So the story begins...

And so the story begins...He first saw her on college registration day...He can remember what she was wearing.  She, on the other hand, did not see much of anything that day.  Too many butterflies in her stomach.  That was over a year ago.  The story continues as a friendship was made.  He was very patient... asking the Lord for his timing. When school ended in May she returned home.  In June he sent a text...she had just come out of a difficult situation.  He wanted to check on her.  He was once again patient and she was cautious...and thankful for a friend who cared.  The texting continued.  He asked if he could call.  She asked her parents what they thought about this.  A phone call every now and then from a friend would be fine...the first time he called...well, she almost did not answer....The friendship continued.  In November there were a couple of private conversations between between two men.  Seems Eugene asked Sara Rose's dad if he could court his daughter.  With the approval of both sets of parents...permission was granted...and plans were made.  On Christmas Eve Eugene surprised Sara Rose with a visit.  She never suspected a visit because he lives four hours away.  You see, everyone knew of this visit; except her! It was planned out perfectly.  Eugene presented her with a story written in a journal (with VERY cool illustrations...we had no idea of his hidden talent).  The story is about their friendship, and about the beginning of a courtship... their courtship. 
And so the story continues...

The day after Christmas, and all through the house...

The day after Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring...until about 8:30 a.m. when the kids started waking up.   Are you tired?  I definitely am!  What a wonderful and blessed time I have had this weekend.  Today we are planning on this being a slow day....catching up on some rest, and cleaning up around here. It is now 1 p.m. and we have only done the "catching up on some rest." I am enjoying some coffee from my new coffee maker today.
 My son had a pot of coffee brewing for me on Christmas morning....The fun part of that is that I woke up to get the coffee going...but smelled coffee going already!  I was going to surprise the kids with their stocking gifts...all kinds of cappuccino, creamers, iced coffee...Guess they turned the surprise on me! If I plan things just right...there will not be any cooking done today.  I think we will try this recipe from http://www.allrecipes.com/  to use some of our ham leftovers.

Ham and Potato Soup

3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes

1/3 cup diced celery

1/3 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup diced cooked ham

3 1/4 cups water

2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste

5 tablespoons butter

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

Directions

1.Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.

2.In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

3.Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.

I am excited about some things I am planning for the blog.....I will keep the recipes going, finish our Fifty-Nifty Recipe Tour....and a few new topics I have in the making.

Let's do a few more of the Bible virtues....praying for your children.  Remember that your children are never too young or too old to pray for.....each day.  I have a scheduled prayer time, but there are other times I remember to pray for specific people throughout the day.  For example....My mother-in-law~ I have a small Irish wind chime hanging in  the bedroom window....As I fold laundry~I pray for that person....There are little reminders all over the house that encourage me to think and pray for that person.

#22  Contentment  Phil.4:12-13  Not only that they should be content with what physical things they have, but also in the situations that they are in....
#23   Faith   Luke 17: 5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40  I pray that faith takes root and grows in their lives...
#24   A servant's heart  Eph. 6:7   Wow...
#25   Hope   Rom.15:13
#26   Willingness and ability to work  Col. 3:23

Well, thank you for stopping by today....Enjoy some quiet time!

 

10 days until Christmas...uh, oh....

Only 10 days until Christmas...really?!  Someone might be in trouble....me.

Seriously.  The menu is planned.  I did add "A special Day Fruit Salad".  It is my mom's recipe.  If you go to categories-salad-A Special Day Fruit Salad, you can find the recipe there.  It is delicious.

Cookie Day is coming up soon.  The girls and will spend the day baking and frosting the cookies (and munching on them).  My Christmas shopping is about 60% done...not good.  Now I am down to the hard to find things...Maybe I will get out today...

10 days...I think we will watch a lot of Christmas movies, play board games...oh, and I will find my Christmas fireplace DVD (You know, the screen is a fireplace and it has Christmas music playing) that I am pretty sure my kids have hidden from me....and I will play it while playing while we play games.  Cookies to make....and shopping to do.

Make this time special for your family...Moms, we are the hearts of our homes.  Here are a few ideas!

~Make a gingerbread house.

~String popcorn and cranberries.  Um, this was a good idea until my cats discovered it.
~Watch you favorite Christmas movies.  I like the old Christmas Carol with Alistair Sims, the Nativity Story, Christmas in Connecticut...
~Make Christmas cookies together.  Give some as gifts!
~Drive somewhere to see Christmas lights.
~Have a special Christmas Eve dinner...we make a lot of enchiladas!

Enjoy some time with family and friends! 

Have a great day!
~

Researching with my cup of coffee....

I try to spend some time each week looking for new recipes.  So here I sit with my coffee searching for new recipes.  I have collected recipe books for years....I still love them, but more and more I find myself using my computer.  More and more I also find myself telling my girls,"You can find the recipe for that on my computer."  I found this yummy sounding recipe that will probably make its way to next month's menu!  Stuffed pizza rolls!  She also has a good recipe for ham sliders.

Stuffed Pizza Rolls | The Girl Who Ate Everything

Let's continue a little more on the virtues that we can pray for our children....I am working ahead because I am planning on an overnight trip with my girls this weekend.  Looking forward to a lot of giggling and and some one on one time with them.  My girls are awesome!

