Eggnog!

First I want to thank this video for the visible help..



I used the Incredible Egg recipe.


Classic Cooked Eggnog
6 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk, DIVIDED
2 cup of french vanilla coffee half and half
1 tsp. vanilla


BEAT eggs, sugar and salt in large heavy saucepan until blended. STIR IN 2 cups milk.
COOK over low heat, stirring constantly but gently, until mixture is just thick enough to just coat a metal spoon with a thin film and temperature reaches 160°F, about 15 minutes. Do not allow to boil.
REMOVE from heat immediately.
STIR IN remaining 2 cups milk and vanilla.
REFRIGERATE, covered, until thoroughly chilled, several hours or overnight.

Silly me read the recipe as after reaching 165 degrees cook for 15 minutes.... yea my first batch as sweeten scrambled egg mess.... Good thing I did a half a recipe for that!! PLUS I also saw that adding half heavy cream or half and half will make it richer, having used most of the container of heavy cream I  used  what was left plus some of my french vanilla coffee creamer in the remaining milk... YUMMM

Hot Chocolate for Santa

10 2/3 cups powdered milk (equal to a box that makes 8 qts.)
4 cups Chocolate Powder (milk flavoring mix)
2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/4 cups coffee creamer

Directions
Combine all the ingredients.
Stir until all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Pour into an airtight container and store in a dry area.
To serve, add 1/4 to 1/3 cups of hot chocolate mix to 1 cup of boiling water; stir until mix is dissolved.

Ketchup

Growing up my grandmother used to make her own ketchup and being a spoiled brat I didn't like until my pre-teens when she ran out of the bottled kind. It had a bite to it so as kids we called it "hot" ketchup. My aunt made it for awhile but she is busy taking care of Ted. so I found a couple recipes on line and kinda mixed the spices around to my liking.

6 ounce can tomato paste
1/4 to 1/3 cup tap water (depending on desired consistency)
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt
pinch of pepper
pinch nutmeg
pinch allspice
pinch cayenne pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup

In a medium bowl combine all of the ingredients with a wire whisk. Blend well. Scrape the mixture into a pint-sized, re-sealable container. Or empty ketchup  bottle that has been cleaned out!  Chill overnight, to blend the flavors. Use wherever ketchup is desired. Keeps for months in the refrigerator.

Or can it like my grandmother used to. Leave a 1/8 headspace. Sorry I don't know how to can but know that much!

Natural Food Coloring?

With the holidays ahead I am thinking about baking somethings and thought about sugar cookies. Truth is at work I was comment that my cookies would taste better because they don't have any chemicals in the mix. So then I think wait the frosting is made with artificial coloring....

So I went to find on line if I could find natural food coloring.... ummm wait I have my hours cut and I am being told not to get over 35 hours or I will be in big trouble... They are expensive...

New search! To make natural dyes.  I was thinking no not the easter egg dyes... but it pretty close to that to color frosting.

Raspberries, cranberries or strawberries - red or pink
Beet juice - red
blueberries or blackberries - reddish purple
grape juice- lavender
puree spinach- green
Avocado - green
turmeric or saffron -yellow
cabbage leaves water add baking soda - blue

Pancake mix

3 1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup of powdered buttermilk
4 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt



Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir, using a whisk, to thoroughly combine.

Store for up to 3 months.


For pancakes:

Heat a griddle over medium high heat.
Place 1 cup mix in a medium mixing bowl.
 Beat 1 egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 2/3 cup milk and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla together and stir into the dry mix until just combined.  Can add more milk or water if too dry.
Let the mixture rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Lightly brush the griddle with butter.
Pour 1/3 cup batter for each pancake, leaving 2 inches between each one. Cook until bubbles form on the pancake surface and the underside is golden, about 5 minutes.
 Flip pancakes and cook until golden, about 2 more minutes.
Makes six 4-inch pancakes.


For waffles:
Heat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
Place 1 cup mix in a medium mixing bowl. Beat 1 egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla together and stir into dry mix until just combined.
Lightly oil the iron plates, add batter (waffle iron capacities vary), and cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.
Makes four 5-inch square waffles.

Maple Cupcakes

Cupcakes

2 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup light-brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk


Directions

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ginger. Set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together using a mixer set on medium speed in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, syrup, and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture by thirds, alternating with the buttermilk. Stir in nuts. Fill 18 lined muffin cups and bake until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely.

