Scott's Firehouse Peppermint Ice Cream

From the ARCHIVES...

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!  If they are too full, they can take it home!

Your guests will feel completely pampered and pleasantly full!

Scott's Firehouse 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 or MONIN

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, chopped...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.

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:  Stone Gable

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Thai Lime & Chili Cashew Chicken

This is it.  It was the only meal I made this last week.  But it tasted so good!  Sometimes, I think food tastes even better than it really is when you are dining with the ones you love most!

I actually had my camera battery charged and managed to take a picture before our "date night" dinner.  Since the lighting is fading quicker...food pictures may look a bit less enticing...and on the flip side...imperfections and burned edges will be much easier to disguise with dark shadows!

Thai Lime & Chile Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons sesame oil

1 tablespoon white wine

1 1/2 teaspoons dry chili pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons powdered ginger...fresh is really good, too

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon chicken base

2 tablespoons olive oil


1 small bunch of green onions, chopped

2 cups of THAI LIME & CHILI CASHEWS {Trader Joe's}


Cornstarch Mix:    Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 2 tablespoons COLD water and mix until the cornstarch is dissolved and looks like milk.  :}  Set aside.

*Let chicken marinade in sesame oil, wine, spices, soy sauce, ginger and chicken base for a while...if time allows.  If not, just mix it all together and set aside.

*Heat oil in wok or in large frying pan.  Add chicken and stir fry until the chicken is no longer pink.  Remove from heat and drain.

*Add back into your frying pan and add your cornstarch mix to thicken it a bit.  Add in the green onions and 2 cups of THAI LIME & CHILI CASHEWS!  Stir and serve over hot Jasmine rice.

Enjoy with Apple Cider, roasted acorn squash, apple slices and SNICKERDOODLE ICE CREAM...OR hot chamomile tea with a hint of sugar.  :}

Shared with Stone Gable

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Scott's Dump and Run Creamy Mexi Chicken

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!

Shared with:  comfy in the kitchen

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Neopolitan Pecan Bars

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

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Tostada Tartlettes {mini savory pies}

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

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DEMARLE Week: Pesto Pizza and GIVEAWAY winner

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!

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French Theme Week: Le Pain Florentine

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

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French Theme Week: Pots de Creme

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

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{Simple} Chicken Noodle Soup for the Sick

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!

...AND, if you are a vegetarian...no problem, we have you covered there, too.  This is DIVINE!!   It's my favorite!!

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Marsh Grass Salad

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!

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Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

We have been having simple dinners and right now we are LOVING spinach! It is so healthy for you and it is beautiful. The dark green spinach with bright red strawberries and white feta cheese, red onion and pink shrimp was the yummiest of lunches today!

Sunday afternoon lunch menu:

Fizzy drink

Grilled Bread

Leftover Strawberry Spinach Salad with Shrimp

Cookies




Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

Adapted from MaryAnne



Fresh spinach, cleaned and dried...stems cut off

Red leaf lettuce

Fresh strawberries, cleaned and sliced

Sliced red onion

Crumbled Feta cheese


*Place desired amount of greens in bowl

*Add berries, red onion and cheese

*Salad may be made ahead of time...which is great! :}


Balsamic Poppy Seed Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. White Balsamic Vinegar {Trader Joe's}

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

1 Tbsp. poppy seeds


Place ingredients in glass jar and shake.shake.shake. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Variations:

Add salad shrimp for a main dish salad

Blue cheese crumbles is a great substitution for feta. Try it. YOU WILL LOVE IT!


Summer fun at the lake...






Happy Sunday!

Shared with: Stone Gable, titus2sday, a bowl full of lemons

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Key Lime Whippers...and a frugal find

Dishes have always be something I love. I could find an excuse to buy new dishes...but really no need to add to the basics I already have. If you purchase a few fun colored dishes and keep your main dishes, serving pieces, platters and trays to plain old white or clear glass...you are set. I know it is tempting to buy the new shade of green, the polka dotted pink and white bowls, the lobster platter with all the detail etc...but if you are short on storage and trying to stay on budget...the dishes that are multi-functional will make a huge difference!

