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Saturday, August 15, 2015
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Lemon meringue Tarts
Lemon Meringue Tarts
adapted from Epicurious
Lemon curd:
1/3 cup butter
finely grated zest of a lemon
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 dozen tartlet shells, baked
Meringue:
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
To make the lemon curd, heat the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture comes to a simmer. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, and whisk in the lemon mixture. Return to the pan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it just begins to simmer and thicken. If you want it perfectly smooth, pour it through a fine sieve set over a bowl. Refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight.
Fill tartlet shells with curd and preheat oven to 400°F.
To make the meringue: in a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
Drop by the spoonful onto the lemon curd, or transfer the meringue into a piping bag and pipe it over.
Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for about 3 minutes, until meringue tips are just browned. (Alternatively, brown the meringues lightly with a hand-held creme brûlée torch.) Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready for them.
Makes 2 dozen tartlets
shared at
snickerdoodle sunday
adapted from Epicurious
Lemon curd:
1/3 cup butter
finely grated zest of a lemon
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 dozen tartlet shells, baked
Meringue:
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup sugar
To make the lemon curd, heat the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until the mixture comes to a simmer. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, and whisk in the lemon mixture. Return to the pan and heat over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it just begins to simmer and thicken. If you want it perfectly smooth, pour it through a fine sieve set over a bowl. Refrigerate for a few hours, or overnight.
Fill tartlet shells with curd and preheat oven to 400°F.
To make the meringue: in a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until the meringue holds stiff peaks.
Drop by the spoonful onto the lemon curd, or transfer the meringue into a piping bag and pipe it over.
Place the tartlets on a baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for about 3 minutes, until meringue tips are just browned. (Alternatively, brown the meringues lightly with a hand-held creme brûlée torch.) Serve immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready for them.
Makes 2 dozen tartlets
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snickerdoodle sunday
Scrabble Date Night
Scrabble can be a perfect date night idea when it is too hot outside, raining outside or you just don't feel like going out. Fix you and your date up an iced coffee and play a bit of scrabble. Best of all enjoy
1 cup ground, strong coffee
8 cups cold water
Combine the coffee and water in a clean, sealable container. Let stand overnight or at least 8 hours.
Line a fine mesh strainer and pour coffee mixture though and into a clean pitcher. Add your desired amount of cream and sweetener and enjoy!
Recipe: The Pioneer Woman
Keith Haring and his daring colors
Keith Allen Haring born in 1958 was an American artist and social activist. His work responded to the street culture of New York City of the 1980s. His concepts included themes of birth, death, sexuality and war. His work was often heavily political and his imagery has become a widely recognized visual language of the 20th century.
Harings early life was life in Pennsylvania with his parents. The oldest of four children he was also the only boy. His interest in art began early in life as he spent time with his father an armature cartoonist. Haring had influence from Walt Disney cartoons, Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz and the Looney Tunes characters. Harings would study commercial art at the School of Professional Art but that would only last from 1976-78 when he decided to concentrate on his own art
Haring would die of aids related complications in winter of 1990. By this time he had made his mark on the world not only in art but in the world itself. Upon his death Madonna would declare the first New York date for her Blond Ambition World Tour a benefit concert for Haring's memory and donated all proceeds from her ticket sales to AIDS charities
His Art included
This Invention Helps Cool Things Off
One of everyones summer time favorite invention is most likely air conditioning. While I can remember not having an air conditioner most of my life or just a window air conditioner in the living room window only, without it we may have melted or sweated to death who knows.
Thanks to Willis Carrier who invented modern air conditioning in July 1902. The invention would improve the way that we live, work and play.
