Lisa's Food & Crafts!

The Best Pretzels!

2012-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Best Pretzels

4 tsp. Yeast
1 tsp. Sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water
5 cups flour (sifted)
1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 tsp. Salt
1 tbs. Vegetable Oil (may need 3 tbs. Water)
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups hot water
1/4 cup kosher salt or pretzel salt

In bread maker combine yeast 1 tsp. Sugar and water let stand while sifting flour and add to mixture. Next add vegetable oil. Set bread machine to dough setting. Watch for consistency (may need 3 tbs. Water)
Set oven to 450 to preheat. When dough is ready make baking soda and water mixture. Roll dough out onto slightly floured counter top. Use pizza cutter and cut into long strips. Slightly pull them out so they are long and twist ends together and tuck down to middle to for pretzel shape. Dip into cornstarch mixture and place onto prepared baking sheet sprinkle with the salt and bake 8 minutes. Dip in melted butter and enjoy! Makes over a dozen.

Chicken Salad

2012-01-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

This makes alot!

Chicken Salad

10 chicken breast (boiled or pressure cooked)
2-3 bunches fresh spinach
1 head of lettuce
3/4 cup grated swiss cheese
1 cup cottage cheese (drained)
1 pkg. wontons cut into strips and deep fry and drain

Fry the wontons in oil. One side and then the other, drain. (they fry quickly)
Boil chicken 1-2 hrs. Tear chicken apart to make stringly. Let cool. Mix lettuce, spinach and chicken together. Add cheese and cottage cheese. An hour before serving add wontons.

Dressing

1 tbs. poppy seeds
3/4 cup white vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tbs. grated onion (I use green onion)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. dry mustard

Mix dressing put over salad last (Makes a lot- Make 1/2 to get use to the size)

AVOCADO BEAN DIP

2012-01-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Avocado Bean Dip

1 can black eyed peas (drained)
1can white corn (drained)
1/2 red onion chopped
2 Avocados peeled and chopped into bite size pieces
Italian dressing just enough to wet it down
Salt n Pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together and serve with tortillas

Movie Theatre Floor

2012-01-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

HAHA!!! Movie Theatre Floor is what this is called, I so had to make it!

3 bags of popped popcorn
1 bag of fritos
1 pkg. candycorns
1 can mixed nuts
1 bag of m&ms
1 bag white chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients but last in very large bowl
In microwave melt white chocolate chips just enough to stir into a paste and pour over everything in bowl. Mix with a rubber scraper. Let chocolate set up and serve.
Makes a huge bowl full or a floor mess!

New Year Resolution

2012-01-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

We all have goals or things we'd like to do or things we want to accomplish.
Some of the things I want to do this year are:
1) Learn to bake perfect bread,rolls, and pizza crust
2) Save some money
3) Loose some weight
4) Grow my hair out
5) Crochet a tablecloth
6) Learn Mandarin chinese
7) Excercise to stay fit
8) Get organized
9) Take time to read more
10) Live Love and Laugh More!

Baked Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

2011-12-30T18:09:00.001-08:00

Oh this is my favorite!

Baked Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 large egg
1 cup italian bread crumbs (garlic flavor works well too)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tsp. worchestershire sauce
1/4 cup parsley flakes
1/4 cup parmisan or romano shredded cheese
course salt & pepper

Mix ingredients together and make meatballs with large scoop. Place in a 9 x 12 baking dish and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes.

Marinara Sauce

1/2 tsp. oregano
1- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
2- 14 oz. tomato chunks
1- 14 oz. tomato sauce
4 cloves garlic minced
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tbs. parsley flakes
salt n pepper

Simmer in saucepan.
Cook spaghetti noodles

Golden Corral Rolls

2011-12-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

Golden Corral Rolls

1 envelope active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup hot milk
1 egg −− lightly beaten
4 1/2 cups sifted all−purpose flour
2 tablespoons melted butter −− for brushing rolls
Sprinkle the yeast over very warm water in a large bowl Stir until yeast dissolves. Add sugar, the 1/4 cup butter and salt to hot milk and stir until the sugar dissolves and butter is melted. Cool mixture to 105 to 115 degrees. Add milk mixture to yeast, then beat in egg. Beat in 4 cups of the flour, 1 cup at a time, to form a soft dough. Use some of the remaining 1/2 cup of the flour to dust a pastry cloth. Knead the dough lightly for 5 minutes, working in the remaining flour (use it for flouring the pastry cloth and your hands). Place dough in a warm buttered bowl; turn greased side up. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Punch dough down and knead 4 to 5 minutes on a lightly floured pastry cloth. Dough will be sticky, but use as little flour as possible for flouring your hands and the pastry cloth, otherwise the rolls will not be as feathery light as they should be. Pinch off small chunks of dough and shape into round rolls about 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches in diameter. Place in neat rows, not quite touching, in a well−buttered 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan. Cover rolls and let rise in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 30 to 40 minutes. Brush tops of rolls with melted butter, then bake in a 375 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until nicely browned.

Makes 2 Dozen

Carmel Nut Roll

2011-12-11T16:42:00.001-08:00

Carmel Nut Roll

Angry Bird Hat

2011-12-03T12:58:00.000-08:00

Crochet Angry Bird Hat

Hat (use red)
CH 4 make a loop
Round 1: 12 SC through the chain
Round 2: 1 SC in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3: 2 SC in each stitch around. (24)
Round 4: 1 SC in each stitch around. (24)
Round 5: 1 SC in next stitch, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat (36)
Round 6: 1 SC in each stitch around. (36)
Round 7: 1 SC in each of the next two stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch. Repeat around the hat. (48)
Round 8: 1 SC in each stitch around (48)
Round 9: 1 SC in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch. Repeat around the hat. (60)
Round 10: 1 SC in each stitch around (60)
Round 11: 1 SC in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch. Repeat around the hat. (72)
Round 12: 1 SC in each stitch around. (72)
Round 13: 1 SC in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch. Repeat around the hat? (84)
Round 14-35: 1 SC in each stitcharound.

Eyebrow (use black)
chain 20
Round 1: 1 SC in each of the next 9 chains, 3 SC in the next chain, 1 SC in each of the next 9 chains,
Round 2: 1 SC in each of the next 10 stitches, 3 SC in the next stitch, 1 SC in each of the next 10 stitches
Round 3: 1 SC in each of the next 11 stitches, 3 SC in the next stitch, 1 SC in each of the next 11 stitches

Pupil make 2 (use black)
CH 2, 6 SC through the chain. SL

Eyeball make 2 (use white)
CH 3
Row 1: 6 SC
Row 2: 2 SC in each stitch. (12)
Row 3: 1 SC in each stitch. (12)
Row 4: 2 SC in each stitch. (24)
Attach white eye piece to eyebrow and attach pupil. See picture.
Sew in place on hat.

Beak
CH 3 connect
Round 1: 6 SC through the ring.
Round 2: 2 SC in each stitch around. (12)
Round 3-4: SC in each stitch around. (12)
Round 5: 1 SC in the next stitch, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat around. (18 SC)
Round 6-7: 1 SC in each stitch around. (18 SC)
Round 8: 1 SC in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat around. (24)
Round 9-10: 1 SC in each stitch around. (24)
Round 11: 1 SC in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat around. (30)
Round 12-13: 1 SC in each stitch around. (30)
Round 14: 1 SC in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 SC in the next stitch, repeat around. (36)
Round 15-16: 1 SC in each stitch around. (36)
Slip stitch in the next stitch, pull the yarn through.
Stitch onto hat.

Feathers make 2 (use red)
CH 3 join.
Round 1: 6 SC through the chain.
Round 2: 1 SC in each stitch around. (6)
Round 3: 1 SC in the next stitch, 2 SC in the next stitch. (9)
Round 4-14: 1 SC in each stitch around. (9)
Stitch ends closed and stitch to hat.

Three Cheese Spinach Soup

2011-11-23T11:12:00.000-08:00

Three Cheese Spinach Soup
1/4 cup butter
5 tbs. flour
1 small onion diced
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 8 oz. cream cheese
1 jar alfredo sauce (use milk to clean out jar)
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
1 10 oz. pkg. Chopped spinach
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Melt butter in a large soup pan. Add onions and saute til tender. Add chicken broth, cream cheese, alfredo sauce and milk, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted. Add flour to thicken. Add spinach and stir. Simmer 10-15 min. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and serve with french bread.

Crab Rangoon

2011-11-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

Crab Rangoon

12 ounces of cream cheese (at room temperature)
50 wan ton wrappers
1 cup imitation crab meat (or canned)
2 green onions (minced)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon soy sauce
1 egg (beaten)
oil (for frying)

Step 1: In a bowl cream the cream cheese, soy sauce, green onions and garlic powder. Stir in the crab meat (if using imitation crab it should be chopped into pieces).
Step 2: In a separate bowl beat 1 egg and add a little water. Place crab mixture in center of wonton wrapper and egg wash edges and meet opposite sides up and other sides up to seal.
Step 3: Brush the opposite corners of the wanton wrapper with the egg mixture. Fold over the edges of the wrapper to form a triangle and seal tightly.
Step 4: Deep fry 2-3 minutes. drain on paper towel serve with sweet n sour sauce.

Parmesan Tapenade BowTie Pasta

2011-11-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Ok Tapende is another italian pesto but made with Olives.

