Billie's life

Feb 14, 2012

2012-02-14T08:28:00.001-06:00

Good Morning. Happy Valentines Day to you.

I don't have any thing to give Jerry this year.. I feel bad about that. I do have a couple of cards I'm working on but not sure if I'll have them completed by the time he gets home tonight.

He's asked that I make something out of Hamburger. We are going to have Chili in some pasta (most likely shells) Salad and I'm going to make a dessert. Most likely I'll spread some peanut butter on Ritz crackers, the coat in some white Chocolate. I was thinking of takeing a 1/2 cup of peanut butter and adding in about 1/4 cup of Chocolate syrup to it, in a mini food processor, spread that on the crackers, then dipping them in white chocolate, then drizzle some red tinted coating on top of that.

Outside my door ... (7am) It's still just a bit pre-dawn here. The clouds are low and darkish. We had snow, then rain yesterday. it looks like more rain today. But rain means warmer, so I'll take the rain. I was out in the snow a bit yesterday, talking to Mike. He was impressed that the dogs go into a kennel when someone knockes on the door. I told him to to help keep who is on the outside of the door from being mobbed by them. He laughed. He's had a taste of their "love" before. They just want attention, but vie for it and crowd for it. and that's what gets them into so much trouble.
The Cats are still in the kennel, or rather returned to it for the second time this morning already. The hallway races were getting out of hand and then a pouncing on my knee was the end of that. If they would just not keep getting the same place on the same knee and if that knee wouldn't hurt so much from it, that wouldn't be a problem But then, the durn things want to get into my drawers under the bed and empty them onto the floor. I even let them out earlier so they could go use the cat box.. then about 45 minutes later they were in the kennel and 30 minutes after that I was having to wash out that kennel from where one or two "pottied" in it.(stinky mess) While I was washing out that one, I decided I'd better wash out Barney's kennel as well.. and while my back was turned he peed on the floor in the kitchen. I just had him out a bit before !! So, he's in the "dog house" and will be staying in the kennel a while. He's our little "Energizer" puppy. I admit it.. I'm doing what I don't like seeing others do.. letting him run outside without a lead on. But it's while it's dark. When all the people are "Inside", and he's good about coming back to me when I call him. It's his time to "run", and run he does.
If/when more people move in, I have to not let him run so much. Momma D and Mike know I let him run and are ok with it.
they've seen me drop Macon's lead to run, as well. They will sit on their porch, resting from working hard all day, and just laugh at the dogs. I let Macon "run" in the afternoon, while everyone is at work. I have developed a good "larger than life" hand sign for him to come back to me... and he does so with Gusto!. Barney is learning ths sign as well. But if any one is out, I don't let them run and they know it.
From the kitchen... Hamburger in chili over pasta Shells, Oven baked fries, Salad, cake

I am hearing... (8 am) The morning news is on. Every now or then I hear a motor running. where it's from here in the R.V. park or out on the road, I'm not sure.

I am wearing.right now. a MooMoo. but will change into sweat pants and a sweater here in a bit, to take the dogs out.

I am reading... I just finished up "Amanda, A daughter of the Mennonites".

I am thinking. I need to get up and start cleaning the camper for the day, so I can make Jerry cards this afternoon.
I got a letter from my cousin Joan in the mail yesterday. I wrote her right back before I could forget. I recieved two cards in the mail. One from Nancy and one from Pam. I got a card from Jackie that was in the mailbox since last November. It's been there since I lost that key last year. I'm still looking for that key when I walk the dogs up on that hill and while I clean house in here, as well. Found out it will cost over $150 to replace the lock on that one box.. Mike said they are not going to do that, at least not right now. (I did offer to pay for the lock replacement when I told them about losing that key)
A few plans for the rest of the week... Well. I need to do laundry. Jerry said he's in his last sweat shirt so I'll have to do some washing tonight. it's easy enough to start a load, come back to the camper for 1/2 an hour, then go back and put into the dryer, come back to the camper again, then go get it out of the dryer, fold and bring home and put away. We just have been lax about getting it done every each weekend.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

"Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate
And though I oft have passed them by, A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run West of the Moon, East of the Sun."
- J.R.R. Tolkien

For Today... Feb 12

2012-02-13T11:57:00.001-06:00

Good Morning... It's almost 11 am so it's a bit late for me to write. It looks like it's going to start snowing at any minute, now. I'll be right back, I need to take the dogs out..
...

.....

ok I'm back. I took them to the area in the back where they can run a little bit, dragging their leads behind them. It was a bit of a walk to get there today, for me. First I had to convience them we are not going over by the lake. Then I had to figure out how to get me down a rather steep but short hill without falling while the dogs tend to want to pull. I finally got them to stay behind me, with Rocky closest to me, for me to put a hand on for balance. (Good Dog) The across two Rv parking area's and down a not as steep drive area.. while the dogs still wanted to run free, but I wasn't ready yet. Finally, we got to the open field and I let Macon and Barney run. Rocky doesn't seem to want to run as much any more. He did run on Saturday, when Jerry got home while I was walking the dogs by the lake and, once I saw that Jerry was out of the van, Let go of all three leads. They were extatic to go running to Jerry.

There is a cut open kitty litter jug by our door, I usually keep the pooper scooper in it, but right now it's 2/3rd full of ice. It's been frozen since Saturday afternoon. Satureday started off warm enough, but it slowly got colder as the day got longer.

In the middle of the night, last night our propane tank ran out of gas. Jerry had to get up and change it out for the full we have on stand by. Now we will have to take the empy one and get it filled soon.
I just finished up cleaning the bathroom. The cats have chewed the leaf off my Elephant Ear, again. (Argh!) I can still hope that it will survive long enough to be put outside when Spring gets here. Next area to clean is the bedroom. I'll have to make both beds, pick up and sweep the floor towards the kitchen.I'm thinking I better fond some cat greens to grow for those cats in the back window. Maybe then they will leave that other plant alone (doubt it) I've cut four, 2 liter, cola bottles and taped them together in a tower to put over what's left of the plant.
The cats are in big trouble, besides trying to kill my plant that is.. I took the dogs out early and they tried to get into an old loaf of bread. I thought I had them broke of that. Ugh. I'm trying to not lose it with them right now. I understand they want fresh air and sunshine and I can't give them either.
I need to clean out the freezer. I removed the ice cube trays and most of the cubes were teeny tiny bit's of ice left. I made a list of what I have in there, and there's still going to be enough left for another week of not buying meats from the store, I think. tonight will be some ham Jerry picked out last week on the 5 for $19.95. I love that special. I look for the larger priced packages when we are shopping the special so I know I'm saving money, even if it's only a few pennies over a smaller package. And it's not just meat that's in the special. there are vegetable packages and cheese in the special. Even some potatoes that are coated that I can bake in the roasting oven. Which I'm going to add to the meal along with a salad tonight.
I'm wearing black sweat pants and a medium purple sweat shirt today. it's rare that I'm wearing a sweat shirt and not just using it more like a jacket for going outside.
I have been reading "Amanda, A Daughter of the Mennonites". I've enjoyed it so far althought it's very easy to see what's going to "happen next" in the story line. It's very much like a Harliquin romace book. Girl meets boy. another boy falls for girl, the boy the girl wants falls for some other girl. Trouble brews. They discover they like each other's company, ect, ect...

I am hoping that our trip to visit Heather next week turns out well. We are taking gifts to Bailie, but we also have something for her Mom. A phone she's not going to have to pay the bill on. It's on our plan just like the phone our other daughter has. That way, she can call us, or make any other phone calls she needs to make and not worry about minutes.

I am still working on the knitting loom and making a cowl on it. I can't wait to finish it up and work on a smaller loom to make a baby hat to send to Beth and Baby Heather. I'm wondering if I should make long tubes to act like gloves to go with it, on the next smaller one, as well.

The laundry is in the back of the van. I need to bring it in so I can take it one tub at a time over to the washroom and do it this week. We have enough clothes that if I don't get it done, we will still be good for the week in clothes.

first 6 recipes found in my email today

2012-02-10T10:15:00.001-06:00

Chili

This is a great recipe! I do leave out the Tabasco sauce, though. This feeds a large group.

Ingredients:

3 lbs. hamburger
1 cup diced onion
1 (29 oz.) can tomato puree
2 cups water
2 large cans kidney beans
1 Tbsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
10 drops Tabasco sauce

Directions:

Brown beef and onions. Add to other ingredients. Simmer 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

Servings: 25

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cooking Time: 90 Minutes

******

WAR BREAD

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,164,148173-253196,00.html
Content Copyright © 2012 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.
1 c. rolled oats
1 c. cornmeal
3 c. whole wheat flour
1 tbsp. shortening
1/3 c. honey
1 tbsp. salt
3 c. boiling water
1 tbsp. dry yeast
3-4 c. all purpose flour

IN a large bowl mix oats, cornmeal, whole wheat flour, shortening, honey
and salt. Pour in boiling water, stirring until smooth. Cool to
lukewarm, 105 to 115 degrees. Sprinkle yeast on batter and mix in. Stir
in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, begin kneading when to stiff to stir. Knead
in flour necessary to control texture and knead about 8 to 10 minutes.
Put dough in clean bowl, lightly grease top, cover tightly and put in
warm place, 80 to 85 degrees until double, 1 hour.

Punch down, knead 30 seconds. Cut in 2, shape in balls, let rest covered
for 3 to 4 minutes. Form into 2 loaves, put in 9"x5" greased loaf pans,
place in warm place. Cover with wax paper until center of dough rises 1"
above pan edge (50 minutes). Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

--

*Ginny Butterfield

**********

Valentine's
Easy Diabetic Cheese Straws

Ingrediatns:

a.. cooking spray
b.. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
c.. 2 teaspoons chili powder
d.. ½ teaspoon ground cumin
e.. 4 12" x 17" sheets phyllo dough, at room temperature
Directions

1.. Preheat the oven to 400°F; spray a large non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray (or line with parchment paper).
2.. In a small bowl, mix the cheese, chili powder, and cumin.
3.. Place the sheets of phyllo on a flat surface and cover them with a damp towel.
4.. Remove the first sheet and coat with cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture on the sheet.
5.. Add another sheet and coat that with cooking spray and 2 teaspoons of cheese, too.
6.. Keep going until you have a total of 4 sheets stacked on top of each other.
7.. Lightly roll over the sheets with a rolling pin to press them (and the cheese) together.
8.. Using a serrated knife, cut into 8 strips and transfer those to the baking sheet.
9.. Repeat steps 4 through 8 with the rest of the phyllo dough.
10.. Bake until the cheese straws are crisp and golden (8 to 10 minutes).
11.. Cool on wire racks.
Nutrition Information

Per serving (3 straws):
47 calories (19% calories from fat), 3 g protein, 2 g total fat ((1.0 g saturated fat), 4 g carbohydrate, 0 dietary fiber, 4 mg cholesterol, 134 mg sodium

Diabetic exchanges:
1/4 carbohydrate (1/4 bread/starch), 1/2 fat

"Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate
And though I oft have passed them by, A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run West of the Moon, East of the Sun."
- J.R.R. Tolkien

******

Lasagna Roll Ups

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 10:45 PM PST

I found a really easy and crowd pleasing recipe today and wanted to share it with you all.

By really easy, I don't mean "throw a box in the microwave and voila" easy. But more like "I made this on my own and it didn't take weird ingredients or too much time" easy.

The best part is that everyone loved it!

Ingredients:

1 box lasagna sheets (the real kind, not the no-bake ones)
1 cup browned lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef)
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, squeeze out excess water
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, seperated
1 pint lowfat or skim ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion salt
1/2 tsp basil, oregano, parsley
Your favorite spaghetti sauce, I make my own. It's a family secret. One that I'm still working on. I don't think it will ever be the same as my mom's sauce. Ugh.
1 cup (approximately) mozzarella sprinkled on top.
Optional: Salad fixings and breadsticks

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Boil water in large stock pot and cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. (Cook 1-2 noodles per person, plus a few extras just in case some tear.)
Brown meat, along with garlic powder, onion salt, basil, oregano, and parsley.
In medium sized bowl, mix browned meat, ricotta, spinach, and 1/4 c parmesan.
Spray baking dish with non-stick spray and cover bottom of pan lightly with sauce.
Drain cooked noodles in colander and lay on towel to dry.
Spread meat filling along one noodle and roll up. Place completed roll into pan. Repeat with remaining noodles.
Top completed rolls with sauce, then sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese and a handful of mozzarella if desired.
Bake at 350 degrees covered with foil for approximately 30-40 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Serve with salad and bread sticks!

Weight Watchers info: Depending on the amount of mozzarella cheese you add, there are approximately 230 calories per roll, or 6 pts.

******

Bon Bon Candy

1 can Eagle Brand milk
2 lbs. powdered sugar
2 sticks margarine
1-1/2 to 2 cups Angel Flake coconut
2 cups chopped nuts ( I use walnuts for everyone else. I dont like
nuts though)
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp vanilla

Mix all of the above ingredients, chill in refrigerator and then roll
into small balls. Chill till firm, then take a few at a time from
refrigerator and dip in mixture of: 1/2 pound paraffin ( 1/2 Bar) wax
and 2 cups chocolate chips, melted in a double boiler. Use toothpicks
to dip. These freeze well

************

http://sceneofthegrime.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-semi-homemade-soup-every-week.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SceneOfTheGrime+%28Scene+of+the+Grime%29

A New Semi-Homemade Soup Every Week!

Posted: 09 Feb 2012 09:00 PM PST

My family gets a new semi-homemade soup for supper at least once a week! It's easy and it uses up small leftover quantities I have on hand. Win-win!
The soup in the photo above, for example, has:

Chicken Noodle Soup
Water
Diced Tomatoes
Spinach
Diced Dill Pickles and Pickle Juice
Brown Rice (leftover from night before)
Shredded Chicken (leftover from night before)

The kids really liked it! Pair it with some nicely grilled sandwiches and you have a quick and yummy weeknight dinner! And it changes a little every week…

Spring Risotto

2012-02-07T11:02:00.001-06:00

Spring Risotto

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

3 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Medium Onion, thinly sliced
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
2 cups Uncooked Minute Rice
1 can Warm Chicken Broth
1/2 cup Milk
1/3 cup Parmeasn Cheese
1 Bunch Asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 2 inch pieces
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Melt Butter with Olive Oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the onion and garlic and cook 2 to 3 minutes, Do not brown. Toss in rice and stir to coat the rice. Add warm broth, milk, and asparagus. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then turn temperature down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Mix in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, Sprinkle with remaining ZParmesan Cheese just before serving.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

"Don't worry about old age--it doesn't last that long."

Chicken and Green Bean Alfredo

2012-02-06T09:54:00.001-06:00

Chicken and Green Bean Alfredo
Back of a can of Del Monty blue lake Cut Green Beans
4 servings

6 oz Dried Fettuccine
1 to 1/ 1/4 cups purchased light or regular Alfredo Sauce
2 cans (14 1/2 oz each Green beans, Drained
6 ox (about 1 1/4 cup) cooked Chicken strips
2 Tablespoons Grated parmeason cheese
Fresh basil or sage leaves (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, return to saucepan.
Meanwhile, heat sauce, green beans and chicken in medium saucepan: Stir occasionally. Toss well with hot pasta. transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with cheese, Garnihs iwth basil or sage if desired.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

"Don't worry about old age--it doesn't last that long."

For Today... Feb 5, 2012

2012-02-06T09:50:00.001-06:00

Good Morning, and Hello.
Did you have a good weekend, we did. We went out for Dinner on Saturday evening... and didn't feel like doing the laundry. We put it off until Sunday. We ate Breakfast in Clarksville, then drove around a bit. Went to Dickson, expecting the flea market to be open.. Boohoo. no one there. But we did stop at Game Stop and Jerry picked up two games. We "explored" on our way back home (took a wrong turn) So we decied that, since there are two ways to get home by, which ever we came out of was what we would do first, Laundry or shopping. It was laundry. Home to take it out of the van and let the dog go potty, Back in the van... It was too early to eat dinner when we left the house but we didnt want to shop first then eat dinner and we didnt want to leave the house again once we got back home , So We heaaded back to Clarksville,. (yeah too time to the "big" town in the same day) to wonder around a bit. We found a road we heard of but didn't know much about . Found all sorts of "places" to go back to, on any day but Sunday since those were all closed on Sunday. The walmart we found is HUGE on that side of town, and crowded. We didn't stop. We ended up back on Wilma Rudolph Road. Do you know who Wilma is?
We ate dinner at "The Harbor" It was a bit more pricy that we usually spend on dinner out but OOhhhh was it worth it. Jerry got the Turkey Sandwich and it was a triple decker. Lots of curly fries on his plate he ordered seperatly as well as the fries with his sandwich. I had the special of the day, Grilled Salmon with Sauteed Sprimp. Salad and Grilled Aspergus. Oh Man.... it was worth every cent !! Jerry not only left Cord a nice tip he asked that the cook be given a tip, as well. (Jerry rarely leaves a cook a tip) But it was just that good.
After dinner it was back to the Hilltop to so the food shopping. Could sure tell people did their shopping early. No green peppers or cucumbers were left. The tomatoes were picked over but I did find two that looked good. There were only a few Bananas left and they were not looking soo good to me. (didn't get any) We didn't pick up a lot of things we usually pick up and we picked up things we don't usually get and we spent less money than usual. Go figure. I told Jerry, we are not buying meat next week. I need to empty the freezer!

When we were in Clarksville in the morning I asked Jerry to pick up a couple of pairs of jean for him. He's "lost" three pair to my scissors this past week (I get his jeans when he's worn out the pockets or they get ripped. I picked up a pack of 5 T-shirts and some paints to decorat them up, for me. I found some sealer on sale as well as a couple of clips that I can put on the end of leads to make getting the dogs clipped outside faster.

Outside my door ... The sun just came out We woke up to mist and clouds.. Today is suppose to be at least partly sunny and a high in the mid to upper 50's.. We will be back closer to "normal" winter weather by this next weekend.

The Dogs ... Rocky and Macon have been picked on by Barney. Barney loves to play and Rocky just acts like he's too old to play. But. he'll get the rope toy so Barney can steal it from him, then the race is on.; While the weather is still good, I'll take a ball out with us in the afternoon, and let them chase the ball a few times before we get back to the camper. As long as there isn't a lot of people here, and I don't see anyone out.. we can play like that.

The Cats ... love sitting in the back window watching for birds or other cats. Smokey had been pestering Rocky. If they are out and Rocky is trying to move, Smokey is under his chin. rubbing all over him. So funny to watch Rocky trying to get around the cat.

From the kitchen... Today will be a roast in the crockpot. I'll set it up around noon. Three to four potatoes, a can of Green beans, A few Carrot slices and the roast. A Salad and the meal is complete.

I am hearing... Rachael Ray is on. I had the news on before and to be honest, i don't recall much of want the news was about this morning. ho hum.

I am wearing... Grey pants and a printed top

I am reading... I downloaded about 40 books for the kindle, now I need to pick one to read.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

"Don't worry about old age--it doesn't last that long."

Spinach and Cheese Cakes

2012-02-06T08:09:00.001-06:00

Spinach and Cheese Cakes

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

2 Packages Frozen Chopped Spinach
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 for Onion and 2 to fry cakes in
1 small Onion, chopped
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
1 Egg, beaten
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper

Defrost Spinach in Microwave (or your prefered way) Wring spinach dry by placing in a kitchen towel andtwisting it over a sink until all liquid is gone. (Will turn your towel green). Place spinach in a bowl. heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add oil and onion and saute until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add onion to the spinach and return pan to stove top. Turn off for now. Add remaining ingredients to spinach and combine with a fork, then form into 3 inch patties. Heat 2 Tablespoons in oil in the pan you used for the onion and set cakes in to cook. Cook Cakes 3 minutes on each side.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

"Don't worry about old age--it doesn't last that long."

Good Thursday Afternoon.

2012-02-02T14:12:00.001-06:00

Good Thursday Afternoon. Just an update of sorts.

Not a lot going on around here. Well. Very nice weather. Jerry got off work a half hour early last night and came in the door just after i had cut up the potatoes and put them in the skillet so too late to eat out.. I fixed Chicken fingers in the roasting oven. Fried Potatoes for Jerry and fried Okra for me. I fixed too many chicken fingers so the dogs each got a bite. Barney didn't get much of a bite as he nipped me getting his share. No more for Barney and he had to watch the other two get their bites. There wasn't many of the potatoes left so the dogs got those for breakfast, this morning.
My back has been acting up, I was ready to text Jerry asking that we eat out because I wasn't sure I could stand long enough to cook and make the salad. But, like I said, he came home early so I pushed myself to get it done and was then able to just sit down. This morning it feels a little better, I've taken Naproxin Sodium to help take the edge off of it.

