Zesty Croutons

Woohoo! I am back from my unexpected absence. Thank all of you who left comments and sent emails looking for me. I had to get busy and very serious with the job hunt. I have some irons in the fire and am hoping to have something positive to report to you very soon.

First, I want to thank Marguerite from Cajun Delights for passing along the Noblesse Oblige Award. Marguerite has a fantastic blog wherein she posts wonderful Cajun recipes and short videos showcasing the Cajun experience. i cherish Marguerite's friendship. Merci Beaucoup, Marguerite!

The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:
• The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs
• Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions
• There is a clear purpose at the Blog: one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences, and Beliefs
• The Blog is refreshing and creative; and The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking
The requirements of the person receiving the award are as follows:
• Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award
• The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post
• Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support
• The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog

I started Smoky Mountain Cafe because I thought it would be fun sharing my love of cooking. It has been a blast way beyond my wildest imagination. I wanted to share my Cajun heritage reflected in my cooking because where I come from it's all about the food. Major life events are recalled by what was served so whatever you serve has to be memorable.

Now for the fun part of passing this prestigious award on.

A Duck in Her Pond

Afterthoughts

Chez What

Burp and Slurp

My Tasty Treasures

Suburb Sanity

Words cannot express how blessed and how appreciative I truly am to each and everyone of you, my dear bloggie friends, who take the time to visit, encourage and support me with your thoughtful comments. Your friendship is a really treasure, you are all the best!!

Second, I would like to thank Heather from Stuck on a Lunatic for nominating Smoky Mountain Cafe as a Tasty Blog for the BlogLuxe Awards. A great big thank you Heather for nominating me and another great, big thank you to those that voted for me.

Third, thank you Charlotte from Canning Jars Etc. for the following award.

Charlotte is the go to blog for any canning how-to's and recipes. I want to can everything I find!

To get this award, I have to name 7 things about myself that you might find interesting.

1. I am going stir crazy being home and not working - power to the stay at home moms!
2. Most of my fresh herbs are homegrown. I'll have to take some pictures and post them...note to self.
3. I love terrorizing my husband by grabbing one of his power tools and walking past him mumbling about fixing something. It REALLY freaks him out. Hey, I'm broke, I like to be entertained.
4. It's been one year since I smoked I smoked a cigarette.
5. I Tweet, but deep down, I think it's stupid.
6. Anytime I see someone in a U.S. military uniform, I thank them.
7. I am politically ultra-conservative and wonder how happy people are with "Change".

I nominate the following people to receive this award:


1. Teresa from a Blog About Food
2. Cathy from Accountants Can Cook
3. Marguerite from Cajun Delights
4. Sam from My Carolina Kitchen
5. Mary from My New 30
6. Claudia from Journey of an Italian Cook
7. Dar from Girlichef

To accept this award do the following


1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

Now let's get to the food portion of this post!

Many of us are stretching our dollars these days. Every wonder what to do with leftover bread? Make croutons! Not only is this a thrifty little gem, it's so tasty, easy and versatile, you'll stop buying croutons. Just read, watch and try!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Use any kind of leftover of bread you have on hand. Go with at least 6 slices and cube them. Place the cubes in a large bowl.

Season the bread with just about anything your heart desires; be creative, be bold! I used season salt, onion powder, lemon pepper, garlic powder, dried basil. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. using your hands toss the cubes to evenly coat with seasonings and olive oil.

Layer bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Place baking sheet in preheated 400 degree oven for 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown.

See, I told you these are easier and better tasting!