Tapenade

1/2 cup finely chopped italian parsley (flat leaf)
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet bail leaves
2 tbs. capers
1 shallot, finely diced
1/3- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (lighter better flavor)
1-3 cloves minced
1/2 cup black olives sliced
3/4 kalamata olives sliced

Combine all ingredients in food processor and pulse to break everything up but not turn it mushy!

Cook 1 package of BowTie pasta according to instructions. Place some of the tapenade in a bowl and pour a little more olive oil in just to cream it up some. Add drain hot noodles to bowl and mix carefully not to break the pasta. Use cherry tomatoes (I used sliced large ones thats all I had at the time) Stir in Shredded fresh parmesan and let it melt on the pasta as you gently toss it. May add more Tapenade if you didn't add enough. Add Salt N Pepper. Yum! Everyone ate it up.

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

2011-11-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

1 envelope (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
1/4 cup water
4 eggs, separated
1 1/4 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups pumpkin
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie
Directions

Mix the gelatin and water in a small bowl, and set aside.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick. Mix in 3/4 cup sugar, pumpkin, evaporated milk, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and ginger.
In a double broiler, cook the mixture over boiling water, stirring constantly, until thick. Mix in the gelatin. Stir to dissolve. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to thicken until it mounds when dropped by the spoonful.
In a clean, dry medium bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually mix in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and continue beating until firm. Fold in the pumpkin mixture. Transfer to the pie crust. Chill until firm, about 1 hour.

Bargain of the Day!

2011-10-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Dawn Dish Soap
I bought 4 Dawn apple blossom 56 oz bottles for $10.46
Regular price 5.99 each thats $23.96 before tax.
I had 4 coupons that saved me 1.50 on marked down 2.99 bottles.
Regular price 10¢ an ounce my cost 4¢ an ounce.

More cousins in hats!

2011-10-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here's my Monkey Sock hats on two cute little cousins!
Kash & Sawyer (love to know what Kash is thinking?)

Happy Birthday Pizza Crust!

2011-10-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

This Pizza is baked with lettering ring to print the Birthday message on pizza when it bakes.

Crochet hats for cousins!

2011-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hats made it to there destination! Cousins in new hats!!! Love to see things I make in use!

Monkey Hats!

2011-09-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

Going crazy with all the monkey sock design stuff that I needed to crochet a baby hat and one for the babies brother. My cousins daughter is having her second boy. So I made these hats to put in their gift box.

How long does it take to heal a bone?

2011-09-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

We have had a major incident that had happened! Nattie our youngest broke her leg in the middle of July. This was not a small break this was the Femur about 3-4 inches away from her hip joint. She had a cyst that wouldn't allow the bone to fill in and it had became a week spot in the bone. She was with her oldest brother and other siblings at a friends house playing when she got bumped and landed on her feet when the bone snapped. This was just a matter of time and this would have happened any time anywhere. She had surgery and they put a brace and screws into the bone. Picture below

She is a strong little girl to endure this whole thing and to wake up with to the cast from hell! Six long weeks of this and we kept her with activities to make this time go faster. She watched the whole season of H2O just add water from Netflix, She drawed, she colored, we read books, and thank goodness for DSI games. She had friends visit and give her gifts.

Finally the day we get the cast off! She couldn't walk, when you haven't been using your leg, knee, hip you loose muscle. So off to another 6 weeks to get her going. Crutches were really no help for someone her age with no balance. First weeks are the hardest. Its believing in yourself and for Nattie to believe she can put her leg down and to put some weight on it. School has just started and I had called the Principle and told her that little Nattie may miss some school. Nattie did very well the first week that we tried a half day for her at school and she did well. The school had a wheel chair to help with long distant so we gave it a try. We are concerned about her limping and this is normal as they start using their leg again. We bought a exercise bike that she was scared to get on but once she got on it and tried a full circle motion we couldn't get her off. And it had helped alot. Each day is getting better she may still slightly have a limp but she has come along way. She will have another operation probably when school gets out to remove the brace and pins. At this point bones need 18 months to heal completely. We hope she doesn't have anymore spots in the bones as she grows up. They will monitor her with xrays to keep an eye on it.

Crocheted Beanie Hats

2011-09-21T15:00:00.001-07:00

Crocheting beanie hats for girls

Peaches N Shrimp Stirfry

2011-09-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Peaches N Shrimp Stirfry

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 8 ounce can water chestnuts, drained, sliced
1 pound large shrimp, shelled, deveined 2 fresh peaches, sliced
1/2 pound broccoli, stems diagonally sliced, 3 green onions, diagonally sliced
flowerettes cut into bite-size pieces Glossy Sauce (recipe follows)

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in wok or large skillet. Add shrimp and stir-fry until tender, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from wok; set aside. Add 1 tablespoon oil and stir-fry broccoli until tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add shrimp, water chestnuts, peaches and onions to wok and heat through. Stir in Glossy Sauce and cook just until thick and glossy.

Glossy Sauce: Blend 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1/3 cup sherry, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger root, minced, and 1 teaspoon sugar.

Yield: 4 servings
I doubled recipe for 8 people will post a picture somehow picture won't load!

Lisa's Chicken Cabbage Salad

2011-09-17T14:13:00.000-07:00

McGriddle

2011-08-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

McGriddles got to be my favorite pancakes! Try making them at home. Yum!

McGriddle

Pancake: 1 egg 3/4 cup milk 2 Tbs. Butter melted
1 cup flour 1 tbs. Sugar 3 tsp. Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. Salt

Maple Syrup Crystals (use king authers brand)
5 eggs scrambled and cooked in microwave coffe cup
5 sausage patties cooked or 15 slices of bacon cooked and drained
5 slices of american cheese

Make pancakes use a form to make it desirable size put maple sugar crystals ontop of bubbling side.
When done arrange as follows. Pancake, egg, 3 slices of bacon or sausage pattie. One piece of cheese,
Pancake to make 5 sandwiches. Cook on griddle until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

New toy for Zhafrei

2011-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Found a cute pattern online for a goldfish toy for the kitty.

FISH
Ch 3, work 10 sc in 3rd ch from hook.
Rnd 1: Ch 1, work 2 sc in each st around, join with sl st in beg st-20 sts.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st in beg st.
Rnds 3-6: Rep Rnd 2.
Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in same sp, dc in next st, *2 dc in next st, dc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in beg st-30 sts. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.

LARGE FINS (make 2)
Ch 13.
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 3 ch, tr in each of next 3 ch, hdc in each of next 3 ch, sc in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.

SMALL FINS (make 2)
Ch 8.
Sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next ch, dc in each of next 3 ch, hdc in next ch, sc in last ch. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
EYES (make 2)
With white yarn, ch 2. Work 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
FINISHING Stuff Fish, adding bells and catnip if desired. Thread yarn tail into large-eyed needle, weave through sts at opening, gather tightly together and fasten off. Sew on fins. With black yarn, embroider a French knot on each Eye, sew Eyes to Fish.
Tie hanging string securely to fish. Weave in ends.

O'Henry Bars

2011-08-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

O'Henry Bars

1 cup sugar
1 cup karo syrup
1 cup creeamy peanut butter
5 cups rice krispies
1 cup butterscotch chips
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Bring sugar and karo syrup to a boil. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and rice krispies. Press mixture into a 9 x 13 pan. Melt together the butterscotch chips and the chocolate chips. Spread over the top and cool completely before cutting into bars.

Our new pet!

2011-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Our new pet that came from Riga, Latvia! He is an exotic shorthair, he traveled from Latvia to Germany and then to Los Angeles, we picked him up and flew to SLC and he had quit a journey but is here safe n sound. :-) He is so loveable and warming up to everyone. His named is Zhafrei!

Items entered in the fair

2011-08-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Items entered in the fair this year! A black n green blanket, golf theme rug latch, baby booties, baby dress, monkey hats, scrubbies, hot pad, hat and lunch bag. :-) Did very well 8 blue ribbons and 1 red ribbon on the monkey hats.

