tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55000254618317841582024-03-12T21:36:26.531-07:00mommypipsqueakMakin. Bakin. Creatin. Sewin. Readin. Gardenin. Kid raisin. Wife bein. God lovin. Livin.Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-29861257600084641582013-04-01T10:54:00.000-07:002013-04-05T23:33:36.056-07:00Humble Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNLHnie186E/UVnJUX8kJRI/AAAAAAAAArQ/8ljwuiTihZM/s1600/Copy+of+California+Trip+2012+091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vNLHnie186E/UVnJUX8kJRI/AAAAAAAAArQ/8ljwuiTihZM/s320/Copy+of+California+Trip+2012+091.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a photo of Alcatraz. It was taken on our family trip to S F last summer. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today I woke up feeling SO thankful to the Lord for the many blessings in my life! My husband has a job! My kids are well-looked after while I get to work on some things at home. We are healthy. We are blessed to live in the country! I am thankful for all of those things and more!<br />
<br />
I started my morning off with reading from Acts 4-5. How encouraging to read about the early Christians and their seriousness about their lives with God! It humbled me to think how far we have come at living so boldly for our God. It also inspired me. At the end of chapter 5, the apostles were flogged and ordered to speak no more in the name of Jesus and were then released from their captors. Verse 41-42 says, "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ." <br />
<br />
Amazing!Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-13895943714359653172012-11-08T01:30:00.001-08:002012-11-08T10:02:38.342-08:00Who Are You?<span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever thought about your life</span> and who you are? Is there Light shining through you? As a Christian, does your life point others towards <span style="font-size: large;">Jesus</span>? Does your life reflect Him or look like a different image?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Who am I? In Christ, I am redeemed; made whole; made a new creation by His sacrifice in my place on the cross. Though I am not perfect, He is my righteousness. Any good in me is clearly because of Him and because of His Spirit living in me. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Om2uP9PXuw/UJt2-7f5OxI/AAAAAAAAAqE/fkMuN_Iz8C4/s1600/California+Trip+2012+092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Om2uP9PXuw/UJt2-7f5OxI/AAAAAAAAAqE/fkMuN_Iz8C4/s320/California+Trip+2012+092.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tonight I was checking my own heart and thought this may be a good time to write. Who am I? What am I doing to glorify God with my life? I am not speaking of working my way into salvation, because I don't believe it's possible, based on the Word of God. I am speaking of living out my life by God's grace. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who are you? Are you "in Christ" and pleasing Him with your life? Maybe you can relate to the heart-check questions below. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do others know that I'm a Christian?</span> Do they see a difference between my life and the way the rest of the world lives? </span></strong></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Is my life <span style="font-size: large;">affecting others</span> in an <span style="font-size: large;">encouraging </span>way? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4i4PMTSdaoo/UJt4wszPL9I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Vmgmo5r29K4/s1600/California+Trip+2012+098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4i4PMTSdaoo/UJt4wszPL9I/AAAAAAAAAqc/Vmgmo5r29K4/s320/California+Trip+2012+098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I look for ways to <span style="font-size: large;">serve</span> others or help meet someone's <span style="font-size: large;">needs</span>?</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xIR2rEZNeQ/UJt3sK4FUnI/AAAAAAAAAqU/eMUMiVAC1-k/s1600/California+Trip+2012+079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xIR2rEZNeQ/UJt3sK4FUnI/AAAAAAAAAqU/eMUMiVAC1-k/s320/California+Trip+2012+079.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Am I <span style="font-size: large;">trusting God</span> in every area of my life? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Am I willing to <span style="font-size: large;">give up</span> something precious for another? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Are my <span style="font-size: large;">treasures</span> on earth? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Is there sin that I haven't <span style="font-size: large;">repented</span> of?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Am I living one way 6 days a week, and another way on the 7th day? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Is my love for others evident in the way I speak? Or <span style="font-size: large;">is love missing from my mouth</span>?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I say I love God and yet do not live FOR Him? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I <span style="font-size: large;">justify sin</span>, thinking it's not 'that bad' or that God will forgive me?<br />
Am I more concerned about <span style="font-size: large;">pleasing</span> others or my God?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Am I <span style="font-size: large;">trusting Him</span> with my fears? Or do I hold onto them, for fear of trusting Him?</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTdz0HwzMy8/UJt3FEaajXI/AAAAAAAAAqM/E0ES0-wIkac/s1600/California+Trip+2012+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTdz0HwzMy8/UJt3FEaajXI/AAAAAAAAAqM/E0ES0-wIkac/s320/California+Trip+2012+101.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I continually <span style="font-size: large;">devote myself to prayer</span>? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I <span style="font-size: large;">share</span> all I have with anyone who might be in need?<br />
Does my life bear the <span style="font-size: large;">fruit of the Spirit</span>?<br />
Do I <span style="font-size: large;">stand strong</span> in the world, and not be OF the world? </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I <span style="font-size: large;">go to my Lord first</span> in a crisis and cry out to Him?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Am I reading <span style="font-size: large;">His word</span> and hungry for it as daily bread?</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 John 1-5</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 John 3:16-24</span><br />
<em>"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whosoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?" </em><br />
<br />
<em>"Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."</em><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<em>"We shall know by this that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him, in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. And the one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And we know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us." </em></div>
<br />
Am I <span style="font-size: large;">obeying</span> his commandments? <br />
Am I <span style="font-size: large;">showing love</span> with what I do?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4U_cs6W1G4/UJt5BGrkMzI/AAAAAAAAAqs/2T_kcT0dGsI/s1600/California+Trip+2012+180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L4U_cs6W1G4/UJt5BGrkMzI/AAAAAAAAAqs/2T_kcT0dGsI/s320/California+Trip+2012+180.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EExR0tlMOi4/UJt2sLFN3hI/AAAAAAAAAp8/1iddGs5-m3Q/s1600/California+Trip+2012+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EExR0tlMOi4/UJt2sLFN3hI/AAAAAAAAAp8/1iddGs5-m3Q/s320/California+Trip+2012+044.jpg" width="240" /></a>Am I doing the things that are <span style="font-size: large;">pleasing in His sight</span>?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Do I live my life for myself and my own ambitions or for <span style="font-size: large;">others and ultimately my Lord</span>?</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I want my life to give glory to my Creator and please Him in every way. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-36500178797043902512011-10-10T22:45:00.000-07:002011-10-10T22:45:47.711-07:00Stop. Listen. And really live life. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuNDgJnhWdk/TpPWU4d6_KI/AAAAAAAAAoI/Br4F9zQljxg/s1600/PSP_3324-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cuNDgJnhWdk/TpPWU4d6_KI/AAAAAAAAAoI/Br4F9zQljxg/s320/PSP_3324-Edit.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My middle baby. He's the center of the cookie; the sweet frosting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been</span> awhile since I've written about life. I do other things besides cook. <em>ha ha</em> I also teach kids (my own and others). I try to be a loving, patient wife, mom and puppy owner...some days. I sew, garden and just, well, live life, you know? </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Tonight as I sat for a couple hours, reading to my kids <em>(yes, I said a couple of hours! They were begging me to keep reading!</em>). I had one of those incredible moments where I realized:</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"I'm living it.</span> Right <em>now</em>." </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Do you ever have those moments? It's when you know you will think back and miss this. It's when you think, this is really life. This is a good life. There are things we could complain about of course; hard days, looooooong school days and more. But God gives us moments when we can stop and listen. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">He truly gives us the perfect amount of time we need to live fulfilling lives. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Can you really <em>feel </em>the excitement of your kids being <em>kids</em>? Can you feel their joy of hearing a good adventure story? Do you see the way your child's face lights up when he's being helpful <em>of his own desire</em>? What about the way a little one brings you a dandelion, <em>just wanting to do something special</em> for <span style="font-size: large;">you</span>? (<em>And you don't have the heart to tell him it's a weed</em>.) ;) <span style="font-size: large;">Do you take the time to praise your child for the things he's doing <em>good</em>??</span> Do you stop and think what it's like for your kids to live in your home? </span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-718w9sJwzEE/TpPWdEF-iVI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3zwYgQoVbDY/s1600/PSP_3348-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-718w9sJwzEE/TpPWdEF-iVI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/3zwYgQoVbDY/s320/PSP_3348-Edit.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My oldest baby, who really wants to be a 'man'. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I really do. At least, I do try to. I struggle though, like all moms, I'm sure, with patience. I seem to hear myself say too often, "Hurry and do.....(insert anything)." And then I realize, 'what am I hurrying for? We have nothing else planned for the day'. Maybe it's because I try to fit too much into my days? <em>(ha ha ME??? No way!)</em> So then I say, "No, don't hurry, just do a good job."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As a mom, I really want to live life with my kids. It's the same for being a wife. I don't want to take for granted one day spent with any of them. They are all precious to me. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<em><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Lord, please give me the strength, wisdom, power, love, patience and kindness...... to live this out well. </span></em></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess I'm writing to encourage anyone who's just speeding through life. Stop. Slow down. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x29LUjYtvec/TpPWmpZbr-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/tbDD79wdFe4/s1600/PSP_3442-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x29LUjYtvec/TpPWmpZbr-I/AAAAAAAAAoY/tbDD79wdFe4/s320/PSP_3442-Edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My baby girl, growing up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>We only get today</em>.</span> We are not guaranteed tomorrow. I know we've all heard that but it's really true. <span style="font-size: large;">Live life well.</span> </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Love God with ALL your heart.