Saturday 9 for March 28th

Today the weather is warm around 70 degrees but it does have a bit of rain in the air. We have been working hard in the yard getting rid of metal to those that can recyle it as well as getting rid of items that will no longer sale etc... Second day at may new job at 2 pm I also found time to participate in this little meme: You can join in as well simply click thru the banner below



1) Next Wednesday is April Fool's Day. Do you have any pranks planned? Do you expect to fall victim to any April Fool's Day mischief?

I most likely will both do a few pranks while unplanned as well as fall victim as I normally do

2) When she was a kid, Crazy Sam would fool her mom by putting bubble wrap under the bath map so there would be a POP! when her mother stepped on it. When you encounter bubble wrap, do you always indulge in a pop or two?

always love bubble wrap can spend hours popping those little bubbles almost a calming effect

3) While we're using this song to celebrate April Fool's Day, it was written about another subject entirely: heartbreak. The lyrics tell us that at some point, we each get our hearts broken by someone who doesn't love us as much as we love them. Do you think that's true?

yes in many cases but it can go both ways as there are some that may love us more than we love them

4) In 1962, this week's featured Connie Francis published a book aimed at teens called For Every Young Heart. It addressed topics like going steady and schoolwork vs. social life. Do you ever read advice columns or self-help books?

often like to hear others opinions while I may not follow them to a T I do believe they help me form my own opinion on things

5) Connie Francis can play the accordion. Sam has never met anyone adept at this complicated instrument -- not even in her high school band. What about you? Do you play the accordion, or do you know anyone who can?

I can play just a bit learned as a girl but not talented

6) In 1960, when this record was popular, Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird was published. Have you read it?

Yes I have truly do like it

7) Also in 1960, one of Life magazine's best-selling issues had Sophia Loren on the cover. At that time, she was an international film star and considered one of the world's most beautiful women. Who do you consider one of 2020's most beautiful women?

the wrestler Micki James

8) A 1960 issue of Vogue acknowledged how expensive it had become to maintain a fashionable wardrobe and asked, "If you were to buy only one thing, what would it be?" If it's good enough for Vogue, it's good enough for Saturday 9: If you could purchase only one new article of clothing for spring 2020, what would you buy?

I would buy a pair of leggings that would go nicely under a beautiful short dress

9) Random question: When someone makes you really angry, are you more likely to respond with stony silence or a big noise?

Depends on how mad they make me defiantly a stony look but maybe some squawking as well

Salsa Chicken Nachos

2 lbs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
2 cups Salsa, plus more for topping (your favorite)
Tortilla Chips
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese
1 (15 oz.) can Corn, drained
1 (15 oz.) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
Chopped Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
Fresh Tomatoes, diced
Sour Cream
Fresh Cilantro
Cumin
Chili Powder

Start off by making the Salsa Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) and 2 cups of salsa into a crock pot set to low. Allow it to cook for about 6 hours. (If you're in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3 hours.) Shred the chicken and return it to the pot. Stir everything together and keep the crock pot on low until you are ready to assemble your nachos. (If it looks a little runny, keep the lid off during this last bit of cooking.)

Preheat a toaster oven to 450 degrees. Heat the corn and black beans in separate bowls in the microwave for 60 seconds each.

Assemble the Nachos: On an oven safe plate, arrange a bed of tortilla chips. Top with a layer of shredded cheese. Then add a little bit of the salsa chicken, black beans, corn, and chopped jalapenos. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top, and place it in the toaster oven for 5 - 10 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely melted.

Remove the nachos from the oven and top with a few diced tomatoes, some sour cream, salsa, and cilantro. Then sprinkle on a little bit of cumin and chili powder.

Makes 4 - 6 plates of nachos.

