Jamie Livingston

Peanut Butter Pie

Peanut Butter Pie with chocolate ganache may be the only thing sweeter than my Okie granny. I’d heard of peanut butter pie before moving to Texas, but I’d never seen one. And goodness, I’ve seen my fair share now. Just about any small town restaurant worth its salt serves this pie either daily or as a special. And it is special. Just posting this recipe made my mouth water.

I put out a call to my Texas friends for recipes, and I now have a chunk to sort through. How lucky am I? I have a slew of new recipes to make, eat, and photograph. It’s lucky for me I decided to start this blog and add recipes.

This recipe came from my friend Natalie Martin. She’s not living in Texas, but she knows sweet! She’s a rodeo girl and that makes her an honorary Texan, doesn’t it? I think it does.

Now, if y’all like peanut butter, and you love sweet, this is a fairly simple recipe to try. You can make the presentation as simple or as decadent as you want, but it’s gonna be eaten before anyone notices how pretty it was.

You can probably make this pie for not much more than the cost of one piece of pie at a restaurant. But, like I said, unless you hide it in the fridge it’s going to disappear in a heartbeat.

Equipment:

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Peanut Butter Pie

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30

Refrigeration Time 3

Ingredients

Crust

19 Double Stuffed Oreo Cookies
3 Tbsp Melted Butter

Ganache

½ Cup Nestle Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
½ Cup Heavy Cream

Peanut Butter Mousse

1 Cup Heavy Cream
8 oz Cream Cheese
1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Can 14oz Sweetened Condensed Milk

Whipped Cream (for serving)

1 Cup Heavy Cream
1 tsp Vanilla
2 Tbsp Powdered Sugar

Instructions

For crust: In a food processor, crush Oreo cookies into a fine crumb. Pulse while adding butter until combined.
Pour crumbs out into a 9” pie plate and, using clean hands, push firmly and evenly along bottom and sides to create a crust.
For ganache: Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe cup or bowl until hot but not boiling. Quickly remove from microwave and stir in chocolate chips. Continue stirring until chips are fully melted and mixture resembles a thick syrup. Allow to cool.
Pour 2/3 of ganache into the bottom of the pie crust and place in refrigerator to set-up while completing the remaining steps. Reserve the rest.
For mousse filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Remove and reserve in refrigerator.
In the same bowl, beat together cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar until combined then add sweetened condensed milk. Continue mixing at medium-high speed until creamy and smooth. Occasionally scrape down sides/bottom of mixing bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
Remove bowl from stand and with a clean silicon spatula, gently fold in ½ of the whipped cream. Once combined, fold in the remaining whipped cream until fully combined.
Gently pour into cool pie crust and smooth out the top. Drizzle remaining ganache over the top in both directions.
Using a toothpick or kabab stick, “swirl” the ganache in alternating circles to create a finished pattern across the top.
Place in refrigerator for a minimum of 3-4 hours to set.
For whipped cream: In a clean mixer bowl, beat together heavy cream, vanilla and sugar until stiff peaks form. Serve with pie.

I’ve included the links to some wonder kitchen equipment above. I have all of these kitchen appliances, and even the exact same color as the Kitchen Aid mixer in the ad.

Now, y’all let me know if you make this Peanut Butter Pie. And let me know how quick it disappeared.

Home Decor Blogs We Love

Almost as bad as Pinterest are home decor blogs. Or should we say almost as good? Once you start searching these blogs and reading the articles, you’ll be lost down the rabbit hole of blog posts.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of home decor blogs on the internet, these are five of our favorites that we think you’ll want to go back to again and again.

#7 also has some great DIY projects and furniture makeovers. If you love flea market finds, this last blog will be one you’ll love to visit.

