DaBookLady's Recipe Life

Key Lime Pie Yummy!

2012-01-26T12:23:00.000-08:00

I love Key Lime Pie and this recipe is excellent. I have tried it and love it I hope
you will too. You can make it with either home made crust or use one already
made from the store. :)

[source]

Key Lime Pie
1/3 c. butter
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. finely crushed graham cracker

4 large egg yolks
1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 lime
1/4 cup key lime juice
2 teaspoons lime zest
Whipped topping to garnish

For the crust:
Melt butter in Microwave in a glass pie dish, then take out and immediately add sugar
and then add crushed graham crackers. Push it up the sides a little as desired.

Chill it for an hour until firm or you can bake at 375-degrees for 5 min
but cool before filling.

For the filling:
first pre-heat oven to 350-degrees. With beat the egg yolks until they are mixed well
and look a lighter yellow. Then add the condensed milk mix on low speed.
try your hand at Zesting the lime, then juice it. Pour fresh lime juice into a
1/2 cup measuring cup, fill the cup with the Key Lime juice to make a full
1/2 cup of juice. Next slowly add the lime juice and zest and continue to
mix until blended slowly. Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake 15
minutes. Remove quickly and let cool. Serve with whipped topping and
you can also add a slice of lime.

Enjoy!

2 Minute Brownie in a Cup Fun!

2012-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

This is the easiest way to curb your sweet tooth that I have ever seen! Its a "Brownie in a Cup" recipe....I found it over on CompulsiveCraftiness she calls it "2 Minute Microwave Brownie in a Mug" Its so easy and only 227 calories and 5 grams of fat. She eliminated the oil, and the eggs. By just substituting applesauce for oil, she was able to shaved off 120 calories and more than 16 grams of fat! By the way, try using http://caloriecount.about.com to make the calculations.
You have got to try this "@ minute" wonder of a recipe to curb that
sweet tooth without guilt for 2012!!!

2012-01-15T18:29:00.000-08:00

This recipe was sent to me by a friend and she said she got it from Purple Kitty. It looks like it will make a Purrr-fect score at a "Superbowl Party"

What do you think? Make yours the perfect party.

Grape-BBQ Little Smokies

Football tailgating and holiday parties are around the corner. You’ll want to prepare some party appetizer recipes for your guests.

An always popular choice are these Grape-BBQ Little Smokies.

Ingredients:

2 cans Coca-Cola (or other similar soda)
4 cups BBQ sauce (or chili sauce)
2 cups grape jelly
2 (3 lb) packages lil’ smokies or cocktail wieners

Note: If you plan to cook these quickly on a stove, you may want to use one can of coke (or eliminate them entirely) as it takes several hours of cooking for the liquid to reduce to a thick sauce.

Directions: In your crock pot add the grape jelly and coke. Next add the BBQ sauce. Using a whisk, mix until the jelly breaks into small chunks. Add cocktail wieners or little smokies. Cover and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or until wieners are hot and sauce has thickened. Stir well and serve immediately with toothpicks. To keep them warm for serving, leave the crockpot on the lowest setting.

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

2012-01-01T11:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all....2012!! Wow seems strange to say...so what are your new year's recipe resolutions??? Allrecipes has the below recipe for that traditional "Black Eye Peas" Now I have not had these since I was a little girl but I remember mom making them on New Year's Day....and not the hip hop group....

The "Black Eye Pea" a traditional New Year's recipe has history....

It has been a major staple in the South for over 300 years, black-eyed peas were considered to give you good luck. A dish of peas is a New Year's tradition in most areas of the South, thought to bring luck and prosperity for the new year. According to Jessica Harris, author of the "Welcome Table," some add a dime to the peas for an extra "boost" of luck to the recipient. Greens, thought to symbolize folding money, are often eaten eaten with the peas. Hoppin' John, a dish made with black-eyed peas and rice, is one of the more popular ways of serving them, but many serve them in salads or simply cooked as a side dish.

Whether you're serving a full meal, appetizers, or gathering around the TV for the "RoseBowl Parade" or a football game, one of these recipes is a great way to ring in the New Year of 2012!!!

George Washington Carver was known for the promotion of the black-eyed pea. Carver encouraged the propagation of black-eyed peas not only for their auspicious effects on the soil, but also for their nutritional benefits for mankind. Black-eyes peas are a good sources of calcium, folate, iron, potassium and fiber. Their namesake derives from the black spot which conspicuously rests on the one end of their beige colored body.

Some love to eat the "Hoppin John" dish with cornbread to soak up the juices, mess o'greens. Hoppin John is a mixture of rice and field peas and Black Eyed peas. There were a lot of pork fat mixed in with onions a real southern dish.

Black Eyed peas are in the same species as cowpeas in other-words, legumes, plants with pods. Hoppin John is very popular with families and traditions because many believe that eating this dish on NEw Year's Day will bring a bright future of good luck!

Hoppin' John

Hoppin' John Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes

Note that many things may affect the cooking times of the peas. They could take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to cook to tenderness, depending on their age, where they were grown, the water you are using.

INGREDIENTS

1/3 pound bacon, or 1 ham hock plus 2 Tbsp oil
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 small green pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas, about 2 cups
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 heaping teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt
2 cups long-grain rice
Scallions or green onions for garnish

METHOD

1 If you are using bacon, cut it into small pieces and cook it slowly in a medium pot over medium-low heat. If you are using a ham hock, heat the oil in the pot. Once the bacon is crispy (or the oil is hot), increase the heat to medium-high and add the celery, onion, and green pepper and sauté until they begin to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, stir well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

2 Add the black-eyed peas, bay leaf, thyme and Cajun seasoning and cover with 4 cups of water. If you are using the ham hock, add it to the pot and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes to an hour, or longer if needed, until the peas are tender (not mushy).

3 While the black-eyed peas are cooking, cook the rice separately according to package instructions.

4 When the peas are tender, strain out the remaining cooking water. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste the peas for salt and add more if needed. If using a ham hock, remove it from the pot, pull off the meat, and return the meat to the pot.

Serve the dish either by placing a ladle-full of black-eyed peas over steamed rice, or by mixing the two together in a large bowl. Garnish with chopped green onions. Serve with collard greens, kale, beet or turnip greens.

Yield: Serves 4-6 as a side dish

New Year's Day Traditional Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound dry black-eyed peas
2 cups chopped cooked ham
salt and pepper to taste
1 pinch garlic powder
2 onions, diced
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole tomatoes

Directions

Place black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.

Coconut Pie and Good Freinds

2011-12-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

I love coconut cream pie and my friends and I went out last night and had some tea and pie...yum yum....first we drove around and looked at some Christmas lights and then went for our pie.

BREWING BLACK TEA

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Milk and a dash of sugar help capture the complex nature of this tea, but it is also perfectly acceptable to consume this tea ‘straight-up’.
Iced tea-brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water]. Please note that this tea may tend to go cloudy or ‘milky’ when poured over ice; a perfectly normal characteristic of some high quality black teas and nothing to worry about!

Make an Old Fashion Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients

3 cups half-and-half
2 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flaked coconut, toasted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in 3/4 cup of the coconut and the vanilla extract. Pour into pie shell and chill 2 to 4 hours, or until firm.
Top with whipped topping, and with remaining 1/4 cup of coconut.
Note: To toast coconut, spread it in an ungreased pan and bake in a 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Christmas Recipes

2011-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas is almost here and there are so many delicious recipes floating around...one of my old time favorites is to make my family "Magic Cookie Wonder Bars" that was my mom's traditional recipe....I love them but can only eat a few as they are so rich...there are many versions of these wonderful bars this is the one I use...

Magic Cookie Wonder Bars

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate pieces
1/2 bag coconut
1/2 bag chopped walnuts
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 package of graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup margarine

melt margarine in the bottom of a 9" x 9" glass baking dish in microwave [or melt margarine and pour in a metal 9" x 9" baking pan
spread graham cracker crumbs and use a fork to dampen all the crumbs spreading them a little up the sides
pour the sweetened condensed milk over the crumb crust
sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate pieces over the milk
sprinkle the coconut over the chocolate pieces
top with the nuts
bake @ 350' till the top is browned a little and the sides bubbling about 20 minutes
let cool on a rack
refrigerate about an hour
cut into squares and serve
About 12-15 servings depending on how large a piece you want [my hubby eats 3 at a time, lol]

I love these for lunch, they are easy and taste great, they remind me of the little pizza bits I used to make when I was younger, I would make them on a 1/2 a bagel with tomato sauce and a little shredded cheese with a bit of pepperoni, only now my tummy cannot handle the pepperoni so I eat it plain.. but just as good!!! If you haven't tried these you should if you're a pizza lover as I am!

One of the gals in my Red Hat group Social Butterflies brought this cake to our Christmas party. It was fantastic, so I am sharing it here as it is easy and everyone loves it.

APPLE CAKE

3 eggs ¼ t. salt

2 C sugar 1 C oil

2 C flour ½ C walnuts ( I slightly toast)

2 t. cinnamon 3-4 apples diced ( green, medium

1 t. baking soda sized)

Mix all ingredients together, add 3-4 apples. Batter will be thick.

Bake 350 degree for 45 minutes in lightly greased 9 x 13 pan … while cooling and after DO NOT COVER SEALED – or be sure air can flow around it otherwise it gets damp !!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T19:29:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Red Wine and Its Positive Benefits on Your Brain and Body

2011-11-09T21:10:00.000-08:00

I read today about Red Wine and how if you start drinking 8oz or less a day by the end of the week you will gain more energy and feel better and have better thinking than you did before..hmmm now I am not fond of Red Wine but I am going to test this out and will report back on my findings....

Most of the pathogens that threaten humans are inhibited or killed off by the acids and alcohols in wine. Because of this, wine was considered to be a safer drink than much of the available water up until the 18th century.
Wine is a mild natural tranquilizer, serving to reduce anxiety and tension. As part of a normal diet, wine provides the body with energy, with substances that aid digestion, and with small amounts of minerals and vitamins. It can also stimulate the appetite. In addition, wine serves to restore nutritional balance, relieve tension, sedate and act as a mild euphoric agent to the convalescent and especially the aged.

ANTI-CANCER & CORONARY BENEFITS
Moderate consumption of red wine on a regular basis may be a preventative against coronary disease and some forms of cancer. The chemical components thought to be responsible are catechins, also known as flavonoids and related to tannins . Catechins are believed to function as anti-oxidants, preventing molecules known as "free-radicals" from doing cellular damage. One particular form of flavonoid, called oligomeric procyanidin, recently proved to prevent hardening of the arteries.
There are also compounds in grapes and wine (especially red wine, grape juice, dark beers and tea, but absent in white wine, light beers and spirits) called resveratrol and quercetin. Clinical and statistical evidence and laboratory studies have shown these may boost the immune system, block cancer formation, and possibly protect against heart disease and even prolong life. Red Wine is cn be considered a "youth" drink and a great food for the brain!!

