Monday, December 29, 2008
Snapshots of Christmas
Three more of our favorite things from Christmas! Ritz Peanut Butter Crackers dipped in white chocolate. Addictive. Very, very addictive.
Snowman Soup. Hot Chocolate Mix with chocolate chips, M&Ms and Marshmellows. A very nice gift and very thoughtful!
Snyder's Pretzels with chocolate and an M&M on top. Yummy. Also Addictive.
Keep these in mind for your Christmas gifts and celebrations for next year.
Electric Griddle, Excuse for a Party!
So my husband got an electric griddle for Christmas because he is a Pancake-a-holic. We were so surprised at how perfect the pancakes came out and then later in the day we made grilled cheese sandwiches (13 Weight Watchers points! Good Grief!) and they turned out really well too.
This winter we are going to start having people over every Thursday. We figured sandwiches on the griddle served with hot soup or breakfast for dinner, might be a great excuse to have people over.
It also helps that we have a direct connect to the best maple syrup on the planet, Currey Farms Maple Syrup out of Michigan.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Tea With 13 Other Ladies
Pictured here are just the desserts from the afternoon tea. 3 kinds of chocolate, 1 carrot cake and 1 cheesecake. YUM!
I've been to a Tea House before, it has just been a long, long time. This time I went with 13 other ladies and we sat in an English Tea Room in a small down town about an 1 hour from my house.
It was a lot of fun! I am not a huge hot tea drinker myself, but the triple chocolate cake was delish!
You'll have to give it a try.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Christmas Stockings
Santa worked over time on a Christmas Stocking holder for a family of 40+. Top Row is the original family and in most cases the stockings they grew up with. Parents and 6 kids and their spouses in birth order. Middle Rack is the Grandchildren and in some cases their spouses because they range from (33 to 3) and then on the bottom row Great Grandchildren.
It's really cool to have a large extended family. We always hold our Christmas together the day after Christmas. The party includes appetizers, wine tasting, a large lunch buffet and soooo many desserts. Then a massive gift exchange.
This year we exchanged everything from earth friendly...a soil kit and the bags at the grocery store that you can use over and over again, but never actually buy..someone made a donation in our name to the Local Food Bank, family heirlooms were gifted out(which brought joy and even tears to many eyes), maple syrup from a family maple syrup farm, favorite wines, to books, homemade goodies,blankets and games. It was awesome!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Single, Double or Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
There is a lot of virtue in following a recipe. I find a lot of times that people just decide "to add" or take away. My suggestion is, make it like it says the first time and then change things up next time you make the recipe. That being said, I recently tried a recipe out of a Williams-Sonoma Cookbook: The Essentials of Baking.
When you get to the chocolate chip part...you can have a little fun. I've changed up the chip part of this recipe several times and every time they taste good.
Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temp. (or I put it in the microwave and soften it slightly)
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
6 tbs. granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet(plain) chocolate chips
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
Kelly note: for double chocolate chip: 1 cup semisweet choc. chips and 1 cup milk choc. chip cookies. For single chocolate chip cookies: 2 cups semisweet choc. chips.
My favorite of three: believe it or not...the single chip. Guess I just like a plain choc. chip cookie
Place rack in the middle of oven, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Drop dough on cookie sheet placing cookies 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until the bottoms and edges are lightly browned and tops firm to touch about 10-12 minutes. Let cookies cool on baking sheet for about 3-5 minutes, then move them to a cookie cooling rack. Makes about 30 cookies.
Don't let them go too long in the oven...they'll come out "brick-like".
Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Chicken Soup
Here is what I do to make "homemade" chicken soup.
Kelly's Chicken Soup
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 onion, halved
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tsp. salt (you can add more later...)
1/2 tsp. pepper (you can add more...)
1 bay leaf
2 carrots chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Noodles- elbow, shells or bow ties as many as you like but be carefully not overload your soup!
Place chicken breasts in large pot, cover with cold water and then add another cup or so of water. Add onion, celery, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes. (Makes your house smell good too!) Remove chicken and let cool. Bring broth back up to a boil, add carrots, frozen peas and noodles. Cook according to noodle packaging.
While the noodles, etc. are cooking. Slice your chicken into small pieces. Add chicken to the broth towards the end of the noodle cook time.
Sometimes we pour half of our broth into another sauce pan and just make enough noodles for one sitting...then we put the rest of the broth in the fridge and make the rest with noodles later.
Idea taken from: Martha Phelps Stamps: The New Southern Basics Cookbook
Kelly's Chicken Soup
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 onion, halved
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 tsp. salt (you can add more later...)
1/2 tsp. pepper (you can add more...)
1 bay leaf
2 carrots chopped
1 cup frozen peas
Noodles- elbow, shells or bow ties as many as you like but be carefully not overload your soup!
Place chicken breasts in large pot, cover with cold water and then add another cup or so of water. Add onion, celery, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes. (Makes your house smell good too!) Remove chicken and let cool. Bring broth back up to a boil, add carrots, frozen peas and noodles. Cook according to noodle packaging.
While the noodles, etc. are cooking. Slice your chicken into small pieces. Add chicken to the broth towards the end of the noodle cook time.
Sometimes we pour half of our broth into another sauce pan and just make enough noodles for one sitting...then we put the rest of the broth in the fridge and make the rest with noodles later.
Idea taken from: Martha Phelps Stamps: The New Southern Basics Cookbook
Sunday, December 21, 2008
cookie exchange from last week!
we had an informal cookie exchange during our MMO (mom's morning out) last week. everyone brought 3 dozen cookies and (having bought gift boxes for the cookies at kb's suggestion) several of us filled the boxes equally for everyone to have a box to bring home. it definitely would have been a lot of fun if it (and adult time) was the only focus...but it was nice to bring home a variety of christmas treats to enjoy at home.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
News Article about Food Prep.
Ran across this article today on the 5 dirtiest foods. It was pretty interesting. Made me really think twice about peach season.
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-5-dirtiest-foods-327375/
Hope all your Christmas plans are coming together. I had to remind myself today that Christmas is about loving our family and friends. So stressing, may happen, but excessive stressing and complaining doesn't do anyone ANY good. Besides the whole point of the season is to celebrate the biggest gift of all, a baby born in a cattle stall that would take on things much bigger than we'll ever understand.
Back to baking for me! :-)
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/the-5-dirtiest-foods-327375/
Hope all your Christmas plans are coming together. I had to remind myself today that Christmas is about loving our family and friends. So stressing, may happen, but excessive stressing and complaining doesn't do anyone ANY good. Besides the whole point of the season is to celebrate the biggest gift of all, a baby born in a cattle stall that would take on things much bigger than we'll ever understand.
Back to baking for me! :-)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
2nd Annual Cookie Exchange
Today marked my culdesac's 2nd annual Cookie Exchange. It was a bit smaller this year, than it was last year, but I was so glad to have time to hang out with my neighbors and friends.
This year I wrapped gift boxes and covered them in wax paper to help display the cookies. It's kind of a fun way to do it, when you don't have a lot of space.
I had each of my guests bring 3-4 dozen cookies to swap. We didn't eat cookies at the actual party, we had appetizers. I served: cheese fondue, chocolate fondue, Spinach Artichoke Purses, Baby Quiches and a Veggie Tray.
We had all kinds of cookies. Plum cookies, peanut butter cookies, double chocolate chip cookies, lemon crisps, Ginger Molasses, Gingerbread, Ginger Salt and George's M&M Cookies. And they made the house smell wonderful.
P.S. Trader Joe's Apple Cider is AWESOME.
Oreo Cupcakes!
So, we have a sweet little friend who celebrated her 2nd b-day this weekend. She has some food allergies, but recently was given the "all clear" to have Oreo Cookies. Since she can't have cake, her mom found some festive cupcake holders and filled them with Oreo Cookies instead. The Birthday Girl was quite pleased.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Laura and Jeremy's Black Friday Cook-Off
My friends, Laura and Jeremy, have all their family gather for Thanksgiving and the following day (Black Friday)they have an Appetizer Cook-off aka Black Friday Cook-Off. The winner wins their named written on the trophy pictured above. Pretty cool, huh? The trophy is made of mostly kitchen utensils and tools.
Biscuits
Ty's version of the only way to eat biscuits, with honey poured all over them!
I tried! They tasted great, but I need to figure out how to make them rise better.
My husband poured honey over them and devoured them. I got the recipe from Williams-Sonoma "The Essentials of Baking"
They Taste Good but Need a New Name...Baking Powder Biscuits. :-)
2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
6 Tbs. cold unsalted butter cut into 1/2in pieces
3/4 cup whole milk (I used 1% which could be part of the problem)
In a bowl, stir together with a spatula or wooden spoon, the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the butter. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut in the butter just until the mixture forms large, coarse crumbs the size of small peas. Pour in the milk and mix withi fork or rubber spatula just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place dough on to lightly floured work surface. Knead dough a few times until it clings together. Roll or pat out dough until it is 3/4 inch thick. Use 3-inch round biscuit cutter, cut out biscuits and lift straight up. Place biscuits on baking sheet that is lightly buttered or covered with parchment paper. Gather scraps repeat rolling, cutting and placing biscuits.
Bake biscuits until lightly browned 15-18 minutes.
A Christmas Tea
A friend and I had a Christmas Tea this year. We are surrounded by women that we really enjoy seeing either at school, in our neighborhood or in our church, but found that we never really get the chance to sit down and talk without distraction.
So we decided to throw a Christmas Tea and invite women from various parts of our lives. We had a really awesome group of ladies and will probably do this again next year or maybe a few times a year.
I have pictures, which I will post later.
It really was an amazing time. We took a group picture, sat around talked, tried different appetizers and desserts. The home we were in was beautiful and we didn't have any agenda, other than to sit down, chat and eat. No program, just fellowship.
I really had a good time and look forward to doing it again!
So we decided to throw a Christmas Tea and invite women from various parts of our lives. We had a really awesome group of ladies and will probably do this again next year or maybe a few times a year.
I have pictures, which I will post later.
It really was an amazing time. We took a group picture, sat around talked, tried different appetizers and desserts. The home we were in was beautiful and we didn't have any agenda, other than to sit down, chat and eat. No program, just fellowship.
I really had a good time and look forward to doing it again!
Campbells Select Harvest Soups
Thursday, December 4, 2008
I did try the sugar cookies...
...and they turned out wonderfully! We had some friends and a neighbor over (7 cookie making kids total) and I made the cookie dough the night before (which proved to be a very good idea). Loved the recipe....loved the icing. :)
I know that Kelly has mentioned that our littlest has had some health things going on (i'm posting a picture so you can see who it is that you've been praying for)...
thank you so much for praying for us! Things are improving and we continue to have follow-up appointments every 3 or so weeks. I've been so thankful for how often I've heard friends tell me that their friends are praying or their church is praying....complete strangers showing us their support has been a blessing!
