Manhattan Brined Turkey

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

Steak Oscar

Ok This is very good! I use to get this at a local restaurant. and this is my version of it. A nice tenderloin cut into 1 1/2 inch thick and fried in a pan (with the grill like markings.) Sprinkle with Herb & Garlic seasoning and a dab of butter.
Make homemade hollandaise sauce, shredd some crab meat and kept warm. Cut Avocado in thin slices. And thaw out some shrimp.

When steak is at desired doneness put on a plate. Top with crab flake and lay avocado slices on top and spoon over the homemade hollandaise sauce and top with a shrimp (tail removed)

Sauted Asparagus Cut asparagus in two. Place in skillet with a dab of butter. Sprinkle some water on top season with garlic salt and black pepper. Cook til tender.

The YoYo Bunney

Ok- Here is one of my projects I just finished or have I? He is a YoYo Bunny.
I feel like he's missing something but oh well. He is finished for now.

Planting Tomatoes

Natural disasters, strange weather and the outrageous cost of diesel full have all contributed to the sky rocketing cost of tomatoes. Consumers who never considered gardening suddenly find themselves standing at a fork in the road. They can either decide to give up on eating tomatoes or they can learn how to plant tomatoes in their own yard. Read on to learn how to plant a tomato seed.

1) Before you can plant your tomato seeds you have to decide what kind of tomato you want to grow. Spend some time reading about what variety of tomato appeals to you. You can purchase tomato seeds at co-ops, garden stores, nurseries, online and through gardening magazines.

2) Don’t start digging up your backyard the minute you get home with your packet of tomato seeds. You’ll get the best results if you first plant the seeds in small plastic containers. Fill the plastic containers with sterile soil (you can pick this up at the same time you purchase your tomato seeds).

3) Once you’ve filled the containers with the sterile soil, use a little water to moisten the soil. The soil should be damp, not saturated.

4) Insert your tomato seed into the sterile soil. The seed should be planted approximately ¼-inch down.

5) Keep your freshly planted tomato seeds in a darkened area for a few days. Many seeds prefer to germinate in the dark before they are exposed to light. Try to keep the soil moist (not wet) while you wait for your seeds to germinate.

6) Your tomatoes should germinate within five days. Once they have germinated you will need to place the plants somewhere that they can receive about 6 hours of sunlight a day. A growing light is an excellent way to encourage the growth of your young tomato plants while you wait for them to grow large enough for transplant.


(Note: I like using the Jiffy Plant starter pellets found in the garden section of the store. You keep them watered and seeds fit in the center nicely.

Spudnuts!

Spudnuts

1 cup mashed potatoes
2 beaten eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 tbs. melted shortening
5 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
about 4 cups flour

Mix all ingredients together and Add flour gradually until dough is firm.
Roll and cut out with cutter. Allow to rest 5 minutes. Fry in deep fat at 375 degrees. Drain on paper towels. Add sugar to tops. Makes 24

My Mock Apple Pie!

All most forgot to post my April Fools Pie! I took a picture and need to post it.
This one turned out very nice.
I also blogged last year about this pie with the recipe. So I'll copy and paste it here. LOL! This has been our family tradition!

April Fools Mock Apple Pie

The classic pie, featuring Ritz crackers baked in a golden crust, is perfect for the holidays. Prep: 45 mins - Cook: 30 mins - Cool: 3 hrsPastry for two-crust 9-inch pie 36 RITZ Crackers, coarsely broken (about 1 3/4 cups crumbs)1 3/4 cups water 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 tablespoons lemon juice Grated peel of one lemon 2 tablespoons margarine or butter 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1. Roll out half the pastry and line a 9-inch pie plate. Place cracker crumbs in prepared crust; set aside. 2. Heat water, sugar and cream of tartar to a boil in saucepan over high heat; simmer for 15 minutes. Add lemon juice and peel; cool. 3. Pour syrup over cracker crumbs. Dot with margarine or butter; sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll out remaining pastry; place over pie. Trim, seal and flute edges. Slit top crust to allow steam to escape. 4. Bake at 425 F for 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is crisp and golden. Cool completely.

Orange Berry Sour Cream Muffins

Orange Berry Sour Cream Muffins

2 cups bread flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 stick of butter, melted
1 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Zest of 1 large orange
1 1/2 cups of fresh berries, I suggest 1/2 cup of each raspberries, blueberries, & blackberries.

Place 12 muffin liners in a 12 cup muffin tin. In med. bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, sour cream, egg, vanilla estract, and orange zest. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stir just to combine. Do not over mix. Add berries and don't over mix berries. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake at 400 for 15-18 minutes. Cool slightly before serving. Makes 12 muffins. Top with sugar (I made mini muffins and they went fast)

Top Ten Reasons Why I Don't have Food Storage!

This was sent in a email and I wanted to post it:


Top 10 Reasons Why I Don't Have My Food Storage.

by Wendy Dewitt

10. My neighbors have a TWO year supply! No, they don't. They don't have any food. Did you know that 85% of the members of the church don't have any food storage at all? If your idea of food storage is to eat someone else's food.....this is a really bad plan.

