Wednesday evening. They had left-over white rice tonight so I brought some home and made Travis a rice pudding. He has always loved them but I usually cook brown rice and that just doesn't seem to go with pudding!! I will give you the very simple recipe in a few minutes!
There has been something on my mind all day! Today a car pulled up behind me and there was a young man (looked like a kid)and he looked okay - but he had one of those jackets with a hood and it was pulled up over his head. I got to thinking about all of the kids and young adults I had seen lately wearing those hoods on their heads - one was a woman running. Now understand it was not raining, snowing, or extra cold. Is this a new style or is their hair nasty, head shaped funny, just not groomed, do they conceal something strange under that hood or do they think they are "styling"? It is just very weird in my opinion - and I may be older than they - but I believe I still know what is appropriate and what is not!!
It is kind of like the old grey headed men in camouflage wearing pony tails -- I just don't get it!! If you know the answer - please let me know!!!
IT is confession time now -- I have been challenged to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts this week. The week has been challenging! I loved Melody's talk Sunday night about exchanging negative thoughts with positive ones but today I am having a hard time doing that. We were told through email that if we wear perfume to keep it very light so it won't offend someone else! This did not come from our branch but to me it was an infringment on or personal rights. Kind of like a church I went to where maybe 95% of the congregation wanted to do something or did something like a "Neighborhood fair" with cake walk, jumping jack trampolines, and other fun game on the grounds - to attract the neighborhood and get them to join us - and 5% later expressed their disapproval and we had to never do it again lest we offend them! What about the rest of us being offended by their disapproval. That makes it hard to exchange your thoughts! Let me say I am so thankful to be worshipping with a congregation that goes out of its way to minister to and attract the neighborhood and get them interested in hearing about the love of God and His Son - because of our interest in them!! Thank you Lord for lifting us up and setting us at Shiloh!!!
OLD FASHION RICE PUDDING
2 Cups cooked white rice
3 Eggs, beaten well
1 Cup Sugar
1/4 tsp. Salt
1 Cup Half and Half or whipping cream or just plain milk
1 tsp. Vanilla flavoring
1/2 cup raisins (Optional)
Dash of nutmeg
Beat eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla & milk. Stir in rice and raisins.
Pour into a greased 2 qt. baking dish, sprinkle with nutmeg and bake approximately 35 to 40 minutes. (I stirred mine at 30 minutes and cooked another 10 minutes.)
Must be good -- Travis has eaten two large bowls of it!!! I tasted and it is good -- of course I used Whipping cream in place of skim milk!!
Way back some time ago I promised a recipe for "Delicious Dirt" and could not find the recipe -- well here it is:
DELICIOUS DIRT
1 stick butter
1- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 Cup powdered sugar
Mix until smooth.
Add:
2 pkg. (3 oz. each) Instant French pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
Continue to mix until smooth. Blend in 1/2 jar marshmallow cream until smooth. Fold in 23 ounce container Cool Whip. Crush a 20 oz. package of Oreo Cookies in food processor until dirtlike consistency. Layer pudding mix and Oreo cookies, ending with cookies on top in a clean flower pot or sand pail. serve with shovel.
This is a fun recipe - easy and everyone says - Delicious -- I just don't eat chocolate or dirt!! ha!
Have a blessed night! God's Will - join me again!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
GOOD COMPANY - GOOD RECIPES
Haven't been back home too long -- we went to the Pilot Club's social tonight - a hamburger supper sponsored by the Director's of the club. I guess I kind of volunteered Travis to cook the hamburgers for the group of about 24. Some of the ladies are in their eighties - but I should have as much energy as some of them have! It was a fun evening - good hamburgers, beans (I've got to get the recipe), potato salad and desserts! I took the Sopapilla Cheesecake and it got raves -- they all want the recipe! So I will put in the Pilot Light (our monthly newsletter that I do each month)for April. Then we played the game with white elephant gifts and some of them were really - really white elephants! On the way home Travis just happened to mention that tomorrow is one of his guy's birthday and he needed to take something. So - I went into the kitchen with all intentions of making the easy Banana Bread using a cake mix. Well - I had used the last cake mix when I made the Pineapple Cake the other day -- so - good wife that I am - I made Banana Nut Bread from scratch!! It is baking as I type!!!
I had a wonderful surprize this morning. This couple came into the bank this morning and kept looking in at me. I had a customer but finally recognized my cousin and his wife from Omaha, Nebraska. He is about 16 years younger than me but was and is the sweetest guy and we always loved it when they came to visit his grandmother for a week! They had flown in for his uncle's funeral and was on his way to Dallas to fly back out. I loved visiting with them. Thanks Russell and Kelli - you made my day -- actually my week!!!
I want to dispel a theory I heard the other day: that if you peel a banana from the bottom up - you won't have those little strings left on the banana! Well I tried it tonight -- NOT TRUE - I could not tell the difference -- they just pulled off the opposite way! Now aren't you glad you read this and you know this important piece of news?
Springtime starts people thinking of light and cool desserts - or it does me for sure - even though it can be 99 degrees and Travis still wants a warm dessert - chocolate pie, pudding or cake -- or banana pudding! But for most of us - we want something lighter and here is one of the best Lemon Ice Box Pies I've ever tasted!
BEST LEMON ICE BOX PIE - given by Brenda Whiteley
1 Graham cracker pie crust
2 Cans of Eagle Brand milk
1 Cup concentrated Lemon juice
1 8 oz. container of Cool Whip
1 Cam Cream cheese or vanilla icing
Mix the Eagle Brand milk with the lemon juice in a bowl by hand. Continue to mix until it thickens. Pour the mixture into the pie shell. Let it chill. Then mix the Cool Whip with icing. Top the pie after it is chilled with the Cool Whip Icing mixture.
Then eat and enjoy!!!
Another light and wonderful dish to serve as a side dish with ham, turkey or any other meat dish -- or as a wonderful accompliment to a pound cake or alone as a dessert is this fruit salad:
Peach Pie Fruit Salad
1 Can Peach Pie Filling
1/2 carton of Strawberry glace'
4 slice bananas
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 can drained chunk pineapple
1 chopped apple
Add grapes, and any other fruit desired - or omit any you might not like. Stir all of the fruit into the peach pie filling and strawberry glace'. Chill a couple of hours - and serve however you please. Guaranteed to delight!!!! One of the ladies had brought this tonight and it was wonderful. She had used all fresh fruits except in place of Strawberry Glace' - she used about 1/2 carton of frozen strawberries in addition to the fresh berries! That is the beauty of this salad/dessert - it is so versatile.
Oh - I just took the Banana Nut bread out of the oven and it does smell good!
I hope you have a wonderful rest blessed by God - and that you rise tomorrow with new resolves to think positive thoughts - do good for someone less fortunate and join me again - God willing!
I had a wonderful surprize this morning. This couple came into the bank this morning and kept looking in at me. I had a customer but finally recognized my cousin and his wife from Omaha, Nebraska. He is about 16 years younger than me but was and is the sweetest guy and we always loved it when they came to visit his grandmother for a week! They had flown in for his uncle's funeral and was on his way to Dallas to fly back out. I loved visiting with them. Thanks Russell and Kelli - you made my day -- actually my week!!!
I want to dispel a theory I heard the other day: that if you peel a banana from the bottom up - you won't have those little strings left on the banana! Well I tried it tonight -- NOT TRUE - I could not tell the difference -- they just pulled off the opposite way! Now aren't you glad you read this and you know this important piece of news?
Springtime starts people thinking of light and cool desserts - or it does me for sure - even though it can be 99 degrees and Travis still wants a warm dessert - chocolate pie, pudding or cake -- or banana pudding! But for most of us - we want something lighter and here is one of the best Lemon Ice Box Pies I've ever tasted!
BEST LEMON ICE BOX PIE - given by Brenda Whiteley
1 Graham cracker pie crust
2 Cans of Eagle Brand milk
1 Cup concentrated Lemon juice
1 8 oz. container of Cool Whip
1 Cam Cream cheese or vanilla icing
Mix the Eagle Brand milk with the lemon juice in a bowl by hand. Continue to mix until it thickens. Pour the mixture into the pie shell. Let it chill. Then mix the Cool Whip with icing. Top the pie after it is chilled with the Cool Whip Icing mixture.
Then eat and enjoy!!!
Another light and wonderful dish to serve as a side dish with ham, turkey or any other meat dish -- or as a wonderful accompliment to a pound cake or alone as a dessert is this fruit salad:
Peach Pie Fruit Salad
1 Can Peach Pie Filling
1/2 carton of Strawberry glace'
4 slice bananas
1 pint fresh strawberries
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 can drained chunk pineapple
1 chopped apple
Add grapes, and any other fruit desired - or omit any you might not like. Stir all of the fruit into the peach pie filling and strawberry glace'. Chill a couple of hours - and serve however you please. Guaranteed to delight!!!! One of the ladies had brought this tonight and it was wonderful. She had used all fresh fruits except in place of Strawberry Glace' - she used about 1/2 carton of frozen strawberries in addition to the fresh berries! That is the beauty of this salad/dessert - it is so versatile.
Oh - I just took the Banana Nut bread out of the oven and it does smell good!
I hope you have a wonderful rest blessed by God - and that you rise tomorrow with new resolves to think positive thoughts - do good for someone less fortunate and join me again - God willing!
Monday, March 29, 2010
IT WAS MONDAY - WHAT CAN I SAY?
I'm b - a - c - k --big deal huh? I just spent about an hour catching up on Facebook -- so much to read and say!! If you checked out FB - you know that 5 people I knew or knew their family passed away this past week - I've attended 2 of the 5 funerals and it really has made mortality a reality with me. Today it was for the husband of a woman that was in Pilot Club with me and my heart grieves for her tonight- thinking of the loneliness she must feel. I know she knew the end was near (he had had cancer for a couple of years and lately his decline was drastic) - but the funeral is over - the friends and family have gone home - and she is alone. Their life was a story book story - childhood and high school friends - and then they went their own way -- had families - and late in life (about seven years ago) found one another. Those of us that only met her about this time got to experience their love and devotion and thankfulness of discovering one another again. So - yes she is sad tonight and so am I - thinking about her loss and the inevitable truth - that we all have to face the reality that we will most likely loose someone we love more than life itself - or they will lose us! But what a reunion we have to look forward to -- if we are in Christ and have the assurance of Heaven!!
I cooked great big Lima beans today for our meal tonight. I added cornbread - with added jalapenos, cheese, and corn. I also made avocado cheeseburgers! All of it was very good - could only eat 1/2 hamburger - but the beans were really delicious. I told Kathy today that I had cooked them without the ham they needed because I didn't have any. I also shared that I looked in my pantry for something I thought I might could add to them and started to add a can of mushroom soup. How bad would that have been? Probably gross - and I didn't do it. I went to Brookshires after work and bought a big slice of center cut ham - chopped up about 1/4 cup, put it in some water and boiled for about 15 minutes and then added it to the beans, with salt, Foxpoint spice (from Pensey's), black pepper, garlic and brown sugar. They turned out to be the best I had ever had!!!I know they may sound gross to many of you -- but beans are suppose to be so healthy that I am going to try to prepare them once a week. Kind of like the Zydeco song "Today is Monday" by Johnette Downing about Monday is Red Beans!" Travis gets to take beans, cornbread and hamburger tomorrow and Michelle gets a hamburger ( the meat was 90-10) and some cantalope. WHO knows if I get to eat or not. I also had to make my dessert for the Pilot Club get together tomorrow night. I made the Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert - (will try to post a picture!) I gave you the recipe on my post on Sunday, March 7 - titled "A Night of Rest - Mind Recharged and Lots to Say!" If you've not made it yet - you owe it to your family - the ones you love - or your employees, your peers at work or church to make it for them!
Ok - I try to keep my promise (only my promise of a Table of Contents is slow in coming - I have never been so busy ) - but here is the very best Fruit Bread I have ever made - I received this recipe in 1973 - yes I am old and this recipe is probably older than most of you reading this -- but - don't count us out -- recipes and lots of older people are like the saying about good wine - better with age!!!
PUMPKIN BREAD
Mix the following:
3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Crisco Oil (Now I would use Canola!)
1 Can Pumpkin (2 cups)
4 Eggs, beaten
Then add:
3/4 cup water
Sift together:
3-1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Soda
1 tsp.Cinnamon
2 tsp. Nutmeg
Add to blended sugar mixture. Mix well. Add:
1 lb. chopped dates
1 lb. chopped pecans
May be baked in 3 - 1# coffee cans that have been greased and floured for 1 hr, 15 minutes at 325 degrees or may use 2 to 3 large loaf pans.
Fill either about 1/2 full.
I hope you don't read this too early - because I am sure I will have corrections - so if you beat me to the blog in the morning - bear with me - check it out later - and hopefully I will have caught all the errors and corrected them!
May God bless you in whatever you do - especially if you cook something special for your family - or if you make them an ordinary meal that you can do with your eyes closed - do whatever pleases your family - and that will be pleasing to God! With His will - we will have more tomorrow!!
I cooked great big Lima beans today for our meal tonight. I added cornbread - with added jalapenos, cheese, and corn. I also made avocado cheeseburgers! All of it was very good - could only eat 1/2 hamburger - but the beans were really delicious. I told Kathy today that I had cooked them without the ham they needed because I didn't have any. I also shared that I looked in my pantry for something I thought I might could add to them and started to add a can of mushroom soup. How bad would that have been? Probably gross - and I didn't do it. I went to Brookshires after work and bought a big slice of center cut ham - chopped up about 1/4 cup, put it in some water and boiled for about 15 minutes and then added it to the beans, with salt, Foxpoint spice (from Pensey's), black pepper, garlic and brown sugar. They turned out to be the best I had ever had!!!I know they may sound gross to many of you -- but beans are suppose to be so healthy that I am going to try to prepare them once a week. Kind of like the Zydeco song "Today is Monday" by Johnette Downing about Monday is Red Beans!" Travis gets to take beans, cornbread and hamburger tomorrow and Michelle gets a hamburger ( the meat was 90-10) and some cantalope. WHO knows if I get to eat or not. I also had to make my dessert for the Pilot Club get together tomorrow night. I made the Sopapilla Cheesecake Dessert - (will try to post a picture!) I gave you the recipe on my post on Sunday, March 7 - titled "A Night of Rest - Mind Recharged and Lots to Say!" If you've not made it yet - you owe it to your family - the ones you love - or your employees, your peers at work or church to make it for them!
Ok - I try to keep my promise (only my promise of a Table of Contents is slow in coming - I have never been so busy ) - but here is the very best Fruit Bread I have ever made - I received this recipe in 1973 - yes I am old and this recipe is probably older than most of you reading this -- but - don't count us out -- recipes and lots of older people are like the saying about good wine - better with age!!!
PUMPKIN BREAD
Mix the following:
3 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Crisco Oil (Now I would use Canola!)
1 Can Pumpkin (2 cups)
4 Eggs, beaten
Then add:
3/4 cup water
Sift together:
3-1/2 Cups Flour
1 tsp. Soda
1 tsp.Cinnamon
2 tsp. Nutmeg
Add to blended sugar mixture. Mix well. Add:
1 lb. chopped dates
1 lb. chopped pecans
May be baked in 3 - 1# coffee cans that have been greased and floured for 1 hr, 15 minutes at 325 degrees or may use 2 to 3 large loaf pans.
Fill either about 1/2 full.
I hope you don't read this too early - because I am sure I will have corrections - so if you beat me to the blog in the morning - bear with me - check it out later - and hopefully I will have caught all the errors and corrected them!
May God bless you in whatever you do - especially if you cook something special for your family - or if you make them an ordinary meal that you can do with your eyes closed - do whatever pleases your family - and that will be pleasing to God! With His will - we will have more tomorrow!!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
A BLESSED PEOPLE ON A GREAT SUNDAY
I took a couple of nights off - just needed to do other things - but I really missed sharing with you! I don't think I've ever been any more touched by someone as I was this morning. A dear sweet, smart friend told me that she had never looked up my blog until the other night and she stayed up until 2 am reading it -- and then she said "I was blessed!" What a blessing that was to me!! Thank you Sharon!!
One of the best gifts I have ever received was a new dictionary and Thesaurus that one of the ladies at work gave me for my birthday! It seems I question my ability to spell certain words quite often and my new dictionary stays close by! I wonder how I got along without it! I'll tell you - I would go to Word, open up an article, type the word and let spell check tell me if it was correct or not! Most of the time I had the word correctly but sometimes not the case! I think that is the next thing Blogger should do - add spell check! Thanks again Kathy for a wonderful gift!