There's 125 calories in one 6 oz glass of red wine...so drink up!!! IT's good for you.

Let's Make a Halloween Drink

2011-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't you love to serve a "Spooky Drink" to everyone? There are a ton of Spooky recipes like "Spider Web Brownies" and "Vampire Blood Smoothies" in a fantastic book by Linda Sadler’s "101 Spooktacular Halloween Party Ideas.

Try this easy "Black Magic Punch" recipe that will cool down all your guests at your unforgettable Halloween party.

Black Magic Punch

1 liter bottle Ginger Ale (refrigerated in advance)
1 small envelope unsweetened orange soft drink mix
1 small envelope unsweetened grape soft drink mix
2 cups white sugar
3 quarts cold water

1. In a large punch bowl, mix together orange and grape mixes, sugar and water—stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the ginger ale.
3. Serve and enjoy. Makes 20-1/2 cups of punch.

An Easy Way To Shuck Corn

2011-10-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is so simple and so clean I had to post this since I had posted the easy way to cook them in your cooler

What is Cooler Corn?

2011-10-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

I received this recipe for cooking corn on the cob from my daughter and I have to say as life long camper I have never heard of this way of cooking corn? But WOW what a revelation, and not only for camping either. I mean what about large family gatherings or parties? No more struggling to fit the corn into a pot or finding a pot big enough to even accommodate all the corn. Now its easy and I don't have to cut the cobs in half anymore either. I am truly a "Happy Camper" as the saying goes!!!!

The Best Way to Cook Corn on the Cob

"It's Cooler Corn"

All you need is
1 large cooler

clean it out
fill with the corn [shucked of course]
add 2 pots of boiling water
close cooler
let it sit for 30 minutes
then eat

Voila!!! That's it....and it will last perfectly cooked for about 2 hours.

Has anyone else heard of "cooler corn"?

A real genius method for cooking loads of corn on the cob perfectly every time. And there's no fuss or dirty pots

This is so easy to do. Opps I guess there is a pot because you have to have boiling water...but at least its easy to clean.

Turns out, Cooler Corn is pretty well known among the outdoorsy set (I found a handful of mentions on various camping websites). But for those of us who avoid tents as much as possible, it's perfect for large barbecues and way less of mess than grilling. In fact, I may even buy another cooler just so I'm ready for the next corn fest!!!

Yummy...

Fun and Pumpkin Pie Easy to Make!!

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ok I have not been posting lately, my life seems to have been put in a whirlwind and seems like I just cannot get caught up. :( So before I post a Halloween Recipe lets have some fun thanks to Chatty Crone.

Moo Shoe Pork

Answer Below

Thank you Chatty Crone

An Easy Pumpkin Pie:
INGREDIENTS

3/4cup sugar1 1/2teaspoons pumpkin pie spice1/2teaspoon salt1can (15 oz) pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)1 1/4cups evaporated milk or half and half2eggs, beaten1Pillsbury® Pet-Ritz® frozen deep-dish pie crustDIRECTIONS

1 Heat oven to 425°F. In large bowl, mix filling ingredients. Pour into pie crust. 2 Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; bake 40 to 50 minutes longer or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate until serving time. Store in refrigerator.

Cow-e-socky

French Toast

2011-07-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

I love French Toast...and this recipe for Cream sounds GREAT!!! (from All Recipes)

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
6 slices French Bread
5 eggs
1-1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon brandy-based orange liqueur (Grand Marnier)
14 teaspoon salt
(note--I think a pinch of cinnamon would be good)
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Mix in brown sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.
Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Remove crusts from bread (note--I thought this step was silly, so I skipped it).
Arrange bread in the baking dish in a single layer.

In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, vanilla, orange brandy, and salt.
Pour over bread.
Cover and chill at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Remove dish from refrigerator and bring to room temperature.
Bake uncovered 35 to 40 minutes, or until puffed and lightly browned.

Here's a slightly different version by Smitten Kitchen, using brioche. Yum!http://smittenkitchen.com/2011/05/creme-brulee-french-toasts/

Cool Snacks

2011-07-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

ARE YOU HOT???

Here are 10 great snacks to keep you cool................

Try some cooled hard boiled eggs with a little sea salt
a Smoothie is great it will fill you up and give you energy along with a quick cool down
Frozen Grapes are great they give you a cool mouth and also are sweet without any milky base
Cold Noodle dishes are delicious and have terrific filling attributes
Of Course Ice Cream is a favorite, any flavor does the trick
Ice cold Water is the best for filling you up so you don't eat too heavy and also to cool your insides, plus add a lemon or orange slice for a little flavor
Spicy foods are another way to go, they make you sweat and then cause a cooling feeling with the outside winds or a fanning
Jerky, homemade is the best, it is a good one for substance and fills you up
Watermellon is terrific it not only cools you up but you can eat a ton and not gain a lot since it is mostly made up of water. :)
Spring Rolls are great just roll them up and fill your tummys!

Enjoying Sweets Without The guilt!!!

2011-07-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

Over at "Sweet Tea makes Three" she has the recipe for this wonderful no bake Banna Cake....

Ok here is a favorite of mine:
Oreo Pudding Dessert

This one without the vanilla pudding

Ingredients:

crumbled Oreos [light]
1 whole Oreo
light chocolate [dark fudge] instant pudding
light vanilla instant pudding
semi sweet chocolate chips
light whipped cream

Make small dessert cups, pour 3 of Oreos in bottom of cup, layer with semi sweet chips, chocolate pudding, whip cream, vanilla pudding, and top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little Oreos over top! Yummy...ok maybe not real "light" but sure is good!!! :)

Is Summer Here??? A Fresh Salad

2011-06-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Its suppose to be summer today....hmmmmm but in summer a wonderful crisp and refreshing salad is a great thing to have...when I was younger my mom always had Gargonzo Beans around but she called them "Chi Chi Beans" I always popped them into my mouth as a snack..here is a salad to treat yourself too...

Ingredients:

1 can (8 – 10oz) "chi-chi" beans[garbonzo]
1 cup bean Sprouts

1 small onion diced

1 small tomato diced

1/2 tbsp lime or lemon juice

A few sprigs of fresh cilantro chopped
Salt as per taste

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients together except cilantro and cover it with a plastic wrap and refrigerate it in the morning if you would like to eat it in the evening. The lime juice tends to tenderize the sprout and makes it a little soft and blend more well into the salad. Serve chilled by garnishing with cilantro. You will be so glad you tried this recipe which is as simple as this yet so fulfilling and delicious.
Enjoy!!!

Smores Slumber Party

2011-06-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Smores are a favorite of mine...So last Saturday when the gals and I got together for a stitchin Slumber Party I made some for us to munch on while we enjoyed watching "Welcome to Mooseport" with Ray Ramone and "Housesitter" with Steve Allen and Goldie Hawn...yummy...

This is the easy way...

You'll need:

a jar of Marshmellow cream
some graham crackers
1 bag of semi sweet chocolate pieces

Directions:

break the graham crackers in half
spread some marshmellow cream on one half
sprinkle with chocolate pieces
top with 2nd half
microwave for 33 seconds [depending on your microwave]

Enjoy and watch out they are addictive!!!

Pasties Yummy....

2011-06-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

I found a wonderful recipe called "Pasties" on a new blog friend's blog "Crochet and Orchids" and I just had to share it with you all here....This is a true winner and one I want to make for my upcoming "Summer Party" with my stitching group in 3 weeks....Enjoy.........

Pastie Recipe.

The ingredients are:

500 grams lamb mince [or chicken]
2 large swedes
3 large carrots
4 large potatoes.

Directions:

grate the potatoes
rinse thoroughly through a sieve and squeeze dry [You can use a clean tea towel or paper towel for this]
2 chicken stock cubes or 2 tspns stock powder, black pepper (lots)
6 sheets puff pastry rolled as thin as possible
cut out circles. [you can an ordinary soup or cereal bowl for the shape]
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl
Wet half the edge of a circle with water and place a small dessert spoon of mix on half the pastry
Fold over until the edges meet and press together

crinkle the edges with your fingers or a fork
Preheat oven to 220o c.
Place pasties on tray covered with baking paper and place in oven turning oven down to 180o c.
Cook for 30 mins.
Allow to cook slightly before sampling. Enjoy!!

She says she likes to grate all her ingredients.

Ready to go into the oven.

Try this one with Beef:

Pasty Recipe

2 lbs ground beef (uncooked)
3-4 good size potatoes
½ large onion
4-5 celery stalks
½ rutabaga (optional, but I suggest at least trying it.)
½ turnip (optional)
12-15 baby carrots
Salt and pepper to taste

Makes 8-10 pasties

Chop potatoes into small squares. About the size of a French fry, cubed.
Chop rutabaga, carrots, and turnip into smaller squares. Chop onion into small pieces.
Combine everything in a large mixing bowl. (By hand is easiest.)
Roll out pie crust to approx. 9” diameter circles, one for each pasty. [Store-bought pie crust works fine too, and is much easier]
For each crust, put in about 1 cup of the mixture of veggies and ground beef, onto one half of the crust.
As you scoop it into a cup, it’s easy to see that you get a good variety of all ingredients.
Fold over the crust. Pinch together the edges.
Place small slits in the top of the crust.
Bake at 375 for one hour.

They are ready to eat! Enjoy. They can also be frozen if they won’t be eaten in the next couple days. For frozen pasties, they can be heated in an oven at 350 for about 40-45 minutes. After about 20 minutes, you might want to cut them in half, to help the middle of the pasties thaw and heat thoroughly. As a variation, add a can of Cream of Celery soup to the beef and veggie mixture to help moisten it.

Now for those of you that have a sweet tooth try this scrumptious
Pumpkin Filled Pasty

Make your dough from scratch or from a store bought pie crust....
Pumpkin filling

You’ll probably have leftovers so go ahead and halve this if you want, or make a little pie with the leftovers.

1 cup raw cashews[or walnuts]
Water to blend cashews
1 16 oz can pumpkin
2 Tablespoons cornstarch
½ cup sugar
¾ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger

Place cashews in a food processor, add ¼ cup water and mix on high speed until a paste has formed. Add more water 1 Tablespoon at a time if necessary. (You could also try soaking and draining the cashews before hand so not as much water will need to be added or leave whole for a crunchier taste)

Add pumpkin and cornstarch and blend again until smooth and no cashew chunks are visible. Add a little extra water if necessary. The key is to make sure the filling is thick enough so that it doesn’t ooze out of the little pies. Add in the sugar and spices and blend to combine.

