Simply...This. That. And The Other

Pat-a-Cake {Quick D.I.Y.Cake}

2012-01-28T12:14:00.000-08:00

No need for spendy cakes. I can't think of much else I would rather do than to widdle the morning away making a birthday cake with a little helper...{BTW, Trader Joes has THE.MOST.ADORABLE packaged cake mix boxes that TASTE amazing and the graphics are to.die.for! I think they could sell it to me with pickled pigs feet and I'd still buy it for the box!!}

Here is what you need:

A sweet.fun.energetic.little helper

A cake mix and a few ingredients

Your favorite frosting

Bake Your Cake.

Let it cool.

Wrap it and freeze it. This makes it sooooo easy to frost!

Unwrap the frozen cake and set 1st layer on a serving plate, waxed paper boars, cake plate...

Frost a bit.

Set 2nd layer on top of frosting.

Get a knife or spoon and pat the frosting on the cake in an upward motion, creating little peakes or waves. This takes no skill whatsoever.

Take two lollipop sticks and stick 'em into the cake. Tie twine, ribbon, string or whatever you have {twisties, dental floss :) on one end. Add paper punches of leaves, different shapes, candy corn, Froot Loops etc. Tie to other pole. That is it. Just think. No lines, no ordering, a fun baking day, memory making, and the satisfaction of having saved a bit of money.

Now, I really want to hear from you? Do you bake from scratch or are you okay with buying a box mix? Be honest!!! :) It took me awhile to not hide the box mix under the organic sugar, butter, milk and oats. BUT it saves so much time!

NO need for a cake? What about freezing some cupcakes and frosting them as needed? I think they might just be a darling little four pack that just might be packaged with a white doilie or some crinkle fabric and a tag that says, "Hugs and Kisses", "Sweet One", "XOXOXO", or "Happy Valentine's Day"!

Happy SWEET Saturday!

Birch Frame

2012-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

{My version}

{Their version}

This is more like a little telephone call or text message you may send off to your bff...just short and SWEET!

The other day we were in PB kids looking for deals...there was one "deal" that you may call a deal, but by no means a screaming deal!!!

As I was planning a baby shower for a friend, I remembered the cute birch frames they had hanging throughout the store. My hubby called to see how much they were and of course, they were only for display...NOT for SALE...no biggie, they probably would have been close to the price of our daughter's college tuition anyway...sooo, with rubber polka dotted rainboots, my rain jacket and garden cutteres, I went out to our swampland {backyard} and gathered enough branches to make our own version of a rustic birch frame. I still have a few more to make...but I am so excited they didn't cost one single sparkly dime! Sometimes it is fun to have to be creative when a price tag is not an option!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!

UPDATE: My version is still in the rough...but I will be mounting my bird picture onto foam core board with spray adhesive and then tying it to the frame with light pink divine twine...the pink bird will be attached with light green twine to bring in the two colors. I know...blah blah blah. That is the plan! I would LOVE to know if you go branch gathering in a swamp near YOU. OOPS...I did give the branches a nice warm bath to clean them off a bit and so that they look nice and clean!

Shared with: Debbie Doo, freckled laundry

No Peel Beef Stew

2012-01-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

When it is cold, rainy, wet and maybe even snowing outside...nothing beats a crock pot dinner that fills your home with diliciousness all.day.long...especially on a day where other things need to be done aside from standing at the stove and the kitchen sink for hours on end!

This soup took less than 10 minutes to throw together and go get laundry done amongst everything else that was screaming for my attention on Monday morning. And, yes, even the doggie was swaddled in her blankie and toted around for part of the morning! That is how much I miss carrying around babes while doing housework...although there is absolutely NO real comparison!

There was still time for a family and friend walk in the freezing cold and a bit of time to work on projects that really don't take as much time to do as the motivation to start on them and finish them!

I hope you enjoy this easy peasy stew as much as we did! Nothing about this soup is exact. Leaving the skins on the veggies gives it a more rustic taste and more vitamins and minerals for housework energy! No need to make sure all veggies look perfect...just chop, throw and GO!!!

No Peel Beef Stew
Lisa Pearson

1 yellow onion, cut into wedges {OOPS, the onion does need to be peeled!}

4 carrots, washed and cut into about 1 inch rounds

4 potatoes, scrubbed and cut into larger chunks

4 heaping tsps. of Better Than Bouillion Vegetable Base

4 cups water

1 lb. chuck roast beef chunks or stew meat

Directions:

*Place all ingredients into a crock pot {I used my smaller crock pot since I wasn't feeding an ARMY!}

*Let it cook on high for about six hours. You may want to check on it and turn it down to low depending on what time you are eating.

You might want to add freshly ground pepper to your hot stew, too!

This recipe may easily be doubled. Add more broth if desired!

FIRESIDE EVENING MENU:

Hot Cider

Beef Stew

TALL and FLUFFY Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits with Homemade Whipped Butter

2012-01-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for small little biscuits, this is not going to be your cup of tea, BUUUUT, if you are looking for tall, fluffy biscuits that might just remind you of a birthday cake minus the fluffy, sweet frosting, you are not going to want to leave quite, yet!

How the perfect biscuit is to taste is a HUGE debate...maybe as big of a deal as if cornbread should have sugar in in t or not, but thanks to the internet and a bit o' searching, you will most likely be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

I prefer the BOB biscuits {BIG OL'BISCUITS} They have to be big and they have to be fluffy and flakey, soft, golden, warm and able to be smothered with homemade whipped butter. That is one tall order. ANNNDDD, they need to look as pretty as a birthday cake.

Thanks to BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS...the biscuit recipe meets every single criteria. I have had biscuits that I am sure would hold up on any ice rink as hockey pucks and those may be fine for dunking in soup, but these biscuits are AMAZING!

{This is another recipe I always always always double!}

BUTTERMILK BISCUITS
Adapted a tad from BH&G

2 cups flour

1 TBSP. baking powder

2 tsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/2 cup butter, softened

2/3 cup buttermilk {If you don't have buttermilk on hand simply put a bit of lemon juice or vinegar in the bottom of your measuring cup and add milk to the 2/3 cup line. Let it sit for a minute to sour the milk.}

Preheat oven to 450*

Directions:

*In a bowl stir together dry ingredients.

*Using flat beater for Kitchen Aid, add in butter

*Add in buttermilk and stir until dough comes together.

*On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to about 1" thickness. I used my Grammy's three inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits.

*Place biscuits on to a SILPAT or to a baking sheet.

*Brush tops of biscuits with a bit of whipping cream and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTE: You could re-roll and cut and re-roll and cut using up all of the dough until the moo cows come home. resist the temptation and bake up the scraps to snack on. The more you work the dough, the tougher it gets. REMEMBER< THESE ARE TALL BIRTHDAY-CAKE-TYPE BISCUITS!Also, you will not want to over bake them, so keep an eye on them.HOMEMADE BUTTERTake one cup of cold heavy whipping cream and a cold bowl. You could set them in the freezer for a few minutes if you like.Shared with: picket fence, comfy in the kitchen

Beat the whipping cream until it gets solid and you are past the soft peak stage. Add a dash of salt and enjoy.

Want to know how I first made butter? I forgot about it in my kitchen Aid as I was changing a diaper! Never underestimate the power of a Kitchen AID! They are power tools in their own right. It happened on more than one occasion. Even after setting the kitchen timer...I churned my own butter. Maybe that's why my hubby bought me a fancy schmancy whipping cream maker??? There is no making butter with those whipper machine babies. NO SIR-EE!

We served these biscuits on Diana's handmade bread boards. We use them all of the time and are they are such a treat to share with our company! People love having their very own authentic bread boards. They are quite the topic of conversation! Best of all, they will always remind me of our 21st wedding anniversary picnic! Be sure to visit her beautiful blog!

Valentine Packaging

2012-01-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well, hello little lovelies! Hope you are all enjoying the start to your new week!

I have been trying to lay a bit low on the heavy-laden sweets and confections, but when VALENTINES rolls around, it is a hard habit to break...so, to keep the flour from dusting the countertops and the batches and batches of cookies and sweet treats to a minimum, I thought I might share a few packaging ideas instead. What do you think?

RE-packing is a really fun thing to do and requires very little time if you decide on one Valentine project.

I bought a package of cookies {yes, it almost KILLLED me!}, a package of dark chocolate covered almonds from Trader Joe's and the last package of candy cane Joe's OREO cookies I specifically bought to save for Valentines. The baby pink filling is the perfect addition of color and TASTE...or so I have been told by my family.

The best part about this project is that you package it up, seal it and give them away so that temptation does not start to lurk under your work space! It is just a little sweet treat to let your sweetie pies know that they are being thought of and are LOVED!

So here are a few ideas: {My favorite is the mini "paint can" from my bff! She gave it to me with a bracelt in it! I decided to call it my prayer bracelet, because I wore it during an MRI... and I took comfort in knowing she and others were praying for me!}

These chocolate covered graham crackers were stacked into groupings of three, wrapped with doilie paper punched with a punch and embelished:

I used a straight-sided jar and punched out a white and pink striped piece of paper to line the bottom and to add a bit of color. Four little OREO cookies fit perfectly and then DIVINE TWINE in PINK just had to be added along with a Valentiney heart.

These would be great little favors to add to your dinner place settings or perfect to bag up and deliver!

THIS AND THAT:

ADORABLE doggie hand-stitched napkins we will be using on Valentines {My Christmas gift from my bff! You have no idea how special these are since she is not exactly on "speaking terms" with our baby!} :}

Saturday Date in our favorite part of town: My hubby knew exactly what the DR. ordered...

Before going home we went into Trader Joe's and my hubby bought me the most beautiful bouquet of champagne=colored tulips that are now opened, drooping and beauteeFULL!

Thank YOU, honey for still dating me after 23 years and for making me feel like I am the most special girl in the world. Holding hands and kissing in the rain and always believing that everything "will be okay" and praying for me all.of.the.time are amongst the miliions of memories I will never tire of! You are simply THE BEST! I love you MOSTEST!

Happy TUESDAY!

Next POST: The EASIEST beef stew ever, TALL buttermilk biscuits and HOMEMADE butter!

Shared with: It's overflowing, picket fence

Raspberry Shortbread Bars

2012-01-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Friday!

Do you ever remember taking a short-cut on the way home only to find out that the short-cut actually took longer?

Well, these little raspberry bars should be called short-cut bars, but if you are looking for a super fast cookie-type bar thingy, these little short-cut bars are just for YOU! This is going to take way less time than cookies because they are all made at one time. No waiting for the batches to finish unless you double or triple the recipe!

The directions sound way longer, but once you make 'em once, they will most likely be a go-to quickie.

Don't you think they are just so pretty for VALENTINES?

Now, if taking short-cuts in real life really were shorter...even the ones we think just.might.be!

Raspberry Short-cut Bars

1/3 cup sugar

5 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 1/2 tsp. almond extract...the PURE kind

1 egg white

1 cup flour

2 TBSP. cornstarch

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1/3 cup YUMMY RASPBERRY JAM

{GLAZE}

1/2 cup pwd. sugar

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. pure almond extract

Combine all ingredients and stir until drizzly.

{Directions}

Preheat oven to 375*

*Beat sugar and butter with a mixer until well-blended
*Add 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract and egg white and beat well.

*Combine dry ingredients and add to sugar mixture and mix until well-blended. This dough will be a bit stiff.

*Divide dough in half and roll each portion into a 12-inch log.
*Place logs on to prepared baking sheet or onto SILPAT.

*Using your hand, make a dent down the middle of each log and spoon jam into identation.

*Bake at 375* for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

*Drizzle glaze onto warm bars and cut each log diagonally into 8 bars. Let cool and then seperate and move.

ENJOY!

Shared with: It's overflowing, picket fence, comfy in the kitchen

*

The HOPE Chest {of Verses}

2012-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

{Verse HOPE CHEST re-gifted from my bff!}

The month of December, as we all know, can get a bit hectic...so, when we were thinking about attending Sunday night service at our Church, I honestly was thinking about all of the other things I could get done at home in that time slot.

As we sat through the service I knew that this was exactly where God wanted me to be. The sermon title was "How Can A Good God Permit Evil and Suffering". The pastor started off answering the question by "I'm not sure." As he listed those who suffered in the Bible...he made it quite clear that we can rest assured because God is in control. BUUUT, if you are like me, it doesn't hurt to see and hear real examples from real people who have hope despite the worst of circumstances...

At the end of the sermon, a video interview was played of a wife who takes care of her husband.
She and her husband used to attend church, but as his body weakened, they were no longer able to come.
She shared with such JOY and HOPE that I kept waiting for the tears to start, and maybe a bit of resentment hidden in the shadows of her words. But as I kept listening…I was reassured that IT IS indeed possible to live out a life with gratitude despite unbelievable pain and suffering!

As she finished her story and told of her husband’s faith and how he encouraged her…she smiled as she expressed his love to pray. As he ended the interview with prayer, I started to sob. I was so moved to tears that there are those who have so little to be happy for and yet they are the ones who seem to have a well of encouragement for others that never goes dry. I am sure they have those days, but it was evident that they live a life that is overflowing with gratefulness.

It is truly a life of gratitude that we strive to live. We want to instill in our children that despite life’s evil and suffering… GOD IS GOOD!

That night I could not stop thinking about what an amazing legacy these parents are leaving for their children and for grandchildren.

As I had started a list of what I wanted to include in our children’s HOPE CHESTS…I knew that what really offered them HOPE needed to be included FIRST.

They need verses to go to when life is tough.

Verses to cling to in time of fear.

Verses to offer friends who are hurting and who feel like giving up.

These handwritten and sometimes typed-out verses are something my momma made for me. Though the stickers and stamps are no longer “in” and the country rose color from one of my favorites has faded…it is still on my fridge and has offered such comfort to me over the years!

Sooo, as much as I look forward to icluding charts, recipes, bird bowls, linens, dishes and baby clothes…I am cherishing writing down verses that will outlast any earthly possession, so that when life’s storms roll in, they will be able to live a life of JOY and HOPE.

{Thank YOU SANDERS FAMILY for sharing your life of GRATITUDE!}

Hope Chest details to come!

Shared with: Titus Tuesday, WLW

THE GROCERY LIST

2012-01-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Yes. It is that important that it deserves its very own post and all caps at that!

We had an itemized grocery list for ions and once WINCO re-arraged it's floor plan and messed up our little system...it no longer worked. It took forever to scribble down our new store route, listing the major aisles according to what aisle housed what.

Do you have a store route? I think most people do, but everybody does it differently. I have friends who start with pre-packaged and end with the freezer/refrigerated section. We just start at one end and zig zag back to the front of the store!! ANYHOO, however you do it...it might be helpful for you to make out a list of aisles and make up a list accordingly. Just be pretty specific so that every item fits well into a category. It will take much less time to figure out where to list the items.

Our grocery list hangs on a clear clip board {I can't handle the wood look against my white cabinets!!!} on the inside of our kitchen cabinets where it is super easy to access when an ingredient needs to be replaced. There are a few things I keep stocked, so even if I still have a few left, I will add it to the grocery list so that I don't run out!

How many times have you run out of an important ingredient...thinking full well that you will "remember" what it is next time you are at the grocery store...because it is ridiculously obvious that it is needed? Well, it may still work great for you, but my brain is shot and I need as many helps along the way as possible. This is why THE GROCERY LIST needs to be in a convenient spot, so as to write it down right then and there. The work is half done before you start your grocery list for the week.

You may want to think of a couple of dinner menus that you keep on hand at all times. One for company and one for a "MOMMY CRISIS NIGHT". It could be a loaf of bread in the freezer for PB and J or Kraft Mac-n-Cheese. Just be sure you have it where it can be substituted for the cordon bleu you were planning on making before the crisis. ALTHOUGH, POUNDING out the meat may still be a great idea!

EVEN if you are a lucky little ducky and are fortunate enough to have your groceries delivered to your front door {KRISTIN, I know you are stalking our bloggy!!! :} }...a grocery list will certainly help you only have to enter the ingredients all at one time.

We have a bunch of extra grocery list copies printed up at once, so that they are easy to access. It takes very little time to push "print" so that you are well-prepared for months at a time.

If you are planning on making your own, I would suggest allowing space to write down the menu for the week and a section for notes. Sometimes I don't necessarily need something, but I like to look ahead and if something is on sale and will still be good when it is needed, I will go ahead and purchase it. Also, if I see something that is on sale, I will write a note to myself on the "NOTES" section and include it on the menu for the following week. I have saved so much money doing it this way WITHOUT COUPONS! I don't clip coupons anymore and I only buy things our family really loves and will use. I do stock-pile toilet paper and paper towels and a few other things, but our house will not be the first house on our block being raided in case of a national disaster. I have a son that is a complete survivalist. So, it will be up to him to gather the wild edibles and convert rain water {ANOTHER BENEFIT TO LIVING IN THE NORTHWEST!} into drinking water for us!

Okay. I think that just about covers it.

I hope this idea sparks some interest in YOU and that it will take alot of the work and dread out of grocery shopping and menu planning.

Using this system has saved us so much money and has allowed us to be able to bless others with the savings!

Maybe you already have a system in place, if you do, I would love to hear about it. I love getting new ideas from how YOU do things.

HAPPY THURSDAY!!

Shared with: women living well

Entertaining Children

2012-01-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

I know this is going to be a bit controversial...but it is something I have had on my heart for a long time, so here it goes.

We are not talking about entertaining our children: Playing cruise director as we peruse family friendly blogs and magazine articles on how to entertain our children with the latest and greatest projects and field trips, family games to occupy "dead" time while developing fine motor skills and brain memory...

We are talking about teaching our childen the blessing of entertaining! Teaching the
m the value of having people into their home is an honor! Teaching them at a very young age is best! It is easy to ask them who they might like to have over for a snack or for dinner! Go over manners and what their job will be while friends are over. Our children were taught to offer something to drink. That is it. Easy peasy...one little job that will be simple enough for them to remember.

Our children were encouraged to invite friends over...even if it meant more mouths to feed. It was worth a hgher grocery bill and less spending in other areas to have them learn how to entertain.

Years ago, while my hubby and I were dating in college, I remember Scott calling his momma after a basketball game ...alerting his parents that he was bringing about 20 friends home in "about a half hour". This was normal. She never once said "NO!" She welcomed every single friend which meant that their night at home alone was shot and the clean house would shortly be filled with sweaty bodies, backpacks, shoes and hungry basketball guys. To some this would be looked upon as ridiculous. "RUDE" might be another adjective to describe a child to expect his mom to drop her plans for the night. Maybe even selfish for a child to assume that he could show up with the crew to just hang out and entertain his friends at his parent's home.

Guess what? It was modeled and encouraged from a very young age...and I feel very blessed that he encouraged our children to do the same.

Several weeks ago, both Caleb and Laurissa were having their Biblestudies here at home in the same week...they usually alternate...anyhoo, I helped just a bit to get them ready and then went to my room. I heard them welcome their guests. A few of the children had shown up right after sports practice and they were offered a drink! They were asked about their day. I took a deep breath and whispered to myself..."it was worth it!". It was worth and is worth all of the noisy nights, messy kitchens, sticky floors, extra laundry from the overnighters,and the list goes on. I certainly do not do all the clean-up, but I do like to help them as it offers some great talk time!

