tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76895745285504447542024-02-19T11:31:59.795-05:00A Well-Kept HomeMy journey toward creating A Well-Kept Home.Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-54653320342639216752015-01-07T00:30:00.000-05:002015-01-07T00:30:02.153-05:00Enjoy Life: Getting Supper to the Table<p> </p> <p>None of the following is a NEW idea. It is actually how I used to do things….and for some reason just stopped. One day I realized that I USE to be organized and my house was almost always clean. I had enjoyed cooking. AND I always seemed to have time for OTHER stuff: crafts, reading, HOMESCHOOLING my kids. Why were things so HARD now? With an empty nest???? (though BoyWonder is home from college on holiday break….and boy does the overflowing laundry hamper prove it!) The answer: I had allowed myself to overcomplicate life. Back to basics! Time to enjoy life again….including while doing everyday tasks. Especially when doing everyday tasks!!!!</p> <p>Here is how to ENJOY getting a meal prepared or at least not hate it so bad!</p> <p>1) Plan your menu! Cooking on-the-fly is NOT enjoyable. It is stressful. Here is the menu for the meal I cooked on this night: [More planning in step 3]</p> <ul> <li>Pork Chops with caramelized onions and thyme <li>Risotto <li>Roasted Broccoli <li>Caesar Salad</li></ul> <p>2) Try to start with an empty dishwasher, if you have one. If you are like me, sans dishwasher, run a sink half full of hot, soapy water. You are going to clean as you go! *I start with 1/2 a sink of water so that I can add more hot water, as needed.</p> <p>3) Read your recipe(s).</p> <ul> <li>Make sure you actually have the ingredients that you need! <li>Make sure you understand the recipe. <li>Estimate how long it will take to prepare the meal, including prep work (more on this later). Add a few minutes to this time. Especially if you are working with a new recipe! Plan the order in which you need to cook so that everything is ready at approximately the same time.</li></ul> <blockquote> <p>*the night I cooked this meal, I had forgotten that I had used all the shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano the night before…..therefore, I did NOT plan enough time for shredding the cheese AND cleaning the food processor….and dinner was late! Learn from my mistake. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhFsY6757CqIfHBeOy22xwAKvvS23H0Ucc4k4vRDPB1DUOxlEV26dBQemP1XBbFGK-z8DO9o5e__Dj4Ohcs6LfJaN0xFFRF-zSGLOJoKuelpTGaaA1xQf4jKT_MdzN5pfzYCysdnYVI0/?imgmax=800"></p></blockquote> <ul> <li>Read your recipe again!!! Especially if it is a new one or if it has been a while since you used it.</li></ul> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCdtqsgBkoWTPfVhH2fvZ6N_9semlBH0Un8_U0ESlGLLXAjCvmUFRQk-_QvmkDgbSWTX02W9obwbd-iCIFANYtiAYQe4GlM7BR1Gs8hqtih4SpyYqgxmex_UEgAAkqOMkxblcoCFCyFo/s1600-h/read%252520your%252520recipe%252520first%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="read your recipe first" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="read your recipe first" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrFzwRqyYeJXNz8QhIMH1GaHMUs86dc0mTzoK23xRSWe9T0zuWBzFDIOJAGie-j-Exl4Jbv0WxmCVOxX8574jFwzyXlA2e8-WrWzh2rGgTyS4ESDW-UEASUYboPTVmHRDcL8fXA-O3Y0/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <blockquote> <p>*If you are looking for a good Italian cookbook for beginners, I recommend <em>Lidia’s Family Table.</em></p></blockquote> <p>4) Mise en Place (Put in Place)</p> <ul> <li>In other words: Get ready to cook! Okay….you are not about to cook yet. There is still some prep work that you need to do! <li>You’ve read your recipes and re-read your recipes and it is time to start preparing your meal! Now get out the proper pans for the job.</li></ul> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88Fy2Hsa63ByHY4lzWIqJ8hUu29N3Ia6YzugxM87u0C2KQB7-SbGpg2OXU5apvsBXoNIeDzzD2f26aypaT9IwttJegTdeTRDh7zbQywX7UVS3CwfNwEdpDkPTki0FrISgJR53EuoXOqM/s1600-h/select%252520correct%252520pans%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="select correct pans" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="select correct pans" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiMlmDxup6bHJI4hZzPyieMj2qGcKVR0aPyHNApfErlN_ac89ItTyuKin_LwHmWfd1Dc3JYNtzfrorFrd_FkBUaULFFkNFpdSfhpRUe9FiKe301R7ed5XxkdwBCAGmLiyzpPfyULvGok/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <ul> <li>Do you need to preheat the oven? If so, turn it on now. It takes a lot longer than you think for most ovens to reach the needed temperature. <li>Start prepping your ingredients. Prepare ALL of your ingredients before you even think about turning on a heating element on the stovetop!</li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sglXL-wVKjE/VKwt6ag2jcI/AAAAAAAACmY/4r-L9FX7mVY/s1600-h/prep%252520ingredients%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="prep ingredients" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="prep ingredients" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIuk6Dno5BACbO37cW7AZkLbWKWTXxu48uTY1wKQj9Xa_N8Cg3NnLkNXgxd0Asr8SZT0fYMJSW7in3dvi1qZxPk_f5u8u6w_WoPlLWMorxzuhRgAsbmIYll-B-K8Rz1I-2SSTFaSm24Q/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a> </p> <blockquote> <p> *I needed small diced onions for the risotto and thin slices for the pork chops. Plus I chopped some extra for keeping in the fridge for salads. Think ahead. While the cutting board is out, what can you prep for future meals and snacks? and only have to clean ONE mess.</p> <p> *Work outside the home or have lots of activities that limit your time to prepare/cook a meal each night? Take time early in your week, perhaps on a Sunday afternoon, to prepare most of your ingredients for the week. Wash, dice, and slice and store in the fridge. Do not be afraid to buy your veggies already ready already!</p></blockquote> <ul> <li>Measure your ingredients and place them near your stove. This photo is still missing a few ingredients. The wine was still on the counter behind me. And raw pork chops? Not a very appealing photo….so I spared you. Just know that everything was within reach before I started heating my pans.</li></ul> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIx8cCgfDDcTfOrAehNjj7y1jCmLUSstt0NSspFswE88yXleNJ_o41GA_752qqTfA_wQZ5uWzVgPwgU68wj3k2ea14dR2DoMp4BnuUAqBqaYJlWetahvOCVmk7vleSsTKZt4347VW-0I/s1600-h/mise%252520en%252520place%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="mise en place" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="mise en place" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZRpUx66brfq2BZyZqoiP1X9J0NyvxywU2K0LLZ3B9df2v3GSXYrK7GhFN7wjv3rBA_CzBcQLnp9H8KyLop4dMUI8YCcsylp_bdmm4RDgE09ZtsoOtJDLd_GvdTAGe-SqW87YiGyuYk0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgH2dhrCCd_2WLm2q-T-6NgHJB2IdDp4Ut69auGp0dg-wK8wrCXJYu8dqyNS5lryYy66craSGYAycsZKODCdn7F0bz0ss6dCuSUdGE-iirV0uQxJtQLmo5fCZoep8s7E9LIG2go7dzgkI/s1600-h/broccoli%252520and%252520cauliflower%252520on%252520pan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="broccoli and cauliflower on pan" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="broccoli and cauliflower on pan" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N9ZIfsQwrfk/VKwt-9AVSyI/AAAAAAAACm8/RY2F4Is4PP4/broccoli%252520and%252520cauliflower%252520on%252520pan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <ul> <li>The Broccoli/Cauliflower ready-to-cook bags were on sale. So no prep on my part other than placing on a baking sheet and drizzling with olive oil. (A little salt and grated Parm.-Regg. were added before serving). </li></ul> <p>5) Clean. Yes, I know that you want to just cook the food already. Clean anyway. You will thank yourself later!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J8aB3izEuKY/VKwuAaEfubI/AAAAAAAACnI/LNSywbwCeiM/s1600-h/clean%252520dishes%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="clean dishes" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="clean dishes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4nOA3p29y8BtjzitZTi5BOw_ZS9-8thVDdPUQW-Q8aXuL4RKyq1M4EkcR0NtZYbzgIPI3WtplcHU8-jsv9-5glh_1Q92tswTO3UYPaBdd847eBn351PZyo_P3tXT3dfZWuJOo7DoFk8/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="165"></a></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>These are the dishes that I washed before/as I cooked. Most were from meal prep. A few were from Man’s lunch box. The rest had magically appeared throughout the day. The only things that you should need to wash while you are cooking are the dishes that your prepared ingredients were in. SO… <li>As you have a moment while cooking wash one or two things, being careful to not forget your cooking food. Once you are done cooking, the only things that will need cleaning are the pans you used! Talk about enjoying cooking more!</li></ul> <p>6) NOW it is really time to start cooking following your plan.</p> <blockquote> <p>For my meal:</p></blockquote> <ul> <li>Everything had approximately the same cooking time. First, I put my chicken broth in a pan to heat. Then I started preheating my risotto pan and my pan for the pork chops. (Stainless steel pans need to be preheated BEFORE adding your cooking oil/food to prevent excessive sticking….) <li>Once my pans were heated I added oil to my pans. Then into the oven went the broccoli/cauliflower. <li>My oil was warm…so chopped onion into the risotto pan and a quick stir. Pork Chops into their pan. <li>Then I continued with my plan, including washing dishes as needed. <li>Voila! My food was ready. And since I cooked with a plan and thoughtfully, it was a much more joyful experience!!!</li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gfWp62a5B4s/VKwuCG2whfI/AAAAAAAACnY/8PcTNXQUcbE/s1600-h/food%252520is%252520ready%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="food is ready" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="food is ready" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmncGlVUpy1e3yLfJceF4QQmG-i7I0POop7ZRBlaU9WrlbVcUSxfhLpZUT0MjPsegJMqUjxhGtI7-0gxr8B7FdqX8pxRP0N3Rc73ufwRZtvVg4QxJ0pRcTbdV0Jh3BG0UuMjd2o3Lbmc/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <blockquote> <p>*Everyone who wants a salad fixes their own from prepared ingredients. Everyone gets a custom made salad, without additional work for me! I let them know when the food is close to ready, so they can make their salad as I finish cooking.</p></blockquote> <p>7) Use serving dishes for easier clean-up.</p> <ul> <li>I know you are wondering how dirtying up MORE dishes could possibly lead to easier cleanup.</li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AS6dCJBa7OY/VKwuEfgCnhI/AAAAAAAACno/Asdmb4bVMR4/s1600-h/cooking%252520pans%252520soaking%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="cooking pans soaking" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="cooking pans soaking" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-q1JKOg0lpQ8/VKwuE0cWxBI/AAAAAAAACns/Ih0ITw7VfB0/cooking%252520pans%252520soaking_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <ul> <li>Because you can let those cooking pans soak while you eat. Which leads to easier cleaning after your meal!</li></ul> <blockquote> <p>* This particular night, I only used one serving dish: a large round platter for the pork chops. I also used a small glass storage bowl for the caramelized onions since I knew that there would be some left and all I would have to do was pop on the lid and place in the fridge! The risotto was served straight from the pan and the leftovers were also stored in it….The leftovers were served the next day for lunch. Then that pan soaked while I did other household tasks.</p></blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Make a plan. Follow your plan. Enjoy life more!!!</p> <p><font size="5">Until next time,</font></p> <p><em><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Sammi</font></em></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-86854178025234663522014-10-25T10:37:00.001-04:002014-10-25T10:37:07.590-04:00Old-Fashioned Banana Bread<p>Today is a recipe only post. My daughter asked that I put my banana bread recipe here….It is easier for her to find the recipe when she needs it. Since I have no bananas and absolutely no desire to step foot in a store today….no photos. </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="5">Old-Fashioned Banana Bread</font></p> <p><font size="3">Makes 1 loaf</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <ul> <li><font size="3">1/2 cup shortening (I use Spectrum)</font> <li><font size="3">1 cup sugar</font> <li><font size="3">2 large eggs</font> <li><font size="3">1 teaspoon baking soda</font> <li><font size="3">2 cups all-purpose flour</font> <li><font size="3">3 large very ripe bananas, sliced</font></li></ul> <p><font size="3">Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a large loaf pan with shortening.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Cream shortening and sugar. Add eggs and bananas, mix well. Slowly mix in flour and baking soda. Combine well. Put batter into greased pan. Bake for 1 hour, 10 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes in pan. Remove from pan and place on cooling rack.</font></p> <p><font size="3">*I start checking for doneness at 1 hour by sticking a wooden skewer into the center. It doesn’t come out completely clean, but with a few moist crumbs. I find if you wait for a completely clean skewer, you will have dry banana bread.</font></p> <p><font size="3">**If the top of your bread begins to get too brown before it is finished cooking, tent full over the top.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Enjoy,</font></p> <p><em><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Sammi</font></em></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-15836807612664984142014-08-13T00:01:00.000-04:002014-08-13T00:01:00.532-04:00Back to Basics…..<p>or How to spend a rainy morning.</p> <p>Monday night I sat down and made a tentative menu plan for the week. Tentative because I have a teenage son that likes to throw monkey wrenches into our dinner plans by showing up when he said he wouldn’t be home for dinner….or, alternately, NOT showing up when he said he would. Granted the latter is the better scenario. Either way, menu planning has been a wee bit frustrating lately.</p> <p>Anyhow…since I knew that Tuesday was suppose to be rainy and on the cool-side, I decided to make life easy for myself and planned for soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. What could be easier to adjust regardless of BoyWonder’s comings and goings?</p> <p>Tuesday morning rolled around and everything was going great. I packed Man’s lunch. Then I decided to be a darling wife and fix both Man and BoyWonder breakfast sandwiches for the road….neither one of them likes to eat first thing in the morning.</p> <p>Then that bacon smelled really good. Dangerous stuff that bacon. I gave in and cooked myself some bacon and eggs…and what is bacon and eggs without a side of buttered toast? Like I said…dangerous stuff that bacon. When it was all said and done, there were but a few lonely slices of bread left from a freshly opened loaf. MMM…how did that happen? I mean we are the family that rarely finishes a loaf in an entire week and in one morning……</p> <p>Ugh? What to do about dinner now? Then reality hit me….</p> <p>This was my view from the side porch Tuesday morning:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDjnF_BguMSEryqe5TIo29mIgjkzf4UKN4Q7VatFX4WW06ybazozWgse6Qswvu3pV2_3NORgiiY5Y88OsgX2PKU1W8BlK5ZQWjheNyxSxKH8rrRSe2hHXCIJHnfoxgd1vQiXOG86WTaY/s1600-h/rainy%252520day%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="rainy day 1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="rainy day 1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxHrkiG3fwwixaHiWwcdaag_ZE59-1ig-sgddzuzz0quiSen8GRRCY5gncLXaOkpImYYx7LxaH-cCW_N0uGXa8NBdkvhgLjydpodVcHx7FQyGVn4WFmK0KIVCOirY9P-1eEhiA7Shx7Y/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Another angle:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5UA6FJ2-eO0/U-qFvgElOzI/AAAAAAAACa8/qb0MEEOn64k/s1600-h/rainy%252520day%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="rainy day 3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="rainy day 3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJfKa0MhoD-Fnl2uWpWK-isCG9akFT3OaQ5aeY2UckAhQCzkeT-QDoJ5E_xru6WIAWx00j4shx37pxrruvgw_v802h5mOGARYeOXKOdKOIxYkvpZwrb5-mEfmgC4aBHZDXhr_Ke4-Atw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>And if there is any doubt of what kind of morning, here:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yZPgIy86ZdD9J3VEDVLTsrUoXvlySL_spJCF5_UZ2qtOIExtiL-flIEMk6KaeyjMRKvbKn0rG6yLz3c5zadtTFKKhIaC_waFJwtrGvilLV4LSL1ngNFFYd5VOI3OmZkmGjjBErORcDk/s1600-h/rainy%252520day%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="rainy day 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="rainy day 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kqBv2wZ1tFU/U-qFyuI51OI/AAAAAAAACbU/HZ8PMQOJlPc/rainy%252520day%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Yes….our rain was even earlier than expected. So what better way to spend my morning—since I obviously wasn’t going to be doing my normal sitting on the porch routine—than to bake some bread. Yes, my original menu plan was going to be saved. It wasn’t going to be the super easy plan I had originally envisioned, but….that is life.