Jan 31, 2012

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

 

1

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.

 

*********

2

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

 

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

 

3

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

 

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

 

4

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

 

*****

 

5

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

 

 

1.

 

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.

 

*****

 

2

 

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.

*****

 

3

 

A VINTAGE RECIPE SITE

www.vintagerecipes.net/

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

****

4

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.

*******

 

5

 

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

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.

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

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

 

 

1

 

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

*****

 

2

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.

*****

 

3

 

 

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...

******

 

4

 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...

 ******

 

5

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?

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

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

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

1

 

 "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.

 

*

 

2

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.

*****

 

3

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

 

*****

 

4

 

 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

 

**********

 

5

 

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

  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

 

*****

1

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

******

 

2

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.

 

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

 

3

 

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.

 

******

 

4

 

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.

 

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

 

5

 

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

 

 

1

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

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

2

 

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...

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

 

3

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.

 

*****

 

4

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.

*****

 

5

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

 

1

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.

*****

2

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.

*****

3

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.

****

4

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!

******

5

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

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