I have the bug again this year -- no not a flu bug -- but I can't wait any longer to start replacing dead plants with beautiful live ones! This tough winter took out about everything I had -- we did manage to keep the three wonderful fruit trees (lime, grapefruit, & mandrian orange)alive. It just took one trip to Flower Market at the Goodman Museum this weekend to come down with a serious case of floweritus! (New word - not even in my new dictionary!!) I love all of the beautiful colors, the variety of plants -- almost too many to choose from! I came home from the flower market with two gorgeous red geraniums and one trailing bougainvillea. Oh and 4 more daylilly cuttings! Then today - even though I have small tomatoes planted in a teeny tiny garden, I bought three more -- this time one is about 2-1/2 feet tall with lots of blooms, and one is already covered with Roma tomatoes! Now that is how I really like to buy them!
Guess what we all discovered tonight! Our preacher is human - just like the rest of us! We had a church full of guests from other congregations for a City wide church service and he announced that in June the Abilene Police Department was going to use our building to do a couple of safety seminars. I wondered why Abliene was coming when we have a top notch police department -- but finally thought - oh well, this must be some kind of specialized program they provide. Just before services were dismissed - our song leader said he just wanted to let us all know that Mark was mistaken - Abilene was not coming -- it is the Tyler Police Department that would be holding the seminar!!! Oh well - Mark - we all make mistakes!!
Our guest speaker today was Damon Parker and his lessons were very powerful - but even better than his lessons was his wife's lesson to the women's class. I have thought about what she said several times today! She was truly one of, if not the best speakers I have ever heard. Not just talk - but practical advise that was easy to understand and use! What a blessing she must be to all that know her! I am sure John and Janet are proud of them both! She talked about how our minds can get twisted and we start to dwell on something - either real or imagined - and let it fester until our pitcher runs over! She showed us a technique to lesson our tension - and suggested we practice replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. As an example she said that one might go to church and 100 people might smile and speak - but one person just looked the other way or through you and you forget about the 100 and dwell on the why that one didn't speak! She said in that case we should replace the "she didn't speak" with thinking maybe she had too much on her plate that day, or wonder if she is not feeling well. Then you take the thought off "poor pitiful you" and replace it with concern for the other person! This really struck a cord with me because I had told Travis about one lady that never speaks (How did Melody know???) and so tonight I got a chance to smile at her -- and she smiled back! See - just great practical practices to make us become more like God talks about us being in Philipians 4:8 - "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things!" She is so wise to be so young!" Janet, Melody's mother-in-law, in introducing her said "she has a true heart for God" and it did shine through today! And how could anyone be so slim and trim and have five children??
Who loves a good banana bread but doesn't always want to take the time to measure out the sugar, flour, baking powder, etc? Well here is a recipe that cuts down on the measuring - and I've never made it - but I get compliments on it -- and it disappears quite fast - especially at the office:
BANANA BREAD (THE EASY WAY!)
1 Box yellow or white cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1 Cup water
3 Bananas - peeled and mashed
1 Tsp. vanilla
2 Tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Mix well - all ingredients except nuts. Stir in pecans or walnuts - if desired. Pour into prepared pans (2 large loaf pans or 5 small ones)- Prepared pans are greased (I spray with Pam) and dust with flour. I also change this up and dust with sugar. You get a wonderful crunch to the bread! Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min to 1 hour - or until a tester comes out clean when inserted into the bread. Let cook about 5 minutes and remove from pans to rack to finish cooling! ENJOY!!!!
Tomorrow night I will give you the longer version - measure, etc. - but also delicious bread!!!!
Well - I hope your day was as blessed as mine today -this afternoon the chorus groups that will compete at LTC sang for the congregations and they were all very good - but the very best was Shiloh's high school group. They sounds more like a polished choir - Chuck has done a great job with a great group of singers! Have a blessed night's rest - and God's will - come back tomorrow -- You never know what's in store -- and sometimes I don't either!
One of the best gifts I have ever received was a new dictionary and Thesaurus that one of the ladies at work gave me for my birthday! It seems I question my ability to spell certain words quite often and my new dictionary stays close by! I wonder how I got along without it! I'll tell you - I would go to Word, open up an article, type the word and let spell check tell me if it was correct or not! Most of the time I had the word correctly but sometimes not the case! I think that is the next thing Blogger should do - add spell check! Thanks again Kathy for a wonderful gift!
I have the bug again this year -- no not a flu bug -- but I can't wait any longer to start replacing dead plants with beautiful live ones! This tough winter took out about everything I had -- we did manage to keep the three wonderful fruit trees (lime, grapefruit, & mandrian orange)alive. It just took one trip to Flower Market at the Goodman Museum this weekend to come down with a serious case of floweritus! (New word - not even in my new dictionary!!) I love all of the beautiful colors, the variety of plants -- almost too many to choose from! I came home from the flower market with two gorgeous red geraniums and one trailing bougainvillea. Oh and 4 more daylilly cuttings! Then today - even though I have small tomatoes planted in a teeny tiny garden, I bought three more -- this time one is about 2-1/2 feet tall with lots of blooms, and one is already covered with Roma tomatoes! Now that is how I really like to buy them!
Guess what we all discovered tonight! Our preacher is human - just like the rest of us! We had a church full of guests from other congregations for a City wide church service and he announced that in June the Abilene Police Department was going to use our building to do a couple of safety seminars. I wondered why Abliene was coming when we have a top notch police department -- but finally thought - oh well, this must be some kind of specialized program they provide. Just before services were dismissed - our song leader said he just wanted to let us all know that Mark was mistaken - Abilene was not coming -- it is the Tyler Police Department that would be holding the seminar!!! Oh well - Mark - we all make mistakes!!
Our guest speaker today was Damon Parker and his lessons were very powerful - but even better than his lessons was his wife's lesson to the women's class. I have thought about what she said several times today! She was truly one of, if not the best speakers I have ever heard. Not just talk - but practical advise that was easy to understand and use! What a blessing she must be to all that know her! I am sure John and Janet are proud of them both! She talked about how our minds can get twisted and we start to dwell on something - either real or imagined - and let it fester until our pitcher runs over! She showed us a technique to lesson our tension - and suggested we practice replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. As an example she said that one might go to church and 100 people might smile and speak - but one person just looked the other way or through you and you forget about the 100 and dwell on the why that one didn't speak! She said in that case we should replace the "she didn't speak" with thinking maybe she had too much on her plate that day, or wonder if she is not feeling well. Then you take the thought off "poor pitiful you" and replace it with concern for the other person! This really struck a cord with me because I had told Travis about one lady that never speaks (How did Melody know???) and so tonight I got a chance to smile at her -- and she smiled back! See - just great practical practices to make us become more like God talks about us being in Philipians 4:8 - "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things!" She is so wise to be so young!" Janet, Melody's mother-in-law, in introducing her said "she has a true heart for God" and it did shine through today! And how could anyone be so slim and trim and have five children??
Who loves a good banana bread but doesn't always want to take the time to measure out the sugar, flour, baking powder, etc? Well here is a recipe that cuts down on the measuring - and I've never made it - but I get compliments on it -- and it disappears quite fast - especially at the office:
BANANA BREAD (THE EASY WAY!)
1 Box yellow or white cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
1 Cup water
3 Bananas - peeled and mashed
1 Tsp. vanilla
2 Tsp. cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Mix well - all ingredients except nuts. Stir in pecans or walnuts - if desired. Pour into prepared pans (2 large loaf pans or 5 small ones)- Prepared pans are greased (I spray with Pam) and dust with flour. I also change this up and dust with sugar. You get a wonderful crunch to the bread! Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min to 1 hour - or until a tester comes out clean when inserted into the bread. Let cook about 5 minutes and remove from pans to rack to finish cooling! ENJOY!!!!
Tomorrow night I will give you the longer version - measure, etc. - but also delicious bread!!!!
Well - I hope your day was as blessed as mine today -this afternoon the chorus groups that will compete at LTC sang for the congregations and they were all very good - but the very best was Shiloh's high school group. They sounds more like a polished choir - Chuck has done a great job with a great group of singers! Have a blessed night's rest - and God's will - come back tomorrow -- You never know what's in store -- and sometimes I don't either!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MY HOW A DAY CAN CHANGE IN A MOMENT'S NOTICE
Everything seemed so rosy when I woke up this morning! No emergency military calls all night which relates to a good night's rest! Then as I turned the water off in the shower this morning - my phone was ringing. It was the answering service for the Red Cross and I took the call. An emergency that needed attended to immediately if a son was going to get to Athens in time for his dad's surgery. So - as a result of numerous phone calls - I arrived at the main bank exactly one minute before the doors are closed. Who dares open them and coming strolling in? Still it was a good day - but then Travis remembered to tell me that the daughter of a precious family at church had passed away after us praying for her for two long years. Tonight I received word that another friend's husband - a fun, handsome, entergetic, supportive man had finally given up his 2 year struggle and fight of cancer and passed away. My heart is burdened for both families. Such a loss to all - but I pray it is Heaven's gain!!
I went to a Preacher's Advisory meeting today (kind of got admitted by default because Travis can't alway make it) and love being there. Not sure if I contribute much - but it is meaningful and makes one really think about how the congregation can best be served. I am grateful and humbled by the experience. I chose to attend this month over going to the Women in Tyler Celebration where two of the women honored were women I know and admire greatly -- but I felt "just maybe" I could provide something beneficial to the P A meeting and the other was a given.
I am so happy -- my dear, wonderful sister - who sometimes calls me several times during the duration of her cooking some dish -- said that last night she thought "Now what would Jon Carole do?" So she took out some chicken breast, drizzled with Olive Oil, sprinkled with several of her PENSEY spices, crushed some crackers on top and put in the oven and cooked until the chicken was done and tender! She said her family loved it -- and asked what it was called and she glibbly answered "La Alice!" I love it and feel like through this blog I have been successful!!
So why don't you try something similar--- CREATE, CREATE, CREATE --- and then let me know what you did and your success??? Do it! Please!!!!
Tonight I made Pork Chops Picata with whole grain pasta - green beans for Michelle and me - and English peas for Travis. I thought the pork chops were just about perfect. Here is the recipe - best I remember - it was so easy!!!
4 Breakfast size pork chops
1 Jar Classico Basil and tomato sauce
4 slices Mozzarello cheese
spices of choice - 1 large clove of garlic minced, several shakes of Penzey's Black pepper, Penzey's Basil, Penzey's Mural of Flavor, and 2 TBLS. brown sugar.
Rinse pork chops, pat dry and then rub seasonings into meat. With a little oil in large skillet (about 2 Tblsp.) sear pork chops on both sides and transfer them to a 9 X 13 baking dish (sprayed with Pam) Cover with sauce (add any extra seasoning you think it might need at this time- I added a little more Pensey black pepper and a dash more of basil);Top each pork chop with a slice of Mozzarello cheese. Bake about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with english peas ( for Travis) or green beans with almonds (for most), and whole grain angel hair pasta - cooked as directed on box. Good meal for anyone - light and healthy -- and thank goodness - filling!! Some good Italian bread would have perfected the meal - but thankfully we didn't have it - so we didn't blow waist line again!!!
Have a blessed night - pray for the Grants and Judith Highsmith! Remember others in prayer that you know of - and God's Will - I will continue tomorrow evening! AND THANK THE GOOD LORD - TOMORROW IS FRIDAY- AND "THUS COMETH THE WEEKEND!"
I went to a Preacher's Advisory meeting today (kind of got admitted by default because Travis can't alway make it) and love being there. Not sure if I contribute much - but it is meaningful and makes one really think about how the congregation can best be served. I am grateful and humbled by the experience. I chose to attend this month over going to the Women in Tyler Celebration where two of the women honored were women I know and admire greatly -- but I felt "just maybe" I could provide something beneficial to the P A meeting and the other was a given.
I am so happy -- my dear, wonderful sister - who sometimes calls me several times during the duration of her cooking some dish -- said that last night she thought "Now what would Jon Carole do?" So she took out some chicken breast, drizzled with Olive Oil, sprinkled with several of her PENSEY spices, crushed some crackers on top and put in the oven and cooked until the chicken was done and tender! She said her family loved it -- and asked what it was called and she glibbly answered "La Alice!" I love it and feel like through this blog I have been successful!!
So why don't you try something similar--- CREATE, CREATE, CREATE --- and then let me know what you did and your success??? Do it! Please!!!!
Tonight I made Pork Chops Picata with whole grain pasta - green beans for Michelle and me - and English peas for Travis. I thought the pork chops were just about perfect. Here is the recipe - best I remember - it was so easy!!!
4 Breakfast size pork chops
1 Jar Classico Basil and tomato sauce
4 slices Mozzarello cheese
spices of choice - 1 large clove of garlic minced, several shakes of Penzey's Black pepper, Penzey's Basil, Penzey's Mural of Flavor, and 2 TBLS. brown sugar.
Rinse pork chops, pat dry and then rub seasonings into meat. With a little oil in large skillet (about 2 Tblsp.) sear pork chops on both sides and transfer them to a 9 X 13 baking dish (sprayed with Pam) Cover with sauce (add any extra seasoning you think it might need at this time- I added a little more Pensey black pepper and a dash more of basil);Top each pork chop with a slice of Mozzarello cheese. Bake about 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with english peas ( for Travis) or green beans with almonds (for most), and whole grain angel hair pasta - cooked as directed on box. Good meal for anyone - light and healthy -- and thank goodness - filling!! Some good Italian bread would have perfected the meal - but thankfully we didn't have it - so we didn't blow waist line again!!!
Have a blessed night - pray for the Grants and Judith Highsmith! Remember others in prayer that you know of - and God's Will - I will continue tomorrow evening! AND THANK THE GOOD LORD - TOMORROW IS FRIDAY- AND "THUS COMETH THE WEEKEND!"
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
WEDNESDAY AGAIN - ONLY TWO MORE DAYS OF WORK - LOTS TO DO!
Didn't make it to church tonight - made dinner and by the time I got the kitchen cleaned up and all the pans, papers, etc., cleared away and I once again loved my kitchen - I was ready to just sit down. Instead I made a cake - one I had not made in years - and the recipe just came back to me - so I made it from memory --and from the way Travis has eaten on it since he got back - no Alzheimer's for me! Thank the good Lord! I hear the rain arriving and wind is really blowing!
I was watching "Power of Prayer" on TV tonight and one of the stories they retold was of Morgan Ashbreck and how the entire vollyball audience came together to pray for her when she dived for a ball and her head hit the floor, causing a convulsion. It is a wonderful story and such an inspiring testamony of teenage girls and their faith and life in Christ. Their open faith in God brought tears to my eyes and I thought "How proud those parents must be!" But in reflection - I am thinking - "How proud God must be of His young children proclaiming their faith for the world to see!" Parents - You are to be commended for raising these girls and girls - always be what you were that night!!!
They also showed a man - Dr.Ted Kimmell, a renounded best seller author who visited Tyler last month. He was talking about the awesome responsibility of raising children and how parents have been given a God given mandate to take their children and connect to their heart. To imprint that heart with a great deal of security, significance and strength so that child can grow up and have an enormously impactful life. He goes on to say "We need to raise kids who have humble hearts. And kids who have grateful hearts. Kids who have generous hearts and kids who have servant hearts." Further he said: "Kids need to see us living out our faith,consistently. Under stress, that's where they need to see it. Because anyone can pull it off at church." He continues by saying, "The only thing graced based parenting is, treating your kids the way God treats His kids." To see more of this article - check out KLTV's Power of Prayer: Dr. Tim Kimmel. I must say I was impressed - and thought of the parents who had raised the girls they showed on the ETCA VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
Tonight I want to share a cake recipe that I made tonight! I used to make it to take to lots of things and then as many things do -- it just faded away kind of like the Strawberry Cake a few weeks ago to be replaced by more exciting recipes - but you know what - it is as good now as it was 10 years ago!
PINEAPPLE CAKE
1 Box white or yellow cake mix
Mix as directed on box -- only please add 1 tsp. vanilla (I prefer Mexican!)
Grease bottom of either glass 9 X 13 or whatever cake pan you use and just before pouring batter into pan - dip out 1 cup batter and add to pineapple topping. Pour remaining batter into dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Pineapple topping:
1 large can Crushed pineapple with juice
1 Cup sugar
3/4 stick butter
1 Cup reserved batter
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine in saucepan and cook on medium high oven until bubbly and thickened. BE SURE AND STIR -- I DIDN'T STIR SOON ENOUGH AND HAD A FEW SCORCHED PIECES! But it is still very good!!
While cake is hot - punch holes with fork - and pour topping onto cake. Enjoy the raves about this old cake recipe!
Well folks - I hope you stuck with me to the end and get this great and very easy recipe. Have a blessed night! Later - if it is God's Will!!!
