 
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Cups from Alida's Kitchen 
• Spinach Dip Jalapeno Poppers with Bacon from La Cocina de Leslie 
• BBQ Veggie Mini Burgers from Happy Baking Days 
• Spicy Roasted Corn Shrimp Dip from Food Lust People Love 
• Honey-Sriracha Pigs in a Blanket from Hip Foodie Mom 
• Beer Cheese Fondue from Melanie Makes 
• Cheesy Artichoke and Garlic Bread from La Bella Vita Cucina 
• Whole Wheat Pepperoni Pizza Puffs from Meal Planning Magic 
• Personal Chili Pots from MealDiva 
• Italian Spring Rolls from Noshing with The Nolands 
• Mexican Meatballs with Queso Blanco from Cooking on the Ranch 
• Parmegiano Crisps from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen 
• Buffalo Chicken Potstickers from Peanut Butter and Peppers 
• Mediterranean Nachos from The Little Ferraro Kitchen 
• Popcorn-Crusted Chicken Wings from girlichef 
• Mini Veggie Quesadillas from Cindy's Recipes and Writings 
• Roasted Tomato Hummus from The Wimpy Vegetarian 
• Cashew Baba Ghanoush : Roasted Eggplant Dip from Sue's Nutrition Buzz 
• Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Potato Skins from Family Foodie

Game Day Entrees:

• Super Sloppy Joes from The Foodie Army Wife  
• Buffalo Chicken Chili from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks 
• Lemon Bay Pan Roasted Shrimp with Lemon Garlic Aioli from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventure 
• Mini Meatball and Mozzarella Sandwiches from Cookin' Mimi 
• Super Bowl Bento from Ninja Baking 
• Vegetarian "Chorizo" and Black Bean Chili from Foxes Love Lemons 
• Twice Baked Chili Cheese Potatoes from Neighborfood 
• Barbecue Chicken Sloppy Sandwiches from Cupcakes & Kale Chips 
• Easy Vegetarian Chili from Delaware Girl Eats 
• Game Day Chili from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen 
• Dr. Pepper Turkey Chili from The Texan New Yorker

Game Day Desserts:

• Heavenly Hash Cookies from The Foodie Patootie 
• Vegan Puppy Chow from  Killer Bunnies, Inc. 
• Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars from That Skinny Chick Can Bake 
• Chocolate Streusel Bars from Magnolia Days 
• Coffee Chocolate Cheesecake Squares with a Biscoff Crust from Desserts Required 
• Sesame Honey Sticks from Kudos Kitchen By Renee 
• Microwave Caramel Popcorn from Pies and Plots 
• Mini Coconut Cups from Basic N Delicious 
• Gooey S'mores Brownies from Take A Bite Out of Boca

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter every Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat.

Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Merry Christmas!

Popping in very quickly to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Tonight, we go to the parentals for dinner, and now that they have a new, larger house, stay the night {like I am twelve}.

It's a good time, full of food, family, and as I was just told by my mom, sangria. Ha ha.

Cheers!

Nichole

Chocolate Chip Cookies {a recipe}

On Saturday, Caroline hosted a few Tampa Bay Bloggers for a cookie exchange. I have to preface this post with saying that baking is not my thing, whatsoever. I love cooking, I love to make {and eat!} savory dishes. Sweet treats where the measurements have to be precise have somewhat always scared me.

some of the yummies Caroline made: adorable olive "penguins",
bacon wrapped butternut squash bites, and a spinach & chorizo frittata.

I scoured the interwebs for the perfect recipe, until I realized I was overthinking it. Keep it simple, right? My personal fave when it comes to a cookie is none other than the classic chocolate chip.

Just a few of the other delicious cookies brought by fellow bloggers

What's in a Tree?

As an early Christmas gift, Jason bought "us" a Cannon Rebel. And by us I mean me, because it was all I talked about for months on end. So on a whim around 11p.m. on Thanksgiving night, we went to Target for a camera {and as an added bonus I found out, as I assume most of you did, that as many as 40 million Target customers may have had their cards compromised during this time. Never mind that I go to Tar-jay 3-4 times a week. I digress}.

