....is Spanish Rice with Covered in Mod Podge!

Hi Not Everything I make is Pretty readers. I'm Michaela and I blog over at Covered in Mod Podge. I share
crafts, sewing tutorials, and whatever else I find myself working on.

Liz and I have been besties for-ev-er. I'm thrilled to be over here sharing a quick, tasty side dish. Mexican food is a staple in my house. Therefore, this quick and easy rice cooker Spanish Rice is one of our favorites!

....is a Made for My Niece

My adorable niece is almost 2! This picture is a a little outdated but it's one of my favorites. Her birthday is coming up this summer and I've had the chance to work on some fun projects these past few years (her mom is the lovely Michaela at Covered in Mod Podge, and my bestest friend from high school). I started with her birth announcement, a little nursery decor, her dedication, family christmas card and her first birthday invitation.

I thought I would share a few of the things I've put together for Miss Emma Madison in her first year!

....is a Creative Exchange, TwentyThirteen

It's that time of year again! The Second Annual Creative Exchange Hosted by the lovely Covered in Mod Podge, the Grant life & Covered in Grace.

I was paired with the darling Jaimie @ ROXYLOVE. We've been writing back and forth and I've really enjoyed my big kid penpal time. I did a little research on her blog to figure out what to send her. I adore the Jewelry she makes, she has such a great eye for putting pieces together. Her 'Life Lately'  posts frequently feature a very handsom little man. And, I noticed a recent post where she showed off her latest craze: scrapbooking! This seemed like the perfect choice for this creative exchange. So, I began gathering supplies....

....is a Creative Exchange!

Crafti-ish Me.

My crafty side is limited so for this creative exchange I stuck to my strength - sweet treats.

....is an Almost Pretty Brunch Guest Post

On Covered in Mod Podge!

....is a Turkey Burger Date & Guest Post!

Michaela invited me to guest post! 

So, I sent her my Date Night from last week. 

(CPB's images are on the left in most cases.)

Here's where it's posted: Covered in Mod Podge.

....is a Turkey Burger with Molasses BBQ Date

Michaela! Thanks for the guest post invite. I hope you get a chance to make these soon, they're wonderful. Chris and I made these yesterday for our long distance date night, he sent me a few of his pictures to add in too. 

We did all of the chopping first and then the order of operations was combining the salad ingredients, cooking and warming the sauce then we mixed and grilled the burgers.  Enjoy!

For the Salad:

1 Limes, Zest and Juiced

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1/4 Red Onion, Thinly Sliced
1/4 Cucumber, Chopped
Spinach, Coarsely Chopped

For the Sauce:

2 Tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 Red Onion, Chopped

2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Diced

1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3 Tbsp Molasses

1 Cans Fire-Roasted Tomatoes (15 ounces)

For the Burger:
Ciabatta Bread

1- 1/3 pounds all-white-meat ground turkey breast (about 1 package)
1 Egg

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
3 Scallions (Green Onions), Finely Chopped

1/4 Bunch of Cilantro, Finely Chopped

1 Tbsp Ground Cumin
1 Limes, Zest and Juiced
Salt & Pepper
1 Packages of Goat Cheese

(Recipe originally from Rachel Ray edited and finagled with JH.)

Place the Chopped Spinach, Cucumber, Sliced Red Onion, the Lime Zest and the Lime Juice in a bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Set aside.

The Molasses Barbecue Sauce: In  a medium size sauce pot over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of Olive Oil. Add the Chopped Red Onion and Garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until Onion becomes slightly tender. Add the Vinegar and Molasses, cook for another minute, then add the tomatoes. Bring up to a light bubble and cook for 10-15 minutes. Leave on the stove at a low temp to keep warm.

In a medium size bowl, combine the Ground Turkey, Scallions, Cilantro, Cumin, Salt, Pepper, Zest of 1 Lime and one Tbsp of Olive Oil. Score the meat into four equal parts and then form four 1 1/2-inch thick patties. Place a small chunk of Goat Cheese in the middle of each patty. Drizzle with Olive Oil and place on the grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

Toast the Ciabatta on the Grill or Grill Pan on both sides. To serve, place a piece of Toasted Bread on a plate and top with a couple spoonfuls of the molasses barbecue sauce. Place the Turkey Burger on top of that and then finish it off with the Salad.