Maple-Butter Frosting


1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ounce cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners' sugar
Directions

Beat the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl with a mixer set on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Continue beating, and add the maple syrup and vanilla. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, increase the speed to high, and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Chill for 1 hour before using.

Apple Cranberry Sauce Recipe

12 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 1/2 cup apples, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup apple cider
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon

The Directions.


Rinse off the cranberries and put them into your crock-pot. Add the apple slices, apple cider and water. Can use orange juice.

Add the sugar and the cinnamon. Stir. There will be an awful lot of liquid, and the cranberries will float.

Cover and cook Low for 6-8 hours and on high for 3-4 hours.

Stir every hour or so. When the skin from the cranberries has softened, the cranberries will "pop" when pushed with a spoon up against the side of the crock.

Heat enough for it to be warm throughout. Take the lid off and heat on high for another 30 to 45 minutes. Your house will smell wonderful!

Serve. This easily can be made a few days before your holiday dinner

Friendship Tea

1 jar (18 oz.) Tang or store brand equilivant
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup instant iced tea
1 package powdered lemonade mix
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Mix together in a airtight jar or bottle.
1 tablespoons of mix (or to taste) into 1 cup hot water

Spiced Chai Mix

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
2 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Place items in blender. Blend till fine powder.
Stir 2 heaping tablespoons per cup of hot water.

Chili Season mix

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 tablespoon dried, minced garlic
2 teaspoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

After not having chili powder I use chili seasoning in my spanish rice recipe, the girls loved it!  I have looked for a chili seasoning mix...

Doesn't the bottle look so cute... thinking wow this could be a nice gift...

Whipped Sweet Potato Bake

2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 bananas, do not peel
1/2 cup (1 stick)  butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup  brown sugar
3/4 cups pecans, chopped

Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Prick the sweet potatoes all over with a fork, put them in a roasting pan and roast for 30 minutes.
Toss the bananas with peels on into the pan and continue roasting for 10 to 15 minutes, until both the bananas and potatoes are very soft.  This step can be done ahead of time.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
Peel the bananas and add them to the bowl along with 1/2 stick of the butter, and the maple syrup.
Season with salt and beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until everything is  well combined and the mixture is fluffy.
Spoon into an oven-proof casserole bowl and smooth the top.

In a separate mixing bowl, use your fingers to rub together the remaining 1/2 stick of butter, the brown sugar, flour, and pecans until the mixture is the consistency of coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the sweet potatoes and return to the oven.
Cook for about 20 minutes, until the crumbs are golden.
Serve hot.

Fajita Mix

1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
pinch of cayenne, to taste;)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

Sassy SV style Sloppy Joe seasoning

1 tablespoon instant, minced onion
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon instant, minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Combine all ingredients until evenly distributed. Makes one package.

The most famous tomato sauce on the internet

from Marcella Hazan's Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking.
 For the Sauce:
 2 pounds fresh, ripe peeled tomatoes, or 2 cups canned imported Italian tomatoes, cut up,  with their juice
 5 tablespoons butter
 1 medium onion, peeled and cut in half
 Salt to taste

 Put either the prepared fresh tomatoes or the canned in a saucepan, add the butter, onion, and salt, and cook uncovered at a very slow, but steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until it is thickened to your liking and the fat floats free from the tomato.
 Stir from time to time, mashing up any large pieces of tomato with the back of a wooden spoon.
 Taste and correct for salt.
Discard the onion before tossing with pasta. Serve with freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese for the table.

      

Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche means "sweet of the milk" or "milk candy". I found out how easy it was to make....

I not sure if you heard about the recipe of boiling the can for 4 hour. It's kinda scary and I'm sure you have heard the horror stories of the cans exploding. So I really didn't want to go that route.

I really got lucky and stumbled on a recipe that was in the microwave... plus another stove top recipe.... From Company site. Nestle's

Pour a can of Sweetened Condensed Milk into a large bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes on half power (50%). Stir and microwave for 2 more minutes on half power.

Then microwave on medium low (30%) power for 2 minutes at a time. Stir with a whisk between cooking times, for 8 to 12 minutes. Until the mild turns a light caramel color...
The milk will start to bubble up and when you are microwaving it. But when you stir it; the constancy becomes very smooth....... specially after it starts to thicken.

Or you could cook it on the stove in a double broiler about the same way...