#17  Joy  1 Thes. 1:6  My prayer is that my children will be filled with the joy that the Lord gives...not of the world.

#18  Perseverance  Heb. 12:1  Run the race...  Have you ever read the definition of this?  Wow!  Such an important virtue for our children to grasp!

#19  Humility  Titus 3:2

#20  Compassion  Col. 3:12

#21  Responsibility  Gal. 6:5

Keep praying for your children...even when it seems your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling and walls.  Remember that God makes all things beautiful in  HIS time!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend~

The Cookie Contest

Once upon a time there were two cookies made around Christmas.  One was a soft butter cookie with a wonderful frosting.  The other was a crisp Christmas cookie with cinnamon and nutmeg in it.  My husband recently requested the crisp cookie.....why?  He said he likes them better....The contest begins.  Which is better?  We will bake both kinds and see what happens!

Christmas Cookies

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla

3 1/2 flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 salt

Cream butter and sugar together.  Add eggs and vanilla.  Sift dry ingredients, and gradually add to creamed mixture.  Mix well.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Cool.

Frosting

2 egg whites, beaten

1 tbl. lemon juice

3 1/2 cups confectioner sugar

Christmas Butter Cookies

1 1/2 cups butter,softened

1/2 sugar

1/2 brown sugar

2 egg yolks

3 1/2 flour

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Combine butter, sugars, and egg yolks in medium bowl.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Cover and refrigerate 4 hours to overnight.  Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.  Cool.

Frosting

4 cups confectioner sugar

4 to 6 tbl. milk

assorted food color

LOVE this time of year....counters covered with cookie dough, flour, and the smell of the cookies baking....and frosting everywhere....add a little Christmas music....don't forget the occasional snatching of a cookie before the frosting is dry!  Good times!

Have a great day....

Oh, Christmas tree....

My oldest daughter is 19 years old.  On her first Christmas she received a home made ornament from my mom.  Just last week my children, now ages 19 ,18, and 17, received their ornaments.  Mom has asked me if they are getting to old for this...my reply to her is that they give me a look of disbelief.  Never will they be to old!  Every year she has sent them an ornament.  We started with a small tree, but two years ago we "graduated" to a six foot tree.  We call it the Mammaw tree....some garland and candy canes and ONLY Mammaw's ornaments!

This is the very first ornament...

One of this year's ornaments....

A few more....

I always think of these ornaments as gifts of time and love.  Thank you, Mammaw!

Speaking of Mammaw, I would like to feature her brownie recipe.  When I was younger she would sometimes make a batch of these for a bedtime treat.  It makes a 9x9 pan....

Brownies

1/3 cup shortening

2 tbl. cocoa

1 cup sugar

2 well beaten eggs

3/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Warm drink on a chilly night...

I must confess.  I did not enjoy Michigan when we first moved here.  My husband grew up here and loved it.  As time has passed I have grown to love the distinct seasons (although they are confusing at times).  Fall is by far my favorite.  I do love the snow...from the inside of my log house...please don't ask me to drive in it. 

Here is a recipe for hot spiced tea.  My mom would make this each winter.  It smells wonderful - definite comfort drink.

Hot Spiced Tea

3/4 cup instant tea with lemon

2 cups Tang instant orange drink

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. cloves

2-3 tsp. to one cup of hot water...or to taste.

Hope you enjoy this.  This warm drink could also make a nice Christmas gift for someone!

Several weeks ago I started sharing a prayer list that I have for my children.  Here are a few more.  If you missed the others, click on prayer in the menu.

#10  Biblical self-esteem  Ephesians 2:10

#11  Faithfulness  Proverbs 3:3 

#12  Courage  Deuteronomy 31:6  I hope that my children are courageous with character, convictions, actions...and in their faith.

#13  Purity  Psalm 51:10

#14  Kindness  1 Thess. 5:15

#15  Generosity  1 Timothy 6:18-19

Keep praying!

D. L. Moody said,"  Let us pray, and as we pray, let us make room for Jesus in our hearts."

Thanks for stopping by!

We counted our blessings...

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  We watched our parades, ate too much, watched football, listened to some Christmas music...but my favorite time of the day was when we read about our blessings.  Our "Thankful Jar" was overflowing!  We passed it around during dinner and had a lot of smiles and laughter.  How rewarding!  I am truly blessed.

I actually did some Black Friday shopping...that was an experience...

I found myself "switching gears" early this morning...menu, shopping, more decorating....SLOW DOWN!!  The Lord and I had a talk about that this morning.  Well, He did the talking and I did the listening....So today will be my down day.  I am so thankful that I am able to do this!  With my slow day I think I will take the time to plan out my month and monthly menu..it always looks so good on paper.  I will also leave you some SLOW cooker recipes.

Might try this one this month....

