26 December 2013

Merry Christmas

It is officially the day after Christmas, but Christmas goes until January and I will continue to celebrate it that way. We are so blessed. We had a great day with the family on Christmas here at the house, but so many leftovers and it will be a long time before we will be finished. It will be good because there will be plenty to eat for awhile.

My husband and daughters gave me (not yarn), but chocolate and a pot that can heat water and keep it warm for awhile. Love it. We used it a lot on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. My sil and nephew gave my husband and I a Keurig. This is very kind and thoughtful of them. We had asked for a smaller, simpler version called a Hamilton, but she got this one for us. I have already made the tea and a cup of coffee with it. I need to go to a store and get a refillable so we can use our own coffee.

The reason we needed something new, is that my coffee maker (that I used to make hot water with more often than not) decided to die. It would filter, but the water was not getting hot. We had had it for a long time. We like coffee once in awhile, but don't drink enough to make a whole pot. We have different tastes to coffee and so he would make too strong and I would make too weak. But I love these gifts as they are very useful.

I am weird. I like useful gifts. Gifts that I will use, not just look at, but that will be used constantly. My husband got presents that he wanted as well as presents the girls wanted to give him. He also had his family at his house for a day. I got what I wanted....I didn't have to make a ton of food and transport it to and from others houses.

Hope that you all received what you wanted.

Did I mention that my children are wonderful? My girls didn't get a ton of gifts, again. They get a few well chosen gifts and they love that. They have played with their gifts all day. That is good. The rest of their presents are going to be here and there over the next couple of weeks...clothes.

18 December 2013

Ohio Senate Bill 248

Yesterday, I was made aware that there is a horrendous bill in the Senate, proposed by Senator Capri Cafaro. This bill suggests that homeschooling or e-schooling parents need to be investigated by Social Services before they can homeschool or e-school their children.

This is an invasion of privacy and decency. I am attaching links to various things that I feel any homeschooling or e-schooling parent should read. Please, please read these and take action!

The first that you should see is the bill itself:
OH SB 248
You can read for yourself the language that states we need to be investigated.

The second is a petition:
Petition to OH Senate Please sign and share.


The Why this came about:
teddyslaw.org I get that the father and grandfather are heartbroken at the loss of their son/grandson, but this law is not going to protect children already being abused, it is going to swamp an already overloaded system that is failing the children they are supposed to protect. This child was already known in the system. His mother and her boyfriend had been reported. Police had been called, yet this child was still in the home with them.

Blog about the HSLDA being worst law ever
Blog treating homeschooling parents like felony child abusers


How to contact your senator:
Ohio Senators and their Regions
Please call, write and email them.

Edited on Saturday, December 21, 2013

Senator Cafaro sent a letter to the Senate President and requested that the bill be pulled for now. Meaning this can come back at some point, but will not be looked at now. Please keep watching and be prepared to begin the fight against this bill again.

16 December 2013

My Email Overflows

I signed up for free patterns to be sent to my email. Free patterns for knitting, for crochet, for many things. I love getting them in my email because then I can see all the new and fun things to make. My problem is that I cannot organize them in the email, so I organize them two ways....1. I put them on here and make a note that they are here. 2. I put them in my Ravelry queue.

So here are some more links from the email. Enjoy!

Afghans:
Always Pointing North aka Compass Rose Afghan

Hats:
Universal Slouchy Hat
Which Stitch Hat
Sundance Slouch Hat

Holiday Decorations: I said Holiday rather than Christmas, because Thanksgiving is a Holiday, too.
Reindeer Ornament
Winter Wonderland Ornaments
Christmas Bell
Granny Square Ornament
Roses in the Snow
Crochet Snow Swirls
Little Stocking Ornaments
Snowman Candy Holder
Roses In Snow Ornament
3D Wild Rose Snowflake
Crochet Reindeer Ornament
Icicle Angels
Colorful Christmas Elf

Kitchen:
Flower Dishcloth
Sunshine Dishcloth by the Crochet Dude

Links:
Links for 22 Easy Crochet projects 
Links for Knit dish cloths
Links to Elf on a Shelf to make
Links to Striped Knit or Crochet patterns

Shawls:
Prism Shawl
Angel Wings
Alyssa's Shawl
Waltzing Fans Shawl
Gradient Color Shawl
Mitered Corner Shawl


Socks/Slippers:
Cobblestone Road Socks
Soccasins These are really cute.

Sweater:
European Goddess Tunic
Cozy Cocoon Cardigan


Toys:
Freddy Froggy
Bella Butterfly

14 December 2013

More from the FB files of patterns

Moogly Links for Men's Beanies
Moogly Crochet Angels
Christmas Elf
Starting Chain 10 Craft Ideas for Christmas
Moogly Hand Made Crochet Ornaments
Little Christmas Socks This may have been posted before, but it is so cute and is more of a tutorial.
Crocheted iPhone Cozy
Moogly Crochet Christmas Tree
Flower Girl Easy Crochet Snowflake
Moogly Star Light Star Bright this is by a guest blogger
Cabled Heart Hat from Red Heart
Moogly Crochet Garlands
May Flowers and Hot Pad Set
Flower Pattern
Moogly Link to Crochet Socks
Moogly Link to Crochet Mittens
Fabulously Festive Christmas Stockings
Moogly Links to Fast Gifts

More Recipes from the FB File

My FB is again filling up with recipes and patterns. On the patterns, I can always link to the creator, but on the recipes that is not always possible. Since I do want to make them and find that FB is not the best place for keeping the recipes, I place them on my blog. It has helped because, I have had friends ask, if I can find a certain pattern and I share a link and they are happy. If you know who is the "owner/creator" of a recipe, please share with me so that I can give them appropriate credit or change the recipe to a link. Thank you.