9. I've paid tithing for 20 years...the church can give me a little food. Many members believe that when the times get hard, the church is going to come through like Joseph in Egypt. Absolutely not true. All the church storehouses and welfare farms across the country would only feed 4% of the members of the church. The church has been asking YOU to store food for 75 years. They're NOT storing food for you. Thus, another bad plan.

8. I'm moving in with my children / parents! Really....that's just a bad plan all by itself. But it points out that most members don't have a year's supply because they're PLANNING on eating someone else's food! Of course, since no one HAS any food, we have yet another bad plan.

7. I have a year's supply...and the bullets to go with it! I've heard time and again, "How dumb is that to go to all the time and expense of getting food...just to have some guy with a gun come and shoot my family to take it away?" Here's a better question. Are you afraid of the guy with the gun? Or are you more afraid of BECOMING the guy with the gun? What would you do if your children were starving to death? Would you lie? Cheat? Steal? Would you shoot your neighbor for his food? I guarantee....if you were watching your child starving to death, you would do anything you had to to keep them alive. If you don't have your year's supply, you are putting yourself in danger of losing not only your temporal salvation, but your spiritual salvation as well.

So far, all the reasons we don't have our food storage involve eating someone else's food. Please, don't put your family's temporal salvation in other people's hands. No one is storing food for you. Not your neighbors, not the government...not even the church.

#6. The boat and the 4 wheelers are taking up all my storage space! (priorities!)

#5. 3 letters....Y2K. Ok, that's 2 letters and a number....but they're always making way too much out of everything! This is never going to happen!" (Every prophecy that has ever been given WILL happen.)

#4. If anything DOES happen, the government will be here within hours! (insert laughter) Did you know the government has been telling us that we need to have food storage? They're actually CALLING it food storage! We now have the government telling us to store food, water, medicines...whatever we will need to be able to stay in our homes for several months.

#3. I can't afford scrap booking AND food storage. The average food storage can cost as little as a dollar a day. We live in the richest society in the history of the world, and while there are cases where money may be a problem, most of the time it is a matter of priorities. We have chosen bigger homes, nicer cars, more tv's, computers, vacations ...everything is more important than our food storage. If I asked, "Who has a cell phone?" most of you would say yes. You pay at least $30 a month to have a cell phone....that's about a dollar a day...the cost of one year's supply of food for your child. Is your cell phone really more important than your child's temporal salvation? You have to make food storage a priority.

2. I'm waiting for the cannery to sell Papa John's dehydrated pizza! Food storage has always had a stigma attached to it. If it's not wheat, beans and powdered milk, it's not food storage. With the system I use, food storage can be sweet and sour chicken, tamale pie, chile and cornbread, beef stew, shepherd's pie, minestrone...even chocolate chip cookies! Your imagination (and your pocketbook) are the only limitations you have.

And the #1 reason why I don't have my year's supply of food? A year?? I thought it was 72 hours!!

You KNOW you should have your food storage. You WANT to have it, but it can be so overwhelming! How much do I buy? Where do I store it? How do I cook it? It seems like an impossible task.... but it's not. It doesn't matter if you use my system or just start buying extra food, the important thing is to do something. Good luck in your efforts! Wendy DeWitt







FOOD STORAGE DISTRIBUTORS



BLUE CHIP GROUP, INC
432 W. 3440 S.
SLC, UT 84115
1(801)263-6667
Orders 1(800)878-0099
Contact: Jim Woods, cell # (801)403-9420
Major supplier of Bulk food at Wholesale prices
EMAIL bcg@bluechipgroup.net



WALTON FEED
PO Box 307
135 N. 10th
Montpelier, ID 83254
1(208)847-0465or
1(800)847-0465
Major supplier: Bulk Food, Preparedness items, ships nation-wide
EMAIL info@waltonfeed.com www.waltonfeed.com



LEHI ROLLER MILLS
833 E. Main Street
Lehi, UT 84043
1(801)768-4401
Wheat supplier
www.lehirollermills.com



PROVIDENT LIVING
Recently moved to Idaho
Jeanie Sorenson
Supplies Bulk food and emergency preparedness items
www.providentliving.com



MACEY'S FOOD
931 W. State Street
PG, UT 84062
1(801)796-6601
www.maceys.com
offers Blue chip inc. bulk foods, morning moo milk, 72 hour kit supplies, water barrels
Watch for great case lot sales!



TROPICAL TRADITIONS
Major supplier of healthy coconut oil and other items (check out how it's made)
www.tropicaltraditions.com



K-TEC
370 E. 1300 S.
Orem, UT 84058
1(800)748-5400
Major distributor: grain mills, bread makers, bulk grains and food storage



EMERGENCY ESSENTIALS
352 N. State St.
Orem, Utah 84057
1(800)999-1863
Free catalog
Long term storage, 72-hr. survival kits, Outdoor camping supplies, First aid supplies



MAPLE LEAF INDUSTRIES
410 S. 50 E.
Ephraim, UT 84627
1(801)283-4701
Major supplier of: Bulk grains, beans, spices, pasta, long term and emergency supplies



BOSCH KITCHEN CENTER
176 W. Center Street
Orem, Utah
(801) 224-1616 / (800) 584-9943
Offers wheat grinders, bread mixers, specialty grains / food (spelt, quinoa, rumford baking pwdr, saf instant yeast, lecithin, molasses, honey, gamma seal lids (srew-on lids)
Can also repair some of your old wheat grinders!