Carolina BBQ
6 pounds pork shoulder
1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

4 cups water

1 cup vinegar

1/3 cup white sugar

3 tablespoons ketchup

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 clove garlic, pressed

Directions

Place pork shoulder, bay leaf, red pepper and water in large pot with lid. Bring to boil. Simmer covered 4 to 5 hours until meat is tender. Let meat cool in broth. Remove excess fat from broth and shred meat. Take 3 cups of liquid and bring to boil. Combine liquid with vinegar, sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and garlic. Add shredded pork and salt. Heat through uncovered.               

OR....maybe this one!

Shredded beef...with veggies...wrapped in a tortilla....yum!

Beef Barbacoa

3 pounds boneless beef chuck roast

1 onion, chopped

3 bay leaves

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce

1/4 cup chili powder

salt to taste

Directions

1. Place the roast, onion, bay leaves, black pepper, garlic powder, and vinegar in slow cooker; cover ingredients completely with water. Cover and cook on High setting until meat is very tender and falling apart, about 4 hours.
2. Remove meat from slow cooker and discard liquids. Return meat to slow cooker; shred with fork and knife. Stir tomato sauce, chili powder, and salt into the shredded meat. Cover the cooker, and cook meat and sauce on High for an additional 2 hours.               

I might try this one....

Sweet and Sour Kielbasa
2 pounds kielbasa sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 (12 ounce) bottle tomato-based chili sauce (such as Heinz®)

1 (12 ounce) jar red currant jelly

1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup water

Directions

               Stir the sausage slices, chili sauce, red currant jelly, red pepper flakes, and water together in a slow cooker, cover, and set the cooker to Low. Cook at least 4 hours, stirring once every hour.

All theses recipes were found over at www.allrecipes.com.  LOVE that site!
I hope you all have a wonderful day~Thanks for stopping by!

               

Cheesy Bacon Fries in a Flash...

Ever found yourself feeling like you are going in circles?  Lately I feel like I am in one of those revolving doors....and I am not sure of how to get out of it...Things here are HECTIC!  Not complaining though (well, maybe a little).  I am thankful for my busy-ness....

The other day my husband suggested that we have our Cheesy Bacon Fries for...???  I can't even remember what he wanted them for...but they sure sound good.  Guess I need to find out what he was thinking!  These are very easy and don't take long to do.  Maybe after a long day of Black Friday shopping...pop in the fries and watch a Christmas movie!?  Here you go...

Easy Cheesy Bacon Fries

32 oz. bag of french fries

1 cup shredded cheese

1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon

(or you could cheat with good bacon bits)

1/2 cup chopped green onions, optional

ranch salad dressing

Cook your fries according to the package directions.  Place fries on a safe broiler dish or platter.  Sprinkle with cheese, onion, and bacon.  Broil until cheese is melted.  The ranch makes an awesome dip for the cheesy fries.

Stuck in that revolving door with me?  I also know that the Lord is in the door with us...except he is not frazzled like I tend to get lately.  He shows me how to slow down the door...or get out for a while.  Enjoy some quiet time with Him.  For me...frazzled means that I need some quiet time with the Lord.  Holidays are coming up!  Pace yourself and watch your priorities. What is really important? 

Thanks for stopping by!



On the menu...Happy Thanksgiving!

These noodles are a favorite of mine...and I can hear my family say, "Why don't we have them more often??"  I think I will make these the day before Thanksgiving.  Is it easier to by these kind of noodles at the store?  Sure.  I love being in the kitchen with my girls....and as long as I have the time to do this....that is where you will find us...getting the noodles ready and making our desserts.  So far, we are making a couple of "Impossible Pumpkin Pies" (recipe is on my Facebook page).  We will probably be making some iced butter cookies in leaf and pumpkin shapes. 

 These are so easy to make!

Old-Fashioned Egg Noodles

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 pinch salt

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup milk

1 tablespoon butter

          

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the beaten eggs, milk, and butter. Knead dough until smooth, about 5 minutes. Let rest in a covered bowl for 10 minutes.
2. On a floured surface, roll out to 1/8 or 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired lengths and shapes.
3. Allow to air dry before cooking.               
4.  I like to boil them in chicken broth...salt and pepper....YUM!

I hope you all have a wonderful day....

Broccoli and Cheese Soup...On the Menu!

We love this soup!  Perfect for a cool autumn day.  It is on this month's menu....I am thinking of making this the weekend after Thanksgiving.  You know, the leftovers are gone and something lighter sounds nice.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 pkgs. broccoli, frozen and chopped (16oz. size)
• 16 oz. chicken broth
• 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 2/3 cup cornstarch 
• flavored croutons

 Over medium heat, saute  butter and onion until soft. Stir in the broccoli and the chicken broth. Simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 10-15 minutes. Reduce the heat, and stir in the cubed cheese until it melts. Mix in the milk and garlic powder.
In a small bowl, stir your cornstarch into a small amount of water until dissolved.  Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup and cook  (stirring frequently) until the soup becomes thick. Garnish with  flavored croutons.
 
I found this recipe over at www.thriftyfun.com .  Lots good ideas over there!

Keep checking in...more November recipes are coming soon.  If you have not seen my earlier post today, keep scrolling down...I found a really cool wintry idea!