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Oatmeal Cookie topped Brownies

Oatmeal Cookie-Topped Brownies
Adapted from Quaker

1 stick butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
1/4 granulated sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. salt
1 ¼ cup old fashioned oats

Prepare brownie batter as directed. Spread batter in a greased 9x13-inch pan.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat until blended. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, salt and oats. Add oat mixture to wet mixture, and beat until blended.
Use a spoon to place dollops of  cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. It's okay if it doesn't cover all of the brownie batter; the cookie dough will spread.
Bake the brownies at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. (I baked mine an extra 5 minutes to make sure they were really done.)

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Strawberry Sodapop cake

1 - 18 oz package Strawberry Cake mix (any brand)
1 1/3 - cups Strawberry Soda
(strawberry soda is substituted for the amount of water on the cake mix)
2 - 3 Eggs (if you want it lighter and fluffier use three eggs)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 - 8 oz tubs Plain or Strawberry Flavored Cool Whip
1 – 2 lbs Fresh Strawberries (Sliced)

Add cake mix to a large mixing bowl. Add egg, oil and strawberry soda. Beat until smooth. Pour into two round cake pans that have been greased and floured. Bake as directed on cake mix or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. When cake is done remove from oven and cool in pans for 15 minutes.
Then remove to a wire rack and completely cool. Frost first layer with cool whip and arrange sliced strawberries on top. Add the second cake layer and frost top and sides with more cool whip and top with more sliced strawberries. Save one whole strawberry for the middle of the cake. Gently slice and fan the whole strawberry, Place on top in the middle of the cake.

Notes: Measurements vary depending on what brand of cake mix you use. Follow the directions on the back of the box substituting strawberry soda for the amount of water listed. Also add the amount of eggs and oil stated on the mix, I use Duncan Hines.
Also if you want you can make a strawberry cool whip frosting in place of regular or strawberry cool whip. Follow the directions below; this is optional if you are watching your weight just frost the cake with Light Cool Whip.

Strawberry Cool Whip Frosting (optional)
1 - 4 ounce box instant strawberry pudding mix, dry
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup milk
8 ounces Regular Cool Whip

Add pudding mix, powdered sugar and milk to a mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until blended. Let mixture stand 3 minutes. Fold in defrosted Cool Whip and frost cake. Refrigerate frosted cake

recipe source here

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Caramelized Onion Dip

                    Caramelized Onion dip

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium onios, thinly sliced
kosher salt and black pepper
1 8-ounce bar cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
thick-cut potato and vegetable chips, for serving

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and ½ teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. In a medium bowl, mix together the onions, cream cheese, sour cream, chives, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Serve with the chips.

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Have You Ever Heard of Pink Eyed Peas?? Try them in this great soup recipe

Now you may be familiar with black eyed peas but have you ever heard of pink eyed peas?? Before I wrote this post they were something I was unfamiliar with as well. When I saw the recipe called for either black eyed or pink eyed peas I knew I had to find out more.

Growing pretty much like the peas and beans that are common in the garden pink eyed peas hulls start out green and then turn into a purplish shade. 

Preparing pink eyed peas can be as easy as substituting in your favorite recipe or there are several other ways to enjoy them as well. Today I shared this soup recipe perfect as I said for black eyed or pink eyed peas. 

2 1/2 pounds fresh black-eyed or pink-eyed peas, shelled (3 cups)*
3 cups water
2 large beef bouillon cubes
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 (16-ounce) package kielbasa, sliced, browned, and drained (optional)

Bring first 4 ingredients and, if desired, sausage to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer 40 minutes or until tender. Serve with Sweet Onion Relish.

*1 (16-ounce) package frozen black-eyed peas may be substituted. Reduce cooking time to 30 minutes or until tender.

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Potluck Potato Salad #Recipe

                                        Potluck Potato Salad 

2 pounds of red potatoes, scrubbed clean
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 c diced red onion
1/2 c diced dill pickle
1/2 c diced celery (optional)
1/2 c mayonnaise
1 T brown mustard
1 T apple cider vinegar
1 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Scrub potatoes clean but keep the peels on. Cover with 2-3 inches of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Cover and cook at a rolling boil for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. While the potatoes are boiling, chop the eggs, onions, and pickles and place in a large mixing bowl. In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, dill, salt, and pepper. Keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to mix the salad. Drain and cool the potatoes until they can be comfortably handled with bare hands. Cut the potatoes into cubes, discarding any large strips of skin that come off easily. Add the potatoes and dressing to the large mixing bowl with the other ingredients and mix well. Chill the salad for 2-3 hours or until you are ready to serve. 