</span> </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love your kids and husband like this is your last day with them! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-8101404520515488302011-10-09T13:00:00.000-07:002011-10-09T15:21:33.700-07:00Grandma's Shrimpies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WheL-9myrGQ/To-xC7E1UNI/AAAAAAAAAoA/l8PUJ7uC3GQ/s1600/Shrimpies+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WheL-9myrGQ/To-xC7E1UNI/AAAAAAAAAoA/l8PUJ7uC3GQ/s320/Shrimpies+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimpies are a favorite Christmas treat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here is another favorite family recipe you are sure to love! That is, if you like shrimp, cream, butter and cheese! Serve these warm and watch them disappear! At Christmastime Grandma T. used to make multiple batches of these along with so many other wonderful treats! Every time I make them, I think of her and do miss her! She was a great cook and had a generous, hospitable heart but she could sure be ornery too! It makes me smile remembering some of the things she's said or done that I <em>may</em> have thought but never actually would say! LOL Enjoy her Shrimpies and share!</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Grandma T.'s Shrimpies</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crust:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup butter, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 oz cream cheese, softened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tablespoon heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/4 cup flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2-2 cups mini shrimp</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Filling:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 cups heavy cream</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 lightly beaten eggs</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Topping:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup grated cheeses (Cheddar and Parmesan) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1. In a medium bowl, cream well: butter and cream cheese. Beat in 2 T heavy cream. Work in the flour and 1/2 tsp. salt to make a pastry dough. Form into long rounds, about 1" thick, seal in waxed paper and refrigerate for several hours (or freeze to harden quicker). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. After dough has hardened, heat oven to 425'. </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Slice pastry dough in 1/8"-1/4'' slices and press into mini muffin pans, pressing around sides. Lay about 4- 6 mini shrimp on top of pastry dough.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. Combine 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 3 lightly beaten eggs; set aside. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. Combine cheese and salt and pepper. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dCcPyi7hDI/To-w_vqRHDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/iq4HpC1KXHg/s1600/Shrimpies+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9dCcPyi7hDI/To-w_vqRHDI/AAAAAAAAAn4/iq4HpC1KXHg/s320/Shrimpies+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6. Spoon about 1/2 Tablespoon- 1 Tablespoon egg mixture over shrimp. Sprinkle with cheese.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">7. Bake 5 minutes at 425'. Reduce heat to 350' and bake 15 minutes longer or until Shrimpies are set and lightly browned on top. Best when served immediately but also works well to make ahead and heat in a crock pot. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">NOTE: To heat in a crock pot, line pot with foil, layering Shrimpies and foil. Keep on Low setting so as not to burn the Shrimpies. </span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Can be kept in freezer for up to 3 months. </span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIU7kPzIbbs/To-xBuMqgdI/AAAAAAAAAn8/Zkx3HuUZTSE/s1600/Shrimpies+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIU7kPzIbbs/To-xBuMqgdI/AAAAAAAAAn8/Zkx3HuUZTSE/s320/Shrimpies+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a plastic knife or flat utensil to scoop out of a non-stick pan. Sometimes they stick but usually they just pop out after a little help! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-72904036800024383892011-10-07T18:50:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:18:30.831-07:00Fruit Cobbler<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axQe5gtgAkM/To-q9vSSEWI/AAAAAAAAAn0/J3MgxEY8asM/s1600/frui+tcobbler+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-axQe5gtgAkM/To-q9vSSEWI/AAAAAAAAAn0/J3MgxEY8asM/s320/frui+tcobbler+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make this Fruit Cobbler in a muffin cup for a smaller treat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
I seem to be doing a series on old family favorite recipes but sometimes the old ones are the best ones! Mom has made this delicious recipe since I was a kid and now it's one of our favorite recipes too. Try any fruit; peaches, plums, blackberries, marionberries, rhubarb, blueberry.... If you're using home-canned fruit, I'd use 2 quart jars, minus the liquid. </div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-is2UbbuE7dQ/To-q8s5bSDI/AAAAAAAAAnw/u6iCjY77Ul8/s1600/frui+tcobbler+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-is2UbbuE7dQ/To-q8s5bSDI/AAAAAAAAAnw/u6iCjY77Ul8/s320/frui+tcobbler+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh canned peaches make a great cobbler! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Mom's Fruit Cobbler</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a 9''x13'' pan. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
2. In a bowl, mix:<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1 1/2 cups sugar</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
2 cups flour</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
4 tsp. baking powder</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
1 1/2 cups milk</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
pinch salt</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
Beat well; pour over melted butter. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
3. Top with 8 cups of fruit. Sprinkle sugar over entire dessert. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
4. Bake for 60 minutes at 375'. </div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Y2OgdaCmU/To-yshPtASI/AAAAAAAAAoE/5EqDxnL3R60/s1600/Shrimpies+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8Y2OgdaCmU/To-yshPtASI/AAAAAAAAAoE/5EqDxnL3R60/s320/Shrimpies+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sprinkled Pampered Chef Sweet Sprinkles on to add extra flavor and...because they are just good! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Somt8aWR6fo/To-q5s00KMI/AAAAAAAAAno/2zjZA6hckJc/s1600/frui+tcobbler+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Somt8aWR6fo/To-q5s00KMI/AAAAAAAAAno/2zjZA6hckJc/s320/frui+tcobbler+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Peach Cobblers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-37039860816597890712011-10-01T15:16:00.000-07:002011-10-01T15:21:11.994-07:00Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKa-ZY1WKKY/ToeHE_PG79I/AAAAAAAAAm4/GQGKHztXSG8/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eKa-ZY1WKKY/ToeHE_PG79I/AAAAAAAAAm4/GQGKHztXSG8/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+022.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">YUM! What's better than a big, delicious, full breakfast? Well, miniaturize it into muffins and it's not quite as high in calories! I think these would freeze well and then just pop them into the microwave and enjoy a tasty breakfast in a hurry! Homemade convenient food. A friend and I were talking through good 'ol FB about food- surprise, surprise!! I wondered what a regular blueberry muffin recipe would be like if you switched the blueberries for eggs, bacon and chunks of cheese and modified it a little. To my surprise, it was more delicious than I thought it would be. You could leave out some of the sugar but I love the salty/sweet combination so I left it in. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Thanks, Mary R., for your help in figuring these things out and for the idea of mixing the eggs on top rather then leave them whole. I think it would fun to try these in a LARGE muffin pan with a whole egg and see how they turn out!! These regular-sized muffins cannot hold a whole egg! LOL :)</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Muffins</strong></span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Muffin batter:</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 T - 1/3 cup sugar (depending on if you like the salty sweet combination)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 egg, well beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup butter, melted (or 1/4 cup oil)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 cup cheddar cheese, cubed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Topping for muffins:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">course salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">shredded or thinly sliced cheddar, about 2-4 oz </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">-Makes about 18 muffins</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>If bacon needs cooked, start by cooking it in either a frying pan, or in a jelly roll (Large Stoneware Bar Pan) in the oven till crispy. Cube cheddar if needed.</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Preheat oven to 425'</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1.Mix the dry ingredients for muffin batter in a large mixing bowl, add the milk and butter and mix till just combined. (Batter will still be lumpy). Add cubed cheese and bacon. Mix evenly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2. Line muffin pan with paper liners. Fill 1/2 full with batter. Bake for 10 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3. Remove from oven, leaving oven on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4. In a small bowl, beat 3 eggs very well. Spoon about 1/2 - 1 1/2 tablespoonfuls of beaten egg over each baked muffin, trying not to spill over the paper liner. Lightly sprinkle with course salt and pepper. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">5. Bake muffins till eggs are done, or about 8-10 minutes. Watch them!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6. Remove muffins from oven. Top with shredded or thinly sliced cheese. Allow to sit until cheese is melted. Serve while still warm!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">For visual learners follow along with the photos or.... <em>if you just want to be tempted to make them! :)</em></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMnFAga2m4g/ToeL7L7ZxHI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ZFmGvsZVth0/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AMnFAga2m4g/ToeL7L7ZxHI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ZFmGvsZVth0/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+011.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I LOVE cooking bacon in my stoneware Bar Pan. (Pampered Chef of course!) I usually cook it at 400' for about 15 minutes. Save the bacon grease in a covered jar in the fridge for frying up eggs! (I didn't say this was a healthy way to cook them, but it's delicious and adds great flavor! You don't need much to add flavor either!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPaJ3Wu9qrk/ToeL75_LKSI/AAAAAAAAAnM/TBuD5Ic1tRU/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPaJ3Wu9qrk/ToeL75_LKSI/AAAAAAAAAnM/TBuD5Ic1tRU/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+012.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crispy, perfect bacon. You don't want chewy pieces in your muffins. Nope. Just not good. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-161glpuVpBo/ToeL8lexpZI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/7kAQYI-AL90/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-161glpuVpBo/ToeL8lexpZI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/7kAQYI-AL90/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chop it up till it's about 1/2''. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq10DjvHL-w/ToeL4KpVUYI/AAAAAAAAAm8/65yNc_xFnhY/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eq10DjvHL-w/ToeL4KpVUYI/AAAAAAAAAm8/65yNc_xFnhY/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+002.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thickly slice cheese, then cut it into 1/2'' strips. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRFMBzJYIQk/ToeL5bXfGfI/AAAAAAAAAnA/nQf-mydLLps/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRFMBzJYIQk/ToeL5bXfGfI/AAAAAAAAAnA/nQf-mydLLps/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+004.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cut it again the other way and you have cubes! (duh, I know... I just thought you'd like looking at Tillamook Cheddar cheese.... ha ha)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTbOr9mlVFo/ToeL6e2oslI/AAAAAAAAAnE/_JLDwsKQTKQ/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTbOr9mlVFo/ToeL6e2oslI/AAAAAAAAAnE/_JLDwsKQTKQ/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+009.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix in cheese! Mmmm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRHPxfmyQN0/ToeL-rILwLI/AAAAAAAAAnU/RxFoV2PE5sk/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RRHPxfmyQN0/ToeL-rILwLI/AAAAAAAAAnU/RxFoV2PE5sk/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+016.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix in bacon. Use a Medium Scoop to fill muffins 1/2 full. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLIT9f8HqCQ/ToeMAgfoetI/AAAAAAAAAnY/OixgBFjl7I8/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLIT9f8HqCQ/ToeMAgfoetI/AAAAAAAAAnY/OixgBFjl7I8/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+018.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Don't fill muffin liners any fuller than this... this was even a little too much in this picture. Remember they expand and you will be adding eggs, which expand too! Bake. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBzZZP2FHpg/ToeMGTvnsqI/AAAAAAAAAng/AA1auYVtYoY/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zBzZZP2FHpg/ToeMGTvnsqI/AAAAAAAAAng/AA1auYVtYoY/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+023.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add thinly sliced cheese, or shredded cheese and let sit till the cheese is all melty and gooey. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDSJpA5X7To/ToeMIRMQ6aI/AAAAAAAAAnk/BkRB8llAeXA/s1600/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDSJpA5X7To/ToeMIRMQ6aI/AAAAAAAAAnk/BkRB8llAeXA/s320/Bacon%252C+Egg%252C+and+cheese+muffins+022.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Enjoy!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-48352524609768741162011-09-30T20:58:00.000-07:002011-09-30T21:10:05.672-07:00More Pie? How About Mini Pies and LARGE Pies?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;">I wanted to share some cute little pies...and not so little pies I made with you. It's fun to come up with different uses for <a href="http://mommypipsqueak.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-favorite-pie-crust.html">pie crust</a>! Share your ideas too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVUE31BhxC4/ToaNicbT8lI/AAAAAAAAAmM/jJr7u8a48YQ/s1600/turkey+pie+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UVUE31BhxC4/ToaNicbT8lI/AAAAAAAAAmM/jJr7u8a48YQ/s320/turkey+pie+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini turkey pies! Line a mini muffin pan with small rounds of <a href="http://mommypipsqueak.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-favorite-pie-crust.html">pie crust</a> and fill with turkey pie filling (just like turkey soup without as much broth). Fill with fruit filling for sweet pies! </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxEFWHgwL4/ToaNlauGVkI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/RP_O24Dft4A/s1600/turkey+pie+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jxEFWHgwL4/ToaNlauGVkI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/RP_O24Dft4A/s320/turkey+pie+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover with another round of dough on top and press gently into the bottom crust, blending the two doughs. Use a fork to make them stay...and so they look pretty. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo0hQxxv1Qo/ToaNnefqb5I/AAAAAAAAAmU/KP8TYK3D194/s1600/turkey+pie+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo0hQxxv1Qo/ToaNnefqb5I/AAAAAAAAAmU/KP8TYK3D194/s320/turkey+pie+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a LARGE muffin pan for an individual size of turkey pie, or of course fruit pie. Cover as above mentioned. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSFvbAVQH5U/ToaQ6qUwsUI/AAAAAAAAAmk/fCYskSh-jOU/s1600/mini+pies+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSFvbAVQH5U/ToaQ6qUwsUI/AAAAAAAAAmk/fCYskSh-jOU/s320/mini+pies+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make ham and cheese pies using pie crust and ... you guessed it: ham and cheese! I've decided that next time I will make a cheese sauce (white sauce and add cheese) so that they aren't as dry. I love this idea though because it makes nice snacks for the kids during school, my husband's lunch or.. just whenever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvzhuNy2V48/ToaQ8gRGdcI/AAAAAAAAAmo/jF9tAKkQHZE/s1600/mini+pies+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zvzhuNy2V48/ToaQ8gRGdcI/AAAAAAAAAmo/jF9tAKkQHZE/s320/mini+pies+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After you'd topped the bottom crust with filling, top it with another crust...</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aea2vTNERnE/ToaQ-kNvcUI/AAAAAAAAAms/OnNWOclQNqg/s1600/mini+pies+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aea2vTNERnE/ToaQ-kNvcUI/AAAAAAAAAms/OnNWOclQNqg/s320/mini+pies+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tool is splendid. I'm not sure if they are still selling them but it's made by Pampered Chef. You make the circles first and then press down in the top handle so it will crimp the edges like this....</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tapQN5z3VLI/ToaQ_goTiuI/AAAAAAAAAmw/ACmbvuWKZqU/s1600/mini+pies+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tapQN5z3VLI/ToaQ_goTiuI/AAAAAAAAAmw/ACmbvuWKZqU/s320/mini+pies+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajtVdt1u_QY/ToaRA6dfy2I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ciB5UwFaHOc/s1600/mini+pies+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajtVdt1u_QY/ToaRA6dfy2I/AAAAAAAAAm0/ciB5UwFaHOc/s320/mini+pies+007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut a small slit in the tops of each one to allow air to vent through. Be creative! Fill it with fruit, pepperoni, sauce and cheese, chicken, just veggies... </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpLo875y_0w/ToaNpHf-DCI/AAAAAAAAAmY/HStJNm9vG2M/s1600/turkey+pie+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WpLo875y_0w/ToaNpHf-DCI/AAAAAAAAAmY/HStJNm9vG2M/s320/turkey+pie+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How about a HUGE pie? Line a Large Bar Pan with <a href="http://mommypipsqueak.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-favorite-pie-crust.html">pie crust</a>, fill and top! It serves more and if you love the crust best, this is the way to go because there isn't as much filling as a regular pie pan would hold. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1UFknaabEA/ToaNqYYDA9I/AAAAAAAAAmc/Ic6KcIhz9Lo/s1600/turkey+pie+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S1UFknaabEA/ToaNqYYDA9I/AAAAAAAAAmc/Ic6KcIhz9Lo/s320/turkey+pie+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not perfect but still good. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJlQ1VKgJ3M/ToaNroNlkAI/AAAAAAAAAmg/sG-2E_7tJKk/s1600/turkey+pie+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJlQ1VKgJ3M/ToaNroNlkAI/AAAAAAAAAmg/sG-2E_7tJKk/s320/turkey+pie+009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And...there's dinner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-58709159473651039752011-09-23T20:52:00.000-07:002011-09-23T21:01:58.309-07:00Ceasar Salad Wraps<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Are you getting of the same old kind of salad? I get tired of it! My new sister-in-law's Dad has a great recipe that I've been using now! If you need an impressive salad for a potluck or even just a fun way to eat salad at home...try this one out! It's SUPER simple!</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjr8YsGsmpk/Tn1VtImbcII/AAAAAAAAAmI/Ftw8ZPPpojY/s1600/ceasar+wrap+salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hca="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qjr8YsGsmpk/Tn1VtImbcII/AAAAAAAAAmI/Ftw8ZPPpojY/s320/ceasar+wrap+salad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added halved orange, cherry tomatoes from the garden. Even though they are tiny they sure have incredible flavor! <br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Caesar Salad Wraps</strong></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Romaine heart Lettuce (The kind that is still whole and not chopped up in a bag)</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Caesar Dressing of your choice</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Parmesan or Italian blend cheese</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">sunflower seeds, pine nuts, soy nuts</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">lime</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1.Chop the end off the lettuce that you don't eat. Wash the lettuce. Dry it with paper towels. Lay it out flat in a single layer on a platter or large plate. (Be creative and make a circular design or...??? whatever you come up with!) </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2.Drizzle Caesar Salad dressing over the leaves, mostly in the centers of the leaves.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3.Sprinkle nuts and seeds over it. I use about 20 seeds/nuts in all on one leaf. (Pine nuts are $16/lb so you'll want to use them sparingly anyway, right?)</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4.Sprinkle cheese over the top of that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">5.Slice a lime, lengthwise, making wedges and squeeze the juice over the entire salad. (It's nice to add several wedges around the platter in case someone wants to add extra zip to their salad.) </span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">6.The best part is HOW to eat it! (ha ha) Grab a whole leaf, fold it in half lengthwise and eat it like a taco! Kids really love these because it makes salad fun! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">NOTE: Try it with strips of seasoned, cooked chicken for an entire meal! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-4565524676723206362011-07-05T18:34:00.000-07:002011-07-05T18:43:08.107-07:00Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey-Mustard Dressing<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Try something new this summer.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> I know spinach strawberry salad isn't new to some of you but I'm surprised by how many people have not yet tried it- including me until just recently! This is a great recipe for summer and the abundance of spinach in your garden!</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_pB8siBIuk/TgoH6fmWlWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/j3zrz_1JHdA/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_pB8siBIuk/TgoH6fmWlWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/j3zrz_1JHdA/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+011.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing- Our new favorite!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuhO5ccYnSo/TgoH5REngOI/AAAAAAAAAl0/HLIzDepxqCM/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uuhO5ccYnSo/TgoH5REngOI/AAAAAAAAAl0/HLIzDepxqCM/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+008.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I was invited over to a friend's house for lunch recently- which I never get to do! She made <a href="http://thebackyardfarmwiferecipes.blogspot.com/2009/05/strawberry-spinach-salad.html">Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken</a> as the main dish, homemade bread and homemade sweet tea! I appreciate homemade food so much! It's probably because I realize the effort that it takes to create it! Her meal was splendid- so good that I had 2 bowls of salad! LOL (...Not very lady like I'm sure!) So, when I came home, I decided to try it out on my family. I wasn't sure what they'd think of spinach salad alone, but with strawberries I thought the kids might give it a try. I used the Honey Mustard Dressing that our family loves, and now this has become a new family favorite! I hope your family loves it too!