Spanish Rice

2 cups rice
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, including liquid
1 3/4 cups water or vegetable broth
1 16 ounce can tomato sauce
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chili seasoning
1 tsp onion powder

Add to crock pot. Cook for 6 to 8 hours on low.

Cinnamon Sugar Braid

Cinnamon Sugar Braid 
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, cut up
3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 teaspoon yeast

Directions:

place in machine in order. Use dough cycle.

After cycle is done let sit for 10 minutes. divide into thirds. Roll each piece into 18-inch rope. Braid loosely together; tucking ends under. Place on greased cookie sheet. Let rise for about 1 hour till double in size. Brush with melted butter.

mix together
1 Tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.

sprinkle over loaf

Bake at 350 F
Bake for 20 to 30 minutes

American Food vs the UK

I have said before, in the European countries things must be proved safe before the country allow the ingredient to be manufacturer, where in the USA it put be proven harmful to be removed! So in Europe they have banned 1400 ingredients and we have banned 400....

But yes things can be made without the items that are questionable... as Pop tarts in the video

Upside down Banana Split

Funny how you remember some crazy stuff.  I remember Upside down banana splits.

When I was younger...my uncle was taking us for ice cream...  talking about banana splits. I don't really like banana splits just cause of the yucky pineapple topping, I said.  So my uncle told me he would take me somewhere that has upside down banana splits.  They are served in a cup and you don't have to have the pineapple topping. Weird thing is no one other than me remembers this.. they still tease me about it.  They said I should of marketed the idea and would have beat Dairy Queen out cause this was years, I mean years; before the blizzard...

So I would make my own upside down banana split when the mood stuck.  Even when the girl was little she would like her upside down banana split plain.  Just ice cream and bananas... Truth is many times like tonight it is a round about way to cut out the bad mushy rotten spots and still have a banana split.. with chocolate fudge topping minus  the yucky pineapple topping!

It was yummy!

Strawberry Sorbet

2 2/3 cups strawberries
1/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup water
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool completely (1– 2 hours).
Combine with pureed strawberries and lemon juice.
Pour into canister and freeze as directed on pages 4–5.

Gelato Recipe

2 cups whole milk
¾ cup sugar
1 pinch salt
3 Tablespoons cornstarch (rice starch could also be used)
1 cup heavy cream


     Directions:
 Warm milk, sugar and salt in a sauce pan.
 In a separate dish, whisk the cornstarch into the heavy cream. Once completely dissolved, add this mixture to the milk mixture.

 Heat the mixture, stirring constantly until it begins to boil and bubble up. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stir constantly.

Remove from heat and scrape into a bowl. Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally as it cools.
 Once chilled, whisk once more to remove any lumps then process in your ice cream machine per the manufacturer's instructions.

Self=rising Flour

What if you don't have self rising flour? Well it is easy to make!!

For every cup of flour add:
1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt.


If using to make a bread product don't add the salt.

If using instead of all-purpose flour in a quick bread, omit salt and baking powder.

I just might have to try this...

Have you heard of Ice cream bread? Bread made with ice cream...
You can use any flavor of ice cream, just make sure it’s not low- or non-fat.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Mix equal parts melted ice cream and self-rising flour. (1 1/2 cups)
Pour it into a greased pan.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Any one ever made this bread?

My plate

When I was going to school, we had to learn the 4 basic food groups. Protein, dairy, grains and cereal, and last but not least fruits and vegetables. We were thought that we need to eat from each food group each day to be big and strong.... Even the dinosaurs ate well, way back then... Ok really the dinosaurs were long gone before that but not according to the girls... lol

Then there was the Great Pyramid the girl had to learn.  You know the one where the closer to the top you got the less of that item you should eat... The girl understood that very easily.  It's the pyramid with the stripes well lets just say we all sign a big sign of relieve  that none of us where in school and had to worry if we understood the diagram or not!!
Why not go to  www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for information, tools, “how-to” materials about healthy eating

So yea this diagram can be understood by the littler ones  in  school.  It can easily understood by many.... but really it is worth 2 million...... that reported the amount that it took to develop and promote the my plate icon. wow.... and we blame the president for the  deficit.

But where we wrong in the "olden" days? Was my grandparents wrong with eating eggs almost everyday for breakfast and milk with every meal mindset?  That the fact was most things where made from scratch and not over fortified with added vitamins.  The animals where not pumped up with hormones.  Oh yea that the main item wasn't the meat.  You  usually had a few side dishes,  you ate everyone of them and that the meat was not the largest part of the plate..........     Maybe our grandparents did have this right....