Yesterday, I sat in the sun while the dogs were on leads I have out for them. Rocky ended up in the camper first because he shook off his collar. That's ok cause it wasn't long after that the other two ended up inside as well Macon because he wouldn't stop barking at kids up on the hill, and Barney.. well just because the other two were in the camper. It turned into a good day to use some spray paint. I need to pick up more this weekend though. I sprayed the inside of two boxes white and the tops as well. I'm still debating what I'm going to do on the tops of the boxes and the sides. I have some wood stain I may stain the sides and Modge Podge something to the tops. One is for spices and I would like to be able to carry it to our Annual CoHT meeting but now that I've painted it white, don't think it will work out as I wish.. I may purchase a herb and spice box that fits the impression better at a later date. I also read a little in a book I have on my kindle. I plan on reading outside again today.
I'm looking forward to this weekend. There's a chance that Jerry will be rained out on Saturday and we will then have two days to do everything in. I'll still have to sort the laundry, change the sheets on the bed, and such stuff but we can do the laundry when we feel like it and not have to wait until the end of the day to do it. If he works, it will only be for 8 hours and we will still do the laundry on Saturday evening. Maybe this time, I'll remember to take my Kindle with me. Jerry is such a sweetheart. When we do laundry,I put the tubs at the doorway and he will put them in the back of the van, walking through the mud to do so. I'll put some things in laundry bags, (they take up much less room when empty) and he will carry them out as well. When we get to the laundry mat, He'll carry in almost all of it for me. I can get in two things by the time he's gotten in the rest. Then he'll go get me the quarters while I'm stuffing clothes into washers (I don't stuff the washers full) And he'll even put clothes in a washer for me, if I ask him to. Then, he goes out to the van usually and turns on the radio. Here lately though, the music over at the car wash is soo loud that it drowns out what he wants to hear in the van, so he'll come back inside. I'll transfer from the washers to the dryers and get them going. I don't usually fold things there as the amount of time it takes can make my feet and back hurt. I put the clothes back in the tubs and bags and Jerry puts them back in the van for me. When we get home, He'll carry it back in for me. If I ask for one at a time, he'll bring them in one at a time. Other times we bring int all in and get that over with. I sit on one bed and the tub goes on the other bed and I fold them and put them away in the drawers under the beds. With the new mattresses, I need help in changing the sheets on them. I can do it by myself but why when he can help me lift each one. This week I'm going to put on the brown sheets we picked up as our second set.

Plans for Sunday are not too thought out of as of yet. Jerry said he wants to replacea tire on the van at Firestone where we got the last tire. It's next door to Golden Corral. We will drop off the van, then go eat breakfast, then come back and wait on the van. I'll take my Kindle with me this time. And my MP3 player. I want to stop off at Books a Million, and see if the newest issue of two magazines are out yet. I expect that it will be a bit noisy around here during the game as many of the people here watch football. Of course I've not talked to Momma D just yet to see how many are expected over and if there will be fireworks again. If not too many, then if they are outside I may walk over for a bit. Will walk the dogs behind the camper as I do after dark most of the time anyway now. and if there are fireworks, I'll put Macon in a kennel. He panics with the noise. Oh, I just talked to Mike and yes there will be people over to watch the game. No on thefireworks.. He was burning off some trash out front. Hey.. Macon didn't bark while we were talking.. .yea !!l

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Jan 31, 2012

2012-01-31T13:31:00.001-06:00

It's been a while since I've just sat and written a note of any sort. Just not a lot going on around here outside of some warm weather. I spent a bit of yesterday afternoon, just sitting on the step into the camper, enjoying the sun and 60°F. The dogs had a blast. I took a ball out with us on the afternoon walk and let Macon and Barney chase it a few times. I had the door opened and the vents opened from around 11 am until 4 pm. It was nice and bright and feels more like April than the last couple of days of January.
I kept dinner simple last night. Beef Brats, Mac and Cheese, and a large salad. I'm not sure what I'll fix for dinner tonight. I know that I want to make a pot of pinto beans sometime this week. We picked up Corn Dogs and I think I'll fix some of those for dinner. But what to put with those? of course salad. It's either rice or noodles... and we had noodles last night. But Jerry is ok with noodles two times in a row. Mac and Cheese is one of his favorite dishes. Straight from the box, fixed as per directions. Don't add anything to it. I'm not sure if I'll fix a dessert or not. I have some chocolate chip cookies that need to be baked, in the freezer.
I got the back of the camper cleaned up yesterday, as well as the dishes done. I have been working slowly but steady on things in here. I'm still working on my list of things to make/craft, as well. Hum... if I don't fall asleep this afternoon, I may spray paint a wood box I have, that I want to decorate. Once it's painted, I can then use some modge podge and put some pictures on it. I have yet to pick out the pictures I want on it. I have two boxes to paint, really. I just need to remember I want to paint them.

I'm almost dreading March. We had so little cold and snow for Janurary that I'm thinking March is going to hit us hard with weather. Last time we had a mild Jan, March was a real Lion all month long.
Not much going on at the job, As much as Jerry can tell me, anyway. He's not suppose to tell me anything at all about his job.
Rent is due on the 30th here. I didn't get it paid, because Momma D and every one else were gone all day long. I'll have to keep my wallet close so if I find her today, I can pay her. Hate being a day late. I know they like to sleep in, in the mornings so afternoon is the best time to catch her. By the time I walked the dogs yesterday at 10 am, they were all gone. The truck, car and Suv were all gone. and up until I took the dogs out for last walks, they were still gone. I hope to catch her today.
I left my Elephant Ear plant outside overnight. I'm sure it's just fine since here it is, almost 5 am, and it's 51 according to the Weather Channel on my Desk top. I'll take some water out when I walk the dogs after the sun come up. I'm just not sure how I'm going to keep the cats from trying to eat it.
I have a large box that Jerry's boots came in and I want to fix it up with some things for Bailey for her birthday. We hope to go see Heather and the family. Bailey's Brithday is the 16th. I just wish I knew if the party is the weekend before or after. I am thinking after since it's closer to the day.
(1pm)
Just got back in from walking the dogs and paying the rent. Momma D isn't feeling very well, She's still in her PJ's, even.. I know, I'm a day late but she's not worried about us paying our lot rent. She said she spent most of yesterday evening up on the upper level getting the money from those up there.. Um.. I think there are 5 up there. 5 on our level and two on the lower level. Found out that if we have to pay by the week it goes by what day we start paying on. Works for us. Hopefully we won't have to pay by the week in March. It's so nice to walk outside. We have a chance of rain tomorrow. (again) We talked about all the rain.. I did remind Momma D that it would be much better having the rain than for it to be snow.. if we had snow instead of rain, we would be to our underarms in snow (we both are rather short, I'm 5.3 and she's shorter than I am) The clouds are coming in and it's getting dark and dreary. That effects mood, for sure, but I will spend some more time outside here in a bit.
********
Outside my door ... (5am) Still dark so I don't know how cloudy it is. I didn't notice while I took the dogs out while Jerry was eating his breakfast.

(1pm)
We now have clouds but it's still nice enough outside to walk with just a t-shirt on. No jacket needed at all. Just wish my back would stop aching long enough for a longer walk. It's getting windier, so I have to leave the door closed. Otherwise the wind catches it and slams shut, making a loud noise. The man next door sleeps days and works nights.

The Dogs ... .(5 am) Barney's eyes glow blue in the flash light I use while taking the dogs out in the morning. It's a very eery to see these two blue glowing spots going all over the place. I've been calling Barney the energy bunny puppy. He's every where when we go out and he's not on a line. and sounds so funny while he's running, almost like a train chugging along.. huff, huff, huff... HUFF HUFF huff huff. As much as I rant and rave about dogs not on a line, I let him run, but if more people move in, I'll have to start keeping him on a line when we go out in the mornings and have to find a differnt way for him to get out some of that energy. I know I can put two to three leads end ot end and let him chase a ball that way. Which I am considering doing anyway. He's getting much better of dropping what ever he's doing and coming when I call his name. Must be, he likes the treat I have in my pockets for him.

(1pm)
Enjoyed the mid-day walk. I tried to find one of the balls but since I didn't find one, they just had to put up with just walking instead of playing. I'll look for the one I want before we go out next time. I want one that will bounce a bit. They did a lot of looking around, but they sure didn't want to walk much.

The Cats ... .(5am) Are now sleeping on the beds, for now. They were begging to come out of the kennel while Jerry was still here and I won't let them out until after he leaves for work so we can open the door and not worry about one of them getting out. They want out, but once they are out, they want back in. (1pm) .They are out of the kennel right now. looking for something to get into, I'm sure.

From the kitchen... .Jerry's breakfast was Remain Soup, boiled, drained off all but a bit of the water, which I put into a tall bowl, addi in the seasoning pack, drain the noodles, put them in the seasoned water. Fry up two eggs for him, and two sausage patties. He'll get out 4 slices of bread to eat with his eggs, soup and sausage. Since he's not been eating any sort of lunch, that's all he'll eat until he gets home at night. I'll cook up a nice meal and before he's even done with what I have cooked, will be eating chips or Chex mix or some other snack food. I know I'm making enough to eat, but it just feels like I'm lacking if he's finding the need to snack right after eating dinner.
Corn dogs for dinner, for sure, now. Thinking of what to go with them, though. Salad for sure. May not even fix anything else since they are coated with a starchy coating

I am hearing... ..(5am) The Morning news is on. and I hear the heater in the bathroom on.

(1pm)
The View is on. some of the things they think of to talk about.. geese.

I am wearing... .(5am) My blue house dress, and shoes.

(1pm)
Black sweat pants, white t-shirt
I am reading... .I'm still reading one chapter a day in the Bible. I restarted since I've fallen so behind that its easier to start over than try to figure out where I left off at. I have several recipe books on my Kindle. I've been reading a couple of books as well. "Understood Besty" (A childhood favorite) and "Covered Wagon". I started an Amish story last night, as well... "Amish Forever, The Stranger Vol 1." Two to three times a day, I'll check Amazon's free books for anything new in cookbooks and general reading. Some are only "free" a few hours.

(1pm)
Read Genises 19. Have been reading a bit in Amish Forever, The Stranger.
Reading lots of emails.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in my email today

2012-01-19T12:26:00.001-06:00

Asian Chicken and Noodles

1 (3 ounce) package chicken flavor instant ramen noodles
1 (16 ounce) bag frozen broccoli, carrots and water chestnuts*
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup stir-fry sauce

Reserve seasoning packet from noodles. Bring 2 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add noodles and vegetables. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally; drain.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir until browned, about 8 minutes. Stir in noodles, vegetables, stir-fry sauce and reserved seasoning packet; heat through.

* Or substitute 1 (16 ounce) bag frozen broccoli cuts.

*********

vegetables over chicken

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 to 1 1/4 pounds)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup slivered yellow bell pepper
1 cup cubed zucchini
1 cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Blueberry Juice Infused Dried Cranberries
3/4 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Directions:

Heat butter and oil over medium heat in large skillet. Season chicken with salt and black pepper; cook, turning once, for 3 to 4 minutes or until well-browned. Cover; cook for 8 to 10 minutes longer or until internal temperature of chicken is 165ºF. Remove from skillet; cover to keep warm.

Add onion to skillet; cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until soft. Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 2 minutes longer. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries.

Whisk together remaining ingredients in small bowl. Pour into skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Return chicken to skillet; cover. Cook for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Serve vegetables over chicken.

Makes 4 servings

************

Cherry Almond Nanaimo Bars

Base
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup chopped almonds

Filling
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon cherry juice
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1/3 cup chopped maraschino cherries

Topping
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable shortening

Grease a 9-inch square pan.

Base: Cook butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla extract and egg in saucepan over low heat , stirring constantly until custard begins to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in coconut, crumbs and almonds. Pat firmly into prepared pan. Chill for 1 hour.

Filling: Cream butter, cherry juice and extract. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar to a make a smooth spreading consistency. Stir in cherries. Spread over base and chill until firm.

Topping: Heat chocolate and butter or vegetable shortening, stirring until smoothly melted. Drizzle chocolate over filling. Chill. Cut into bars.

Yield: 30 bars

*************

Apple Crisp

4 cups sliced pared baking apples, about 4 medium
2/3 to 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup regular oats
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
3/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened

Heat oven to 375. Grease baking pan, 8 x 8 inches. arrange apples in pan. Mix remaining ingredients with fork; sprinkle over apples. Bake til apples are tender and topping is golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve with cream, ice cream or hard sauce if desired. You may use self rising flour instead of regular flour in this recipe.
For cherry crisp, substitute 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 oz, for the apples and use lesser amount of sugar.
For peach crisp, substitute 1 can slices peaches, 29 oz. for the apples (drain peaches) and use lesser amount of sugar.
Serves 6

*****

Applescotch Pie

5 cups thinly sliced pared tart apples, about 5 medium
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. sugar
3/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
Pastry for 9 inch two crust pie, homemade or store bought

Mix apples, brown sugar, water and lemon juice in 2 quart pan. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer just til apples are tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Mix flour, sugar and salt; stir into apple mixture. Cook, stirring constantly til mixture thickens and boils. boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and margarine. Cool.
Heat oven to 425. Prepare pastry. Turn apple mixture into pastry lined pie plate. Cover with top crust that has slits cut in it; seal and flute. Cover edge with 2 to 3 inch strip of foil to prevent excessive browning; remove foil during last 15 minutes of baking. Bake til crust is golden brown, 40 to 50 minutes. If using self rising flour, omit salt.
Note: The round flat apple pie featured in older cookbooks is an American classic. This pie shape was created by thrifty American colonists so that "a little would go a long way." Apple Pye, of old England was made in a long deep dish called a "coffin".

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

first 5 recipes found in my email todaay

2012-01-18T11:14:00.000-06:00

Cream Loaf Cake

Ingredients

list of 8 items

. 1/2 cup shortening

. 1 cup sugar

. 2 eggs

. 1 teaspoon lemon extract

. 1/2 cup rich milk or thin cream

. 1 cup flour

. 1/2 cup cornstarch

. 3 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

Cream shortening well; add sugar slowly; add beaten yolks of eggs; add flavoring; add milk, very little at a time. Sift flour, cornstarch and baking powder together and add. Fold in beaten whites of eggs. Bake in greased loaf pan in moderate oven 35 to 45 minutes, and cover with Frosting.

*****

Date Loaf Cake
Ingredients

list of 10 items
. 1 cup boiling water
. 1 lb. stoned and cut dates
. 3/4 cup brown sugar
. 2 tablespoons shortening
. 1 ounce melted chocolate
. 1 egg
. 2 teaspoons baking powder
. 1/4 teaspoon salt
. 1 3/4 cups flour
. 3/4 cup chopped pecan nuts
list end

Instructions

Pour boiling water over dates.

Cream sugar and shortening.

Add melted chocolate and well beaten egg.

Mix well and add dates and water.

Sift together baking powder, salt and flour; add gradually with pecan nuts.

Mix well and put into greased loaf pan and bake in slow oven for one and a half hours.

*****

A VINTAGE RECIPE SITE

www.vintagerecipes.net/

Old-fashioned recipes like your grandmother and great-grandmother used to make

****

Crockpot Teriyaki Steak

2 1/2 lbs. boneless chuck steak
1 tsp. ground ginger
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. oil
1/2 c. low-sodium soy sauce
1 clove garlic, crushed

Cut steak into 1/8-inch thick slices. Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl. Place meat in crockpot. Pour sauce over. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

*******

Black-Eyed Pea Battered Shrimp

Recipe courtesy of Chef John Folse

Serves 6

Ingredients:
Shrimp are deep-fried every day in Louisiana, but the batters
used to coat and flavor them are as varied as the cooks
preparing the seafood. This recipe was created by
Dr. Robert Harrington, former dean of the John Folse
Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University.
36 (16-20 count) shrimp, head-on

3/4 cup black-eyed peas, cooked
1/4 cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Creole seasoning to taste
salt and black pepper to taste
granulated garlic to taste
2 large eggs
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/4 cups beer
Louisiana hot sauce to taste
2 cups flour
1 quart vegetable oil

Method:
Peel shells from tail of shrimp, being careful not to remove
head. Devein shrimp then set aside.
In a food processor, combine black-eyed peas, onion,
minced garlic, ginger, Creole seasoning, salt, pepper and
granulated garlic. Blend on high speed 2-3 minutes or until
peas are coarsely chopped.
Add eggs, olive oil, beer and hot sauce. Blend 1-2 minutes or
until puréed. Add flour and blend 1-2 minutes. Pour black-eyed
pea batter into a ceramic bowl then set aside.
In a large cast iron pot or a home-style electric fryer such
as a Fry Daddy®, heat 3 inches of oil to 350°F according to
manufacturer's directions. Dip shrimp bodies (not heads) into
batter and allow all excess to drain. Gently place shrimp into
deep-fryer and cook until golden brown and partially floating.
Remove from oil and drain.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

For Today... Jan 16

2012-01-16T17:57:00.001-06:00

For Today... Jan 16
Martin Luther King Day, no Mail delivey today.
Good Morning... We got a lot done in a short amount of time. Jerry agreed to replace my kindle with another one. I can still use the one as storage, but I can't read from it. (Barney is in deep trouble, still) So, Saturday, we went to Dickson to pick up another Kindle. While there I dod most of the shopping needed for the week. As we were leaving I spotted a matress store and we "NEED" New ones. The foam pads we have been sleeping on,, stink! We were only going to ask about prices. Well. she has two, twin one, not matching for sale for $149 each.. And she got's waterproof covers for them (I forgot how much they cost) All in all we spent just under $400 tax and all. So Saturday night, we are taking foam pads out and bringing in new mattresses.. and they are a bit wider than the pads, We can live with that, though. Makes the walking way a bit narrower but, we can still get to our drawers for our clothes.
Sunday morning. Up by 7am (that's sleeping in, for us) Moving things around out in the van a bit so we can take the dogs with us. I put my Elephant Ear under the sink, out of cat sight, walk the dogs and then put them in the van. we go to Clarksville for breakfast. Oh wait, don't forget the propane tank, reason we are going in the first place is to fill it. (duh) Ah. The U-Haul on Wilma Rudolf is Open on Sunday and they do refill tanks. check off another item on the "to do' list. We eat at Golden Corral. Stop in at Books a Million so I can get the Kindle regestered. Looked for "The Backwoodsman" A Magzine I enjoy reading.. oh no... they don't have any more. The man behind the counter recalled seeing at least one on the shelf two night before. (sigh) But I found a different one to read.. "Early American Life". Hey.. it's got lots of home decorating ideas in it, if your into that. Or Restoration of very old homes. It has an artical about stone "books" that I've found intresting. By the time we were leaving Books a Million, Jerry was not feeling so good. (again this week?) Hum.. Next week end.. if we eat breakfast out, it's going to be some place that cooks the eggs and sausage when its orders and not off a buffet. The longer we were out, the worse Jerry felt. Although there was still some things I wanted to pick up, it can wait until another day. We got home, Jerry took some Day quill type meds and went to sleep... for 4 hours. While he was asleep, I made a Valintines card for him, sifted the cat litter out of a tub that we had in the back of the van from when we visited Heather. (it's good stuff and didn't smell all that much) took care of baging that up for the trash today. started to download a couple of books for my New Kindle and lost the internet. (Oh drat's, again ?!?) Didn't get internet back until around 10 pm. I picked up the book that I was down-loading when the internet was lost, and a couple of other books as well.
Dinner was soup and sandwiches..
(5:30 p,m) Whew.. I'm tired. I've got most of the camper done. I have to cook dinner yet. I didn't start the rolls, so we will not be having rolls tonight. I'll still make burger patties, just have to use regular bread is all. Think I'll change from baked fries to mashed potatles, easier to do those, as well. I did take a short nap this afternoon. Didn't mean to fall asleep, I just did.
Outside my door ... ( 5:30) Still dark. I felt some drizzle when I took the dogs out, while Jerry was eating his breakfast. We will have a slight chance of rain all day with the chances getting higher later in the day.
It's been grey and dreary all day long. Just on the verge of rain but not accually raining. Such a hard way to get motvated to get up and get things done. I did get rid of those two foam pads. Mike picked them up while he was picking up trash. I put the styrofoam we had left from the hot box, under the camper and put a couple of pieces of wood on top of them. I did offer to go with him to toss them in the trash but Mike said he could do it. I'm just glade to get them out of here.. The place already smells a bit better.
The Dogs ... Barney loves to run. Because there isn't a lot of people here (yet) I'll let him run when we go out, after dark. He's good about not going to far and coming when I call him. He sounds like a little freight train when he's running.
This afternoon, I took a ball out with us and let the dogs run, dragging their leads, after the ball for a few minutes. Time for us to do that ,again. Rocky wasn't so intrested in the running but Macon and Barney loved it. I took them to the very back, where they could explore a bit and do "Dog" things for a few minutes.

The Cats ... Are not sure if they like the new beds or not. They have been checking them all over. They have spent some time in the kennel today. They just didnt' want to stay out of my trash piled on the floor and I was trying to keep it all swept into one area until I had it all gathered up, then tossed at one time. I finally got it all taken care of and they are out again. I still have to feed them but have put them off so they can have some freedom in the camper for a bit.

From the kitchen... Hamburger, fresh baked Rolls, Baked home Fries, Green Beans.
I am hearing... (5:30) Early Morning Nashville news (channel 5) Mostly just the usual stuff.. wrecks. fire, National news. MLK Day events.
(7am) CBS Morning News.. CBS has changed it's morning news and how it's presented. Still making up my mind if I like it or will find a different station to watch in the mornings. I hate changes and I know it so I try to give extra time to things that are New and or changed from what I'm more use to.
((5:30 pm) The King's Speech. I saw the last of it, wanted to see the first of it.

I am wearing... (5:30) My long blue house dress. Later will be sweat pants and a tshirt.

Yes,, I put on brown sweat pants and a white tshirt.. and a purple check bandana over my hair.

I am reading... Just read Gen 11, I'll have to pick one book and read it, this afternoon. Need to get back to doing more reading, like I use to do a long time ago.
I read a chapter in "American woman's Home". A book writtein in the late 1800's.

One of my favorite things... is playing with the dogs and letting them stretch out a bit.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Laundry has to be done. I'll have to get it out of the back of the van. We took it with us but Jerry was getting sicker as the day got longer so it didn't get done.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Re: [Billie's life] New comment on Jan 11, 2012.