Train Burgers

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Train Burgers
2 lbs. Ground beef
1lb. Ham-sliced very thin
8 large hamburger buns
8 slices swiss cheese
8 slices american cheese
1 recipe (train sauce) see below
Lettuce
Sliced tomato
Dill pickle slices

Divide Hamburger up into 8 patties. Divide ham up into 8 servings. Cook hamburger on grill. When almost 165 degrees place ham on grill. When ham is hot place swiss cheese on ham & american cheese on hamburger. Toast or heat buns. Serve with train sauce, lettuce, pickle, tomato

Train Sauce
1 cup mayo
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbs. Cream french salad dressing
1 tbs. White vinegar
1 tbs. Sugar
1 tbs. Sweet relish
1 tbs. Minced white onion
1/4 tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Pepper

Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Stir well. Cover & refridgerate. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Crochet Sock Monkey Hats

2011-07-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

Crochet Sock Monkey Hats for baby boys & girls

Instructions for Sock Monkey Baby Hats
Use color for monkeys hat, ch 4. Sl st in first ch to make a loop.
Round 1- Ch 2 now Dc 15 around loop. Sl st in top of first dc. (15)
Round 2- Ch 1 dc two in each stitch (30)
Round 3- Ch 1 dc in first two and dc two in third and repeat (45)
Round 4- Ch 1 dc in first three and dc two in fourth and repeat(60)
Round 5- Ch 1 dc in each stitch. (60) Tye on and use trim color sc stitch all away around.
Round 6- Using color used for monkey attach yarn in the first dc of round 5. Ch dc in each dc around. Sl st in first dc.
Round 7-13 Ch 1 dc in each dc around. Sl st in first dc. (60 dc)
Can add 3 more rows to make larger size
Earflaps: Row 1-Using monkey color, Tie yarn and start with double crochet 11.
Row 2- Ch 1, turn, dc in next 9
Row 3- Ch 1, turn, dc in next 7
Row 4- Ch 1, turn, dc in next 5
Row 5- Ch 1, turn, dc in next 3 Do the same for the other side. Cut yarn and pull through.
Use the color that trims the hat and SC all the way around hat to trim hat in go all the way around hat.
Mouth: Round 1- Using cream color, ch 11. Working in a round, 2 sc in second ch from hook. Sc in next 8. 4 sc in last ch. Turning work and working on opposite side, sc in next 8. 2 sc in last ch. Sl st. (24 sc)
Round 2- Ch 1. 2sc in first sc. Sc in next 10. 2 sc in next 2. Sc in 10. 2 sc in last sc. Sl st.(28 sc) stitch onto hat amd use black yarn to stitch nostrils
Eyes: Use two black buttons and stitch onto hat in appropriate areas
Ears (make 2): Round 1 Using monkey color, ch 2. 6 sc in first ch. Sl st in first sc. (6 sc)
Round 2 Ch 1. 2 sc in each sc around. Sl st. (12 sc)
Round 3-5- Ch 1. Sc in each sc around. Sl st. (12 sc) Cut yarn leaving a 6-8 inch tail to sew onto hat.
Fold in half and attach ears to sides of hat.
Add braids and a pom pom on top of hat or crochet flower for girls hat. For strings cut 6 36 inch pieces for each strap. Pull through evenly and braid and tie off. Repeat other side. Cut extra yarn off of the bottom leaving a little bit to flair.

Whoopie Pies!

2011-07-11T19:28:00.001-07:00

Ok I finally made these very quick to assemble!

Ok I finally made these very quick to assemble!

Classic Chocolate Whoopie Pies

Pies:
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cups cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
4 tbsp. butter, at room temp.
4 tbsp. vegetable shortening
1 cup of brown sugar (I used 1/2 cup of splendar)
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cups milk

Marshmallow Filling:
1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract

Mix ingredients for pies and preheat oven to 375 degrees. Scoop in tablespoon fulls about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet layered with parchment paper. Sprayed with cooking spray. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 minutes.

Mix Marshmallow Filling and beat well. Spread onto cooled pies and press together. And put serving tray. Enjoy!

Artichoke-Spinach Dip

2011-07-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

This was really good!

Artichoke-Spinach Dip

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, divided
1 to 2 tsp dijon-style mustard
Dash white pepper (I used black myself)
1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped (non-marinated)
1 cup fresh coarsely chopped spinach
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (1/2 med)

In a large bowl combine mozzarella cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the mustard, and pepper. Stir in artichoke hearts, spinach and onion. Spread mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake, uncovered, in a 350* oven about 15 minutes or until heated through. Serve with pita wedges, French bread, and/or crackers. Also really good with tortilla chips.
Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through step 1. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. Uncover and bake about 25 minutes or until heated through.

Bargain of the Day!

2011-07-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Bargain of the Day!

How about V-8 juice? Use it in cooking as your tomato juice.
I bought 6 (64 oz.) bottles for a total of $1.74 WOW!!!
First of all they were are on sale for 2/5.00 So wouldn't this have
cost $15.00? Probably if you planned on buying them. I didn't plan on
buying any swo I stumbled across thisd deal. Yes with coupons. I had
three coupons to save $2.00 on every two I bought. Well, the store had
more than they needed for the sale and pulled a bunch and marked them
$1.29 great price especially when they don't expire til May 2012.
And that is how I got my price. :)

Homemade Raspberry Tea

2011-06-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

Making your own Raspberry Tea is easy!

Raspberry Tea

2 cups fresh raspberries
4 tea bag (plain regual tea)
5 cups boiling water
Ice cubes

Rinse off a cartoon of raspberries and put in a carafe.( I bought this cute one at the grocery store from rubbermaid) Pour boiled water over raspberries and place tea bags in. Cover and let stand 5 minutes. Remove tea bags; discard. Strain berries from tea; discard berries. Cool for several hours. If desired, chill. Serve over ice cubes.

In the photo you can see the raspberries and the tea bags reach a perfect length.

Here is the finished product. I filled the carafe with ice and it was fabulous!

Salami Olive Penne Salad

2011-06-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Salami Olive Penne Salad
1 2/3 cups penne
1 – 4 ½ oz. Can of sliced olives
1/3 cup thinly sliced red ion
2 oz. Thinly sliced salami, cut into strips
2 tbsp. Fresh shredded basil

Lemon Garlic Dressing
2 tbsp. Lemon juice
2 tbsp. Olive oil
2 tsp. Dried oregano
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Granulated sugar
1 tsp. Lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp. Fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
Cook pasta as her box instructions. Rinse with cold water. Add next 4 ingredients and toss. In a separate bowl whisk dressing ingredients, except for cheese. Pour over salad. Toss and then sprinkle with cheese.
Yield: 4-6 servings

Smoked Polynesian Pot Roast

2011-06-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

Smoked Polynesian Pot Roast
Ingredients:

3-1/2 to 4-1/2 pound pot roast
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup sherry
1 cup water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 cup water

Fill water pan 3/4 full with liquid. Put meat in heavy duty plastic bag or glass baking dish. Combine all ingredients and pour over roast. Tightly close bag and turn to coat meat with marinade, or turn roast in dish and cover.

Refrigerate several hours or overnight, turning meat in marinade once or twice. To cook, lift pot roast from marinade and place on grill. Reserve marinade.

Smoke cook about 4 or 5 hours or until tender.

Meat will not fall from bone as braised pot roast would, but can easily be cut with sharp knife. Heat reserved marinade to boiling and serve as sauce with pot roast.

Serves 6 to 8

We just tried this!

Rice Krispie Beehive!

2011-04-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter had a beehive project due this Friday and wanted to make it out of Rice Krispies. So we made it by using a spring form pan and used Large Gum Drops for the bees. We mixed and stirred, pressed, sliced and rolled out Gum Drops in sugar to make the bees wings. And whoolaa! Our project was done.

Heart Cupcakes

2011-03-30T18:44:00.000-07:00

Heart Baked in the center Cupcakes

For the cupcakes you will need
3 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups sugar
6 eggs
4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
3 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
5 cups flour
2 1/2 cups milk
red food coloring
For the buttercream frosting surprise you’ll need:
4 pieces (1.5 oz each)cherry Laffy Taffy candy
4 Tbsp whipping cream
4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
5 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix the butter and sugar together at medium speed until fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mix until creamy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything gets well combined. Add the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and vanilla and mix until the batter is smooth. Alternate between the flour and milk, beating on med-high speed. Pour 3 cups into small mixing bowl and add red coloring. Pour batter into an prepared rectangle baking pan. Bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees. let cool and use small heart cutter to cut out 24 hearts. Spoon two heaping scoops of batter into each cupcake liner so they are about half filled. Insert heart sticking the point down in the batter. And cover with 1 Tbs of cake batter. Bake 24 minutes. Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting.

For Buttercream Frosting
Melt Taffy and whipping cream together (may need to use microwave to heat 30 sec and stir and continue til taffy is melted.)Let it cool in fridge. Add room temperature butter and powdered sugar. Beat til nice and fluffy. Frost cupcakes. Remember which way the heary is facing so you can decorate to know what way to bit into them to see the heart. Enjoy!
This recipe was found in http://bakeitinacake.com/recipes/heartinacupcake

Bargains!

2011-03-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

I made $3.42 by buying this!

3 Irish Spring Body Wash $3.00 each
3 Irish Spring Deodorant $3.00 each
4 Aussie Hair Spray $2.99 each
2 Aussie Shampoo & Cond. $2.99 each

Over $35.00 on its own. Use coupons and shop ads to get best deals.
That's what I did! Used coupons with sales and got money back at cash register.

Sticky Toffee Banana Pudding

2011-03-10T18:08:00.000-08:00

This recipe is from magazine Bon Appetit! It was so good I didn't get my own picture it was gone.

Sticky Toffee Banana Pudding

Toffee sauce
•1 1/4 cups plus 3 tablespoons (or more) heavy whipping cream
•1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar
•1/2 cup dark corn syrup
•1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/03/sticky_toffee_banana_pudding#ixzz1GFkFhtS4Banana cake
•2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
•1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
•3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
•2/3 tablespoons (packed) dark brown sugar
•2 large eggs
•1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (2 to 3)
•1 tablespoon dark rum
•1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
•Sliced bananas (optional)
•special equipment
8x8x2-inch nonstick metal baking pan
Preparation
toffee sauce
•Bring 1 1/4 cups cream, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and 1/8 teaspoon salt to boil in heavy small saucepan over medium heat, whisking until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at gentle boil until sauce coats spoon thickly and is reduced to 1 1/2 cups, whisking occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Whisk in 3 tablespoons or more cream to thin sauce to desired consistency. DO AHEAD Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm slightly before using.
banna cake
•Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch nonstick metal baking pan. Dust baking pan with flour, tapping out excess.
•Whisk flour, baking power, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and sugar in large bowl until well blended. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in mashed bananas, rum, and vanilla (batter may look curdled). Add dry ingredients in 4 additions, beating just to blend after each addition. Spread batter evenly in prepared baking pan.
•Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, 35 to 38 minutes. Spread 1/2 cup toffee sauce evenly over cake. Return cake to oven and bake until sauce is bubbling thickly, about 6 minutes. Cool cake in pan on rack 30 minutes. Cut around cake in pan. Cut cake into 9 squares or 12 rectangles. Serve cake slightly warm or at room temperature with toffee sauce and top with sliced bananas, if desired.