We've been so busy, however that I haven't had a chance to play with our new camera as much as I'd like. Our snaps primarily consist of Gigi, Oskar, and our Christmas Tree. We lead an ever exciting life, folks.

I told Jason recently that someday, I would love a perfect tree that matched, and was themed. In a true Jason fashion he reminded me that our tree was beautiful because it was a hodge podge of our life together. I mean, how can I argue with his logic?

A few of my favorite mis-matched ornaments:

I have a thing for owls

Hey December {12/17/13}

Is it seriously less than TEN days until Christmas?! I can't even believe. This weekend was a jumble of crazy fun Christmas shenanigans! I told myself a month ago, I was going to take lovely photos, and make a few party tutorials while planning our 3rd annual Ugly Sweater Party...but then, things were just way too busy. So you're getting the cliff notes version. My apologies!

Thursday, as you know, momma and I went to see the Radio City Rockettes at the Straz Center in downtown. If you're in Tampa, I suggest you splurge if you're able, and treat youself! It is a beautifl, festive time. GO.

Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes!

As the oldest of four, I had to learn to share just about everything from an early age. That also meant that if as a family of six, we went to an event, A) we ALL had to go and B) It didn't happen often because really paying to even go to a movie for six is pricey! But one exception my mom has made for her oldest, theatre loving daughter was to take me, and only me to see the Rockettes twice, now {even at twenty-nine, having a night with just my mom is special. I guess the oldest child syndrome does exist, ha ha}.


So when I received an opportunity through the Tampa Bay Bloggers to attend opening night of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, at the Straz Center, downtown, you know I was in! And who else could I take but my dear, sweet momma?

My mom, who does not read my blog, or care about most technology suggested we "take a selfie".
How could I deny her?

Have you seen the Rockettes live? It's pretty impressive. When I told Jason I was going, he asked if all I would see were, "a bunch of ladies kicking?", and I had to tell him that seeing the Rockettes is so much more than, "some ladies that kick"...It's an entire show. There are twelve scenes full of singing, dancing, and the BIG GUY himself, Santa. It is quite beautiful, really. The Rockettes dance their way through a story with scenes, an array of glamorous costumes, dramatic lighting effects and a 50-foot LED screen that enhances the show with breathtaking scenes.

To me, seeing the Rockettes is a classic Christmas event, that you should see at least once, in you life, live. Fortunately for Tampa, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular will run Dec. 12 - 29, 2013 at the Straz Center.

Candid. {Kim Geraci Photography}

Oh hi, remember me? Things have been in-sanely busy this week!  I just wanted to pop in real quick and share some of the professional photos Jason and I took for our upcoming Christmas cards. Funny enough, Jason is very comfortable in front of the camera, whereas I am better with candid shots. But husband was a good sport, and we got a few great shots. A HUGE thank YOU to Kim Geraci for snapping such great photos {even with my super sensitive blue eyes {that do not like the sun}}. If you're in the area, I highly recommend Kim!

That would be Jason and I ::ahem:: discussing the "luscious locks"

XOXO,

Nichole

{Leftover} Turkey Enchiladas, a recipe

After cooking a 16 lb bird for Thanksgiving, we have quite the leftovers! While I could have eaten turkey, mashed potatoes, and green beans for days, I didn't want to get burnt out before actual Thanksgiving at the parentals.

Luckily, I had eight whole wheat tortillas I froze after tacos last week, and leftover sauce from the last time I made {pork carnitas} enchiladas. And so, an impromptu recipe was made. Steph actually gave me the inspiration for this dish {thank you!}. I love enchiladas, and casserole recipes in general, because once you have the main prep down, you can alter it any way you like. Feel free to use whatever other veggies, or cheese you have on hand for this quick, and easy recipe to use up your leftover turkey!

