Happy Baker

10 Minute Dinner

2011-08-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

The hubby is still recovering from surgery and I am exhausted after a day of shopping for school supplies (where did the summer go by the way?). After organizing supplies and dividing them between the kids, I turn around and three pair of eyes are staring at me...hungrily. Dinnertime!!

Don't you hate those days that dinner time comes around and you realize you haven't planned properly. Whether your missing a key ingredient and now that chicken cacciatore is going to be regular baked chicken instead, or you planned a lovely lasagna, but the crew is hungry now and will not wait an hour, even for your famous lasagna.

So, on these nights I am very grateful for the fully-cooked ham steak. In ten minutes I had steamed peas, red potatoes in a chive butter sauce that comes in a steamable package (this isn't cheating, this is survival)and a tasty fried ham steak. The steak is too easy to prepare. Just drizzle about a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet and fry until it is the desired color.

No kidding a ten minute meal.....some days are just like that

Bavarian Apple Torte

2010-06-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

I love finding new recipes to share with family and friends. This wonderful torte is sure to bring pleasure to whomever you serve it!

The Filling:
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/4 sugar
2 eggs
3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, mix well

The Crust:
3/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Combine and press into ungreased 9 inch springform pan

Peel and thinly slice 3 tart apples, I use Granny Smith. **You can do this step first, place sliced apples in a mixing bowl and cover with cold water, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to keep them from browning. keep refrigerated until ready to use. Drain and lightly pat dry when ready for them

Pour the filling over the crust....

Toss the apples with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and spoon over filling

Bake at 350 degrees for -65 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack. Store in refrigerator. Cut torte into wedges with serrated knife.

Slow Cooker Heaven

2010-06-16T07:42:00.000-07:00

Summer time is my favorite time to pull out the slow cooker. Not only does it keep my kitchen from getting too hot, we have a shake up in our menu. It's a nice change :)

Fantastic Ribs
1/2 cup paprika
3/8 cup sugar
1/4 cup onion powder
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pepper
2 1/2 lb pork or beef baby back ribs - slice to fit in slow cooker
1 can (20oz) beer or beef stock
1 quart barbecue sauce
1/2 cup honey
White sesame seeds and sliced chives (optional for garnish)
Lightly oil grill grate and preheat on high
while grill heats, combine first five ingredients and generously season ribs with the rub mixture. Place ribs on grill. cook for 3 minutes on each side or until ribs have grill marks.
place in 5-qt slow cooker. pour beer over ribs. Cover and cook on high 2 hours. blend barbecue sauce with honey and add. Cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until done. serve with extra barbecue sauce.
Recipe from the Rival Slow Cooker Cookbook

Next on the agenda: sort through the kid's clothes and toys for donation...sigh, toys they haven't played with in months are suddenly their favorite! I will have to buckle down though if we intend to get the house in order!!

Chicken rules.....

2010-05-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

That's what my kids said after trying this new recipe from Taste of Home!

Chicken breast drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, salt and peppered, topped with sliced plum tomatoes

Fresh basil leaves.....

Then wrap the chicken in bacon slices...(the bacon was baked in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes and drained before being wrapped around the chicken bundles) Then bake uncovered for 27 minutes until cooked through....

Top with mozzarella slices and bake until cheese melted

Yum~ We placed them on toasty buns, terrific!!

Apple Brined Chicken Thighs

2010-05-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

I received my newest issue of Taste of Home magazine. I love the spring and summer issues, because they are chock full of recipes with ingredients that are fresh and in season! The grilling recipes are my hubby's favorite and he is anxiously awaiting my signal to pull the grill out :-)

For tonight's recipe I chose Apple-Brined Chicken Thighs and I was not disappointed. They are some what involved, but it is definitely worth it in the end!
The Brine:
3 cups apple cider or juice
1 medium onion, sliced
1 medium lemon sliced
4 fresh rosemary sprigs
1/3 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
1 tsp whole peppercorns
2 cups cold water
In a Dutch oven, combine the cider, onion, lemon, rosemary sprigs, salt, 1/4 cup brown sugar, garlic, bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to a boil. Cook and stir until salt and brown sugar are dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in water. Cool brine to room temperature. Place chicken in the 2-gallon resealable plastic bag. Carefully pour cooled brine into bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible; seal bag and turn to coat. Place in a roasting pan. Refrigerate for 2 hours, turning occasionally.

Other ingredients:
10 bone-in chicken thighs (about 3-3/4 pounds)
One 2-gallon resealable plastic bag
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
3 medium tart apples, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Place beans and apples in a greased roasting pan.

Drain chicken; place in prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 40 minutes.

Combine the minced rosemary, oil, pepper and 1/4 cup brown sugar; sprinkle over chicken. Bake 15-25 minutes longer or until a meat thermometer reads 180° and beans are tender. Yield: 5 servings.

Delicious!

Distressed Mommy

2010-02-28T07:35:00.000-08:00

I have a dilemma and , although I have been gone from my blog for quite some time now, I thought I would take a chance in asking for your advice.

I recently returned to work an I have loved it. i work 9-3 and for the most part that sounds perfect. However, things haven't settled as I thought they would. I don't get to cook or have as muich time with the kids. I am too exhausted to take night classes, so my degree is on hold, again. My son (he's 4) has had to be shuffled around between Mother's Day Out part of the week, a drop-in center that he loves and a friend's house. I think he is having the worst time adjusting and he seems to be picking up traits that I am not exactly thrilled about.
My daughter is 9 and it seems kids these days are warping into tweens early than ever.

My mom was a single mom and all I recall is her being very busy. Busy with work, helping her alcoholic sister and maintaining a relationship with someone she should have dumped long before she did.

I have less drama than that, but I do not want my kids to look back and feel I wwas too busy/stressed/exhausted to be there for them.

Should I quit and wait until he is in school full time to go back?

School Days

2009-08-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

Please join me in School Days hosted by Travelin Oma!!

I will be posting my assignments on my Love, Life and Marriage blog.

Let me know if you participate, I would love to read your posts regarding this!

SaraLynn

Fajita Night!!

2009-06-30T14:30:00.001-07:00

Need something quick and easy? Fajitas!!

Start with some beautiful peppers....

Have them hang out with an onion and a bit of olive oil or butter....hear them sizzle?

I took some thinly sliced top sirloin steaks,cut them into strips and seasoned them with McCormick's steak seasoning.

And there you have a quick dinner that doesn't heat the kitchen up too badly!

Kitchen Closed......

2009-05-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just kidding! However, I am in a lull right now. Juggling school, work and home was stressful for a while there. Dinner has been old family favorites that I have long since posted about. Never fear! I draw inspiration from you all everyday. I am here, always reading your posts, even if I don't comment.

Hopefully I can get back to my blog with the summer break! Hope you all have a wonderful summer!

Absolute Comfort

2009-03-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

My uncle has not been feeling well and that inspired me to cook up some comfort food.
I found this recipe through the Barilla Pasta website. It is involved but it is definitely worth the effort. This was my first time making this particular dish, but it is already a new favorite :)
My family had it for lunch yesterday and then I was able to take some to my aunt and uncle and even to my mom. If you need comfort food, this is a must!

Fresh Spinach..and of course onion

all chopped up

doing it's thing in extra virgin olive oil

pasta rolling...

sauce coming together...so fantastic!

Voila!

Baked Elbows with Fontina Cheese and Spinach
Ease of preparation: average
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Regions: Valle D'Aosta
Wine pairing: White
4 cups milk
1 stick (4 ounces)butter
1/2 cup flour
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup Fontina cheese, shredded
to taste salt
to taste white pepper
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup small onion, chopped
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 box (16 ounces)BARILLA Elbows
PREHEAT oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Bechamel Sauce:
HEAT milk until hot in a small saucepan. In a separate small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour with a wire whip and cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
ADD hot milk gradually to butter and flour mixture, mixing with a wire whip until smooth and thickened.
ADD beaten egg, two-thirds of the cheese salt and pepper. Mix until cheese is melted; set aside.
HEAT olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
ADD onions and spinach. Saute 2 minutes or until spinach is wilted. Add spinach to bechemel sauce and set aside.
COOK pasta for 4 minutes. Drain and add to bechemel sauce; mix well.
POUR into a 13 x 9 inch glass baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 25 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

March Madness Square Off

2009-03-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

There is a game happening here at my house...

Meet the players:
Ballsy Balsamic Vinegar co-starring Barnaby Bay Leaf

Ornery Onion

Indestructible Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Galloping garlic

Mighty Mushroom

They File in one by one to dance with the fire's music....

It is at this point they realize they have all been duped! They have all been defeated by the masterful cook! And now they will surrender their wonderful flavors...

Cheers explode from the cook's audience....

Delicious!
Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar and Garlic
4 servings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts **
salt and pepper to taste
3/4 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 cloves garlic
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon butter

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Rinse the mushrooms and pat dry. Season the flour with salt and pepper and dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat and saute the chicken until it is nicely browned on one side (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic. Turn the chicken breasts and scatter the mushrooms over them. Continue frying, shaking the skillet and stirring the mushrooms. Cook for about 3 minutes, then add the vinegar, broth, bay leaf and thyme. Cover tightly and simmer over medium low heat for 10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer the chicken to a warm serving platter and cover with foil. Set aside. Continue simmering the sauce, uncovered, over medium high heat for about 7 minutes. Swirl in the butter or margarine and discard the bay leaf. Pour this mushroom sauce mixture over the chicken and serve.

**Next time I will use boneless thighs...they are more tender :)
EDIT:I also added a small chopped onion...I love onions :)

Snow and Scones

2009-03-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today is a beautiful day! Snow day!! I LOVE snow :)
(as long as I don't have to drive in it)

Watching snow, sipping coffee and baking! I love to bake while my world is sprinkled with big fluffy flakes. I feel like I am inside a snow globe :)

For breakfast I made scrambled eggs, blueberry muffins, malt o'meal (for hubby), and sliced up a cantaloupe. So yummy! While I was working on this, my family was enjoying the snow up close and personal. I had cocoa ready to warm cold bodies back up! They will undoubtedly have good memories from this day.

I decided to make some lemon scones....doesn't that sound good? I need something non-sweet to go with my favorite vanilla chai flavored tea this afternoon.

Lemon Scones
10 servings
Tasteofhome.com
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
Additional sugar

In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Add buttermilk and lemon peel, stirring just until mixed.
Turn onto a floured surface; knead gently six times. Shape into a ball. On a greased baking sheet, pat dough into a circle about 1/2 in thick and 8-1/2 in. in diameter. Using a sharp knife, cut wedges in the dough, being careful not to cut all the way through. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges are lightly browned

I had told SassEmum I would try Baklava this weekend, but that may have to wait a bit. I do not think I will attempt a trip to the market today :)

Simply Delicious!

2009-03-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a jam packed day of errands and laundry. So when dinner time rolled around, I need something easy. Nothing complicated or involved, just food I could prepare on auto-pilot! So I made my baked chicken, baby sugar snap peas (yum!) and black-eyed peas flavored with bacon and garlic. Yummy!

For the chicken:
1 pound boneless chicken thighs placed in greased 11x7 baking dish. I drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over the thighs and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, basil and parsley. Bake for 60-70 minutes on 350 degrees.

Mom's Best Friend

2009-03-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

I guess this is a bit dramatic, but seriously this appliance is a life saver!
The Slow Cooker :)

I love being able to throw dinner together in the morning and not have to worry about it the rest of my laundry filled day! Here is an excellent recipe from the Rival Crock Pot Cookbook:

Heavenly Harvest Pork Roast
makes 6-8 servings
1/4 cup pomegranate juice *
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon steak seasoning
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 pork roast, any type (4 to 5 pounds)
2 pears, cores, peeled and sliced thick
1/2 orange with peel, sliced thick

combine pomegranate juice and sugar in small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Pour into slow cooker.
Blend seasonings in small bowl and rub over mixture over roast. Place roast in slowcooker, turning to coat in juice mixture.
Top roast with pear and orange slices. Cover and cook on HIGH 6 to 8 hours or until tender. Serve with juice and fruit slices.