There were times I felt like we needed a bigger home to entertain, a bonus room for sleepovers, a bigger dining room for dinner parties, and so much more, but how many priceless moments would we have robbed our children of experiencing had I insisted on waiting until__________?

I ran across a picture the other day of friends working on a craft project outside on the picnic table while our home was completely torn up. I had to smile...because the thought of our children entertainig in the middle of sheer and utter chaos was not even something that was considered an inconvenience!

It is these children that have been taught the blessing of entertaining that WILL be asking us as parents into their homes as they get older and have their own homes and families. It is these children that will not take notice of walkers or wheelchairs and the inconvenience of extra mouths to feed. They will know without a shadow of doubt that it has nothing to do with a perfect, large home but they will know the blessing of having had friends or even strangers into their home...and Lord willing they will know that their time with these dear ones will have encouraged them in ways they may never know!

Happy Wednesday!

Shared with: Titus Tuesday, women living well

Scott's Dump and Run Creamy Mexi Chicken

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Scott's Firehouse recipes are tried and true...pretty much flop-proof. I figure if they are tasty enough to serve the firefighters and are requested by chiefs, and by his friends who call on their days off requesting "THE DINNER YOU MADE THE OTHER NIGHT", they are perfect for families on the go. Perfect for mommas who are nursing a baby and feeding a toodler while answering the phone and folding laundry! We need recipes that don't take alot of brain juice and that will turn out delicious no matter what our days have looked like!

My momma always makes her Creamy Chicken for our family gatherings, as it is loved by all the grandkiddies, but this one is a step up in heat...but kids still enjoy it!

I know that you will LOVE this recipe!

Scott's Dump and Run Creamy Mexi Chicken

6 frozen chicken breasts

1 bag Trader Joe's fire roasted corn {I have also seen this recipe use 1 can of corn}

1 can of ROTEL tomatoes {mexi blend}

1 can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed

1 8oz. package of cream cheese {FULL FAT!!!} ****WHY NOT EVEN 33% less fat cream cheese? As tempted as some of you may be to save a few calories...this is not the place to skimp! ANYTHING LESS THAN FULL FAT CREAM CHEESE will leave you with this dilema..."Lisa, I HAD to taste the DUMP CHICKEN when I got home at 3:30 pm. BOY,oh boy, it is wonderful. Finger lickin' good. Only you have to add something to the recipe directions for people with a personality problem just like mine...we do stuff anyway if we don't know the reason not to. I just can't stop asking why! If I don't see an answer and none is provided, then many, many times I go ahead with what I think would work anyway. And get in trouble:>} So, you know that part about using FULL FAT cream cheese? Being me, I thought, 'Huh, I really prefer the 33% less fat kind. I'm just gonna use it.' Not knowing that the 33% less fat cheese doesn't melt nicely. It turns into weird little gobs of white. You think a recipe is simple AND foolproof, and then some idiot tries to make it. Yes, you can laugh at me." from a bloggy reader :}
SO, that is WHY you need FULL FAT CREAM CHEESE!

COOKED JASMINE RICE

{Directions:}

*Place frozen chicken in crockpot {At home, we let it soak overnight in salt water and rinse until water runs clear!}

*Dump the rest of the ingredients in to the crockpot

*Let cook for about 8 hours and stir every once in awhile.

Serve over Jasmine rice and embellish away...like with sour cream, cilantro and avacado. Hubby serves this with a salad and LEMONADE!

Christmas in Leavenworth {2011}

2011-12-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Words of Assurance

2011-12-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Old hymns have always been a favorite of mine. No matter how long it has been since they have been sung in church, heard on the radio, or read in old letters...the words always come back to mind along with the comfort they offer.

Several years ago, after a fall in our garage {Climbing the gorilla racks in flip flops is not the best idea!}, I was treated by an amazing doctor. He listened to me and was such a gentle, caring man who was in it for the long-haul with me. One day, a few years later, I called in desperation to get in with him. He was gone. Retired. Nowhere to be found. I sorta felt like my lifeline had been cut!

But God knows. Yesterday morning, I was scheduled for an appointment and my favorite doctor was there!! My hubby and I talked and talked to him for quite some time. I told him how happy I was to see him and how difficult it is to find a really really good doctor. He was so very gracious and said, "Well, I am here now." All day those words kept ringing in my ear. Seriously. It made me think of how powerful words can be...especially words of hope spoken by a doctor who is as thoughtful as a dad, words of comfort spoken by a dad to a frightened child and best of all words of assurance spoken to us from our Heavenly Father who knows exactly what is best for us.

As much as I LOVE the holidays and the fresh clean start that comes with the New Year {you know...the cleaning of cabinets and drawers, closets and shelves, making piles for Goodwill and for friends who love hand-me-downs} that is not what I was thinking about this morning. I was thinking about how grateful I am to my God who is gracious enough to show me mercy! I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am going to think things I should NOT think, say things I should NOT say, disappoint those I love...and the nastiness that is in me will be exposed for everyone to see at some point in time...and in my case, usually sooner than later!

But oh how good it is to know that our kind and gracious Jesus is always there. It is we who wander off, "retire" without any warning. We are the ones that are willing to cut our lifeline. But it is Jesus who will take the severed rope, tie a tight knot, and who will whisper in our ear, "I am here now...and ALWAYS will be"!

In this New Year, I pray that you will take time to seek the Lord and that His words of assurance will offer you HOPE like never before.

"The Lord is good to those whose HOPE is in HIM, to the one who seeks HIM."
Lamentations 3:25

Love to YOU!

The Pearson family

{This is one of my favorite pictures! It used to be Lauriss that had her arm around her little brother...now, it is Caleb who protects her and who is so affectionate with his sissy! The best gift ever!}

Use Your "Pretties"

2011-12-20T19:41:00.001-08:00

How many of you remember going to a friend's house when you were younger and feeling like someone had just died? You went over to play and the "good" couches were covered with sheets, the lamps were still shrink wrapped in plastic(MAJOR FIRE HAZARD! :) ), the drapes were drawn to save the covered couch??? You had to play in the basement so nothing would get broken...except an arm from slipping on the cement...and about half-way through your play date... in solitary confinement, you mentioned you were a bit hungry...so you went up to the off-limits kitchen to get a snack and were given a bathroom Dixie cup with KOOL AID and a paper plate with stale chips...okay, not REALLY, but who are you saving your BEST for? Pretty sure none of us are expecting any dignitaries anytime soon...

So,give your best to those around you TODAY. Set the table with a tablecloth and your favorite dishes...that may not have even ever been used...get dressed up when your loved ones come home and smile when they ask you where you are going...blow off the dust on the candles and light them even if you are having leftovers...show them that they are more dear to you than anybody else in the world...treat them like they are Gold!

Last year my mom showed me the sweetest picture. I think it was taken on our first birthday. It was a homemade cake on a beautiful GLASS cake stand that was given to my parents as a wedding gift. She used her "PRETTIES" all of the time. It made us feel even more special in knowing that we were worth it. We learned to appreciate the little things and we also learned that the celebrating happens everyday with those around you.

If the plate does get chipped{another good reason to buy plain white dishes at TARGET!} or the tablecloth happens to get stained, just think... you will always have the memory of your special evening...loving and showing your dear ones that they are well worth the effort... annnnnddd, don't forget your bright red lipstick and pearls!

One more itty bitty thing...be sure to include the family pet!!! Remember, every day is a celebration!!

Vintage Heirloom Ornament

2011-12-17T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am so very giddy giddy this morning!

The last batch of baked goods are in the oven, most of the Christmas presents are wrapped, the house is semi-clean, the kiddies have been dotted on, the doggie is cuddled up on the couch with her "baby" and I have a few minutes to BLOG something new! I kinda feel like a child who has just finished homework and who gets to play for awhile before dinner! :}

Anyhoo, since the metal Holly Hobbie lunch boxes we carried to school in the sixth grade are now considered VINTAGE, it is more than safe to call these ornaments vintage.

My dad saves everything with any value in the memory department whatsoever. I love the fact that he kept our old caroling sheet music from when we were little.

A few years ago, he brought them over to my twinsie's house! We had dinner and then gathered around the baby grand to sing Christmas carols before opening gifts. It was such a fun evening. I will never ever tire of twinsie's amazing talent on the piano! She has her very own style that is filled with all of the extra notes. I guess it was worth listening to the hours and hours of the same ol' scales!

...so, after seeing an idea on pinterest and seeing Kim's creation for a baby shower, I decided to take the old sheet music and make vintage ornaments for family Christmas gifts this year. I already had the ornaments, a mini punch, a glue stick, glitter and the vintage music sheets! TAA DAA!

There is nothing better than using something that you already have and making something memorable to give at Chrismas!

***I took the tops off of the ornaments and placed the white lights sitting on the mantle through the tops for ornament lighting. It looks so festive and is quite the conversation piece! That is what happens when Target sells out of globe lighting in October! Necessity is the mother to invention, right?

Thank you all for reading our little bloggy and for following our family journal this last year!

May this time of year be joyous as we celebrate the birth of Jesus!

Shared with: at the picket fence

Neopolitan Pecan Bars

2011-12-16T13:54:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was "mommy day". Riss was back for the night on Wednesday night...so we had a festive shrimp fettucini dinner...so fun...well, I woke up to a little bug snuggled up to me yesterday morning=sheer delight! I will never get tired of bringing her Nutella toast in bed! My children still love to eat in bed which is something my Momma did for us! It is fun to think they will be doing the same with their children one of these days. Never underestimate little random acts of kindness! They may become TRADITION!

My son forgot his lunch at home and normally it is "too bad, soo sad"...but he texted me and then called and I thought to myself "how many more times am I going to be able to do this?" So, I ordered his favorite take-out food, picked it up and ran it to him before driving downtown to watch my hubby play in a basketball benefit tournament. EEEEEKKKK! I know sometimes being a Momma can be so demanding, but it feels good to be able to nurture your family...especially when it is easy to put them on the back-burner. So, if you are feeling frazzled...try loving on your family...it is sure to charge your batteries. Even if it is tucking them in at night...you will be sure to feel like you just got a big ole shot of vitamin D!

Riss got Nutella toast, Caleb got Wu's and my hubby got these...according to him, they are "quite possibly the best dessert!" Mr. Pearson says that about everything...but he was pretty convincing!!! "He" wants to make them for all the guys at work...that would mean "me"! Good thing they are easy!

This is a combo of two different recipes...

{In attempt to make it healthier, I had to add something in from Trader Joes!}

Enjoy!

Neopolitan Pecan Bars

1 package plain graham crackers, crushed or Trader Joes waffle cookies, crushed

1/3 cup pecans, chopped {optional}

1/2 cup salted butter, melted

1 large Tablespoon flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 cups sweetened coconut

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

2 Tablespoons water

1 tsp. vanilla or ½ tsp. peppermint extract

one drop of red food coloring...this will be pink!

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, butter, sugar and flour together
and press into the bottom of a greased 8x8 inch pan.

Bake at 275* for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven.

Turn heat up to 300*.

Mix the coconut and sweetened condensed milk and
spread on the baked crust.

Bake for 40 minutes until golden
brown around the edges

Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, water, vanilla {or peppermint} and food coloring
until light and fluffy.

Spread frosting on cooled bars.

Refrigerate until frosting is set.

These can be cut into little squares…because they are very rich.

Embellish with coconut

Tostada Tartlettes {mini savory pies}

2011-12-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

Does anybody know the difference between pies and tartlettes? I could have looked it up, but ignorance is BLISS!

Taco pie simply does NOT sound near as tantalizing as tostada tartlettes. What do you think?

I forgot about these tempting little treats until a wedding reception this weekend. How yummy and fun to make. Aside from the fact of how cute they are, they are super dee duper easy...and as much as we are all loving Russian tea cakes and shrimp cocktails...these fun little appies are a welcome change for your next Christmas party!

Ingredients:

Pie dough tartlettes made or store bought {I used Trader Joe's pie dough, cookie cutters, and a tart tray}

Refried black beans...{I whip mine}

Finely shredded Romaine lettuce, and I do mean as fine as possible...so prissy looking

Shredded Tillamook Cheddar Cheese

Trader Joe's Corn and Chile Salsa {Goodness Gracious! Don't skimp on this}

Directions:

1. Place beans in bottom of prepared and ready-to-eat tartlettes. {A pastry bag is FUN to use!}

2. Layer the rest of the ingredients into "pie shell"

3. Serve at room temp...be kind and share.

ENJOY!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen

Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream {Christmas Gift Idea}

2011-12-14T10:32:00.001-08:00

I am the luckiest ducky in the world because my hubby is one fantastic cook and he teaches me things all of the time. I am his "official taste tester" and he is mine! {Amongst other friends and neighbors}.

Last night, he finally perfected his Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream. TO.DIE.FOR. and the best part about it is that he is sharing it with all of you. Now, we are all lucky little duckies {even though I don't believe in LUCK!}

Thank you, Honey, for workin' on it until you got it "right"! Such the sweetie you are!!!

Here is a fun idea for Christmas gifts or for entertaining during the Holidays. This is great because it can all be made up ahead of time. When dessert time rolls around, all you need to do is to pull out your tray of Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream containers. You may want to make two different sizes. The good news is there is no mess {YAY!} and no clean-up...EVEN BETTER!

Your guests will feel completely pampered and pleasantly full!

Scott's Famous Peppermint Ice Cream

Scott Pearson

INGREDIENTS:

2-1/2 cups milk

2-1/2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2-1/2 cups half & half

1-1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract

1 tsp. TORANI PEPPERMINT SYRUP

5 cups whipping cream

2 cups crushed peppermint candies

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat milk until bubbles form around pan.

• Remove milk from heat

• Add sugar and salt, stir until dissolved.

• Stir in remaining ingredients.

• Place into ice cream maker and follow manufacturer’s directions.{BUNNY FOO FOO!}

****This recipe makes 5 quarts of ice cream******

This is such a versatile recipe! Eventually you will come up with your own variations.

Another yummy option: Skip the peppermint candies and fold in two rows of Trader Joe's Candy Candy Joe Joe's...or if you really want to have a sugar coma, go ahead and roughly chop the whole entire box of chocolate cookies. Just FOLD in the cookies after the ice cream has already been made! This is hubby's secret!

Packaging Ideas:

As soon as the ice cream is made. Pour into whatever containers you plan on gifting and place in freezer until needed.

I used Garnish products {soup containers and baker's twine}

Simply place four embellished containers in a Take-Out drink carrier {My friends and family collect these for me year-round! THANK YOU!}

Placed cedar clippings around the containers and attached a sweet little label with the family's initial to a branch. That is it!

What are some ideas you have for Christmas this year?

JUST BECAUSE I HAVE TO SHOW OFF MY VERY SWEET DOGGIE...

Shared with: at the picket fence

Christmas Cream Puffs {with peppermint ice cream!}

2011-12-12T19:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas Cream Puffs

Heat to a rolling boil in a saucepan:

1 cup water

½ cup butter

Stir in all at once:

1 cup sifted flour {it takes 48 seconds…Caleb timed it!}

Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture leaves the pan {yep…!} and forms into a
ball {ABOUT 1 MINUTE}

Remove from heat.

Beat in thoroughly: ONLY 1 AT A TIME

4 eggs

*Beat mixture until smooth and velvety. Don’t give up! KEEP stirring. It takes a bit of muscle…but they are worth it.

*Drop by spoonful…about ¼ cup size…onto ungreased baking sheet. {I put mine onto a SILPAT}

*If you have a pastry bag you will waaaaant to USE it. I made 16 mini puffs.
Simply eyeball the sizes and if you have a bit of extra mixture, go back and add a “second layer” of pastry dough.

Bake at 400* for about 25 minutes or until tops are golden brown.

*Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes until they have stopped steaming.

*Using a sharp knife, cut off the tops and scoop out the doughy dough.

*Fill with scoops of SCOTT'S PEPPERMINT ICE CREAM.

EMBELLISH EMBELLISH EMBELLISH! Freeze until ready to serve!

Cream puff dough recipe straight out of GOOD OL' BETTY CROCKER!

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

2011-11-29T09:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you have all had a great start to the new week! The basketball season is starting for our family and we are so thankful that our Caleb will be able to play this year! It is his senior year...so, that makes it even more exciting!

Our family was first introduced to these most.delicious. cookies by my friend, Penny. I think I have told all of you about her before, but she is such a dear, dear friend of mine! Her hubby is an AIR FORCE chaplain and they have three children. Penny is a southern belle in every way and loves to cook for her family and to entertain! She has such a generous heart and has a gift of encouragement! Our meeting was sorta a pre-arranged thing and I a refer to it as a pre-arranged friendship that I would NOT change for the world. One of these days when I am in a less-sappy state of mind...I will need to do a post on friendships that take us by surprise.

Anyhoo...these cookies are easy to put together and are perfect for gift-giving as they are so very beautiful!

A few months after she gave me the recipe, I noticed I had almost the same recipe in one of my favorite cookbooks...PORTLAND'S PALATE...under the name Nutmeg Cookies. Call them what you like, but I am so happy Penny introduced me to them first as now I think of her every time they are served!

Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies

1 cup butter, softened

2/3 cups sugar

1 tsp. nutmeg

2 egg yolks

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

3 cups flour

4 egg whites, slightly beaten

2 cups pecans, finely chopped...walnuts are another great option!

(Directions}

*Cream softened butter using an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 1 minute.

*Add sugar and nutmeg and beat until well combined.

*Beat in egg yolks and vanilla until combined.

*Gradually add flour. Cover and chill dough until it is easier to handle.

*Preheat oven to 375* and line cookie sheet with parchment paper or place on SILPAT.

*Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each first in egg white and then into nuts to coat.

*Place them onto prepared cookie sheets about 1-inch apart. Press your thumb into the center of each ball to form a well.

*Bake for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Carefully transfer thumbprint cookies to wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting:

1/2 cup cutter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar

2 tsp. rum extract

{Directions}

*Cream softened butter for about 1 minute and then add powdered sugar and continue creaming until light and fluffy. Beat in rum {more or less, if necessary} to make piping consisitency.

AND BECAUSE I L.O.V.E using pastry bags every chance I can get my hands on it {Makes me feel like I might know what I am doing...even though I really DON'T!!!} I put the frosting into the ol' bag and pipe away! Yes, it adds to the clean up, but well worth the extra soap and water and having it dry for the day on top of the glass milk jug! :}

Love to YOU, Penny!!! xo

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen,larson lingo

Iced Molasses Cookies

2011-11-26T14:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was an over the river and through the woods to Oma's house we go kinda day. Literally! Caleb and I spent the day at out with my parents and the three little nieces. It was such a beautiful drive. The sun was out for a bit and the leaves were still beautiful and you could see the snow on the mountains in the distance. My heart was FULL. We had the bestest Thanksgiving with my hubby's side of the family and with friends...and then getting to go visit my family the next day was so great! We were invited to make doughnuts, but as soon as we got there, we sat at the table and enjoyed leftover pie! They introduced us to their new little bird Jimmy Downy. He is a most welcome spunky guest at the bird feeder that sits right outside of their dining room window. He was adorable and entertaining!! The little girls were into the bowl of nuts {in their shells} asking for help in cracking them...it is soooo the little things in life that are so sweet! They had spent the night with Oma and Opa and had helped decorate the Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night. They slept right beside the tree in a bed that had been made up with our old quilts, blankets and pillow cases. I loved seeing them all cuddled up watching movies for the afternoon. Did you ever have lazy days during the holidays? These girls will definitely have some fun memories for their memory bank! My hubby and I are now taking note on the special things my parents do and the the memories my in laws have made for our children...because we will be copying them A LOT when our children have children!!!

