Ice Cream Pie

I made an ice cream pie for Christmas dinner. I used the Walnut Pie Crust. You melt your ice cream and place it in the crust and then freeze. Serve with toppings of your choice. I thought I had buttered the pan before putting the crust in but when we went to serve it the crust would not come out. That was sad, because I think the crust is the best part.

Walnut Pie Crust
1 cup pastry or all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Dash salt
3/4 cup walnut pieces
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. You will need one buttered, 9-inch deep dish pie pan either a light-colored or glass pan. Place the flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl and stir to combine. Place the nuts in a food processor or blender and pulse just long enough to chop the nuts finely, not into a paste. Scrape the nuts into the flour mixture and stir to combine. Add the melted butter and combine well. Press the mixture into the buttered pie pan making certain that the crust is evenly thick. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until it just starts to brown on the edges. Do not over bake. A light-colored or glass pan will absorb less heat than a dark one and help ensure against over baking.

Countdown to Santa's Arrival

Here is a link to watch Santa's arrival throughout the world.
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

Hole In One

In the book Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke she shares this recipe. When I read it, it reminded that my Mother used to make it for us when we were kids. So today I made it for me. I added a little cheese to it. It doesn't look as good as my Mom's but it was the memory that was wonderful!!!!!

One slice of bread (any kind)

One egg

Softened butter

Biscuit cutter or juice glass

Spray a frying pan with non-stick spray and set it aside. Butter the pieces of bread on one side. Put it butter-side-down in the frying pan. Butter the side on top. With a biscuit cutter or the rim of a juice glass, stamp a hole in the center of the slice of bread. Put the circle you've cut out next to the slice of bread in the pan. Put the pan on medium heat and wait until the bread starts to fry. Then crack an egg and drop it into the hole in the bread. Add salt and pepper to the egg if you wish. When the egg has cooked on the bottom, flip the whole thing, bread and all, with a pancake turner. Also flip the cutout circle of bread. Fry until the egg is done the way you want it.

Christmas Decorations

Christmas Statue

This is the beautiful statue that is in front of the Provo Temple.

Crossword Puzzle

Here is a website where you can download a program so you can create your own crossword puzzle. I thought this would be fun to have a personalized Christmas puzzle.
http://www.freedownloadaday.com/2008/12/14/create-your-own-crossword-puzzles-with-eclipsecrossword/
Enjoy!!!!

Fudge Cupcakes

I just finished reading Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke. I enjoy her books. She includes at least 8 recipes in each book. This one happened to have one particular recipe that was discussed throughout the book because the owner of the Cookie Jar was trying to figure out what the secret ingredient was in a recipe she received. She must have mixed up the cupcake recipe 6 times and having the son and daughter-in-law of the submitter taste them until she figured out that it was Raspberry Syrup.

Fudge Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F., rack in the middle position

4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (1 ounce each)
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup raspberry syrup (for pancakes - I used Knott's red raspberry)
1 2/3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter, room temperature (one stick, 1/4 pound)
1 1/2 cups white sugar (not a misprint - you'll use 1 3/4 cups sugar in all)
3 eggs
1/3 cup milk

Line a 12-cup muffin pan with double cupcake papers. Since this recipe makes 18 cupcakes, you can use an additional 6-cup muffin pan lined with double papers, or you can butter and flour an 8-inch square cake pan or the equivalent.
Microwave the chocolate, raspberry syrup and 1/4 cup sugar in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute. Stir. Microwave again for another minute. At this point, the chocolate will be almost melted, but it will maintain its shape. Stir the mixture until smooth and let cool to lukewarm. (You can also do this in a double boiler on the stove.)
Measure flour, mix in baking powder and salt and set aside. In an electric mixer (or with a VERY strong arm), beat th butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar until light and fluffy. (About 3 minutes with a mixer - an additional 2 minutes if you're doing it by hand.) Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition to make sure they're thoroughly incorporated. Ad approximately a third of the flour mixture and a third of the milk. (You don't have to be exact - adding the flour and milk in increments makes the batter smoother.) When that's all mixed in, add another third of the flour and another third of the milk. When that's incorporated, add the remainder of the flour and the remainder of the milk. Mix thoroughly.
Test your chocolate mixture to make sure it's cool enough to add. (You don't want to cook the eggs!) If it's fairly warm to the touch but not so hot you have to pull your hand away, you can add it at this point. Stir thoroughly and you're done.
Let the batter rest for five minutes. Then stir it again by hand and fill each cupcake paper three-quarters full. If you decided to use the 8-inch cake pan instead of the 6-cup muffin tin, fill it with the remaining batter.
Bake the cupcakes in a 350 degrees F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes. The 8-inch cake should bake an additional 5 minutes.