* I used the juice I had on hand...cran/pomegranate
Also, I left the peel on the pears, they seem to hold up better. I cooked mine on high for the first 5 hours and and then low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Enjoy!

Have A Ball Baby!

2009-03-16T11:26:00.001-07:00

Here is one recipe the kids will enjoy to help make, as well as eat :)

Looks like Mr. Sunshine!

I served this dish with Mexican Rice, sour cream, olives, lettuce, tomato, cheese and salsa.

Taco Ball Ring
tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons water
2 to 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 pound ground beef
2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls
1/2 medium head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 medium tomato, chopped
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 cup sliced ripe olives
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
Sour cream and salsa, optional
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheese, water and taco seasoning. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 16 balls.
Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 12 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Drain meatballs on paper towels. Reduce heat to 375°.
Arrange crescent rolls on a greased 15-in. pizza pan, forming a ring with pointed ends facing the outer edge of the pan and wide ends overlapping.
Place a meatball on each roll; fold point over meatball and tuck under wide end of roll (meatball will be visible). Repeat. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.
Transfer to a serving platter. Fill the center of the ring with lettuce, tomato, onions, olives, jalapenos, remaining cheese, and sour cream and salsa if desired. Yield: 16 servings

**thank you for your kind emails everyone :)
I am doing well. This has been a busy year already! I hope you are all well and having fun on your Spring Break.....Can you believe it's that time already??

30..... now what?

2009-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

that was my mood a few days ago. I turned 30 on New Year's Eve and I was a bit bummed! I know, thirty is the new twenty..hehehe. It just doesn't seem that long ago that I was at an age that 30 sounded OLD! As I look back I wonder about things unaccomplished, then the worry set in and then the depression.....Enter Hubby. He made me homemade waffles and the kids helped. They are my accomplishment. My family and how well we get along. We are truly happy and blessed. No more depression...just thankful for another year with them :)

Hope you had a wonderful New Year Celebration!

More baking...cookies this time and I also made some Spiced Cranberry Sauce that I forgot to tell you about! It was yummy! The kitchen smelt like hot cinnamon candy while it was cooking :)

Mission 2: Raisin Pie

2008-12-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

Yup...raisin pie. I have never had raisin pie, but I have heard my Uncle J talk about it for as long as I could remember. He is in his seventies and he will tell stories of growing up in a large but fairly poor family. They had a good time despite their hardships. He recalls raisin and mincemeat pies from his home kitchen and you can see as he takes a trip back to olden days, that they have good memories attached.

Occasionally my aunt would be able to find them at a bakery or in the frozen section at the grocery during the holidays. That has not been the case for the past several years. When hubby and I decided that we would be able to make the trip to Texas this year, my thoughts started rolling. I made the Cranberry Cherry pie for Uncle G (it is in the previous post), a Cherry Cream Cheese pie for my cousins (who actually fought over it at the gathering!), and I found a raisin pie recipe!!! I decided to practice my lattice work...Don't chuckle to hardy, it was my first try!

When presented with the pie my uncle was speechless....no small feat! He hugged me and then hid it! I don't think he had to worry about it, no one else has an affinity for raisin pie. Throughout our visit different family members would tell me how excited he had been. Uncle J said it was the best one he has had....so maybe it tasted like the ones from his childhood!

Here it is: It is fresh from the oven and you can see it is still bubbly :)

Raisin Pie

Ingredients:
• 1 cup sugar
• 2-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups cold water
• 2 cups raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
Directions:
In a saucepan, stir together sugar and flour. Add water and mix well. Stir in raisins, salt and cinnamon; cook and stir over medium heat until bubbly. Cook and stir 1 minute more. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Pour into a pastry-lined pie plate. Top with lattice crust, or cover with top crust and cut slits for steam to escape. Bake at 375° for about 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Yield: 6-8 servings

Mission 1: Cranberry Cherry Pie

2008-12-24T06:04:00.000-08:00

This year I decided to make a special pie for my uncles to have on Christmas :)
It has been a while since we have spent the holidays together and I wanted to do something extra special. Uncle G likes cherry pie the best, but loves cranberries. So, I found a recipe to join his two favorites to make a tart but sweet treat!

Cranberry Cherry Pie
Tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 2 cups cranberries
• Pastry for double-crust pie (9 inches)
• Milk and additional sugar
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in pie filling and cranberries. Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom pastry; trim to 1 in. beyond edge of plate. Pour filling into crust.
Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie. Cut slits in pastry or cut out stars with a star-shaped cookie cutter. Place pastry over filling; trim, seal and flute edges. Arrange star cutouts on pastry. Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
Cover edges loosely with foil. Bake at 375°for 55-60 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on a wire rack. Yield: 6-8 servings

Uncle G came over last night for dinner and was presented his pie. He was shocked and very pleased! He even shared a piece with all of us!
Mission 2: Raisin Pie for Uncle J. Uncle J remembers raisin and mincemeat pies from his childhood. When I asked my aunt what his favorite was, she said raisin. She told me he often mentions the pie from his past and wonders why you can never find one now days :) Never fear I will be making one today and delivering it in Texas tomorrow!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Happy Baker Bakes Pumpkin Bread

2008-12-23T11:08:00.000-08:00

I love pumpkin bread. I think it mainly has to to do with the smells. So many lovely spices complimenting each other....ahhhhhhh. I love the cozy feeling you get as the smell floats from the oven and the warmth fills the house. It is just perfect!

I use a recipe from my grandmother's box. It makes 2 loaves or 1 loaf and 6 mini bundt cakes. My neighbors look forward to their goody baskets of pumpkin bread and cookies each year :) The families get a loaf and the widows across the street get the mini bundts. Everyone seems happy to have home baked goods!

Christmas Break Begins :)

2008-12-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

Today was the first official day in the kids' Christmas break. (According to Isabella)

So, I made sugar cookie dough and the kids cut out Christmas cookies. We used colored sugar crystals to decorate.

Jaxson felt he was in charge of the rolling pin.

If you look closely at the tree on the far left, you'll notice a few branches missing! Jaxson took a bite before I could get it baked. He was too excited :)

We had a ball!! It was fantastic to be doing something like this with the kids today!

Hope your break has started out equally as fun!

Mumbles

2008-12-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

There is an older gentleman who works with my husband. Hubby tells me stories of the "mumbler". Through out the day this older man will mutter and mumble at his computer and people in the hall. He likes quiet and keeps to himself. He isn't hateful or rude, just a loner. He never participates with the group in anything.
I'm thinking Scrooge.

Today the loner mumbler man met my loud 3 year old....lol

Isabella, Jaxson, and I took hubby to work. I had made a greenbean casserole for their luncheon and we decided to make a morning out of helping hubby carry it all in. (presents for the white elephant exchange too) So, we got up early and drove downtown. When we got out, Jaxson realized where we were because of the tall buildings and started clapping. He shouted, "Circus!Circus!" The last time we went downtown was for the Ringling Bros and Barnum&Bailey Circus....Never fear he wasn't bummed for long. A quick walk in the brisk wind, security badges, and an elevator ride brought us to hubby's floor. This was the first time I had met hubby's co-workers since his promotion. (I was nervous!)

Then I met Mumbles. He was dressed nicely and greeted us pleasantly. Then before I knew it, hubby let Jaxson out of the umbrella stroller he jumps in Mumbles cubicle and shouts "HEY!" followed by "Jaxson-ese" talk. Mumbles left the area. I assumed we made him nervous. After we made our rounds to several offices, I noticed he still wasn't back. I started thinking we had run him off for good!

But before we left I dropped something in Hubby's office and bumped into Mumbles. He smiled and said we had a lovely family.

Awwwww.........not so Scrooge-y....is that a word?

Who wouldn't love this face?!

Christmas is almost here!!!!!!!!

2008-12-18T07:57:00.000-08:00

Yikes! Where has the time gone this year?????

I have completed most of my shopping, just need stocking stuffers and a mother-in-law gift. (Any ideas?) The kids seem super excited this year! Santa is bringing Isabella a wooden Barbie House...(I always wanted one of these!!) and Jaxson is getting a Hot Wheels City Plex set....He will be in Hot Wheel Heaven!

We will be traveling to Texas for the holiday. It has been 4 years since we have spent Christmas with my side of the family. I am very excited! My aunt that lives in Texas asked me to plan the menu and coordinate the dinner. It felt very strange to be doing the job that has been handled by my mom and her sisters. (Made me feel old!)
But it has all turned out well nad should be great fun! I planned a traditional holiday dinner. mainly because it has been a while since we have been together. I asked everyone to make their "specialties" and even a few new ones. I am making pumpkin bread, green bean casserole, cherry cream cheese pie, chocolate chip cookies, cranberry sauce, a pasta salad, raisin pie, candied walnuts and cranberry pistachio bark. Whew! I get tired just looking at it. The cookies, bread and candy can be made before we travel, the rest will have to be done when I get there. I am staying at my best friends house. i know, it is corny for an almost 30 year old to say Best friend...but she has been for 15 years! We can cook and laugh together...well I will cook and she can make me laugh!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Season! I will take pics and post some of the recipes. I have been falling behind in my blogging!

Merry Christmas to all!

Soup's Up!

2008-11-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

Colder weather also begs for soup! This is a new one I found on Taste Of Home's website. It is delicious!! I have savored the leftovers!! This is one soup sure to warm you inside out! It is very fun to make too!

For the cooked chicken, I like to poach it. I place a pound of boneless chicken breast in a pot and cover with cold water and slowly simmer for 25-35 minutes until no longer pink. Try to keep the water from coming to a full boil.

Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:
• 2 quarts chicken broth
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional chicken broth
• 3 cups cooked wild rice
• 2 cups cubed cooked chicken
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine the first nine ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, melt butter. stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in broth mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Whisk in soup and wine or broth. Add rice and chicken; heat through. Yield: 14 servings (3-1/2 quarts).

Lovely roasted pork with baked sweet potatoes

2008-10-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

As colder days approach I am enjoying my roasting recipes! This recipe calls to slow roast your pork roast for an hour and half to two hours on 300-325 degrees. In a bowl, I combine extra-virgin olive oil, parsley, salt, pepper, dash of allspice, cayenne, and one or all of the following: basil, garlic powder and mustard seed.
It just depends on what you want. Sometimes I squeeze a bit of lemon juice in too.
I mix this up and make a rub of sorts and smear it over the top and sides of the roast. For the sweet potatoes, I just poke holes in them using a fork, rub extra virgin olive oil on them and wrap them in foil. They cook alongside the roast.
It was very good.

We usually add a little butter and cinnamon to our potatoes :)
I also prepared a green bean casserole to complete the meal. Hubby was loving this meal!

Up and Running again!

2008-10-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Yikes!!! My modem exploded and I was out of touch with the wide world for a while!
It is all better now and my new modem is humming along nicely :)

I got an A on my Humanities test and next Tuesday I will find out what I got on my book report. Yea!! This class has been very interesting. I am so glad I decided to sign up. Next semester I will either take Humanities II or a composition class. i can't decide!

Here is a picture of my Spanish Chicken Recipe. this is something I came up with one night when I was tired of the same old stuff. The amounts of the ingredients change with my mood when I make it :)
I start by melting 1 stick of butter. I add garlic powder, dash of cayenne, dash of Worcestershire sauce, dash of seasoned salt and 1/2 cup to 1 cup of salsa, mix well.
I place boneless chicken thighs in a greased 11x7 dish. Pour the sauce over. Cover with foil and bake for 60-75 minutes at 350 degrees. I serve it with Spanish rice, chips and salsa.