Anyhoo, we got all caught up on news and plans for Christmas and finally around to making the doughnuts which was most likely just an excuse to get together!!!

As Caleb and I drove home, it was a great reminder to me to take the time to bake with others. It isn't always convenient and it will take more time...but it is in such simple tasks that we are blessed to spend a bit of extra time with those we love especially when the calendar is screaming "TOO BUSY"!

I hope that this Christmas season will be a time of JOY as you reflect on the birth of Jesus. It is this baby that changed the course of History in offering us hope for eternal life!

Iced MOLASSES COOKIES

Cream Together:

¾ cup butter, softened

1 cup organic sugar

Add:

¼ cup Brer Rabbit Molasses {unsulphured, mild flavor}

1 egg

Stir together and add to molasses mix:

3 cups flour{or 2 cups flour + 1 cup bread flour}

2 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. sea salt salt

1 tsp. each of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves

*Mix well

*Roll dough into balls...about the size of a golf ball

*Roll balls in organic sugar

*Place sugared dough balls on SILPAT or onto parchment lined cookie sheets

*Bake for 10 minutes @ 375* or until cookies start to "crack". Let sit for a few minutes.

Makes about 16 cookies.

Once cookies are cooled, melt white chocolate or candy discs and drizzle over cookies and sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar.

Enjoy!

Usually organic sugar is optional, but in this recipe it makes them oh.so.good!

"Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting Light, the hopes and fears of all the years, are met in Thee tonight."

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, stone gable, newlyweds, larson lingo

Thanksgiving...This.That.And The Other

2011-11-25T10:22:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING 2011

2011-11-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

Photo Credit: Thank you, Kim for the adventure and for sharing your incredible talent...you are the dearest of friends!

As a child, our home was always filled with soldiers. Some very young. Some much older. But I do remember the excitement that filled our home days before the soldiers would arrive to share THANKSGIVING dinner with our family.

My momma would enlist the help of friends to prepare for the BIG day. Shopping in our little town would be made as strangers would stare at the tiny carts filled with groceries. The fridge and freezer and pantry would be cleared out to make room for dinner staples. Fresh potatoes from neighbors would fill the cellar and nuts to crack were always placed in bowls. No such thing as a bowl of ready-to-eat nuts! It was so fun to sit and try to crack nuts while talking to soldiers...and if for some reason there was a hard one to crack, they were willing to use their strong hands to help!

Amongst everything else that needed to be prepped, there was always lots of laundry. Piles and piles, to be exact! Beds were made and quilts were fresh for those who would be joining us for the long weekend.

Not one Thanksgiving goes by without my heart breaking for those who are so far away from HOME and for those soldiers who risk their lives for those of us who are blessed to be with family and friends.

This past Sunday as I sat in church desperately trying to catch up with what our pastor was teaching on, I found myself doing chicken scratch on my piece of paper. No penmanship. Just plain ol' scribbles.

We were talking about Psalm 92. I do love this Psalm so.so much. We are to proclaim His love in the morning and to declare His faithfulness at night. I do pray that the soldiers who are so far far away from home this THANKSGIVING will be able to feel God's love for them as they wake...wherever they are in the world, and as the day comes to a close that they will know without a shadow of any doubt that it is God's faithfulness that has given them another day of life.

For those of you who will be celebrating without your loved ones this year, know that it is God who will be your shelter and who has his ear bent to your aching heart.

"Hear my CRY, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Psalm 61:1-3

{As I was reflecting over this past year, I decided to re-post this post. We have prayed for this young soldier and are reminded every day of those who will be celebrating the holidays with heavy hearts and empty seats...our love pours out to YOU!}

Today is one of those days I would rather just post a recipe and call it good, but by now we are all friends and we can just chat about things...

If you are a Momma you will be able to relate and for those of you who don't have children maybe you will understand how things may have been or how things are for your Momma.

Nothing quite tugs at your heart as much as watching your child cry and not be able to say anything that will help or be able to soothe them. When they are babies, it seems to be a bit easier to offer a favorite blankie, toy or binky...but the older they get...it seems to be silence and the act of pulling them close to your heart, kissing their forehead and running your hands through their hair and out of their teary eyes. NOTHING ELSE.

This morning we took David, Rissa's boyfriend, to Seattle. He is leaving to serve in South Korea for 12-18 months. He has become such a part of our family and is one special young man.

We love him!

Sometimes it is so easy to question God. Seriously, who am I to think I know better! But it's true. I question Him all.of.the.time. Like...what on earth is a 19 year-old doing so far away from home? I was looking at some pictures from David's class and thinking to myself, "those little boys should be HOME...not off fighting a war!" But I thank God that those boys are as unselfish as they are and are willing to fight whatever the risk may be...and I also think what amazing Mommas brought up those young, strong boys, and if they didn't have Mommas who took care of them and taught them...maybe they were brought up to be courageous men by a single Dad, grandparents, foster care, other family members etc...but I just hope and pray they had some kind of affection and love in growing up to be able to fall back on when they are out at war fighting! Do you ever think of things like that???

As we said goodbye, Rissa's eyes filled with tears, there was not much to say. I am praying that tonight will not be a sleepless night filled with worry but that God will comfort her and that she will know that David's plane is in the grip of God's hand and that every move and step David takes...God will envelope him and keep him and the other soldiers safe and out of harm's way. I am praying that shelter will be provided for them. Not so much in the form of the four walls of barracks...but that these soldiers would be given others who might take care for them and nurture them along the way!

I pray that David, as a man of God, will be able to continue to LIVE out John 13:34 and 35. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." I pray that he will be able to carry out THAT love. I pray that he will be able to stand strong and continue to demonstrate God's love to fellow soldiers and possibly at times his enemies. That he will be able to love the unlovely and care for those around him even when nobody seems to be caring for him and that he will be comforted by the very words of God.

I pray that David and Rissa will have lots of times to LAUGH. Fun times to look back on and even more memories to look forward to.

I pray that God will bring him home safely and that they will be able to be best of friends!

As a Momma, I pray that I will keep praise on my lips and be able to trust the fact that God is in control. No amount of worry, no amount of fear is going to change anything.

Today as we traveled North, I saw a hint of a rainbow off in the distance. It was misting...and within seconds...the sky grew dark and then it began to POUR, but the rainbow quickly became brighter and the colors were VIVID in the distance and a second rainbow suddenly reflected the arch of color across the sky. HOW appropriate! As we are at our darkest times of sorrow, possibly at our point of breaking and feeling completely overwhelmed...His promises have never failed and never will. Riss, how good is God to give us such an incredible reminder!

"Hear my CRY, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy." Psalm 61:1-3

...David, we are counting the days and praying that you will arrive safely HOME to those of us who LOVE you OH.SO.MUCH and are so THANKFUL for your service to your Country!

GIVING THANKS TO GOD!

The Pearson Family

Clay Saucer Pie

2011-11-19T09:48:00.001-08:00

Grammy's Apple Pie

*This recipe will yield 4 sweetheart pies...one serves two!

*You will need 4 un-glazed clay saucers about 4 1/2" in diameter. Be sure they are not the shallow ones. You want the deeper ones to hold all of the apple filling goodness!

*Also, you need to make your filling up in advance, so that the apples absorb all of the flavors and shrink in the prep bowl and not in your pie!

STORE-BOUGHT pie dough {I LOVE Trader Joe's brand...because nobody can believe it is store-bought. Well, I am assuming, because they ask for the recipe!}

7 Granny Smith apples, peeled, sliced and cut into small pieces

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

2 Tablespoons flour

2 teaspoons cinnamon...be generous!!!

1/2 tsp. nutmeg. If you happen to have fresh, please do use it!

2 tablespoons butter, melted

a bit of heavy whipping cream

coarse sanding sugar for sparkly tops that glisten like snow!

{Directions}

*Combine apples, lemon juice, sugar, flour, spices and melted butter. Let it sit in the fridge for several hours or even overnight.

*Roll out dough just a tad.

*Use a bowl slightly larger than your clay saucer

*Distribute filling evenly between 4 clay saucers...be sure not to get too much liquid unless you don't mind soggy pie crust!

*Once all of the pies have their filling in them, take your bigger bowl and cut out 4 tops and place them on top of the bowls.

*Once the tops are crimped and you have cut a decorative steam vent, brush each pie with a bit of heavy whipping cream cream and sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar.

Bake at 375* for about 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly!

Okay, girlies, you are going to want to set your little pies on a juice catcher of some sort, because these babies like to bubble as they bake and if you don't want this mess in the bottom of your oven...making your home smell like the fire department should have made a call to your house...one of my biggest fears! How embarassing would that be? Another reason my hubby works for another county!!!!

Happy Saturday baking to you!

oh...one more thing. I finally found the site for the sweet little printables. I just used my stampin up punch and punched away

The Night Before Thanksgiving: Charlie Brown Style

2011-11-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

{Sorry about the pic...I took it awhile ago before I was planning on using it for the blog, you know, at night!}

This is going to be a short, sweet and to-the-point post! No blah, blah,blah, today!

My hubby is a complete Charlie Brown fanatic. All I can say is that it has been a good thing that our children have had him as a Daddy, because while I like culture...he is all about FUN! AND I mean lots and lots of fun. Jammie walks, adventures through Bear Country and the Scarry Forest.

Every Veggie Tale, the Little Rascals and The whole Charlie Brown Collection has been a must for his babes.

I have loved his thoughts on different traditions we could start for our children. He has had the best ideas. Another reason we wives should listen to our hubby's! :)

It always seemed that the evening before Thanksgiving was crazy busy in the kitchen! You know, making final touches before the big day to keep stress at bay on Thanksgiving.

Very seldom did we eat in front of the T.V, but it was nights like this that were "special". I would buy fish sticks and tator tots. Yep, the children are still alive, too! They loved it because I never bought junk food.

Their Daddy would put A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving into the video machine and they would get so excited. Like squirming excited! It gave me just enough time to kinda get things cleaned up and prepped for the next day.

Several years ago, we implemented Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving menu to our traditional fish stick and tater tot menu. WHAT A FUN IDEA! {not mine}

Even though we have one child in college now, I can guarantee our grown children and grandchildren will be coming home for The Night Before Thanksgiving. It is a silly tradition, but the memories and no clean-up make this a definite keeper!

Happy Memory Making!

Menu:
Buttered toast...mom's...no wheat bread allowed. You may get away with potato bread, but you will score BIG points if you buy WONDER BREAD!

pretzels

Jelly beans...BIG ones...no Jelly Belly's allowed, either.

popcorn

PINK Sherbet with whipped cream and DO NOT forget the cherries for the top! Trust me, your children will notice!

Fish sticks and tator tots

I serve everything in DISPOSABLE paper trays. That way there is no clean up. :)

Your children will think you hung the moon and your hubby will nominate you AGAIN for MOMMA and WIFE of the YEAR! :)

On a side note, it has been really fun to have family friends join us in our tradition. It seems to be a favorite...and especially interresting to see how others do add their own twist to it!

Shared with: WLW, comfy in the kitchen, stonegable

Taco Dip

2011-11-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

This past weekend Laurissa was participating in a clothing swap party for the college girls from our church. I loved the idea behind it. All of the items that were not spoken for by the end of the evening were donated to Shepherd's Door...a women's ministry here in Portland.

Lauriss was helping with the food {she is her momma's daughter!!!!} and she insisted on a bit salty to go along with the sweet cinnamon rolls, so, this is what we made together. Have I mentioned how much I L.O.V.E. spending time in the kitchen with my children? Well, I do love it oh.so.much!

Taco Dip

2 16 oz. cans refried beans

1 16oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 cups sour cream

4 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 can olives, sliced

1 tomato, diced

*Spread beans over bottom of 9x13 pan.

*Pour black beans evenly over refried beans

*Combine cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning and garlic together.

*Spread cream cheese mix over beans.

*Add cheese, tomatoes and olives.

Bake at 350* for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and starts to bubble!

Serve with chips and ENJOY!

Happy Wednesday to YOU!

Happy 20th Birthday, Laurissa!

2011-11-14T07:57:00.000-08:00

It is almost 4 in the morning and I have just given you your birthday kiss. Twenty years ago today, I gave you the first of many many kisses, I whispered the first of many many "I love You's" and I held you close to my heart where you will always be treasured.

As you are now on the road to being a young woman, I wanted to give you something that you could hold dear as you grow more and more dependant on God for His wisdom and direction for your life. No matter how much advice and comfort I offer you, it is God's Word that will forever be full of perfect direction and comfort!

The words of Horatio Spafford have always been a favorite of mine...and it is a story you LOVED listening to on ODYSSEY as a little girl!

Lauriss, know that no matter what God has in store for your life. It is He who gave you life here on this earth and who has given you eternal life. No matter where you are and no matter what the circumstances may be...you, sweet child, will always be able to say without any hesitation..."it is well with my soul."

It Is Well With My Soul

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain:
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Horatio Spafford

May you continue to grow in God's grace and know His peace that surpasses all understanding!

I love you, little miss Lauriss!

*Pictures taken by my ever-talented bff, Kim Harris! Thank you, bunny!

sHARED WITH: RAISING HOMEMAKERS

Candy Cane Cones

2011-11-10T10:03:00.000-08:00

{Thank you, Bunny for the most.adorable cake plate!}

Making your own ice cream cones is fun and economical. The added benefit is no added chemicals and guaranteed sweet dreams. Who doesn't like going to bed in a home that smells like an old fashioned candy store? Or children waking up to sweet cones baking? {yes, our daughter had one hot off the press with syrup for breakfast!}

I am thinking that I need to find a new spot for ours. Digging behind screening material, old candle chandeliers, TYVEK home wrap, shelves, fuzzy slippers and paint rollers is not my idea of convenient at o dark thirty! On second thought, maybe it should be kept way far away, because these little treats are oh.so.yummy!

Pizzelle makers can be found at thrift stores and garage sales for the perfect price. Who knows, your Grandma might just have one sitting around!

ANNND, if you don't want to mess with the mess or are short on time, purchased cones work just as well. Simply melt your chocolate or candy discs and let your kiddos dip away in crushed candy canes, sprinkles or whatever else strikes your fancy!

Grammy’s Old Fashioned Waffle Cones

3 eggs

¾ cup sugar

½ cup butter, melted

1 Tbsp. almond extract

1 ¾ cup flour

2 tsp. baking powder

{Directions}

*Beat eggs and sugar together. Stir in melted butter and almond extract.

*Add flour and baking powder.

*Heat Pizzelle maker and brush with a tad bit of oil.

*Fill pastry bag with thick batter.

*Squeeze batter onto center of Pizzelle maker.

*Remove waffle disc when the steam stops.

*Wearing food prep gloves, remove and shape into a cone.

Hold for a second until it holds its shape.

Store cooled cones in a ZIPLOC bag.

Before serving, dip cones in melted white chocolate and then into crushed candy canes. Let dry and enjoy!

Red and white twine provided by THE TWINERY

Shared with: stone gable, comfy in the kitchen

Bean Bag Soup

2011-11-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

With food prices on the rise {even at Winco, the low price leader!!!} it is really difficult to feed a family on a budget, let alone helping out others. And as easy it is to slide into only taking care of ourselves there are so many ways to continue to bless those around us. It does not need to be spendy.

One of my favorite scenes from a Christmas movie was one where German and American soldiers took over a woman's home to retreat from the snow storm and to rest. It was Christmas eve and with as little she had for her and for her young son, they made a most memorable meal from virtually nothing. There were no trips to Target for new dishes and table decorations and certainly not a Costco to stock up on paper towels, Vanity napkins and pumpkin pie. It was her willingness to share from her heart and to make the soldiers feel as welcome and nurtured under the circumstances.

Buying a variety of dry beans in bulk is still relatively inexpensive and it is a gift your children will love to help with. Remember, it is never too early to teach your children the gift of sharing.

We find such joy when we see our children offer up a meal to a hurting friend or when they take it upon themselves to help someone in need! It does take time and patience to teach, but it is oh.so.worth it!

Dry Bean Bag Soup Mix

2 cups of each:

black beans

large lima beans

small lima beans

pinto beans

lentils

Great Northern beans

red beans

split green peas

pearl barley

navy beans

*Combine all beans into a large container and mix well. Your children will LOVE this!

*Divide mixture into 8 plastic bags...about 2 1/2 cups in each bag

*Tie the bags with twine and attach the Bean Bag Soup recipe

Bean Bag Soup Recipe

1 bag of "Bean Bag Soup Mix"

1 large onion

1 28 oz. can tomatoes

2 tsp. chili powder

2 cloves crushed garlic

juice of 1 lemon

salt and pepper to taste

*Wash beans thoroughly and place in large pot

*Add enough water to cover beans by 2 inches

*Boil for 2 minutes and let stand for 1 hour

*Drain and add 2 qts. water...and 1/2 lb. ham if you must

*Simmer for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, covered

*Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes or until the beans are tender.

This serves about 6...but it will vary according to the appetites!

Serve with a salad and crusty bread!

Since we had some fence boards to recycle, mu hubby cut them down and I made a mini food crate to put the soup fixings into. Super easy and rustic looking! I wrapped the can of tomatoes with leftover craft paper to dress the off-brand up a bit! You could use a paper bag if you want. The seasoning went into a pouch and the lemon and onion and almost forgot about the garlic...just sat in the bottom of the crate. I then attached a tag that said, "We are thankful for you". It will be just right for a friend who is sick and has no energy to cook! Don't forget to tuck the soup directions in with the bag o' beans!

I also made up a few bags to keep on hand without the fixings. They will be great to grab on a busy day when I would like to do something for somebody and am short on time...!

ENJOY!

Can you think of anyone who needs mercy and compassion?

THIS IS WHAT THE LORD ALMIGHTY SAYS..."ADMINISTER TRUE JUSTICE, SHOW MERCY AND COMPASSION TO ONE ANOTHER" Zechariah 7:9

Shared with: raising homemakers, crafty scrappy happy, simple country life, comfy in the kitchen

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

2011-11-08T12:20:00.000-08:00

Our walk was absolutely beautiful today. No steep hills, no fast cars to watch for a no bunny trails. Just my hubby and I on the path along the creek. We took the little dappled pup and had the best time!

