Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Wednesday - September 23,

So, what about the new shows?

I have been blessed with DVR!!!!!! OK, so I have had DVR forever...LOVE IT!!!!

Some new shows, whadda ya think?

Hawaii Five O... Yes
Lone Star... NO! Hated it!
Outlaw... I liked the first show, let's see how the season plays out.
House... Not sure how I felt about the first show of the new season...weird.
Chase... Excellent
Event... Cross between 24 & Lost, could be good.
NCIS... One of My Favorites
NCIS, Los Angeles... Excellent
Castle...Need I say more? "I am ruggedly handsome, arn't I." LOVE IT!!!!
Broadway Empire (HBO)... Looking Good.
Vampire Diaries... LOVE IT!!!

Still waiting on CSI, CSI Miami, CSI NY, Criminal Minds, Medium, Gray's Anatomy, Private Practice, Desparate Housewives, Doctor Who, Sanctuary, Stargate Universe, Law & Order LA, Bones, Fringe, Mentalist, Blue Bloods, Bones, Human Target, Justified, The Borgias, Spartacus... I know, I have no life.

My summer shows have come to an end, sadness. Closer, Royal Pains, Haven, Burn Notice, Rookies, Eureka & Warehouse 13. Looking forward to June 2011!

So, what are you watching?

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Wednesday - September 1, 2010

So, I was thinking....on my way home today, in traffic, riding the friggin' clutch...about an old friend. I have no idea why I was thinking about him but one thought leads to another, to another, to another and so on. Before you know it you've had a whole lifetime of thoughts. What could have been and why did it turn out that way. Some days it's just plain depressing and other days...well, let's just say some things turn out the way they should.

This old friend...one of the last times I spoke with him we had a discussion about infidelity. His. He told me about a woman he was seeing, not his wife. Shared with me that his marriage was over and had been for a while.

I asked if his wife knew...his response was "How can she not know"?

Ummm, because you haven't told her...

So anyway most of you can guess how that turned out. Me not being a big fan of infidelity, let the friendship wither, but not before a big yelling match that ended with him telling me I'd end up alone.

Well, I have been divorced for 20 years. I have enjoyed the company and companionship of some really great men. Just not any I could see myself growing old with.

Now, it's not like I have checklist or a requirements page. But there are a few deal breakers. Like...I don't need a Daddy, I have one. I'm not your mother, you need to clean up after yourself. My money is, well, my money. If I'm reading, I'm obviously not going to watch the football game with you. I will however put it down if you want to GO to the game. And last but NOT least, my child is just that, MY CHILD.

OK, so now that my child is grown and out on his own, that one doesn't really apply anymore.

But my point is, my traffic thoughts led me to a peaceful place this afternoon. While I am currently unattached, I am not alone. My life is full. I am blessed to still have both of my parents, and we are very close. My sister and brother-in-law keep me busy and tired many a weekend. My son is THE BEST, most days, and he still says I love you many times a day. My 17 year old nephew has become my second son and I love him up too! I have a psychotic chiweenie who loves me unconditionally (mostly). I have so many wonderful people in my life.

While it would be nice to have that someone special, I'm not willing to settle for something less. And I shouldn't have to. Being alone doesn't always mean lonely. Sometimes alone, is just a peaceful place to breathe.

Enjoy your peaceful place!

Monday, August 30, 2010

Monday - August 30, 2010

Yep, I know already! I'm a slacker.


I have excuses....
.

1) 30 yr High School Reunion (still recovering from that adventure)
.

2) Celebrated my parents 45th Wedding Anniversary (I know, the dates don't add up)
.

3) I had laundry to do & ironing
.

4) I found this recipe....




Slowcooker or Crockpot Tamale Pie

1 Lb ground beef (I used 2lbs)
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder (I used 1 Tbsp)
1/4 tsp pepper
1 can (15oz) black beans, rinsed & drained
1 can (14.5 oz) rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies (I used medium)
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, drained (I used sweet corn)
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (I used medium)
2 green onions, fine chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro (I forgot to get any at the grocers and used 1 Tbsp dehydrated cilantro)
1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread/muffin mix
2 eggs
1 cup (4 oz) shredded Mexican Cheese blend
Sour cream and additional minced fresh cilantro, optional

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the cumin, salt, chili powder and pepper. Transfer to a 4-QT clow cooker; stir in beans, tomatoes, corn, enchilda sauce, onions and cilantro. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until heated through. (I did 1.5 hrs on high, I'm impatient).