Carrier was born November 26, 1876 in Angola New York. He would go to Cornell University and earn an engineering degree. Develop A.C. in 1902 and go on to create Carrier Engineering Corporations in 1915. He would die in 1950. In 1985 Carrier was inducted into the national inventors hall of fame. Time named Carrier as one of the "100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century"
resource information
Picnic time : Ranch Potato Salad
Well summer heat is cooling down which to me means its the perfect time for a picnic. In our family we have our family reunions in the months of August and September. So what do you serve at your family picnic? One thing that we love to serve at ours is some sort of salad. This recipe is very tasty and my nephew loves because it has ranch in it. I hope you enjoy
Ranch Potato Salad recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds small red, white & blue potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup of cooked & crumbled bacon (or store-bought bacon bits)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 bunches green onions, diced
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes for about 20 minutes. To test doneness, poke fork into a potato. If fork slides out easily, potatoes are done cooking.
- Drain and then cool potatoes on a baking sheet.
- After cooled, cut potatoes into bite size pieces.
- Place cut potatoes into a large bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
recipe source here
Crockpot Sweet Rolls
Crockpot Sweet Rolls
Perfect for in the morning or if you don't have time to prepare and cook for breakfast remember that sweet rolls are delicious as desserts as well.
Perfect for in the morning or if you don't have time to prepare and cook for breakfast remember that sweet rolls are delicious as desserts as well.
My friends have all been raving about crockpot sweet rolls found this recipe on the blog Get Crocked
1 can of biscuits (found in the refrigerated section of your grocery)
1/4 c. melted butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
pecan pieces (optional)
Glaze:
1 1/3 c. powdered sugar
2 T. milk
1. Coat the crock pot lightly with cooking spray.
2. Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the vanilla.
3. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
4. Roll the biscuits in the butter and then in the brown sugar / cinnamon mixture.
5. Place prepared biscuits in the crock pot and sprinkle with pecan pieces, if desired.
6. Cover the crock pot with a paper towel and then place the lid on top. (this will help prevent condensation from dripping on the rolls while cooking)
7. Cover. Cook on low 2-3 hrs.
8. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl (add more/less milk as needed) and pour over warm rolls.
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weekend wind down
Saturday sparks
1 can of biscuits (found in the refrigerated section of your grocery)
1/4 c. melted butter
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
pecan pieces (optional)
Glaze:
1 1/3 c. powdered sugar
2 T. milk
2. Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in the vanilla.
3. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
4. Roll the biscuits in the butter and then in the brown sugar / cinnamon mixture.
5. Place prepared biscuits in the crock pot and sprinkle with pecan pieces, if desired.
6. Cover the crock pot with a paper towel and then place the lid on top. (this will help prevent condensation from dripping on the rolls while cooking)
7. Cover. Cook on low 2-3 hrs.
8. Mix glaze ingredients in a small bowl (add more/less milk as needed) and pour over warm rolls.
shared at
weekend wind down
Saturday sparks
Little Creepy Fellows
here in southern Illinois there is always a place for a spider to hide. Under the rocks, in the trees, in the ground where ever they find a home the life of a spider is one that I want to stay away from
Want a spooky way to use spiders (plastic ones) and decorate a place in your home for Halloween?
Friday, August 14, 2015
Found A New Blog You Should Visit
I recently visited the blog Granny Fabulosa and must say that I totally love the blog. The post featured here are very family friendly and post that this grandma would love. Have to love the header in fact I love the verse and how precious is that picture. The theme of the background is calming and homey and makes me want to stay around just a while.
Check out the delicious recipes listed there. I know that many of you annies home readers come here to check out the recipes that I share well you will find great homey recipes there as well. Granny only seems to have been around for around 2 years or at least her blog has but I can tell you the wisdom in the post has been a life time in the making. If you have time head over there and visit
Granny Fabulosa http://www.grannyfab.blogspot.ca/
The Japanese Surrender
WWII was a very hard fought battle. The pacific war in the 1940(s) was a hard fought battle. Casualties on both sides were high. The weapon at hand, the atomic bomb was on the U.S. side. Losing so many lives was what brought the U.S. to want to end the war. It was on August 6th 1945 that the U.S. would drop the atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Japan and force the Japan into a immediate, unconditional surrender. However, the Japanese debated over what to do. In the meantime, the U.S. dropped a second atomic bomb 3 days later over the city of Nagasaki Japan.