Spaghetti Sauce

This sauce is a blend of Paula Dean's  and my uncle Paul's recipes. You can add more spices if you want I just go easy on the garlic for Miss Animal Rights belly, that can't handle to much garlic. Plus NO meat is added.  Uncle Paul believes that the meat should never be cooked with the sauce, but placed on the table with the sauce...


1/4cup of onion, chopped
1 (16-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (8-ounce) can tomatoes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup water

Yes when you dd the baking soda it will bubble, but it will stop in time. This step help cuts the bite of the tomato. Giving it a smoother flavor. Simmer for 30 minutes. Let cool. The sauce will keep for several days covered and refrigerated.

Cooking up Anti-Ant Spray

So Miss Animal Rights now is now dealing with ants in her place. I thought yea I don't miss them... LOL but I don't really miss coming home after work to see the sink filled with dishes cause both girls glazed all night. But she tells me she washes the dishes every morning after Tech goes to work. But she still has ants. I don't get freaked out about them like she does. Guess it is just something you have to deal with every summer.
So guess what I saw this morning? Yep ants, at my house.... so off to find my lemon juice.

Yea I hear/read that ants don't like the taste of lemon or anything citrus. So cleaning with vinegar and/or lemon juice will help get rid of them. It is that you need to keep doing it after all... but I will do that every time I do dishes. Just add some lemon juice to the dish towel and wipe counters. My mudroom is a different story. It get the little buggers all summer and yes the lemon juice works but not for long. I guess that citrus kills the type of fungi the ant eat. Extra bonus with the great smell killing fungi.

One site I found has borax used with jelly. Any flavor jelly will work. The problem is we have cats. Oh yea my one cat the physic one, she loves PBJ. Yep she has been know to steal my sandwich from my plate..... PLUS if you have small children it not a good thing to have borax jelly traps in pop caps all over your house. Cause it can make them sick. Borax can be used in your mop water for the floors, just keep the animals and small children off the floor until it dries. If your kids that are older; you can enlist them to help you keep the pets off the wet floor. "Sweetie I need help keeping Rover off the wet kitchen floor cause it might make him sick" was all I had to say to Miss Animal Rights. She was like that since she could walk....

Now the mudroom isn't air tight that is how they get in I know it..... It is said that you can lay a line of baby powder where they get in to keep them from entering. I also hear coffee grounds can do the same thing.
They don't like the smell of coffee! That just us humans, that need it to wake up... SO hey I got some of them right now in my coffee maker!! But then I will have drink coffee all summer for it is great for my tomato plants and my roses.... Plus roses like citrus peels too....

So in my search I found a site that has a all purpose organic pesticide for inside and out. Gotta love Instructables! Where you use things like onions, hot peppers and garlic to make a pesticide for your plants. Hey it might work on your ants or other nasty crawling pest inside like the article said it works on the pest on your inside plants......

Italian dressing

1/4 cup white vinegar
3 tbsp water
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1/4 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup olive oil

Place all ingredients in to a bottle. Shake container to mix ingredients until sugar and salt have dissolved. Add oil and shake well to mix. Pour over salad and store remainder in the refrigerator.

This is so good!!! I thought that this can't be as good as the bottle, but this is so much better!!

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 (8 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (opp)

Combine confectioners' sugar, Neufchatel cheese, butter and vanilla. Beat until smooth, If wanted;  then stir in 1 cup chopped pecans. Spread on cooled cake.

Old Wives Tales 0r Truth?

I have just read on line that white vinegar added to your soaking beans will reduce the gas you get from beans. Now having the bloat problems from quitting smoking.... can this help me?

But Granny told me it was a carrot. You cook a carrot in your pot of beans to help reduce the gas and bloating that beans give you.

Dr. Oz yea I like to watch that show when I can... LOL says that it will take a little bit of time for our bodies to get use to the added fiber.....

So what do you believe or do for the gas from beans?

Enchilada-Sauce

2 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon minced onion
1 teaspoon oregano
2 cups water
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

Combine all dry ingredients in a sauce pan.
Add enough water to make a thin paste.
Add rest of water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.
let sit for a few minutes to thicken more.
Stir in tomato sauce.
Use in your favorite enchilada recipe.
The amounts on the ingredients are very flexible.
For instance, if kids who do not like"spicy", use less chili powder and double the tomato sauce.
Experiment to suit your taste, but don't leave out the cocoa.