Needless to say, we haven't been very hospitable...it's been a semi-inward time for our family with Leighton being sick and the 7 of us passing a bad cold around for 5 weeks. However, we have been shown hospitality (wikipedia says: Hospitality is also known as the act of generously providing care and kindness to whoever is in need.). We have had many random needs filled by friends close by (meals, grocery shopping for us, watching 1 or more kids, folding laundry, spending time with me while I had to spend hours and days in the hospital) as well as far away (praying, sending money, gift cards for a meal, grandma driving 16 hours to spend a week with us, daily phone calls to check in)....it has been a sweet picture of hospitality to my extroverted heart....and a challenge to me as I think through "generously providing care and kindness to whoever is in need". Kindness is hospitality?? definitely something to remember.
Anyways, thank you. You are much appreciated.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Friends Tried the Sugar Cookie Recipe
Monday, December 1, 2008
My First Set of Actual Dinner Guests
They were my first actual set of dinner guests. And I let them know it about 15 times in the course of their visit with us. They were so gracious and thoughtful and I was a complete wreck.
They weren't just my first dinner guests, they were complete strangers. So here I was having to not only make my first company meal, but I was having to do it for strangers! And let me remind you that I am an introvert. Which made it even more crazy!
I made an Irish Stew kind of number,which proably wasn't heart healthy, but it tasted good and I put in a Mrs. Smith's Apple Pie,which is always a safe bet for dessert.
They actual liked the food and once I relaxed, I could actually enjoyed them.
But I can honestly say, that this first time having someone into my home, was where the term "Mad Hostess" was probably first spoken. My poor husband, he probably didn't realize how mad I would get b/c of my perfectionism. It was graduate housing, so it was only 900 square feet, but the whole thing had to be spotless. The food had to be perfect and the table setting flawless. I think I probably fussed about everything and with everything.
I think I may have even accomplished making my guests nervous for me.
So while the meal may have come off as a success, my heart was a mess. My attitude a mess. The way I treated my family a big mess. And that's were God's grace comes in, I may have failed, but God used the time to point me in the right direction, towards Him. I have to say I failed and failed at hospitality more times than I can count, but God has (and is) taking this angry, perfectionist, selfish-need to succeed heart and turning it to something He can use.
They weren't just my first dinner guests, they were complete strangers. So here I was having to not only make my first company meal, but I was having to do it for strangers! And let me remind you that I am an introvert. Which made it even more crazy!
I made an Irish Stew kind of number,which proably wasn't heart healthy, but it tasted good and I put in a Mrs. Smith's Apple Pie,which is always a safe bet for dessert.
They actual liked the food and once I relaxed, I could actually enjoyed them.
But I can honestly say, that this first time having someone into my home, was where the term "Mad Hostess" was probably first spoken. My poor husband, he probably didn't realize how mad I would get b/c of my perfectionism. It was graduate housing, so it was only 900 square feet, but the whole thing had to be spotless. The food had to be perfect and the table setting flawless. I think I probably fussed about everything and with everything.
I think I may have even accomplished making my guests nervous for me.
So while the meal may have come off as a success, my heart was a mess. My attitude a mess. The way I treated my family a big mess. And that's were God's grace comes in, I may have failed, but God used the time to point me in the right direction, towards Him. I have to say I failed and failed at hospitality more times than I can count, but God has (and is) taking this angry, perfectionist, selfish-need to succeed heart and turning it to something He can use.
Gloves, Hats, Mittens, Oh, My!
I was storing all the hats, mittens, etc. in a container and then digging through it on a regular basis, since my girls insist, and I mean INSIST on wearing accessories. So, I decided that wasn't going to work for me. It takes to long to dig through the stuff.
So I thought about an over the door shoe storage thing I had and I put it to work. These things are awesome. You can store Barbies, Groovy Girls, Card Games, Art Supplies. So far so good. I figure if I have to many accessories for my current set up, then we can rotate accessories or we need to give some to the poor. I have them in the front hall closet where we have our coats.
Applesauce
I tried my hand at homemade applesauce. It made the house smell wonderful. It tasted pretty good and it made me think how yummy it would be over vanilla ice cream.
Here's the recipe:
4 to 6 apples - peeled, cored and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
In a saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.
Kelly note: The applesauce can get kinda sweet. But I love sweet, so I asked my hubby and he said the same...this is good, but...we could probably cut back just a little on the sugar. So you are going to have to figure out if it needs less sugar or not. I would suggest making it once and then making the call for future batches. I think it will probably depend on the apple as well. I actually made 3 batches of this stuff tonight b/c I had so many left over apples from Thanksgiving.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Keeping All Those Kids Busy!
We had 8 cousins at one of our family gatherings. Granted 2 of them were small babies, but the rest were full of energy, happy to be together and ready for some fun. And we were sure they needed to stay out of the kitchen and out of the areas the babies were in and we we wanted to make sure we didn't lose our minds. So, we had a fun schedule:
Family Picture
Grandkid Picture
Free Play
Lunchie snack
Treasure Hunt
Hide and Seek/Sardines
Pinata
Free Play (Bikes, street hockey, etc)
Down time-snack/movie/free quiet play
Thanksgiving Dinner
Movies/Free play in a designated part of the house
Dessert
Family music concert
Home
Everyone slept soooooo well that night! Especially me.
Family Picture
Grandkid Picture
Free Play
Lunchie snack
Treasure Hunt
Hide and Seek/Sardines
Pinata
Free Play (Bikes, street hockey, etc)
Down time-snack/movie/free quiet play
Thanksgiving Dinner
Movies/Free play in a designated part of the house
Dessert
Family music concert
Home
Everyone slept soooooo well that night! Especially me.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Apple Pie Suggestion
I made a bunch of apple pies this weekend for various Thanksgiving events. Here are my suggestions on the pie...
-Use the Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe
-McIntosh apples
-Pillsbury Ready to use crust in the red box...no need to do scratch..they work great.
-Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the top of the crust
Enjoy!
PS I opened up my cookbook, and on the inside was a note from my Grandma. It said "to Kelly, my oldest granddaughter, I love you very much, Love, Mama" It made both my husband and I teary. What a sweet note to have just before we made pies for one of her favorite times of the year.
-Use the Joy of Cooking Apple Pie Recipe
-McIntosh apples
-Pillsbury Ready to use crust in the red box...no need to do scratch..they work great.
-Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on the top of the crust
Enjoy!
PS I opened up my cookbook, and on the inside was a note from my Grandma. It said "to Kelly, my oldest granddaughter, I love you very much, Love, Mama" It made both my husband and I teary. What a sweet note to have just before we made pies for one of her favorite times of the year.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
So, what am I thankful for?
I am thankful for so much..it would be hard to list it all.
I am thankful for my amazing husband and sweet curly headed girls. For a supportive and loving extended family. For a neighborhood where I don't just wave at my neighbors, I actually know them and enjoy them. I am thankful for our church. I am thankful for how God took care two very sick little girls, both Lydia and Leighton this year. I am thankful for my home and how God took care of my family when my husband was laid off from his job earlier this year. I am thankful for our family trip to Disney. I am thankful for so much more...
But most of all I am thankful, that I am loved by a God who has no ordinary love for me. His love for me is extraordinary. He "gets me" and loves me anyway.
I am thankful for my amazing husband and sweet curly headed girls. For a supportive and loving extended family. For a neighborhood where I don't just wave at my neighbors, I actually know them and enjoy them. I am thankful for our church. I am thankful for how God took care two very sick little girls, both Lydia and Leighton this year. I am thankful for my home and how God took care of my family when my husband was laid off from his job earlier this year. I am thankful for our family trip to Disney. I am thankful for so much more...
But most of all I am thankful, that I am loved by a God who has no ordinary love for me. His love for me is extraordinary. He "gets me" and loves me anyway.
I Will Be An Expert
By the time this Thanksgiving Holiday comes to an end, I, Kelly, will be an expert on Thanksgiving. Because I, Kelly, will have eaten not one, not two, but THREE Thanksgiving Meals. I am not kidding.
The First one will have Louisiana Flare and Norweigen Traditions
The Second one will have North Carolina Roots.
The Third one will have mix of Upstate New York Born, but raised in NC.
I think I was counting and it is like 75 people in 3 days! Woo-hoo!
So I'll have everything offered to me from pickled herring to Rutabegas to carbohydrate heaven.
I promise to be report back. I am sure it will be fun, and the great part is I'll get to sleep in my bed every night and not have to venture to far.
The First one will have Louisiana Flare and Norweigen Traditions
The Second one will have North Carolina Roots.
The Third one will have mix of Upstate New York Born, but raised in NC.
I think I was counting and it is like 75 people in 3 days! Woo-hoo!
So I'll have everything offered to me from pickled herring to Rutabegas to carbohydrate heaven.
I promise to be report back. I am sure it will be fun, and the great part is I'll get to sleep in my bed every night and not have to venture to far.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Silly Quote on Thanksgiving
May your stuffing be tasty
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
-----Anonymous
I am pretty sure that this isn't the right perspective to have on Thanksgiving, but I thought it was cute nonetheless. Actually I think it pokes fun at all the things that we really care too much about. Is the food good? Does it look good? Are we getting the praise we deserve for such a flawless meal? And how do I look when it all is over....
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
-----Anonymous
I am pretty sure that this isn't the right perspective to have on Thanksgiving, but I thought it was cute nonetheless. Actually I think it pokes fun at all the things that we really care too much about. Is the food good? Does it look good? Are we getting the praise we deserve for such a flawless meal? And how do I look when it all is over....
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Thanksgiving Prep. Tips- 6,7,8
6- Do you have enough ice?
7- Do you have lite appetizers in case things don't go off in time and in case someone arrives late?
8- Keep the kids out of the kitchen, unless they've been specifically drafted for duty. We all love kids, but Thanksgiving meal is a hard time to keep them safe from hot water, hot food, the chopping of knives and anxious cooks. Do your part by keeping the kids out of the hosts' kitchen and play with them quietly and removed from the kitchen/dining areas.
7- Do you have lite appetizers in case things don't go off in time and in case someone arrives late?
8- Keep the kids out of the kitchen, unless they've been specifically drafted for duty. We all love kids, but Thanksgiving meal is a hard time to keep them safe from hot water, hot food, the chopping of knives and anxious cooks. Do your part by keeping the kids out of the hosts' kitchen and play with them quietly and removed from the kitchen/dining areas.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Butter Cream Frosting For Sugar Cookies
Here is a butter cream frosting recipe to go with those sugar cookies you are going to make:
Butter Cream Frosting
1 16-oz box Confectioner's Sugar
1/2 cup salted sweet cream butter (1 stick), softened
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
4 to 6 tbs. of milk
Mix together with hand held mixer or with a fancy shamancy mixer (use the flat beater). Add more milk to make it thinner, more sugar to make it thicker. Note from a frosting expert (my sis): always end with sugar. We just made the recipe as is, and it was fabulous!