Fudge Frosting
2 cups chocolate chips (a 12-ounce package)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

If you use a double boiler for this frosting, it's foolproof. You can also make it in a heavy saucepan over low to medium heat on th stovetop, but you'll have to stir it constantly with a spatula to keep it from scorching.
Fill the bottom part of the double boiler with water. Make sure it doesn't touch the underside of the top.
Put the chocolate chips in the top of the double boiler, set it over the bottom and place the double boiler on the stovetop at medium heat. Stir occasionally until th chocolate chips are melted.
Stir in the can of sweetened condensed milk and cook approximately two minutes, stirring constantly, until the frosting is shiny and of spreading consistency.
Spread on cupcakes, making sure to fill in the "frosting pocket".
Give the frosting pan to your favorite person to scrape.
These cupcakes are even bettr if you cool them, cover them, and let them sit for several hours before frosting them.

Penne a la Carbonara

I found this recipe through Giada De Laurentiis. It is an easy Carbonara reicpe. I could not find pancetta so I used prosciutto. I love the flavor!!!

1 lb pancetta, diced into 1 inch cubes

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 eggs, at room temperature

1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature

1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan

1 lb dried penne

4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Heat a large saute pan, until hot. Add pancetta and saute until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Season with black pepper and remove pan from heat. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in Parmesan, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish. In a large pot, boil 6 quarts of salted boiling water. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander. Do not rinse with water; you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will stick. While the pasta is still hot, return it back to the pot. Add the browned pancetta and mix well. Add the cream mixture and coat the pasta completely. It's important to work quickly while the pasta is still warm so that the cream mixture will cook, but not curdle. Add remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley. Makes 4 servings.

"Foolproof" Whole Wheat Bread

My sister-in-law made arrangements for her mother to give me a bread making lesson using a Bosch. It was a fun afternoon. While I was making bread, my sister-in-law was making bread and cinnamon rolls. It was fun!!! I learned a lot from both of them!

Combine 6 cups hot tap water and 8 cups freshly ground whole wheat flour in Bosch and mix on low speed. Add 2 tablespoons salt, 2/3 cup oil and 2/3 cup honey. Continue to mix until well blended. Add 1 cup flour to mixture. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons Saf yeast to mixture and blend thoroughly. Add 5 to 6 more cups flour to the mixture until it cleans bowl. Let knead for 8 minutes on low speed. Place dough in greased pans at 1/2 full. Place grocery bag loosely around pans. Let rise till double in bulk. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Turn out of pan immediately.

Mincemeat Quick Bread

I spent Thanksgiving with my youngest brother, his family and his in-laws. I had quite a chat with his mother-in-law about rolls, bread and Bosch bread machines. I went the day after Thanksgiving shopping with my sister-in-law, just intending to tag along. She stopped at Emergency Essentials and the line went around the store twice. Well, they had a sale on two different Bosch machines. I was in the front of the store, the machines were in the back. I was tempted and thought if there is one still available when I get to the back of the store I'll buy one. The one with the attachments were gone. When we got the spot were they were, they brought out a combination of a Bosch bread machine and a Vita Mill. Yeah, I bought one! So my sister-in-law is checking with her Mom to see if she will give me a bread demonstration using my mill and bread machine. I did play with the machine and made this bread. My husband loves gumdrops in bread so I added some.