*** Or if you're lazy like me buy a can of pumpkin filling and add some of your favorite nuts and more spices if you want....

Assemble
Preheat oven to 400 F
Roll out dough to a little less than ¼ inch thick and cut into 3 ½ to 4 inch circles using a biscuit cutter or a drinking glass.
Take one round and stretch it out a bit
place about 2 tsps of filling in the center.
Fold circle over into a half moon shape and press down the edges with a fork to close.
Make a little slit in the top and sprinkle with a little sugar if you want
Transfer to greased or parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until pasties are golden brown.

Yummy....................

***Some Variations for any Pasty..

apple pie filling
homemade cream corn [make thick]
thin sliced tri tip
peach pie filling
ham and cream cheese
and here's a different one....peanut butter and/or apple butter

Bon Appétit~~~~~

Easy Fun Cinnamom Twists for the Kids and You

2011-05-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe over at Little Birdie Secrets and had to share it here. These are what my mom alwyas made me when I was little, but they were made with dough from scratch during those days. I loved them. And during Christmas time she always made them with the left over scrapes of dough for me. :) Fond memories of mom and me... :) Enjoy they are easy and scruptious...

Easy Cinnamon Twists

Today is my (Jessica's) birthday! That means I am in the mood for some treats. These cinnamon twists are super easy and tasty. Any recipe that only takes 4 ingredients is an automatic winner in my book! My boys love to help me make them, which makes for a fun activity as well.

Easy Cinnamon Twists

2 T. Sugar

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

2 T. butter, melted

Heat oven to 375 degrees. In a small bowl mix together the sugar and cinnamon and set aside. Unroll the crescent dough and separate it into 4 rectangles. Press each into a 6x4 inch rectangle. (press perforations together to seal).

Brush the tops of 2 rectangles with melted butter and sprinkle with about half of the sugar mixture. Top each with remaining rectangle; press edges lightly. Brush tops with melted butter.

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each rectangle stack lengthwise into 6 strips. Twist each strip 3 times and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 9-11 minutes or until golden brown. Brush tops with any remaining butter and sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture! Enjoy!

What Makes A Good Lunch Sandwich?????

2011-05-16T18:28:00.000-07:00

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

--- George Bernard Shaw

What Makes a Good Sandwich?????

Well for me I know it has to have very cold and very crisp lettuse, then very fresh, preferably "home grown" tomatoes, and fresh cut from the deli lunch meat. Smear a little mustard and light mayo on it with 1/4 avacado...sometimes I add some Jack cheese and Voila....a good sandwich with freshly peeled, cut in 1/4s, apple slices and a little carmel dip.

Believe it or not different people enjoy different kinds of sandwiches and what appeals to one person will disgust someone else.

Hint: Add a thin spread of margarine on both sides of your bread for a dryer tastier sandwich!

Some favorites: a great combo is Bacon, Cream Cheese, and Avacado on a fresh wheat bagel! Yummy!!! One that my mom used to serve me was toasted sourdough bread with butter, peanut butter, banana sliced, and cinnamon sugar....now that was real "comfy" food!!! And what about the "Fluffernutter" sandwich?? Now you ask.....................What is a Fluffernutter? It is not just a regular sandwich, but a "Fluffernutter Sandwich!" It is one of my favorite sandwiches, but as I have gotten older and more calorie conscious I have had to learn to limit this sweet sandwich to special occasions when I have allowed for all the extra calories and added more exercise to my week!!

The "Fluffernutter" is a calorie-laden sandwich made with two slices of bread layered with peanut butter and Marshmallow Fluff, and sometimes along with the occasional banana.

It is notes as one of the most unique and unusual sandwich, the "Fluffernutter Sandwich" which originally came from the Eastern New England states. Probably because of their weather. Generations of New Englanders fondly associate "Marshmallow Fluff" with their childhood as it has been a childhood favorite for many raised in the northeastern USA states. The "Fluffernutter" sandwich is more than a beloved memory of childhood, it’s a local tradition. As a traditional food of New England, it goes right alongside with favorites like baked beans and clam chowder.

"Marshmallow Fluff" is a blend of corn syrup, sugar, dried egg white, and vanilla flavoring. Let's make our own....

Homemade Marshmallow Fluff/Cream

Cook time: 10 min

Ingredients:

3 egg whites, room temperature
2 cups light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sifted powdered (confectioner's) sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Preparation:

In a large bowl add egg whites, corn syrup, and salt.
Use your electric mixer on high speed,
mix for approximately 5 minutes or until the mixture is thick and volume has almost doubled
On low speed, add powdered sugar and mix until well blended
Add vanilla extract just until well blended

Your homemade marshmallow fluff/cream is now ready to use in your recipes. Use immediately, or refrigerate in a covered container for up to 2 weeks.
Makes large quantity.

How to make a Diabetic/ Non-Sugar Substitute for Confectionery Sugar
Ingredients:

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
2 cups cornstarch
1 cup Splenda granular (sugar substitute)

Directions:
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
1 Combine all ingredients in food processor or blender.
2 Whip until well blended and powdered.

Avocado-Tomato Melt Sandwich
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:

4 English muffins, split
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
1 to 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced thin
Coarse sea salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, sliced thin
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh ground black pepper

Preparation:
Preheat oven broiler to high. Under the broiler, toast English muffin halves on a baking sheet until golden brown. Remove from oven.
Top each muffin half with sliced avocados and sliced tomatoes; lightly salt the tomatoes.
Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the tomatoes. Put a layer of mozzarella cheese over the basil, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and top with black pepper.
Broil prepared muffin halves for approximately 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and enjoy!

If you are looking for something different try one of my favorite sandwiches for a twist!!

Chicken Parm Melts! They are soo good.

fresh or leftover cooked chicken breast [sliced]
simmer a can of your favorite tomato sauce
Add the chicken to it
Cook for 10-15 minutes
then toast some thick cut italian bread or French bread
pour the chicken with the sauce over the toast
top it off with parmesan and mozzarella cheese
then bake until melted
Enjoy!

Oh My!!!! Yummy...................

Pizza Melt:

Ok this is pretty simple
you can use a 1/2 of bagel or English Muffin or Toasted bread
spread with pizza sauce
then layer pepperoni, onion, green pepper and mushrooms or do like me and use pinapple and a slice of ham
Top with mozzarella cheese
Bake a few minutes till cheese is melted
Enjoy!

I saw this recipe online over at "All my Art" and I thought what a wonderful twist to the regular chicken salad sandwiches.

Chicken Salad with Maple Dressing (makes one serving.)

1 cup cooked chicken chunks

1/2 to 1 apple, chopped (I like to leave the skin on)

1/3 cup chopped celery

3 tbsp. chopped pecans

1/4 cup low fat mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. maple flavoring

Put chopped ingredients in mixing bowl. Stir flavoring into mayonnaise and fold into the chopped ingredients. Chill and serve.

For more sandwich recipes go here:

Enjoy!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:12:00.001-07:00

We had a little rain today but then the sun came out and it was a glorious day... Happy Easter to all...have a yummy day

Pink Lemonade Pie Great For Easter

2011-03-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

This recipe and photo came from Scotty's Place

she has a fantastic blog be sure to visit her!

Pink Lemonade Pie w/Coconut

It’s very easy and quick to put together. And would be great for Easter!

Pink Lemonade Pie w/Coconut
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
12-oz can frozen pink lemonade concentrate *
3/4 to 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut (plus some to sprinkle on top)
Two 8-oz tubs of Cool Whip or one large
Red Food Coloring
Two Shortbread Pie Crust Shells

*Note: You can use about 3/4 of the lemonade concentrate because it’s too sour with the full 12 oz.

Combine first four ingredients with an electric mixer. Add 4-5 drops of red food coloring (color will lighten considerably once you add the Cool Whip). Fold in the Cool Whip until combined well. Pour into pie shells and top with more coconut. You can decorate it with some jelly beans if you’d like. They look cute on there nestled in the coconut.

Cover and refrigerate at least four hours or overnight.
This pie is good frozen too!

Happy St Patrick's Day Goodies

2011-03-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Now that we are in March and St Patrick's Day is upon us I thought I would add a couple good recipes for the "Irish" Green month!!

This is called Luck of the Irish Quiche

Ingredients :

15 oz Corned beef hash

1/4 c Softened bread crumbs
4 Eggs
1 c Shredded Swiss cheese [I use the Mexican mix]
1 bag of Broccoli cuts
1 tbsp Flour
1 c milk
1 dash lemon pepper
1 dash season mix
1 dash Cayenne pepper
Green pepper rings [just slice them making rings for a pretty affect]
I use tomato rings as I am not fond of green peppers

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. In a bowl, combine hash, bread crumbs, broccoli, and 1 egg. Mix until well blended. Spread mixture in a 9-inch pie plate. Toss cheese with flour, then sprinkle on top of hash mixture. Combine remaining 3 eggs, milk and seasonings. Pour into hash-lined plate. Bake for 40 minutes or until egg mixture is set. Garnish with green pepper rings.

And we gotta have scones... These are GREAT!!!

Irish Scones

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour                   4 teaspoons baking powder Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

1/4 cup white sugar                                 1/8 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter                1/2 cup dried currants or raisins
1/2 cup milk                                             1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg                                                      1 tablespoon milk

Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a large bowl. Cut in butter using a pastry blender or rubbing between your fingers until it is in pea sized lumps. Stir in the currants. Mix together 1/2 cup milk and sour cream in a measuring cup. Pour all at once into the dry ingredients, and stir gently until well blended. Overworking the dough results in terrible scones!

With floured hands, pat scone dough into balls 2 to 3 inches across, depending on what size you want. Place onto a greased baking sheet, and flatten lightly. Let the scones barely touch each other. Whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. Let them rest for about 10 minutes.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until the tops are golden brown, not deep brown. Break each scone apart, or slice in half. Serve with butter or clotted cream and a selection of jams - or even plain

Irish Soda Bread

1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Butter
4 Cups Unbleached Flour
1 1/2 Cups Currants
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Salt coarse
1/8 Teaspoon Cardamom
1 Egg at room temperature
1 3/4 Cups Buttermilk at room temperature
How To:
1. Cut this crusty bread in wedges to serve.
2. Add two teaspoons grate lemon peel to complement the flavor of the currants.
3. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.
4. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender or work it in with your finger.
5. Mix the egg and buttermilk together and then add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
6. Stir until well blended.
7. Add the currants and stir the mixture well.
8. Turn out on a floured surface and knead gently for 3 minutes or until the dough is smooth.
9. Divide the dough into two pieces, shaping each into a round loaf.
10. Place each in a greased 8 inch cake or pie pan,pressing it down until the dough fills the pan.
11. Use a sharp knife to cut a 1/2 inch deep cross on top of each loaf.
12. Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for about 40 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when you thump it.
13. Turn out on a wire rack to cool.
14. Do not cut for about 4 hours.