</p> <p>And I had another great idea! I would do a Basic Bread Baking Tutorial. No frills or thrills. Just back to basics. Sometimes in this fancy, gourmet Pinterest world, we (*I*) forget about the beauty of the basic, simple things in life.</p> <p>That plan worked great until about half-way through the bread-making process and the phone rang….and I….mmm…..well….forgot to take any more pictures….Especially the ones where I shape the loaves. Oh well….here are a few pictures and a couple of tips…and the recipe. I guess that is the most important thing, the recipe! Just want the recipe and none of my witty commentary and misc. tips? Really? Okay…skip to the bottom. It’s okay….I’m not looking.</p> <p>Add 2 1/4 cups of milk and 3 tablespoons of butter to a sauce pan. Heat on med-lo to med until the butter melts, stirring occasionally.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qZGWzweEzQg/U-qFz1wrX_I/AAAAAAAACbc/N5t5zZZ0-5w/s1600-h/butter%252520and%252520milk%252520heating%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="butter and milk heating" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="butter and milk heating" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE03w9g5b2rBMEPA9TpsiUOeV8wm1tseyWxFFWLO5haStjRNZNajm7Evgq6Bw7BWTdmlzCMXRJAEpEHqI9y8ENdP4H9_f5OGUcU3K9VZ2d7ELePnx6ue_OzwlNLJxDSw5zz0jX2ZD30k/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>While that is doing its thing, grab the mixing bowl of you stand mixer. Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 pkgs of yeast, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 teaspoons of salt.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTGo2gcRexqC5i8teMMk_cDDhhD55gTAkSQMqLv3_uHbozocbwmCM7boJfQv33ddmd9Ud3jYog9qnVLqFpmhjWjE9GxJQkYie3lRUglhpN_aPXX64Pz1gsv9GpShz0_8fBj6_aqtC1Lc/s1600-h/dry%252520ingredients%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="dry ingredients" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="dry ingredients" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-t_6ZkAES-IA/U-qF45yhayI/AAAAAAAACb0/p6jjS2ZkK_0/dry%252520ingredients_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Once your butter has melted, grab an instant read thermometer and check the temp of the mixture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kmuY_CPM3UE/U-qF6gOoMyI/AAAAAAAACb8/GP3CMnjiTHo/s1600-h/a%252520little%252520too%252520warm%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="a little too warm" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="a little too warm" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwLSXUoZ9mFFefUo0K_ViU5iKnodkuhj8hEcHbEPsPwV-L26q5BO1Ljfc-paPc812O-3GFPcBFHhj6v7-zSiO1Hy2bakInTIL-_WrYn9ynZhCmKUUDqwDhhaLfXDJvIGQB7Dj6u7Bm-I/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>I like to let my mixture cool down to about 105 degrees F. If you add liquid that is too hot to the yeast, you will kill it. I read that up to 120 degrees is okay. Not wanting to be a yeast murderer, I decided to wait on my normal 105. What to do while I wait?</p> <p>Oh yes, our new-to-us home doesn’t have a dishwasher (or any room to add one!). So I decided to fill a sink with some soapy water to “clean as you go”. You know that rule, right?</p> <p>Obviously this picture was taken a little later AFTER I had poured the milk/butter mixture into the mixing bowl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TG45iozjQdw/U-qF9ZvPmsI/AAAAAAAACcM/vBvuz8wuIBM/s1600-h/clean%252520as%252520you%252520go%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="clean as you go" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="clean as you go" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7JzMYXPF8dg/U-qF9wndIeI/AAAAAAAACcU/YCCCjyNzy80/clean%252520as%252520you%252520go_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Which brings me to….. Once the milk/butter mixture has cooled enough, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients you added earlier.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikyQ2sZMY7hF470aaSIAJH9bAwV0M-85MHLlnCPv6BWVrBLtW9zAitqgW0sNs7xhnQf6F6nvCY3mir6uYtyj48rllipir5VylA0W5iCYKMRI5V-Wguw6gGpF2lzxcWhIqOdGJZrCMPIfw/s1600-h/add%252520milk%252520mixture%252520to%252520dry%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="add milk mixture to dry" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="add milk mixture to dry" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaZ37WE8VuW4KltkrjNclh8oiZDQ4neZTLyAK9qF4LSDZ9VrjmEWXpOKs40ao1OSxal9JrvOccGy_sBtme_dBo8zqfcHdOzjrA2zgkpjZm2LJqC2m7D_LqSbDPDxZtcdXOjhZDyKYl8j4/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Yep….just pour it right on top. Then take the bowl and attach it to your stand mixer. Then attach your dough hook. Mix on a medium speed for a couple of minutes. Yes, I know that Kitchen-aid says to use speed 2, but I’m a rebel AND the mixture is still quite loose. All you are doing at this point is combining a few dry ingredients and the wet ingredients. Just do not use a speed so high that you have milk and/or flour flying all over your kitchen.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25XbsMStDVyKiqDToVBpcioF25W_RlaRh-NRIrnPp9wfMM2JeizoJhy3didAfa2_DHCh5yXeO_zqCgQ5fGYN7uFtw-L4Xmxu2qErIXVmxBe4e3CtcjBnoKzoK37iICLmdCA_hHtOEKeE/s1600-h/first%252520mix%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="first mix" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="first mix" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9pzamVSa88lDZgsPukK4oCVpNLr2wjE5Wodg-2myVk5NMyhsx1t_9HPu2s0KBdUKsp5oRUKEySVr3siOY0J_eaTVMz1GOs6f3roxB8ol_8EIYCvw72QRPcUFiFWwmDihg8HGRo76DCk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Turn OFF your mixer and add 2 3/4 cups of flour to the bowl. NOW turn the mixer on to 2 (as recommended by Kitchen-aid) or whatever speed your stand mixer’s manufacturer recommends….because we are about to get serious. Okay…the mixer is about to get serious….for about 4-6 minutes or until the dough clings to the hook and pulls away from the bowl. If it hasn’t done this at the end of the time…add a little bit more flour…say 1/4 cup. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgemqTFM74y9-eJsVkt3RW58k1sbrzh83heucgWpXVeCddsXQwh9JzO-O_j10bOpBo4PePJoQXbYaiahcxLDBnpdDSp_oc8e-JWBb2RUU9ddQo8PlJdddhjv4bSKU0oq5zel66JwCFCrI8/s1600-h/2nd%252520mix%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2nd mix" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2nd mix" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sIrDQrXExr0/U-qGE2eN_QI/AAAAAAAACdE/EUUYAp3VaN8/2nd%252520mix_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>So have you noticed that blur on the last few photos yet? Apparently, I got just a wee bit too close to the milk/butter mixture when I was taking the temp. picture. Yeah…I was a bit slow in realizing what caused that aggravating blur. So, NO, your vision hasn’t gone wonky. I am not sure that the same can be said of mine. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-left-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AnuMaW-yXrI/U-qGGigTuKI/AAAAAAAACdM/V2IjbEfj_y0/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800"></p> <p>After your 4-6 minutes of kneading time is up—as long as the dough has pulled away from the sides of the bowl—turn off the machine, set a timer for 15 minutes and WALK AWAY! Your dough looks a little sticky still? DO NOT ADD FLOUR…just walk away. Seriously, it will be okay.</p> <p>I should pause to say that right after I took the picture above, my phone rang. And that is why you have no photo of my sticky dough for reference. Sorry. What can I say? I am very easily distracted. And did I mention that on the other end of the line was my BFF from my hometown….and we talked for 2+ hours? I hope that is enough of an explanation for why there are NO MORE photos until the finished loaves were sitting on a cooling rack!</p> <p>After your timer goes off, go feel your dough. If it is slightly sticky—as in the dough releases easily from you finger when you pull it from the dough—then time to put it into a greased bowl for rising. If there is actually dough stuck to your finger, add your remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time, kneading for a couple of minutes after each addition until the dough is just slightly sticky and place in a greased bowl….make sure to turn once so the top of the dough is greased. Otherwise, you will have a hot mess after it has risen and you try to uncover it. Not that I’ve ever had that experience.</p> <p>Cover your dough (I use a damp flour sack towel) and put in a warm place to rise until doubled….about 1 hour, depending on the temp. in your kitchen. Since my kitchen is usually on the cool side, I put my dough into a slightly warm oven to rise. (turn your oven on WARM for about 2 minutes, turn off and put you dough in and shut the door….if you don’t have a WARM setting…just heat on about 200 degrees F for a minute)</p> <p>Once your dough has doubled in size, punch it down and divide it in half. Form each piece into a loaf. You can do this by just gently shaping it with your hands into a loaf shape. This is simple and usually effective. HOWEVER, unless I am in an extreme hurry (or feeling lazy), I prefer to roll each portion into a rectangle (about 9 x 14 inches), removing air bubbles. Then taking a short end and rolling the dough into a tight loaf. Pinch together the seam and ends…tucking the ends under toward the seam side. Then place with the seam side down into a greased bread pan. Shaping the bread in this way eliminates most of the air bubbles that would otherwise become holes in your baked loaves! </p> <p>See why photos would have been so very useful. If you own a Kitchenaid mixer, this method is illustrated in your owner’s manual/recipe booklet.</p> <p>Cover your loaves, and allow to rise until doubled. I find that this 2nd rise usually only takes about 30 minutes. If you let it rise too much, you will have excessive air bubbles in your top crust.</p> <p>Bake your loaves in preheated 375 degree F. oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for an additional 20- 30 minutes or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of a loaf is 190 degrees F. I cover my loaves with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the tops from getting too brown. Remove bread from pans and allow to cool on a cooling rack for at least 20 minutes….Yes, I know!!! But waiting allows to the bread to finish cooking completely and makes for a much prettier slice.</p> <p>The finished product:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcah5hap_bLTFsWKOwe_NVe5K031VQtqQ5hlZT3fYdHBU-85RN5WWQsK0gBbfx3YQ2Eb-zQIYL2lKCDnL9GJF8TnotRc4ifsjGMxk5j7UJilt2F4TZE2YaffmK1_v-InChMeXRFy_5Y3Y/s1600-h/finished%252520loaves%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="finished loaves" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="finished loaves" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb49cynbn9Dr7G3tDnCFtutiyNHIAYZNDfxEzxpHKvwXvzkqyquhIU-SZxPTIGujHtPl15vbh08IS08iza-NBJS-PERm7mDJ7g1AkYCpXnq5lGRTPET4Hwv-F_MFH91t9HgfVL53YcddU/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Did I say no frills or thrills? How about one little frill.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sBuONNBD6B0/U-qGLOMBR2I/AAAAAAAACdk/PQiHywvmEj0/s1600-h/cinnamon%252520surprise%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="cinnamon surprise" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="cinnamon surprise" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEzDcxhj7m2IVpSGdCjHyGJLZlH3h9F0U_MNf5qC8WqGKBnIQuA0bHfhNyH7_tcmHBWeTWTcZ1zJAJRvsFC1QRaIInlruxUcvXEpPk2DH7PXzug2EeHvd0zU1yQc93GU3nZKyDmXxX0A/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="207"></a></p> <p>I decided to turn one loaf into a cinnamon swirl loaf. When it was rolled out into a rectangle, I spread butter onto it, sprinkled it with a generous amount of coconut sugar and cinnamon, and then rolled it into a loaf—another reason for shaping your loaf by rolling it out!</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"><font size="6">Basic White Bread</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3">Makes 2 loaves</font></p> <ul> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">2 1/4 cups milk</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">3 tablespoons butter ( or coconut oil or shortening)</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">3 cups all-purpose flour</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">2 pkgs. active dry yeast (or equivalent instant yeast)</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">2 teaspoon salt</font></div> <li> <div align="left"><font size="3">2 3/4 cups to 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</font></div></li></ul> <p align="left"><font size="3">Heat milk and butter in a saucepan until butter melts. Allow to cool to 105 degrees F. In the bowl of your stand mixer, add 3 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt and milk/butter mixture. Place bowl on stand mixer and attach dough hook. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stop mixer and add 2 3/4 cups of flour to bowl. Knead dough on speed 2 of a Kitchen-aid mixer for 4 to 6 minutes. At this point the dough should be clinging to the hook and pulling away from the sides of the bowl. If it is not, add additional flour 1/4 cup and knead an additional 2 minutes. Allow to rest for 15 minutes. Touch the dough with your finger. If it springs back when you remove your finger, it is ready to rise. If dough is stuck on your finger, add additional flour 1/4 cup at a time, kneading a minute or two after each addition; being careful to NOT add more flour than the total amount above. Place dough in a greased (oiled) bowl, turning the dough to cover in oil. Cover the bowl with a towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled (about 1 hour). Uncover dough and punch down. Shape into 2 loaves and place into well-greased loaf pans. Cover and allow to rise until doubled (about 30-45 minutes). Bake in preheated 375 degrees F. oven for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and continue baking for 20-30 minutes. Cover the loaves with aluminum foil if they start to get too brown on top. Remove loaves from pans and cool on a rack for 20 minutes.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="5">Until next time,</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="7" face="Segoe Script">Sammi</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-66637173515442004452014-01-03T00:38:00.000-05:002014-01-03T00:38:00.030-05:00Excellent Womanhood<p> </p> <p>Like many Christian women, I have a love/hate relationship with the Proverbs 31 Woman. I mean, we already have the impossible-to-live-up-to example of Jesus. However, with Jesus, we can at least humor ourselves when we fail to live up to His example…..because He IS God! But with this Proverbs 31 chick? Well, she was completely HUMAN! And while, as far as we know, she was just made up as an example of an ideal woman by Lemuel’s mother, I don’t think she would be there as an example IF it were impossible to reach those heights. Also—if you really think about it—isn’t her life an example of living the abundant life that Jesus spoke about. She has a FULL life! Living that full life—with a reverent fear of God—leads to her being called blessed. Not exhausted. Not a martyr. Not a second-class human. BLESSED! I don’t know about you, but I want to be looked at as someone who leads a blessed, abundant life. Plus, as an adopted daughter of the heavenly Father, it is my birthright. It is about time I start living like it!</p> <p>So prayerfully, I have chosen as my Theme of the Year:</p> <h1 align="center"><font color="#4f81bd"><em>Excellent Womanhood</em></font></h1> <p align="left">While the Proverbs 31 Woman is an example of excellent womanhood, let’s not forget that she is only ONE example from the bible. We also have Queen Esther, Abigail, Sarah (with both examples of what-to-do and what-NOT-to do), Ruth, and many others.</p> <p align="left">Still, I am starting from Proverbs 31 verse 15 (from the Amplified Bible)…..