1 teaspoon onion powder (or 1/2 an onion diced and cooked)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 -10 dashes of hot sauce
1/4 cup whole milk or cream
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 pounds frozen tater tots
Preheat oven to 350F. In a 9x13 baking dish, whisk together the eggs, pepper, onion powder (if using), garlic powder and hot sauce. Stir in whole milk or cream. Whisk well so that there are no lumps of seasoning. Whisk in half of bacon and half of cheese. Whisk in cooked onions now if using onions instead of onion powder. Pour in tater tots. Arrange tater tots in a semi single layer. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from oven and top with the rest of cheese and bacon. Bake for 5-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and tater tots are hot!
Most know that dogs love bones to chew on, eat and enjoy. All to often store bought dog bones may contain harmful chemicals, and other artificial ingredients that are often found in pet treat products.
These artificial products may lead to skin issues, problem with your dogs joints, obesity issues or other health issues. However, you can make your own homemade dog bones easily that your dog will love.
1 lb ground beef 2 eggs 1 cup rolled oats 3 cups whole wheat or all-purpose flour 1 cup of water
You'll start with a pound of ground beef/hamburger. When you find ground beef on sale, make a note to buy some extra for treat-making. To give the dough a more even consistency with beef throughout, I suggest blending your ground beef with two large eggs in a food processor or blender. A full-sized food processor makes it easy to do all at once. Process until the beef and eggs are a smooth, paste-like consistency, stopping often to scrape the sides down into the bowl
Mix until well combined. You can use your dough hook if you'd like.
This will be a very heavy and thick dough, and although you can mix it by hand, a mixer makes it a lot easier!
Remove your dough from the bowl onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead the dough, incorporating just enough flour as you go along to make it smooth and not quite so sticky—about 2 minutes and perhaps a shy 1/4 cup of flour usually works well. Knead by pushing down and away with the heel of your hand, folding over and turning your dough, then repeating.
Once your dough is smooth, form it into a ball and cut it in half. Roll one half of the dough out to 1/4–1/2 inch thick layer on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin. Use your cutters to cut your shapes. or simply cut in square shapes Because the beef is fibrous, they will not cut as cleanly as a typical "cookie" dough. To make them tidy, just push any bits extending out of your cutter in before placing them onto your lightly greased baking sheet. Re-roll the scraps until you've used up all the dough.
You can place your treats fairly close together on the sheet. They will shrink in size a bit as they bake and dry out in the oven. Bake at 325°F for one hour, then place on cooling racks until completely cool.
These store best in a non-airtight container—a traditional cookie jar works best. But you can also store them in a jar with the lid not screwed down tight, or even a paper bag. They will keep for two to three weeks, although they never last that long around here because our pup loves them so much!
It is national pancake week and the pancakes I share with you today are perfect for St. Pats breakfast as well.
Mint Chocolate Chip Pancakes
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoon oil
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup chocolate chip
chocolate sprinkles
green food coloring
In mixer combine flour, baking powder and sugar. Whisk together milk, water, eggs, oil and peppermint extract in small bowl. Add milk mixture to flour and on low speed mix well. Mix in green food coloring, adding drops till you have reached your desired shade of green. Stir in chocolate chips and sprinkles. Cook on griddle or in non stick pan till bubbles form and break. Then flip and cook for 2 minutes more or until brown. ENJOY with your favorite maple syrup!
God our heavenly father created every creature here on earth. God provides for you and me each and every day. We can testify to that God also takes care of every little creature like the birds. God also created mankind to care about others. We can help take care of the birds this winter here is an easy way to ensure they have food
1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup flour 2 cups cornmeal
Combine all ingredients until well-mixed. I used my hands. Feel free to add some sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruits, anything your birds might like! There are many ways to serve this treat! We have a board attached to a pole, but you can also smear it right onto the tops of your bird feeders, or even onto the branches of a tree or bush. Or, add chunks of it to a tray feeder. The options are endless
My dad loved his sweets. I can recall him at family reunions. He would get a large plate of food and and an equally large plate of sweets. If any thing in particular stood out I would say it would be cherry pie. In honor of my dad I share with you a recipe Cherry Pie Muffins
TOPPING
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups tart cherries, pitted
MUFFINS
1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup pitted, chopped tart cherries
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a muffin tin, or line with paper liners. For the topping: combine the flour, sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined and little clusters form. Set aside. For the muffins: in the bowl of a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture and the milk to the mixer bowl in two alternating additions each, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. In the bowl from the flour mixture, mix together the cream cheese and chopped cherries. Portion half of the batter into the prepared muffin tin cups. Scoop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture into each cup. Top with remaining batter. Place cherries on top of the batter (4-5 cherries per cup). Carefully sprinkle the prepared topping over the cherries. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the muffins are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean (try to avoid testing through the cream cheese centers!).