This is yummy frosting. My daughter said, "Forget the cookies, let's just eat frosting!"
It makes a ton of frosting. Remember the more food coloring you add, the runnier your frosting will be so add carefully.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Thanksgiving Tips 3,4 and 5
Many of you have read that my Grandma, "Mama" died in August. Thanksgiving and Christmas memories at her house are some of my fondest and favorite memories. So I decided to model Tips number 3,4 and 5 after what Mama would've done. She was one of the greatest hostesses, I've ever known.
3- Clean out your fridge the Sunday before and straighten your pantry.
4- Give your house a detailed cleaning the weekend before. Enlist the whole family. Little kids get dust rags and can organize books on the bookshelves. Big kids wash the windows and kitchen appliances.
5- When you are doing all of this smile, talk, hug and laugh with your children and grandchildren. This is vital. Because I never minded helping Mama clean up, because I was getting to clean up with her, my Mom, my Aunt, my sis and brother. And it wasn't such a big chore, because we did it together and Mama always had time to love on us.
We always watched an old movie or old movie musical when we were cleaning. It was nice background noise. And when anyone needed a break they took it.
3- Clean out your fridge the Sunday before and straighten your pantry.
4- Give your house a detailed cleaning the weekend before. Enlist the whole family. Little kids get dust rags and can organize books on the bookshelves. Big kids wash the windows and kitchen appliances.
5- When you are doing all of this smile, talk, hug and laugh with your children and grandchildren. This is vital. Because I never minded helping Mama clean up, because I was getting to clean up with her, my Mom, my Aunt, my sis and brother. And it wasn't such a big chore, because we did it together and Mama always had time to love on us.
We always watched an old movie or old movie musical when we were cleaning. It was nice background noise. And when anyone needed a break they took it.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Getting Ready for Thanksgiving! Tip 1 and Tip 2
I could not believe how crowded the Grocery stores were today 1 week before Thanksgiving!!! Over the next few days I am going to give my tips for getting ready for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays.
Here are my tips for getting ready:
1- Sister Shubert's Yeast Rolls (Parker House Style) the ones in the circle tin in the freezer section. Folks, these are the real deal. YUM! They have to thaw before you put them in the oven, so don't forget that! And buy two or three of these pans (2 for $5). It is very easy for one guy (I will not mention names) to eat the whole pan of them. They are packed with calories, but this is just a holiday tradition! They will sell out of these, so buy in advance.
2- Got kids? Go into the kitchen, go through what your kids eat and drink during the day, b/c you know they are kids---and they are going to not do things the way they are suppose to on a holiday--like break with their day to day traditions when it comes to food. Start with breakfast and work through the day...what do your kids eat for meals, snack and what do they drink? Make sure you or Grandma are stocked up to prevent crazy last minute runs to the Grocery Store. Make sure you have bread, milk, butter or in my house RAMEN for a 3 year old who has decided she can live on Ramen alone.
Here are my tips for getting ready:
1- Sister Shubert's Yeast Rolls (Parker House Style) the ones in the circle tin in the freezer section. Folks, these are the real deal. YUM! They have to thaw before you put them in the oven, so don't forget that! And buy two or three of these pans (2 for $5). It is very easy for one guy (I will not mention names) to eat the whole pan of them. They are packed with calories, but this is just a holiday tradition! They will sell out of these, so buy in advance.
2- Got kids? Go into the kitchen, go through what your kids eat and drink during the day, b/c you know they are kids---and they are going to not do things the way they are suppose to on a holiday--like break with their day to day traditions when it comes to food. Start with breakfast and work through the day...what do your kids eat for meals, snack and what do they drink? Make sure you or Grandma are stocked up to prevent crazy last minute runs to the Grocery Store. Make sure you have bread, milk, butter or in my house RAMEN for a 3 year old who has decided she can live on Ramen alone.
Monday, November 17, 2008
My Favorite, FAVORITE Stir Fry Recipe
Oh, this one is soooo good. My husband and I cooked it together on one of our date nights. Rice Vinegar can be a little expensive. We always fight over who gets the leftovers!!!
Ty and Kelly's Stir Fry Recipe
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts- cubed
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small white onion, diced
4 carrots, cut in matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets, bite size
1/4 cup sesame oil (or olive oil and add sesame seeds)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions
Cut all of the meat and veggies, so they are ready to cook.
Start your rice. The cooking time for the dinner is equivalent to the cooking time for rice. Start steaming your veggies.
Using a wok or large frying pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high. Add in the garlic. When the oil starts to sizzle, add in the soy sauce, vinegar,sugar, and ginger. Mix well.
Add chicken. Cook until there is no pink at all. Chicken will have a rich brown color from the sauce.
Add in the veggies (steamed & drained) and cook until the rice is done.
Serve over rice.
Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum, YUM!
Ty and Kelly's Stir Fry Recipe
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts- cubed
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small white onion, diced
4 carrots, cut in matchsticks
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup broccoli florets, bite size
1/4 cup sesame oil (or olive oil and add sesame seeds)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions
Cut all of the meat and veggies, so they are ready to cook.
Start your rice. The cooking time for the dinner is equivalent to the cooking time for rice. Start steaming your veggies.
Using a wok or large frying pan, heat sesame oil over medium-high. Add in the garlic. When the oil starts to sizzle, add in the soy sauce, vinegar,sugar, and ginger. Mix well.
Add chicken. Cook until there is no pink at all. Chicken will have a rich brown color from the sauce.
Add in the veggies (steamed & drained) and cook until the rice is done.
Serve over rice.
Yum, Yum, Yum, Yum, YUM!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Ok, Sugar Cookies!!
Alright, the point of this blog is to make sure I understand that Hospitality can be a gift for some folks, and it might be harder work for others. I find it can be hard work for me, but it is getting easier the more I try. The point is, sharing food with others, having them into your home, etc. doesn't have to be perfect every time. Doesn't have to be a candle light dinner, doesn't have to be gourmet food...sometimes sharing a pizza with your neighbors and a pan of brownies is a lot of fun!
Last night my 3 year old and I made sugar cookies together, but as we got closer and closer to the finished "dough", I realized it was looking more like cornmeal than dough. Hmmmm, I looked over the recipe about 10 times before I realized I used salted butter instead of unsalted butter.
I was frustrated. I had big plans to share these cookies with a friend and spend time with my daughters decorating them and they weren't going to turn out. I had to apologize to my 3 year old that they didn't seem to be quite right and we weren't going to be able to bake them.
Much to my amazement, she replied, "Mommy, it's okay--still tastes good to me!" She ran her finger a long the beater and put her finger in her mouth and smiled a cookie dough kinda smile.
So, while it didn't turned out as a planned, I did get to spend some time with her and I learned a lesson about carefully checking my indgredients.
I love kids, they take things in stride a lot better than us adults do sometimes.
Last night my 3 year old and I made sugar cookies together, but as we got closer and closer to the finished "dough", I realized it was looking more like cornmeal than dough. Hmmmm, I looked over the recipe about 10 times before I realized I used salted butter instead of unsalted butter.
I was frustrated. I had big plans to share these cookies with a friend and spend time with my daughters decorating them and they weren't going to turn out. I had to apologize to my 3 year old that they didn't seem to be quite right and we weren't going to be able to bake them.
Much to my amazement, she replied, "Mommy, it's okay--still tastes good to me!" She ran her finger a long the beater and put her finger in her mouth and smiled a cookie dough kinda smile.
So, while it didn't turned out as a planned, I did get to spend some time with her and I learned a lesson about carefully checking my indgredients.
I love kids, they take things in stride a lot better than us adults do sometimes.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe
Picked up a new book on Cookies. I know, I know...what an odd book to purchase, but honestly I needed a good sugar cookie recipe. Now I need to bake some, so you can see a picture!
And a great recipe for sugar cookies and butter cream frosting I got!
Sugar Cookies
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbs. water (optional)
Mix together and set to the side flour, salt and baking powder. In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar on medium speed. Beat in eggs Add the flour mixture (SLOWLY) and blend on low speed. Add vanilla extract and blend. You may add a tablespoon of water if the dough feels dry.
Knead into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out and cut your cookies. (The more flour you add to your surface the tougher the cookie)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes (small) or 12-15 (large). The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown.
Recipe from:Meaghan Mountford's Cookie Sensations
And a great recipe for sugar cookies and butter cream frosting I got!
Sugar Cookies
4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, slightly softened
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbs. water (optional)
Mix together and set to the side flour, salt and baking powder. In a large bowl with an electric mixer cream the butter and sugar on medium speed. Beat in eggs Add the flour mixture (SLOWLY) and blend on low speed. Add vanilla extract and blend. You may add a tablespoon of water if the dough feels dry.
Knead into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Roll dough out and cut your cookies. (The more flour you add to your surface the tougher the cookie)
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes (small) or 12-15 (large). The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown.
Recipe from:Meaghan Mountford's Cookie Sensations
Veggie Based Spaghetti Sauce
Okay, so not everyone is going to love this recipe. My husband said I should let you know that you have to like vegetables to appreciate this sauce and it is sort of sweet. We love it at our house. It is inexpensive to make, freezes well and most of the time we have all the ingredients.
Special Tomato Sauce from Linda Fraser's Pasta cookbook
700g of tomatoes, fresh or canned (I use canned, and I like the Red Gold brand)
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
5 tbsp. of olive oil
a dash of basil or pinch of dried oregano (or both!)
salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a sauce pan, simmer for 30 minutes. Puree sauce in a blender or food processor. Return to the sauce pan, correct the seasoning and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes.
We've found that it tastes great over penne, elbow or bowtie noodles.
Special Tomato Sauce from Linda Fraser's Pasta cookbook
700g of tomatoes, fresh or canned (I use canned, and I like the Red Gold brand)
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
1 onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
5 tbsp. of olive oil
a dash of basil or pinch of dried oregano (or both!)
salt and pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a sauce pan, simmer for 30 minutes. Puree sauce in a blender or food processor. Return to the sauce pan, correct the seasoning and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes.
We've found that it tastes great over penne, elbow or bowtie noodles.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Yummy Pumpkin Dessert
(Picture from the Food Network Website)
We were introduced to these this weekend. Love, them! They taste more like a cake than a bar. But the were sooooo yummy. Our baker/friend got them off the Food Network's website. It was a recipe by Paula Deen which honestly, I haven't tried a recipe of hers that I haven't loved.
Prep time 30 minutes Yields: 48 small bars or 24 large bars
Paula Deen's Pumpkin Bars
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Icing:
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.
To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
Icing:
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.