</p> <p align="center">She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. [Job 23:12.]</p> <p align="left">How am I applying this in practical terms? For me it will ideally begin in the evening planning for the following day. For now, trying to keep the Proverbs 31 Woman and the teachings of Titus 2 in mind, I am <strong>writing down</strong> that plan in my Day Timer. The first thing scheduled is <strong>Quiet Time</strong>: time to read my bible, pray, and journal. I need to fill up on spiritual food to better tackle whatever the day brings.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38BUMcGjVvNkOQybA31e8OIfrGOrmPn1Ba4l06xkk5yJmDbFfksrCyngItFqfwIvVCsZaYOSZ8QZH_KNXVrXEFTn8-AklhYw2uAtCWURgM2LKgiYKPQIoPwQhT_AlJEtQIPURqL8pXCA/s1600-h/schedule%252520quiet%252520time%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="schedule quiet time" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="schedule quiet time" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfL9l7fvIy_oy3fPSOoa5vzmWzcNnSSi32FvbSkoSXj6wpb4dYBseeL0oSGI7-9rWExWnMqkMXKzqwU9dh_ghyoc6J9ggTqI7YMKb3HRk5LYimLw96wCaieN7z42fLgNnIsjCDKpNuJk/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="134"></a></p> <p align="left">And while the P31 Woman understood the importance of spiritual food, she did not neglect her family’s need for food food. So I also include the <strong>Meal Plan</strong> and an estimated time to start the cooking process in order to serve supper on time.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5fMB0DZEtkM/UsWkjw7rFNI/AAAAAAAACXA/_MdWRke8jOc/s1600-h/Planning%252520day%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Planning day" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Planning day" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n6Mi0GxFnpY/UsWkkpHeaMI/AAAAAAAACXI/bm3-QiUystM/Planning%252520day_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="left">The P31 Woman was physically strong. In our modern world, I do not exert myself as physically as she did do accomplish my daily tasks. My servants—the washing machine, dishwasher, stand mixer, and others—do much of the hard work. Therefore, I have to <strong>EXERCISE</strong>. If I don’t schedule it, and continuously tell myself all of its benefits, it doesn’t happen.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKgn0bLEjFQl87V_2tfJP0W_2UcukTT-nNYX1ntzt6Mw7w4dtuuPY2v4rU5VBw73GAgZkA_qJ9Kez2wz9zDO16rAE9GCYPcAE2ocNXQCfKBwOO76TS3R21PmDFJ2rE-zQe35j0VX0WxM/s1600/woman-running-on-treadmill.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKgn0bLEjFQl87V_2tfJP0W_2UcukTT-nNYX1ntzt6Mw7w4dtuuPY2v4rU5VBw73GAgZkA_qJ9Kez2wz9zDO16rAE9GCYPcAE2ocNXQCfKBwOO76TS3R21PmDFJ2rE-zQe35j0VX0WxM/s1600/woman-running-on-treadmill.jpg" width="240" height="227"></a></p> <p align="left">Obviously, the P31 Woman takes care of her home. So I add my homekeeping tasks to the schedule. In the future, I will give more details of my Homekeeping Schedule. For now, here is a quick summary of the current schedule:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">Daily: basic maintenance, such as dishes, laundry (I HAVE to do some each day or it is soon a chaotic mess), tidying, etc.</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Monday: Bathroom and Living Room</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Tuesday: Errands* and Special Projects</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Wednesday: Kitchen</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Thursday: Office and Weekly Planning (menus, shopping lists, etc.)</div></li> <li> <div align="left">Friday: Bedroom and Ironing</div></li></ul> <p align="left">*This is my preferred shopping day, as it is usually much less crowded. However, the reality is that with this crazy winter weather in Upstate NY (remember…I am a southern girl, who HATES being cold!!!), I schedule my errands around the weather. So Errand Day can be—and often is—switched with any other day.</p> <p align="left">I think this takes care of the “bare bones” of my schedule. So I will leave it there for now. Later, I will tell you about the “life enhancers”. </p> <p><font size="6" face="Freestyle Script">Until next time,</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="Freestyle Script">Sammi</font></p> <p><font size="1" face="Century Gothic">*Photos that are not my own are linked to the source. Just click on them.</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-26013921631223181412014-01-02T09:26:00.001-05:002014-01-02T09:30:15.525-05:00Happy New Year and Word of the Year<p> </p> <p><font size="3" face="Cambria">Happy New Year! I hope each and every one of you had a wonderful holiday season. For me, the season is a blur. Wasn’t I just buying my Thanksgiving bird YESTERDAY? How is it possible that it really is time to store away all my Christmas décor for another year? Even in the midst of the holiday season, I realized that time was moving at warp speed. I believe part of the reason is that my youngest child is now eighteen. He is a senior in high school, attempting to plan out his future while cramming as much as possible into NOW. Which means less and less time at home. I get it. I really do. After all, it is what we parents do. We train our children to leave us. But knowing that doesn’t make the process any easier. My husband and I are definitely in a time of transition into a new season of life. But I digress…</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Cambria">I have been reflecting on life; like many do this time of year. I gave up listing off resolutions several years ago. I now assign themes to the year. The “working title” for 2014’s theme is <em>Excellent Womanhood</em>. We will come back to that on another day.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Cambria">This year, I have also decided to add a Word of the Year. Often a Word of the Year and a Theme of the Year are/can be the same thing. You only need one or the other. As I worked on my theme, a word kept popping into my head. One that I knew I needed to pay attention to. One that I need to practice. However, in and of itself, it didn’t make the cut for the Theme of the Year. It is, however, the PERFECT complement to ANY theme. Ready? My Word of the Year is……</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="3" face="Cambria"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#4f81bd" size="7" face="Lucida Handwriting">Present</font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#333333" size="3" face="Cambria">…..as in being <font color="#333333"><em>present </em>in the moment. I don’t know about you, but I live WAY too much of my life on autopilot. I pull into the driveway, yet cannot remember the trip home. I look down at an empty plate and barely have a memory of tasting the food. My mind starts wandering—did I check the mail? turn off the oven? when can I run that errand—when I should be listening to what Man is saying to me NOW. </font></font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Cambria">If we are not living in the PRESENT—if we are busy regretting the past or micro-managing the future—all our days will soon become one travelling at warp speed BLUR. And if you have visited here semi-recently, you know that I have decided that I need to actively PURSUE joy. And just let me take a moment to say that a lot has happened since that post that is NOT conducive to joy….</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Cambria">Okay…where was I? Oh, yes, pursuing joy. I am hoping that making a conscience effort to live in the present will also help me to be more joyful.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Cambria">So…turn off the television, stop the endless multi-tasking and join me in the present. Who’s with me?</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Cambria">Do you have any resolutions? A Theme and/or Word of the Year? Share them in the comments….include a link if you’ve written about them on your blog.</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="3" face="Cambria">And since EVERY blog post should have at least one photo….here is the scene outside my door….courtesy of Hercules.</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQama65qHZCawAc7gvDoN2GFATIkYhzSwLe40bXh-gf_Sr3-hAwXDmx68xFpKARHfV6r2cUWtpMNiGXjJ2lxpIjGogl8atg0T8N2lgYjRG1l-MTCln7G54GOLRikqd49vpDUBviN13jaA/s1600-h/January%2525202%2525202014%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="January 2 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="January 2 2014" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuUZQVBRkMnnz7sJHYXpp6pkfiaHS7s8cpqiCXB614HclMwdljwLmxthiWsdnFnHzSTI88vn0xDXTJMFI-AOn7WqE9Q9IpKjwARP6ShJyb2PJbYUoIpGKXDFnCLMWib_zHA0hlCfB6aM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center"><font face="Cambria">You can click on the photo to enlarge it.</font></p> <p align="left"><font face="Cambria">Until next time….</font></p> <p align="left"><font size="7" face="Freestyle Script">Sammi</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-27652099553475304272013-12-25T12:25:00.001-05:002013-12-25T12:25:00.236-05:00<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JmOg04QdcQY/UrsU4k2i7iI/AAAAAAAACU8/ZVcNcjNPZsQ/s1600-h/Christmas%252520Tree%2525202013%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Christmas Tree 2013" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Christmas Tree 2013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Flj7IIdNToM/UrsU6eYcO_I/AAAAAAAACVE/GUrcbvz3t_s/Christmas%252520Tree%2525202013_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="7" face="French Script MT">Merry Christmas!</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-40194381434754279742013-11-09T09:05:00.001-05:002013-11-09T09:05:32.344-05:00Working on Things for Which You Shouldn’t Have to Work<p>When I lived in NC, I considered myself a joyful person. I would wake up my children by singing to them….much to their chagrin. I would turn up the music and vacuum with happiness. I loved to take a blanket outside and lie in the shade of the trees and read aloud to my kids. I took pleasure in grocery shopping and cooking. Life wasn’t perfect; but even when I wasn’t happy, I was joyful. I was a bit of a snob about it. And I took it for granted that it would always be so. It was something that came naturally to me. I didn’t have to WORK at it. </p> <p>I have waited for the past 5+ years for my joy to return. I’ve managed to be happy for short periods of time, but my joy? AWOL! I’ve tried anti-depressants (NEVER again), praying, pretending (both that I was joyful AND that it didn’t really matter), and wine. I’ve begged my husband to look for another job….in the SOUTH. When he refused—because he wants to wait until our son is out of school—I thought about divorce. My brain is functioning well enough to realize that would only make me more miserable…..if only I didn’t really love that man. </p> <p>So….I’ve decided that if I want to be truly happy—for my joy to return—I’m going to have to do the work. I really started during the summer. I knew it would be easier if I started during my favorite season. At some point, I read about Gretchen Rubin’s “Happiness Project”. I thought about ordering the books, but I decided to start by reading her <a href="http://www.gretchenrubin.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>. It has some good information for getting you started on your own happiness project. However, for some reason, her writing style just really bugged me. I decided NOT to read the books. That is until I found them both available on my public library’s e-book catalog. I finished them both last night. Let’s just say that I found it ironic when I came to her writing that she longer felt obligated to finish books that she truly didn’t enjoy. Yes, her books had some helpful info, BUT you can find most (all?) of it on her site and much of it is just reminding you of stuff that you already know….you just forgot that you knew it….The greatest irony? I think if I met Gretchen in real life, I would really like her. If nothing else, I did come to realize that I need to put forth more formal effort toward increasing my joy/happiness. I need to set goals….make resolutions….and do the work!</p> <p>What about you? What do you do when you feel the joy slipping away? What is YOUR secret to happiness?</p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT"></font> </p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Until next time,</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT"><em>Sammi</em></font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-61780692559354669352013-11-08T12:53:00.001-05:002013-11-08T13:03:38.886-05:00Happiness<p> </p> <h3><a href="http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/happiness">happiness</a></h3> <p><b>HAP'PINESS</b>, n. [from happy.] The agreeable sensations which spring from the enjoyment of good; that state of a being in which his desires are gratified, by the enjoyment of pleasure without pain; felicity; but happiness usually expresses less than felicity, and felicity less than bliss. Happiness is comparative. To a person distressed with pain, relief from that pain affords happiness; in other cases we give the name happiness to positive pleasure or an excitement of agreeable sensations. Happiness therefore admits of indefinite degrees of increase in enjoyment, or gratification of desires. Perfect happiness, or pleasure unalloyed with pain, is not attainable in this life. <dd>2. Good luck; good fortune. <dd>3. Fortuitous elegance; unstudied grace. <dd> <dd>For there's a happiness as well as care.* <p>----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <p>I’ve given a lot of thought to happiness lately. For anyone who truly knows me, it will come as no surprise that I hate living in New York. Don’t get me wrong. It is a beautiful place. The people are friendly, for the most part. However—and this is a BIG however—I am a southern girl through and through. Living north of the Mason-Dixon seems to cause a physical pain within me; much like I imagine an invisible fence collar causes a dog when he treads upon the boundary. Once on the other side, the pain lessens. Sometimes I even forget about it for a moment. But I KNOW that I belong on the other side. Much of this has to do with the facts that: 1) I like the familiar. 2) I absolutely DESPISE being cold. Despite the fact that we have lived here over 5 years, it still doesn’t feel familiar. I still wake up each morning believing for one brief moment that I am in NC. And when I realize I am not…..well, the painful memory of crossing the line rushes over me. My hatred of cold….well, that has been a problem forever. I hated NC winters; so, imagine my misery during the LOOOOONG, Upstate NY winters. Seriously….I spend a lot of the winters here in the fetal position on the sofa. Tears are numerous, and the wine must be plentiful. That is no way to live. That is, especially, no way for a Christian to live…..which adds guilt to the mix. Yeah, winter around me….good times, good times. <p>Which brings me back to the happiness thing. A Well-Kept Home needs a keeper that is happy…..at least some-what happy….most of the time. I’m not talking Pollyanna-over-the-top happy, but the lady of the house tends to set the mood. See what I’m saying? Therefore, I have decided to put forth real EFFORT toward having a happier, more peaceful winter season in Upstate NY. I do not expect the entire season to be fetal position-free (and, especially not wine-free!); however, I do hope that there will be fewer fetal position days on the sofa, and that the wine I drink is more celebratory and less drown-my-sorrows. I do not expect it to be easy—I know myself too well. Especially since the winter season here is LOOOOONG (did I mention that already?). How long? some of you may ask. Well this is what I awoke to this morning: <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhECR8Ma9PFJ6Qk-3Ym_I1iE4XIygjMZKTm73MrWgIaF19f6k1oOVaxjKSnIlJEYhZEja5PSJu2goZuxm0nFXnT2QooOyEFSIFO4ASmTNrJX0ycSnxHrVKNWdZHdrtAESlexbF0dNLayfg/s1600-h/Snow%252520morning%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snow morning" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Snow morning" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYWgGA00q0uTxGANx-jC6Uwtwj9NpoWz_XM_oMuNTC9spVh_qt5y7IZZRr0OKrjJ1ONlewzqRrqbTL5kUx24ZAK0sMU3Ly8sTCR4wh5XP9akYq6udJeUj0-pJjQ1zq5nP2HQU7Io8o-Y/?imgmax=800" width="364" height="484"></a> <p> <p>Can someone remind me in January of my less fetal position, less drowning my sorrows resolution? <p>Some things that I’m already doing to increase my happiness: <ul> <li>Increasing my exercise time—this doesn’t necessarily make me happier WHILE walking on the treadmill or even spending time on the yoga mat, but I usually feel much better afterward. <li>De-cluttering—WHERE did all this stuff come from? and why do I seem to spend more time cleaning my studio than creating anything in my studio? <ul> <li>I have done an initial closet clean-out which included getting rid of things that I NEVER wore and that I should never wear….you know, the stained “white” t-shirts, uncomfortable pants, and stuff that was really, really unflattering. It also included BUYING quite a few new items. While it seemed counterproductive, it really wasn’t. I decided to be true to MY style, not the latest trend, and now it is MUCH easier to get dressed in the morning. <li>In the studio, I did a quick re-arranging of items, making them easier to use and maintain. The main thing I am working on is unfinished projects. Anyone know what I’m talking about? Sewing projects. Painting projects. Writing projects.