2012-01-11T16:42:00.001-06:00

I'll admit that it's been a few years since we tried any sugar free cakes. they didn't taste all that good back then. I'll have to try another one soon. I did try a Sugar free brownie before Christmas and Jerry was ok with it.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

In a message dated 1/11/2012 4:08:07 P.M. Central Standard Time, noreply-comment@blogger.com writes:

jana has left a new comment on your post "Jan 11, 2012":

I was wondering if you have tried the sugar free cakes yet? I did last week and have to tell ya, they are great! Can't tell that they're sugar free at all. The carbs are very low to. I know you are diabetic like me, so if you have'nt be brave and try them, lol..jana

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Posted by jana to Billie's life at January 11, 2012 4:08 PM

Jan 11, 2012

2012-01-11T15:48:00.000-06:00

Good Afternoon. After Jerry left for work and I had walked the dogs, I went back to bed until 8 am. No dancing or singing this time, though. It's a dark foggy morning, rainy afternoon day. I've taken the dogs out twice and need to go again,, back in a few....
Back.. he just wanted to pee a little. He's been acting a bit "off" all day. wanting to stay under my feet, close to me. Wants to be cuddled more. Rocky rarely wants to be cuddled. Maybe one reason he wanted out is because it's getting so dark out and he hates walking in the rain. Mike (Owner of the R.V park) came driving around the road. He was flying and he didn't stop. Not sure what's up with that. The trash hasn't been picked up yet. I'm tossing a broken tub as well as two bags of trash, one a dog food bag of trash. At least it will be easy to pick up as it's all in the tub.
We went from Fog to just gray. I could make a loaf of bread when I have it cleaned off. Jerry likes (make that LOVES) fresh bread. I'll use the basic recipe but add in a couple of tablespoons of Milled Flax seed to see if he notices or not. The more I hear about Flax the more I want to add to our diet.
My lunch was Kitchen soup. I made a crockpot of it yesterday. then divided it between three containers. I took a three cup container of the soup and put it in a pot, then added a contanier of water to it. Three Tablespoons of milled flax and two tablespoons of wild (black) rice since I forgot I wanted to add it yesterday when I made up the soup.

As I've written before, Dinner is going to be backed Chicken tenders, coated with cracker crumbs,rice, salad, and the cake for dessert. I don't usually frost an every day cake and this is an every day cake. When I mentioned it yesterday Jerry said Yum.. so I know it's something he wants.
I am hearing... Dr Oz is on right now.

I am wearing... Brown Sweat pants, My Winnie the pooh shirt under a light blue sweat shirt. I just havn't taken the sweat shirt off from taking the dogs out, yet. it's warm enough out that I can be comfortable in just the sweat shirt but I expect I'll want a coat over it tomorrow morning when I take the dogs out.

I am reading... "Absolutely Organize Your Family" on my Kindle. Read Gen 6, From my Holy Bible. I just can't imange 150 days in the ark with all those animals.. Not only the animals but the seeds for all the fruits and grains and vegetables we eat were on that ark.

I am thinking... I have no idea what I'll be making for our dinner tomorrow night. I have a slice of Ham in the freezer. I really need to take another walk, without the dogs, before it gets to dark and nasty out.
I am thankful for... Jerry taking care of me. He is ok that I don't work outside the home. He understands that I need and want to lose weight. He's not much help with it, but he understands.
I am hoping... That Jerry has Sunday off, this week. I need to go to walmart, any one of them, for a few things on my list.
I am creating... I havn't worked on any thing yet today. Just doing some more cleaning.
One of my favorite things... Is letting Barney off his lead and letting him run.. and run.. and run... and then he comes and trys to get Macon to run with him. I let them both run, on their dropped leads, this afternoon. Rocky was not intresed in running at all. I could tell when Macon had enough and had to tell Barney to stop.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

first 5 recipes in my mail today

2012-01-11T15:40:00.000-06:00

Italian Spinach Salad Recipe

A simple homemade dressing makes this salad a flavorful option for any meal, but it's ideal with lasagna, spaghetti, manicotti and more. —Cathy Desper, Staunton, Virginia

This recipe is:

Quick

* 10 Servings
* Prep/Total Time: 15 min.

Ingredients

    * 1/3 cup olive oil
    * 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
    * 2 garlic cloves, minced
    * 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
    * 2 packages (6 ounces each) fresh baby spinach
    * 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
    * 4 green onions, sliced
    * 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
    * 1/2 cup salad croutons

Directions

* In a small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic and Italian seasoning; set aside.
* Divide spinach among 10 salad plates; top with tomatoes and onions. Drizzle with vinaigrette; sprinkle with cheese and croutons. Yield: 10 servings (2/3 cup vinaigrette).

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving equals 104 calories, 9 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 75 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

Italian Spinach Salad published in Simple & Delicious December/January 2011, p79

*****

My Favorite Yellow Cake

"Elizabeth Forkner"

More soulful recipies
2 c Sugar
1 c Oil
1 t Vanilla Extract
4 whole Eggs
2-½ c All-purpose Flour
2 t Baking Powder
½ t Salt
¾ c Milk
4 T Sour Cream

Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Beat sugar, oil, and vanilla.
Beat in eggs one at a time.
Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
Add to sugar mixture, alternating between flour mixture and
milk/sour cream.
Mix til combined.
Spray pans w/pam
Pour batter into pans
Transfer to oven
Bake for 35 mins til an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

*****

STRAWBERRY PARFAITS Makes 4 servings.

Strawberries on top of graham cracker crumbs with yogurt, honey, cinnamon sauce on top. I used Splenda and low fat graham crackers when I made this.

Hull and quarter 1 quart strawberries. Toss with 1 tsp sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle a layer of gingersnap crumbs or graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of glasses. Top with berries. Mix 1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt with 2 tbs honey and 1/2 tsp cinnamon, then spoon over berries, then SERVE...

******

PORK & MUSHROOM MOO SHU Makes 6 servings.

12 flour tortillas, warmed
12 oz pkg broccoli slaw or cabbage slaw
1 tbs sugar or Splenda
1 1/2 pounds pork loin roast, trimmed, quartered
3/4 cup hoisin sauce
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and Pepper
3 tbs rice wine vinegar
8 oz mushrooms, stems discarded, caps sliced
2 tsp grated ginger

In a slow cooker, combine ginger, 1/2 cup hoisin sauce and 2 tbs water, stir in mushrooms. Add pork and turn to coat.
-Cook, covered until pork is cooked through and very tender, on low 9 hours or on high 6 hours.
-Shred the pork. Stir it into the cooking liquid and mushrooms, stir in remaining hoisin.
-In a bowl, whisk together vinegar, sugar, and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Add slaw and green onions and toss to combine. Roll pork, mushrooms and slaw in tortillas. Use toothpicks to hold together, if desired, then SERVE...

******

LOW SODIUM WALNUT SPICE MUFFINS Makes 12 muffins.

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup fat free milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
3/4 cup light brown sugar or Splenda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 cups flour

Line muffin pan with baking cups, coat cups with nonstick spray. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and walnuts. In another bowl, beat together brown sugar and butter, add eggs, milk, vanilla and applesauce. Stir in flour mixture until combined.
-Fill cups. Bake at 400 degrees until done, 20 min. Cool in pan 5 min. then move to wire rack, then SERVE...

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

What's for Dinner tonight?

2012-01-11T13:52:00.001-06:00

What's for Dinner tonighit?

I'm going to bake chicken tenders in the roaster oven, Salad, Rice, and Spice Pumpkin Cake for dessert

For the chicken, I'll put it in Buttermilk for about 15 minutes, then roll in some cracker crumbs seasoned with Poultry Seasoning, Bake at 350F for about 20 to 25 minutes (no longer pink in the middle)

Salad is just Lettuce, Cucumber slices, Green pepper and tomato slices

Rice, I will add a tablespoon of wild (black) rice to my 1/2 cup of White/brown mixes rice. Usually, I'd cook in chicken broth but I don't have any right now.

The cake is so easy.. to one spice cake mix, add one can pumpkin. Bake as per cake box directions. If you want it richer, you could add an egg but you don't have to.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Jan 10, 2012

2012-01-10T10:18:00.001-06:00

Good Morning... I hope you slept well. I'm thinking I'm going to have to put a sunshield back in my window as the moon was bright enough last night to keep me awake. I got up at 3:20. Jerry didn't tell me he had reset the alarm from 3:15 to 3:30. I made breakfast for Jerry, took the dogs out. checked for anything New in the Free section of Amazon for Kindle, then went back to bed. First I had to strip my bed though as either a cat or Barney peed in my bed. I dried up as much as I could with some paper towels and will let it air all day. I went to sleep in Jerry's bed. I woke up from dreaming of dancing and singing with a large, happy group of people... and my blood suger loved it as I was at 100. I wish I had all that energy in my waking life to be up and singing and dancing like I was in that dream. Wow, it was amazing.
The driveway is back in order but the Owner's seem to think it needs to be washed off. yeah, it's muddy, but since we are going to have three days of rain, they may want to hold off and see how much the rain takes care of. While walking the dogs a bit ago (8am walk) I recalled my camera in my pocket and took some pictures. I didn't take one of the drive way but I did take a couple from close by while the dogs were exploring the woods a bit. We didn't continue our walk as the dogs just didnt seem to be into it this morning. When I feel like I'm dragging them, it's time to stop and go back home. I know Rocky does not like walking when it's damp out, but all three seem to be a bit dragging this morning. Came back to find the cats trying to get into my cupboard. They found a pack of Graham Crackers and had it out. Now all 4 are in Kittly Jail !!!.

It's a gray dreary day, but it's still nice and warm(ish) out.

From the kitchen... Hamburgers, Salad, Potato Skins Jello with Pineapple
I finally put together my kitchen soup. I was going to do it yesterday, but by the time I remembered, it was too late. Today's version has spinach, broccolie, a small can of mixed vegetables,butter peas from the freezer, rice, V8 juice. a bit of pork and a piece of beef. I also added some garlic butter I had in the fridge, as well as some marinara sauce. I poured in just a bit of my ginger water from where I made Crystallized ginger a while ago. set on high, I should be able to have some for today's lunch.

I am hearing... Rachael Ray is on with Emirl. There are times I wish I had her kitchen. I love how it's set up, only I'd have the sink closer to the stove, if it was me. I do think her counters are a bit cluttered but she doesn't use them like I would.

I am wearing... Black Sweat Pants and a light purple flowered top.

I am reading... "101 Delicious Recipes for Glycemic Load Diet" not sure what the glycemic Load means. There are some good sounding recipes in it. Also reading 101 Cooking tips & Techniques and Home wine tips"
I'm also reading a chapter a day from "The Bible" I started over at the first of the year. but I've missed a few days. I'm on Gen 6 today. yesterday, I made notes on the ages of when first sons were born and then how long the father lived. I want to make a time line and see just how many generations Adam saw before he died. I have a question. by the way it's writtein Noah's three son's may have been triplets, but I'm not sure. Noah was over 500 years old before they were born.

I am thinking... I am glade I woke up to dancing and singing. Wish that the energy stayed with me.
I am thankful for... Jerry stopping at the store last night on his way home. I texted him that I forgot the cat litter and he got that text. He picked up the right kind, some cola's for us this week and tomatoes. There were no tomaotes at the Pig, when we were there late Sunday. They were all but closing when we got there so had to hurry.

I am hoping... Found out, there is a new project Supervisor. It's said that he doesn't like any one working on Sunday's. and that he doesn't like making people working in the rain either. Sure rain out's make the paycheck smaller but I'd rather a smaller paycheck than a sick hubby. which also makes a smaller paycheck.

I am creating... I fell asleep after my walk with Marina yesterday so I didn't work on any thing. I really need to straighten up over my bed so I can put some of the stuff by my side of the couch up and out of the way as well as make a list of everything I want to make and have the stuff to work with.
One of my favorite things... Taking pictures with my camera.

A few plans for the rest of the week... No plans as of yet. If Jerry gets rained out. I may talk him into going to the laundry mat to wash all the blankets we have. Some are getting a bit smelly from the dogs sleeping on the beds.

Something to think about... how many sons does God have?
Jesus was begotten, but he has other sons.. At least according to Gen 6 "the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose.
" 4 The Nephilim [37] were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them."
Crossway Bibles (2011-02-09). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (p. 5). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

The Nephilim (plural) are the offspring of the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men" in Genesis 6:4, or giants who inhabit Canaan in Numbers 13:33. A similar word with different vowel-sounds is used in Ezekiel 32:27 to refer to dead Philistine warriors.
It wasn't just Man who God was upset with before the flood, but all Flesh. That included the animals according to what I've been reading.

'11Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence. 12And God saw the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

Crossway Bibles (2011-02-09). The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (p. 5). Crossway. Kindle Edition.

Billie C.

Jan 9 2012

2012-01-09T10:26:00.001-06:00

Good Morning... I've been a bit slow this morning. Just not in a hurry at all. I just got back in from walking the dogs around the lower level. Gee, something was missing... I kept wondering what was I missing, then it dawned on me. a camper across from me is gone. I don't even recall if it was there yesterday or not. Thinking not.

The drive is all back in order. I'm guessing the leak was found and fixed.. What a mess it is though, as we had rain last night and now there is Mud everywhere. Barney loves the mud. He wants to taste it, roll it in, and just play in it. Macon is right behind him. Rocky looks at both dogs like they are some strange being from another planet.

The job is back to starting at 7 am so we get to sleep in a bit later, now. instead of getting up at 2:30 we are getting up at 3:15. Jerry said the traffic is heavier by the time he's in Clarksville then than when he was going in at 6.

We have off and on rains all day, according to the forcast. We may even have some snow by tomorrow night.

I'm thinking of making Kitchen soup. I need to clean the fridge and this is one way to use up all those dollops and dribbles of things that got put back in the fridge. Jerry won't eat it, but I can have it for lunch each day.

From the kitchen... Boneless Pork Chops, Boiled Potatoes (extra needed for potato skins) Salad, Jello with Pineapple

I am hearing... "The View" is on. A good ol Gossip show.

I am wearing... Maroon sweat pants and a stained up white tshirt. Good "Clean the House" clothes.

I am reading... I have been reading a couple of books on my kindle. one is about helping your kids get organized.. only it's more about you getting organized than teaching the kids.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

first 5 recipes in today's email

2012-01-05T12:41:00.000-06:00

"Potted Spanish Chicken"
from the Dec/Jan 2010 EVERY DAY With RACHEL RAY Magazine

1 large dried ancho chile, stemmed and seeded
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup white rice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 onions, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
3 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
1-1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
2 to 3 pinches ground cloves
Salt and pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced OR whole fire-roasted tomatoes
4 small chicken breasts, halved crosswise
4 small chicken drumsticks
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

1. In a small saucepan, bring the ancho chili and 1 cup chicken stock to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until softened, 10 minutes.
2. In a large saucepan, bring the remaining 2 cups stock and the butter to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Remove from the heat, fluff with a fork.
3. In another large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 turns of the pan over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, garlic, bay leaves, coriander, cumin, cinnamon and cloves; season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 7 to 8 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and heat for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaves and transfer sauce to food processor. Add the soaked ancho chili and its liquid and process until smooth.
4. Meanwhile in a large skillet with lid, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 turns of the pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, add to the skillet skin side down, and cook until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Flip over and add the reserved sauce. Cover and cook the chicken 10 to 12 minutes.
5. Serve the chicken over rice and top with the parsley. Serves 4.

Aloo Gobi

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can coconut milk
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained
2 tablespoons garam masala

Heat oil in a large pot on medium-high heat and add onion. Cook until softened,
about 4 minutes, then stir in garlic and cumin. Continue to cook until onion
begins to brown.
Stir in tomatoes and coconut and the coriander, salt, turmeric, cayenne pepper,
cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Stir until mixture begins to boil, then put in
the potatoes, cauliflower, and garbanzo beans. Blend well. Reduce heat to low
and cover.
Simmer until the potatoes are tender, 45 minutes to an hour (this will depend on
the size of the potato chunks). Sprinkle in the garam masala, stir, and cook for
an additional 5 minutes.

*****

Cheesy Lasagna

This is kind of a different way to make lasagna. Very good!

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef
8 oz. tomato sauce
12 oz. cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Biscuit Dough:

2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup oil

Directions:

Brown ground beef; drain. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer. Mix biscuit dough ingredients together. Spread into 2 greased 10x15 inch pans. Spread cottage cheese over dough. Spoon on meat and Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees F for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with Mozzarella cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes. Let stand about 5 minutes before serving.

Servings: 12

Prep Time: 20-30 Minutes

Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

*****

Deluxe Chicken Enchiladas

2 whole chicken breasts
1/2 small onion
1 bay leaf
8 peppercorns
Salt to taste
1/2 medium onion, chopped
3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 can green chilies, 4 oz
1 can tomatillos, 13 oz. OR tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
3/4 cup whipping cream
1 egg
1/4 cup vegetable oil
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese
Guacamole

Mix chicken, small onion, bay leaf, peppercorns and salt in large pan. Pour in water to cover. Bring to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes or til chicken is tender. Let cool; drain. Discard bay leaf, onion, peppercorns. Save the stock for another use.
Shred chicken, using 2 forks or fingers. Mix the chicken, chopped onion, Parmesan cheese and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese in a bowl. Season with the salt
Mix the green chilies, tomatillos, cilantro, cream and egg in a blender jar or food processor bowl. Process til smooth.
Preheat oven to 350.
Warm oil in skillet. Add tortillas, using tongs. Cook til soft; drain on paper towels. Put 1/8 of the chicken mixture on each tortillas, pressing mixture to make it compact. Roll tightly and put seam side down in 7 x 12 inch baking dish. Pour chile mixture over filled tortillas. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar cheese evenly over mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or til heated through and bubbly. Serves 8
Dining by Design

**********

Sunset Chicken

3 to 4 boneless chicken breasts
1 can stewed tomatoes, 14.5 oz
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 can pinto, black or kidney beans, 15 oz
1 can whole kernel corn, drained, 15 oz
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 small can diced chilies
Salt and pepper to taste
Monterey jack cheese, shredded, optional
Sliced avocado, optional
Salsa, optional

Mix chicken, tomatoes, and chili powder in medium pan. Cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or til the chicken is cooked through and juices are clear and sauce is slightly reduced
Add beans, corn, green onions and chilies. Season with the salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve over rice and top with Monterey jack cheese, avocado and salsa.
Serves 4
Dining by Design

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Jan 5 2012

2012-01-05T09:00:00.001-06:00

I was up before the alarm this morning. I thought Barney had gotten out of his kennel and was in the bed with me. No, it was Macon, trying to wake me up so he could go outside. Which I took care of, taking all three dogs out about 1/2 an hour before the alarm was suppose to go off. By the time we got back inside there was no use in going back to bed.
I made Jerry's breakfast at the usual time and he got out of here a bit later than usual. The van was frosted over.
I had to wash out the cats kennel, one of them couldn't wait until Jerry left for work and made a mess in it. Ugh. but that was cleaned up and taken care of before I headed back to bed.
When I got up again, I had to take the dogs out, of course. While we were out, I decided we should go ahead and walk the lower circle. That took a bit longer than usual since I had them sit ever time they started to pull on me. It took a bit,but Macon and Barney figured out why they were being told to sit all the time.

Outside my door ... We have Sun.. lots of Sun. that is helping to warm up the camper nicely. Our high is to be in the mid to upper 50's. I doubt I'll even need a sweat shirt to walk the dogs this afternoon.

The Dogs ... Are doing well. Barney is still very slow in learning. We have gone back to learning his Name, and to come when it's called, the first time. Working on that with the other two as well. They do have Sit down well and Stay is better than it was a few weeks ago. Don't Pull... now that is another one we are working on. I have special collars for those walks I "Know" they will try to pull, but I sure hate to use them and remove them as soon as we are back in the camper. I do know that we are more apt to meet someone else walking in the afternoon than in the morning so I only use those collars in the afternoon.
Oh, Got to tell you what the dog saw yesterday.. At the end of the row we are parked on, is a couple who enjoy hunting. They have been out almost each evening, at least for a few minutes, shooting at a plastic deer target. Well, while we were walking down that way yesterday afternoon.. the dogs spotted the target. It's almost life like. Of course Macon Barked. Rocky stared at it.. smelling the air. and Barney just got excited and was bouncing and bounding all around me (on a lead line). Well. because they were so corouse about it, I took them over to see it better. Of course the first place they each sniffed was the back side. Rocky was like... oh, it's plastic. ok, time to go.. Macon decided it needed to be barked at. and that set Barney off. Barney attached Macon for barking then started barking himself. not loud barks, more of a warning bark. But it was so funny watching them trying to figure out if that thing was live or not.

The Cats ... Are also doing well. they've had their rumble in the house this morning. And yes, they got in some trouble while I was sleeping. I really didn't want to have to put them back into a damp kennel. the bread wrapper has a few holes in it, but I don't see where they accually tried to eat the bread's heal where the hole is. Good thing there are only a few more slices left in the loaf.

From the kitchen... Pork chops, rice, Butter Peas, Salad

I am hearing... The Morning News is on.. Talking about who is running and who is behind in the poles in New Hampshire.
I am wearing... Dark Blue Sweat Pants and a white Tshirt. I have a light blue sweat shirt out, if I get cool I can put it on.

I am reading... Just read a Chapter in the Bible, Will read a bit of "Apron Strings by Eleanor Gates later this morning.

I am thinking... I really do need to walk more. More often and futher each day.

I am thankful for... No ice or snow here (yet) I can still get out and walk like I should.

I am hoping... That We can get a lot done this Sunday. Jerry's only day off this week. He was told that the job will be on 6 10's for the next 4 to 6 weeks.

I am creating... I really do need to set up a time to work on crafts each day. I have so many things to work on, but I foget by afternoon that I want to work on anything, and then usually fall asleep on the couch.

One of my favorite things... Even though it's Cold, walking first thing in the morning. When the Fog is still in the trees and the birds are waking up and singing. When there is color in the sky but the sun ins't up just yet.. soon but not yet.. then the colors change, and it gets brighter and then, that first glimmer of True Light.