I was watching "Power of Prayer" on TV tonight and one of the stories they retold was of Morgan Ashbreck and how the entire vollyball audience came together to pray for her when she dived for a ball and her head hit the floor, causing a convulsion. It is a wonderful story and such an inspiring testamony of teenage girls and their faith and life in Christ. Their open faith in God brought tears to my eyes and I thought "How proud those parents must be!" But in reflection - I am thinking - "How proud God must be of His young children proclaiming their faith for the world to see!" Parents - You are to be commended for raising these girls and girls - always be what you were that night!!!
They also showed a man - Dr.Ted Kimmell, a renounded best seller author who visited Tyler last month. He was talking about the awesome responsibility of raising children and how parents have been given a God given mandate to take their children and connect to their heart. To imprint that heart with a great deal of security, significance and strength so that child can grow up and have an enormously impactful life. He goes on to say "We need to raise kids who have humble hearts. And kids who have grateful hearts. Kids who have generous hearts and kids who have servant hearts." Further he said: "Kids need to see us living out our faith,consistently. Under stress, that's where they need to see it. Because anyone can pull it off at church." He continues by saying, "The only thing graced based parenting is, treating your kids the way God treats His kids." To see more of this article - check out KLTV's Power of Prayer: Dr. Tim Kimmel. I must say I was impressed - and thought of the parents who had raised the girls they showed on the ETCA VOLLEYBALL TEAM!
Tonight I want to share a cake recipe that I made tonight! I used to make it to take to lots of things and then as many things do -- it just faded away kind of like the Strawberry Cake a few weeks ago to be replaced by more exciting recipes - but you know what - it is as good now as it was 10 years ago!
PINEAPPLE CAKE
1 Box white or yellow cake mix
Mix as directed on box -- only please add 1 tsp. vanilla (I prefer Mexican!)
Grease bottom of either glass 9 X 13 or whatever cake pan you use and just before pouring batter into pan - dip out 1 cup batter and add to pineapple topping. Pour remaining batter into dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Pineapple topping:
1 large can Crushed pineapple with juice
1 Cup sugar
3/4 stick butter
1 Cup reserved batter
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine in saucepan and cook on medium high oven until bubbly and thickened. BE SURE AND STIR -- I DIDN'T STIR SOON ENOUGH AND HAD A FEW SCORCHED PIECES! But it is still very good!!
While cake is hot - punch holes with fork - and pour topping onto cake. Enjoy the raves about this old cake recipe!
Well folks - I hope you stuck with me to the end and get this great and very easy recipe. Have a blessed night! Later - if it is God's Will!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
TAKE TIME TO LOOK AROUND, BE KIND AND OFFER A HELPING HAND
Long day and evening! Our Red Cross Board meeting was tonight at 6 p.m., and lasted over the normal hour - lots of good discussion and ideas! Another single family fire this afternoon! Still taking military calls - just hope they don't last until after 11 p.m. tonight. I am totally exhausted! I was telling you about the book I am reading "Let's Have Lunch" and it is facinating. It is about building relationships - and how to do that is to get to know a person - not try to be friends but get to know them and let them know you until there is a trust and respect for one another. The idea to ask personal questions is something I used to admire and marvel at in a friend of ours. Jack would meet a complete stranger and before he left - he most likely knew what they did for a living, how many kids they had - and possibly how much money they made doing whatever they did. I was amazed that people would answer him -- but he knew the principal of building relationships! Still amazing - but I am trying to learn!
My sister made a recipe tonight that my boss recommended. IT is a dietary dish that he said is really delicious. He has lost tons of weight - but is a lover of great tasting food. I am anxious to hear the verdict from her family! It was:
MARGARITA FISH
(NO ALCOHOL)
Orange roughy (however many fillets needed for family)
Rinse off the fish, and pat dry. Place in a baking dish, sprayed with Pam.
Sprinkle each fillet with a little salt and lemon pepper. Pour about 1/4 inch of bottled Margarita mix in bottom of pan. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Fish will be flaky tender.
Easy enough? Don't be afraid to be seen buying the Margarita mix -- just give the nosy person the recipe!
Here is a story many of you have probably received via email - but I feel worth repeating:
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door. He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost me a lot of money. Why did you do it? The young boy was apologetic. "Please mister .. please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop.." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car, "It's my brother," he said "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up!"
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me!"
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you" the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not..
Thought for the day: "God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow; sun, without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!"
Have blessed night - pray for those you know need our prayers, do a good deed and God's will - meet me tomorrow!
My sister made a recipe tonight that my boss recommended. IT is a dietary dish that he said is really delicious. He has lost tons of weight - but is a lover of great tasting food. I am anxious to hear the verdict from her family! It was:
MARGARITA FISH
(NO ALCOHOL)
Orange roughy (however many fillets needed for family)
Rinse off the fish, and pat dry. Place in a baking dish, sprayed with Pam.
Sprinkle each fillet with a little salt and lemon pepper. Pour about 1/4 inch of bottled Margarita mix in bottom of pan. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Fish will be flaky tender.
Easy enough? Don't be afraid to be seen buying the Margarita mix -- just give the nosy person the recipe!
Here is a story many of you have probably received via email - but I feel worth repeating:
THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door. He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost me a lot of money. Why did you do it? The young boy was apologetic. "Please mister .. please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," He pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop.." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car, "It's my brother," he said "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up!"
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me!"
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat.. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. "Thank you and may God bless you" the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!" God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not..
Thought for the day: "God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow; sun, without rain; but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!"
Have blessed night - pray for those you know need our prayers, do a good deed and God's will - meet me tomorrow!
Monday, March 22, 2010
THANKFUL FOR THE BLESSINGS WE HAVE!
Have you ever been mad at yourself? I am tonight! I feel like a stuffed hog - one that did not treat my body right today - tonight Travis wanted "Vegtables" and I offered but he wanted to go to Cotton Patch. We ge there and their Chicken Fried Chicken was on sale for $5.99 - cheapest thing I saw on the menu - so who wanted veggies - he ordered CFC - so I ordered chicken fried chicken and Michelle and I shared it - along with fried Okra for her (her very favorite thing) and baked squash for me! And I procrastinate and say I want to lose 5 lbs! Shame on me!! Other than that little fiasco - I always get amused at the little hostesses - three of us walk in and they always ask "How many?" - I realize there could be more coming but it just seems like I want to say - "Count us!"
This is looking like it will be a very long night - I am taking military calls tonight and so far - since about 9 p.m., I've had two! They take forever - you get a call and then you have to verify everything you have been told before you call it into the Red Cross' call center and the call can be made to the service member's headquarters. Thankfully we are exempt from the HEPA law - but sometimes the nurses we talk to don't know that and we have to explain that the young man or woman cannot come home for any emergency until we verify the information! The Red Cross is the only organization authorized to serve as liason between the military and the family back home. Sometimes you have to pass on some very sad news!
I am reading a facinating book. Last week I went to a 4 hour seminar called, "Let's Have Lunch Together" and that is the name of the book. It can literally change your approach to life - whether it is fund raising, asking for business - or approaching someone about their spiritual life. The seminar was focused on fund raising for non-profits - but the principals would work the same on every facet of life. Although it is a secular book - the principals are principals that the Bible teaches -- "get to know your brother!" It is about relationships - not friendships) and how you can build them. The author of the book and the speaker is Marshall Howard. I am hoping to put many of these ideas into action - and as Chairman of the Red Cross this coming year - I am thinking it will make a tremendous difference! I just wish I had heard this man years ago!
Tonight I have a delicious cake for you - one that is low-fat -low cholestrol - and yet delicious! IT was given to me years ago and I've tried to find it and finally called the lady and she graciously gave it to me again!
POPPY SEED /ALMOND ANGEL FOOD CAKE
1 Box Angel Food Cake mix
2 Tablespoons Poppy Seed
1 Teaspoon Almond Flavoring
1-1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Water
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Exstract
1 Cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Combine the Angel Food Cake mix, Poppy Seed and 1 tsp. Almond Flavoring. Mix, cook, and cool as directed on the box. (Bake at 350 degrees about 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown.)
When cake is cold, remove and put on serving dish - Make glaze and toast almonds.
Combine Powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. Almond extract and 2 tablespoons water. Drizzle cake with glaze and then cover top of cake with lightly toasted almonds.
To toast almonds, preheat oven to 350 degrees and spread almonds out on cookie sheet. Bake about 7 to 8 minutes - watch careful and stir at least once. Careful or they will burn!!!
Makes a beautiful cake and is light - light - light and delicious! Enjoy!!
Have a blessed evening - and God's will - meet me here tomorrow night!
This is looking like it will be a very long night - I am taking military calls tonight and so far - since about 9 p.m., I've had two! They take forever - you get a call and then you have to verify everything you have been told before you call it into the Red Cross' call center and the call can be made to the service member's headquarters. Thankfully we are exempt from the HEPA law - but sometimes the nurses we talk to don't know that and we have to explain that the young man or woman cannot come home for any emergency until we verify the information! The Red Cross is the only organization authorized to serve as liason between the military and the family back home. Sometimes you have to pass on some very sad news!
I am reading a facinating book. Last week I went to a 4 hour seminar called, "Let's Have Lunch Together" and that is the name of the book. It can literally change your approach to life - whether it is fund raising, asking for business - or approaching someone about their spiritual life. The seminar was focused on fund raising for non-profits - but the principals would work the same on every facet of life. Although it is a secular book - the principals are principals that the Bible teaches -- "get to know your brother!" It is about relationships - not friendships) and how you can build them. The author of the book and the speaker is Marshall Howard. I am hoping to put many of these ideas into action - and as Chairman of the Red Cross this coming year - I am thinking it will make a tremendous difference! I just wish I had heard this man years ago!
Tonight I have a delicious cake for you - one that is low-fat -low cholestrol - and yet delicious! IT was given to me years ago and I've tried to find it and finally called the lady and she graciously gave it to me again!
POPPY SEED /ALMOND ANGEL FOOD CAKE
1 Box Angel Food Cake mix
2 Tablespoons Poppy Seed
1 Teaspoon Almond Flavoring
1-1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 Tablespoons Water
1/2 Teaspoon Almond Exstract
1 Cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Combine the Angel Food Cake mix, Poppy Seed and 1 tsp. Almond Flavoring. Mix, cook, and cool as directed on the box. (Bake at 350 degrees about 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown.)
When cake is cold, remove and put on serving dish - Make glaze and toast almonds.
Combine Powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp. Almond extract and 2 tablespoons water. Drizzle cake with glaze and then cover top of cake with lightly toasted almonds.
To toast almonds, preheat oven to 350 degrees and spread almonds out on cookie sheet. Bake about 7 to 8 minutes - watch careful and stir at least once. Careful or they will burn!!!
Makes a beautiful cake and is light - light - light and delicious! Enjoy!!
Have a blessed evening - and God's will - meet me here tomorrow night!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
A WET AND SNOWY WEEKEND IS OVER
The weather wins again - except for the preacher preaching - everyone at church (and the grocery store too) was talking about the weather again! It is really cold out and I just hope Michelle and I don't catch a cold - we could not seem to escape the wet little flakes of snow today - had lots of errands to run!
Our preacher is amazing - he can go from the dark side of 2nd Samuel 23 and 24 and all the death and destruction in the morning (even then he his conclusion was a lesson for all of us) to an amazing lesson of how when we have disagreements - whether in the church, in families, at work - we should work it out and look to God and the Son just before Christ's crucifixion for an example and inspiration! I once had a friend tell me after her divorce and remarriage "You can decide you love someone or not love them! I wish I had realized this and I would probably still be married to my first husband!" I think she hit it on the head -- how many of us at one time or another have thought: "I just don't like him (or her) and neither do I love him (or her)!" And then you start thinking about the reasons you married the other, and the good things about that person - and what life would be without them - and you know you do love them!! I think that if we are Christians and really trust God, the Holy Spirit that lives within us - helps us to know what is right and helps us restore that love that we think we have lost!
Tonight I really had a compliment - no not on my Zebra painted toenails - but a couple of ladies asked for the recipe of the slaw we had Wednesday night. It is called "Mad Hatter Salad" and here is the recipe:(I've scaled it down from feeding 100 to about 12!)
Mad Hatter Salad
1 - 16 oz. package coleslaw mix
8 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1 head fresh broccoli, florets chopped small
2 -3 oz. packages chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup white sugar (granulated)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp/. soy sauce
Directions:
In a large bowl - toss the coleslaw mix, green onions and broccoli. Set aside or put in frig to chill!
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the ramen noodles into a bowl and mix with almonds and sprinkle packets of chicken seasoning over all. Add to the skillet, cook and stir until noodles and nuts are toasted, about 8 minutes! (Sure takes longer for 10 pkgs!)
In a jar with a tight fitting lid (or deep container), combine the sugar, vinegar, oil and soy sauce. Seal and shake vigorously to blend. (I find that if you will stir it as good as you can, put it in the refrigerator to chill, then take it out and whisk it good - it thickens and sugar blends better!)
Just before serving, combine the slaw mixture with the nuts and noodles. Pour the dressing over all, and stir briefly to coat!
Enjoy!!!! (If you want the recipe for 100 - let me know!!!)
Now you can see the Chocolate Pudding Travis requested after church tonight! It is a really easy pudding to make and it made him so happy - he is out like a light in his chair! Here is how you can put your man to sleep too!
Easy Chocolate Pudding
In a sauce pan combine:
1 Cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tablespoons cocoa
Stir well and then add:
1/2 stick butter
3 egg yokes (be sure and get that yucky white out) whisked together with
2 cups milk (I used 1 cup half and half and 1 cup skim milk!)(Add slowly stirring well)
Cook on medium high (stirring very often) until thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and add
1 tsp. vanilla
Stir well.
Place several (about 5 or 6) vanilla wafers in a small bowl (One that will hold about 3 cups) and pour about 1/2 of pudding over wafers; cover top of pudding with more vanilla wafers and top with remaining pudding. Crumble at least 2 more v. wafers on top! Dip a large helping and enjoy - or do like me and give it away!!! I just went to the kitchen and there is only - well maybe 2 tablespoons of pudding left! I had given Michelle about that much as a little treat and guess who ate the rest!!!
This was never intended to be a political anything but I can hardly see my computer for the tears in my eyes and the true fear in my heart - our lives have been changed - the health bill that will most likely ruin many of our lives as far as health and insurance is concerned was just signed into law! That man is going to ruin this nation! Sorry Democrats - I just pray you know something we don't! Something that will give us back a nation that proclaims to be a Christian nation that accepts others - but protects at the same time! So far I have not seen any sign of this!
I believe these next few years are when we are going to need every ounce of faith we can muster and trust God to take care of us!
Try and have a blessed night - pray to God for peace of mind - and his guidance! God's will - be back with you soon!
Our preacher is amazing - he can go from the dark side of 2nd Samuel 23 and 24 and all the death and destruction in the morning (even then he his conclusion was a lesson for all of us) to an amazing lesson of how when we have disagreements - whether in the church, in families, at work - we should work it out and look to God and the Son just before Christ's crucifixion for an example and inspiration! I once had a friend tell me after her divorce and remarriage "You can decide you love someone or not love them! I wish I had realized this and I would probably still be married to my first husband!" I think she hit it on the head -- how many of us at one time or another have thought: "I just don't like him (or her) and neither do I love him (or her)!" And then you start thinking about the reasons you married the other, and the good things about that person - and what life would be without them - and you know you do love them!! I think that if we are Christians and really trust God, the Holy Spirit that lives within us - helps us to know what is right and helps us restore that love that we think we have lost!
Tonight I really had a compliment - no not on my Zebra painted toenails - but a couple of ladies asked for the recipe of the slaw we had Wednesday night. It is called "Mad Hatter Salad" and here is the recipe:(I've scaled it down from feeding 100 to about 12!)
Mad Hatter Salad
1 - 16 oz. package coleslaw mix
8 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup butter
1 head fresh broccoli, florets chopped small
2 -3 oz. packages chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup white sugar (granulated)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp/. soy sauce
Directions:
In a large bowl - toss the coleslaw mix, green onions and broccoli. Set aside or put in frig to chill!
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the ramen noodles into a bowl and mix with almonds and sprinkle packets of chicken seasoning over all. Add to the skillet, cook and stir until noodles and nuts are toasted, about 8 minutes! (Sure takes longer for 10 pkgs!)
In a jar with a tight fitting lid (or deep container), combine the sugar, vinegar, oil and soy sauce. Seal and shake vigorously to blend. (I find that if you will stir it as good as you can, put it in the refrigerator to chill, then take it out and whisk it good - it thickens and sugar blends better!)
Just before serving, combine the slaw mixture with the nuts and noodles. Pour the dressing over all, and stir briefly to coat!
Enjoy!!!! (If you want the recipe for 100 - let me know!!!)