On August 14, 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito cabled the U.S. to surrender, and agreed to the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.
On August 15, 1945, news of the surrender was announced to the world. World War II was finally over. Hostilities ended. On September 2, 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the U.S. battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. President Truman declared this to be V-J Day.
On August 14, 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito cabled the U.S. to surrender, and agreed to the terms of the Potsdam Declaration.
On August 15, 1945, news of the surrender was announced to the world. World War II was finally over. Hostilities ended. On September 2, 1945, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the U.S. battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. President Truman declared this to be V-J Day.
7 words to remember
Blogging and Scrabble are a lot alike. Both of them rely on words, finding the right words to use is always important. The difference is that some words mean more in the game of Scrabble Some of the words that mean the most and are the least used are:
Maximize
One of the easiest ways to score big with Scrabble is to use one or more of the highest-ranked letter tiles. Playing the X tile will earn you an easy eight points, and this seven-letter word gives you an opportunity to maximize your score, or make it as great as possible. Using all seven of the letter tiles on your rack at once, or scoring a “bingo,” grants you 50 bonus points.
Quixotic
This word includes two of the rarest letter tiles, Q and X. Though you’ll have to be quite quixotic, or extremely idealistic, to think you’ll have the chance to play this word, it’s certainly possible. Since rare letter tiles lead to high scores, this word will impress your opponents and increase your numbers at the same time.
Quickly
Playing common words can be a great Scrabble strategy, since they are easy to remember and implement. Look for a high-scoring location on the game board, and watch for one of the rare Q tiles to appear on your rack. Once you visualize your move, seize the opportunity and play this word as quickly, or speedily, as you can.
Whizbang
Adding on to letters that already appear on the Scrabble board is a great way to play longer words. Since this word includes eight letters, instead of the standard seven stored on your rack, you’ll need to set up this play or build on one by an opponent. For a whizbang, or a resounding success, of a game, simply add “whiz” to an already played “bang,” and watch your score jump.
Quizzify
This is a tricky play, but one that pays off in a big way. If you get lucky and draw the only Q and Z tiles in the game, throw in a blank tile to stand in for the second Z in this word. If you’re really strategic, you can even play this word on top of triple word and double letter squares. Don’t worry if your opponents quizzify, or question, you for this move. You’ll be the one celebrating your massive score.
Chutzpah
You may need to have to have real chutzpah, or supreme self-confidence, to play this word, since it’s not in everyone’s vocabulary. Scrabble rules prohibit brand names and words that are always capitalized, but this is a common and acceptable Yiddish term and an official Scrabble word. Play the Z tile on a triple letter square, and you’ll really score big.
Jumbles
Sometimes making a clever move on top of an opponent’s smart play is the best strategy. This is an excellent example of a word that can earn you more points with the simple addition of an S tile. Straighten out the jumbles, or disordered mixes, on your rack by playing a quick one-letter extension, otherwise known as a hook. This has served as the winning word for more than one Scrabble tournament, and it can do wonders for your game, too.
If you want to be a Scrabble champion, it helps to have an extensive vocabulary. But if you don’t have time to read through the dictionary, there are other ways to score. To make big plays, memorize these key words and place them strategically
resource here
Maximize
One of the easiest ways to score big with Scrabble is to use one or more of the highest-ranked letter tiles. Playing the X tile will earn you an easy eight points, and this seven-letter word gives you an opportunity to maximize your score, or make it as great as possible. Using all seven of the letter tiles on your rack at once, or scoring a “bingo,” grants you 50 bonus points.
Quixotic
This word includes two of the rarest letter tiles, Q and X. Though you’ll have to be quite quixotic, or extremely idealistic, to think you’ll have the chance to play this word, it’s certainly possible. Since rare letter tiles lead to high scores, this word will impress your opponents and increase your numbers at the same time.
Quickly
Playing common words can be a great Scrabble strategy, since they are easy to remember and implement. Look for a high-scoring location on the game board, and watch for one of the rare Q tiles to appear on your rack. Once you visualize your move, seize the opportunity and play this word as quickly, or speedily, as you can.
