Praise Him After The Game

 

IHSA football teams played the first round of playoffs today. While the NG Spartans played a hard game they did not win. Yet after the game there was little resentment as the teams gathered together and boys took knees and the coaches bowed their heads to give praise to the one above who allows us to play such games in the beauty of the sport.

Local Ghost Stories : Rose Hotel

The Rose Hotel
Elizabethtown, Illinois
Little Egypt Ghost Society

In 1813, James McFarlan received a license to operate a tavern in Elizabethtown. The McFarlan family charged 25 cents for breakfast, dinner or supper, lodging for 12 ½ cents, a gallon of oats or corn cost 12 ½ cents, a half pint of whiskey went for $1.25, a quart of beer was 12 ½ cents. The tavern was famous for drinks such as taffia, cherry bounce and cider royal.

The McFarlan family operated the tavern until 1890 when it was purchased by Mrs. Sarah Rose. At that time the name was changed to the Rose Hotel. Mrs. Rose operated the hotel for 55 years with the help of Frankie and Tote Woods.
The oldest wing of the hotel was built about 1830, with additions built about 1848 and 1866. Today, the exterior is restored to its 1866 appearance. In 1972, the Rose Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Rose hotel is now owned by the Historic Sites Division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and is operated by Sandy Vinyard as a bed and breakfast.

Sandy Vinyard invited the Little Egypt Ghost Society to investigate reports of the paranormal activity that has been occurring at the hotel on a regular basis. Sandy and many of her guests have reported sounds coming from parts of the hotel (it only has six guest rooms) where no one is present. These noises are said to sound like there “is a party going on up there.” Objects have been mysteriously moved, only to reappear sometime later in a different location of the hotel. Pennies, in groups of three, are found on a continuous basis throughout the hotel.

Our team captured the image of one of the former servants, Tote Wilson, in a mirror in the McFarlan Suite. The image was positively identified by Sandy Vinyard using the hotel scrap book containing old photographs of thee hotel and staff. We tried to debunk our photo, even going so far as to video tape the entire process, but could not reproduce the image.

We conducted several EVP experiments while at the hotel with very interesting results:

Q. “Are you alone?” A. “YES”
Q. “How do you feel?’ A. “FINE”
Q. “Where are you now?” A. “RIGHT BEHIND YOU”

Another EVP captured with our camcorder said: “WE ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS”

We set up motion detectors throughout the hotel. At approximately 3:00 AM, the motion detector in the Charlotte Room went off repeatedly with corresponding EMF reading of 2.3 to 2.6 milligauss.

In the front lobby we took a photograph about midnight that showed the face of a young lady looking in the front window. There was no one outside at the time. This photograph was positively identified by Sandy Vinyard as one of her former workers who was killed in a car crash about a year earlier.

On several occasions, our group would smell the scent of cigars, bacon cooking, lavender and logs burning when none of those items were present in or near the hotel. We heard voices and the sound of a small dog barking as well as footsteps and doors creaking open and shuts upstairs when no one was up there.

There is a small graveyard behind the hotel where several members of the McFarlan family as well as some of the servants and guests are buried. Many of the graves are unmarked.

On October 5, 2009, I was standing in the center of the McFarlan Suite in total darkness and took this photo with my digital camera and flash. I was the only living person in the room at the time. Note the image of a man looking out of the far left corner of the mirror. We went back to this room Feb 11, 2010 and tried to debunk this photo. No matter what we did, we could not recapture Tote’s image in the mirror. This photo is positively paranormal.

Sandy Vineyard positively identified the man as “Tote” from a photograph in the hotel scrapbook. Tote was a servant at the hotel many years ago.

The night before this photo was taken; I was conducting an Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) experiment. One of the questions I asked was “will you join us for breakfast in the morning.” We believe these orbs could be the spirits of Frankie, Tote and Mammy Rose.