To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Black Bean Mexican Casserole
So last night we had dinner with friends and friends of our friends. One of these couples is about to move to Kiev, Ukraine where they are going to be teachers!! While we sat around the table enjoying conversation with this folks, we enjoyed a yummy mexican casserole. Thanks MWB for the recipe! And for your friendship! :-)
Black bean mexican casserole
10-15 corn tortillas
2 cans black beans
2 cans corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper (any color)
1 yellow onion
cumin
smoked paprika
chipotle (canned) or chipotle tabasco
oregano
chili powder
1 bag shredded (8 ounces) Colby Jack blend
sour cream
guacomole
1. Shred up corn tortillas with a pizza cutter into strips; douse with olive oil, smoked paprika and cumin and bake in oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees until a little crispy.
2. Chop onion and pepper; sautee in olive oil until cooked a bit; add beans, corn, tomatoes and mix. Season with about 1-2 tsp. chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin; 1/2 tsp. oregano and as many dashes of chipotle tabasco as you can handle.
3. Layer tortillas on the bottom of a casserole dish; add the bean/corn mixture. Top the entire thing with a bag of cheese and bake about 30-40 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream, guacomole and corn chips.
Black bean mexican casserole
10-15 corn tortillas
2 cans black beans
2 cans corn
1 can diced tomatoes
1 bell pepper (any color)
1 yellow onion
cumin
smoked paprika
chipotle (canned) or chipotle tabasco
oregano
chili powder
1 bag shredded (8 ounces) Colby Jack blend
sour cream
guacomole
1. Shred up corn tortillas with a pizza cutter into strips; douse with olive oil, smoked paprika and cumin and bake in oven for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees until a little crispy.
2. Chop onion and pepper; sautee in olive oil until cooked a bit; add beans, corn, tomatoes and mix. Season with about 1-2 tsp. chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin; 1/2 tsp. oregano and as many dashes of chipotle tabasco as you can handle.
3. Layer tortillas on the bottom of a casserole dish; add the bean/corn mixture. Top the entire thing with a bag of cheese and bake about 30-40 minutes in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream, guacomole and corn chips.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Stars of Thanks
Hundreds of paper stars with comments written by children about what they were thankful for.
They were precious. I even found myself tearing up at some points. They are hanging up at school right now but when I get them back I'll post some of the comments.
We placed the stars on big sheets of poster board and hung them in two teachers' lounges. Then we made star shaped cookies and cupcakes. We also discovered a fantastic new recipe for sugar cookies. I'll post the recipe soon.
Answered Prayer
Earlier this week I asked you to pray for Karen, guest contibutor, and her family. Her daughter has been diagnosed with a treatable condition and she does not have cancer. And she is home!
I am so thankful to God for caring for this sweet little girl and my dear friend's family. Thanks for praying!
I am so thankful to God for caring for this sweet little girl and my dear friend's family. Thanks for praying!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Election Party
Well, the thing to do on November 4th this year was to have an Election Party. I don't know if you saw all the magazine articles on how to throw one, but I thought it was a really cool idea. I saw everything from Donkey and Elephant sugar cookies (symbols of the two major political parties) to suggested wines to drink with your All-American Dinner.
I walked into a friend's house today and she had a table decorated because she had an Election Party. She got the bottom tablecloth for $1 and the other one she had. She had some leftover flowers and stuck them in flower container she had. Isn't this fun?
I talked to another friend last night who wasn't sure she was going to like the way the elections turned out, she isn't unAmerican-she just voted for the other guy! But she gathered with other like minded people and cooked comfort food that they all enjoy.
Guess I need to mark my calendar for the first Thursday in November 2012 for my very first Election Party.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Frozen Bread Tip
When I was living in St. Louis, we had a friend that was an amazing hostess. Good grief, she had the gift! She introduced me to Rhodes frozen bread. Now you can get five loaves of this frozen stuff for what you pay for a regular old loaf of Honey Wheat Bread from the grocery store. The thing is you have to bake it. So you probably break even in the end.
But, we love to bake this bread for people when we prepare meals for them and my eldest daughter loves this stuff. When she's had a long week at school, I will lay the bread out to thaw and rise overnight and put in the oven before she gets up in the morning. She'll eat a slice for breakfast and I'll pack some in her lunch.
This is a good alternative for people like me, who don't have time to make bread from scratch, but enjoy warm bread from the oven.
The trick is to find out the method of thawing that works best for you. You might have try it a couple of times before you get it right. You can find this bread at SuperWalmart or SuperTarget or the grocery store in the freezer section.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Prayer for Leighton
Karen, who is a guest contributor to this blog, has 5 adorable children. The youngest of the kids is a set of twins, Matthias and Leighton Ann. Leighton is in a Children's Hospital in Florida and tomorrow will have a biopsy, b/c they've found a mass in her neck. The mass is pressing on the traecha, making it hard for Leighton to breathe.
Will you pray for her? Will you pray for her mom and dad too? And for the 4 other kids that are anxious to have their sister healthy and at home with them?
Thanks dear reader and friend...I appreciate it. And I know Karen does too.
Will you pray for her? Will you pray for her mom and dad too? And for the 4 other kids that are anxious to have their sister healthy and at home with them?
Thanks dear reader and friend...I appreciate it. And I know Karen does too.
Yum! Church Lunch.
Look, I don't know what you are doing on the first Sunday of the month about 11:45am-but let me just say that I know what I am doing. I am eating. And eating really good food.
It's probably not right to brag and this isn't bragging- this is just the truth. One of the best places to get lunch on the first Sunday of the month where I live is at our church's monthly fellowship meal. This is not a great picture, but check out this dessert spread. And this isn't even all of it!!!
My husband ate two pieces of that cake with the rasberries on top. I am trying to track down the baker, but haven't been successful yet.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Cake, Ice Cream and Family
Ice Cream with warm apples, vanilla carmel ice cream, chocolate sauce and crushed nuts. It was really good!!! (T.O.- if I forgot anything let me know!)
Simple flower centerpiece. I love the sunflowers.
We had a birthday party this week for my friend and brother-in-law. The cake was yummy and something that was introduced to me by my in-laws about 10 years ago! (I can't believe I've been a part of this crowd for that long now!) You have to keep it in the fridge b/c the icing is actually whip cream. It is so yummy, especially with the strawberries. Kids can help decorate, which makes it more fun. My kids are traditional birthday cake lovers, so this doesn't go over well with them...but that's okay with me, more for me!
My sister does a variation of this cake. She gets and angel food cake, puts it on an cake stand. Ices it with cool-whip (or maybe it was whip cream as well). And prepares frozen strawberries as directed on the package and pours it over top of the cake as garnish/decoration. Puts it in the fridge. It is gorgeous and yummy too!
Menu:
Spaghetti with meatballs (homemade YUMMMMMM!)
Bread
Simple salad with lettuce and tomato, with some sort of citrus dressing
Cake and Ice Cream for dessert
Red Wine, Water
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Sugar Cookies
I see 250 star shaped sugar cookies in my future. This was actually a good idea that took a wrong turn.
I thought for sure that a local grocery store would be able to make me 250 star shaped sugar cookies. Not the case--most of them have their cookies shipped in now. They don't actually make them in the store they are made at their store's headquarters. Then I called the independent bakeries all over town, some as far as 30 minutes away, everyone wanted .75 to $1 for a cookie! Some offered a 15% discount...that's still $200 bucks.
So, what are they for? We are doing "stars of thanks" at my daughter's elementary school. Originally, we were going to randomly select 100 students and asked them what they were thankful for about their school, teachers, etc. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme for Nov.) Then I was going to string the stars up in the teacher's lounges and put star shaped sugar cookies on a platter with drinks to the side. But when I pitched the idea to the Principal, she decided she wanted each student to participate! That's over 1,000. Good thing the school is going to handle the paper star part, and we just have to handle cookies and beverages.
Think I am going to need to find my "inner baker" for this project! And my Mother in Law just volunteered her kitchen and double oven for baking. So this may turn out to be a bunch of fun.
I thought for sure that a local grocery store would be able to make me 250 star shaped sugar cookies. Not the case--most of them have their cookies shipped in now. They don't actually make them in the store they are made at their store's headquarters. Then I called the independent bakeries all over town, some as far as 30 minutes away, everyone wanted .75 to $1 for a cookie! Some offered a 15% discount...that's still $200 bucks.
So, what are they for? We are doing "stars of thanks" at my daughter's elementary school. Originally, we were going to randomly select 100 students and asked them what they were thankful for about their school, teachers, etc. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme for Nov.) Then I was going to string the stars up in the teacher's lounges and put star shaped sugar cookies on a platter with drinks to the side. But when I pitched the idea to the Principal, she decided she wanted each student to participate! That's over 1,000. Good thing the school is going to handle the paper star part, and we just have to handle cookies and beverages.
Think I am going to need to find my "inner baker" for this project! And my Mother in Law just volunteered her kitchen and double oven for baking. So this may turn out to be a bunch of fun.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Change.
So, this is not necessarily a blog entry on hospitality or a recipe to share.
I have a bunch of friends going through various changes in their lives at the moment. Some of these changes life altering--health changes, family changes, gaining perspective, moving around town and abroad, caring for elderly parents and realizing they're getting older too, budget changes (like actually having one), trying to figure out how to best love their children, career changes, learning how to cope with the loss of a loved one and some who are ending hard habits to break.
Change just seems to be a topic at that moment we keep hearing about in the news with the elections, job losses, an unstable economy and health insurance woes.
One thing that doesn't change is God's love for us. I was helping my husband pick out the music for church last week and everytime I thought about this one verse, my friends kept coming to mind.
"For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
I have a bunch of friends going through various changes in their lives at the moment. Some of these changes life altering--health changes, family changes, gaining perspective, moving around town and abroad, caring for elderly parents and realizing they're getting older too, budget changes (like actually having one), trying to figure out how to best love their children, career changes, learning how to cope with the loss of a loved one and some who are ending hard habits to break.
Change just seems to be a topic at that moment we keep hearing about in the news with the elections, job losses, an unstable economy and health insurance woes.
One thing that doesn't change is God's love for us. I was helping my husband pick out the music for church last week and everytime I thought about this one verse, my friends kept coming to mind.
"For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
You are winsome and young as a lad.
And there is no disease or no struggle,
that can pull you from God, Be Ye Glad."
and then the chorus
"Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Every debt that you ever had
and then the chorus
"Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,
Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad."
I love being referred to as timeless--you hear that term used when talking about great works of art or in fashion. And part of a puzzle, that is just so true! We may not always understand how we fit into the bigger scheme of things, but we are a part of something, we have a place in God's heart.....
So sweet friend, dear reader, ...I hope you know you can ask God for help, to walk through whatever the change may be. I think you'll find that He is good company.
I love being referred to as timeless--you hear that term used when talking about great works of art or in fashion. And part of a puzzle, that is just so true! We may not always understand how we fit into the bigger scheme of things, but we are a part of something, we have a place in God's heart.....