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Check out Carrie's Blog too: <a href="http://www.thebackyardfamwife.blogspot.com/">http://www.thebackyardfamwife.blogspot.com/</a> She's got crafty things, garden, family, cooking...etc. We have a lot in common! :) </span><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Strawberry Spinach Salad with Honey -Mustard Dressing</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Spinach- use as much as your family will eat. We use about 1/2 bag per per meal if it's not the main dish. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 pint sliced strawberries</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup combined sesame seeds and or sunflower seeds, toasted (see directions below)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Honey Mustard Dressing (see directions below)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Prepare spinach by pulling off the long stem pieces, if desired. Evenly place the sliced strawberries on the spinach, then mix. Sprinkle with seeds and serve with Honey- Mustard Dressing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Directions for toasted seeds:</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In a small frying pan, toast seeds till they smell "nutty" and are slightly browned. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXfMBZYunzI/TgoH7naJe2I/AAAAAAAAAmA/tWuZx-UtDQQ/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXfMBZYunzI/TgoH7naJe2I/AAAAAAAAAmA/tWuZx-UtDQQ/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+006.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Honey Mustard Dressing- mmm... goodness.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Kristin's Honey-Mustard Dressing</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The </span><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/red-robin-honey-mustard-poppy-seed-dressing-373680"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">original recipe</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> is from </span><a href="http://www.food.com/"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">www.food.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> . My husband prefers it sweeter with less mustard flavor so I add more honey than they do. The recipe claims that is comes straight from the Red Robin's Training Book and this is just scaled down. Either way, we love it-- whether it's the real thing or not!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 1/3 cups mayonnaise</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 1/2 T white sugar</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 1/2 T honey</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T mustard</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T white vinegar</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T vegetable oil</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 T poppy seeds</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Mix all ingredients together with a whisk. Store in a covered container or quart jar with a lid and refrigerate. </span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Use for salad dressing, dip for chicken strips or one of our favorite things: use it instead of mayo on a sandwich! Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-NIviSclhs/TgoH7OpaHEI/AAAAAAAAAl8/BoLy3VxB8bo/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-NIviSclhs/TgoH7OpaHEI/AAAAAAAAAl8/BoLy3VxB8bo/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It's so healthy and light that it goes well with pasta too!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div> <br />
<div align="left"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-24858479949536330092011-06-19T21:16:00.000-07:002011-06-20T00:50:24.916-07:00Chicken Penne Alfredo with Bacon and Broccoli<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's our latest favori</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">te!</span> My husband claims this is in my top 10 best recipes and I made it up! Sweet! If you pair this with a fresh Spinach Strawberry Salad, it's a perfect meal of comfort and healthy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-biKJ-VPQU/Tf7Hy99KMsI/AAAAAAAAAls/X4rnJZhydSs/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S-biKJ-VPQU/Tf7Hy99KMsI/AAAAAAAAAls/X4rnJZhydSs/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+007.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1. Start by boiling water for the pasta. For this recipe, use 1 box of Barilla Penne pasta. Cook till tender (al dente- as directed by the package). Drain and set aside in a large pot or bowl, keeping warm with a lid on. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Meanwhile;</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2. Cook 4 pieces of bacon in a large frying pan, reserving bacon grease. (Cover with splatter screen to make it less messy!) Cool on paper towels or paper napkins. Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta pot. </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3. Cut 3-4 chicken breasts in bite sized pieces and fry in the bacon grease with seasoning of your choice. I use Pampered Chef's Sun-Dried Tomato Seasoning Mix and Johnny's Seasoning. Add salt if necessary. Cook until lightly browned. Add chicken to the pasta pot, leaving a little grease in the frying pan.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4. In the pan from the chicken, saute' 4-6 cloves of freshly pressed garlic. This only takes about 30 seconds. Watch it carefully so that it doesn't burn. Use this pan to make the sauce next.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">5. To make the sauce: Melt 1/4 cup butter in the frying pan or in a saucepan on medium heat. Take pan off heat and stir in 1/2 cup flour. Slowly pour in 1 pint of cream (heavy cream is richer, 1/2 & 1/2 is good, milk might work but I'd call it low-fat). Return to stove. Stir until it's well combined and then thickened. Once it's a thick sauce, add 1 cup sour cream or 4 oz. cream cheese (for a richer sauce), then pour in the amount of milk you like for how thick you want the sauce. I think I use about 1 1/2-2 cups of 2% milk. Remember that it's better to use less to start with. You can always add more later to thin the sauce. Add salt (to taste, about 1 teaspoon) and a spinkle of pepper. Cook a few minutes longer until it's the consistency you want. Add to the pasta pot.</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">6. Either between cooking the above things or after, steam 1-2 heads of broccoli. Add to the pasta pot, <em>of course</em>! </span></div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">7. Stir the pasta pot and serve with a delicious salad! Out kids love this recipe so hopefully yours will too! I used 6 cloves and it wasn't too spicy. Next time I may use more! </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wfHHoEL9TU/Tf7H0JtkxDI/AAAAAAAAAlw/CUtbWZ8S8Ck/s1600/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_wfHHoEL9TU/Tf7H0JtkxDI/AAAAAAAAAlw/CUtbWZ8S8Ck/s320/chicken+penne+and+spinach+salad+014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">*Note: You could also bake this once it's cooked and mixed or keep it warm in an oven-safe pan on low heat. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New;">**Also, I normally add about 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan to my alfredo sauce and that would be wonderful with it. I just didn't have any and it was still loved by all without it! :)</span></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-19718674089286852952011-05-17T23:31:00.000-07:002011-05-17T23:31:58.840-07:00Chocolate Cream Pie<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><strong>Chocolate Cream Pie</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">From Taste of Home - These guys have GREAT recipes! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">DEE-licious, I say!! Store-bought puddings do not compare to homemade ones! My husband loves chocolate pudding on toast for breakfast. So, there's a new use for it if you needed an idea! :) (That's what his mom made for them growing up.) The next time I make it, I need to snap a picture for my blog! Oops! Sorry guys! It's also great with whipped topping!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 ounces squares of unsweetened chocolate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 tablespoons cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 slightly beaten egg yolks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tablespoons butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tsp vanilla</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt. gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat or microwave on high until mixture boils and thickens. Cook 2 minutes longer on stove top, or stir and cook 30 seconds longer in microwave. Stir small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks; return to hot mixture. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly on stove, or microwave 1 minute on high. Remove from heat or microwave. Add butter and vanilla; cool to room temperature. To prevent rubbery crust from forming, put clear plastic saran wrap or waxed paper directly on top, touching surface of the hot pudding , clear to the sides of bowl. Pour into baked pastry shell. Top with Meringue.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Meringue:</strong> Beat 3 eggs whites with 1/4 tsp cream of tartar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and all sugar is dissolved. Spread atop pie, sealing to pastry. Bake at 350' about 12-15 minutes, or until meringue is golden. Cool.</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-8131581756398959202011-05-09T21:05:00.000-07:002011-05-09T21:06:25.123-07:00O How He Loves Us!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today as I was working in my garden</span>- getting part of it tilled up, with a little sadness, I noticed so many of the unfinished projects we have around our home, or simply things that are begging to be repaired; things that I get so tired of writing on to-do lists for later times. <span style="font-size: x-large;">I started doing that thing that I do so well,</span> thinking, "I wish that could be done..." , "I wish we could have..." :) Then I stopped and thought about why those things aren't done. Why do I have ugly old boards holding up my raised beds in the garden? Because it's what I had to work with and I'm so glad we have been able to have a garden! Why don't we have new gutters yet after that crazy storm a couple of years ago? Because eating and keeping our house was of more priority. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5g2fCCH7uY/Tci0VWaXcNI/AAAAAAAAAlY/tF40z1H6Y_I/s1600/Garden+2010+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5g2fCCH7uY/Tci0VWaXcNI/AAAAAAAAAlY/tF40z1H6Y_I/s320/Garden+2010+014.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I spotted this teeny little heart-shaped lettuce (from our garden) when I was washing it last summer. So cool!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All of a sudden it hit me.</span></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em>How <strong>did we</strong> survive? </em></span></span></div><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">With "average" debt, many medical bills, usual bills, mortgage, basically one income... How?</span></em><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">How many times was money just not there? Lots but somehow we were able to pay for the things we needed. Also how many times did we go without food? <em>None.</em> Did we lose things that meant a lot to us? <em>No.</em> God really stretched our dollars and provided in miraculous ways I guess. I can't tell you that money fell from the sky, but somehow, we made it through! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God, of course provided for us!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In fact, I can't believe the things we have had through that hard time! We didn't have to sell everything we owned! I had a bountiful garden that gave us good food and we just managed to do without extra. <span style="font-size: x-large;">Even the things we were able to do, with how little we had, amazes me.</span> Money is just one small example in our lives of how well God has taken care of us- even in our stupidity with how we've handled money. (blech!) He's been there when I've been really sick with physical things too. God saw us through that just the same, with love. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I have friends (and their families) who are going through incredible losses or awful health situations right now and I'm hoping and praying that one day, they too will see, or get to the other side soon and wonder how in the world <em>they</em> made it through! <em><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's hard to go through hard stuff and it's nice to get a breather!