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/03/sticky_toffee_banana_pudding#ixzz1GFk8hfma

New Grands Cinnabons!

2011-03-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

Two packages of Pillsbury New Grands Cinnabons turn out to look delish in a hurry!
They are quick and easy too!

Super Rice Crispy Treats!

2011-03-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

These are just rice crispy treats with fondant cut out with sprinkles. much fun for kids and missionary treats. Made my daughter some for Valentine's day in Bright pink with blue sugar crystals. Looks fantastic! Wish i got pictures of them.

Bee Diaper Cake!

2011-03-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

I found these cute diapers with bees printed on them so I put this diaper cake together and then found a Bee to stuff in the middle. Even has bees on the ribbon.
Best wishes to my cousin and her new little girl. Hope you like it!

Sky-High Cheesecake

2011-01-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Sky-High Cheesecake

2 cups graham crackers crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/8 cup ground nutmeg
1 carton(16 oz.) small cottage cheese
8 eggs
3 pkg.(8 0z.) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1-2 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 pkg.(8 0z.) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In medium bowl combine graham crumbs, butter and nutmeg. Press into bottom of 10-inch springform pan. Set aside.
In blender combine bowl beat 3 pkgs. cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups sugar with electric mixer on med. speed until fluffy. Add 1-2 tsp. almond extract and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add 4 eggs, one at a time; Beat intil just combined after each addition. Stir in cottage cheese mixture.
Pour cheese mixture over crust. Place in shallow baking dish. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 degrees. Bake 50-60 minutes more or until center appears nearly set. Cool 30 mintes more. Remove sides of pan. Cool completely.
Mix 1 pkg. cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar & 1/2 tsp. almond extract beat til smooth. Spread over cooled cheesecake. Cover & chill 4 hours before serving.

Here's another one!

Pumpkin Chili

2010-12-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Chili

2 pounds ground beef 1 large onion, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained 1 (46 fluid ounce) can tomato juice 1 (28 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 1 tablespoon chili powder 1/4 cup white sugar

In a large pot over medium heat, cook beef until brown; drain. Stir in onion and bell pepper and cook 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomato juice, diced tomatoes and pumpkin puree. Season with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder and sugar. Simmer 1 hour.

Homemade Bread in a bag!

2010-12-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Homemade Bread in a bag so easy your children can do it!
Bread in a Bag

INGREDIENTS
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 (.25 ounce) package rapid rise yeast , or 1 Tablespoon
1 cup warm water
3 tablespoons non-fat dry milk
3 tablespoons oil
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

DIRECTIONS
In a large resealable freezer bag, combine 1 cup of the flour,3 tablespoons sugar,1 pkg. yeast and 1 cup warm water. Squeeze most of the air out of the bag, and seal. Squish with your hands until the well blended. Set aside to rest for 10 minutes at room temperature, or until bubbles appear.

In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of flour, 3 tablespoons dry milk, 3 tablespoons oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Pour into the resealable bag and squeeze out most of the air. Seal, and squish until well blended. Add the last cup of flour to the bag, and continue mixing in the same manner until well blended.

Remove the dough from the bag, and place on a floured surface. Knead for 5 to 8 minutes. Form into a small loaf, and place in a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan. Cover with a towel, and allow to rise for about 30 minutes, or until your finger leaves an impression when you poke the top of the loaf gently.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake the bread for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown.

This was alot of fun for the children. We made three loaves and they turned out beautiful.

What to do with a large pork loin?

2010-11-10T14:05:00.001-08:00

Make 6 meals for 7 people...I'll show you how!
Cut wrapper off of loin by making a slit down the middle and cutting the edges to unfold keeping the loin in the plastic. (for easy removal after cutting up the loin)

What to do with a large pork loin?

First pick the smaller side and cut into slices for 1) Sweet n Sour Pork with Rice. Remember you don't need too much for this. Cut the next 7 chops with pockets for 2) Stuffed PorkChops. Cut 7 more chops for 3) Maple Balsamic Pork Chops. Cut a nice ten inch section and spiral cut for 4)Stuffed Spinach Pork. Cut the last section about a pound worth for 5) Shredded BBQ Pork Sandwiches and last but not least their may be odd ends grind them up and make a 6) Spicy Pork Sausage! Whew!!!! I usually prepare the stuffing for the stuffed pork chops and stuff them and freeze them for later. Wrap them up and label and freeze. Recipes will come later.

Made into sausage and froze for breakfast

Diced and put in freezer for later use for the Sweet N Sour Pork with Rice.

Stuffed Pork Chops (used the same recipe for the stuff pork loin and put into the freezer)

Cranberry Stuffed Pork Loin

I usually follow the recipe on a package of stove top dressing I add dried cranberrys, 1 cup diced celery and 1/2 diced onion to the mix before cooking it.
Cut your pork loin in a I_I shape so you can stuff with the stuffing and roll up. Tye with twine and place in baking dish. Bake at 350 for 1 hour til juices run clear.
I use extra stuffing that was left over to stuff the pork chops and freeze for future meal. (Pic below of stuffed pork chops)

Sweet N Sour Pork with Rice

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Ok I place small pork loin (about 1 1/2 lbs.) in Crock Pot and pour 1/2 can of coke on it with 1/2 of onion soup mix package! Cook in crock pot 6 hours or so! Take pork out and shred it with two forks and place back in crock pot. Add 1 small can tomato sauce and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Let simmer a little longer put on buns and serve with chips. i used large crescents from the bakery and added diced tomato and shredded lettuce to it! Very good

Spaghetti & Meatballs and Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

2010-11-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

Buca Di Beppo Meatballs & Meatball Sauce and Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Buca Di Beppo Meatballs & Meatball Sauce

2 1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup romano cheese, grated
3/4 cup dry Italian seasoned bread crumbs
4 large eggs
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup fresh garlic,minced

Meatball Sauce

6 garlic cloves, minced
1 large onion, diced
1 celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped into little tiny chunks
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
2 (28 oz.)cans plum tomatoes with juice (I use diced)
salt & pepper
1 small can tomatoe paste and use about 16 oz. water

Directions: meatballs: mix all ingredients together shaped into golf ball size meatballs makes about 40. (I use a large drop scoop like from pampered chef)
Set aside rest one hour. Cook meatballs in the meatsauce.

In large pan saute in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, onion, celery & carrot until transluscent. Add tomatoes, parsley, salt & pepper. Bring to boil them lower heat. Simmer your meatballs used covered lid for 45 minutes.
Remove meatballs to platter & serve with spaghetti noodles or other favorite pasta.
Add a little lemon & parmeson cheese.

Buttery Herb Pull-Apart Rolls

Thaw out 9 rhodes dinner rolls in a sprayed cake pan. In about 45 minutes cut each in 1/2 and drop back in pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning and some mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Grocerys

2010-10-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

A hundred dollars in grocerys!
Total price my price
1 Caprisun box 2.11 .99
1 Starkist Tuna 1.79 .75
4 Kraft Mayo 3.19/12.76 2.00/8.00
5 chicken broth 1.19/5.95 -1.00/4.95
1 barella pasta .49 .49
2 kellogs cereal 2.99/5.88 1.88/3.01
4 post rsn brn 2.99/11.76 .99/3.96
Golden Bran 2.99 2.99/2.59
Cheerios 2.99 2.09
Rice Chex 2.99 2.99
8 PB Crescent 2.79/22.32 .79/6.32
2 philly cheese 2.18/4.36 .99/1.98
4 Aus Hairspray 3.65/14.60 1.37/5.48
1 trident 3 pk 2.79 2.79
4 Simple Apple J 3.24/12.96 2.50/10.00
Ricotta 2.99 1.99
minute maid OJ 2.90 1.90
ground beef 3.49 3.49
4 sprite 1.49/5.96 .99/3.97
2 coke 1.49/2.98 .99/1.98
4 tyson FZ wings 8.99/35.96 4.98/19.92
4 tyson chicken 8.99/35.96 4.98/19.92
ground turkey 1.99 1.99
2 pk whole chic 9.11 9.11
16 pringles 1.00/16.00 .25/4.00
Doritos 3.29 2.49

total: 218.36 127.15
-10.00 kick off buying 10 products
-25.00 gift certificate
100.00 total with sells tax

Apples from our Apple Tree

2010-10-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

We got about 2 1/2 bushels out of our apple tree this year. My daughter Whitney took the picture. She did a wonderful job!