Easy Gluten Free Sugar Cookies
Polar Express Hot Cocoa
Panda Cupcakes
Pistachio Pudding Dessert
Snickers Fudge
Christmas Chocolate Ripple Cake
Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Freezer Pie
Honey Candy
White Chocolate Chip Cookies
Gingerbread Clay Ornament
Peanut Butter Oreo Cookie Balls

Homemade Peppermint Patties
By Michelle on August 24th, 2013

DIY-Peppermint-Patties
If you love those melt in your mouth, Peppermint Patties, this is a MUST try!
Recipe...
Serves: Makes about 8 dozen.
Ingredients:
1 pound confectioners sugar (powdered sugar)
4 ounces, cream cheese, softened
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Using a mixer, gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese, beat well until incorporated.
2. Add peppermint extract and combine well.
3. Roll dough into teaspoon size balls and place on baking sheet(s) lined with wax paper or parchment. Create a small “bowl” or indention in each ball using a ¼ teaspoon or your finger. Cover with plastic wrap and let firm up in refrigerator for a few hours.
4. When peppermints have firmed, melt chocolate according to package directions (microwave is fine). Fill a piping bag or freezer bag with the corner snipped with the melted chocolate. Fill each mini peppermint bowl/indention with chocolate and let cool.
5. Refrigerate in airtight container until ready to serve.
Helpful Tips:
When making the cream cheese/powdered sugar mixture, gradually add the powdered sugar until the right texture is achieved. You may end up needing to add a bit more than listed in the recipe, or less. It should hold together, but not sticky.
If working by yourself, only make a few balls at a time before pressing the bowls/indention’s to avoid them drying and cracking. The best thing is to work with someone else and have one person roll the balls, while the other follows behind making the bowls/indentations.
Be sure to keep main peppermint mixture lightly covered with plastic or a damp paper towel while making the balls to avoid it drying out.


Elvis Presley Cake: (Jail House Rock)

 White cake mix
8oz can crushed pineapple
1 c. sugar
8oz pkg Cream Cheese...
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2-3 c crushed pecans

Bake a white cake, cool and poke holes in it. Boil crushed pineapple with juice and 1cup of sugar then pour over cool cake. In large bowl mix cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar. Add vanilla and crushed pecans, mix good and put on cake.

Crockpot Candy ~

32 oz dry roasted peanuts (I think I'm going to try almonds!)
12 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
4 oz German sweet chocolate
32 oz white chocolate candy melts...

Place ingredients in a crockpot as listed. Do not stir. Cook on low for 1 1/2 -2 hours - do not open the lid! After cooked, stir and drop by spoonfuls on a parchment paper or silpat lined pan. Allow to harden and store in a closed container



 

No Bake Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls

1-18 oz. jar of smooth or chunky peanut butter
1 - 16 oz. bag of confectioners sugar
1/4 c. butter, melted...
chocolate almond bark
or
chocolate candy melts
or
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips & 2 tsp. shortening

In a large bowl, stir together the peanut butter, confectioners sugar and melted butter until the mixture is crumbly. For the next step, the best way that I've found to make a smooth filling is to use your hands to mix everything together.

Line a baking sheet with foil. Roll the peanut butter filling into 1 inch balls and line the baking sheet with rows of the balls. Set the baking sheet in the freezer for 5-7 minutes to chill the peanut butter balls for easier dipping.

While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl that is deep enough for dipping. I melted 6 blocks of chocolate almond bark at a time, stirring at 45 second intervals until smooth.

Remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into a peanut butter ball and then dip it into the chocolate, turning quickly to cover the entire candy. Place onto a second baking tray that has also been lined with foil. Swirl the chocolate on the top of each candy for a pretty design. Refrigerate until the chocolate had completely dried.

Store the candies in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

 
Peanut Butter Microwave Fudge
 
 1 lb box Confectioners sugar
2 T butter
1/3 C milk
1 C peanut butter

Place sugar, butter and milk in a large mixing bowl. Cook in the microwave 2 minutes on high. Take out, beat ingredients with hand mixer until combined. Microwave 30 seconds more, then add peanut butter and mix by hand or mixer until combined. Spread in foil lined 8x8 pan. Let cool then cut and ENJOY!!


️DOLE WHIP
2 cans (20 oz. each) DOLE crushed pineapple
2 tbsp. lemon juice...
2 tbsp. lime juice
1/3 cup sugar ( i Used Stevia)
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

How to make it
Drain pineapple: reserve 2 tbsp. juice.
Set aside.
Place pineapple, lemon juice, lime juice, sugar and reserved pineapple juice in blender.
Cover and blend until smooth.
Pour into two 1-quart freezer zipped bags.
Store bags flat in freezer.
Freeze 1 1/2 hours or until slushy.
Stir pineapple slush gently into whipped cream until slightly blended in large bowl. Return to freezer until completely frozen, about 1 hour and serve.