</span></em> I hope that they will also recognize God's loving, caring hand in their lives too! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'm sure you can remember times in your life when things were so hard and you wondered how you would make it. Then you get through it and wonder how you did indeed make it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God. It's that simple.</span> He is SO GOOD to us, and it seems like you recognize that even more when you least deserve it!! We are very blessed! And the lessons God has taught us through hard times is invaluable. We just don't get it when life is...easy. I encourage you to allow God to work in you through the hard times too. Life is SO hard but with God it is SO good. </span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-29133607306834330652011-05-06T09:17:00.000-07:002013-01-15T14:58:54.307-08:00Homemaking, A Lost Art Found<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7R8H6fwdYkA/TcQW_ThOIJI/AAAAAAAAAlE/xeiorz8FRw4/s1600/Talia%2527s+quilt+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7R8H6fwdYkA/TcQW_ThOIJI/AAAAAAAAAlE/xeiorz8FRw4/s320/Talia%2527s+quilt+001.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>I love the peacefulness of these colors on her bed as I open her door, walk in and see it! It's so soothing!</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>While you're reading, I thought I'd let you peak at something I worked on a couple weeks back for my daughter. I made her a "gentle" rag quilt with muslin and a variation of old colors for her bed. </em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFDY6xicQ1I/TcQXAb5P1tI/AAAAAAAAAlI/HIx9Jv2Wwt4/s1600/Talia%2527s+quilt+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AFDY6xicQ1I/TcQXAb5P1tI/AAAAAAAAAlI/HIx9Jv2Wwt4/s320/Talia%2527s+quilt+003.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I wanted to tell you about something else that I've been doing. For the past couple of months I've been leading a Women's Bible Study plus Homemaking Class at our home. It came about because of "talking" on Facebook with my friends about the things I like to do. There are so many things like; sewing, cooking, canning, putting up foods, how to make certain crafts..etc. It was on my heart to do this for about 6 months before we started getting together and I love how it's sort of blossomed into a special time I really look forward to! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Maybe this sounds like something you'd like to start in your own community of friends? Well, I thought I write about the details so that maybe you'd feel inspired to create your own group. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">We start at about 11:30. The wee ones are brought along and are watched by a couple of young ladies here so that the mom's don't have to find babysitters. First we read through the verse for the day and discuss it and other Bible verses that speak about the same general subject. We're studying the Proverbs 31 Woman and going through it, really just one verse each week. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hQHhY1qG3I/TcQXB2PrjdI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/lPSz8xQPxlw/s1600/Talia%2527s+quilt+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hQHhY1qG3I/TcQXB2PrjdI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/lPSz8xQPxlw/s320/Talia%2527s+quilt+007.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> Then after about an hour we break for a sack lunch that each person brings. The children are then with us , eating and the ladies chat for a few minutes while eating. I try to have some sort of snack to go along with it. Granola, deviled eggs, pumpkin muffins..etc. It's also nice when some forget their lunch in case I don't have enough lunch to share! (leftovers usually!!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpNRqa2maz8/TcQXCqP-FLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/hr5CTPvvbnk/s1600/Talia%2527s+quilt+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NpNRqa2maz8/TcQXCqP-FLI/AAAAAAAAAlU/hr5CTPvvbnk/s320/Talia%2527s+quilt+008.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Her name is Talia Nicole and this label on the back has the meanings of her name as well as a "comforting" verse (because it's a blanket, I wanted it to be about comfort.) :)</strong></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Then after our lunch break the women get back together and learn a certain skill that we've already discussed or planned. During our first Class I taught how to make cheese crackers and graham crackers. (One of my favorite things to do is bake something that you *think* can only come from the store!) The next classes were "How to make healthy homemade baby food", "Couponing", "How to sew in an elastic waistband to clothing", "How to make homemade Castille Soap" and the most recent class was "How to give boy's a good home haircut". I can't explain to you how excited I am for other women to come into our group also and share what they know about these things too! I love the fact that it doesn't all have to come from me! We can be blessed by each other's talents! So cool!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Are you bummed you can't be there? Doesn't it sound like fun? Truly, if you want more info, just let me know and I can help you get started in creating your own group! I'd love to help!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f6rC3hW5Hc/TcQXBdOegOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/pZrjBSVDDkM/s1600/Talia%2527s+quilt+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--f6rC3hW5Hc/TcQXBdOegOI/AAAAAAAAAlM/pZrjBSVDDkM/s320/Talia%2527s+quilt+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">!</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-70119104446681192262011-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:21:15.000-07:00Homemade Granola<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfClGkELxgA/Tbcsf7DG4FI/AAAAAAAAAk8/I0cmqXk7cZs/s1600/Granola+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JfClGkELxgA/Tbcsf7DG4FI/AAAAAAAAAk8/I0cmqXk7cZs/s320/Granola+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MMMmmm golden baked homemade granola. Simply delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Here is something delicious and HEALTHY that the kids and I made today. This is the best kind of recipe to do with kids! Just melt, mix, pour, mix and bake! (Well, there's a little more to it than that but it's very simple!) The original granola recipe is from my friend Marett, I've adjusted some of it to what I had here. It's one of those recipes that I've had for years but forgot about. Forget no longer... this stuff is awesome! Just don't forget the vanilla, it adds such a cozy flavor! ha ha</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Homemade Granola</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Combine and melt in a saucepan:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 T molasses</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup raw sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp salt (a MUST! It goes well with the sweet!!)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Take off of heat and add vanilla. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>(NOTE: I did not have enough honey so I used part pure maple syrup. Also, I used sweetened coconut so I left out the sugar. It's plenty sweet without it if you make it that way!)</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Mix together in a large pot or bowl:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">6 cups oats </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 cups coconut</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup sesame seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup sunflower seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup slivered almonds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">...or whichever nuts...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>(Another NOTE of course: I used oats, coconut, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), whole almonds, a few cups of puffed brown rice cereal and sunflower seeds.) I plan to try different nuts/seeds. </em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Pour melted mixture onto oat mixture. (By adding less dry ingredients, it will be a stickier, thicker granola- otherwise it's pretty fine crumbles). Make sure the mixture is all "wet". </span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bake at 350' for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or until browned. Be careful not to burn it!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Add raisins or dried cranberries while it's still warm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">This recipe makes MANY cups! I should have measured but I'm guessing that it makes like 20 cups?? A LOT anyway! Store in airtight containers or use a vacuum pack sealer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><em>It's great for trips, easy breakfast or snacks!</em></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGH52QSqjDw/TbcsgZr81FI/AAAAAAAAAlA/1K3I7t-gbws/s1600/Granola+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cGH52QSqjDw/TbcsgZr81FI/AAAAAAAAAlA/1K3I7t-gbws/s320/Granola+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The granola on the left is with Craisins, the one on the right is without. (Our oldest doesn't prefer the fruit in it..silly kid!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Courier New;"><em><strong>Serve warm, cooled or in milk! Mmmm The kids couldn't get enough of it!</strong></em></span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-40195430919414494952011-04-21T21:14:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:21:41.219-07:00World's Best Lemon Meringue Pie<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Another delicious pie recipe! We love the tartness of a true lemon pie!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">World's Best Lemon Meringue Pie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(Taste Of Home recipe)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup cornstarch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 tablespoons flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 eggs yolks, beaten</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tablespoon butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup lemon juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tsp grated lemon peel</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 baked pastry shell, (9 inches)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gradually stir 1 cup hot filling into egg yolks; return all to pan. Bring to boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in Butter, lemon juice and peel until butter is melted. Pour hot filling into pastry shell.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Make meringue (recipe below). Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until the meringue is golden. Cool on wire rack for 1 hour; refrigerate at least 3 hours before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Yield: 6-8 servings. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">NOTE: When I made this pie, it wasn't tart enough, like Grandma's so I added more lemon zest/ exchange a little water for more lemon juice. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Meringue:</strong> Beat 3 eggs whites with 1/4 tsp cream of tartar and 1/2 tsp vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add 6 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and all sugar is dissolved. Spread atop pie, sealing to pastry. Bake at 350' about 12-15 minutes, or until meringue is golden. Cool.</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-7520135019957097202011-04-07T17:52:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:22:14.707-07:00Coconut Banana Cream Pie<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Coconut Banana Cream Pie </span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">The best of both worlds!