In early spring of 2010, the Little Egypt Ghost Society was at the Rose Hotel to film a TV commercial. After filming, we decided to do a little ghost hunting in the McFarlan Suite. Sandy Vinyard was present with us when she heard the floor start to “creak.” At that moment, Lisa and I started getting readings on our K2 and Ghost Meter EMF meters. We were able to trace the EMF field to a location near the center of the suite. We quickly realized that the EMF field was confined to an area the size and shape of an adult human! When we placed our hands into this EMF field, we discovered that the temperature was 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding area. At that point, the EMF field moved and we tracked it to an area near the fire place. Once again, the temperature inside the EMF field was noticeably cooler than the surrounding area. At this point the electric power went off in the McFarlan Suite, but not in any other area of the hotel. After we exited the suite, the power mysteriously came back on. We then rechecked the entire suite and could not relocate the EMF field. We firmly believe that this was the spirit of Tote Wood once again playfully letting us know that he still keeps watch over the nearly 200 year old Rose Hotel

Smores In A Jar

Autumn is the perfect time for Smores and no better time to offer a treat to a friend to make whenever they please. The little ghost makes this a spooky treat that is fun to share. Find out how you can make one here

This will be my tackle Tuesday to make my own for a festive Halloween.

Harrisburg Medical Center - Pink Glove Dance Competition 2013

Love this so awesome that so many are participating to bring awareness to breast cancer

Haunting Halloween Picture

Pumpkin Recipe : Pumpkin Pie Dip

A pumpkin dip that is perfect for your next party or after school snack.

15 oz can of pumpkin
1 box of instant vanilla pudding powder
16 oz container of fat free cool whip
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1 tbsp Cinnamon

In a large bowl combine all ingredients.
Stir until well blended
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving

ENJOY!!

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Trivia Time : Goodness of Pumpkins

Pumpkin in considered a super food. Only 30 calories per cup and 7 grams of fiber. Loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids alpha and beta, Great source of vitamin C, K and E and lots of minerals including magnesium, potassium, and iron. Pumpkin is low carb and great for you and is found in lots of fall recipes.

2. Pumpkins possess anti inflammatory properties Pumpkin is great for people suffering from arthritis, muscle sprains, painful periods, and other problems that painkillers may be taken for.

3. Did you know that there is more fiber, magnesium and potassium, zinc, iron and lutein in pumpkins than in most other natural foods. Pumpkins can help improve individuals eyesight. Move over bananas and carrots.

 4. The carotenoids make is a great cancer deterrent!

5. The vitamins listed also are great at keeping wrinkles at bay!

When you are looking for a pumpkin for eating, use one that is heavier. The lighter ones tend to be drier. So smaller is better.

crockpot breakfast

Love quick easy breakfast that keeps you warm inside through the cold fall day. Yummy


1 bag 26 oz. frozen hash browns
12 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon ground mustard
1 16 oz. roll sausage
maple, sage or regular sausage.
Salt and pepper
16 oz. bag shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Spray crock pot and evenly spread hash browns at the bottom.
2. Crack 12 eggs in a large bowl.
3. Mix well (and slowly) using a whisk.
4. Add the milk.
5. Go ahead and sprinkle in the ground mustard. This might sound like a weird ingredient, but I've come to love (and use) this in most of my recipes.
6. Add plenty of salt....
...and lots of fresh pepper. Mix well and set aside.
7. Cook the sausage on high heat, drain and set aside.
8. Add sausage on top of hash browns.
9. Is this enough cheese? Maybe? Probably. Throw the whole big bag in there.
10. Mix it up well. Or good, depending on where you're from.
11. Pour the egg mixture over everything in the crock pot. Using a wood spoon, even everything out so it's spread evenly.
12. Turn the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.

Some fun variations of this recipe. Before cooking (during prep) you can add:

chunks of sourdough bread
diced chiles
salsa
diced green onions

Playoff Bound : Go Team

Congratulations to my small home town school North Green. So happy for you all, play hard and go far
GO TEAM

Halloween Treat Monster Mix

Little Monsters both big and small will enjoy a treat mix just for them. Enjoy with friends watching scary movies, waiting and watching trick or treaters or have on hand for any little or big ones that come to visit that haunting night


3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter

6 cups small pretzel twists
4 cups roasted peanuts
6 cups Corn Chex cereal

3 cups powdered sugar
1 11 oz. package candy corn
1 11 oz. package Mellocream Pumpkins

1 16 oz. package Reeses's Pieces
1 12 oz. package orange and black gumdrops
1 12 oz. package jelly pumpkins

Melt the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter in the microwave, stirring every minute or so until smooth.
Pour over the Rice Chex and stir until all the cereal is well-coated. Measure the powdered sugar in a large paper bag. Pour the mixture into the bag and fold the top down several times. Shake the bag for several minutes so that the chocolate pieces are thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture to two or three large baking sheets to dry for an hour or two. Mix with the packages of Halloween candy. Store in an airtight container.

