Honor our heros

 October is a date to honor our heros. Many young children will say that their parents are the heros to them. My 2 year old granddaughter believes her grandpa is a superman of sorts. Along with being the early heros in children lives it is the responsibility of adults to teach young children to respect those individuals who are there to help. 

Whether it be a fireman,  a police officer,  soldiers, or whoever individuals who stand up and above deserve the title of hero. Community heros are needed as they are often the ones that takes care of those that live in the community. Again being nice rooting our heros on including saying thank you is awesome tasks we can all do. 

Recently the community I live in was robbed of one of our heros when he was killed on the line of duty. 

Brian Pierce Jr was a young man doing the job he had desired to do since he was a child. To his parents and family he was always a hero, to his community he was a hero that offered great help and to all he was stolen to early. 

How do you teach your children about heros?? 

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Strawberry cream pie recipe

 

Strawberry cream pie day occurs each year on September 28th every year The date is also known as the birthday of the state North Carolina 

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs. I just buy the box of graham cracker crumbs.

● SUGAR: 1/3 cup granulated sugar. 

● GROUND CINNAMON: just 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon. 

● BUTTER: 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted. 

● STRAWBERRY JELLO: 1 (3 oz.) package of strawberry jello. 

● COOL WHIP TOPPING: 1 (8 oz.) container of Cool Whip topping. Make sure it’s thawed. 

● FRESH STRAWBERRIES: 4 cups of sliced fresh strawberries.

1. Using a food processor, pulse graham crackers until crumbly. Mix in sugar, ground cinnamon and melted butter until crust forms.
2. Press graham cracker crust into a 9-inch spring-form pan. Place pie crust in refrigerator.
3. In a large bowl, add boiling water and gelatin powder. Whisk gelatin powder until completely dissolved.Then, add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup ice cubes, whisk until gelatin is slightly thickened. TIP: Let the gelatin mixture sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before you add the cool whip otherwise it won’t set up.
4. Add cool whip topping to gelatin mixture and whisk together until light and fluffy. Stir in sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until mixture has thickened.
5. Add strawberry pie filling to pie crust. Refrigerate for up to 6 hours or until firm. Top with cool whip and a slice strawberry.

Recipe resource https://deliciouslysprinkled.com/no-bake-strawberry-and-cream-pie/

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celebrate sandwich month with homemade sloppy joe

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i am delighted that national sandwich month occurs in August. There is a great variety of sandwiches that can be made. With August tradionally being the hottest month of the year sandwiches are a great break from a hot kitchen. Wether you are busy and love sandwiches or are hot and have no need of a hot kitchen sandwich day should make you happy .

•  2 lbs ground beef 
• 2 TBLwhite vinegar
• 2 TBL water
• 2 TBL mustard
• 2 TBL Worcestershire sauce (gluten free)
• 2 TBL granulated sugar
• 24 oz. bottle of ketchup

Brown meat and drain. Mix in remaining ingredients and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve on buns

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Peach Season in Southern Illinois

 

Most likely we have all heard that Georgia is the Peach state and it is but there are more than one peach farm down here in southern Illinois. This weekend the first full weekend of August the Cobden Illinois Peach festival will be celebrated. The 2021 festival will mark the 83rd year the Cobden Lions club has sponsored the festival. 

Union county here in Southern Illinois earned the title of being the largest peach producing area in the state of Illinois. There was a time when you could see miles and miles peach orchards. The time has gone by and many farmers have sine stopped growing peaches. Peach harvest season runs from June thru October and during this time at Peach Orchards in the southern most part of Illinois you can purchase peaches as well as a great variety of apples and other veggies. 