</span></em><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>The coconut crust is a wonderful complement to this banana cream pie. You will need to watch the crust as it bakes make sure it doesn't brown too quickly. MY FAVORITE!! This pie would also be wonderful with a regular pie crust. Sorry I don't yet have a picture of this. But please, make one and share the photo! :)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Crust:</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">7 T butter</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 cups flaked coconut, sweetened</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Filling:</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3/4 cup sugar</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup All purpose flour</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 T cornstarch</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 tsp salt</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 cups half & half Cream</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 eggs yolks, lightly beaten</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 large firm bananas</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Whipped Cream and sliced bananas for topping, optional</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Saute coconut until golden. Set aside 2 tablespoons for topping.Press remaining coconut onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9" pie pan. Bake at 350' for 7 minutes. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, flour, cornstarch and salt. Gradually add cream and bring to boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. remove from heat. Stir a small amount into egg yolks. Return to the pan, cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; add vanilla. Cool to room temperature. Place bananas in the crust. Cover with cream mixture. Chill until set, about 2 hours. Sprinkle with reserved coconut. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and bananas. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. Yield: 6-8 servings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">NOTES: Making homemade pudding takes a lot of constant stirring. Be prepared that it will take a few minutes to thicken- but don't worry- it eventually will.</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-4859021525880196062011-04-05T12:17:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:22:45.140-07:00My Favorite Pie Crust<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKG6SKutv0M/TTjVCAu4dOI/AAAAAAAAAis/oKhYzcYCpsk/s1600/Pies%2521+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nKG6SKutv0M/TTjVCAu4dOI/AAAAAAAAAis/oKhYzcYCpsk/s320/Pies%2521+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect Pie Crust can be made!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>The crust recipe was originally from my friend, Carol Reeves but I exchanged some shortening for butter and I think lard would also work well. Don't get worried about all of the instructions but please read through it if you haven't made pie crust before. There are helpful tips for a first-time pie maker! I will also be adding variations of pies, so watch for them on my blog!Your family will love these pies- I promise!! </em></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oyYQc4ANQQ/TTjVG1Z3eMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/1utOkOWRHFs/s1600/Pies%2521+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2oyYQc4ANQQ/TTjVG1Z3eMI/AAAAAAAAAi4/1utOkOWRHFs/s320/Pies%2521+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flaky, tender crust with a great flavor!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>So here goes:</em></span></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Carol's Perfect Pie Crust</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">8 cups unsifted flour, lightly spooned into cup</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 tsp salt</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 -2/3 c butter flavor shortening * (I replaced 1/2 of it with real butter cut into small squares)</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 large egg or 2 med eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 t apple cider vinegar</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup water</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This recipe makes 4 double crusts or 6-7 single crust pies. You can freeze it by leaving in the round circle or by rolling it out and puting it in the pan or rolled up into waxed paper.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">TIPS:</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">*Use a Pampered Chef measure all cup- the one the pushed the stuff out. It works great for shortening</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">** It really help to place another pie tin of the same size in a single crust before it bakes. Because the crust is so pliable it tends to want to sink down into the pan as it bakes, and you could wind up with a large tart crust!</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">***Keep a light dusting of flour on your rolling pin. Also keep a small amount (1/2 cup) flour nearby to sprinkle on your table as you rolld, to prevent the dough from sticking. A pastry mat works great as a guide and to easily get the crust off of the counter but you caould also use a piece of clear vinyl, marking a circle around it with the pie crust measuring 1 1/2- 2" larger than your pie pan.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Directions: </span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1. In a large bowl, stir dry ingredients with fork. Add shortening (or butter/ lard) and cut in till crumbly with a pastry cutter.(If you don't have one I think you could use 2 knives.)</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2. In a small bowl, beat vinegar, water and egg. Combine with flour mixture and stir until moist with a large spoon. You will then, need to use your hands. Kned the crust mix until it all sticks together. (Really squish all of the butter together so it's mixed well or you might think it's too dry. (Experience talking?? LOL) Add extra flour to your hands if necessary. it should stay very soft and elastic. Form it into a big , flattened ball then using a huge knife, cut into 6-8 equal parts (depending on the size of crust you need). Pat those pieces into circles, about 1/2- 3/4" thick and about 5 inches across.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3. Roll out dough onto a well-floured surface starting in the center and roll toward the outside. Dough should be about 1/8" thick.*** Cut off the excess, uneven crust outside the circle, and stack the strips for later use (if you want a lattice topped pie). Fold the circle in 1/2 and lift it across to the center of the pie plate. Unfold the crust and adjust for eveness.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">For double crust: Unfold one crust onto the bottom, udjusting for evenness then add the filling and poke holes in the top crust with a fork or use a knife to create a design before you place a folded crust on top. When placeing the top crust crust, unfold, adjust for evenness and pinch the two layers togetherso it stnad above the edge of the pie pan. Crimp of pinch the edges together. Trim excess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">For a single pie crust: Unfold crust into the pan, roll the edges under so it stand above the edge of the pie plate. Crimp the edges with a fork or your fingers, or the back of a spoon.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-N5TZqeXLI/TTjVFZ-mReI/AAAAAAAAAi0/8euNlWoe1LM/s1600/Pies%2521+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4-N5TZqeXLI/TTjVFZ-mReI/AAAAAAAAAi0/8euNlWoe1LM/s320/Pies%2521+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is no comfort food greater than Chicken Pot Pie! (Double Crust)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">For a baked single crust pie: Poke holes in the crust before puting it into the pan. Fold it in 1/2, lay it in the pan, then unfold it. ** Bake at 425' for 15-18 minutes or until crust is light brown. If edges start to brown too much, tear 2 inch strips of foil and arrange around edges. (or use a crust edge cover by PC). Watch the pie closely because ovens differ and this may be too hot and too long for your oven.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">For ideas to use with your beautiful pie crust, go over to <a href="http://mommypipsqueak.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-heart-pie-crust.html">my past blog post</a> . Enjoy!</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m6PsfB1JVk/TTjVJydT_cI/AAAAAAAAAjA/S-_-An6jQc0/s1600/Pies%2521+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5m6PsfB1JVk/TTjVJydT_cI/AAAAAAAAAjA/S-_-An6jQc0/s320/Pies%2521+007.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_GA76PCn4/TTjVITmsVqI/AAAAAAAAAi8/2hGiz4H0BxA/s1600/Pies%2521+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6_GA76PCn4/TTjVITmsVqI/AAAAAAAAAi8/2hGiz4H0BxA/s320/Pies%2521+005.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-32626504683111014392011-04-04T16:18:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:23:10.405-07:00Jerk Chicken Nachos, PC recipe<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>This is one of our favorite quicker -type meals! Full of flavor and quite nice on a dreary day when you're looking forward to summer! I also add a clove of garlic to the peppers for extra goodness!</em></span> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gR4ZYzHYtIA/TZJ_IYFUICI/AAAAAAAAAks/JwAxLe8OQG8/s1600/jerk+chicken+nachos+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gR4ZYzHYtIA/TZJ_IYFUICI/AAAAAAAAAks/JwAxLe8OQG8/s320/jerk+chicken+nachos+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Pampered Chef ®Jerk Chicken Nachos Recipe</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">6 cups tortilla chips </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend </span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tbsp Jamaican Jerk Rub, divided </span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 small yellow or red bell pepper or combination </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 lime </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/4 cup sour cream and 1 tsp additional Jamaican Jerk Rub (optional) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1.Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange tortilla chips in a slightly overlapping layer on Large Round Stone with Handles.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2.In Classic Batter Bowl, combine chicken, cheese and 1 tbsp of the rub; mix gently using Small Mix ‘N Scraper®. Sprinkle chicken mixture evenly over tortilla chips. Bake 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted; remove from oven to Stackable Cooling Rack.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3.Meanwhile, dice bell pepper with Santoku Knife. Cut lime in half crosswise. Juice half of the lime using Citrus Press into Small Batter Bowl; add bell pepper and remaining rub and mix well.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4.Snip cilantro in mincing cup of Herb Keeper using Kitchen Shears. Slice remaining lime half using Ultimate Mandoline fitted with v-shaped blade; cut slices in half using Utility Knife.</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">5.Spoon bell pepper mixture over nachos; sprinkle evenly with cilantro. If desired, combine sour cream and additional rub in resealable plastic bag; trim corner to allow sour cream to flow through. Pipe sour cream mixture over nachos. Garnish with lime slices.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Yield: 12 servings</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Nutrients per serving: Calories 200, Total Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Carbohydrate 10 g, Protein 16 g, Sodium 300 mg, Fiber 1 g</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cook's Tip: Use the Classic Batter Bowl to measure tortilla chips easily. Discard broken chips.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This recipe can also be prepared on the Large Bar Pan, if desired.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">© 2009 The Pampered Chef used under license.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rL7-L8gbrU/TZJ_JgPG4tI/AAAAAAAAAkw/oYVWOAwddV4/s1600/jerk+chicken+nachos+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1rL7-L8gbrU/TZJ_JgPG4tI/AAAAAAAAAkw/oYVWOAwddV4/s320/jerk+chicken+nachos+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My kids really don't care for the pepper mix but they chose that over salad! :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAUdG15uoQ/TZJ_LBBOokI/AAAAAAAAAk4/7XoJ2YeGUPc/s1600/jerk+chicken+nachos+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAUdG15uoQ/TZJ_LBBOokI/AAAAAAAAAk4/7XoJ2YeGUPc/s320/jerk+chicken+nachos+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a huge bed of lettuce under mine and added avacado! Exquisite!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-61932439249664830982011-03-29T16:28:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:23:39.229-07:00Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJGn7Bct23I/TZJqbXDnxsI/AAAAAAAAAko/A7f__822DYw/s1600/pumpkin+muffins+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJGn7Bct23I/TZJqbXDnxsI/AAAAAAAAAko/A7f__822DYw/s320/pumpkin+muffins+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh out of the oven! These will come off the wrapper better once they've cooled a bit---if you can resist!