Cabbage Rolls

When I think of cabbage rolls I will always think about a great friend of mine. I was at a place in my life where I knew no one my mom and dad had moved to a  new town so that my dad could take a better job. My first year in highschool I was in a much larger school, not sure of the new customs of the town, having no friends I found myself in a place that I never thought I would. I was a country girl from a little country town who had moved to an urban area and had to fit in fast. I latched onto a friend named April. There were many differences between us one of which was that she was from a different culture and her mom made lots and lots of soul food. Oh I loved it so yummy and I loved it One of my favorite recipes that she made was Cabbage Rolls. So I thought I would share one of these yummy recipes



Cabbage Rolls

1 head of cabbage
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1/2 onion
2-3 T tomato paste
pinch of allspice
pinch of cinnamon
salt and pepper
your favorite tomato sauce

Steam cabbage in boiling water until leaves are soft.
Saute diced onion in large saucepan until translucent.
Mix beef, rice, onion, tomato paste and spices in bowl (you can dice and add some of the leftover cabbage to this mixture.)
Remove cabbage leaves and cut out center vein.
Place a dollop of beef mixture in the cabbage leaf and roll like a burrito. (You should get 2 rolls per leaf.)
Place rolls in saucepan that you cooked the onions in. Cover with tomato sauce.
Simmer gently for about 1 hour.

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sweet haute

National Brownie Day Celebrate with this Yummy Recipe

Did you know that January 22 is the national day to celebrate the brownie. Oh there are so many different styles to make brownies, make it simple , add this or add that. I found this awesome recipe and thought that I would share it with you all.

 

 

 

 

Brownie Peanut Butter Cups

 

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon water

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup peanut butter chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus about 1/3 cup more for garnishing

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Spray or grease 12 muffin cups. *Or you can opt to do mini-muffin bites and cook around 8 minutes or until center comes out clean with a toothpick test.

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar, butter, and water. Microwave on high for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir in 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips until melted. Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Add flour and baking soda, stirring until blended. Allow to cool to room temperature. Then, stir in 1/2 cup each peanut butter chips and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Spoon batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into muffin cups.

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly wet. Place pan on wire rack. Centers of brownies will fall upon cooling. If not, tap centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole.

Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds, then stir. While brownies are still hot, spoon about a tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.

recipe source here

No one can deny that January is soup month of the year. Is there any reason why it would not be. With it cold outside and everyone needing to get out there in it and getting cold and then oh needing to warm back up. Soup is the perfect warmth that we need. I can remember my grandmother making so many different recipes for soup from veggie to potato and oh the collection grew. Taco Soup is one that my kids introduced to me. This recipe for Taco Stew is perfect for winter days and cooks easily in the slow cooker. Yummy Enjoy


Taco Stew

1 Pound Ground beef, browned and drained                       
15 Ounces Pinto Beans, drained                       

15 Ounces Ranch Style Beans, drained

10 Ounces Rotel

14.5 Ounces Diced Tomatoes

1 1/2 Cups Corn

1 Package Taco Seasoning

1 Package Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix                        

 

Brown and drain meat. Combine all ingredients. Cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6+ Hours.

 

recipe source here

Having a little princess in our life we are always looking for great dolls and toys that she will love. I was first introduced to the Zeenie Dollz during the holidays The characters are all so cool and creative. Each doll is made up of 100% recycled materials. Making them each eco - friendly, stylish and fun to play with.

Zeenie Dolls are very stylish and in line with many of the other popular dolls like this. With the size of normal Barbie but with a large head, big eyes, and lots of hair. Zeenie Dolls are recommended for kids between the ages of 8 and 11. I love how the Zeenie doll has bendable leg, arm, and wrist joints. The bendable joints allows our Zeenie to hold the little doggie that comes with our pet loving doll. Our Zeenie Doll was not left short on fashion either featuring a beautiful stylish dress covered with a print of little dogs, hairband and earrings.

 
Zeenie Dollz are so much more than just another regular doll. The doll line stands for something that our family is very interested in, saving the environment.

Our doll Sini and her dog Misti has come to visit our house. She is here to protect farmlands and pastures from urban development. They are here to allow animals to enjoy nature more freely and to rescue all farm animals and pets that have been abandoned. I love that they are here to provide shelter to those that are in need.

Each of the Zeenie Dollz is 12 inches tall and comes with 5 accessories. The doll brings her own hairbrush, an ID card, a doll stand, a braclet for the child to wear and a stuffed animal pal that matches the doll's environmental cause.

To find out more about Zeenie Dollz and their causes check them out at  www.ZeenieDollz.com,

Zeenie Dollz would like to give one lucky reader their own Zeenie Doll of their choice! Valued at $49.99.

