Making a House a Home

Monday, November 02, 2009

Flee from these things...

Yep, that's my son! Joshua has a blog up and running and, y'all know how it is, I just HAD to share with you!!!

“But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” ~ 1 Timothy 6:11-12

Monday, October 26, 2009

The Betty Crocker Creed...

I found this over at Project Home Economics (LOVE it there!!!). It is from an old Betty Crocker cookbook. Oh, how I agree with all of these statements!!

The Betty Crocker Creed -

I believe homemaking is a noble and challenging career.

I believe homemaking is an art requiring many different skills.

I believe homemaking requires the best of my efforts, my abilities and my thinking.

I believe home reflects the spirit of the homemaker.

I believe home should be a place of peace, joy and contentment.

I believe no task is too humble that contributes to the cleanliness, the order, the health, the well being of the household.

I believe a homemaker must be true to the highest ideals of love, loyalty, service and religion.

I believe home must be an influence for good in the neighborhood, the community, the country.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Spiced Apple Cake...

I surely have been baking a good bit lately!! I can't help myself, it's just so much fun!! This was another tasty recipe from Joy the Baker. Yum! Elizabeth LOVES apples so this cake really made her happy!!!

Spiced Apple Cake
(from joythebaker.com)

Sauteed Apples

2 tart apples (about 1 pound)
2 Tablespoons butter
2 Tablespoons sugar

Cake

12 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
4 egg yolks, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon clove
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup plus 1 Tablespoon sour cream
1/4 cup raw sugar (or granulated if you don't have raw on hand)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Butter and flour an 8-inch spring form pan and set aside.

To sautee the apples: peel, core and dice the apples into 1/4-inch cubes. Melt the butter in a saute pan over medium heat until butter beings to bubble. Add the diced apples and cook for one minute, stirring with a wooden spoon. Add the sugar and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Turn the heat to low and cook the apples, uncovered for 4-5 minutes until they are softened. Remove from heat and allow to cool. You'll only use the sauteed apples for the recipe so you can discard any liquids that may have accumulated.

To make the cake: cream the butter, sugar and spices in a stand mixer fit with a paddle attachment until light in color and fluffy. This may take 6 to 8 minutes. Stop the mixer occasionally, to scrape down the sides of the bowl and continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the egg yolks one at a time and continue beating until fluffy and glossy.

Measure out the flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. With the mixer set on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients to the batter. Mix until no flour streaks remain. Add the sour cream all at once and incorporate. Add the rest of the dry ingredients and mix until no traces remain. Fold in the cooked apples with a rubber spatula. The cake batter will be thick.

Spread the cake batter into the prepared pan and distribute evenly. Take a knife and run it in a singular circular motion through the batter 1-inch from the edge of the pan. This will help the cake to rise evenly. Sprinkle the cake with the raw or granulated sugar and bake for 60- 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the spring form pan.

(I added the glaze on top. 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 T milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla and a sprinkling of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to taste! YUM!!!)

Monday, October 19, 2009

Ah Caramel!!!!!

When we were in Ontario visiting friends, we were introduced to Ah Caramels. Y'ALL!!!! GO TO CANADA AND BUY SOME OF THESE LITTLE BABIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Soft cake inside with a creamy white filling and an oozing middle of caramel all surrounded by chocolate!!! Oh my!!! Why hasn't the good ole' USA shipped these in yet???

Our wonderful friends sent us home with a Costco sized box of them. We left their house Sunday afternoon and were home Tuesday night. The box was empty Wednesday morning. Oh my.

Could this little girl have played a part in eating all of them? Hmmmmmm.....

Friday, October 16, 2009

Small town living...

You know you live in a small town when the latest big "thing" to do is visit the new grocery store that just opened!!!

It's been the latest talk around town for a week and a half now, so this morning we headed into town to visit the new and improved grocery store that now offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, too!!! We each had our choice of biscuits and Elizabeth had her beloved bacon and grits. FUN!

What's the new big "thing" going in in your town??

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Extreme Chocolate Fudge Brownies...

I'm not sure what it is about vacation, but after we get back from a trip, it always seems to take a while to get back into the swing of things. And so the blog has not been updated because we were visiting friends just outside of Ottawa, Ontario. It was WONDERFUL to see our friends and really get to spend time with them. They are a godly family, for sure, and it was well worth the long drive to see them.