Whizbang
Adding on to letters that already appear on the Scrabble board is a great way to play longer words. Since this word includes eight letters, instead of the standard seven stored on your rack, you’ll need to set up this play or build on one by an opponent. For a whizbang, or a resounding success, of a game, simply add “whiz” to an already played “bang,” and watch your score jump.
Quizzify
This is a tricky play, but one that pays off in a big way. If you get lucky and draw the only Q and Z tiles in the game, throw in a blank tile to stand in for the second Z in this word. If you’re really strategic, you can even play this word on top of triple word and double letter squares. Don’t worry if your opponents quizzify, or question, you for this move. You’ll be the one celebrating your massive score.
Chutzpah
You may need to have to have real chutzpah, or supreme self-confidence, to play this word, since it’s not in everyone’s vocabulary. Scrabble rules prohibit brand names and words that are always capitalized, but this is a common and acceptable Yiddish term and an official Scrabble word. Play the Z tile on a triple letter square, and you’ll really score big.
Jumbles
Sometimes making a clever move on top of an opponent’s smart play is the best strategy. This is an excellent example of a word that can earn you more points with the simple addition of an S tile. Straighten out the jumbles, or disordered mixes, on your rack by playing a quick one-letter extension, otherwise known as a hook. This has served as the winning word for more than one Scrabble tournament, and it can do wonders for your game, too.
If you want to be a Scrabble champion, it helps to have an extensive vocabulary. But if you don’t have time to read through the dictionary, there are other ways to score. To make big plays, memorize these key words and place them strategically
resource here
Rule to Live By
While looking back on old post on my blog I found this awesome word summary:
compromise - best way to resolve an argument, we do not always have to be right, it does not always have to be our way.
Sometimes taking the time to find middle ground is the best.
Compromise: something I tell my kids to do often, something that we have learned to do in life and something that can resolve an argument in a marriage. Sounds great to me. In fact that is what we often do here. We compromise often by making deals he gets to ..... and then I will be able to ..... You fill in the blanks
compromise - best way to resolve an argument, we do not always have to be right, it does not always have to be our way.
Sometimes taking the time to find middle ground is the best.
Compromise: something I tell my kids to do often, something that we have learned to do in life and something that can resolve an argument in a marriage. Sounds great to me. In fact that is what we often do here. We compromise often by making deals he gets to ..... and then I will be able to ..... You fill in the blanks
Enjoy some Creamsicle goodness
Do you remember those delicious creamsicles. They have always been one of my favorites. While you can easily get a creamsicle now in the summer time you may just want to save this recipe for the future.
•6 oz (1.5 sticks) butter
•2 cups granulated sugar
•3/4 cup heavy cream
•1 package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
•1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (or fluff)
•1 tablespoon orange extract
•orange (or a combination of red and yellow) food coloring
Prepare a 13x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat. Continually stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, stir continuously for four minutes. After four minutes of boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Stir until the white chocolate has melted and the fudge is completely smooth. Working quickly, pour about a third of the white fudge into a bowl and set aside. To the remaining fudge, add the orange extract and orange food coloring, stirring until it is a smooth, even color. It is important to perform these steps quickly, because the fudge will start to set if you take too long, and the end result will not be smooth. Pour the orange fudge into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Drop the white fudge over the top by the spoonful, then drag a table knife or toothpick through the fudge to create orange-white swirls. You can spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press them into the top to smooth out the swirls, if desired. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. To cut, pull the fudge out of the pan using the foil as handles. Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into small 1-inch squares. Store Orange Creamsicle Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and bring it to room temperature to serve.