$150.00 for 7 days of meals

2010-10-02T08:03:00.000-07:00

I came across this site on 7 days of meals for $150.00
You might have already heard this on Oprah.

http://www.oprah.com/food/Chef-Cat-Coras-Complete-7-Day-Menu

Spinach Salad

2010-09-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

Spinach Salad

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tsp. poppy seeds
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground mustard
1 bag baby spinach leaves
5 slices cooked bacon crumbled
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms
1 cup cottage cheese,rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded swiss cheese or mozerella
1/4 purple onion thinly sliced & cut into strips

Combine all 1at ingredients for dressing put in a shaker and refriderate.
In large bowl combine all other ingredients. Before serving add dressing
and toss gently. Makes 14 servings

Greek Orzo Salad

2010-09-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Greek Orzo Salad

Cook 3/4 cup dry Orzo according to package, drain 7 rinse in cold water

1/3 cup chopped cucumber, seeded
2 T. chopped green onion
2 T. olive oil
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper

Cover & chill 30 minutes
Before serving stir in 1 cup shredded baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 T. snipped fresh italian parsley

Crochet Fingerless Gloves

2010-09-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

Ok so in between picking up the kids from school I made this pair of fingerless gloves. I made them at the same time using one end of the skein of yarn and the other. So when I needed to put the edging on I was ready to do the edging on the otherone as well.

Applesauce Spice Bars

2010-09-14T20:56:00.000-07:00

IngredientsBars
1 cup sugar1/3 cup LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened1 LAND O LAKES® All-Natural Egg1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 cups applesauce1 teaspoon ground allspice1 teaspoon ground cinnamon3/4 teaspoon baking soda1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup raisinsFrosting
3 cups powdered sugar1/3 cup sour cream3 tablespoons LAND O LAKES® Butter, softened1 tablespoon vanilla1/2 cup chopped pecansDirectionsHeat oven to 350°F. Spray 10x 15-inch baking pan (I use a sheet pan) with no-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

Combine sugar, 1/3 cup butter and egg in large bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Reduce speed to low; add all remaining ingredients except raisins. Beat, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Stir in raisins.

Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely.

Combine all frosting ingredients except pecans in small bowl. Beat at medium speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth. Frost cooled bars; sprinkle with pecans. Cut into bars.

12 packages of Trident Gum!

2010-09-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

12 packages of Trident Gum

Walgreens had a sale on trident for 2/1.00
I had four coupons that say buy three trident gum and get $1.00 off.
I bought a 12 pack package and used all four coupons and it only cost
$2.00!!!!! What a bargain! Usually Trident is over a dollar and using
the coupon at another store would have cost over $2.00 alone for just
three packages. :)

How to make a diaper castle cake on a budget!

2010-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

How to make a diaper castle cake on a budget

First of all I bought three spools of ribbon in white light pink and dark pink, some foam sheets, and a multi size package of rubberbands, some wider ribbon and a bow at the dollar star and used two packages of western family diapers (count 40 each size 3) Cost under twenty dollars.
So not working with the traditional 100 diapers this time. I have only 80 diapers to work with. So this is what I did! Four rows of 16, connect three rows of 16 for the bottom layer. And fasten the other 16 on top of them. Fasten ten for the top row and 6 for the pillars.

Start by folding the diaper over so the printed design part is tucked in.

Fold the next diaper ontop of the other one just facing backwards so printed side is still tucked in.

Here is the stack of 16 folded diapers. Now I use a large rubberband to secure it. (make 4 of these)

take long pieces of ribbon and tie the rubberbands together on the bottom layer.

Arrange like showed in picture. fasten the three rows togewther with another larger rubberband to secure the bottom row.

pull ribbon up through the top and place the next layer of 16 diapers ontop. Repeat with top 12 diapers (ribbon must be long enough to go through the three stacks. Rollup 6 for the tower separately and rubberband like a scroll. Use ribbon to fasten on to the castle with aid of the rubberband.

use foam sheets to form pillars tops. roll up like a cone and staple each. Make sure they are wide enough to fit over the rolled up diaper. Decorate with ribbon or whatever you like. curl the ribbon and top with a bow.

Crocheted Allstar booties for a girl!

2010-09-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

I bought this outfit for a friend and decided to make some Allstar booties to go with it. I think they turned out great!

Crochet Lunch Sac

2010-08-29T16:32:00.000-07:00

Finally got out the crochet hook and this beautiful yarn color called berries. Yum!
I instantly wanted to make a Lunch Sac and in two days here is my creation.

Kit Kat Bars

2010-08-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Kit Kat Bars

Homemade Kit Kat Bars

75 club crackers
1 cup butter
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
1/3 cup white sugar
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Line an ungreased 13x9 inch baking pan with 1 layer of crackers, cutting to fit; set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add cracker crumbs, brown sugar, milk, and sugar. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and pour half of the butter mixture evenly over crackers. Place another single layer of crackers evenly over butter mixture. Pour remaining butter mixture evenly over crackers. Top evenly with remaining crackers.

In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, chocolate and butterscotch chips. Melt over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Spread evenly over crackers. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Cut into bars and store into refrigerator.

Candied Pear

2010-08-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

Candied Pear

Peel 6 pears
1 small pkg strawberry
add a few red hot candies to your liking

Pour 2 cups water into a sauce pan and add the jello
mix well. Add red hot candies
place pears in mixture. Boil til pears are tender.
Make sure pears are well covered.

Take pears out gently place in custard cups and pour
a little jello mixture over them. Set them up straight
and chill. Pour the rest of jello mixture in other cups
to chill as well.

Macaroni Salad (made into a crab)

2010-08-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Macaroni Salad
3 cups cooked macaroni
4 tbsp mayonnaise
4 tbsp sweet relish
4 tbsp diced red bell pepper
2 green onion chopped
dash salt
dash hot sauce (like Tapatio, not Tobasco)
few cracks black pepper

Boil macaroni according to package directions and rinse with water to cool. Combine macaroni in a bowl with chopped red bell pepper, onion, sweet relish and mayonnaise. Stir together and add a few cracks of black pepper, a sprinkling of salt and a dash or two of hot sauce.

2 green olives for eyes
2 lime wedges for front claws
4 baby carrots for back legs
and a cheese cracker to fill up the plate.

Hello Kitty Cookies

2010-07-06T06:52:00.000-07:00

Ok- I got this idea from the internet and collected the needed candies to complete these cute cookies. Gum drops, jelly belly beans, and shoe string licorice. Alright!
Lets Make Cookies

Big Soft Sugar Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sour cream
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Beat butter & sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla & sour cream. Sift dry ingredients together & gradually add to butter/sugar mixture. Chill 1-2 hours.

Roll out and use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. Bake 350° F for 8-10 minutes.

Meanwhile while they are baking. Roll out gumdrops in granualted sugar and cut into bow shape. Cut licorice into 1/2 inch pieces and sort jelly belly beeans to aquire enough black and yellow for eyes and noses.

Butter Cream Frosting (for above sugar cookies)
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. (about 4 cups) sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk or water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream shortening and butter together; add sugar, water, and vanilla. Blend on medium speed until all ingredients are well mixed. Blend additional minutes. Add food coloring as desired. Mix until creamy. Frost and decorate cookies.

My girls loved them!

Sweet Crispy Chicken Wings

2010-04-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Sweet Crispy Chicken Wings

40 pieces of chicken (20 wings cut in half)
1/2 cup flour
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
2 eggs crack over chicken
1 tsp. salt
pepper (fresh grinded over chicken)
vegetable oil to cook chicken
1 cup ginger root sliced
a little soy sauce
a little vinegar
seasame seeds (optional)
Put chicken wings in bowl salt & pepper. Crack eggs and add flour and starch. Coat the chicken in it. Get vegetable oil hot. Put chicken in cook both sides and remove.
Add all chicken back to pan when cooked and pour the sticky sauce over them and cook a little bit to get sauce mixed on evenly.
For sticky sauce add
1 cup sliced ginger
add to 1 cup boiling water
add 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 cup vinegar
Let boil in separate pan about 5 minutes add 1 cup cornsyrup. Lower heat add 1/2 cup orange sauce and pour over chicken.

Chicken and Prawn Laksa

2010-04-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

Chicken and Prawn Laksa
2 tbsp. oil (I use sesame oil)
2 tbsp. grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, crushed
8 green onions, sliced
8 chicken tenderloins (I actually use 5-8 chicken breasts)
2 tbsp. mild curry paste
3 cups hot chicken stock/broth
1.5 cups coconut milk
12 small raw prawns (I used cooked, tail off,ok I use 30-40 medium shrimps)
about 3 cups of rice
handful of snow peas
handful of bean sprouts
1/3 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
2 pinches of basil (optional)

Heat the oil in a wok (or normal pan). Add ginger, garlic and green onions: stir fry 1 min. Add chicken to the pan and stir fry for further 3 minutes or until cooked. Stir in curry paste until chicken is well coated. Add hot chicken stock and stir in the coconut milk. Bring slowly to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. Add prawns and simmer for a further 3 minutes. Meanwhile, place the vermicelli in a large heatproof bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Set aside for 5 minutes until soft. Drain the vermicelli and divide among large, warmed serving bowls. Add snow peas last 5 minutes before serving and add and some bean sprouts, then ladle over the rice and top with bean sprouts, and chinese crunchy noodles. Serve sprinkled with cilantro and remaining bean sprouts which is optional

Chicken Pot Pie

2010-04-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

Chicken Pot Pie

2 9-inch pie crusts
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tsp salt
pepper
thyme
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup cream (I used milk, worked fine)
1/2 cup or so white wine
2 cups cooked chicken, cut into chunks
3/4 cup frozen peas
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, sliced
couple cloves chopped garlic
some more thyme, because thyme is awesome

Heat oven to 425.