A few plans for the rest of the week... I'll have to sort the laundry tomorrow morning. Then put it in the van after Jerry gets home from work. I really do need to start working on the aprons I want to make for Heather and Bailey.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

first 5 recipes

2012-01-04T12:32:00.001-06:00

*****

Almost Instant Mushroom Sauce with Fettuccine

8 oz fettuccine (uncooked)
2 Tbs olive oil
1 lb fresh white mushrooms, sliced (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup sliced green onions (scallions)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup diced tomato
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup lowfat ricotta cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1/4
cup cooking liquid; return pasta to pot. Meanwhile, in a large
skillet heat oil until hot. Add mushrooms, green onions and garlic;
cook, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 6
minutes.

Stir in tomato, basil and salt; cook until tomato is just warm,
about 1 minute. To pasta in pot stir in ricotta cheese and enough
cooking liquid to make a creamy sauce. Add mushroom mixture; toss.

Servings: 4

******

Noodle Kugel

All you need:

1 pkg. (8 oz.) extra wide noodles
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups sour cream
½ - ¾ cup sugar *see TIPS
6 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¾ cup raisins
Cinnamon Sugar
Cooking Spray, butter flavor preferred

All you need to do:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with cooking oil spray and set it aside.

Boil the noodles for 4 minutes and drain.

In a large mixing bowl, using the wire whisk attachment, beat the eggs lightly.

Add the vanilla, cottage cheese, sour cream, and cinnamon. Mix at low speed until well mixed.

Add the melted butter and continue to mix for a minute.Add the noodles back into the pot you cooked them in.

Add the raisins and mix well.

Add the pudding mixture and mix well.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the top with the cinnamon Sugar.

Place dish on a foil lined baking sheet (to prevent any spillage from getting into your oven).

Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes (mine took 45 minutes) or until pudding is set and the top is golden brown.

************

BUTTERSCOTCH RUM BUNDT CAKE

1 yellow cake mix

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 c. butter

1 c. sour cream

1 pkg. instant butterscotch pudding

5-6 tsp. rum

4 eggs

3 tbsp. sugar

1 c. chopped walnuts

1 c. butterscotch chips

Beat all together first 8 ingredients. Stir in 1 cup chopped walnuts and 1 cup butterscotch chips. Butter and flour bundt pan or spray with Pam. Bake at

350 degrees for 55 minutes. Cool 5 to 10 minutes before removing from pan. Enjoy.

******

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP BUTTERSCOTCH COOKIES

2 c. Crisco shortening

4 1/2 c. flour

2 c. peanut butter

1 1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 c. white sugar

2 tsp. baking soda

2 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips

6 oz. pkg. butterscotch chips

Cream together shortening, sugars; add eggs, one at a time, vanilla and peanut butter. Sift dry ingredients. Add to creamed mixture. Add chips. Blend well.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 5 minutes on a lower rack then 3 minutes on a broiler level rack. Take out promptly, let cool for 5 minutes, remove to wax

paper to finish cooling. Enjoy.

************

BUTTERSCOTCH CAKE AND ICING IN ONE

1 box butterscotch pudding, cooking type

2 c. milk

1 yellow cake mix

1 bag butterscotch chips

Cook pudding with 2 cups milk, cool 5 minutes. Add dry cake mix. This will be thick. Spread in greased 8 x 12 cake pan. top with chips. Bake at 350 degrees

for 30 minutes.

Can use chocolate cake and chocolate chips. Carrot cake with butterscotch chips is also good. Enjoy.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in email today

2012-01-03T13:05:00.001-06:00

Sloppy Joe Pockets recipe

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

1/4 cup catsup

1 tablespoon vinegar

3/4 cup water

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated biscuits

Brown ground beef and onion in a medium skillet; drain well.

Add tomato paste, catsup, 3/4 cup water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and spices to meat mixture. Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes or until most of

the liquid is absorbed.

Flatten individual biscuits with rolling pin on lightly floured surface. Place on cookie sheet. Spoon scant 1/4 cup of mixture onto one side of each rolled

biscuit. Fold biscuit in half and using a fork press tongs into dough to close the pocket. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15-18 minutes until done.

Makes 8 servings. Enjoy.a

****************

SLOW COOKER POT ROAST Makes 8 servings.

1 pound carrots, peeled, cut into pieces
1 tsp dried thyme
2 tbs tomato paste
10 3/4 oz can condensed mushroom soup
4 pound boneless chuck roast
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup dry red wine

In a slow cooker, whisk together soup, wine, tomato paste, garlic and thyme. Add beef, turning to coat. Arrange carrots around meat. Cover cook until meat and carrots are tender, on low 10 hours or on high 6 hours. Transfer meat to a cutting board and slice. Arrange sliced beef and carrots on a serving platter, spoon some of the gravy over the top. SERVE with remaining gravy...

**************

Pork Chili with Tomatoes

3 pounds poblano chilies (about 12 large)
7 1/2 pounds pork butt country-style strips, trimmed, cut into
1-inch pieces
6 tablespoons all purpose flour
6 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 cups coarsely chopped onions
12 large garlic cloves, chopped
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons ground cumin
10 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice

Char chilies over gas flame or in broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag; let stand 10 minutes. Peel and seed chilies. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Place pork in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add flour and toss to coat. Heat 4 tablespoons oil in heavy large wide pot over high heat. Working in batches and adding more oil as needed, cook pork until brown on all sides, about 6 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer pork to large bowl.

Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to same pot and stir until tender, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, oregano and cumin; stir 2 minutes. Return pork and any accumulated juices to pot; add stock, chilies and tomatoes with juices and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until chili thickens and meat is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 2 hours. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

*****

Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

1/4 to 1/3 cup Frank's hot sauce
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
1 (0.6-ounce) envelope dry Italian salad dressing mix
4 kaiser rolls, halved
4 lettuce leaves
4 boneless chicken breast halves with skin
All purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Purchased blue cheese dressing

Stir 1/4 cup hot pepper sauce, butter and dressing mix in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until sauce is smooth; add more hot sauce, if desired. Arrange roll bottoms on plates. Top each with lettuce leaf and 2 tablespoons sauce.

Sprinkle chicken with salt; dust lightly with flour, then brush generously with remaining sauce. Dust lightly with flour again. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; saute until brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.

Complete sandwiches with chicken, dressing and roll tops.

*****

THYME LEMON BREAD Makes 1 loaf, 12 slices.

Powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tbs minced thyme
1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp salt
1 tbs grated lemon peel
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup sugar

In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine buttermilk and sour cream. Combine flour, thyme, lemon peel, baking soda and salt, add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture, beating well. Transfer to a greased regular size loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 50 min. or until done. Cool 10 min. before removing from pan to wire rack. Cool completely, sprinkle with powdered sugar, then SERVE...
FOR THYME LEMON MUFFINS---Make batter as directed, fill paper lined regular size muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400° for 20 min. or until done. If desired, top with frosting. Makes1 dozen muffins. THYME LEMON FROSTING---In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp minced thyme, and 4 tsp lemon juice or more if needed to achieve a drizzling consistency. Makes 2 tbs frosting.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Christmas has come and gone
Leaving a warm glow in our hearts,
Now we must say goodbye to the Old Year,
And greet the New Year as it starts.

Anne Felder Jelks

First 5 recipes in my email this morning

2012-01-02T07:01:00.001-06:00

Homemade Hoisin Sauce

Ingredients

5 tablespoons soy sauce
3 table spoons of peanut butter
1 1/2 teaspoon of honey
2 tsp. sesame oil
2 tsp. hot sauce
1/4 garlic powder
a dash of white pepper
Mix all ingredients together until smooth.

*****

Millenium Cocktail

1 1/2 oz cognac
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz orange curacao (or triple sec)
1 dash Angustora bitters
cocktail shaker
ice
orange peel and grated nutmeg for garnish, if desired

Pour ingredients into ice-filled cocktail shaker.
Shake well.
Strain into serving glass. Garnish with orange peel and nutmeg, if desired.

*****

Quick Turkey Bolognese with Roasted Spaghetti Squash
From Everyday Food by Marths Stewart, January 2012 issue

Serves 4
3 slices bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, dices small
1 large carrot, diced fine
2 small celery stalks, diced fine
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground turkey breast or chicken breast
red pepper flakes
coarse salt and ground pepper
6 cups roasted spaghetti squash, or cooked spaghetti squash
grated parmesan cheese for serving

In larve nonstick skillet, cook bacon until crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
Add 1 Tbsp oil to skillet.
Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic and cook until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
Transer to a bowl. Add 1 tbsp oil and turkey to skillet and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until cooked through and sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Serve over Spaghetti squash and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Roasted Spaghetti Squash:
Preheat oven tio 375 degrees. With a small sharp knife, prick 1 medium spaghetti squash all over. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until tender when pierced with knife, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Flip over about half way through baking time.
When cool enough to touch, halve lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Scrape squash with a fork to remove flesh in long strands. Refrigerate squash in an airtight container up to 3 days ahead if you like).Makes 6 cups
Per Serving, 337 calories, 11 g fat(2 g sat fat), 34 g protein, 29 g carbs, 7 g fiber.

****

Alternative Stuffed Peppers

One of my fave light recipes from the southbeach diet cookbook. Author is not listed at site.

Preheat Oven: 350

4 skinned chicken breasts cut into 1" strips
4 sweet peppers (I used a mix of different colours so it looked rather pretty)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or frozen parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or frozen basil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or frozen chives
Note: please don't use dried as it will not taste as nice! If you only have dried herbs substitute rosemary, marjoram and thyme.
1/2 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper

Cut the peppers in half length-wise and de-seed. Spread a tiny bit of the olive oil into the bottom of a 9X17" baking dish. Pour the rest of the olive oil and all the herbs and spices over the chicken breast strips and massage in well. Place the strips in the peppers and the peppers in the baking dish. Pour a little bit of water into the bottom of the baking dish (about 1/4 of an inch).

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F. I used tongs to turn over the strips after the first 15 minutes so they wouldn't get too brown on top and not be cooked underneath but you probably could cover them with foil and only take it off for the last 5 minutes or so to brown. ENJOY!

******

Broiled Salmon With Pesto - Extra Easy Southbeach Recipes

Phase: 1
Preheat Oven: 350

1 salmon filet, de-boned
1 T pesto

Take 1 T pesto and spread over the top of the filet and bake at 350 oven until desired degree of doneness. Put on broil the last few minutes for a nice finish

Servings: 1
Submitted By: Zebra

Added: 01/12/2010

Comments: This has been a favorite of mine for years. Very simple. Make sure you take all the pin bones out - I use tweezers to pull them out. Run your hand over the top of the fillet to feel any still in the fish.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

Happy New Year. our day

2012-01-02T05:39:00.001-06:00

Jerry and I ate breakfast in Clarksville, after checking out different rout to his job. The new route is a bust as it add almost 10 miles but only saves about 5 minutes. But on the way back home, we took a different route than he usually takes to go home, and discovered that College street is now opened up. That will save him a bit of time and lots of traffic lights.

We did some shopping at Walmart, picking up a couple of things. I forgot to take my list with me, but over all, I picked up the things I "Knew" we needed the most.

We had to stop at Home Depot but they didn't have what we were needing so we ended up at Lowe's for the insulated board and the metal tape to make a hot box for around the propane tank and regulator.

Jerry made the box in the afternoon. We were also looking for a dash mount for his new GPS but never found one. I've got to find my hook and loop (Velcro) so he can mount it to the hooks that are already on the dash of the van.

I read a bit out of three of the books I have on my Kindle.

Outside my door ... It was sunny but windy and as the day got older it got a bit colder. When Jerry made the hot box. he cut it outside but had to bring the pieces into the house to tape it because they were trying to blow away.

From the kitchen... I heated up a medium sized ham steak in the skillet and cut it in half so we got 1/2 a ham steak. I fried up some diced potatoes (Mr Dell's) and opened a can of peas to heat, in one of my new pans that we picked on on Saturday at a Liquidation store. I cut us each three slices off of a cucumber and sliced up a tomato to go on the plates as well. Later we had graham crackers and hot chocolate for a sweet.

I am thankful for... Starting off the New Year with Jerry by my side. We were on the couch when the fire works started to go off, thanks to Momma D's son and his friend. The cats went wild, and we had a time of it getting them to not jump on us, then using us for a launching pad to run to the back of the camper, only to run back and try it again. Their eyes were so large...

I am creating... I picked up a pattern and muslin to make Heather a couple of aprons. I think I have enough that I can make three matching aprons for her home. One for her, one for a visitor (Me) and one for Bailey.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Well, this week, I have to take down all the Christmas things I have up and find a good place to store them for another year. I will have to remove the battries from the tree and the Santa Bikers I have up. It will look so bare in here, when I put that all away for another year. I may try to find something to put up so that it's not so barren looking.

We have to do laundry. almost every blanket we have needs to be washed, now. Either one of the cats or Barney peed on my bed last night and got two of my blankets. Ugh. Barney did come lean on Jerry trying to get his attention but Jerry didn't take the hint, and I was too lazy to think to get up and take them out at the time.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850

first 5 recipes

2011-12-28T15:49:00.001-06:00

*****

Pan Coating

from: Food. Com

1/2 C Canola or Vegetable Oil

1/2 C Crisco (regular or butter flavor)

1/2 C flour

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until mixture has increased in volume and resembles marshmallow creme.

Store in airtight container. Can be stored at room temperature but in hot weather it may be refrigerated. Mixture may seperate a little upon standing. Mix prior to using. Spread onto pan or baking sheet using pastry brush or paper towel.

**********

Sicilian Christmas Ricotta Cookie
(Cuddureddi di Ricotta)

Ingredients:

7 ounces flour
7 ounces sugar
4 egg yolks
35.5 ounces fresh ricotta cheese
Extra virgin olive oil for frying
Melted honey or chocolate
Cinnamon
Grated orange peel

Directions:

Mix the flour, egg yolks, ricotta, sugar and grated orange peel (do not use water).

Roll the dough and cut into 3 inch pieces (thickness of a finger).

Fry the pieces in olive oil and let cool.

Strew with melted honey or chocolate and sprinkle with cinnamon. Serves 12.
[HolidaySeasonalAndEventRecipes]

***********

Easy Lemon Cupcakes

Nutrition Info

* Calories: 106.7

* Fat: 1.0g

* Carbohydrates: 23.3g

* Protein: 0.7g

Ingredients

1 Pkg Betty Crocker Lemon Cake Mix
1 Can Sprite Zero

Directions

Makes 18 Cupcakes

Combine cake mix and Sprite Zero. Fill cupcake tin 2/3 full and bake
according to package instructions.

Top w/ cool whip free (I add a little lemon extract) or dust w/ powdered
sugar. *Not calculated into nutritional values.

Number of Servings: 18
*****

Buttery Pan Rolls

Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 Tablespoons Yeast
1/4 cup Honey
4 1/2 cups Flour
10 tablespoons Butter or margarine -- melted
1 cup Warm Milk
1/2 cup warm water
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon Salt
1 Egg

In large bowl, dissolve yeast into water and honey. Let stand until bubbly (15 minutes). Stir together 2 cups of flour, honey, salt, yeast mixture, milk, and 6 T. of the butter or margarine. Blend 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add remaining 2-1/2 cups flour. Cover. Let rise in a warm place until doubled (45 min.). Pour remaining butter or margarine into a 9 x 13 inch baking pan and coat bottom. Drop batter by spoonfuls into pan and turn each one to coat with butter or margarine. Let rise for 30 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12 - 17 minutes, or until golden brown.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 323 Calories; 11g Fat (31.0% calories from fat); 7g Protein; 49g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 46mg Cholesterol; 294mg Sodium.

Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates

*************

Hot Chicken Pasta Salad

1 pound boneless chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
1 large bottle Italian salad dressing
1/2 teas garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
2 chopped green peppers or mixed -orange red green yellow ( I like this best)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 pound pasta ( rotelle or cork screws work best)
salt and pepper to taste

Marinate chicken in 1 cup salad dressing about 1 hour, then cook in a skillet with garlic powder til done, breaking up any large pieces. Boil pasta til done, drain, then add remaining ingredients. Add more salad dressing as needed to moisten. You can serve this cold, room temp or reheat. We like to add extra cheese when we serve it. If not eaten right away, you may need more dressing as it does get absorbed. The amounts are all very flexible. You can add more or less of anything and it still is great. I like to add cut cherry or grape tomatoes to mine.
-------------------------------------------

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Dec 27 2011

2011-12-27T09:56:00.000-06:00

(after Christmas report)
We spent Christmas at Heather's this year. It was wonderful. The kids had a blast opening presents and getting all the new toys. Most of all their toys are in storage in South Carolina and they havn't been able to go and up anything, just yet. We filled their car with gas just before we left and we spur of the moment, made plans to spend New Year's Eve with them, having a small party in their place.

Jerry got me the Kindle a while ago, but it was my "big" Christmas Gift. I recieved a Snuggie, New Head phones and a couple of Christmas Music CD's. Jerry got a Kindle as well as a couple of Music CD's and he picked up another Garmin for the Van when we got back to town and I picked up some crafts things to work on.

All Heather asked for, this year, was Christmas for her kids.. Well .. she got it. Stocking stuffers to presents and more. And we picked her up a Nook. Only it has to be taken back cause it was not suppose to be sold as it was a demo unit. (the only Grr of the day) Ricky got a lighter and a belt and coffee mugs and hot coco (His favorite)
Corbin got his Doggy Doo game and I think the adults had more fun with it than the kids did.

Heather and Ricky have decided to get married. The planned date is April 1st. (I sure hope that they change that, for many reasons, not the least is that it's Heather's birthday) She asked me to make the cake for her... Ut oh.. that means I have got to get the stuff and practice a lot since it's been years since I did a cake, let alone a wedding cake. She said I could go wild with it, if I wanted to... Oh boy....

12 21 11

2011-12-21T10:42:00.001-06:00

Good Morning

I have been busy downloading more "free" books from Amazon. When I transferred them from my computer to the Kindle I had over 80. Can you just see me with a whole library in a house just for books in "real" time? Well, at the farm I had 4 bookcases and all there filled from floor to ceiling with books.

Today, I'll fill Bailey's boxes and see what else I'll need to fill them. I dont want them topped as she'll want room to put her own stuff in, but this will give her a good jump on "Making things". I wonder if she'll be "good enough" to make a living at crafting. Who know's but it's nice to think she might.

A couple of things I would like is a cricket die cutter or a sewing machine.. too bad I don't really have much room for either in here.

Hum.. I wonder... to Emboss with paper.. do you have to dampen the paper a bit or not? I've always wondered how to do that. A few of the cards we got in, have raised areas.. (that's embossing, right?)

I'm thinking that I could make my own design on a cut out piece of milk carton, then use a popcycle stick to rub over the paper to leave an indent of the cut out shape.

The last of Jerry's Chocolate Cake is now out of the camper. He took that last piece with him, to work. He loved his Cell phone cover kit. Now After Christmas, I'll have to do the work on it and then put it together for him.

I think, if we have enough time to shop, I'll ask Heather about getting something Corbin a Tonka Truck. I don't want to get him one he already has.

It's looking more like we will over night in Dunlap.. The cats will be fine in the house, as long as we put the TV flat on a bed.

Jerry is looking forward to this as much as I am. We want to go spoil our Daughter as well as the kids.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Good Monday Morning !!

2011-12-19T11:00:00.001-06:00

Good Monday Morning !!

I got a few minor things done before I headed back to bed at 5 am. Back up at 7. Got dressed, ate a banana and took my insulin. Took the dogs out, then gathered up a tub of laundry to toddle over to the wash room.. the man who is parked next to the washroom is leaving tomorrow. He said he decided that it's time to go home.. that working a few days next week, then getting laid off the first week of Janurary was just too much and so he told his supervisor that his crew was going home and either give us our checks or see us in Janurary. Not sure, but I don't think he'll be back. They got every thing they needed done last night and will clear up the few minor things tonight. I think that there are at least two others leaving as well. A 5th wheel is being packed up, the slides are back in.. and there was a loud party up on the upper level last night. Not usual for a Sunday night. They were having fun.

Any way... I'm doing laundry in the laundry/shower house today. I'm doing two tubs worth this morning and may do two more this afternoo... if not today, then tomorrow.. I'm only using half the machines. We were going to take it all to a laundry mat but by the time Jerry gets home from work we wanted to do something else. Saturday, it was "I'd rather go shopping at WalMart".. either one I go to is a bit of a drive and Jerry had to work Sunday so I didn't want to keep him up too late.... and he wanted to shop as well. I found the game that Corbin wants for Christmas,and a couple more games as well, for him. I also picked up a couple more things for Bailey's gift, and a set of boxes to put Bailey's gift into. ..

Please pray hard that our next job is close to her. There is so much I want to teach her and I know we will not have much time as it is..

I made a chocolate cake for Jerry. Well really I made one big cake and three smaller ones. I didn't have a big enough pan to hold all the batter that I made up. I spread Chocolate Fudge frosting on his cake and I ate mine without the frosting. We will have more cake tonight for our dessert. I forgot to give him his Birthday gift.. it's a now and later gift. It's a kit to make a case for his cell phone he can carry on his belt. I can do some leather work. But I wanted to know just how "ornate" did he want it. His initals. and maybe something around the edges.. I can do that. It will be noisy. I may also add either one or three Studs to it.. if one then a blue one for his birthdstone.. if three then a clear one (diamond) Red one (Ruby) and Blue one (Sapphire ) for his kids.

Oh oh.. I got to tell you...

It's only Money.