Homemade Krispy Kremes — Yes, this is the actual recipe!

Ingredients:
3 tbsp milk...
3 tbsp boiling water
1 tsp dry active yeast
8 oz all purpose flour (a little under 2 cups - I recommend you measure and weigh. See my note above)
1 1/2 oz sugar (about 3 tablespoons)
1 egg
1 oz butter, cold to room temperature (just don't melt it, okay?)
dash of salt

Enough oil to cover the bottom few inches of a wok, or a deep fryer.

Directions:
In a large measuring jug, combine the milk and boiling water. Add a teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast. Stir it gently, then leave it in a warm place for the yeast to activate (aka foam).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, the rest of the sugar, and the salt. Cut in the butter using your fingers or a pastry blender, until it resembles crumbs.
Add the egg (give it a quick beat) and yeast mixture to the flour mix, and mix into a smooth dough. This usually takes about 5 minutes of mixing.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured counter and knead for about 5 to 10 minutes—it should feel springy and little bubbles should form under the surface. Place it back in the bowl, cover with a cloth or plastic wrap, and let rise for about an hour until double in size.
Once risen, place the dough onto the counter and cut it into 4 pieces. One piece at a time, stretch it into a long rope about an inch to an inch and a half wide. Cut strips about an inch long, ball em up with your hands, and place them on a baking tray or wire rack to wait.
Cover the doughnuts holes with a cloth to rise while you heat the oil to 375F.(190 c)
Place the doughnuts into the oil and fry until golden brown on each side, about 2 minutes. Be sure to fry only a few at a time so they don’t overcrowd and stick together.
Drain on a paper towel or wire rack over a cloth, before glazing them. Be sure to glaze them warm, or else they won’t get that delicious coverage!

Glaze:
1/3 cup butter
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
4 tablespoons hot water or as needed

A brief note: I recommend a scale, as not all flours (and cup measurements) are made equal.
2 cups of my Canadian flour in my Canadian cups on my scale might be more or less than yours.
If you don't have a scale, start at 1 1/2 cups and work your way up from there.

Recipe via "Now You're Cook'in"

Poor Customer Service

Recently, my husband and I took our daughters to Bass Pro Shops to see their Santa. The reason I like their Santa, is that he looks real (very important) and he is always out and waiting for the children. I can carry my own camera and take my own picture (that I can use on my FB page or in my blog or to make cards....when I go early enough).



But I am kind of behind on my cards and I didn't have time to get photos printed, so when I saw their deal for some "greeting photo cards" for $20, I thought that would work. I could send some of the family this photo. Little did I know, this "package" comes without envelopes! When I questioned this, the guys working that stand are, we never give envelopes. They go to get a "supervisor," who tells me to deal with it!

I can guarantee, I will not travel to their store again! I will not purchase anything from them! I will advise anyone to not buy their "photo with Santa packages."

For the record, when speaking with the "supervisor," I pointed out to him that this is a social world. That I would be posting this problem. His reaction was, "So what!"

10 December 2013

A School Work Assignment

My oldest has to write a descriptive essay about her home town. In order to help her understand the project, I felt that I would write a descriptive essay on my hometown, which is Lebanon, OH (same as hers).

My husband and I moved our family to Lebanon, OH 9 years ago. We moved to be closer to his job and so we could see more of him. We chose Lebanon because it has a very small town feel to it. It has a downtown area, that has stayed true to the area. It was founded by settlers in the 1700's. We have 2 cemeteries. The first is called Pioneer Cemetery. The people buried in this cemetery are the Pioneers who founded Lebanon, OH and started building the different buildings. The 2nd cemetery is newer and is still in use today. My girls and I often drive through the cemetery looking at the stones and we have walked through the Pioneer Cemetery looking at all the ages on the stones. It is well maintained.

We have a library that is from the 1900's, it turned 108, on January 2nd. It was one that has grown over the years. It has a little park to the side where you can sit and have a lunch. Sit and read a book or just people watch. Our library has books mostly. It just recently started (since we have moved here) getting books on playaways (mp3s) or CDs. They do not lend movies or music. I take the girls to the library about weekly. It is a good place to spend some time looking at the books and finding something good to read.

We also have The Golden Lamb Inn and Restaurant. It was built in 1803 and is listed as the oldest hotel in Ohio. Many presidents and VIPs have been known to stay at the Golden Lamb over it's many years of existence. It is a gorgeous building, full of history. You can visit the upper floors looking in rooms (that are open only). Some of the rooms are filled with tourists who are visiting and wanting to stay in the hotel. Beside the Golden Lamb is a little park with a Gazebo and bricks that tell stories. My favorite are the bricks asking someone to marry another.

Across the street from the library is Christmas Tree Park. It has a fountain, turned off in winter, but with lights to make it festive and a live Christmas tree, decorated at Christmas time with decorations created by the local school 4th graders. The mayor of our fair town is also the 3rd and 4th grade art teacher, Amy Brewer (she is a gem).