First, cook the gluten-free pasta (or the pasta of your choice) in accordance with the directions listed on the box. Drained. Combine eggs and milk together and set aside. Add the pasta sauce, cheese, eggs mixture, salt and pepper, and all the other ingredients. Toss everything together, then transferred to the baking dish. Topped with more cheese, turkey pepperoni, and more cheese, bake for 25 minutes on 350 degrees. Let cool, serve warm.
The 18th Amendment abolished the sale or manufacture of alcohol in the United States. This amendment was later repealed (taken back/erased).
On December 18th , 1917 the prohibition of alcohol in the United States was proposed. The proposed bill became a new amendment on January 16, 1919 However, it would be repealed by the 21st amendment on December 5, 1933.
Why was the 18th amendment created:
The need for the 18th amendment came from decades of trying to create a temperance movement. It was believed if a ban was put on the sale of alcohol the issue of poverty and other societal issues would go away. The amendment made the acts of production, transport and slae of any intoxicating liquors illegal. What many did not know is that it did not outlaw the consumption of alcohol.
Following the passing of the amendment the government set out to declare all wine, beer and other alcoholic specialties illegal. Enforcing the law and new amendment would prove to be very hard to do. Individuals would begin to make money by those that desired these alcoholic beverages. Bootlegging or rum running as well as speakeasies became very popular social sites. The popular opinion was turning against prohibition and in 1932 presidential candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt ran on the step to repeal the 18th Amendment Eventually in 1933 the amendment was repealed. .
So the weatherman says we need to prepare for a winter storm... The stores go crazy everyone trying to buy the needed items. ... How much will we get?? ?How many days will kids be out of school??
After the snow starts to fall we all know there is nothing else we can do so we might as well enjoy it. In fact it does look a bit beautiful. In our family it does not take long before they are gazing out the windows and ready to go play.
While it was not warm enough for the youngest one to go out we did bring her some in to share the experience of her first snow.
So after that it was time for a sweet treat... a bit of snow ice cream.
1 cup milk (any kind)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
8 cups clean snow or shaved ice (more or less, depending on the density of the snow)
optional topping: sprinkles!
In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined. Go scoop up some fresh (clean!) snow, and immediately stir it into the milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency. (The ice cream should be fluffy, not runny. But it melts quickly, so dive in quickly.)
Top with sprinkles or other ice cream toppings if desired, and enjoy!
I was blessed with a vast amount of heritage from my ancestors. They lived life and they loved it. One area is from my dads mom my grandmother. The Crawdocks were from Germany. In honor of her I am sharing this delicious sausage and sauerkraut dish that her family would have loved.
1 large onion, quartered and sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon vinegar
4 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 pounds cold pack sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
2 pounds smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, knackwurst, or chicken apple sausage)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, or to taste, optional
1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 tsp. light brown sugar
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
Freshly chopped parsley leaves, for serving
in a large heavy-bottomed skillet, cook bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
Add onion to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add cabbage and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is just tender, about 5 minutes.
Return bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook 1 minute to heat through. Top with parsley and serve hot.
These beautiful little cupcakes are perfect for Valentines Day. Whether your special valentine is your spouse, a special nother or your children any of them should love this special treat. My daddy was a cherry lover and if he were still here I would most definitely make these for him .With bits of cherry throughout the delicious cupcake these beauty's would be a hit for sure.