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Pepperoni Bread

1 loaf frozen bread dough
1 stick pepperoni, peeled and sliced thinly
4 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 egg
1 teaspoon parsley
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt,1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz. mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sesame seeds

Thaw bread dough according to package directions.
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
Spray cooking oil on a cookie sheet.
Spread dough out almost to the edges of the cookie sheet.
Mix together the egg and all seasonings (not sesame seeds)
Spread 1/2 of this mixture on the bread dough.
Place a two row layer of pepperoni down the center of the bread dough.
Add sliced mushrooms(optional).
Add mozzarella cheese.
Pull up the sides of the bread, and crimp or pinch together.
Turn crimped side over so it is on the bottom. Do this carefully, as the crimping can open up.
Spread remaining egg mixture on top of the  dough.
Generously sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

Serving bread hot is best. Pepperoni bread is also good cold.


recipe source here

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My answers are here what would yours be?? Saturday 9

1) Beethoven is one of classical music's best known composers. Do you often listen to classical music?

I do, I learned to enjoy it during high-school band days. 

2) Though a musical genius, Beethoven never learned to multiply or divide. When faced with a simple arithmetic problem, do you do it in your head? Or do you rely on the calculator in your phone or on your computer?

I am very good at math. I never knew this about Beethoven though very interesting. I really do not care for calculators as I think they simply take up time. 
3) Beethoven bathed often, which was considered "quirky" for a man of his time. (Understandable, since you had the heat the water, haul it to the tub, and then empty the tub bucket by bucket when you were done.) Do you bathe in the morning or in the evening?

I do not have a set time as I have an odd daily schedule all I know is that I stay clean. I would have been more inclined to have been around Beethoven than to be around someone who did not bathe, even though I know this was common in the past. 
4) Adam Fischer conducts the Danish Chamber Orchestra for this 5-disc set. He began his musical career young, when he sang in the children's choir of Budapest's National Opera House. Have you ever sung in a choir or chorus?

Yes most of my life I was in a choir or in chorus class I always have enjoyed music.  
5) Mr. Fischer was awarded the Gold Medal of Arts from the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Tell us about a prize or award you have received. (Yes, that ribbon you earned for penmanship in second grade counts.)

I have received many awards in band and for my singing abilities. Many do not know this as it is something I only do for fun now. I have also received awards in literacy, 4H and other organizations. 

6) The Danish Chamber Orchestra is beloved in Demark. When, in 2014, the Danish Broadcasting Company announced it would no longer fund the Orchestra, citizens began a crowdfunding campaign and raised more than $1,000,000 to keep the music playing. Have you ever contributed to a crowdfunding platform, like GoFundMe, Kickstarter or FundRazr?

While I have donated to campaigns and I do often no I have not donated to any of these listed 
7) The Orchestra's "home" is the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen. Where were you when you last heard music played live?

I would have to say church 

8) In 2019, when this boxed set was released, China became the first nation to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon. Are you fascinated by stories about space?

My husband is truly more fascinated than I am about these matters. 
9) Random question: Tell us about your week. These are extraordinary times, and it might feel good to share.

Its been a lot different than normal in many ways. I have been out of work but return tonight, it was not due to the virus but a surgery I had for other reasons. A lot less traffic around our house as well as shopping was incredibly different. 

how would you answer these questions?? I would love you to share your answers in comments. 

March is Celery Month

Have you heard?? March is celery month. There are many ways that I like to dine on celery. A few of my favorites include:

• Dipping                                                                                                               
     

Here is a great way perfect dipping not only celery but other great raw veggies as well.