In a small bowl, combine muffin mix & eggs; spoon over meat mixture. Cover & cook 1 hour longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Serve with sour cream and additional cilantro if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

I found this recipe in my Taste of Homes Magazine. VERY TASTEY!!!!

While this says it's a slowcooker recipe. I see no reason not to speed things up in a dutch oven. Next time, I will.

I hope you ALL enjoy this little jewel as much as we did. *smack, smack*

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Sunday - August 8, 2010

Friday night I had dinner and drinks with a couple of friends from high school. It was GREAT to see them! I had a wonderful time and have to repeat the experience VERY soon. They both looked GREAT and have been living wonderful lives. Exceptional ladies with exceptional children...would we have anything less?!

We talked and talked and talked, I REALLY hope we can plan something again, soon!

One of the things we talked about was, of course, cooking. Another was the collection of family recipes, which I am glad to say, is still alive and well! We discussed canning, baking and everyday meals. And the obsession of recipe collection from the internet.

We even discussed our happy mistakes. You know the ones where you only partially read the instructions and the results are actually better than the "right" way?

So, today I will be sharing a hamburger recipe that I only half read. The original recipe was in the June 2010 issue of Southern Living.

Sweet & Savory Burgers

1/2 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp. light corn syrup
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 lb. ground beef

Mix well and divide and form 8 burgers. Place in a refridgerator container overnight (or at least for 4 hours).

Sauce

1/2 cup chili sauce
1/2 cup hot red pepper jelly

Mix well and serve on top of burger.

Toppings: grilled sweet onion and grilled pineapple slices.

So as it turns out...all of the ingredients listed before the ground beef were SUPPOSED to be a marinade. I mixed all of those ingredients with the ground beef. It turned out that they ARE the BEST burgers I've ever had. Mom & Dad love 'em, the kids love 'em. This recipe has become a stapel in less than a month. I have already made and frozen about 8 dozen. Mom only has four burgers left and I have 6 left in my freezer. And really, before this, I wasn't a big burger fan. But these sweet and savory burgers, are still juicy when you reheat them in the microwave for lunch the next day!

Share some of your happy mistakes with the rest of us!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Sunday - July 11

Yes, it's Sunday again and it's dinner with the family.

Calico Beans and Blueberry Pie

While I don't attend church on a regular basis, I hope you enjoyed the sermon at your place of worship this morning. Yes, I say my prayers everynight and often throughout day. I pray my prayers for you and yours are answered.

On to Dinner....

Calico Beans, OH MY!

1 15oz can of each;
Lima Beans
Kidney Beans
Pork-n-Beans
Ranch Style Beans
French Cut Green Beans
1 Medium Onion, diced
1 Large Bell Pepper, diced
1 Bottle, Heinz Chili Sauce
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 Lb Fried, Crumbled Bacon

Dump it all in a Crock Pot and cook 2-3 hours on low. Serve.


Lazy Fruit Pie

1/2 C flour
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C milk
1 tsp baking powder
2 C sweetened fruit of choice

Mix flour, sugar, milk and baking powder, pour into a PAM sprayer baking dish (I used a 8"x8" glass baking dish). Pour fruit (cherries, peaches, apples or berries) on top of batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes until crust is browned.

(This recipe is from The Fruit of the Spirit cookbook by the Memorial Baptist Church in Columbia, VA).

Yum!

Enough for today. I am on my way to the shower and then packing up the viddles and heading to Mom & Dad's! Mom is making Jalapeno Cornbread to go with the Calico Beans!

Happiness is in the small things.

My small thing (Austin) is going to get a bath too!

See ya later!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Wednesday - July 7


Brownie Biscotti


Ingredients

1/2 C butter, melted

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2-1/2 C all-purpose flour

1-1/3 C sugar

3/4 C baking cocoa

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

1 cup unlanched almonds, toasted and coarsely chopped

1/2 C miniature semicweet chocolate chips


Directions

In a large bowl, combine the butter, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and baking soda; gradually add to butter mixture just until combined (dough will be crumbly).