1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix 3 eggs ⅓ cup vegetable oil ¾ cup milk ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup cherry juice (from Maraschino cherry jar) 2 teaspoons almond extract 1 cup Maraschino cherries, roughly chopped
Frosting 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 (16 ounce) box powdered/confectioners sugar 1½ teaspoons almond extract ¼ cup heavy whipping cream plus more if needed 24 cherries with stems, for garnish heart sprinkles, for garnish
Cupcakes Preheat oven to 325°.
Prepare muffin tins with paper liners.
Rough-chop cherries, and set aside.
Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, cherry juice and almond extract in a large bowl and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer for two minutes. Fold in chopped cherries.
Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full with batter.
Bake 17-20 minutes or until a cake-tester comes out clean.
Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Frosting
In a bowl beat butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar and whipping cream, and beat until just combined.
Add almond extract and beat until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. If frosting is to dry add a little more whipping creamy and beat another minute or so.
Frost and top with a cherry and heart sprinkles. I used a pipping tip and ziplock bag for frosting my cupcakes.
During Black History Month occuring each February I thought we might take a look at someone that has not gained as much popularity. To start with one must understand that the Confederacy was fighting for much more than slavery. Thus when we talk about African American former slaves stood up for the confederacy and became heros are often dismissed
One such hero was the name of Levi Miller. Captain John J. MacBride Texas Infantry Regiment brought along a camp slave by the name of Miller. When doing research one can find his name on muster sheets that included names of cooks, servants and musicians. Before long... Levi Miller had raised to the rank of private and later it was said that he had raised to the role because of his loyalty to his master and his conduct during his time in camp.
Like other slaves he gained his freedom during the result of the Union Victory and emancipation proclamation.
Creamy Chicken with Biscuits (from March 2011 Real Simple)
4 carrots, cut into 1-in. lengths 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 small onion, chopped 1/4 c. flour 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs Salt and pepper 1/2 c. dry white wine 1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth 6 biscuits, store-bought or drop 1 c. frozen peas 1/2 c. heavy cream 1. In a 4-6 quart crock pot, toss together the carrots, celery, onion and flour. Place chicken on top and season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Add wine and broth. 2. Cover and cook until chicken and veggies are tender, about 2 1/2 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. 3. Ten minutes before serving, add peas, cream and 1/2 tsp. salt to chicken mixture. Cover and cook until heather through, 5-10 minutes more. 4. Serve spooned over split biscuits,
Biscuits 2 c. flour 1/2 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 c. whole milk 1. Heat oven to 400. In a food processor (or with your hands if you don't mind getting messy), combine the flour, butter, baking powder and salt; pulse until pea-sized clumps form. Add milk and pulse until just moistened. 2. Drop 6 larges mounds of dough onto baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes.
2 tsp peppermint extract May use more or less to your taste
2 lbs powdered sugar plus additional for rolling
Food coloring gels in assorted colors
Using a food processor or using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese, butter and peppermint extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed just until it comes together.
Dust a non-stick surface with additional powdered sugar. Divide evenly in 4 even pieces. Add a few drops of desired food coloring into the mint mixture.
Roll each color into a 20-inch rope. Cut into even 20 even pieces. Dust with additional powered sugar between batches to prevent sticking.
Roll each cut piece into a ball. Press the center with the tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar.
Leave on a wax paper lined baking sheet for 2 hours or until dry.
Have you ever heard the saying "dont cry over spilled milk" The message it offers is one that should help us all. Don't worry about the things that we can not change. The line was first saw in 1659 as a proverb offered by James Howell. The original saying was "No weeping for shed milk" Over time the saying has changed but the meaning remain that there is no changing what has been done and crying over it serves no purpose.
None of us can add any time to our life and perhaps we could shorten our lives by worrying about what is going to happen. It is better to be prepared by organizing for the day, observing others and places so we know what to expect, and planning whenever possible.
Life happens quickly and sometimes it is not always what we expect. Things can come up, people may need your attention, family may have an emergency, individuals put demands on you, driving to work may not be the best ride of your life, they may mess up your order or there are a number things that may happen to throw your day off. But if you are in the mindset to expect the unexpected while you may be a bit shaken it will be better. Simply pick yourself up and move on with your day
If your day or for that matter your life throws you a curve ball be ready. Have a backup plan or an idea of what you will do. Life is for making memories not for crying over spilled milk. Not everything may go as perfectly planned but dont let yourself get down. If whatever it is that happens does not destroy you then it is only spilled milk and spilled milk can be taken care of easily so no need to fret.