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>These are a great muffin for breakfast or for a snack. You can add flax seeds or other non-wheat flours to make it more healthy too. I usually don't put quite as much sugar in them when I use the full amount of chocolate chips either. They really are quite a treat!</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Mix together in a large bowl:</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 cups flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tsp baking soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3/4 tsp cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp cloves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 tsp nutmeg</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 beaten eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 cups plain canned pumpkin </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup oil (I've used applesauce too but they tend to stick in the paper muffin liners.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 pkg large milk chocolate chips</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bake at 350' for 20-25 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0XF8zf-VxM/TZJqZdDGOvI/AAAAAAAAAkk/4QkV_2ratjY/s1600/pumpkin+muffins+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0XF8zf-VxM/TZJqZdDGOvI/AAAAAAAAAkk/4QkV_2ratjY/s320/pumpkin+muffins+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OPTIONAL: I added Pampered Chef Sweet Sprinkles to the tops to give them a little more interest and crunch, but really, once a bite is taken, you need no more enticing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-44984160305043416092011-03-27T18:17:00.000-07:002011-03-27T18:17:22.865-07:00Raising Kids On Purpose for the Fun of It!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">While you're reading, I've included some pictures from the fun "tea party" that my daughter and I had. She did our make-up and hair and she was quite thrilled--and giggly-- about the whole thing! </span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qE5YD40llTM/TY_eqMnUwZI/AAAAAAAAAkM/FgciBLVzSSg/s1600/tea+party+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qE5YD40llTM/TY_eqMnUwZI/AAAAAAAAAkM/FgciBLVzSSg/s320/tea+party+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">It's actually the title of a book I've just started reading this week. The whole title of the book is<span style="font-size: large;">:"<em>Raising Kids On Purpose for the Fun of It- Hundreds of Ideas for Family Fn and Recreation and the Teaching of Christian Values"</em></span> by Gwen Weising. I've been inspired to really enjoy these years with my kids through having fun together. I do get to spend a lot more time than some moms do with their kids. I homeschool our 3 children but still a lot of the time is not <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong>"fun"</strong></span> time. The days are filled with school, chores, play, cooking, ya know, just normal daily living stuff. Lately, I've really been thinking about quality time with the kids though. When they become adults I want to feel like I spent as much <strong><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">fun</span></strong> time with them as I could! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ed4mCnvoxmI/TY_esXAXipI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/JKkIbojC31E/s1600/tea+party+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ed4mCnvoxmI/TY_esXAXipI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/JKkIbojC31E/s320/tea+party+003.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This book suggests to get with your kids and your husband and <span style="font-size: large;"><strong>write down a list</strong></span> of things you need and things you want. Also <span style="font-size: large;">gather ideas about things the family could do while they still live at home</span> if money was not an option. This does not mean we will spoil our children and do every little thing they desire but it does mean we can start with small goals and work at accomplishing these goals as a family. For example, if we felt like we needed to spend more quality time together, we shouldn't just say our goal is: "To spend more family time together this year". We might even write it on the calendar and schedule in days that are special family times. It would be more like this: "Our goal is: Everyday spend 10-30 minutes talking with each child about good things we see in them or their choices". Define just how you could accomplish your goal and by the end of the week/month/year you can look back and measure how successful your goal was, instead of saying "I think we spent more time together". </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I'm super excited to sit down with our family and discuss these things. This week I asked some friends what they think was the <span style="font-size: large;">best things they've done as a family</span>. The reason I asked was to gather more ideas for our family, just in case we left something out! I wanted to see if any of them might be something we would want to do <span style="font-size: large;">before our kids are grown and leave home. </span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aFND359GK4/TY_e2YwF8wI/AAAAAAAAAkg/iETvLCxGuoo/s1600/tea+party+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aFND359GK4/TY_e2YwF8wI/AAAAAAAAAkg/iETvLCxGuoo/s320/tea+party+011.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I've started a journal of sorts for this purpose. There are simple, kind of funny things to do and there are more expensive things that we'll really have to work towards. Part of my thinking in doing <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong>"fun"</strong></span> things with the kids is so that when they are older, and they get bored they will realize that you can do many <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong>fun</strong></span> things without getting into trouble! Seriously! </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwbR2r9sJXw/TY_ezqrOVZI/AAAAAAAAAkc/X-wO5bP39RA/s1600/tea+party+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bwbR2r9sJXw/TY_ezqrOVZI/AAAAAAAAAkc/X-wO5bP39RA/s320/tea+party+017.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This is what I wrote:</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Fun Goals for Our Family:</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">- go to a 24-hour restaurant late at night and eat or have dessert (especially when they are early teens!)</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">- visit ghost towns in Oregon</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-Take whole days and let all of the kids pick what we should do and eat for the day</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-Travel to the Silverwood park in Idaho</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-travel back east to see historical buildings and places</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-discover old mining camps</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-pan for gold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-road trip to California, renting a car</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-camp all over Oregon and Washington</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-travel to Canada</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-ride the fast go-carts in Beaverton, OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium again</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-See a play at the Shakespearean Festival in Ashland, OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-do random acts of kindness together</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-go on a missions trip together</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-anonymously give to others (flowers, toys, food baskets..)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-buy a video camera to preserve our family memories</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-ride on the Willamette Jet boats as a family</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-take a ride on the Sternwheeler in Portland, OR</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-get a GPS and go geocaching</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-go on a spontaneous road trip (jump in the car with just a few things and go somewhere!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">-go on a trip across Oregon </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgzsoTXMpTI/TY_exx5MDkI/AAAAAAAAAkY/fCje4EqZ3mI/s1600/tea+party+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JgzsoTXMpTI/TY_exx5MDkI/AAAAAAAAAkY/fCje4EqZ3mI/s320/tea+party+016.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">There will be more ideas I'm sure. These are just the things my husband and I thought of when I told him about having more <span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><strong>"fun"</strong></span> together! We haven't really asked the kids yet but when we do we'll have to prioritize and decide what's first!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember to stop and have FUN with your kids!</span></div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-3484380933432544472011-03-24T21:26:00.000-07:002011-03-24T21:26:45.393-07:00Homemade Spaghetti Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Qbs5hUsEWo/TYwYtlRrZ2I/AAAAAAAAAkA/N2qwrBHvTi0/s1600/sauce+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9Qbs5hUsEWo/TYwYtlRrZ2I/AAAAAAAAAkA/N2qwrBHvTi0/s320/sauce+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This week I've been making homemade pasta <em>(that's a recipe for another day...)</em> and one of our meals was Spaghetti with meatballs <em>(another recipe for another day)</em> and Ragu sauce. As much as we like Ragu, I've made some sauce before that we've liked and I really wanted to make a bunch to put in the freezer so we don't have to buy it! I went to Costco and finally bought those HUGE cans of tomato sauce. They are only about $2.50 per can. <em>(I've been waiting for an excuse to buy them because they're such a good deal!)</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Here's what I came up with. It works best if you have everything chopped ahead of time so you can keep adding it to the pot and not have to stop to cook, cut, dice, chop, slice...etc. Many of the ingredients I used were already prepared because I had them in the freezer, chopped already- straight from the garden or leftover from another recipe (cooked Italian sausage). The spices are best priced if you buy them bulk from stores like Winco or Fred Meyer. I hope you love it! And be prepared--- it makes a large stock pot FULL! I didn't add a ton of meat because we will use this sauce with meatballs and I also plan to puree it and use it on pizza!</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DhQaV_QQN78/TYwYu3ux03I/AAAAAAAAAkE/XVrUufWadBo/s1600/sauce+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DhQaV_QQN78/TYwYu3ux03I/AAAAAAAAAkE/XVrUufWadBo/s320/sauce+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Kristin's Spaghetti Sauce</strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">10 cups chopped carrots ( I used some carrots I had canned and almost pureed them to add more veggies to the sauce.)</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 cups finely chopped onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups finely chopped celery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups chopped bell peppers (I used red and I'd add even more if I had more!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 cups cooked Italian Sausage</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 cups chopped yellow squash (or zucchini)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 (#10 can) tomato sauce (these large cans are about 1 gallon and you can find them at Coscto - #10 is the can size. Do not buy 10 huge cans! LOL)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 (#10 can) tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 (#10 can) stewed or diced tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">3 bulbs garlic, sliced (or you could press them but it's spicier when you use pressed garlic)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">5 cups sliced Baby Bello mushrooms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup sugar (or more if you're used to it super sweet)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 T Basil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 T Oregano</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">4 T parsley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T garlic powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T Johnny's Seasoning (Or add more salt if you don't have this. We just love the flavor!