Lebanon has many businesses along the main thoroughfare. You can get ice cream from the Village Ice Cream Parlor. You can get frozen custard from Whit's Frozen Custard (closes are the Horse and Carriage Parade for the season). Lebanon hosts many festivals, and has the most popular, "Annual Horse and Carriage Parade" for Christmas. Horses decked out in Christmas finery pulling carriages with people dressed in costumes or Christmas finery. It is a lot of fun every year.

Next to the subdivision my family and I live in, is a park called Miller Ecological Park. A great place to walk or run or even take your dog for a walk or run. No motor vehicles allowed in the park. There is parking, but that is where the vehicles are to stop. They have put some areas in that can be exercise areas and some areas where kids can explore and play.

If you ever have a moment to stop in, come around my home town. It is a great place to spend the day.

01 December 2013

Girls Back Online

My girls are going to be back to writing their blog. They really need the practice and they love to be on the computer. So here is a link to the Girls Blog. They are 11, 10, 9 years old and so they write with varying degrees of understandability. Please take a moment to comment if you are reading their work. They need positive feedback, so that they can improve and actually enjoy writing. At this point they do not enjoy writing and I have a battle on my hands. Thanks.

24 November 2013

FO's and what I am working on

I have not finished as much as I would have liked, but I have finished some things.

I made my youngest a Kindle Cover for her Kindle. I just winged it. There is no pattern and I didn't follow anything to create it. She loves it and that is all that matters. I need to make 4 more!




I finished another Fish Pouch from Moogly's blog. I love how these come together and how they look, especially when you use a variegated yarn, like Black Light from Red Heart!

 The link for this pattern is not available at this time as she is changing her site. You could try the Ravelry Link for Fish Pouch.

A "friend" from a FB group shared this link, for a Christmas Heart and I made one and thought I need to make a lot of these to give to the kids in my life.



I really like these Granny Christmas Trees, as they are very cute and very easy.



I have made some stars, 5 and 6 pointed. They are really cute and simple stars. This was shared by a FB "friend" from a group. It is called a Simple Stars and is a Ravelry download.



I made some sparkly hats for my daughters (who had not had this made for them yet). The hat was designed by Tamara Blickhan of Ozark Lake Crochet.



I made a slouch hat for a daughter's friend. She had a birthday and I made her a frilly scarf also. This is called the Winter Slouch. It is so very simple and quick to make. I used a blue and a black light yarns from Red Heart.


I made a stash buster scarves. I read where you could take 3 different kinds of yarn in complementary colors and you use up a lot of yarn and the scarves knit up quickly because you are using big needles.





I made a Winter Slouch hat for my friend Margaret, using a purple sparkly yarn.

I have also been making a lot of scrunchies. They are super simple and I have not been using a pattern for that one either.

23 November 2013

Going Through the Emails and Choosing What I want to Save

My email is so very full with pattern links, that I really need to find what I will most likely make and my girls would like to wear or own.

Crochet Heart Hot Pad
Harry Potter Sorting Hat
Baby Monsters
Cat Knitting Pattern
Butterfree Pokémon
Frillish Pokémon
Red Velvet Hat
Cupcake Hat
Gray Tides Slouchy Hat
Malabrigo Weave Scarf aka Snowy Day Scarf
Chain Stitch Scarf
Mindless Sideways Shawl
Arctic Sunset Cable Hat
Natural Leaf Wrap
Basic Cable Scarf
Parker Hat chunky slouch hat
Chinese Lantern Hat Called a Gumdrop Beanie
Pipe Dream Hat aka Licorice Ropes Hat
Salt Water Taffy Hat
Cake Icing Afghan aka Garter Stitch Baby Afghan with cables
Chevrons and Ladders Ripple Stitch Afghan aka Chocolate Layer Cake Afghan
Diamond Pattern Hat aka English Toffee Hat
Pretty in Polka Dots Hat aka Candy Shoppe Hat
Thrummed Mitts aka Cotton Candy Mittens
Paintbox Scarf
Popcorn Crochet Scarf
Christmas Striped Throw
Hunky Husband Hat
Hand Warming Scarf
Elf Hat
Celebration Scarf
Ribbed Slipper Pattern
Margarete Fingerless Gloves aka Lotus Flower Fingerless Mitts
Cold Turkey Mitts
Multicolor Basket Weave Fingerless Mitts aka Deep Night Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless Mitts aka Midnight Magic Knit Fingerless Mitts
Rainbow for My Hand Mitts aka Entrelac Rainbow Mitts
Alethiometer Mitts aka Golden Compass fingerless Mitts
Bo Peep Mitts lacy fingerless gloves.
Texting Mittens
Thumbs Up Gloves
Raccoon Ornament

20 November 2013

More FB Pattern Links

My FB page is getting full, very quickly, with things I want to make or I think are cute and I might make in the very near future. So, I really need to clear it off, as I cannot find the things as easily as I want. As I was removing the patterns from the FB timeline, I had to reset or go back to the page fresh 4 times and I am still finding patterns.