1 egg
1/4 cup oil
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons orange juice, apple juice or pineapple juice
2 cups mincemeat
2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Mix together egg, oil, orange peel, juice and mincemeat, blending well. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add gradually to the egg mixture. Mix just until moist. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour. Remove the loaf from the oven and cool on a wire rack. Makes 1 loaf.

Christmas Give Away / Give Away Tote

My friend at Just Another Hang Up is having a give away. She makes tote's in the most fabulous combinations of colors and patterns. Check it out at justanotherhangup.blogspot.com.

Chicken with Mushrooms and Peas

I tried this recipe and found the vegetables to be the best part. I thought the chicken was too plain. I used vegetable oil and oregano due to our likes and dislikes.

8 chicken thighs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
Salt and pepper
8 ounces mushrooms, halved
1 onion, coarsely chopped
One 10-ounce package frozen peas

Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, the thyme and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper; roast for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the mushrooms, onion, peas and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Add the vegetables to the chicken and cook for 25 minutes more.

Snickerdoodle Pie

I found this recipe at http://www.bhg.com/ and wondered what it would be like. I like the cookie. I thought it was rather sweet and tasted just like the cookie!

1 recipe Single-Crust Pie Pastry, see recipe, or 1

rolled refrigerated unbaked piecrust (1/2 of a

15-oz pkg)

1 tablespoon raw or coarse sugar

1/2 plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

2 teaspoons butter, melted

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup

1/2 plus 1 teaspoon vanilla, divided

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon baking power

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare patry and line 9-inch pie plate. In bowl combine raw sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush melted butter over crust. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside. For syrup, in saucepan combine brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, the water, corn syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil gently for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Set aside. In mixing bowl beat 1/4 cup softened butter with electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Beat in granulated sugar, powdered sugar, baking powder, salt and cream of tartar until well combined. Beat in egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in milk until combined. Beat in flour. Spread evenly in crust-lined pie plate. Slow pour syrup over filling in pie plate. Sprinkle with remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cover edges of pie with foil. Bake pie 25 minutes; carefully remove foil. Bake about 20minutes more or until top is puffed and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 30 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm. Makes 10 servings.

Slow-Cooked Praline Apple Crisp

We have 2 apple trees so I've been looking for different ways to use them. I found this recipe at http://www.pillsbury.com/. I love it because of the oatmeal, brown sugar and toffee bit combination.

6 medium-size crisp tart apples (Granny Smith

or Braebum), peeled if desired, cut into 1/2

-inch-thick slices (about 6 cups)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup toffee bits

Ice cream, if desired

Spray 3 to 4 quart slow clooker with cooking spray. In large bowl, mix apples and cinnamon to coat. Place in slow cooker. In medium bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour and butter with pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Stir in pecans and toffee bits. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over apoples. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours. Serve apple crisp with ice cream.

Potato Kielbasa Skillet

I tried this recipe tonight. I have not cooked with red potatoes or spinach, so this was fun to try. We do not care for thyme, so I subsituted it with oregano. My kielbasa and potatoes were over cooked due to me talking to my sister on the phone. We liked this and will be keeping the recipe!


















1 lb red potatoes, cubed
3 tablespoons water
3/4 lb smoked kielbasa or Polish sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Place potatoes and water in a microwave-safe dish. cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until tender; drain. In a large skillet, saute kielbasa and onion in oil until onion is tender. Add potatoes; saute 3-5 minutes longer or until kielbasa and potatoes are lightly browned. Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, thyme and pepper; stir into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Add spinach and bacon; cook and stir until spinach is wilted. Makes 4 servings.

Twice-Baked Potatoes

I like this recipe because it combines white and sweet potatoes. I enjoy the cumin.

2 large potatoes
2 sweet potatoes
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
Butter-flavored spray
Paprika

Bake potatoes and sweet potatoes in a 400 degree F oven until soft, about 50 minutes. Cool potatoes slightly, cut them in half while still warm and gently scoop out pulp. Save skins from potatoes. Combine white and sweet potato pulp, sour cream, cumin and salt in food processor mixer until pureed. Heap potato mixture into empy shells, spray with butter spray and sprinkle with paprika. Place under broiler for five minutes or until lightly browned.