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tsp marjoram</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tsp rosemary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tsp thyme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 1/4 tsp black pepper</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Mix all of these ingredients and simmer very low all day. I don't advise leaving it overnight because you need to stir it every 20 minutes or so. Tomato sauce burns if left alone and you don't want to ruin all of your hard work! Once I had all of the ingredients mixed, I divided it into 3 large pots on the stove. This was to cook it down more easily and to prevent it from burning. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Cool. Store in 4 cup amounts in freezer containers. Label with date. When you're ready to use, get it out of the freezer the morning of the day you cook or defrost it until you can plop it out of the bag/container and heat on the stove or in a microwave safe bowl. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COqR9R6VGYw/TYwYvM3qzeI/AAAAAAAAAkI/oBLLbWT--p0/s1600/sauce+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COqR9R6VGYw/TYwYvM3qzeI/AAAAAAAAAkI/oBLLbWT--p0/s320/sauce+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a chuncy style of sauce- our favorite! If it's too chucnky for you, just puree 1/2 or all of it in a blender, depending on your preference. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-42997145252430673112011-03-09T21:58:00.000-08:002011-03-09T22:06:15.676-08:00Chicken Divan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1BaH9cVbBh4/TXhnGLvOlfI/AAAAAAAAAj4/nRE4uUzgwek/s1600/chicken+divan+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1BaH9cVbBh4/TXhnGLvOlfI/AAAAAAAAAj4/nRE4uUzgwek/s320/chicken+divan+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken Divan is a great comfort meal! I used brown and white rice mixed this time but I usually use just brown. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Chicken Divan</span></strong> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><em>This is one of our family's favorites! Mom has always made it and now I make it for us.</em></span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prepare rice first.</span></strong> I use 2 cups rice in 4 cups water. (Boil water, add rice. Cover, turn onto low for 20 minutes for white, 50 minutes for brown rice. Add 1/2 cup more water for brown.)</span></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prepare chicken:</span></strong> Bake or boil 2 chicken breasts till cooked. You could also use leftover roasted chicken. Cut into bite sized pieces.</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prepare Broccoli:</span></strong> Steam 2 heads broccoli. (I use my PC Micro cooker and add a 1/2 " water in the bottom. Cook until tender.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Prepare sauce:</span></strong> Combine 2 cans cream of chicken soup (or try homemade- it's better! <a href="http://www.tammysrecipes.com/homemade_cream_chicken_soup">This recipe is SO good</a>! It's the one I always use.), 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp lemon juice and 3/4 tsp curry powder.</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Layer:</span></strong><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(1) Rice</span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(2) Broccoli</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(3) chicken</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(4) sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(5) 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">(6) Optional: top with Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Bake for 30 minutes at 350' or until heated through.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8OpmhObKxE/TXhnJHzleXI/AAAAAAAAAj8/IHQv-NHGRNE/s1600/chicken+divan+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P8OpmhObKxE/TXhnJHzleXI/AAAAAAAAAj8/IHQv-NHGRNE/s320/chicken+divan+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double the recipe and take it to someone who's sick, or who's had a baby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-29852624800158844522011-03-02T19:25:00.000-08:002011-05-06T09:24:12.150-07:00Homemade English Muffins<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-95RHVwx3HKw/TW8Jxco_-EI/AAAAAAAAAjw/cwiZ-1f8lRE/s1600/english+muffins+and+donuts+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-95RHVwx3HKw/TW8Jxco_-EI/AAAAAAAAAjw/cwiZ-1f8lRE/s320/english+muffins+and+donuts+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who knew you could make these so easily?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">This recipe is from "The Old Farmhouse Kitchen" cookbook. They were super easy! Tonight I was thinking, 'why are they so good? Why would I prefer them to the store-bought kind that takes you 5 minutes to get (in and out of the store)?' It's like everything else homemade; because they are FRESH and that is no comparison to something that was cooked 2 weeks ago or longer! You know how good homemade bread is -hot out of the oven with butter melting through?? Ya... it's good.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">By the way, have you ever thought about a package of cookies? They were baked and then they sit on the shelf in a store for MONTHS sometimes! EEWW! I wouldn't eat my own cookies that were that old! ha ha And if the cookies have to have preservatives to stay "fresh", they are probably not fresh! LOL Anyway, I hope you are inspired to make something homemade- even if it's not these! <em>(Please do not think that I NEVER buy things from the store because I love Oreos or Nutter Butter cookies too! This is just a fun challenge to 'do things the way they used to' and I enjoy doing baking!)</em></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Homemade English Muffins </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Scald:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1 cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>Stir in:</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 T sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">2 tsp salt <em>(The recipe called for 3 tsp but I thought that seemed like SO much and I didn't want to ruin them. Try it if you'd like- these were not very salty with the 2 tsp.)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup butter</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Add:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup cool water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Dissolve 2 pkgs yeast in 1/2 cup warm water (takes about 5 minutes to get frothy)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">6 cups flour (<em>I exchanged some of the white flour for wheat. I think I would add other flours to make them more "whole grain" next time.)</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">When milk mixture is lukewarm, blend in yeast mixture. Mix in flour a little at a time. Knead several times until dough is smooth and elastic. let rise 1 hour or until doubled in size. <em>(I set in a greased bowl with a non-fuzzy towel over it and warm it next to the wood stove)</em> Punch down; roll out on cornmeal. <em>(Set 1/2 of your round on cornmeal, lightly sprinkled on the counter and then roll it out to about 1/2 thickness, maybe a little less.)</em> Cut with a 3-inch cutter (or large drinking glass). Let stand for 30 minutes. Cook on griddle on top of stove, not oven <em>(medium heat is what I used).</em> Turn when bottom is browned.</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cool on a wire rack then cut in half with a serrated knife and toast! Also good just hot our of the oven with butter and jelly or plain!</span></div> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9JsngYuLGGY/TW8Jyof419I/AAAAAAAAAj0/YwMfcsD1f1o/s1600/english+muffins+and+donuts+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9JsngYuLGGY/TW8Jyof419I/AAAAAAAAAj0/YwMfcsD1f1o/s320/english+muffins+and+donuts+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made breakfast sandwiches out of them with ham, farm eggs and a bit of Havarti cheese. Comfort food!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-12027032832826647862011-02-15T13:02:00.000-08:002011-02-15T13:04:02.316-08:00heidi & finn patterns! YAY!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Last night I spent WAY too much time trying to decide on which patterns to try from </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/heidiandfinn"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">heidi & finn</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">. They have an etsy shop where you can purchase an assortment of sewing patterns- for boys or girls! I'll show you which I chose and as soon as I get my colored ink replaced and stop by Joanne's, I'm going to start sewing!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.191234601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.191234601.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">What an adorable red</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62833518/new-ruffle-bolero-pattern-and-tutorial"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> Bolero</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.193303937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.193303937.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Here's a </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61946137/new-urban-unisex-hoodie-pattern-and"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">boy OR girl hoodie</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196362500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.196362500.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">I LOVE this </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62855816/hampton-hat-pattern-and-tutorial-12m-5t"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Hampton hat</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211364896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.211364896.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cozy </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66689243/new-cowl-neck-jumper-dress-pattern-and"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Cowl Neck Dress</span></a><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.193710188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.193710188.jpg" width="258" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62067642/chic-everyday-coat-pattern-and-tutorial"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Everyday coat!</span></a><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> LOVE it!!</span><br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">What do you think? Do you have a little girl to sew for? I can't wait to make these for my daughter!! FUN!</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5500025461831784158.post-8966274657124545982011-02-08T14:48:00.000-08:002011-02-08T14:48:24.762-08:00New Pages!!<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today I taught myself how to add pages</span> to the top of my blog!<em> Whew!</em> <em>I'm not an expert at all when it comes to computers! ha ha</em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">So check out my pages for a quick reference to the posts you love! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Quiet Times-</span> These are the devotional times I have with the Lord and my way of encouraging you through my blog.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Favorite Recipes-</span> These are by no means all of my favorites! But these are the ones I've blogged about. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">About Me-</span> Really? I don't think you need an explanation! I'm just trying to clean up my blog a bit and reorganize! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My Creations-</span> This is a page dedicated to the things I've posted about working on, kitchen makeovers, baking cakes..etc.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Have fun! I hope it's easier to browse through!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Your Friend, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New;">Kristin</span>Kristinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04617218970133921320noreply@blogger.com0