Thanksgiving Turkey Crochet
Crochet Today Free Pattern Round Up for Thanksgiving
Moogly 10 Free Angel Patterns
Star of David Pattern
Comforting Crochet Shawl - has hearts in it.
Bright Hats and Mitts Garland
Happy Plane, Car, Truck
Moogly Free Christmas Ornaments
Little Woolie Star Tutorial
Little Ponies
Amigurumi Gingerbread House
Moogly Tags
Christmas Pearl Tree
Little Christmas Socks
Granny Flower
Girlie Fashion Sweater Ornament
Crochet Bags, Purses, Totes
Two Needle Slippers
Crochet Cat Toy
Moogly Free Turkey Patterns
Minion Fingerless Mitts
Spike Stitch Tutorial
Owl Fingerless Mittens
Crochet Snowflake
Elf Hat
Moogly Wiggle It Pattern this can be used as a dishcloth or a trivet.
Fox ornament I have an ear worm....it is from a song by the Ylvis brothers called: What Does the Fox Say?
Snowflake Garland
Relax at Home Knit Socks

19 November 2013

Links for Homeschooling, but can also be used for B&M kids, too.

My computer has started acting up and since it has been awhile since I saved my links that I favorite, I better get to it or I will be trying to recreate them and be frustrated.

Germs Subtraction
Germs Addition
Germs Multiplication
Germs Division
Germs Math Mash Up
Snork's Long Division
Easy Peasy Homeschooling - great links for help on school work.
Kids Dictionary
Grammar Monster
Hyper Grammar
Refraction Fractions - this is for K12 kids only. If you are not signed up with K12 you cannot use this site.
Scholastic
Celsius to Fahrenheit
Centimeters to Inches
Constitution Facts
Seriously Amazing Smithsonian
Laura Chandler's File Cabinet
Study Island - have some good things. K12 site primarily, but can get on with your subscription.
Khufu's Mummy
Spelling Game
Learn to Type - going to have to see if it helps the girls.
Da Vinci's Wacky Piano
Kid's Discover Magazine or the Infopackets
I Spy 
OHVA Sign In page


Not really educational, but shows how dangerous the internet can be:
One Woman's Dangerous War Against Internet's most hated man

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address
November 20th, 1863

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposi...tion that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863
See more


FB Page Getting Full, Time to Move to Blog

A quick reminder, I do not who is the author of these recipes (when I do and have a link or a name, I put that with the recipe). This is where I am storing the recipes, so that I can find them when I want or need them. I would sincerely love to know who to credit or link to. So if you find a recipe on here that you know that author, please leave a comment and I will give credit or change to a link. Thanks.

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Slow Cooker Chocolate Candy

Low Fat Crinkle Cookies
Could be from All-Natural Weight Loss

 Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix (any kind)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups Cool Whip, thawed (8 ounce container)
½ to 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and Cool Whip. The batter will be sticky!

Form dough into tablespoonfuls and roll in powdered sugar.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges are golden. Allow to cool 1 minute on baking sheet; then remove.

Corn casserole:

1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn...
1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix (8 oz.)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. mix all ingredients, minus the cheese, together and pour into a greased baking dish. After the casserole has baked for 45 minutes, or is set in the middle and golden brown, sprinkle with cheddar and put it back in the oven. Let the cheese melt, take the casserole out and enjoy this ridiculously buttery dish


Fruit Cake? Not exactly what I would call fruit cake, but looks interesting. Guess I'll give it a try.

1 box graham crackers (14.4 oz)
1 cup pecans 
1 jar maraschino cherries (10 oz)
1 tablespoons cherry juice
1 cup raisins
1 cup shredded coconut, firmly packed
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)

1.Finely crush graham crackers and coarsely chop pecans and drained cherries.
2.Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
3.Turn out into a lightly buttered 9X13 dish and press flat into the pan with your hands. Chill at least 6 hours



The Best New York Cheesecake
New York Cheesecake
(Jim Fobel's Old-Fashioned Baking Book)

5 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups (one pint) sour cream, room temperature...


4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
8 tablespoons (one stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Generously butter the inside of a 10-inch spring form pan. Wrap a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil tightly around the outside bottom and sides, crimping and pleating the foil to make it conform to the pan. This will help to prevent water seeping into the pan when you put it into the bain-marie. Position the baking rack in the center of the oven; preheat the oven to 300* Fahrenheit.

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs with the sour cream until well blended.

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the cream cheese with the butter until smooth and creamy. Add this to the egg-sour cream mixture and beat until smooth.

Add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest and beat thoroughly, about 2 minutes.

Pour into the prepared springform pan and place in a roasting pan (or other pan) large enough to prevent the sides from touching. Place in the oven and carefully pour in enough very hot tap water to reach halfway up the sides of the springform pan.

Bake for 2 hours, 15 minutes, or until the cake is very lightly colored and a knife inserted in the center emerges clean. Remove from the water bath and carefully peel the aluminum foil from around the pan. Let stand at room temperature until completely cool, about 4 hours. Refrigerate, covered, until well chilled. For best flavor and texture, this cheesecake is best chilled overnight.

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE!!
Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. sugar...
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Directions:
Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
enough milk to make a runny glaze about 6 or 7 tablespoons
1 tsp. vanilla

While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.
 