So sweet friend, dear reader, ...I hope you know you can ask God for help, to walk through whatever the change may be. I think you'll find that He is good company.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Operation Christmas Child
Operation Christmas Child is one of my favorite charities. My 8 year old daughter remembers the first time we packed a shoebox several years ago and looks forward to it every year. This year, she and a few of her friends asked me if they could be in charge of Operation Christmas Child for our church. How could I say "no, I won't help you?" They wanted to do something for other kids.
So, I encouraged one of them to write the Pastor to make sure he was on board, of course he said "YES!"
So, today my 8 year old and I shopped for about $15 worth of goodies to pack in a shoe box. Then she wrote a note, enclosed a picture and $7 for shipping costs. She'll show this box off at church in hopes that others will want to participate.
If you don't know OCC basically it is a program run by Samaritan's Purse out of Boone, NC. You take a shoebox, wrap it and it's lid in Christmas paper, decide boy or girl and what age, go shopping for toiletries, school supplies, lollipops, flashlights, toys, etc. Pack them up, write a note and drop it off at a location collecting the shoe boxes. They'll take it to a place where children are living in poverty. Give the boxes out and if the children are interested, they can attend a Bible class at later time.
Mostly it is just loving those who are born into circumstances that are beyond their control. One child said, " I believe that nothing is impossible to God. I believe Jesus loves me and poverty is not a hindrance to my dreams...Jesus is with me!" How sweet is that?
If you want to check it out, follow this link....http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
So, I encouraged one of them to write the Pastor to make sure he was on board, of course he said "YES!"
So, today my 8 year old and I shopped for about $15 worth of goodies to pack in a shoe box. Then she wrote a note, enclosed a picture and $7 for shipping costs. She'll show this box off at church in hopes that others will want to participate.
If you don't know OCC basically it is a program run by Samaritan's Purse out of Boone, NC. You take a shoebox, wrap it and it's lid in Christmas paper, decide boy or girl and what age, go shopping for toiletries, school supplies, lollipops, flashlights, toys, etc. Pack them up, write a note and drop it off at a location collecting the shoe boxes. They'll take it to a place where children are living in poverty. Give the boxes out and if the children are interested, they can attend a Bible class at later time.
Mostly it is just loving those who are born into circumstances that are beyond their control. One child said, " I believe that nothing is impossible to God. I believe Jesus loves me and poverty is not a hindrance to my dreams...Jesus is with me!" How sweet is that?
If you want to check it out, follow this link....http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
Thursday, October 23, 2008
How To Save Electricity
I am still on my save money, save the environment kick. I read these tips on saving on electricity in Real Simple:
Don't overload the fridge. Space in the fridge helps the cold air circulate better, which maximizes efficiency. Opposite for the freezer, the tigher it is packed the better. It uses less energy this way. You can use bags of ice to fill it up.
In the fridge keep thing covered. The refrigerator has to work harder when pitchers don't have lids on them. I guess it is harder to keep them cool.
Unplug electronics when they are not in use. They draw power even if they are off.
Keep clean filters in your electric heating system or air conditioner systems.
I think it is ironic that I am posting about saving electricity and I just looked up and every light on in the house is on. Reminds me of an old country song, "Every light in the house is on, the back yard is buring like the crack of dawn. Front porch looks like runway lights...blah, blah, blah"
I know cheesy, but it popped into my head.
Don't overload the fridge. Space in the fridge helps the cold air circulate better, which maximizes efficiency. Opposite for the freezer, the tigher it is packed the better. It uses less energy this way. You can use bags of ice to fill it up.
In the fridge keep thing covered. The refrigerator has to work harder when pitchers don't have lids on them. I guess it is harder to keep them cool.
Unplug electronics when they are not in use. They draw power even if they are off.
Keep clean filters in your electric heating system or air conditioner systems.
I think it is ironic that I am posting about saving electricity and I just looked up and every light on in the house is on. Reminds me of an old country song, "Every light in the house is on, the back yard is buring like the crack of dawn. Front porch looks like runway lights...blah, blah, blah"
I know cheesy, but it popped into my head.
Recycling
I have so much I want to post on today. Mostly b/c I've been thinking about a bunch of stuff and just haven't had the time to pound it out on the computer.
I've been thinking about recycling a lot. Earlier this year our town switched our recycling bins. We went from these small green boxes to big bins on wheels about 1/2 the size of our large wheeled trash cans. It's kinda cool.
I feel like if I am not filling up that recycling bin every week, then I am not doing my part. I have found that I have gone from 3-4 trash bags in my garbage to 1-2 garbage bags and a filled to the brim recycling bin! Visible proof that the recycling program in our town works.
Which leads me to my next thought. Real Simple Magazine (my favorite mag.) has had articles the last several months on how to recycle. Crocs can be recycled. Tennis shoes. Even unused prescription medicines. These are not traditional recyclables, but the kind that the companies recycling these products send you postage and then recycle them for poor people through out the world.
Also, I just read that most recycling locations do not recycle milk caps. (The plastic takes to long to melt). That is even more incentive for me to shop at Harris Teeter for my milk. They will donate 5 cents back to my child's school for every Harris Teeter brand milk cap (one with an H) that they get back. So I can recycle the jug, the milk cap, make money for my school and they have pretty competitive prices on their milk.
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1835098,00.html
I've also given my 3 year old the job of putting the recycling items in the bin. I put a bunch of them by my door to the garage everyday and say, "Help! Help! I need someone to do the recycling!! We gotta take care of the earth." I know... such a dork I am...but she loves it!
I have a friend that actually bought a new trashcan just for recycling and she keeps it in her kitchen and then empties that into her bigger bin.
Think about it. The situation with pollution and the environment won't get better unless we start making changes. Listen to me, I sound like such a tree hugger!
I've been thinking about recycling a lot. Earlier this year our town switched our recycling bins. We went from these small green boxes to big bins on wheels about 1/2 the size of our large wheeled trash cans. It's kinda cool.
I feel like if I am not filling up that recycling bin every week, then I am not doing my part. I have found that I have gone from 3-4 trash bags in my garbage to 1-2 garbage bags and a filled to the brim recycling bin! Visible proof that the recycling program in our town works.
Which leads me to my next thought. Real Simple Magazine (my favorite mag.) has had articles the last several months on how to recycle. Crocs can be recycled. Tennis shoes. Even unused prescription medicines. These are not traditional recyclables, but the kind that the companies recycling these products send you postage and then recycle them for poor people through out the world.
Also, I just read that most recycling locations do not recycle milk caps. (The plastic takes to long to melt). That is even more incentive for me to shop at Harris Teeter for my milk. They will donate 5 cents back to my child's school for every Harris Teeter brand milk cap (one with an H) that they get back. So I can recycle the jug, the milk cap, make money for my school and they have pretty competitive prices on their milk.
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,1835098,00.html
I've also given my 3 year old the job of putting the recycling items in the bin. I put a bunch of them by my door to the garage everyday and say, "Help! Help! I need someone to do the recycling!! We gotta take care of the earth." I know... such a dork I am...but she loves it!
I have a friend that actually bought a new trashcan just for recycling and she keeps it in her kitchen and then empties that into her bigger bin.
Think about it. The situation with pollution and the environment won't get better unless we start making changes. Listen to me, I sound like such a tree hugger!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Moving Furniture Around
So, if you don't have "moving men" or furniture slides, get some. I move my furniture around all the time. Mostly b/c I have an oddly shaped living room and we have gatherings at our house and well, we need to maximize the space.
Last night I set my living room up 4 different ways. We set it up the way my husband wanted to try, the way my 8 year old wanted to try and the way my mother in law wanted to try it. We haven't succeeded in find just the right set up yet, but we are working on it. As I sit on my couch today and write this blog, I am amazed at how moving your furniture around makes the place seem brighter.
I guess we all need changes from time to time.
And I haven't forgotten about posting about why God is my closest friend. I have not chickened out because I am afraid of what you'll think of me....if I tell you how I feel about the whole Jesus thing. It's just I want to say it well. So, stay tuned...
Last night I set my living room up 4 different ways. We set it up the way my husband wanted to try, the way my 8 year old wanted to try and the way my mother in law wanted to try it. We haven't succeeded in find just the right set up yet, but we are working on it. As I sit on my couch today and write this blog, I am amazed at how moving your furniture around makes the place seem brighter.
I guess we all need changes from time to time.
And I haven't forgotten about posting about why God is my closest friend. I have not chickened out because I am afraid of what you'll think of me....if I tell you how I feel about the whole Jesus thing. It's just I want to say it well. So, stay tuned...
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Cool Weather, Costumes, Carnival Games and Chili
Cups were for our Chili tasting contest. Each chili was assigned a number and couples shared cups to cut down on expense and trash.
We had some fun with our neighbors today. This is totally something that you could do with your neighbors.
So we decided to have a carnival theme. We decided to wear costumes, adults and kids. We decided since everyone has a chili recipe they like, maybe we could have a chili cook off. And we wanted to make this about the family/kids having fun, so we had carnival games.
But, we also had G&A, our fun-loving, friendly neighbors who hosted, decorated and really had fun with this!!!
So, here is what we did:
Chili contest- everyone tasted chili and voted on their favorite.
Carnival Games for the kids (ring toss, fishing, golf, been bag toss, pin the nose on the jack-o-latern)
Adult Costume Contest- A prize for the best guy and best girl.
Yummy desserts cupcakes for the kids and carrot cake for the adults.
And of course we had football to watch.
We numbered the chili randomly, but had a master list, so if you wanted more of a chili you liked, then you could dive in. I think people who didn't make a chili had the best time, particularly the single guys!
Mostly we had a lot of fun and a lot of good food!!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Breakfast For A Crowd
Friday I organized and headed up a PTA breakfast for the staff at my daughter's school. I've never been in charge of a meal where I had to feed 125 people and depend on over 30 other people to do their part and show up with their stuff. That was hard for this perfectionist. I think that I probably only got 3 hours of sleep b/c I was just so worried about it coming together. I finally had to get up from my bed, frustrated b/c I knew I was tired and nervous about the meal and tell God I was sorry for being such a stress case.
So here is the thing, the whole point of serving in your community is to show care and kindness to others. And I think I nearly missed the point and joy in serving, because I was so worked up!
But here is what I learned:
1) Hashbrown Casseroles, quiches and breakfast casseroles were a hit!
2) Fresh fruit is essential
3) They didn't eat donuts
4) Coffee Cake went over well
5) Good coffee is so important
I think the main mission of the breakfast was achieved: Show the teachers and staff we appreciate them. And I think they felt appreciated.
So here is the thing, the whole point of serving in your community is to show care and kindness to others. And I think I nearly missed the point and joy in serving, because I was so worked up!
But here is what I learned:
1) Hashbrown Casseroles, quiches and breakfast casseroles were a hit!
2) Fresh fruit is essential
3) They didn't eat donuts
4) Coffee Cake went over well
5) Good coffee is so important
I think the main mission of the breakfast was achieved: Show the teachers and staff we appreciate them. And I think they felt appreciated.