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Halloween Treat : Pumpkin Poop

Have someone you want to give a treat to on Halloween. Remember while it is a fun holiday there are lots more than kids that like treats and fun. Elderly adults would love to be given a surprise and the good thing about the treat Pumpkin Poop is both sweet enough to keep or eat.


 Pumpkin Poop poem should be printed on card stock and stapled to a bag of candy corn.

 I started to carve a pumpkin

with my carving knife and scoop

But the pumpkin got so scared

He took a little poop!

It looked so cute and funny

Just like a candy treat

So I'm sharing it with you now

Because you are so sweet!

Pet Lovers Beware

This is one of my best friends from school days. He is also one of the biggest pet lovers that I know. He would do anything for his pets and loves to have fun with them. Here is seen reading a book to his class where is dog just happened to visit to celebrate the 100th day of school. I am not sure if he will celebrate Halloween with his dog or not but if he does I know that he will consider a few things before heading out. Here is a list of things for you to think about as well as you celebrate with your pet.

Many of us like the fall celebration of what is known as Halloween. Whether we are spreading tracts and the stories of Jesus or giving candy that treaters are looking for many boys and girls alike have a good time. However we need to consider our pets as well when we plan our night of fun. There are many things that may bother our pets.

Pets can be bothered by the doorbell ringing and people coming to the door. Whether the guest are in costume or not the night and the noise can be very stressful for the pets. If it bothers your pet to much you may want to consider finding them a quiet and safe place on Halloween.

Strangers in costume may place a bit of fear in some animals. Whether the stranger would be known without the costume or not may still frighten the pet. 

Beware of Jack O' Lanterns a fire hazard may become more of one within reach of wagging tails and frightened cats running through the house. Candles can be easily tipped over causing a fire. 

Animals (especially black cats) need to be kept indoors. Pranksters often risk animals in their fun and games. 

Candies such as gums, mints, baked goods and chocolate containing xylitol are especially poisonous to our pets.  Chocolate is also toxic to pets and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Lollipops and those with plastic components pose a choking hazard for pets.

 If you want to dress your pet up for Halloween consider costume when choosing. Never leave a pet alone when in costume. Watch for tight elastics on the costumes which can get caught on pets fur and lead to swelling and pain in the area of elastic. Make sure pet does not chew on costume which could lead to intestinal obstruction due to swallowing small shreds of material. Consider reflective collars and gear for pets a great idea for year round not only Halloween.

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Halloween Recipe : Melting Witch Pudding

This is a fun easy dessert perfect for Halloween night or any night leading up to it. Make several and bring them to all your festive friends or make a few and serve your special little trick or treats

1/3  cup semisweet chocolate chips                        
1 teaspoon shortening                 
8  Bugles® original snacks                               
1 box (4-serving size) white chocolate instant pudding and pie filling mix                 
4 cups cold milk                        
1 box (4-serving size) chocolate fudge instant pudding and pie filling mix                                                                    
6drops green food color                                                              
8 creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate covered mint patties                                                                                 
8 pretzel sticks                                                      
1 tablespoon Fiber One® cereal or chow mein noodles, pieces broken in half                                                                               
16 gummi worm candies                        

 

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips and shortening on High 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted; stir until smooth. To make tops of witch hats, dip snacks, one at a time, into melted coating, letting excess drip off. Place point up on cookie sheet. Let stand until coating is set. Prepare white chocolate pudding with 2 cups of the milk as directed on box. Prepare chocolate fudge pudding with remaining 2 cups milk as directed on box. Stir green food color into white chocolate pudding until well blended. For each pudding cup, spoon 2 tablespoons of the green pudding into bottom of 4-ounce clear plastic cup or serving dish; top with 2 tablespoons of the chocolate fudge pudding. Repeat with each flavor to form four layers. With handle of spoon, gently swirl the two top layers. Insert cookie in pudding; top with chocolate-coated Bugle® to resemble witch hat. Insert tip of pretzel stick into pudding with a few pieces of cereal sprinkled at the base to resemble a broom. Insert ends of 2 gummi worm candies into pudding and hang over edge to resemble the witch’s legs.