Pasta Night!!

2008-09-29T16:57:00.001-07:00

I LOVE pasta...LOVE IT!!

This is a recipe I changed up for my family's preferences. I boiled the Mostaccioli, scrambled the hamburger/Italian sausage mixture until no longer pink. Drain the fat off, add the sauce of your choice. Mix with drained cooked noodles. Place all in 11x7 baking dish. Cover with shredded mozzarella and bake. I also made Italian drop biscuits. They are easy and very tasty! I always make a double batch :)
Serve with a salad and you have a tasty meal!!

Hope your week is going GREAT!

Taste of Home recipe's I used for this meal:
Baked Mostaccioli
8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli
1/2 pound lean ground turkey
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (16 ounces) fat-free cottage cheese
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook mostaccioli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain if necessary.
Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and marjoram; set aside. Drain mostaccioli.
Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into an 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Layer with remaining mostaccioli, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (dish will be full).
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Yield: 6 servings

Italian-style Drop Biscuits
1 cup biscuit/baking mix
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green chilies
1/4 cup cold water
4 teaspoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions:
In a small bowl, combine the biscuit mix, cheese and chilies. Stir in water until a soft dough forms; stir 30 seconds longer. Drop dough into six mounds 2 in. apart on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 450° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Brush over biscuits. Serve warm. Yield: 6 biscuits.

Sunday Dinner

2008-09-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Growing up I knew that Sunday dinner would usually be roast beef. Mom would put it in the oven, with potatoes and carrots, before we headed to church. It was slow cooked and delicious! It was either roast or chicken fried steak.
My family enjoys roast as well. However, I have put different sides with it. I slow cook mine in the crock pot, just the roast. And then I make a sweet potato casserole. YUM! I boil the whole sweet potatoes, peel them, slice them, and place them in a 11x7 baking dish. I put tabs of butter around them, sprinkle with brown sugar, top with marshmallows and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until marshmallows are turning light brown.
I know your are shuddering at the amount of carbs, butter and marshmallows....but rest assured we do not have this EVERY Sunday. Just once in a while it nice to indulge in such comfort food!!
The casserole:

Dinner is served!

**Just a little note of thanks to those who read, comment and email me. I appreciate you hanging in with me. I have been struggling with time lately, there doesn't seem to be enough of it!! As some of you know I am taking a class in Humanities, trying to get my feet wet so I can jump in when Jaxson goes to school. I will take one or two a semester until he goes to school at which time I will probably go full-time. I really want to get my degree. I am also trying to start up a club at the college that has been inactive for 3 semesters. It is called the Writer's Bloc. Just an organization for people who enjoy creative writing, to gather and collaborate and have fun. I am not sure what it will turn out to be. Tonight is the first meeting and I am nervous. I fear no one will show up except the advisor who has to be present for college activities. I also fear the fact someone might show up....Feel the fear?
We all have struggles, trials and daily routines that we have to deal with. Mine are changing and i am trying to keep up! Isabella has dance class once a week, homework (with higher grade levels come more work), Jaxson is enjoying being 2 too much :) He will be 3 in November. He will suddenly morph into a quieter child, right? The terrible twos stop at 3....like midnight or something...please, let me enjoy this illusion.
My mom has MS. She was diagnosed 10 years ago. It is relapsing/remitting. It has been in remission for several years and now appears to be flaring up. I have talked to her about cutting back on the hours she works from 60/week to the normal 40. She is unable to do some of the things she could, which is probably why she spends more time at work. I now go to her place once a week to clean and do her laundry. She felt guilty about this at first, but has come around to see that I simply want to help and this is one way I can. The first time I went I was shocked by how little food she kept on hand. I guess when you live alone, cooking a meal doesn't seem as important. I now make her left over meals from our dinners and put them in her refrigerator a couple of times a week.
So, my days are full. i love blogging and I miss being able to do it everyday. I just wanted to let you in on why I may not post except for once a week.
Thanks! and special thanks to all of you who actually read this whole rambling post!

Southern Dinner

2008-09-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a wonderful day! Cool Breeze, family and chicken fried steak!
I always pound the cube steaks with a mallet to make sure they will be tender. Dip them in egg and roll them in seasoned flour. (Flour seasoned with salt and pepper.)
Then fry in hot oil. I always serve it with mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and of course gravy!

Chocolate cake...how divine!

2008-09-09T12:25:00.001-07:00

Birthdays are a great excuse for cake!! I made this one for my mom. She loves chocolate and strawberries, especially together! I sliced several to place in between the layers, then covered the rest and placed them on top.

Chicken Quesadillas

2008-09-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter requests these often! I love the smell of onions and bell peppers sizzling together! A little salt, a little pepper, a dash of garlic powder and let the fun begin!

I bake chicken breast for 60-65 minutes. I pour a little extra virgin olive oil on them, add seasoned salt, pepper, dash of garlic powder, chili powder and cayenne pepper. Then I cut it up to place in the tortillas. I shred whatever cheese I have on hand. Saturday I had cheddar. Then I pile on the peppers and onions. Line a cookie sheet with foil, spray with PAM. I secure the tortillas with a toothpick. In a 400 degree oven cook for 7-8 minutes, flip quesadillas and then bake an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired crispiness.
Before baking...

And after...yummy goodness!!!! I serve it with spanish rice and broccoli florets

My daughter requests these often! I love the smell of onions and bell peppers sizzling together! A little salt, a little pepper, a dash of garlic powder and let the fun begin!

"Mommy, I wanna muppin, mease"

2008-08-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

After Jaxson asked so nicely..I couldn't refuse!

the recipe is from tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:
In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Combine the egg, milk, oil and vanilla; add to the dry ingredients just until moistened. Gently fold in blueberries.
Fill greased or paper-line muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 25-27 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Yield: 6 muffins

Already forming a plan.....

2008-08-27T06:45:00.000-07:00

When do you start planning for the holidays? The meal, the gifts, the baked goods for friends, family and neighbors....it is alot to think about. Do you wait until the end of October, or until the last possible minute?

Or are you like me? I am going Christmas shopping for the kids this weekend. In two weeks I will pick up presents for my in-laws, two weeks after that, I shop for my side of the family. i have already started to plan the meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now there is a possibility that i will not be hosting either of these holidays this year, but hubby's side of the family is very laid back. They consider all plans flexible. Which is extremely hard on me, the type of person who likes to have a PLAN. So, after a few years of stress, pulling out my hair, and tears of frustration, I have learned to plan as if I am the one doing it. If it turns out I'm not hosting, cool, but at least I had a plan and wouldn't be caught off guard one morning by in-laws showing up with bright smiles and presents, me standing there in my bathrobe, mouth gaping....
My father-in-law married this past June. So, I am wondering if my new mother-in-law will want to host for the holidays. I will be all for this! Don't get me wrong I enjoy hosting, but I am not feeling it this year. Our house is between hubby's sister in Texas and his father's in northern Oklahoma...so it makes sense to meet here.
Growing up I never wondered where we would be for the holidays. Mom's family all lived in the same town. My grandmother, 3 aunts and all the cousins. My dad's side all live back East and I have never seen them for any holiday. I can count on one hand the times I have seen them my entire life, actually.
My mom's side still gathers in the same town, since all the cousins have married and had children, we make quite the number...something like 43. We usually reserve the family center at my aunt's church. I haven't been there for a holiday in 4 years. I would really like to go this year. In the past there have been things come up that made it impossible for us to make the trip. This year we should be free and clear.

Well, looks like I have babbled enough about the holidays. But I am curious as to when you start planning. And what are holiday staples in your house? I always make pumpkin bread for the neighbors. And no holiday meal is complete without holiday dressing and sweet potatoes with marshmallows!

Zippy Beef Tips......zippy indeed :)

2008-08-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

At least once in the summer, there comes a day that is unseasonably cool and overcast.
These are my favorite days. My dream place to live (one of many) is Seattle. With the rain falling 9 months out of the year, I would be in heaven! Weird? Probably....

Anyway, when we have a cooler day I enjoy making Zippy Beef Tips. You can make them in a slow cooker as well. I like to cook mine slow for 4 hours...so tender, so yummy!

Zippy Beef Tips

1 1/2 to 2 pounds beef tips cut into thin pieces (I just use stew meat)
1 cup 7-UP
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg lipton Beefy Onion dry soup

Place beeftips in a greased 2 quart casserole dish. Spread soup over the meat and sprinkle with dry soup. Don't stir! Pour 7-UP over all and cover. Bake at 275 for 4 hours. Serve over hot cooked white rice. (or egg noodles)

IThis recipe was given to me by my grandmother.
Hope you all had a wonderful Saturday!

Back to School = Back to Blogland for me!

2008-08-22T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!

I trust you all had a wonderful and exciting summer :)
We have traveled, played, been lazy, and just really enjoyed ourselves this summer!
I had a bit of "blogger's guilt", but I have to say I needed the break. Break's over and my daughter is off to 2nd grade. The little guy is still home with me. He really really wanted to go to school with her this year....sigh...just 2 years and that will be a reality.

I am taking a class myself. Just a night class to test the waters and get my feet wet. I hope to pick up more classes in the spring and summer.

Recipes!! I opened my email (I have not even checked my email since July) and had several requests for recipes

Hmmmm For my first day back I will leave you with this:

Angel Hair with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil (Capelli d`Angelo con Pomodorini e Basilico) www.barillaus.com
Ease of preparation: average
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Regions: Liguria
Wine pairing: Red

1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves peeled Garlic
1 teaspoon Red pepper
2 pints cut in halves Cherry tomatoes
5 leaves Basil
to taste Salt
1 package Angel Hair
1/2 cup Pecorino dolce

HEAT olive oil in skillet. Peel and gently press garlic. Add garlic and pepper. Cut cherry tomatoes in half and tear basil into small pieces. Add cherry tomatoes and basil. Simmer for five minutes. Season with salt. Discard garlic cloves.
COOK pasta according to the directions. Drain and toss with sauce. Garnish with freshly grated pecorino

YUMMY!!

Grilled Mango-Glazed Ham

2008-06-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tasty, tasty!! This was a wonderful combination of flavors!

Grilled Mango-Glazed Ham
Taste of home

Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno pepper
1 teaspoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 medium ripe mango or 2 medium ripe peaches, peeled and cut into wedges
1 bone-in fully cooked lean ham steak (about 2 pounds)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, jalapeno and ginger. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until glaze is thick and caramelized. Strain and cool. Place mango in a food processor or blender; cover and process until smooth. Stir into glaze; set aside.
Coat grill rack with cooking spray before starting the grill. Sprinkle both sides of ham steak with pepper. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 10 minutes on each side or until heated through. Brush both sides of ham with mango glaze; grill 5 minutes longer. Serve ham with remaining glaze. Yield: 8 servings.

FISH FRY!!

2008-06-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

Yummy! This was a delicious change of pace for us! Hubby found a recipe for oven fried catfish and asked me to try it out. I am so glad I did! I paired it up with apple and cabbage coleslaw, hush puppies and corn on the cob. Can't beat that!

Apple Cabbage Slaw
tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
6 cups shredded cabbage
3 medium red apples, chopped
1 can (5 ounces) evaporated milk
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons grated onion
1 teaspoon celery seed
1/2 teaspoon salt, optional
Dash pepper
Directions:
In a large bowl, toss the cabbage and apples. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over cabbage mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 10 servings. (I like to add a bit of shredded carrots in)

Brush both sides of fish with lemon juice and pat dry. dip in milk, roll in breadcrumbs or cornflakes, pressing the crumbs gently into fish. spread one tablespoon of vegetable oil in baking dish, place fish in pan. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until tender and flakes easily. (i liked the breadcrumbs, but am anxious to try the cornflakes next time!)
The fish before being "oven fried"

The complete meal....