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface; knead in almonds and chocolate chips. Divide dough in half. On an ungreased baking sheet, shape each portion into a 12" x 3" log, leaving 3" between the logs.

Bake at 325 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until set and tops are cracked. Cool 15 minutes. Carefully transfer to a cutting board; cut diagonally with a serrated knife into 1/2" slices.

Place cut side down on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 20-25 minutes or until firm and dry. Remove to wire racks to cool.

Store in airtight container.
My picture is a little grey, sorry. They look just like brownies and are OH sooooo tastee!
I made these last night and the whole process took about an hour and 15 minutes. I ad to make a cup of decaf so I could try them out! YUM!
I pilfered this recipe from Taste of Homes. The original recipe also called for a vanilla icing drizzle. BUT. . . it didn't work out so well, me missing the icing gene and all, so I stopped while I was ahead!
My 4th weekend was full! Saturday was spent with laundry and grocery shopping. Sunday saw more laundry and a movie. We saw Avatar, The Last Airbender, and after we had Hot Dogs with my parents, brother and two nephews. Monday I had breakfast at Kelly's Restaurant with Mom, Dad and Sean and then we went to see Eclipse. Then lunch was on me, I prepared chicken wings and hamburgers using a new recipe from Southern Living Magazine, June 2010. OH SO GOOD! And Monday evening, I made a Chicken and Hashbrown casserole, recipe from Taste of Home. I divided the recipe into two pans and had Mom pickup a pan on Tuesday. And that was dinner for Tuesday at her house, and tonight I have popped the other pan in the oven. Guess what I'm having for lunch tomorrow.
So, what did you do this past weekend? Whatever it was I hope you enjoyed yourselves.

Friday, July 2, 2010

July 2 - Friday - Butterscotch Oatmeal Lace Cookies


OMG! OMG! OMG!

I am the LUCKIEST girl on the planet! Not only did I find a copy of Big Mama's cookbook at a thrift store a few years ago, BUT APPARENTLY, I found a copy of my mother's favorite cookbook at an Estate Sale about a year ago. Yes, I just realized it's the same cookbook about 20 minutes ago. I called my Mom to confirm, and YES, it's the same book. What are the odds I would randomly select the same editions? Big Mama's cookbook was a 1943 edition of The Modern Family Cookbook and Mom's is a 1972 edition of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Cooking.

I was feelin' a little down and a little cranky this morning. OK, I had my "knickers in twist" as my Nannie would say. Traffic was beastly, raining, wrecks everywhere, running late for work . . . you know what I'm talking about.

So, the weather here is the pits today. Flash floods, road closures, the usual for this time of year. Hurricane Season. But as Luck would have it, the Boss sent us home early. Well after an hour of more traffic from a nightmare I managed to return to la casa. Off the streets and out of the water. . .not sure if I'm grateful to not be a target or grateful not to be targeting! Ay ya ya!

Anyway . . .I'm home. Logged on to Facebook, just checking in to see if I'm missing out on anything. Of course . . . LaTosha is talking about baking cookies again, which leads from chocolate chip to macadamian nut to me wanting Butterscotch Oatmeal Lace cookies.

About a month ago I invited my son and his woman over for lunch, that meant I had to clear of the dining table and clear out the dining room. That lead to cleaning out the pantry and then the china cabinet. Cleaning the china cabinet included thining out my massive cookbook collection. It was painful, but maybe I could do without 6ft of cookbooks. . . maybe. My friend Regi came by for a visit and I sent her home with a box full and believe it or not, my son was interested in some simple cookbooks. We went through some and he went home with leftover lasagna and some cookbooks that he was happy with.

I know, you're wondering where this is going. Yes, this IS what it's like in my head. You may need a ibuprofen or a tums, jus' sayin'.

The cookbooks, yep, that's where I was headed. Looking for the recipe for the Butterscotch Oatmeal Lace cookies. Third book I pull out the American Cooking cookbook and there it is the recipe I need, then I notice. . .hey, this looks like Mom's cookbook. One ringy dingy, two ringy dingy. . . Hello? Hey, Mom. What' the name of your cookbook? Is it American Cooking? REALLY? No way! I have that book! So we checkout the picture on the cover, it's the same. Page 324, it's our favorite Jalapeno Cornbread ! OMG!