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

 2 sticks of butter
1 cup of light brown sugar
1 reg. bag of pretzels (you'll use about 3/4 of the bag)...
12 ounce bag of chocolate chips
Sea salt - ( I use our coarse sea salt with our grinder)

Preheat the oven to 400.

Line a large bar pan with parchment paper, cover with pretzels
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat. When it begins to bubble add the brown sugar. Stirring occasionally let the butter/sugar mixture meld together and brown. This should take about 3 minutes. Do NOT let it boil, you will have sticky goo that is no good. When you have a nice, brown caramel pour it over the pretzels, slowly and evenly. You can then use a spatula to spread it out, you have to work quickly and gently. It hardens fast so even pouring is the best method.

Bake the sheet for 5 minutes.

Remove the sheet from the oven and sprinkle the whole bag of chocolate chips evenly over the mixture.

Place back in the oven for about 45 seconds. If you let it sit there too long the chocolate will burn.

Remove from the oven and use a silicone spatula to evenly spread the chocolate over the top.

Sprinkle with sea salt and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour.
 

Cotton Candy Salad!! - Going to make this for Thanksgiving for family meal. My girls will love it!


 Ingredients:
-1 can ..........sweetened condensed milk
-2 cups crushed pineapple, drained well
-1 can strawberry pie filling
-1 can cherry pie filling...
-12 oz. tub cool whip
-3/4 cup pecans, chopped
-Fold all ingredients together. Chill and serve.

 
 
Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball~
Thinking I will be making this for Christmas for the family. 

 Ingredients
(2) 8 oz packages of cream cheese, room temp
1/2 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup bacon crumbles, divided...
1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch dip mix
Instructions

Place cream cheese in a medium sized mixing bowl.
Mix with mixer until both blocks are combined.
Add in ranch dip mix and mix well.
Blend in shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup of the bacon crumbles.
Once mixed, using your hands, form into a ball.
Roll the ball into the remaining 1/2 cup of bacon crumbles.
Refrigerate 1 hour before serving.
 

Chocolate Kiss Cherry Cookies

1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Butter, Softened
2 teaspoons Maraschino Cherry Liquid
1/2 teaspoon Almond Extract ...
4 Drops Red Food Coloring
2 1/4 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Maraschino Cherries, Drained and Chopped
48 Milk Chocolate Candy Kisses

1. Preheat oven to 350º
2.Combine Powdered Sugar, Butter, Cherry Liquid, Extract, and Food Coloring in a bowl. Mix well
3.Add Flour and Salt. Mix well
4.Stir in the Cherries
5.Shape Dough into 1" balls
6.Place 2" apart on ungreased sheets
7.Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until you can see that the lower edge is a light golden brown
8. Remove from oven and press a candy kiss into the top each cookie.

 


Melted Snowman Cookies - My girls really want to make these cookies!
From Sara My Imperfect Kitchen

Snickerdoodle bread

Need to make this for my little Snickerdoodle who is going to be 9 on Friday!
 
2½ cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt...
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
¾ cup sour cream
1 pkg. Hershey's cinnamon chips
3 TB sugar
3 tsp. cinnamon

Directions
Cream butter, sugar, salt and cinnamon until fluffy. Add eggs and mix well. Add vanilla and sour cream and mix well. Mix flour and baking powder in a separate bowl. Add to wet ingredients and mix until all combined. Add cinnamon chips and stir into batter. Set aside. Spoon batter into 4 mini loaf pans until about 2/3 full. Mix 3 T. sugar and 3 t. cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle over the batter in each loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 35-38 minutes.
 

Easiest Pecan Bars "EVER"

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup...
2 Tbsp butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 350°F.

Unroll dough and press in bottom and 1/2 inch up sides of a 9x13-inch pan. Firmly press perforations to seal. Bake 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Pour filling over partially baked crust.

Bake 18 to 22 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Cool completely, about 1 hour, and cut into bars.
 

Buckeyes
My girls ask for these every Christmas and in the summer.


 1 1/2 cups Jif Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt...


3 -4 cups powdered sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening

COMBINE peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on LOW until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating until blended. Beat in additional powdered sugar until mixture, when shaped into a ball, will stay on a toothpick. Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate.

PLACE chocolate chips and shortening in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on MEDIUM for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth. Reheat as needed while coating peanut butter balls.

INSERT toothpick in peanut butter ball. Dip 3/4 of ball into chocolate, leaving top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Remove excess. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until firm.
Cream Cheese Rippled Pumpkin Bread - Love pumpkins, so will have to make this one.
 
Fudge Brownie Pie

3/4 cup flour
1 cup of regular sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
4 ounces butter, melted OR MARGERINE
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 handfuls of mini marshmallows

For the frosting:

2 ounces butter, melted (1/4 cup)
1 ounce cocoa powder, sifted (1/4 cup)
2 ounces evaporated milk (1/4 cup)
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (8 ounces)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 inch spring form pan set aside.

Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Beat together the butter, eggs and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Stir in the toasted nuts. Pour into the prepared pan.

Bake on a middle shelf of the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle the marshmallows on top and return to the oven for a few minutes to melt the marshmallows. Remove from the oven and carefully spread the chocolate frosting over top.

To make the chocolate frosting mix all ingredients together in a bowl, beating with an electric whisk until smooth and thick. Spread on the hot marshmallows. Let cool completely. Cut into wedges to serve.
from Marie from the English Kitchen is all the info I have.
 