After gutting our home a couple of years ago...I promised I was going to keep things streamlined and SIMPLE. With the exception of the cake plate closet...we have done great and it feels so light and clean in our home. It is shocking at how quickly an un-cluttered home can be tidied up!

One thing that has helped in keeping my dishes {and clutter} to a minimum is having them serve more than one purpose. I think my favorites are the TEA LIGHT holders from IKEA. I use them for everything, and the best part is that they take up very little room...but can be used for oh.so.much! I think I paid less than $3 for eight. All I know is they definitely qualify as a frugal find.

Here are a few ideas:

mini milk glasses



juice glasses

butter dishes for nice dinners

condiment bowls

sour cream and salsa containers for individual plates

brown sugar and raisin condiment bowls on a plate with a big bowl of hot oatmeal

olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic oil for dipping crusty bread

chocolate fondue appetizers

mini trifle

mini strawberry shortcakes

ice cream bowl

sauces

and the list goes on and on and on!


These little, itty bitty cuties are the perfect size cheesecakes...especially when you are still stuffed from Buffalo Chicken Nachos and black bean soup.


Key lime whippers are fast to whip up. I timed it. It took three minutes...yep and three ingredients. Yep.YEP!





Key Lime Whippers

Ingredients:

1 14-oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

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

1 cup heavy cream

graham cracker crumbs

1 lime for garnish if you would like

Directions:

*Whisk the condensed milk, limeade and heavy cream in a large mixing bowl with a 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 tea light holder.

*Top with creamy filling, garnish with a slice of lime and if you want it really ADORABLE...top it 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!

Stunning and simple for a summer evening dessert.

It is just as yummy as a no bake cheesecake! {to clear up some confusion...these are cheesecakes, not drinks...}

Happy almost Friday!




THIS AND THAT...



Photo credit: Driscolls

Thanks Rene!


My new favorite from Trader Joe's

Shared with: tidy mom, comfy in the kitchen, pink saturday,raising homemakers, at the picket fence, little brick ranch, recipes to run on, friday potluck, this chick cooks, stone gable

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Teacher Appreciation Gifts

School is almost out for the summer and calendars are filled with graduation parties, weddings, baby showers, family vacations and just about everything else.

Every year at this time, we as mommas wonder what to do for teacher gifts...so...since I have gotten a few e-mails, and questions about ideas, here are a few for you to think about!

If you aren't needing teacher gits, these would make for great hostess gifts for summer parties and gatherings!

Happy almost summer!



Zesty Strawberry Shortcake

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
2 Tbsp. organic sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. sea salt
Zest of 1 orange
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whipping cream...sweetened a bit
Coarse sugar

DIRECTIONS:
• Mix dry ingredients together; Cut in butter; Add cream. Mix until dough is soft
and ingredients are all mixed in. It will look like cookie dough.
• Place six to eight mounds on greased baking sheet or SILPAT. Flatten just a bit.
• Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Bake at 425 for 7-10 minutes or until golden brown.

Note: Let cool and wrap each shortcake in cellophane bag.

BERRIES:
Slice four pints of fresh strawberries, add about half cup of sugar
Sprinkle with a little lemon juice;
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Slice shortcake in half, add strawberries, top with ice cream.

If you want to make these in advance, just bag the individual wrapped shortcakes, put into gallon Ziploc bag and freeze. They will stay as fresh as the day you baked them!

















{ALWAYS TASTE TEST to make sure it is okay!}



Italian Cream Soda Bags





How many of you remember the craze of Soda Fountains?

Raspberry Flips, Pink Sodas and Patio Punch Sodas were all the rage. Well, here is a fun, frugal way to give an Italian Cream Soda {to go} as a gift.

This can be given as a shower gift, a graduation gift {teenagers love these!}, a birthday gift, a teachers gift etc.

They are great baby shower gifts as well. It is fun for the momma-to-be to be able to take something home for the rest of the family or hubby to enjoy as well. You could even include a gift certificate for a pizza to be enjoyed on a day where cooking is not at the top of the "to do" list.

