Wednesday, December 28, 2011

first 5 recipes

 
 
*****
 
1
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.
 
 **********
 
2
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]
 
***********
 
3
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
*****
 
4
 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.
-------------------------------------------

 
 
 

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Dec 27 2011

(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....

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

12 21 11

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.
 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Good Monday Morning !!

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.
 

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

First 5 recipes in my email this morning

 
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.
 
 
*****
1
 
 "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.
*******
 
2
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.
******
 
3
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.
 
*****
 
4

Chocolate Mint Christmas Brownies

Tree shaped green frosted mint 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

*****
 
5

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
 

Monday, December 12, 2011

First 5 recicpes of the day

 
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. 
 
****
 
1
  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.
 
nullYou 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.
 
*******
 
2
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
 
*************
 
3
 
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.
 
 

******
 
4
"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.
***********
 
5
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.
 


 
 

Monday, December 5, 2011

First 5 recipes in my mail this morning

 
 
 
1
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/
 
************
 
2
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.
**********
3
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.
 
************
 
4
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


Christmas countdown banner



Friday, December 2, 2011

first 5 recipes in my email this morning

 
 
1
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...
2
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...
 
4
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.
 
5
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.
 

Good Morning...

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.
 

Grand Slam Salad

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.
 

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Dec 1

 
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.