    

recipe resource

• 30 oz frozen peaches, thawed slightly
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the crisp topping

• 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1 1/4 cups rolled oats
• scant 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the crisp
2. You will need to stir until the ingredients stick to the peaches (usually after around 10 minutes of allowing the peaches to thaw)
3. In a separate bowl, combine ingredients for the crisp topping and stir until it resembles wet sand
4. Pour crisp ingredients into a baking dish and spoon the crisp topping in an even layer over the top
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes, or until bubbly and browned
6. Serve with vanilla ice cream

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National Ice Cream Sandwich Day and a Recipe for a low cal diabetic ice cream sandwich

 August 2nd is a day that many look forward to each year. It is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day. American ice cream sandwiches often are made up of two rectangular or circular flat chocolate or other flavor cookie. Ice cream in the middle of these two hard cookies makes a sweet creamy sandwich. However, around the world ice cream sandwiches are made in a variety of ways. 

You may be surprised with what other countries put together to make their own version of ice cream sandwiches. In Vietnam you will find ice cream sandwiches made up of ice cream placed between two layers of bread. Yes I said bread, making it like many other sandwiches but this time creamy and sweet. Pistachio or rose flavored ice cream placed between two wafers are sweet little ice cream sandwiches found in Iran. None the less no matter how it is made up seems that everyone enjoys Ice Cream Sandwiches.

recipe resource

8 sugar-free almond-flavored cookies

2 tablespoons all-natural strawberry fruit spread

8 strawberry slices (about 3 whole strawberries)

1/2 cup no-sugar-added low-fat vanilla ice cream

Arrange cookies, smooth side-up, on work surface. Spoon equal amounts of fruit spread on each cookie. Place 2 strawberry slices on top of 4 of the cookies. Working quickly, spoon 2 tablespoons ice cream on top of strawberries, gently top with another cookie, spread side down. Place cookie sandwich on plate in freezer. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Freeze at least 30 minutes before serving.

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Deviled eggs with a bit of history

 

One of my all time favorite dishes in the summer time are deviled eggs. You   can find them every where from family picnics and reunions to church gatherings and town wide picnics. There seems to be as many variations and recipes for deviled eggs as there are places to serve them. It was the ancient Romans that first served eggs seasoned with broth and wine that introduced the idea of dressing eggs up. However it would be the Europeans that would take the eggs one more step and stuff the eggs with cheese, sweet spices, and other sauces. 

The variation of these eggs would find its way to England. The term "deviled" would be used as a descriptive word in many cookbooks around the late 1700s. The term was used to describe the spicy dishes or dishes that were broiled or fried. 

• 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled *
• 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (sour cream or plain yogurt can also be used for a lighter variation)
• 1 ½ tsp mustard (choose your favorite)
• 1 ½ tsp white vinegar
• ½ tsp sugar
• 1/8 tsp salt (more to taste)
• dash ground white pepper
• Paprika (to garnish)

Instructions

• Cut the hard boiled eggs in half and place the yolks in a medium bowl. Set the whites aside.
• Add remaining ingredients (except paprika) to the yolks and mash together until smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired.
• Using a pastry bag fitted with a wide tip, or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off, fill each egg white with roughly 1 tsp of mashed yolk.
• Sprinkle paprika over top as a garnish.

Notes

*To Hard Boil Eggs: Place the eggs into a pot or saucepan that they fit nicely in a single layer. Add 1 Tbsp of salt. Cover the eggs with 1 inch of cold water. Cover the eggs and heat them over medium heat until they come to a rolling boil (10-15 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and let the eggs stand for 3 minutes. Drain the eggs and fill the pot with changes of cold water, until the eggs are cooled. Remove the eggs from the water and let them dry. Store deviled eggs in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 

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Do you have the correct exercise partner

So how has your summer been so far??? Did you make exercise goals for yourself?? Are you keeping up with them thus far?? If not don't blame yourself as it may not be your fault but  the partner you picked to exercise with. Perhaps you were not aware when you started your diet or exercise routine but individuals get bored and stop participating in the routine as much.

The good thing though is that one of the best exercise / diet / life partners has 4 legs. That's right it is a dog and the reason is that a dog can offer you that extra little bit when they get into routine and you simply want to stop. Your dog can offer a bit of extra happiness to get healthier. Perhaps besides getting you up and moving your dog can also help you get out there meeting others as well.