Disney World

We are back from Disney World. We went there to attend my 2nd cousin Justin's wedding. We enjoyed our adventure. It was the first time for both of us to be in Florida and Disney World. The first day we spent finding our way around and figuring out the bus system. That is the Tree of Life in Animal Kingdom behind us. As you get closer you can see different animals carved into it.



Cinderella is my favorite fairytale so I had to have a picture of the castle. I was too slow to get reservations for the restuarant inside of the castle. You need to be making arrangements more than 3 months ahead!

It's a Handbag Giveaway!

They are giving 24 handbags away in a 24 hour period. They are launching their new website.

Go to www.handbagplanet.com

Stuffed Potatoes

I got this recipe from my Mother. It was a favorite family meal.

Bake potatoes and let cool. Slice top off lengthwise. Scoop out potato and mash. Add tuna fish, salmon, hamburger or your choice of meat. Mash potatoe and meat together. May add cheese. Add Ranch Dressing to moisten and bind together. Spoon into potatoe shell. Put cheese on top. Put into oven to heat through and melt cheese. Serve with extra Ranch Dressing.

Tote Give-Away

I was checking out http://tinsandtreasures.blogspot.com/ and she mentioned a tote give-away. I went to that blogs and they are cool totes. Check it out for yourself at
http://justanotherhangup.blogspot.com.

Fried Zucchini and Onions

Zucchini, cut in slices
Onion, cut in slices
Flour
Cornmeal
Salt and Pepper, to taste
Garlic powder

Slice zucchini and onions and place in bowl. Put equal amounts of flour and cornmeal in zucchini mixtue. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Put lid on bowl and shake. Let sit for 30 minutes, shaking at least twice. Fry until your desired doneness.

I was talking to a friend and she told me this recipe. She mentioned it would be good to include green tomatoes. I love fried green tomatoes so for lunch I mixed up onions and green tomatoes. I used whole wheat flour with the cornmeal and used garlic pepper in place of pepper and garlic powder. I LOVE IT!! The whole wheat flour gives it a nutty flavor and the cornmeal brings in a crunchy texture. I now want to try it with zucchini.

Green Tomato Cake with Brown Butter Icing

Tonight I attended Relief Society where everyone brought something sweet or savory to share. It was so fun to taste everything. Each brought recipes to share. I tried something new since we have lots of green tomatoes and I can only eat so many Fried Green Tomatoes. This is a great recipes. You would never know by the taste that it had green tomatoes in it. Try it and Enjoy!!

1 cup butter, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 1/2 cups diced green tomatoes
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts
Brown Butter Icing
1/2 cup butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 12 cup bundt pan. Beat butter and sugar with a mixer until creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, beating well. (Batter will be soft.) Stir in tomatoes, raisins and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake for 70 to 75 minutes or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely.
Icing: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Cook 6 to 8 minutes or until butter is lightly browned. Whisk in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Frost cake.

Southwestern Potatoes Packet and Salmon Packet

The other night I fixed a foil packet dinner that I thought was nothing. My husband thought he was eating a meal kit for a King! I think the Orange Marmalade was the key because he put it on top of his potatoes as well as the Salmon.

Salmon Packet
Foil
Salmon
Seasoning Salt
Orange Marmalade

Place Salmon on foil. Sprinkle a little seasoning salt on top. Spread a thin layer of marmalade. Wrap up foil (double wrap). Bake in 350 degree F oven for 20 minutes. Warm up extra marmalade to add if desired.

Southwestern Potatoes Packet
Reynold's Wrap
2 sheets heavy duty foil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 medium potaotes, cut in 1/2 inch cubes
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (4.5 oz) chopped green chiles, undrained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salsa, Chopped fresh cilantro, Sour cream

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F or grill to medium-high. Spray foil with nonstick cooking spray. Center onions on sheet of foil. Top with potatoes. Combine seasoned salt, chili powder and cumin; Sprinkle over potatoes. Top with green chilies. Bring up foil sides. Double fold top and ends to seal packet, leaving room for heat to circulation inside. Bake 30 to 35 minutes on a cookie sheet in oven OR grill 15 to 18 minutes in covered grill. Sprinkle potatoes with cheese. Let stand about 2 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with salsa, chopped fresh cilantro and sour cream.