German Brats.....My,My

2008-06-05T06:38:00.000-07:00

First, I would like to say that, yes, we do eat other things besides pork! LOL...lately the other things I have been making, I have already posted about. So I have been saving up my new stuff to show you.

German Brats were a hit the first time I made them for the family! Simple and fairly quick, they are rich and delicious. I served them with cheesy au gratin potatoes, green beans and corn.

German Brats
Taste of Home
Serves 5

4 bacon strips, diced
5 uncooked bratwurst
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon white wine or additional chicken broth
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/8 teaspoon celery seed

DIRECTIONS
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels (save for another use). Drain, reserving 4 tablespoons drippings. In the drippings, cook bratwurst for 10-15 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. Drain skillet.
In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and broth until smooth; set aside. Add the mustard, brown sugar, wine or additional broth, vinegar and celery seed to skillet; cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is hot and bubbly.
Gradually add cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened. Return bratwurst to the pan; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until glazed. Yield: 5 servings.

Making the sauce

Au gratin potatoes
tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
5 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes (about 6 medium)
1/2 cup chopped onion
Directions:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add potatoes and onion; stir well.
Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 1 hour. Uncover; bake 30-40 minutes longer or until the potatoes are tender. Yield: 6-8 servings.

100th post...or sort of...

2008-06-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

As customary here is my 100 things for my 100th post...is it 100 or am I late by 1 or 2?

Anyhoo...

1. I do not sleep outdoors.....
2. My idea of roughing it is Motel 6
3. I do not eat the ends of french fries....(didn't realize I was weird, did ya?)
4. I do not like the weather here in the summer...too sticky and humid
5. I like chocolate ice cream
6. I always wanted a tattoo...but too chicken
7. So chicken that my ears are not pierced
8. I am addicted to coffee and have considered starting a program at the local community center
9. There is always a book near me
10. I do not like ricotta cheese...very important thing to know about me
11. I sunburn in less than 20 minutes in the sun...SPF 55 for me
12. I am now realizing that 100 things may be too much for me....
13. I want to see Sex and The City movie.....can I talk hubby into it?
14. or will I have to go to Texas and go with my BFF
15. I want to go back to college
16. Before I die I would like to live in New York for at least a year
17. And London
18. I would pack up right now if we were offered the chance to live in Alaska...not humid there I bet
19. I hate spiders
20. I want to get a puppy
21. Laundry is fun for me...but I refuse to iron
22. Seriously I have not ironed since 1997 when I burned my favorite shirt...
23. Hubby is okay with that..hehehehe
24. I have a favorite pair of shoes and dress that I wear when I feel especially good about my self....doesn't every girl have that?
25. i have secretly wanted to be a photographer for a long time
26. once when i was a teenager my four year old cousin insisted I take him trick or treating at Halloween
27 So did, I dressed up as Mickey Mouse and took him to the mall
28 luckily his parent came along, the other visitors thought i had been hired by the mall and had me take pictures with their kids...after an hour I realized I should have started charging a dollar a pic....
29. I still have not seen Gone With The Wind
30. I love Italian food
31. And Thai food
32. i love to cook...did I already mention that?
33. I feel naked and exposed if my toenails arenot painted...regardless if I am wearing sandals or tennis shoes
34. I am allergic to bananas
35. I have ordered a banana split without the banana, just to see the clerks reaction
36. which was...."you want ice cream though,right?"

And now for questions from my peers:

from Pam at Random Thoughts

questions: What do you like most about each of your kids? hubby?
I love that my daughter has a natural grace. She has been in ballet for 4 years now. I have always received comments from her teacher that she is a natural at it. She is graceful in nature and it often shows in little things she does for us. Picking flowers for me, organizing dad's bookshelves after Jaxson has played in them, and entertaining Jaxson if he is being gooberish.
My son is a ball of energy, and although that can be tiring, it is also endearing. He loves to play and I am enjoying the time that I am the one he wants to play with!

hubby.....where do i start? He is amazing. I could not ask for a better husband and father. He is my helpmate in the true sense of the word. We often pick up where the other left off. If I make dinner, he cleans the kitchen. If he had a bad day at work, he is greeted with his favorite meal and dessert....He is very logical and practical. Some people find this annoying and boring. For me it is comforting and I know our family is taken care of.

how did you and hubby meet? We met while working in a call center for cellular service. Neither wanted the job in particular but at least we found each other! (And new jobs...lol)

what is your dream vacation? First, it would be a dream to get a vacation with just hubby. My dream vacation with the kids would be Disneyland. Dream vacation with hubby would be anywhere...London, Ireland, ANYWHERE!

if you had a super power, what would it be? I would want to be able to form a bubble around my family and friends from the bad things in the world. Sickness, hate and anything that would be bring them pain.

from Reluctant housewife
Questions: What is your all-time favourite recipe?
My favorite All Time Recipe would be my grandmother's BBQ chicken. Whenever I make it, I am overwhelmed with memories.

And what your favourite meal when you were a kid?
Spaghetti!!!!

I know...not a hundred...sigh...but the kids are begging to go outside and I am uncomfortable sending them out without me...hey that's another one!
Anyhoo...if you have more questions...please feel free to ask and i will update the post with the answers!

Cheers for now!

Grandma's Chicken...shhhh it's a secret

2008-06-04T06:54:00.001-07:00

My Grandmother's Chicken is legendary. She was one of five siblings and all the girls would make this dish when company came calling. It was secret for a long time. (Largely do to the lack of cooking interest among my cousins) I however finally got the recipe from my great aunt before she passed away. It is really simple and I was shocked by the "secret ingredients"
I usually make a huge package of drumsticks (my family's favorite) bu for company I will 2-3 pounds of chicken thighs, drumsticks and sometimes breast. We like a dark meat here! First you season flour with salt an pepper, dredge your chicken pieces and fry them in oil, just until lightly browned. Line a 13x9 baking dish with foil and place your browned chicken in it. (If making a huge batch, you made need another baking dish!) In a large bowl make the "secret sauce" the biggest bottle of Kraft Original BBQ, 1/3 to 1/2 cup of brown sugar, a dollop of prepared mustard and a squirt or two of ketchup.....no kidding those were her instructions...lol.
Bake in 275 degree oven for 2-2 1/2 hours, basting once half way through with remaining sauce. It is fall off the bone tender! We love it. It is pretty involved so I only do it a few times a year. The sauce has never tasted the same twice! But it is always good.

I also make up my mother's whipped potato salad. 2-3 pounds of potatoes. Prepare as you would mashed potatoes, mixing with hand mixer. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup mayo, 1 to 2 teaspoons of prepared mustard and 1/4 cup of sweet relish. My family doesn't write much down....but it is always good. The best way to follow these recipes (as I have learned) is to taste as you go. It is always easier to add something than to take it out!

I also served it with green beans and fresh corn on the cob. Here is a pic of hubby and the kids shucking corn! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

Another pork dish...but oh so good!

2008-06-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

When BBQ doesn't quite right and the grill is out of commision..(sheesh)...what's a girl to do with those pork spareribs???

This is heavenly! My family loves it, yup, even the kids! I served mine with steamed zucchini and yellow squash.

Sparerib Casserole
Taste of home
6 servings

4 to 5 pounds pork spareribs, cut into individual ribs
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
5 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
6 cups cubed potatoes
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
1/8 teaspoon paprika

Sprinkle ribs with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet, brown ribs in 3 tablespoons oil in batches. Place ribs on a rack in shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Turn ribs; bake 20 minutes longer. Pat dry.
Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water; cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, saute onion and garlic in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the flour, parsley, and remaining salt and pepper until blended. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Drain potatoes; place in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with sauce and ribs. Cover and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with paprika. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until ribs are tender and potatoes are heated through

Too Long of a Break....

2008-05-31T02:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all your kind words and emails! I apologize for being out so much. I do read your blogs, even if I don't comment all the time.

Summer break started on the 19th for us. With that comes busier times at our house. Blogging has taken a major back seat to things like fingerpainting, water gun fights, frisbee, soccer, mini golf and swimming...and the summer has only begun....

I will be back in from time to time with recipes and pics. I hope you do not forget about me! I will be back full force when school begins!

Dana, I will be posting recipes soon!!

Debby, Here is the recipe for the carrots:

1 pound baby carrots
1-2 Tbsp olive oil
throw in parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper...i added italian seasoning too...bake on bakking sheet for 30-40 minutes in 350 degree oven..until carrots are tender

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Chop, Chop!

2008-05-08T05:47:00.001-07:00

On the weekends hubby will cook dinner one night. Usually on Saturdays, since I work part of the day. (Isn't that sweet of him?) He likes to make pork chops. They are always so good and tender. He will change the seasonings up, sometime he makes up marinades. but it is always good. I help out by making the sides. This particular chop was rosemary, lemon and various other seasons he threw in. I made cornbread stuffing and roasted carrots to accompany it.

Awards I missed while MIA

2008-05-07T06:08:00.000-07:00

It was nice to take a break from blogging and come back to find that not only had I not been forgotten, but I had been given awards!

The first from Dana at Just Talk is the You Make My Day Award. She has a fantastic blog. If you haven't read her yet, you should. I love her stories and her humor!

Thanks Dana!!
I'd like to pass this award to all the blogs listed in my blog roll on the right hand side. You are there because you make my day!

The second award I received was from HoneyB at The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch. She has awarded me with the Arte y Pico Award.
As a recipient of this award we are asked to carry on the tradition and give it to 5 deserving bloggers. It is hard to choose only 5 people we feel this award should go to!

1)You pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award with their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogger community, no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award-winning, has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the ward itself.

4) Award-winning and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y pico" blog , so everyone will know the origin of this award.

Choosing only five is too difficult! I have met interesting people and read so many wonderful blogs. Hopefully I do not offend anyone, but I cannot pick 5. If it is ok, I want to extend this one as well to my blogroll friends.

(if I read/comment on your blog and you are not listed...let me know! I don't want to leave anyone out!)

Sneaking in cabbage.....

2008-05-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

I try hard to get the kids to eat veggies, without ketchup or dip. Sometimes I have to get creative. Like the spinach in lasagna. Well I found a recipe for ham steak with cabbage and apples. The purple color appeals to both kids and they love apples. It was hit! Very tasty, very different, and very quick...another keeper!

Sauteed Hamsteak with Cabbage and Apples
Barbarians At The Plate
4 servings

2 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
1 1 and half pound ham steak
1 10 oz bag shredded red cabbage, about 5 cups. (I just shred a medium head of red cabbage)
2 tart baking apples, cored and chopped (Granny Smiths are good in this)
1 cup apple cider or apple juice
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup or brown sugar (i use brown sugar)
salt and pepper

Heat a skillet large enough to hold hamsteak over medium-high heat. If ham is very lean, heat 1 Tbsp oil in the skillet. If there is some fat on the ham, put it in an ungreased skillet. Cook ham until beginning to brown on both sides. Discard any liquid. Transfer ham to a platter, cover to keep warm. Add 1 Tbsp oil to skillet and heat. Add cabbage and apples. Pour in apple cider and syrup.Stir to mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and cook covered until cabbage is tender. About 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and serve with ham.

Missing In Action

2008-05-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

That's me!

I have taken an unscheduled and unannounced bloggy break. Sorry about that! I am feeling better and things on the home front are looking up. I plan to do some catch up this weekend and next week. I just checked my email and blog today for the first time since last Saturday. Thanks for not marking me off completely! Sometimes there is so much going on in the "real world" that blogland has to take backburner.
(the very nerve)

Talk to you all soon! And yes I actually have a list running of blogs to catch up on!

Cheers :)

Random Recipes

2008-04-25T06:50:00.001-07:00

Today's Random Recipe Selection is to post your favorite appetizer and/or drink....hmmmmm What would the Happy Baker choose?