Enjoy!!!

World's best ice cream commercial!

2011-02-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Warning may not be for all eyes....I think this is hilarious... watch if you dare...

Who Doesn't Love Sponge Bob Especially with Jellyfish Jam

2010-02-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

I just love Sponge Bob....

Here is a great Jam recipe....

Amish Apple Butter

Apples (half sweet and half tart)
apple cider
sugar (3 cups to every 2 quarts cider)
cinnamon
cloves
allspice

Directions

Cut apples into eighths (no need to peel or core them),
put them in the bottom of a large, heavy pot.
Cover with apple cider, bring to a boil,
then turn the heat down and simmer until the apples are mushy.
Run the apples through a food mill to remove the peels and seeds,
then dump back into the pot with the juices.
Add the sugar, bring to a boil again,
then put on the lowest heat and simmer.
Stir every half hour or so for the first couple of hours.
As it thickens, stir it more frequently.
When the apple butter is the proper, spreadable consistency, flavor liberally with cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
Can as you would jelly.

Great for The Game

2010-02-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

These are not only easy dips but they are excellent for all those hungry guys watching the Super Bowl

Chile Cheese Dip:

1 can chili
1 bag of shredded cheese [I use the Mexican mix]
1 pkg of cream cheese
1 bag of chips

Now spead softened cream cheese over the bottom of a 9x9" square glass or micro safe dish, Spread chili over cream cheese. Sprinkle on cheese. Microwave on high about 3min or until thoroughly heated. Serve with chips and enjoy!

Cheescake Cream Dip

1 pkg cram cheese
1 jar Marshmellow cream

Mix cream cheese and marshmellow cream until well blended. Refrigerate at least 2-3 hours,
serve with assorted fruit, pound cake and cookies. yummy!! Enjoy...this one's a huge hit with any crowd!!

Swapping with a School Theme

2009-09-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

Oh.. my... MIA I have been....I exchanged with a partner on Yummy Recipe swaps this month for a school theme, "Sandwiches and Snacks" I got a cute school time bag and crayons, a fun sandwich receipe and the cutest crust and sandwich cutter, with a pattern for a school vest.... IT is a great package...

Yummy Recipe Swap Packages Sent and Received

2009-05-12T14:35:00.000-07:00

Want to swap some handmade recipes and goodies with other recipe collectors and friends?

Then check out Yummy Recipe Swap over on Flickr. It is a great place to swap all kinds of recipes weather for eating or gardening or spas fromt he kitchen or this month's new swap, "Cooking Tips" fun fun fun!!!!

The Spa recipe one I made for Clasheen included a sponge with a hand crocheted top for the bath.. :) and I made a little booklet recipe for the spa treatment I sent..

This one was for sweet month Valentine's and I chose a coconut recipe...which I sent on to Always Joy we have to send one ingredient along with the recipe too... :)

I got this lovely package from Vickyplum with handmade egg cozys and heart cutters and cute strawberry fat 1/4 and heart buttons.. :)

This was the jar recipe I sent to my partner.. funkyluke I sent her the currant rice made with rasins.
And the swap for "Mixed in a Jar" and this is what I got from Always joy ....it even had the cutest corn cob holders with it....and a neat hotpad....

Then we had the one for the garden...I decided to make recipes for rich potting soil and bug sprays made from the kitchen. I had a lot of fun making up the package..I even got one of those cute squirrmy rubber worms that lights up when hit, and pictures of my flower beds, an emery board made in the shape of a leaf, some soil fertilizer cubes, flower seeds, and a handmade recipe card booklet I made from pretty scrapbooking paper and tied it together with a piece of yarn...

This is the lovely tote bag Girly girl Bags made me to go with my spa package she sent me. Isn't it the cutest print...See the coffee scrub spa treatment recipe it came with yummy smelling coffee beans too... :)

Recipe Handmade Cards for Gifts

2009-05-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Handmade recipe cards make wonderful "cost saving" gift for anyone. A friend, Mom, sister, a neighbor, teacher, mail lady, your favorite hairdresser or nail lady. Just about any occasion it is a welcomed gift. After all we all need recipes for our parties or get togethers. I love getting them and you can then put them into a "Scrapebook" recipe book. What a great way to store those recipe cards!

What you'll need:
Cardstock [Michael's or any crafting store has a wide variety]

Index cards or whiter or cream color cardstock
Printer
Scissors
stickers [any craft store even Walmart]

decorative hole punches

stamps [in any design desired]

buttons

How to make it:
You can either purchase cardstock paper at your craft store or you can print on printer paper and glue to index cards. I recommend using the cardstock paper.

Basic Directions:

Decide on whether you will use 3x5" or 4x6" recipe cards. (Hint: Whether you are going to put it into a card holder or a scrapebook will determine the size]
Layering your recipe cards are fun
use a larger card stock paper for the backing maybe 5x7
then print out your recipe card
glue it to a smaller one like 4x5
then glue the recipe card to the 5x7 paper backing
add your stickers or buttons around the edges
maybe punches of stamping designs
always put your name and who its to with the date on the back using a pretty glittery ink[that is if you haven't already typed it on the front of the recipe card. This is i,portant to do if you plan on putting it into a scrapebook]

Genreal Directions:

Choose a theme [like if it is for a dinner mabye you want stickers with forks, or candles, or if its a bar b que maybe some stickers of cooking outside, or ants, or grills, you decide]
pick out some decorative stickers or buttons to match your theme
Either write your recipes on the cards or use your computet [ I suggest for better reading to use your computer. There are many available templates.]
f you give them as gifts, you can make one or several and tie them together with a pretty ribbon or wrap them up in tissue paper or netting and tie with ribbon or yarn.
Add a few theme related gifts, such as a jar of bar b que sauce with your bar b que recipe. It is always great to include one of the ingredients with the recipe or all of the ingredents in a basket.
You can also do a 4 season theme and make 4 recipes with a theme for each season.
Or theme it to a holiday and put the recipes and the themed extras into a basket
How about making a recipe that is not edible, but instead one for a Kitchen Spa, Garden, Pet recipe [for food or cleaning items], or even one to prepare you for a party like a "B" day or tea party.

There are tons of ideas for recipes and making them themed with a few little extras goes a long way and will be very appreciated by any person you decide to give it to!

Happy recipe making!

My Knit/Crochet Spring Fling Party Recipes

2009-05-02T15:56:00.000-07:00

Our annual "Spring Fling" party at my house for my LYG was a blast and as usual I had to come up with a theme...I decided on butterflys and flowers....I searched the Internet and found this cute ideas on About and made regular cupcakes and bought some gummy worms for the bodies and cut them in 1/2, then I used sugar sprinkled jelly candies and sliced them in 1/2 and used them for the wings, the feelers were made from licorice.....fun fun...

the "Dirt" flower pots I "tweeked" a little, I bought some pound cake and pushed it into the bottom of the little pots I found at Michaels, then made some chocolate and vanilla pudding and put that in, then topped it with crushed Oreos to look like dirt. Before adding the pudding and cut a straw to size and pushed it into the pound cake. then at the end stuck a floer into the straw and used the left over gummy worms on top...and there you have your flower pots....so easy and perfect for any spring or summer party!!!

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GROSGRAIN GIVEAWAY!!!!

Sweet Potato REcipe Contest!! Win $1000

2009-03-06T16:20:00.001-08:00

Sweet Bytes is offering a wonderful contest!! You could win $1000 just for making your favorite "original" sweet potoa recipe. All ya have to do is make it, photo it and post it on your blog, then let Sweet Bytes know... Go over there right now, and read all the rules and get cooking...............

Entries will be accepted beginning Saturday February 21, 2009 at 9:00 am ET through 11:59 pm ET on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Contest is only open to US residents who are 18 years of age or older and currently maintain a blog. Winners picked April 9th

Recipe Swap Cupcake Lovers

2009-02-27T09:24:00.000-08:00

I run a small recipe swap on Flickr, Yummy Recipe Swap, and this was the recipe I recieved for Feburary's swap. It is a really great one for cupcakes. I love getting new recipes especially ones for desserts.

I decided to check out some cupcake variation ideas for decorating them once I make them and here are some of my results.

Recipe, Recipe, on the Wall, Whose the Fairest of them All?

2009-02-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

I must mention fairy cakes here on my blog for the first time. Some recipe classics never go out of fashion and fairy cakes top the list! They are the stuff of childhood memories: just one nibble can transport you back in time and even today, no self-respecting children's birthday party should be without them.

That said, why should the kids have all the fun? With just a little tweaking, fairy cakes can be turned into grown-up fare as well, perfect for a mid-morning coffee break, tea in the afternoon or packed lunch treats.

The basic recipe is oh-so-simple so you can keep it plain or indulge yourself with extravagant toppings. Some die-hard purists may omit the vanilla extract, but I think fairy cakes are better with it. They are neither difficult nor elegant, but they are made specifically to attract the magical faries into a a childs world, or yours and mine. I love them and make them at all sorts of occasions even though my children are grown and out on their own. :)

I have included several recipes but the first one is your simple, basic one that is not only easy, but my favorite!! Enjoy...

Basic recipe for fairy cakes:

Makes 24 mini cakes or 12 larger ones.
For mini cakes you will need a 12 hole tartlet tin (these are 5cm at the rim and 1 1/2 cm deep) and you will need to use it twice. For larger cakes use a 12-hole bun tin (these are 6 1/2 cm at the rim and 2cm deep).

You can use the little paper cases according to the size tin you have. If not, butter the base and sides of the holes before filling with the mixture.

Ingredients:
4 1/2 oz softened butter
4 1/2 oz caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 1/2 oz self-raising flour
2 tbsp milk

Preheat the oven to 375'
Either butter the tin or place the paper cases in the holes (see above).
In a mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. You can use an electric whisk or a wooden spoon.
Add the beaten egg, a little at a time, whisking to mix
beat in the vanilla
Sift in half of the flour and fold into the mixture
Add the milk and the rest of the flour and fold until well combined
Spoon into the tin and bake for 12 minutes or until risen and golden on top
Allow to cool for ten minutes on a rack before removing from the tin

Ideas for Toppings:

Lemon or Orange Glacé Icing with Cherries

4 oz icing sugar
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice
12 glacé cherries, cut in half (these work best when making the mini cakes)

Mix the juice into the icing sugar
stir until well blended
Drizzle over the cakes when cooled
Top with the cherries, cut side down, while the icing is still soft

Chocolate Ganache Glaze

5 1/2 oz good quality dark chocolate
5 fl oz double cream

Break the chocolate into pieces and heat gently
with the cream in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture well blended.
Allow to cool slightly to thicken then pour over the cakes.
It will harden on cooling.