Now you can see the Chocolate Pudding Travis requested after church tonight! It is a really easy pudding to make and it made him so happy - he is out like a light in his chair! Here is how you can put your man to sleep too!
Easy Chocolate Pudding
In a sauce pan combine:
1 Cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tablespoons cocoa
Stir well and then add:
1/2 stick butter
3 egg yokes (be sure and get that yucky white out) whisked together with
2 cups milk (I used 1 cup half and half and 1 cup skim milk!)(Add slowly stirring well)
Cook on medium high (stirring very often) until thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from heat and add
1 tsp. vanilla
Stir well.
Place several (about 5 or 6) vanilla wafers in a small bowl (One that will hold about 3 cups) and pour about 1/2 of pudding over wafers; cover top of pudding with more vanilla wafers and top with remaining pudding. Crumble at least 2 more v. wafers on top! Dip a large helping and enjoy - or do like me and give it away!!! I just went to the kitchen and there is only - well maybe 2 tablespoons of pudding left! I had given Michelle about that much as a little treat and guess who ate the rest!!!
This was never intended to be a political anything but I can hardly see my computer for the tears in my eyes and the true fear in my heart - our lives have been changed - the health bill that will most likely ruin many of our lives as far as health and insurance is concerned was just signed into law! That man is going to ruin this nation! Sorry Democrats - I just pray you know something we don't! Something that will give us back a nation that proclaims to be a Christian nation that accepts others - but protects at the same time! So far I have not seen any sign of this!
I believe these next few years are when we are going to need every ounce of faith we can muster and trust God to take care of us!
Try and have a blessed night - pray to God for peace of mind - and his guidance! God's will - be back with you soon!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
IT'S TOUGH WHEN THE INTERNET GOES OUT!!
Well - it feels like I am just beginning! I was so tired Thursday - anything I said or wrote would have been jibberish - and then last night - out of the blue my wireless no longer works -- so I am hooked directly into the router and internet!!! Today has been a long day - we started it off by going to a wedding shower that kind of turned into a reunion of Southside employees. When I started to work at the bank in 1986 - we were all in two buildings (side by side) - knew one another's telephone numbers and our birthdays -- there was about 80 of us -- now there is over 600! My how time does fly -- and when I try to guess a phone number - I always get it wrong! For one thing - our phone system has changed so much - when I started we had a telephone operator up on the second floor of the bank and she answered every call! Now we have oh probably at least nine and I don't even know all of them! IT was wonderful today to see Bonnie Sanders, Charlotte Mapes, and girls - well - women from other branches! The room was wonderfully decorated and I could definitely see Kim's touch on so much of it -- perfect!!! The punch was delicious and although I didn't eat any - the cake was beautiful. Michelle and I then went to Style where I had a derma-planing on my face (ask me about this!) and then we were to get pedicures! The lady that was going to do them called me and her neighbor had a terrible disaster and she needed to help her! I totally understood. By then it was turning very cold and we made it home - changed into warm winter clothes!! Tonight Travis went to get us burgers and I've told him now - don't ever get me another anything from Wendy's. IT was cold, drenched in mayonnnaise and just bad!
Speaking of bad - have you ever cooked something that you worked really hard on and one you sit down to eat it - you know it is not what you had expected or had worked so hard on? Believe me - that is learning experience and it will happen. It has to me -- and I can tell I've goofed by the expressions (or lack thereof) on the faces of my family! So don't give up - just keep on keeping on!
I promised some healthy alternatives to fried or lots of carbs. Anything broiled, grilled or baked is great -- as long as you don't laden it with butter, sugar or salt. I am probably most guilty about "salt" but I have bought some wonderful Pensey seasoning without salt and it is a great substitute! Grilled pork chops can beat the socks off chicken and they go wonderfully well with sweet potatoes. I also found out this week that Yukom Gold potatoes are not loaded with the carbs that turn to sugar -- so add those or a sweet potato to the menu with a great salad - greens and lots of veggies -- pick unusual ones - squash, green beans, broccoli, etc. For the church meal on Wednesday - we made cold slaw and I added two big (Sam's) bags of broccoli to it and it was great. JUST ALWAYS REMEMBER TO TAKE THE BROCCOLI (even though it is suppose to be "ready to eat") and pour boiling water over it - immediately followed by an ice water rinse! It kills any lurking bugs or contamination, makes it crispy and bright green! Pork chops with Apples are also a great Low fat meal!
Tonight I want to encourage you to try your hand at bread making again! This is a really old recipe - from back in 1967 -- before I was born - I wish -- actually the year before Michelle was born!
RIZ BISCUITS
1 Yeast cake (or 1 pkg. active dry yeast)
1 Cup warm buttermilk
1/2 tsp. soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
1.2 cup shortening
2-1/2 cups flour
Crumble yeast (or pour yeast) into warm buttermilk and dissolve. Add sold and remaining ingredients. Roll out thin and brush with melted butter. Roll over and brush with butter again. Roll thin and cut with small biscuit cutter. Let rise one hour. Bake at 425 degrees. I MAKE THESE YEARS AND YEARS AGO AND MY MOUTH STARTED WATERING WHILE I WAS TYPING THIS -- THEY WERE SO GOOD!)
Also - here is a very good "spring time pie!"
Banana - Blueberry Pie
1 cooked and cooled Pie crust (even though I think the graham cracker crust (the one for Cherries Jubilee( would be great!)
MIX TOGETHER:
1-1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
1-3 oz. Pkg. Cream chees
1 Cup Cool Whip
Spread 1/2 of this mixture on top of cooked crust
SLICE ON TOP:
2 Large bananas
Spread other 1/2 pf cream cheese mixture on top of bananas.
Top with:
1 Can Blueberry Pie Filling
Top this with:
2 Cups cool whip (See blog about preserving time a patron is in restaurant)
Chill well before serving!!
Have a blessed evening and it was not possible this wek.. Will continue to try. May God bless each of you - and lead you to a higher plain! Do a good deed and God's WILL AND INTERNET STAYING ON - MORE TO COME!!
Speaking of bad - have you ever cooked something that you worked really hard on and one you sit down to eat it - you know it is not what you had expected or had worked so hard on? Believe me - that is learning experience and it will happen. It has to me -- and I can tell I've goofed by the expressions (or lack thereof) on the faces of my family! So don't give up - just keep on keeping on!
I promised some healthy alternatives to fried or lots of carbs. Anything broiled, grilled or baked is great -- as long as you don't laden it with butter, sugar or salt. I am probably most guilty about "salt" but I have bought some wonderful Pensey seasoning without salt and it is a great substitute! Grilled pork chops can beat the socks off chicken and they go wonderfully well with sweet potatoes. I also found out this week that Yukom Gold potatoes are not loaded with the carbs that turn to sugar -- so add those or a sweet potato to the menu with a great salad - greens and lots of veggies -- pick unusual ones - squash, green beans, broccoli, etc. For the church meal on Wednesday - we made cold slaw and I added two big (Sam's) bags of broccoli to it and it was great. JUST ALWAYS REMEMBER TO TAKE THE BROCCOLI (even though it is suppose to be "ready to eat") and pour boiling water over it - immediately followed by an ice water rinse! It kills any lurking bugs or contamination, makes it crispy and bright green! Pork chops with Apples are also a great Low fat meal!
Tonight I want to encourage you to try your hand at bread making again! This is a really old recipe - from back in 1967 -- before I was born - I wish -- actually the year before Michelle was born!
RIZ BISCUITS
1 Yeast cake (or 1 pkg. active dry yeast)
1 Cup warm buttermilk
1/2 tsp. soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
1.2 cup shortening
2-1/2 cups flour
Crumble yeast (or pour yeast) into warm buttermilk and dissolve. Add sold and remaining ingredients. Roll out thin and brush with melted butter. Roll over and brush with butter again. Roll thin and cut with small biscuit cutter. Let rise one hour. Bake at 425 degrees. I MAKE THESE YEARS AND YEARS AGO AND MY MOUTH STARTED WATERING WHILE I WAS TYPING THIS -- THEY WERE SO GOOD!)
Also - here is a very good "spring time pie!"
Banana - Blueberry Pie
1 cooked and cooled Pie crust (even though I think the graham cracker crust (the one for Cherries Jubilee( would be great!)
MIX TOGETHER:
1-1/2 Cup Powdered sugar
1-3 oz. Pkg. Cream chees
1 Cup Cool Whip
Spread 1/2 of this mixture on top of cooked crust
SLICE ON TOP:
2 Large bananas
Spread other 1/2 pf cream cheese mixture on top of bananas.
Top with:
1 Can Blueberry Pie Filling
Top this with:
2 Cups cool whip (See blog about preserving time a patron is in restaurant)
Chill well before serving!!
Have a blessed evening and it was not possible this wek.. Will continue to try. May God bless each of you - and lead you to a higher plain! Do a good deed and God's WILL AND INTERNET STAYING ON - MORE TO COME!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
ONE WEDNESDAY I AM THANKFUL - THE WORK IS DONE!
Wednesday meal is over and I'd say a big success - thanks to Daryle Hardaway and his helper - how rude of me - I didn't get his name! The fish was wonderful, the potatoes and hushpuppies - just as good! Thank you guys, thank you!! Also a huge thank you to Henry and Pam - who worked untiringly --- cutting, lifting, stirring,- all the jobs that make the meal perfect! Thanks friends! My tables were not to be sneezed at -- and oh my goodness - the Pirot boat (a small Cajun boat for one person) that Travis made for me was the decorating hit of the evening! Talented man! Thanks T! We served the condiments from the boat and it was so cute! - See the pictures!
My sister asked me to help her with some cholestrol free dishes - so for her I would do anything. Here is one:
FIESTA CHICKEN
2 Cups Chicken breast - (skinsless, boneless, cooked and diced)
1 10.5 oz. can Cream of Mushroom soup - 98% fat free/40% less sodium
1 10.5 oz.can Cream of chicken 98% fat free/40% less sodium soup
1 8 oz. can Tomato sauce, no salt added
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2-1/2 cups tsp. chili powder
1 cup Salsa
1 cup Marble Jack Cheese, shredded
6 - 10 inch Mission Flour tortillas 96% fat free, cut into 4 X 1 strips
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl combine the soups, tomato sauce, salsa, bell peppers, onion, and chili powder. In a 13 X 9 X 2 baking pan sprayed with Pam, layer half of the tortilla strips, chicken, soup mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover, bake 40 to 50 minutes until bubbly. Can be topped with shredded lettuce and low fat sour cream.
NOTE: THIS DID NOT CALL FOR ANY GARLIC, BLACK PEPPER OR CAYENNE. FOR IT TO BE EDIBLE I WOULD DEFINITELY ADD THE ABOVE -- NONE HAS CHOLESTROL AND IT WOULD BE A MUCH TASTIER DISH!!! (OK - for those of you that don't do "a dash of this and a tad of that" - 2 cloves of garlic minced, 1 tsp. black pepper and 1/4 tsp. cayenne!
Add a great green salad with lots of veggies or lots of fruit and you have a meal. Just don't let them smother the veggie salad with creamy dressing. Drizzle a little olive oil over it and add a little basil to season.
I promised several posts ago that I would share more from the SOUTHERN BELL PRIMER - well - here is one that might bring a chuckle:
It is entitle "TACKY"
Tacky is a word you hear so often from Southern Belles, it is almost their national anthem. Tacky is used to comment on why some women don't make certain social circles, why some marriages are considered doomed to failure, why some new stores just aren't going to be patronized. Asked to further explain, most belles simply say, "It's just too tacky to talk about." But a Tennasee woman said she remembers a Chattanooga newcomer who never did get asked to join the Junior League. "The girls thought she was just too tacky, the woman explained. "What specifically was so tacky?" "Well - the belle shrugged her shoulders and pursed her lips - "for one thing, she put dark meat in her chicken salad!"
I've seen and heard some of this same stuff here in our lovely city - but you know what -- aren't you thankful God isn't that way? HE accepts each one of us -- doesn't care if we use dark meat or white, whether we take the crust off the bread or not, whether we wear "big hair" or no hair, doesn't care if we wear white pants in winter or white shoes with a black dress (ugh - even I can't stand that!!!) - but God does not care - He cares about what is in our heart and if we obey his commandments! What an Awesome God He is!!
May our Awesome God bless each of you tonight - give you a wonderful day tomorrow - give you a renewed sense of responsibility for those less fortunate - and help each of us find someone to help. God's will - let's meet here again!
My sister asked me to help her with some cholestrol free dishes - so for her I would do anything. Here is one:
FIESTA CHICKEN
2 Cups Chicken breast - (skinsless, boneless, cooked and diced)
1 10.5 oz. can Cream of Mushroom soup - 98% fat free/40% less sodium
1 10.5 oz.can Cream of chicken 98% fat free/40% less sodium soup
1 8 oz. can Tomato sauce, no salt added
1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
2-1/2 cups tsp. chili powder
1 cup Salsa
1 cup Marble Jack Cheese, shredded
6 - 10 inch Mission Flour tortillas 96% fat free, cut into 4 X 1 strips
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a bowl combine the soups, tomato sauce, salsa, bell peppers, onion, and chili powder. In a 13 X 9 X 2 baking pan sprayed with Pam, layer half of the tortilla strips, chicken, soup mixture and cheese. Repeat layers. Cover, bake 40 to 50 minutes until bubbly. Can be topped with shredded lettuce and low fat sour cream.
NOTE: THIS DID NOT CALL FOR ANY GARLIC, BLACK PEPPER OR CAYENNE. FOR IT TO BE EDIBLE I WOULD DEFINITELY ADD THE ABOVE -- NONE HAS CHOLESTROL AND IT WOULD BE A MUCH TASTIER DISH!!! (OK - for those of you that don't do "a dash of this and a tad of that" - 2 cloves of garlic minced, 1 tsp. black pepper and 1/4 tsp. cayenne!
Add a great green salad with lots of veggies or lots of fruit and you have a meal. Just don't let them smother the veggie salad with creamy dressing. Drizzle a little olive oil over it and add a little basil to season.
I promised several posts ago that I would share more from the SOUTHERN BELL PRIMER - well - here is one that might bring a chuckle:
It is entitle "TACKY"
Tacky is a word you hear so often from Southern Belles, it is almost their national anthem. Tacky is used to comment on why some women don't make certain social circles, why some marriages are considered doomed to failure, why some new stores just aren't going to be patronized. Asked to further explain, most belles simply say, "It's just too tacky to talk about." But a Tennasee woman said she remembers a Chattanooga newcomer who never did get asked to join the Junior League. "The girls thought she was just too tacky, the woman explained. "What specifically was so tacky?" "Well - the belle shrugged her shoulders and pursed her lips - "for one thing, she put dark meat in her chicken salad!"
I've seen and heard some of this same stuff here in our lovely city - but you know what -- aren't you thankful God isn't that way? HE accepts each one of us -- doesn't care if we use dark meat or white, whether we take the crust off the bread or not, whether we wear "big hair" or no hair, doesn't care if we wear white pants in winter or white shoes with a black dress (ugh - even I can't stand that!!!) - but God does not care - He cares about what is in our heart and if we obey his commandments! What an Awesome God He is!!
May our Awesome God bless each of you tonight - give you a wonderful day tomorrow - give you a renewed sense of responsibility for those less fortunate - and help each of us find someone to help. God's will - let's meet here again!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I'M BACK AND EXCITED TO BE HERE - LET'S COOK!!!
Did you miss me? Kind of like I disappeared - but not really -- guess "tired" just caught up with me! Work has picked up and I can't seem to catch up! Travis has been working late at a job he took - much to my objection! He is still working over 40 hours a week at Pine Cove and then added this on! Oh well - guess he loves to work. Tonight is Taste of Tyler and I've missed only a few - usually there to clean tables and take out trash -- but am missing it tonight and feeling really guilty about not being there! Travis needed to work and Michelle is not feeling well - so I didn't want to drag her up there to sit alone or leave her here alone - so my decision was that "Mom" becomes priority over "Pilot." But I still miss helping, and I really feel like I am letting my fellow friends down.
I did get some of my prep work for our meal tomorrow night. I am so thankful that Daryle Hardaway is cooking fish, french fries and hushpuppies (he does the best) and I am doing the slaw and dessert! This should be fun. Tonight I got the almonds and Ramen Noodles toasted. 8 pkgs of Ramen Noodles, 4 cups of almonds and 2 cups butter!!! It will be good!
I made chicken salad tonight for Michelle and I -- and there is plenty left for Travis - if he wants it -- and for Michelle's lunch tomorrow! I decided to make it after a friend from church called and wanted to know if I had a chicken salad recipe that didn't have fru-fru fruit in it - he wanted it for sandwiches. I gave him the old fashion version that my Mom used to make. It is very good -- only tonight I jazzed it up with some cranraisins and red pepper. Of course - it already had the garlic in it! IT was very good!!!