ALPINE FOOD STORAGE
Chirine Wadsworth
11800 N. 6000 W.
Highland, Ut 84003
(801) 216-4588 / (801) 361-4933
Buy's some food items in such big bulk that they can offer good prices to us (coconut oil from Tropical Traditions, rice, canned real butter & cheese, canned meat).



Garden Seeds in a #10 can- 3/16/09
alpinefoodstorage.com
Enough of you have asked about canned non-hybrid garden seeds that I am opening up an order!

CANNED GARDEN SEEDS
FEATURES:
16 LARGE SEED PACKETS
16 POPULAR EASY TO GROW GARDEN VEGETABLES
SPECIAL OPEN POLLINATED 100% NON-HYBRID SEED SELECTION
EXCLUSIVE E-Z LOCK RE-SEALABLE RE-USEABLE BAGS
TRIPLE - LAYERED FOIL PACKETS SEALED IN A CAN FOR EXTRA PROTECTION
COMPLETE WITH GARDENING-MADE-EASY INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE

Up to DOUBLE THE QUANTITY OF SEED of most other competitors:



Each Can Contains:

SWEET CORN. Golden Bantam. 5 oz.
ONION. Utah Sweet Spanish. 10 g.
SPINACH. Bloomsdale Long Standing. 10 g.
WINTER SQUASH. Waltham Butternut. 10 g.
SQUASH ZUCCHINI. Black Beauty. 10 g.
RADISH. Champion. 10 g.
TOMATO. Rutgers. 5 g.
SWISS CHARD. Lucullus. 10 g.
PEA. Lincoln. 10 oz.
BEET. Detroit Dark Red. 10 g.
CABBAGE. Golden Acre. 10 g.
LETTUCE. Barcarolle Romaine. 5 g.
CUCUMBER. Marketmore 76. 10 g.
CARROT. Scarlet Nantes. 10 g.
PEPPER. Yolo Wonder. 5 g.
POLE BEAN. Blue Lake. 5 oz.

Totals: 659 grams of Open Pollinated Non-hybrid Vegetable Seed

Price is $35 per can. This includes tax and shipping.
FAQs:
What is the shelf-life on these canned seeds? The declared shelf-life is 5 years. If, however, the seeds are stored in the freezer, that should double the shelf-life!
How many people will one can feed? Each can should feed a family of 5 for one season.
Will non-hybrid seeds germinate as efficiently as hybrid seeds? This company's germination standards are even higher than the Utah State requirements. Most will be in the 90% germination range. The germination percentage of each individual seed will be posted on the package.

Tuscan Tuna and Bean Salad

I love cooking. So I sign up for a cooking class done by Marquerite Henderson. She cooks wonderful!

You can go to her Website for more information and recipes at www.margueritehenderson.com

This salad is amazing! It is a Tuscan Tuna and Bean Salad.



Tuscan Tuna & Bean Salad

2 cans (15 oz.) White Northern beans, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 rib celery, finely diced
6 or 7 0z. can tuna in water, drained
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup finely chopped Italian parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl; toss gently and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Great on a sandwich or serve as a side to a burger or in a lettuce cup. Serves 6. This one is very good for you and tasted great!

Polls have closed!

We have a winner for the Give Away of:

3 ceramic bowls by gibson in cottage gourment yellow-blue
101 things to do with meatballs cookbook
2 blue hot pads made by me

True Random Number Generator
MIN: 1
MAX: 7

Generate Result: 1

Congratulations: Shanae!!!!!

Sweet Pork Salad

Sweet Pork Salad

2-4 lb pork roast
1 Cups Coca Cola
Salt & Pepper
Garlic
Seasoning Salt
put in a crock pot and cook overnight or at least 8 hours and shred pork with a fork and add the sauce

Sauce:
1 Cup Coca Cola
1 Cup ketchup

Taco shells fried quick in veg oil when ready to serve
Top with shredded pork, add black beans and cover with cheese
top with lettuce,and chopped cilantro,salsa and guacamole. Drizzle with homemade ranch dressing Yum!

Usually this makes alot for like 12 people so I used left overs and turned it into a pizza version. I used scone dough and bake it first.

Robins in the snow!

I thought it was springtime, and so did the Robins!
I know the Robins had other plans in their busy day. But they all seemed to
group in our tree. I took a picture through the window
before they flew away. (You can click on the picture to enlarge it.)



Here's a thought for the day-
You can learn a lot from Mister Robin.
You can feel the sun on your face and look beyond the present to your destination. You might be standing still but others are pursuing their own path. The branch is only your current destination, Mister Robin. When you've seen, what you wanted to see, you can move along. My friend, Mister Robin looked healthy and well, even after coming through a hard winter. It is a good reminder that through both the joys and trials of life we choose our destiny. Only you can decide the direction your going in your life and if the cup is half full or half empty.
Today, my cup is full... of snow!