 

37 CALORIES BROWNIES 
3/4 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (I used vanilla)
1/4 cup skim milk...


1/2 cup Cocoa powder
1/2 cup Old fashioned rolled oats (like Quaker)
1/2 cup Truvia (or any natural/stevia based sweetener that pours like sugar)
1 egg
1/3 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pinch salt

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a square baking dish (I used 8"x8"). Combine all ingredients into a food processor or a blender, and blend until smooth (about 1 minute). Pour into the prepared dish and bake for about 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 9 large squares.

Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie

It’s simple and tasty. This really was a simple desert often used during the 30’s and 40’s.
...
½ c. cocoa
¼ cup cornstarch/or arrowroot powder (or ½ c. all purpose flour)
3 egg yolks
1 ½ c. sugar
¼ tsp. salt
2 c. milk
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix cocoa, cornstarch, beaten egg yolks; sugar and salt, then add milk gradually, while stirring in a pot over med-high heat. Cook until thick, beating it smooth. Cream pies take some time to thicken, so stir... and stir (10-15 min). Using a heavy bottom pan really helps. Just keep it up until it thickens. Pour into a pre-baked pie shell. Put in the fridge to chill, add whipped cream if you like :0 Or use the left over egg whites for a meringue topping!

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Krispies
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup peanut butter
2 pounds white chocolate chips (2 12-oz packages plus 1 1/3 cup)
 
In a large bowl, combine cereal..., peanuts and marshmallows. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and peanut butter on High for 1 minute and then in 30 second intervals until fully melted. Stir chocolate into cereal mixture. Mixture will be slightly runny. Drop by tablespoons onto waxed paper. Let set until firm, 2 hours. Store in an airtight container.
 

Almond Joy Cookies

 Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar...
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
4 1/2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
5 cups chocolate chips
2 cups sweetened coconut
2 cups chopped almonds
Directions
Pre-heat oven to 375°F Lightly grease cookie sheets.
Combine dry ingredients, set aside.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugars together. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, stir in the vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until well mixed then stir in the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH BITES

 Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups canned* chickpeas, well-rinsed and patted dry with a paper towel
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (165 grams) natural peanut butter (can use PB2 from gym to make healthier, check your labels)
1/4 cup (80 grams) honey (agave would be amazing too!)
1 teaspoon baking powder**
a pinch of salt if your peanut butter doesn’t have salt in it
1/2 cup (90 grams) chocolate chips

* My can was a 400 gram can, 240 grams without the water, and I used all but a few tablespoons

** If you need grain-free baking powder, you can use 1 part cream of tartar + 1 part baking soda + 2 parts arrowroot.

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F / 175°C.

Combine all the ingredients, except for the chocolate chips, in a food processor and process until very smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides and the top to get the little chunks of chickpeas and process again until they’re combined.

Put in the chocolate chips and stir it if you can, or pulse it once or twice. The mixture will be very thick and sticky.

With wet hands, form into 1 1/2″ balls. Place onto a piece of parchment paper. If you want them to look more like normal cookies, press down slightly on the balls. They don’t do much rising. Bake for about 10 minutes.

Yields about fourteen 1 1/2″ cookie dough balls.

MY EASY CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS--A FAMILY FAVORITE that is requested by Everyone!!

Ingredients:
18oz Peanut Butter Jar
¼ Cup Butter
2 Cups Powdered Sugar...
½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
12 oz bag of Nestle’s Semi- Sweet Morsels

1. Mix the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract and powdered sugar in a bowl. Stir until combined.
2. Shape into approximately 1-inch balls and place on baking pan. Put in Freezer for about 20 minutes.
3. Melt Nestle’s Semi- Sweet Morsels according to Pkg ( I Microwaved )
4. Dip peanut butter balls into chocolate w/ toothpick letting the excess coating drip off. return the chocolate coated peanut butter balls back pan until chocolate is firm.
5. Store in a Ziploc bag in the refrigerator.

Orange Fluff Jello Salad Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 large package Cook and Serve vanilla pudding...
1 large package orange jell-o
2 cups water
1 16 oz Cool-Whip (lite or fat-free is fine)
1/2 bag mini marshmallows
1 can pineapple tidbits (Any size, depending on your preference)
1 can mandarin oranges (Any size, depending on your preference)
2 bananas, sliced (Optional, put in before serving so they don't turn brown in the fridge)

Directions:
Mix together pudding, Jell-o, and water over medium heat until it boils. Remove from heat and pour into a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate until mixture has thickened (about an hour). Beat until creamy. Fold in Cool Whip, marshmallows, and fruit. Chill about an hour before serving.
 



Divinity

Cook:
4 cups sugar. granulated
1 cup white Karo syrup
1 cup hot water 
1 tsp salt

Cook until hard ball stage. (288 degrees)

Slowly pour over:
2 egg whites beaten stiff.

Beat and add 1 tsp vanilla…

Drop onto wax paper to harden.
Granny's Favorites Cookbooks
 


Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
The secret of this is not to stir anything. That's what makes your dumplings. When you dish it out, you have your dumplings on top.