CreamSicle Fudge
•6 oz (1.5 sticks) butter
•2 cups granulated sugar
•3/4 cup heavy cream
•1 package (12 oz) white chocolate chips
•1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow cream (or fluff)
•1 tablespoon orange extract
•orange (or a combination of red and yellow) food coloring
Prepare a 13x9 pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cream, and butter over medium heat. Continually stir the mixture until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Brush down the sides with a wet pastry brush. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it starts boiling, stir continuously for four minutes. After four minutes of boiling, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips. Stir until the white chocolate has melted and the fudge is completely smooth. Working quickly, pour about a third of the white fudge into a bowl and set aside. To the remaining fudge, add the orange extract and orange food coloring, stirring until it is a smooth, even color. It is important to perform these steps quickly, because the fudge will start to set if you take too long, and the end result will not be smooth. Pour the orange fudge into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Drop the white fudge over the top by the spoonful, then drag a table knife or toothpick through the fudge to create orange-white swirls. You can spray your hands with nonstick cooking spray and gently press them into the top to smooth out the swirls, if desired. Allow the fudge to set at room temperature for 2 hours, or in the refrigerator for 1 hour. To cut, pull the fudge out of the pan using the foil as handles. Use a large sharp knife to cut the fudge into small 1-inch squares. Store Orange Creamsicle Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, and bring it to room temperature to serve.
Back To School Meal: Crockpot Taco Pie
TACO PIE
1-1/12 lbs lean ground turkey or beef - cook until no longer pink and drain
(** or half meat and half quinoa** that's my vote:)
Mix well in a bowl and then add meat/quinoa mixture to this.
1 26oz can Tomato Soup
1 can Rotel (Diced tomatoes with green chili's)
1 bag frozen corn
1 can black beans
1 1/2 C greek yogurt of lowfat sour cream
1 pkg low sodium taco seasoning
1 pkg dry ranch seasoning
2 Tbl dried onion flakes
2-3 C cheese of choice
7-8 tortillas
Layer in "old school" (round with perpendicular sides) crock pot
grease lightly the bottom of crock-pot
tortilla
meat mixture
cheese and repeat until full.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours
You can also do this in 2 separate dishes one for dinner tonight and one for the freezer.
Bake (thawed & covered) 350 for 40 min
Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa and rice.
shared at
Home Matters
1-1/12 lbs lean ground turkey or beef - cook until no longer pink and drain
(** or half meat and half quinoa** that's my vote:)
Mix well in a bowl and then add meat/quinoa mixture to this.
1 26oz can Tomato Soup
1 can Rotel (Diced tomatoes with green chili's)
1 bag frozen corn
1 can black beans
1 1/2 C greek yogurt of lowfat sour cream
1 pkg low sodium taco seasoning
1 pkg dry ranch seasoning
2 Tbl dried onion flakes
2-3 C cheese of choice
7-8 tortillas
Layer in "old school" (round with perpendicular sides) crock pot
grease lightly the bottom of crock-pot
tortilla
meat mixture
cheese and repeat until full.
Cook on LOW for 4 hours
You can also do this in 2 separate dishes one for dinner tonight and one for the freezer.
Bake (thawed & covered) 350 for 40 min
Serve with fresh guacamole, salsa and rice.
shared at
Home Matters
Tropical Cream Cheese Pie
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14-ounce) can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
- 1/3 cup lemon juice from concentrate plus additional for dipping banana slices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium bananas, divided
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crumb crust
- 1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments, well drained, divided
Preparation
- In large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice and vanilla.
- Slice 2 bananas; dip in lemon juice and drain. Line crust with bananas and about 2/3 of the orange segments. Pour filling over fruit.
- Chill 3 hours or until set. Before serving, slice remaining banana; dip in lemon juice and drain. Garnish top with banana slices and remaining orange segments. Refrigerate leftovers.
- recipe source here
r
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Football Craft : Great Time To Practice Tying
2 paper plates
brown paint
scissors
hole punch
ribbon, yarn or string (I used brown, but white would work too)
Old newspaper
This is a fun craft just in time for football season. The exhibition game at the local high school will be a week from tonight. I know those boys have been working hard and we should start working hard to prepare to cheer them on. This craft will also make good tying practice for your child. Tying their shoes is a kindergarten readiness step in our schools.