On Saturday, when we thought we were going to do laundry but went shopping instead, On our way back we stopped at Fritz's for Dinner. It's a Steak and Seafood place. The Fish is wonderful. I got their fried chicken. Jerry got the Hamburger Steak. Anyway... over in the other room was a family gathering and plenty of kids. We had fun hearing and watching the kids and all the Chaos. Well a couple of the boys came into the room we were in, with quartes for the claw machine. Wow.. they both got something from it. In came twin girls but they were not so lucky. Jerry, stopped the waitress and asked how many kids are in the other room. She said, about 15.. So Jerry pulls $15 from his wallet and askes her to give each of the kids a Dollar's worth of Quarters. She brought him back the change cause the number of kids was not what she thought.. She was going to change them back to dollars for Jerry but he said that's ok, we need quarters for laundry. One little fellow.. hardly 4, I think came over and watched the bigger fellows try to pick out a toy from the machine. It would go up, but it wouldn't stay in the claw. I think those two older boys spent at least $4 trying for that one toy.. Here come this little guy,, and with just his 50 cents. Gets it.. He was soooo excited.. it was well worth the money to watch all the kids trying their luck at the machine. When one or two would Pass, Jerry would slip some more quarters into their hands so they could try again. A couple of the middle sized kids (I'd say 7 to 9) didn't put their money in the claw machine. They went to the quarter machines by the door where they "knew" they would get something for their money. Ah.. the joys a little bit of money can give to kids. It's only money but the fun and the joy was priceless.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in my email this morning

2011-12-13T11:03:00.001-06:00

Hello, I am slowly getting around today. It's raining again. Not suppose to but it is.. and that is making me just feel sore all over. Guess I'm starting to get old. I had to bring in my cardboard and lamp and put a letter in the box after I took the dogs out for their morning potty. I hope to take a walk this afternoon. If it's still raining, I'll have to forgo the walk, I think.

*****

"Great Dishes for Buffet Entertaining" [a recipe serial]
from the December 1971 GOOD HOUSKKEEPING Magazine

VINTAGE RECIPE: "Mozzarella-Stuffed Mushrooms"

1 pound medium mushrooms (about 24 mushrooms)
1/4 cup butter OR margarine, melted
1/3 cup finely chopped mozzarella cheese [or American cheese if you so desire]
1 tablespoon seasoned bread crumbs
About 1/4 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives

About 15 minutes before serving:
1. Preheat broiler as manufacturer directs. Cut stems from mushrooms (use stems another day). In small bowl, gently toss mushrooms, in melted butter or margarine. Place mushroom caps, cut end up, in broiler pan. Broil 3 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs. Spoon some of the cheese mixture into each mushroom; top each with an olive slice. Return mushrooms to oven and broil 3 to 5 minutes longer until cheese is melted and mushrooms are tender. Serve with appetizer plates and forks. Makes about 24 appetizers.

*******

P-B-J Surprise Muffins

Makes 12 Muffins
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes

1 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup skim or 1 % milk
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
3/4 cup strawberry jam (or your favorite flavor jam/ jelly)

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F. In large bowl, combine the dry
ingredients: flour, oats, sugar and brown sugar, baking powder and
salt. Add egg and milk and stir until just mixed. (It will look
lumpy.)
Spray muffin tins with cooking spray or line with papers. Fill muffin
cups 1/2 full. Drop about 1 teaspoon peanut butter and 1 Tablespoon
jam on batter in each cup. Cover filling with additional batter to
fill cup about 2/3 full.
Bake 20 - 25 minutes or until browned. Cool completely. Can be frozen.

Idea: Pack one of these muffins and a hard-cooked egg as a substitute
for a sandwich. Same nutritional value! Kids see it as "something
different".

Nutrition information per serving: 200 calories, 6g protein, 32g
carbohydrate, 6g fat.

******

VINTAGE RECIPE: "Sweet Potato Pie"
from the December 1977 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Magazine

1 9" unbaked piecrust
2 (16- to 17-ounce) cans sweet potatoes, drained and mashed
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter OR margarine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

About 1 hour and 10 minutes before serving:
Prepare piecrust; refrigerate. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In large bowl, mix well sweet potatoes with remaining ingredients; spoon into piecrust. Bake 45 minutes or until set. Serve hot; or cool and serve cold. Makes 8 servings.

*****

Chocolate Mint Christmas Brownies

Bake your favorite fudge brownies. Remove from oven when done, and spread 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Return the pan to the oven, let them melt, a few minutes. Carefully spread the melted chips over the brownies. Let cool completely.

Make a cream cheese frosting, with 3 oz. cream cheese, 3 Tbsp. butter, and 2-3 cups sifted powdered sugar, blend to nice consistency. May add a few drops of milk or cream, if desired. Add green food coloring to desired tint, and add about 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract (it's strong).

Carefully spread over cooled brownies. Crush some candy canes (use a Ziploc bag and a rolling pin) and sprinkle on top. I made Christmas tree shapes, by cutting into lines on the short side, then cut diagonals.

Jackie

*****

Pretzel Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

8.5 oz. (a scant two cups) cake flour
8.5 oz. (1 2/3 cups) bread flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/4 cups unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 lb. chocolate chips (I use mini chips)
hard pretzels, crushed

Directions:

Sift together flours with other dry ingredients except sugar. Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Then fold in chocolate chips. Cover dough with plastic wrap and let sit in fridge for 24 hours. This is done so flour has time to absorb the liquid.

Make balls the size of a golf ball. Press dough ball into crushed pretzels on the top. You can make them smaller if you like but would have to adjust cooking time.

Servings:Depend on how large you make cookies

Prep Time:15 Minutes

Cooking Time:

18-20 Minutes

Jackie

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recicpes of the day

2011-12-12T21:36:00.001-06:00

Hello... what a weekend. Jerry worked, came home ate and went to bed. He's feeling abit better at least. Momma D, the owner of this RV park has her RV parked behind the office/house. When I walked the dogs past it yesterday afternoon, I heard water running. I turned off the water, finished the walks of our dogs, put them in the camper, wrote a note but as I was going to take it to the door her daughter came out the back door and I told her about the leak. Luckly it wasn't too bad and they were able to clean it up easy enough before Momma D came home from the Titan vs Saints game. .I bet she was feeling good about the game, her team won. The Saints.

****

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce

by Rachel Paxton

If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive gift to give to family and friends, you can't go wrong with homemade hot fudge sauce. Seriously, who doesn't like hot fudge!? I am making 12 jars of fudge sauce this year, to make sure I have something on hand to give to anyone I need an inexpensive gift for.

You may already have everything you need on hand to make a couple of jars of hot fudge sauce. I figured that even if you have to go out and buy canning jars to put the hot fudge in, you are looking at less than $2 a jar for this delicious, homemade treat. One container of baking cocoa makes approximately two batches of fudge sauce.

Hot fudge sauce is not just for ice cream...it can be put in chocolate milk, hot chocolate, even coffee!

Here is what you will need:

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce

2 cups white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup baking cocoa
4 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a sauce pan, stir together white sugar, brown sugar, baking cocoa, flour, and salt. Add margarine and water, stirring well.

Slowly bring to a boil, and continue boiling for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla. The hot fudge sauce will thicken as it cools. After it has cooled, pour the fudge sauce into pint sized canning jars, and decorate as desired.

This recipe is very forgiving. I accidentally put in 3 cups of white sugar and the sauce turned out very thin. I added another 2 tablespoons of flour and cooked it for another 10 minutes, and the sauce still thickened and turned out great.

This recipe makes enough for approximately 1 1/2 pint jars, so if you double the recipe, you will have enough for 3 pint jars.

This hot fudge sauce makes a very attractive gift. You can tie a ribbon around the jar lid, or add a scrap of fabric under the jar ring for decoration. Give the jar by itself or as part of a gift basket containing other items for ice cream sundaes. After your friends taste this hot fudge sauce they will never buy it from the store again!

Note: These jars need to be stored in the refrigerator, so make sure to mention this to the person you are giving the gift to.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

*******

Speedy Ziti with Zesty Chicken

1 lb Ziti, Mostaccioli or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
12 oz chopped, cooked chicken
2 tsp butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
2 Tbs all-purpose flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 10 oz package frozen peas, defrosted and drained
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Prepare pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking, warm the butter or margarine over medium
heat in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Stir
in the Dijon mustard and flour.

Very gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring the broth to a
boil and stir in the lemon juice, peas and parsley.

When pasta is done, drain it well. Toss pasta and cooked chicken
with sauce, season with salt and pepper and serve.

Servings: 4

*************

from the December 1971 GOOD HOUSKKEEPING Magazine

VINTAGE RECIPE: "Pizza Appetizer Fondue"

1 (29-ounce) can meatless spaghetti sauce
1 (8-ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons oregano leaves
1 teaspoon instant minced onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1 long loaf Italian bread, cut in 1" cubes

About 20 minutes before serving:
In fondue pot, on range over low heat, heat all ingredients except bread until cheese is melted and sauce is hot, stirring frequently. Place pot on stand over low heat. Serve with bread chunks. Provide fondue fork for guests to dip bread into hot sauce. Makes 12 appetizer servings.

******

"Cajun Souffle"
from the December 1977 GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Magazine

2-2/3 cups water
1/3 cup self-rising white corn meal
1/3 cup quick grits
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
4 eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Combine water, corn meal and salt in 3-quart saucepan; bring to a boil. Slowly stir grits into boiling mixture. Cover; cook over low heat 5 to 6 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Add cheese and cayenne; mix until cheese is melted. Pour into large mixing bowl; cool 10 minutes. Stir in egg yolks. Beat egg whites until foamy; add cream of tartar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form; fold into corn meal grits mixture. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole or souffle dish. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees F.) about 55 minutes. Serve immediately. If desired, serve with your favorite Shrimp Creole Sauce. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

***********

Chewy Raspberry Almond Bars

1 1/2
cups quick-cooking oats
1 1/2
cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
3/4
cup packed light brown sugar
1/2
teaspoon salt
3/4
cup cold butter or margarine
1
egg, beaten
3/4
cup seedless red raspberry jam
1
cup fresh raspberries (6 oz)
1/2
cup sliced almonds

* 1 Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9-inch square pan with baking spray with flour.
* 2 In large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar and salt. Cut in butter, using pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives through mixture in opposite directions), until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Reserve 1 cup mixture for topping. To remaining mixture, stir in egg until just moistened.
* 3 Press dough firmly and evenly into bottom of pan, using fingers or bottom of measuring cup. Spread with jam. Arrange raspberries over jam. Stir almonds into reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle evenly over raspberries.
* 4 Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until top is golden. Cool completely on cooling rack. Cut into 4 rows by 4 rows.

Billie C.

http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in my mail this morning

2011-12-05T20:44:00.000-06:00

Cheddar-Chutney Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Cran-Apple Wild Rice

For the Wild Rice:
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries
4 tablespoons butter
2 small ribs celery, chopped
1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
1 cup wild rice

1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 cup water
4 scallions, whites and greens, thinly sliced on an angle
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

For the Chicken:
4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
1/2 cup prepared or homemade chutney of choice
1 cup grated or sliced extra-sharp white cheddar
2 tablespoons EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For the Gravy:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
Black pepper
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grainy mustard
3 tablespoons dark amber maple syrup

Yields: 4 servings

Prepare the wild rice: Toast pecans until fragrant in a small pan over
medium heat. Chop and reserve.

Bring a small pot or kettle of water to a boil. Place cranberries into
a small bowl and cover with boiling water to reconstitute. Let stand
until softened then drain and chop.

In a medium saucepot, melt butter over medium heat and add the celery,
apple, onion, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté to soften, 7-8 minutes.
Add rice and toast a minute or two; add stock and water, and bring to
a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook 30 minutes. Uncover and
cook 15 minutes more until tender and fluffy. Drain and add chopped
cranberries, scallions, parsley and reserved pecans. Adjust salt and
pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Butterfly chicken breasts open by cutting through the breasts
lengthwise to open the breasts like a book. Season the chicken with
salt, pepper and thyme. Fill the chicken breasts with chutney and
cheese. Close the chicken breasts back over to cover the filling.

Heat a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat with EVOO, 2
turns of the pan. Brown stuffed chicken on both sides and transfer to
oven to finish cooking through, 15-20 minutes. Remove chicken to plate
and cover with foil.

For the gravy, melt butter in the skillet and whisk in flour. Cook 1
minute then add stock and season with black pepper and whisk in
Worcestershire, Dijon and maple syrup. Let thicken to coat spoon and
adjust seasoning.

Serve chicken topped with gravy, with wild rice alongside.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Tamaras-Tasty-Treats/

************

Turkey Suiza Tamale Pie

3 poblano chili peppers
2 large jalapeño peppers
6 tomatillos, husks peeled
1 quart chicken stock, divided
A small handful cilantro leaves
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon cumin, 1/3 palmful
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
2 pounds ground turkey breast or dark meat, patted dry

1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 bottle of lager beer
1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking polenta or cornmeal
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 cup Chihuahua cheese, queso Asadero or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Red onion rings, for garnish

Yields: 4-6

Heat broiler to high with the rack in the upper third of oven. Char
peppers and tomatillos, turning peppers occasionally to char evenly
all over. Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to cool. Peel
and seed peppers.

Place charred peppers, tomatillos, 2 cups stock, cilantro, salt,
pepper, honey and cumin in food processor and process until smooth.

Meanwhile, heat a large, cast-iron or other heavy pan over medium-high
heat with oil, 2 turns of the pan. When oil smokes, brown and crumble
meat then add onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and cook
to soften onions, 5 minutes. Deglaze with beer and stir in salsa.
Bring to a bubble and reduce heat to simmer. Stir in sour or heavy
cream.

In a saucepot, heat remaining 2 cups stock and milk. Whisk in polenta
or cornmeal and let thicken 2-3 minutes until very thick but still
pourable. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in butter. Spread the
corn topping over the turkey filling, place under the broiler and char
to set polenta. Top with cheese then melt cheese under broiler. Serve
directly from skillet, topped with red onion rings.

**********

Gluten free vegan cookies

3 large, ripe bananas, pureed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
¼ cup warm coconut, olive or canola oil
2 cups rolled gluten free oats
2/3 cup almond meal
1/3 cup coconut, shredded and unsweetened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt
1 tsp. baking powder
6 to 7 oz. chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Mix bananas, coconut, canola oil, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Combine all dry ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a separate bowl. Put together contents of two bowls, and stir until obtaining a homogeneous mixture. Add chocolate c hips to the dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and start dropping by 2 tsp. of dough, leaving 1 inch between them. Bake 12 to 15 min.

************

Easiest Pot Roast on the Planet
1 large rump roast
2 envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix
2 cans beef broth
1 large bag baby carrots
2-3 large potatoes, cut up into smaller pieces

Quickly
brown all sides of pot roast in a skillet (sears in the juices). Place
pot roast in crock pot and pour broth, Lipton onion soup mix, and
enough water to almost cover the meat. Cook on HIGH for 8 hours.

Add Carrots and Potatoes. Cook on HIGH another 2 hours. Meat should fall apart with a fork.

************

5Hot Apple Pie

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

2 ounces brandy

Hot apple cider

Whipped cream

Cinnamon stick

Directions:

Add brandy to a tall glass and fill with apple

cider. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a

cinnamon stick.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

http://ult-tex.net/counts/christmas/index.cgi

first 5 recipes in my email this morning

2011-12-02T17:21:00.001-06:00

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS Makes 6 servings.

Chicken thighs with dumplings and veggies.

1/2 cup fat free milk
2 cans 14.5 oz each low sodium chicken broth
1 onion, sliced
1 1/2 pounds chicken thighs
3/4 tsp salt
2 cups all purpose baking mix
16 oz pkg frozen mixed vegetables
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbs oil
1/4 + 1/8 tsp pepper
3/4 tsp dried thyme

In plastic bag combine 1/3 cup baking mix, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat in mixture, reserving any that doesn't cling. In pot, heat oil. Add chicken cook until lightly browned, 6 min. per side. Add onion and garlic cook until softened, 3 min.
---Stir baking mix mixture reserved from coating step into 1/4 cup broth until smooth. Pour into pot with vegetables and remaining broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Combine milk with remaining baking mix, thyme, salt and pepper until soft dough forms. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls on simmering chicken mixture, cook turning dumplings once until dumplings are cooked through and chicken is no longer pink, 20 min. then SERVE...

TUNA MAC "N" CHEESE Makes 8 servings.

Macaroni and cheese with tuna and broccoli.

2 cans 6 oz each tuna in water, drained, flaked
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp paprika
1/4 cup flour
4 tbs margarine or butter
1 pound cavatappi or elbow pasta
8 oz sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
3 cups fat free milk
1/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets

Cook pasta according to package directions, adding broccoli during last 2 min. of cooking time, drain and set aside. Melt 2 tbs margarine, combine with breadcrumbs and set aside. Heat broiler. In pot, melt remaining margarine until bubbly, 1 min. Stir in flour cook until mixture is golden, 2 min.
---Whisk in milk until combined and smooth. Whisk in paprika, garlic powder, salt, turmeric and cayenne. Cook until mixture boils and thickens, 2 min. Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted. In bowl, combine sauce with tuna and reserved pasta mixture. Transfer to 2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with reserved crumbs, broil until golden, 2 min. then SERVE...

3

EGG CHEESE PIE Makes 8 servings.

An egg cheese pie with bacon, onions, roasted red pepper and seasonings.

4 oz Jarlsberg cheese, shredded
3 eggs
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tbs dried herbes de Provence
6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
2 1/4 cups flour
2 cups fat free milk
1 roasted red pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp salt
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
5 tbs ice water
2/3 cup margarine or butter, cut into small pieces

In bowl, cut margarine into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water until dough forms. Shape into disk, wrap and refrigerate 2 hours. Heat oven to 375°. On floured surface, roll out dough to fit 9" pie pan. Transfer to pie pan, trim and flute edges. Line dough with enough foil to overhang edges slightly, fill with dried beans.
---Bake until edges are lightly golden, 7 min. Remove foil and beans, cool slightly. In skillet, cook bacon until crisp, 8 min. Drain on paper towels. Discard all but 2 tbs fat from skillet. To fat in skillet, add onion, herbes, salt and pepper, cook until onions brown, 10 min. Remove from skillet, cool 15 min. Transfer to pie shell, sprinkle with chopped pepper and reserved bacon. Beat eggs with milk, pour over filling in crust. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake 45 min. or until filling sets in center, then SERVE...

Black Cherry Swirl Fudge
Ingredients
* 1-1/2 teaspoons plus 3/4 cup butter, divided
* 3 cups sugar
* 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
* 1 package (10 to 12 ounces) vanilla or white chips
* 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme
* 2 envelopes unsweetened black cherry soft drink mixDirections
* Line a 13-in. x 9-in. pan with foil and grease the foil with 1-1/2 teaspoons butter; set aside. In a heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream and remaining butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 4 minutes.
* Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla chips and marshmallow creme. Pour 1 cup into a bowl; set aside. Stir black cherry drink mix into the remaining marshmallow mixture. Pour into prepared pan. Spoon reserved marshmallow mixture over top; cut through mixture with a knife to swirl.
* Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Using foil, lift fudge out of pan. Discard foil; cut into 1-in. squares. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.Yield: about 3 pounds.

Holiday Brunch Casserole
Ingredients
* 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
* 1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained
* 1/2 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
* 1 medium green pepper, chopped
* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1 green onion, chopped
* 1 cup reduced-fat biscuit/baking mix
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 4 eggs
* 3 cups 2% milkDirections
* In a large bowl, combine the hash browns, sausage, bacon, green pepper, 1 cup cheese and onion. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish.
* In another bowl, whisk the biscuit mix, salt, eggs and milk; pour over the top. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
* Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30-35 minutes or a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.Yield: 12 servings.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Good Morning...

2011-12-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

Good Morning... Well, it's still very early right now, just a bit past 4 am. Having gotten up at 2:30 to make Jerry's breakfast and see him off to work when he leaves at 3am. I downloaded a few books for my Kindle and will be doing some reading this afternoon. I had all the pets out of kennels for a while already. Barney is now laying by my side with his head on my lap and the cats are back in the kennels, for jumping up at the shelfs in the closets. I have a box opened on one and don't want them in it.

Found out why we didn't have hot water. When I was making Wendsday morning, Jerry turned off the hot water tank because I was using the microwave after running some hot water, (causes the hot water tank to cycle on)... I thought he had turned it back on when I was done with the microwave. I had asked him to, before he came to the front of the camper. I had wondered why the water was not as hot as it should have been while I was doing the dishes but didn't think too much about since it was cold outside, and I just figured it was taking longer than usual for the hot to get to the kitchen sink. He came in and flipped the breaker for it. I thought it was the other middle breaker. I had asked him to flip off the one for the air conditioner and so thought that was the one that was off. (duh) At least today, I'll have a hot shower.

According the the news we are about 29 outside. tucking in my blankets around the wall side of my bed didn't make me any warmer last night. I ended up pulling all the blanket out anyway. Oh well. I have a piece of fleece (I have yet to put together the tied blanket Beth bought me the fleece for), A lightweight lap blanket given to me in a swap 4 years ago, A thick lap blanket, and then my blanket with a horse on it, and another piece of fleece that matches the on on Jerry's bed. (really does make it look nice when both beds match on top when they are made up) and I still felt cold for a while last night. Now i'm thinking of maybe getting two twin electrical blankets. (I'll never want to get out of bed if I do that)
I told Jerry we are going to have to find a way to seal the windows in here this winter. we are losing a lot of heat through them. Even when the heater is on, I feel cold from the window behind the couch.

We talked about how we are going to get "Christmas" to Heather's kids. So far, the plan is to carry what we pick up to her, Christmas Eve. We wouldn't stay over night but come back that evening. Jerry will only get three days off and so far, it looks like the Monday after Christmas will be that third day... thing can change though. The job is scheduled to work his birthday... I don't know what we will do for that, just yet. I do know what cake I'll bake for him, his favorite is German Chocolate Cake. it's about the only way he liked coconut. Reminds me. I need to pick up birthday cards for his sisters... and find out Kathy's address.
I decorated the living room yesterday. I put garland around the upper edge of the windows. and on each hook, I put a bell and an angel. I'll have to take pictures of it. I also got out the tree and put it on a popcorn tim. I bought a small angel made for a small tree, after I took off it off the holder it stands up and looks much better. I put a beaded garland around the tree as well... I may make a few beaded items to go on the tree before too much longer cause it looks a bit, um.. undecorated. I love putting things on my trees and just garland and the changing lights is not enough.
I printed out a few things and Jerry noticed them. I showed him all I had printed out and will spend some time this after noon cutting them out and then deciding where I'll put them up at, around here. I may take some of the crayons I have and color over some of the area's. some of the pictures are not as bright as I thought they would turn out.