 

recipe source here

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Seasonal Treat : Pumpkin Patch Pull Apart

Put together a bunch of carrot cake cupcakes and decorate them as one to get this super cute Jack-O Lantern Pumpkin Pull Apart. In fact if you don't put the face on makes for a super cute Thanksgiving Treat as well. Hope you all enjoy

 

 

Mini–cupcake liners

1 box (18 oz) carrot cake mix

1 can  (8 oz) crushed pineapple       

1 cup  sweetened flaked coconut 

4 1/2 cup(s) vanilla or cream cheese frosting

Orange and green gel food color

1 cup chocolate frosting    

---

 Heat oven to 350ºF. Line miniature muffin pans with paper liners. (Don't worry if you have only one pan. After baking a batch, remove baked cupcakes to rack. Then just place the pan in your freezer to cool down quickly before lining and baking the next batch.) Prepare cake mix as package directs; stir in crushed pineapple and coconut until blended. Spoon a Tbsp into each muffin cup. Bake 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in pan on wire rack 5 minutes before removing to rack. Cool completely. Tint 4 cups vanilla frosting orange. Tint remaining 1⁄2 cup vanilla frosting green. Spoon green and chocolate frosting into separate quart-size ziptop bags and snip off a tiny corner for piping. On a 20 x 16-in. flat platter, arrange cupcakes into a pumpkin shape. Frost body of pumpkin orange. With skewer, sketch face onto pumpkin as a guide; pipe face and stem with chocolate frosting. Pipe green frosting for leaves and vines.


recipe source : Womans Day

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Soup and Sandwich Night : 7 Can Soup

1LB OF hamburger meat                                                 
2 CANS ranch style beans                                                                                               
2 CANS CAMBELL'S MINESTRONE SOUP                                                                                                 
2 CANS MIXED vegetABLE                                                                                             
1 CAN Rotel tomatoes                                                                                               
                                      

---

BROWN HAMBURGER MEAT

COMBINE BROWNED MEAT AND ALL COMBINED ( CANNED INGRED.)

INGREDIENTS> (DON'T DRAIN CANNED INGREDIENTS! )INTO SOUP POT(STOVE TOP 30MIN COOKTIME) OR CROCK POT ON LOW UNTIL YOU WANT TO EAT IT.

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Seasonal Meal Idea : Halloween Chili

One thing to do before you go out with your little ones to trick or treat is to give them something good to eat so they are warm in side as well. One great dish to serve is chili.



1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin or extra lean ground beef
1 large sweet onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 large garlic cloves, minced (or pressed)
1 (4 oz) can chopped mild green chile peppers
2 (14.5 oz each) cans diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder or more chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon leaf oregano
dash chipotle chile powder, optional
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper to taste
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, brown beef, add onion and bell pepper and saute until onion is tender.  Add remaining ingredients.  Simmer over low heat for 1 – 2 hours or transfer to crock pot and cook on low 4 – 6 hours.

How about cutting cheese out of Halloween cookie cutters to go with that delicious chili. Yummy, cute and the hit of the party.


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Halloween Treat: Witches Broom Sticks

How super cute are these. Another reason I love to do searches and blog hops. Finding easy treats like these are always worth the effort. These cute treats I found while searching for fun Halloween treats and landing here Simply insert a pretzel stick into a miniature peanut butter cup makes cute treats so you wont be tricked. They would also look cute on any Halloween party table.