I am making fruit cocktail cobblers for tomorrow night - saving over $3.00 a can using FC instead of sliced peaches, but I did make Travis a peach cobbler last night. IT was very easy and turned out to be very good.
MAGIC PEACH COBBLER
1 Stick butter
3/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
Dash of salt
1 large can peaches, sliced and including juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
(Bisquick can be substituted for flour, baking powder, and salt --(I didn't!) Melt butter in 8 x 13 or 8 x 12 baking dish. Mix milk, flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Pour over melted butter. Do Not Stir!! Place peaches and juice over batter. Sprinkle 3/4 cup sugar over fruit. Then dust with cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
Had someone (Alice - I won't tell who) ask me what a "dutch oven" was. Thought about that and that lots of you might not know what equipment or
pots and pans are needed for a "working kitchen." So here is a small list:
Saucepans (1 quart, 2 quart, and 3 quart
Stockpot - 8 Quart -- big pot for soups, chili, stews, and boiling chicken, beans and lots of other stuff
Large saute pan -(deeper than a skillet, with a lid) (I don't have one and do fine!!!)
Dutch Oven - a large, heavy pot or kettle, usually of cast iron and with a tight lid, used for slow cooking. (You can also use any pan and cover tightly with foil!!)
Skillets - 2 - one a 10 inch, one a 12 inch - lids are nice for both. Also
1 Stainless steel skillet - for searing food so you can deglaze with some water or wine and get the best part for seasoning or gravy!
Roasting Pan - (one shallow, one deep)
Broiler Pan (usually comes with oven)
Double Boiler - who uses that anymore - what with a microwave??
Also - 9x13 cake pan
3 good quality 9-inch cake pans
2 cookie sheets
1 (absolutely necessary) tube pan for pound cakes!
Muffin tins - both for 6 and 12 muffins.
Well that is a start - check your pans and add to it if need be. This is just a start - there are many fun pans - awesome tube pans with roses, trees, daisies, you name it!!!
Here is a tip:
Leftovers - if there's enough, put a crust on them -- if there's not, make them into a soup -- or feed them to a relative!!!!
Have a blessed night - and God's will - I will have enough energy when tomorrow is over to join you here!! Good night!
I did get some of my prep work for our meal tomorrow night. I am so thankful that Daryle Hardaway is cooking fish, french fries and hushpuppies (he does the best) and I am doing the slaw and dessert! This should be fun. Tonight I got the almonds and Ramen Noodles toasted. 8 pkgs of Ramen Noodles, 4 cups of almonds and 2 cups butter!!! It will be good!
I made chicken salad tonight for Michelle and I -- and there is plenty left for Travis - if he wants it -- and for Michelle's lunch tomorrow! I decided to make it after a friend from church called and wanted to know if I had a chicken salad recipe that didn't have fru-fru fruit in it - he wanted it for sandwiches. I gave him the old fashion version that my Mom used to make. It is very good -- only tonight I jazzed it up with some cranraisins and red pepper. Of course - it already had the garlic in it! IT was very good!!!
I am making fruit cocktail cobblers for tomorrow night - saving over $3.00 a can using FC instead of sliced peaches, but I did make Travis a peach cobbler last night. IT was very easy and turned out to be very good.
MAGIC PEACH COBBLER
1 Stick butter
3/4 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
Dash of salt
1 large can peaches, sliced and including juice
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
(Bisquick can be substituted for flour, baking powder, and salt --(I didn't!) Melt butter in 8 x 13 or 8 x 12 baking dish. Mix milk, flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, salt and vanilla. Pour over melted butter. Do Not Stir!! Place peaches and juice over batter. Sprinkle 3/4 cup sugar over fruit. Then dust with cinnamon. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
Had someone (Alice - I won't tell who) ask me what a "dutch oven" was. Thought about that and that lots of you might not know what equipment or
pots and pans are needed for a "working kitchen." So here is a small list:
Saucepans (1 quart, 2 quart, and 3 quart
Stockpot - 8 Quart -- big pot for soups, chili, stews, and boiling chicken, beans and lots of other stuff
Large saute pan -(deeper than a skillet, with a lid) (I don't have one and do fine!!!)
Dutch Oven - a large, heavy pot or kettle, usually of cast iron and with a tight lid, used for slow cooking. (You can also use any pan and cover tightly with foil!!)
Skillets - 2 - one a 10 inch, one a 12 inch - lids are nice for both. Also
1 Stainless steel skillet - for searing food so you can deglaze with some water or wine and get the best part for seasoning or gravy!
Roasting Pan - (one shallow, one deep)
Broiler Pan (usually comes with oven)
Double Boiler - who uses that anymore - what with a microwave??
Also - 9x13 cake pan
3 good quality 9-inch cake pans
2 cookie sheets
1 (absolutely necessary) tube pan for pound cakes!
Muffin tins - both for 6 and 12 muffins.
Well that is a start - check your pans and add to it if need be. This is just a start - there are many fun pans - awesome tube pans with roses, trees, daisies, you name it!!!
Here is a tip:
Leftovers - if there's enough, put a crust on them -- if there's not, make them into a soup -- or feed them to a relative!!!!
Have a blessed night - and God's will - I will have enough energy when tomorrow is over to join you here!! Good night!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
REPLACE SOMETHING MISPLACED WITH SOMETHING BETTER!
Gracious goodness - late again! I've said that so many times -- I bet you log in thinking -- what is her excuse tonight for "late again!" None really - just listening to Travis and sharing the day's trials and joys!
Today I worked on a long list of things I needed to have my files (to have in examiner perfect shape.) SOme of them were easy, some not so easy - not so hard - not so easy --some just stupid -- someone needs to use some common sense -- if something has been paid off - then duh - take it off the list that you need a cash flow or appraisal of value! WHO CARES!!! Truthfully I am so tired!!
I am so sorry - I promised recipes for last night and last night didn't happen - a recipe for Delicious Dirt - a fun recipe -- well - go ahead and go to the Dollar Tree or Dollar General and buy you little cute plastic Sand Bucket and I will find the recipe -- just not one of those "wonderfully easy to find" recipes that I organized so well in the notebooks last month! But I will find it and give it to you soon. In the meanwhile - I will give you my favorite "very easy" Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole ( or Green Enchiladas)
1 Cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. butter
2 cups cooked chicken
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chili peppers
3 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1-1/2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
12 (6 inch) torillas (corn)
In a large saucepan, cook onion in the 2 Tbsp. butter until tender. Combine onion and green chilli peppers, and set aside. For sauce - in the same skillet and seasoning, melt three (3) tablespoons butter, stir in flour and salt. Stir until seasoning and flour startto slightly brown. Stir in chicken broth all at once and cook until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; stir in Sour cream and 1/2 of the cheese. Stir 1/2 cup of the sauce into the chicken mixture. Dip each tortilla into remaining sauce to soften. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Roll up. Arrange rolls in a
13 x 13 x 2 baking dish, pour remaining sauce over . Sprinkle with remaining cheese, Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Seves 8.
The calendar I look at now says "TO profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it!" Think about that -- anyone can spout off some really good advise -- but how many of us practice what we preach?
I have one more "tried and true" recipe for you tonight -- even better than "Delicious Dirt." While we were living in Marshall - we were invited to this couple's house and she served this and bran muffins - period! I thought that was strange at first but after I ate the first bite - I changed my mind -- THE PERFECT MEAL!!
FLYING FARMER CHICKEN SALAD
5 cups cooked chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
2 Tablespoons oil (back then it was vegetable oil - now I would use olive oil or Canola)
2 Tablespoons Orange juice
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
3 cups cooked rice
1-1/2 cups small green grapes
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
1 - 13-1/2 oz. Can pineapple chunks, drained
1-11 oz. Can mandarin oranges, drained
1 Cup toasted slivered almonds
1-1/2 cup mayonnaise (I would use reduced fat)
1. Combine chicken, oil, orange juice, vinegar , salt and sugar
2. Let stand while preparing other ingredients
3. Toss together all ingredients.
Serve hot or cold.
TIP: It is good to cook chicken a day ahead and have canned goods at room temperature and rice fresh and hot. Add all together and it is not really hot and not really cold. Just delicious.
Note: I have not made this in several years - but I think I will soon and I will most definitely add at least one minced garlic clove and a dash or two of Pensey's Foxpoint seasoning - as well as a couple of dashes of Pensey's black pepper and a dash of cayenne (about 1/8 tsp.) Just think I have learned seasonings such as I just named make good food better!!!
Please try it and enjoy!! GOd Bless and talk soon!
Today I worked on a long list of things I needed to have my files (to have in examiner perfect shape.) SOme of them were easy, some not so easy - not so hard - not so easy --some just stupid -- someone needs to use some common sense -- if something has been paid off - then duh - take it off the list that you need a cash flow or appraisal of value! WHO CARES!!! Truthfully I am so tired!!
I am so sorry - I promised recipes for last night and last night didn't happen - a recipe for Delicious Dirt - a fun recipe -- well - go ahead and go to the Dollar Tree or Dollar General and buy you little cute plastic Sand Bucket and I will find the recipe -- just not one of those "wonderfully easy to find" recipes that I organized so well in the notebooks last month! But I will find it and give it to you soon. In the meanwhile - I will give you my favorite "very easy" Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole ( or Green Enchiladas)
1 Cup chopped onion
2 Tbsp. butter
2 cups cooked chicken
1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chili peppers
3 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. salt
2-1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1-1/2 cups Monterrey Jack cheese
12 (6 inch) torillas (corn)
In a large saucepan, cook onion in the 2 Tbsp. butter until tender. Combine onion and green chilli peppers, and set aside. For sauce - in the same skillet and seasoning, melt three (3) tablespoons butter, stir in flour and salt. Stir until seasoning and flour startto slightly brown. Stir in chicken broth all at once and cook until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes more. Remove from heat; stir in Sour cream and 1/2 of the cheese. Stir 1/2 cup of the sauce into the chicken mixture. Dip each tortilla into remaining sauce to soften. Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup chicken mixture. Roll up. Arrange rolls in a
13 x 13 x 2 baking dish, pour remaining sauce over . Sprinkle with remaining cheese, Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Seves 8.
The calendar I look at now says "TO profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it!" Think about that -- anyone can spout off some really good advise -- but how many of us practice what we preach?
I have one more "tried and true" recipe for you tonight -- even better than "Delicious Dirt." While we were living in Marshall - we were invited to this couple's house and she served this and bran muffins - period! I thought that was strange at first but after I ate the first bite - I changed my mind -- THE PERFECT MEAL!!
FLYING FARMER CHICKEN SALAD
5 cups cooked chicken (cut into bite size pieces)
2 Tablespoons oil (back then it was vegetable oil - now I would use olive oil or Canola)
2 Tablespoons Orange juice
2 Tablespoons Vinegar
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Tablespoon sugar
3 cups cooked rice
1-1/2 cups small green grapes
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
1 - 13-1/2 oz. Can pineapple chunks, drained
1-11 oz. Can mandarin oranges, drained
1 Cup toasted slivered almonds
1-1/2 cup mayonnaise (I would use reduced fat)
1. Combine chicken, oil, orange juice, vinegar , salt and sugar
2. Let stand while preparing other ingredients
3. Toss together all ingredients.
Serve hot or cold.
TIP: It is good to cook chicken a day ahead and have canned goods at room temperature and rice fresh and hot. Add all together and it is not really hot and not really cold. Just delicious.
Note: I have not made this in several years - but I think I will soon and I will most definitely add at least one minced garlic clove and a dash or two of Pensey's Foxpoint seasoning - as well as a couple of dashes of Pensey's black pepper and a dash of cayenne (about 1/8 tsp.) Just think I have learned seasonings such as I just named make good food better!!!
Please try it and enjoy!! GOd Bless and talk soon!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A MISSED CLASS TURNS INTO A BLESSING OF JOY
Tonight was very strange. We arrived at church early and Michelle and I kept going to the classroom to see if they were having our class and finally my feet would not make another trip so I decided we would "audit" the ladies class that we had always participated in -- except for this last session. The evening turned into a complete blessing for me! To hear the ladies discussing God and the joy we can have by praying and having the faith that God will take care of us! He doesn't promise to always answer our prayers with the answer we want, but He will take care of us! Joy tonight was complete by listening to Diane Litton's lecture - she just knows how to bring the lesson alive. Her example tonight of hanging a picture and how we need to find the stud to make it firm was an excellent analogy of how God is the stud we need to hang onto. I had not realized how much I had missed the fellowship of those ladies or the intense study of God's Word. Her other suggestion was for us to create a list of scriptures that describes God. A worthy goal and one I intend to start. I will share some of those with you in the coming weeks!
After church we went to Smash Burgers - the new hamburger place on Troup Highway. They were BIG - and delicious. Not the place to eat when you want to lose 5 pounds - but worth the waiver of good intentions for one night!!
I received a voice mail today that my strawberry cake was a big hit at the Alzheimer's meeting and that several Pilots that were helping want the recipe.. They just need to read my blog for Friday, February 12, 2010! By the way - I am in the process of making a page to be attached to blog that will be a Table of Contents - listing recipes with date published. I hope it will help you - I know it will me!! Hopefully it will be ready to attach in the next couple of days!!
Tonight I am going to give you the recipe for a Mango Salad that my friend Mary had when I was visiting her in Ruidoso. IT was delicious but it calls for "1 -29 oz. can of Mangoe with juice." If you ever see it - please let me know because I cannot find it! But here is the recipe and you can use peaches or apricots ---BUT I WANT MANGOES!!!
MANGO SALAD
2 small packages orange gelatin
1 small package lemon gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 can (29 oz.) mangoes with juice (I am going to try the mango in the jars - it has juice!!!!)
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
Dissolve orange and lemon gelatin in boiling water in large bowl. Blend mangoes with juice in blender. Pour one-half blended mangoes into gelatin mixture. Blend softened cream cheese in remaining mango mixture. Mix all mango, gelatin, and cream cheese together. Pour mixture into 9 x 13 dish, refrigerate and allow to congeal.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
You can serve with whipped cream, mayonnaise with a dash of curry or with no topping. (Mary sliced fresh mango on it!!)
Have you ever made a Baked Custard or Egg Custard pie? Here is a recipe that you simply pour into custard cups for individual desserts -- not as fattening as with crust either!
BAKED CUSTARD
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups, milk, scalded **
1/4 tsp. salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat. Fold in smooth, scalded milk and seasonings. Pour into buttered custard cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place cups in pan filled with 1 inch water. Cook at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until firm! Delicious!
** Do you know how to scald milk? Put milk into saucepan over medium high heat and allow milk to get hot and start to steam -- just before it starts to boil - take it off -- you have scalded milk!!
I think judging by the ingredients - this should make about six custards.
Tomorrow night I will give you the recipe of "DELICIOUS DIRT" and an easy Green Enchilada casserole!! So remember -- "We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere!"
Have a blessed rest --If it is God's will - talk to you tomorrow. Remember -store up those treasures in Heaven - do something for someone less fortunate!
After church we went to Smash Burgers - the new hamburger place on Troup Highway. They were BIG - and delicious. Not the place to eat when you want to lose 5 pounds - but worth the waiver of good intentions for one night!!
I received a voice mail today that my strawberry cake was a big hit at the Alzheimer's meeting and that several Pilots that were helping want the recipe.. They just need to read my blog for Friday, February 12, 2010! By the way - I am in the process of making a page to be attached to blog that will be a Table of Contents - listing recipes with date published. I hope it will help you - I know it will me!! Hopefully it will be ready to attach in the next couple of days!!
Tonight I am going to give you the recipe for a Mango Salad that my friend Mary had when I was visiting her in Ruidoso. IT was delicious but it calls for "1 -29 oz. can of Mangoe with juice." If you ever see it - please let me know because I cannot find it! But here is the recipe and you can use peaches or apricots ---BUT I WANT MANGOES!!!
MANGO SALAD
2 small packages orange gelatin
1 small package lemon gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 can (29 oz.) mangoes with juice (I am going to try the mango in the jars - it has juice!!!!)
1 8 oz. package cream cheese
Dissolve orange and lemon gelatin in boiling water in large bowl. Blend mangoes with juice in blender. Pour one-half blended mangoes into gelatin mixture. Blend softened cream cheese in remaining mango mixture. Mix all mango, gelatin, and cream cheese together. Pour mixture into 9 x 13 dish, refrigerate and allow to congeal.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
You can serve with whipped cream, mayonnaise with a dash of curry or with no topping. (Mary sliced fresh mango on it!!)
Have you ever made a Baked Custard or Egg Custard pie? Here is a recipe that you simply pour into custard cups for individual desserts -- not as fattening as with crust either!
