Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Cabaret (1972)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Liza Minnelli encourages you to put down "the knitting, the book and the broom." Which of those three were you most recently doing: knitting, reading or housework?

The broom as I sweep the floors a few times a day

2) She sings that we shouldn't allow "some prophet of doom to wipe every smile away?" Do you know anyone who reliably looks at the downside of life?

I truly do, some that I know right now are down due to seasonal depression and will be better soon others though simply have the downside as part of their personality

3) In 1972, when this recording was popular, so was The Brady Bunch. In the two-part season premiere, The Bradys went to Hawaii. Do you have any warm weather vacation plans this fall/winter? 

unfortanetly the answer to that would be no, I recall in gradeschool I was a bit jealous of a friend of mine who went to Florida when we were in the middle of winter in Central Illinois

4) Though not her uncle, just a friend to both of her parents, Liza always called  Frank Sinatra as "Uncle Frank." Is there an older person in your life who isn't a blood relative, but who refer to as "aunt" or "uncle?"

I can not recall in my family but my husbands family often does this and in return our children do it as well

5) Liza collapsed onstage during a Christmas concert in 2007. She says she'd been nauseous before she went on and simply fainted. Sam has never fainted. Have you? 

Can not say that I have but have known individuals that have and have a child that does if they over heat

6) People are often surprised when they learn Liza is good friends with Gene Simmons -- the KISS member with the long tongue. Tell us about one of your good friends. 

I have many great friends, many of them I either went to school with or have worked with. One of my best friends is a sister to another so I always was like thier little sister they took me under their wings and taught me the ropes I am very happy I know these sisters they are awesome

7) Liza told US Magazine that she loves to eat at Olive Garden. Do you?

have not had the privalage of eating there as of yet

8) She keeps apple juice and yogurt in her refrigerator at all times. Would we find either in your refrigerator right now?

You would find both in my fridge right now. I have kids and grand-kids that love ice cold apple juice and flavored yogurt

9)  Random question: Which would be a more frustrating dinner companion -- someone who won't shut up, or someone who won't say a word

we are a family of talkers so someone who won't say a word would be the problem. I know how to break them of this though, I simply bug and talk to that person until they join in the conversation other wise I have someone who will listen to me and not interrupt.

come over and play along here

Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

As many of you know I work outside of the house. I am a nurse that takes care of adults with behavioral disorders. So like everyone else they live, breathe and need to enjoy Thanksgiving as well. So during the daytime I will visit with, care for and spend Thanksgiving day with all those that I care for.In the afternoon I will spend time with my family and spend Thanksgiving supper with them. 

The only problem this has caused before is not having time to cook dinner or having to have a great plan to prepare a supper for the entire family and celebrate Thanksgiving. This year I am happy to say that my oldest daughter will be playing hostess at her house. This year she will be able to do the duties of serving the family. I am still responsible for part of the dinner though including the turkey, potatoes, gravy and a few other dishes. In order to have the potatoes ready to serve at eating time and work that day as well. I will be cooking the potatoes in the crockpot. 

4 lb russet potatoes cut in cubes

4 c chicken stock

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for seasoning

1 c. sour cream
1/3 c. sliced fresh chives, plus more for garnish
1/2 c. warm milk

• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook potatoes, chicken stock and salt in a covered 4- to 5-quart slow cooker until potatoes are tender, on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours.
Drain and return potatoes to slow cooker. Add sour cream and mash to desired consistency. Fold in chives and warm milk (add more milk to loosen if desired). Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm, topped with chives.

recipe source here

Soups On

Pumpkin and Coconut Soup

recipe source here

1/4 c. butter

1 c. peeled, chopped onion

1 lb. pumpkin, seeded, peeled and diced

1 tbsp. ginger

2 tbsp. curry powder

1 28 oz. can coconut milk

1/4 c. sour cream

1/3 c. fresh lime juice

2 tbsp. salt

2 tbsp. pepper

1/4 c. grated coconut

2 tbsp. grated lime peel

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the onion, cook for 10 minutes. Add the pumpkin and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with ginger and curry powder.

Cover with 1 c. of water, simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and simmer for another 20 minutes.

Blend the soup until smooth and creamy, stir in the sour cream and lime juice, season with salt and pepper.

Turn into a soup bowl, sprinkle with coconut and lime peel.