Fairy Cakes:

Ingredients (makes 30 mini fairy cakes):
4 ounces butter
4 ounces Sugar
4 ounces sifted Self Raising Flour
2 eggs
1 cup sifted Powdered sugar
Juice of a lemon (*and zest, optional)
Food coloring of your choice if desired
Cake Decorations

Method:

Put butter and eggs out of the fridge, to warm up to room temperature
Preheat oven to 375F
Put out 30 mini paper cases on a baking tray
Either by hand or in a mixer beat the butter and sugar together until pale, fluffy and light
(*optional - add lemon zest at this stage if you desire)
one at a time, beat the eggs in a separate bowl
beating hard, until all the ingredients are mixed well
gently fold the flour into the butter mixture until everything is combined
Do not over mix or beat the flour
Using a teaspoon, drop small heaped teaspoon dollops of the batter into the paper cases
Transfer the tray to the preheated oven
Leave at least 17 minutes without opening the door
They should be golden brown on the surface once cooked
If still a bit pale after 17 minutes, turn the tray in the oven and bake for a further 3 minutes
Transfer mini cakes to a cooling rack
Meanwhile add a few drops of colouring to the sifted powdered sugar in a medium bowl
Add fresh lemon juice, a small squirt at a time, beating hard, until all the sugar is blended into a thick fondant
Go gingerly with the liquid, you want it to be very thick
Stop adding lemon juice as soon as it reaches the fondant stage
carefully drop a dollop of the fondant onto the centre of each little cake
Leave it to spread over the surface
You can guide the icing with a knife dipped in hot water if you want more control over where it dribbles
Top with a candy or cake decoration of your choice.-Look for the fairies!

FAIRY CAKES

1 c. raisins (golden)
1 tsp. of each (or to taste)
cinnamon
nutmeg 1 tbsp
vanilla flavoring
1 c. of flour
1/2 c. unsalted butter
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 c. milk (whole or low-fat)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 inch square pan or cake pan (round). Mix flour, baking powder and spices, cream butter and add to flour mixture, add sugar, vanilla and raisins. Beat eggs and milk. Add to mixture, blend lightly.
Spoon into pan, bake for 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. If made in cake round, cake will be only about 2 to 3 inches high and moist and heavy. Serve warm if you prefer. Also great with powdered sugar on top. Serve with pot of cinnamon spice tea. Yum Yum......
FAIRY PUDDING

1 c. sugar
1 env. Knox gelatin
1 c. milk
2 eggs (separated)
1 c. whipped cream
Graham cracker crumbs

Cook sugar, gelatin, milk and beaten egg yolks until it bubbles.
Let cool.
Fold beaten egg whites and whipped cream.
Put crumbs on bottom of dish.
Pour fairy pudding over.
Add crumbs on top of pudding.
Refrigerate.

January Recipe Favorites

2009-01-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

January is cold for most people and everyone thinks of recipes to warm the body and soul. I particularly like a cup of tea and the flavors offered now a days are wide spread, like cinnamon, green tea, and peach, to name a few. I recently found this wonderful refreshing tea called "Grapefruit Tea" see the video with Martha Stewart showing how to make it exactly! mmnnnn good!!

But, tea is not the only favorite, how about a bowl of hot chili, or a steaming plate of pot roast or beef stew. And sitting by a fire later in the evening sipping on a hot cup of cocoa...yum yum....

When I heard of temps in my home town were 20' BELOW zero, I thanked God I was living on the west coast. My old bones would ache in that kind of cold. On days like those (and most other winter days) all I really want is a hot bowl of soup!! I love chicken noodle but there are many kinds that have loads of health benefits, and they are usually pretty inexpensive to make, and makes great leftovers.

Plus, once you have made a huge batch of soup, you can share it with friends or neighbors? I love the idea of a soup swap and here is my VIRTUAL soup swap!! If you have a favorite soup recipe, post it in the comments or leave me a link to it and I will be sure to post all the links here to share with everyone.

Here's a favorite soup - Vegetable Soup recipe from Char:

Saute finely chopped garlic, onions, celery and carrots in olive oil until wilty
Add organic vegetable stock (Swanson), some Maggi beef stock, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Season with salt and pepper, you can use Herbamare seasoning
Add can of diced tomatoes, frozen peas and corn, sliced carrots, celery and onion
chop up some cabbage and add that later
Bring to a boil and simmer.
You can add just about anything but this soup is just good!!

Some other links:

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-12-24T14:40:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my online friends!

Handmade Recipe Cards

2008-12-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

I am in a "recipe swap" over at Flickr called "Yummy Recipe Swap" and I am waiting for this months recipe to come. I just sent mine on its way to my partner....you include one ingredient and a surprise if you want and then your handmade recipe card.....this onth I chose one that I liked and tried out of Woman's Day magazine...yummy salad with pumpkin dressing....and broccoli....yum yum.....

It is a lot of fun...of course I am a sucker when it comes to recipes....I am always snatching them from parties I go to from the host and or gatherings I attend...its the best way because you already know it will taste good....do you make any? Want to share? How many of you remember the recipe post cards...those are great.....then I found this really cute idea about using our Christmas cards to make a recipe card file box...how cute is that? Cathy of California's blog also tells us about a great book you will absolutely have to get if you want to have your own craft biz...and I agree with her totally! This book of Meg's is chock full of both practical (like what licences you need) and inspirational (interviews with some of your favorite crafters) information.
"Craft inc. Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business" by Meg Mateo Ilasco, is published by chronicle books.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T15:31:00.001-08:00

Won Kooky Pens, Join in on a Hat Contest, and Have Fun at the Tea Party

2008-11-11T09:11:00.001-08:00

I just love Fracture Toy's blog....it is fun, lots of contests, and great info and products....I entered in the bloggy giveaway and won the greatest set of "Kooky" pens...all pink, my favorite color... :) I am a happy camper...but best of all right now you can win:

Me in some of my handmade hats... :)

A Pink Handbag Charm from Macy's
A bar of yummy "Girls Night Out" Soap from Morgan Street.
A whimsical girly girl gift bag donated by my fav Green Party Goods!
This is perfect for a small hostess gift or just to sit on your boudoir dresser to store trinkets. So girly!
Total Prize Pkg value equals $40

WOW.....I want "A Girls Night Out" prize.....I do ...I do...I do..........................

Join on in on the Tea Party over at Fracture Toy too... Grab yourself a cup of tea and a few scones and let's chat. Soon it will be the busy rush of the holidays and we may not have much time to relax. Let's do it while we can ladies!Other hostesses welcome you to their tea table.

After you've spent time here, please visit these ladies and their very unique parties. They would love to have you and you'll love it there! ....

Mom Most Traveled
superdumb supervillain

7 Clown Circus
Katydid and Kid

Be sure to leave a comment and join in on the fun!!!

Yummy Recipe Swap

2008-11-10T16:16:00.001-08:00

There is a fun Yummy Recipe Swap over on Flickr. You make a handmade recipe card and then add a handmade food or book, along with one ingredient, and send it out to a partner....how fun....

Turkey and Lots of Other Stuff

2008-11-02T16:42:00.001-08:00

For all your Turkey ideas, for cooking times, how to cook safely and games for kids...

One of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving and one of the biggest annual events in Manhattan: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which starts at 9 a.m. and runs along Central Park West and Broadway between 77th and 34th Streets. If you want more Americanized extravaganza, one show that is not dark on Thanksgiving is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, with three performances on Nov. 27.

The Best Ugly Turkey

INGREDIENTS 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons salt
1 apple - peeled, cored and cubed

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil and salt all over the bird. Place the apple pieces inside of the cavity. Place the turkey breast side down in a large roasting pan.
Roast for 3 hours in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven and carefully turn the bird so the breast side is facing up. Return to the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh has reached 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Allow the turkey to rest for about 30 minutes before carving.

Bloggy Giveaway Contests

2008-10-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Check out Paiges' Place for a terrific "Crockpot" recipe contest..And win $25 worth of Avon!!

The Chicken Dance

2008-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

I made the dish and did the dance and DH joined in on the fun!

Okay here I am and here is my DH making the "Chicken Dance" rounds....yes we are doing it...but its for a contest and its because I made and ate The Apron Queen's scrumpious Ay Caramba! Chicken Spaghetti entry....be sure to go over to Velveeta and vote for her Thursday!!

Wooo I am Back with Some Recipe Cards

2008-10-13T16:46:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe how long its been since I posted....sorry folks...but here are some of my newest creations, handmade deorated recipe cards...They are cute and fun...especially for Halloween....and add your recipes below to some of your cards... Be sure to comment on how you like them...I even added a few ants...:)

Early for Halloween Recipes

2008-07-24T10:25:00.000-07:00

I LOVE Halloween it is when I can artistically show my talent by wearing it... :) FUN FUN FUN These little kids costumes are just too cute and I couldn't resist showing them, [Find more Babies’ & Kids’ Costumes here] They range about $14.99 each.

If your having a Halloween party these recipes will be a hit!

Witches Brew

Ingredients:

4 cups cranberry juice cocktail

1 cup candied ginger root, chopped

3 medium oranges

12 ounces apple juice, frozen concentrate, thawed

6 ounces limeade, frozen concentrate, thawed

2 cups seedless grapes4 cups water

64 ounces ginger ale, (1/2 gal)

1 pound dry ice, up to 2 pounds

Directions:

In a 1 to 2 quart pan, bring 1 cup of cranberry juice and candied ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil, uncovered, about 2 minutes, set aside.
With a vegetable peeler, pare peel (colored part only) from oranges; cut peel into thin 2-inch-long worms; or use an Oriental shredder to make long shreds.
Add orange peel to cranberry mixture. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or as long as overnight.
Juice oranges; put juice in a 6 to 8 quart pan or heavy bowl.
Stir in cranberry-ginger mixture, the 3 cups cranberry juice, apple concentrate, limeade, grapes and water. If made ahead, cover and chill up to 2 hours.
Add ginger ale and about a 1 pound piece of dry ice (DO NOT put small pieces in punch or cups); ice should smolder at least 30 minutes.
Ladle into cups. Add any remaining ice when bubbling ceases.

**** A SERIOUS CAUTION: never touch dry ice; use tongs to handle.

Makes 5 quarts; allow about 1-1/2 cups for a serving.
Source: Flora’s Drink Hideout
Target.com has a Boiling Cauldron with Stand that is perfect for this drink.

*Lastly, I found a Halloween dish recipe that actually looks edible. All of them are edible, but some of the recipes look too gross for me and their names are kind of too much for kids (I’m sure you know what I mean).