So to get life back to normal, I HAD to make something sweet, right? :) Here's a TO DIE FOR brownie recipe that I found over at Arlene's blog. Y'all, GO MAKE THESE TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Extreme Chocolate Fudge Brownies

1/3 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbs. water
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 325* Grease an 8x8 dish.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring butter, sugar, and water to a boil; stir often until sugar is dissolved (about 3 minutes). Remove pan from heat. Mix in chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Beat in vanilla. Carefully whisk in eggs. Add dry ingredients and stir 'til just moistened.
*add 1 cup chocolate chips here, if desired*

Spread batter into dish. Bake 35-40 minutes. Don't overbake these babies! Start checking 5 minutes before earliest bake time. Sides should just be pulling away from edges of the pan and the center should be set.

These definitely taste better if allowed to cool completely. But, seriously, who has that kind of willpower?! ;o) Enjoy!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Snickerdoodles...

It's no secret, I love cookies!! Elizabeth, unfortunately, has the same gene in her body- the Cookie Monster gene!!!! It's just something we must bear, I suppose. Sigh.

Smile.

To cope? We bake, of course!!! And as much as we enjoy baking, we also enjoy giving them away, too!! Keep a few for yourself and gift a neighbor with a few!! Fun!!

These Snickerdoodles are WONDERFUL!!! Thanks to Smitten Kitchen for providing such an incredible recipe!! They were still crispy the day after we baked!! YUM!!!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Whoopie Cookies...

I do realize that most people that eat these little lovelies call them Whoopie Pies. However, I make them small, so we refer to them as Whoopie Cookies around here.

These are T-R-O-U-B-L-E, I'm telling ya! Don't say I didn't warn you!!!!!

Whoopie Cookies

Cookie:
2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup hot water
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
1 egg

Frosting:
1/4 cup softened butter
1/2 cup shortening
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar
3 to 4 T milk

To make the cookies, heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium sized bowl, stir together flour and cocoa and set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water and then add the milk and set aside. In another bowl, beat the shortening and sugar with a mixer until fluffy. Add the egg and beat another minute. Mix in half of the dry ingredients and then half of the wet ingredients; repeat.

Drop the batter by heaping teaspoons, about 2 inches apart, onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool thoroughly before removing from cookie sheet and make sure they are completely cooled before icing.

For the frosting, use a mixer and cream the butter, shortening, vanilla and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the milk, 1 T at a time until the frosting has a creamy consistency.

Fill the flat side of the cookies with frosting and put two together to form a sandwich cookie.

Makes 2 dozen. And BOY do they disappear FAST!!!!!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Fall Surprises...

Almost 3 years ago, I asked y'all to help me with the name of a flower that suddenly popped up in my yard. Tammy was smart enough to google it and found out that it was a Spider Lily!! I never planted any of these, but one just suddenly popped up in 2006!!

Lo and behold, y'all! It's happened again!! The Spider Lily wasn't here in 2007 or 2008 but this year it not only popped up again, but it brought friends!!!! Look!!!!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Mushroom Beef Pizza....

When I make homemade pizza, this is the one that Mr. U requests- Mushroom Beef. Yum.

The dough? I don't make the pizza dough in the bread machine anymore (I got rid of it about a year ago)- I prefer to mix it by hand. Same recipe ingredients, I just mix it all together then I knead it by hand for about 3 minutes, put it in an oiled pan to rise until doubled and then shape into pizza.

The sauce? Oh, the sauce is best if made a few hours before so all the flavors can come together. Seriously good.

The topping? Sautee 1 pound of ground beef and then drain. In the same pan, toss in a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of olive oil and let the butter melt. Add fresh chopped mushrooms and toss to coat. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and you're done in about a minute.

The order? Roll out your pizza dough in your pan (which you have lightly sprinkled with cornmeal so that it doesn't stick) and then spread with the sauce. Next even distribute the cooked beef and sauteed mushrooms. Top with the cheese of your choice- ours this day was fresh mozzarella and a lot of it!!! Bake in a 450 degree oven until the edges are brown and the cheese is melted- about 15 minutes. (But REMEMBER that ovens vary!! Be sure and watch your pizza carefully!!!!)

Friday, September 11, 2009

9-11

I will never forget.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I love my slow cooker!!