We met two sweet older ladies. They made our day! They called us "kids' and wanted to talk. They said they saw us walking and thought we were "cute". Okay, that never happens anymore. Needless to say we ended up walking with them. We learned so much. They are friends and both of them have had surgeries over the past few months. They kinda take care of each other. It was obvious that one lady is still very much a momma at heart and loves taking care of her friend. The "southern belle" was all gussied up...makeup, hair all done up, a beautiful scarf, lots of jewelry and the other friend was very casual and just enjoying the fact that her friend had called and offered to meet her for a fresh, brisk walk. The momma {southern belle} has walked 5 miles a day, 5 days a week for 3o YEARS! She had just bought a doggie stroller for her little dappled doggie. LD {little dapple} is what she named fuzzy fur feet! The stroller was fully stocked with doggie treats, water, blankets, toys, wet wipes, the original price tag dangling from the handle along with her rain bonnet. She lost her hubby who was a Battalion Chief in Missoula, Montana two years ago. They had been married for 59 years! She was sure to let us know that she was spoiled by her hubby and that he was her sugar daddy. She had us laughing as she told us stories! They loved hiking together and walking. OH.How I love to meet new people on walks. As we were parting ways a HUGE blue heron flew right in front of us and landed on the police man's house. We were quickly informed that they sleep in trees. Hmmmm...I certainly hope that we can meet up with these two spunky older ladies again...soon!!

Do you come home from walks or from exercising at the gym with stories to tell?

Moroccan Vegetable Stew
adapted from Taste of Home

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small butternut squash, chopped

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 can garbanzo beans...pinto beans are also really good

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper {or a few drops of Sriracha, aka “chicken sauce” to taste}

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth {I used Chicken Better Than Bouillon}

2 cups water

1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper...add more to taste

*In a large saucepan, heat olive oil on medium heat and add onions, sautéing until soft.

*Add spices and cook for another minute.

*Stir in squash, potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, broth and water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for 20-25 minutes.

*Add garbanzo beans and bring to a boil.

*Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.

*Add salt and pepper based on taste preferences.

Serve on a bed of couscous and top with sour cream.

VARIATION: Stir in about 2 tablespoons of coconut milk in your own separate bowl for more flavor.

Our Dinner Menu

Sparkling grape juice

Dinner salad

Moroccan Vegetable Stew

Baby oranges

Thank YOU, Leslie for the recipe!

Shared with: women living well, foodie friday

German Apple Pancakes {mini}

2011-11-07T15:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! What a bee.u.tee.fullll weekend we had here in Portland. The sun was out yesterday and the leaves were stunning in their Autumn wardrobe!

While we have been enjoying soups, chili, and warm dinners...breakfast for dinner is always a welcome change.

Do you enjoy breakfast for dinner on a regular basis or is it something really rare and special?

It is always tempting for me to skip the apples and settle for Dutch babies, but German apple pancakes when their is a chill outside just makes your home smell THAT.MUCH.cozier...not to mention a sensory change from onions, garlic and leeks!

If your blender is in the very very back of your kitchen cabinet, you will want to dig it out. You will need it for the batter if you want to avoid the lumps and bumps! Enjoy!

German Apple Pancakes

Preheat oven to 450*

Prepare 6 jumbo cup muffin tins by greasing

2 Granny Smith apples

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

*Toss apples with sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Add apples to smal skillet with melted butter and sautee for about 10-12 minutes until soft. Let cool for a few minutes.

*Divide apples between 6 jumbo muffin wells.

Pancake Batter

2/3 cup flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

3 eggs

*Place batter ingredients anto blender and blend away until blended and frothy.

*Turn oven to 400*

*Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto apples

*Bake for about 15 minutes until a bit puffy and golden

Serve with warm syrup and cool whipped cream!

The mini board was purchased from Our Vintage Home Love.
CONGRATULATIONS on the new French inspired mini bread boards, Diana!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, stone gable

Apple Pie in a Clay Saucer

2011-11-04T11:24:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! I hope all of you enjoy the weekend. It is so cold out here and most people are wearing their jackets and coats now, which I love! People are starting to have fires going in their fire places...which makes the air smell oh.so.good.

Baking in clay pots has been a favorite since our children were young, but I must say, baking a pie in a mini clay saucer is my absolute favorite. It is a bit rustic looking and not what you would typically expect a pie to be baked in...so, a mini pie...actually big enough for two to share is the perfect way to serve pie for THANKSGIVING, don't you think? Maybe it should be called a sweetheart pie!

“Come join Love the Pie with TidyMom sponsored by Cherokee USA, Le Creuset, Wilton, Bags by Bloom and Harvard Common Press”

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, stone gable, crafty scrappy happy, tidy mom

Autumn Chopped Salad

2011-11-03T13:00:00.001-07:00

One of our very favorite wedding gifts was a "YOU ARE LOVED" plate. Needless to say, like most wedding gifts that are used, it broke in the olden days when our wall phone cord stretched across the kitchen desk and pulled the much-loved and used plate right off the counter. It was my hubby who had answered my phone call. I heard the plate fall and then I heard the silence as my hubby quickly tried to figure out how to tell me what had broken. We searched high and low for another plate, but couldn't find the same one anywhere. A few weeks later my hubby made dinner for me with the help of our children and set the table with our new "You are special today" plate at my place setting. Our children were so excited to show me THE PLATE! It was a new memory and a new plate to be used to mark many new celebrations!

We use this plate when a family member or friend is to be honored in some way. It has even been used to celebrate a good report for the achievement of a difficult task having been accomplished. Yes, it was a "D" on a report card...but, one of the Pearson offspring passed a certain language class by the hair of their chinny chin chin!

For those of you who only cook with specific measurements, you aren't going to like this, but I promise you that YOU CAN do it. You will feel like a domestic diva when it is done. There is no messing up this salad. REALLY. And when your mother-in-law asks you for the recipe she will be so impressed because all you have to remember is what you put in it...no measurements required.

This salad is really versatile!

Ingredients:

Chopped Romaine and/or Red Leaf lettuce

Corn or shoepeg corn

Tomatoes, diced

Apples {soaked in salt water to keep from turning yucky brown} I like Granny Smith

Red onion, diced

Avocado, diced

Blue Cheese Crumbles

Craisins {I like to soak mine in boiling water for a minute or two and drain...they are plump and soft and not quite as sweet!}

Hazelnuts, chopped a bit

*don't forget the bacon if you aren't a vegetarian!

{Balsamic Vinaigrette}

1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar

2/3 cup olive oil

2-3 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

An Autumn Lunch

Sparkling juice

Autumn chopped salad

Pumpkin biscuits or cornbread

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen

Raspberry Cream Whippers

2011-11-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a cool berry dessert on a very chilly morning, but when your bff needs an easy as 1 2 3 blush pink dessert...well you experiment! She wanted to make the key lime whippers, but green would just NOT do. After going to three different stores including one that claims to have everything, I settled for raspberry lemonade. YEP. You would think strawberry daiquiri would be in year round, but it is out and apparently raspberry lemonade is IN. Anyhoo, it turned out to be the perfect color of pink. Kinda antiquey, vintagy, blushy. Perfect for the celebration of a sweet baby girl! Love you, bunny and it is going to be so.VERY.beautiful!

Raspberry Cream Whippers

Ingredients:

1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1 6-oz. can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate {NOT thawed}

1 cup heavy cream

graham cracker crumbs or OREO cookie crumbs

Directions:

*Whisk the condensed milk, frozen raspberry lemonade and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with the whisk attachment.

*Beat until fluffy and a bit stiff.

*Chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.

*Before serving, place a few graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each small jar.

*Top with creamy filling, it is really ADORABLE topped with a squirt or two or three of whipped cream!

I made several without the graham cracker bottoms and I think I liked them even better...so...whatever floats your boat! Just remember these little cuties are quite rich, so a little dab will do ya!

This serves about 10-14 depending on the size!

Happy Wednesday!

Shared with: pink saturday

Bird Bowls and White Slip Covers

2011-11-01T09:45:00.001-07:00

Happy November!!

Hope you all are well and are looking forward to the holiday season! Can you even believe it is already here?

I think November is my favorite month of the year! Do YOU have a favorite month?

Sooo, we are back to rambling about whatever today. No agenda, no theme. just Y.O.U. and me...chatting. AHHHH!

THIS...

I am always curious what other people set their tables with or what they keep on their tables at all times. It could be a bouquet of flowers, old salt and pepper shakers, a seasonal table runner, Grandma's old butter dish etc. I think it tells a story. My Grandma Metko was extremely prim and proper. Nothing and I do mean nothing went on the table without being decantered. So, if we were having burgers, the mayo would go into a seperate dish. She kept her ketchup in a cute tomato squeeze bottle that was decantered from the ketchup bottle. Got the idea? BUUUT mealtime was always extra special because she took the time to do what she considered special and "acceptable".

Most meals include our bird bowls. Do you love the name? To get our babes to take bites of food when they were learning to eat table food, we would have them say "tweet" "tweet" and then we would give them a bite. Our momma did that with us and so we carried it on with our "little birds" so, we keep bird bowls on the table for small portions of side dishes that may be extra soupy like baked beans or for applesauce, salsa, dips etc. They are so much fun in the different colors. We also keep a small glass jar with bird spoons. It is just the little things at mealtime that can add a bit of whimsy and tradition. Guess what my children will be getting for shower gifts when they fly away and start their very own families??? Bird bowls and spoons!...

THAT...

We needed a chair in the corner of our bedroom. I don't know why...but we have always had a chair or couch in our bedroom. We bought one that we LOVE, but it was too big...so it is now taking up residence in the family room. It dawned on me that our outdoor deck chair would be perfect, but the terra cotta cushions were NOT moving into our bedroom. So, I bought a set of two white {actually not quite white and not quite cream, kinda in between} curtain panels at IKEA. They are GREAT! I just tucked it in to see how it would work and I LOVE it. They are nice and thick which means there is no need to double up on the fabric. It looks great! All I need to do now is wash the fabric, iron.iron.iron and for $15.00 we have the "just right" corner chair in our cozy, little bedroom!

Outdoor furniture usually goes on clearance in July and it is much more affordable than regular furniture and it is just as comfy with the big ol' cushions they are sold with!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

THE OTHER...

Have you thought about making mini pies for THANKSGIVING? I thing they are the cutest!

Cranberry Orange Sippers

2011-10-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

Since Christmas decorations are up in the stores {not our house!}, I think it is safe to talk turkey now!

What is it about Thanksgiving that is so wonderful? I think it is a chance to really hear others talk about the blessings in their lives. A chance to be grateful no matter what the circumstances...because I am sure that if you took out a piece of paper and pen...you could fill it up pretty quickly.

We have this punch every.single.year. It doesn't matter if we are HOME or somewhere else. It comes right along with us.

I have gotten quite a few e-mails with readers who are frustrated with my ingredient list. I am VERY sorry. I will really try to be a bit more sensitive to this.

THANKSGIVING PUNCH:

Cranberry Juice

Orange Juice {Do your family and friends a favor...NO PULP! THEY don't like it!}

Ginger Ale/Champagne

Directions:

Freeze cranberry juice in ice cube trays...or whatever shape you would like {IKEA has had some fun molds!} Make sure whatever shape you use, that they fit in the glasses you will be using! {BEEN there, DONE THAT!}

Before dinner or during appetizer time {if that is what you do} drop frozen cranberry cubes into glasses. Fill glasses with half OJ and half Ginger ALE/Champagne! It is simply BE.U.TEE.FUL as the cranberry juice swirls as it melts! :)

If you are planning a holiday brunch, you may want to try the "fancy Mimosas"!

ENJOY!

Shared with: women living well, the picket fence, comfy in the kitchen, stonegable

SILPAT WINNER

2011-10-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for leaving the sweetest comments in the DEMARLE giveaways this week. I hope you all had as much fun as we did! :} Maybe you have had a chance to take a peek at the DEMARLE website and read up on one of my very favorite lines of kitchen ware! Thank you to those of you planning on placing orders with my friend Leslie. If you don't want to go back to the archives, here is her information for you again...Leslie Lockwood...LeslieLDAH@comcast.net. All you need to do is to add her name when placing the order so that she will earn the points!

The winner of the SILPAT is Paula. Paula, please email me with your mailing address so that you can start baking with your brand spanking new SILPAT as soon as possible!

Thank YOU, Leslie!

Happy Friday and LOVE to YOU!

Next week we will be back to our regular THIS.THAT.AND THE OTHER! I have decided I am way too scatter-brained for "theme weeks"... :) maybe, just maybe once in awhile, but for those of you with ADHD...you know what I am talking about!

Oma's Granola and Breakfast to-go

2011-10-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Alrighty. Let's chat about taking meals to people. I would love to think that I always have time to take a full on meal to those who need it, but the truth of the matter is sometimes we all just run out of steam or time or BOTH!

Here is something that has helped me out when I want to help someone out, but am feeling a bit less enegetic.

Granola is very easy to make and quite inexpensive considering how much it makes and that it is made with wholesome good-for-you ingredients.

SOOOO, instead of a dinner, you may consider taking a small breakfast/brunch. Not only is it fun to prepare, but I am sure it is a welcomed meal. One can only take so many pasta and chicken dishes paired with a garden salad, right?

For my breakfast to-go, I put yogurt into cups and added a few berries, added a spoon, a lid, and a tag {which I keep on hand}...and spooned fresh granola into a glass container {TARGET after-Christmas clearance!}VOILA. I then placed the four parfaits into a cardboard drink holder {my friends and family collect them for me.:)}so they would be easy to transport.

You may want to add a few bagels, cream cheese and orange juice...place it in a bag...THAT IS IT!

If you don't want to sign-up for a meal, you can take this as a "snack". Anyhoo, anyway you look at it, it is the kind thought that counts!

Happy Wednesday!

Oma’s Granola
{with a few adaptations}

Ingredients:

8-12 cups old fashioned rolled oats...depending how plain you like it.

2 cups coconut

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 tsp. cinnamon

¼ cup bran {optional…but oh.so.good for you!}

1 cup butter, melted

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1 tsp. almond extract

½ cup cane syrup or Agave syrup

VARIATION: Add 1 cup chopped almonds

Directions:

Stir all dry ingredients together.

Mix melted butter, extracts and syrup together.

Pour over oat mix.

Stir.

Place on rimmed cookie sheet.

Bake at 350* for about an hour stirring every 15 minutes.

Make sure it is golden brown...and do NOT burn it!

Let cool.

Place in a glass storage container.

DEMARLE Week: Pesto Pizza and GIVEAWAY winner

2011-10-26T14:23:00.001-07:00

First things first...there is still time to enter the SILPAT giveaway! So if you are wanting a baking mat that requires no oil and nothing sticks to...and where clean-up...is as simple as washing with a tad bit o' soap and water and shaking it to dry...this is for YOU!!! {I'm feeling like a salesperson about right now, but it really is the GREATEST!}

We are still in picnic mode.

Last night, my hubby made me dinner {since it was just the two of us for dinner!} and took it out to the deck along with candles. It was really fun eating out under the stars! Chilly but FUN!

Here is a quick alternative to Take and Bake or Pizza Delivery:

Menu:

Martinelli's Mini Sparkling Cider
Orange Slices {leftover from Pumkin Pie Scone Glaze}
Pesto Pizza
Coconut Macaroons

Shopping List:

Trader Joe's Pizza Dough
Trader Joe's Pesto
Trader Joe's Shredded Parmesan Cheese

A DEMARLE SILPAT {Leslie Lockwood...LeslieLDAH@comcast.com} If you place an order, please plug in her name so that she will benefit from the points. Thank YOU!

Directions:
Follow directions on dough pkg.
Place rolled out dough on to a SILPAT
Spoon Pesto onto dough before baking
Top with cheese...Bake according to directions on dough pkg.

It is going to be the best taste pizza EVER!!

Packaging: Garnish box and coffee bag
luggage tag from the Paper Zone
Kabnet Wax and newspaper

So here is an idea: Have a family evening picnic this Friday Night or a candlelight late night dinner outside on the deck or front porch after the babes are in bed to celebrate...ANYTHING! Pack your Pizza and look for stars. Maybe you will even see a shooting star!

"This is what the LORD says,
he who appoints the sun
to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars
to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea
so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name." Jeremiah 31:35

*adapted from the archives!

CONGRATUALTIONS KATIE S.: You are the winner of the DEMARLE flexi tray! Please e-mail me with your mailing info! Thank YOU!

DEMARLE Week: SILPAT Giveaway & Candy Molds

2011-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Giving away things is just too much fun especially when it something really useful!

My dear friend Leslie Lockwood and I first met when her daughter was in my preschool class. She was one of those moms who was so helpful and kind. I still remember her bringing me a soda pop during parent conferences! Isn't that the best idea ever? It was so meaningful.

Later we ended up teaching together and then selling DEMARLE together and let me tell you, there was never a dull moment!

I am so thankful that she introduced me to the DEMARLE line of products because it has made time in the kitchen OH.SO.MUCH easier!

Her little girl is now off to college and she is picking up her DEMARLE business a bit. I thought it would be easy to help her out in this endeavor!

If you are wanting to order something, simply go HERE and enter in Leslie's name and number so that she will benefit from the points! THANK YOU! {Leslie Lockwood US00002516}

SOOOO, she is giving away a SILPAT to a Simply This.That.and the Other follower. {Facebook counts!}

The giveaway ends Thursday.

***All you need to do is leave a comment and be a follower to be in the drawing!

You are going to love the SILPAT because you can do so much with it: Six grilled cheese sandwiches at one time, nachos...just think: crunchy cheese that doesn't stick to the ol' pan, French toast, French fries, great for caramel apples to sit on {NO buttering of parchment needed} , pesto pizza, cookies that are AMAZING…and the list goes on and on and on. It never needs to be greased and clean- up is a snap!

Here is a kiddie-friendly idea for your little ones to help with. There is no way they will not LOVE this project! Although it may take a bit more time to have them help you, it will be a memory for them and it will be really special for them to give something they helped in making. It is never ever too early to teach them the importance of giving! They can help pick out the cookie cutters, the candy melts and the candies or sprinkles to go on top!

CANDY MOLDS on the SILPAT

1. Place cookie cutters on the SILPAT {make sure that you have a cookie sheet under the SILPAT for support.

2. Melt candy melts in the microwave in 30 second increments. Stir and repeat until it is smooth and creamy.

3. Pour melted candy into mold and then sprinkle with candy or sprinkles.

4. Place in freezer for about 15 minutes until candy hardens.

5. Package and see the delight in your children’s eyes!

HAPPY TUESDAY!!

Shared with: My world made by hand, measured by the heart, teach-me-tuesday-homemaking-link-up-14.html">teach me tuesday, raising homemakers, at the picket fence

Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Twinkies...and a DEMARLE Giveaway

2011-10-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

It has been entirely too long since we have had a giveaway around here, don't you think? I so love hearing from all of you and getting to know you more as time goes by! Even my family knows a few of you by name which is really fun!

Since it has been brought to my attention that I talk alot about DEMARLE products, I thought I would share one with YOU! I love DEMARLE and it has made baking and cooking way more enjoyable. This is what they have to say about their product: "Today Demarle is the ONLY flexible bakeware in the industry designed with the perfect combination of woven glass and food grade silicone, an absolute must for unmolding and browning. Flexipan® needs no grease, no oil, and no spray." Pretty amazing!!!