Korean Beef

My niece Michelle sent me this recipe. At first I used 1/4 cup brown sugar and when I tasted it the soy sauce was strong. My husband doesn't care for soy sauce so I added another 1/4 cup brown sugar and it was perfect. I also added regular onion to the meat, because I like it. I used regular rice because that's what I had. Thanks Michelle, we enjoyed this one!!!!

1 lb lean hamburger

1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

3 cloves minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon ginger

Salt and pepper

Crushed red peppers

1 bunch chopped green onions

Cook hamburger with garlic and oil. Add seasonings. Simmer a few minutes to blend flavors. Serve over sticky rice and top with green onions.

Garden Pea Salad

We recently had a family reunion and ate several potato and macaroni salads so when I was assigned to bring a salad to the cabin I remembered this one that I got from Paula Deen. I used frozen peas because that's what I had in the house.

1 (15 oz) can very young early peas (recommended Lesueur)
1/4 cup chopped onions
2 boiled eggs, crumbled
Salt and freshly ground pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Chopped pimento, optional

In a colander, drain peas very well. Place drained peas in a medium bowl. Add the onions, crumbled eggs and mayonnaise, tossing to combine and coat peas. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pimento, if using. Makes 4 servings.

Pine Float

I was reading http://jpquigleyfamily.blogspot.com/ 's blog about the things her children would say and I started thinking about my Dad. He passed away in 2007. He was delighted to ask people if they wanted a Pine Float. Of course, he got some interesting looks and hesitatingly they would say yes. So here is his recipe for a Pine Float.

One glass

8 oz water

One toothpick

Fill the glass with the water and insert the toothpick.

Caramel Apple Heath Dip

My brother and his family are coming to go to our cabin with us. His oldest daughter asked me to make an apple dip. So I did. This is the best!!!

2 (8 oz) cream cheese

1/2 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 (8 oz) bag Heath Toffee Bits

Mix together and serve with sliced apples.

Chinese Spaghetti

My sister got this recipe from a work cookbook. The name makes you wonder but the finished product is surprising wonderful! Happy tasting!!

1 lb hamburger
1 lb Italian sausage (ground)
1 onion, chopped
4 stalks of celery, chopped
1 can bean sprouts
4 cans tomato soup
3 cans water
Soy sauce
Pepper
Parmesan cheese

Brown hamburger and sausage - DO NOT DRAIN!! Add onion, simmer 10-15 minutes. In a crock pot, add soup, water, bean sprouts, celery, meat mixture, soy sauce and pepper to taste. Simmer 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Serve over spaghetti noodles with Parmesan cheese.

Kay's Special

My husband is a great cook. He used to own a Mexican restaurant. This dish is one we both love and the flavors change according to the tomato with or without spices and the juice used.

1 lb hamburger

Egg noodle pasta

Frozen peas

Tomato juice or V8 juice

Tomato sauce or Stewed tomatoes with or without spices

Brown hamburger, cook pasta and cook peas. Layer into a 2 quart casserole dish; hamburger, peas, noodles and hamburger. Pour in juice and top with tomato sauce. Cover and cook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Geocaching Weekend

My nephew and his wife spent the weekend with us. We went up to the cabin, rode 4 wheelers, watched the Demolition Derby and geocached. We found 6 geocaches. It was really fun!!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

On a rainy day like today a big bowl of warm soup sounds and taste wonderful! I got this fabulous recipe from my sister-in-law.

5 chicken breasts

8 cups water

2 cups carrots, chopped

3 cans cream of chicken soup

3/4 cup onions, chopped

6 chicken bouillon cubes

2 cups celery, chopped

4 cups Country Kitchen noodles, cooked

Cook chicken breasts in crock pot seasoned with seasoning salt, garlic and pepper on low for about 5 hours. When chicken is tender cut into pieces. In soup pan saute onions in some butter. Add water, bouillon, top of celery leaves (chopped), carrots and celery to onions. Cook until tender. Add soup, chicken and juice from chicken. Boil until cream of chicken soup dissolves. Add cooked noodles. Enjoy!