</li></ul> <li>Only buying things that I truly want or need! Why is this so hard for us Americans? Why do we buy JUNK that we have no use for, that we don’t really want? Okay…I know part of MY problem. I am CHEAP. Therefore, I have a tendency to buy something that doesn’t quite live up to my standards, needs, wants….in order to save a few bucks. NO MORE! First of all, it doesn’t save money. It wastes money!!! Intellectually, I have known this for a long time; but when it comes time to actually make a purchase? well…..Time to start doing better. <ul> <li>Buy the RIGHT tool for the job. <li>If you don’t really love it or need it, leave it! <li>Don’t buy something just because it is CHEAP, because….well, it’s CHEAP!!!…..which brings me to…..</li></ul> <li>Upgrading! Here is a touchy one….so if you are reading this and long to do some upgrading yourself, but can’t afford it, just know….that this has been a LONG time coming. AND on the flipside, my “upgrades” could be someone else’s “downgrades”. <ul> <li>Less Old Navy, More Gap and Banana Republic….and J. Crew Outlet. </li></ul></li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=5992730420004&cid=65181&locale=en_US" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="http://www1.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0006/668/875/cn6668875.jpg" width="180" height="240"></a><img src="http://www.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif"></p> <ul> <ul> <li>I am slowly replacing my <img src="http://www.gap.com/assets/common/clear.gif">cookware. Not because my cookware isn’t functional; but because I spotted a BEAUTIFUL set on Amazon that I HAVE to have. My old set will be given to my kids….which will be an upgrade for them!</li></ul></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009W28FUY/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3MACQFKFULZA1&coliid=IO2LUCWBWUIY1" target="_blank"><img src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71IaC1ZsswL._SL1500_.jpg" width="240" height="172"></a></p> <ul> <ul> <li>I’ve decided to start a pearl collection. That announcement got me an eye roll from my husband. I have loved pearls for as long as I can remember. Specifically, long strands of pearls. I don’t think I need (or even want) AAAA-rated perfect pearls. I have a thing for things with some “character”…..but I am doing some research before I make any final decisions. I do know that I want to learn to re-string pearls….because I will probably be too cheap to have them professionally re-strung as often as recommended.</li></ul></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.deleusejewelers.com/pearls/coco-chanel-man-ray-and-pearls/" target="_blank"><img title="Coco Chanel & Pearls" alt="Coco Chanel & Pearls" src="http://www.deleusejewelers.com/DeleuseBlog/gallery/1/IMG.jpg" width="177" height="240"></a></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li>Reading more….of everything and anything. I used to read ALL THE TIME before kids. Escaping in a book gave me much joy. I’ve decided to rediscover that joy.</li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://flyhigh-by-learnonline.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-importance-of-reading-writing-and.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNp8-6zT7oyNwBGRtDlOaz_25jrVltohq_hDXtHpgeY-85X-3HUk6QHOKaH2cPwnx4s0vGI3SWiRbelC1Do7LiIr4tSwz_JOXgfWCn_uq0UUrXRm0AEsKVF_MjwZpDWb6pWIfUOQwdQ6Q/s320/little-boy-reading.jpg" width="320" height="277"></a></p> <ul> <li>Creating more… <ul> <li>more sewing <li>more drawing <li>more writing <li>more cooking for the pleasure of cooking (which also adds more time on the treadmill….not for the pleasure. ;-}</li></ul></li></ul> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.stormyhen.com/" target="_blank"><img title="sketchbook June913" border="0" alt="sketchbook June913" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-y_rQhpQGZE8/UbXcyiyGloI/AAAAAAAACOk/SdRxPjItJGU/sketchbook%252520June913_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="186" height="244"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://stormyhen.com" target="_blank"><img title="Farm Animal Towels" border="0" alt="Farm Animal Towels" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI0HjrCrPNYqNtzg85nbfuEc1U-bnFQCDZI8B19J_jXHTbrEmI17LMKKa7w-rkwlqWPLWVOp6jmn-9zu4LfBT5VjjThyphenhyphenU3e68tNtF4viuJwIJTQLcuyFrsIp91LJuMER-nvnHJBG_4ZEM/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://stormyhen.com" target="_blank"><img title="Fresh Bread" border="0" alt="Fresh Bread" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h7QMm2q3MRc/TylNuWblQoI/AAAAAAAABXM/3P_NgmVHdB8/Fresh%252520Bread_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p>What do you do to increase the happiness in your life?</p> <dd> <p>**********************************************************</p> <dd> <p>*happiness. 2013. In <i>Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language</i>. <br> Retrieved November 8, 2013, from <a href="http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/happiness">http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/happiness</a></p> <p>***Click on the pics to go to the original online source.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Until next time,</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT"><em>Sammi</em></font></p> </dd> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-86696224897298015122013-08-05T08:04:00.001-04:002013-08-05T08:04:16.399-04:00The Best Fudgy Brownies<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1lqKJcRRNxU/Uf-T-j4_EwI/AAAAAAAACQw/DKLNTN80OoE/s1600-h/milk%252520and%252520brownies%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="milk and brownies" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="milk and brownies" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Upk-ZsBtanM/Uf-T_2emLFI/AAAAAAAACQ4/3vpMbkEn07Y/milk%252520and%252520brownies_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a></p> <p>How is it that I did NOT share this recipe with you before? Shame on me! These are the best fudgy brownies.</p> <a name='more'></a> <p>I should know. I spent YEARS searching for the perfect recipe….tweaking many that were “close but no cigar”. FINALLY, I managed to get the perfect brownies. If you like cake-like brownies, this isn’t for you. Sorry. But if you like rich, fudgy brownies, grab your apron and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XaLv7tXcHng/Uf-UCstH0qI/AAAAAAAACRA/IUJP9U7W390/s1600-h/preheat%252520oven%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="preheat oven" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="preheat oven" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzEb1wdZsqh8KJaqZfVdV15RsxE3wVzXyN8W7iNECPzWoI4HoVz61ljXAWBNNy9nvCjPpYFODbddSFHkrMR7o0Ui7UEsfBrKgFxwU5vxZRx-PgnoRHpYNjW9bht6KPlSZAnMzdT1et2k/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mJQadGpw6SI/Uf-UGdVwbNI/AAAAAAAACRQ/eMe-2tf-hqY/s1600-h/melt%252520butter%25255B4%25255D.png"><img title="melt butter" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="melt butter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl55hGHApXB3jrTrQy9X3eFGSwfD_ALvPTcf-3FNjd-ordDw8u0vf6asAK_d7Te8_S0RDQqOTMSFIgxYT-UpwRprl3LnsxGs7eqY5-fpiaksVZkuivXLCibPj1Ds7TOPaQlxm3dmGuD9s/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcnHUX4yeN0aO2Qv15M3Rus313aQuqpoXGYRJa6iWvVOmhliM3G2Yge0CjL45PCqBIH_dkXEoTPja0UQIWndFRfwt6cpVudzANVU9qoyA9-Obg8ivjPqSXRAAObwEqLM9ap9orKW1HPY/s1600-h/butter%252520melted%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="butter melted" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="butter melted" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXJ1u1cL9g64cRXfGrcsujk4SyvXT6ScJbCjCBS7SAquzlON5w9Cgf8Fp6ir-0DaVkLMtH2HaHhxj5UhiWE0tktF4SzmZ234Rjg5Olf4CpIAmXOEqsWwCsZ8wmBbiH-PUCsSNNqyB0HE/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w7jVXk_K3to/Uf-UN_JwSaI/AAAAAAAACRw/sMN1rYL3HsA/s1600-h/sugar%252520in%252520bowl%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="sugar in bowl" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="sugar in bowl" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdx64rzAAKKUDo_HHmSw4aIIO1oJeK8OsseumYkXbu9Tk7DnueCpeJsLtS1CLcTRLEfga6-SjERTKuDF5Q1JRuvwJZW4qO6XbMRX7_FTXhwnE42kPdcWK46C4vtBmFJ4450jWDCCCLBg/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jE6z_5oRLjs/Uf-USjGUSYI/AAAAAAAACSA/0fhmQev_xTs/s1600-h/mix%252520sugar%252520and%252520butter%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="mix sugar and butter" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="mix sugar and butter" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eHmFwzzBYKw/Uf-UTy5-z1I/AAAAAAAACSI/MDMeSFj4YiI/mix%252520sugar%252520and%252520butter_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QTp_y_znja4/Uf-UX-uhkJI/AAAAAAAACSQ/EhEDXeqrN5A/s1600-h/3%252520eggs%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="3 eggs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="3 eggs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mxLlVJ9ecwo/Uf-UY0MxL_I/AAAAAAAACSY/GFSLEOsmmiU/3%252520eggs_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW-RSjNXb9pj1xA2ThItRdtKBBGqIuuqLK1jOgeTna45Qet3Bbobo5yllhviUVOnd33r7CCr_lS_BDSTNc_D1JmIPXSXjKf5Ls8ZS-v5fFzdaA1n0RWIqsCxpvx7MJYlHYj-BAUI08gA/s1600-h/eggs%252520blended%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="eggs blended" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="eggs blended" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2x_UmX2prJg/Uf-UelK_97I/AAAAAAAACSo/Je1YjlUSChg/eggs%252520blended_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqUEPgQD8Dy3DcbbVysZo6ncJSz0vbtK0NZ1ie2uslGdBm7pO1vP_QdqRQF4domhaAn3W6K0g5yF1CWBb1dG12GeTpeFb_te8mPfLBb-lmWd_s7nM6kvyepRC8zLDWB-5mirE8rDQFWk/s1600-h/the%252520rest%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="the rest" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="the rest" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBKYBZbuL7hMuYJlYuO7qquDKzxFvJQZVriE18RbT_s3dUT8_IJFQ6xymqVVLcCItIOmtI8NBeN4-yCkfuetJefOlk2V-DvznzIZDppiAtLVPvcOiT8Indimnrzmqf9vJXJCmW3lt9kg/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOhtZc52TL6iqv25khYxwGGnDTtbUtfzfmA8rzftsY7C03YHrbDiKRx5W6gkf7yj_kPakU_lpSnWQE_oDPNfbtvu871oE0voikjNNoY9y0ebpUrHtiHX-blU0jEExBlnYAaIMhXmK0kI/s1600-h/brownie%252520batter%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="brownie batter" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="brownie batter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSHwSmszu-gLZI2SiKlHBHAkIGEIaqpXepUoB_O01OynRjouYSzDcaTep_wsEw6Dz6TBEB6J_63jSmrTGuOU-QrNz9v_tbJS10uZEQsLZGK8qHJo7Um2idb5ltsmjcTAYYYQ1SyjlM6Y/?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DW3Bg44VfXk/Uf-UtBJXqJI/AAAAAAAACTQ/FdHfLIOCxUU/s1600-h/batter%252520into%252520dish%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="batter into dish" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="batter into dish" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ufbfJT71Xoc/Uf-UuJDV0TI/AAAAAAAACTY/HS0Lm9FmgUo/batter%252520into%252520dish_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="203" height="244"></a></p> <p>Place your baking dish into your preheated oven. You didn’t think I was going to give you an oven shot, did you? Seriously, I am not that coordinated…getting the pan into the oven, while getting a photo, WITHOUT dropping something or burning myself? Plus…I clean that oven more than I care to think about. YET….</p> <p>Anyway…go clean up your mess—there isn’t much of one, right? You were cleaning as you went along weren’t you?—and try to be patient. Soon you can have this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I-ou3MzyjWc/Uf-UvCu3qqI/AAAAAAAACTg/zcfWrUATSKM/s1600-h/brownies%252520and%252520milk%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="brownies and milk" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="brownies and milk" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JJUsUuXtvvs/Uf-Uvs0EI8I/AAAAAAAACTo/PctwlspFUMI/brownies%252520and%252520milk_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="186"></a></p> <p>Ooey, gooey, fudgy brownies and ice-cold milk.</p> <p><b></b> <p><b></b> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal" align="center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">Fudge Brownies</font></font></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">1 cup butter, melted</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">2 cups sugar</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">3 eggs</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">½ teaspoon salt</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">½ cup cocoa</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">1 teaspoon vanilla</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">1 ¼ cup flour</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Add the eggs; mix well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Add salt, cocoa, and vanilla; mix well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Stir in the flour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mixture should be well blended and thick.</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 12pt" color="#000000">Scrape batter into a 9 x 13-inch, well-greased pan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bake at 350˚ F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until cake tester stuck ½ way from edge and center comes out clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Brownies should be very fudgy, not cake-like.</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 10pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; line-height: normal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="font-family: "><font face="Book Antiqua"><font style="font-size: 10pt" color="#000000"> </font></font></span></b></p> <p><font size="5">Enjoy!</font></p> <p><font size="7" face="Lucida Handwriting">Sammi</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-73261330191445924582013-06-21T11:30:00.001-04:002013-06-21T11:47:48.702-04:00Five Minute Friday:Rhythm<p>First of all this is my very first Five Minute Friday….and since I am nothing, if not inconsistent, it may be my last. <img class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" style="border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none" alt="Winking smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgGWDmpQG-4NfM_sok3XeEXfF_YEwhi9cmtlM4Vh3-ojfp2YYaH6T5RR6w1TrpvmrsoWhk4dEbilitmXsPW12w2X-SMF2QOfGAm4CoOaojePu4y0Ci4JRYB2wUDi7o15PFzMcCYq2TX8/?imgmax=800"></p> <p>The first thing that popped in to my mind when I saw that the topic was rhythm was: I have none! Can’t play a musical instrument. And don’t even get girlfriend started on her lack of dancing ability.</p> <p>The next thing I thought was: I definitely march to the beat of my own drum. I do not live life in the fast lane and have no desire to do so. Which leads many of those around me to wonder. Wonder why I’m such a homebody. Wonder how God could have managed to make the “mistake” of putting me into the wrong era. Sometimes I wonder that myself….for a brief second. Then I realize that I am too needy to have lived in an earlier time. Like I NEED running water and electricity. But if I had to give up one of those it would be the electricity! I wonder how hubby and I ever managed/manage to have a relationship. He is the hare to my tortoise. Then I realize, I’ve changed. I used to “do it all”. I was a single mother that worked full-time AND went to school full-time. I thought I was living the “good” life. I was wrong. And there was nothing like, not one, but two medical crises to stop me in my tracks. I’m a slow learner….so God had to double whammy me! But 5 minutes are up…so that will have to wait for another time.