Anyhoo, one STTO follower will receive one flexipan tray. {It's a surprise!} It is worth $56.95 and I know you will have a great time playing around with it. You can make mini ice cream molds, juice molds, cornbread, brownies, mini meat loaves, and the list goes on and on and on! One hint...it will be perfect for the holidays!

To enter: Just leave a comment!

Giveaway will end Tuesday evening and the winner will be announced on Wednesday!

This is what I made in my eclair tray today: Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Twinkies...a version of this!

To make it really easy...I used a box of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Muffin mix {THANK YOU, JESS! }

Cream Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Twinkies
Lisa Pearson

Make 1 box of Trader Joe's Pumpkin Muffin mix

Follow directions on box

Add 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Place pan on perforated baking sheet

Fill DEMARLE eclair pan with about 1/4 cup per well

Place in 350* oven for about 10 minutes.

Let cool.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 cups powdered sugar

2 cups softened cream cheese

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Mix until creamy

Fill pastry bag with frosting and frost bottom "pumpkin bar" and place another "pumpkin bar" as the top. Easy peasy!

ENJOY!!!

If you are wanting to order any Demarle products, please email my dear friend, Leslie. She will be happy to help you out! LeslieLDAH@comcast.net...I will give you more info in the next couple of days...because SHE is sponsoring another GIVEAWAY!!

Shared with , newlyweds, teach me tuesday, don't waste your homemaking, at the picket fence, freckled laundry

The Hot Water Bottle

2011-10-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever posted two posts in one day...but my momma called me this morning and read this story to me. I just had to share it. It is a reminder to listen to God when He speaks. It may not make any sense at the time, but an obedient, willing heart is what God is seeking out!

THE HOT WATER BOTTLE - A True Story By Helen Roseveare, Missionary to Africa

One night, in Central Africa, I had worked hard to help a mother in the labor ward; but in spite of all that we could do, she died leaving us with a tiny, premature baby and a crying, two-year-old daughter.

We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive. We had no incubator. We had no electricity to run an incubator, and no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts.

A student-midwife went for the box we had for such babies and for the cotton wool that the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly, in distress, to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical climates. "...and it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. As in the West, it is no good crying over spilled milk; so, in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over a burst water bottle. They do not grow on trees, and there are no drugstores down forest pathways. All right," I said, "Put the baby as near the fire as you safely can; sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts. Your job is to keep the baby warm."

The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with many of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chilled. I also told them about the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died. During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, Ruth, prayed with the usual blunt consciousness of our African children. "Please, God," she prayed, "send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, God, the baby'll be dead; so, please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of corollary, " ...And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Amen?" I just did not believe that God could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything: The Bible says so, but there are limits, aren't there? The only way God could answer this particular prayer would be by sending a parcel from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator!

Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time that I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel! I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone; so, I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting. Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then, there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children began to look a little bored. Next, came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas - - that would make a nice batch of buns for the weekend. As I put my hand in again, I felt the...could it really be? I grasped it, and pulled it out. Yes, "A brand-new rubber, hot water bottle!" I cried. I had not asked God to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. Ruth was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, "If God has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone: She had never doubted! Looking up at me, she asked, "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Jesus really loves her?"

That parcel had been on the way for five whole months, packed up by my former Sunday School class, whose leader had heard and obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. One of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child -- five months earlier in answer to the believing prayer of a ten-year-old to bring it "That afternoon!" "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24

Helen Roseveare a doctor missionary from England to Zaire, Africa, told this as it had happened to her in Africa. She shared it in her testimony on a Wednesday night at Thomas Road Baptist Church.

{The story my momma read to me was from Eternal Perspective Ministries}

How comforting to know God hears our prayers!

Love to YOU!

{mini} Swiss Sweet Bread Toast

2011-10-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

The holiday bug has bit! I can't help it! So sorry for you-die-hard friends who are so patient in waiting until the end of October. If you can't stand it, just click on over to another bloggy and pretend you didn't see it...but please come back at the beginning of NOVEMBER! You are excused! {Maybe I need to put comment moderation back on?!}

I think I am extra excited this year, because our whole family will be together...Riss is be HOME, David will be home from the Army, friends will be in town etc.

The song "HOME FOR CHRISTMAS" will be more special than ever!

This is my twinsies recipe for Swiss Sweet Bread. It is enjoyed year-round, but especially during the holidays.

It brings back fun memories of our yearly trips to Beatenberg in the Swiss Alps!

This bread is great as "leftovers". Just toast it and put lots of butter on top.

Swiss Sweet Bread
Laura Stroh

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon yeast

1-2/3 cups warm water

(Let sit for five minutes)

Add:

1 cup dry potato flakes

1 cup sugar

6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (let slightly cool before adding)

2 teaspoons salt

4 eggs

1 tablespoon orange extract or freshly zested zest from 1 medium sized orange

1-1/2 cups dried cranberries

DIRECTIONS:

• Knead in flour until smooth.

• Put in greased bowl for 1-1/2 hours until it doubles.

• Punch down

• Let it rise for 10 minutes, divide dough into 3 loaves...I made two and two mini loaves in mini bread pans {this yielded 12 mini Swiss toast slices}

• Place on greased baking sheet, cover and let it sit for 45 minutes.

• Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until golden.

If you are making mini loaves for Swiss Toast, be sure to grease pan and only bake until golden...about 20 minutes.

Swiss Toast Egg Dip:

1/2 cup half and half

2 eggs

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

Mix ingredients together in a deep bowl and let two slices of bread soak at a time until it is absorbed into the bread a bit. Wet NOT SOGGY! :) YUCK!

Heat oil in frying pan and let toast brown on each side. Repeat. Keep toasty :) in warm oven. I like to keep mine on a plate and covered with tin foil. Or you can use two pie plates to save on foil. One for the bottom and the other one inverted on top for the lid. Just don't burn yourself.

YOU GOTTA TRY THIS DURING THE HOLIDAYS: DIP FRENCH TOAST IN EGGNOG!! DELICIOUS...

Enjoy!

GIFT IDEA: It would be fun to make a loaf to give as a gift. Wrap it up in cellophane, make up a batch of Swiss Toast Egg Dip {or EGGNOG!} and pour it into a recycled glass container, place it in a bag and I am sure the recipients would love a nice, hot breakfast that is almost made for them. Be sure to keep the DIP cold and let them know it should be enjoyed within two days! It may even be made for dinner. YUUUUUMMMM...

Shared with: Stone gable

Kitchen Cabinet Door Sign

2011-10-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Okay. This is going to be short and sweet, which doesn't happen very often!

In hosting my sister-in-law's 40th birthday tomorrow night, I decided to incorporate her gift into the theme of the party.

Not only is she an amazing wife, but she also homeschools all four of her children! She does such an incredible job balancing her role as a wife, a momma and taking care of so many other things that go along with being the wife of a pastor!

Needless to say it rare for her close friends and family {all us girls!!!} to get together. So, for her 40th, I decided to go with a "friends" theme and not camp out on the BIG 40 too much...

Several years ago, we {CALEB} tore out our old kitchen. The recycler {hoarder!} that I am insisted on keeping the kitchen doors for projects. I think my hubby is going to be ecstatic to know I only have one door front left!!

Anyhoo, I am so excited to have hung her sign up by the dining table to help carry our theme for her special night!!

Do you incorporate gifts into the party decor? I would love to hear your ideas!

Happy Thursday!

The Gift of Prayer

2011-10-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, my hubby and I were talking about praying for our children. We have done blessing cards for years, but most times they are in the hallway closet. My hubby keeps them there as he gets them out to pray blessings over the children before going to work since the closet is right between their bedroom doors. We only have one set and as we were talking we were thinking about how we needed to be even more dilligent about praying for our children.

My dear friend, Marina, came over for a visit and she had just been given a 31 day list of prayers to pray throughout the month. God is in the details, isn't He? I was so grateful for just that little bit of encouragement we were needing! Now, we both have our own copies and are both praying the same thing for our children throughout the day.

I am constantly reminded of what a humbling job it is to be a parent. I am always making mistakes, not always modeling Christ to my children, and having to say I am sorry way more than I would have ever hoped to do as a Momma. But I am thankful for the gift of prayer and for our children to have full confidence that no matter how we fail as parents, it is God's grace that is extended to them. When there are life decisions to make, it is God who will give direction. When friends are in need of comfort, it is through prayer that the right words may be spoken. When bodies ache and hurt, it is through prayer that they can feel the gentle touch of the Healer. When it is forgiveness they need, it is God who is already seeking to forgive and to restore.

31 Biblical Virtues to Pray For Your Children {Bob Hostetler}

1. Salvation. “Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory” (Is. 45:8, 2 Tim. 2:10).

2. Growth in grace. “I pray that my children may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

3. Love. “Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them” (Gal. 5:25, Eph. 5:2).

4. Honesty and integrity. “May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection” (Ps. 25:21).

5. Self-control. “Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do” (1 Thess. 5:6).

6. Love for God’s Word. “May my children grow to find Your Word more precious than much pure gold and sweeter than honey from the comb” (Ps. 19:10).

7. Justice. “God, help my children to love justice as You do and act justly in all they do”
(Ps. 11:7, Mic. 6:8).

8. Mercy. “May my children always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful” (Lk. 6:36).

9. Respect (for self, others, authority). “Father, grant that my children may show proper respect to everyone, as your Word commands” (1 Pet. 2:17).

10. Biblical self-esteem. “Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:10).

11. Faithfulness. “Let love and actions” (Dt. 31:6).

12. Courage. "May my children always be strong and courageous in their character and in their actions" (Dt. 31:6).

13. Purity. “Create in them a pure heart, O God, and let that purity of heart be shown in their actions” (Ps. 51:10).

14. Kindness. “Lord, may my children always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else”
(1 Thess. 5:15).

15. Generosity. “Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age” (1 Tim. 6:18-19).

16. Peace-loving. “Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace” (Rom. 14:19).

17. Joy. “May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit” (1 Thess. 1:6).

18. Perseverance. “Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them” (Heb. 12:1).

19. Humility. “God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all”
(Titus 3:2).

20. Compassion. “Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion” (Col. 3:12).

21. Responsibility. “Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load” (Gal. 6:5).

22. Contentment. “Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength” (Phil. 4:12-13).

23. Faith. “I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children’s hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them” (Lk. 17:5-6, Heb. 11:1-40).

24. A servant’s heart. “God, please help my children develop servants’ hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, as if they were serving the Lord, not men” (Eph. 6:7).

25. Hope. “May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Ro. 15:13).

26. Willingness and ability to work. “Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col. 3:23).

27. Passion for God. “Lord, please instill in my children a soul that ‘followeth hard after thee’
(Ps. 63:8, KJV), one that clings passionately to you.”

28. Self-discipline. “Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair” (Prov. 1:3).

29. Prayerfulness. “Grant, Lord, that my children’s lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Eph. 6:18).

30. Gratitude. “Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
(Eph. 5:20, Col. 2:7).

31. A heart for missions. “Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Ps. 96:3).

May You be encouraged to pray for YOUR children!

Shared with: simple country life

Snickerdoodle Doodlebugs {mini snickerdoodles}

2011-10-16T20:11:00.001-07:00

Do you know of anyone who doesn't like SNICKERDOODLES? I can't think of anyone. In fact, for most, they are a favorite! Maybe it is all the cinnamon and sugar...but I think I would like them even if I wasn't crazy about the taste of them...just because I love the NAME. Anyway, you are in for a real treat.

Last night my son walked in the door after work. He said, "Mom, the house smells sooo good and it isn't dinner." WHAT?????!! He quickly realized what he had said and quickly told his bff..."MY MOM MAKES THE BEST SNICKERDOODLES!" I didn't say a word and gave them snickerdoodles before dinner and AFTER dinner....because that is what Mommas are for, right?!

Snickerdoodles

Mix together:

1 cup butter, room temp

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

Stir together:

2 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tsp. baking soda

¼ tsp. sea salt

Directions:

Roll into balls the size of walnuts.

Roll in mixture of 2 Tbsp. sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon. {3 of each if you like a lot!}

Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake until lightly browned…but still soft...DO NOT OVER BAKE...your dog wont even think of them as a treat!

These cookies puff up at first…then flatten out
Bake @ 400 for 8 to 10 min.

FOR DOODLEBUGS:

While cookies are still warm, use a small cookie cutter and place in middle of cookie. Press gently and you have a little doodlebug.

*SIMPLY FRUGAL: SAVE the Snickerdoodle crusts for ice cream. Let ice cream soften a bit. Add the cookie crumbs and stir. ENJOY. These crumbs can be added to homemade ice cream, too...right before you put the finished ice cream into the freezer to harden.

*SIMPLY ADORABLE: Using scrap paper, use your scallop punch and make a top and a bottom. Place doodlebug in the middle. Wrap with ribbon. Perfect for Santa to take home to Mrs. Claus.

*These darlings are great sweet treats for holidays and for party favors as well!
I love adding baby bells for baby showers!!!

Shared with: stone gable, newlyweds

French Theme Week: Le Pain Florentine

2011-10-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy Friday! It has been hard to decide what the last post should be for our French Theme Week. Sandwiches can be enjoyed all through the year, but as it starts to get a bit chilly outside, I think a warm sandwich is just the ticket!

This favorite is a great one to add to your recipe box! Just be sure that it isn't just scribbled on a piece of paper and tossed into the recycle bin along with Cheerio boxes and outdated backpack papers!

If you are starting to think about menus for the holidays...this one is a fancy one that will be enjoyed by company. It can be made up in advance...like the day before...and can be served cold or warm.

Le Pain Florentine
Adapted from Portland's Palate

1 {10-inch} round loaf French or sourdough bread...I use Trader Joe's Paesano Italian Boule at times.

1 {3-ounce} package cream cheese, softened

1/2 pound turkey, thinly sliced...I use the 7 oz. pkg of oven roasted turkey from Trader Joe's

1 pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and well-drained

Cheese Mixture:

1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Provolone cheese, grated

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. pimiento, chopped

1 LARGE clove of garlic, pressed or minced

{Directions}

*Cut a 1-inch lid off the top of bread and set aside

*Hollow out inside of loaf. Leave about 1/2 to 3/4-inch thickness of bread on sides and bottom.

*Spread cavity with cream cheese.

*Layer turkey inside bread so it overlaps over the outside of bread round.

*Spread 1/2 of cheese mixture over turkey, in bottom of loaf.

*Spread chopped spinach on top of cheese layer and top with remaining cheese mixture.

*Fold overhanging edges of turkey over top of cheese layer to seal and replace top lid of bread.

*Brush outside of loaf with olive oil, wrap like a little bug in a rug with tin foil and bake at 325* for 30 minutes.

*To serve, cut into wedges.

ENJOY with a glass of sparkling juice, applesauce and baby pickles!!!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, at the picket fence, stone gable

French Theme Week: Homemade Brioche in a {burlap} Bag

2011-10-11T12:07:00.000-07:00

One of my very very favorite things about blogging is being able to share my dearest of friends with all of YOU! I am beyond blessed with the friends God has blessed me with and I count it an amazing privilege that they are to be enjoyed by so many others!

My spunky friend, Linda, who does NOT have a blog...but should...has the sweetest foreign exchange student staying with her. We met Laura this summer at our ANNUAL 1812 Overture gathering on the waterfront! She is from France and has the sweetest personality. You just can not help but to fall in love with her. She loves.loves to cook and to bake. Her contribution to the twilight picnic was brioche. It was so eggy and buttery that it instantly took me back to one of our visits to France! The only thing missing was the quaint pastry shops and the cobblestone alleys!

So, this is easy easy easy...especially if you have a bread maker.

I used our Kitchen Aid and it worked out just fine and dandy!

Laura's Brioche

Brioche
For the Bread Machine

1/3 c. warm water

3 eggs

2 egg yolks {Save the whites for brushing on top of bread after it has raised}

3/4 c. butter, softened

3 1/3 c. flour

1/2 c. sugar

2 t. active dry yeast

*Place the first 7 ingredients in the bread machine. Select dough cycle.

{DON'T PANIC!! Just place ingredients in bowl of stand mixer if you don't have a bread machine}

*Turn finished dough out onto a floured surface. {A ROULPAT is GREAT for this}

*Divide dough in 3 equal parts and braid, tucking in both ends. {I made four mini loaves...two to enjoy with dinner on our adorable anniversary bread boards and two loaves to share!}

*Let rise for 30 minutes.

*Preheat oven to 325*.

*Using a silicone pastry brush, paint egg white over dough.

*Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bread is golden brown.

For a fun little gift that is frugal and cute:

Can you tell I am really trying to use up my scraps???

Fold burlap to make a pouch and glue gun seams.

Cut a piece of burlap for a handle. Make it as thick or as thin as you would like.

Wrap Brioche with saran wrap and then in newsprint. Wrap with twine if you are bored and have nothing else to do!

Take a piece of fabric and stamp whatever you would like to personalize your Burlap Brioche Bag.

Glue gun around the outside of your fabric pouch leaving the top open for fresh herbs.

Deliver and Enjoy!

Merci, LAURA!

Shared with: freckled laundry, not so simple housewife, comfy in the kitchen, at the picket fence, teach me tuesday, simple country life

French Theme Week: Pretty Parisian Posies

2011-10-10T12:01:00.001-07:00

As women, most of us LOVE our homes and have the desire to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere...but as we all know, that is way easier said than done. We are easily distracted by LAUNDRY, dishes, messy garages, pantries that are so stuffed to the brim with coupon finds and bulk bags of food with twist ties lining the pantry floor, couch crumbs from movie night cheesy popcorn and gnarled up hand braces that have been salvaged from a hungry dog...however,it IS possible to take a few minutes to freshen up our homes with pretties!

Vintagy Posies:

A small bit of burlap...I had leftovers in the garage.

Leftover fabric...I used leftovers from when my curtains were hemned

*If you don't have fabric sitting around, you could purchase a pillowcase at the thrift store and not feel bad about cutting it up...pretty napkins work, too.

A glue gun

Twine...Still leftovers from Grammy's stash

{DIRECTIONS}

Cut circles of fabric. Not perfect. Just eyeball it. You want them to be a bit shabby looking.

You will nedd three fabric circles for each posie and one burlap circle pinched in the middle and tied for the "leaves".

Take each circle of fabric and fold into half. Pinch it together to form a bud, and then glue gun it. Once you have all three buds done, nestle them together and glue gun. Then glue gun the bud to the burlap leaf. OOOH LA LA. Perfect for everyday or simple enough for le bebe shower in Autumn!

Here are a few things I did to add a bit up Parisian charm to our HOME for our French Theme Week.

{They will also serve as simple decorations for a family birthday party!}

If all else fails and you've had a hectic day, find your local classical station or tune it in on PANDORA, light a few tea lights and serve store bought French onion soup with a bag o' salad and a fresh loaf of warmed Artisan bread. The dust wont show and you may just feel like you are in Paris for the dinner hour!

Happy Monday!

Shared with: freckled laundry

French Theme Week: Pots de Creme

2011-10-09T22:48:00.000-07:00

Happy French Theme Week!

Since we haven't had a theme for awhile and I had promised a few of you another theme week...I thought it may be fun to do something a little bit different!