I have a friend that has just launched a local floral business. She made the flower arrangement at the top of the page. Isn't it gorgeous? Fresh Flowers made the event even nicer.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
All Those McDonald's Happy Meal Toys
Okay, so this isn't as much about hospitality as it is just a tip for people who have lots of little McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, extra party favors from kids birthdays, Polly Pockets and Matchbox cars sitting around that aren't getting used.
Bag them up! Drop them off at the front desk of the local elementary school. They'll give them to the teachers as prize box goodies. This makes space for you at your house, gives back to your community, helps teachers save money and if you've ever seen a little kid looking through a prize box-it really brightens up their day!
Just something to think about.
Bag them up! Drop them off at the front desk of the local elementary school. They'll give them to the teachers as prize box goodies. This makes space for you at your house, gives back to your community, helps teachers save money and if you've ever seen a little kid looking through a prize box-it really brightens up their day!
Just something to think about.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
So, much to do!
Sorry about the lack of posting lately. I've been on vacation.
As soon as I recover from my vacation to Disney, I'll start posting some good stuff again.
As soon as I recover from my vacation to Disney, I'll start posting some good stuff again.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Homemade Cakes!
Okay, first of all- I can't take credit for this. My friend Laura did this. She is quite talented as you can see. It is inspiring though. It kinda makes me want to venture or dabble in cake decorating a bit. My Grandma (Mimi) used to do cake baking and decorating as a ministry to others who couldn't afford elaborate wedding cakes.
One of my favorite Mimi cakes ever, was her Easter cake. Oh, it was fabulous. A basket and bunny shaped cake, with easter egg shaped cupcakes. Oh, those were marvelous! Once there was time Mimi made a girl scout cake fore me shaped like a little girl in a brownie uniform. I see pictures of it now and remember how special I felt.
My sister is the only one who has her cake recipe. Every once in awhile my sis will bake Mimi's recipe and I'll bite into the cake or cupcake and tears will just well up in my eyes. It is just like Mimi is there with us, a piece of her for us to cherish and remember.
What's so neat about Laura's cake is first of all it is Pablo from Backyardigans!!! 2nd of all it looks way professional. But most of all, her son will be able to look back at this picture and say, "My Mommy did this for me." And that'll be a memory he'll get to cherish.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Say Goodbye to that Instant Stuff
Okay, I am a hot chocolate snob. I confess. But I promise, once you've tried my hot chocolate, you'll never return to the ahem...Swiss Miss kinda stuff.
Warm milk in microwave, I usually do about 2 minutes. Then add Ghiradelli sweet ground chocolate and cocoa (a baking cocoa). There are directions on the back of the container, but don't use 4 tbsp of cocoa. That's overkill. Just add about 2 Tbsp or less and it is yummy!
Warm milk in microwave, I usually do about 2 minutes. Then add Ghiradelli sweet ground chocolate and cocoa (a baking cocoa). There are directions on the back of the container, but don't use 4 tbsp of cocoa. That's overkill. Just add about 2 Tbsp or less and it is yummy!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
"We're Coming to Visit!"
Today I got to catch up with one of my closest friends. You know the kind that you don't get to see too often, but when you do see them, it's like you haven't been a part at all?!?
It's so nice to have friends like that. My husband is always so happy to hear her voice when she calls, because he knows that I am one step closer to sanity, when we get off the phone. We've always joked that she is my therapist.
Anyway, it was good to catch up. It reminded me of song we use to sing when I was a Girl Scout, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
I am so glad have new friends who can stop in and old friends that can stop by. Either way, I am the one who gets to realize how blessed I am to have folks to call my friends.
There are a lot of letters in the Bible. Paul always was writing one church or another, and often times he'd write "I always thank my God for you, remembering you in my prayers." When I think about my friends, I need to remember to thank God for giving them to me. Because just as that song from Girl scouts says.... one is silver and the other gold...friends are precious treasures.
I have some thoughts on friendship. They are deeper and pretty Jesus oriented. So I'll save them for another day/post. But I wouldn't be telling the truth, if I didn't tell you that my closest friend is Jesus and I wouldn't be a good friend to you, if I didn't tell you why.
It's so nice to have friends like that. My husband is always so happy to hear her voice when she calls, because he knows that I am one step closer to sanity, when we get off the phone. We've always joked that she is my therapist.
Anyway, it was good to catch up. It reminded me of song we use to sing when I was a Girl Scout, "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
I am so glad have new friends who can stop in and old friends that can stop by. Either way, I am the one who gets to realize how blessed I am to have folks to call my friends.
There are a lot of letters in the Bible. Paul always was writing one church or another, and often times he'd write "I always thank my God for you, remembering you in my prayers." When I think about my friends, I need to remember to thank God for giving them to me. Because just as that song from Girl scouts says.... one is silver and the other gold...friends are precious treasures.
I have some thoughts on friendship. They are deeper and pretty Jesus oriented. So I'll save them for another day/post. But I wouldn't be telling the truth, if I didn't tell you that my closest friend is Jesus and I wouldn't be a good friend to you, if I didn't tell you why.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Failure.
A nice cool fall day, a box of bread mix that could be "easily" converted into cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and hot tea.
Everyone in my house was anticipating it. The house smelled wonderful. I pulled them out of the oven, I iced them, I placed the first one on a plate, cooked to "golden perfection" as my hubby would say...
Ahhhh, but looks can be deceiving!! They tasted TERRIBLE. After 2 hours of mixing, kneading, patiently waiting for dough rising, rolling, etc.....down the tubes.
Now my sink is full of dirty dishes, my stomach is empty and I have a pan of good looking bad tasting cinnamon rolls.
What went wrong? I think my hot water was too hot that I added to the bread mix and it totally screwed the whole thing up.
I haven't had a recipe be a complete train wreck, in a long time. My husband has encouraged me to go to the store, buy some more mix and try again. I don't know, maybe I will.
Everyone in my house was anticipating it. The house smelled wonderful. I pulled them out of the oven, I iced them, I placed the first one on a plate, cooked to "golden perfection" as my hubby would say...
Ahhhh, but looks can be deceiving!! They tasted TERRIBLE. After 2 hours of mixing, kneading, patiently waiting for dough rising, rolling, etc.....down the tubes.
Now my sink is full of dirty dishes, my stomach is empty and I have a pan of good looking bad tasting cinnamon rolls.
What went wrong? I think my hot water was too hot that I added to the bread mix and it totally screwed the whole thing up.
I haven't had a recipe be a complete train wreck, in a long time. My husband has encouraged me to go to the store, buy some more mix and try again. I don't know, maybe I will.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Yummy New Spaghetti Sauce
So, I am planning this event thing for my daughter's school, where we'll be feeding the school staff breakfast. My fabulous sister, who by the way, I hope to someday convince to contribute to this blog (WKM-if you are reading, you know you want to, share all your hostess with the mostess skills with us!!!) gave me a bunch of books with recipe suggestions in them. So sweet!!!
Well, b/c I am, well, easily distracted, I kinda got side tracked and stumbled upon a Spaghetti Sauce recipe that just looked yummy. It's from Paula Deen and Friends' cookbook. I made it yesterday, my husband and I ate it for lunch and then placed some in the fridge and some in the freezer.
It's really yummy. It can be kinda expensive b/c of the amount of ground beef it has in it, but honestly it fills you up, so you don't need a lot, so there is a bunch left over.
Okay, okay...I'll get to the recipe:
Spaghetti Sauce
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (go lean!)
1 large onion, chopped (I used a yellow)
1 green pepper, chopped (forgot it at the store, cooked without it)
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 6oz. cans tomato paste
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce (look I just pulled a cup out of a jar of sauce I had in the fridge!)
1 14 1/2 oz. can stewed tomatoes (I used diced)
1 Tbs. Italian seasoning (ugh..yeah..didn't have this either..put a little basil and oregano in)
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce (staple at my house)
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 Tsp. salt
1 cup water
Brown beef. Drain. Return beef to pot, adding onion, green pepper and garlic. Saute until onion is tender (3-5 minutes). Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, 1 cup water and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool. The sauce will keep for several days, covered, in the fridge.
I think the worcestshire sauce and sugar were the big keepers in this recipe. It's a pretty meat-eater kinda dish.
Paired with a nice petite bread loaf and green garden salad with cherry 'matos this would be yum, yum, yummy!
Well, b/c I am, well, easily distracted, I kinda got side tracked and stumbled upon a Spaghetti Sauce recipe that just looked yummy. It's from Paula Deen and Friends' cookbook. I made it yesterday, my husband and I ate it for lunch and then placed some in the fridge and some in the freezer.
It's really yummy. It can be kinda expensive b/c of the amount of ground beef it has in it, but honestly it fills you up, so you don't need a lot, so there is a bunch left over.
Okay, okay...I'll get to the recipe:
Spaghetti Sauce
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (go lean!)
1 large onion, chopped (I used a yellow)
1 green pepper, chopped (forgot it at the store, cooked without it)
1 clove garlic, chopped
2 6oz. cans tomato paste
1 8 oz. can tomato sauce (look I just pulled a cup out of a jar of sauce I had in the fridge!)
1 14 1/2 oz. can stewed tomatoes (I used diced)
1 Tbs. Italian seasoning (ugh..yeah..didn't have this either..put a little basil and oregano in)
1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce (staple at my house)
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 Tsp. salt
1 cup water
Brown beef. Drain. Return beef to pot, adding onion, green pepper and garlic. Saute until onion is tender (3-5 minutes). Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, 1 cup water and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool. The sauce will keep for several days, covered, in the fridge.
I think the worcestshire sauce and sugar were the big keepers in this recipe. It's a pretty meat-eater kinda dish.
Paired with a nice petite bread loaf and green garden salad with cherry 'matos this would be yum, yum, yummy!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tiny Cinnamon Rolls
I made this recipe this morning b/c I had all the ingredients in my house. I took the recipe from the Southern Living Christmas Cookbook. Prep. time took about 8-10 minutes. Cooking time was 15 minutes. Our family gives them a thumbs up.
Tiny Cinnamon Rolls
1 (8-counce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 Tsp. ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375. Unroll cresent rolls into 4 rectangles; pinching preforations within rectangles to seal. In a bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon: sprinkle mixture evenly over rectangles. Roll up, in jelly roll fashion, starting with long side. Pinch edges to seal Gently cut each log into 5 slices, and place in a lightly greased round cakepan. Bake at 375 degrees fro 15 minutes.
Icing
2/3 cup sifted powered sugar (I used about half b/c I am not a huge icing fan)
2 tsp milk
2 drops vanilla extract
Combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately. Yield:20 rolls (if you used a 6 oz can it's 15 rolls)
Tiny Cinnamon Rolls
1 (8-counce) can refrigerated crescent rolls
1 Tbs. granulated sugar
1 Tsp. ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375. Unroll cresent rolls into 4 rectangles; pinching preforations within rectangles to seal. In a bowl, stir together granulated sugar and cinnamon: sprinkle mixture evenly over rectangles. Roll up, in jelly roll fashion, starting with long side. Pinch edges to seal Gently cut each log into 5 slices, and place in a lightly greased round cakepan. Bake at 375 degrees fro 15 minutes.