Reindeer treats!

http://www.howdoesshe.com/frugal-family-fun-tradition-6-reindeer-ice-wreath

I think this idea is so cute.  Of course, you definitely must have the cold temps to pull it off.  So I will need to time this one just right....guess I could freeze it, then pull it out when I am ready to display it.

Our "Thankful Jar" is filling up.....Each day we write on a slip of paper saying what we are thankful for and put it in the jar.  We will read them on Thanksgiving Day.  Is your Thanksgiving menu planned?  Mine is ready to go...will reveal that in a few days.  I am looking for a new sweet potato casserole recipe.  If you know of one let me know! 

I hope you have a wonderful day...lots going on here.  I have some more recipes to share with you over the next few days.  We will pick up our "Fifty-Nifty Recipes" after Christmas.

Thanks for visiting with us!

Sunday Dinner & Counting My Blessings!

I want to share what we had for Sunday dinner together....I love experimenting on my family!

 Today's dinner...

Chicken Fajitas

2 boxes mexican rice (Go ahead and make these according to the directions)

4 large chicken breasts....Cut in bite size pieces and cook.  Season with garlic and chili powder.

Add sliced green peppers and onion (We used purple onion).

While this is cooking heat oil in frying pan and brown flour tortillas.

To serve, put mexican rice down the center of tortilla.  Top with sour cream and salsa (The salsa was my hubby's idea).

Have you thought to count your blessings lately?...especially those blessings that are "routine"?

I left the table and headed to my recliner for my nap (blessing!)  My children all chip in and clean up the kitchen, then head their different ways for some quiet time of their own.  We have a good church be a part of.  All of this is routine...every Sunday....I am so thankful for all of this.  I am also very thankful for my husband.  He works so hard for us each week!  At brunch yesterday he could feel my excitement about the holidays...we talked of plans, traditions, shopping...he could feel that excitement building, and building, and BUILDING!  He offered to take us in to town to look at Christmas things...trees, ornaments, decorations...potential Christmas gifts.  Off we went!  It was wonderful to spend time together.  My husband is a blessing.  So thankful for a husband who enjoys being with his family.  Family time is a blessing!

Count your many blessings name them one by one...

See you next time....

\

Birthday-in-a-Box

Okay...I have been so excited to write about this.  Of course, I have no pictures, so you will have to visualize.

My daughter really wanted to send a friend a birthday gift, and we had to send it by mail....It had to be a fun gift....So....We got creative....We got the right size box.  We lined the bottom of the box with a helium balloon.  She bought it and asked that it not be blown up....and, yes, she got a funny look until she explained what she was doing.  We included a more serious gift, a few small fun things, some cappuccino and caramel brownies, napkins, candles...sounds fun...but now it gets seriously fun. Everything was wrapped in tissue paper...all though the box she put grass-like confetti....and a ton of the bright confetti shapes.  Place a sheet of tissue paper on top, then seal up the box!  You can imagine what happens when the top layer of tissue paper is jerked off the top...now you can smile at the thought of what happened every time something was taken out of the box.  Little did she know that the gift was opened in a restaurant! 

Next time you send a gift, do a little extra to make it even more special....and fun!  Christmas is coming up...think ahead on what you might do.

I hope you all have a wonderful day....oh, and did I tell you that the gift tipped over on the ride home....confetti everywhere....This gift will probably be remembered for a while!

Super Hero Powers....Slow cooking?

Ever feel like you are pulled in so many different.directions?  Maybe you feel that you need super hero powers to make it through your day?  We all live in a busy world...too busy at times!  Next month my husband and son start coaching a homeschool basketball team.  It steps up our pace a good bit more...often challenging meal times.  I need good meal ideas for my family on practice and game nights...eating out gets expensive.  Some of us like to eat before we leave, yet my guys need to eat afterwards!  So, I turn to my crockpot.  Which reminds me, you should check out the Crockpot Girls on Facebook.  They have so many ideas. 

I am working on November's menu and have decided to do some Chicken Fajitas on a practice night...sounds like a "hit the spot" idea!

Crockpot Chicken Fajitas 

2 lbs chicken

2 cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans ro-tel tomatoes

green bell pepper, sliced

onion, cut in strips

3 tsp. cumin

4 tsp. chili powder

garlic. to your taste

flour tortillas

"Extras"  Mexican rice, lettuce, tomatoes....whatever you enjoy..that goes for the seasonings, also...sample and cater to your families likes!

In crockpot, combine the chicken, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and seasonings.  Cover and cook on low about 5-6 hours.  Remove chicken; cool slightly.  Shred and return to crockpot.  Warm or fry tortillas.  Place the chicken mixture and extras in tortilla and enjoy!  Just imagine the smell of these when you walk in the door after a long day.

Okay, as far as needing to be Super Mom...it took me a while to realize something...we can run our kids to every event/ activity possible, stay busy...busy...BUSY...saying we are doing it all for the kids...they need to be happy after all...and I agree...I want my children to be happy.  My children are happy when I am being the (super) mom that God designed me to be.  Make sure you make time for that quiet time with the Lord.  It will help you focus on your day...to know what is really important.  Another hard lesson that I had to learn was that I need to learn when to say, "Ummm, no."  This is something that is hard for me to do.  Just remember, ladies, the Lord has great plans for you and your family....keep Him first!