Homekeeping Tip : Laundry Stains

With the holiday season coming I thought it would be a great time to remind you of some little homemaking tips. Starting with what to do with those annoying little stains. You have on your best shirt and someone spills on it or perhaps your child has on their holiday dress and well now they have chocolate smeared on it what to do, what to do. This little cheat sheet should help you

Top 10 Toddler Fears

I thought this would be great for this time of year with Halloween just around the corner. A list of the top 10 toddler fears according to Parents online

1. Fear of the dark

                      Grandma used to always tell me it was not the dark but what is in the dark. Hurry up turn the light on so that you are not in the dark any more. #1 thing to remember to take on trick or treat night is a flashlight to light your path

2. Fear of Monsters
                         Toddlers take monsters very serious as we get older even if we retain this fear we try to laugh it off. If your child is scared of monsters perhaps a fun monster hunt would be the perfect before bed routine. Check under the bed, in the closer, and in any hiding place a monster may hide.

3. Fear of the Weather
                        This fear is one that children and many adults share. I have a brother who is very nervous about storms his children seemed to take this after them and become quite nervous when storms approach. Help your child to prepare for storms by creating a weather chart as well as a plan for bad storms. Having a storm prepared kit should help all feel less fearful.

4. Bad Dreams
                       While it is fears that may cause bad dreams It is the bad dreams often referred to as night terrors often become feared by parents. Parents often feel helpless unable to help their child. Talk to your childs doctor for helpful tips on night terrors.

5. Fear of Strangers
                          Many children have a fear of strangers. They feel safe with what they know. Often loving the lap of the one that knows them best. While this is not always bad  parents want to also guide them by visiting others.


6. Fear of Seperation
                          In the age of the working moms separation anxiety is often broke early. It is something that breaks the parents heart and seems to crush the little ones. A good bye routine and leaving the child with someone they trust are two practices that work well

7. Fear of being alone
                           The fear of being alone is something that children often deal with. When children are little they cling to each other but if they are home alone with no one to play with then mom has to learn to entertain.

8. Fear of Dress up masks, costumes and makeup
                                The fear of masks, custumes, and makeup places fear in children and adults alike. Many fear clowns and Halloween may place fear in them.

9. Fear of toilets and bathrooms
                               Some of you may remember the movie that features the child afraid of the toilet that wants to eat his pook. Ok maybe its just me but I do know that I had a nephew that was afraid of the toilet and would scream and shout. Allow your child to investigate the potty and perhaps supplying them with a stepstool will break the fear of it being so big.

10. Fear of the doctor or dentist
                                  Fear of the doctor or dentist is a fear that children do not always grow out of. Help your child by discussing with your child about the visit to the doctor before going and what to expect while there. Perhaps visit ahead of time to look at the waiting room, read a book while there, meet the doctor.



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Halloween Treat : Popcorn Balls on Stick

One treat you could always rely on being made in our family was popcorn balls. I can remember my grandmother making popcorn balls on her kitchen table. The excitement of eating them built as the day of treat came to be. I found this recipe on Parents several years ago and have made them a tradition at our house. While popcorn balls are quite yummy you also must know that they are quite messy as well. The stick allows little ones a chance to not get so messy. While we know that every little one normally loves the stickiness of the situation the stick is fun to hold and eat the sweet treat as well.

10 cups fresh popcorn
 1-1/2 cups sugar
Lollipop sticks

Melt sugar, without stirring, in a saucepan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, watching constantly to make sure it doesn't burn.  In a large bowl, pour melted sugar over top of popcorn. Mix popcorn with a spoon and cover thoroughly. Reserve some of the melted sugar for later.  While still warm, roll the popcorn into balls and place on wax paper. Its a little hot, so use plastic gloves if needed.  Dip lollipop sticks in the leftover melted sugar and push into the balls.

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Autumn Snack Mix

I love enjoying the beauty of fall with a delicious snack. There are also those times that I love watching sports, movies and fall tv shows with my family. While at the grocery store today I also noticed that there was a bag of candy corn mixed with peanuts at first I thought what an awesome snack mix Now I realize after finding this great recipe that it is only a base of an even yummier autumn snack mix thanks to the great recipes at Taste of Home 6 cups caramel corn

 

2 cups salted cashews or peanuts

1-1/2 cups candy corn

1/3 cup raisins

Mix all


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beautiful southern Illinois sky over the water. I love spending time with our Heavenly Father enjoying the beauty that he provided for us.