BAKED CUSTARD
3 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
3 cups, milk, scalded **
1/4 tsp. salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
Beat eggs. Add sugar and beat. Fold in smooth, scalded milk and seasonings. Pour into buttered custard cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Place cups in pan filled with 1 inch water. Cook at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until firm! Delicious!
** Do you know how to scald milk? Put milk into saucepan over medium high heat and allow milk to get hot and start to steam -- just before it starts to boil - take it off -- you have scalded milk!!
I think judging by the ingredients - this should make about six custards.
Tomorrow night I will give you the recipe of "DELICIOUS DIRT" and an easy Green Enchilada casserole!! So remember -- "We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere!"
Have a blessed rest --If it is God's will - talk to you tomorrow. Remember -store up those treasures in Heaven - do something for someone less fortunate!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
FOOD PREP, RECIPES FOR HEAVEN AND TO EAT
My - it is already 10:30 and I am finally out of the kitchen. I think I mentioned I am responsible for the meal for the Alzheimer's group that meets at our church (just by coincidence) and the Pilot Club provides lunch one Wednesday a month. I have been so lucky though. My sister is cooking my chicken tenders (about 90 of them), another Pilot, Jean, is providing a pound cake, and another, Aliece is doing salad for 30. I made 3 recipes of Veg-All Casserole (I think I have given you the recipe!) and a Strawberry Cake. We also have rolls -- so hopefully they will eat well tomorrow. To make the Veg-All casserole - I needed six cans of Veg-All vegetables and six cans of whole kernel corn - and either cheese whiz or velveta. I went to the store at lunch and had left the recipe (my shopping list) on the cabinet in our break room. I remembered the corn and Veg-All - but only got 3 cans of each and no Velveta! So I ran to Walmart this afternoon and got peanut butter and Velveta - still not realizing I did not have but half the amount of veggies and corn I needed. So while opening the cans - ding - it hit me. So at a few minutes before 9 - I rushed to the store to get the rest of the veggies and corn. My Mom graciously agreed to chop up my celery and onions - and that made making the casseroles very easy -- I just have cramps in my hand from opening so many cans. Oh well - they are in the refrigerator and the cake is iced and there too!
Have you ever heard a preacher say we needed to lay up our treasures in Heaven and wondered how do we do that? Well - if you read the religious section of the Saturday paper - you would have seen Paul Powell's article, and he so eloquently said: "The only way to get our treasures into heaven is to put them in something that is going there. Cattle, land, houses, stocks and bonds, all have no life and are not going to heaven. (I'm sure glad he didn't say "dogs!) Only men and women, boys and girls are going there." He goes on to say "If you want to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven then you've got to invest in people. Give yourselves to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, caring for the needy in everyway; and, oh yes, share the good news that Jesus saves. That way they can enjoy eternity with you!"
I could never improve on that wisdom --so I'll just continue to encourage each of you to do something good for someone each day you live!
My sister is planning a luncheon in a couple of weeks and she wanted to know what she could make - little sandwiches or what. I suggested sliders - but woke up this morning with a new idea. I haven't told her yet -- but I think this would be perfect -- not too heavy - but filling, unique and delicious! She will find out here what I really recommend.
HOT HAM SANDWICHES
1/2 Cup butter
1 Tablespoon poppy seed
1 Tablespoon onion flakes
2/4 cup mustard
12 buns, split (potato, dinner rolls or
Pepperidge Farm small rolls)
Ham, thinly sliced or shaved (about 1 lb.)
12 small or 6 large slices of Swiss cheese - sliced
Melt butter in saucepan and add poppy seed, onion flakes
and mustard. Spread split buns (or rolls) with mixture and inset
one portion of ham and cheese into each bun. Wrap in foil. (Freeze
or refrigerate at this point if desired!) Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake 25 minutes (or longer for frozen or chilled sandwiches).
These are always the first to go at a "bring your own" function. Serve with a good fruit salad and WHAT A MEAL!!
HONEY LIME BERRIES AND GREENS
SALAD
6 cups mixed salad greens
3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
4 thin red onion slices, separated into rings
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
DRESSING
1/4 Cup lime juice
3 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil or olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 tsp. poppy seed
1/4 tsp. dijon mustard
In medium bowl, gently toss the salad ingredients
In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Serve dressing with salad.
Sound like a plan to me!!
Have a blessed evening (sleep) and join me tomorrow for more. God Bless!
Have you ever heard a preacher say we needed to lay up our treasures in Heaven and wondered how do we do that? Well - if you read the religious section of the Saturday paper - you would have seen Paul Powell's article, and he so eloquently said: "The only way to get our treasures into heaven is to put them in something that is going there. Cattle, land, houses, stocks and bonds, all have no life and are not going to heaven. (I'm sure glad he didn't say "dogs!) Only men and women, boys and girls are going there." He goes on to say "If you want to lay up for yourself treasures in heaven then you've got to invest in people. Give yourselves to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, caring for the needy in everyway; and, oh yes, share the good news that Jesus saves. That way they can enjoy eternity with you!"
I could never improve on that wisdom --so I'll just continue to encourage each of you to do something good for someone each day you live!
My sister is planning a luncheon in a couple of weeks and she wanted to know what she could make - little sandwiches or what. I suggested sliders - but woke up this morning with a new idea. I haven't told her yet -- but I think this would be perfect -- not too heavy - but filling, unique and delicious! She will find out here what I really recommend.
HOT HAM SANDWICHES
1/2 Cup butter
1 Tablespoon poppy seed
1 Tablespoon onion flakes
2/4 cup mustard
12 buns, split (potato, dinner rolls or
Pepperidge Farm small rolls)
Ham, thinly sliced or shaved (about 1 lb.)
12 small or 6 large slices of Swiss cheese - sliced
Melt butter in saucepan and add poppy seed, onion flakes
and mustard. Spread split buns (or rolls) with mixture and inset
one portion of ham and cheese into each bun. Wrap in foil. (Freeze
or refrigerate at this point if desired!) Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake 25 minutes (or longer for frozen or chilled sandwiches).
These are always the first to go at a "bring your own" function. Serve with a good fruit salad and WHAT A MEAL!!
HONEY LIME BERRIES AND GREENS
SALAD
6 cups mixed salad greens
3/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
4 thin red onion slices, separated into rings
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
DRESSING
1/4 Cup lime juice
3 tablespoons vegetable (canola) oil or olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1/4 tsp. poppy seed
1/4 tsp. dijon mustard
In medium bowl, gently toss the salad ingredients
In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients. Serve dressing with salad.
Sound like a plan to me!!
Have a blessed evening (sleep) and join me tomorrow for more. God Bless!
Monday, March 8, 2010
MONDAY - A TRYING DAY - BUT TRYING TO NOT BE A BUZZARD!!
Right now -- I think this is going to be short and sweet! I am getting a late start - it has been a very bad day - (I know it is a day the Lord has created) and maybe it was created to see how I would respond - well - where is my broom? Both of my wings were injured today! I took up for one of my employees today and finally had to hang up after listening to about 10 minutes of a woman screaming at me and finally daring me not to hang up the phone. I finally hung up the phone! Then my other wing suffered injury tonight when my dearly beloved husband didn't come home until almost an hour after he had said he would - Michelle and I ate without him and he doesn't understand why I am upset!!! Oh well - wings heal and so will my feelings!
Did you know that if you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird inspite of it ability to fly will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet and without that space to run, it will not attempt to fly - and will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. The bat, and the bumble bee have similar habits and will remain where they are until they die. In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! JUST LOOK UP. Remember - "Sorrow looks back", "Worry looks around, but FAITH LOOKS UP!" Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us!
I've given you so many recipes and honestly -- I've only had one person tell me that they made one of my recipes! Not a good record for so many wonderful dishes! Oh well - I started something I promised myself that I would continue -- so hopefully you take something from each post! Tonight I cooked some of those awesome chicken thighs - seasoned with Penzey's spices and some roasted asparagus that was really delicous. I did Michelle and I baked sweet potatoes (and they were wonderful) and Travis a baked Idaho potato. You really need to look back through the posts and find something that you think your family would like and try it! Tomorrow night I will be burning the "midnight oil" cooking for the Alzheimer's luncheon on Wednesday! I am trying to decide on mashed potatoes or All Veggie casserole! I will let you know!! I am also doing "baked" chicken strips, another Pilot is bringing salad - and I am also taking rolls and dessert! I am planning to take the Strawberry Cake and another dear friend is taking a pound cake -- so even with 30 people -- they should have plenty of food!!
I am trusting God will grant each of you a blessed sleep and that we can all continue our lives tomorrow.
Did you know that if you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird inspite of it ability to fly will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet and without that space to run, it will not attempt to fly - and will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. The bat, and the bumble bee have similar habits and will remain where they are until they die. In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! JUST LOOK UP. Remember - "Sorrow looks back", "Worry looks around, but FAITH LOOKS UP!" Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Creator who loves us!
I've given you so many recipes and honestly -- I've only had one person tell me that they made one of my recipes! Not a good record for so many wonderful dishes! Oh well - I started something I promised myself that I would continue -- so hopefully you take something from each post! Tonight I cooked some of those awesome chicken thighs - seasoned with Penzey's spices and some roasted asparagus that was really delicous. I did Michelle and I baked sweet potatoes (and they were wonderful) and Travis a baked Idaho potato. You really need to look back through the posts and find something that you think your family would like and try it! Tomorrow night I will be burning the "midnight oil" cooking for the Alzheimer's luncheon on Wednesday! I am trying to decide on mashed potatoes or All Veggie casserole! I will let you know!! I am also doing "baked" chicken strips, another Pilot is bringing salad - and I am also taking rolls and dessert! I am planning to take the Strawberry Cake and another dear friend is taking a pound cake -- so even with 30 people -- they should have plenty of food!!
I am trusting God will grant each of you a blessed sleep and that we can all continue our lives tomorrow.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
A NIGHT OF REST - MIND RECHARGED AND LOTS TO SAY!!
Travis asked me today if I did a post last night and I said "No - sometimes I need a night to get my thoughts together!" Last night I watched a movie with Diana Ross and Brandy. It really was good! You can tell I like the love stories or the ones that make me cry!! A couple of years ago my Mom watched "Eight Under" about the dogs in the Anartic and after it was over, she said, "I am never going to watch a movie with you again!" I had already seen it -- I didn't tell her the story - I just cried everytime something was about to happen!!! BUT I am back tonight with many, many thoughts running through my head! I have been thinking about the email I received last Friday from a friend (I actually mentioned it on Friday night) that simply said:"Women are angels, and when someone breaks one of our wings, we keep on flying .....on a broom. We are flexible that way" and how it really says something about women! We may not be angels and we may not fly around on brooms - but we women are flexible. How many times have we changed our plans in a moment's notice? (NO GUYS I DID NOT SAY CHANGE OUR MIND!!!!) Think of all the women that have endured hardships, broken marriages, disappointments in children'S decisions, disabled or "special" children, an enlarged family by adoption or a marriage, burned biscuits -- whatever they faced - for the most part - they changed directions, they adjusted, they coped, and they looked ahead to better times. AND HOW MUCH EASIER THAT IS TO DO WHEN YOU HAVE GOD IN HEAVEN LOOKING OVER YOU, JESUS CHRIST WALKING BESIDE YOU, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT LIVING IN YOU!" On Sunday nights our preached, Mark, has been giving lessons on The Trinity - God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. IT is a hard concept to grasp - even though we know it is so - but he is helping us understand their unity and their function! Good job Mark!!
This afternoon I made a Sopapilla Cheesecake in two pans - one for my sister and one for Travis! (Michelle and I can't have any because we are not eating much sugar at all. I did relent and give her about 1/4 of a piece. Bless her heart -- she loves dessert as much as her dad - but he can eat a whole pie and never gain a pound -- she can smell it and gain a pound --but she is so good -- she never asks for a piece of dessert - just stands around and says "looks good" and I give her a little bitty piece and she never complains. She is precious -- even though sometimes she can test my patience to the end!
The dessert is so easy even my sister could make it -- sorry Alice I just could not resist!!! No seriously my sister is a very good cook -- she never liked to cook but now that she has retired she is beginning to enjoy it - and has even attended a cooking class or two with me! We are planning to go to one at Sweet Gourmet in a few weeks! Alice (my sister) used to make the best lasagna in the whole wide world. Speaking of Italian food -- we ate today at Little Italy and I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana and it was the very best I've ever tasted. I've made it but it came in maybe a close third to this - it was delicious! For $6.99 we got a large plate (enough for two meals) a delicious salad and unlimited bread -- which Michelle and I shared one piece - and resisted the real desire for more! Everyone bragged on the meal. We went with friends from 39 years ago, and friends from 20 years ago. Everyone knew someone and the others became fast friends. It is amazing how lives can intertwine and time drops away and it was like yesterday!
This afternoon I made the Sopapilla Cheesecake, but I also made two different "cheese dips" to be tested by the bride-to-be and her family that I've previously mentioned. One was made with sausage and one with hamburger. I am anxious to know which one they liked best! I have at least two more to let them try -- and am willing to adjust anything they wish -- I just know we will have to make lots because they expect, at a minimum, at least 400 guests!
I want to give you the Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe I made - I know there are hundreds on the internet but I don't think this one could be improved on much! It is really quick, easy, and delicious!
SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less Fat -- Oh --right now Brookshire's has the Food Club brand on four for $1.00 - what a deal and it tastes great too!)
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 tsp. Mexican vanilla flavoring (actually it only called for 1 - but I put 2)
2 Tablespoons either whipping cream (what I used) or half and half
2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent rolls (I used Food King and they worked perfectly -- I used regular on the bottom and Flaky on the top!)
THEN FOR TOPPING:
3/4 cup sugar (same as above - just plain ol' granulated sugar)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
THEN:
1/4 CUP HONEY
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sray a 9 X 13 baking dish with
cooking spray.
Beat the cream cheese with 1 cup sugar, cream, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and whipped well.
Unroll one can of cresent rolls (the regular ones) and spread out over the bottom of the prepared pan. Press seams together and roll or pat out to completely cover bottom of pan. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent rolls. Open other can (the flaky ones) and lay on top of cream cheese mixture. Combine the sugar, butter and cinnamon and place in microwave to melt butter and sugar (about one minute) Then stir until sugar is almost melted and blended well. Spoon the mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
Bake in preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey. Cool completely in pan before cutting in squares.
See how easy - this is really a new recipe to me -- and I plan to make it often for desserts I need to take some place. I am going to try it out on my co-workers very soon!!
Well - it is after 10 and tomorrow it starts all over! There are things about my job I love and things I dread - and I guess that is just me being human!
Have a blessed nights sleep - please, please, please look for someone to help, encourage, or make smile - and come back to check out my random thoughts again tomorrow! May God Bless and Keep you!!
This afternoon I made a Sopapilla Cheesecake in two pans - one for my sister and one for Travis! (Michelle and I can't have any because we are not eating much sugar at all. I did relent and give her about 1/4 of a piece. Bless her heart -- she loves dessert as much as her dad - but he can eat a whole pie and never gain a pound -- she can smell it and gain a pound --but she is so good -- she never asks for a piece of dessert - just stands around and says "looks good" and I give her a little bitty piece and she never complains. She is precious -- even though sometimes she can test my patience to the end!
The dessert is so easy even my sister could make it -- sorry Alice I just could not resist!!! No seriously my sister is a very good cook -- she never liked to cook but now that she has retired she is beginning to enjoy it - and has even attended a cooking class or two with me! We are planning to go to one at Sweet Gourmet in a few weeks! Alice (my sister) used to make the best lasagna in the whole wide world. Speaking of Italian food -- we ate today at Little Italy and I ordered the Eggplant Parmigiana and it was the very best I've ever tasted. I've made it but it came in maybe a close third to this - it was delicious! For $6.99 we got a large plate (enough for two meals) a delicious salad and unlimited bread -- which Michelle and I shared one piece - and resisted the real desire for more! Everyone bragged on the meal. We went with friends from 39 years ago, and friends from 20 years ago. Everyone knew someone and the others became fast friends. It is amazing how lives can intertwine and time drops away and it was like yesterday!
This afternoon I made the Sopapilla Cheesecake, but I also made two different "cheese dips" to be tested by the bride-to-be and her family that I've previously mentioned. One was made with sausage and one with hamburger. I am anxious to know which one they liked best! I have at least two more to let them try -- and am willing to adjust anything they wish -- I just know we will have to make lots because they expect, at a minimum, at least 400 guests!
I want to give you the Sopapilla Cheesecake recipe I made - I know there are hundreds on the internet but I don't think this one could be improved on much! It is really quick, easy, and delicious!
SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE
2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less Fat -- Oh --right now Brookshire's has the Food Club brand on four for $1.00 - what a deal and it tastes great too!)