Really? Not exciting? Hey, I take it where I can find it. And now, my sister and I don't have to fight over the cookbooks. Another problem solved.

I am blessed. I may not see it or feel it everyday. . .but I know. My one and only son at 22 still kisses me when he sees me and when he leaves. He always says I love you, before he hangs up the phone. It doesn't matter if it's at the office, or if he's on a rig, and anywhere inbetween. I just LOVE that boy! My baby boy, love 'im. And then there's my little furry baby Austin. And four - count 'em, Four very handsome nephews. Oh and so much more.

But, I guess you didn't stop by for my ramblings. . .you want the recipe right?

Here it is . . .



Butterscotch Oatmeal Lace Cookies

1/2 C butter . . . . . . . . .1/4 tsp salt
1/2 C sugar . . . . . . . . . 1 C quick-cooking oats
1/3 C sifted all- . . . . . . 2 tsp milk
purpose flour . . . . . . . .1/4 C butterscotch chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt butter in saucepan. Stir in remaining ingredients, mixing well. Drop by teaspoonfuls about 3 inches apart onto greased and floured cookie sheet. Spread thin with spatula. Bake 5 to 7 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven; let stand a minute. Remove cookies carefully with wide spatula. Cookies should be thin and lacy. Cool thoroughly. Yield about 3 1/2 dozen.

While you MAY be tempted to eat them ALL by yourself, maybe now would be a good time to practice what you preach. Sharing, it's easier on the hips!

Well, I'm going to get MY milk and cookies before I have to share!

Happy snackin'!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

July 1 - Thursday


This, my friends is one of our favorites!

Italian Sausage Soup

1 package (5 to 6 links) of Sweet Italian Sausage
remove the casing and discard.
Break the links up and brown in your pot.

Add 1/2 cup diced sweet onion. Cook until transparent. Remove from heat and drain sausage grease, discard.

Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Then 1 Tblsp Worchestershire sauce

And 1/4 tsp sugar.
1 Tblsp Basil

Pour 1 15oz can Italian Seasoned Diced Tomatoes
And 2 cans Chicken Broth

Bring to a boil and add 1 cup small shell pasta (or wathever shape floats your boat).

Top with 1/2 a Red Bell Pepper, julienne cut.
Remove from heat when pasta is done........and serve.

Serve with garlic toast and Ceasar Salad. Yum!
This is a great meal. Takes about 35 minutes start to finish.
The picture you see above, was dinner tonight. If DJ doesn't make any midnight refrigerator runs, then I'll have some for lunch tomorrow. IF!
My family is supposed to be gathering favorite recipes so we can produce a "Yours, Mine and Ours Cookbook" and so far I have collected 2, yes count them, 2 recipes. One is for the BEST Spanish Rice I have ever tasted and one is a recipe I misplaced. So actually, we only collected one, because the second was already my recipe. Confused? Try riding around in my head for a day.
So, anyway...the plan is to try each recipe as we receive them. Take a photo and setup the pages for printing. Hopefully this won't take an extraordinary amount of time. Or cause unnecessary weight gain. Wish us LUCK!
Oh, if you are expecting me to post pictures of beautifully decorated cakes...don't. Apparently I did not inherit the gene necessary for preparing iced caked. I am hoping I can talk my mother into testing those particular recipes. Me? I do pound cakes, pies, cookies, cobblers and crumb cakes. I have attempted the icing, and it tastes great, just doesn't look so pretty. Yes, I know my limitations, put I do keep trying.
My hope is that we (family, family-in-law, family friends) can come together and gather all the recipes and share with one another all the stories, fond memories, love that are associated with each flavor.
If not, at least we'll have something new to argue about. Never a dull moment!
Enjoy the soup and may your leftovers not stay long in the frig!







Wednesday, June 30, 2010

June 30 - Wednesday

Healthy, Healthy, Healthy...

How did we ever survive as a species? How much chicken can a person ACTUALLY eat? Me? I am a PROUD Beef Eater! And I LOVE SEAFOOD!

One of my favorites is Roast and Pototatoes. It's almost impossible to screw it up, almost. Ever taste that stuff in a can? Uck!

My "Nannie" (grandmother), cooked her roast on top of the stove and cooked it till it fell apart. So, once I started cooking, that was my goal. After a few, what I thought, failures...I got it!

The trick is to keep cooking past the tough stage. Who knew?