Drinks:

Spiked Watermelon Lemonade
recipe from "Cheap and Easy Cookbook"
makes 4 servings
4 cups lemonade, fresh squeezed or from a carton, or from concentrate
2 cups cubed watermelon
1 cup vodka or flavored vodka ie., raspberry, vanilla, citrus
a few sprigs of mint
Pour lemonade into pitcher. Mash watermelon and strain. Add to lemonade and stir. Add vodka, pour into tall glasses over ice. Garnish with mint.
*Use one cup of your favorite berries instead of watermelon

Rainbow Pepper Appetizers
tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
1/2 each medium green, sweet red, yellow and orange peppers
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped ripe olives
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
Directions:
Cut each pepper half into nine pieces. Place skin side down in an ungreased ovenproof skillet; sprinkle with cheese, olives and pepper flakes if desired. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes or until peppers are crisp-tender and cheese is melted. Yield: 3 dozen.

YUMMY! Great topic choice! Thanks Pam for hosting Random Recipes. Please visit her blog HERE for more entries or just to read her fabulous blog!

*******************Also, Thanks to everyone you commented on my previous post (and those that emailed). We are doing better. Several of you asked if the company or security company would reimburse us. No, the company has a policy that they are not responsible for anything happening to your personal belongings in the parking lots. Is this a load or what? Why have security officers then? Oh well, we have moved on. What else is there to do?? hahahaha Hope you are having a great day!

Mama said there'd be days like this....

2008-04-23T07:16:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering where I am, I am here going a bit crazy...lol

Hubby was asked by his supervisor to work nights for a couple of weeks. No problem, hubby is a go with the flow kind of guy. He calls me at 9:30pm night before last, "Honey the car is missing." My heart drops into my stomach, Las Vegas trip vanishes before my eyes. We cannot afford this again!!!

Again, you say? Hubby works downtown, or as I call it the "hellpit" (not in front of the kids...geez) This past November hubby's car was stolen from the parking lot at 11:20am. It took the thief 2 minutes to get in and take off. Have the police recovered it? No, apparently there is a year long donut sale going on. Besides it was an older car, we only had liability on it (so no rental) and in Oklahoma you do not have to have a title on a car 10 years old or older to sell it for scrap. I am guessing that puppy was sold and smashed within a couple of hours.
This changed our routine a bit. I now get up early and take hubby to the bus. He had asked for a new parking pass for the downtown lot, but never heard back. Being the laid back guy he is, he didn't follow up. For a while this did not matter because he was riding the bus.

Well, duh! Neither of us thought about it when he agreed to work the night shift for a couple of weeks, and the dumb @#@$#*%! security officer had his car towed. There are not that many people working at night, the security officer could have checked around....anyway. Hubby was able to find a ride home that night. Yesterday morning my mom took him to the car lot they had towed it to. After paying 165 dollars, he went to work quite grumbly. This night gig will be over Friday.

Thank goodness because I am grumpy too! I tripped over Jaxson the other day and jammed my toe, and twisted my already bad ankle. After walking funny because of the toe and ankle, my knee and hip hurt....hahahaha I do look kind of funny hobbling around. The kids miss their dad at night. Kids like routine and get grumpy too, when it is changed.

Hope you are all well! i have not forgotten any of you! I have a growing list of blogs to catch up on, and I will I promise :)
Don't forget to leave questions for my 100th post if you would like! Reluctant Housewife posted hers and I thought it was fabulous!!!!

Use your imagination.....

2008-04-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

because I forgot to take pictures :)
Mainly because I was just watching a friend make it. This is delicious!
We had a good laugh when I discovered she had gotten her recipe from tasteofhome.com!
I love that site :)

Roasted Corn Salsa
2 medium ears sweet corn in husks
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet red pepper
1 teaspoon minced seeded jalapeno pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
Tortilla chips
Directions:
Peel back husks of corn but don't remove; remove silk. Replace husks and tie with kitchen string. Place corn in a bowl and cover with water; soak for 20 minutes. Drain. Grill corn, covered, over medium-high heat for 20-35 minutes or until husks are blackened and corn is tender, turning several times. Cool.
Remove corn from cobs and place in a bowl. Add tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, peppers, salt and pepper. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: about 2-1/2 cups

**Feel free to leave questions for my 100th post....Thanks!

Chicken with a twist...

2008-04-20T16:50:00.003-07:00

of lemon, that is. this simple recipe is delicious and quick!

I usually use boneless chicken thighs. I also get a little spice happy with this dish. Extra lemon juice, some thyme, allspice, and cayenne pepper were thrown in tonight. Yummy, yummy! I serve it with steamed rice (that has hint of lemon juice, salt and pepper) and broccoli.

*****I just realized that my 100th post is fast approaching! (WOW) If you have any questions you'd like me to answer in my "100 Things About Me", just let me know ;)

Taco Twist

2008-04-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with new recipes for a couple of years now. We try at least one new recipe a week, sometimes up to 3 times a week. Of course, there are times we have all the current favorites :)
This was am interesting dish. I was uncertain about the finished product, but it was very good! The kids loved it, which is always an added bonus in my book!!

Taco Pasta Shells
tasteofhome.com

Ingredients:
18 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 bottle (16 ounces) taco sauce, divided
3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons chili powder
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
20 baked tortilla chip scoops, coarsely crushed
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce, cream cheese and chili powder; cook and stir until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese blend.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons beef mixture. Arrange in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon remaining taco sauce over the top.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese blend. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chips. Yield: 6 servings
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce, cream cheese and chili powder; cook and stir until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese blend.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons beef mixture. Arrange in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon remaining taco sauce over the top.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese blend. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chips. Yield: 6 servings
Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink; drain. Add 1/2 cup taco sauce, cream cheese and chili powder; cook and stir until blended. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese blend.
Drain pasta and rinse in cold water; stuff each shell with about 2 tablespoons beef mixture. Arrange in an 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spoon remaining taco sauce over the top.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese blend. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with chips. Yield: 6 servings

Cha-Cha-Chutney

2008-04-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung here! The rain is perking up the grass and the flowers are poking out of the ground in anticipation. Time to make plans for family gatherings, BBQ's and such! Hope you all are having a wonderful day!
This recipe is easy and delicious! This is one that my brother-in-law enjoys. It's good with pork and poultry.

Tomato Peach Chutney
tasteofhome.com
Ingredients:
2-1/2 cups chopped seeded peeled fresh tomatoes
2 cups chopped peeled fresh peaches
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions:
In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Cook over medium heat for 1 hour or until thickened, stirring frequently. Ladle hot chutney into hot jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Adjust caps. Process for 20 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Yield: 1-1/2 pints.

Taco Salad Night!!

2008-04-17T08:46:00.001-07:00

My daughter's favorite meal at the moment is taco salad. She has been talking about this all week. I discovered this recipe on tasteofhome.com YUMMY!!

Taking a good salad

and making it scrumptious!!

Crowd-Pleasing Taco Salad
Tate of home
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 medium head iceberg lettuce, torn
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded taco cheese
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup taco sauce
1 package (10-1/2 ounces) corn chips

In a large saucepan, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the ketchup, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, olives and beef mixture. Combine mayonnaise and taco sauce; pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with corn chips. Serve immediately. Yield: 14-16 servings.
**I have used a package of taco seasoning in the meat instead of ketchup, oregano and chili powder. It was good too!

A few of my favorite things (in the kitchen)

2008-04-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

My favorite cooking wines, sherry, vinegar and oil.

and my spice cabinet. Sorry you can't see the names very well (flash from the camera) I love having so many spices to choose from :)
The spices and herbs I use the most? curry powder, garlic powder, parsley flakes, basil, oregano, thyme and rosemary

What are your favorites??

Southern Style

2008-04-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a yummy meal that hubby enjoys! Chicken Fried Steak and mashed potatoes covered in country gravy! First I pound the cube steaks to tenderize them. Next, I dip the steaks in egg, and dredge in flour. Fried in light vegetable oil until browned. This is good! (not necessarily healthy)

Beef and Spinach Lasagna

2008-04-13T17:31:00.000-07:00

A new recipe found it's way straight to my family's heart (and stomach) tonight.
I have had this recipe for some time now, but it called for 2 cups of ricotta cheese. My hubby is the only one without a distaste for ricotta. I personally cannot eat it...just, eww. Anyway, I still wanted to make this fabulous lasagna. I contacted a blogging friend at Finding La Dolce Vita. She suggested replacing the ricotta with a Besciamella Sauce (white sauce). And she is brilliant!

Where's the beef??? Right here with some onion

The next time I make this I will use my Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, but tonight I a jar sauced it with Prego's traditional and Roasted Garlic Herb.

Spinach and Mozzarella...just hanging out

Oven ready!!

Served with garlic bread and salad....yummy! Jaxson even liked it!

I will definitely be making this again! They ate spinach! I feel so, so....WooHoo!
It made a ton! I made a couple of lunches for me and hubby. The other half I wrapped up, along with half the garlic bread and took it next door. Our neighbors are expecting their second baby any day now. They were really glad for the food and the impromptu visit! Hope you all had a great weekend :)

Beef and Spinach Lasagna
12 servings
tasteofhome.com
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 jars (26 ounces each) meatless spaghetti sauce
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 cups ricotta cheese**
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
9 no-cook lasagna noodles
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, garlic, basil and oregano. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. In a bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta and 1 cup mozzarella until combined.
Spread 1-1/2 cups meat sauce into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with three noodles. Spread 1-1/2 cups sauce to edges of noodles. Top with half of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles, sauce and mozzarella.
Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 10-15 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting
**For the Besciamella Sauce (white sauce) please visit Finding La Dolce Vita. The recipe is located in her recipe box under sauces.

A tag and a picture

2008-04-13T06:29:00.000-07:00

I love playing tag! Lovely Cakelaw from Laws of the Kitchen has tagged me for a Six Word Memoir. The rules are as follows:

1. Write your own six-word memoir.
2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.
3. Link to the person who tagged you in your post.
4. Tag five more blogs with links.
5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play.

Here are six words that I think describe me:
1. Protective
2. Dreamer
3. Loyal
4. Humorous
5. Tenderhearted
6. Happy

I tag the following people:
Amanda from Amanda's Life
Reluctant from Adventures of the Reluctant Housewife
Sass E-mum from One Strangely Lush Mother
Debby from Bee In Italy
HoneyB from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's HoneyBunch

I have given in to peer pressure...Amanda and Reluctant....sigh....what's a girl to do? As I stated in Kooky Kids, I hate to have my picture taken. But I do have several pics of me and the kids. I was just too shy to share with blogland. Well, I have decided to share today. I have only had one cup of coffee, so obviously I am not thinking clearly. One day when the caffeine is coursing appropriately through my veins, I will remove these posts.....

Pics:
Before Kids

Working on a kid

Me and Bella

Last night me and hubby after a drink or two...hehehe

Enjoy for now...wink,wink...because the coffee will revive my senses and they will disappear!

Random Recipes

2008-04-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Pam from Random Recipes hosts Random Receipes and this week the theme was to "post your favorite recipe"

This was hard for me! I finally chose a simple recipe. This is for Spicy Pumpkin Bread. I make it during the holidays for our neighbors, family and friends. When we have new people move into the neighborhood, I will take them a loaf of this warm bread to welcome them. I hope you give it a try!

Spicy Pumpkin Bread
Taste of home
2 loaves

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
GLAZE (optional):
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons hot water
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash ground cloves

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla; mix well. Combine the dry ingredients. Stir into pumpkin mixture just until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
Spoon into two greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 65-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. If desired, combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over cooled loaves

Please visit more Random Recipes HERE

Yep, I'm here!

2008-04-10T07:20:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!!

Thank you for the emails, but I am okay! (it is nice to feel loved, though!)
The schools are closed today because of flooding!! Apparently, there are roads closed and the buses are unable to travel. So, I am entertaining two house bound children!