A Day At The Mountains

I was hoping for a nice 4 wheelin ride but alas it rained!!!!

So instead of 4 wheelin, I started to learn a new computer program.

Raspberry Frozen Dessert

This is a refreshing summer dessert!! It calls for Pineapple Sherbet, I could not find it so I used Raspberry Sherbet, I then added extra crushed pineapple. It turned out great!!

1/2 gallon pineapple sherbet
1 quart vanilla ice cream
1 (10 oz) package frozen raspberries
1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
2 - 3 bananas (chopped into chunks)

Thaw raspberries and add to slightly softened ice cream and sherbet. Mix in drained pineapple and chopped bananas. Mix well. Store in freezer compartment in tight container.

Fettuccini with Walnuts and Parsley

This recipe is excellent!!!!! The sad part is that if you are on Weight Watchers it is 14 points per serving!

From Ellie Kreiger, Food Network
12 ounces (3/4 box) whole-wheat fettuccini
2/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts, 2 tablespoons reserved for garnish
1/4 cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1/2 cup chopped parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teapsoon fresh ground black pepper
1 ounce grated Parmesan (about 3/4 cup)
2 cups arugula leaves, gently packed

Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain in a colander. Meanwhile, toast the walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, stirring frequently, 3 to 5 minutes. In the pot the pasta was cooked in, heat the olive oil over low heat, add the garlic stirring until soft and fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes (be careful not to burn it). Return the pasta to the pot, add the broth, all but 2 tablespoons of the walnuts, the parsley, salt and pepper and toss to combine, cooking over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup Parmesan and toss to combine. Arrange 1/2 cup of arugula leaves on each of 4 serving plates. Top each with about 2 cups of pasta. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, the reserved walnuts and more parsley. Serve hot.

Caramel Apple Salad

This is an excellent salad!!!

3 red apples, chopped
3 green apples, chopped
6 packages (2.07 oz each) Snicker candy bar
1 tub (8 oz) cool whip (thawed)
Apple slices, optional

Mix apples and candy bars until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour or until ready to serve. Garnish with apple slices. Makes 20 servings. Make and serve the same day.

My niece Michelle has a Whole Wheat Pizza recipe on her blog. It looks really good and something new to try!

http://simpleebe.blogspot.com/

Chinese Chicken Salad

I just got a letter from my best friend. We live in different states so we don't see each other very often. She was there for me during a very tough time so she means a lot to me!! This recipe I got from her.

1 bunch green onions, chopped
4-6 stalks celery, chopped
1 (6 oz) package slivered almonds
2 cups shredded carrots
1 (5 oz) small can water chestnuts
3 cups cooked & cubed chicken
1 pint mayonnaise

Mix together and sit overnight. Before serving add 1 (5 oz) can Chinese noodles.

Walt Disney's Oatmeal Cookies

I tasted a Millionaire Cookie and loved it. I searched the internet for a recipe and decided that I could take an oatmeal cookie recipe and put in it what I liked. What I like is a combination of chopped nuts, Skor candy bar and coconut. I baked some for me and than added raisins for my husband. I then noticed that adding chocolate chips, raisins or craisins make for a prettier presentation of the cookie.

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/3 cups butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups uncooked oats (not instant)
1 1/4 cups raisins

In medium bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon. Set aside. Cream butter in very large bowl. Beat in granulated and brown sugars. Bea in eggs, 1 at a time. Add water and vanilla and mix until well blended, about 4 minutes. Mix oats, raisins and flour mixture into sugar mixture and stir until thoroughly blended. Drop by large tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F 9 to 14 minutes, or until light-brown in color. Cool on baking sheet before removing from pan. Makes 4 dozen.

Pork Chops with Orange Soy Glaze

I've tried this with both Pork Chops and Chicken. The sauce is what makes it. It's wonderful!!