Thanksgiving will be here....

House decorated, check.  I have my candy corn dish out, except this year it is filled with Halls cough drops and peppermints!  Seems someone is always under the weather...  Front porch decorated, check.  I did find some indian corn that would look cute around here...Be patient with buying your pumpkins, gourds, etc.... the deals will come.  Decorations do not need to be expensive...and it is fun looking for just the right things with your family.  Sounds of college football each weekend, check...oh, and that usually goes hand in hand with my husband and son "debating"  on whose team is best...and who will end up in the championship.  The leaves are changing...and falling.  Thanksgiving will be here soon...and around the corner will be Christmas.  Let's concentrate on Thanksgiving.  Face it...times are tight.  That does not mean Thanksgiving has to go unnoticed...

1. Plan ahead.  Start looking for coupons and special deals.  One year I got a turkey at a CHEAP price because one grocery store offered the turkey at that price with a $25 purchase.  It is only a good deal if you spend $25 on items that you need....Compare convenience foods to making it home made.  Depending on what your budget allows, start buying things ahead of time.  This is all common sense...and time consuming, but often necessary when trying to save money.

Making food for a lot of people?  Consider a potluck.  Ask your guests to bring certain dishes!

2.  Focus on Relationships.  Thanksgiving is not just about the food.  Our Lord, family, traditions...A favorite story around our home is my "first Thanksgiving being married."  Hours of cooking...beautiful table setting....candle-lit table...I walked over to the tv and turned off the football game (insert here:  sound of screeching tires, fire alarms, and the sound of my wonderful husband yelling).  Yes, he yelled, "WAIT!  What are you doing?!"  He proceeded to the table...told me the table looked beautiful and that I did also, prayed, filled his plate, turned on the tv, and patted the space next to him on the couch.  Traditions...memories!  We don't sit on the couch anymore while eating dinner.  Over the years we have worked on things that are important to each other and making adjustments.  I ask when the game is..and plan dinner around it... We had to learn a few things along the way...My oldest daughter said the other day that what she enjoys is the sound of the football games, the parades on tv in the morning as we eat breakfast and plan out what time everything needs to get into the oven....enjoying our Christmas decorations (yep, they are up by then..).  Don't forget the Christmas music!   You see, building memories and traditions do not need to cost money....time with each other and showing our thankfulness for each other is what matters.

Plan ahead and keep your focus on what is important.

Thanks for stopping by...Keep checking in for more holiday ideas and recipes...

Have a great day!

Fifty-Nifty Recipes....Save room for dessert...

New Mexico...a state full of flavor!  A little trivia...State trivia...vegetable? Chile and pinto beans.  Bird?  Roadrunner.  Insect?  Tarantula hawk wasp....

Burritos

A burrito is a staple of this state.  A flour tortilla wrapped or folded around a filling. Try a breakfast burrito sometime.  Scramble eggs, add cooked sausage, bacon, cheese, hashbrowns.  Just add your favorite breakfast items.

Burrito Recipe:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce, divided
6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
shredded lettuce
garnishes...for your taste
Directions:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until meat is browned, stirring often to break up meat.
2. Drain well.
3. Add chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add refried beans and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce. Heat thoroughly.
5. Warm tortillas in microwave.
 6. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the ground beef mixture onto each tortilla; roll tightly and place seam-side down on serving platter lined with shredded lettuce.
7. Spoon remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas and garnish.
8. Can be served with any of the following: shredded cheese, sliced ripe olives, black olives, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, sour cream or guacamole, and more shredded lettuce.
Yield: 6 burritos.

Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are an incredibly light, puffy bread. To eat, tear them open and spread with honey. They must be eaten immediately while steaming hot!  Alittle time consuming, but worth it.  I first had these at a Mexican restaurant....always a favorite of mine!

Sopaipillas Recipe:

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons lard* or vegetable shortening
1/2 cup lukewarm water
shortening or oil for frying
Directions:
1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Work the lard and water in to make a soft dough. Cover and leave in refrigerator until chilled.
3. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness on a floured surface, then cut into 3-inch squares or similar-sized triangles (about a 4 1/2-inch square, cut diagonally).
4. Deep fry a few at a time at 400F degrees until light golden brown, turning once.
5. Drain on paper towels.
6. Sprinkle with powder sugar or open and spread with honey.
*Using lard in the recipe, and frying with shortening rather than oil will make the sopaipillas lighter and is traditional.

Thanks for visiting with us!  See you next time in another state....

Football...Fun...Fall

Football.  As I have said earlier, I live in a divided house. Today was the big Michigan vs Michigan State game.  The State side won today.  So.  Two are happy...three are not.  Competition between my guys was fun...This year we had spicy chicken, regular chicken strips, mozzarella sticks (one of my favorites), shrimp, and cheesy fries.

Our Cheesy Fries are easy!  Cook your fries.  Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon bits on the cooked fries.  Return to the oven until bubbly.  Eat right away.  We like to dip the cheesy fries in Ranch dressing.