1 cup granulated white sugar
2 tsp. Mexican vanilla flavoring (actually it only called for 1 - but I put 2)
2 Tablespoons either whipping cream (what I used) or half and half
2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent rolls (I used Food King and they worked perfectly -- I used regular on the bottom and Flaky on the top!)
THEN FOR TOPPING:
3/4 cup sugar (same as above - just plain ol' granulated sugar)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
THEN:
1/4 CUP HONEY
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sray a 9 X 13 baking dish with
cooking spray.
Beat the cream cheese with 1 cup sugar, cream, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and whipped well.
Unroll one can of cresent rolls (the regular ones) and spread out over the bottom of the prepared pan. Press seams together and roll or pat out to completely cover bottom of pan. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the crescent rolls. Open other can (the flaky ones) and lay on top of cream cheese mixture. Combine the sugar, butter and cinnamon and place in microwave to melt butter and sugar (about one minute) Then stir until sugar is almost melted and blended well. Spoon the mixture over the top of the cheesecake.
Bake in preheated oven until the crescent dough has puffed and turned golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with honey. Cool completely in pan before cutting in squares.
See how easy - this is really a new recipe to me -- and I plan to make it often for desserts I need to take some place. I am going to try it out on my co-workers very soon!!
Well - it is after 10 and tomorrow it starts all over! There are things about my job I love and things I dread - and I guess that is just me being human!
Have a blessed nights sleep - please, please, please look for someone to help, encourage, or make smile - and come back to check out my random thoughts again tomorrow! May God Bless and Keep you!!
Friday, March 5, 2010
FRIDAY NIGHT - SHARING ALL I KNOW!
Another Friday night! Last night Travis bragged about this little Mexican Food restaurant in Chandler, TX. "It was just the best and the Sour cream chicken enchiladas were as good as Carlita's (a place we used to go in Longview - when we lived in Marshall) so we went there tonight. In my opinion it was ok - but I would not want to drive that far when there is much better closer by! My opinion of course. One great thing about the trip though is we saw friends that we probably hadn't seen in 10 years. The strangest thing was I had seen her earlier today in a store I was in! They were some of our first teenagers when we were only about 28 and working with the youth at Omen Road. Precious couple and family!! My how time does fly but good relationships last forever!!
A dear friend sent me a little email today - and all it said was: "Women are angels and when someone breaks one of our wings, we just keep on flying - -on a broom! We are flexible that way!!!" After the morning I had (and I won't bore you with it or the "boss thing" either) - but I wrote back --"Where is my broom - I need it!"
Ok - I promised: more from "A SOUTHERN BELLE PRIMER"
"Southern belles love to wear crowns. They are obsessed with crowns. Mere tiaras will never do. Majorettes wear crowns, beauty queens wear crowns, but most of all, debutantes wear crowns. They pass them down from generation to generation along with such titles as Queen of the Mardi Gras or Princess of the Azalea Ball. One has even been called Queen of the Divine Rainbow." OH MY - WHAT ABOUT THE QUEEN OF THE ROSE FESTIVAL?? "It really doesn't matter about the title, the important thing is to wear a crown!" Ok - what kind of crown do you want to wear? One as queen or king of a festival -- or one like spoken of in Proverbs 16:31 "Grey hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a rightous life." OR how about James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Also Revelations 2:10 says: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you THE CROWN OF LIFE!" So let's not live our lives for the fake crown or tiara whose honor and glory is fleeting -- but on God's word and the Crown of Life!
Here is a great French Toast Recipe - tried and tested. Personally I think much better than the Raspberry one I tried. It comes from an ex-banker and excellent cook! Thanks LaJuan for sharing!
Baked French Toast
1 loaf French bread, sliced
4 beaten eggs
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix ingredients and dip bread into mixture. Zrefrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Melt 1 stick butter and pour in bottom of 10 X 13 inch pan and lay bread in buttered pan. Bak at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Delicious with powdered sugar sprinkled on and a little maple syrup.
Hmmm- my mouth is watering!!!
Know how to toast pecans?? There are several ways - put a skillet on the a hot stove, add a "tad" (just a few large drops) of olive oil or butter, 1 cup pecans and dash a little salt on them. Stir (and keep stiring) until they are a golden color! Careful - don't try to fry!! These are delicious in salads or just by themselves. Walnut done the same way are awesome also! One of the easiest and best and most foolproof ways is to put about a cup of pecans (or whatever amount you need) into a pan and place it in a 350 degree oven. Bake for aout 5 minutes and shake well. Bake an additional 3 to 4 minutes and remove from over. Delightful smell, color and crunchy taste. They are now ready to chop and add to whatever you please -- or don't chop and eat!!!
I just saw a saying that expresses what I feel completely and hope that in someway this blog is helping fullfil that sentiment: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I would not have a bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave me!" Have a blessed weekend and God's Will - I'll have more soon! Good night!
A dear friend sent me a little email today - and all it said was: "Women are angels and when someone breaks one of our wings, we just keep on flying - -on a broom! We are flexible that way!!!" After the morning I had (and I won't bore you with it or the "boss thing" either) - but I wrote back --"Where is my broom - I need it!"
Ok - I promised: more from "A SOUTHERN BELLE PRIMER"
"Southern belles love to wear crowns. They are obsessed with crowns. Mere tiaras will never do. Majorettes wear crowns, beauty queens wear crowns, but most of all, debutantes wear crowns. They pass them down from generation to generation along with such titles as Queen of the Mardi Gras or Princess of the Azalea Ball. One has even been called Queen of the Divine Rainbow." OH MY - WHAT ABOUT THE QUEEN OF THE ROSE FESTIVAL?? "It really doesn't matter about the title, the important thing is to wear a crown!" Ok - what kind of crown do you want to wear? One as queen or king of a festival -- or one like spoken of in Proverbs 16:31 "Grey hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a rightous life." OR how about James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." Also Revelations 2:10 says: "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you THE CROWN OF LIFE!" So let's not live our lives for the fake crown or tiara whose honor and glory is fleeting -- but on God's word and the Crown of Life!
Here is a great French Toast Recipe - tried and tested. Personally I think much better than the Raspberry one I tried. It comes from an ex-banker and excellent cook! Thanks LaJuan for sharing!
Baked French Toast
1 loaf French bread, sliced
4 beaten eggs
2/3 cup orange juice
1/3 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix ingredients and dip bread into mixture. Zrefrigerate 2 hours or overnight. Melt 1 stick butter and pour in bottom of 10 X 13 inch pan and lay bread in buttered pan. Bak at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Delicious with powdered sugar sprinkled on and a little maple syrup.
Hmmm- my mouth is watering!!!
Know how to toast pecans?? There are several ways - put a skillet on the a hot stove, add a "tad" (just a few large drops) of olive oil or butter, 1 cup pecans and dash a little salt on them. Stir (and keep stiring) until they are a golden color! Careful - don't try to fry!! These are delicious in salads or just by themselves. Walnut done the same way are awesome also! One of the easiest and best and most foolproof ways is to put about a cup of pecans (or whatever amount you need) into a pan and place it in a 350 degree oven. Bake for aout 5 minutes and shake well. Bake an additional 3 to 4 minutes and remove from over. Delightful smell, color and crunchy taste. They are now ready to chop and add to whatever you please -- or don't chop and eat!!!
I just saw a saying that expresses what I feel completely and hope that in someway this blog is helping fullfil that sentiment: "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I would not have a bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything You gave me!" Have a blessed weekend and God's Will - I'll have more soon! Good night!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
ANOTHER NIGHT OF RANDOM THOUGHTS AND BELIEFS
Oh my - Facebook is addictive, isn't it? I was on it for over an hour - just making comments and reading!! Now I am behind the eight ball (what does that really mean?) because I had determined I would start getting into bed earlier than 12:00! Today was a good day and I hope it was for you too! I have this fun little book written in 1991 - information doesn't sound old - but my goodness - the book is almost 20 years ago. Just think babies born in 1990 are almost old enough to vote! Scary!! Just can't believe time flies that fast -- almost faster than the speed of sound! Back to what I was saying -- the book is: "A Southern Belle Primer" and although it is almost 20 years old - it still speaks to us! Very close to the front of the book is something we must all remember: It is entitled "WHO ARE YOUR PEOPLE" "Remember to be very careful of who you talk about around here. Everybody in the South is kin to each other. No matter who you bring up, you're bound to be insulting somebody's aunt, uncle, or third cousin twice removed." (Advise to a Southern Belle from Up North.) Now tell me -- where else have you read about "Gossip?" I believe we've seen that in the Bible - haven't we?? What about in Proverbs 11:12 "A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret." Or - Proverbs 16:28 "a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends." Also there is 2 Corinthians 12:20 "For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, GOSSIP, arrogance and disorder." So whether we are "Southern Belles" or just Christian women or men (Sadly - I've found men like to gossip too!)_ we need to not talk about others unless we can say something good! Now I am preaching to myself too!
I will give you some more from the Southern Belle Primer later on. All week I have stewed over something that is really bothering me. I've heard that some churches are not going to allow their youth to participate in LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) because as one church put it: "we don't believe it goes along with the Bible!" How wrong can they be? Maybe if whomever (youth director, Sunday school teacher or parent) waits until the last month or minute and throw something together --that might be true. I can only speak for what I've seen at Shiloh. They start talking about LTC before Christmas and then immediately after Christmas they start having classes -- studing the Bible and the scripture chosen - this year it is 2nd Samuel 22:32 "FOR WHO IS GOD BESIDES THE LORD? AND WHO IS THE ROCK EXCEPT OUR GOD?" Now tell me -- how does that not go along with the BIble??? So your trying to tell me that when you have children studing the Bible - thinking and discussing the scripture and then figuring out how best to relate that to others - they are not going along with the Bible??? I am so thankful we are associated with a church that wants to promote an understanding of God's Word and have our youth engaged in studing, discusing, and sharing God's word.
Oh yes - cooking that is what my blog is about! My -- I do get distracted but as long as it is for God's cause -- I can't apologize. I do have some
information you may or may not know -- do you know how to peel tomatoes without carefully using a knife and always getting off more peel than just the skin? Well - get a pot of boiling water, place the tomatoes into the boiling water for only about three minutes, remove from the boiling water and place in cold water. The skin will literally fall off into your hand. You can do the same thing with peaches!
Can you hardly wait for springtime? I can actually think about fresh blueberries, blackberries, peaches and the saliva actually starts to form in my mouth. Strawberries are usually plentiful this time of the month. I remember when I was younger - we always had strawberries and angel food cake for either my dad's birthday or mine - both in February -- and now the berries are still very expensive and clogged with water from the torrential rains in California and Mexico. So - we must wait patiently for the wonderful fresh taste of homegrown fruit!!! Everytime I go by a blueberry field I get excited!
A fun recipe I have for you tonight sounds impossible but it really is good:
PEANUT BUTTER FRITO CANDY
10 OZ. bag regular size Fritos
1-1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups corn syrup
1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
11 regular size milk chocolate bars
SPray 10x15 baking sheet (or cookie sheet) with Pam or store brand, Spread Fritos across bottom of pan. Heat sugar and corn syrup together until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth. Pour hot mixture over Fritos. Lay chocolate bars in a layer over hot surface. Let sit for a few minutes until chocolate is melted. (Can put in over briefly to help melt chocolate if necessary!" Spread chocolate with knife until layer is smooth. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. TRY IT AND BE SURPRISED AT HOW GOOD IT IS!!!
That's it for tonight. Have a blessed evening's rest and see you tomorrow - if it is God's will!!!
I will give you some more from the Southern Belle Primer later on. All week I have stewed over something that is really bothering me. I've heard that some churches are not going to allow their youth to participate in LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) because as one church put it: "we don't believe it goes along with the Bible!" How wrong can they be? Maybe if whomever (youth director, Sunday school teacher or parent) waits until the last month or minute and throw something together --that might be true. I can only speak for what I've seen at Shiloh. They start talking about LTC before Christmas and then immediately after Christmas they start having classes -- studing the Bible and the scripture chosen - this year it is 2nd Samuel 22:32 "FOR WHO IS GOD BESIDES THE LORD? AND WHO IS THE ROCK EXCEPT OUR GOD?" Now tell me -- how does that not go along with the BIble??? So your trying to tell me that when you have children studing the Bible - thinking and discussing the scripture and then figuring out how best to relate that to others - they are not going along with the Bible??? I am so thankful we are associated with a church that wants to promote an understanding of God's Word and have our youth engaged in studing, discusing, and sharing God's word.
Oh yes - cooking that is what my blog is about! My -- I do get distracted but as long as it is for God's cause -- I can't apologize. I do have some
information you may or may not know -- do you know how to peel tomatoes without carefully using a knife and always getting off more peel than just the skin? Well - get a pot of boiling water, place the tomatoes into the boiling water for only about three minutes, remove from the boiling water and place in cold water. The skin will literally fall off into your hand. You can do the same thing with peaches!
Can you hardly wait for springtime? I can actually think about fresh blueberries, blackberries, peaches and the saliva actually starts to form in my mouth. Strawberries are usually plentiful this time of the month. I remember when I was younger - we always had strawberries and angel food cake for either my dad's birthday or mine - both in February -- and now the berries are still very expensive and clogged with water from the torrential rains in California and Mexico. So - we must wait patiently for the wonderful fresh taste of homegrown fruit!!! Everytime I go by a blueberry field I get excited!
A fun recipe I have for you tonight sounds impossible but it really is good:
PEANUT BUTTER FRITO CANDY
10 OZ. bag regular size Fritos
1-1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 cups corn syrup
1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
11 regular size milk chocolate bars
SPray 10x15 baking sheet (or cookie sheet) with Pam or store brand, Spread Fritos across bottom of pan. Heat sugar and corn syrup together until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter until smooth. Pour hot mixture over Fritos. Lay chocolate bars in a layer over hot surface. Let sit for a few minutes until chocolate is melted. (Can put in over briefly to help melt chocolate if necessary!" Spread chocolate with knife until layer is smooth. Let cool completely before cutting into squares. TRY IT AND BE SURPRISED AT HOW GOOD IT IS!!!
That's it for tonight. Have a blessed evening's rest and see you tomorrow - if it is God's will!!!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
AN EVENING OF MEDICAL ADVISE AND RECIPES!
Tonight I am going to give you an old fashion remedy for a cough that scientist are baffled about "because it works!" This was sent to me by a friend. It was told at a lecture on Essential Oils. They told how the foot soles can absorb oils. Their examploe: Put garlic on your feet and within 20 minutes you can taste it. Some of us have used Vicks Vapo Rub for years for everything from chapped lips to sore toes and many things in between. (My mom used to always heat a soft cloth, rub my chest and throat with Vicks and then put that warm cloth on me! Looking back I always got better!) The article goes on to say that to stop night time coughing in a child (and now it's been proven to work on adults too)generously rub Vicks Vapo Rub on the soles of the feet, cover with socks, and the heavy, deep coughing will stop in about 5 minutes stay stopped for many, many hours of relief. Now don't laugh -- it works 100% of the time and is more effective in children than even very strong prescription cough medicines. In addition it is extremely soothing and comforting and you can sleep soundly. The lecturer went on to say that his wife tried it on herself when she had a very deep constant and persistent cough and worked 100%. "She said that it felt like a warm blanket had enveloped her, coughing stopped in a few minutes. So she went from - every few seconds of uncontrollable coughing, to sleeping cough-free for hours every night she used it!" SO IF YOU DO GET SICK - TRY THIS - WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO LOSE BUT A BAD COUGH?" I hope I don't ever need it -- but believe me I will try it!!! Now that I've given you some "medical advise" - how about some cooking advise!!!
Ever really needed to make a dessert and just did not have the time? Well here is a cake that can take up to three days to make -- so easy you can grab a minute today, a few more tomorrow - and the next day -- your cake is ready.
THREE DAY COCONUT CAKE
2 cups sour cream
1 bag coconut
1 large container cool whip or store brand
2 cups sugar
1 box yellow cake mix (I like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
FIRST DAY: Mix sour cream, sugar, and 1/2 bag coconut. Cover and refrigerate. (NOW HOW HARD WAS THAT?)
SECOND DAY: Bake yellow cake mix per box instructions -- only add 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring. Let cool, and then slice to make 4 layers. Spread each layer with sour cream mixture (made on Day 1). Cover stacked cake with foil and refrigerate. (THE MOST TIME USED IN ONE DAY ON THE CAKE!)
THIRD DAY: Frost cake with Cool Whip and sprinkle with remaining coconut.
Keep in refrigerator!!
FOURTH DAY: ENJOY!!!
Easy enough - and delicious!!!
Here is a fun - and delicious recipe that Travis is very good at making!