From Robin Miller at Food Network
4 pork loin chops, about 5 ounces each
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 cup orange marmalade
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon seasame oil
12 ounces udon noodles or noodles of your choice, cooked according to package directions
2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of pork with salt and black pepper. Add pork to the skillet and cook 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. In a medium bowl, using a spoon, combine orange marmalade, broth, soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix well and add to the pork in the pan. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes or until pork is cooked through and sauce thickens and reduces. Arrange noodles on serving platter. Top with pork chops and sauce. Garnish with scallions just before serving.

Nut Crust for Fish

I had recently made a nut crust for halibut. We enjoyed it very much! I had adjusted the recipe I used and did not write down what I did do. So last night I cooked salmon and decided to combine bread crumbs, melted butter and pecans. Later I added black pepper. I've decided the best part of the topping is the pecans. Next time I will use bread crumbs, melted butter, pecans, black pepper and parsley.

Ham and Pasta Foil Dinners

I made this foil dinner while at the cabin. I made a few changes and it turned out great!

1 (1 lb) package Pasta Accents Garlic Frozen Vetetables with Pasta
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill weed or 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 jar (2 oz) diced pimento, drained, if desired
4 slices (4 oz) cooked ham or turkey ham

Grill Directions: Heat grill. In medium bowl, combine vegetables with pasta, dill and pimento. Cut four 18x12 inch pieces of heavy-duty foil. Place 1 ham slice on each; top with 1/4 of vegetable mixture. Wrap each packet securely using double-fold seals, allowing room for heat expansion. When ready to grill, place packets, seam side up, on gas grill over medium heat or on charcoal grill 4 to 6 inches from medium coals. Cook 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated, rearranging packets several times during cooking. Makes 4 servings.

Oven Directions: Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare packets as directed above. Place packets, seam side up, in 15x10x1 inch baking pan. Bake for 20 mintues or until thoroughly heated.

Notes: I don't care for dill and pimento so I used seasoning salt on the ham and vegetable seasoning on the vegetables. I could not find the Pasta Accents so I used Fiesta Blend vegetables.

Enjoy the Mountains!

I spent a couple of days at our cabin with my husband. We were able to see several wildlife babies such as ducks, rock chucks and robins. My husband saw a red fox. We always enjoy seeing the deer and elk.




My excitement was to see a vulture! It landed on a rock about 100 feet away from me. As soon as I got my camera ready to take a picture, it flew away.

Mom's Potato Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe came from my mother-in-law. What I thought was interesting is that she added mashed potatoes to her Cinnamon Roll recipe.


Boil potatoes until very soft, reserve the potato water to use in recipe. Will need 2 cups mashed potatoes.

Dissolve 2 packages yeast into 1/2 cup lukewarm water (can add a pinch of sugar to help yeast rise)

Mix in large bowl:
1 1/3 cups sugar
3 teaspoons salt
1 1/3 cups shortening
4 eggs (beat well)
2 1/2 cups lukewarm potato water

Then add:
Yeast mixture
2 cups mashed potatoes

Add:
About 12-14 cups flour - enough to make a very soft dough.

Knead until smooth or until bubbles form beneath the skin. Let rest for 10 minutes. Knead 5 minutes more. Place inot a large oiled bowl. Turn over so top is oiled. Put damp towel over top and let raise in refrigerator for 1 hour then punch down and let raise 1 more hour. Roll out dough and spread it with soft butter, cinnamon and sugar. Can add nuts and raisins if desired. Roll up like jelly roll and slice about 2-3" thick. Place on greased pans. Let raise for 1 1/2 more hours. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes. Ice with your favorite icing.

Pizza

I dedicate this first entry to my Mother. When my oldest brother turned 13 she decided to have New Year's Eve parties so that she would know where is was. At midnight she would serve homemade pizza. She would use the large rectangle cookie sheets as her pizza pans.

2 1/4 cups warm liquid
1 tablespoon salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cakes (tablespoons) yeast

Put above together, stir till dissolved and let bubble. Add 2 tablespoons shortening. Add flour till easy to handle. Let stand till double. Punch down, knead and pat out to fit pizza pans. Spread sauce over dough, then choice of meat, cheese, onions, green peppers or whatever you wish. Bake at 375 degrees F till edges of dough are just golden brown. This makes 2 cookie sheets.