One of Annies Home readers has the chance of winning one of the Zeenie Dollz

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mashed Potato Puffs

Mashed Potato Puffs

2 cups mashed potatoes
3 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyere, divided
1/4 cup minced chives
1/4 cup diced ham (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Heat the oven to 400°F and spray the cups of Brownie Pan with non-stick spray.
Beat together the mashed potatoes, the eggs, 1/2 cup of cheese, the chives, and ham. Taste and season, if necessary, with salt and pepper. Using Large Scoop, portion mixture in Brownie Pan. Sprinkle the top of each potato puff with grated cheese. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the potato cups are set, browned on top, and hot through and through. Serve immediately.

recipe source here

nifty thrifty Tuesdays

Cheesy hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

When I finally have a day off from work, I want to prepare for my family a delicious breakfast. When that breakfast can also be nutritious and easy to bake all the better. This breakfast casserole has it all in one and provides you with a delicious taste as well. hope you enjoy



Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

 

 1 pound low sodium bacon, cooked and crumbled
10 sausage links, cooked and chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cups shredded cheese
26 oz shredded hashbrowns, thawed
8 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
4 scallions, sliced

Beat together eggs and milk and set aside
In a large bowl combine the remaining ingredients and mix
Pour into a greased 13x9 baking dish
Spread mixture evenly in the dish
Pour the egg mixture over top
Cover with foil (you can refrigerate at this point until ready to prepare)
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 minutes
Remove foil and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes or until eggs are set

 

Burger Bundles

A different take on meatballs that in my opinion add just a bit more are these delicious burger bundles. Oh my how your friends will love this. One good thing may be to have a taste challenge between these and the traditional meatball see who wins.

 

 

 

1 pkg. seasoned stuffing mix + butter and water to prepare
1 lb. ground beef
1/3 cup evaporated milk
1 can cream of onion soup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup

Prepare stuffing mix according to package directions. Allow to cool, since you will need to handle it. In a separate bowl, mix beef with evaporated milk until combined. Divide into 6 patties and flatten each into a small circle. Divide stuffing onto patties. Draw up edges and seal, making “bundles.” Place in a 1-1/2 quart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine soup, Worcestershire sauce and ketchup. Pour over meat bundles. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

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Home Stories A to Z

Happy Homemaker Monday

As I look outside my window:
I look at the work that my husband has done in the front yard. Finally a day warm enough to allow him to get out and work. Looks a bit neater and the sun sure does look welcoming

Right Now I Am
Watching an old Walton movie, actually a new one to me one about Walton's Easter. I grew up watching this family and secretly wished I was there in the mountains with them.

Thinking and Pondering
There is a lot going on in the next few weeks including birthdays, holidays and so much more. I am also thinking how I want to get out and enjoy the warmer spring weather

On my Bedside Table
I have my trusty household folder where I have worked on the budget and also included little tips I have found on many blogs today,

On My TV Tonight
Wrestling, have loved watching since I was a little girl and never missed a night as I watched with my daddy

Listening to
The waltons marathon on tv. Love these old shows and the best part is my husband watching it with me

On the Menu For This Week
Monday= barbq chicken
Tuesday = spaghetti
Wednesday = hamburgers and fixings
Thursday = stir fry
Friday = fish and chips
Saturday = weekend off eating out
Sunday = weekend off eating out

On my To Do List and Plans for the week
working most this week so will hopefully have family to help around the house
entertaining tonight my only day off before weekend so house must be straight
wash oldest boys blankets
straighten my room

My simple pleasure
enjoying time with my husband

From the Camera

Prayer List
brother going through break up
several friends dealing with death of family members

Bible Verse
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3


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Local History : Charlie Birger

Southern Illinois brings many things to mind. If you are familiar with the area you will know about the beauty it provides. The business that made it thrive that of coal mining and the business that traveled along with it many many decades ago. The business of bootlegging and one particalur character to this area Charlie Birger.

so smooth he charmed neighbors, school kids, even pie-baking housewives--you need only drive to this town of 7,000 about 70 miles west of Evansville.

     This is where gangster Charlie Birger smiled at the crowd on the town square and said, "It's a beautiful world," before being hanged, about 10 a.m. on April 19, 1928.

To hear older folks talk about him he was a robin hood of sorts helping all that came about. Birger became the benevolent "protector" in Harrisburg, tossing coins to kids and making sure his Saline County neighbors had coal or food.  But across the line in Williamson County--where behind the barbecue-stand front at his Shady Rest cabin he offered bootleg liquor, gambling and a safe haven for rum-runners--he was a sinister mobster.       