I usually start with 1 large onion, chopped...the saute in my 5QT Dutch Oven.
Then I add my roast seasoned on both sides with garlic & pepper seasoning.
I brown it on both sides, then add water to cover roast. Cover and cook on Medium heat.

Catalina Roast
This tangy roast will melt in your mouth and comfort the soul . Serve with warm bread or rolls and a simple salad.

Ingredients
1 5lb Beef roast
1 large bottle catalina dressing
1 pkg onion soup mix
2 c water
1 lb bag baby carrots
2 lb yukon gold potatoes cubed (or any potato you choose)

Directions
Brown roast in dutch oven on both sides. Pour soup mix on top and 1/2 bottle of dressing. Cook on Medium heat till roast falls apart (about 2 1/2 hours in my kitchen, but will vary by pot and oven) . Add vegetables and rest of dressing. Cook 1 hr longer, or until vegetables are tender. Shred meat and serve with some of the dressing (from slow cooker) on the side.* Can be cooked in the oven as well. Only takes 3 hrs for the meat, cook on 350*. Cook Time: 5 Hrs on Hight in Slow Cookers. Servings: 7

As you know cook time will vary depending on your definition of Medium heat, weither you use an aluminum pot or stainless or even a cast iron pot. You should have an idea of how your "kitchen" works. I have come home after work and prepared a roast. That's me getting home around 5pm and serving around 7/7:30pm. Like I said, I like my roast to fall apart and to do that you have to let it get tough first and keep cooking.

I love a good yeast roll and I am not above cheating! Parkerhouse Rolls! YES! You have plenty of time to let these babies rise before the roast is ready...go get some. Let them rise on the countertop by the stove. Pop them in the oven after the roast is ready. Remove the lid from your dutch oven and let the pot roast cool while the rolls are in the oven. Ta Da! Dinner!

This is just one of the simple recipes I use for roast. I like to change it up, to use other recipes, perhaps I'll share another...next time.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

June 29 - Tuesday

Hurricane Season...

Floods, wind damage, power outages. Ah....to live on the Gulf Coast.

Hurricane Alex is somewhere down around our beloved Padre Island, reeking havoc and it's not even made landfall. Vacations and Fourth of July plans will be dampened. And chances are we in the Houston area will see some street flooding.

Like that's an anomally.

I saw on the news that Harris County is cleaning debris out of the bayous. Why isn't that done on a regular schedule? Why is there 6ft grass growing in the Patrick Bayou flood control ditch that runs behind my parents home? Why did no one open the flood gates 2 years ago when my home flooded? Why?

Anyway.

Did you remember to prepare?
Batteries, flashlights, lanterns, grill, charcoal or propane, drinking water, plywood for your windows, tarps (just in case), laundry all caught up?

Keep your freezer not to full, not to empty. Throw a few water bottles in there to keep things cold (just in case). The frozen water bottle will help keep food from thawing faster than you can grill!

Do you have an emergency radio/tv. Usually you can keep your cellphone charged with these as well.

Keep your gas cans filled. You may not have a generator, but a neighbor may. You will want to do your part if you hope to cool off at their house!

Dig out your cards, dominos, board games, volleyball net, horseshoes could be a few weeks before power is back on.

If you enjoy your coffee, better stock up on instant. And don't keep too many parishables in the frig. Make sure you have food for the pets and that your meds have been refilled.

Find your home owners insurance policy and flood policy, put them in a ziplock bag, keep them handy. Same with your health insurance cards, make copies and make sure each family member has a copy. You don't plan on being separated...but neither did those families in New Orleans.

Maybe each family member should have an emergency backback.
Water, snackbar, insurance card (copy), flashlight, waterproof matches, jerky, emergency contact numbers, waterproof disposable camera, pocket radio w/batteries (yes, you can still get these), small firstaid kit, and anything else that gives you comfort. A change of clothes, a blanket...could be anything.

Well, be safe, be prepared...

Sunday, June 27, 2010

June 27 - Sunday



Well, sorry about yesterday. I was tired. Still not sleeping well.

But, I was inspired yesterday. Yesterday evening. DJ is back home, I missed his ego!

I started watching HBO's "Treme". I watched season one on Video On Demand. And with DJ's return, I decided to share Sunday Dinner with Mom & Dad.