We have all seen one of those movies or heard a story where two dog lovers fall in love. While we may not be looking for love it is a great time to meet others that appreciate taking care of and exercising with their dog. Your dog will love getting out and about and the best thing is if you can meet others that have the same likes as you then you will enjoy it more as well. 

Under normal conditions your dog will normally always be prepared and ready to go out. This is not always true of our human friends who may find excuses or have emergencies arise. By taking our dog with us we can continue to keep regular exercise opportunities and it is seldom heard of being bored with our  legged best friends. 

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YUmmy strawberry dessert

 

Graham Cracker Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
⅓ cup butter, melted

Strawberry Pie Filing:

1 (3 oz.) package strawberry jello
⅔ cup boiling water
½ cup cold water
½ cup ice cubes
1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip topping
4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Using a food processor, pulse graham crackers until crumbly. Mix in sugar, ground cinnamon and melted butter until crust forms.
Press graham cracker crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Place pie crust in refrigerator.
In a large bowl, add boiling water and gelatin powder. Stir gelatin powder until completely dissolved.Then, add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup ice cubes, stir until gelatin is slightly thickened. 

TIP: Let the gelatin mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before you add the cool whip otherwise it won’t set up.
Add cool whip topping to gelatin mixture and whisk together until light and fluffy. Stir in sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until mixture has thickened.
Add strawberry pie filling to pie crust. Refrigerate for up to 6 hours or until firm. Top with cool whip and a slice strawberry.

recipe source here

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Parade Day to Celebrate

 For many this weekend is so much more than a regular weekend. Today is the third of  July. Tomorrow is the 4th of July. Thus for many Americans it is a great  day of celebration.

One of the earliest parades occurs in Washington D.C. My favorite parade is the one in my home town Whitehall Illinois. At 7pm the hometown parade will be stepping off. With sirens roaring, bands playing, floats and hometown celebrities' waving and enough candy to hold the kids off til Halloween. In addition the excitement is only increased as the parade is scheduled to arrive by Cannon explosion every hour

What do you do in your area for this special red, white and blue  patriotic holiday

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Beware of the Heat

 This summer in many. Areas including the one that I live in will be extremely hot. One of the most important things you can do to take care of your self is to drink plenty of water. Heat will increase feelings  of fatigue, weakness and thirst. However to combat against heat exhaustion water is the answer.

So how much water does one need in their diet ? This can be a hard question to answer. The reason is because it all depends on the individual. Young children and the elderly are most suspect for problems from dehydration Perhaps you are like me and are not fond of water but are well aware of what could happen. My personal story is one that I learned from  by ending up in the ER with a heat stroke

Some ideas to help you get your share of recommend water

• Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
• Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
• Choose water over sugary drinks.
• Opt for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.
• Serve water during meals.
• Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste and help you drink more water than you usually do.

 

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Taco Spaghetti

 

some crave tacos and that is what you think you will make but wait the kids want tacos what will you do?? This taco spaghetti recipe will please you both 

• A pound of ground beef
• 5 oz. spaghetti noodles broken in smaller pieces
• 1/2 chopped onion I used dried minced onion.
• 3/4 cup of water
• 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning
• 11 oz. can of corn if you like the corn with sweet peppers, you can use that, drained
• 1 cup of cheddar cheese shredded
• 3/4 cup of salsa
• 4 cups of lettuce shredded
• 1 large or 2 small tomatoes
• A cup of broken up tortilla chips
• Options: 1 cup of pitted sliced olives 4 oz. of green chili peppers (drained and diced), sour cream

• Make your pasta, rinse and drain.
• In a large pan brown your ground beef and cook the onion also.
• Drain out any fat, and then add the taco seasoning and water.
• Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat, simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring a few times so it won’t stick to the pan.
• Add the pasta, corn, salsa, half a cup of cheddar cheese, and if you like, the olives and chili peppers.
• Lightly mix and then pour into a greased 2 quart casserole dish.
• Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Top with the other 1/2 cup of cheese, and you are ready to serve with the lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

recipe source here

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Keep Safe When Grilling or picnicking this summer

 World Food Safety Day was June 7. The United Nations has declared this day to draw global attention to the health consequences of contaminated food and water.

Join FDA on World Food Safety Day as we spread the word about ways to reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Tips to keep safe in summer time after all we all want to have a bit of fun without being ill or getting hurt. One of the most important tips is to use a food thermomter for both hot and cold foods. Many times we try to guess at the doneness of the food but the truth is that many times we are wrong and eating or feeding others food that is undercooked is dangerous. Likewise foods that are raw, cooked or salads should never be left out at room temp more than 2 hours. This time cuts n 1/2 when the temp reaches 90 degrees or above. 

I know many of us are trying to save money but the truth is food that is left out longer than it should have been needs to be tossed. Other foods such as marinades should never be reused.  Any leftover marinade should be tossed If the marinade is doing double duty and you plan to also it as sauce it should be separated before any cooking begins 

When grilling raw food should be kept away from the cooked food. Tongs and other serving utensils should not be shared between raw and cooked food as well.  The individual cooking the food should also practice good hand washing to help from contaminating food.  In addition if you are not cooking at home be sure to put the raw meat in a separate iced down cooler. 

Hopefully the tips I shared today will help you to keep yourself and your loved one safe and away from food borne illness. 

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Moment in History

 Over 50 years ago June 6 was a day of great warfare. June 6, 1944 more than 160,000 troops landed on the coast of France. They were there to battle Nazi Germany and it would take place first on the beaches of Normandy. The leader for the allies was the General from the United States General Dwight D. Eisenhower. While the allies would win victor there would be more than 9,000 soldiers to pay the sacrifice. 

Cookbook Giveaway

 

Do you enjoy cooking?? Do you shop at Aldi's?? Here is a great giveaway that ties the two together. 

Terra Heck is currently running a giveaway over on her blog where the winner will receive a copy of this book The first question to enter is do you shop at Aldi's and how many cookbooks do you have. If you answer either of these you know you want to enter this giveaway so head over there now 

French Fries, we all love them but where did they come from

 I am sure that we have all had them one time or another or at least seen them. I do have a friend that does not like them and there are many ways to prepare them. The item I speak of is french fries. 

Were you aware that there is a rivalry between 2 countries concerning where french fries come from. France and its close neighbor Belgian have long fought over the debate of who first debuted the french fry. Check out these delicious belgian fries 

Citizens of Belgian claim that the it was in the late 1700s that members of the community of Wallonie first fried up the potato. The menu of choice was often small fried fish but during the cold winter this was often difficult to accomplish. Thus chefs turned to using potatoes sliced in small fish shapes  

Citizens in France where the French Fry gained its name say that they were the first country to introduce this now international food. It was during the french revolution that it is claimed that the fried potato was invented by cooks that would be found under the bridges around the Seine river. 

This debate may continue on with no definite answers I am simply thankful that french fries were introduced to the world. 

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Babe Ruth Day

Today, April 27th is known in the sports world as "Babe Ruth" day. The legendary ball player was honored with his own national day on April 27th, 1947. Babe Ruth joined the New York Yankees in the year 1920. During the season he would set a new record for most home runs hit in a season. The record was nearly doubled when Ruth would hit 54 home runs destroying the old lead of 27 hit in a homerun. However, Babe Ruth had aan attitude of getting it done and also led the league in number of strike outs as well.

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Did You Know: 

George herman "Babe " Ruth Jr. was born on February 6, 1896. Babe Ruth would become a professional baseball player and enjoy the ride for 22 seasons. Ruth was given a few nicknames because of his ability to hit the ball. Nicknames such as "The Bambino" and "The Sultan of Swat". Starting as a relief pitcher he quickly move to the position of outfielder. Regarded as one of the greatest sport heroes in America. Babe would be one of the first 5 individuals to be allowed into the baseball hall of fame. 

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