A Glimpse of Our Week

This weeks menu includes some old fall favorites as well as a few nights of simple fun. On the menu are dishes such as tatertot casserole this one from Taste of Home is one of our favorites and when my nephews stayed here was a favorite of theirs as well

 

 

1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 can (8-3/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
 2/3 cup condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
 1/3 cup 2% milk
 2 tablespoons sour cream
 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
 1/4 teaspoon pepper
 2 cups frozen Tater Tots

In a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Stir in the corn, soup, 1/4 cup cheese, milk, sour cream, onion powder and pepper. Place 1 cup Tater Tots in a greased 3-cup baking dish. Layer with beef mixture and remaining Tater Tots; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 2 servings.

recipe source: Taste of Home

other dishes this week include
ham n beans, corn bread, fried potatoes, coleslaw
baseball food as we will watch my son play ball
bacon sandwiches and chips

what a yummy week with a busy weekend to follow

Halloween Treat : Witches Hats

Here it is a super cute and easy recipe perfect for after school treats or an easy weeknight dessert. I simply love to surprise my family with seasonal goodies. They are always so much fun and the conversations that are to be had run from how cute and I remember .... Why not surprise your bunch with a special Halloween treat such as witches hats.

 

 

2 fudge striped cookies
2 Hershey kisses (milk or dark chocolate)
orange gel icing
orange colored sugar

Place the cookies, striped side down on a plate. Dab a little gel icing around the center of each cookie. Place a Hershey kiss on top of the gel icing, pressing down to stick. Dab some gel icing on the tip of the Hershey kisses. Sprinkle orange sugar over icing.
Makes 2 witches hat cookies

Sweet Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

1 cup	Today, October 7 is national pumpkin day so for a sweet treat why not try some baked up pumpkin seeds pumpkin seeds, rinsed and dried
1 Tbsp	melted butter
1 tsp	sugar
1/4 tsp	cinnamon

 

Once the innards are scraped from the pumpkin or squash, remove the seeds from the squishy, stringy stuff, rinse and spread out to dry.  Preheat oven to 375  In a bowl combine melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Toss in seeds; mix until seeds are coated well.  Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake until toasted and slightly browned, about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Watch carefully to avoid burning as all ovens vary on cook times. Remove from oven, and let cool before serving.

 

recipe source here

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Inspiration Exchange

Win $50 GIFT CARD

No matter how big the baby gets it seems there are always more things that they can use, they want and you want for them. I would love to win this $50 Babies R Us gift card. I entered a giveaway over on the blog The Bragging Mommy in order to have a chance in this giveaway that is sponsored by Carters Giveaway ends October 8 , 2013 want your chance as well? then head over and enter this giveaway

Siamese Cats

 

This is a picture of my friends cats. They so remind me of the lady and the tramp son 

 

shoofly muffins

When I was a child Rockhome Gardens was a common place for our family to visit. The beauty that would be found here I have never forgot and one day plan to return with my own family. One of the things that my mother always wanted when she visited was to eat at the restraint and enjoy a piece of their shoofly pie. Oh the flavors in this pie was one that my mother enjoyed with intensity and I would be surprised to find out later in life when I spent the holidays with my husbands family that my mother in law always served a dessert that was very much like my mothers beloved shoofly pie.

Shoofly pie or what my mother in law would have called chess pie is a delicious piece of many customs. Both the Pennsylvania Dutch and Southern Cooking makes this delicious pie a tradition.
The pie may get its name because the sweet molasses odor attracts flies that must be "shooed" away.  The difference between the chess pie and the shoofly pie are the layers.

Shoofly Muffins are a sweet little dessert that have a wonderful topping like the shoofly pie and oh my the taste will bring back yummy memories

 

 

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup molasses

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract   

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 18 muffins cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Add butter and mix with a fork or your hands until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup of mixture for topping. Stir remaining ingredients into flour mixture.

Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter. Sprinkle reserved topping mixture over batter, distributing evenly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center of muffin comes out dry. Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

recipe source here

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