I don't know about y'all, but I LOOOVE my slow cooker (or crock-pot, whichever you prefer to call it). Not too long ago, I discovered A Year of Slow Cooking. Y'all GO CHECK IT OUT!!! She's got some seriously yummy recipes on her site AND she created a cookbook, too!!!!

And if any of y'all try her recipes out, let me know how they turn out!!

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Ceiling fans.... oh my....

I can NOT believe I am going to show y'all these photos.

Oh dear.

All summer long we've kept the ceiling fans on. If we turn them off, it's usually because we are leaving the house. So who ever noticed they were dirty? And BOY are they dirty!! Just look!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Go ahead... click on it! You know you want to see that icky dirt up close!!!!)

And this is the dust that came off ONE ceiling fan!!!!

WHY am I showing y'all these horrifying photos?? So that this scene is NOT repeated in YOUR home!!!! Do your family a favor and go right now and look at your ceiling fans and see if they are dirty. If so, CLEAN THEM!!!!!!!!!!

UPDATE: Y'all!!! Mrs. B just left a comment and said "
One thing that I've found that helps is to polish them with furniture polish and then the dust doesn't seem to stick to them as easily." What an EXCELLENT tip!! Thank you, Mrs. B!!!!!

Monday, September 07, 2009

Italian Polenta Cookies...

These cookies from Martha Stewart are wonderful!!! The photo above is how Martha says to shape them, but I got tired of doing it that way and decided to roll them into balls and smoosh them with the bottom of a glass so they look like this...

Oops! Looks like someone snuck a little bite there!

No matter how you shape these, they are TASTY!!!! The texture reminds me of a pecan sandy but the flavor is slightly sweet with just a hint of lemon. Perfect!!!!

Italian Polenta Cookies
(from Martha Stewart)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Italian polenta or coarse yellow cornmeal*
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together flour, polenta, and salt in a bowl.

Put butter, sugar, and lemon zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; beat on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add egg and egg yolk, one at a time, beating after each addition to combine. Mix in vanilla. Gradually add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 7/16-inch star tip (such as Ateco #825).

Pipe S shapes about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide, spacing 1 ½ inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment. Chill in freezer until dough is firm about 30 minutes. Bake cookies until edges are golden, 15 to 18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Transfer cookies on parchment to wire racks; let cool about 10 minutes. Remove cookies from parchment, and transfer to racks to cool completely. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.

*I ground my corn meal fresh and used that instead of polenta. YUM!

Friday, September 04, 2009

Things for today...

Is it Friday already? Why didn't the week fly by this quickly when I used to work fulltime outside the home????

We are LOVING the cooler temperatures that have settled in our area this week. For all I know, it could be back in the upper 90s next week, so we're definitely going to enjoy this while we can!! Windows are all wide open- FRESH AIR!!!

A cute little kitty cat wondered up to our church Wednesday night after church. Two different families said they would take her home Sunday if she was still here. So what's our family to do? Well, feed her of course!! Elizabeth LOVED discovering her still here this morning.

Mr. U and I are finishing up our homestudy work today. My most dreaded task, the scrapbook, is almost ready. I know, I know, most of y'all probably LOVE scrapbooking, but not me. I'm doing my best with our portfolio, though, because I know some sweet girl will see them one day and, hopefully, choose our family for the child she is carrying.

Some friends of ours are having a housewarming party this weekend. Hmmm. What kind of gift should we take to a housewarming party? Any ideas?

On today's menu is Sausage Lentil Soup and French bread with a dipping sauce that reminds me SOOOOO much of Carrabba's!! I'll be sure and share those recipes later on!!

I've got a little tidying to do today and then I'll vacuum tomorrow night and wipe down bathrooms quickly. I do love to take care of our home.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!! Make time to be in the Word!!!

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

A late summer surprise...

We were outside earlier today enjoying the WONDERFUL mid 70s weather we're having. I knew I smelled a heavenly scent!!! Sure enough, on the far end of the house, our gardenia bush is blooming again!! I LOVE when flowers surprise me by blooming unexpectantly!!

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Give This Christmas Away....

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts- especially when it involves Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child.

I'm sure many of y'all are already involved in making shoeboxes each year, but if not, please watch the video and then head over to Samaritan's Purse and read how you, your family and your church can get involved this year.