Outside my door ... (5am) Very Dark... the news is saying that Clarkesville (closest large town to us) already has fog and it's below freezing, as well.. The same combunation that caused a horrindous wreck in Hendersonville TN yesterday. over 55 cars, 1 dead and 18 hurt.

The Dogs ... (5am) all asleep on the beds, where it's warmer, Barney just left me to go sleep by Rocky. Macon is on my bed. Rocky and Barney on Jerry's bed (have I mentioned I don't like the bed set up in this camper? )

The Cats ... (5am) Two per kennel. They had their early morning romp through the camper, time to potty, drink water and eat some dog food. Were going well, until they decided to check out the stuff on the shelfs.

From the kitchen... Jerry will bring home Subway sandwiches. This is one of the few days I don't have to pick out what to fix for dinner.I told Jerry what we have in the freezer, and he said use the ground pork for Satureday's dinner. Not sure how I'll use it, just yet. May make up meatballs out of it, and have spegettie.

I am hearing... (5am) the heater in the bathroom, Early morning news on channel 5 , every now and then I hear a truck (disel) running as people around here are getting ready to go off to work.

I am wearing... Black sweat pants (down from a 3x to a 2x) A white t-shirt and (5am) my sweatshirt I crocheted around years ago. I need just bit more on my shoulders unti lthe sun come up and starts to warm up the camper..

I am reading... I have books down-loaded to my kindle and will pick one to read, here in a while.

I am thinking... about what all I need to do today, before I tucker out. I need to go back over all I did yesterday.. That is, the bathroom and make our beds. Dishes (of course) and clean the counter by the fridge. I really shoud cut up and cook the last three pumpkins I have left from Halloween (I never did get them carved ) I really need to clear off the tops of the kennels and clean, sort and decide what to do with all the stuff on the counter by my side of the couch. Much is just out of place and needs put away, (again) I really do need to make the chains for the Santa Magic Keys I'm going to give to each of the Grand kids this year, as well.

I am thankful for... Jerry having a job this time of year. I know he's working out in the cold and that make me hurt for him. There are no walls on this building he's working at, so he can't get out of any wind that may come up, either. He dresses warm but I know he still feels the weather and cold. I try to get the camper warm before he gets home at night so he can warm up, then shower before going to bed without getting chilled.

I am hoping... That our plans for getting Christmas to Heather works out the way we have talked about. She's stressed that her kids won't get any thing this year. I'm still waiting for a "Wish List" so we can see what we need to pick up for them.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Grand Slam Salad

2011-12-02T09:05:00.001-06:00

Grand Slam Salad

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,
Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 Can (20 oz) crushed Pineapple, drained
1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 can (6 oz) Frozen Lemonaide, concentrate- Thawed
1 Carton (8 oz ) Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed
2 Cups pastel miniature Marshmallows
1 Can (15 1/4 oz) Fruit Cocktail, drained

In a large bowl, combine pineapple, fruite cocktail, milk and lemonaide concentrate. Fold in the whipped topping and marshmellows. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Yields 12 - 16 servings.

In Honor of Leo Hancock.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

Dec 1

2011-12-01T17:17:00.001-06:00

Good evening ... I spent most of this afternoon decorating our living room for Christmas. I put up our small tree, after putting the angel on it and s beaded garland made for mini trees. I put garland around the ledge, It's a bit short on both ends but that didn't stop me. I put bells and small angels above each on the command type hooks I have for the garland. I found some hooks that Jerry had brought me that have sticky backs and used all but one of those. The one I didn't use, wouldn't stick to where I wanted it. I then put stamps on the Christmas Cards I'm sending out, and put them in the outgoing mail while I walked the dogs. One of the girls from the upper level wanted to talk. Someone left a key in the number 11 mail box and wanted to know if it was me. I told her no, and asked if she has found a key, that I lost mine up on the hill where we were at. No but she would keep looking for it. She offered to walk the dogs for me as well... we will see. She's home schooled as well as at least two other sisters I know of. Her father is a pipefitter.
I got most of the back of the camper cleaned up and sheets on the beds and they are made up.. don't know how long that will last since the dogs are playing back there now. I tucked in my blankets and will see if I get cold with them tucked around the edges of "MY" bed. Jerry does not like his blankets tucked in at all.

dinner will be hot dogs and mac and cheese and cut up vegetables. We are out of lettuce. Jerry will bring home Subway Sandwiches tomorrow night.
It was a nice day out today. The sun was out and I turned off the propane to the heater for a while. I'll have to turn it back on by 5pm.
Something is wrong with the hot water tank. No hot water. I used a hot pot to heat up enough water I could wash my hair and dumped that and heated up more to take a sink bath with. I hope Jerry can fix it. He's not going to be happy about it.
Besides decorating my living room, I worked on a couple of crafty things. One for my Friend Jackie and one for my Grandkids. Can't tell you what I did for Jackie, but I was looking up a printable for a Santa Key. I never found what I was looking for but did find one that was close, I don't want to print the key part of it out but will if I have to. I also found a couple of printable boxes to put the keys in.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com

first 5 recipes in my email this morning.

2011-11-30T06:34:00.000-06:00

Decadent Truffle Bottom Chocolate Cream Pie
1 (1/2 of 15-oz. pkg.) refrigerated pie crust
2 cups miniature marshmallows or 20 large marshmallows
1/2 cup milk
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips
1 cup (1/2 pt.) heavy whipping cream
Sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping (optional)
Chocolate curls (optional)

Directions
1 Prepare and bake pie crust in 9-inch pie plate as directed on package for unfilled 1-crust pie.

2 Place marshmallows and milk in large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at MEDIUM (50%) 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, until marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth when stirred. Add chocolate chips; stir until melted and mixture is smooth. If necessary, microwave at MEDIUM an additional 15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating, just until chips are melted when stirred. Spread 1 cup chocolate mixture over bottom of crust; refrigerate. Cool remaining mixture to room temperature.

3 Beat whipping cream until stiff; gradually blend into chocolate mixture, combining thoroughly. Spread over chocolate layer in pastry crust. Cover; refrigerate 4 to 6 hours or until well chilled. Garnish with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate curls, if desired. Cover; refrigerate leftover pie. 6 to 8 servings.
http://www.hersheys.com/pure-recipes.aspx?ICID=HER1268

*****

HERSHEY'S Perfect SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chip Cookies
2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) HERSHEY'S SPECIAL DARK Chocolate Chips
1 cup chopped nuts(optional)
Directions
1 Heat oven to 375°F.

2 Stir together flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Add eggs; beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by rounded teaspoons onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3 Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely. About 5 dozen cookies.
http://www.hersheys.com/pure-recipes.aspx?ICID=HER1268

*****

3 (Non- food item)

Vapor Rub

1/4 teaspoon eucalyptus essential oil
1/8 teaspoon peppermint essential oil
1/8 teaspoon thyme essential oil
1/4 cup olive oil

Combine ingredients in a glass bottle. Shake well to mix oils evenly. Gently massage into chest and throat.

*****

Arthritis Relief

1 tablespoon Certo (Pectin)

3 tablespoons grape juice

Mix and drink each three times each day.

*****

Quesadillas on the BBQ

1/2 cup salsa, divided
4 10 inch flour tortillas
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1 cup cooked and peeled shrimp
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream

Preheat an outdoor grill for low heat.

Spread 1 tablespoon of salsa on half of each tortilla.

Distribute the onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, chives, olives and shrimp evenly among the tortillas.

Sprinkle each with cheese and fold tortillas in half to cover the filling.

Lightly oil the grill grate.

Place the filled tortillas directly on the grill.

Cook about 2 minutes per side, until cheese is melted and the tortilla has grill marks.

Serve with remaining salsa and sour cream.

Serves 4.

*****

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Seven Layer Salad

2011-11-30T06:11:00.001-06:00

Seven Layer Salad

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,
Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

4 1/2 cups Shredded Lettuce
1 (10oz) package Frozen peas, thawed and drained
1 cup thinly sliced Red Onion rings
2 cups Shredded Carrots
1 cup Mayonnaise
6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled

Layer Lettuce, carrots, onion, and peas in a 2 quart serving bowl.. Spread on mayonnaise over peas. sealing the edge of the bowl. Sprinkle with cheese, then the crumbled Bacon. Cover and chill several hours or over night. Garnish with Parsley if desired. Yields 6 to 8 cups.

In Memory of Linda Lawson.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Sommor Recipe

2011-11-30T05:28:00.000-06:00

Sommor Recipe

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 can Pork & Beans
1 small Onion, chopped
4 to 5 Potatoes, cubed
1/2 cup Ketchup
4 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

Heat oil, add potatoes and onion, cook until tender. Add Pork & Beans and Ketchup. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Optional: Add cooked Ground Beef.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes found in email this morning

2011-11-28T10:31:00.001-06:00

Chocolate-Covered Peanut Clusters

2 12-oz. pkgs. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 c. creamy peanut butter
16-oz. pkg. mini marshmallows
2-1/2 c. milk chocolate-covered peanuts
Garnish: powdered sugar
Melt chocolate chips with peanut butter in a double boiler; stir until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in marshmallows and chocolate-covered peanuts. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until firm; sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. Makes about 4 dozen.

************

Eggnog Cake

18-1/4 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix with pudding
3 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. oil
1 t. nutmeg
1-1/3 c. eggnog
In a large bowl, blend together all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a Bundt® pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack 10 minutes. Transfer to a nice plate. Drizzle Eggnog Glaze over cake. Makes 12 servings.

Eggnog Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
2 T. margarine, softened
1 t. vanilla extract
3 to 4 T. eggnog

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients except eggnog. Add enough eggnog to reach a glaze consistency.

*************

Creamy Ham & Potato Soup
30-oz. pkg. frozen diced potatoes
6 c. water
1/3 c. onion, chopped
2 10-3/4 oz. cans cream of chicken soup
8-oz. pkg. pasteurized process cheese spread, cubed
1 c. sour cream
2 c. cooked ham, cubed
salt and pepper to taste
Combine potatoes, water and onion in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat and stir in soup and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted. Blend in remaining ingredients. Cook and stir until heated through, but do not boil. Serves 6.

**************

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies
18-1/2 oz. pkg. red velvet cake mix
1/2 c. oil
2 T. water
2 eggs
12-oz. pkg. white chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients; mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheets sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets. Makes 3 dozen.

***************

Fruitcake Cookies

Holiday fruitcake that you can't get rid of wouldn't be a problem if it existed in cookie form - this is why we invented Fruitcake Cookies! Why didn't anybody think of bite-sized fruitcake before?

Ingredients

1 pound candied mixed fruit, diced (see Tip)
2 cups chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1/4 cup (1/2-stick) butter, softened
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon gr! ound cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the candied fruit, pecans, and 1/2 cup flour; toss until the fruit and pecans are evenly coated then set aside.
In another large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs and milk. Add the remaining 1-1/2 cups flour, the baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and beat until well blended.
Stir in the fruit mixture; mix well and drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 1 inch apart onto the cookie sheets. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Barbara's Mexican Cheese Soup

2011-11-23T11:37:00.001-06:00

Barbara's Mexican Cheese Soup

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,
Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

3 deboned and skinless Chicken breast, cubed
4 Chicken bouillon cubes
3 Cups diced Potatoes
1 Onioin, finely chopped (or grated)
1 bunch Broccoli, chopped
1 Carrot, grated
1 to 2 cloves Garlic, mashed
6 Cups Water
Place all of the above in large pot and cook until the potatoes are tender
1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
1/4 cup Flour
2 Chicken Boullion cubes
2 cups Milk
1 LB Mexican Velveeta Cheese, either mild or hot. Blend flour, butter and milk. Add boullion cubes and heat over low heat. Add cubed cheese and stir until completely melted. Combine Cheese sauce to Vegetables and add 1 small jar Pimentos. Heat to desired tempature. Makes a little over 1 Gallon and will keep in the fridge for several days.

In Memory of Kay Bounds, In Honor of Edna Keller.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Shredded Potatoes Au Gratin Nov 22

2011-11-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

Shredded Potatoes Au Gratin

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 lb Frozen shredded Hash Brown Potatoes, thawed
2 cups Whipping Cream
1 1/2 cup Cheddar Cheese, divided
1/4 cup sliced Green Onions
1 teaspoon Salt
1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Combine hash browns, whipping cream 1 1/4 cups of the cheese, onions, salt and pepper in a large bowl, mix well. Spoon into a baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake until hot and bubbly. about 25 minutes.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Anne McCaffrey

2011-11-23T09:19:00.001-06:00

Oh man.... this is like losing a family member to me. I 've read almost all her books, many more than just once.

Thank you Anne, for sharing your worlds with us.

Random House released a statement this afternoon confirming that fantasy author Anne McCaffrey has passed away at age 85. Reports say that she suffered a stroke in her home in Ireland.

McCaffrey is best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. She began her career in 1967 with the novel Restoree, and was rumored to be working on the 23rd installment in the Pern series to be released next year.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Nov 20

2011-11-21T15:14:00.001-06:00

as you can see, I wrote this yesterday.. but didn't have internet until this afternoon.

Hello, again..

I woke up just before the alarm went off. Got Jerry his breakfast. Took the dogs out, read a few emails, and then went back to bed. Got back up around 7. Still feeling lousy, but not as lousy as I was on Friday.

It's raining and I'm in hopes that Jerry won't have to work 10 hours.. the forecast I saw earlier this morning showed heavy raind from 10 am on through 5pm... and tomorrow will be even more rain. My next door neighbor needs a couple of prayers, please. She was running from the front door of Momma D's house around the corner to her house, and ran right into the air conditioner that is up high.. she hit her head hard, and was bleeding.. It's about 1/2 an inch long and it's got a gap. I told her, I'd see about getting a stitch or two cause it is the scalp.

Her boyfriend was afraid to look at it for her. I'd rather see her go in and not need stitches than to not go in, and have an infection. Expectably since it's fairly deep (for the Scalp) and gaping.

She even brought me Gloves to check her head with. Ha ha.. I'd a done it any way. I could have easily done that without getting close to it.. I just had to move some hair out of the way. I brought out the Hydrogen Peroxide but she didn't want it. What a way to start the week, right? At least she now knows I'm not squeamish. Poor Chet,, he was terrified to look at it for her. Men, (outside my brother) Seem to just can't handle when a loved one gets hurt, at all. Thom can handle it. Not sure if Andy could or not, but I'm sure he'd quickly take care then would go faint, at least shaky. Family trait is we handle the situation, then get upset stomach and the shakes.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Brunswick Stew nov 21

2011-11-21T15:07:00.000-06:00

Brunswick Stew

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,
Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 (3 1/2 pound ) Fryer Chicken
4 Onions
1 1/2 quart Fresh or Frozen Butter Beans
Red Pepper to taste
1/2 cup cut Okra
1 quart Corn
1 quart Tomato Juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
3 or 4 medium Potatoes
2 cans Alphabet Soup, undiluted

Boil Chicken and oinion until tender and can be removed from bones. While chicken cools. add beans, potatoes and okra to broth and cook for 45 minutes., Remove chicken from bones. remove skin and chop chicken into small pieces. Add to beans along with corn and tomato juice.. Season and simmer for 1 hour adding the alphabet soup the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time.

In Honor o Lathen (Mac) McGergory

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Roasted Squash Vegetable Medley Nov 21

2011-11-21T15:05:00.000-06:00

Roasted Squash Vegetable Medley

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 medium size Zucchini, cut into chunks
1 medium Yello Squash, cut into chunks
1 medium Onion, halved and then cut into chunks
1/2 lb Button Mushrooms, halved
2 Tablespoons Cooking Oil
1 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper

Combine zucchini, squash, onions and mushrooms in a mixing bowl. Add oil to the bowl. toss vegetables until they are coated lightly and evenly with the oil. Combine poultry seasoning, salt and pepper and sprinkle evenly over the begetables. Toss them again to combine and then spreak them out in a baking pan. Place in a 425F oven and roast 20 to 30 minutes, or until tender. Toss vegetables half way through cooking time.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in my email today

2011-11-18T18:20:00.001-06:00

Almonds in Honey

1 3/4 cups whole almonds

1 cup honey

Toast almonds in a 350

degree

F oven for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden. Cool on a wire rack. Place almonds in a clean 1-pint jar. Add honey slowly, using a table

knife or narrow spatula to help honey drizzle down through the almonds. Cover.

Store in a

cool,

dry place for up to 1 month. Spoon over ice cream. Freeze for longer storage.

Gift idea: Pack in a basket by surrounding with whole almonds in shell. Enjoy.

*******

Thanksgiving Turkey Cookies

Prep: 30 mins

Cooking:10 mins

Level: Easy

Yields: 24 turkeys

1 pkg. (16.5 oz.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Refrigerated

Chocolate Chip

Cookie Bar Dough

3/4 cup prepared chocolate frosting

1/3 cup sliced almonds

48 NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Premier White Morsels

48 NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet

Chocolate

Mini Morsels

24 candy corns

48 pretzel twist pieces for feet

PREPARE cookies as directed on package. Cool completely.

FROST cookies with chocolate frosting. Insert 8 to 10 almond slices into frosting for feathers on each cookie. Place two white morsels upside down on each

as eyes. Adhere mini morsel pupils to white morsels with frosting. Place candy corns as nose and two pretzel pieces for feet on each.

NOTE: Candy corns can be used for feathers instead of almond slices. Enjoy.

***********

Apple Orchard Barbecue Sauce

1 medium onion, grated or finely chopped

4 cups pressed apple cider (not pasteurized apple juice)

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon whole mustard seed

1 teaspoon celery salt or celery seed

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon liquid smoke

2 (12 ounce) bottles chili sauce

Hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional)

Bring all ingredients to boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce is thickened and volume is halved. Pour hot sauce into two 1-pint

sterilized jars. Seal with 2-piece sterilized lids. Water-bath process for 10 minutes. Remove with tongs. Cool. Decorate with Baster Brush Wrap.

Baster Brush Wrap

1 (12-inch) length 1/4-inch wide red

grosgrain ribbon

1 small baster brush

Center gingham squares on jar lid. Slip rubber band over fabric, gathering in around the rim of jar. Tightly tie

ribbon

around jar lid. Tie ribbon streamers in bow around handle of basting brush. Remove

rubber bands. Enjoy.

***********

BAKED CHERRIES

3 cups sweet cherries

1 1/4 cups milk

4 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 tablespoon butter, melted

1 cup flour

1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Wash cherries; remove stems and pits.

Place pitted cherries in an 8 cup oven-proof dish.

In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Blend until smooth. Add flour, blend briefly - do not overmix

once flour is added.

Pour batter into baking dish, covering cherries, and bake for 30 minutes or until top is light golden brown and center is done.

Sift confectioners' sugar over the top and serve while still warm.

This dessert can also be prepared using blueberries, plums, peaches, apples or other fruits that are in season.

Serving Suggestions:

Top with whipped cream or scoops of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy.

************

PEAR CRANBERRY CRISP Makes 6 servings.

8 tbs butter, room temp, cut into small pieces
3/4 cup flour
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups cranberries
8 pears or apples, peeled, cored, cut into slices
Light whipped cream
1/2 cup brown sugar or Splenda
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup sugar or Splenda
1 tbs lemon juice

HEAT oven to 350°. In a bowl, toss pear slices in lemon juice. Add cranberries, sugar, and cinnamon and toss to combine. Spread fruit in an ungreased 9x13" baking pan. In a bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar and butter until crumbly.
SPRINKLE oat mixture over fruit. Bake until fruit is tender and topping is lightly browned, 30 min. Remove from oven and SERVE warm, at room temp or chilled. Top with whipped cream...

********

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Nov 18

2011-11-18T10:45:00.001-06:00

Hello. I know, it's been a couple of days since I've written much of anything. Jerry had a 1/2 day rain out and then a full day rain out this past week. Next weeks paycheck isn't going to be looking too good. Looks like he may get a rain out this next week as well. I hope not since He'll have 4 days off for Thanksgiving, but if he does, he does.

We ran out of propane on our heater this morning, after Jerry left for work. I'll go buy a tank from Momma D this afternoon, when I know she's up and moving around. We will have to get our 30 pound tank filled on Jerry's next day off. Wether it's a rain out day or just a day off. I have been asking him to just take the tanks and get both topped. Hopefully we can do that before we run out of propane on the tank I use to cook with. I used a burner on the stove to break the chill in here this morning. As long as the sun is out, it will stay comfortable for the rest of the day..

Macon is laying at my feet, shivering. I keep telling him to go get on a bed, it would be warmer.

After three or four days of grey clouds and rain, today's sunshine is very welcomed. It's so nice to see Blue Sky again. I'll take each of the dogs for an individual walk this afternoon. I did that yesterday, took me a while, of course. I had to rest between the last two dogs to give my knee a rest, but they each do so well when it was just one with me.

I got a new vacum cleaner and it's does a great job. I still have to sweep up the top layer but it really does get the dog hair up off the floor and off my blanket that really was badly covered in dog hair, again.

Dinner last night was Beef Strognoff. Not my favorite but it was in a box and I had the burger I needed to use up. Jerry is suppose to check at Walmart on the price of their turkeys and if he can find a nice small one, bring it home with him. it's going to be interesting to see how well things are going to cook this year.