Fun. Celebrating Sweetest Day,  my husband took me out for dinner last night.  Mexican, of course!  Red roses this morning....Time alone with my husband!  I really do have a wonderful man - I am so thankful for him.

Fall.  Hmmm....Two "fall" things.  #1.  My porch is done.  I do have a picture of what I decided to do with the red wagon.  There are a few more pictures on my facebook page.

The #2 "fall"  has to do with the "fall"en tree on the back of our house.  Yep, it's a pretty windy day!  The house trembled...

The stump on the left is where the tree used to stand.  The house and everyone is okay. 

Hope you all have a great weekend....tell someone today that you are thankful for them...and why!  It will mean a lot to both of you.

Fifty-Nifty Recipes...Washington

Let's make a stop in Washington....God has blessed us with a beautiful country.  I caught myself saying (again)...what scenery!
Crab cakes are on the menu of Washington's Space Needle.

I will be honest ....I really have no desire to go UP....something about that....well, I would probably take pictures...but, no, my feet will stay firmly on the ground....These crab cakes sound yummy!

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Crab Cakes

Ingredients:	1 pound of crab meat- drained 1/4 cup fine diced white onion 1/4 cup fine diced bell pepper 1/4 cup fine diced celery 1/4 cup mayonnaise 2 beaten eggs 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. of dry mustard 3 cups of bread crumbs 1 Tbsp. butter
Directions:	1- Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. 2- Form medium-size patties, 3-1/2 across and 1/2" thick 3- Melt butter over medium heat in a frying pan, add patties and cook until lightly brown. 4- Top with sour cream or tarter sauce. Can place tarter sauce or sour cream on table so that guest can help themselves. Serve hot. So, if the Space Needle is not for me...I found a place that I could spend for a very long time...Pike Place Market.  Looks like they have a lot of fun things in this market. With the holiday season approaching...My mind starts turning with new ideas...By the way, Pinterest is so much fun!  Be careful because you can spend a lot more time on there than you intend.  I am coming up with some cool holiday ideas. (Sorry, that was a rabbit trail...)  Anyway, after Thanksgiving dinner and the football games are still on...make an already special day an extra special day!  Make an outside tree for your birds and squirrels.  ~Spread peanut butter on a pine cone and then roll them in birdseed.  Attach a pipe cleaner as a hanger. ~String cranberries and popcorn. ~Tie stale doughnuts to a tree with pipe cleaners. Put all of this on a bush or tree. Have fun watching God's creatures enjoy your gift to them. Enjoy your family! Thanks for stopping by!

This is a good one...something different, but when muffins sound good...yum....Easy to get in the oven and you will still have time to get everyone ready and out the door!

Peanut Butter Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 sugar

1 tbl. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 cup peanut butter

3 tbl. cold butter, divided

2 eggs

1 cup milk

cinnamon-sugar

jelly, optional

 

 

 

~In a large bowl, combine first four ingredients. Cut in peanut butter and 2 tbl. butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Beat the eggs and milk, stir into the dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full.

~Bake at 400 degrees for 15-17 minutes or until muffins test done. Melt remaining butter, brush over tops of muffins. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to a wire rack. Serve with jelly, if desired.

 

Have a great day!  Drop in again soon...

Fifty Nifty Recipes...Louisiana

Home sweet home....this is where I was born...and grew up here.  Home of the LSU Tigers, pork rinds that are made fresh and bought from a roadside stand....tall, beautiful trees, and paper mills....I grew up learning how to drive behind  logging trucks.  They always looked like they were hauling way too much...scary thought when following them.  Never forget the day my dad told me to, "Pass the truck..." 

 I grew up in the northern part of the state.  It is very different from the southern part of the state...the people often speak and eat differently there, swamps and alligators sun bathe on your sidewalks...well, they have been known to do that!

I lived in the country with horses, dogs, cats....if it sleeted...everything had to shut down.  We would put chains on our tires when it was that slippery (a rare occassion).  Small community with one intersection and railroad tracks....Both my grandmothers lived a couple hours away.  Every summer my sister and I would spend a week at each house!  Quiet life?  Yes...it was wonderful.  Do I want to move back?  No.. I would not be able to handle the humidity.  It is a beautiful state and holds a lot of memories for me.

The first recipe is my Cheater Chicken and Dumplin's.  I now use the recipe that my grandmother used.  I still have her recipe that she cut out of the newspaper!

1 chicken

2 pkg flour tortillas

salt and pepper

Yep, that's all you need.  Boil your chicken, salt and pepper the water.  Remove chicken when done.  Debone and cut into bite sized pieces.  Add enough water to the broth to make nine cups.  Salt and pepper to taste (I like ours on the peppery side).  Bring your broth to a boil.  Cut tortillas into 1/2 x 1 inch pieces.  Drop them into the boiling broth, stirring only enough to separate pieces.  Reduce heat to lowand cook about 15 minutes.Remove from fire.  Fold in the chicken.  Cover and let set about 10 minutes before serving.

There are so many recipes that I would love to share with you from my home state.  Whether you are from the northern or southern part of the state...so many flavors to enjoy!  It was a great place to grow up....