</p> <p>until next time,</p> <p><font size="7" face="French Script MT">Sammi</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4" face="Century Gothic">Join the fun at:</font></p> <p align="center"><a title="Five Minute Friday" href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/"><img title="Five Minute Friday" style="border-top: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none" alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-87126271395197894702013-01-02T10:33:00.001-05:002013-01-02T10:33:32.774-05:00Getting Organized—Cooking<h1></h1> <p>Happy New Year! </p> <p>The last page of 2012 is complete. Like many, I reflected on the year that was and have set goals for the new year. We have a fresh page in a new book to begin writing our story. I love clean slates!!</p> <p>Some of my goals for 2013:</p> <ul> <li>Simplify. <li>Be aware of the moments….to live fully aware of the NOW. <li>Create more. <li>Be still and feel the presence of God more! <li>Take the time to learn something new.</li></ul> <p>and then there are those goals of better health:</p> <ul> <li>Move more. <li>Stop letting little things stress me out! <li>Eat the best quality food available….more quality, less quantity. <li>Let go of the guilt of enjoying good food.</li></ul> <p>I was having trouble coming up with my 2013 theme statement---until now! More quality, less quantity. That pretty much sums it all up!!</p> <p>Moving on….</p> <p>January 1st started out well. Really well. Time rowing on the machine. A good breakfast—homemade yogurt and blueberries! Time in the Word. A little journaling. Time with my sketchbook. And time doing some food prep to SIMPLIFY my meals for the rest of the week.</p> <p>I took some time going through some magazines (Cooking Light, Eating Well and Food & Wine), a few of my favorite cookbooks, and a few cooking websites. I then made a quick meal plan for the week. The trick was to find recipes with similar ingredient lists that still offered variety. Here are this week’s meals:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/quick_pasta_bolognese.html" target="_blank">Quick Pasta Bolognese</a> <li><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/buffalo_chicken_salad.html" target="_blank">Buffalo Chicken Salad</a> <li><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/the_eatingwell_cobb_salad.html" target="_blank">Cobb Salad</a> <li>Salmon with Faux-tatoes and Sautéed Green Beans <li>Chile Rellenos Casserole</li></ul> <p>There are some common ingredients for several of these recipes. So yesterday afternoon, I went into my clean kitchen (that felt good!) and got busy.</p> <p>First I got out the cutting board, my chef’s knife and a few food storage bowls. I gathered my ingredients, put on my apron, and…</p> <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXkX4m4T1MeSV4HEjRBUc6PZ9LFBp2MEHZfVjsma7SYFt6sKSRZj7jvT4My-bTTd3Mlm3JqaFixfKwJpMsPA0vGDn6QlLvxgWyxOGXOqG4Af6dpXuMori4qzHVR8hP3G4nXw2eEOqwQM/s1600-h/Onion%252520on%252520board%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Onion on board" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Onion on board" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWcYqvrpXUkrHesUFXyipCMjQNsRtXK9-szk_7FbfE2vqRDXYUrONUppdppCEPA-AosLheNEhBgO9BZGZKVGE9kULZRuFuVGF-989tsbQW3Vgi0ddnExwk0Hk_tEResqrECZzedhiMyA/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oCghcjc58Y4/UORTIaIEHmI/AAAAAAAACGY/vCYs2FvW5QM/s1600-h/chopped%252520onions%252520and%252520knife%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="chopped onions and knife" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="chopped onions and knife" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67MyfErI5u7IvyMuxHfhs7RHp2mvIHozpVvExIj2Q68MeBEjH35HDe4x67hndJh1-1K6xRtsIMQ9V4rI_8LIGOYht7aQQHAGsIl2hlbYWxaQxnKh-Yf9uL6pMPSgtexFs4xc2otcd0sE/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a></p> <p>chopped several onions.</p> <p>Next up…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WQbAAJH4h88Qbf9TUqoS1m-R7L3PhTT3itzIhikfhTQruHjAXktX9JsdAnoJgAwWgfs0u2xzzb0zt1yHuHoo-gOThpmGfhYUQI0kSiEI9JqVH8YVV74OohsKdTukdz6lN6jfE_D5d2s/s1600-h/chopped%252520carrots%252520and%252520knife%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="chopped carrots and knife" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="chopped carrots and knife" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L2zNxzWo5fE/UORTKWS2yLI/AAAAAAAACGw/Fb7866YyD48/chopped%252520carrots%252520and%252520knife_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>a few carrots and some celery….oops! forgot to take pictures of the celery, but you know what that looks like! ;-)</p> <p>Once I was finished chopping the veggies and putting them in their individual storage bowls, I moved on to…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFnkCmOk7fz48smq5f1gJnpO3BUFhAxVyz2NKJTYeyHRZX7JVYiw5CFBnUt-nIFR7TI97qAxGS5ouyQy4pqnzwQY8RJC5TvGX84oTQ12JbY-GW-2on72n3OxIyN-JaA1bnDU3SRwo0HBM/s1600-h/raw%252520chicken%252520cubes%252520on%252520board%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="raw chicken cubes on board" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="raw chicken cubes on board" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h8wkZT8DGiI/UORTLmKq6iI/AAAAAAAACHA/ulJ_IfSXPLc/raw%252520chicken%252520cubes%252520on%252520board_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p>cubing several boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Which I divided.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L_uAxM8fHx0K5YeLioZZCT4Sa0aMoyTbc6JVrUymsWv1zADrS3cku8K_ZijVE_qVOiLU9_YXmpzM716jHmXHlcVUjXlI93iZXf-6sCEzO7ktfMCfkkfjCzDbuAxoz8m_E1cSCkqSaRA/s1600-h/lightly%252520seasoned%252520chicken%252520cubes%252520in%252520pan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="lightly seasoned chicken cubes in pan" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="lightly seasoned chicken cubes in pan" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hbYu4eyiENQ/UORTNEQVHfI/AAAAAAAACHQ/aDim6ltkZZ8/lightly%252520seasoned%252520chicken%252520cubes%252520in%252520pan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p>One portion was lightly seasoned and browned in coconut oil. Once those were finished, I put them into a storage bowl and into the fridge.The remaining chicken was lightly floured and seasoned. Then into the same pan.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvGFGuzNTmeYnsvNxi4QXRFdB9r9Xw2DFgZ2DtJu_cFiCrCOf-7ssOlHcBHWqsLZga0dwHx0zejG7JSvQ34XtaQqk1PlC1WRPLER8mO6as72gijYiWw3m9Z6uvwVCfNs-GgY7EPAMby94/s1600-h/floured%252520chicken%252520cubes%252520in%252520pan%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="floured chicken cubes in pan" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="floured chicken cubes in pan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-succ7Nxk9QV3U4bzuPjmt-PyMqwXniGT3GMnwRUGYT5KMOeRfBEzU2RDoaFQ3lxVA_iV5xCRMyYX1YiDhQSk-kJDQqsL-AjPPJvWb4di4K-EWEMXjaJsCkf8AvE802LQ6obcpZ-8gjY/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Yes, I know they look the same. But trust me—the second picture shows chicken that has been lightly floured….Although honestly, I could have probably skipped the flour for this recipe.</p> <p>Once these were almost done, I added some buffalo wing sauce to the pan and coated all the chicken pieces and cooked for another minute or two, until the chicken was cooked through.</p> <p>Then onto the serving dish…</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoonmebC-87ypJhHuV0QCBfNlrIxKUoGKoaCgVo9xYoiwrSKEhjgr6qb_YtWuVqE8uTcMza6p_rmOLq9_qlAiKFdhAKeqbb0gSjw8po7Doi_3rX-5pS9YdH0dXdxLsmlvREqk4FNwZ6lk/s1600-h/Buffalo%252520Chicken%252520Bites%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Buffalo Chicken Bites" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Buffalo Chicken Bites" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g55EWLwq85w/UORTQOqTBII/AAAAAAAACHw/Ps5oj6TiF_Y/Buffalo%252520Chicken%252520Bites_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Let me backup a moment….I almost forgot. While I was cooking the chicken, I also had this on the stove….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qqwoRXpssgk/UORTQ_Oi8xI/AAAAAAAACH4/P9DNeTWUPmg/s1600-h/Bolognese%252520in%252520stockpot%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="Bolognese in stockpot" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="Bolognese in stockpot" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLnJGO6pL0tMAUEPh4phyphenhyphenYH5WnJwEmlqMP1iCCoYi3PDKk92gEjmDSG_bNPXZGIEpAvFeiso8xjKZUvXu8SEvksBqSA0VHeVzhVyQgX7CIXrJrSGtCWUdzkwW7pWt45A8y1mbJ-ih7tgs/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> </p> <p>Bolognese Sauce….kind of following the recipe linked above. It is truly a rare day that you find me following a recipe exactly as written. In this case I used some tomatoes from the freezer (from past summer’s garden) and ground venison. I also skipped the nutmeg…which was really just my forgetfulness. </p> <p>I washed several heads of Romaine lettuce and gave it some spins in the salad spinner….we eats lots of salads around here. So there is almost always washed lettuce in the fridge.</p> <p>Now I have the chicken, the sauce, plus the remaining chopped veggies in the fridge for quick meals for the next few days….including those Buffalo Chicken bites that were placed on that serving dish that were SUPPOSED to be last nights dinner. Today I will boil some eggs for that cobb salad plus a few extras. When we have the Pasta Bolognese, I will have to cook some pasta. And obviously, I’ll have to cook on “salmon night”---but that is a quick and very easy meal! But most of my cooking for the week---and the major cleanup--- is done!</p> <p>Note: The Chile Rellenos Casserole will wait until next week. I no longer need that meal and the Buffalo chicken is in the fridge….</p> <p>Because…just as I finished taking the photo of the Buffalo chicken. The phone rang. It was my husband’s cell phone. I thought he was in his workshop and was just being lazy. It turned out that he had walked across the street to thank our neighbor for moving the mountains of snow that were blocking our view when trying to pull out of our drive.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KOMX0zED9IM/UORTSeci_1I/AAAAAAAACII/xG-rLxvbZVs/s1600-h/piles%252520of%252520snow%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="piles of snow" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" height="184" alt="piles of snow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5hRFJnK5CQLthNTB1iwPbC8l179qSroOwnvUKP29wYWE48SmnBQT6O-ptOOA_RDsICTBAtyEmQeVlrQATlYWCjggUajMuDhVJGzxqdlfIODxg2KzYcz8ak-RPvixfRdANDLhmzjbELE/?imgmax=800" width="244" border="0"></a> It has snowed a few more times since I took this picture…and the pile had become a small mountain!</p> <p>Anyway, he tells me to grab a glass of wine and walk over. I did a quick check to make sure the stove was off and covered the chicken and put everything in the fridge. (Good thing!) So I grab the rest of the bottle of wine that I had opened for the Bolognese….put on my boots, coat and gloves and headed across the street for “a few minutes”. Long story short….after a few minutes of visiting with the neighbors and some of their family members, we got up to say our goodbyes since it was obvious that they were about to sit down to dinner. (I love that their extended family members that live nearby still gather quite often to eat a family dinner!!!)They were having no part of our leaving!!! Before I knew what hit me, I was sitting down to baked ham, green beans, scalloped potatoes, coleslaw, and dinner rolls (made by a local Amish lady!!). So much for that “diet”. But that is not all…nope! For the finale, a beautiful strawberry shortcake w/ whipped cream was placed in front of me. ♪♫Heaven. I’m in heaven…♫♪</p> <p>Thus started a beautiful new year!</p> <p><font face="Freestyle Script" size="7">Sammi</font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-21857468980691253542012-12-24T14:28:00.001-05:002012-12-24T14:28:28.359-05:00Classic Crème Brûleé<p>find my recipe <a href="http://stormyhenholidays.blogspot.com/2012/12/classic-creme-brulee.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-59140951664550668922012-10-01T00:30:00.000-04:002012-10-01T08:40:00.655-04:00Mmm Mmm GoodSo I’m trying to back up some files and delete some junk from my computer. Because she just ain’t acting right. Anyway, I came across some photos of my chicken and dumplings. Apparently--at some point-- I had decided to share my recipe with you….then didn’t! I found a post promising recipes, but NO recipe. Yes. I’m that blogger. Sorry. I’ll try to do better. So with no further ado:<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-caBxuPoUUX4/UGhfbA7HIpI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/a-VEFDriUl4/s1600-h/Chik-n-dumplings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Chik-n-dumplings" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nDg25Vd3SpY/UGhfb1peWwI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/JaIEqR1M-Lw/Chik-n-dumplings_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Chik-n-dumplings" width="244" /></a> </div>
<div align="center">
Southern-Style Chicken and Dumplings </div>
· 3 ½ to 4 lbs of bone-in chicken (your choice: whole, thighs, breasts, drumsticks…just use your favorite) <br />
· 2 quarts water <br />
· 1-2 stalks of celery <br />
· 1 onion, quartered <br />
· 1 ½ teaspoons salt <br />
· 2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
· 2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
· ¾ teaspoon salt <br />
· 1/3 cup of shortening (I use Spectrum non-hydrogenated) <br />
Place your chicken in a large pot (remember to remove the giblets if using a whole chicken). Add the celery, onion, and 1 ½ tsp. salt. Cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a slow simmer and cover. Let it cook for an hour or so…until the bird is falling-off-the-bone tender. Remove the chicken from the broth. Strain the broth to remove the veggies and the bones that have probably removed themselves from the chicken. Discard the bones and veggies; return broth to pot. Measure and set aside 2/3 cup of broth. You will need that to make the dumplings! <br />
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, “pick” the meat from the bones. Yep, just take your hands and pull the meat off. Place the meat into the pot with the broth. Discard the rest of the bones. <br />
Now it is time to make those dumplings! Combine the flour, baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender. (No pastry blender? Get yourself to the nearest….just kidding. Use a fork.) The mixture should be crumbly. Now here’s THE trick to perfect dumplings: (I can’t believe I’m sharing the secret that allows me to turn up my nose at most people’s dumplings…Yes, it is that important to a southern chick!) Check the temp. of your reserved broth. It needs to be VERY warm to HOT. Put in cool broth and your dumplings will not be melt-in-your-mouth delicious! You have been fairly warned. So add the hot broth to the flour mixture and blend until the dry ingredients are moistened. Do not over-blend. Now turn your dough out onto a LIGHTLY floured surface. Knead lightly for about 30-40 seconds. Now roll out your dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut your dough into 1 x 2 inch strips. I use my pizza cutter. This isn’t rocket science so don’t worry if your strips aren’t perfect. See… <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pXvM7VxBZ1E/UGhfdXE8vOI/AAAAAAAAB5g/diTlcZwEg5g/s1600-h/dumplings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dumplings" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxm3nUTlVBWgscB18QMkZzFH79qY7uU-GiCUoPYFMAlOmKBJZI5LFUaNfwjMvO-opOYIldR7uQmrdQu-9YGn_rpMawq4vYftliDDHnpLNgNMeOATwwadKC5SGm0A1PmuKtjgjFzqnEZc/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="dumplings" width="244" /></a> <br />
Bring your pot of broth and chicken back to a boil. Now as quickly as you can, drop the dumplings into the broth ONE AT A TIME. Cover your pot, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. <br />
Yield: 4 servings (feel free to double…they are even better reheated!) <br />
Enjoy,<br />
<span style="font-family: Edwardian Script ITC;">Sammi</span><br />