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded ( I use a store bought rotisserie c...hicken)
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 stick of butter
2 cups Bisquick
2 cups whole milk
1 can cream of chicken soup (the herbed cream of chicken soup if you can find it)
3 teaspoons of chicken granules (I use Wylers)
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of salt or more to taste

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Layer 1 - In 9 x 13 casserole dish, melt 1/2 stick of butter. Spread shredded chicken over butter. Sprinkle black pepper and dried sage over this layer. Do not stir.

Layer 2 - In small bowl, mix milk and Bisquick. Slowly pour all over chicken. Do not stir.

Layer 3 - In medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth, chicken granules and soup. Once blended, slowly pour over the Bisquick layer. Do not Stir.

Bake casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown


Brownie Mix in a bag:
1 Cup Sugar, 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour, 1/3 Cup Cocoa, 1/4 tsp Salt, 1/4 tsp Baking Powder.
At Baking Time Add: 2 Eggs, 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil, 1 teaspoon Vanilla.
Bake @ 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes in an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. OR use the amazing Pampered Chef brownie pan and bake it in much less time - depends on your oven, check after 12-15 minutes of baking and remove when brownies are done!

Put mix in plastic zip-lock bags or mason jars.
 Farmer Jim (that is who is credited on FB). If this is wrong, please let me know who is really the creator. I do like homemade brownies and so does my family.
 
 

08 November 2013

Books for each of the 50 States

Books for 50 States

I love to read. Today, I finished a book by Allison Arngrim. What a wonderful read! I had a hard time putting the book down to read "Robinson Crusoe." My middle daughter has to read this novel and I read what they read. I have to read about 5 or 6 poems with my youngest and the book for my oldest is "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler."

I am thinking next year, I want to read the books for the 50 states. That should be a good read project.

What do you like to read?

More Links from FB and From my Email

I really needed to clean off my FB page, as I could not find what I wanted. Here are some more patterns that I would like to make.


Fiber Burn Chart - a way to figure out the mystery fibers.
KnitMap - Find your local yarn stores

27 Easy to Knit Patterns for Beginners is another free pattern booklet.
Abominable Baby Slippers
Abstract Color Beanie
Aphrodite Wrap
Autumn Wowza Scarf
Baby Angel Afghan
Baby Bobble Afghan
Baby in Bloom Bonnet
Baby Hi Tops
Baby Mukluks
Baby Owl Booties
Big Blue Beret
Blackberry Salad Striped Baby Bonnet love this pattern. I think I need to make a couple for a friend who is having a baby girl near my birthday.
Blue Flower - Linda Flor
Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf
Breezy Bird Trio
Brightly Colored Throw
Button and Shell Ear Warmer
Cascading Potato Chip Scarf
Catherine's Wheel Throw Listed as Bold and Beautiful.
Christmas Tree Video
Chunky Knit Mittens
Cluster Stitch Slouch Tutorial YouTube
Color Burst Afghan
Converse Slippers
Cookie Monster Hat for toddlers.
Cotton Candy Cap for girls.
Crochet Angel Tree Topper
Cupcake Afghan
Cute Crochet Doll
Daffodil Love Gloves
Daisy Puffagon Tutorial
Easy Baby Blanket
Fluffy Ruffle Potato Chip Scarf
Flower Baby bonnet way, way cute!
Four Square Pot Holder crochet and colorful.
Fruit and Creme Throw
Grandma Tree Pattern Tutorial styled.
Granny Squares  different color combinations for afghans.
Green Tree Ornament
Halloween Crochet Trio
Happy Flower Decoration
Harmony Shawl
Hello Kitty Witch
Icarus Scarf
Jasmine Shawl
Jingle Bell Stockings from Red Heart
Kickoff Hat (Purple and for football)
Kitchen Kolors Trivet there are links for other patterns on this site, also.
Knee High Leg Warmers
Leaping Stripes and Blocks Afghan from Moogly
Lion Brand Free Booklet of Patterns lots of color work in these patterns.
Lion Brand Free Booklet of Patterns This is different from the one above and has a cute shrug in it.
Little House Shawl
Loco for coca Afghan
Merlot Afghan
Michigan Baby Afghan
Millionaire's Afghan
Mini Knitting Tote
Moogly Christmas Links
Moogly Crochet Wigs
Moogly Fingerless Mitts Link
Moogly Minion Links
Moogly Santa Baby
Moogly Santa Patterns
Moroccan Tile Afghan Stitch Tutorial - from Moogly
NO-O Ruffles Shawl
Neat Ripple Pattern Afghan Tutorial
Ombre Mittens - also called Kaleidoscope Mittens.
Owl Amigurumi - Mr. Muraski
Owl Pouch
Pac Man Phone Cozy
Peacock Scarf Love the tassels on this scarf and I don't like tassels on my scarves.
Rainbow
Rainbow Blocks Afghan
Rainbow Fingerless Mitts for children.
Sideways Shawl
Silver Star Ornament
Spring Flowers Shawl
Team Colors Baby Hat from Moogly Crochet and reversible.
Towel Holder from Nancy's Crochet.
Tree Garland
Turkey Coasters - Crochet
Windchime Afghan very bright and colorful.
Winter Ponytail Beanie