This recipe found on CooksRecipes.com looks cute & delicious: look at the dogs even have little eyes...LOL

Halloween Mummy Dogs
Ingredients:

2 tubes refrigerator pizza dough rolls
1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan (part-skim) cheeseNon-stick spray
4 tablespoons pizza sauce or pasta sauce

8 hot dogsOptional pizza toppings: onions, green peppers, olives, etc.
1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning mix (or your own mix of oregano, thyme, parsley, etc.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Open package of pizza dough, gather ingredients, grate cheese, and dice vegetables.
Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
Place pizza dough on sheet and cut into 8 squares; press dough thin with fingers.
Add pizza sauce to each square.
Add hot dogs and other pizza toppings and pizza herbs to taste.
“Mummify” the hot dogs by wrapping them completely in the dough and pinching the ends.
Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until crust begins to brown.
Serve with warm pizza sauce for dip

Makes 6 servings.
For books with Halloween recipe & party ideas click here.

All info found here: blogs.smarter.com/babieskids/tag/halloween

Happy 4th to all my Online Friends

2008-07-02T11:47:00.001-07:00

Have a safe and happy holiday and summer DaBookLady will be back in September!!!!!
Please leave comments and I will periodically be checking my blogs...

Swapping Recipes for a "Girl's night Out"

2008-06-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

I am in a cool swap on Flickr called The Great Recipe Swap and I just finished swapping a "garden and fruit" theme. This month is "girl's night out" and I thought this little gem would be great to share.

I also got some popcorn, travel ice tea, and thinking of what else????

It is fun to share recipes and to also make them look more like "eye candy" than just a copied one off the net... I mean "scrapbooking" them in designs with all the pretty stuff..

Pink Squirrel Fondue Dip

1 jar marshmallow cream
3 tbsp. creme de almond
1 tbsp. white creme de cacao
1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine very low heat. Serve with any fresh fruit or pound cake cubes in a fondue pot.

Warm over.

Summer Fun Recipes

2008-06-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

now this little taco is sute and looks like he is a little sad? But you really cannot eat him as he is totally made of yarn...I just thought he was a cute one...And the picture below ...??? ...well speaks for itself I think. Someone needs to check their load a little more closely!!

Okay...some great summer classics to make for a picnic, or a summer get-to gether or maybe that Father's Day bar-b-que...

Bacon Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:
2 pints cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (NOT packaged)
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
16-oz. pkg. bacon, crisply cooked, drained, and crumbled

Preparation: Cut the top off each cherry tomato, and using a melon baller or a sharp knife, carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place each tomato upside down on paper towel to drain.
Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Stuff each cherry tomato with the bacon mixture. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours to blend flavors. To serve, I like to line the serving tray with parsley to keep the little tomatoes from rolling around. It's very pretty too. Serves 8
Calories per 2 stuffed tomatoes: 79Fat: 8 gramsSodium: 100 mg

20 of the Best Burger Tips!

The Burgers

Mix in fresh chopped herbs (dill, parsley, basil or cilantro) when making patties.
Season meat with soy, barbecue or Worcestershire sauce.
Mix chopped mild green chilies in hamburger meat. Top burger with sliced tomato, lettuce and guacamole.
Try making burgers out of ground chicken, turkey or lamb.
Season burger with Cajun spices before cooking.
Mix yogurt, sour cream or eggs into hamburger meat.
Form burger around a piece of goat cheese, brie or camembert.

Toppings and Sides

Try alfalfa or broccoli sprouts.
Mix equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise.
Top with sauteed red or Vidalia onions.
Try using muenster, provolone, dill havarti, gouda, gorgonzola or mozzarella.
Top with cheddar and a spoonful of salsa.
Melt smoked mozzarella on your burger and top with fresh basil leaves and sun-dried tomatoes.
Try using honey style mustard.
Try slices of grilled eggplant and fresh tomato.
Top your burger with a heaping tablespoon of cole slaw.
Serve your hamburger without a roll and top with cucumber slices sauteed in butter.
Garnish with creme fraiche.
Serve on a toasted sandwich-sized English muffin or bialy.
Try topping your burger with sauteed green and red peppers, monterey jack cheese, and onions with a coarse-grained mustard.
Saute mushrooms in butter and a splash of cooking sherry. Try using sliced portobello, shiitake or cremini mushrooms

Vacation in Kentucky and Nashville

2008-05-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Kentucky and Nashville, and now I need to diet again!!! Wow those states love to eat...and lots of gravy and fried items...Love it all but the tummy sure doesn't....I love the people in the south they are so friendly and if it were not for a few tornato scares it would be a perfect place to live, so green and open...I even saw a heard, not one or two but and actual heard of deer. :) Ah the south....We went to the corvette musem, of course the Hardrock Cafe, Grand Ole Opry and Gaylord Hotel, what a fantastic place....also got to visit with Bob's Aunt too.....even took in a Flealand selling place, huge garage sale style but indoors, but best of all I got to visit Hobby Lobby!!!! WOW......

And this plant lady was unbelievable!!!

Now back to that southern cooking....here is a recipe for some yummy catfish, fritters southern style and of course gravy on the side....

Catfish Fry
1 egg
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1-1/2 cups of milk
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 cups of cornmeal
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Mix egg and milk well in bowl. Shake dry ingredients into paper bag. Dip catfish filets in milk mixture then add to bag and shake well. Fry in hot grease until golden brown.
For just the right utensil click here: 12" Cast Iron Skillet.

Sawmill Gravy
Ham, sausage, or bacon grease
Salt and pepper
3 tbsp. flour
Water
Milk
Add flour to the grease in hot pan to brown. Thin the mixture with a little water and add milk, salt and pepper. Stir until thick. Add crumbled fried sausage for a real treat. Serve over home made biscuits.

Corn Fritters
(from scratch)

2 cups flour

2 eggs - beaten

1 Tbls. baking powder

1 cup milk

1/2 tsp. salt

4 Tbls. liquid butter blend

4 Tbls. sugar

1 cup whole corn - drained

Heat oil to approximately 350 degrees F.Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Combine eggs, milk, and butter-blend. Fold egg mixture into dry ingredients. Add corn last. Drop by tablespoon into hot oil - deep fry about 5 minutes - or until golden brown. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm.

Direct from Nashville:

Fried Pickles:

1 (16-ounce) jar sliced dill pickles

1 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons hot red pepper sauce

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup yellow cornmeal

2 tablespoons Essence, plus more for dusting

4 cups vegetable oil, for frying Salt

Drain the pickles in a colander, then spread on paper towels to drain completely. Combine the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, and 2 tablespoons of Essence.

Heat the oil in a medium pot to 350 degrees F.
Submerge the pickles in batches in the buttermilk, then dip into the flour mixture, tossing to evenly coat. Shake in a strainer to remove any excess batter. Add to the oil in batches, turning, until golden brown and crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and season with Essence and salt, to taste. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Serve hot.

And from Kentucky:

Fried Green Tomatoes

From: Vickie L. SimpsonSomerset KY

Take 4 large green tomatoes and slice thin

dip in a mixture of beaten egg and water
then dip in a mixture of cornmeal and seasoning salt
heat some bacon grease in a skillet and fry tomatoes until golden brown Viki says her 3 year old likes these with Velveeta cheese sauce! Cube velveeta add milk and butter microwave until melted.
Fantastic !!!!

Friday's Feast

2008-04-25T21:10:00.000-07:00

Appetizer
Name something you would categorize as weird. It never fails no matter where I am if there's a mosquito he finds me and bites me as soon as they come out its like they have radar for my body
Soup
What color was the last piece of food you ate? white
Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy being alone? 8
Main Course
Fill in the blank: I will _I will________ vote for ____someone_______ in __Nov_____.
Dessert
Describe your sleeping habits. I stay up till about 1am watching reruns in bed and then if I don't eat after 8pm I will sleep pretty peacefully till about 6am when my cat starts to meow that its time to eat...

Some Interesting Apron History

2008-04-25T20:52:00.000-07:00

Aprons

Here is some interesting history on the true use of aprons as our moms and grandmas used to use them for.......

The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.

From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.

From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples, that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the
men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.
We would all go crazy trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron,
but what I'd give...
to have my Mother wrap me up in her apron once more...

Lookie What I got Forom My Apron Swap?

2008-04-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

I got some yummy recipes and a recipe organizer, now who here can't use one of those? I sure need one...and a pretty apron so I won't slobber all over my clothes, and I love that it has big pockets, and she hand painted me a beautiful plate and shabby chic angel sign, and then 4 favorite family recipes, a cool 1989 recipe book, and a Chocolate lovers dream book to read....what a treat...

What to make Mom for Mother's Day?

2008-04-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

Make your mom a special Mom's Day cake:

Teapot Birthday Cake
Prep time: 20 min.
Baking time: 50-60 min.
Decoration time: 45 min.
Difficulty: Challenging

What you'll need:
1 14-oz. bag M&M'S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies
2 16-oz. boxes pound cake mix
2 16-oz. cans vanilla frosting
Food coloring (yellow & orange)
1 12 x 12-inch piece blue poster board
1 lollipop
1 14-oz. bag M&M'S® Brand Peanut Chocolate Candies
2 one quart Pyrex bowls, greased and floured
Wire rack

What to do:

Set 1/2 cup of M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies aside.
Sort through remaining M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies, separating colors into small bowls, set aside for decorating teapot.
Prepare cake mixes according to package directions.
Fold reserved 1/2-cup of M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies into cake batter before transferring into prepared bowls.
Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely.
Using the template below, cut a spout and handle from the blue poster board, and then set aside.

Prepare the frostings:

Tint 3/4 cup of the vanilla frosting with green food coloring to the desired shade.
Place in a resealable plastic bag, snip the corner, and set aside.
Tint the remaining vanilla frosting yellow (with orange food coloring) and set aside.
Trim the tops of the cakes so they are level.
Place one cake layer—rounded side down—onto the cake platter, and spread it with the yellow frosting.
Then place the remaining cake layer—rounded side up—on top to create your own teapot.
Cover the cakes with the remaining yellow frosting, making it as smooth as possible.
Sort the blue M&M’S® Brand Peanut Chocolate Candies, and then place them in one continuous line around the bottom of the cake.
To make the lid, outline a 6-inch circle around the top of the cake with the green frosting, and fill it in.
Outline the circle’s edge with a continuous line of blue M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies.Press a lollipop into the top of the lid.
Decorate the sides of the teapot with flowers, made from pressing M&M’S® Brand Milk Chocolate Candies into the frosting.
Pipe small green frosting leaves around the flowers.
Using the tip of a paring knife, cut a slit into the opposite sides of the teapot, and slip in the handle and spout.