Leftover Turkey Enchiladas:

{serves 4-6}

2 cups shredded turkey
1 15 oz can of enchilada sauce, however I made my own from Peas and Crayons, here
8 whole wheat tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped

To make:

Preheat oven to 350. Spoon approx 1/3 cup enchilada sauce to bottom of baking dish.

Spoon turkey {approx 2oz per tortilla}, cheese, and chopped spinach into tortillas. Roll tortillas, and place seam down into baking dish. The whole enchilada assembly reminds me of lasagna prep!

Add remainder of enchilada sauce, cheese and spinach to filled tortillas. Bake for 20 minutes.

Allow enchiladas to cool before digging in. Enjoy!

How do you use turkey leftovers?

Last minute shopping, bourbon, and turkey {weekend recap}

Last week, my best friend came over to help me make eat mini pumpkin pies for the Thanksgiving feast I prepared, yesterday. During this pie prep, we both discussed how this year was the first year we were keenly aware, we are grown-ups. I love it, and hate it. The end.

Just kidding...that would make for a boring post. So, our weekend in photos:

I waited until Friday to do the majority of my Thanksgiving dinner shopping. It took me over an hour. I had the most detailed of lists, and purchased everything I needed. But I felt mental throughout this process. This time of the year, Jason starts cramming for finals, and I am left alone to do this. I get cranky, and miss him. So add a full day of work, gym time, and then shopping...I wanted to hurt someone. But then I had a little aha moment, and realized if the only stresses in my life are buying a ridiculous amount of food to feed my slightly nutty in-laws, and missing my husband as he kills himself working full-time, and going to law school, then really I have NOTHING to be cranky about. I am actually quite blessed, if I take a moment to step out of myself and see that. So I made a drink, unpacked the car {three trips, thankyouverymuch}, and cleaned the casa.

Jennifer, yours truly, and Lane

My new fave

As a reward, I went to the Jim Beam Bourbon & Brew Festival, Saturday. Jason had too much studying to do, so luckily I had the ever so awesome Jennifer to take. You know your friends who met through blogging when the initial text of the day is, "I wonder what food they'll have" instead of, "what are you wearing"...she's one of my faves. Thanks for being my "date"!

The Bourbon & Brew Fest was awesome! Not being a huge bourbon fan, I wasn't sure what to expect. But I was able to sample quite a few drinks, and found a new fave cocktail; Jim Beam Honey Bourbon with Ginger Ale. It's definitely on the sweeter side, but the ginger ale definitely masked any boozy taste that you normally have with liquor. That could be a deliciously dangerous drink for me!

The fest was located in The Tampa Heights Waterfront, and the breeze and weather were perfect! I only wish I could have stayed longer, but after three-ish hours, I had to leave since I had a feast to prep the following day. Thanks again to Big City Events for hosting such a great event! 

Sunday, I woke up at 5:30am. Not on purpose mind you, but clearly I had a lot to do.

I finished cleaning, and started to cook. Most everything went off without a hitch! However, more than half of the family was over an hour late because they got "distracted", and understandably I was annoyed. But then there was nothing I could do, and I like hosting Thanksgiving so my mother in-law doesn't have to, and to create some happy memories for our nieces, and nephew. At the end of the day, no one fought, the food was good {if I do say so myself}, and  now it's over, and I can go to my mom and dad's like the child I am and do nothing, but bring dessert and drink, holla!

Not surprsingly, I feel a tad sick after all this busy. I think it's time to spike a hot tottie with a little bit of honey bourbon ;)

Linking up with Sami.

How was your weekend?

Mini Pumpkin Pie {Bites} for #SundaySupper

At my parents house, my mom almost always did all the cooking {when us kids didn't have to help out if mom worked late}, but when I was younger, my dad made some of the "fun" foods; homemade hot cocoa, made from scratch brownies, spaghetti and meatballs for my birthday, and one year he and I made pies for Thanksgiving. I was twelve. I don't know if it is because Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday, or because my dad is a goofy, and fun guy, but that memory at twelve is one of my favorites, ever.