Melt butter over low heat. Blend in flour, salt, pepper, and a little thyme. Cook over low until it's a nice light roux. Stir in broth, cream, and wine. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute.

Saute the onion, carrot, and garlic until soft. Throw in salt, pepper, and thyme as you like. Add to the sauce with the peas and chicken. Pour into the pie shell and cover with the other crust. Cut a couple vents in the top. Put some foil over the edges to keep them from burning. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.

Homemade Soft Pretzels

2010-04-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

Homemade Soft Pretzels (Beer drinking Pretzels...Ha Ha!)
1 tbs yeast
1 1/4 c warm water
1/4 c brown sugar
4 c flour

coarse salt
melted butter (about 3 tbs)
1/2 c baking soda dissolved in 3 c water at a simmer

1. Dissolve the sugar in the warm water and add the yeast to proof it. The yeast should get foamy after about 5 minutes.

2. Add the flour and mix it gently. The dough should be sticky but well combined. Don't over-knead it or you'll get tough pretzels.

3. Let the dough rise in a covered, oiled bowl for about 20-30 minutes depending on how warm your house is.

4. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and shape into long ropes about 1" in diameter. Shape these into pretzel shapes and prepare some greased baking trays. Dip each pretzel into the water-baking soda mixture and submerge for about 20 seconds. Then place each onto the tray.

5. Bake at 450ºF for about 5 minutes or until the pretzels are golden and smell like heaven. Remove from the oven, brush with butter, and sprinkle with coarse salt. TRY to wait as long as you can before chowing down on them, but they are really really good warm.

I also think this would be a fun baking activity to involve kids in if you happen to have any around! Kids are really good at making dough ropes. :)

Cinnamon Swirl Bread

2010-04-06T09:17:00.001-07:00

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

For the bread:

* 3 over-ripe bananas, smashed up
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tsp vanilla
* 1 tsp baking soda
* dash of salt
* 1 1/2 cups flour

For the swirl:

* 1/3 cup sugar
* 1 Tbs cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350. Butter and four a loaf pan. Mine was 9 x 5, but you could use any sort, I suppose. Just keep a close eye on it in the oven, and adjust the time as needed
2. Mix bananas, butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla together. sprinkle baking soda and salt around on top of the banana mixture. Then gently stir in flour. Be careful not to over-mix!
3. In a small dish, mix together the 1/3 cup sugar and 1 Tbs cinnamon.
4. Add 1/2 of the batter to the loaf pan and then sprinkle half, or a little more than half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the batter in the pan. Add the rest of the batter, and then sprinkle the leftover cinnamon-sugar on top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, but remember, if you’re using a different-sized loaf pan, be careful and keep a close eyeball on it!

Eating Right in your 30's!

2010-04-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Eating Right in your 30's

The Challenge: You're low on energy.

Feels like your being pulloed in a zillion different directions? No wonder. Between a demanding career, a husband, and kids too. Trying to fit in a workouut whenever you can, it's tough to balance all the things on your to do list and still muster the motivation to eat right. Consider this your health wake up call. "A less than stellar diet starts to catch up with you in this decade, putting you at increased risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and weight gain."

Your diet to do list

1)Bolster your Immunity

Antioxidants like vitamin A,C, and E, found in foods ssuch as sweet potatoes, red peppers and almonds, may slow the effects of aging and help ward off heart disease and cancer. The secret to their success? They reduce inflammation and repair damage to cells. You can't get the same benefits from swupplements, however. "Studies show that the antioxidants in food are much more effective than those you get from popping a pill, because they work in tandem with other compounds to fight disease."

2)Aim for Three Squares

Too busy for breakfast. Likely to choose your "lunch" from the office vending machine? If this is you then your habits need to chance. Not eating enough of the right foods for breakfast & lunch can make you feel exhausted and irritable by midafternoon. Build time in your schedule for three meals daily with 400-500 calories
each with a 150 calorie snack anytime you go more than three to four hours without eating. Keep healthy foods like nuts, fruit, whole grained cereal in your desk for those days when you can't get away from the office.

3)Power Up Your Plate.

Filling up on fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains may reduce your risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. In one study, women who ate the most vegetables lowered their odds of developing type 2 diabetes by 28 percent. Vegetarians in another report slashed their risk of cardiovscular disease by 24 percent. To reap the benefits, load three quarters of your plate with foods mentioned above, and the remaining one quarter with lean meat, poultry or fish.

Your recipes for success

Breakfast

1 package instant oatmeal topped with 1 sliced banana and 1 teaspoon brown sugar
6 oz. low fat yogurt
coffee with low fat milk

Lunch

Spinach salad: Toss together 1 1/2 cup baby spinach, 1/2 swliced red bell pepper, 5 halved grape tomates, 5 chopped baby carrots, 1/2 cup chickpeas, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette, 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
1 oz. (about 13) baked pita chips

Snack

1 apple, sliced, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter

Dinner

4 oz. grilled chicken breast with 1 cup cooked brown rice and black bean tomato salad (1/2 cup black beans, 1 small dicedd tomato, 1/4 diced avocado, 1 tablespoon lime juice and 1 pinch chilli powder)
8 oz. 1% milk and 2 oreos

Eating Right in your 20's!

2010-04-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is information collected from fitness magazine.

The challenge in your 20's is your pressed for time.
Your diet to do list

1) Bone up on calcium and vitamin D

This is the last decade to build up bone mass without bone loss. Aim for 1,000 milligrams of calcium. One serving of yogurt or 1 1/2 oz. of cheese provides roughly 300-400 milligrams and up to 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily. Its tough to get enough vitamin D from food alone your best bet is a combination of foods, such as SALMON and canned tuna in oil, and supplements.

2) Fish for Happiness

Hours at the office and a fully booked social calendar can result in chronic stress, which can raise blood pressure, promote weight gaon and cause mood swings. 500 to 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids daily can lessen the damage. Good for you fats, found in FISH, NUTS, and SEEDS, reduce inflammation and improve the health of your brain cells, helping to elevate your mood and protect against depression. A study at the Univesity of Pittsburgh said people with the highest levels of omega 3's were significantly happier than those with lower levels.

3) Go for the Right Grains

Eating too many refined carbohydrates causes drawstic swings in blood sugar, which can sap your energy and leave you feeling cranky. Choose WHOLE GRAINS, PASTA, CEREAL, and RICE. Aim for three to six servings daily for a steady supply of fuel as well as the recommended 25 to 30 grams of fiber you need each day.

Recipes for Success

Breakfast

Veggie fritata: Cook 2 eggs scrambled with 1/4 cup thawed brocoli, 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 sliced green onion in 1 tablespoon canola oil until set 8-10 minutes. Top with 2 taqblespoons grated parmesan cheese.
2 slices whole grain toast and 8 oz. calcium & vitamin D fortified OJ

Lunch

Salmon burger on a whole wheat bun with chive mayo (mix 1 tablesppon canola mayo with 1 tsp. chives) and cucumber and tomato slices
1 cup grapes

Snack

Whole grain energy bar and a nonfat latte

Dinner

Spicy pasta: saute 1 chopped garlic clove, 1 chopped tomato, 1 tsp. capers and a pinch red pepper in 1 tablesppon olive oil. Serve over 1 1/2 cups cooked whole wheat pasta with 2 tablespoon feta cheese.
1/2 cup vanilla pudding topped with 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Gevalia Coffee

2010-03-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Ok- I love general foods international coffees. I use to get ads in magazines and send a dollar to try them. Oh it was heaven. Now Folgers has gourmet coffees that are heavenly.
Well, for a good deal go to: http://www.gevalia.com/continuity/quick-enroll pick the three you would like. It only costs three dollars for three flavors now thats a bargain.

Here are some recipes

Irish Coffee
Ingredients

1 cup of strong black coffee
1 tsp of sugar
1 shot of whisky
1 small carton of double cream
Method

Poor coffee into a wine glass until just over half full.
Stir in sugar until disolved.
Mix in whisky.
Place a teaspoon upside down just above the coffee and slow poor the cream onto the spoon. The cream should then float on top of the coffee, making a lay about half an inch thick or so.
Cappuccino Royale
Ingredients

1/2 cup of half and half
1/2 cup of espresso
2 tbsp Brandy
2 tbsp Dark Creme de Cacao
2 tbsp White Rum
Sugar
Method

Whisk the half and half in a small saucepan on high until it starts to froth.
Split espresso into two cups.
Divide the Brandy and Creme de Cacao into each cup.
Pour the half and half into each cup.
Sweeten with sugar.
Iced Coffee
Ingredients

1 pot of fresh brewed coffee
Milk
Ice cubes
Method

Brew the coffee. Add sugar if you prefer.
Pour coffee into a carafe, leave to cool for an hour and then cool in a refrigerator for another two hours.
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, then coffee and add milk to taste.
Stir and serve.
These two recipes are merely to give you ideas on creative ways in which to use coffee. Only your imagination can hold you back.