Sunday Dinner

Sunday dinner was wonderful!  We tried a new recipe...Coca-Cola Chicken!  Definitely one that we will do again.  Here is the recipe, then we will continue our tour tomorrow.

Coca-Cola Chicken

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 tbl vegetable oil

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 (12 oz) can of coca-cola

1 cup ketchup

1/8 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 pepper

4 1/2 tsp.cornstarch

3 tbl cold water

In a skillet, saute onion in oil until tender.  Add chicken; brown on all sides.  Carefully add cola, ketchup, garlic, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.  Remove the chicken and keep warm.

Combine the cornstarch and cold water until smooth; add to the skillet.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Return the chicken to the pan and heat through. 

 Mashed potatoes and green beans with the chicken....then a nap!  It was a good afternoon.

Let's continue on with praying for our children...hang in there with me.  There are about 30 virtues!  Prayer is so important, but please don't forget how important it is to teach about these virtues throughout your day with your family...and by your example.

#5.  Self-control...1 Thess. 5:6  I pray my children stay alert and have self-control in everything they do....not just "follow the crowd."

#6.  Love for God's Word...Psalm 19:10  God's Word should be more precious than gold to them.

#7.  Justice...Psalm 11:7  I want them to love justice as God does...and act justly.

#8.  Mercy...Luke 6:36  That they will be merciful....

#9.   Respect (for others, authority ,self...)...1 Peter 2:17  Probably no explanation for that one...

Wow!  How convicting this is for me when I pray for my children...It is never too late or too soon to pray for your children...My husband tells the story of how I when was pregnant with my oldest I would set a cassette player (Yes, before Cd's and MP3's were out...) on my belly...and let her listen to good music ...and Mommy and Daddy talked and prayed with her a lot. 

Don't pray when you feel like it.  Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.  A man is powerful on his knees.

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

~Corrie Ten Boom

Fifty-Nifty Recipes... Rest Area....yes, again!

I think you are right...seemed like we just had a rest stop.  Well, today was just too pretty to research a state inside....the colors are really looking pretty here.  It will get even more colorful.  Today I grabbed the camera...time for some fresh air and sunshine.  Today we will just sit on my front porch and listened to the crickets and birds...and the sound of college football through the open window.

Several deer have come right up to the back of our house.  The deer seem to like to watch us...watch them!

Across from our house...our Internet is being extremely stubborn right now...I have more pictures to share, but I guess they will have to wait.  It would have to be the picture showing off some beautiful colors!

Here is a favorite site of mine...so many good recipes!
"http://www.linkytools.com/thumbnail_linky_include.aspx?id=109224"  Gooseberry has a lot of cobblers, crumbles, etc. for you to browse through when you have time.  Enjoy your day, your family, and your football! 

A few years ago  I came across a list of things to pray for your children...I have used it since that time.  Pray for your children...about everything.  Does it take time?  Yeah, but they are worth it, right?  Example...when they are five, do they need a husband then?  No, but I pray for their spouses.  Still do...it is so important.  You don't need a name....you can fill in the blanks later....There are things they need now though.  Take the time for prayer!

1. Pray for their salvation.  John 3:16
2.  Pray for their "growth in grace".  2 Peter 3:18
3.  Love.  I want them to live a life of love..  Ephesians 5:2  Lots of verses....makes a good Bible study!
4.  Honesty and integrity.  Psalm 25:21

I will do more next time!

Thanks for stopping by!

Fifty-Nifty Recipes....Oklahoma!

More than 400 miles of Route 66 are in Oklahoma.  Loaded with things to do for the family.  Museums, water parks, farms, shopping...If my family were traveling on Route 66 we would probably stop by a Route 66 museum...for the history, stop by some local gift shops...I would like to get some pictures of a couple of ranches.  One website told there are some ostrich ranches...and some dude ranches.  We would have to take a break at some point to eat at a diner on Route 66.  Found several in my researching, but could not find a pic for you.

Oklahoma actually has a state menu:  fried okra, squash, cornbread, bbq pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, corn, chicken fried steak, pecan pie, black eyed peas...and last, but not least...strawberries and watermelon!

Here are a couple of recipes I found:

Chicken Enchilada Dip

3 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, shredded

2 (8 ounce) packages light cream cheese, softened

4 green onions, chopped

1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilie peppers

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. chopped cilantro

1 T. chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. paprika

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, light cream cheese, green onions, diced tomatoes with green chilie peppers, garlic and cilantro. Season with chili powder, cumin, oregano and paprika. Cover and chill at least 2 hours.

Kickin' Cornbread

2 pouches (6.5 ounces each) Betty Crocker cornbread and muffin mix

1/4 cup butter or margarine

2 eggs

1 can (14.75 ounces) cream style corn

1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained

Heat oven to 400 degrees.  Spray 9" square pan with cooking spray.   Mix ingredients until moistened...the batter will be lumpy.  Spread batter in pan.  Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Let stand 5 minutes before slicing.

See you soon! 

Fifty-Nifty Recipes...The table is set for a special occassion!

My daughter wanted to pick the state today.  Washington D.C....hmmmm, but what about?  Presidents...and their favorite foods.