This week we were able to find a great sale on roast. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare the roast. The tasty recipe is one that makes it great for weeknight or weekend meal. Enjoy
3-4lb chuck roast
1 stick of unsalted butter
1 packet of au jus gravy powder
1 packet of ranch powder
10+ whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup pepperoncini juice
In a crock pot, add all ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
Once done, remove meat from crock pot and discard the fat. Shred the meat using a couple of forks or leave the meat in large chunks.
Here in southern Illinois as well as other parts of the state are experiencing what is to be an "ice storm"/ Thankfully there was enough time to prepare for the storm so that we have water, food and etc.. and are ready as much as we can be. Ice storms have the potential to be dangerous and even deadly. Ice storms have lasted for days before Thus being prepared for the storm is the best way to protect ones self.
Cause behind an Ice Storm:
Ice forms when freezing rain accumalates on the ground and other hard surfaces. Air that is warmer than the freezing mark above the ground moves over below freezing air near the ground. Snow begins to fall in the warm area and melts into rain. Following that the rain droplets before landing these raindrops freeze upon reaching the ground creating a sheet of glass.
Definition and picture from weather.com
Here are some tips to keep you safe during an ice storm:
If you are one of the unlucky ones that must go outside during an ice storm be aware of branches or wires that could fall and come down in your area due to the weight of the ice.
If possible avoid driving your car. Freezing rain can make the roads slippery.
If you do have to go outside be sure to dress appropriately. Remember your animals need cared for as well.
Stay tuned to local T.V or radio stations for weather advisories and warnings.
Here are some more questions from a meme that will help you find out more about who I am, what I think and how I would like things to be.
1. February is the perfect month to ____________________.
2. I have a subscription to _______________________.
3. _________ is my kind of humor.
4. I shouldn’t _________, but I do anyway.
February is the perfect month to learn a bit of history. There were many events that happened in the month of February. Here are a few links where you can learn more. here, here and here
I have a subscription to many different newsletters from blogs if you have one leave a comment so I can come sign up for that as well.
A chance to hear a good joke and get a big belly laugh is my kind of humor. Check out these links to find out just what I mean go herehere and here
I shouldn't eat sweets but I do anyways. Here are some great recipes for sweets you may enjoy
Today, my grandson turns 10 ... In his short 10 years he has experienced broken bones, broken hearts while experiencing many life lessons. My favorite part is he found a special place in my heart and my life and changed my personal life in so many awesome ways.
2. Red roses or pink peonies? Red wine or pink lemonade? Red lipstick or pink polish? A cotton candy colored sky or a fiery red sunset? A book-movie-song you love with the word red or pink in it's title?
My husband is more the red roses type while peonies remind me of my mother and my childhood home and would choose those over the roses. Pink lemonade would be my drink of choice I am not much of a wine drinker except for special occasions. Would love to see the pink willowy fluffy clouds of a cotton candy sky but the bright red of the sun rising on a warm spring morning or going down on a hot summer day are always welcoming as well. An old one but fits this question nicely
3. What's something you currently have your heart set on doing-going-seeing-or experiencing?
I can not wait til this summer when hopefully more activities and chances to sell my junque will be available.
4 Who would you most like to have a heart to heart
with right now? Is that possible
I am loving life right now it finally seems that for the moment my family is contempt. There are always members that are missing and a few of those members reside in heaven. My sister and my daddy along with other relatives that I truly miss are not able to be here and share in the love but I hope that they have a comfortable seat in heaven looking down on all that is going on
5. Write an acrostic for the word L-O-V-E.
Love may be what makes the world go round....
Only if it is love then why are there so many unhappy....
Voices may say that they are just not expressed correctly ...
Even though it may seem there is not enough love always recall I love you.
6. Todays thoughts
Today is the birthday of both my grandson and son in law. While I did not give birth to either of them I must say that I would be no prouder of them if I had. They are both charming , helpful individuals always on the lookout for others and their feelings so to them I say Happy Birthday!!!
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