I always start missing Europe around this time of year! So, since a trip to Europe is not in the near future...we can all pretend in our own kitchens for the week!
Get out the pearls, the high heels, the candles and the nicest dishes you have...and don't forget the music, the wine goblets and the bright red lipstick! {Thank YOU, Julia!...not sure about the lipstick...anyway} BON APPETIT!

I feel like I have been in France for the day...surrounded by sweet confections, Creme Brulee and Pots de Creme.

Getting ready for parties is the best...the day before...as all the plans come together.

If you would like a decadent dessert...look no further than a box of pudding and 1 pint of whipping cream. That is it. I used one box of Trader Joe's dry chocolate pudding mix and added 1 pint of heavy whipping cream. I mixed it until it looked like mousse...then, I put it in a pastry bag and piped a bit into my "little pots". It made 8 servings. {Everybody else calls this chocolate mousse...except for me!}

For you foodies...I know the French make it like a custard in a water bath...but when you are short on time and need a little bang for your buck...this will do just fine!

Before serving, you will want to top them off with a tiny little swirl of white chocolate whipped cream {whipping cream made with a bit of white chocolate Torani syrup!} TAAA DAAA. Easy Peasy! If you want to make them a bit more Autumny, a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or nutmeg will make this beautifully decadent!!

Now, next time you are out shopping...don't forget to pick up your ingredients for this European dessert with a fancy name! A bit of cream is good for your complexion!

BTW...I timed this. It took three minutes to make and maybe three minutes to pipe it into the glasses! I'm sure it could take even less time, but I like to get the swirls just right!

Nothing sweeter than mini Pots de Creme...what do you think?
Mini canning jars make adorable little pots. Tie on a bit of burlap or twine to make it extra festive!

OH YOU HOO...If you are using a different box of pudding, just follow the directions for making pudding. Instead of using MILK, substitute whipping cream. I suggest heavy whipping cream. MERCI!

Post Edit: This seems to be a favorite! I have received more e-mails and requests for this recipe and I think it's because it is easy, gourmet-looking and CHOCOLATE! Perfect for showers, parties or just because!

Shared with:

Yvonne at Stone Gable

Sweet Treat Saturday {Linky Party #6}

2011-10-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Sweet Treat Saturday where you can link up and share anything that makes your Saturday extra sweet!

Cinnamon rolls are easy to make and they are inexpensive when you need something to feed a crowd or hungry teens! There are plenty of books to read and help online if you need a bit of help in understanding the basics of yeast breads.

I thought this was my Momma's basic recipe from years ago...turns out it was my twinsie's. OOPS! I changed it a bit so I could remember the measurements. It is simple and easy to memorize so you can make them on a whim...like late at night or at six in the morning when your child tip-toe's into your room and reminds you they signed up for class snacks and "everyone" wants cinnamon rolls! Hmmmm? Caleb and Laurissa! :)How can I say no? I can't!

Our friends loved to gather in our home...looking back, I am pretty sure they were drawn to my sweet Momma... and I am pretty sure her yummy cinnamon rolls might have had a little bit of something to do with it, too.

Who can resist the smell of cinnamon rolls baking on a chilly Autumn afternoon? It just says "WELCOME, come in, get warm and stay for awhile."

Oma’s Cinnamon Rolls {Sorry, Laur...they have been called that for so long...I can't change the name!} :)

{Oma's Cinnamon Rolls AKA Auntie Laura's Cinnamon Rolls adapted by Lisa...forget it!}

2 cups very warm water

1 Tbsp. yeast

1 Tbsp. organic sugar

1 Tbsp. kosher salt

1 Tbsp. oil

1 egg

6 cups flour

Directions:

*Add yeast, sugar, salt, and oil to water and let sit until yeast starts to bubble…about 5 minutes.

*Pour into bowl of stand mixer with dough hook.

*Add egg and flour.

*Mix until dough comes together into a ball.

*Let sit for about 5 minutes.

*Divide dough into two balls.

*Roll out on ROULPAT.

*Roll into rectangle. {About 19” long by about 11”}

*Spread dough with ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temp.

*Sprinkle with ½ cup organic sugar

*Sprinkle with cinnamon

*Sprinkle with ½ cup brown sugar

*Roll it up and pinch seam together

*Slice into even rounds

*Place in prepared pan. {You may use two 9 inch greased pie plates}

*Let sit covered for about 25 minutes or until dough is “puffy”.

*Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes.

Take out of oven. Let sit for a few minutes.
Frost and ENJOY!

I love cupcakes and especially the little papers, so I made my cinnamon rolls a bit smaller and then put them into the cupcake liners after they had cooled a bit!

You can also make a batch to keep and one to give away. Simply place a batch on a plate or leave them in the pie plate. Wrap the rolls with strong cellophane and tie it with ribbon or string. Thrift stores and garage sales have great prices on pie plates and single dinner plates. It is nice for the recipient to be able to keep it! We all know how long we can have dishes sitting around that need to be returned. :0

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2011-10-07T22:06:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Waffles {with THE WORKS!}

2011-10-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Waffles

Lisa Pearson

2 eggs

2 cups buttermilk

1/3 cup plain pumpkin {no spices added}

½ tsp. nutmeg

½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. sea salt

Beat eggs, buttermilk and pumpkin together. Add the rest of the ingredients. Whisk until batter is smooth. Place 2/3 of a cup on waffle iron and let cook until golden brown.

Cinnamon Sugar

½ cup organic sugar

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Homemade Syrup
Lisa Pearson

1 cup organic sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 tsp. clearjel {available at King Arthur or the Decorette Shop}

½ cup corn syrup

1 cup water

2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

*Whisk all dry ingredients together in a little saucepan. Add wet ingredients. Stir until it boils. Boil for three minutes. Strain. Pour into an old-fashioned glass syrup dispenser and frolick the day away!

*Be sure to keep leftover syrup in the fridge. Now, go frolick!

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
Lisa Pearson

Whip up 1 pint of whipping cream with 4 Tbsp. Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup.

Here is what you do:

*Place waffle{s} on plate

*Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar

*Pour on warm syrup {in your cute little glass dispenser} :)

*Top with whipped cream and garnish with freshly ground nutmeg

Post Note: It is the little things in life that add zest to life. With all the money you will be saving by making your own syrup, you may want to purchase a dispenser. They can be found at thrift stores...make sure it has a tight seal..., Cash and Carry, K-Mart, Target, EBAY etc. and if you don't have the time, CHRISTMAS IS COMING AND THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT! {my hubby's favorite saying from October on!}

An Autumn Brunch Menu:

Orange Juice and Milk

Pumpkin Waffles

Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream

Cinnamon Sugar

Homemade Syrup

Oma's applesauce

shoulda made bacon on the bbq, but opted for the sugar high!

...if you want to enjoy some yummy syrup and don't have time to make it, just top your waffle with TORANI PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP...a little goes a long way!

...tired girls home from college, 1 teenage boy, an energetic hubby, and grandparents who dropped by...a little dappled doggie who feels she is entitled to pumpkin waffles, too...and there you have our crazy, late, late brunch!

Happy Happy Happy Weekend!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, at the picket fence

Jami's Ginger Juice Concentrate

2011-10-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I was invited to my friend, Jami's Pampered Chef Party. Any excuse to get together, really. She served this punch that was so good! She substituted cranberry juice for whatever other juice was called for {BRILLIANT!} and she skipped the wine and added 7UP to the punch so that there was an option for those who do not consume alcohol. {AGAIN, BRILLIANT!}

If you have been reading this blog long enough, you know how much I love ginger and cranberries. Not just because they are so delicious, but because of all the medicinal benefits as well. YES! They are THAT good for you!

As I was preparing my gourmet dinner for my twinsie last Friday, I began experimenting with the recipe, knowing full well Laur would give me her honest opinion without me even having to ask. That is also another reason everybody needs a twinsie!

After making a couple of different batches, I decided to just make a Ginger Juice Concentrate and offer different combos. SO, here is the basic recipe and the combos are endless!

Jami's Ginger Juice Concentrate:
Tweaked a bit from Jami

1 {11.5 Fluid OZ.} Langers Frozen Cranberry Juice Concentrate
1 piece of fresh ginger about 4 inches long
2 cans San Pellegrino Limonata...I put a bit less so it would fit in my glass bottle. OR 2 cans of 7UP...{I TRY TO AVOID HFCS, SO I PREFER THE LIMONATA}
4 limes, juiced

Directions:
*Thaw juice;

*Peel outside of ginger and chop into small pieces; {If you have a food chopper...dig it out and use it!}

*Combine juice and ginger in a small saucepan;

*Bring to a boil. Let cool a bit;

*Let sit in fridge overnight...if you have time. If you are not a ginger fan...DO NOT LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT. You wont be happy. You will not like me. You will most likely e-mail me and let me know how horrible it is. :) OR worse... you will not love JAMI...who is the sweetest! :)

*Strain ginger and place juice concentrate in a glass bottle.

*Squeeze juice of 4 limes and add to strained juice.

ADD LIMONATA OR 7UP

THAT IS IT! EASY AS PIE!

VARIATIONS:

Fill cup with ice.

Pour 1/2 glass with plain seltzer water. Top off with Ginger Juice Concentrate.

Pour 1/2 glass with orange juice. Top off with Ginger Juice Concentrate.

Pour 1/2 glass with San Pellegrino Limonata {available at Costco}. Top off with Ginger juice Concentrate.

Pour 1/2 glass with Hansen's Natural Soda Mandarin Lime. Top off with Ginger Juice Concentrate.

Pour 1/2 glass with Schloss Biebrich Sekt {sparkling wine}. Top off with Ginger Juice Concentrate.

Enjoy! Thank you, Jami for the fun night and for the most delicious food!

and thank you, Laur for being my {self-appointed} official taste tester!

shared with: comfy in the kitchen, Yvonne@stone gable

{Simple} Chicken Noodle Soup for the Sick

2011-10-05T18:03:00.001-07:00

Ready or NOT the dreaded cold and flu season is HERE! And if your Momma, Grammy or Aunties were anything like mine...it meant one thing. Well, two. Chicken noodle soup and saltine crackers. {Nasty salt water to gargle, a fizzy drink, warm baths, clean sheets and lots of cuddling, too!}

My momma would always get a whole chicken and let it sit in salt water and then boil it for the broth. She still insists that all the marrow from the bone is what a sick body needs, but personally, it has to be pretttttty bad for me to want a chicken bones swimming around in a graveyard of soup broth. And then there is the time involved, too. SO...here is a quick, kinda homemade version that lets the experts at Better Than Bouillon deal with the mess!

However, it is not going to take you much time to make your own Mirepoix blend:

Quick bonus food history lesson:

"In French cuisine, a Mirepoix ( /mɪərˈpwɑː/ meer-pwah; French pronunciation: [miʁpwa]) is a combination of onions, carrots, and celery (either common pascal celery or celeriac). Mirepoix, either raw, roasted or sautéed with butter, is the flavor base for a wide number of dishes, such as stocks, soups, stews and sauces. The three ingredients are commonly referred to as aromatics.

Similar combinations of vegetables are known as (holy) trinity in Creole cooking, refogado in Portuguese, soffritto in Italian, sofrito in Spanish and Suppengrün (soup green(s)) in Germany." {Thank you WIKIPEDIA}

It doesn't always happen, but I like to keep veggie packages frozen in the freezer, so that they are easy to grab when someone is sick. {Trader Joe's carries them, too, but I figure a little bit of effort should be made!}

Take 1 large carrot, peel it and chop it. Add 1 large stalk of celery and chop it, too. Then take 1/2 of 1 medium yellow onion and chop it. That is it. No measuring and you have your very own homemade mirepoix blend. Easy Peasy!

Chicken Noodle Soup
Lisa Pearson

Take 1 package of prepared veggies out of the freezer {see above}

Saute the veggies until they are softened

Add 1 clove of minced garlic

You may add a few peppercorns or freshly ground pepper

Add 8 cups of water and 8 tsp. of Better Than Bouillon

Let the soup come to a boil and then add in 1/2 cup of Angel Hair pasta bits {these can be found near the Mexican food section at the grocery store.} They are a deal at 33 cents a package!}

Let the soup boil for about 2 minutes or until the noodles are soft.

**If you are taking the soup to somebody, ladle it into a canning jar and package the noodles separately. It will be easy for them to add the noodles as they are heating up the soup. Trust me, SOGGY noodles are NOT what the doctor ordered.

Do you know of someone in need of comfort?

Maybe there is someone needing you to be the one who reaches out to them...even if it something as simple as a jar of kinda homemade chicken noodle soup, saltines...and a fizzy drink!

Happy Wednesday, dear friends!

A sweet little box to go: I used a pastry box I had on hand for the soup in a jar, the saltines, cough drops and a few m&m for when my friend {a chocolate lover} starts to feel better. I lined the bottom of the box with burlap and glued a piece of craft paper to the lid. Using fabric scraps, I made a white rose posie and burlap for the leaves...the gift was tied with twine and a piece of fabric was stamped "THINKING OF YOU..." Using what I had on hand made this little gift inexpensive and special for my friend who has had a tough few weeks! Again...it is the little things that make a big difference!

Shared with: freckled laundry, comfy in the kitchen, women living well

A Man for All Seasons

2011-10-04T15:58:00.001-07:00

I saw it.
With my very own eyes.
I saw a face full of fear.
Lips that quivered.
A heart that was broken.

Never...never did I think this beautiful face would be marked with eyes that were so full of tears.
Tears of joy...usually...not tears welling up from a grief-flooded heart. They had no where left to go.

What do you say?
What do you do?
How do you offer comfort?

All I could possibly do was to listen. To listen some more and to be silent.

No longer did she feel loved
No longer was she cherished.
No longer was she the love of his life.

She was lonely...for the first time really, ever.
She was afraid...of what laid ahead of her...for her family, for her children.
With one small conversation and with very few words given, she no longer had her identity. It was as if it had been stolen and given to someone else in exchange.

Right there...as her tears no longer could be shed, she had two choices to make

1. To trust God, and to walk by faith...knowing that she would have to trust in One who could not be seen or touched.

2. To walk by sight...using her weak legs to walk the jagged trail, while grasping for every willing hand to help steady her now frail and mostly trembling soul.

People disappoint.
Friends and family dig deep for encouraging words, but in the end, they are empty words of hope.

...this dear, sweet LOVE has taught me oh.so.much.

Isn't it easy at times to share words of advice we think is best?

Dear friend of mine, God is working on your trust.
You are loved by a God who loves you.
You are chersished by HIM...
and you are the love of HIS life!

Let Him be your MAN for all seasons.
It is HE who is "overflowing with joy, intimate with sorrow, hospitable to sinners, nemesis of evil, tempted in all ways, innocent of all wrongdoing, at home in lonely places, the life of the party,one who turns water into wine, just because He can, who multiplies loaves and fishes, just because He cares, but who denies help to his cousin John as he languishes in prison, who indeed, refuses to help himself when he staggers in a desert or groans from a cross. He goes up on mountains and down in valleys. He preaches to thousands but takes time for any lone beggar, weeping whore, groveling invalid, writhing demoniac, pleading father. He leaves banquets to visit the sick ward. He is silent when talking would help His cause, and talkative when silence seems most prudent. HE is rude with bullies and phonies and prigs and, at the same time, tender with loosers and seekers and penitents.

HE is with us when we soar on wings as eagles, and probably even when we wingsuit jump, and with us, too, when we can't walk for fainting...and everywhere in between."
{"man for all seasons" and quote by Mark Buchanan}

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the LORD their hope and confidence."
Jeremiah 17:7

Your mourning will be turned to JOY!!

With all our love!

{THANK YOU DEAR PENNY for the book! I am loving it!}

Shared with: titus 2sday, women living well, our simple country life

Marsh Grass Salad

2011-10-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

Confession is good for the soul!

1. Those of you who visit here KNOW that I am not a fan of technology or anything that has to do with electronics...specifically, my laptop {no offense, honey!} BLOGGER is another story, for another day and another time! SOOOO, after my computer being down for two weeks, and wanting nothing to do with having it fixed, whatsoever, my hubby finally talked me into it this am! AND now that I have been cooking up a storm, nesting, and crafting a bit for parties, birthdays, and fixing up things around our home...I am chomping at the bit to share it with YOU!! AND, thank you for being patient with all of the re-posting going on around here...anyhoo, that is the scoop.

2. Can I even tell you how many recipes I have tried that call for Wild Rice? Can I tell you how many times we have ended up taking more time at the dinner table because we are all still CHEWING on the UNCOOKED centers of that little grain? I stopped using it, because I couldn't get it right. Well, I finally found THE BEST WILD RICE at TRADER JOES and guess what? It is already cooked. And if I can manage to have it turn out, ANYBODY can. So, we will leave it to the experts to cook it correctly and let we, the consumers, embellish away.

They were having a taste test with it at Trader Joes and I was in a total hurry, so, I didn't pay any attention to what other ingredients they had on display.

A few weeks later, I called all the Trader Joes in our area {NO EXAGGERATION!} trying to track the "recipe" down. Finally, a lady sorta recalled that it had a vinaigrette and Wild Rice and nuts. I probably could have figured the rice thing out! {Sorry for the LONG explanation!!! BLAH.BLAH.BLAH.}

SO this is what I came up with! It just screams "easy peasy" and "WELCOME AUTUMN!" I just can hardly wait to share my Autumn favorites with you and to hear all about the things that help to make your homes all cozy and sweet!

MARSH GRASS SALAD
Lisa Pearson

1 pkg. TRADER JOE'S Wild Rice

1/2 cup Balsamic vinaigrette {homemade or Trader Joe's}

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup hazelnuts,coarsely chopped {toast them if you have time :)}

3 green onions, sliced

1 cup cranberries

1/2 Granny Smith apple, diced...or whatever

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

Warm up the rice according to pkg. directions.
Add all ingredients together. Top with blue cheese

ENJOY. Serve warm or chilled.

This recipe is so versatile. Leave out what you don't like and add something else you LOVE.

OPTIONS:

red onion

orange zest

mandarin oranges

chicken slices

avocado...my favorite!!

Menu:

Chicken
Marsh Salad
Crusty Artisan Bread
Schloss Biebrich Sekt {Trader Joe's}

In other news: I made a conscious effort to S l o w l y open the new saran wrap package today...so I wouldn't have to hate it for the next six months! I opened it successfully, but still wasted three or four layers of the actual wrap...BUT, I have a nice box in the drawer and that makes me oh.so.very.very happy.

AND speaking of HAPPY...

HAPPY MONDAY!

Pumpkin Biscuits

2011-10-01T23:43:00.000-07:00

Happy October to YOU! I hope all of you are enjoying your weekend!

We literally got our trips to the dump made, the driveway swept...from sawdust and lots of old paint chips, the lawn mowed and the garage cleaned up before it started to rain! Now aside from needing to paint the house...we are ready for all the rain and to be comfy and cozy in our little home. Are you ready to take it "easy", too? I have no desire to have any more home projects going on for a VERY.LONG.TIME!!!

This last week, I was dying to make an old-fashioned pot roast dinner. So, that is exactly what the Dr. ordered! Do you ever just crave a nice, warm dinner with your family? To go along with dinner, I added baby red potatoes and sweet carrots to the crockpot for about an hour before dinner. I fried green beans and made pumpkin biscuits. The kiddies and their friends love them. Not only are they a pretty orange hue, but they are also extra nutritious and oh.so.moist!