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Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-18121420189385447212012-07-09T10:42:00.001-04:002012-07-09T10:42:23.849-04:00Tomatoes =Biscuits<p>Summertime and the living is easy….not really easy…but definitely better! Yes, summer brings its own busyness…gardens to tend…clothes to hang on the line…preserving the bounty…picnics and barbeques to attend. Summer is busy, but it is a good busy!</p> <p>This morning I spied some fresh tomatoes sitting on the counter; which made me want a tomato biscuit. Not really on the diet…but these are the first tomatoes of the season…so….</p> <p>Breakfast:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpPEKJQHumP_b_yfpnkfzlFwj7f8HLw5Rf_lLJ5gi9JpaWasvjPXnQc6FQYdNYIKPXU52cVLMvsga4PZHhx1I5cqu9gJajYycxiACkG6m8mpmjTafBlHLlC4BbBFg2zz7WKyMI3_987M/s1600-h/tomato%252520biscuit%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tomato biscuit" border="0" alt="tomato biscuit" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-w-XgqdwqO1o/T_rs87trwlI/AAAAAAAABwU/YiIPOXeUubc/tomato%252520biscuit_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="152"></a></p> <p>But first:</p> <p align="center">Buttermilk Biscuits</p> <p align="left">Ingredients:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">3 cups self-rising flour</div> <li> <div align="left">1/2 cup shortening</div> <li> <div align="left">1 cup cultured buttermilk</div></li></ul> <p align="left"> </p> <h2></h2> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDntbFhLTZU4O0xc9SFZs1tWXbeiLLeh6dXnQzu-F8HkIqA_-jcpV6peWxfj3ay1TtswmhlV5smenjOlRYghOD7MFrNFQD7mroxmdgB4dL7BW3YfDh7Uv113hqvmhhrH9Gx82zlMmM_s/s1600-h/3%252520cups%252520sr%252520flour%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="3 cups sr flour" border="0" alt="3 cups sr flour" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwuVdDtiZBBYLBJIbk1ldwUWIh5CrCUHOgfhtatDvnhMIZPCyYOfHce3AJAmEeqrxdrXY4A6_GHAZR6Xnv6YOGNAtXKEl86-tsWURqyJeZTqV8GZAaLA_-_70yB2traExJOFRyocGdys/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Put flour in mixing bowl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KTVXF5bJQJ8/T_rtAllkfCI/AAAAAAAABws/8fpL5lU67eg/s1600-h/spectrum%252520shortening%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="spectrum shortening" border="0" alt="spectrum shortening" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1UWVZWLguLFTVpClYSlt2yMTfnuj5f9yeBOyphAgnbGn_0xsc3-mYqL6IelycDiPytnx7coYpUVW9EFv0Bvh3475ZhdOMm7QgdZf03d9af0664GJqQTP-bHW9mU1S8PXKumtAeUU0Nc/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>I use a non-hydrogenated shortening!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA46Wh99KOHhgVwIyxd4YUu0uGesRiJ3rbddxDL52lIlPtcXwnbpdDOnXhpFWc0Do6xMRkJ_ciGgySwHcBa8-lnhvbTT12k0j_d4xSAG3CD4duWZWvPjRMZ9YqfFLMo_TdFmQCLFA0wWc/s1600-h/flour%252520shortening%252520blend%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="flour shortening blend" border="0" alt="flour shortening blend" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XZW20aSapmc/T_rtDm13crI/AAAAAAAABxE/J3Nj3QAKRHo/flour%252520shortening%252520blend_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Use a pastry blender or fork to cut-in the shortening. It should have some pea size lumps when it is ready.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5QuJFiTNE0c/T_rtFcefu1I/AAAAAAAABxM/76f_H0GZvvg/s1600-h/one%252520cup%252520buttermilk%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="one cup buttermilk" border="0" alt="one cup buttermilk" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Gud01aYVNGY/T_rtGS5xc7I/AAAAAAAABxU/6ogIZxfoWn4/one%252520cup%252520buttermilk_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Add one cup of cultured buttermilk (I made my own using raw milk…learn how <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-to-make-buttermilk/" target="_blank">here</a>.)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTy_CoyaTtKkFX2TbmsH0DVERhRR8te2CvOetZ0wtLU-MTRGirARoD91s04ntl845WPNEkbUdPgo0A_dmdfcSTaDsXZFt0aBnLIUAx-kGhiMeDHvIDJEDhgBkrmtHyjcmcLe_tCSxqmI/s1600-h/biscuit%252520dough%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="biscuit dough" border="0" alt="biscuit dough" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X_iNRAaKmbo/T_rtIV0wCzI/AAAAAAAABxk/ZoNOW6PuXT8/biscuit%252520dough_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Mix with a wooden spoon (or in true southern style..use your hands.) It may be slightly sticky, but that’s okay. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCz-ktAiHMAGHs-ikw3buOZ_M_RsJuir_v9MyQQ9-F9slFmB_Tj0IlM1iR4PG5m4XD2ZbBlWn17qZMGI8h3pGTEYn7a3u1hZ7czwKvnesM5OlqOJvMoE_qApizDZ8o-dHnrCYeOhjSQps/s1600-h/floured%252520board%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="floured board" border="0" alt="floured board" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WYCvVPTm4B8/T_rtKnLdyWI/AAAAAAAABx0/cdlQhW1vg58/floured%252520board_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Flour your board, a tea towel, or just the clean counter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qHAVrWJ8cWc/T_rtMancETI/AAAAAAAABx8/KSeTLUj6umQ/s1600-h/knead%252520dough%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="knead dough" border="0" alt="knead dough" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MujGuvzuEdA/T_rtND_BM1I/AAAAAAAAByE/GCqWkwDU0AY/knead%252520dough_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Dump out your dough. Knead lightly a few times.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zHblP2Cx9QTv5UjUCZjQe-UEn5Qj2FLWD7m5R11CnQ1H8WAgU-4yjIEB5zKjv1BYLulgefuXm0I8f4a421wAIQ0dDaTnLFg-C7dhi1Qh6Uyi7G9wRW998rHzdtrMphmkUOrNNqGjDhE/s1600-h/gathered%252520dough%252520scraps%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gathered dough scraps" border="0" alt="gathered dough scraps" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YyKQgI1cwEE/T_rtPlgXzxI/AAAAAAAAByU/VddIRHhF0bY/gathered%252520dough%252520scraps_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Using the heel of your floured palm, pat out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QUBwt0cOuN0/T_rtXroF6PI/AAAAAAAAByc/fTTcJLgGYZ8/s1600-h/dough%252520and%252520cutter%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dough and cutter" border="0" alt="dough and cutter" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lAHoqZnT4Ws/T_rtZnmrD5I/AAAAAAAAByk/VGJ5E2gAH3w/dough%252520and%252520cutter_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Dip your biscuit cutter (or even a glass) in a little flour.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPliSFAgVSvZcy-BYaqXuT_k2wuS12vGH3Wj3I8Dn5tJK9bHAhkTri7IbKVvILeMbCsHPaHNvUG00O6YGjEeBHW5JilJoUWuvb5cdf5ZpOSOET6GNOUShXqttu3oskNfx_CWdINGXjRmg/s1600-h/biscuit%252520cutter%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="biscuit cutter" border="0" alt="biscuit cutter" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lzUNlUDQmE1sh8ArjEKI9tL1m6cxfjUiCibz2mVg0Oxx1WJRVWsVlyF1vdEgqpW16Zka1sM3TgVGvnLH572TjhNL2VueQuVyDnFgkMS_b-YZMGmpWRRFL5BfAnzi7YrnTssvguCQiHA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>Start cutting out your biscuits, and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. (you don’t NEED the parchment, but it does make clean-up super easy)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNk626mIW6KHcBMK2DX67PweKVkFHYIbO8WMTbES7FxaXOCTmGuNj1fS0Q4bUQ2ED5KABVsXAZw8pqE6SGLPlFnjWzWSfna3jv8wP5iuAH8uLuUaKhpLIrCZwDYhypQXVXO6VboeDFa24/s1600-h/dough%252520scraps%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dough scraps" border="0" alt="dough scraps" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKv3D62JPGhEV_Q_vqz29YyLHLvPZpvY-61PvjbHG2HzdmRv_SoFIiCke_9E5eZfUMKfeL6YOyVUTX9jNn1ve5DPtwKMaQAHHMY4O2lhVc1DNeyCppnEQXovq3WmPHv3DyJEu6Nk0Ej5k/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Take those scraps of dough and gently knead them together.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpoWitE6-9T0VKwFh5v_Rw3BpNXGdT4_Y-iefEpqQGALA9lYAcByt4wf_8Q4fjWRZ0ClnaMbJ6fg2m3wsDK_6QyLztl80QEdjM3ytGhZaENo3uzl8opPER2bpkoUavt4HZDdTooSs_nc/s1600-h/gathered%252520dough%252520scraps%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gathered dough scraps" border="0" alt="gathered dough scraps" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H6wuvZUIN0k/T_rtmyHo4uI/AAAAAAAABzQ/hoLSdej9FZU/gathered%252520dough%252520scraps_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>And keep cutting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FgtBrUULF5Y/T_rtuQ5W6TI/AAAAAAAABzc/n4KFZ-IwtEA/s1600-h/cut%252520out%252520biscuits%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cut out biscuits" border="0" alt="cut out biscuits" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCivEIr7hFIqm3QbnuRoyp_lgT1b9hd3bvScUeQ170fJb_FWOm9ueEkiQmyJkMyqfrdg1hL6FLXakb9zTM3qX95Lh9pCmfOCIF0aZEY8gMMLdFcLzs6wIG903ybqYoTqvbWA0Ly74S2c/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="185"></a>You should have about 1 dozen biscuits. Place in an oven, preheated to 425 degrees F.</p> <p>In about 12 short minutes, you will have these:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K1xdvX_tRdg/T_rtxOaIniI/AAAAAAAABzs/-2QHfoUZiyk/s1600-h/fresh%252520biscuits%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="fresh biscuits" border="0" alt="fresh biscuits" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-wQy6QUfveYwOMsO8oazFUXHdelQqSinvl6OTT2dx1Yob6WjPe79gH1oJhQdZj2-4xKb3FvcQH05Qu8mQE-gaX1hkmYm0K3SgSbrfhnlLPQtv8RwgwVBmO9xpQpvX7_OY0wsAmQWS7w/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Yummy! You can brush the tops with butter. I highly recommend it!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Cmd8PkVccl9Xwq7BvIu_954bBqSS0Vlm0QoMsZcbjATJld67EDpc3uN85NzhuduK60L9E2b4vMtIQvpXRjdS1SqMxmKNp5edWcjt-x7U0EbaOLR98OV_d9AKcFOuPhRIdClLAZjeZ58/s1600-h/wrapped%252520warm%252520biscuits%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="wrapped warm biscuits" border="0" alt="wrapped warm biscuits" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODk0u2FxTqFZadSNtjrIuFYgGO6Bdj6T73Pk-MYcHQX3b4TTHz99v9iyfAvRHQAR18Wu8bao-6iSgvGJE1O1xVEVDJI85ZzxJaUx-PY-UgAICOzznc64X4ZN3pidKcNj4hA7SdhDLNdo/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-86051241389966833372012-04-03T11:18:00.000-04:002012-04-03T11:19:36.796-04:00Weekly Menu Planner-Printable<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5obV2aBV6-zdU84UVE4dENTREdydExfWWhTYTZGQQ/edit" target="_blank"><img alt="image" border="0" height="189" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2pMdV-641Eg/T3sUkrpEPEI/AAAAAAAABgg/z713DyGe3uA/image%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="244" /></a>Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-80463532746710505952011-05-31T16:08:00.001-04:002012-06-25T07:58:14.913-04:00REAL Lemonade<br />
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (10-12 lemons)<br />
1 1/4 cups sugar<br />
5 cups of water<br />
In a 2-qt. pitcher, combine water and sugar; stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in lemon juice. Chill well and serve over ice. Garnish with thinly sliced lemon, if desired.<br />
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See….isn’t that easy? And yes….you can use a good quality bottled lemon juice, if you must.<br />
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Want to take it up a notch? Make some <a href="http://www.stormyhen.com/2011/05/summer-time.html" target="_blank">Frozen Lemonade</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.stormyhen.com/2011/05/summer-time.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Ice Cream 266" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMhNyNLwQksLfsV7tRrN6af2FUsjtDu_d5q_F6LCcPxZU256L0AhCBs2tFzpE2YadHcoMINaEAVQa0sIgQLZ49xhdxp_QHjcG_nBN9-NhmstKG2krM_9yv1xPu4Sxy-qwhVR5ny2G1b3s/?imgmax=800" title="frozen lemonade" width="150" /></a><br />
Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cnylt4sevuo/TeVKpCKq9lI/AAAAAAAAA-w/R8DqJEDFNMg/s1600-h/Sammi%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Sammi" border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn01RsKGrlQ1Gfj8kiWfsLc_TD3Ln29YibBrcLurxcBX_8njIUWQhgONeKdVJM4zTPgfpDVQfCIc3n6EljCtQMmLIP6szVq2nVh0Ql8E6bExiJ_Uyz7knDLpDKRbKnRonXsU5Vr-bg-cI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sammi" width="162" /></a>Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-82002445679407372412011-03-16T16:43:00.001-04:002011-03-16T16:43:22.337-04:00Facing Mud Season<p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua">Before moving to Upstate NY, I had read a magazine article about “mud season”. I remember thinking…"interesting, but we all deal with mud.” At the time that I read that article I had lived in North Carolina my entire 28+ years. I never imagined living anywhere else. It was HOME…truth be told, it still is. But I digress. A little over 8 years after reading about mud season, I was on my way to live in New York. We arrived on May 5th. I think we missed mud season that year. I can’t be sure as I was deep in a self-pity party and in a trance of sorts…..let’s just say that I REALLY did not want to move out of the south.</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKWk50jmJV7dV6IkeKZePdtb67v7QxWQdSR0xQGGmr0IRBlF-YIieB8fDBg8tssLNZZMRZF2YXRYDzpDIh93KZP3aWOH4qy9IcBtW2KBRtxRfyT1Cl6cHQ10UaU1iTI6Ufn2O4ow7Fys/s1600-h/SN85026825.jpg"><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="SN850268" border="0" alt="SN850268" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TYEg1kxaF4I/AAAAAAAAA6s/7SNrnSM2FWY/SN850268_thumb19.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua">Now I have experienced mud season first hand. It is a season tucked between winter and spring. Winter fights hard to keep its grip, but eventually the flakes stop falling. The snow slowly melts away, and in its place….MUD. Lots and lots of mud. You walk quickly to try to prevent yourself from sinking into it. It coats the bottoms of your shoes and boots (not just the sole). It is in your car…on your sidewalk…smeared on your welcome mat…and across your entry rug….Yes, across your floors. There is much vacuuming, sweeping, mopping during mud season. </font></p> <p><a title="Mud boots" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b3/Aigle-mud_022.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><img alt="File:Aigle-mud 022.jpg" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Aigle-mud_022.jpg/450px-Aigle-mud_022.jpg" width="180" height="240"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"></font><font face="Book Antiqua"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua">Despite all the extra work (and my floors never ALL being clean at the same time…or for very long), I am glad when the mud appears. Like the robins, it is a sign that spring IS coming. It is getting the better of Old Man Winter….flowers and new leaves will be appearing.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"> </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcHSueSyYTlrhvcho1QeE1Cb6dgGanZgVmmDc-TtECxLEehVp3UjX5BYLkViDRSo5jjaWdU534RgYq00-ZTnfB-A1AMH2ON5I1Iti04TtNvbrllLyj9oYeLojxuvkOi-5T881fdBi-Mk/s1600-h/00714.jpg"><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJGyCHsiQjlrjYFnsOo_c7Ao-V9WKGGp58x0odEuR6KIukmvooEItd9vSPCxh8ajJnCJPyn8T_YXGS44JJVHE5w6fw0GzsuF-FLybIUoh52VW-Wl45VYEJ86D0m8rw2pTz_Fz-trbk-A/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="171"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua">Not as quickly as this southern chick would like, but still, there is hope. So I bravely face mud season with broom and mop in hand!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font><font face="Book Antiqua"> </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua">Blessings,</font></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCg7T9RTMDqotLf4kpaTEuqjpb-YToIxNKMdbXJst2ErItpu-cUt3c7oijp6ivrP3AK1gofaKkuT8gI4dcqYKDXTrLX67_yfsHkCWfghoeAgCXuRjaAA91QpFeLJ0zIhR3geBy28-9Q4/s1600-h/Sammi2.jpg"><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sammi" border="0" alt="Sammi" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TYEg6AYzE4I/AAAAAAAAA68/sjkDY_qIhYM/Sammi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="63"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> <p><font face="Book Antiqua"></font></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-10572539924266027012011-02-08T08:56:00.002-05:002011-02-08T09:04:19.710-05:00Cranberry-Orange Muffins<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLUDb-CXI/AAAAAAAAA3U/ZXD0gZ87AJQ/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20021%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 021" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLUngkPhI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/9XLRCkm2DIs/Blog%20stuff%20021_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 021" width="244" /></a><br />
Makes 12 muffins<br />
<ul><li>1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped (I pulse them in the food processor)</li>
<li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 cup sugar</li>
<li>1 tsp. salt</li>
<li>1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. baking soda</li>
<li>3/4 cup orange juice</li>
<li>1 tbsp. fresh orange zest</li>
<li>1/4 cup shortening </li>
<li>1 egg, slightly beaten</li>
</ul>Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. <br />