Candied Pecans

2010-03-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

Candied Pecans

1 egg white
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 dash vanilla extract
4 cups pecans (1 lb.)

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
Beat egg white until stiff. Add brown sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Mix in pecans and stir until coated. Pour the nuts onto the prepared cookie
sheet. Bake until browned, 15-20 minutes. Let cool! Use in salads, put back in container for snacking on.

My 5 Year old makes her own necklace

2010-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

This is so cute, I let her sister make a necklace yesterday. And she wanted to make one too. So I told her I would help her tomorrow when everyone is in school. Sure enough she asked and wanted to do it hersself. She picked her own pattern and used a real needle. Too cute!

New Shoes!

2010-03-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Have you guys heard of skechers fitness footwear? Well, My cousin on facebook said she wanted a pair. I never heard of them. But was curious! So, I googled them and thought they looked like cute shoes. Lots of styles to pick from. So, saturday my Husband & I decided to go shoe shopping. We both bought a pair. They do feel different. And there was like three others in the check out buying them. Shelves were pratically bare. I'm surprised we found some our size.

Introducing the Skechers fitness footwear. Shape up while you walk. Designed to promote weight loss, Tone muscles and Improve posture. They do keep you on your toes.
Get in shape without stepping foot in the gym. I feel like I'm walking in sand. Day number three is tomorrow and we have been taking walks. Feet don't hurt. I'm getting use to this.

Crocheting again!

2010-03-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make one of those Kufi hats and hunted down a pattern. Needless to say I looked everywhere for my crochet hook and couldn't find it. We moved and I don't know where everything went. So I kept looking, thinking I got to have one stuck in some project I haven't finished. And there it was... I whipped up three hats and my daughter is modeling the hot pink one I made. They are quick and easy.

Wesly the weather man!

2010-03-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

We went down to Salt Lake City last weekend to see Disney On Ice, dinner and to the Clark Planetarium. Here's Wesly telling us about the weather.

Here's Natalie on the Moon.

Here's Whitney on Mars.

How to save buying grocerys

2010-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Its all up too you! Buy what you eat-
Use coupons for products that you use.
And keep it simple. Grocery shopping doesn't need to be a chore.
For example:

This was at Smiths-
Without coupons, discounts and rewards would have cost: $68.02 My price: $14.17

Here's another one at Lee's-

At Lee's without coupons and discounts and rewards would have cost: $67.13
My Price was an even wash with my rewards rebate card I was a little low and added some gum and I didn't have to pay a dime out of my own pocket.

Fruit & Veggie garnishing class

2010-03-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

Today I went to a Fruit and garnishing class. It was alot of fun. I made a fruit basket, swan apple, jalapeno lilly, carrot tulips, tomato rose, flower radish, and green onion curlys.

Eating Right!

2010-02-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Eating Right!

1. Indulge in the season

when fresh fruit and vegetables are in season- INDULGE!!!!

2. Be smart in the Off Season

Apples and Bananas tend to stay relatively low- priced all year. as do Oranges!

3. Prepare for a rainy Day

Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are wonderful during the winter.

4. Buy Frozen-cheap

frozen is generally cheaper than fresh so buy when the season allow better price.

5. Buy in Bulk

warehouse stores can be overwhelming, so know what your family eats and stock up.

6. Make Bread

Nothing beats homemade fresh bread.

7. Clip coupons

use coupons and remember coupons used on stuff you buy is a bargain but not on things you don't normally buy.

8. Go dried

Nothing locks in the fresh flavor than dried fruits, & vegetables.

9. Use less expensive protein

red meat isn't the only protein, eggs, beans. same goes for cottage cheese and yogurts

10. Increased convenience = Increased cost

such as skinless boneless chicken and chopped broccoli
save money and do it yourself.

Keep yourself and your family healthy needs to be a priority. With little effort, you can make it happen even on a budget.

Cuisinart electric pressure cooker

2010-01-29T08:42:00.000-08:00

I went to a cooking class using this pressure cooker. And I must say it is a must have. Better than a crock pot.
When the pressure is on, this electric beauty cooks many foods up to 70% faster than conventional methods. The Cuisinart® 6-Quart Electric Pressure Cooker is the totally safe way cook smarter. Pressurized steam creates hotter temperatures, and the tightly sealed pot keeps vitamins and minerals from boiling away. Nonstick cooking pot also seals in moisture that keeps roasts, stews, vegetables and more tender and flavorful. Even cheesecake and custards turn out delectably creamy. Cooker features adjustable pressure and temperature settings to let you brown, simmer or sauté before pressure cooking and keep foods warm after. Of course, Out of Stock but we could order one in at a great discount. Whoo hoo! Can't wait to get one of these.

My daughter loves to dance!

2010-01-26T08:48:00.001-08:00

Music is everything to my girls. Especially Nattie, she has a musical performance at McDonalds thinking everyone there is her audience. She sings and dances while kids are playing. It's so cute! The bus driver told me she sings all the way to school and back. Here is a sneak peak at our future celebrity. Miss Natalie!

3-D puzzles

2010-01-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

Ok I have had this in the closet for quite sometime. I only had the floor put together and back into the box it goes. LOL! Well, we moved and I really wanted it put together or it will sit on the shelf a few more years. So I finally got it out last night and worked on it all morning and Hurray all put together. I hope it can sit on a shelf in my daughters room. Which will be all decorated with princesses.

Shake a Crab!

2010-01-21T11:24:00.000-08:00

I went to a cooking class that showed you how to crack open a dungeness crab. So I bought 4 of them and Brady & Riley, my husband and I. Did this and it was very simple. I wish I took pictures of this event but everyone dived right in before I knew it would have been a great blog. With the Crab we made Crab cakes, crab canape, crab linguine, & crab cheese soup. I also made homemade cocktail sauce. Yum!

I'm in the mood for food!

2010-01-21T11:14:00.001-08:00

Oh, This was a way cute cookbook. I'm in the mood for food in the kitchen with Garfield. By Jim Davis and recipes by Barbara Albright

I found this at Smith's and thumbed through it and had to have it. I love the titles and cartoons throughout it. So, It was a must have. My boys loved reading garfield's comments.
I cut up post-its and make bookmarks to mark what I want to try and so far I've made Quick N Easy Chicken Parmesan, the first recipe in the book,Chewy Brownies and Escape from the daily grind Maple-Cinnamon Coffee which we call Garfields Coffee. Yum!

Theatre Chairs

2010-01-15T08:33:00.000-08:00

Today our order of 12 theatre chairs came. I'm excited to get this room going.
We are building steps to set 4 chairs on each row. Now we just need to wait for spring before we can get this room assembled. Brady is anxious to start framing this room he has had lots of experience at Bridgerland building a house in a class. And loves it. Picture is of exact chairs I bought.

Even little Girls are creative

2010-01-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

My little Princess found this box of stuff to create things with and she made this little princess all by herself and she wanted to have her picture taken. Isn't she cute.

Happy New Year! Cranberry Stuffing in Chicken breast

2010-01-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Cranberry Stuffing in Chicken breast

One box stovetop holiday cranberry mix
Dice up one celery and add more dried cranberrys
add water as directed and butter. Microwave 5 minutes

Meanwhile, slice a slit in chicken breast like a pocket
and stuff with dressing when done and fry in pan with oil
Don't crowd pan it will not brown. Put in a baking dish
and bake 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees. Yum!

Manhattan Brined Turkey

2009-11-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

I have gone to a Thanksgiving cooking class and this what what we did to the turkey.
I had to wait for next week to cook the Turkey and wait to see what I thought. Well, the second week I was amazed at how this tasted so here's my attempt this year.

Manhattan Brined Turkey

1 turkey 15-20 lbs thawed
1 bottle white wine
1 bottle white zinfandel
1 can white grape juice frozen concentrate
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup fresh basil (use living herbs at the grocery store)
2 lemons, juiced and added cut in half
2 limes, juiced and added cut in half
2 big sprigs rosemary
1/4 cup thyme
1/2 cup kosher salt
1 tbsp. vinegar

Combine salt and frozen juice concentrate in a large measuring cup add 1 can water to dissovle both. Add fresh herbs and garlic to mixture. Place turkey in a large white bucket lined with a brining bag. (sold at speciality food stores)Pour mixture over turkey. Arrange fresh herbs on top. Pour to bottles of wine over turkey. Juice fresh oranges , lemons, limes and pour over turkey. Add the cut up pieces to bucket on top of the turkey. Add enough water to completely emerge the turkey. Zip up bag and seal white bucket. Set in garage for 24 hours. Don't set more that or the alcohol starts to deteriorate the meat. You can marinate 48 hours and add wine 24 hours prior to cooking.

I really wished I took a picture of the 15 lb. turkey in the bucket with the fresh herbs ontop. Looked really pretty. But the finished product will be amazing.

Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine/Baguettes

2009-10-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Shrimp & Spinach Fettuccine

1 pkg. wheat fettuccine cooked according to package and drained
In steamer cut up 2 zuchinni in half circles. 1 pkg. of spinach and 1 leek diced
1 small container tomatoes; set aside
I cube of butter 3 garlic cloves minced 2 tsp parsley
1 lb. shrimp deveined and peeled
cook in large pan. When done take out and set aside.
Now put fettuccine noodles in pan and saute, add steamed vegetables, shrimp and sprinle with shredded parmesan cheese add tomatoes last. Add salt & pepper to taste.