Apple Sauce Doughnuts!

This recipe came from a Good for your health coookbook.

Applesauce Doughnuts

1 egg, beaten
4 pkg. Sweet N Low
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. melted butter
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. cinnamon

Mix egg and Sweet N Low together. Add vanilla, butter, and applesauce. Mix well. Sift dry ingredients and add to applesauce mixture, stirring by hand. Place dough in a bowl or on wax paper. Chill and roll out 1/2 inch thick on lightly floured board. Cut out with a floured cutter. Heat oil; fry several at a time. Drain on paper towels. Can be frozen. (note: I get only 7 with this recipe)

Here's the last one they went fast!

My First Give Away!

My blog has reached its first year. So I'm doing a give away to thank all of you who come back again and again. (and even those of you who are here for the first time!) It really means a lot to me that so many people stop by to see what I have made.
So I give you...

3 ceramic bowls by gibson in cottage gourment yellow-blue
101 things to do with meatballs cookbook
2 blue hot pads made by me

For a chance to win, just leave me a comment by midnight on Monday, March 30. I'll use the handy, unbiased Random Number Generator to pick a winner. No anonymous comments please! Please check back on March 31st to see if your a winner. So I can have you email me your address to send this off. Signing up is easy even if you don't blog.

Disaster Supply Kit

Assemble a Disaster Supply Kit with items you may need in an evacuation. The list below is a good place to start. Keep enough supplies in your home to care for you and your family for at least three days. Stock these provisions in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers.

1-Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Beverages
2-Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
3-foods for infants or the elderly
4-snack foods
5-Cooking tools / fuel /manual can opener
6-Paper plates / plastic utensils
7-Plastic garbage bags
8-Toilet paper and paper towels
9-Ice
10-Charcoal/lighter fluid
11-Propane
12-Seasonal supplies such as insect repellent and sunscreen
13-A list of valued, irreplaceable personal items, like photo albums, computer backup discs, that you would want to take, if there is time to gather them.
14-Blankets / Pillows, etc.
15-Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
16-First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
17-Eyeglasses / contact lens and supplies
18-Special Items - for babies and the elderly
19-Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
20-Flashlight / Batteries
21-Battery-powered radio or television
22-Cash (with some small bills and coins) - Banks and ATMs may not be open or 23-available for extended periods.
24-Keys
25-Toys, Books and Games
26-Matches in a waterproof container
27-Whistle
28-Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag
29-Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
30-TRICARE Contact List
31-Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
32-Vehicle fuel tanks filled
34-Pet care items

Toilet Paper!

Ok- this is a time when your prepared or not prepared. According to the check error earlier. I am holding out on any spending for supplies. Well, I have this great container that is air tight I have toilet paper in. It holds 24 rolls. I believe you can get these at the military stores. My father had this container and I quite liked it and thought I supplied it for Y2K.
It surprised me that I filled this container in 1997. I guess its time to rotate the toilet paper.

The $600.17 Coca Cola 12 pack

Ok- This just happened! I get a bank statement that the check I wrote out to the grocery store was resumitted giving me a charge of $600.17. My check book showed it was for $6.17. Just for a single pack of coke.
So I go to the bank this morning to see whos error this was and it was my check not being correct. So I go back to the grocery store with copies of receipt, copy of check and the charge being made. So they are working on this.

St. Patricks Day!

I planned this meal for my family. Of coarse Corned Beef (my father use to get the pressure cooker out and cook this stuff. I have tried to make it many time since he passed on. But it never has tasted like the way he did it. My Dad, when he cooked he cooked. And it was good. Well, My attempt to make it today was very successful. My family couldn't get enough of it. My Meal consisted of... Corned Beef, Carrots & Cabbage steamed, Chicken Tasers (Yum)New Red Potatoes in a cream cheese and chive mixture, Cream Puffs filled with White chocolate pudding (tinted green) with cream and Chocolate Mint Milk Shakes. Pictures please!

Stir Fry Vegetables

Stir Fry Vegetables

sauce: 6 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Blend with 3 tablespoons water
Cut up: 1 lb. of chicken breast cut up. And roll in cornstarch and fry in a little vegetable oil.
1 large onion, diced in long stir fry pieces
2 large carrots
4 ribs celery, dice up at a angle
1 pkg. snow peas
1 can water chestnuts
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms
3 stalks of brocolli, cut into florets

First cook the chicken, add onion , some garlic, add celery and carrots and cook. Then add the brocolli. Let cook and toss carefully. Add snow peas , water chestnuts, and mushrooms. 3-5 minutes. In a small sauce pan add soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch. When starts to thicken add soy sauce mixture to vegetables. Serve over rice. (this is when I add a can of pineapple chunks with juice, 4 packets of splendid and the cooking sherry. Toss it evenly together and enjoy. This makes alot a whole wok full.

Note: I like the sauce just a little sweet so I add 1 can pineapple chunms and use the juice in the sauce and small splash of cooking sherry and 4 packets of splendid sweetener. Top each with chow mein noodles.