I had an electric heater on in the bathroom. warming up the back of the camper and had on the microwave for my oatmeal, and lost power (again) Oh man, We did not have this trouble in Tupelo, and rarely did I have to flip that breaker. And I didn't have this much trouble in Jackson Alabama either, that I can recall. I wish we had 50 amp service in here and so would not be flipping breakers as much ( I think) but changing it, is out of the qustion. Jerry says it would take too much to change it over.

Darn it. I mis-read what Macon needed.. he peed on Jerry's bed and now I have to go wash all his blankets. Ugh. Just came back in from taking the dogs out. Found a Barney mess, he had to have done it as I was untangling the other two just as I was opening the door.. Ugh. Now I'll have to spray the whole floor with lysol. Jerry found two dog messes on the floor when he got up this morning. At least it will smell clean in here.

Tomorrow is trash day.. I'll have plenty to go in the trash this time. Trash is picked up three times a week here. I really wished they had a dumpster, Then I could just take it myself and not expect to have Mike pick it up, something during the day. Some times he's out at 7 am and other times, he's not getting to it until after 2pm.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 Recipes of the day, Nov 17

2011-11-17T09:04:00.001-06:00

*****

Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Dumplings

<rec_appleDumplings.cfm>

– from Christiana Campbell's Tavern
</visit/diningExperience/christianaCampbells/index.cfm>
Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg, Virginia

/Serves 4/

Pastry Ingredients:

* ¼ cup allvegetable shortening
* 1¾ cups allpurpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled
* 4 to 6 tablespoons ice water

Apples Ingredients:

* 4 small tart apples, such as Granny Smith
* 1 tablespoon raisins
* 1 tablespoons dark rum
* 4 teaspoons unsalted butter

Syrup Ingredients:

* 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
* 1½ cups water
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. To make the pastry, combine the shortening, flour and salt in a food
processor fitted with the steel blade. Using on and off pulsing
action, combine until the mixture resembles fine meal. Cut the
chilled butter into small pieces, and pulse a few times, or until
the mixture resembles coarse meal. Sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of
the ice water, and pulse a few times. The mixture should hold
together when pinched. Add more water, if necessary. (This can also
be done using a pastry blender or two knives.) Scrape the pastry
onto a floured board, form it into a ball, and wrap it with plastic
wrap. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes,
2. Preheat the oven to 450°F. While the pastry is chilling, peel and
core the apples. Divide the raisins and rum into the core holes, and
place 1 teaspoon of butter in each core hole. Combine the syrup
ingredients in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3
minutes, and set aside.
3. Divide the pastry into 4 parts. Form one part into a ball, and place
it between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Flatten with
your hands into a "pancake." Roll the pastry into a circle large
enough to cover the apple. Place an apple in the center, and bring
up the sides to encase it. Pinch the top together, holding the dough
with a little water. If the folds seem thick, trim them off and seal
the seams with water. Repeat with the remaining apples.
4. Place the apples on a baking sheet, and brush them with the syrup.
Place them in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to
330"F, and brush again with the syrup. Bake an additional 35
minutes, brushing every 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow
to cool for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

/Note:/ The pastry and syrup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and
refrigerated. The apples should be peeled just prior to baking.

from http://www.history.org/almanack/life/food/fdapdump.cfm

*****

Recipes for a Twelfth Night Celebration

Holiday Wassail

/Serves 20/

*Ingredients:*

* 1 gallon apple cider
* 1 large can pineapple juice (unsweetened)
* 3/4 cup tea (can use herb tea)

*Place in a cheesecloth sack:*

* 1 Tablespoon whole cloves
* 1 Tablespoon whole allspice
* 2 sticks cinnamon

*Instructions:* This is great cooked in a crock pot. Let it simmer very
slowly for 4 to 6 hours. You can add water if it evaporates too much.
Your classroom will smell wonderful and the students will love it!

Gingerbread

*Ingredients:*

* 1 cup sugar
* 2 teaspoons ginger
* 1 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup melted margarine
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk
* 1 cup unsulfered molasses
* 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 3/4 teaspoon lemon extract
* 4 cups stone-ground or unbleached flour, unsifted

*Instructions:* Combine the sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt, and
baking soda. Mix well. Add the melted margarine, evaporated milk and
molasses. Add the extracts. Mix well. Add the flour 1 cup at a time,
stirring constantly. The dough should be stiff enough to handle without
sticking to fingers. Knead the dough for a smoother texture. Add up to ½
cup additional flour if necessary to prevent sticking. When the dough is
smooth, roll it out ¼ inch thick on a floured surface and cut it into
cookies. Bake on floured or greased cookie sheets in a preheated 375° F
oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The gingerbread cookies are done when they
spring back when touched.

from http://www.history.org/almanack/life/food/ginger.cfm

*****

To make a rich Seed Cake called the Nun's Cake

Posted:
November 3rd, 2011 <http://recipes.history.org/category/dessert/>

<http://podcasts.history.org/videos/NunsCake.mp4>

The pound cake was the standard cake of the 18th century, calling for a
pound of butter, a pound of eggs, a pound of sugar, and a pound of
flour. In every kitchen, there were balance scales which allowed the
cook to weigh the ingredients. To change the recipe, the cook needed
only to adjust the ratio.

18th Century

You must take four pounds of the finest flour, and three pounds of
double-refined sugar beaten and sifted; mix them together, and dry
them by the fire till you prepare the other materials; take four
pounds of butter, beat it with your hand till it is soft like cream;
then beat thirty-five eggs, leave out sixteen whites, strain off
your eggs from the treads, and beat them and the butter together
till all appears like butter; put in four or five spoonfuls of rose
or orange-flower water, and beat again; then take you flour and
sugar, with six ounces of carraway-seeds, and strew them in by
degrees, beating it all the time for two hours together; you may put
in as much tincture of cinnamon or ambergris as you please, butter
your hoop, and let it stand three hours in a moderate oven. You must
observe always, in beating of butter, to do it with a cool hand, and
beat it always one way in a deep earthen dish.

– Glasse, Hannah, "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy." pg.311.
</bibliography/#Glasse>

21st Century

/This version of the recipe is reduced by half./

* 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
* 6 cups cake flour
* 6 whole eggs
* 3 Tbsp. orange or rose flower water
* 5 egg yolks
* 3 cups sugar
* 1/3 cup of caraway seeds
* 1/3 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour two
9-inch springform pans.
2. In a 5-quart bowl using a heavy duty mixer, cream your butter until
smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time.
4. When the butter and eggs are well combined, slowly add the sugar
until light and fluffy.
5. Add 3 tablespoons of orange or rose flower water, 1/3 cup caraway
seeds and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and mix well.
6. Slowly add flour and mix only until incorporated. Batter will be heavy.
7. Divide batter evenly between your two pans and bake in a 350 degree
oven for about 1 ½ hours. The last 10 minutes of baking time, turn
off the oven and allow cake to finish off with the residual heat.
Cake is done when a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean.

from
http://recipes.history.org/2011/11/to-make-a-rich-seed-cake-called-the-nun%e2%80%99s-cake/

video available at above link

*****

Cabbage, with Onions

Posted:
July 28th, 2011 <http://recipes.history.org/category/side-dish/>

Cabbage and onions

This recipe is Zen-like in its brevity. There are only five ingredients
mentioned, two of which are in the title. The cook is asked to fry them
as cakes but without any method suggested. Sweating the cooked
vegetables with salt helps to dry them out so the batter adheres better.

18th Century

Boil them separately, and mix them in the proportions you like; add
butter, pepper, and salt, and either stew them or fry them in a cake.

-- Mary Randolph's The Virginia House-Wife, pg. 136.
</bibliography/#Randolph>

21st Century

* 1/2 head of green cabbage
* 1 white onion
* salt and pepper
* 3 Tbsp. butter
* ½ cup flour
* 3 eggs
* 3/4 cup of milk
* butter, lard or vegetable oil for frying

1. Split the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. With a knife,
chop cabbage into long ¼ inch strips, or mince finely.
2. Halve the onions and slice them into long ¼ inch strips, or mince
finely.
3. Boil the cabbage and onions until tender.
4. Drain the vegetables; add butter along with salt and pepper.
5. Drain the cabbages and onions in a colander. Add salt to sweat the
vegetables for about 20 minutes. This will ensure the batter sticks
to them.
6. Combine the flour, eggs and milk together to make a batter about the
consistency of pancake batter.
7. Mix the drained vegetables in the batter.
8. Make the cakes by putting about ½ cup of the vegetable mixture in a
medium hot frying pan. Fry until the cakes are brown on both sides.
Drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

from http://recipes.history.org/2011/07/cabbage-and-onions/

*****

To Make an Onion Pie

Posted:
September 22nd, 2011 <http://recipes.history.org/category/main-dish/>

onion pie

This recipe is a Historic Foodways favorite. The apples and onions
sweeten the potatoes and eggs, and the butter and seasonings tie
everything together. This is a pie, which means it has a top crust. A
ten-inch pie pan works best.

18th Century

Wash and pare some potatoes and cut them in slices, peel some
onions, cut them in slices, pare some apples and slice them, make a
good crust, cover your dish, lay a quarter of a pound of butter all
over, take a quarter of an ounce of mace beat fine, a nutmeg grated,
a tea-spoonful of beaten pepper, three tea-spoonfuls of salt; mix
all together, strew some over the butter, lay a layer of potatoes, a
layer of onions, a layer of apples, and a layer of eggs, and so on
till you have filled your pie, strewing a little of the seasoning
between each layer, and a quarter of a pound of butter in bits, and
six spoonfuls of water; close your pie, and bake it an hour and a
half. A pound of potatoes, a pound of onions, a pound of apples, and
twelve eggs will do.

-- Glasse, Hannah, "The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy" p. 259
</bibliography/#Glasse>

21st Century

* 4 small Yukon Gold potatoes
* 2 large Granny Smith apples
* 2 medium yellow onions
* 8 large eggs
* 3 tsp. Kosher salt
* 1 tsp. freshly cracked pepper
* ½ to 1 grated nutmeg
* ½ to 1 tsp. mace
* 4 oz. butter
* frozen puff pastry or homemade pie crust

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Boil and slice the eggs.
3. Pare and slice the potatoes, apples and onions. Slice everything ¼
inch thick. Place the apples and potatoes in a bowl of water to
prevent oxidation.
4. Roll out the bottom crust and set it into the pie pan.
5. Mix the salt, pepper, nutmeg and mace to together in a single bowl.
6. Drain and dry the apples and potatoes with a towel.
7. Begin the layers from the bottom up with potatoes, then eggs, then
apples and then onions. Sprinkle each layer with a little of the
seasoning and little bits of butter. Continue filling and seasoning
the pie until you are out of ingredients.
8. Put a top crust on the pie and crimp the edges. Cut 4 or 5 slashes
on top crust to allow steam to vent out.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is a nice golden brown.

from http://recipes.history.org/2011/09/to-make-an-onion-pie/

--

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

first 5 recipes I found in email this morning nov 15

2011-11-16T09:06:00.000-06:00

Hello.... Um... So much rain that the Satilight feed is out. So, I'm going through old email files and the first 5 recipes I have come across are in this morning's "first 5"

*********

Steamed corn pudding made on the stovetop.
Corn Tomalito
5 tablespoons margarine, softened
1/4 cup masa harina
1/3 cup SPLENDA&REG; No Calorie Sweetener, Granulated
1/2 cup water
2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons milk
In a medium bowl, mix together the margarine, masa flour, and
SPLENDA&REG; Granulated Sweetener until light and fluffy. In a food
processor or blender, blend one cup of the corn kernels with the water
and cornmeal just until smooth. Stir into the masa mixture. Mix in the
remaining corn, baking powder, salt, and milk until the batter is
smooth. Pour into an 8x8 inch glass baking dish.
Place the baking dish over a large saucepan of simmering water. Cover
the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, and steam for 50 to 60
minutes, or until firm. Check water occasionally, and refill if
necessary. Stir pudding before serving to give it a consistent
texture. Serve in small scoops.
Makes 8 servings.
Note: This recipe has not been tested by the SPLENDA&REG; Test Kitchens.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: Calories: 140; Calories from Fat:
70; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 260mg;
Total Carbs: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 1g; Protein: 2g

********

Bacon Wrapped Dates with Parmesan

12 strips bacon, cut in half crosswise

24 pitted dates

1/4 lb. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cut into small chunks

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until it has rendered some fat and begins to turn translucent; don't let it brown at all. Remove from pan and drain thoroughly on paper towels. Make a slit in each date and stuff with a small piece of cheese. Wrap in a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick if needed. Put wrapped dates in baking dish. At this point, you an cover and refrigerate for up to 36 hours. Preheat oven to 375. Bake dates until bacon is crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven., drain dates on paper towels and set on platter for serving. Thin shreds of any leftover Parmesan make an awesome garnish. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Perfect Party Food

**********

Slow Cooker Roast Pork
Makes 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients:
1 (4-pound) pork butt
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 cup apple juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker. Cover with lid and cook on high for
4 hours or low for 8 hours.

2. When pork is finished cooking, shred meat and serve directly from slow cooker
for guests to make sandwiches or platters

********

Chinese Style Barbecued Ribs

2 1/2 to 3 lbs. rack fresh pork back ribs, cut lengthwise across bones into halves

1/2 cup catsup

2 T. sugar

1 T. salt

2 T hoisin sauce

1 T. dry white wine

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

Chinese hot mustard

Trim fat from ribs; remove membranes. Put ribs in shallow glass dish. Mix remaining ingredients except hot mustard; pour mixture over ribs; Turn ribs. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Put ribs in single layer on rack in roasting pan. Brush with sauce. Bake uncovered at 400 for 30 minutes. Turn ribs; Brush with sauce. Reduce temperature to 375 if ribs are thin. Bake uncovered until done, about 30 minutes more. Cut between each rib. Serve with hot mustard if desired.
Hot Mustard: 1/4 cup dry mustard

3 T. cold water

Stir dry mustard and water together until smooth. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Good recipe, but it makes quite a bit of ribs.

Makes 3 dozen.

********

Italian Herbed Chicken & Penne Pasta

1 can (14 oz.) Swanson® Seasoned Chicken Broth with Italian Herbs *
6 sun-dried tomatoes **
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cut into crosswise strips
2 cups sliced mushrooms
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup packed coarsely chopped fresh spinach
4 cups hot cooked penne pasta (medium tube-shaped)
Grated Parmesan cheese

PLACE broth and tomatoes in microwave-safe measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH 2 min. Let stand 5 min. Remove tomatoes and cut up.
HEAT oil in large nonstick skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often.
ADD mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in flour and cook and stir 1 min.
ADD tomatoes and broth. Cook and stir until mixture boils and thickens. Add spinach and pasta. Mix lightly to coat. Serve with cheese.

Serves 4.

**You may substitute 3 plum tomatoes (chopped) for sun-dried tomatoes. Add with spinach and pasta.

*Or use 1 can (14 oz.) Swanson® Chicken Broth or Swanson® Natural Goodness™ Chicken Broth and 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed.

***********

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Red Potatoes and Thyme

2011-11-16T08:56:00.001-06:00

Red Potatoes and Thyme

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 quart Water
2 lbs small Red Potatoes, quartered
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Butter
Salt and Pepper
2 Tablespoon Thyme

Bring water to a boil. Add quartered potatoes and simmer 12 minutes, until fork tender. Drain pottoes in a colander, set aside for a few minutes. Return empty pot to the stove. melt olive oil and butter in pot. Add back the potatoes when the butter is melted. Season potatoes with salt and pepper and thyme. Coat and brown the potatoes turning only occasionally, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Potato Bake

2011-11-16T08:50:00.000-06:00

Potato Bake

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

8 to 10 Potatoes
1 cup Sour Cream
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups grated Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter or Margarine
1/2 cuip Corn Flakes

Boil potatoes with skins on. Cool, then peel. slice into a 9 x 13 inch pan. (spray pan with non stick spray first) Salt and Pepper the potatoes to taste. Mix together sour cream, soup, 1 cup of the cheese and butter in a bowl. pour over potatoes. sprinkle rest of cheese on top of soup mixture. Sprinkle corn flakes over the cheese. Bake at 350F until browned.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Nov 14, 2011

2011-11-14T14:07:00.001-06:00

Good Afternoon... and Hello. We have had a change, again. Now that the time has "fallen" back, Where my hubby works and changed the start time for the day, instead of starting at 7 am.. he now starts at 6 am. So instead of getting up at 3:30 am. We are getting up at 2:30 am. If it was just his company then we wouldn't have changed what time we get up, but it's project wide. Sigh... once I'm awake and have cooked his breakfast, I'm awake for a while. This also means I'll be going to bed much earlier in the evening. Just like kids in school. I hate having to be in bed by 8 pm. It just doesn't seem like a great bedtime to me.
I'm really expecting Jerry home at any time because it's very windy out. they can not use the lifts in the wind like this. remember the Collage person who was killed trying to take a group picture.. they use that kind of lif. They can use ladders for some of the work, but only if it's near a wall and all the stuff they are working on is not near any walls right now. I did suggest that maybe he teach some of the other's how to figure out the way to make the conduit bends. He does all the math in his head. but he also has the formulas on paper and that can be copyed and shared. Would be great if other's could learn how to do it like Jerry does.
I didn't get on line since mid morning Saturday until early this morning. I went back to bed for two hours at 5 am. And I'm still not as awake as I should be. My knee was giving me lots of trouble yesterday.. Today it's much easier. But I soaked the bed with sweat last night. I mean I haven't had night sweats like that in a couple of years, now. So now, I have to change my sheets and air out the mattress I sleep on.
Barney is on restrictions with me. I'm not allowing him past the kitchen doorway to the bedroom area. When he's not on a lead, he's in the kennel, I want him to understand that the whole house is off limits as a potty area for him. Not just the front. I did take him out at 11:15 for an extra break, and he peed like he should have, I let him eat since the other two dogs got to eat, but then it was back in the kennel. I'm slowly getting the camper cleaned up. Usually I've gotten most of it done by this time of the day, but today, I'm just dragging.
The cats have been behaving. Only one front to back run and then I yelled and they stopped. Now they are sitting at the back window looking out. I have a bit of trouble keeping them from staying at the screen door looking out all the time.
I'm going to cook a piece of roast in the table top oven today. I'll add a couple of potatoes to the side and maybe open a can of green beans as well as have a salad. not sure what dessert may be, if we have one at all.
I am hearing... Of course I have the tv on. Y&R is almost 1/2 done. Someone else was making lots of noise outside earlier. Sawing and hammering, and then playing music (if you could call "that" music) very loud. I had to turn up the tv to drown out that mess. At least now it's been turned down.
I am wearing... brown sweat pants and a white tshirt. We did the laundry yesterday instead of Saturday night. When we drove past on Saturday, we saw the place crowded. Well... yah.. it was almost 2 hours earlier than when we usually go there. It wasn't too bad when we went on Sunday afternoon, but by the time we left it was getting very crowded.
I am creating... I need to work on some cards I thought of making. I printed off some pictures and now need to Modge Podge them to card stock to make Thanksg giving cards. I only have enough for 9 cards.

One of my favorite things... I found out, for sure, that my oldest Grand daughter is much like me. She wants to learn how to "Make Stuff". I'm putting together a small kit of things for her to work with.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Potato Bake nov 15

2011-11-14T10:20:00.001-06:00

Potato Bake

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

8 to 10 Potatoes
1 cup Sour Cream
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cups grated Cheddar Cheese, divided
1 stick (1/2 cup) Butter or Margarine
1/2 cuip Corn Flakes

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Pineapple-Orange Sweet Potatoes

2011-11-14T09:50:00.001-06:00

Pineapple-Orange Sweet Potatoes

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 1/2 Lbs Sweet Potatoes
1 (15oz) Can Sliced Pineapple, drained
1/2 cup Orange marmalade
1/4 cup Raisins (Optional)
1/2 cup Orange Juice

Bake Sweet Potatoes at 400F for 50 minutes or until done, cool. Peel and cut into 1/3 inch slices, cut pineapple slices in half. Alternate sweet potatoes and pineapple slices in a lightly greased 8 inch square baking dish. Combine orange juice, marmalade and raisins, in a small saucepan, cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Pour over sweet potatoes and pineapple slices. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

The first 5 recipes I found in my emails this morning

2011-11-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

*****

Fudgy Peanut Butter Brownies

1 1/2 C Bisquick Reduced Fat Baking Mix
1 (4 serving) package sugar free instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
1/2 C creamy reduced fat peanut butter
1 C unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs or equivalent in egg substitute

Preheat oven to 350

Spray a 11x7 inch baking pan with butter flavored cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine baking mix and dry pudding mix. Add peanut butter, applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix well to combine.

Spread batter into prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes
Place baking pan on a wire rack and allow to cool completely

Cut into 16 bars
229 cal., 8 gm fat, 30 gm carb.

*******

Low Fat Crispy Rice Fruit Balls (high fiber)

1/2 cup whole almonds, toasted
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup dried apples
1/2 cup dried figs, stemmed
1/2 cup pitted dates
2 tablespoons orange juice
3/4 cup crispy rice cereal

In food processor, blend almonds, raisins, apples, dates and figs to form paste.

Add orange juice and mix well. Place in shallow dish. Scoop out a teaspoon of almond mixture and roll into balls. Roll in cereal to coat.

Makes 20 balls.

Calories.... .60.....Fat. ....2 g.....Carbs. ....11 g......Fiber. .....4 g.

*******

Low fat - Sweet Potato Pie

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 eggs

Boil sweet potatoes until soft. Mash potatoes in a large-mixing bowl.
Combine mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, syrup, vanilla, milk and nutmeg. Mix well.

Spray 9-inch pie pan with non-fat cooking spray. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until knife comes out clean.