Forbidden Rice

olive oil
1 medium sweet onion [chopped]
sea salt [to taste]
15 oz Forbidden Rice
water to cover rice by 1 1/8" inch



1. Heat your pot and add your oil, onions, salt and saute until translucent and sweet smelling. Your onion is breaking down and becomes sweeter..but I use sweet onion any way...

2. Add rice stir and toast until they smell nutty.

3. Add water, stir, cover, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes.

4. Turn off heat, let stand for 10 minutes, fluff with fork.


Now remember that forbidden rice is black in color and will stain! I have added sticky rice to the mix but it all will turn black! but it has a nutty taste.  It's a experience........

Earth Day Bread

For 2 loaves
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup applesauce
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup finely grated zucchini
1/2 cup grated apple
1/2 cup finely grated carrot
1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
1/2 cup chopped pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts




Directions:


 Combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Sift the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and cinnamon in a medium bowl and mix well.
 Add flour mixture to oil mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in the zucchini, carrots, banana, and nuts.
Pour batter into greased and floured 5x9 loaf pan.
Bake at 375 degrees for 55-60 minutes.
Invert onto a wire rack to cool.

Peanut Butter Energy Bars

* 1 cup natural-style peanut butter
* 1 cup honey
* 1 teaspoon maple syrup
* 3 cups dry uncooked old-fashioned oatmeal

Combine peanut butter, maple syrup and honey in a large nonstick pot and warm up over a low heat until runny and mixed.
Mix in the oatmeal (and protein powder if using).
You don't want to cook it, just heat it up enough to stir everything together nicely.
Press into a 9x9-inch pan.
Let cool, then cut into 16 equal bars. - No need to refrigerate as the ingredients are natural.

Mandarin Orange Fried Rice

1 tablespoon oil
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup minced onions
1 cup Cold rice
1 can of mandarin oranges, saving some liquid.
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Heat pan with oil..add onion. When the onion starts to soften .beat egg and add to hot pan. Cook until set. Add rest of ingredients. Cook until hot. About 3 to 5 minutes.

Spiced Walnuts

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 tablespoon maple syrup
* 1-1/2 cups walnuts (can use pecan halves)

Melt butter in a 4 quart glass casserole dish in the microwave.
Stir in the brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and maple syrup.
Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir in the nuts so they are well coated.
Microwave for 4 to 5 additional minutes on high, stirring every minute. Spread cooked nuts out onto parchment or waxed paper to cool.

Engagement Chicken?

So supposedly this recipe will get your man to propose to you...

Serves 2 to 4

Ingredients:

* 1 whole chicken (approximately 4 pounds)
* 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, plus 3 whole lemons—including 1 sliced for garnish
* 1 tablespoon kosher or coarse sea salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
* Fresh herbs for garnish (4 rosemary sprigs, 4 sage sprigs, 8 thyme sprigs, and 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley)

1. Position an oven rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400°F. Remove the giblets from the chicken, wash the chicken inside and out with cold water, then let the chicken drain, cavity down, in a colander for 2 minutes.

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place the chicken breast-side down in a medium roasting pan fi tted with a rack and pour the lemon juice all over the chicken, both inside and out. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper inside and out.

3. Prick 2 whole lemons three times each in three different places with a fork and place them deep inside the cavity. Chicken cavity size may vary, so if one lemon is partly sticking out, that’s fine. (Tip: If the lemons are stiff, roll them on the countertop with your palm before pricking to get the juices flowing.)

4. Put the chicken in the oven, lower the oven temperature to 350°F, and roast, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

5. Remove the roasting pan from the oven. Using tongs, turn the chicken breast- side up. Insert a meat thermometer in the thigh, and return the chicken to the oven and roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the meat thermometer reads 180°F and the juices run clear when the thigh is pricked with a fork. Continue roasting if necessary. Keep in mind that cooking times in different ovens vary; roasting a chicken at 350°F takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes.

6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. And here’s the secret: Pour the juices from the roasting pan on top of the sliced chicken— this is the “marry me juice.” Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

Berry Tea Cake

* 1 egg
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 1 1/2 cups cake flour, sift before measuring
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/3 cup milk
* 3 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup fresh berries. blueberries, raspberries blackberries, cut up strawberries....
* 2 tablespoons sugar

Heat oven to 350°.