To start you will need 2 paper plates
your child can paint, color or use marker to color the backs of the 2 plates. When these are put together it will look like a 3D football. Let the plates dry. Cut plates in 1/2 and cut a 1.5 inch from one half from 2 of your pieces) This allows the plate a more oval shape. Next use tape to tape one half and your 1.5 inch shorter half together. Set aside.
On the 2 remaining halves put halves together match up holes Staple the halves to the whole plate that you taped together. The goal is to create a bowl shape in the middle and fill it in. Stuff strips of newspaper into the plates to make a puffed out football shape. Use ribbon, yarn or string to lace up the football. Creating as I said a great time to practice tying.
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Friday feature
Odors In The Water
Recently the news has told us about the toxins in the water. Some places more than others. There are times though you may wonder about the water quality in your home. I decided to share a bit of information for you just about this.
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose.
For odors coming from the plumbing system or the well system, corrective measures are suggested. If you obtain water from a public water supply (PWS) and the odor is suspected to originate from the water source line, contact your water provider. This is especially true if your neighbors also experience the same type of odor problem.
for more useful information you should visit the link here
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, biological, and radiological characteristics of water. It is a measure of the condition of water relative to the requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need or purpose.
for more useful information you should visit the link here
Harvest Recipe : Skillet Corn Bread with fresh corn and bacon
Skillet Corn Bread with Fresh Cut Corn and Bacon
adapted slightly from The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
1 cup coarse cornmeal or polenta
2 cups buttermilk
8 ounces bacon (approximately 10 thin slices)
1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or unbleached all purpose flour or a combination)
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup whole cane sugar or sucanat (or brown sugar, white sugar, or a combination)
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (cut from approximately 3 fresh ears of corn)
2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat
special equipment: 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet (alternatively, you can use a 10-inch round cake pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, or a 12-inch square pan)
1. The night before baking the corn bread (or at least 8 hours before baking), soak the cornmeal in the buttermilk. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight or until ready to make the cornbread.
2. To prepare the bacon, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay out the bacon on two sheet pans. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Using tongs or a fork, remove the pieces to a pan lined with paper towels to cool. Drain off the fat into a can or stainless steel bowl and save for greasing the corn bread pan. When the bacon has cooled, crumble it into coarse pieces.
3. Lower the oven setting to 350 degrees. Pour 2 tablespoons of bacon fat into a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven to preheat while you prepare the corn bread batter.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Dissolve the honey into the melted butter and then stir the warm honey-butter mixture into the eggs. Add this to the soaked cornmeal mixture along with the whole cane sugar and stir to combine. Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a large spoon or whisk until the batter is blended and smooth – it should be the consistency of thick pancake batter. Stir in the corn kernels until they are evenly distributed.
5. With good pot holders or oven mitts, carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet or baking pan from the oven and tilt it to grease all the corners and sides. Pour in the batter, spreading it from the center of the pan to the edges. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces evenly over the top.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the corn bread is firm and springy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will be a medium golden brown. If using the 12-inch skillet, the baking time will be about 30 minutes, but if you use a smaller pan, the baking times will be longer, perhaps 40 – 45 minutes. Keep checking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares or wedges. Serve warm.
adapted slightly from The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart
1 cup coarse cornmeal or polenta
2 cups buttermilk
8 ounces bacon (approximately 10 thin slices)
1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or unbleached all purpose flour or a combination)
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup whole cane sugar or sucanat (or brown sugar, white sugar, or a combination)
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (cut from approximately 3 fresh ears of corn)
2 tablespoons reserved bacon fat
special equipment: 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet (alternatively, you can use a 10-inch round cake pan, a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, or a 12-inch square pan)
1. The night before baking the corn bread (or at least 8 hours before baking), soak the cornmeal in the buttermilk. Cover and leave at room temperature overnight or until ready to make the cornbread.
2. To prepare the bacon, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay out the bacon on two sheet pans. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Using tongs or a fork, remove the pieces to a pan lined with paper towels to cool. Drain off the fat into a can or stainless steel bowl and save for greasing the corn bread pan. When the bacon has cooled, crumble it into coarse pieces.