Makes 10 servings. Enjoy

Template: click to enlarge and print

Extended Through April Contest "All about Recipes"

2008-04-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Ok here is the extended through April "All About Recipes" contest. All you have to do is comment here and list 5 of your favorite recipes. then post 1 of those recipes on your blog, either written out or a link to it. Be sure to leave your link to your blog, or email so I can contact you. Anyone who has no links will be disqualified since I will not be able to locate you.

Everyone who comments will be entered in the contest, and comment as many times as you wish, as long as you follow the steps of 5 recipes an adding a post to like here on your blog.. All names will be a random draw out of a hat, so the more you comment the more chance you have to win...

That's it! Easy enough for you to win.

What does the winner get???? Well the winner will get a Hallmark recipe organizer book. It is It is an oldie but has never been used. It is a nice size, 10" x 8" and is 3 ring for easy adding and removing of pages. There are recipe pages to load all your favorites in, 6 tabbed dividers, self adhesive tabs, 6 pocket pages to hold more recipes and there are several pages on roasting hints, weights and measures chart, and much more! And on the first page is my famous Holiday Appitizer Quiche for any special occasion. All handwritten and ready to be made! Yummy!!!!

Happy Easter!

Good luck!
Deadline is April 30th at 12 midnight Pacific time.
Winners will be announced the 1st week of May.......

Miz Allie's Escape,Flowers, Homemade Soup, and Yum!!!

2008-04-08T16:39:00.000-07:00

Now this is what Miz Allie Cat did to the hidden cat nip??? Well not too hidden, she found it and ate it all and got it all over the diningroom floor....grrrrrrrr

My flowers are blooming.....this is a beautiful Morning Glory one I shot.....DH got me a new tea pot to hold my tea. I seen it at Polly's Pies and loved it and he remembered and got it for me for my B day...Wasn't that great??

I was thinking of homemade soup and was watching Tyler and he gave 4 tips, sea salt, fresh cracked pepper, lemon juice sqeezed from a fresh lemon, and fresh herbs like oregeno....he claims that your soup will be spectactular....

Let's make a yummy dessert, I love Bread Pudding mainly because I love the cinnamon and hot dessert...here is an easy recipe to make some scrumptious pudding...

Bread Pudding Recipe

Bread pudding is a dessert that was born of necessity long ago. It was a recipe cooked up by thrifty homemakers to use every bit of leftovers in interesting ways to feed their families. This bread pudding, from an old Amish cookbook, is absolutely incredible.
It is definitely a comfort food, and can be made richer with cinnamon sauce or caramel sauce. You can also substitute berries in place of the raisins for a delicious change of pace. It is a fairly basic bread pudding recipe, but it is truly the soul satisfying treat that most people crave. Nothing beats warm bread pudding on a cold or rainy night.
What do people that love bread pudding also tend to reach for as a treat? Check out our Monkey Bread Recipe for a sweeter, cinnamon-laden delight, or Banana Pudding for a luscious, creamy southern favorite. If you're truly throwing those calorie counts out the window (and we all need to once in a while!), take a look at the cheesecake recipes that will have you convinced that each bite is a velvety, decadent morsel of pure joy.

Bread Pudding
Ingredients:
2 cups milk

1/4 cup butter

2/3 cup sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups soft bread, torn into small pieces

1/2 cup raisins or berries (optional)

Directions:
1. In medium saucepan, over medium heat, heat milk just until film forms over top. Combine butter and milk, stirring until butter is melted. Cool to lukewarm.
2. Combine sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for 1 minute. Slowly add milk mixture.
3. Place bread in a lightly greased 1 1/2 quart casserole.
4. Sprinkle with raisins or berries if desired. Pour batter on top of bread.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 50 minutes or until set.

Serve warm.

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

2008-04-04T15:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!!! Its DABOOKLADY's

Birthday today!!!!

Recipe Nonsense

2008-03-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

There are so many recipes out there that one is not sure what to make or what to believe as "good" or "best" in status to rating.... I do love Paula's southern cooking on TV, and Rachel Ray, but I really like my grandma's and Mom's recipe best. As I talked earlier in my blog about the recipe book I made for my family, it was filled with so many traditional family recipes, but I recently found a real treasure at a garage sale...yup...tons of older recipe books that were made from people's work. Yummy....so I got the best of both worlds, older tradional recipes aand family recipes....now what I liked even more was that the recipes came with a little "blip" of history about it....what a treat!!! Some recipe nonsense is what I call it...but an educational insight to some very unique recipes and history that only a true lover of baking and cooking can appreciate!!!

Two of my favorite ones are "Bella Vista in the Kitchen" I know its from a school and old, but there are no dates or where abouts of the school, but there is a wealth of recipe nonsense in this one and some wonderful family recipes.

Then there is my utmost favorite one, "Recipes from Wisconsin" [1984] this lovely little tresure has tons of Wisconsin history and facts, that I never knew along with some real treats in recipes... some of my favorites are below...

Now did you know,"Johnny cakes were originally called "journey cakes" because they could be easily carried on journeys, and taste as good at the end of the trip as at the beginning. Simple and nutrious, the recipe was also standard fare in the logging camps of N. Wisconsin. The lunmberjacks often ate them as individual cakes smothered with the locally produced syrup."

Johnny Cake [can store in freezer too]

1 c cornmeal

3/4 tsp salt

2/3 c sugar

1 1/2 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 egg

2 to 3 tbsp melted lard

1 1 1/4 c sour milk

Sift all dry ingredients together

In a separate bowl beat egg, lard [melted] and sour milk,

Combine liquid and dry ingredients

Turn into a greased cast iron skillet

Or 9x9" baing pan

Sprinkle top of batter with a few extra tblsp sugar

Bake at 425' for 20 minutes

[to sour milk add 1 tsp of vinegar or 2 tsp of lemon juice]

One quick and easy, and filling treat that all kids and most adults will love is this one.

Rice with Maple Surple, I use Bosenberry

1 c uncooked rice white or brown

2 tsps margarine

2 c water

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 to 1/2 c syrup

Saute' rice in butter for several minutes until margarine is absorbed

add water and salt

bring to a boil

reduce heat

cover and cook until water is absorbed and rice is done

poor syrup over evenly

let it steep for several minutes

Toss lightly and serve

Yummy!!!!!

I love coffee cake and this one is delicious...

Almost every weekend morning growing up, my mom would make an apple coffee cake for me after church. Recently I pulled this recipe from the Boston Globe; they had it listed as an apple cake for the Jewish high holidays. It tastes almost exactly like the breakfast cake I had growing up, although we topped ours with brown sugar and butter, not white sugar with cinnamon. For a scratch cake, it is very easy to make. Although the recipe says to use an electric mixer, if your butter is truly at room temp, you can do this easily by hand.

Apple Coffee Cake

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

5 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter,

room temperature1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup whole milk

1 medium Cortland or other baking apple, peeled and sliced

1 Set the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with or pie pan a 4-cup capacity.
2 Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3 In a bowl, combine 1/3 a cup of the sugar with the cinnamon, set aside.
4 In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter with the remaining 1/3 cup sugar. Beat in the egg until blended. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beating until just combined.
5 Spread half the batter in the baking dish. Lay the apple slices on the batter so they just cover the batter (you may have to overlap some slices). Sprinkle the apples with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Spread the rest of the batter over the apples. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon-sugar on top.
6 Bake the cake for 25 minutes or until it is golden brown and apples start to bubble at the edges.

February Contest

2008-02-04T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ok here is the February "All About Chocolate" contest. All you have to do is answer the 5 questions and post them in the comments page. Everyone who gets them right will get their name entered in the drawing. That's it! Easy enough for you to win.

The winner will get a cookbook called "Simple homemade Food Gifts" A great hardcover book all about gifts to make for any occasion with food! There are more than 365 ideas in this book!!

So make your guesses and post your answers here!!! And

Happy Valentine's Day!

Questions:

Where does Chocolate come from?
How many different types of chocolate are there?
Which chocolate is good for your heart and should be eaten daily?
How many "heart shaped" Valentine's boxes are sold on Valentine's day?
What percentage of pet owners give Valentine's to their pets?

Bonus Questions:

What Shakespeare's character receives love letters in Itay?

Ok everyone.... post your answers and get in the drawing. Good luck!

Deadline is February 29th at 12 midnight Pacific time.

Winners will be announced the 1st week of March.

Contest Winners

2008-02-04T14:09:00.001-08:00

The Recipe Guessing Contest has ended and we have 3 winners,

1st place is Tara guessed exactly at 94

2nd place is Chris guess 89

3rd place is knottypurl guess 100

There were 94 recipes in the book!

This contest is closed but the next one begins...

Photos in my Gallery of my Home

2008-02-01T12:46:00.000-08:00

Ok I promised I would post a photo in the gallery of my home so here it is... My kitchen hutch. I was lucky when we bought this house because it came with a built in hutch and this sold us on the house. I get to keep all my dishes in it.

And the bottom one is my china hutch. Where do you store your china and your everyday dishes?

Fish Blob Bowl Recipe

2008-01-28T17:33:00.001-08:00

This guy needs a nose job????

The blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a fish that inhabits the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania. Due to the inaccessibility of its habitat, it is rarely seen by humans.
Blobfish are found at depths where the pressure is several dozens of times higher than at sea level, which would likely make gas bladders inefficient. To remain buoyant, the flesh of the blobfish is primarily a gelatinous mass with a density slightly less than water; this allows the fish to float above the sea floor without expending energy on swimming. The relative lack of muscle is not a disadvantage as it primarily swallows edible matter that floats by in front it.

Not a Fish recipe specimen but wow check out those eyes????

The Aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis) is a strepsirrhine native to Madagascar that combines rodent-like teeth with a long, thin middle finger to fill the same ecological niche as a woodpecker. It is the world's largest nocturnal primate, and is characterized by its unique method of finding food; it taps on trees to find grubs, then gnaws holes in the wood and inserts its elongated middle finger to pull the grubs out.
Daubentonia is the only genus in the family Daubentoniidae and infraorder Chiromyiformes. The Aye-aye is the only extant member of the genus (although it is currently an endangered species); a second species (Daubentonia robusta) was exterminated over the last few centuries.