Make enough rice for at least 8 people.

Salmon & Shrimp Bisque

This is very good and all my children loved it, my youngest is four.

Salmon & Shrimp Bisque

1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon dried dill
1 clove garlic crushed or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp. pepper
4 cups milk
1 small can smoked salmon, drained & flaked
1/2 lb. shrimp; thawed & tails removed
8 thin slices of lemon, for garnish

Saute the onion & celery in the butter until onion is translucent.
Stir in salmon and add Shrimp. Heat through. Serve with a lemon slice.
This is really good with homemade bread.

Baby hat w flower

I have come across this baby hat I would like to make. So I am searching for a pattern to respemble this... It's too cute not to have posted somewhere.

Max

Ok This is too cute! In the morning Max our cat was sleeping in my daughters saucer chair. It must have been comfortable. Just look at him on his back.

Caramel Soaked French Toast

This is so good...

I found this recipe years ago from a wedding planner book I bought because it had a fabulious recipe section in it.

Caramel Soaked French Toast

3/4 cup of Brown Sugar
3/4 of a cube of butter
1/8 cup + 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
6 slices of bread (I prefer Texas Toast brand )or 8 slices of french bread
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 cups milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, melted

Combine brown sugar, butter & corn syrup in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat. Stir & boil a few minutes. Pour syrup mixture evenly into a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish.

Arrange bread slices over syrup. Combine eggs, milk, vanilla & salt; stir well. Gradually pour mixture over bread slices. Cover & chill at least 8 hours.

Combine: Sugar & cinnamon. Stir well; sprinkle evenly over soaked bread. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until golden & bubbly. Serve.

Where to buy food storage?

Well, we are lucky to have a grocery store (Maceys) that sells freeze dried foods.
I currently like buying this on a basis with my regular shopping.
I have always bought something in bulk and store it. I guess that was how I was raised. And I never seem to run out. I always like having certain things on hand like bottled water,ketchup,soup mixes ect..

The other day I thought I was out of cooking spray. How funny is that? when I knew I bought aleast 6 cans in November and had not used them all up. So I bought only two more that day, when I went shopping. Later The 6 cans I knew I had stared right at me when I but the other two with them. I didn't see them earlier. Hmmm!

Well, I have bought food storage online and was amazed how fast they do ship it.
The two companies I like are:

http://www.internet-grocer.net

They have canned meat, cheese and butter. I bought the sample packs to see what they were like and have used two of them and the cheese and butter. Good product.

I have bought more canned butter.

http://www.thereadystore.com

I like this one too. But you need to sign up to the mailing list so you can get the specials you want. They very from month to month and I prefer the free shipping.

I have bought sample cases (contains 6 large size cans) of variety fruits, vegetables, and meats. They have been good and I have double my food storage this winter with different combinations of canned items. I'm well pleased with the products I have obtained.

Another product that is really good if you can get a hold of it is freeze dried porkchops. You soak them in water for 30 minutes and then bake accordingly to what you would normally do. I have bought 6 cans alone and have used one. The children liked them and wanted more.

Dinning Room Before & After

We are currently remodeling a house.
So I'm excited to finally get some Before/After photos so right now we are working on the dinning room. And when it is finished I will post these pictures yeah!

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I have searched for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe and this is my favorite by far.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cubes of butter, soft-not melted
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
3 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Bag of Milk Chocolate Chips

Mix ingredients together in a mixer. Use a small scoop and place a dozen on a ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes until sides are starting to brown. Take out and transfer to cooling rack. Makes 3-4 dozen

Best Hamburger

Ok- I'm blogging about the best hamburger. Seriously, We live in America where Hamburger & fries are the most common fast food. You know everyone has their favorite burger. Whether it is smothered in onions or mustard. But for me I prefer the gourmet burger. I love grilled hamburgers with melted cheese. I Got to have lots of mayo and some ketchup with a very good tomato and fresh lettuce with a pickle. Oh and with Sams onion (this is the purple onion, we call them sams onion at our house from the movie Holes.)Just got to have one.

But when you think of great places to get hamburgers. I have to say Burger King, They put everything on that whopper. And Artic Circle has the Mushroom Swiss Burger that is great too. Village Inn knows how to serve a great burger. But some places make them to tall and hard to eat. They fall apart. Whats your favorite Hamburger?

Fixing XBOX 360 error code 73

Ok- I have the worst luck with xbox's. I have owned two. And I should have bought the extended warranty for the second one but no. So, We have had it about 7 months and one red circle appeared this weekend. So there it sits, not knowing what to do or who will fix it? So- knowing I gave the first one away. This really bites. All those games and cant play them. Well, Today when my son came home I asked him, what code it was throwing in error? It was error code 73.

Ok, I go on Youtube and see many silly things. Like, that will work. Poking toothpicks in it. They hit the fan. Yikes!