On the menu, Red Beans and Rice, Sausage, Homemade Mac & Cheese, Fried Chicken Gizzards and Cheesey Garlic Biscuits.

I am using a variation of Louis Armstrong's Recipe and Emril Lagasse's Red Beans and Rice.

Did you know there is a difference between Red Beans and Red Kidney Beans? Me neither. Red Beans are from the Caribbean, they are smaller and smoother than Red Kidney Beans. I did find Red Beans and that's we are having today.

So anyway, the recipe I have concocted includes adding a small pork butt roast, but all I could find was the pork sirloin and shoulder roast. So I chose the sirloin.

I soaked the red beans overnight in cold water, and cooked the roast last night. I cooked the roast with a large onion and a garlic clove till it was tender. About an 2 hours in my 5 qt cast iron dutch oven on top of the stove, medium heat. Let it cool and then left it in the frig over night (in a refrigerator bowl with lid).

This morning I drained and washed the beans, put them in my 7qt cast iron dutch oven, and boiled for 1 and half hours with a 1/2 pound of sliced salted pork (I removed the rind).

After the 1 and half hours I added the pork roast, cooked another half hour and added 1 chopped stalk of celery, 1 cup of chopped green onions, 1 serrano pepper (deseeded) chopped finely, 1 glove of finely chopped garlic. After another 1/2 hour I added 1 and half tablespoons of Tony's Cajun Seasoning.

PERFECT!

The rest is cooking as usual. I will leave the Red Beans on low until time to eat. Cook the rice ( I use Jasmine Rice) about 11:30.

Chicken Gizzards! Love 'em or hate 'em...doesn't seem to be an inbetween. I clean an trim mine up to bite size pieces, soak in an egg and milk (evaporated) and then shake in a flour and Tony's mixture. Then fry in oil. Ta Da! I use the drippings to make a cream gravy, for dunking and rice.

My Mac & Cheese recipe comes from the 1961ed of The Modern Family Cookbook by Meta Given. My mother has the 1942ed that belonged to my great grandmother (Big Momma), Emma Rabun McCullough. Good food is timeless! The Cheese Biscuit recipe is in there too, I just add the garlic powder to the flour.

Now, chances are my Dad won't try the beans, nor will he eat the gizzards. So, I got him covered with the sausage. I like the Holmes Smokehouse brand and today it's Pecan Smoked Jalapeno Sausage.

Gotta get back to the kitchen....

3:04pm...I am soooo full! I have leftovers for a couple of days and sent Mom & Dad home with leftovers. We never even made it to the Mac & Cheese! Dad loved the sausage, so I sent him home with a fresh package all his very own. I have lunch for a couple of days and will probably make cornbread for tomorrow night's leftovers. I imagine DJ will have some Mac & Cheese for lunch tomorow.
Don't forget! True Blood tonight on HBO!

Friday, June 25, 2010

June 25 - Friday (TGIF)

Ooooooo just found this . . .

Lemon-Ricotta Pancakes with Raspberry Sauce
Serves: 10-12 Pancakes

PANCAKES:

1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup milk
3 eggs, separated
1/4 cup sugar
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1-1/2 cups flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt

SAUCE:

2-1/2 cups frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 cup sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest and juice until smooth.

Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt over the ricotta mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Using rubber spatula, fold egg whites into ricotta mixture.

Cook pancakes on a lightly oiled griddle or skillet over medium heat until golden, 1-2 minutes per side.

For the sauce, combine raspberries and sugar in a food processor or blender and puree until smooth.

Add up to 1/4 cup water to achieve desired consistency. Serve pancakes warm with raspberry sauce or fresh fruit and whipped cream. Makes 12 standard sized pancakes. Enjoy!
_____________________________________________

I know, you think my world revolves around food. Maybe. Some of my favorite memories include food, or at least thats how my brain has marked those times.

Homemade cheese biscuits at Big Moma's...Sunday's after church.

Homemade peach and apple tarts, again at Big Moma's...Birthday dinners during the summer.

Fried Catfish and hushpuppies...weekends at the lake.

Grilled chicken, corn on the cob and homemade ice cream...weekend BBQ's at home.

Kentucky Fried Chicken...Mom cheated, repacked everything in tupperware and said she fried the chicken!