Pumpkin Biscuits
Lisa Pearson

2 cups flour

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 Tbsp.soy flour {I buy mine in bulk at WINCO}

1/2 cup butter...cut into small pieces

1/3 cup 2% milk, 1/2 and 1/2 or heavy cream

1/2 cup plain ol' pumpkin...no spices needed this time!

Directions:

Whisk together dry ingredients

Add butter and cut into dry ingredients...use a pastry cutter or a flat beater on a stand mixer

Add all wet ingredients to flour mixture

Blend until ingredients come together

Transfer to lightly floured surface...I use a ROULPAT with a bit of flour

Pat into about a 10 inch disc

Using a cookie cutter...cut out biscuits. I used a 3" cutter and got about 12 biscuits.

Place biscuits on SILPAT

Bake at 425* for about 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden.

Serve warm with WHIPPED BUTTER. That is it!

By the way, these freeze beautifully!

ENJOY!

Shared with Stone Gable, Im lovin it, newlyweds

(zippy) Pumpkin Muffin Doughnuts

2011-09-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

OKAY, girlies...you should be ecstatic over this recipe.

Not only is there NO SOY FLOUR involved, but it also calls for a real egg. Like a real, live baaahk, baaahk chicken egg! Aren't you happy? For those of you who have bought your soy flour, there are plenty more recipes calling for it. But to be fair, I decided to do an old-fashioned recipe with old-fashioned, easy-to-find ingredients. OH!!! I also used SALTED BUTTER! :)

And since my e-mail has been filled with questions about the "special flour", unsalted butter, organic sugar and sea salt...they are just what I use. You can most definitely use regular sugar, butter, salt and eggs.

The reason I am detailed about ingredients: In the past when I have given out recipes, friends will make something and they will comment that it didn't taste "the same". AND I have asked for recipes and when I make it, it doesn't taste anything like it {like my MOMMA!!!!!} so, I like exact ingredients and I write them up with the boring details, so that if somebody tastes something I have made...they can re-create it and then go from there on how they would like to improve and change it up! And I am sorry about those of you who do not have Trader Joes or Costco. I think I would die. BUT, you may have some stores that we don't that may have even better ingredients to choose from!

Alrighty! Enough blah.blah.blah! Hope this all makes sense.

Pumpkin Muffin Donuts

Lisa Pearson

Goodness Gracious! These little muffins were looooong overdue for a teeny tiny makeover!

1/3 cup pure pumpkin {no spices added}

1/2 cup organic sugar

1 EGG

1 1/2 cups flour {I like the wheat/white mix from Costco}

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. sea salt

1/2 tsp. nutmeg...fresh ground if possible

1/2 cup 2% milk

Dunking Ingredients:

1/2 cup SALTED butter

1/2 cup organic sugar

1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:

In a medium sized mixing bowl, cream pumpkin, sugar and egg. Add dry ingredients and mix until mixture is thoroughly combined. Add milk gradually while mixing. Using ice cream scoop, Fill 8 greased muffin tin holes. Bake @ 325 for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.

Combine dunking sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Melt butter in a bowl.
Dunk {I love that word!} warm muffins in melted butter and then right into the cinnamon sugar. Take a big bite with an ice cold glass of milk and jot down a note to yourself to be sure to double the recipe next time!!!!

OVER THE TOP VARIATION!!! Combine 1/2 cup organic sugar, 1/2 stick of unsalted melted butter and 2 Tbsp. light rum. YEP! RUM! Dunk in rum sauce and then coat in cinnamon sugar! YOU will be IN.LOVE!

In other news...I was so excited to meet my bloggy friend, Chelsia today! She is adorable and oh.so.sweet. We could have talked much longer!! Thank you, Chelsia!!

Laurissa started her second year of college and has changed her major!!! She will be studying to go into the medical field.

Caleb had his second surgery last week to remove some pins and to manipulate the hand for MORE x-rays!

We were "shooting star" hunting last night and did not spy one.single.one! BUT the sky was magnificient!

Once again, the fridge is empty and I am pretty sure I just went shopping. I think we have elves that eat between the hours of midnight and 5 AM!

My momma brought a homemade berry pie to go along with our dinner the other night. There is one sliver left that needs to be eaten before the elves get to it!!!

I think I need to make some more pies in a jar to give away! They just make you feel so loved! {No need to write emails of concern...I already am fully aware that I have food issues...what is wrong with food=love?} At least has been proven...scientifically! :}

LOVE to YOU

...and Happy Happy Wednesday!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, newlyweds

Chocolate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

2011-09-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Good morning, good morning, good morning...it's time to rise and shine!!

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard..." PSALM 19

This is what I was reading this morning and I just had to share it with you. Isn't it beautiful? If you are trying to get going and are having having a tough morning,and feeling like it is just another mundane Monday...it sure puts things into perspective.

Here is a challenge for your day...I know it will be difficult for me to attempt, but here it is:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my REDEEMER."

What an AMAZING GOD who not only can handle us, but all of our petty, nitty gritty problems as well...and with HIS grace and compassion that is just right for what we need!!!

...another oldie...

Hope you all had a great weekend! I woke up this morning and decided I am going to try to have a better attitude toward my MUNDANE MONDAY after last Monday!!! I know it sounds a bit "Pollyanna-ish"...but at least I have a family that lives life and makes messes and at least they help clean up, too. And As far as clean sheet Monday goes, at least my hubby and I have a king-sized bed that we can sleep in and cuddle the kiddies and little dappled doggie on chilly Autumn evenings! Even though a little bed with little sheets and, blankets and feather-tick would be OH.SO.MUCH.EASIER to launder! Today, when I was shoving the blankets into the machine with ALL MY MIGHT I kept reminding myself of the benefits of a BIG BED!

Enough about that! No more Mundane Monday Blah.Blah.Blah!

Let's chat about pumpkins! I can not wait to go buy white pumpkins this afternoon. They will get lettered and stenciled later. Do you like white pumpkins?

It is really feeling Autumny here. This weekend was warm, but there was a chill in the air this morning. It felt so fresh.

Maybe you would like to add to your pumpkin recipes...here is one that will make your home smell like HOME!

AND BY THE WAY...WOW! There are bunches of YOU who LOVE PUMPKIN! It has been forever since we have had a theme around here, so this week will just need to be PUMPKIN WEEK!! What do you think?!!!

Chocolate Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Lisa Pearson

¼ cup water

1 Tbsp. yeast

½ cup milk, scalded

¼ cup organic sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter

1 tsp. sea salt

¼ tsp. cinnamon

½ tsp. nutmeg

¾ cup pure pumpkin {no spices added}

1 Tbsp. soy flour

4 cups flour

Directions:
In bowl of stand mixer, combine warm water and yeast.

In 2 cup measuring cup, scald milk in microwave.

Add sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir.

Pour milk mixture in with yeast mixture.

Add pumpkin and soy flour.

Using dough hook, turn on machine and add flour gradually.

Mix until dough all comes together.

Remove dough from bowl and grease bowl.

Place dough in greased bowl and cover. Let rise for 1 hour.

On Roulpat or floured surface, roll dough out into a rectangle.

Spread with ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temp.

Sprinkle with SUGAR MIX {1 cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp. cinnamon, ½ tsp. nutmeg}

Sprinkle with ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips.{OPTIONAL}

Roll up like a bug in a rug. Pinch seam together.

Cut in 1 ½ inch intervals. Place in prepared pan.

I get about 12 and put mine in two 9 inch Demarle Sponge Molds.

{You may place them in a 9x13 or in two pie plates}

Cover and let rest for about 20 minutes

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes.

Drizzle with glaze.
Serve while warm!

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Stir until drizzly.

Variation: These may be made into dinner rolls. By using the dough and rolling them into golf-ball sized rolls. Let rise until poofy and follow the same directions for baking. Such an unexpected treat for an Autumn dinner!

Now, unless you are having company over, be sure to bundle a few up and deliver them to neighbors, friends or the homeless. So many times we give our leftovers to people who we think don't really care...but it goes against our natural instincts to give of our very best to those who are in need of knowing that they Do matter and they are important! I assure you, if you have someone on a street corner, needing some extra tlc...giving them your BEST will be just what the Dr. ordered for them and for YOU, too. You may want to have your kiddies help you make a few packages up and have them deliver them with you! It is a great lesson in teaching them that everybody should be treated with love and respect despite the outward appearance!

I used a piece of Kabnet Wax paper on the bottom of the BIO box and one on top to help keep the cinnamon rolls as fresh as possible!

Now...think of someone you may be able to BLESS!

Shared with: Yvonne at stonegable, Miz Helen's Kitchen, tidy mom, at the picket fence, comfy in the kitchen, newlyweds

Pumpkin Pie Scones

2011-09-23T20:58:00.000-07:00

We are HOME from Cabo and are really ready for Autumn now!

Happy Happy Autumn to each of you. If you are a pumpkin fanatic like me...I try to wait for October, but the first day of Autumn will be just fine, don't you think?

Pumpkin Pie Scones
Lisa Pearson

2 cups all purpose flour

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. soy flour...available in Winco bulk section or Whole Foods

1/2 cup cold Earth Balance, cut into little pieces or unsalted butter

1/3 cup soured vanilla soymilk {sour with a tad bit of lemon juice or vinegar}or heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup pure pumpkin {no spices added}

1 tsp. pure vanilla

{zest from 1 orange or less}

Whisk together dry ingredients.

Add Earth Balance and blend with pastry cutter or with flat beater in stand mixer.

Add all wet ingredients together to flour mixture.

Blend until ingredients come together.

Transfer to lightly floured surface or ROULPAT.

Pat into a disc about the size of your hand spread out.

Cut into 8 triangles.

Place scones on SILPAT.

Brush with soymilk or whipping cream and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.

Bake at 425 for 13 to 14 minutes…or until golden.

Remove to wire rack and drizzle or SPOON on glaze.

Orange Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar

4 Tbsp. soymilk OR plain ol' milk

Zest from 1 orange or 1 tsp. pure Orange extract {optional info...my friends like it better with the zest IN the scone...not in the glaze...}

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth and “drizzly”. {Not a word, but you know what I mean, right?}

Variations: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips OR GHIRARADELLI ALL NATURAL
CLASSIC WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS...BE CAREFUL IF YOU HAVE
PEANUT allergies.
May make mini scones
May be rolled out and cut with biscuit cutter for dinner biscuits. No pumpkin pie spice or glaze…just ½ tsp of cinnamon for a bit of flavor

If you aren't a huge cinnamon fan...you may want to skip the cinnamon sugar...if you are adding the glaze.

For the holidays: Mix up several batches of the dry ingredients at the same time and freeze until you are ready to make them!

Okay. I think I am done going on and on with this recipe.

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, picket fence, foodie friday, stonegable/a>, >titus2sday, women living well, im lovin it, newlyweds

Organizing Receipts...the simple way

2011-09-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

With school just starting and with the holidays right around the corner, I thought I would share a very simple way of organizing your receipts.

It can be so frustrating hunting for the one receipt you need. How many of us have spent hours looking everywhere but in the fridge trying to recoop the one receipt you need?

Well...not anymore! Of course you will need to take a moment and file it, but it will be worth the few minutes you take when you know exactly where to find it.

I used to file receipts according to who the item belonged to. Let me tell ya, that does NOT work when you bought two different things for two different people at the same store. I know. I am very slow, but it took me forever and a day to figure it out.

SOOOOOOO...I bought white CATALOG ENVELOPES, not too big and not too small. Each store that we buy from on a regular basis has its own FILING TAB marked with the store name.

For example: TARGET has its own envelope. Everything we buy from Target goes into that envelope.

All CATALOG ENVELOPES are placed into the MAIN file labeled RECEIPTS. I have a "to file" section on my desk and that is where the receipts are put until they drive me crazy and I take the time to file them. It only takes a few minutes and it is so nice to know where to find what you need. It is especially great for GIFTS. Not just at Christmas-time, but year-round.

I always ask for the gift receipt and include it with the gift, but you have no idea how many times it gets lost and YOU have the back-up! YAY!!!

I bought FILING TABS that are really tough and they can easily be repositioned.{POST IT...from Staples in the filing section}

Since I can hardly read my own writing, and I love a clean and simple look, I used my very very very very favorite label maker with a small font to label each tab.

That is it! And by the way, if you are using smaller envelopes there is NO WAY one can stash receipts that expired in 2005!

***WHAT ABOUT STORES YOU RARELY PURCHASE FROM? Each family member has their own envelope for this. For example: Rarely do I shop at Nordstrom...but once in awhile I do, so, I would file that under "LISA".

Hope this makes more sense to you than it does to me. TUTORIALS are not my thing.

Happy Organizing! You will feel oh.so.domesticated once your receipts are organized. Just think of all the extra time you will have to do other things...like LAUNDRY and carpool!

Mexican Stacki Upi Bowls

2011-09-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

I realize, for most, picnic season is over...but the fun can be enjoyed ALL YEAR LONG!

Picnics are also dinners to-go when you are taking people meals! Did you know that? I am just kidding...but since I LOVE LOVE LOVE picnics...I like to think of it that way. Doesn't that sound like a fun thing to get to do???

We grew up on Javanese Stacki Upi's {frequently requested}...but this is the Mexican version:

Steamed Jasmine rice...white or brown

Yumm sauce {from YUMM Cafe} I am working on figuring this sauce out. This is optional...we just started using the sauce.

Warmed black beans

Grilled Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken from Costco {also optional}

Sliced olives

Cilantro, soaked, washed and patted dry, then chopped

Shredded Tillamook Cheese

Avocado, diced

Sour cream and Salsa

Jalapeno rounds...yummy!

That is it!

For a Picnic:

Just layer ingredients into to-go containers...send extra sour cream and salsa in portion cups.

For children: Layer rice, olives, cheese and chicken

***I have also sent all the toppings in individual chinese to-go boxes {Cash and Carry} and boxed up the rice in a large BIO BOX {Cash and Carry} Whatever floats your boat or what will work best for whom you will be taking a picnic to. :}

PLEASE don't forget the lemonade! REALLY, you neeeed this.

Sugar cookie sandwiches with lemon buttercream frosting for the filling

Don't forget to include fun napkins {inexpensive at IKEA} and plastic ware so there is no clean up or dishes to return.

For at home: Simply set out a large bowl of rice and all of the individual toppings on a kitchen island or dining room table and serve it buffet style.

For my birthday dinner, I wanted the table set nice, so I set the table with cloth napkins, silverware, champagne flutes and straws, PINK LEMONADE {A MUST WITH THIS MEAL!} ice water, candles and a birthday banner {more on this next week!!!!} and the dinner was set on the island along with the plates.

I served corn on the side along with spinach...chips and salsa. Easy peasy!!! You can make it as simple or as fancy schmancy as you like...but as you can see you will not be slaving over this very fun and healthy dinner. Best of all, if someone doesn't like something, they don't have to pick it out! YAY!

***Skewered grilled shrimp can dress this easy dinner up if you like***

Happy Saturday!!!

Scott's Firehouse Cornbread

2011-09-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

I know a few of you are less than thrilled with reposts...but some of the oldies are goodies and I love passing along things that I enjoy with you...even if it is old news! :}

Have a Happy Day!

A few years ago, my hubby and I hosted a weekend conference for married couples. We chose the video series LOVE AND RESPECT by Emerson and Sarah Eggerich. We LOVE them. I think if you are planning on getting married or have been married for 99 years, there is something we all can learn!

Emerson was explaining how important it is for a man to feel respected by his wife while at the same time it is very important for wives to feel loved by their husbands. Respect for a man is one of his deepest needs.

I know. This is a cornbread post...not a marriage post. :}

During the conference, I took notes, shook my head in agreement, laughed at stories Emerson told as my hubby and I had plenty of inside jokes. I think, though that some things I smugly tuned out because after all we had been married for about 17 years, which is 17 years longer than a lot of people!

That verynext day. YEP. Sunday afternoon. As I was working on the weekly menu and finishing up the grocery list, I asked Scott if there was anything else he could think of that I needed to pick up at the store. He said, "BISQUICK."

I was thinking to myself: I do not buy BISQUICK. I do not use BISQUICK. It takes just a few minutes to make whatever it is that one might need BISQUICK on hand to make. There is no nutritional value in BISQUICK. In years past I made my own version of BISQUICK...why on God's green earth would you ask me to buy BISQUICK?!

My response: "There is NO WAY I am buying BISQUICK!!! Why do you need BISQUICK?" Scott: "Well, I thought I would make dinner and I wanted to make you a really good cornbread!" Snooty tooty pouty ME: "What's wrong with the one I make?" Okay the conversation went on and on. He was so sweet and was fine that I refused to buy the BISQUICK. OH.WHAT A SPOILED BRAT I was being...to say the least...all OVER BISQUICK!

As I was finishing up the shopping I headed down the baking aisle. All of a sudden, I felt absolutely horrible. Not to mention feeling like a total hypocrite. I walked past the bright yellow boxes of BISQUICK. I immediately called my hubby and apologized. He said, "that's okay, honey, you're right. I'm glad you are so careful with what you buy and how you take care of us." I started tearing up. I grabbed a BIG box of BISQUICk and quickly headed to check out.

Scott met me in the garage and carried in the groceries. As soon as he pulled out the yellow box, he had the biggest smile ever! He gave me a huge kiss and promised me it was going to be THE best cornbread EVER! Guess what? He was right. It is my absolute favorite and everybody else in our family loves it, too!

BISQUICK is regularly purchased and even has it's very own glass container with a little label that reads "BISQUICK". You may think this is funny, but it serves as a reminder that I am called to respect my husband and in return he will show me love. The principle works in reverse as well. The more my hubby shows me unconditional love the more I respect him.

"Nevertheless let each individual among you also LOVE his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she RESPECT her husband." Ephesians 5:33

Scott’s Firehouse Cornbread

2 cups Bisquick

6 Tbsp. cornmeal

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup milk

*Mix Bisquick, cornmeal and sugar together.

*Melt 1/2 cup butter in microwave.

*Add milk and eggs to melted butter.

*Stir.

*Pour milk mixture into Bisquick mixture.

*Stir.

*Pour batter into 8x8 greased baking dish.

*Bake at 350 for about 35 minutes until golden
brown.

Whatever you do, don't forge the honey butter OR yummy jam!!

Variations:

Add buttermilk instead of regular milk.

Soymilk may be substituted for regular milk.

Add: 1 jalapeno, 1/3 cup white cheddar and 3 sliced green onions, thinly sliced.

Shared with: Titus2sday, comfy in the kitchen

End of Summer 2011

2011-09-11T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet Carmel Apple Cake {in mini jars}

2011-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Happy September! Can you believe September is here? Once again, school is right around the corner and so is apple pickin' in the orchards!! Here is an easy recipe for the cooler, crisp days ahead...