Serves 8
Per serving (without pie crust): Calories 105, Fat 1.49 gms, Chol 46.8 mg, Sod 20.3 mg, Carb 20.8 gms, Sugars 16.1 gms, Pro 2.29 gms

Optional: Prepare in a low fat pie crust and top with Cool Whip.

********

Peanut Butter Squares

•cooking spray
•1 large egg
•1/4 cup natural peanut butter
•1/4 cup sugar substitute
•1 cup ripe mashed banana (2 to 3 bananas)
•1/4 cup skim milk
•1 cup flour
•1 teaspoon baking powder
•1 teaspoon baking soda
•1/4 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts

1.Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.

2.In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the egg, peanut butter, sugar substitute, and banana until smooth.

3.Stir in the milk.

4.Into a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.

5.Beat dry ingredients into egg and banana mixture.

6.Stir in the peanuts.

7.Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30 minutes until browned.

8.Cool completely and cut into 25 squares.
Nutrition Information

Per 2 squares: 108 calories (37% calories from fat), 4 g protein, 4 g total fat (0.8 g saturated fat), 14 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 18 mg cholesterol, 148 mg sodium

*********

Holiday Cherry Shortcake

21 oz. cherry pie filling
1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
8 oz. Cool Whip Free, thawed
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
13 oz. angel food cake, cubed

In a large mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, whipped topping and walnuts. Mix well. Fold in cake cubes. In a serving bowl, pour half of the cake mixture. Pour half of the cherry filling on top of the cake mixture. Repeat layers until all ingredients have been used. Chill 3 hours before serving.

15 servings. 184 Calories, 1g Fat, 5g Protein, 40g Carbohydrate, 2mg Cholesterol, 111mg Sodium

*******

Billie C.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Damm IT !!!

2011-11-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

$%^& It !!! I just had a H e l l of a time with my dogs because some idiot on the lower level let their small dog out. No one watching it. No one calling it back and it was not on a line. I'm so steamed right now

I had to walk my dogs. There is no place up here to walk my dogs, Only over by the lake side. Or behind the lower Level. Even if we had headed up by the road sign that small dog would have followed us. Which would have put it in more danger.

MY dog, on leads, Still tried to go after it. I have no idea if they would have just sniffed butts or would have attacked it. They sure wanted to chase it the first time it ran off. and my dogs about got away from me this time.

I'm out there yelling and screaming and no one comes to help me. NO ONE !!!. I Know MOMMA D and Kim are on the other side of the house from me. I know that ,when they play music on that side of the house I don't hear it on my side of her house, but I also know that some one else heard me cause she came out looking, then went back inside. I asked her if this was her dog. No.

I saw Momma D and asked if she knew where it belonged? No, but she'll find out and tell them to stay with it, or put on a line outside.

ARrgh... oh how I hate it when people dis regard the rules around here !!!! Because Momma D does not have her dog on a line, other's think it's ok for them to break the rule. At least most of them stay out with their dog, or have it on a line.

Billie C.

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

2011-11-11T10:01:00.001-06:00

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,

Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 cup Chopped Ham
1 cup Water
2 cups Milk
3 Tablespoon Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
dash of Pepper
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped Broccoli
2 cups (8 oz) natural Swiss Cheese, cubed.

Boil ham in water for 10 minutes; add Broccoli. Cook until tender. Gradually add milk to flour, stirring until well blended. Gradually add milk mixture to ham mixture, stirring constantly until mixture slightly thickens. Simmer 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add cheese and seasonings. Cook until cheese begins to melt. Serves 4 ro 6.

In honor of Nita Trys

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Picnic Perfect Beans

2011-11-11T09:54:00.000-06:00

Picnic Perfect Beans

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 Lb Smoked Sausage, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup Chopped Onions
1 (28 oz) can Baked Beans, undrained
1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
No-Stick Cooking Spray
1/2 cup White bread crumbs
1/4 cup Brown Sugar

In a medium skillet, saute sausage and onions until sausage is no longer pink. Add beans and BBQ Sauce, mix well, until heated through. Pour into 2 quart casserole dish, sprayed with cooking spray. In small bowl combine bread crumbs and brown sugar. sprinkle over beans, Bake uncovered at 350F for 30 minutes
makes 8 servings.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Nov 11, 2011

2011-11-11T07:41:00.001-06:00

Hello and Good Morning... When we woke up this morning, I asked Jerry if he would mind just picking up breakfast on his way to work. he said he would do that and let me sleep in. I got up about 2 hours later. Cleaned the cat box. Took the dogs out, Let the cats out, bagged up some trash. and read some emails. Not bad. I think we are in for another weather change as my right knee is really hurting today. it was achy yesterday, but really talking to me today. I've put Walkin ice Blue ointment on it. A knee brace and now have my sweat pants on to warm it up. I'll be taking some Alieve when I take my meds this morning. The only thing I can think of that is making it hurt this much is I must have pulled it a bit when i tripped over the weekend and again when I took the dogs down the roadway a bit along the lake, yesterday. I was looking for a pine tree and all I found were Cedars. I need to walk a different direction soon. I'm looking for some pine cones, not only for me but for Kim, as well. I know I saw some pines around here, but I can't recall just where they were. I'll also pick up some Hickory nuts, if I find them, to use as decorations. I have never had any luck getting the nutmeats out of HIckory's.
Tom just left for work. I didnt' know if he was not going in or what, today.. Usually he's up and moving before Jerry leaves for work.. I noticed he was still home when I took our dogs out.. and made just a little noise so his dogs would "alert" him, in case his alarm didnt' got off.. he didnt' getup then, I didn't even hear his dogs move, so I wasn't all that loud out there. I'll ask him, tonight if he meant to go in this late, or what.. Now that he's gone, one of his dogs is barking. Not sure why he's doing that, no one is moving out side right now. Everything was a bit icy this morning when I took the dogs out.
When we go shopping this week, I'll be looking for a small turkey. I want the whole turkey and not just the breast. I like the legs and Jerry like the white meat. If I don't find one I like this week, I can still look again next week. I need to find other "stuff" for our Thanksgiving meal, as well. I really don't want to go out. Places that are open are ususally very crowded and I like left overs, as well.

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes of the day in my emails nov 10

2011-11-10T09:13:00.001-06:00

Zero Salad Dressing
Source: old American Diabetes Association Cookbook

1/2 cup tomato juice (or V8)
2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
1 tablespoon minced onion
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon oregano
Dash of pepper
Dash of garlic powder

Combine all ingredients in jar with tightly fitted top, and refrigerate for several hours before serving.

************

Hot Mocha Mix

Mississippi State University Extension Service, Pine Belt Family and Youth Center

2 cups sugar
2 cups instant nonfat dry milk
2 cups nondairy creamer
1 cup cocoa
1/2 cup instant coffee powder

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store mix in an airtight container. To serve, place 2 tablespoons mix in a cup. Add 1 cup boiling water and stir well. Top with a marshmallow or whipped cream, if desired.

Yield: enough for about 60 8-oz. servings.

from the October 2000 issue of Today in Mississippi

*********

Tortellini with Mushroom and Garlic Sauce

2 packages (9 ounces each) cheese-filled tortellini
2 Tbs olive oil
1 lb fresh white mushrooms, sliced (about 5 cups)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 package (10 ounces) frozen green peas in butter sauce, slightly defrosted
1 jar (7 ounces) roasted red peppers, diced
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain; place in a large serving bowl; cover to keep warm. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat oil until hot. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
Add peas, roasted peppers, salt and black pepper; cook, stirring occasionaly, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon over hot tortellini; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Servings: 4

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1 serving
Percent daily values based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 528.76
Calories From Fat (30%) 156.24
% Daily Value
Total Fat 17.46g 27%
Saturated Fat 5.88g 29%
Cholesterol 93.09mg 31%
Sodium 1278.50mg 53%
Potassium 406.40mg 12%
Carbohydrates 66.28g 22%
Dietary Fiber 17.23g 69%
Sugar 2.17g
Sugar Alcohols 0.00g
Net Carbohydrates 49.05g
Protein 27.49g 55%

************

Slow-Cooker White Bean and Kielbasa Stew

Serves 6| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 8hr 00m

Ingredients
a.. 1 pound dried white beans (such as great Northern or navy)
b.. 14 ounces kielbasa, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/2 inch thick
c.. 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
d.. 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
e.. 1 large onion, chopped
f.. 6 cloves garlic, chopped
g.. 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
h.. 5 ounces baby spinach (6 cups)
i.. country bread, for serving
Directions
1.. In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the beans, kielbasa, broth, tomatoes (and their juices), onion, garlic, rosemary, and 1 cup water.
2.. Cover and cook until the beans are tender, on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 5 to 6 hours (this will shorten total recipe time).
3.. Just before serving, stir in the spinach. Serve with the bread.
Nutritional Information
a.. Per Serving
b.. Calories 426
a.. Fat 13g
b.. Sat Fat 5g
c.. Cholesterol 50mg
d.. Sodium 1,091mg
e.. Protein 29g
f.. Carbohydrate 51g
g.. Sugar 3g
h.. Fiber 15g
i.. Iron 6mg
j.. Calcium 158mg

*******

Dulce de Leche

All you need:

1 can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk

All you need to do:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a glass pie plate. Cover tightly with foil.

Place the covered pie plate in a roasting pan. Place in the pie plate into the oven on the middle rack.

Add enough hot water to the roasting pan so the water comes up about half way up the side of the pie plate.

TIP: Check on the pan after about 30 minutes. add a little hot water to compensate for the water that has evaporated. check again after another 30 minutes.

You will need to bake this at 425 degrees for a total of 1 ¼ hours or until golden in color. Mine has always taken exactly 1 ¼ hours.

Remove from the oven. Carefully remove the pie plate from the pan and remove the foil.

Place the thickened sauce into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Allow to cool then place in a clean jar and refrigerate until use.

To Use:

It will become thick and spread-like. perfect to spread on toast or breads. To use as a sauce.. allow to warm slightly in the microwave or place the jar into a bowl of warm water.

**********

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Mushroom Soup

2011-11-10T05:27:00.001-06:00

Mushroom Soup

Pink Ribbon Cookbook,
Women First Breast Cancer Support Group

1 Quart Mushrooms
1 1/2 quart good rich Stock (veal or chicken)
1 Tablespoon Flour
1 Tablespoon Butter
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Whipped Cream
Croutons

Wash and peel mushrooms and dice. Stire into them 1 1/2 cups of stock. Thicken with flour creamed with the butter, salt and pepper. Ad the last moment, add a bit of whipped cream and croutons.

In Memory of Minni Floyd

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Parmeasan orzo Primavera, Nov 10

2011-11-10T05:13:00.000-06:00

Parmeasan orzo Primavera

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 can Chicken Broth (not condensed)
1/3 cup Water
1 cup Orzo Pasta, uncooked**
1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
2 1/2 cups Chopped Fresh Vegatables such as
Broccoli, carrots, Green Onions, Red Peppers, or any others that you like.

Combine broth, orzo pasta, and water in medium sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 7 minutes.
Stir in chopped vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan Cheese. Serve
** Orzo is a small rice shaped pasta. Look for it in the pasta aisle.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes of the day

2011-11-09T14:33:00.001-06:00

Not from today's emails but from the past. I am trying to clean up and clean out a few older aol files.

**********

Meaty Spaghetti Sauce

2 pounds lean ground beef

2 pounds ground pork or veal

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed

2 large onions, chopped

2 medium sized green pepper, chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (28 oz each) whole tomatoes, undrained and chopped

2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste

2 cups Burgundy or other dry red wine

2 cups water

1 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 bay leaves

1 1/2 t. salt

2 t. dried whole oregano

2 t. dried whole basil, crushed

2 t. brown sugar

Hot cooked spaghetti

Grated Parmesan cheese

Combine first 6 ingredients in a stockpot. Cook over medium high heat until

meat is browned, stirring to crumble meat. Drain well. Stir in tomatoes and

next 9 ingredients. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer 2 hours,

stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Serve over hot spaghetti. Sprinkle

with Parmesan cheese. Makes about 16 cups.

To Store: Refrigerate remaining spaghetti sauce in tightly covered container

up to 1 week. Freeze remaining sauce in desired amounts in labeled airtight

container up to 3 months.

Notes: I make this to use in my lasagna. It's a great recipe, but I'm a

purist. I don't include the green peppers when I make this sauce. It makes a

boatload, so I freeze a lot of it. Be sure to use a very big pot to make

this in. There's a lot of it!

Source: My Old Recipes and The Complete Do Ahead Cookbook

*********

Crock Pot Chuckwagon Meatballs

2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 c. rice
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp. salt
1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
1/4 c. vinegar
3 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. chili powder
2 to 3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Combine meat, rice, onion, egg, and salt. Form into 1 to 2 inch meatballs. Brown in hot skillet or cook in microwave on rack for 5 minutes on high. Place in Crockpot. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over meatballs. Cook on low 4 to 6 hours or on high 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally

***********

John's Red Velvet Cake

VJ weekly

Enjoy, Sugar
===============
Cake:
    2 cups sugar
    1/2 pound (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
    2 eggs
    2 tablespoons cocoa powder
    2 ounces red food coloring
    2 1/2 cups cake flour
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 cup buttermilk
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    1 tablespoon vinegar

Icing:
    1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
    1 stick butter, softened
    1 cup melted marshmallows
    1 (1-pound) box confectioners' sugar
    1 cup shredded coconut
    1 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350F. In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter,
beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well
after each addition. Mix cocoa and food coloring together and then
add to sugar mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. Add
flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
Blend in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and vinegar
and add to mixture. Pour batter into 3 (8-inch) round greased and
floured pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted
into the center comes out clean. Remove from heat and cool completely
before frosting.

For The Icing: Blend cream cheese and butter together in a mixing
bowl. Add marshmallows and sugar and blend. Fold in coconut and nuts.
Spread between layers and on top and sides of cooled cake.

**********

Gorilla Bread

VJ weekly

N joy

Sugar
=============
    1/2 cup granulated sugar
    3 teaspoons cinnamon
    1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
    1 cup packed brown sugar
    1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
    2 (12-ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 count)
    1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat the oven to 350F. Spray a bundt pan with nonstick cooking
spray. Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon. In a saucepan, melt the
butter and brown sugar over low heat, stirring well; set aside. Cut
the cream cheese into 20 equal cubes. Press the biscuits out with
your fingers and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon sugar.
Place a cube of cream cheese in the center of each biscuit, wrapping
and sealing the dough around the cream cheese. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of
the nuts into the bottom of the bundt pan. Place half of the prepared
biscuits in the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, pour half of the
melted butter mixture over the biscuits, and sprinkle on 1/2 cup of
nuts. Layer the remaining biscuits on top, sprinkle with the remaining
cinnamon sugar, pour the remaining butter mixture over the biscuits,
and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of nuts. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes. Place a plate on top and
invert.

*************

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Gingerbread-Latte/detail.aspx

Gingerbread Latte

By: THEARIZONA BULEYS

"If you have an espresso maker in your home or office, you can whip up this spicy seasonal favorite."

Ingredients

2 fluid ounces espresso coffee
2 tablespoons gingerbread flavored syrup
1/2 cup milk, steamed
1/8 cup whipped cream
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder

Directions

In a coffee mug, combine espresso coffee with flavored syrup. Pour in steamed milk. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla powder.

Footnotes

Cook's Note:
Gingerbread flavored syrup is available seasonally in some markets. Look for it in the flavored syrup aisle. You can also order it from several online sources.

Nutritional Information

Amount Per Serving Calories: 239 | Total Fat: 8.4g | Cholesterol: 30mg Powered by ESHA Nutrient Database

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Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

hello, good afternoon

2011-11-09T14:28:00.001-06:00

Hello and good afternoon.

Just a quick update. I decided to work on my list of things to make" and so cut out some circles from some leather I picked up last weekend. Now I can't find my leather shoe laces I bought at Wal-mart.. I'm going to have to go back to Hobby Lobby and pick up a leather carving kit. I realized that I should have picked one up while I was there, but totally forgot while i was there. I have at least one kit in storage, but which one is the bigger question.

I did get one pouch made but it's very small. I'm thinking I'll give it to Bailey. She may find some trinket to keep in it.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

2011-11-09T11:18:00.000-06:00

Mushroom Rice Pilaf

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

1 1/2 cups Chopped Onion
1 1/2 cups (4oz) Fresh Mushrooms
3/4 cup uncooked long grain Rice
2 Tablespoons Butter
1 1/2 cup Beef or Chicken Broth
1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper

In a 3 quart saucepan, cook Onions, Mushroom and Rice in butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. until onions are tender and rice is lightly browned. about 3 mintues. Stir in broth and pepper.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes or until rice is tender. Let stand 3 miutes. Stir gently before serving.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

First 5 recipes in my mail box

2011-11-08T12:01:00.001-06:00

Sweet Potato Praline Swirl

Tired of the same old marshmallows on your sweet potatoes? Set this rich, tasty side dish beside the turkey this year and introduce your family to a new favorite. —Amanda Dalvine, Orange Park, Florida

6 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.

Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 eggs
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 teaspoons Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup chopped pecans

PRALINE SAUCE:
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract

Directions
•Place sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring
to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until
tender.

•Drain potatoes and place in a large bowl; mash until smooth. Beat in
the cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger; fold in
pecans.

•Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Combine sauce
ingredients; spoon over potato mixture. Cut through with a knife to
swirl the sauce.

•Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 30-40 minutes or until a thermometer
reads 160°. Yield: 6 servings.

from yahoo group ExploringChristmas@yahoogroups.com

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Pumpkin Pie Dip

"I came up with this rich creamy dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking," recalls Laurie LaClair of North Richland Hills, Texas. TIP: "It is also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread or any other nut bread," Laurie suggests.

32 ServingsPrep/Total Time: 10 min.

Ingredients
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Gingersnap cookies

Directions
•In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until
smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice
and ginger until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate
leftovers. Yield: 4 cups.

ExploringChristmas@yahoogroups.com

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Pumpkin Trifle

There's more to pumpkin than pie, as Hyla Lehenbauer points out with this impressive trifle. "It looks so elegant with alternating layers of gingerbread cake and pumpkin/butterscotch pudding," she writes from New London, Missouri. "Try making it ahead of time for a fuss-free dessert when you're planning to entertain guests."

18 ServingsPrep: 1 hour + cooling

Ingredients
1 package (14-1/2 ounces) gingerbread cake mix
1-1/4 cups water
1 egg
4 cups cold fat-free milk
4 packages (1 ounce each) sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice
1 carton (12 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed

Directions
•In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water and egg, beat on low
speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into an
ungreased 8-in. square baking pan.

•Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near
the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from
pan to a wire rack. When completely cooled, crumble the cake. Set
aside 1/4 cup crumbs for garnish.

•In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes or until
slightly thickened. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir
in pumpkin and spices until well blended.

•In a trifle bowl or 3-1/2-qt. glass serving bowl, layer a fourth of
the cake crumbs, half of the pumpkin mixture, a fourth of the cake
crumbs and half of the whipped topping. Repeat layers. Garnish with
reserved cake crumbs. Serve immediately or refrigerate until
serving. Yield: 18 servings.

alacrafter
ExploringChristmas@yahoogroups.com

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Butter Pecan Pumpkin Pie

This pie was always a family favorite at holidays. Everyone thought I'd worked all day to make it, but it's actually so easy to assemble. It's handy to have in the freezer when unexpected company stops in for coffee and dessert. —Arletta Slocum, Venice, Florida

8 ServingsPrep: 20 min. + freezing

Ingredients
1 quart butter pecan ice cream, softened
1 pastry shell (9 inches), baked
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
1/2 cup caramel ice cream topping
1/2 cup chocolate ice cream topping, optional

Additional whipped cream

Directions
•Spread ice cream into the crust; freeze for 2 hours or until firm. In
a small bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, cinnamon, ginger and
nutmeg; fold in whipped cream. Spread over ice cream. Cover and
freeze for 2 hours or until firm. May be frozen for up to 2 months.

•Remove from the freezer 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with
caramel ice cream topping. Drizzle with chocolate ice cream topping
if desired. Dollop with whipped cream. Yield: 8 servings.

alacrafter
ExploringChristmas@yahoogroups.com

******

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Pumpkin pie and cheesecake go together perfectly in this special dish from Sharon Kurtz. "These bars are absolutely delightful and easy to make," she writes from Emmaus, Pennsylvania.

20 ServingsPrep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min. + chilling

Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup reduced-fat butter, melted

FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) reduced-fat cream cheese
1 package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3/4 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract
2 eggs, lightly beaten
20 walnut halves

Directions
•In a small bowl, combine cracker crumbs and sugar; stir in butter.
Press onto the bottom of a 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish coated with
cooking spray. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

•In a large bowl, beat cream cheeses and sugar until smooth. Beat in
the pumpkin, flour, pie spice and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low
speed just until combined. Pour over crust.

•Bake at 325° for 35-45 minutes or until center is almost set.
Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or
overnight.

•Cut cheesecake into 20 bars; top each with a walnut half. Yield: 20
bars.

alacrafter

ExploringChristmas@yahoogroups.com

********

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/

2011-11-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

Tip junkie's link

follow this link for some great craft ideas.

Lemony Brussel Sprouts

2011-11-08T05:35:00.000-06:00

Lemony Brussel Sprouts

"From Our Home to Yours"
Ozark First Church of the Nazarene"
2004

(6 servings)
1 1/2 Lbs Brussels Sprouts, trimmed
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1/8 teaspoon Salt
1/8 teaspoon Pepper
1/3 cup Butter or Margarine

Cut an "X" in teh core of each Brussels Sprout. Place in a saucepan, and 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 monutes or until crisp-tender. Drain.
In a large skillet, saute the Brussels Sprouts, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in butter for 2 to 3 minutes ur until flavors are blended.

Billie c.
http://thelifeofbilliec.blogspot.com/