Dad doesn't cook anymore like that, but it is such a fond time that I'll treasure it, always. I think that maybe someday when there are grand-kids in the house, he may get back into that fun cooking, that I experienced growing up. I'm so thankful to have both the parents I have. I think at times, all kids are embarrassed of their parents, and I was definitely no exception, but now that I'm older, I am beyond grateful for the them!

So...back to this pie. I'm not even good at baking, but ever since that one  time, guess who makes the pies for Thanksgiving when we go to the parentals?

In both my parents house and with my in-laws, dessert is such a big deal beforehand, but come time to eat it, everyone is full from the main feast that either it is eaten hastily before its time to leave, or you just don't get any. And that's blasphemy in my foodie book.

This year I decided to make "bites" of pumpkin pie so that it can be taken home to enjoy later, if we so desire. I also made bites to control the amount of glorious, pumpkin and crust that I literally shove into my pie-hole. I still get enjoy my pie, but on a smaller scale!

Mini Pumpkin Pie
{serves 12}

Ingredients:

1 15oz can pumpkin pie {I like Libby's}
1 12ox can Evaporated Milk
6 tbsp Splenda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
2 9-inch pie crust doughs {pre-made from a box}
whipped cream {optional}

To make:
Prep dough. Using a bowl or 4 inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles from the pie crust doughs.
Place each circle into a pre-greased muffin tin. Press them in, letting the sides come up for a fun look.
Prepare pie mix to can directions, and pour your filling into each muffin tin cup. Fill them to the very top.
Bake your muffin tin pumpkin pies at 425* for 15 minutes. Then turn your heat down to 350* and bake them for 25-30 minutes.

Enjoy!

See what others are thankful for, and cooking this Sunday!

FIRST COURSE / APPETIZERS 

Harvest Soup from Bea of The Not So Cheesy Kitchen 

Horseradish Cranberry & Herbed Cheese Bites from Jen of Juanita's Cocina

Savory Rosemary Baklava with Brie from Christie of A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

SAVORY BREADS + STUFFING

Cloverleaf Rolls from Micha of Cookin' Mimi

Freeze and Bake Buttermilk Biscuits from Stacy at Food Lust People Love
Picnic Roll from Linda of The Urban Mrs

Raspberry and Brie Crescent Rolls from Karen of In The Kitchen With KP
Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo and Craisins from Isabel at Family Foodie
Easy Gluten-Free Corn "Bread" Stuffing from Laura at Small Wallet Big Appetite

MAIN DISHES

Eggless Herb and Garlic Fresh Pasta from Sarah at What Smells So Good?
Honey Orange Turkey Breast from Cindy at Cindy's Recipes and Writings

SIDE DISHES

Brussels Sprout Latkes from Susan atThe Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Cheesey Scalloped Potatoes from Shaina at Take A Bite Out Of Boca
Cornucopia Sweet Potato Barley Salad from Wendy at The Weekend Gourmet
Creamy Scalloped Corn from Alaiyo at Pescetarian Journal
Fried Smashed Potatoes from Renee at Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Grandpa's Simple Stuffing from Bobbi at Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Green Beans with Pecans and Cranberries from Tara at Noshing With The Nolands
Honey and Cinnamon Glazed Sweet Potatoes from Jennifer at Peanut Butter and Peppers
Italian American Turkey Dressing from Anne at Webicurean
Loaded Mashed Potato Bake from Lori at Foxes Love Lemons
Maple Sweet Potatoes with Browned Butter Pecan Topping from Brianne at Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Mushroom and Barley Casserole with Bacon, Gruyere and Spinach from Heather at Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Parmesan Butternut Squash Gratin from Alida at Alida's Kitchen

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Blue Cheese from Sarah at Curious Cuisiniere

DESSERTS + SWEET BREADS

Almond Brioche Sticky Buns from Alice at Hip Foodie Mom
Baked Caramel Apple Cider Donuts from Nicole at Daily Dish Recipes

Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie from Cheryl at Hot Momma's Kitchen Chaos
Blue Ribbon Meyer Lemon Mascarpone Cheesecake from Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
Bourbon Pecan Pie from Julie atThe Texan New Yorker
Chocolate Moussecake from Liz at That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Cinnamon Rolls from Conni at The Foodie Army Wife
Gingered Butternut Squash Tart from Renee of Magnolia Days
Hanukkah Lemon Star Cookies from Shannon at Killer Bunnies, Inc

Manischewitz, Cranberry Double Holiday Donuts from Kim at Ninja Baking 

Mini Maple Sweet Potato Tarts from Holly at Mess Makes Food
Mini Pumpkin Pies from Nichole at Casa de Crews
Mom's Custard Pie from Courtney at Neighborfood

No Bake Pumpkin Spiced Cheesecake from Tammi of Momma's Meals
Plum and Blackberry Crumble from Katy at Happy Baking Days
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake from Heather at girlichef
Salted Butterscotch Pudding from Jane at Jane's Adventures in Dinner

Salted Caramel Apple Pie from Laura at Pies and Plots
Sweet Potato Gingersnap Pie from Paula at Vintage Kitchen Notes

All American Wine Pairing Guide for Being Thankful #SundaySupper from Martin at ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

My Thanksgiving Menu

How is Thanksgiving only one week away?! Jason and I are going to host our 2nd Thanksgiving for his family, this Sunday, and that means I needed to have my menu ready...last week. Guess when I finished it? Tuesday night. Clearly, I like a challenge.

I am wanting to prepare a few cleaner recipes since I am trying my hardest to lose weight, but since my in-laws aren't looking for something other than a traditional Thanksgiving menu, we're just going to omit that small detail. I don't think they'll know the difference, though. Plus, come actual Thanksgiving day, we'll  be at my mom and dad's and able to enjoy all mom's cooking and indulgence then! I don't need to do that twice in one week.

I'm still new to some of this clean eating meal prep, and since this is only the 2nd time I'll be preparing Thanksgiving myself, I am sort of cheating by using several of emeals recipes from their holiday menu. They offer several menus, and I am taking advantage of their Clean Eating Holiday Menu, but totally making a Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake {I need some vices, people}, from the Classic Holiday Menu.

Thanksgiving Place Cards

Today, I am over at Melissa Creates "attempting" to be crafty and share a fun Thanksgiving place setting you can easily do yourself if you're hosting this year.

Last year, I clogged the kitchen sink with potato peels and almost legit had a heart attack over such a thing. So why not add to my list of stresses and craft something while I am at it, right? But if I couldn't  do it easily, I wouldn't share with someone as crafty, and sweet as Melissa, so there you go.

Head over to Melissa Creates and see for yourself. XOXO, Nichole

Gifting: Monster Mix for Halloween

If yesterday's post of pumpkin carving for Halloween didn't prove to you just how un-crafty I can be, then today's project may do the trick. You see, I love giving {and receiving, ahem}, but a lack of time and a creative mind so many of my fellow blog friends possess, means I want something easy, pretty, and quick to whip up. At the end of the day, however I still want to give a treat when, and where I can.

Enter the easiest  Halloween treat you can gift to others: Monster Mix! Monster Mix is really just a festive term for trail mix. Of course "monster" makes it legit as far as Halloween is concerned. My love for trail mix began when we gave it as a favor for our wedding, two years ago. I may *also* have something like 70 mason jars floating around our casa from said wedding, as well. The funny thing is when we were planning our day, finding mason jars was a j.o.b. itself, and so I saved those babies, having no clue they'd become such an epidemic for trendy, pinterest projects. 

Feel free to create your own Monster Mix, or take the easy way out and buy it from the grocery. It's all about the presentation anyway, right? I purchased ribbon for $1.09 from Michaels to add some color.

I'm bringing a few of these festive treats on Halloween morning to the office. Because really, what better way to soothe our work woes on a holiday than with a JAR full of nuts, and chocolate? 

Do you give treats to friends, family, or co-workers for Halloween?

Enjoy!
Nichole