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Friday, May 29, 2020

Cleaning Tip :: Using Lemon to clean Cutting Boards



Wooden Cutting Boards
Cut a lemon lime or grapefruit in 1/2 and dip into a small dish of salt. The salt will actually use as the scrub in this cleaner. Lightly rub fruit over the cutting board, squeezing the fruit to release juices as you scrub. Rinse completely when done.
Plastic or Glass Cutting Board
Mix together 1/4 c lemon juice and 2 cups of water let cutting board soak in the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse completely

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Old Fashioned Pickle and Onion #recipe



1 – 2 large cucumbers, or 3 medium
1 yellow onion
white vinegar
Peel and cut the cucumbers into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices
Slice the onion into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rings
Place the onions and cucumbers into a dish and pour enough white vinegar in to cover the cucumbers and onions.
Cover and leave in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. (these can last up to a week in the refrigerator, but they won’t be around long enough to test that theory)
Remove and serve the cucumber slices as a snack, a side dish or just something to grab on a hot day
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Why Can't We All Just Get Along


If we could all just get along.... 

World peace is something that everyone on this planet known as Earth truly could use. Each of us have our own little space here and most of us call it home. But our home can go outside the walls of our house and extend so that we get to call the entire Earth our home. Just take a look into history and recall individuals living in caves, along the rivers, in forests and all of them lived in harmony or nearly harmony with nature. However... it has also been said that War has been around as long as men and disagreements have been. 



Would it not be nice if the courageous soldiers who protect us would be able to live a safer happier life and spend more time with their own family?? Peace on Earth would do just that. Peace on Earth would allow those that lived in War affected areas to live in peace and have healthier lives. Just imagine for a moment if the money that is spent on arming individuals for battle could be saved to use on things that would better the world. Perhaps world peace is what we need to make the world a better place... now why did someone not think of that before. 

Some one did think about this and created the United Nations Peacekeepers. These peacekeepers help countries through the harshness of moving from conflict to peace. Each member of the Peacekeeping team brings their own unique talents, strengths and ability to deploy troops and police from around the world. 



Prayers for these peacekeepers who help to keep our earth peaceful. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Mathew 5:9

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Thursday, May 28, 2020

Start a Compost Waste To Help Your Plants


You most likely may have heard about composting but many may not have started composting their selves. This may be easier if you have a green thumb and like to offer your plants the best. Composting helps to enrich the soil in your garden thus making it fertile and helping your plants. Don't worry if you are a plant lover then there is still time to start composting. 



What do you need???

well this is really rather simple. Most of us have scraps left over after preparing veggies to cook, leaves left from the fall, coffee grounds and the list goes on. 

a place to start your compost whether it is purchased or you simply choose a container laying around the home. Make sure it is large enough to stir around

A place to keep your compost waste. It most likely will have a odor as it is rotting. It needs to be a place where animals can not get to. It needs to be able to be kept in a place that the breeze can help keep it aerated. Water is also important as it should stay moist


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picture and more information can be found at University California Cooperation Extension

Apple Pie Filling Cupcakes







For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 6 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 cup salted butter, slightly softened - 2 sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling:
  1. In a large bowl, squirt about a Tablespoon of lemon juice on diced, peeled apples. Toss to coat.
  2. In a heavy saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk over medium high heat until mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and darkens to a very thick gravy-like consistency. Add apples and cover.
  4. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for about 20 minutes or until apples have reached desired tenderness. Remove from heat and let cool.
For the Cupcakes:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla.
  4. With the mixer on medium low, add flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour mixture and scraping the bowl as needed. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until center of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To Assemble Cupcakes:
  1. Using a small knife, cut the center out of each cupcake and fill to overflowing with apple filling. Right before serving, prepare and top with cinnamon whipped cream.
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
  1. In a chilled metal mixing bowl, whip cold cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon on high speed with your mixer whisk attachment until stiff. Spoon or pipe onto cupcakes

recipe source here

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Broccoli Salad and a few fun facts as well



What do you know about broccoli?? Here are some facts you may not have known 
  • Broccoli originated in Italy as a form of wild cabbage and has been around since the b.c's 
  • In the 1700's broccoli started to arrive in England and was known as "Italian aspargus" 
  • Thomas Jefferson imported broccoli seeds from Italy and planted them at his home in Monticello in the spring of 1767.
  • George H.W. Bush did not like broccoli and broccoli became part of a punch line in many of his speeches. Broccoli growers were not deterred and sent 10 tons of broccoli to the White House.
  • President Obama found broccoli to be one of his favorite foods 
  • The United States ranks #3 in producing broccoli. In the U.S. most broccoli producers are located in California
  • Tom "Broccoli" Landers holds the title for eating the most broccoli. 



Broccoli Salad
adapted from a recipe by Paula Deen

1 head broccoli
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup raisins
½ cup of shredded carrots
¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
½ cup Follow Your Heart Cheddar, cut into very small chunks
1 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup raw cane sugar
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the onion, raisins, carrots, sunflower seeds and vegan cheddar. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently. Season with freshly ground pepper and salt.

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Monday, May 25, 2020

Happy Home Maker Monday

The weather in these parts has been quite a bit of rain and some bad storms as well. Tonight even while we were grilling out the sky got black, the wind started blowing and while no real rain came I am sure some where close by was getting a storm. 


As far as how I am feeling I would say extra tired. I think the amount of work they give me at my job would wear anyone out but I am starting to get older and it is becoming a bit overwhelming. 

On my mind... 
  1.  at work everyone in the health care field will soon be tested. I am not sure what to expect as many stories are floating around about the test for covid 19. 
  2. glad to see many places are getting ready to open seems like the world may get a bit closer to the way it was soon
  3. road trip to my home town is coming up I am both excited and nervous

Breakfast:
nothing extreme just a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal. Sometimes I like go a bit easy

On my T.V.
been watching a lot of the game show station especially since I found out the other day we had it.

Menu this week:
Monday we grilled out and will have leftovers for lunches this week
Tuesday beef stew and biscuits
Wednesday daughter is cooking 
Thursday chili, crackers and PB sandwiches
Friday --- pay day / shopping busy day 
Saturday - Sunday our of town will eat on road



Part of the family ... me and hubby with daughter and her family

Around the house
so much to do have many items sold that I will deliver this weekend. My house is always busy with many things that need to be done

Relaxation time
road trip with the family will have lots of fun 

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Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May each year. It was created to celebrate the lives lost from the armed forces. Those individuals who gave their life to protect the freedom and liberties that America enjoys. To them I say "Thank - You"





Memorial day normally sees large crowds, gatherings and food. This year, 2020 and the covid 19 quarantine things are not the same. While many are still looking to have a bit of fun the dangers during this unknown time are preventing the large gatherings. However, you and your family can prepare a meal and tell the young members of the family about those that served in the many wars. 

 
This year Memorial day occurs on May 25th... the same day as the national holiday known as brown bag it. So why not?? Me and my family have had the opportunity to head out and about and have a few different picnics. Yes we stay 6 feet apart from others and yes we still enjoy our selves. So why not make up a brown bag and have a bit of fun this Memorial Day 2020. 

Why not make your favorite sandwich and serve up with these tasty chips


  • 2 1/2 c. vegetable oil
  • 1 lb. russet potatoes
  • 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • Sea Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
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  1. In a medium saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, heat oil to 325 degrees F. Using a mandoline,* slice potatoes widthwise into paper-thin slices.
  2. In batches, fry potatoes in heated oil, 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to overcrowd pan. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. While still hot, sprinkle each batch with rosemary and salt and pepper to taste.


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Sunday, May 24, 2020

South Carolina Information + recipe

The state of South Carolina was settled by the English and the eighth state to ratify the U.S. constitution in 1788. With its economy coming largely from agriculture because of the states fertile soil the issue became one of having enough man power. Thus opening the door for slave trade from Africa



Cheap labor would help maximize the profit the large plantation owners would receive. Just shy of 100 years after ratifying the constitution the state would secede from the union in 1861. South Carolina would be the place that shots from the civil war would ring out. However the darkness of the states history the beauty still rang out.

Myrtle Beach South Carolina is one place that was developed as a destination to relax and soak up the sun. Natives of South Carolina include Chubby Checker, Dizzy Gillespie, Boxer Joe Frazier, and politician Jesse Jackson. Along with the great music, history and wonderful beaches the food from South Carolina is amazing. Just take a look at the recipe I shared 




  • 12 Large Red New Potatoes, washed and quartered (or halved, depending on the size, or the equivalent if using smaller potatoes)
  • 6 Smoked Sausage Links – approx. 4-inch links, cut into a little larger than bite-size pieces
  • 6 Ears Fresh Corn, each broken in half
  • 3 Pounds Fresh Jumbo Shrimp, unpeeled (plus any other seafood you like)
  1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all of the ingredients when full.
  2. Add the Crab Boil, or other seasoning, and bring to a boil.
  3. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. When the water boils, add your potatoes and sausage.
  5. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
  6. Add corn and continue to cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Add shrimp and cook for no longer than 3 minutes.
  8. Drain, and serve, spread out on your craft paper or newspaper, with warm French bread, or the bread of your choice.

Dig in! Have lots of paper towels on hand. Nobody needs to be dainty chowing down on this feast!


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Lily Of The Valley

He's the lily of the valley He's the bright and morning star
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul


The old words to a song that means the world to my soul. I can recall singing it in those old country churches I would visit with my parents and grand-parents. But while that lily of the valley soothes my soul the plant lily of the valley is highly poisonous woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell shaped white flowers that appear in the spring. 




The Lily of the Valley has been adored by many around the world. Perfumes featuring the scent have been created. One such was made by the French firm Dior in 1956. Christian Dior's favorite flower was the lily of the valley and Diorissimo was designed to celebrate this fact. 




The flower lily of the valley have been large parts of ceremonies including weddings. The bridal bouquet of Catherine Middleton the bride of Prince William featured the Lily of the valley. 


Many days including Labour day in France and Flora Day in the United Kingdom pay tribute to the flower as well. In the Yugoslavia and Finland the Lily of the valley was the national flower 




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Bacon Wrapped Asparagus




  • 20 crisp, fresh spears asparagus, rinsed and pat dried
  • 20 thin sliced nitrate free bacon strips
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees f. and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Take each asparagus spear and snap off the very bottom of the woody ends.

Next, take one bacon strip and wrap it around the asparagus Place your wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining asparagus and bacon leaving space between each so that they can crisp up.

Roast in your preheated oven for 15 – 18 minutes, or until bacon is crispy to your liking. OR, to grill, place bundles on your hot grill and cover. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus bundles are tender, turning once.



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