In large bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add shortening and blend. (you can cut it in with a pastry blender or a fork, BUT I just used my mixer until the shortening was blended in…)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9FkbagYcHWb5uRVwYfLQez6Ihh1jxB1ehb-lYasD53KKTfl019MJOguddHz0eblz1XJf6RAZkG2n94jv_4j-aOEKYs5JXewb5ZMgSDSG3OZW-_BYsjtaKQO6wRygPvZxEa6Url5XY8g/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 015" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLV0ErFuI/AAAAAAAAA3g/m19kOpS0YF0/Blog%20stuff%20015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 015" width="244" /></a><br />
Add juice, orange zest, and egg.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLXzhgSXI/AAAAAAAAA3k/z53sgy-AJqg/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 016" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLYN54-MI/AAAAAAAAA3o/0uBDu61NrzU/Blog%20stuff%20016_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 016" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxleGepV0CHgU9HTT7Ed86doG4I1zqsDiqVjDn8D8iGzH1Jr4cL5aQIMOeQmkf4ao8YUOZAKG8Y5UUYW2Lt_e900OjORGtlBlGMZvG3G5GL7etVpjoccvrRwyqlBhMORThMjvIVoR9T4/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20017%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 017" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Og2Hplh-kCWJBy-VYQ-x9qiMIQ_hZuVoccPT-Onj8iOBgOMjx7Z39C114wfP5fbd6mGBMsVSDuJTXbBJXRTv38BAWWaWi4cbFjdeQ9ERn8IaeJd80mRGLGPSsSt-AOBLrN4Nn7mTlxY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 017" width="244" /></a><br />
Mix until dry and wet ingredients are just blended. Stir in the cranberries.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLbYt7-7I/AAAAAAAAA30/EyW87gxo-Fw/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20013%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 013" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyN69lPPv43ZzOSLT7K6fmvn-pd0ZoLNoosvixeh2PsPFcxEW6Z63vBWv_YUqhWsihgT-1Fp1okygFVHc4Su-TGCyK0yYG_0Ssk9OA7JjVag43jY98SBNRPz0wv4n195GAfD2ca6M5qRg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 013" width="244" /></a><br />
(Can’t believe I forgot to take a picture of the batter while it was still in the bowl!) Spoon into papered or greased muffin tin.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLdPy8Y8I/AAAAAAAAA38/l4GT81wylDo/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20019%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 019" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCrZmkCvMWxRubRvYDdlHZAETbrHjXaPzVJPGJDs5TlqHKBW_Rxc8g5mHfvmN2-S18gtYNtL5JLbpDQx3KfL6ueojWJJA2b6Wk5r6fcbn-aXA4MsSzrrMazC-SQpxlcuvNuaMe9JICzM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 019" width="244" /></a><br />
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer your pan to a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Remove muffins from pan and place on cooling rack. If you have the patience you can let them cool for a few minutes. But personally, I like to break one open and spread some butter on it immediately!<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLeom3lRI/AAAAAAAAA4E/xnbxh0obWq4/s1600-h/Blog%20stuff%20022%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Blog stuff 022" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLfAbJGaI/AAAAAAAAA4I/oQ9sqx3kDGQ/Blog%20stuff%20022_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Blog stuff 022" width="244" /></a><br />
YUMMY! I made the mistake of NOT doubling the recipe and they didn’t last one day. I had two for breakfast…then that afternoon I had one with my tea. The other 9? Boy Wonder ate them all before lunch!!! He’s a hard working farm boy….so I let him get away with it! <img alt="Winking smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-winkingsmile" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLffT_KzI/AAAAAAAAA4M/rgR3jNyFhxM/wlEmoticon-winkingsmile%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
Enjoy!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TVFLf6h73OI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/n_5xCBl46nE/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Sammi" border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqRJlq0_QUaVDfuLJY0QYCrrdP2Nu8oM0NUP2YVpDfqXSRyGe69eDbauBIs5wGKjjCzXvoyAb11OySbxgcXQtsdo20tSA6AD43PdE-EVU1Ct81Y0LslbQ9eHMxsR5E1j83XalvERGwHA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sammi" width="162" /></a>Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-88264091282102505712011-01-11T11:17:00.002-05:002011-01-11T11:21:18.837-05:00A Beautiful and Tasty DayIt is a beautiful day here in the upstate of New York. The trees are frosted and gleaming at times when the sun can break the barrier of gray. Though the sun is fighting hard, the clouds seem to be winning. Tiny flakes of snow are slowly falling from the sky, falling so slowly that I am sure that they began falling sometime last week. Yes, it is beautiful.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyChtH70NI/AAAAAAAAAx4/R2uBzw_VK_o/s1600-h/1-11-11%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="1-11-11" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMNTSKscvXoW3cfSILuIs84q6As89KVMQoCu6xBXWTb3LQqtkw8Lg3oK0VV_QIGZ3gI1DROSQweTLQibgL73IZIVgSBo6BEejAoLn_I3Zrjb9FZJ_SfZD7m49ZXC5tfSlAyBzzZnHQSM/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="1-11-11" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPB2ZUO1-sWm6M5lFR8uC3y68a2Y19a2FIXZMVFfukR0uUhyphenhypheno2j5s5YizRX026WPixri9fCw34QPm5duUSsikDhuaK0e-_UrbkS5pSWjU58Hi6E3Hvp1KBTkBeBcyp5hk63P9M9OGwn8/s1600-h/Outhouse%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Outhouse" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyU9z2bFNbCFIjiVI8nb1NrhhXI6b5mEoLHEs4-RlPPKDL6mwWPZn5jTebCGWn65skB-5mASHAoGCmFBtgArg43FBn7Mtx96Bb61AAOsaxEl_8F-Hn_rZzH5ntFIZuvuFN-AYvzvpiAYo/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Outhouse" width="244" /></a><br />
It is also COLD….a nesting kind of day. So I made these:<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCm2AyXKI/AAAAAAAAAyM/7ao7yVXXiis/s1600-h/Mini%20muffins%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Mini muffins 001" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjun7ENpSUyIMEUT9uku7TqofIiqe-wooVpnBbamx_rmbzLMT_igIF0YVDFoxn8WXeWo9oIQlLJa03WXYedx_AxjzGHqgIfktDc7x0o5eHd4ePe4l_IZdaky8RajdGgpJOvbJXQah9IKS4/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mini muffins 001" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCot5w9BI/AAAAAAAAAyU/6ESgB_0saXY/s1600-h/Mini%20muffins%20002%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Mini muffins 002" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCo9ZKmoI/AAAAAAAAAyY/mBVg33iN1VU/Mini%20muffins%20002_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mini muffins 002" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKekw8o8GO1yG43vjOiYB1dwwn_D9lIK4DfYlgUluqlIwKJ6iHv7v0ToY1dgcwoZQyH6h1YdZtfX-RCerkYHk9HDLU0liVeao_3Gkx9I_4X6AXRzfNgRub5U0fGNkFD2pDEHZ2-d2QKhE/s1600-h/Mini%20muffins%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Mini muffins 003" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCqOySdPI/AAAAAAAAAyg/7ocJbDfQJQI/Mini%20muffins%20003_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mini muffins 003" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCq-k56nI/AAAAAAAAAyk/cilJc5q2SOY/s1600-h/Mini%20muffins%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Mini muffins 004" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzrN8efso_cpVlan84GA7RQHCzVmIOIlCVD1YPnMdlR6kA_AXaSCnmdxTv8EskHh0X2W4oKctWVvYLjkzv-Po7sygraDbsM02oHocj-3pIrg2tW-BUQbBINgYwg34aPRlpf0zraOziac/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mini muffins 004" width="244" /></a><br />
SOMEWHERE in my vast collection of recipes, is my original recipe for these little jewels. Alas…I could not find it this morning. So I went online to search for it. I thought that would be quicker than searching through my files, notebooks, etc. I didn’t find the exact recipe, but with a few adjustments* <a href="http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/cinnamon-mini-muffins/Detail.aspx">this one</a> turned out just fine. <br />
*I used buttermilk instead of skim milk. I used BUTTER instead of margarine (don’t allow margarine in my house!). I used freshly ground nutmeg (it makes a HUGE difference). I also made a glaze from powdered sugar, cream, and a drop of vanilla extract (sorry…no exact measurements) for a few of them.<br />
Yummy, yummy, good! And the same satisfaction as fresh donuts without all the work!!!<br />
Have a wonderful and blessed day!!!<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TSyCrrppgGI/AAAAAAAAAys/_5JQ9Xi9sbY/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Sammi" border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsRmjbkiKxH2Jm9Wl_r7heYIcRO-SqdUFbqMPpwGpCMzZUdpBrUaYRNYWo6Z1lSizaSOTGXWYHu41peRQumwbSICXFkvhddepjjy_uPn1LLDDGlnkA65UqvDB2SUjAFp4xbGimN-7S7k/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sammi" width="162" /></a>Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-62616200401238046592010-12-31T08:45:00.001-05:002010-12-31T08:45:22.090-05:00Christmas Past<p>Do any of you have one of these golden balls? or at least know what it is?</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmLPlZZywv3yCoSWlfRV_AQEnxGczpq8Mt-aFWSYEbwC4-s4ehB4BveDdMGbiRHBEG3uGwoE_1E9YhDq3IgLPWugGW1cRecxjiELEY-zPC7NAZ8KYilz42Yknry0A4g-PY7OoS79qzlk/s1600-h/Christmas%20Past%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas Past" border="0" alt="Christmas Past" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dgUZk_hM0Y63zOOEyV_Zew8IZe6z3Xdp2mDCwphvTNnAdTCJcKupnjvo45D7qNgaHJMi0DR3LP8wxBZjiPXAJXFp2Ssv8BfkmdasBQIRvXvpbVhCc3Dk8hS2Rsu1u-h9ZtQFNdBZab0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Each Christmas, when I unpack it, I travel back in time….to the wonderful, magical Christmases at my grandparent’s house. It is a piece of my personal treasure. I have no idea what it is worth, if anything, monetarily. I, however, will not willingly part with it….until it is time to pass it to the next generation.</p> <p>I hope your Christmas was filled with happy travels back in time! Have a wonderful and safe New Year!</p> <p>Blessings,</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TR3ecPig_sI/AAAAAAAAAso/MiWENZvuaA8/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sammi" border="0" alt="Sammi" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TR3ece8JPxI/AAAAAAAAAss/v6YP6qNRxM8/Sammi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="162" height="63"></a></p> <p>Join me as I travel back in time at:</p> <p> <center><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/brambleberrycottage/800px-The_clock_tower_of_St_Mori-1.jpg"></a></center></p> <p>Hurry…we’re already late! </p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-26013848038386598992010-12-16T09:19:00.001-05:002010-12-16T09:19:46.627-05:00It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!<p> Inside….</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof4tNB2eI/AAAAAAAAAoA/HKXJFzmySAo/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 007" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof5HKQ5LI/AAAAAAAAAoE/JIsy1TKu54A/Christmas%202010%20007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof6WGQIKI/AAAAAAAAAoI/TiLocioeTcs/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20064%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 064" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 064" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_1WX4mjuoGrlQktRib-URxAZFzPfxPe5QazpjzHzISyCKlMhwqW-QJRpGdt_x9hLuf4fkCnli3qZLEvWMCW5xDFwvwwZzM3XXJQUCCb7oCJyctjbhizvgZ9f1r61RjkCDReoDFrucPQ/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZeJ8TgK2pJCMPekTvz7V15d99Fymi3h0da1jWJ1sLdqoA44LJUuz8yx2DwdD0sYsh3mvnl3BoZj48NkxbHYhUQ1I0r3AgZ_3J2hqoDTzoqNUu_EOwSckG6HJC-2BlZp3GlNCRgXQtww/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20067%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 067" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 067" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof8k0xbNI/AAAAAAAAAoU/btj_tm2CEPs/Christmas%202010%20067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>…and outside.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugg6NaggMoGw6XTzwdmRz1HvjdZyjAzB4z_MKKWqqQ3bxzNPB91CebS11sBvXD8NXDvYYsLWnqfnCQRao91uUgrCDuyv1N64_IsFCy8g0gKXUbbfJWHJvcaC0sIbAQQXCf5IGm5a3jj0/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20059%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 059" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 059" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof9t0WmgI/AAAAAAAAAoc/e0Kd9By_f7g/Christmas%202010%20059_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="183" height="243"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5EXEfy-N7B_XmH2Vcu0bfGoRxQHEIDcZtUf6cS4UHE9kUDWecp9oafuFbkYIxx6OeqvBXyMf2XwfvTx-88H_TrpXb672bETaOXc8sG6zxxYXK654ODdzXXLtjGE_WFEU9r1MJ3oY5lk/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20062%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 062" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 062" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TQof_JlKfuI/AAAAAAAAAok/Py8HaP5tNHk/Christmas%202010%20062_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRyHSvvyZLj-3K_bkliPhtGf5i0wrKE1Rqo_Hbj00ISJNAR0d0A_xGKHg_GWUxGyJDhgsCO1G8ktiTVPw5BMAsfe00P_R0vsRgUhXVRQ5IruF5UljvT8mEkrEvmFY6DOSs-IPAMWmn44/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20058%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 058" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAoosVH8bbg3qjljiNCObz7nikJAymcOXFPQQwEUa04sjaBlxhV6q6hWM69S6GO3j9qFfchHHFrKDXlr4csSDGwzSiDyTOf2waIxuSKYVx185eZ4hSGIwq59QxN1RGiT5a2sr2dPqXfk/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-73086057468690174612010-12-07T09:06:00.002-05:002010-12-07T09:11:50.966-05:00This Kind of a Morning<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_ROZlXWI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/z-CC-X5rufk/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20004%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas 2010 004" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjsMFSef3pmhakN3Q94NFB_wuSbKKxsvOP2RQTDhJEo3etXvbAHg0Xzq5mjaQQdG3YPVaMxr59JOi41ad4jiK9oFsdfFysPmoahh36UX8XzbJvbI4ElU1haWUDIHFsL1oGZ7DQ-8dafk/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas 2010 004" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUrCryeZJpZ2RYF82KIkzJdR92rB-S4cRSsYJzKwJzjCelRMyFRX8cV9BPYpem0Ovd4xE-9Q9fVBzZeTsJOvgYM-s60dIVoP6qWnP2d5w37wbIl2Ly4rMPy188L5g69mYOukFIZNMWSE/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas 2010 005" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_TAPJ2zI/AAAAAAAAAnc/-FB3UDhvAzo/Christmas%202010%20005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas 2010 005" width="184" /></a><br />
….calls for some of this,<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_UYbwR7I/AAAAAAAAAng/IhkLq7OxeiI/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20008%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas 2010 008" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnbSt6f5fc4u9Ud42GaHnBGJZhneZ_gtNIBSDAgrN5GRvs0biEfOgz1I1J25n6WbNk2UitGsHnaIAviz4WJNHP9Njb_jlWPDx7Jeqb7JTAABGjN6E61QXF8LsVv05VzQk7HQ14ifXnwY/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas 2010 008" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_WNXgEWI/AAAAAAAAAno/kTJEH_h8PV8/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20010%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas 2010 010" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThoveaZ-wtg20cJXCYg1k2Hp2AEtedvWYUIDv1tKmGfSpjwB31cYjgDVvJb20IaHiB0Kl6366A3sNAZRScbc5gKPcEfNnVJ6e3aTMrhQOPoTuQfqJxIOKU5nMG-NF25PBc6BadyepfwI/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas 2010 010" width="184" /></a><br />
with some real maple syrup and a splash of cream…or maybe some brown sugar, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg …and a splash of cream!<br />
And to keep it real…..<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_XdZwXoI/AAAAAAAAAnw/wRkP-pXRz5Y/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20009%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Christmas 2010 009" border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWllYlL_-v4TUhZu5XT-6vyHG6LWufpUjMzVb2SPCiqtEkSaAT5IAhdHC2aqYbsgGRYImt6AXXI8CR-fRsdD4KfADtXk9CWDSqy0pOZpaC9Qsf7pZlHIgDRSR5qk0pPnUGOfp566xGIg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Christmas 2010 009" width="184" /></a><br />
This is what happens when you are happily snapping photos for your blog and forget to turn down the heat once your oats are boiling! Oops! Oh well…the oats are simmering on another burner, while I wait for the above portion of the stovetop to cool enough to be cleaned.<br />