Smoked Turkey Dip

The day after thanksgiving leaves us a bit over filled, tired and  ready to have a day of shopping. This dish is actually easy enough to prepare ahead of time This is also a perfect appetizer that can be served to guest while eveyone is waiting for dinner. 
Built on a base of cream cheese and mayonnaise this dip may not be "figure friendly" but will offer a great base for any dip. This dip will also use smoked turkey, cranberries and parsley. 

Smoked Turkey Dip with Cranberries 

Print This Recipe

Ingredients 
8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened 
1/4 cup Mayonnaise 
1 cup Smoked Turkey, chopped 
1 Tsp. Green Onion, Minced 
1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
1/4 cup Dried Cranberries 
Salt 
Pepper 

Directions 
Combine the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a medium bowl and mix well. Mix in the turkey, green onion, parsley and cranberries. Add salt and pepper to taste. 

Spoon the mixture into a small serving bowl. Chill, covered, until ready to serve. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Serve with crackers. - I usually serve on a serving platter, spread out with crackers around the edges of the platter for a nice display. 

Source: Adapted from Grand Temptations

Edible Cornucopia

For years it was my turn to cook and host the holiday diners. While I will still cook I will not be hosting Thanksgiving this year. My daughter has taken the job on fully. We all have our favorites but I like to throw in some yummy new dishes as well. One year I added the pumpkin dump cake and this year I am adding a dish that all should find amazing the edible cornucopia

Using a basic pizza dough with a few extra holiday flavors thrown in the dish will come a live. You can even use a bread machine for the dough to help you make time for all the other holiday duties. You will need to make one 8 inch bread and another that is about 15 inches long using this recipe:


4 cups of flour or bread flour if you have some on hand
1 1/4 cup water
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepperoncino flakes
1 tsp oregano
2 tsp active dry yeast

You will also need:
poster board
tape (heat resistant)
foil
parchment
stapler
cooking spray


1. Place all dry ingredients(minus yeast) into bread maker and then add the wet ingredients on top. Put the yeast into the yeast dispenser and set to pizza dough and go! Follow the instructions on your specific bread machine in case they differ.

2. While the dough is mixing, time to get the supplies ready to build the cone which the dough will bake on. First, decide on the desired size for your cornucopia. Form your poster board into a cone shape and secure with heavy duty, heat resistant tape. Cut the excess poster board so that it can stand freely.

3. Next, start covering the outside of your cone with foil. Then crumple up extra foil and stuff it into the cone to help to retain its shape. Then staple a small piece of parchment paper to cover the opening of the cone so that the foil stays in place.

4. Now it's almost time to start. Lay a sheet over parchment paper on a baking sheet and stand your cone on it. Spray the cone down with baking spray to allow for easier release.

5. Time to start building your cornucopia! Roll the dough into stands which you will coil up the cone starting at the base and working your way to the top. The first piece I used two strands twisted together to make the rim of the opening more pronounced. Then, keep spiraling more dough up the length of the cone until your reach the top. Using a little extra dough, form a curved tail.

6. Lay your cone down on the baking sheet with the sealed edge of the rim facing down. Bake it in the oven at 400 for about twenty minutes. Then take it out and, using tongs, remove the cone from inside the cornucopia. Be very gentle! It helps if you pull out the foil stuffing from the cone first. Then return to the oven for another twenty minutes to fully cook the inside. If your cone becomes more golden or darker than the your desired color, cover it foil on the outside only.

7. Let cool slightly and then serve! I used marinara sauce and spinach artichoke dip to accompany mine. Recipe for those to come soon!

recipe source here

Dessert Anyone

One of my friends is celebrating Thanksgiving a bit early today. This is the dessert table. I was just wondering if you all were in line for dessert what would you hope would be there?? What is your favorite?? If you dont care share links and/or recipes Looking forward to all you have to share

Peanut Butter Turkey Cookies

Chocolate chips
Small and large peanut butter cookies (or vanilla wafers work if there’s a peanut allergy
Shortening
Candy Corn
Candy eyes
Black icing

Melt the chocolate by double boiling it, Add some shortening to make the chocolate smoother, Dip the cookies in the chocolate, Place the dipped cookies on a baking sheet with parchment paper, Add the smaller peanut butter cookie on the bottom of the larger cookie, Add the eyes on top of the small cookie, Add three pieces of candy corn to mimic the turkey’s feathers, Draw a beak with black icing, Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. Enjoy the chocolate dipped peanut butter turkey cookies as Thanksgiving treats. 

Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse made his first appearance November 18th 1928. This funny mouse cartoon character and the official mascot of Walt Disney Company has been around for 88 years. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Lwerks Mickey is the mouse who wears red shorts, large yellow shoes, and white gloves and has become so popular that he is one of the world's most recognizable characters. 

Mickey debuted in the short film Steamboat Willie one of the first sound cartoons. Mickey continued to star in over 130 films including titles such as Fantasia and The Band Concert. Mickey and his cartoons were nominated for 10 academy awards for best animated short film. In 1942 the short film Lend a Paw won an academy award. Mickey also was the first cartoon character to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame earning the star in 1978.

Mickey has been in the comics, short films, cartoons, and newspaper strips. The Mickey Mouse Club that ran from 1955 to 1996 is one of the most popular shows Mickey starred in. Mickey has even been featured on video games and lets not forget the Disney Parks. 

Mickey often brings along his girlfriend Minnie Mouse. Pluto his pet dog is there to welcome and travel with Mickey as well. His friends include Donald Duck, Daisy and Goofy. Not everyone loves Mickey though take a look at Pete and you can see this. 

His Grace Is Sufficient

Even when all hope seems lost and we have no idea where to turn His Graces is Sufficient and all I need. For when I find myself weak, he is strong and will carry me through. 

Turkey Hash

Left over turkey?? Well it is November the same month as Thanksgiving. This recipe will help you use up those left overs in a hurry

Turkey Craft

Paper Plate

Crayons, Markers, or Paint

Wiggly Eyes, or Punched White and Black Circles

Tiny Bit of Red & Yellow Card Stock or Craft Foam

Scissors

Ruler

Pencil

What You Do

1. With the paper plate right side up, fold the bottom edge toward the top edge less than half way – as shown.

2. Find the center of the shorter half and draw a turkey head and body shape, ending at the fold of the plate.

3. Mark the center of the plate on the fold.

4. Find the center of the plate at the top, and mark off sections for the feathers.

On one plate I used, each feather was about 3 ridges wide. On the second plate the feathers were 4 ridges wide.

I thought 3 ridges made the feathers too narrow, and too many of them. I liked the 4 ridge feathers (the marker colored feathers) better.

5. Cut out the turkey body as shown with the solid black line. Do NOT cut across the fold.

6. To color the paper plate turkey body, bend it toward the feathers. You will actually be coloring the bottom side of the plate.

Lay a piece of scrap paper between the turkey body and the feathers while the turkey body is colored – to prevent the body color from getting on the feathers.

Or fold the rest of the turkey away from the body while it is colored. If the wrong side of the turkey is accidentally colored, no harm done. Just color the other side and it will be fine.

7. Color the feathers.

8. A face can be drawn on with markers, or cut out and glued on.

You may want to set the paper plate turkey up before you add the face, to be sure you put the face on the correct side of the turkey’s head.

The crayoned turkey used Sharpies to make its face.

Resource here

Old Fashioned Giblet Dressing

1/2 cup butter

1sack giblets from one turkey

1 cupdiced celery

1/2 cupchopped onion

salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoonpoultry seasoning

8 cupsdry bread cubes

1 cupchicken broth

 

Chop giblets and cook in butter in a medium skillet over medium heat, 2 minutes. Stir in celery and onion and cook until tender, but not brown. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. Place bread crumbs in a large bowl. Toss with giblet mixture and enough broth to lightly moisten the bread. Use stuffing to stuff an 18 pound turkey, or bake separately, in a 2 quart dish, covered, 40 to 45 minutes in a 375 degree F (190 degree C) oven.

 

recipe source here

Holiday Potpourri

I simply love a house that smells good. There are many ways of getting this done from sprays to potpourri and everything in between. Today I share with you a great way to make your house smell awesome when guest stopping by during the holidays.

4 Oranges
4 Lemons
1/2 cup Whole cloves
1/2 cup Whole allspice
10 Cinnamon Sticks, broken
10 Bay leaves, crumbled
8 ounces Decorated jelly jars with bands & lids

Using a vegetable peeler, peel fruit carefully, removing only the peel, not any of the white pith. Cut or tear into one inch pieces. Spread peel on paper towel lined pan. Place in preheated oven to 175, or set oven to WARM. Dry in oven for 1 1/2 hours, tossing occasionally. Peels should be leathery and/or slightly crunchy. Spread peels on dry paper towels and let air dry for 24 hours. Combine with the cloves, allspice, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Fill jars with mixture. Place lids on and screw bands on tightly. To use: Remove lid and leave band on for decoration to fragrance a room; OR put one Tblsp into a jar and fill jar with boiling water to release fragrance.

Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments

Cinnamon Apple Sauce Cookie Ornaments will help to freshen the house up and provide the house with that lovely scent of cinnamon. 

Making these ornaments is fun and easy way to bring the entire family together. I can recall making ornaments as a young girl with my family and with my own children. Making holiday memories is something that many of us want to do. Yes the gifts, scents and fun are great but family memories are treasures that can be kept forever.

1 cup applesauce
1-1¼ cup (130 grams) ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground cloves (optional)

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the applesauce, cinnamon, and cloves (if using). It may take a few minutes for the mixture to come together. You want the dough to be able to form a ball without being too sticky. Add additional applesauce or cinnamon if needed. You can mix the dough by hand, it may just take longer. If you have time chill the dough in fridge over night. 
Sprinkle a clean surface with cinnamon (like you would with flour while rolling out pie dough). Place the dough on the surface and sprinkle with more cinnamon. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to ¼ inch thick, sprinkling with more cinnamon to keep from sticking.
Cut out into desired shapes and place on the prepared sheet pan so that they aren't touching. Use a skewer to poke a hole into each ornament (to attach string). Bake in the preheated oven for 1½ - 2 hours or until rock hard.
Loop a decorative string through the ornament and hang on your tree.

Abundant Blessings

Abundant Blessing

We thank you for the turkey,
The gravy and the dressing.
Dear Lord, this table overflows
With Thy abundant blessing.


Let us always be aware
That all gifts come from You,
And may we serve Your heavenly will
In everything we do. Amen.


By Joanna Fuch

Introducing Fancy Nancy Musical

My grand-daughter loves Fancy Nancy. I believe one of the first books of Fancy Nancy was circled around a tea party. Nancy has found herself in many different places and activities. Now she has her own musical. If the little lady in your life is like mine then she will love this CD. 

Critic from NY Metro Parents says:
"An irresistible collection of ingenious tunes by award-winning composer/lyricist Danny Abosch and lyricist Susan DiLallo." 



My Readers Get 15% Off and Free Shipping #FancyNancyTheMusical CD Use code USFAM at http://www.sh-k-boom.com/fancynancy

Portable North Pole Help Make Christmas Magical

Portable North Pole (PNP) is an online platform used by Santa and his elves to send personalized video messages and calls to those that you care the most about around the world. It is a simple process that will allow you to help Santa gather information he needs and create a tailor made video message or phone call that is positively magical. But it does not stop there....

The portable North Pole comes available in 3 main packages:

1. free (available for birthdays and Christmas videos) 
2. Video pass with unlimited premium Santa videos and Reaction recorder (keep this from season to season)
3. Magic pass with unlimited premium santa videos, reaction recorder, HD video downloads, (keep from season to season)

Pre-Season magic pass comes with a Santa approved nice list certificate 

Christmas is a magical time. With Portable North Pole you can put even more magic (if that is possible) in this years Christmas. Now you can save 20% with promo code PNP6BLG20 check it out here



SAVE 20% on your Portable North Pole Magic Pass! Go to http://bit.ly/2g1F2RT

Big Mac Copycat Recipe

If you travel to the near by university you will find many places to eat. One of the largest eating places in the student lounge is a fast food one. In fact it is not only fast food but also host a symbol that children can read way before they can read. If you say McDonalds with the golden arches then you would be right.

One of the most popular sandwiches at the fast food restaurant with the golden arches is the Big Mac. It is not a new sandwich in fact it has been around 30+ years. I can remember it coming on the scene when I was a kid. The beauty of this sandwich is that it can also be made at home. Just take a look

McDonald’s Big Mac
 Copycat Recipe

Via The Family Kitchen 

McDonald’s Big Mac Copycat Recipe

from The Family Kitchen, Babble

Yield: Makes 2 large, 1/3-pound burgers

2 uncut bakery buns (with sesame seeds for authenticity)
butter
1/2 pound ground beef
1 slice cheddar cheese or 2 thin slices (don’t bother with the American stuff, not even for authenticity)
1/4 cup shredded lettuce
1 dill pickle, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons diced onions
1/4 cup thousand island dressing or secret sauce (recipe follows)

Light the grill. Cut the bakery buns into thirds and butter the cut sides. Split the ground beef into four equal parts (1/8th pound each) and pat each portion into a thin circle, larger than the size of the bun to allow for shrinkage. Place the patties on the 400-degree grill and grill four minutes. Flip and cover with cheese slices. Grill an additional 4 minutes or to desired doneness.