House Beautiful
Website: http://www.housebeautiful.com/
Twitter: @HouseBeautiful
The magazine is amazing, but the website is even better (We probably aren’t supposed to say that). From small spaces to spacious homes, the design ideas are the stuff dreams are made of.
Apartment Therapy
Website: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
Twitter: @AptTherapy
Turn your small space into comfortable home without going broke. The founder of this blog not only has great style, he also knows how to design on a budget.
Coco Cozy
Website: http://cococozy.com/
Twitter: @COCOCOZY
We love the light tone of this fun blog. Her design ideas, and the links to celebrity rooms keep us coming back.
Decor8
Website: http://decor8blog.com/
Twitter: @decor8
You’ll find everything from decorating tips to color inspirations on this blog from a best-selling author and stylist.
A Cup of Jo
Website: https://cupofjo.com/
Twitter: @joannagoddard
Another great blog for decorating small spaces. Budget friends ways to make your house a home.
Design Milk
Website: http://design-milk.com/
Twitter: @designmilk
Online magazine dedicated to modern design, featuring interior design, architecture, art and much more.
In My Own Style
Website: https://inmyownstyle.com/
Twitter: @inmyownstyle
The furniture makeovers and DIY projects make this one of my all time favorite blogs. Fun and affordable ideas for the home.

Do you have any favorite home decor blogs? We’d love to hear from you, leave us links in the comments.

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Welcome to Texas – 11 things you should know

Welcome to Texas.

Even though not all posts will be about moving to Texas, or for newbies, this is one of them.

If you’re considering moving to Texas, there are a few things you should know.

First and foremost: We love our state!

When we pledge allegiance to the US flag, we also pledge allegiance to the Texas flag. Texas sees the rest of the country as foreigners. You’ll be welcomed with open arms, so long as you’re here because you love Texas and all it stands for. If you’re here to change it to be like the crappy state you just left, they’ll kindly suggest you find another place to live. Texas doesn’t want or need change for the most part. We are happy with the way things are.
We also love our history!

“No one seems to care we got our asses handed to us on a platter at the Alamo, with only a handful of people still standing after the fighting was over. We are proud, proud, proud. “The final attack came before dawn on March 6. Mexican troops breached the north wall and flooded into the compound, awakening many of the Texans inside. The fighting lasted 90 minutes, some of it hand-to-hand combat. Bowie and Travis were killed, as was Crockett, although reports differ as to exactly how and when.” ~ Wikipedia

From Dinosaur Valley State Park to the Alamo, the state is steeped in interesting history.
BBQ is king

You can buy brisket, pork and chicken in many forms with an array of different BBQ sauces. Even the smallest towns have a BBQ restaurant (or three), and BBQ food trucks abound.
Shiner Bock is the beer of Texas.

But we also have an extraordinary number of craft breweries. Cypress Creek Southern Ales is one of my favorites. You can find craft breweries in more than just the big cities.
Texas has Blue Laws

Dry counties are a thing. This means you may not be able to buy any alcohol, or maybe just beer and wine in your county. Strangely, our county is dry, but the county seat is wet. This was not easy to get used to when we were able to buy liquor at the grocery store when we lived up north. So, if you like your home bar, you’ll want to check the county you’re moving to.
We have no state income tax.

The good thing about this is less taken from your paycheck, but you’ll pay from your wallet instead. Counties and cities have their own taxes, significantly raising the state sales tax of 6.25% in some areas. Property taxes are also significant. Being ag exempt is a plus, so if you own an acreage or are looking to buy one, check to see how you can save.
Homes are affordable

For the most part, if you avoid the major metropolises. Just recently our neighbors sold their home for $250K. It was a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1700 square foot home on 10 acres, fenced and cross-fenced, with 3 small barns. I don’t know what you think is affordable, but that’s pretty darned reasonable. Homes in the city limits of smaller towns easily sell for under $100K.
We love our guns

Concealed carry, open carry, we carry guns, and we are proud of our rights regarding the 2nd Amendment. You’ll see signs that say, “We don’t call 911” and they aren’t kidding. When we had a possible burglar run into the woods on our property, all of our neighbors came out, well armed. They had covered the property long before the deputy arrived. LTC (license to carry) classes are easy to find, and inexpensive. If you’re not familiar with guns, it might be time to start. If there’s ever a revolution, I dare anyone to try to take on Texas.
Texas is HOT

In more ways than just the weather, which is probably why more than 400 people a day are moving here. But I’m just talking about the weather. Tornado season ends just in time for the triple-digit “feels like” temperatures. June is usually mild at 80-90 degrees, but it’s not unheard of to have temperatures over 100 degrees most of July and August. The humidity makes things a little uncomfortable, but in reality, the humidity and sweat help us stay cooler. I know it doesn’t make sense. I actually wear a tank top under any shirt I wear, because that tank holds the fabric close to my skin and keeps it wet.
Don’t be shocked when a teenager opens a door for you

The first time it happened to us, we were walking into a convenience store. A young man held the door open for us to enter first. WHAT?!?! I looked around for a parent, and there weren’t any. I said, “Thank you” and he said, “You’re welcome, ma’am.” Texans raise their kids to have manners. From the time they are young they use “ma’am” and “sir” and if they have permission to use your first name, it’s “Miss Jamie” or “Mr. Mike.” Such a breath of fresh air. The respect taught in the south could be used in the rest of the US.
Finally, don’t mess with Texas

If you aren’t a native, don’t you dare move here and start trashing anything about our great state. We live in the greatest state in the union, regardless of what others think about their states. We don’t tolerate Texas being trash talked, whether it’s our way of life, or how we handle a snowpocalypse.

So “welcome to Texas” and if you don’t love us the way we are, feel free to go back where you came from, and “bless your heart.” (see 21 Texas Sayings You Should Know #2)

With much love!

21 Texas Sayings You Should Know

Texas sayings – though you may hear them elsewhere.

There are foods and more that are exclusively unique to Texas. And here I’d like to share with you some Texas sayings you should be aware of if you’re going to live here.

In Texas, we say “coke.” It doesn’t matter if you’re ordering Pepsi, Sprite, or any kind of soda.
“Bless your heart” has two meanings. It can really mean “bless you, sweetheart” or it can mean “f*ck you.” Listen to the inflections to know which one it is.
We’re not good with asking people to join us, we just say, “Y’all come here now.”
If you ever hear the term “all hat, no cattle” referring to yourself, the person you’re speaking with thinks you’re a pretentious ass. Just sayin’.
And I’ve met my fair share of “all hat, no cattle” fools since I’ve moved here.
Look, if you’ve “been around the block”, and know what you’re doing, in Texas, it’s “This ain’t my first rodeo.”
I sometimes say, “This ain’t my first BBQ” just to change it up.”
If you hear “Git er done!” it meant to get that task finished, post haste.
I’ve never heard it personally, but apparently the United States is “that sketchy place outside Texas.” And now that I live here, I get it.
Texas do usually go to church before noon on Sunday… or what they like to call “the time we can’t buy beer.”
If you’re bein’ sketchy, and need watching, you’ll hear, “The eyes of Texas are upon you.” Apparently that’s worse than government wiretapping.
If you think something but aren’t sure, it’s not “I think” or “I guess” it’s “I reckon.”
Texans don’t call it “the death penalty”… they say “killing you back.”
“Time to pain your ass white and run with the antelope” means you’d best shut your mouth and do as you’re told.
“I smell what you’re stepping in” doesn’t mean you need to look at the sole of your boots, it just means the person gets what you’re saying.
“Come hell or high water” isn’t unique to Texas, but it sure means it’s gonna get done.
“Uglier ‘n sin” may not be said to your face, but it’s uglier than ugly.
If you “just fell off the turnip truck” you’re not the brightest bulb in the bunch, which is to say, not very smart.
A little nervous about something? Maybe a lot nervous? Are you “sweatin’ like a whore in church?”
If “you can hang your hat on it” you know it’s reliable and trustworthy.
“My dog wouldn’t bite a biscuit” means the dog ain’t nothing to worry ‘about.
Make sure you understand these terms so native Texans don’t think you’re “dumber than a box of rocks.”
If someone is amused, or learned something crazy, she might say, “Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit.”

These are just a few of the fun sayings you’ll hear in Texas. If you have any others you’d like to contribute, please add a comment. I love hearing from you.

Basic Avocado Toast with Eggs

I’ll admit it, I’m game for avocado any time, but I’m not paying $15 for avocado toast at a restaurant. Not when I can make it daily in my own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.

With this recipe, if you’re afraid you won’t use all your avocados before they go bad, grab premade guacamole like Wholly Guacamole Classic Minis. A single tub is perfect for a single piece of toast. If you use this product you can eliminate the lemon juice and salt from the recipe below.

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Classic Avocado Toast with Egg

Quick and filling breakfast recipe you can eat on the go. Just be sure to bring napkins.

Course Breakfast, Snack

Keyword avocado, breakfast, eggs, toast

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings 2 servings

Calories 321kcal

Author Jamie Livingston