We are fine here at the house. There are huge puddles everywhere and we will be muddy for a while.

But I will be checking on all of your blogs through out the day! Hope you have a great Thursday!!

What I found in the kitchen this morning...

2008-04-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

I was helping Bella with her hair this morning and kept hearing a strange noise....
this is what Jaxson accomplished in the 5 minutes I was out of the room..

yup, he is eating a stick of butter....(and spilled something on the bottom shelf)

Can you see him in the background? He is very excited about his organizing the contents of the fridge. They are in a fairly neat line....

Jaxson explaining his actions....hehe

Chili Time!

2008-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Last night felt like a good night for chili. I kept it simple and the family likes to have it with Fritos and cheese...

On The Off Chance I Blow Away...

2008-04-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

There is a major storm headed directly for us. It should hit in 30 minutes.
Rain, hail, strong winds and possible tornadoes....lovely.
I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed you all (yes, I am dramatic)

Seriously though, there is a good chance we will lose power, so just in case, I will post again when I can!

Good Night Blogland!!

****UPDATE: WE ARE FINE, JUST VERY WET! WE ARE UNDER FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS AND THE RAIN IS STILL COMING DOWN. IT SHOULD GO AWAY SOON! WE HAD HAIL THE SIZE OF A GOLF BALL. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BREAK THE KITCHEN WINDOWS!! HUBBY KNEW I WOULD WANT TO SHOW MY BLOGGING FRIENDS, SO HE WENT OUT IN IT (WITH AN UMBRELLA) TO GATHER SEVERAL PIECES! WE PUT THEM NEXT TO ONE OF HIS GOLF BALLS FOR COMPARISON.

What's in your kitchen??

2008-04-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

I pose this question to you, dear blogging friends! What's in your kitchen. Here are few shots of the decorations in my kitchen. Indulge is next to pictures of coffee and cappuccinos...what else?

This decorative plate, which has a kitchen prayer on it, hung in my Grandmother's kitchen, next to the window. I have it in the same place :)

My far away cafe and bistro I plan to visit someday!

And my nieces, who were over for visit! They "helped" with the dishes...lol

What's In Your Kitchen? Let me know you participated, so I can check it out!!

Enchilada Night!

2008-04-06T16:46:00.000-07:00

Tonight was enchilada night...yummy!
I love the smell of onions sizzling in butter and garlic....

the makings of a wonderful sauce

baked chicken, cubed and ready

the sauce, after adding Monterey jack cheese and sour cream

ready to bake

served with Spanish rice and chips and salsa. Now we can eat,eat,eat!!

Chili Chicken Enchilada
tasteofhome.com
2 servings

1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
4 flour tortillas (8 inches)
Sliced ripe olives, chopped tomatoes and green onions, optional
In a small saucepan, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender. Combine flour and broth until smooth; gradually add to pan. Stir in the chilies, coriander and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
Remove from the heat; stir in 1/2 cup cheese and sour cream until cheese is melted. Combine chicken and 3/4 cup sauce. Place about 1/2 cup chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Garnish with olives, tomatoes and green onions if desired
** I double the recipe for the family :)

Thanks!

2008-04-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the Reluctant Housewife for her generous Award to Kooky Kids! I will have to ponder who I will pass the Award of Distinction to next.

Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday! We had fabulous weather today. Finally felt like Spring!!!! We packed up and went to the zoo! I will be featuring pictures and stories in a week long Zoo Trip Fest on Kooky Kids! Hope you will stop by for the fun!

Here is a peek:
More pictures and story to follow this week

Hubby's Favorite Meal

2008-04-05T15:45:00.001-07:00

I have mentioned this dish a couple of times, and now I am finally posting it!
Chicken Spareribs (strange name) has become hubby's favorite, as well as, Jaxson's. My daughter likes anything chicken, so it's a shoo in for her too! Hubby gets so excited, he helps with making the potato salad*. I was a little camera happy today :) Enjoy the pictures and the recipe will follow. Hope you have had a wonderful Saturday!

Hubby's chopped potatoes are ready to be boiled...

While I start the chicken. Hubby and I enjoy the chance to cook together on the weekend ;)

The sauce...ooooohhhh yummmmm

This is a bowl his aunt made for us as a wedding gift. We always use it for this particular dish. It makes hubby smile...

making potato salad...*this is where I take over. The kids like "Daddy's mashed potaotes better"....

adding cornstarch and water to the sauce...needs thickening!

I give you Chicken Spareribs aka Hubby's favorite meal!

The family sure seems engrossed...but wait! Hubby is already done!!

What does hubby like more than his fave meal?? Leftovers!

Chicken spareribs
www.tasteofhome.com
4 servings

8 bone-in chicken thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup apple juice
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

In a Dutch oven, brown chicken in oil in batches on both sides; drain. Return all of the chicken to the pan.
In a bowl, combine the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, pepper flakes and ginger; pour over chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.
Remove chicken to a platter and keep warm. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Spoon over chicken.

**I use boneless chicken thighs :)

Rain, Rain Go Away...And Take Those Scary Clouds With You!

2008-04-04T05:59:00.001-07:00

This was the scene from my back door last night. Scary!
Of course, I am a chicken.
We are heading into "tornado weather" around here. Oh Joy.....

Receipe Swap '08 hosted by The Natural Mommy

2008-04-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

This is my first entry in the Recipe Swap '08 hosted by the Natural Mommmy. I was very excited to find another food roundup to be a part of! Today's theme is Crockpot Lifesavers. I am looking forward to Spring (begging,actually) but it has been very rainy and cold here. Yesterday was the perfect day for a stew. I like to cook mine all day in the slowcooker and serve it with cornbread muffins. To see other entries go HERE.
To read more about The Natrual Mommy, just click the button :)

Beef stew
makes 8 sevings

1 can (10 3/4oz) Tomato Soup
1 can Beef broth
1/2 cup red wine or water
1 pound beef stew meat
1 can (14.5 oz) stewed Italian tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
Place all in slow cooker and cook on LOW 8 to 9 hours
**An hour before it is done I add canned or frozen: corn, peas, carrots, and green beans

Blog Lovin' Continues

2008-04-02T16:47:00.000-07:00

Who knew the blog lovin' that would explode when Susan from Artbliss gave me an award? After I gave the award to the Reluctant Housewife and Sass E Mum, they gave it back to me and several other blogging friends. The Reluctant Housewife even traced the award to where it originated from, complete with rules! Apparently, you can give the award to as many people as you want, but at least 10.
Since, I only gave away 5, I feel I must follow the rules and hand out some more!!

Melanie from Our Our Happy Happenings and Livin' With Me - I find her to be very inspiring and she always has something interesting going on! Plus, I love my blogoholics anonymous button from her :)

TravelinOma - for her insight, her wisdom and her generosity. She never ceases to indulge my imagination with her travels and stories.

Maryann from Finding La Dolce Vita
- Food, Friends and Laughter. She brings it all to the table in her own classy way!

Proud Italian Cook - Amazing food, amazing pictures, she is amazing!!

Billie from A Peaceful Serenity-For sharing her life as a mother and striving for inner peace

AND for the last one To Susan at ARTBLISS for starting this ball rolling! You really stirred up some fun with this award!!

Stepping out

2008-04-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

After completing my first Daring Bakers' challenge (yay!), I scrolled through the blogroll and was amazed at the creations that were gracing the blogosphere.
Realizing I had a lot to learn about decorating a cake, I pulled out my Christmas gift from father-in-law. Nope, not the KitchenAid mixer (still too intimidated by it), he also bought me a cake decorating set by Wilton. The set includes a spatula, a package of bags for the icing, many decorating tips, 5 colors, and an instruction book.
I made some icing from a box of confectioners' sugar, 1 cup crisco and 4 TBSP milk.
I was so nervous! (Yes I realize, to the person who does this without thinking, my post is a bit hilarious. I stirred in some Rose coloring into a small bowl of icing. I placed the coupling into the decorating bag, measuring where to cut the end off. Then slid the decorating tip on and tightened the coupling on. I followed the directions for filling the bag. The first cake went very well. I decided to try some violet coloring (my daughter's two favorite colors). I followed the same instructions. Half way through, the tip exploded off the bag POOF! violet icing everywhere! hahahaha My son was standing on a chair watching me. He grabbed the sides of his head and yelled "Oh No!" Which made me laugh harder. I was able to get it cleaned up and even started a new bag to finish the cake.
Here are the results of my first stab at really decorating a cake. **These are
mini-star shaped cakes**
Please keep your laughing to a low roar :)

The kids seemed to enjoy it! Talk about a sugar rush for Jaxson!

FOR ME?!

2008-04-01T10:03:00.001-07:00

Susan at Artbliss has given me an award! She is too sweet! If you haven't had a chance to check out her blog, I encourage it. She is a very talented artist. She has even inspired me, and artist, I am not :)
Thank you Susan!

I am going to share in the blog lovin' and pass this award to the following:

The Reluctant Housewife - She is always witty, wise and downright hilarious!
Sass E Mum - Always insightful and funny!
Debby of Bee in Italy
- She is living my dream in Italy and I look forward to her stories, just for a peek into life in Varese.
Rachel of Max's Mom - For sharing so honestly about her life
HoneyB from The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch - A new friend with a fantastic blog about food and life. She has amazing recipes!

So here's to you all! Cheers! Happy Tuesday!

Chicken Pita and Cucumber Sauce?? My favorite!

2008-04-01T05:42:00.000-07:00

I love the cucumber sauce recipe I received from my sister-in-law. It is truly scrumptious!
One yummy cucumber and red onion, waiting to be grated (the onion has a funny reflection on it from the grater..hehe)

All grated and ready to be made into fabulous sauce!

I needed a little help from my guy. He loves being in the kitchen while I cook :)
(lol..he has "bed head" from naptime)

Yummy! Chicken Pitas with avocado, tomato and cucumber slices. SunChips Garden Salsa Chips and a side salad. Top your pita with some sauce and poof! Your in a food wonderland!

Cucumber Sauce
1 medium cucumber, grated
1/4 cup red onion, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (or less) cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 - 3/4 cup of sour cream (or plain yogurt)
Mix all ingredients together and let sit in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Thanks to a fellow blogger!

2008-03-31T09:38:00.000-07:00

I came across this recipe on The Tow Family Adventures. I was intrigued. It seemed very easy. So, I tried it...

Before adding sauce

Doesn't this look delicious??

Ahhhh....So good!

The family loved it! Hubby has even asked me to make it again this week!
For the recipe go here

Daring Baker's March Challenge - Perfect Party Cake

2008-03-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to discover the Daring Baker's site. Thinking of all the cakes and breads to be made and shared. Each month they give you a challenge, complete with a recipe and rules to follow. Everyone makes the same recipe, the same way and we all post on the same day. Too fun! And it has been very interesting to see the other entries. This month's challenge was given by Morven at Food Art and Random Thoughts. It is Dorie Greenspan's The Perfect Party Cake.
I have to admit when I signed up for this I was feeling confident in my cooking/baking skills. Believe me, I was challenged and even doubted myself a little as this cake took on a life of it's own. We were able to play around with the flavorings. I stuck to the recipe for both the cake batter and buttercream icing. The filling was black raspberry. I did not cover the cake in coconut, because the family doesn't like it. Here are pictures of the production:

The cake batter coming together

Oven ready

The two cakes in their different pans must have schemed together while in the oven. For only one of them rose enough for me to feel comfortable cutting it in half.

Making the buttercream was scary to me, not because it was necessarily hard, but because I had never made a buttercream before. And while it all began well enough, it never seemed to want to stay together. After beating what seemed like a lifetime, I began icing the cake. It iced well enough, but the consistency was not what I would have liked to do any extra decorating.

Then the stacking commenced

Here is the finished product of my first challenge!

