Google Alerts for Your Blog

Do you have a Google Alert set for your blog? It is an easy way to keep track of who might be talking about you online or using/featuring your "stuff." Unfortunately, people don't always ask before using. I usually don't get bent out of shape as long as somehow I am credited. But I do like to know. This week my alert turned up this picture of my inspiration board on a blog called Toolulu.

And here is where you can set up a Google Alert. It is a great idea to set one up for your name and your blog and will take less than a minute!

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Bacon

I'm not a big fan of squash, but when I saw this soup recipe in the Detroit Free Press last fall, I had to try it. So easy! I tweaked it by adding some extra seasoning and the green onion. It was rich and creamy and easy! I liked that the bits of apple, bacon, and green onion added a bit of texture to the soup.

I used this soup and apple sauce from Trader Joe's.

Butternut Squash Soup with Apple and Bacon

1 Granny Smith apple
4 slices of bacon
1 box (32 ounces) creamy butternut soup
1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
salt
pepper
cayenne pepper
thyme
chopped green onion

Peel, core, and chop the apple. Chop the bacon into bite size pieces and fry in the soup pot. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel. Pour off the bacon grease but don't wipe out the pot (to leave some of the bacon flavor). Add the soup, apple, and apple sauce to the pot and heat for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Season to taste with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (to add a little bite, just a touch, can omit), and thyme. Garnish with the bacon and the chopped green onion.

Lovely Lacey Winner

Well, I have been deep back into planning for school this afternoon, but I did a quick drawing for the Lovely Lacey tag and the winner was:

Tammy is part of my PLN (Professional Learning Network) and a leader/trainer in Edtech. Tammy, I will be in touch to get info on how to send the tag your way!

Thanks again to all who have been so faithful to keep reading the blog!

Reminder

Just a reminder to my online friends that read my blog that I am having a little giveaway! Be sure to leave a comment at this post by Sunday afternoon!

http://cleverkaren.blogspot.com/2009/12/little-laceys-and-new-years-giveaway.html