Sweet Carmel Apple Cake
{In mini jars}

Adapted from A Taste of Oregon

Cake Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups flour
2 TBSP. soy flour or 2 eggs
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
½ tsp. sea salt
4 medium Granny Smith Apples, {or Gravenstein} cored and chopped
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Cake Directions:
• Cream together sugar, butter and soy flour
• Add dry ingredients to mixture
• Add chopped apples and vanilla
• Mix together in stand mixer with flat beater
• Bake in greased Bundt pan at 350 for about 45 minutes
OR
In about 8 greased pint canning jars for about 35 minutes. Each jar should be filled with a little less than 1 cup of batter. Let cool a bit, top with vanilla ice cream and sauce.

Sauce Ingredients:
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup evaporated milk
½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
Sauce Directions:
Combine sugars, butter and milk in small saucepan.
Bring to a boil.
Add vanilla and a bit of salt

These are THE BEST baked before your company arrives. No dishing up to do…be sure to pre-scoop ice cream into a storage container! ENJOY!

Shared with: comfy in the kitchen, at the picket fence, stone gable, foodie friday, newlyweds

Speed Bumps

2011-08-30T18:07:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, I so enjoyed a visit with my new friend, Kristen. What a refreshing afternoon. She has the most beautiful garden and I even got a quick science lesson on her "girls"... the worker bees...who reside in the most adorable bee hive! She referred to it as the HILTON! If I were a bee, I know I would never want to move from the sweetest of homes.

In talking to her, I was reminded of God's abounding grace and the comfort He supplies in our darkest of days! Once again, I am posting from the archives, but it is always a wonderful thing to know that God's mercies are NEW every morning...Love to YOU Kristen, and thank you for the yummy tomatoes and honey!

Have you ever had something in your life that brings you so much joy and then, as circumstances change, THAT VERY THING that brought about joy suddenly brings about fear and pain?

Years ago, as our neighborhoods started to expand, and traffic patterns were altered, new houses went up, new roads, new lights and new signs. A small stretch of road added SPEED BUMPS! I thought it was ridiculous, but there they were one morning as the children and I were already running late for school. Talk about one more inconvenience!

The "Pollyanna" in me decided right then and there that those speed bumps were going to be another reminder for our family to slow down and to pray! To this day I still have vivid memories of our children's innocent little voices praying with such sincerity. We prayed for everything: sick friends, teachers, special privileges...like ice cream after school, lonely friends, friends without Daddies and Mommies, the "blueberry lady" who sold her land, animals. You name it! I looked forward to those speed bumps. They were a comforting reminder that no matter how hurried we are in our lives, Jesus is NOT! He is never in a hurry. He is ALWAYS there waiting for us and He loves it when we slow down and talk with HIM.

Several months ago, I was in a car accident and my BIG TAHOE absorbed any discomfort a healthy, strong body might feel in going over those bumps, but let me tell you, my "new" car is much smaller, and the suspension is TIGHT. My sore and achy body can feel every inconsistency in the road, let alone the pain that radiates through my body when we go over bumps.

I have started taking different routes, longer routes...any road I can find where the ride is smooth. At times, when I am going somewhere new or different and I see an unexpected bump, it causes instant fear of the pain that shoots from my hips all the way to my neck. Something I had come to find comfort in is now something I avoid and fear.

Tonight, on our way home, I felt like God was wanting me to Trust HIM. This Speed Bump in my life is not something to be avoided. It is going to be HIS teaching tool in my life. The only difference is this: He is in the driver's seat and I am the immature and weak child praying in earnest. I am completely inadequate, but with God's power I am able to overcome the difficulties I face, and I, too can trust my God who is sufficient. Out of this experience, I know that the same way I loved hearing my children pray, He loves hearing me come to Him.

It dawned on me, even though they are much older, I am still teaching them. They are still observing. I may never have this opportunity again to let my children know that the same God who has been listening and answering our prayers (NOT ALWAYS THE WAY WE HAVE PRAYED FOR!)over the years is completely capable of alleviating my fear and pain or in giving me the courage to deal with it differently. He has a purpose and a plan...he wants me to slow down and to trust in HIM. Don't avoid the SPEED BUMPS in life...because with Him we are Never without HOPE.

"Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30.

Tomato Pesto Sandwich

2011-08-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

OKAY. Finally. Our first evergreen tomato is ready to be picked! I almost feel like we should have a tomato "celebration"! Kinda like Thanksgiving in August! Not sure it has been worth all of the waiting and babying of THE tomato plant...but I am not complaining because it is going to be worth every bite! The question was this. What was going to be the very first thing to make with the very first tomato? Tacos? Tomato Pie? BLT'S minus the bacon? Pasta Caprese? You have no idea how I have fretted! Not really, but it just sounded good! :}

We are making one of our favorite summer sandwiches and it is going to be AMAZING with our little home grown tomato...yep.yep.yep!

Ingredients:

Sourdough bread...the best you can get!

Pesto mixed with a bit of mayonnaise

Provolone cheese slices

Thinly sliced tomato with a bit of salt sprinkled on top

Thinly sliced cucumbers

Thinly sliced red onion

Mustard

Thinly sliced lettuce

Directions:

*Take two slices of bread and lay them out on a cutting board

*Put mayonnaise and mustard on one slice

*Put pesto mayonnaise on the other slice

*Place cheese on one slice of bread and the veggies on the other slice

*Place both slices together to make a sandwich
.
*Cut sandwich in half...it is the polite way to eat a sandwich, you know...

Serve with dill pickles and KETTLE CHIPS and a BLACKBERRY MILKSHAKE with a big, thick straw.

ENJOY!

What is the first thing you like to make with your tomatoes? Maybe you just eat it off the vine...which sounds even better!!!

Oh.Happy.Day!

Easy as pie...PIE CHIPS

2011-08-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! We are still having BEE.U.TEE.FULL sunshiney days and the sunset last light could have taken your breath away!

How blessed we are to have been given such a wonderful creation to enjoy! And to think that God has every sunrise and sunset and all the hours in between to display HIS amazing artistry is quite mind-boggling...and to know that not one second has been a repeat from the beginning of time until the end of this world is REALLY hard to grasp!

Our whole family loves AUTUMN! It is the smells...wood-burning fires welcoming guests in from the chilly Autumn air...warm applesauce made from apples that have been ripening all summer long...crisp cool nights that carry the aroma of change. HOT wassail that has simmered all.day.long. It is the carving of big ol' jack-o-lanterns and cozy blankets and lots and lots of candlelight...but for now it is still summer, but I had to do something a bit Autumny...before the changing out of summer. Just something teeny tiny...like mini leaf PIE CHIPS.

PIE CHIPS

1 box of frozen pie dough...or homemade if you are talented in that department! {I use Trader Joe's}

1 leaf cookie cutter

water

cinnamon sugar

Directions:

*Follow directions on box for thawing purposes

*Roll out dough and use your leaf cookie cutter for your pie chips.

*Place leaves onto SILPAT or onto parchment paper

*Using a pastry brush, brush with water and then sprinkle each leaf with cinnamon sugar

*Bake @ 450* for about 8 minutes or until golden brown

Remove from oven and ENJOY!

I baked pie filling in little bowls and we dipped out pie chips into the PIE DIP. Just a taste of AUTUMN...but I am really excited for the new season right around the corner!!!

This and That:

Since this blog is also our family "journal"...I have to write about our DATE NIGHT to see Josh Groban! Have I mentioned how much I LOVE piano music? I do.I do.I do. So much so that I am shocked that nobody left our wedding before it even started because my twinsie played all of our very favorite songs for 45 minutes before the wedding started! I have always loved listening to her play and am still insanely jealous that I took lessons for a LONG time and still don't have a clue how to read notes. Maybe we aren't really twinsies after all...because she is one talented girlie!

ANYHOO...back to date night. Our seats were SMACK DAB right in front of where he played and the whole entire night...I kept telling my hubby "THIS IS THE BEST DATE NIGHT EVER!" because it was! We took a long walk and saw the lights after the concert and it was so pretty! I think I might be packing my tennies next time, but then I might not be carried by my big strong hubby! So, heels it will be. ALWAYS!

HAPPY HAPPY ALMOST AUTUMN...kinda!

Shared with: stone gable

The Gift of Leftovers

2011-08-27T15:54:00.000-07:00

This last week, we were invited to a dinner party with some guys my hubby works with! It was so much fun! If you know me, you know how much I loooove late night dinners! I took a cake, cupcakes and ice cream...way too much dessert, but I would be mortified if we ran out...and we all know that firefighters can eat A LOT!

I left some with the host and sent some home with other guests and STILL had some left, sooo, when I got home I wrapped it really good and put it in the freezer to give away the next day.

SOOO, {I know I use that word a ton, sorry!} I want to hear from you...

*Do you think it is tacky giving away leftovers?

*Would or do you give away your "extras"?

*Would you throw your leftovers away before you would consider giving them away?

*Do you have an over abundance in your garden that you are willing to share?

Aren't these greens beautiful? They were given to me by the wife of my accupuncturist! They grow a garden and share their organic bounty with their patients! Isn't that the sweetest thing ever?

Scientifically speaking, it has been proven that the act of giving actually increases/releases the happy hormones.

Here is a challenge for you:

Try to take something that you have extras of and share it with somebody.

This could be anything to anybody. {I am working on this right along with YOU.}

A few suggestions:

*your leftovers might be just the right amount to take to an elderly person. Have your children help get it ready and go with you to deliver it to them.

*Maybe a family has a deployed spouse serving our country...I am sure they would appreciate a little something.

*What about a homeless person. Be intentional about preparing it in advance and give it to them as they are waitng for money at the traffic lights. Just roll down your window and BLESS them.

I would love to hear back from you on how this goes.

{Be sure your leftovers are fresh and not scrap material. You know what I am talking about. :) As Americans, I feel that our extras are like gold compared to that of other ccountries.}

...AND if you haven't taken a picnic yet, leftovers are great to pack up...I love taking picnics with leftover dessert. Makes a plain ol' picnic feel a bit indulgent. What do YOU think? What do you have to share in your fridge/freezer/pantry??

"Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not RELUCTANTLY or under compulsion, for GOD loves a CHEERFUL giver." II Corinthians 9:7

Thai Tortilla Spring Rolls (with Peanut Dipping Sauce}

2011-08-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

I love getting ideas from restaurants and trying to figure out how to make the same things at home! Here is a quick recipe! Use them as appetizers or as a meal. I like serving rice, broccoli, apple slices and a fizzy drink for a quick, nutritious dinner.

Thai Tortilla Spring Rolls

Lisa Pearson

Enjoyed at: California Pizza Kitchen

1 package Organic Tortilla Shells from Trader Joe's

1 12 oz. package bean sprouts

4 carrots, shredded

3 green onions, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced {I like to let my chicken soak in salt water overnight and then I drain it and rinse it until the water runs clear}

1/2 cup soy sauce

Extra olive oil for brushing on spring rolls

Shredded pepper jack cheese

*Saute prepared veggies in garlic and in 2 Tbsp.olive oil. {drain. Set aside}

*Saute chicken in 2 Tbsp. olive oil... add soy sauce and salt and pepper to taste

*Line tortillas up. Put a large spoonful of cooked veggies and cooked chicken onto tortillas.

*Top with a bit of pepper jack cheese. Drizzle a bit of peanut sauce down the center. Fold in ends toward the center. Roll up. Brush with olive oil.

*Bake at 350* for about 10 minutes or until spring rolls are golden brown.

PEANUT SAUCE:

Juice of 1 lime

¼ cup hot water

½ cup crunchy peanut butter

3 tablespoons sesame oil

6 tablespoons soy sauce

1/3 cup Agave Syrup {Trader Joe's or Costco}

3 tablespoons fresh ginger, sliced for measuring purposes

4 garlic cloves

1 jalapeno

Blend all ingredients together in blender until smooth. Pour into canning jar or in
to recycled glass container. Will keep up to one week in fridge.

To make this fast:

*Use chicken from a rotisserie chicken OR skip the chicken altogether!!!

*Pre-shredded cheese and carrots

*Store-bought peanut sauce...VOILA! Trader Joe's has a really GOOD one you may want to try.

***From the good ol' archives!

This and That...

Tonight is date night with my hubby!!! Like...get dressed up, high heels, little black dress...and actually do something with my hair aside from pulling it up into a pony tail kinda date night!!! We are going to the JOSH GROBAN concert...and I can't wait! We take turns planning dates and this one was his idea. So, from 3 o'clock on...he's got the afternoon/evening planned! I just told him I need to be home by midnight...because we know what happens when the clock strikes twelve...CINDARELLY, CINDARELLY!!!

Happy Happy FRIDAY!

I have heard from several of you about your candlelight dinner. How is it going???

Organizing Important Documents {how to}

2011-08-23T16:56:00.000-07:00

We have been enjoying the sunshine so much...thought that these pictures were a bit cuter than looking at a binder! We actually had a modified water fight that was really a blast!!! AND since we no longer have little ones to bathe outside in the summer evening before bed time...our little doggie fell victim...oh.how.she loved it!!!

This is the time of year, if you aren't organized, that you might start thinking about trying to do exactly that...getting organized. I am by no means an expert on the subject, but I love the end result.

Being organized can really eliminate stress and frustration. There is nothing worse than a child informing you that the school has to have an updated sports physical in two days, or they can't start with their teammates. That means YOU need to have insurance cards, immunization records, doctor's numbers and birth certificates handy for SPORTS. ALL of this on top of Script orders, school picture forms, music lessons etc. can quickly become overwhelming and almost paralizing! {I am NOT exaggerating...ever find yourself sipping on tea, chomping on candy corn, not doing ANYTHING because you don't know where to start?...That is what I mean.} :)

I am NOT a fan of technology. I want to be able to grab and go. I need to have it in my hands without having to scan for passwords and wait for the laptop to boot up.

When my hubby finished his academy, we revamped our "DOCUMENT SYSTEM". Since he became the expert on Emergency Evacuation and Catastophe Preparedness, I listened and we figured it out together!

{You might invest in a larger fireproof box to keep your binder in.}

This is what works for us and it might be helpful for you as well.

One binder is LABELED and categorized like this:

CERTIFICATES:

Marriage
Adoption
Little Dappled Doggie
Baptism
EMT
School
College
Birth...each family member has their own protected in a plastic sleeve protector {STOCK UP! These are available at COSTCO}

MEDICAL:

Insurance card copies...these are easily misplaced
Immunization documents

Miscellaneous:

Passports
Social Security Cards
Frequent Flyer Miles
Budget Document...a complete list of everything that needs to be paid during the month. Be sure to include phone numbers and Passwords etc. in case of an emergency

Insurance:
Life Insurance numbers etc.

Small, zippered binder pockets work great for keeping little cards together without falling out. They can be found in with school supplies!

It is important to be able to go to one spot and grab everything at once in case of emergency. There might NOT be time to be going through files!

Remember to keep this information in a VERY safe spot.

WE ALSO INCLUDED PERMISSION SLIPS AND BLANK POWER OF ATTORNEY sheets that could be grabbed at a moment's notice. In my hubby's opinion, they are better than grabbing a recycled envelope and scribbling down the info with eyeliner!!! Then again, we even had the last power of attorney notarized at THE BANK!! Every family needs a safety monitor!

Shared with: women living well, titus2sday, totally tuesday tutorials

Leftover Buttercream?

2011-08-20T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all having a great weekend! I realize we usually do not have leftover buttercream sitting around, but if you have a bit or a ton leftover OR if you want to make some...you could make buttercream sandwich cookies! I am always way too much and since I also had sugar cookies in my freezer, I decided to make up some cookies and keep them frozen! You never know when you may need a little last-minute gift for a friend!!

You could even use Graham Crackers, from s'more making...or these waffle sandwich cookies from Trader Joe's! Just some ideas for a sweet weekend!

Happy Saturday!!!

A Sweet {first day of school} Tradition

2011-08-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Having grown up in Germany...I am still in love with TRADITION! It is something to look forward to and even more than that, it is something dear to you that you can not wait to pass down to your children and to their children!
On our first day of school, we {no pig in my pocket...my twinsie and I} got our very own "SCHULTUETE". It was like Christmas morning! Typically, they are filled with lots of sweet treats and erasers, pencils, crayons etc. but you could really fill them with whatever you would like!

If any of you are teachers, I am sure YOU could imagine how hyper your little students might be on the first day of school.

Since Laurissa's first day of college is this next week, I wanted to do something special for her...so, I filled her "SWEET SCHOOL CONE" with some things she will need in college...white washcloths, soap, post it notes, gift cards, a book of stamps and envelopes, chapstick, straws and some other little things that she loves! I can NOT wait to give it to my little bunny.

Her Daddy gives her flowers every year on the first day, so we included a little vase from him to her. That is when I "lost it" today...and I was doing sooo good!

On her tag, I stamped "with GRATITUDE" because I am so thankful for the daughter she has been, is and will continue to be...she challenges me, loves me unconditionally, takes Sunday afternoon naps with me, but most of all she loves the LORD with all her heart, and she shares it with everybody she meets. I know that if you met her, your life would be THAT MUCH better...just for knowing her. SO, my heart is full of gratitude and am reminded every day of God's grace in blessing me with the sweetest daughter ever!

This year will be the first year since she started preschool that we have not had our annual back-to-school dinner, so I am going to have to find something creative to do...not sure, yet. SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!

BY THE WAY, my parents have a picture of my twinsie and I on our first day of school in Germany with our "SWEET SCHOOL CONES", so I will post that when my Dad finds it.

Do you have a favorite back-to-school memory or SWEET TRADITION?

I just guesstimated and used what I had on hand to make mine. That's why it's a bit Christmassy looking!

Directions for a Sweet School Cone:

1. Cut poster board to desired size. I left mine BIG.

2. Cut wrapping paper to the same size.

3. Using Elmers Spray Adhesive, spray a thin coat over poster board. Do NOT spray adhesive on flimsy paper. You will have a big.ol.mess!

4. Place wrapping paper on top of glued poster board. Working quickly, be sure to line up paper and gently smoothe out wrinkles and ridges.

5. Working from the bottom up, form cone shape. Be sure to have a pointy bottom, so that nothing falls through...or you can add a pom pom...like I did.

6. Using a large metal clip or clips, secure the top of the cone. Heavy duty paper clips may also be used. Use the clips to adjust it the way you want it.

7. Glue gun the seam.

8. Trim the top so that it is even and straight across the top. It will look just like a sugar cone.

9. Add the finishing touches with ball fringe, ribbons, grommets, fabric initials, stickers, stamps, photos...whatever. Use your imagination! If you made a mistake, this is your chance to embellish away!

10. Using your hot glue gun, glue small sections at a time across the top, inside lip. Quickly pleat tissue paper to the inside on top of the glue.

11. Fill with healthy school snacks, sweet treats, paint, stickers, fun papers, etc.

12. Present to your little ones {or BIG ones!} on the morning of their first day of school!

OH.THE.POSSIBILITIES: It may be fun to make mini burlap cones and tie them with jute for Thanksgiving favors...I think it woupld be a fun twist on the ol' cornucopia...hmmm!

Or for a different birthday present, you could fill the sweet cone with ice cream toppings, fun bowls, napkins and spoons!...and make homemade ice cream together!

My twinsie and I on the first day of school...1970's :}

***Posted from the archives!

Shared with: picket fence, women living well