Alright I am now going to get to a recipe.... How to make Fish Bowl Jello Called the "Blob"

Fishbowl Jello:

Get a fishbowl (not used by fish and without fish)
put in 1 box of jello mix and follow diections( should be blue)
put in fridge for a little while
drop in gummy fish
put in another box of blue mix already mixed in another container (still liquid though)
place back in fridge
1 can (11-oz.) fruit cocktail [optional]
2 gummy fish (or plastic fish) [optional]
1 plastic aquarium plant (optional)
when ready you will have an edible bowl of fish :)

Variations:

fish bowl
blue jello mix
Purple endive or fennel, leaves (and other edible things that will look good as foliage in a tank!)
gummy fish
1 package jelly beans (or fruit cocktail)
uncooked spaghetti (for placing items in jello)
knox jello (clear)

Mix gelatin according to package directions. Use clear jello to dilute.
Place the jelly beans in the bowl.
When gelatin is cool, BUT NOT SET, pour it slowly into the Fish bowl. Be careful not to move the candies around, because the coloring may run.
Allow to cool for just a little while (you don't want stiff gelatin when trying to place fish and foliage in bowl).
When gelatin is just starting to set (ie: it's not watery... set just enough to hold something in place) add your "foliage" and fishies, placing them where you want them with strands of spaghetti (helpful when moving things around so your gelatin isn't destroyed he he).
Refrigerate your fish bowl until you wish to serve it.

Fish Bowl Cake

Prep Time: 25 minTotal Time: 4 hr 55 minMakes: 12 servings

1 pkg. (12 oz.) pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup jelly beans
2 cups boiling water
2 pkg. (4-serving size each) JELL-O Brand Berry Blue Flavor Gelatin
4 cups ice cubes
12 bite-size fish-shaped chewy fruit snacks

PLACE cake cubes in bottom of clean new 2-qt. plastic fish bowl; top with the jelly beans. Set aside. STIR boiling water into dry gelatin mixes in large bowl until completely dissolved. Add ice cubes; stir until gelatin begins to thicken. Remove any unmelted ice. Pour thickened gelatin into fish bowl. ARRANGE fruit snacks in gelatin to resemble fish swimming in a fish bowl. Refrigerate 4 hours or until gelatin is set. To serve, scoop out the gelatin and cake with a large spoon. Store leftover dessert in refrigerator.

ENJOY!!!

All About Parchment Paper? What is it? Why use It?

2008-01-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

What is Parchment paper anyways? And why is it so widely praised? what do you use it for? And is it that great?

Well those are a few of my questions about the stuff....I decided to do a little research about it and see what all the fuss was about. So here is what I found;

Parchment paper is a silicone coated paper that is used in more and more kitchens as the word gets passed along. It feels kind of like heavy tissue paper, but the biggest difference is that it can withstand heat and food products put on it and it will NOT stick!
Parchment Paper comes in 16 3/8" x 12 3 1/16" or 16 3/8" x 24 3/8"sheets. The individual sheets make it easy to use and you always know when you are about to run out.
You can use it when baking just about anything. Use it when making cookies, in a roasting pan, a bread pan, or a casserole. You can use it to line your souffle dish or when you are pouring out fudge to cool down, or how about using it when making peanut brittle.
You'll be amazed and how simple clean-up will become

You will find that once you start using it you'll find more and more uses for it. Parchment paper kind of grows on you, if you know what I mean.

But there are some downfalls, like it's really important not to have any of it overhang a cookie sheet because it could catch fire in an oven. And you cannot use it in a toaster oven, broiler, or under halogen lights.

Some people feel waxed paper is just as good. However, beware....because you cannot line a cookie sheet with waxed paper- it will smoke you out of your house! Waxed paper is only good for using outside of the oven or in the oven with something that covers it completely, i.e. a cake. parchment is just more versatile.

Parchment allows you to bake on a sheet without greasing the pan....not only does it save calories and scouring the pan, but it makes a nicer cookie, bread or whatever you are baking. And the finished product is nicer as you don't have that greasy residue around the outside of the cookie.

Probably once you try Parchment you will consider it a kitchen necessity as many do.
A few tips;

The unbleached (brown) parchment in the brown and green box is the best brand and you get a lot more in the box than with a lot of other brands.
It's also a better size for cookie sheets than the white parchment that you find in the blue box.
Parchment is reusable. If you bake something 'non' messy on it (breads, most cookies, etc), just shake off the crumbs and store away until you need to use it again.
Around Christmas, just line your cookie sheets with parchment and leave it on them for the season unless it gets soiled with jam, melted chocolate, etc.
You can also use parchment to line cake pans or loaf pans for quick breads.

It's an expensive alternative to waxed paper, but it's less sticky, so it's a good choice if you're making gooey items. Parchment paper can also be wrapped around foods to be cooked or formed into cones for cake decorating. Specialty cooking stores and larger supermarkets often carry rolls or sheets of it. Paper grocery bags are sometimes recommended as a substitute for parchment paper, but it's not advisable to use them. Grocery bags will ignite at 450 degrees, and that they may have been treated with unsafe chemicals. Substitutes: waxed paper (This is a lot cheaper, but it's more likely to stick to gooey baked goods. Try greasing the waxed paper before using.) OR rice paper (as a baking pan liner) OR aluminum foil (Works well for cooking en papillote. If greased, it also works well as a liner for baking pans.) OR lightly grease baking pan (This tends to encourage cookies to spread out on the baking sheet.) OR nonstick baking sheet OR plastic zip-lock bag (If you're piping icing on a cake, this works well as a substitute for a parchment cone. Just fill the plastic bag, cut a hole in a corner, and squeeze.)

So in a nutshell Parchment paper seems to me to be a great item to keep stocked in the kitchen and one that will save you a lot of time and clean-up and since I am not one to like doing dishes, this is a plus for me!!

And check out one of the best places to find all those cookie cutters!

The Recipe of me

2008-01-12T11:18:00.001-08:00

The Recipe For DaBookLady

3 parts Vigor
2 parts Success
1 part Genius

Splash of Poise

Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

Come on and Post

2008-01-09T21:01:00.001-08:00

New Recipe Contest

2007-12-13T09:28:00.000-08:00

I have a reading contest and a crochet knitting contest on my other blogs so now I have decided to have a recipe contest. Who doesn't like contests? I know I love them. Look at the pictures of "My Christmas Cookbook" that I made a few years ago and be the closest guess to how many recipes are in the book without going over and you could be the winner. There will be 3 winners for this contest and the prizes are listed below... Leave me a comment on my blog by midnight (PST) on Wednesday, January 30th that includes the following:

1. Your guess as to how many recipes are in the Christmas Recipe Book I made for my family and friends a few years ago.[hint, there are 6 sections and recipes are on both sides of the page]
2. Your favorite recipe, with link to the recipe directions on your blog or where it can be found, so we can all have some new recipes to look at, because we love that!
3. Your blog address, if you have one, because we love to look at those, too!
4. Optional: Any kind of greeting you'd like to share, be it normal, informational, funny, poetry, strangeness or whatever.

I'll be giving out the 1st prize a Christmas Cookbook, along with my personal favorite "Holiday Quiche"recipe; 2nd prize will be a recipe related prize; 3rd prize will be a kitchen gaget- prizes for the following:

*Closest guess on how many recipes are in the book, without going over the quantity.
*My favorite comment that makes me think, laugh, or feel good or both.
*Random drawing.
That's 3 prizes! I will try to announce the winners by the end of the weekend, following the end of the contest.
So what are you waiting for? Get on in here and leave a comment with your guess, your favorite recipe and your sense of humor!!

Contest # 3 "Between the Bushes"

2007-12-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out the contest on DaBookLady's Book Swap Blog. Its called "Between the Bushes" and you might win an exciting prize!

Sad News and Good News!

2007-11-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Our youngest son was in an awful motorcycle accident 9 days ago. He was on life support for the whole time and the good news is that they have just taken him off...and he is breathing on his own...thank you so much to all for your prayers....he has a long way to full recovery, but he will recover....it is just a rough time for our home so I will not be blogging a lot for next few weeks.

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year

to all of my blogging friends old and new!!!

Sweet Potato Madness

2007-11-16T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ok now this is weird....a doggy bone made from Sweet Potatoes???

Its Called Buddy Biscuits Sweet Potato Madness.... yummy Its actually for dogs with allergys? Huh?

Cloud Star Buddy Biscuit Sweet Potato Madness Treats are WHEAT and CORN FREE (2 common allergens) making them a nice and yummy treat for dogs with allergies. Also free of soy, sugar, salt, dairy, and egg. Vegan and vegetarian approved.Ingredients barley, spelt, vegetable oil, fresh sweet potatoes, mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E - a natural preservative).
Dogs love Buddy Biscuits Ok now I have heard it all....

Sweet Potato Biscuits

2007-11-12T07:32:00.000-08:00

Sweet Potato Biscuits(makes 18 biscuits)
Ingredients:
3/4 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2/3 cup nonfat milk
2 cups all purpose flour
4 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
Nonfat cooking spray
Nonfat milk (optional)
Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
1. To cook the sweet potatoes, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Peel and cube the potatoes into 1-1/2-inch pieces then boil for about 20-30 minutes or until tender. Drain thoroughly then mash with a fork or potato masher in a large bowl.
2. Preheat oven to 425º F.
3. Stir in the butter and milk into the potatoes. Add 1-3/4 cups of the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt and mix until combined. Add the rest of the 1/4 cup of flour and combine.
4. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead 5-6 times. Roll dough flat to half-inch thickness.
5. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out the biscuits from the dough or use a sharp knife to cut biscuits into 2-inch square pieces.
6. Spray a baking sheet with nonfat cooking spray then place biscuit pieces close together on the sheet.
7. Brush the top of each biscuit with nonfat milk then lightly sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.
8. Bake biscuits for about 15 minutes or until golden.

Nutritions Facts:

82 calories

2 g Total fat

Sat Fat 1g

Trans Fat 0

Cholesterol 5mg

Sodium 195

Dietary fiber 1 g

Sugars 2 g

Some Trivia on Sweet Potatoes

2007-11-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

The sweet potato is the 6th principal world food crop, and approximately 90 percent of the worlds' crop is grown in Asia.
Vardaman, Mississippi claims to be the Sweet Potato Capital of the World.
1. 6 billion pounds of sweet potatoes were produced in the U.S. in 2003.

2. North Carolina (588 million pounds) produced more than any other state.

3. It was followed by Louisiana and California (each with about 310 million pounds), and Mississippi (238 million pounds).US Census Bureau, October 2004

4. In 2004, 98,300 acres of sweet potatoes were planted in the U.S.

5. In 2004, approximately 4.2 pounds of sweet potatoes per capita were consumed annually in the U.S.

6. In 1943, per capita consumption was 21.7 pounds.Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission http://www.sweetpotato.org/

Despite a physical similarity and a frequent confusion with their names, yams and sweet potatoes are not even distantly related. They are in two different botanical families. Yams are actually related to grasses and lilies.

Although sweet potatoes are harvested in August through October, they are available in supermarkets all year. Many stores feature them at Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are two varieties of sweet potatoes; the pale yellow with a dry flesh and the dark orange with a moist flesh. The dark orange variety is plumper in shape and somewhat sweeter than the yellow variety.