Monday, August 31, 2009

How does your family "do" breakfast?

I would love to hear from y'all about how your family does breakfast each morning. Do you always eat together? Do you have a menu for breakfast or does everyone just grab something? Do you set an elaborate table or do you eat off paper towels? Seriously, I'd LOVE to hear how breakfast is around your home!!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Watkins Vanilla...

I LOVE Watkins Vanilla!! Seriously, this is WAY better than the vanilla my mother used to use (Sorry Mom!!!!). It always smelled so medicine like to me. Watkins vanilla smells like, well, vanilla.

Today was grocery shopping day and I happily strolled down my favorite Walmart isle- the baking isle. (How many of y'all LOVE the baking isle, too?). I reached up to get my beloved Double Strength Vanilla and it was not there!!!!

I just made chocolate chip cookies tonight and there are 2 tsp less vanilla in my cute little bottle. OOOOOH!! I hope they restock their shelves soon!! How can I bake without it???

So tell me, what brand of vanilla do YOU prefer???

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Today in my home.....

Yes, today is window washing day here in my home. I used to mind it terribly, but now that I do it on a monthly basis, it's not so hard to tackle!!

Also, today is the day I move furniture to vacuum underneath. Tiring work moving some of this heavy furniture, but worth it in the end to get up all the hidden dust.

It surely makes me happy to take care of our home!!!

What are you working on in your home today??

(Photo credit)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Fall is slowly coming....

The past two mornings we have awoken to cooler temperatures. Granted, the coolness doesn't last but a few hours, but it is a VERY nice reminder that Fall is on it's way!!!

Anyone else excited about Fall?

(photo from here)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Weekend cleaning... do you?

I normally do not post on the weekends, but as I was getting ready to clean, I wondered how many of y'all do any cleaning on the weekends? Until recently, I made sure all the cleaning was done Monday through Friday so that I would be free on the weekends. However, I've noticed that our home on Sundays has always been in such disarray!! I decided that I needed to at least give the bathrooms a quick clean and vacuum our living room on Saturday afternoon. You never know when guests will come over after church and I don't want them to see our home all a mess!!!

So do any of you clean on the weekends? Or do you accomplish it all during the week? I'd love to hear!!!

Friday, August 21, 2009

Chocolate Chip Muffins...

These were perfectly wonderful!! The texture, the taste, everything. Well, everything except I only made 12 of them. Next time, I'm doubling the recipe.

Chocolate Chip Muffins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (but not hot!!)
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly grease or line 12 muffins cups.

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in melted butter, milk, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in chocolate chips. Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. (I use an ice cream scoop for this! Super easy!!) Sprinkle the top of each filled muffin tin with a smidge of sugar.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until they are slightly golden on top.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Future blogger...

This is what I see each time I grabbed my camera to take a picture of something for the blog. HA! Elizabeth grabs her play camera and heads in the same direction I'm going. I definitely see a blogger in the making.

Friday, August 14, 2009

What are you reading?

(Image found here.)

What have you been reading lately? What's on your list of "to read in the not-too-distant-future"?

Me? Remember me asking about Grace Livingston Hill a few months ago? Well, I finished The Honor Girl not too long ago (my sister is reading it now!!) and am in the middle of A Daily Rate. LOVE THEM!!!!! All of you that said you loved her books, well, I completely agree with you!!!!

Along with A Daily Rate, I'm also reading Blueberries for Sal, The Big Green Pocketbook, and other fun books with Elizabeth. :)

Oh, and let me add, I have found a lot of Grace Livingston Hill's books on Paperback Swap. Let me tell you, if you haven't joined yet, DO SO NOW!!! TONS of great books on there!!!

Okay, so what are YOU reading now?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Cornbread Salad...

Cornbread salad? Sounds a little strange, right? Think what you like, but WOW is this delicious!!

I discovered this yummy recipe from Harrington House who directed me to Cherry Hill Cottage. A huge THANK YOU to both of these ladies for the recipe!!!

Cornbread Salad

2 pans cooked cornbread, crumbled
1 pound bacon cooked crisp, broken up
1 purple onion, chopped
1 cup green onion, chopped
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
2 cups mayonnaise
Pecans

Mix this all together and enjoy!! But, if you mix it all together, cover, and wait about 24 hours, the taste gets even BETTER!!!!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Voddie Baucham on Brokenness...