Well, another video suggested wrapping it in a towel and leaving it on for a few minutes. Well, OK that seems silly but I'm desperate at the moment. So, I get a bath towel and lift up the xbox and sit it down on it. Wrap it up with it turned on. OK. So I go to the kitchen talk to my son, pour a drink and finally go back to the machine. And take a peak at the light from the corner still blinking, "One red light." OK
So Now I unwrap it. Turn it off and turn it back on and I'm Yelling at my son come here. It has a green light it might be working. What happened I don't really know but the system is working again. For how long I don't really know but the kids are excited that its running again.

Food Storage

Here is 52 weeks of the $20.00 food storage plan, all at once. (found in my notes) so you can make changes accordingly to better fit you.

WEEK ONE
5 lbs sugar $2.00
3 lbs. Crisco $3.00
5 lbs. flour $2.00
5 lbs. rice $2.00
6 cans tuna $2.00
5 lbs. beans $3.00
3 cans spaghetti sauce $3.00
5 lbs spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWO
1 box oatmeal $3.00
5 lbs lentils $2.00
3 boxes saltines $3.00
1 case ramen noodles $2.50
1 can baking powder $1.50
1 can coffee/cocoa $4.00
5 cans condensed milk $4.00

WEEK THREE
10 lbs. complete pancake mix $5.00
1 gallon pancake syrup $5.00
12 cans cream of chicken or mushroom soup $6.00
2 canned hams $4.00

WEEK FOUR
beef bullion cubes $4.00
Chicken bullion cubes $4.00
Granulated garlic $4.00
Black pepper $4.00
8# brown sugar $4.00

WEEK FIVE
1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00
6 boxes Little Debbie snacks $6.00
20 lbs chicken @ .49 lb. to home can
2 boxes salt $1.20

WEEK SIX
10# 15% fat (or less) hamburger to can $20.00

WEEK SEVEN
20 cans Progresso or other ‘no water added’ soup $19.80

WEEK EIGHT
two cans coffee $8.00
1 container poultry gravy mix $4.00
1 container brown gravy mix $4.00
2 canned hams $4.00

WEEK NINE
1 box powdered milk $16.00
1 box tea bags $4.00

WEEK TEN
10 boxes breakfast cereal $20.00

WEEK ELEVEN
25 lbs. Sugar $9.00
25 lbs. Flour $5.00
25 lbs. Beans $6.00

WEEK TWELVE
36 pack dbl. rolls toilet paper $10.00
10 lbs. Chicken quarters for canning $9.90

WEEK THIRTEEN
12 cans spinach $6.00
12 cans peas $6.00
12 cans green beans $6.00
2 cans spaghetti sauce $2.00

WEEK FOURTEEN
1 glow stick
assorted seeds

WEEK FIFTEEN
12 cans mixed vegetables $9.00
1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00
4 canned hams $8.00

WEEK SIXTEEN
1 carton dehydrated hash browns $5.00
12 cans diced tomatoes $6.00
12 cans whole kernel corn $6.00
6 rolls 25 sf. aluminum foil $3.00

WEEK SEVENTEEN
1 #10 can sliced peaches $3.00
1 #10 can sliced apples $3.00
1 #10 can fruit cocktail $3.00
1 #10 can applesauce $3.00
12 cans mushrooms pieces $6.00
2 cans pink salmon $2.00

WEEK EIGHTEEN
16 rolls paper towels $11.00
9 boxes tissue $9.00

WEEK NINETEEN
25 lbs. sugar $9.00
25 lbs. beans $6.00
Large box of Bisquick $5.00

WEEK TWENTY
1 #10 can of cocoa powder $5.00
10 cans refried beans $8.00
10 cans of tuna $5.00
2 - 100 ct packs of paper plates $2.00

WEEK TWENTY-ONE
36 pack dbl. rolls toilet paper $11.00
6 cans spaghetti sauce $6.00
6 lbs of spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWENTY-TWO
assorted sauces & condiments, 1 of each;
hot sauce
soy sauce
worcestershire sauce
teriyaki sauce
liquid smoke
gravy master
ketchup
mustard
mayo

WEEK TWENTY-THREE
assorted condiments, continued;
pickle relish
olives
pickles
salad dressings

WEEK TWENTY-FOUR
4 cans pink salmon $4.00
3 lbs Crisco shortening $3.00
5 lbs rice $2.00
12 boxes of asst cake mix $9.60

WEEK TWENTY-FIVE
2 lb pk pecan halves $6.00
2 lb pk walnut halves $6.00
12 cans pork & beans $6.00

WEEK TWENTY-SIX
10 lb bag of chocolate chips $9.00
2 cases ramen noodles $5.00
30 packs of kool-aid $3.00
6 lbs of pasta $3.00
__________________WEEK TWENTY-SEVEN
5 lbs sugar $2.00
3 cans pink salmon $3.00
5 lbs. flour $2.00
5 lbs. rice $2.00
6 cans tuna $2.00
5 lbs. pinto or kidney beans for
chili to home can $3.00
3 cans spaghetti sauce $3.00
5 lbs spaghetti $3.00

WEEK TWENTY-EIGHT
1 box oatmeal $3.00
1 bottle canola oil $2.00
3 boxes saltines $3.00
1 lg. pkg. egg noodles $2.50
1 can baking powder $1.50
1 can coffee $4.00
5 cans evaporated milk $4.00