MONKEY BREAD
3 Cans canned biscuits
2 sticks butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon (Penzey's is wonderful)
1/2 cup pecans chopped
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray Bundt pan with nonfat spray (Pam, Food King; Greater Value -- I find they all work the same!!!)
Combine melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Quarter one can of biscuits and place in pan. Cover with one-third of the melted butter mixture; sprinkle with 1/3 pecans. Follow the same procedure with other 2 cans of biscuits. Bake approximately 20 to 25 minutes until bread is done. Turn out onto plate. Great for brunch or family treat.
TIP: After turning out onto plate, let pan rest for a few seconds so that all of the good cinnamon juice drains out of the pan!
Well friends - last night I coughed and must have pulled a muscle under my ribs and sitting here is misery -as was all day at work - (I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE RUBBED MY FEET WITH VICKS!) so I am going to bid you a good night with a wish for all of God's blessings on you - and if it is God's will - Talk to you tomorrow!
Ever really needed to make a dessert and just did not have the time? Well here is a cake that can take up to three days to make -- so easy you can grab a minute today, a few more tomorrow - and the next day -- your cake is ready.
THREE DAY COCONUT CAKE
2 cups sour cream
1 bag coconut
1 large container cool whip or store brand
2 cups sugar
1 box yellow cake mix (I like Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker)
FIRST DAY: Mix sour cream, sugar, and 1/2 bag coconut. Cover and refrigerate. (NOW HOW HARD WAS THAT?)
SECOND DAY: Bake yellow cake mix per box instructions -- only add 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring. Let cool, and then slice to make 4 layers. Spread each layer with sour cream mixture (made on Day 1). Cover stacked cake with foil and refrigerate. (THE MOST TIME USED IN ONE DAY ON THE CAKE!)
THIRD DAY: Frost cake with Cool Whip and sprinkle with remaining coconut.
Keep in refrigerator!!
FOURTH DAY: ENJOY!!!
Easy enough - and delicious!!!
Here is a fun - and delicious recipe that Travis is very good at making!
MONKEY BREAD
3 Cans canned biscuits
2 sticks butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon (Penzey's is wonderful)
1/2 cup pecans chopped
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray Bundt pan with nonfat spray (Pam, Food King; Greater Value -- I find they all work the same!!!)
Combine melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Quarter one can of biscuits and place in pan. Cover with one-third of the melted butter mixture; sprinkle with 1/3 pecans. Follow the same procedure with other 2 cans of biscuits. Bake approximately 20 to 25 minutes until bread is done. Turn out onto plate. Great for brunch or family treat.
TIP: After turning out onto plate, let pan rest for a few seconds so that all of the good cinnamon juice drains out of the pan!
Well friends - last night I coughed and must have pulled a muscle under my ribs and sitting here is misery -as was all day at work - (I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE RUBBED MY FEET WITH VICKS!) so I am going to bid you a good night with a wish for all of God's blessings on you - and if it is God's will - Talk to you tomorrow!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
SUPPORT THE NON PROFITS THAT WILL SUPPORT YOU IN TIME OF NEED
Good evening mates. What an expression and it just came to mind as I was going to tell you that we went to Fish City Grill to support our local American Red Cross. Today - all day - they were donating 15% of their proceeds to the local Red Cross. How great is that? So of course I was going to go eat there and support the Red Cross. The food was wonderful and we will go back to go back and give back to the owners who so generously support a community organization that someday (please God forbid) we might all need. The Red Cross is here to help in the time of disaster. Disasters such as hurricanes, tornados, and floods - come occasionally - but single family fires and apartment fires come daily - and they (ARC) are always there - giving aid in the form of money for clothes, a place to stay the night, rent money, medicine, eye glasses, whatever is needed to help the family get back on the track to a normal life. You think "well I have insurance, credit cards, friends!" IF your home burns up in the middle of the night - your credit cards, cell phones, insurance information will all most likely be burned up too - but the firemen will call the Red Cross and a volunteer will be there shortly -- offering immediate help. No - you won't have to pay them back - except to sing their praises and ask others to help by donating time and money! That is why the Red Cross is one of my passions and I try to help in any and every way! Won't you join me?
The other night I talked about making bread from scratch and the rewards it brought. Tonight I am going to give you a really simple recipe that I hope some of you are brave enough, adventurous enough, and determined enough to try. It is not hard and I can almost guarantee good results -- in fact, if you really try and fail - let me know and I will make it for you!!
NEIMAN MARCUS MONKEY BREAD (ROLLS)
2 Pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
3-1/2 cups flour
1 cup milk, warmed (don't let it boil)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 Tbls. butter, melted, for dipping
Combine yeast, milk and pinch of sugar. Stir until yeast is melted. Add sugar, salt, melted butter and flour. Mix well. Place into well greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover with Saran Wrap and let rise one (1) hour or until double in size.
Roll out into large rectangle - approximately 18x15. Cut into approximately 60 squares. Stack 5 squares together. Crush the dough together at one end. Dip the end in melted butter and place into greased muffin tins, buttered side down. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - until dough is done! DELICIOUS!
Now for a "QUICK" APPLE BREAD that is truly easy and delicious. There was a girl that I worked with that always ordered loaves of this bread!
APPLE BREAD
1/2 CUP OIL
3 CUPS FLOUR
1-1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 Can Applke Pie filling
2 Tsp. salt
1 Tsp. cinnamon
1 Tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Mix all the ingredients together. Pour into two floured loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hours. Watch and cover tops if they seem to brown too quickly. Makes 2 large loaves or six (6) small loaves.
At a church I used to attend we gave our guests a loaf of bread on Sunday mornings - and this was one of the breads I would make. Many times I had the office call me and say that some guest called wanting the recipe for some bread I made!
Ok - tonight I am going to finish up comments from HANDBOOK 2010
LIFE
1. Do the right thing.
2. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
3. GOD heals everything.
4. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
5. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
6. The best is yet to come....
7. When you awake alive in the morningm, thank GOD for it.
8. Your inner most is always happy. So BE HAPPY.
I hope some of you have read these and enjoyed them. Hava a blessed sleep and join me tomorrow. All of this is if it is God's will!
The other night I talked about making bread from scratch and the rewards it brought. Tonight I am going to give you a really simple recipe that I hope some of you are brave enough, adventurous enough, and determined enough to try. It is not hard and I can almost guarantee good results -- in fact, if you really try and fail - let me know and I will make it for you!!
NEIMAN MARCUS MONKEY BREAD (ROLLS)
2 Pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup sugar
3-1/2 cups flour
1 cup milk, warmed (don't let it boil)
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 Tbls. butter, melted, for dipping
Combine yeast, milk and pinch of sugar. Stir until yeast is melted. Add sugar, salt, melted butter and flour. Mix well. Place into well greased bowl, turning to coat top. Cover with Saran Wrap and let rise one (1) hour or until double in size.
Roll out into large rectangle - approximately 18x15. Cut into approximately 60 squares. Stack 5 squares together. Crush the dough together at one end. Dip the end in melted butter and place into greased muffin tins, buttered side down. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - until dough is done! DELICIOUS!
Now for a "QUICK" APPLE BREAD that is truly easy and delicious. There was a girl that I worked with that always ordered loaves of this bread!
APPLE BREAD
1/2 CUP OIL
3 CUPS FLOUR
1-1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 Can Applke Pie filling
2 Tsp. salt
1 Tsp. cinnamon
1 Tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla flavoring
Mix all the ingredients together. Pour into two floured loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hours. Watch and cover tops if they seem to brown too quickly. Makes 2 large loaves or six (6) small loaves.
At a church I used to attend we gave our guests a loaf of bread on Sunday mornings - and this was one of the breads I would make. Many times I had the office call me and say that some guest called wanting the recipe for some bread I made!
Ok - tonight I am going to finish up comments from HANDBOOK 2010
LIFE
1. Do the right thing.
2. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
3. GOD heals everything.
4. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
5. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
6. The best is yet to come....
7. When you awake alive in the morningm, thank GOD for it.
8. Your inner most is always happy. So BE HAPPY.
I hope some of you have read these and enjoyed them. Hava a blessed sleep and join me tomorrow. All of this is if it is God's will!
Monday, March 1, 2010
RAISING CHILDREN IS AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY BUT WITH GOD'S HELP - YOU CAN SUCCEED!
Thank goodness - Monday is "all in - all done!" The evening ended nice - we met Chris and Sue for dinner at El Charro's and the food was great - and the company was better. I can think of nothing as good as having an evening with friends you really love and just getting to visit with them with very few interuptions!
I told you last night about the little recorded thing I watched about good and bad foods -- so this morning I cooked us a boiled egg, and Travis fixed us banana and oranges and a half piece of Ezekiel bread with peanut butter on it -- that was our breakfast -- early - about 6 a.m., and I was just sure we would be starving by 10:00 - but I really wasn't. THen for lunch I had cooked some chicken tenders with a little olive oil and seasonings and baked them this morning - so I made us a salad with lettuce, apple, carrots, a few toasted pecans,cheese stick, and 2-1/2 pieces of chicken tenders -- all seasoned with a little pepper, foxpoint and garlic and a drizzle of lemon flavored olive oil. FOr a little more protein I fixed three -2-1/2 inch sticks of celery stuffed with peanut butter -- it was all very good! So -- we were good all day - well - I'm sure we cheated a little tonight at El Charro - but my goodness - we had been so good all day and we were celebrating Sue's birthday coming on Wednesday and mine that had just passed! Guess I will know what that caused when I step on the scales in the morning!!!
I read in the paper this morning about the epedemic of "sextexting" that is becoming rampant - even in Tyler, TX - actually ruining lives of teenagers! Some are being sent to jail and having to register as sex offenders because of some stupid craze that kids don't believe they will get caught at. One counselor was quoted as saying "I am seeing children that their parents believed they were good kids" until they checked their
Internet or phone histories. So what can be done about this? Well the experts say "You have to be vigilant and know what your kids are doing so keep tabs on them and check their phones and computers often." They go on to say set up boundaries on electronic communicating with and what the child is posting online. They also suggested parents monitor their child's activity on Facebook and other social sites on the Internet. All of this is very good clinical advise but I have to ask what ever happened to parents saying "NO" to cell phones and controlling internet usage? Whatever happened to parents using the Bible as their guide to teach these children what is right in the sight of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it" and Proverbs 23:13 "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod,, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." One more Proverb - 29:15 "The rod of correction imparts wisdom but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." Does this sound like children of today? I hear children say things today that I would have gotten a spanking for even uttering the words! Don't get me wrong -- I know raising children these days must be a trying and scary responsibility and sometimes you can do everything you think is right - and bad things still happen - but I would think the parents that instill a strong knowledge and belief in God and His Word have a much better chance of getting that child to adulthood without the heartbreak of a rebellious child that winds up in all kinds of trouble. I just pray many parents read the article today and really become aware of the problem and take action of some kind to insure their kids are safe from this epedemic - and realize no child is immune!
Tonight I want to share with you a really easy cake - but a really good cake too!
MARBLE POUND CAKE - given to me by Kim Borrelli
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 -3 oz. box instant vanilla pudding
1 yellow cake mix
3/4 cup oil
5-1/2 oz. Hershey's chocolate syrup.
1 tsp. vanilla
Beat eggs, add sour cream, pudding, oil, vanilla, and cake mix. Pour 2/3 of mixture into a greaed bundt pan. To the remaining batter, add the chocolate syrup. Mix well. Pour on top of yellow batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Top with icing of your choice or dust with powdered sugar.
Also - here is a great salad - that goes well with any meat dish!
GRAPE SALAD
1 - 8 oz. carton of sour cream (fat free works well or light)*
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (FF or light)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 lbs. of Grapes (red or green or mixed!)
Combine the first 4 ingredients until smooth and no lumps. Mix in grapes and regrigerate until chilled. Just before serving - combine:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Sprinkle over the top of grape salad.
This really is delicious!! * I personally like the flavor and texture of the Light sour cream and cream cheese better than the fat free - and it probably doesn't have as much sugar!!!
Well - did any of you catch that I really goofed last night? I so carefully gave you the same list from "Handbook 2010" as I had on Friday night. As I typed them - I thought "these sure sound familiar" but didn't get up and check and sure enough -- I had done it! So I will try for another list tonight!
PERSONALITY:
1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake.
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/Her mistakes of the past...That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to wast time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appears and fades away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree!
Late again - oh well! I've enjoyed writing to whomever reads this. Have a blessed evening and pray God's grace on all of us. Do something good tomorrow - make three people smile!
I told you last night about the little recorded thing I watched about good and bad foods -- so this morning I cooked us a boiled egg, and Travis fixed us banana and oranges and a half piece of Ezekiel bread with peanut butter on it -- that was our breakfast -- early - about 6 a.m., and I was just sure we would be starving by 10:00 - but I really wasn't. THen for lunch I had cooked some chicken tenders with a little olive oil and seasonings and baked them this morning - so I made us a salad with lettuce, apple, carrots, a few toasted pecans,cheese stick, and 2-1/2 pieces of chicken tenders -- all seasoned with a little pepper, foxpoint and garlic and a drizzle of lemon flavored olive oil. FOr a little more protein I fixed three -2-1/2 inch sticks of celery stuffed with peanut butter -- it was all very good! So -- we were good all day - well - I'm sure we cheated a little tonight at El Charro - but my goodness - we had been so good all day and we were celebrating Sue's birthday coming on Wednesday and mine that had just passed! Guess I will know what that caused when I step on the scales in the morning!!!
I read in the paper this morning about the epedemic of "sextexting" that is becoming rampant - even in Tyler, TX - actually ruining lives of teenagers! Some are being sent to jail and having to register as sex offenders because of some stupid craze that kids don't believe they will get caught at. One counselor was quoted as saying "I am seeing children that their parents believed they were good kids" until they checked their
Internet or phone histories. So what can be done about this? Well the experts say "You have to be vigilant and know what your kids are doing so keep tabs on them and check their phones and computers often." They go on to say set up boundaries on electronic communicating with and what the child is posting online. They also suggested parents monitor their child's activity on Facebook and other social sites on the Internet. All of this is very good clinical advise but I have to ask what ever happened to parents saying "NO" to cell phones and controlling internet usage? Whatever happened to parents using the Bible as their guide to teach these children what is right in the sight of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it" and Proverbs 23:13 "Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod,, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." One more Proverb - 29:15 "The rod of correction imparts wisdom but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." Does this sound like children of today? I hear children say things today that I would have gotten a spanking for even uttering the words! Don't get me wrong -- I know raising children these days must be a trying and scary responsibility and sometimes you can do everything you think is right - and bad things still happen - but I would think the parents that instill a strong knowledge and belief in God and His Word have a much better chance of getting that child to adulthood without the heartbreak of a rebellious child that winds up in all kinds of trouble. I just pray many parents read the article today and really become aware of the problem and take action of some kind to insure their kids are safe from this epedemic - and realize no child is immune!
Tonight I want to share with you a really easy cake - but a really good cake too!
MARBLE POUND CAKE - given to me by Kim Borrelli
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 -3 oz. box instant vanilla pudding
1 yellow cake mix
3/4 cup oil
5-1/2 oz. Hershey's chocolate syrup.
1 tsp. vanilla
Beat eggs, add sour cream, pudding, oil, vanilla, and cake mix. Pour 2/3 of mixture into a greaed bundt pan. To the remaining batter, add the chocolate syrup. Mix well. Pour on top of yellow batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Top with icing of your choice or dust with powdered sugar.
Also - here is a great salad - that goes well with any meat dish!
GRAPE SALAD
1 - 8 oz. carton of sour cream (fat free works well or light)*
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (FF or light)
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 lbs. of Grapes (red or green or mixed!)
Combine the first 4 ingredients until smooth and no lumps. Mix in grapes and regrigerate until chilled. Just before serving - combine:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Sprinkle over the top of grape salad.
This really is delicious!! * I personally like the flavor and texture of the Light sour cream and cream cheese better than the fat free - and it probably doesn't have as much sugar!!!
Well - did any of you catch that I really goofed last night? I so carefully gave you the same list from "Handbook 2010" as I had on Friday night. As I typed them - I thought "these sure sound familiar" but didn't get up and check and sure enough -- I had done it! So I will try for another list tonight!
PERSONALITY:
1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
2. Don't have negative thoughts on things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
3. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
6. Dream more while you are awake.
7. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
8. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/Her mistakes of the past...That will ruin your present happiness.
9. Life is too short to wast time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
10. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
11. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
12. Realize life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appears and fades away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
13. Smile and laugh more.
14. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree!
Late again - oh well! I've enjoyed writing to whomever reads this. Have a blessed evening and pray God's grace on all of us. Do something good tomorrow - make three people smile!
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