Icing
2/3 cup sifted powered sugar (I used about half b/c I am not a huge icing fan)
2 tsp milk
2 drops vanilla extract
Combine powdered sugar, milk and vanilla in a bowl, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately. Yield:20 rolls (if you used a 6 oz can it's 15 rolls)
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Japan is a super clean culture....
Once again my post doesn't have a ton to do with hospitality, but some fascinating culture things that I encountered as a guest in several homes in japan. One thing was the fact that the toilet's had a sink on top of the tank....what a smart idea to conserve water by using the water that is filling up the tank (after flushing) to wash your hands with! I was very impressed with the conservation efforts.
Being asian, I have grown up in a home where we take our shoes off in the house...but being american, I have definitely been at liberty to wear my shoes in the house, too. In Japan, you take your shoes off in every house you enter. They provide you with slippers to wear (if you would like to) around the house. There are a pair of slippers that are in the restroom and those slippers never leave that room. So, if you need to use the facilities you leave your house slippers at the door and put on the toilet slippers. It's definitely took a little getting used to and there were several times that I walked out of the restroom with the toilet slippers on, but in all it speaks to the cleanliness that is a part of the Japanese culture. My husband preached a sermon at church in his socks last sunday. :)
I have other stories to tell, but jet-lag has been amazing....(on top of coming home to the 5 kids), so until next time!
I have other stories to tell, but jet-lag has been amazing....(on top of coming home to the 5 kids), so until next time!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Squares
I am dedicating this week to dessert recipes on my blog! Maybe b/c I am on a diet and thinking about all the things I'd like to have but can't have currently....
Choclate Chip Peanut Butter Squares
1 1/2 c. powered sugar
1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (18 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury refigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
8 or 9" square pan
Heat oven to 350. In medium bowl, combine first 3 ingredients. With floured fingers, press half of cookie dough in bottom of pan. Press peanut butter mixture evenly over cookie dough. Crumble and sprinkle rest of cookie dough evenly over peanut butter mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golde brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 min. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into bars.
Choclate Chip Peanut Butter Squares
1 1/2 c. powered sugar
1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 (18 oz.) pkg. Pillsbury refigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
8 or 9" square pan
Heat oven to 350. In medium bowl, combine first 3 ingredients. With floured fingers, press half of cookie dough in bottom of pan. Press peanut butter mixture evenly over cookie dough. Crumble and sprinkle rest of cookie dough evenly over peanut butter mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golde brown and firm to the touch. Cool 30 min. Refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into bars.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Pondering a Fall Get Together
Obviously with the coming of the Fall Season, comes a variety of things. Football, fallen leaves, trading out summer clothes for jackets and jeans, apple picking, hot chocolate, and of course there is CHILI!!!
I have a really good chili recipe. I am not gonna lie. It is good. But I have found over talking with people over the past few weeks that just about everyone has a chili recipe they love.
So I am thinking about finding someone who has a big tv and one Sunday afternoon having a chili fest. Everyone bring their crock pot of chili and sitting around taste testing chili and watching some football and chasing kids.
Here is my menu:
Chili of all varieties
White Rice (b/c I like my chili with rice)
A Big Green Salad
Yummy rolls
Apple Pie for Dessert
And your favorite football beverage.
The kids would have chicken nuggets, apples and green beans.
Hmmmm...the more I think about it, the more it sounds like fun!
I have a really good chili recipe. I am not gonna lie. It is good. But I have found over talking with people over the past few weeks that just about everyone has a chili recipe they love.
So I am thinking about finding someone who has a big tv and one Sunday afternoon having a chili fest. Everyone bring their crock pot of chili and sitting around taste testing chili and watching some football and chasing kids.
Here is my menu:
Chili of all varieties
White Rice (b/c I like my chili with rice)
A Big Green Salad
Yummy rolls
Apple Pie for Dessert
And your favorite football beverage.
The kids would have chicken nuggets, apples and green beans.
Hmmmm...the more I think about it, the more it sounds like fun!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
This Sunday whe had lunch after church. We do this every month. Man is it good too. Our church people know how to cook some good food.
This week my 3 year old daughter and I made Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The recipe is on the inside lid of the Quaker Oats box.
I think they are really good cookies. But my husband quickly reminded me after I tasted one that I did not like them that much. I like them now. But they just aren't as good as my Grandma's.
This week my 3 year old daughter and I made Quaker Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. The recipe is on the inside lid of the Quaker Oats box.
I think they are really good cookies. But my husband quickly reminded me after I tasted one that I did not like them that much. I like them now. But they just aren't as good as my Grandma's.
Japanese Hospitality
Guess many of you guys know that I (Kelly) am not the only writer on this blog. My good friend and former neighbor, Karen also blogs from time to time on here.
Right now she is in Japan with her husband and they are exploring moving there to do church work. When she gets back she is going to give us a look at what Japanese Hospitality looks like.
I am really excited. I've already seen some pictures from her trip and it looks like she is having a bunch of fun!
I understand that the Japanese are very gracious people and great hosts. So, I am really looking forward to hearing all about it.
Right now she is in Japan with her husband and they are exploring moving there to do church work. When she gets back she is going to give us a look at what Japanese Hospitality looks like.
I am really excited. I've already seen some pictures from her trip and it looks like she is having a bunch of fun!
I understand that the Japanese are very gracious people and great hosts. So, I am really looking forward to hearing all about it.
Monday, September 8, 2008
My Latest Projects
Well, it's been a little bit since my last blog! Sorry about that. I've been spending most of my time researching a vacation...no plan on that yet, but man do I want to go on one!
Here is my latest projects- I've been redecorating my 1/2 bath/guest bathroom. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be done painting and hanging pictures and cleaning it up. It really needs a new faucet, but that will have to go on my list of things I'd like to have. I think a guest bathroom should feel warm. Just my opinion. It was stark white before, so I am glad to have a change.
I've also been busy planning a big 'ole breakfast for 120 staff members at my daughter's school in mid-October. It's actually been kind of fun to plan and I'll be trying out a bunch of new recipes in the coming weeks. I'll be sure to post the recipes for you!
I had another episode of extroverted 3 year old at the store today. It was good though. The girl who was our check out clerk was super sweet and new to our town. So, it was good to connect with her. I visit the store a lot, so hopefully I get to see her again and see how she likes it here.
Here is my latest projects- I've been redecorating my 1/2 bath/guest bathroom. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be done painting and hanging pictures and cleaning it up. It really needs a new faucet, but that will have to go on my list of things I'd like to have. I think a guest bathroom should feel warm. Just my opinion. It was stark white before, so I am glad to have a change.
I've also been busy planning a big 'ole breakfast for 120 staff members at my daughter's school in mid-October. It's actually been kind of fun to plan and I'll be trying out a bunch of new recipes in the coming weeks. I'll be sure to post the recipes for you!
I had another episode of extroverted 3 year old at the store today. It was good though. The girl who was our check out clerk was super sweet and new to our town. So, it was good to connect with her. I visit the store a lot, so hopefully I get to see her again and see how she likes it here.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
My Extroverted Children
How does it happen? I mean you would think that at least half of our family would introverted but I am outnumbered. I am the lone introvert of this family.
The other day we went to a restaurant to try dinner out with our very energetic 3 year old. The waitress comes up and introduces herself, at which point my three year old loudly states, with her hand on her chest and eyes wide open, that her name is...., and this is her dad, Ty and her mom, Kelly and her big sister. Our waitress was laughing so hard and so surprised that she was actually speechless. So were we.
At the check out counter for every store I go to, she says...Hello, my name is...., what's your name? This is my mommy, Kelly. It makes the store clerks smile, and in a way is a great interaction, how often do you look the store clerk in the eye and talk with them? My little one has given me no choice but to take time to visit with the person helping me out.
And when we are at the park, she introduces herself and then introduces me to her friend and then asks if the friend would like to come over to our house. The new friend will be a complete stranger-but that is no obstacle at all for my people loving 3 year old.
My older child, the same way. She can join a group of children playing and by the end of play time, she's swapped phone numbers with them and dreams up ways that they can all get together again. She is constantly writing old teachers and friends, reminding them of how special they are to her.
When these kids were still in the womb I guess I did pray "extroverted" things for them. The oldest I prayed would be someone people would want to be around and that she'd have a strong faith and my little one I prayed would have a contagious joy and caring personality. God gave me just what I hoped for. Don't get me wrong--- they challenge me on all sorts of levels b/c we are so different, but it must be nice not to be limited by an introverted personality.
And in the scheme of things, I think my kids may have it right--they treasure the people around them and want to spend more time with them. That just gives me something to think about...
The other day we went to a restaurant to try dinner out with our very energetic 3 year old. The waitress comes up and introduces herself, at which point my three year old loudly states, with her hand on her chest and eyes wide open, that her name is...., and this is her dad, Ty and her mom, Kelly and her big sister. Our waitress was laughing so hard and so surprised that she was actually speechless. So were we.
At the check out counter for every store I go to, she says...Hello, my name is...., what's your name? This is my mommy, Kelly. It makes the store clerks smile, and in a way is a great interaction, how often do you look the store clerk in the eye and talk with them? My little one has given me no choice but to take time to visit with the person helping me out.
And when we are at the park, she introduces herself and then introduces me to her friend and then asks if the friend would like to come over to our house. The new friend will be a complete stranger-but that is no obstacle at all for my people loving 3 year old.
My older child, the same way. She can join a group of children playing and by the end of play time, she's swapped phone numbers with them and dreams up ways that they can all get together again. She is constantly writing old teachers and friends, reminding them of how special they are to her.
When these kids were still in the womb I guess I did pray "extroverted" things for them. The oldest I prayed would be someone people would want to be around and that she'd have a strong faith and my little one I prayed would have a contagious joy and caring personality. God gave me just what I hoped for. Don't get me wrong--- they challenge me on all sorts of levels b/c we are so different, but it must be nice not to be limited by an introverted personality.
And in the scheme of things, I think my kids may have it right--they treasure the people around them and want to spend more time with them. That just gives me something to think about...
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
I Just Can't Do It
I just can't get over being squeamish about having people into my house when it is a complete wreck. Now there is a little messy and a complete wreck. I was sick for a couple of days in a row, and my hubby in typical fashion, was swamped with committments and when he could he took over kid duty---this pretty much is a good formula for dishes stacked high in the sink, popcorn on the floor, shoes piled high by the front door, lunch still on the table and laundry on the couch waiting to be folded--a big wreck.
How do I get over this? I am really not sure. There is nothing wrong with people seeing the way you live-in fact, I am probably the only person that really has a problem with the way my house looks.