These Italian Cream Soda gifts are very fun to embelish. You can use colors or a theme to customize the gift.

As mentioned before we are talking FRUGAL, so I made mine for under $10.00.
white gift bag: .79 {Party Depot}
2 12x12 sheets of scrapbook paper: $1.00 {Paper Zone}
napkins: $1.00
straws: $1.00 at the Dollar Store {on hand}
cups: $1.00 {the Dollar Store}
Torani Syrup: $3.99 {Cash-n-Carry}
Club Soda: .87 with deposit {Winco}

Ribbon I had on hand.

DIRECTIONS:

Club Soda:
Cut scrapbook paper into 6x6 square.
Remove label from Club Soda.
Glue 6x6 sheet on to Club Soda bottle being sure to cover any leftover residue from original label.

Drink Tags:
Use any size craft punch and punch drink tags out of scrap paper from cutting down your 6x6 sheet of paper.
Punch a small hole with a regular sized hole punch for straw.

Straws:
Place a handful of straws into standard cellophane bag or tie together with ribbon.

Italian Cream Soda Label:
Cut second sheet of 12x12 paper into 8 1/2X11.
Print label with Italian Soda directions.


I put enough for 8 into each package, but always more straws. They are inexpensive and fun to have extras. Can one ever have too many straws?

Suggestions if you are NOT on a budget:

*Add a glass straw dispenser with colorful straws.

*Add cookies or biscotti to carry the Italian theme.

*Add an ISI whipped cream maker...you get the idea!

Enjoy!





Scott's Famous Homemade Ice Cream



INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups milk

2 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 quart half & half

1 1/2 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract

1 quart and 1 pint whipping cream


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.

This makes 6 quarts. You will need a big ice cream maker or adjust mixture to size of machine!


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

One of my favorite things to do is crush a package of Oreos and fold them in at the end. {Don't tell Lisa, she thinks hydrogenated oil and preservatives are bad, VERY BAD!} I will make sure we have some fun things to eat around here! I have your back.
This was fun. Maybe she will invite me back.


From Lisa: Since we make sooo much, we pour extra amounts into these little ice cream containers {from Cash-n-Carry} and freeze them. They make a quick treat to take to people or if I am tight on time and don't have enough time to take a meal. During strawberry season, I take one container of fresh strawberries sliced, sugared and sprinkled with a bit of lemon juice. and a container of ice cream for each family member...unless they are little. Everybody loves to have their own, and they can save some if it is too much!




 

Pack a Picnic

Let your child's teacher know that you are planning on bringing him/her lunch on the last day of school. It will be appreciated as the last day of school can be hectic. Quite frequently the teachers stay longer than usual to wrap things up. It is a fun thing to do that wont break the bank!


Menu:
Lavash Wraps
Fruit Salad{Fresh pineapple slices and sliced strawberries}
Kettle Chips {Our Favorite}
A fun drink...today we had Limonata and Sparkling Pomegranate Juice
Leftover ice cream with cones

Everything can be assembled ahead of time. Make the sandwiches last.

Keep it simple... sandwiches will do just fine and cute napkins always make any meal extra special!



Lavash wraps:

Softened cream cheese

Shredded carrots

Avocado

Red leaf romaine, torn

Garlic deli turkey , all natural

Sharp Tillamook Cheese, shredded

Directions:

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on Lavash bread. Be sure to cover all the nooks and crannies.

Layer veggies, then the turkey. End with cheese. Roll tightly. Wrap with a piece of waxed paper. Cut in half. Tie a ribbon around the middle.

Just MAKE SURE the carrots and lettuce have been dried with a paper towel so you don’t end up with soggy wraps and end up ordering SUBWAY for your teacher. {ASK me how I figured that out!}

 

If all else fails, a sweet little plat from Trader Joes is AWESOME! A simple tag punched and signed and attached to a skewer is the perfect "thank you" for a great school year!

What are some of your ideas??? DO TELL!

Shared with: women living well

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