Friday, August 07, 2009

Storing Parmigiano Reggiano...

I LOOOOOVE Parmigiano Reggiano cheese!! I love the incredible smell that hits your nose when you first unwrap it from the plastic wrap it comes in. But, I do NOT love the plastic wrap!! There's no way that thin piece of plastic can keep your cheese from drying out!! What to do??

According to Whole Food's website this is how you store it properly...

Storing Parmigiano Reggiano
Wedges: Buy pieces that will last you just a week or two. Exposure to air causes the cheese to dry out and lose flavor, so keep it tightly wrapped in parchment paper or aluminum foil. Store in the cheese or veggie drawer of your refrigerator (40°F); freezing destroys its subtle nuances.

Grated: For maximum flavor and aroma, grate your own Parmigiano Reggiano directly onto food or buy it already grated as close as possible to when you plan to use it. Store pre-grated cheese in the refrigerator in a zip bag with all air squeezed out.

How do YOU store your Parmigiano Reggiano? With such yummy cheese, you most certainly don't want it to go bad!!

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

In honor of Julia Child...

I've seen a lot of "talk" on blogs lately about Julia Child. I suppose it is because there is a new movie out about her life. She was an amazing chef and I still enjoy watching her TV shows on PBS.

For years, I've heard about pate a choux dough and have definitely eaten my share of eclairs and profiteroles in my life. I've also heard how easy they are to make. "Sure", I thought. "This is the kind of stuff that Julia Child makes, not me!!" And so, I put it off. Until Friday.

Friday afternoon, I had nothing going on. Nothing planned. All my housekeeping duties were completed for the day. It was a quiet, rainy afternoon and nothing stood between me and gougeres except fear!!!!! And fear I did, until I started cooking.

Once I started, I discovered that this "fancy" recipe wasn't quite so hard at all! In fact, it is, by far, the EASIEST bread type of recipe I have ever made!!! So, if any of y'all have ever wondered about the pate a choux process, press on!!!

I used Amy Finley's recipe from Gourmet Next Door. I used half the dough and made gougeres (with Swiss instead of Gruyere) and the other half for, what will be, profiteroles. I froze the profiteroles and will make them into the real deal this week (complete with yummy cream filling) for dessert.

What recipe have you feared making and then, once you started cooking, you didn't fear it so much after all??

Monday, August 03, 2009

The Next Food Network Star...

Melissa

Jeffrey

I admit it. I watched The Next Food Network Star and enjoyed it! I love to cook and love to learn about food and cooking.

Did anyone else watch it? Were you happy with the winner that was chosen?

Me? I was cheering for Jeffrey from day 1 and liked his approach to food slightly more than Melissa's. I'll watch her first episode, though, to see how it goes. I just really appreciate watching cooking shows that use new ingredients or methods of cooking so that I can learn and, in the end, cook good food for my family.

So if you watched the show, tell me what you think!!!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

YOU can help us with our next ADOPTION!!!!

Hi y'all!! I'm having an ONLINE Pampered Chef party and YOU are invited!!!

I "met" (online) a Pampered Chef consultant who is helping us raise funds for our next adoption!!! If any of you have ever used Pampered Chef, you know what WONDERFUL products they have! I've been using their line for almost 10 years and have ZERO complaints- LOVE THEM!!!

Anyway, if any of you would be interested in helping with my fundraiser AND interested in purchasing Pampered Chef, please leave a comment with a way that I can get in touch with you. I will then send you an email with all that you need to do to order.

His,
Mrs. U

THANK YOU to everyone who ordered!!! The Pampered Chef "party" was over August 2, and I truly am thankful for everyone who helped us raise money for our adoption!!!!!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Praying for Jennifer...

GO TO MELISSA'S BLOG TO UPDATES ON JENNIFER.

Melissa over at Desiring To Be A Godly Woman has asked for prayer for her sister-in-law today.

Jennifer, who has been diagnosed with Cushings Disease, is having surgery TODAY, y'all, so please be sure and pray for her and her family. Please go visit Melissa's blog to find out how you can pray specifically.

Most of all, pray the God is glorified through all this.

What a nice surprise!!!

Surprise! Surprise!!!

