Thursday, January 7, 2010

It is cold - but what happened to our snow??

Where is the fun stuff "snow" that goes with this cold weather?  I kept saying it would go east or west!!!  I know the hazards that come with snow or ice -- but deep in me is the child that dreams of the snow we had right here in East Texas (Winona) when I was a young girl!!  Guess I will just keep dreaming and wrapping up and complaining about the bitter cold weather!!!

Well - friends, I don't know for sure if the Taco Soup was really as good as it appeared (at the end of the day, the huge crock pot was empty -- and dirty ) or they just took helpings and poured it out!  Of course - "Grace"  here -- hit hers with  her plastic spoon - dumped it off the counter - and my goodness gracious - corn and Rotel tomato went across the room!  Thanks to Gay and a police officer we got it all cleaned up !  Well I thought I had it cleaned off my pants until it started to dry - I hate having to have brand new pants cleaned - but to the cleaners they must go!!  I must come to the conclusion - the onion and garlic complimented the other ingredients and shall plan to add it to my Taco Soup next time around!!

We went out last night -- my husband, known by most as Travis - and "Uncle" by our little niece -- wanted dumplings and he really thought he could get them at Cotton Patch.  Not so - they had them on Tuesday night!  The menu had changed in content and price.  We decided on something to eat -- I just had a cup of chicken noodle soup!!   So knowing he really wanted chicken and dumplings - I made them tonight.  I really like to start with a whole cut up chicken -- but tonight - chicken breasts had to do!  Got to say -- not as good as my Mom's, but after so long a time of denying myself and family (because I always eat too many) they were delicious - especially with the Red Gravy I served with them!  RED GRAVY - WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT??  My Mom comes from Louisiana and her family always made red gravy to go on their dumplings.  Ummm- so good (and hot!)  Take a little oil, add crushed Red Pepper flakes, let them start to toast, add water or broth, add a favorite piece of chicken and let it cook for a while.  Then add a dash (well you know me - a little more than a dash) of garlic, then some salt.
To thicken - combine a couple of tablespoons of corn starch with about 1/2 cup cold water and stir in until it becomes thickened. 

Well - can't help but wonder -- have any of you tried the Mile High Meringue?  I am cooking for our church this coming Wednesday night and have my menu almost figured out -- but dessert - that is a cat of another color!  To make a dessert for 100 -- takes some thought!!! Any suggestions???

Do any of you wish for a simple and easy - but tried and proven casserole to serve in the morning - or to take to the office and wow them?  If so - try this one.  I have been making it for years - by now I've lost count of how many!!

Easy Breakfast Casserole

1 lb. Hot sausage - browned and drained well
1 pkg. crescent rolls
2 cups either Mozarella cheese (original recipe) or Mexican mixed cheese
5 eggs
3/4  Cup milk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. blackpepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
Jalapeno slices (optional)

Cook sausage and drain.  Sprya 9 X 13 pan with cooking spray.  Spread out crescent rolls and pinch seems together.  Place cooked sausage over rolls.  Sprinkle cheese ove sausage.  Beat, eggs, milk, salt, and peppers.  Pour over top..  (Place jalapenos on the top (optional).  Bake at 425 degrees for 20 t0 25 minutes - until eggs are set!!!  Great served with any of the salsas I mentioned earlier!!!

My sister can't believe I am giving away some of my recipes  -- but that is my goal -- give you something fun and good to try!  Ultimately I will be happy if I can convince some of you to take your cooking to a whole new level - and show your family - they are worth the extra effort.

I have to believe that any of you that might happen to read this - will have safe homes and warm places to be this cold winter night.  My heart does go out to those not as fortunate as us!  Do what you can for them!! Buy a blanket, take coats you don't use or haven't worn in a long time, or any warm warm things to Path, West Erwin Church of Christ Benovolent Closet, Salvation Army, or the Rescue Misson on Glenwood! 
So stay warm, have a blessed tomorrow and talk to you soon!

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