...I guess all of the BEST TIMES are FAMILY TIMES, and Family Times always include a little homemade something! Nannie's Coconut Cream Cake, Kelley's Spaghetti, Grandma's Christmas Cookies, our favorite quilt made by Gramma, it's always the little things that mean so much.

When was the last time you stopped and created a special moment for someone special? Did you add the shredded cheese to your nephews scrambled eggs? Did you take the time to sign that birthday card, did you write something other than "Love Me"? Did you take the afternoon off work and go get your parents? Did you take them to lunch and a movie? How about an impromptu photo session in the photo booth at the mall? You know your Mom, Spouse or Child would use that crazy strip of photos as bookmark for the next 50 years!

How about a game of Twister Trivia! Mix the two games together tonight, and spend all day tomorrow picking pockcorn out of each others hair. Go on, you know you want to do it. No excuses, cut circles out of leftover construction paper, tape them to the carpet in the den and start playing!

Me? I'm picking up the popcorn on the way home!

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Sharing Facts about Cinnamon & Honey!

Cinnamon and Honey Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. It will do what some call turning to sugar. In reality honey is always honey. However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing". When this happens I loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water,turn off the heat and let it liquefy. It is then as good as it ever was. Never boil honey or put it in a microwave. To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey. Cinnamon and Honey Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around.

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mixture of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a 'Ram Ban' (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today's science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada , in its issue dated 17 January,1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:

HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also, those who have already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack.. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada , various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm waterand drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder.

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.

UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial andviral diseases.

INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals.

INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient' which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old, starts performing the chores of a 20-year-old..

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.

FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.

Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: People of South America , first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!

June 24 - Thursday

A very informed and politically charged friend of mine posted and article from this website . . .

http://healthcareforamericanow.org/ and then posted this comment :

Republicans in Congress are continuing to call for the repeal of the health care law. They want to take away the new rights and protections we all have. Repeal would mean it's OK for insurance companies to dump you when you're sick and deny you the care you've paid for.

And then I replied:

Texas has an Insurance Commission, their website is http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/

If you have problems, questions, concerns, need to file a complaint...visit this website. I have had problems with health, auto and home insurance providers and have had 100% resolution by going through the proper channels. Often times, just a threat to call the commission will clear things up immediately.

Problems with Public Utilities? (Water, Phone, Cable, Gas, Electricity) Call the TXPUC, Teaxs Public Utilities Commssion. Again, just a threat to call will solve the problem.Theese commissions regulate these industries, here in Texas. The number of complaints DIRECTLY Effect their (the industries) bottom lines. Too many complaints and their application to raise rates is denied. Too many complaints and the State will deny their reapplication to do business in our State.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Do NOT give the Federal Government your Rights. You can affect more change locally (STATE), than you can on a Federal level.

Sorry (name removed) ...I DO NOT want the FEDERAL Government making decisions for me.

--------------------------------------------------

Now, I FIRMLY believe that our Federal Government and MOST of our local government is as corrupt, as corrupt can get. It's all about the power and the misuse of power. Our government thinks of us as sheep and that it is their right (God Given Right) to fleece us at EVERY opportunity.

We have given them the power. On a whole we are uninformed, uninterested and ignorant.

Wake up folks! Get involved, you need to pay attention. YOU are being robbed and you are helping the theives load up the truck!

You also need to understand...insurance companies are in business to make money, not help you out in times of trouble. They are NOT charities, BUT there are "watchdog" organizations that are in place and DO work. But, it is up to YOU to be informed, you have to stand up for yourselves.

Here's one...have you ever received a collection notice for a debt that was not yours?
File a complaint with the Post Master General (FEDERAL) and The Attorney General's Office in your state and the state from which the bill was mailed. It is a FEDERAL OFFENSE to mail fraudulent debt collection notices. It's called MAIL FRAUD. All of this can be done ONLINE.

OK, I stepping down from my soap box... nope I got more!

Doctors and Healthcare Workers.

I changed doctors several years ago because mine was retiring. So I set up several appointment with doctors that friends and family memebers had referred me too.

I called these referrals to up appointments.

I explained to the appointment setter that I would like to schedule an appointment to meet the doctor, ask some questions, get the general feel for his/her style of patient interaction. I needed to know if I would be comfortable with this new doctor. I needed to know if I could be confident that I was getting the best care for me, from this particular doctor and his/her staff.

