Top 13 of 2013

Can you believe this year is about to end?  This has been the most busy, crazy, changing, adventure filled, goal completing, traveled year yet.  As we said on our Christmas card, this year we:

Remodeled, Graduated, Sold, Packed, Moved, 

Went to Idaho, Went to Montana, Went to Wyoming, 

Went to Oregon, Went to Washington, Packed Again, 

Moved Again, Got Hired.....we are still unpacking.

We look forward to any adventures that 2014 will bring!

It's a miracle that in all this chaos I was able to do a few blog posts.  With that I bring you the top 13 of 2013!

13.  Minted + a Giveaway

Everyone loves a giveaway.  It was a pleasure working with Minted on this one.

12.  Tasty Recipes from Around the Web

I'm happy this one made the list because I love sharing.  Plus it featured a recipe from a local blogger - A Girl and her Fork.

11.  Spooky {and easy} Halloween Treat - Mummy Dogs!

This one makes me giggle a bit, but I guess everyone is in for a simple, tasty and cute recipe.

10.  IRONMAN Lake Tahoe 2013:  Not all winners finish

This is my personal favorite post of the year.  I still cannot explain how proud I am of my mom.  I'm more proud of her in this moment than in any other race.  I hope she comes back next year. (She is on the mend!)

9.  Orange Snickerdoodles....50/50 Cookies

A post from early on in the year before all the crazy moving madness started.  This is also one of my first posts using my big girl camera.  Oh what a difference (thanks honey).

8.  DIY Natural Hand Soap

I'm glad everyone liked this crafty post because I have some more crafty things coming for 2014!

7.  Cycling, doping and jackassery:  Lance Confesses

Apparently when I really open my mouth sometimes people like to listen!  I'm surprised this one is on the list, but lots of people had opinions about old Lance.  I stick by mine.

6.  Everyday Granola

We still love this granola and it still disappears quickly upon being made.  This is a great recipe if I don't say so myself.

5.  Crystal Cove {Newport Beach, CA}
This one was also a surprise to me.  I'm glad you liked it because we sure did.  Such a beautiful and quaint place.

4.  Strawberries, Margaritas and Mom's
Wow, my mom is doing good this year!  Two posts and both well read.  Can't say I'm surprised. This was a fun day and that strawberry margarita tart was tasty!

3.  Kitchen Re-Model Phase 2 - Bye Bye Betty Draper!
Well, all of our hard work paid off in more ways than one.  We challenged ourselves, completed the goal and you liked it too, thanks!

2.  Chicken Pot Pie ♥ The Heart Healthy Way ♥
Oh my yummy.  I need to make this again STAT.

1.  Dinner Makeover {Cheeseburger, Fries + Shake}
Ahh, my first whole meal post.  I am most thrilled with that banana shake.  So delicious!

Happy New Year friends!  Best wishes to you and yours!
♥ TCW

Strawberries, Margaritas and Mom's

Strawberries, margaritas and Mom's.  These are a few of my favorite things.

I have been obsessed with strawberries since I was a kid.  I'm sure part of that had to do with a certain doll named Strawberry Shortcake, but I wouldn't leave out the dessert either.  The sweet little strawberry has always been my favorite fruit.

As we are approaching Mom's Day I thought it would be fun to do a post with my mommy, otherwise known as IronMom.  My mom is a strawberry lover too, so I wondered, what could we do with this delicious little fruit?

Eating it by itself is always a good option, but we made you two delicious things instead.

First up, dessert.
Strawberry Margarita Tart.

A frozen dessert, with a hint of tequila, Cointreau and lime gives this creamy strawberry tart a refreshing taste.

Add to that a salty pretzel crust and the deal is sealed.

Don't forget to share it with your mom!!

Now, because we bought a ton of strawberries, we figured we should make something else for you too.

Next up (because when you have delicious strawberries, tequila and Cointreau at your fingertips), Muddled Strawberry Margaritas!

Muddling with your mom is fun.

Sharing a cocktail with your mom is better.

So, however you enjoy your Mother's Day, with strawberries, or tarts or tequila, enjoy your mom.
I hope all of you are so lucky to have a mom like mine.

I bought all of the ingredients for this post at my local Save Mart in Sacramento (Folsom & 59th).  I must say, these were the best and sweetest strawberries I've found this season!

Things are happening here. #margaritaville @ Save Mart instagram.com/p/YolmAWHlhG/
— Sarah (@TheCyclistsWife) April 28, 2013

Strawberry Margarita Tart

Ingredients:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup finely crushed pretzels
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 overflowing cup of strawberries, stems and cores removed
5 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 can (7 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/8 cup tequila (Cazadores is my favorite)
1 tablespoon Cointreau

How to:
Start by making the crust.
In a food processor  blend the pretzels until you have a fine flour.
Transfer to a mixing bowl and add brown sugar, mix well.
Add melted butter until combined.
Press into a greased 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom.  I recommend greasing with a cooking oil spray.  The consistency will be crumbly.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes.
Place in the freezer to cool.
Meanwhile, make the filling.
In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and mix well.
Once the filling is mixed and the tart crust is cooled, pour the filling into the crust. Do not remove the crust from the pan yet.
Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.
Remove from freezer and let it defrost until the filling becomes firm, but not completely frozen.
Removing the tart from the pan is a bit tricky.  Tap the removable bottom with the handle end of a butter knife to loosen the freeze and remove it very carefully.  Don't rush.  This is where I should have listened to my Mom and been more patient!
Top with sliced strawberries and lime zest.
Enjoy!

Muddled Strawberry Margaritas

Ingredients:
6-7 large strawberries, stems and cores removed
2 oz cold water
2 tablespoons sugar
8 oz lime juice
6 oz tequila
8 oz Cointreau

How to:
Muddle your berries.  Add water and sugar to strawberries in a bowl.  Use a wooden spoon and smash those strawberries until there are only a bit of chunks.
Mix the remaining ingredients well.
Salt glasses and place ice inside.
Spoon strawberry muddle over the ice.
Pour in margarita.
*This makes about 4 margaritas.

I was compensated for this post, however all opinions expressed are completely my own.