It was very tasty, despite the flaws ;)

Thanks to the Daring Baker's for letting me participate!
For more cake entries, go HERE. You will not be disappointed, just inspired!

HAVING MY CAKE AND EATING IT TOO!

Kitchen Meme

2008-03-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I came across this kitchen meme and had to play along!

What three kitchen items do you use the most often?
mixer,oven and skillet

What kitchen gadget do you wish you had?
I would love a pasta maker.

What kitchen gadget do you never use/wish you hadn't spent the money for?
silicone cupcake bakeware...it doesn't bake them right!

What is your favorite cookbook? (Link if you can!)
My favorite "cookbook" is actually my magazine subscription to Taste Of Home.
They also have a website www.tasteofhome.com

Who is your cooking inspiration?
My hubby and his father. My husband loves food and there isn't much he won't eat. He is always willing to try something new. My father-in-las is some what of a chef himself and we enjoy talking food. Over the years, my father-in-law has bought me cookbooks, a KitchenAid standing mixer, a wok and many interesting imported spices.

What are three recipes that you use all the time?

1. Honey Curried Chicken
2. Pork chops with apples and pears
3. Chicken Spareribs

Can you share a cooking secret?
garlic is good in almost anything!

What is your greatest cleaning secret?
My husband!

What is your favorite thing to clean?
If I clean up, I like cleaning the cake pans.

What is your least favorite thing to clean?
the slow cooker

What is your most embarrassing housekeeping moment?
My in-laws showing up before the house is picked up.

Who do you tag to do this next?
Anyone who wants to play! Let me know you did it, and I will check it out!

Pizza Anyone?

2008-03-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

This is my pick for the Random Recipes entry for March 28th. For more info and recipes check out Pam's Random Thoughts blog. This is a very light and tasty pizza.

Tomato-Onion Phyllo Pizza
Taste of Home
Servings 28 slices

5 tablespoons butter, melted
14 sheets phyllo dough (14 inches x 9 inches)
7 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 cup thinly sliced onion
1 pound plum tomatoes, sliced
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Brush a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with some of the melted butter. Unroll phyllo dough; cut stack into a 10-1/2-in. x 9-in. rectangle. Discard scraps.
Line bottom of prepared pan with two sheets of phyllo dough (sheets will overlap slightly). Brush with butter and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers 5 times. (Keep dough covered with plastic wrap and a damp towel until ready to use to prevent it from drying out.)
Top with layers of remaining phyllo dough; brush with remaining butter. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese; arrange onion and tomatoes over cheese. Sprinkle with oregano, thyme, salt, pepper and remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until edges are golden brown.

Dinner time, Come and Get It

2008-03-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

To take my mind off my pain, I made my family's favorite meatloaf and tried a new potato recipe. It is called "Au Gratin Potatoes". From the "ooohhs" and "ahhs" I heard from the dinner table, I take it they are very good. My daughter even asked for seconds, which is not usual for her.
Making the cheese sauce

Yummy au gratin potatoes

The complete meal. the recipe for individual meatloaves is here.

Au Gratin Potatoes
6-8 servings
tasteofhome.com
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes (about 6 medium)
1/2 cup chopped onion
In a large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. remove from the heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add potatoes and onion; stir well. Transfer to a greased 2qt baking dish. Cover;bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Uncover; bake 30-40 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.

Meme about a Book

2008-03-25T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged by the goddess once again of The Adventures of the Reluctant Housewife.

Here are the rules:

Pick up the nearest book of at least 123 pages.
Open the book to page 123.
Find the 5th sentence.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.

I have been reading an old favorite.When I get sentimental, this is one of the books that appears by my night table. 'The Wedding' by Nicholas Sparks.

Starting after the 5th sentence:

This was not going well. While trying to figure out what to do next, I suddenly noticed a large swell approaching the shore. Desperate-and without a word to her-I suddenly bolted from her side, surging toward the conch.

Okay, if you haven't read this, I recommend it. It is sappy and romantic. I love it when I am feeling sentimental!

I will tag;
Susan from Artbliss
Debby from Bee in Italy
Melanie from Our Happy Happenings
Pam from Random Thoughts
Nadine from Just Being Me

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

It has been a beautiful day today. We were even able to enjoy an egg hunt outdoors! The kids loved it.

Today I served ham, garlic potatoes, creamed peas**, pasta salad and, of course, dinner rolls.
This picture was taken before the plate was completely filled. Hubby found tonight's dinner to be a two-plater.

I hope all of you had a wonderful day as well ;)
**Thanks to Susan from Artbliss for the wonderful creamed peas recipe!

Pineapple Chicken

2008-03-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

This was a new recipe and I have to say we were very pleased! Hubby likes pineapple and so do the kids. The water chestnuts were an added bonus in hubby's opinion.

Pineapple Chicken
4 servings
Tasteofhome.com

1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt, optional
4 cups cubed, cooked chicken
2 cans (5 1/2 oz each) pineapple chunks, drained
1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
Hot cooked rice
In a large sauce pan, combine the first six ingredients until smooth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chicken, pineapple, water chestnuts and ginger, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve over hot cooked rice.
TASTY!!

Pork Chops with Apples and Pears

2008-03-21T15:30:00.000-07:00

This is another family favorite.
Apples and Pears

Looking very inviting!

Dinner is served!

This recipe is from the cookbook, "Barbarians at the Plate"
Pork Chops with Apples and Pears
4 servings
2 tart apples
2 firm pears
1 tablespoon brown sugar
ground cinnamon
ground ginger
4 thick boneless pork chops (about 1 1/4 pound)
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a 11x8 baking dish with foil. Place apple and pear slices in pan. sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon and ginger to taste. Season both sides of chops with salt and pepper. Nestle chops into the fruit. Scatter butter over the top adn cover the dish with foil. Bake for 40 minutes, remove cover and continue baking for 20-25 minutes. Serve chops with the fruit.

A good laugh over a forgotten memory

2008-03-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a crazy week! Spring Break for Isabella, having my niece visit, attempting to potty train Jaxson (ha!) and all the frustration of family stuff.

Today I had a GOOD laugh. One of those deep belly, face hurts, think my head will pop off laugh.....know what i mean? And I needed it.

My dear friend Lana called me and out of the blue we started talking about the past. She loves to remind me of one particular night. I set her up on a blind date. Before you groan too loudly, it was a double date, so I was with her! The guy I was with, Chris, I had known for a while. But Lana's date was a new friend of his. It started out well enough. Dinner at Kabuki, a japanese steakhouse where they cook in front of you. With the big, whoosh, fire. anyway...
After dinner we decided to go to the movies. The line was massive, not the usual Friday night line, but the Titanic line. Aaron, the new guy, offers his place up for a movie. We go to the video store and rent a VHS...hehehe.
The funny thing (it's funny now) was when we walked through the door of his house. It was a pigsty. Not just run-of-the-mill bachelor living, an actual dump. We couldn't even sit down. We began clearing a space on the sofa and then this turned into cleaning the rest of the living area. Before the "date" was over, Lana and I had borrowed (clean) t-shirts, and cleaned the kitchen, dining room and even the bathroom. In the bathroom was something I had never seen firsthand....a note written in lipstick. Three and half hours later we returned home. We had never cleaned our own houses like that before and we weren't about to tell our moms! And to this day we aren't sure why we did it!
Needless to say Aaron was never heard from, or seen, again.

Do you have a bad date memory that is funny now?

Tagged again!

2008-03-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

This tag is from the goddess at Adventures of the Reluctant Housewife. One of my first blogging friends. She blogs about life as a wife, mother and anything else she feels we should be informed about. Always fabulous,always funny! When I need a smile, she delivers...

The rules are:
1. Link to your tagger and post these
rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog,
some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names
as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment
on their blog.

Ok, here are 7 things.....

1. I never eat the end of french fries.
2. No one in "my real world" knows about my blogs, except hubby.
3. My ears are not pierced...too chicken
4. I cannot just lay down on a bed. I flop. FLOPPPP! Like when you were a kid and you FLOP down on the mattress without a care in the world. I still do that. Recently, when we visited hubby's sister we stayed up with her and her hubby, after the children were asleep, to play games....and drink. After losing count of drinks, but winning the game, I flopped onto their guest futon and heard CRACK! Yep, I broke their futon. Just a little snapped wood, easily fixable, but still. I was more than humiliated. Did it deter my flopping??? No, but maybe my drinking.
5. I do not like eating outdoors. I share enough food with the children, I do not want to share with the bugs.
6. I have never seen 'Gone With The Wind' despite my best friend's attempts for the past 15 years.
7. I Love coffee, but it has to be HOT. I have never liked the iced coffees, or coffe flavored ice cream.

Now I am going to follow the goddess' footsteps for the tagging. If you are reading this consider yourself TAGGED! Let me know if you play so I can check it out. I am a wee bit nosy, or personable, whatever you want to call it!

Crafty Kids

2008-03-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a funfilled day. At least I tried to make it that way ;)
I set up the table for some arts and crafts. We chose to make puppets out of brown paper sacks. There was laughter and excited chatter in the air. Although the frustration is right under the surface, today reminded me that I am still "cool Aunt Sara". That's what matters. I can't change the situation for this little tyke, but I can make her feel welcome and wanted in my home.

A kid's dinner...

2008-03-19T18:27:00.001-07:00

the kids requested this dinner in honor of Kristen's visit! Pigs in a blanket, macaroni and cheese, and sweet peas.

I wrapped crescent rolls, torn in small pieces, around beef Lil' Smokies. Baked them for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. The kids love it. I have also taken this in for pot lucks and they alwasy go fast!

You've been tagged!

2008-03-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

I completed a meme here and would like to tag the following people:
Reluctant Housewife
Sass E-Mum at One Strangely Lush Mother
Susan at Artbliss
Debby at Bee in Italy
Melanie at Our Happy Happenings

BRATS IN BEER

2008-03-18T16:24:00.000-07:00

Dinner tonight was brats slow cooked in beer. Very tasty!
I use 12 oz of beer, 1 onion thinly sliced, 2 tablesppons of brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Place one pound of brats in the slow cooker, top with onions and pour the sauce over all. Cook on Low for 4-5 hours. Serve on french or Italian rolls.
Here is the red wine vinegar, onion and beer...makes a yummy meal!

Brats in Beer....with Sweet and Sour Salad. the recipe for the salad is here.

Inspiration from fellow bloggers

2008-03-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

There was situation on our Road Trip that I have not mentioned, until now. I was waiting to see if anything would be resolved. Now that it has come to a close, I will reveal my Hotel experience that will stay with me forever. If the front desk clerk had only known the trials of the Don Mills Diva
and Reluctant Housewife and the inspiration they gave me, she would not have crossed me.
I am a hotel snob. I admit it. We are all snobs about something, food, clothes, hotels, music, shoes, toilet paper...whatever. We all have things we like a certain way. I like nice hotels. Not outrageously overpriced ones, but nice. I like the hotels that you have to have a door key to get into the building. I don't like my room door opening to the highway.
That said, my hubby tries to accommodate me. Even though he would be happy pitching a tent somewhere. My idea of roughing it is a Motel6. We found a room at a "newly remodeled" hotel for 80 dollars. Indoor pool, game room, complimentary breakfast of biscuits, sausage and eggs included. Sounds good right? We checked in, paid for two nights adn went off to visit friends and family.
About 10:20pm I realized that the pool crowd had been properly herded to their rooms but the gameroom was full of unsupervised children. They were yelling, playing video games, banging the gym equipment around...ugh, we were soooooo tired! I called the front desk and the girl, Jamie, told me she would be right up. 15 minutes later I am seriously irritated. I called again. Jamie informed me that she had to attend to the customers checking in. She also told me, "it doesn't help that you keep calling." Okay, so that was tacky. I inform her that we will be getting our money back for the second night and going somewhere else because she was rude. Jamie's rude retort,"You can't get your money back. There is always noise at a hotel. You will not get your money back" and hung up! HUNG UP ON ME. By midnight I am so furious, yes the kids are still in the gameroom which is less than 6 feet from us. It is midnight, let's forget about the hotel staff and the fact the game room closes at 10pm, where are these parents? There were 6-7 kids ranging in ages from 7-10 yelling and banging around.
There were no adults, no babysitter types hanging about. I would not let my child go off to a gameroom in a hotel. That's just me. We have traveled all day, spent the evening house hopping from family members to friends. The next day was so full we had a schedule to fit everyone in, plus the baby shower.
I called her back and gave her a piece of mind. I gave her a reason to hangup on me. Furthermore, we did check out the next morning (after 4 hours of sleep), we did get our money back on the second night that we did not stay there. You can't charge someone for a room they don't use! People check out early all the time... I spoke to the manager and was apologized to profusely. (blah,blah,blah) Received a free night stay certificate which will go to my brother because he can sleep through anything and he visits Amarillo too. (I will never use that hotel again, free or not) And I learned a very important lesson, if there is a pool, gameroom, or anything with bright lights that attracts children and/or teenagers in a hotel, I will ask to be put on the opposite end.
Where did we go? Motel6. I gave in to hubby. I told him we had a bad night in a nice hotel, it cannot be worse at the Motel6. And you know what, we slept like babies for 8 hours. Go figure. This hotel snob is going to do some reevaluating.