Not too long ago, I shared my blogging woes about all my favorite blogs disappearing!!! Well, have I got some GREAT news!! Guess who's back? Susan P from A Place Called Home and Mrs. Wilt from The Sparrow's Nest!!!

Oooooh, ladies!!! Be sure and go visit them and welcome them back to blogland!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake...

This recipe quite surprised me when I first tried it about 6 years ago. Hot fudge + pudding + cake = tasty fun in my book!! So, I tried it out.

It looked a little funny after I followed the directions and assembled it all in the pan. This is what it looks like right before you put it in the oven.

Looks like a watery mess, doesn't it?

But, TRUST ME. Follow the directions exactly because this is the end result...

Aaaahhhhhh... chocolate bliss!!!! Fudgy brownie like cake on top and rich chocolate pudding below!!! The recipe says to serve it with ice cream, but we've never done that. We just eat it as is. Hot and yummy!!!

Here's the recipe in case you want to try it. It comes together FAST and can bake while you and your family sit down to dinner. Serve it hot (I don't like the taste nearly as much when it cools) and prepare for happy, smiling faces around your table!!

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 T cocoa
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 T shortening
4 T brown sugar
2 T cocoa
2 cups hot water

Mix first 5 ingredients in a bowl. Stir in milk and shortening. Spread in an 8x8 inch prepared baking dish. Mix brown sugar and additional cocoa and sprinkle over mixture. Pour 2 cups hot water on top and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve hot alone or with ice cream.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies...

Have you ever visited with Joy the Baker? If not, you're in for a treat! She has many delicious recipes!! This one, Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies, is to die for. Easy. Quick. LOTS of peanut butter flavor. Everyone in the family LOVES them. You NEED to make some tonight!!!

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies

(makes about two dozen cookies)

1 cup all-natural chunky or smooth peanut butter
1 cup sugar (1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar)
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking sheet with butter and set aside. In a mixer combine peanut butter and sugars until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add egg and baking soda and mix for another 2 minutes. Roll into walnut sized balls and create a cris-cross pattern with a fork. If you'd like, add a few chocolate pieces to the top of the cookies. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on a baking sheet for two minutes, then transfer to... your mouth.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Homemade Chicken Stock....

There's something extra homey about making your own chicken stock. Not only is it less expensive than buying the boxed stuff at the supermarket, it is WAY healthier for you, too. And OH how my home smells soooo yummy while the stock is simmering on my stove!! I just love knowing that I am giving my family something that tastes so good.

Chicken Stock 101
(at least, the Mrs. U version of it!)

1) Rub 5 chicken breasts (with skin and bones) with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast chicken breasts in a 400 degree oven for 45-55 minutes until it is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Once cool, separate the meat from bones and store the meat for later use.

2) Place chicken bones and fat in an 8 qt stock pot. Roughly chop 2 onions, 4 ribs celery and 3 carrots and place in stock pot along with 2 bulbs of garlic (cut in half) and 4 bay leaves, 2 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp rosemary and a big handful of peppercorns (yes, put them in whole). And, this may sound like a strange ingredient, but also add 2-3 T of apple cider vinegar. Cover everything with water to the very rim of the pot. Cover with lid.

3) Bring stock pot to boil and then uncover and turn down to a simmer. Let this simmer away on the stove for about 6 hours (Yes, you need to be home all day to do this, but BOY is it worth it!!!). The water level will go down 2-3 inches and you will be left with a dark, flavorful broth!!!

4) Once it's done simmering, turn the stove off and let it sit for about 30 minutes to cool slightly. Using a colander, drain the stock into a very large bowl (I use another 8 qt stock pot). The colander will catch all the vegetables, spices and bones and the stock will drain into the large bowl. Discard the lefover vegetables and such and let the stock cool for about an hour more.

5) Once it's cooled a little more, cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator. I usually let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. The next morning, the fat has risen to the top of the stock and solidified and I can easily skim it off and discard it.

6) Ladel the chicken stock into your containers to freeze the stock (and be sure and leave some headroom to freeze) for later use or use right away in a yummy recipe for your family!!!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Meaty Pasta Casserole...

This is a DELICIOUS casserole that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!!! The first time I made this, I made one for us and one casserole for a family with an ill mother. She told me later that, aside from the mushrooms, every child in her family ate a second helping!!

I LOVE Taste of Home magazine. This is yet another great tasting recipe from them!!