3/4 cup sour cream
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (opt.)
Fresh chives, garnish
Veggies for dipping

Stir together all ingredients well in a bowl. Serve with veggies or chips.
Store dip in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days.

• stuffed                                                                                        whether it be for the holiday dinner or the big game stuffed celery is another great way to enjoy the chewey veggie. 

One easy stuffing recipe starts with soft cream cheese mixed with an Italian dressing mix, mayo, and mozzarella cheese. Use this mix to stuff celery stalks using a spoon or knife. If you choose top with chopped pecans. 

Other recipes that use celery include

• hamburger soup
• shepherds pie
• raw apple salad 
• Hawaiian chicken salad
• barbq dry rub

Enjoy!!!

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Noodle Month Celebrate with a Recipe

• Noodle month occurs in March each and every year. Noodles have been said to be the cure to a cold, winter time blues or a broken heart. With all that is happening at this time in the world perhaps noodles are just what the world need.
• A bit of history
• Noodles are thought to first be made during the 13th century. During that time bakers would mold dough into symbolic shapes such as birds, stars and words.Today a mandate has been passed down by law that to be considered a noodle it must have 5.5% egg solids. Meanwhile, many other dry pasta shapes contain no eggs. 
• Perhaps it is no wonder that Noodle Month is observed during March. Noodle consumption will increase each year during the colder winter months at least by 1/5 of what is normally enjoyed. Likewise, Lenten season often sees many enjoying noodles while they abstain from meatless meals

SALAD:
 1 packages linguine noodles, cooked, rinsed, and cooled
 1/2 to 1 head sliced Napa cabbage
 1/2 to 1 head sliced purple cabbage
 1/2 to 1 bag baby spinach
 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
 1 orange bell pepper, sliced thin (if available)
 1 small bag bean sprouts (I left these out)
 3 sliced scallions
 3 peeled, sliced cucumbers
 LOTS of chopped cilantro—up to one bunch
 1 can whole cashews, lightly toasted in skillet (I also left these out b/c I forgot them at the store but they would be wonderful in the salad)
DRESSING:
 Juice of 1 lime
 8 tablespoons olive oil
 2 tablespoons sesame oil
 6 tablespoons soy sauce
 1/3 cup brown sugar
 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, chopped
 2 cloves chopped garlic
 2 hot peppers or jalapenos, chopped
 More chopped cilantro - lots

Mix together salad ingredients in large bowl. Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad. Mix with tongs or hands and serve on platter.

Have a cold, a broken heart or the wintertime blues? Noodles are the ultimate cure-all!

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Roasted Veggie Soup

Spring in Southern Illinois means the weather ranges from freezing, raining to the sun shining and enjoying a warm day. The truth is that with the unpredictable weather combined with the corona virus currently ongoing this recipe for a good nutritious warm soup may be what we all need. 

3 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
2 carrots, thickly sliced
1 parsnip, thickly sliced
1 large stalk celery, thickly sliced
½ small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
½ small fennel bulb, trimmed and cubed
10 whole fresh sage leaves
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
5-7 cups vegetable broth (use gluten-free broth if you are gluten-sensitive)
Chopped flat leaf parsley, for garnish
Toasted pine nuts, for garnish
Aged balsamic vinegar, for garnish

Place the garlic, vegetables, sage and olive oil in a large roasting pan and stir to mix.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast at 400 degrees for 35 minutes, turning once.  Puree with stock in a food processor or blender. (The amount of stock you need depends on the amount of vegetables you end up with, so start with 5 cups and add more until you get the thickness you want.)  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Reheat and serve, garnishing with pine nuts, parsley and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

Note: Feel free to vary the vegetables here – for instance, you could use celery root, turnips and cauliflower in place of the celery, fennel and sweet potato. If you want to spice things up, sauté 2 tsp. minced fresh ginger in 2 tsp. olive oil over low heat for two minutes, adding 1 tsp. each of ground cumin and coriander, plus a pinch of cayenne during the last minute. Add this mixture to the food processor when you are pureeing the soup.

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