Hope you all are staying warm…seems like the entire country (including my beloved NC) is in a deep freeze.<br />
Blessings!<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TP4_YPFa8qI/AAAAAAAAAn4/Yz8JqozxZ4k/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Sammi" border="0" height="63" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycpCFlI2IU8hFyix0W-thsLLoiduTQak81F0U9uBcIaw3BBQYuj9CqidudZNn1WCc80pbyfN8W3wdIzKSQABA8TFOG2COHqkotTi7GsGucSG6FSbimlTYaW3tjcXOOv6TL7w_jpWMS3s/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sammi" width="162" /></a>Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-87449353531805926132010-12-05T13:42:00.001-05:002010-12-05T13:42:38.556-05:00Looking for My Christmas Spirit…<p>First of all…I will be copying this to all three of my blogs. So to you few followers of all…no, you’re not crazy!</p> <p>Now on with the story….</p> <p>I can’t find my Christmas spirit this year. I forced myself to put up our tree, hoping that just doing it would help. I still haven’t made my topper yet…but the tree looks nice. I didn’t however find my Christmas spirit by decorating it. Actually it made me a little sadder.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPvdFSHB_WI/AAAAAAAAAmw/g3S31lyd8FY/s1600-h/Christmas%202010%20016%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Christmas 2010 016" border="0" alt="Christmas 2010 016" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjo54ZNTGrWSi2y5cb9x-JZwt1ayRI1IUDO13J1BBrwE_vGNJqahxtH8AnuBsNJo6ND_wl8n_W6sQXOfhMx1nlam33SUBAgEtDSEnMVpdWnTS7t17s8Wz_ui6fkmXndGsLGFq2Hlv01Cc/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p>A few nights ago, I went to our community’s Christmas party. The company and the food were wonderful, as usual; but no….I didn’t find my Christmas spirit there either. I came home feeling a little sadder.</p> <p>Last night, we went out to a very nice dinner with friends. Prime rib, filets, and other yummy things were ordered. There was no tiramisu on the menu…so I skipped dessert. I had a lovely time. We traveled to and fro in a winter wonderland as snow softly fell. I came home with no more Christmas spirit than when I left.</p> <p>In talking to a few friends…and even reading a few other blogs, I am finding that I am NOT alone with this lack of Christmas spirit this year. My friends and I are VERY fortunate. Our husbands have good jobs, and they work hard. We all have everything we need and much of what we want. And we are smart enough to know how blessed we truly are…and we know that it is all by God’s grace. Which makes <strike>my</strike> our lack of Christmas spirit even MORE frustrating. We know why we are celebrating this season. We know that the greatest gift we could EVER receive is one that we have already accepted…the gift of salvation through Christ. So why these feelings? I don’t know. My friends and I have discussed possibilities…we are at a stage where our on children are older and we are likely years away from grandbabies. So perhaps we are missing the magic of Christmas through a small child’s eyes. Christmas is over commercialized….But I don’t think that is it. I long ago threw away notions of giving just to keep up with Joneses…I give for the true JOY of giving, not because I feel obligated to do so. My husband said that I just needed some snow…for which, evil looks were sent his way. (At the time there was no snow on the ground….and I have a real love/hate relationship with snow, but that is a story for another time). Perhaps I am just more than usual missing HOME! Maybe it is just a combination of all those things and more.</p> <p>Whatever the reason, I have come to the conclusion that my Christmas spirit…or at least that feeling that USUALLY envelopes me…may not show up this year. I may not get the urge to fill my home with the aromas of cookies, cakes and pies baking. I may not unpack the rest of my Christmas decorations. I may not even have many gifts under the tree….or make lots of candy treats for my family and neighbors. And it will be OKAY! I WILL do some baking and I WILL make some <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx">Oreo Truffles</a> because my son loves them! But unless something BIG happens soon, I don’t think I will be doing my usual CHRISTMAS CRAZY.</p> <p>With all of that said….maybe my job this year is to help someone else find their Christmas spirit. While I am truly blessed, I do not live in a happy bubble. I know that many out there are suffering. So instead of just my USUAL Christmas donations, I have decided to actively look for those that “need a little Christmas”. (I know this is turning into a small book…but bear with me…PLEASE)</p> <p>My first “find”:</p> <p>I am from NC…so every few days I check out the <a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/">Charlotte Observer online</a> to see what is going on back home. Today there was an <a href="http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/12/05/1888145/shelter-seeks-2000-pounds-of-dry.html">article</a> telling how one of the shelters in Charlotte has a goal of collecting a ton of dry oatmeal by Jan. 31 to help serve the increased need this year. DRY OATMEAL! A relatively inexpensive, easy, nutritious meal. Something that MOST of us take for granted---or even COMPLAIN about---on a cold morning! Since it is NOT convenient for me to donate to that particular shelter AND there are hungry people EVERYWHERE, I have decided to donate some simple dry goods, including oatmeal, to my LOCAL food bank. I hope to make it a regular habit…not just a once-a-year, make myself feel good thing. I CHALLENGE you to do the same AND to ask those you know to do the same. (If you have a blog, please share the challenge there.) I imagine that many of those in need today may have sat down with friends in another Christmas season and ate prime rib or a perfectly cooked filet….and never imagined that they would one day need to ask for a bowl of oatmeal! One day it may be I or YOU or someone you love. It is not this day however. So this day (or this week), I give and thank God that I can!</p> <p>* I did a quick Google search and found that my little, itsy-bitsy town has its own food bank. I have lived here for 2 1/2 years and had NO idea…so maybe I have allowed myself to live in a happy little bubble!</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGDq-ISsdxRnuhFbfhvQsrkNnuxlgwcJfzFAMkm29bpi-RnA3LYFJbr1WXTjDqGZMfsLjokG-Ex3_lQrwv-9UETiWg0rt1VsyfN633j8mEEuxomwtwStTb7BSSm2O8qojqZZ3Yffa0c8/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sammi" border="0" alt="Sammi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz8TGkpfiq8b6RQ8McMJm9M2H6u99Hwxw5QkBORaiaVhUB0rfoUGTPBkOT-RIbZ1QtGtZCLWjTjxctC9s6QNJrH8QuXh_jh6rUZktywp49fhxZt1Kgj6uRBEwX2zDZTJ0dZfPSMPnjawM/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="63"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-50810973221217390572010-11-29T09:33:00.001-05:002010-11-29T09:33:27.713-05:00From Autumn Décor to the Menu<p> </p> <p>Don’t throw away those pumpkins that you used indoors for Autumn decorating. Roast them! Cooked pumpkin freezes well and can be used to make pies, quick breads and pumpkin soup (though that is one thing I’ve never tried!)….or any recipe that calls for canned pumpkin.</p> <p>The hardest part of roasting a pumpkin is cutting it in half; but even that isn’t too bad if you use a really good, sharp knife!</p> <p>So here goes:</p> <p>Wash your pumpkin to remove any debris…perhaps a little dust? Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-QAad7YdO5pt3SbwkavDngjGcPxwxeSe2DlJaVn1b1IS0rZJ3wXIUfuzUfg_Lg_piUYeozxuXsw0PfizwjuxEJop4680lsgk3COC0NqWKxhN87BVjITIVz_NVJPWUPfLAiPSlKvFFgY/s1600-h/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20005%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies and pumpkin 005" border="0" alt="cookies and pumpkin 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPO5jlwwkII/AAAAAAAAAjA/Uo-DRkqw6ZA/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Now place the pumpkin on a cutting board and slice it in half. BE CAREFUL!!! Then take a spoon and start scraping out the seeds.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdI0r5zk4Nsj1N8wD_ykXuV-Ey1u_meoLUX7-Xc9zGbjG6aRDJiMODC7JdxwLnJZpK2PJoi0qTpdgv16eZ553EkLH6sJtdUnlSVqF3z6V8MZa2Yo7rXgib2NdCDdSN38wFO1uuAlzlC8/s1600-h/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20007%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies and pumpkin 007" border="0" alt="cookies and pumpkin 007" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPO5lbLDAmI/AAAAAAAAAjI/C96v3hKoqc0/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2N7yjCsZjYFbk2MKvfPfbllC_xwn1rVe75RizbMoD3QE6O0TJD7v018ZRwnnyUi-30vznCAmgc_VwPW6kgmZtMjowO7bni-uegFPADTO36Tou2ZtEgr2qFf08KU3BIO1rn5adcyEhWc/s1600-h/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20012%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies and pumpkin 012" border="0" alt="cookies and pumpkin 012" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPO5nXBXUzI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/1EniCBr7ot4/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20012_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>(You can save the seeds for roasting.) Now your pumpkin is ready to roast. Put it face down in a shallow roasting pan. You can use two small pans, if your pumpkin won’t fit in one. Or you can cut your pumpkin in smaller pieces.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPO5oEtiV2I/AAAAAAAAAjU/yH9CXDvoYHw/s1600-h/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20015%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies and pumpkin 015" border="0" alt="cookies and pumpkin 015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPO5oihXRsI/AAAAAAAAAjY/BHIcV6zZ5rs/cookies%20and%20pumpkin%20015_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a></p> <p>Pour in just enough water to cover the bottom of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours, or until fork tender. The time will vary with the size of the pumpkin. Just start checking it at 45 minutes.</p> <p>Once the pumpkin is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan.</p> <p>Mine is in the oven…so no photo of it, but here are a couple of pie pumpkins that I roasted a few weeks ago.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi845hgVpUb0m3vitOB9TCl_8Ww2Kgy3tDCmLYs46-XfEEL8rF-EoMyod-DLa4uKFd3wX059YLM8SPOA3eU6cKTGqnyKcVDWHZHv4F4bTmBQu-J5uII2Em8jBItAgnA4K5npfJKnyYyb8g/s1600-h/018%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="018" border="0" alt="018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJYWGY4hkpaZySfzR4bn1apkExk53HwMX3zdhjekAOSEFcCtziLy2Uw-k21x0MMx8IPrO8C_7LJgBXhy6J1AGGfJD99bDeVAOxXiwE0qbbwSGU9qmqLaABNmrdvF6eCIQ0OYqv1I4LlE/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Once it is cool, take a large spoon and scoop out the cooked pumpkin and throw away or compost the skin. You can mash the pumpkin with a potato masher or even give it a quick spin in the food processor. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj394cIiuZ0kBMBQZ4IzAksZ20YF24HsB7UBTCweyBNNAP_U4JIbCxP3zDm0v9p6KZ1n97OJ53wUvDd2mZEO05K6NIbFcdTehpt2qBqLOKhipdBxC_W1OXuCApDXm2PYAW5nwBggGDK2IQ/s1600-h/020%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="020" border="0" alt="020" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvVobF0Hchl6Takc4woF95KPqENUg1KlDchRCj6_cexm1II94sCGVol5U3OJS7vWweWtBwDHxXd-PUQ5VM6c75rW_bw0Y98qTCkh-C6c7ukg5zIbfB13xtIiC_wkh4L_nw7UjWuSM3s0/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>You can store it in the refrigerator for about 5 days or freeze it for later use. I usually freeze it in “recipe sized” portions. Check your favorite recipe to see how much that is.</p> <p>Have a blessed day!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FV-D9-xwupfoTu8PYqxx5kzXKSAAE2DKLJSod8PxE7VLaZuBW0mZoIxMf0gRU2pEuXATwzcx6TPcQI1XvhwiGbkfowjeKpo62KcuLQ6gZ_TguoS3lXV9Z8H0BhIciENpqM0FIS5xkB4/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sammi" border="0" alt="Sammi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OdjLWRME89SSWFBy4rFy6MMklfN2vnZQy3ZiodUZG9ikTQUikq8JCOc-xPGDtW20cSd5zx0pgj24fVMNCOWPGFgVNbHX9Yz2jtkQM1Tjcs6yJNQUUUdkqPlg90aQ3xYxGeq0VSD2_I8/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="63"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7689574528550444754.post-26633875833485619682010-11-26T14:04:00.001-05:002010-11-26T14:04:25.168-05:00The Day AFTER Thanksgiving…<p>First of all, I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It was rather cold here. Other than that, it was a nice day. My husband always smokes the turkey, and this year, he really had a masterpiece. When it came in, I tented it with foil to rest and told myself that I would take a photo of it before it was carved….then I promptly forgot all about it. Just believe me when I tell you it was a beautiful bird!</p> <p>But today is a new day and I want to share a couple of my day after Thanksgiving traditions. The first one causes my husband to gag. He dreads this day. He doesn’t understand how the kids and I could eat this:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBN264mvoLZoFP4YyUwKH-xVTUQRCZKrpaafWUOAa6K19tq2EqimhqVD_ZlFUfD9X-61E5cnd3_ck15667SdbzI4GhiF1X91-xLXNjUQxExwN1CRxc6CJ-R-IMLecgeqXHxlgqQ5lZt2c/s1600-h/Day%20After%20Thanksgiving%202010%20001%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Day After Thanksgiving 2010 001" border="0" alt="Day After Thanksgiving 2010 001" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxdqlkIYPt_bFwDKYOgwqIgd4mx0kbA5Z2-RM0-07pACpVW1g1_d-0olf4cnNTFQs2kaGz3Zvi69uT4S6Bf5UMYWTi6147_xBRaZJzO5GzJkIOHXZDJBgUQymxGbwl_hs_z2OEQI7wzg/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>What is it? Well, the kids and I call it a GLOB (<strong>G</strong>obbler <strong>L</strong>eft-<strong>O</strong>ver <strong>B</strong>owl). In a bowl, you add a little cornbread dressing, some mashed potatoes, some peas (bought JUST for this dish), a little chopped turkey, and gravy. Cover and heat in the microwave. Then enjoy! While I like Thanksgiving dinner, I LOVE my next day GLOB! My hubby says really not nice things about it and absolutely refuses to try it. He doesn’t know what he is missing!</p> <p>Tradition #2:</p> <p>Now this one Man likes! A LOT!!! The carcass from our bird starts the process of becoming Turkey Noodle Soup.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sNjhPO9KPXs/TPAEsMC5tlI/AAAAAAAAAiI/U_5Db24fh-g/s1600-h/Day%20After%20Thanksgiving%202010%20003%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Day After Thanksgiving 2010 003" border="0" alt="Day After Thanksgiving 2010 003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7lpsQhddbHb5bcRPZ82fAdFjrpkvUzxFIIe2bsWwhkq8Bwxx7tE2d7QBwOP4-pxsGpjewgGJb-aTXPEFeoA8dYNdoTQ_q6-9qVWyQ7DXPQ_N7BYFUfrhcglKplZzIziJTX_JC2VyIFQ/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a></p> <p>Just throw the carcass in a LARGE stock pot. Toss in some celery stalks, a medium onion that has been cut into large chunks, a bay leaf, and some thyme (dried or fresh). Pour 1 1/2 to 2 gallons of water into the pot. Turn the heat onto medium and wait a heavenly aroma to fill your kitchen. After a few hours, remove the carcass (it has usually fallen apart) and strain the broth into another, not quite as large, stockpot. Pick the meat from the bones and/or from the strainer and put it aside. Chop some celery stalks and carrots and add to the stock. Season the stock, as desired. Some suggestions: salt, pepper, more thyme, parsley…even a little leftover poultry seasoning. Bring the stock to a boil and throw in a couple of handfuls of egg noodles (or even rice….that sounds good…may do rice myself instead of noodles)…I “guesstimate” the amount of noodles based on how much stock I end up with; stir and reduce heat slightly. You want to keep it at a low boil. Once the noodles are almost done to your taste, put the turkey meat into the pot. Continue cooking until the noodles (or rice) are done and serve.</p> <p>Even if you don’t want soup today or tomorrow…go ahead and make stock. It can be frozen for later use.</p> <p>Well..I better go check on my own stock. </p> <p>Have a great day!!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5coMS3csAhOmd8NOulRk-CLIE-JTF8wPdyQeMLHCdBn_2p9gkfrzFoKnVHUOqb5Lgwx0gXnyzp4RAkBgxjGMCobkODAWOQDX3ozw83kL-IM24woiloB3fLZ4U6eMfMXmHcu5aXXnuTNQ/s1600-h/Sammi%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Sammi" border="0" alt="Sammi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDBMAvKAP5UO2Ckwtjf8ygNG2F9hzeFfNVie9bAFme7iwCYZW-sXMd-2Y3tw1Cx6IXpiXwd8E-ieoYjhW578IPETRHgkEL9pe7hWUwLgTDYWHl3u22Aaz39_h_V_7jzBxrGtZvs6MWOc/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="63"></a></p> Sammihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18269027721970205870noreply@blogger.com0