Meaty Pasta Casserole
(Taste of Home, Aug/Sept 2008)

Ingredients:
1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 pound bulk Italian pork sausage
1-3/4 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes
1 jar (25.6 ounces) Italian sausage and garlic spaghetti sauce
1 jar (16 ounces) chunky mild salsa
1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni, chopped
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Swiss cheese, divided
4 cups (16 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
1-1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 jar (26 ounces) three-cheese spaghetti sauce

Directions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the beef, sausage, mushrooms, onion and green pepper over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.

Drain pasta; add to the meat mixture. Stir in the tomatoes, sausage and garlic spaghetti sauce, salsa and pepperoni.

Divide half of pasta mixture between two greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dishes. Sprinkle each with 1/4 cup Swiss cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Spread 3/4 cup of three-cheese spaghetti sauce over each. Top with remaining pasta mixture and three-cheese spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses.

Cover and freeze one casserole for up to 3 months. Cover and bake remaining casserole at 350° for 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

To use frozen casserole: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 2 casseroles (6 servings each).

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Peppers....

A sweet couple in our church went to Tennessee last week and came home with a huge box full of these peppers!! I've never seen pale yellow or purple bell peppers before!! Have you?

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A baby bracelet giveaway....

My friend, Melissa, is having her first giveaway and it's a CUTIE!! Y'all be sure and head over to Desiring To Be a Godly Woman and register for her baby bracelet that she's giving away! Whether it's for your daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, cousin or next-door-neighbor, just sign up!! Hurry, though, the cut-off is Sunday, July 19!!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Simple and Delicious Apple Dumplings...

Hurry! RUN to your kitchen and make this for your family tonight!!! Seriously, they will thank you for it!!

It's simple and delicious and the recipe is from Pioneer Woman.

Apple Dumplings

2 Granny Smith apples
2 cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoons vanilla
cinnamon
1 small can Mountain Dew

Peel and core apples. Cut apples into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan. Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Yes, I believe in recycling...

Now THIS is the kind of recycling I can really get into!!! A sweet lady at church was getting rid of some older Martha Stewart Living magazines. She knows that I like the topics of homemaking and cooking and offered the magazines!! I think she kind of felt bad since they were out of date. I reassured her that I LOVED getting these magazines!! And OH how I've enjoyed s-l-o-w-l-y going through them!!!

Maybe you have some out of date magazines that you could "recycle" and give to someone!!

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

How neighborly are you?

I've been reading over at Project Home Economics (LOVE that blog, by the way!!!) and learning so much! I recently read this from Elizabeth....

"Some brand new neighborhoods can be a bit bleak, as the landscaping is still bare in many years, and neighbors may move in and out so frequently and stay so busy that you may feel somewhat isolated. If you live in such an area, try this: make a chart of the streets in your neighborhood. Take note when someone new moves in. If you hear that someone has a baby, also take note. Bake goods and take them to these people. Invite people for dinner. Don't give up if people are busy and it takes a while to get them over; plan a month ahead if you have to.Wrap them well in case no one is home and you have to drop them off. Be the woman (or family) who prays about every street and every house. Do what you can to love your neighbors and make your neighborhood feel like a community. This will, in turn, bless you by making your home feel more like a home."

I would LOVE to hear how each of you reach out to your neighbors!!

Also, if there is anything special that your neighbors have done for you, please share!!!

My parents are good about keeping up with their neighbors. I love that. One dear man across the street from them makes a point of blowing off my parents' driveway every time he blows off his driveway!! What a kind thing to do!!

Monday, July 06, 2009

So sad... blogs are disappearing!!!

I'm SO sad! So far this year, four of my favorites bloggers have stopped blogging- Mrs. Cat (Making It Home), Mrs. Wilt (The Sparrows Nest), Crystal (Biblical Womanhood) and Susan (A Place Called Home). I do understand that real life is WAY more important than the blogging world, but I do miss learning from them.

Now I am looking for more blog favorites. I would LOVE to know what your favorite blogs are, especially homemaking blogs. Please PLEASE share!!

Friday, July 03, 2009

She's home now...

I just found out earlier that Rachel Barkey died peacefully in her sleep July 2nd. Please pray for her husband and their two children. And, please, if you have not already, take some time to watch her video, Death is Not Dying.