WEEK TWENTY-NINE
1 gal. vinegar $3.00
5# split peas $3.00
1 can Nestle’s Quick $3.00
20 lbs chicken @ .49 lb. to home can
2 boxes salt $1.00

WEEK THIRTY
10# 15% fat (or less) hamburger to make chili to home can $20.00

WEEK THIRTY-ONE
16 cans Progresso or other ‘no water added’ soup $16.00
2 boxes salt $1.00
1 can Nestle’s Quick $3.00

WEEK THIRTY-TWO
2 cans coffee $8.00
1 bottle olive oil $6.00
1 box 48 apple cider drink mix $6.00

WEEK THIRTY-THREE
1 box powdered milk $16.00
1 box tea bags $4.00

WEEK THIRTY-FOUR
25 lbs. Sugar $9.00
25 lbs. Flour $5.00
25 lbs. Beans $6.00

WEEK THIRTY-FIVE
36 pack dbl. rolls toilet paper $10.00
10 lbs. Chicken quarters for canning $9.90

WEEK THIRTY-SIX
5 # stew beef to can $15.00
10 cans tuna $5.00

WEEK THIRTY-SEVEN
25 # rice $10.00
2 canned hams $4.00
6 cans salmon $6.00

WEEK THIRTY-EIGHT
12 cans spinach $6.00
12 cans peas $6.00
12 cans green beans $6.00
2 cans spaghetti sauce $2.00

WEEK THIRTY-NINE
12 cans mixed vegetables $9.00
1 #10 can instant potatoes $3.00
4 canned hams $8.00

WEEK FORTY
1 bone-in ham to can $8.00
12 cans diced tomatoes $6.00
12 cans whole kernel corn $6.00

WEEK FORTY-ONE
1 box powdered milk $16.00
1 3 pk cornstarch $4.00

WEEK FORTY-TWO
1 #10 can sliced peaches $3.00
1 #10 can sliced apples $3.00
1 #10 can fruit cocktail $3.00
1 #10 can applesauce $3.00
12 cans mushrooms pieces $6.00
2 cans pink salmon $2.00

WEEK FORTY-THREE
25 lbs. sugar $9.00
25 lbs. beans $6.00
large box of Bisquick $5.00

WEEK FORTY-FOUR
16 rolls paper towels $11.00
4 boxes asst. hot cereal $9.00

WEEK FORTY-FIVE
1 #10 can of cocoa powder $5.00
10 cans refried beans $8.00
10 cans of tuna $5.00
4 # brown sugar $2.00

WEEK FORTY-SIX
36 pack dbl. rolls toilet paper $11.00
6 cans spaghetti sauce $6.00
6 lbs of spaghetti $3.00

WEEK FORTY-SEVEN
1 large jar peanut butter $4.00
1 can Tang instant drink mix $4.00
6 boxes cake mix $6.00
2 jars jelly or jam $6.00

WEEK FORTY-EIGHT
8 boxes breakfast cereal $16.00
1 can or jar honey $4.00

WEEK FORTY-NINE
20 cans tuna $10.00
16 rolls paper towels $10.00

WEEK FIFTY
1 large jar peanut butter $4.00
2 jars jelly or jam $6.00
5- 100 ct. paper plates $5.00
10 # powdered sugar $5.00

WEEK FIFTY-ONE
6 cans spam or luncheon loaf $9.00
10 # box baking soda $3.00
large pkg. or jar yeast $8.00

WEEK FIFTY-TWO
baking powder $1.50
2 jars or cans honey $8.50
12 cans evaporated milk $9.60 repeat list or focus on what you really need

Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

Cheesy Ham & Potato Soup

Boil Ham Bone (put in crock pot for 6 hours)add 1 med. onion, chopped & 2 bay leaves

Use chunks of ham about 2 cups discard the rest of bone after cutting meat off
3 large potatos diced up into bite size pieces
1 large carrrot, grated
1 med. Zucchini, grated
Boil in water potatoes til almost done and add carrot & zucchini
Use 1 small pkg of Monteray Jack & Cheddar, (shred it yourself melts better)
1 jar cheese whiz
1/2 cup flour

When vegetables are done add to the ham chunks and broth. Add shredded cheese and
salt & pepper to your taste. Add flour (Use a cup and take some broth out and add the flour to it and mix well and pour back into pot.) Add the Cheese Whiz. Stir Simmer and serve.

Note: Serve with hot fresh baked bread. Use other ham for ham sandwiches in rolls.

Chinese Cooking

General TSO's Chicken

1lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into 1” chunks)
5 dried red chili peppers
3 green onions (sliced)
3 eggs (beaten)
½ cup cornstarch
oil (for frying)
Sauce-
1 ½ tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons rice wine
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons cornstarch

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl combine cornstarch and beaten eggs. Mix well to create a batter. Add chicken bits and coat thoroughly.

Step 2: To make the sauce- in a small bowl combine rice vinegar, rice wine, soy sauce, sugar and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Heat deep fryer or wok to 375 degrees and deep fried chicken bits in batches. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil to your wok. Add dried chili peppers to your wok and stir fry for 30 seconds. Add chicken bits to the wok and stir fry for a couple minutes.