So anyway, I start dialing for new doctor, a General Practictioner, a GP.

The first appointment setter immediately says "We don't do that" . . . . . OK.

The second says "Sure, No problem. Just stop by when it's convenient, ask for me. I'll walk you through the office, answer your question and the let you speak with the doctor".

...and mostly, that's how it goes for the next four doctors on my list.

So, I "drop in" on the five doctors. One has an uncomfortable feel when I walk in. I sit a "spell", listen to those waiting in the office, and decide...NOPE. Two down.

Another has a decidely, over all RUDE staff. More interested in talking about last night at the bar than assissting those who need care. Three down.

Number Four never looked me in the eye.

Number Five was never available and a I ended up speaking with a new associate, who had just moved to Texas from Quebec. JACKPOT!

Not even on my list! He and his wife, both GP's, have no love for insurance companies, don't prescribe meds unless you need them, don't push new expensive drugs if the old $4 generic works just as well! KaChing! They ALWAYS review your electronic file, in front of you, before they ask "what's been going on with you since your last visit?" They look you in the eye...ALWAYS! They always ask what over the counter meds you have taken, any job changes, personal changes.

So see, you can be informed and choose a doctor you like, one you trust. If you have questions ask. A good doctor will answer, a bad one won't. FIND a new doctor!

Have a complaint? Need information on a doctor? Call the AMA or visit their website http://www.ama-assn.org/ for Dentist http://www.ada.org/ .

Go LEARN something today!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

June 23 - Wednesday

WOW! Hot Flashes, who knew they could make you dizzy? Dizzy, not ditzy!

I am pretty sure women get the short end of the stick, in most things.

The whole monthly cycle thing, 9 months for each pregnancy (you should get the option of shorter pregnancies with each additional child - like a coupon or, I know, optional tummy tuck!), breast feeding. And there's prom planning, wedding planning, housework and car pools. As well as, lower paying jobs, constant worrying about our families and then . . . menopause. Which we later learn, can last for 10 years. REALLY!? Come on! Give me a BREAK!

Oh well, at least my cheeks are pink.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

June 22, 2010 - Tuesday




So, I was thinking...I might try this blogging thing again. MAYBE I can remember my login and password this time!




Like I said, I was thinking...I like to cook, and I like a new recipe as much as the next individual with a fork and a microwaveable plate, so...let's share.


These little beauties are Strawberry Shortcake Cookies and the recipe is from Martha Stewart. She sent me the link in an email.




Lovely woman, she shares ALL kinds of niffty little ideas. Only problem is, I know very few appreciative individuals. Oh, don't get me wrong, THEY LOVE the free food. They just don't want me telling them how to organize their closets, nor would THEY really understand the "place card " on the dining table.


But I digress, the cookies were time consuming and tasty. Not sure I would go to all that effort again for cookies that have a 24 hour shelf live.


I LOVE checking the mailbox and finding the lastest copy of Taste Of Home Magazine!


I also purchase them at the checkout in WalMart & Krogers...guilty little pleasure.


Anyway, the last issue had a recipe for Enchilada Lasagna. I made three, one for Kelley, one for Mom and one for myself. Mom still has hers in the frig, says it's too hot to turn on the oven. Kelley is supposed to cook hers for dinner tonight. Mine? I had some Sunday night, Monday night, and some today for lunch...my guess, I'll have some for dinner tonight as well.


It was a very quick and easy recipe, and it tastes pretty darn good too.
Enchilada Lasagna

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 30 min. + standing

Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 egg, beaten
1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend
8 flour tortillas (8 inches), cut in half
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
In a large skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, enchilada sauce and cumin. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine egg and cottage cheese; set aside. Spread a third of the meat sauce into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Layer with half of the cheese blend, tortillas, cottage cheese mixture and remaining meat sauce. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 12 servings.
...and while I have you captive, I made mini pecan pies last night. Nope, not sharing the recipe today, maybe next time.
FYI... Kohl's has their kitchen towels marked down, I just ordered me some with my 30% off coupon! I prefer the Kohl's kitchen towels, but Walmart has a better bath towel. Kohl's has a better beach towel. Listen to your friends, they often know what they are talking about. Just don't let them know you know!