3. Lower the oven setting to 350 degrees. Pour 2 tablespoons of bacon fat into a 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven to preheat while you prepare the corn bread batter.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Dissolve the honey into the melted butter and then stir the warm honey-butter mixture into the eggs. Add this to the soaked cornmeal mixture along with the whole cane sugar and stir to combine. Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a large spoon or whisk until the batter is blended and smooth – it should be the consistency of thick pancake batter. Stir in the corn kernels until they are evenly distributed.
5. With good pot holders or oven mitts, carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet or baking pan from the oven and tilt it to grease all the corners and sides. Pour in the batter, spreading it from the center of the pan to the edges. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon pieces evenly over the top.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until the corn bread is firm and springy and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top will be a medium golden brown. If using the 12-inch skillet, the baking time will be about 30 minutes, but if you use a smaller pan, the baking times will be longer, perhaps 40 – 45 minutes. Keep checking until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares or wedges. Serve warm.
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Back To School Breakfast : Biscuit and Gravy Casserole
My husband is a southern boy and loves his biscuit and gravy. I, myself, did not grow up on biscuit and gravy and was very surprised when I married into his family how often they actually did have it. I can remember watching his mom and grandma (she was the pro) simply whip up the biscuits and gravy without measuring, no recipe it was simply by memory. I found this recipe a while back on Facebook and shared it about a year ago when I first found it but I think it would make such a great back to school breakfast that I have to share it. I hope you enjoy
1 lb pork sausage
2 T butter
2 packages Sausage Gravy Mix (makes 2 cups per package)
12 eggs
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk
½ tsp salt
2 tubes refrigerated biscuits
Cook sausage in 10" Executive Skillet - breaking up using Mix 'N Chop, set aside.
In large saucepan, make gravy according to directions. Add sausage to gravy, set aside.
In large Stainless Steel Bowl (check out our Stainless Steel Bowl Set item #1735) whisk eggs, evaporated milk and salt. Soft scramble eggs with the butter. In a Stoneware Rectangle Baker layer gravy, eggs, gravy, eggs, gravy, then top with biscuits.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees until biscuits are golden brown.
How To Keep Your Lettuce Fresh
It seems like one of my favorite vegetables is also one of the ones that goes bad the fastest. I simply hate wasting good, it is something that does really bother me. There are a few things that you can do to stretch the time and make good use of your lettuce. There are some things that you can do:
Take all the lettuce leaves off and place them in a big bowl or even better a salad spinner. Pour 1 cup of vinegar in the bowl and then fill the bowl with water. Gently mix the lettuce, water and vinegar around and let soak for just a few minutes. Drain the vinegar water solution and rinse the lettuce thoroughly in water. If using a salad spinner then spin dry the lettuce. If not transfer to a colander and shake off excess water. Lay the leaves out and air dry lettuce on a dry surface.
When dry place in a gallon plastic zip bag with a paper towel, squeeze all air out of bag and chill
Prepare your own shredded lettuce , store in a smaller 1 quart plastic zip bag with 1/2 sheet of paper towel. This will be perfect for grab n go tacos, salads, burritos, or subs
For iceberg lettuce, remove and discard the outside layer of leaves, rinse the whole head of lettuce well under running water, shake it dry (water can work it’s way inside when you rinse it) and wipe excess water off with a towel. Wrap the entire head in a paper towel, place in a plastic bag, and store in the fridge. Pull off leaves or cut off chunks of lettuce as you need them, rewrap remaining lettuce in paper towel and return to plastic bag. Iceberg will keep fresh for a very long time if you store it correctly!
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plant based potluck party
Tuesdays garden party
Smilings Helps Reduce Stress
A smile can help you get rid of stress in your face and life. Smiling does many things from helping you not look tired, overwhelmed and worn down to helping you feel less stressed. This in return will help you live your life and do your job a bit better.
The University of Kansas psychological scientist published a study in the Journal of Psychological Science where 170 participants were told to hold a chopstick in their mouth in three formations, each of them making them smile to a various degree after performing a stressful task. Those that had the biggest smile experienced a substantial reduction in heart rate and quicker stress recovery while those that smiled slightly remained neutral.