Life Lessons

2008-03-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

I know, I know. A little heavy for Tuesday morning, but hey, what can I say?

I am 29 and I have been through many, many, many 'drama' moments. I like to blame my mom (whom I love very much) because she is some what of a crisis junkie. She always has to be in the middle of something. She always finds herself in these situations that are, at first appearance, impossible and sometimes frightening. As a kid I was around this all the time and thought it was normal. Following my mother's path in my young adulthood, I found myself in some situations of my own that were less than desireable. Now as an adult, and after meeting my husband, I find that this is not normal. (BTW-What is "normal"?) Life doesn't have to be about the next crisis to fix or drama to live through. Life can be pretty simple if you let it.

Things I have learned in 29 years:

1. Being the oldest sucks. You are a guinea pig in a parenting lab. God Bless

2. No matter how much you love someone, you can't change them. That is a hard lesson to learn.

3. The 'bad boys' are called that for a reason.

4. Don't beat yourself up, use the energy to become the person you want to be.

5. Never stay in the hotel room across from the indoor pool and/or gameroom.

6. Never say, "I would never let my child do that."

7. Day care is not for me. No matter how much you pay them, they still could lose your child.

8. This too shall pass...this is something my mother says. It usually annoys me at the time she says it, but she is usually right.

9. You have that "gut feeling" for a reason. It's called a woman's intuition. Use it!

10. It always rains when the kids are out of school!

Roast Beef and Potatoes!

2008-03-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight I made a big meal for the family to devour! Roast beef with roasted potatoes, green bean casserole and on the side, carrots and corn. It was very tasty.
the ROAST before

the succulent ROAST when finished

the green bean casserole

I went for total comfrot food tonight....

Time for Key Lime

2008-03-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Key Lime Pie is my hubby's favorite. I searched for the right recipe and finally found this one. It is smooth, sweet and just the right amount of tart. I love making it for him, just to see his eyes light up while I whip fresh cream to top it with.
He is a good provider and a wonderful helpmate. I often think of ways to show my appreciation and,so far, this is his favorite way for me to do it!
This is also going to be my submission for Sugar High Friday. They are having a round up of desserts that are sure to be outstanding. All entries will be posted March 28th. If you would like to enter a dessert please go here by Monday March 24th.

***sorry,not the best picture ;)

Key Lime Pie
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh or bottled key lime juice or lime juice
2 Tablespoons water
1-2 drops green food coloring (optional)
1 tsp grated lime peel
1 graham cracker pie crust
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
Key lime slices oe lime slices for garnish

in a large bowl, beat eggs and yolk with wire whisk until combined. Gradually add milk, beating until combined. Add lime juice,water,food coloring (if using),and lime peel. Whisk until well mixed. Pour into crust and place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until almost set in center. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Chill mixing bowl and beaters of electric mixer in freezer* In chilled bowl beat cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Top pie and garnish with lime slices.
*the cream will whip faster in chilled bowl

St. Patty's Day

2008-03-15T15:54:00.001-07:00

I know St. Patrick's Day isn't until Monday, however, I made a dinner in it's honor tonight. I made a Blarney Breakfast Bake, O'Larry's Skillet Potatoes and Irisha Soda Muffins. It was scrumptious!
Here are the freshly baked Irish Soda Muffins which will be my submission for breadmakingday.

This is the sauasage and onion cooking for the breakfast bake.

The Blarney Breakfast Bake...Yum!!!

The very pretty onion and red bell pepper for the skillet potatoes.

The meal:

All three recipes can be found at Taste of Home.
Irish Soda Muffins
6 muffins
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons beaten egg
1/3 cup raisins
In a small bowl, combine the flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk the sour cream, oil and egg; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in raisins.
Fill six greased or paper-lined muffin cups half full. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 400° for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack. Serve warm

Chile Con Queso

2008-03-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

I love queso! When we have Mexican dishes this is a must. When we go out for Mexican, I always order the largest bowl they have. I love it with chips and I usually put some on my entree. I know, I know...not the healthiest. This recipe is a good one. This is my entry for Random Recipes. Check it out, they have some very good food going on over there!

Chile con Queso
SouthernLiving
Prep: 15 min.; Cook: 1 hr., 30 min.

Diced green chiles can be substituted for roasted green chiles.
Ingredients
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 (4oz.) jar diced pimiento, undrained
2 (4oz.) cans roasted diced green chiles
1 cup cottage cheese
2 (16oz.) loaves pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed
1(5oz.) can evaporated milk
Assorted tortilla and corn chips
Toppings: grape tomato halves, pickled jalapeño slices

Preparation
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onion, and sauté until tender. Stir in diced pimiento and roasted green chiles, and sauté 1 minute. Set aside.
2. Process 1 cup cottage cheese in blender until creamy.
3. Place onion mixture, cottage cheese, and cubed cheese in a 4-qt. slow cooker; stir in evaporated milk. Cover and cook on LOW 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring gently every 20 minutes. Stir before serving. Serve with assorted tortilla and corn chips and desired toppings.
Yield
Makes about 8 cups

Dinner is served....

2008-03-14T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had Honey Curried Chicken..Yum! I serve it with steamed rice and broccoli. I have posted the recipe here.

Cheating is Complimentary?

2008-03-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

If you think I am wrong, please comment!!!!!!!

Last night we had a teacher-parent conference at Isabella's school. They do this twice a year just to show you what your child is doing and how well they are progressing. I took the opportunity to let the teacher know that Isabella is having issues with a classmate, who we will call Goober for the post. Goober is very aggressive and has a very strong personality. Pushy, obnoxious and down right mean at times. Isabella, while not perfect, is not an agressive personality type. She would rather everyone get along than fight. Goober has been cheating off of Isabella's math worksheets. She told Isabella that she would make something up for the teacher to get Isabella in trouble, if she did't let her cheat.
The teacher responded, with a sigh, that yes Goober has been a problem all year. She has moved her 5, yes 5, times this year. She assured us that Goober would be moved when the kids came back from Spring Break. She also stated that Isabella had told her about it once and she had told Isabella that is was a compliment that someone who has trouble with math would want to copy off of her.
This is the part I am having trouble with. I am all about someone getting help if they need it. But isn't that the teacher's job? Or the parent's? What about a tutor? I do not want my daughter to go through her school years letting people cheat and thinking it is a compliment to her brain. They need to use their own brain! What happens when Goober goes to second grade and Isabella isn't in that class and she doesn't know anything when the math is handed out? What happens later in Isabella's life when she and the other person are caught and they BOTH get in trouble? Am I wrong to be upset? I told the teacher that I would appreciate her moving Goober. In front of Isabella, I told her that it is okay to help someone but cheating is not exceptable.
Do you agree or disagree?

Final Road Trip Post

2008-03-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

I have taken pictures of my two favorite breakfast places in Amarillo

Back home!

Stating the obvious...the park will burn flat...Am I the only one who finds this funny???

Meatball Night!

2008-03-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

The kids love Meatballs! Here they are before being baked....

Yummmmmm

After simmering in a sauce I throw together for an hour, they are very tasty!

Third Road Trip Post

2008-03-12T07:59:00.001-07:00

The Texas State Line...We made it!

At a reststop about 25 minutes from Amarillo

It is very flat out here!!!

The Big Texan...where you get your meal free if you eat a 72oz steak in an hour! Seriously.

Party!!!!

2008-03-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

I am fashionably late, as usual, but I did not forget about the party!
Life sometimes interupts my blogging schedule, which I find very rude. I would like to welcome new readers and say hello to old friends!
I am a stay at home mom, but like most SAHMoms I am really not home that much. I have managed to refrain from soap operas and bon bons, but I am addicted to blogging.....hmmmm.

I love to cook and have many posts on the recipes my family enjoys. They are listed on the side if you would like to browse through.

I was just tagged yesterday by the Relunctant Housewife, so for 5 interesting (I use this word loosely) things about me you can go here.

I have no set pattern or subjects for my blog. I just blog about my world and what I got cookin' in the kitchen! Thanks for stopping by and leave me a shout so I can check you out!

Thanks to 5 minutes For Mom for putting this party together!

Pork Sparerib Dinner

2008-03-11T16:14:00.001-07:00

Slow Cooker Night!

Boneless Pork Spareribs

I use Kraft BBQ sauce

Following my grandmother, I add a handful of brown sugar, dab of mustard and ketchup

Pour over the spareribs and cook on Low for 5 hours

Dinner is served! with potato salad and peas

Tag, your it!

2008-03-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was tagged! It's my first tag! Thanks to Relunctant Housewife for the tag. She would like to know 5 things about me. The first rush of excitement at being tagged has been replaced with a look of deep concentration. 5 things, interesting things preferably. Hmmmmmm

1. I keep a journal. I have for years. I write in it at least twice a week. I keep track of the kids' changes, the things they can do/say. I always begin with a list of 5 blessings or things I am thankful for. We take the kids to the library every two weeks and I try to pick up at least 2 books I haven't read before. In my journal I list them and what I thought about them. Maybe one day my children will read them, the books and my journal. I also write letters to my kids and my husband. I am currently on my 8th journal.

2. I have always wanted to take photography classes. It just sounds really fun!

3. I am a "self-taught" cook. There are a few meals that I helped prepare with my mom and grandmother, but the list is very limited. The first meal I served my hubby when we were dating was a grilled cheese sandwich with ham. When I got married and realized he would eat anything, not kidding he will try anything, I decided to learn to cook. I subscribed to Taste of Home magazine, bought a couple of cookbooks and then realized that you can check them out at the library. I even had to get a book on different techniques. Now, I have several recipes perfected and everyone has their favorites they request. I try to do at least one new recipe a week. i remember the first time I chopped garlic and onion for my first attempt at spaghetti sauce....ahhh...it is so satisfying to cook! I had no idea I would love it this much!

4. I like my in-laws. This may seem like a weird thing to list, but I am always hearing people complain about their in-laws. My in-laws are very accepting and
non-judgemental. I was always thinking of ways to impress them. It took a long time for me to realize they weren't just "being nice" to me, they genuinely liked me.

5. I believe in what goes around comes around. If you did something out of spite or hate, watch out! This is a little shout out to the people who stole hubby's car...one day you will get yours my friend...one day.

I know...not very interesting is it? Well, I never played sports, or musical instruments. I was however a "student trainer" my senior year. That way I got to pass out water to my guy friends on the baseball team. Too fun!