Baguettes

Buy one loaf and cut into circles arrange on a baking pan and spread butter on top, garlic bread seasoning, a dot of cream cheese, and sprinkle parmesan on top and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy!

Lost Recipes!

2009-10-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

Hey- You know when you move and pack everything it takes a few months to figure out where things go or alot longer. In my case alot longer since we are remodeling and slowly unpacking. LOL!

I finally got an oven and wanted to make my favorite banana bread and my recipe box didn't contain that recipe so I made a chocolate chip one instead. Wasn't really thinking where that recipe went, until I told a friend about my Sour Cream Fan Rolls. Ok- I looked in my box and no recipe for this either. OK- This was puzzling me. I always put recipes back into my box when I'm making them.

I then remembered I bought a new file box in Spring and was putting what I really like in it. At this point I'm going crazy trying to figure out where my favorite recipe box may be. I remember telling someone that if my house was to burn down I would need this box. I think I would burn down with the house. LOL! I brain stormed, "Where could I have put it." And yes I went right to the Box that had all the important stuff in it and low and behold my cherished recipe box. I'm so happy that I found it. Some recipes are not replacable.

Raspberry Cream Roll

2009-09-08T09:40:00.000-07:00

Raspberry Cream Roll

6 tablespoons confectioners sugar, divided
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 pint fresh raspberries
1 tablespoon cherry flavoring extract
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/3 cup heavy cream

Preparation: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 15 1/2x 10 1/2 x 1 inch pan. Line with wax paper; grease paper. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar over surface of clean kitchen towel; set aside. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. In large bowl,with electric mixer on high speed, beat eggs 5 minutes. Add sugar; beat 3 minutes. Beat in milk & vanilla. Add flour mixture; beat on low speed until just smooth. Spread evenly into pan. bake 12-15 minutes. Cool 2 minutes. Invert pan onto sugared towel. Carefully peel off wax paper. Trim any uneven edges. Starting with narrow end, roll up cake and towel together to form 10 inch long roll. Place seam-side down on rack; cool completely.

Reserve 1/4 cup raspberries for garnish. To prepare filling, in container of blender, puree 1/2 cup raspberries. In small saucepan, combine puree, cherry extract and 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar. Stir in cornstarch. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to boil, cool completely. Beat cream with 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar until stiff peaks form. Fold in raspberry puree and any reamaining raspberries not reserved for garnish. Unroll cake. Spread cream mixture on cake, leaving 1/2 inch border around edges. Roll up cake, gently removing towel. Place seam side down on serving platter. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon confectioners sugar. garnish with reserved raspberries. Refrodgerate until serving time. Makes 10 servings.

Deep Fried Mushrooms

2009-09-08T09:37:00.000-07:00

DEEP FRIED MUSHROOMS

1 lb. First Choice mushrooms
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. club soda
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
Cooking oil for deep frying

Wash mushrooms and dry thoroughly on towel. Small mushrooms may be left whole; large ones should be cut into 1/4 inch slices. Stir flour, club soda and garlic salt together until smooth.
Dip mushrooms in batter and fry in 400 degree oil for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Oil should be deep enough for mushrooms to float freely. Drain on paper towels.

Pumpkin Buns

2009-09-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

1 envelope active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1 tsp. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 stick butter, melted
1 15 oz. solid packed pumpkin
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. salt

Filling: 1/2 stick butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze: 2 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons milk

Sprinkle yeast over warm water in karge bowl. Add 1 teaspoon sugar; let stand til foamy, about 5 minutes. Beat in remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, the eggs, butter and pumpkin.

Gradually add 5 cups of the flour and the salt, scraping side of bowl, until soft dough forms. Turn out onto floured surface and knead remaining 1/2 cup flour onto dough. Dough will be soft.

Grease a bowl; add dough. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 1/4 hours.

Coat 2 13x10 inch baking pans with nonstick cooking spray. Make filling: Mix butter, sugar and brown sugars, cinnamon in a bowl.

Punch down dough. Roll out half onto lightly floured surface to form a 16x10 inch rectangle. Spread with half of filling. Starting on one long side, roll up jelly roll fashion. Pinch seam to close. Repeat with second half of dough and filling.

Cut each log crooswise into 12 generous 1 inch pieces. Arrange 12 pieces, cut side down, in each prepared pan. Cover with plastic; let sit in a warm spot until buns double in size, about 30-45 minutes.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Uncover pans and bake buns until they are golden brown and bubbly, 28-33 minutes. Tranfer to wire rack; let cool 10 minutes.

Glaze: Blend confectioners sugar and milk. Drizzle over buns. Serve warm.

Bridal Shower Idea!

2009-09-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

Instrustions:

Have someone read the letter out loud,while the bride unwraps gifts in basket. She must look for the present marked number one to start and fill in the blank with the name of the gift as you go.

Letter for Bride

Dear (Bride Name),

We have all gathered here today to wish you much love and happiness.

We know that your futire will be 1) BRITE and full of nothing but 2) JOY.

on your wedding day we will all join you & (groom name)as you 3) PLEDGE your love to

each other.

Remember this 4) BRAWNY guy is not always 5) MR. CLEAN. At those times when you want

to 6) SHOUT or 7) VANISH just 8) DIAL or send out an 9) S.O.S.

We are cofident that you will 10) BOUNCE back and remember 11) ALL the joy you bring

each other.

Awake each 12)DAWN with a hug & Kiss and gentle 13) CARESS.

Just remember behind every 14) PUFF of clouds is a glorous rainbow.

Raspberry Jam

2009-08-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

Oh- Its August and kids go back to school. And you know there was a really great sell on Raspberries. I bought a case and used 1/2 of them for some Jam. Just the regular recipe on the Pectin. Nice new jars (lids are polished nickel now how sweet)
I was surprised that I got 9 jars out of the batch.

Roasting Red Peppers

2009-08-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

I went to a cooking class and one of the extra things she did was Roast a Red Pepper on a gas stove. Turn it and let it turn black. Top to Bottom and place in a brown paper bag to cool down and eat it later. My husband thought that was crazy but he ate it along with my daughter. Sure quite a few of us missed out on this dish.

Homemade Turkey Sausage

2009-07-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Turkey Sausage

2 1/2 lbs. Turkey Breast
1/8-1/4 cup chopped Garlic
1-3 tsp. Chili Powder
2 Tbs. Paprika
1/8-1 tsp. Cayenne
1 tsp. ground Cumin
2 tsp. Salt
pinch 1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
1 tsp. dried Oregano
1 tsp. dried Thyme
1 tsp. freshly Ground Black Peper
2 tsp. onion powder

Dice Turkey into long strips. In a small mixing bowl combine all seasoning together. Mix well. Toss Turkey in and cover well. Cover and refridgerate 24 hours or put in freezer for a short while to chill it. Get out a meat grinder. Form into patties. Fry them up.

Can I say these are very good. My children loved them. These would be great for breakfast with toast and eggs. Also great in Lasagna

Turkey Mini Burgers

2009-05-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, This was good. When children eat things up that is a good sign that they like it.
How quick and easy these are to make too.

Turkey Mini Burgers

Buy one package of soft rolls from the bakery (8 count)
You will need:
1 pkg. 1 lb. ground turkey
2 green onions diced
Mix together and form patties about a large scoop dropper did the trick.
Next fry them in a pan & top with cheese to melt. so cut a regular slice of cheddar cheese into four servings.
Cut rolls and spread one side with mayo (I love best foods) top with a lettuce leaf, put turkey burger ontop and place a pickle slice on top and a small cherry tomato so it pops open.

Easy Spinach Pasta

1 package of Spinach leaves
1 ripe on the vine cherry tomatoes cut in half
1 small package of mozzerella cheese cut into cubes.
about 1/2 package of penne pasta cooked and cooled.
Mix together and serve. (Note there is no dressing but if you like dressing
go ahead and use some.)

Incredible Spreadable Butter!

2009-05-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

I always like buying the spreadable butters and margarines but go through them way too fast. Well, I came across this and it works well.
So-You need to try this...

Incredible Spreadable Butter

1 stick salted butter (just out of the fridge works)
1/3 cup canola oil

Use an electric mixer- whip the butter on high til its fluffed up.
Slowly add oil. Add while mixer in on medium. Scrape down sides. Put
mixture in container allow to chill. Overnight is best!

Dig in- whipping & adding canola oil to your butter produces more butter for
the buck and butter that is lower in saturated fat.

Mommy & her little girl

2009-05-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

Nat is my youngest little girl. Who loves going to preschool, loves her cat Max and drawing pictures of people and designing clothes for them. Fashion is her passion. She may be a fashion designer when she grows up. And she loves the color purple. Anything I get her that is purple is a big delight to her. And she loves bubble gum icecream its the best. Absolutely, adore her and yes she is growing up too fast. She loves to take pictures with my phone.(Alot of Max)So while were waiting for her bus to come I asked her if I could take our picture to put on my blog. Oh yes! She was delighted.

Britney Spears Circus Tour

2009-04-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

Ok- I didn't know if this was going to be good. But I dragged my husband to a Britney Spears three ring circus tour. Can I say we had a good time. Borrowed videos from YouTube.