Grease and lightly flour of a 10x6-inch or 8-inch square baking dish (approx. 1 1/2 quarts).

n a medium bowl, beat egg with wooden spoon; gradually beat in 2/3 cup sugar.
Beat until well blended.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Add sifted ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture a little at a time, alternating with the milk. Beat well after each addition.
Add butter and vanilla; beat thoroughly.
Fold in berries.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Sprinkle top with 2 tablespoons sugar.
Bake at for 25 to 30 minutes, or until top springs back when lightly touched with finger.
Serve warm with butter, if desired.
Serves 8.

Yummmm tasted great warm and with a little bit of honey butter..... OMG I eat a 1/3 of it already!!!

Left overs

This is what was left after last night, I took both loaves
There was around 20 people there and someone else brought the corned beef and cabbage!!

I think this recipe is a keeper!!

Soda Bread

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix together in a big bowl. Cut in

1/2 cup margarine, softened

I used my clean hands to help mix together.

1 cup buttermilk
1 egg

Slightly beat egg and mix with buttermilk to the dry ingredients.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead slightly. Knead only about 8 or 10 times.. it looks very flaky.  I remember what I read that the more you knead the tougher the bread will taste. Cut about 1/4 deep a X to help the bread bake thoroughly. I also read that the bread should rest before placing in the oven for about 30 minutes. So yea I tried that.  Hey this is my first time making soda bread!!

1 teaspoon  butter, melted
1 teaspoon buttermilk

Brush on the loaf before placing in oven.  You can brush with addition butter while cooking.
Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. 

I also read that the bread is better the next day. 

So the loaves (I didn't double the recipe- I made on at a time) came out looking like a big biscuit!

Berry Muffins

Heat oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 3 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 1/3 cup vegetable oil
* 1 egg
* 1 cup fresh berries, black, blue berries and raspberries

Line the muffin pans with baking cups.... Mix all the dry together. Mix all the wet together. Add the dry
to the wet ingredients. Stir only until moist. Add the berries..

Bake 20-25 minutes

Pizza Dip

Crock pot Recipe

* 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, cubed
* 1 can (15 ounces) pizza sauce
* 1 package (8 ounces) sliced pepperoni, chopped
* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese


Directions

* Place cream cheese in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine the pizza sauce, pepperoni. pour over cream cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook on low for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until cheese is melted




Microwave Recipe

* 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
* 1 can (8 ounces) pizza sauce
* 1/3 cup chopped onion
* 24 slices pepperoni, chopped
* 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
* Assorted crackers

Directions
Layer in order into an un-greased 9-in. microwave-safe pie plate. Microwave, uncovered, at 70% power for 7-10 minutes or until heated and cheese is melted. Serve with crackers.


If you like both recipes you can add mushrooms or olives...

Reese's Pieces Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 cup peanut butter,
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/3 cups flour
1/3 c cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 1/4 cups Reese’s Pieces, frozen
Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, peanut butter, sugar, and honey until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and stir until incorporated.

2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Slowly add dry ingredients to the peanut butter mixture. Stir in the Reese’s Pieces. It’s mandatory that you should eat a few to make sure they are safe.

3. Drop or roll into balls onto cookie sheets lined with parchment or a silicone mat. These cookies do not spread much, so only an inch apart is necessary.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Allow to cool for at least two minutes before removing with a spatula to a wire cooling rack.

Stuff that last forever (or until it's gone)...

I have seen and read many different articles about basic product that will last for a long time in the pantry.  Products we should stock up on with out worry it will go bad.... I had to write it down... then I thought So I never lose it I will post it here........... PLUS less clutter...

Sugar 

Corn starch 

Corn syrup
  
Salt

Pure Vanilla Extract

Distilled White Vinegar 

Pure Maple syrup- put in the refrigerator



Honey -just place in warm water if it crystallizes

Rice - but not brown rice (store it in the  refrigerator or freeze it)

Of course common sense tell you to store in a cool dry place and  if it looks bad or smells bad throw it out!!! 

Raspberry chocolate cookies

Ingredients

* 1/3 C. butter
* 1/3 C. brown sugar, packed
* 1/4 C. raspberry jam
* 1/3 C. granulated sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp. vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 C. flour
* 1 tsp. baking soda
* 8 oz. chocolate chips or white chocolate chips


Directions

Cream butter and sugars. Add egg and beat in. Add vanilla extract and raspberry jam. Mix well. Mix together flour and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to batter. Stir in nuts and chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonful onto lightly greased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Don't overbake. Cool on racks.