Step 5: Add sauce mixture to the wok and cook stirring until the sauce becomes thickened and bubbly. Garnish with green onions and serve.


Eggrolls

1 pkg. spring roll pastry
1 lb. chicken, cut into tiny pieces
2 carrots, grated
2 small onions, thinly sliced
1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
2 cups bean sprouts
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 egg

Cook chicken in the sesame oil & when done add vegetables. Cook til vegetables are done. Add Vegetables. Cook til vegetables are tender. Crack an egg in a dish and set aside for sealing eggrolls.

Take a pastry fill with 1/2 cup of filling and wrap up corner over the filling. Dip finger into egg white and wet corners of pastry fold sides like a envelope and roll it up. And set aside. Do not stack or they may stick together. Deep fry in a deep fryer until golden brown. Serve with Sweet & Sour sauce.

Egg Drop Soup

4 cups chicken broth or stock
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 -2 green onions, minced
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salt to taste
A few drops of sesame oil (optional)
Preparation:
In a saucepan, bring the 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add pepper and salt, and the sesame oil. Cook for about another minute.
Very slowly pour in the eggs in a steady stream. To make shreds, stir the egg rapidly in a clockwise direction for one minute. To make thin streams or ribbons, gently stir the eggs in a clockwise direction until they form.
Garnish with green onion and serve.

Fried Rice

1 cup Jasmine white rice (makes three cups when cooked)
1 white onion, sliced
1 small carrot, chopped
2 eggs
2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
3/4 cup ham, diced
1/2 cup soy sauce
Canola oil
Salt & Pepper

Prepare one cup of Jasmine white rice. Put vegetables into a wok with a little canola oil. Cook til tender. Push vegetables over to one side. Crack eggs and lightly scramble til light and fluffy. Add Ham and cooked rice. Stir together add soy sauce, garlic cloves, Salt & pepper. Cook alittle longer and stir. Ready to serve.

How to make a diaper castle cake

Ok- I see I have a lot of hits for the diaper castle cake and Thank you! That was the first blog I posted that inspired me to start this blog. (Thanks Jill! for inspiring me I love your blog.)

I have just made a new diaper castle cake and took pictures step by step so it won't be confussing to you. So lets begin!

Diaper Castle Cake (take 2)

I bought 2 bags of Luvs size two diapers that is a total of 100 diapers. You will use them all. And a package of mixed sized rubber bands.



Bottom layer is consisted of 3 rows of 20 diapers folder.
Remember to keep the printed edge folded toward the inside and zig zag them back and forth like this...







Use the large rubber bands to secure them like this...


Ok do the other two rows for the bottom layer the same way.



Ok you will need three spools of ribbon. (I suggest to wide ones and one thinner one for fastening together.) I usually like pink or blue but for the neighbor I'm making this diaper castle cake for doesn't know what she is having so I picked gold star printed ribbon and other gold ribbon. (Really like the ribbon to be the same and yes you do need three spools so you don't run out.

Tye the bottom layer together with the ribbon to secure the bottom layer together. Tye with a bow. I also like another bow made on the other side to keep it uniform.

>



Now lets do the second row. You only need 20 diapers folded and done just like the first row. Secure with rubber band and tye with ribbon. Remember to put a bow on the other side as well.




Using the thinner ribbon for fastening, take a look at picture I tye it to the rubber bands and leave a good 12 inches (one in each corner about two inches in and one in the center making it longer for it needs to go through the third layer to fasten.



Now lets make our towers ( 6 diapers rolled up individually and smaller rubber band to secure each



Lets do the top layer it is 16 diapers (that should be all you have left) folding them the same way secure with rubber band. And fasten with ribbon (I didn't use ribbon here on this one (ran out!)



Tying layers together. set second layer on and string ribbon straight through layer. Becareful not to pull diapers fastened together apart. You can do this carefully.
Pull each end up (the corners just need to go through the ribbon on each side.
Take one of the towers and fasten ribbon around them and tye with a bow. set on each corner side and bring ribbon from underneath and tye around each pillar and curl ribbon.
Do each corner tower the same way.
Wow- need a picture!



Ok the top layer pull string up through the middle



Now take the last two towers and fasten to each end of the top layer with ribbon.
Do each end like this...





Now take the ribbon from the top and separate left and right and pull down through diaper on each side and fasten to the middle ribbon with the bow and tuck behind so it won't show.






Ok Easter time I like easter grass just setting on top of the second and first layer.
But I'm using the star wire to tie in with the star ribbon. I bend it around a large glue stick and bend it where I want it to go and tuck it under the diaper layers to secure it.



You will need 2 craft foam sheets in colors.(found at JoAnns) I divide it into quarters. And one sheet makes four so you will have extra.
I cut it into cone like shapes... Cut trim and staple together and set down on each pillar.



Here they are cut into 6 equal sections




Now roll into a cone and staple and trim bottom so its smooth.



Assemble ontop of pillars. And the fit securely. Castle is finished and should look like this...