1 Peter 4:9 (from the Bible) says, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling". Maybe I need post notes around my house that say "NO GRUMBLING." Last week we had a Bible study at our house and we talked about complaining. Good grief, I must sound like such a whiner to God.
Here is the thing though, I am realizing more and more-that they greater my weaknessess--the greater is His strength.
Now back to asking God to forgive me for being such a knuckle head and ask Him for his strength.
How do I get over this? I am really not sure. There is nothing wrong with people seeing the way you live-in fact, I am probably the only person that really has a problem with the way my house looks.
1 Peter 4:9 (from the Bible) says, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling". Maybe I need post notes around my house that say "NO GRUMBLING." Last week we had a Bible study at our house and we talked about complaining. Good grief, I must sound like such a whiner to God.
Here is the thing though, I am realizing more and more-that they greater my weaknessess--the greater is His strength.
Now back to asking God to forgive me for being such a knuckle head and ask Him for his strength.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Planning for My Christmas Cookie Exchange
I know, I know...it is the beginning of September!?! Why am I already thinking about a Christmas Cookie Exchange. Because you have to pick a date, start budgeting and start thinking about what you might like to do.
I attended my first Christmas Cookie Exchange in St. Louis 5 years ago. It was held by a great neighbor and friend, Christi B. First, let me just say Christi and her family were always having people over. When Ty and I were new to St. Louis and had been in our apt. for all of 5 minutes, we heard a knock on the door and there was Christi with warm chocolate chip cookies and big smile. By the end of our introductions and chatting for a moment, Christi had arranged to bring us dinner that night and have us over in the next week.
Anyway, I had my first Christmas Cookie Exchange last year. It was really cool to get to hang out with my neighbors and see what everyone brought over to share. It is a little bit of work b/c you have to coordinate decorating your house for Christmas, baking and setting up for a party-but it is real motivation to get your Christmas decorating done.
Give it a try!
There are a ton of websites devoted to Christmas Cookie Exchanges if you are looking for ideas.
I attended my first Christmas Cookie Exchange in St. Louis 5 years ago. It was held by a great neighbor and friend, Christi B. First, let me just say Christi and her family were always having people over. When Ty and I were new to St. Louis and had been in our apt. for all of 5 minutes, we heard a knock on the door and there was Christi with warm chocolate chip cookies and big smile. By the end of our introductions and chatting for a moment, Christi had arranged to bring us dinner that night and have us over in the next week.
Anyway, I had my first Christmas Cookie Exchange last year. It was really cool to get to hang out with my neighbors and see what everyone brought over to share. It is a little bit of work b/c you have to coordinate decorating your house for Christmas, baking and setting up for a party-but it is real motivation to get your Christmas decorating done.
Give it a try!
There are a ton of websites devoted to Christmas Cookie Exchanges if you are looking for ideas.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
MMO/preschool co-op
I looked up hospitality on wikipedia....it said "Hospitality is also known as the act of generously providing care and kindness to whomever is in need.". My post is not referring to the typical hosting of a guest hospitality...but it definitely falls into the category of wikipedia's definition. :)
I've lived in my small town for over a year now and have been chatting with other stay-at-home mom's about how there's not much in town for stay-at-home mom's. Other than storytime, every thursday morning at the library, there is really nothing in town to do! There is childcare at the "Y" which I take full advantage of...there are several preschool's in town, but they are a daycare before they are a preschool...so most of those kids are there every day all day long. After talking here and there with other ladies about trying to start a MOPS group or something like that we have decided to start a preschool co-op...calling it Mom's Morning Out. The purpose is two-fold... it's going to be called MMO because we are hoping to provide at least 2 mornings a month for each other to get a morning with a break from kids. We're also calling it a preschool co-op because we're going to be very purposeful in trying to teach our children colors, numbers, shapes, letters, things that will prepare them for school....in an environment that we will be able to be a part of because we are the teachers! There are 10 mothers signed up so far. The thought is that if every mother signs up for at least 2 mornings a month that each mother would also get 2 mornings a month of being able to get a break from their child/ren. It looks really good in theory, I'll have to let you know how it works out! And...it's a practice in hospitality...an act of providing care and kindness to whomever is in need. Stay-at-home moms need a break every once in a while. The 24/7 aspect of our "job" is difficult...and exhausting....I am hoping that this MMO time will be something that will minister to the kids and mother's alike!
A Labor Day Get Together
I have this song running around in my head from Sesame Street "Oooooh, who are the people in your neighborhood, in your neighborhood, in your neighhhhhboooorhood..."
I know some folks in my neighborhood and they are great!
I am writing from my couch tonight, as I've not been able to get out enjoy our culdesac's annual Labor Day gathering this year because I'm not feeling well. Bummer for me. But I did stop in for a few minutes and I can tell from the laughter that I hear outside my window that everyone is still having a great time. Plus, one of my children and my husband are still missing b/c they are out having fun.
Our culdesac rocks! We have one family that organized our gathering this year. The theme was to kick off "Football Season". They had fun football decorations and everyone was encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing team t-shirts and jerseys. The hosting family, put together some staples for eating and drinking and they encouraged all of their guests to bring their favorite appetizer to share.
There is still time to follow our neighbor's lead...there are two more days in this holiday weekend! Go for it!
I know some folks in my neighborhood and they are great!
I am writing from my couch tonight, as I've not been able to get out enjoy our culdesac's annual Labor Day gathering this year because I'm not feeling well. Bummer for me. But I did stop in for a few minutes and I can tell from the laughter that I hear outside my window that everyone is still having a great time. Plus, one of my children and my husband are still missing b/c they are out having fun.
Our culdesac rocks! We have one family that organized our gathering this year. The theme was to kick off "Football Season". They had fun football decorations and everyone was encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing team t-shirts and jerseys. The hosting family, put together some staples for eating and drinking and they encouraged all of their guests to bring their favorite appetizer to share.
There is still time to follow our neighbor's lead...there are two more days in this holiday weekend! Go for it!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Lynne's Chicken Casserole
Now I am posting another recipe given to me by another one of my favorite people, Lynne. She was a college roommate and has become a life long friend.
4 boiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 Cans (reduced fat) cream of chickens soup
1 Cup of milk
1 Package of Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix (I use blue bag)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray cooking oil in casserole dish. Shred chicken and place chicken in bottom of the dish (sort of a bottom layer). Next layer cream of chicken soup. The pour milk over top. The add a layer of stuffing. Pour chicken broth on top of stuffing and add salt and pepper to taste. Place in oven and bake for 1 hour at 300 degrees.
4 boiled boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 Cans (reduced fat) cream of chickens soup
1 Cup of milk
1 Package of Pepperidge Farm Stuffing Mix (I use blue bag)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Spray cooking oil in casserole dish. Shred chicken and place chicken in bottom of the dish (sort of a bottom layer). Next layer cream of chicken soup. The pour milk over top. The add a layer of stuffing. Pour chicken broth on top of stuffing and add salt and pepper to taste. Place in oven and bake for 1 hour at 300 degrees.
Time Out: Spaghetti Pie Recipe
This is a recipe given to me by one of my favorite people ever and best friend from high school, Melissa.
We ate this a bunch when we were college roomies and I've just thought about letting my 8 year old daughter cook it for the family.
Spaghetti Pie
6oz spaghetti
2 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
2 eggs, beaten
Cook spaghetti and drain. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir butter into hot spaghetti. Stir in parm cheese and eggs. Form spaghetti mixture into a "crust" in a 10" pie plate. Spread cottage cheese over bottom, pour sauce in. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 20 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake until cheese melts.
We ate this a bunch when we were college roomies and I've just thought about letting my 8 year old daughter cook it for the family.
Spaghetti Pie
6oz spaghetti
2 tbsp. butter
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce
2 eggs, beaten
Cook spaghetti and drain. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir butter into hot spaghetti. Stir in parm cheese and eggs. Form spaghetti mixture into a "crust" in a 10" pie plate. Spread cottage cheese over bottom, pour sauce in. Bake uncovered 350 degrees for 20 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella on top and bake until cheese melts.
Monday, August 25, 2008
What To Do When...
I had someone ask me recently "What a person should do, when someone dies?" Having just recently been through the days after my Grandma's death, I had some thoughts. I know it is kind of a sad thing to post about, but really how much do you know about these kind of things? My hope is that this will be helpful for you, for when you are at a place where you are helping loved ones or a friends through a loss.
Just as a neighbor, caring for another neighbor or friend:
1) A sympathy card, whether immediately or in a few weeks...always a good idea.
2) You'd like to cook something. Think about a couple of things- one something that might be good to snack on, that doesn't take up a lot of space in the fridge or can be thrown in the freezer. Or even consider offering to help during a family meal following the services. Please keep in mind food allergies. You'd be surprised how many people are allergic to nuts, mushrooms, etc. If you cook something, consider dishes that do not have to be returned. Bring paper plates with you.
3) If you visit their home, be sure not to linger too long. A visit doesn't have to be long to be a comfort to someone. You'll know if the people would like for you to stay.
4) A lot of times people are going through a vast array of emotions. They'll have a difficult time focusing, make choices, they may seem distant or they may cry at the drop of a hat. Just remember to be senstive, there isn't much you can say other than "I am sorry". Hang out and just be helpful. Presence is a great gift to someone in distress.
If your in a home, where people are gathered together after a loved one's death:
1) Play with kids. Keep them calm and tend to their needs.
2) Keep the dishes washed.
3) Answer the phone and take messages/screen calls.
4) Receive flowers and make a list of expressions of sympathy that come in.
5) Just sit with those grieving and hang out.
6) Help plan meals for the family.
Just as a neighbor, caring for another neighbor or friend:
1) A sympathy card, whether immediately or in a few weeks...always a good idea.
2) You'd like to cook something. Think about a couple of things- one something that might be good to snack on, that doesn't take up a lot of space in the fridge or can be thrown in the freezer. Or even consider offering to help during a family meal following the services. Please keep in mind food allergies. You'd be surprised how many people are allergic to nuts, mushrooms, etc. If you cook something, consider dishes that do not have to be returned. Bring paper plates with you.
3) If you visit their home, be sure not to linger too long. A visit doesn't have to be long to be a comfort to someone. You'll know if the people would like for you to stay.
4) A lot of times people are going through a vast array of emotions. They'll have a difficult time focusing, make choices, they may seem distant or they may cry at the drop of a hat. Just remember to be senstive, there isn't much you can say other than "I am sorry". Hang out and just be helpful. Presence is a great gift to someone in distress.
If your in a home, where people are gathered together after a loved one's death:
1) Play with kids. Keep them calm and tend to their needs.
2) Keep the dishes washed.
3) Answer the phone and take messages/screen calls.
4) Receive flowers and make a list of expressions of sympathy that come in.
5) Just sit with those grieving and hang out.
6) Help plan meals for the family.
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