Ronald Reagan loved jelly beans; licorice being his favorite.  Three and a half tons of jelly beans were shipped to the White House for the 1981 Inaugural celebration.  The blueberry jelly bean was invented so that there would be red, white, and blue jelly beans at the festivities.

Ulysses S. Grant enjoyed cucumbers soaked in vinegar.  Um, for breakfast.  Franklin Roosevelt liked grilled cheese.  James A. Garfield liked a hot bowl of squirrel soup....confession, I have actually had squirrel dumplin's, so I guess I better not judge him too quickly.  Here is one...Woodrow Wilson would have 2 raw eggs in grape juice for breakfast!  There are a lot of "normal" favorites out there also (besides the grilled cheese).  James Madison enjoyed a meal of ham, rolls, apple pie, and cider.  A common breakfast among the presidents were pancakes, toast, and/or eggs...and lots of coffee!

FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT'S BIRTHDAY CAKE
1 cup Butter Or margarine
1-1/2 cup Sugar
3 Eggs, well beaten
1 cup Cold black coffee
2 cups Flour
1/2 cup Cocoa
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 tablespoon Vinegar
Cream butter and add sugar, a little at a time. Cream well; add eggs. Sift flour, salt, soda and cocoa together 3 times. Add coffee with flour mixture to batter, alternating. Then add vinegar and vanilla. Bake in 9-inch layer pan 20 to 35 minutes in 350 degrees oven or in loaf pan about 30 to 40 minutes in 350 degrees oven.

Our table is set...Here is a family idea...On President's Day (in February) celebrate by having "presidential favorites."  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner...whatever works for your family schedule...but make it a special day.  Remember the things that these men have done for our country...and pray for those in leadership now.  Thanks for stopping by today.  One more recipe to consider....Have a great day!

Laura Bush's Potato Soup 6 cups left over mashed potatoes 2 tbsp. butter or margarine 1 medium onion, diced 1/2 lb. of bacon, diced, cooked and drained well 1 large red pepper, diced 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup chives, minced 4 tbsp. sour cream approximately 2-3 cups of whipping cream, half and half or milk Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

In a large soup pot, saute onions and red pepper  over medium heat in 2 tablespoons butter until onions are clear. Add bacon, potatoes and whipping cream to desired consistency. Skim milk or chicken stock may be used to reduce calories. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a garnish of a dollop of sour cream,  grated cheese and chives.

Ham and Cheese Linguine...and fall fun!

Taking another break from our U.S. Recipe tour.  Time for some linguine!

This is one of those recipes that my family says," Oohh, you know what sounds really good?"

Ham and Cheese Linguine

8 ounces uncooked linguine

2 cups cubed fully cooked ham

1 can cream of mushroom soup

2 1/2 cups shredded swiss cheese, divided

1 cup sour cream

1 medium onion chopped

1/2 cup chopped green pepper

2 tbl. melted butter

Cook linguine; drain.

  Meanwhile in large bowl combine the ham, soup, 2 cups cheese, sour cream, onion, green pepper, and butter.  Add the pasta.  Toss to coat.  Transfer to a greased 13x9 pan.  Cover and bake at350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Uncover and sprinkle with remaining cheeses.  Bake 15-29 minutes longer until the cheese is melted.  Garlic french bread is wonderful with this...

Enjoy!!

Make it an extraordinary day....

I wonder how much clear contact paper I went through...covering colorful fall leaves.  We put them on the dining room table...in the windows...so much fun.  Go on a scavenger hunt with your kids!  Nothing fancy....Spread a blanket out on the ground and share a snack. 

I'm ready for a cup of cappuccino...enjoy your family!

Fifty-Nifty Recipes...Freedom and Unity

"Freedom and Unity" is the motto for the Green Mountain State...or Vermont.  About three-fourths of Vermont is forest!  Must be beautiful this time of year.  Did you know that Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream gives their ice cream waste to the local farmers to feed their hogs?  Did you know that the hogs seem to like all the flavors except mint oreo...?  Just one of those fun facts!

Since Vermont has the largest production of maple syrup in the country, I searched for a few maple recipes.  The baked squash and maple syrup recipe is delicious.  I had it at a church potluck....I remember a mom trying to convince her small son to try a bite...He decided it looked like pumpkin mashed potatoes...He ended up having a second helping of "Pumpkin Potatoes" because he liked them so much...

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<>Vermont Maple Float

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Directions

1. Pour milk into tall glass, stir in maple syrup. Mix well, and top with a scoop of ice cream.                 

Ingredients 3 1/2 pounds butternut squash 1/4 cup butter 1/2 cup diced onion 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/3 cup real maple syrup Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place squash halves, cut side up, on large baking sheet. bake until very tender, about 50 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Using large spoon, scoop out squash flesh and transfer to large bowl. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add chopped onion and ground nutmeg and saute until onion is tender and light brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to bowl with squash. Add chicken broth and maple syrup. Puree mixture in batches in processor until smooth. Season squash puree with salt and pepper. Return puree to same saucepan. Stir puree over medium heat until heated through. Transfer to bowl and serve.  **I found theses recipes at www.allrecipes.com

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