Remove patties from grill and allow to rest while you lightly toast the buns. This will help them support the stacking that comes with building a Big Mac.

Build your Big Mac: bottom bun > patty covered with cheese > lettuce > thousand island dressing on bottom of the middle bun > patty (covered with cheese) > onions > pickles > more lettuce > thousand island dressing on the top bun.

Makes 2 large, 1/3-pound burgers.

 McDonald’s SECRET SAUCE “COPYCAT”

Ingredients :

• 1 cup Miracle Whip
• 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/3 cup Kraft French Dressing
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions :

• Combine all of the ingredients together mixing well. Store refrigerated for several hours to allow flavors to blend.

serve it up in a basket with fries and your family will be delighted

Thankful Turkeys

One tradition that we have at our house is a special prayer time circle. We all gather into a group and one at a time share what we are thankful for this year. Since my children were young this has been a tradition. This year building on that tradition we will add a arts and craft project. We will have each person trace their hand and form a turkey On each finger we will write what we are thankful for. Each line will be a feather of sorts. Such great fun and a way to share our blessings with all. 

shared at

Buttons and Blessings What a wonderful Day

Button Day occurs each year on November 16. I know many that collect buttons, I have used buttons before and buttons can make our lives a bit better simply by doing what they were made to do. Buttons are used to fasten and hold things together or they may simply be used as a decorative touch. Older buttons are made of metal and those made in recent years have been commonly made of plastic. Seashells have also been used to make buttons to hold fabric together. 



The national button society was founded in 1938. The group is recognized for their button collecting. Collecting buttons is a hobby that many share. Today, is the day to celebrate all button collectors both those that have collected for years and beginners as well.


Button day is also a great day to wear buttons. Buttons can be common or very diverse. Some buttons may even be political, have funny sayings or show a picture of something that makes you happy.

One great idea is to collect buttons to add to a jar. Count your buttons along with you blessings. Your jar of buttons will resemble blessings with in your life. Before you know it you will have a jar of beautiful button blessings

Cranberry Bundt Cake

Cranberry Creme Fraiche Cake

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus melted butter for greasing the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting the pan
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crème fraîche (usually one small tub)
1 1/2 c. whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds
Cranberry Glaze (recipe follows)

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the inside of a 10-cup Bundt pan with the melted butter and dust it lightly with flour (note: using melted butter is so much easier than trying to get softened butter in those Bundt crevices!).

Whisk the flour with the baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter with the sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla.

With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture (in three increments) alternately with the crème fraîche (in two increments), beginning and ending with the flour and beating after each addition until just combined.

Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Swirl half the cranberry sauce over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the cranberry sauce, and then swirl the remaining cranberry sauce over the batter. Sprinkle the almonds over the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes, then invert the cake onto the rack and let it cool completely. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. The cake will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Cranberry Glaze

1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 tablespoon cranberry juice (reserved from making the cranberry sauce)

Mix the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and cranberry juice in a small bowl until smooth (I added some orange juice to loosen it up a bit).

America Recycles Day

America Recycles
when: November 15th
Day Symbolize: set aside to remind everyone how important recycling is
When started: November 15, 1997 

Survey says..... 
7 out of 10 Americans say they recycle as much as they can If you are interested in learning what you can and can not recycle check out this list 

Clean The Fridge Out Stir Fry

One chore that is done in our house on a regular basis, normally one time a week, is cleaning out the fridge. A few suggestions to do this task are: 

• Empty each shelf.
• Completely wipe down the inside of the refrigerator.
• Wash drawers and underneath the drawers.
• Throw away all expired food.
• Throw away any moldy food.
• Get rid of anything that you do not use.
• Vacuum condenser coils.
• Vacuum out under the refrigerator.
• Restock shelves and drawers with good food.
• Enjoy your nice, clean, organized refrigerator.

One idea for supper on the night that you clean out the fridge is a stir fry: