Its o.k to whine or is it

 

Did you wake up late,,, tired,,, not wanting to get out of npbed... not wanting to clean .... it will all be o.k. Whatever it is go ahead and whine about it. After all it's December 26th and a day created for moments just like this. December 26th is a day for whining. 

In 1986 Reverend Kevin Zaborney created National Whiners day to allow chronic complainers to be grateful for what they had rather than being sad. No better than the day after Christmas to vent off some much needed whining. However if we truly take a look around we should notice that we don't have it nearly as bad as others. 

Often less fortunate individuals welcome circumstances in their lives that others often Whiners about. Tired of having to clean up leftovers?? There are those that struggle to put food on the table. Tired of family constantly dropping by?? There are some that would love to have family. Didn't receive that gift you asked for?? Many had no gifts under the tree. Instead of seeing life as what you do not have consider counting your blessings and Instead of whining be thankful. 

Shortest day of the year

 

December 21, 2021 is and has officially been what is known as the winter solstice. The northern and southern hemispheres will not have equal amounts of sunlight during the year. In the United States we will see less sun during the months September thru March. This is due to the Earth's axis of rotatation being tilted. The other part of the year will result in longer hours of sunlight 

I want to wish you a feliz navidad

My daughter learned this son in the third grade for a Christmas program. She would sing it everyday any where she went. The words are Spanish and means Merry Christmas. Sorrow me to you I want to wish you Feliz Navidad may you have a great Christmas 

Pizza Casserole Recipe

 

• 16 oz Penne Pasta
• 4 c Mozzarella Cheese, , divided
• 28 oz Pizza Sauce
• 8 oz Diced Tomatoes
• 2 oz Parmesan Cheese
• 1 c Pepperonis
• 4 oz Green Peppers, , diced
• 2 oz Onion, , diced
• 4 oz Mushrooms, , chopped
• 1 lb Italian sausage, , ground
• 1 oz Black Olives

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

In a large pot of boiling water cook penne pasta until al dente.

While pasta cooks brown Italian sausage in a skillet. Cook fully and drain grease.

Drain pasta and pour into a large bowl.

Add 2 cups mozzarella, pizza sauce, diced tomatoes, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, and cooked Italian sausage. Toss until fully combined.

Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish and pour mixture into it.

Top with remaining cheese, pepperonis, black olives and Parmesan cheese. 

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is fully melted. 

Enjoy!

Recipe source from fellow blogger 

Shared at what's for dinner Sunday 

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All about home

Las Posadas

Las Posadas is a religious festival that is celebrated by Spanish believers. The dates between December 16th and 24th will see the festival in Mexico and around the states. Las Posadas brings attention to the time period when Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in order so Mary could give birth. The baby would be named Jesus and he would be born in a stable as all the Inns were full. 

One dish that may be served may be

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 ounces Mexican chorizo, casing removed

5 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1/2 cup Del Monte® Whole Kernel Sweet Gold and White Corn, drained

1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

1 roma tomato, diced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and diced

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish

1/4 cup tortilla strips, for garnish

FOR THE LIME VINAIGRETTE

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Zest of 1 lime

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

2 teaspoons sugar, or more to taste

To make the vinaigrette, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime zest and juice, and sugar in a small bowl; set aside.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chorizo and cook until dry and crisp, about 2 minutes, making sure to crumble the chorizo as it cooks; let cool.

To assemble the salad, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl; top with chorizo, corn, black beans, tomato and cilantro. Pour the dressing on top of the salad and gently toss to combine. Stir in avocado.Serve immediately, garnished with cheese and tortilla strips, if desired.

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White Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods on Chocolate Covered Anything Day

 

• 1 package pretzel rods
• 1 package white chocolate candy melts or Almond Bark
• 1 tablespoon shortening (Crisco) if needed
• sprinkles

1. Melt your chocolate according to package directions (or use your mini crock pot!) If the chocolate is a little thick add some shortening to thin it.
2. Line a baking sheet with wax paper.
3. Break pretzel Rods in half. Dip broken end in melted chocolate, tap excess off. To avoid dripping, give your wrist a little twist to turn the pretel.
4. Sprinkle a few sprinkles on melted chocolate then place dipped pretzel on wax paper to harden.
5. Repeat with remaining pretzels.

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Christmas snack mix

3 Tbsp sesame oil

3 Tbsp honey

1 Tbsp soy sauce 

1/2 tsp garlic salt 

1/3 tsp onion powder 

4 cups crispy wheat cereal squares 

6 cups mini pretzels

1 cup dry roasted peanuts 

1 cup candy coated pieces

Now save yourself from a mess later by lining a baking pan with foil 

HEAT OVEN TO 250 DEGREES 

In bowl mix together oil, honey, soy sauce, garlic salt and onion salt. 

In large bowl mix cereal,  pretzels,  nuts. Pour oil mic over top. Toss to coat 

Pour all into pan spread out Bake 25 minutes, stir all. Turn off oven.  Leave in oven 1 hour to allow crisping. 

Remove from oven and allow to cool. When cooled toss with candies. Store in airtight container up to 1 week. 

MUMMY DOGS

 Often many activities are occurring this time of year with little time between work or school and the activity. If you find yourself short on time and needing to feed the family recipes like these mummy dogs will work great ENJOY 

• 1 can Crescent Roll Dough
• 2 American Cheese slices
• 8 Hot Dogs
• 16 Candy Eyes
• Cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Cut each cheese slice into 4 strips.
3. Unroll dough and separate into 4 rectangles (crimp diagonal cuts in each one together).
4. Cut each rectangle lengthwise into 1/2″ strips and join 2 together to form one long “bandage”.
5. 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).
6. Wrap “bandage” of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese.
7. Make sure to leave a gap for face.
8. Place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down) on non stick cookie sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray.
9. Bake 15 minutes or until dough is lightly brown.
10. Place a small piece of cheese where eyes go and place in oven to melt slightly.
11. Place 2 eyes on each mummy.

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

p

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

shared at full plate thursday

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. 

recipe source

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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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