Likewise, it was shown that those who had jobs to serve others were more approachable if they smiled. A smile makes individual more likable and friendly. Not only does it make others feel more comfortable it helps the person wearing the smile feel more competent and happy as well.
Put a smile on and have a great day
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friendship friday
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Mock Filet Mignon
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 bacon strips
In a large bowl, combine the beef, rice, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Shape into six round patties. Wrap a strip of bacon around each patty; fasten with a wooden toothpick. Place in an ungreased shallow baking dish. Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until meat is no longer pink. Yield: 6 servings
taste of home recipe
Back to School Breakfast
This breakfast Hash recipe is perfect to send them back to school. A hearty breakfast that serves 8 so that everyone heads off to school with a full belly and ready to learn.
2 packages (20 ounces each) refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
1 package (7 ounces) frozen fully cooked breakfast sausage links, thawed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
12 eggs, lightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
In a large skillet, melt butter. Add the potatoes, sausage, onion and green pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned, turning once. Push potato mixture to the sides of pan. Pour eggs into center of pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are completely set. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat; stir eggs into potato mixture. Top with cheese; cover and cook for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings.
Monopoly trivia
Since this is scrabble week and I have been sharing a few different post about scrabble here on Annies Home thought that I would share some trivia about another one of my favorite games. Monopoly.
Did you know....
Monopoly
Did you know....
Monopoly
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One of the most famous board games of all time, responsible for endless hours of wholesome family fun and/or devastating family arguments, was invented by Elizabeth Magie in 1904 under the original name The Landlord’s Game. Magie’s game was a critique of the injustices of unchecked capitalism, making it all the more ironic when her game was completely ripped off by Charles Darrow 30 years later, who sold it to Parker Brothers. The firm eventually tracked down Magie and paid her $500 for her troubles
Rick Timmons an American Artist
Rick Timmons from St. Petersburg Florida is an American artist that choses to use oil for his medium. Timmons attended the Art Institue of Dallas. It was there that he joined the Dallas Fire Department and worked for 13 years starting in 1981. In 1987 and 1988 Timmons was commissioned to do commemorative paintings for both New York and Texas firefighters associations. After leaving the fire department Timmons concentrated on his art and creating portraits of equine art, southwest art and bar murals.
Summer Time a Time for Romance
Summer romance can swirl around the flame of a bonfire. Simply huddling next to the one you love or perhaps getting to know someone better. The thing to do is plan ahead and bring a few things along with you to make the night even better
Having a beach towel or blanket that you can spread out on the ground. This will allow you a chance to star gaze and warm up in the fire as well.
A drink of your choice would be nice to have. Whether it be a glass a wine or other alcohol beverage of your choice or a thermos of cocoa or coffee the choice is yours.
Bring together a snack that you can make together like s'mores or something more romantic like some strawberries and cream.
It seems that every great date I had there was music involved. Music helps set the mood for a romantic evening Take along that portable CD player with your favorite CD full of romantic music.
I have many memories of bonfires and not all of them were with my lover but several were .Bonfires fill me with warm memories from family bonfires to those at camps and others where me and my husband spent time together Do you have any memories of bonfires
Scrabble Trivia
There is a tool that many scrabble players have in possession and use. That tool would be a dictionary. There are in fact 2 official scrabble dictionaries that can be used one is for recreational play and school play which has had all offensive words removed and the second dictionary is for official tournaments and club play. which contains a total of 120,302 words including offensive and dirty words.
The game of Scrabble has been translated into 22 languages.
Stars like Madonna, Martha Stewart, Barack Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Keanu Reeves, and Queen Elizabeth II all love the game of Scrabble.
Scrabble is an official sport in some countries. Over 1/2 million kids play Scrabble in more than 18,000 schools nationwide through the school program for Scrabble
The scrabble tiles are made up of Vermont Maple wood. If all the scrabble tiles ever produced were placed in a row they would stretch more than 50,000 miles.
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