Today you will find the spot Shady Rest in ruins but still there. It seems his legend will live on in this little town of Harrisburg Illinois where I live, ask anyone even the kids that are old enough to have heard the stories and they can all tell you about this man. Perhaps on the wrong side of the law but one that made sure the poor ate and the widows did not do without.

resource here

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Blue Monday : Girl and Her Dog

From where I sit I believe that Princess and her new pup are best friends. Sitting in her mamas bed watching T.V. and enjoying a little snack. She often goes here to escape from her brother and looks like she lets Kitzy go with her.

Buttermilk Chicken

1 (3 1/2) pound chicken, cut into 8 pieces

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

1/4 teaspoon ground thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon dried sage

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 cups buttermilk

 
• For the seasoned flour:
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 1/2 quarts peanut oil for frying

Toss together chicken pieces, black pepper, salt, paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, white pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl to coat.  Stir in buttermilk until chicken is coated. Refrigerate for 6 hours. Combine flour, salt, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, white pepper, and onion powder in a large shallow dish. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Shake off any excess and transfer to a plate.  Heat peanut oil in a large Dutch oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Add all the chicken to the pan and cook for 10 minutes. Turn chicken pieces and cook for another 10-15 minutes. Remove chicken from the oil and transfer to a cooling rack set over a paper towel lined baking sheet. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

recipe source here


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Melt In Your Mouth Monday

Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

Looking for some delicious chocolates to make for your sweetheart on valentines? Well check these out the perfect chocolate, peanut butter and crunch all in one. I am sure someone special to you will love these.

 

Peanut Butter Crunch Balls

4 tablespoons butter

2 cups mini marshmallows

2 tablespoons peanut butter (your choice)

2 cups crispy rice cereal

1 cup peanut butter chips

2 cups (1 package) milk chocolate chips (you can use semi-sweet, too, but I like milk chocolate with peanut butter the best)

Melt butter in medium sized saucepan over low heat.  Add marshmallows and peanut butter and continue melting stirring constantly until melted and well combined.   Remove from heat and add crispy rice cereal and stir until mixed together completely.   Add peanut butter chips and stir until melted in and mixed together.  Form balls (whatever size you want, but I did them fairly small-about 1 teaspoon and set them on wax paper on a baking sheet.  Your hands will get pretty greasy--but it's fun!  I then put the balls in a very cold place (our garage sizes "refrigerator"--gotta love winter for that reason!)  You could refrigerate them or even freeze them, or also coat them in chocolate immediately.

Melt the chocolate in a microwave safe dish in 20 second increments.  Roll each ball in chocolate and set on wax paper.  Cool in refrigerator or garage! ;) 

recipe resource here

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Inspiration Monday

Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr.

If you can't  fly, then run
If you can't run, then walk
If you can't walk, then crawl
but whatever you do
you have to keep moving forward

I love these words spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Whether disabled, held back for economic reasons or whatever circumstances you find yourself in take heed in these words. Perhaps you can not do it swiftly, perhaps you can not do it with lots of attention but if you keep moving toward the goal the attention will eventually be focused on you and your goal. Keep peace in your heart and do your best.

amaze me monday

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions and Tomatoes

Love this summer time salad but why not brighten a winter day with this dish as well.

Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes

3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges...
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup oil

Combine ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

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Mod Mix Monday

tickle my tastebuds tuesday 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Topped Brownies

Sweets are a must at our super bowl party. There is a lot of energy in cheering. Its hard to choose between chocolate chip cookies and brownies so why not have them both in one treat

 

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Topped Brownies

 

 

One prepared 13x9 inch batch o' brownies
1 stick butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chips

Prepare your favorite brownie recipe, from scratch or a box mix. Bake as directed and cool completely.

Note: This topping goes on top of cooked/cooled brownies. Do not add prior to baking!

Combine melted butter with sugars in a medium bowl. Mix well. Add each remaining ingredient one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Spread mixture over cooled brownies. YUM!

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Mini Lasagnas

 

Working outside of the home has its own little problems. One of those is preparing lunch for the day at work. These mini lasagnas are oh so tasteful and easy to pack and take to work. Its like taking a moment in the day to sit and eat an elegant style lunch.

 

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb sausage
1 cup spaghetti sauce
1 1/2 cups part skim ricotta cheese
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
24 wonton wrappers
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brown sausage and hamburger in a large skillet over medium high heat and drain. Divide into 4 portions and reserve three for another night. Add spaghetti sauce to remaining meat mixture and stir to combine.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta the salt and pepper and stir to combine.
Coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray, and arrange a wonton wrapper in each cup. Take half the ricotta mixture and divide it among the 12 cups. Top with half of the meat sauce, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place another wonton wrapper over the cheese, and repeat the layers by adding the remaining ricotta cheese, meat sauce, and top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the wonton wrappers are golden. Cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Makes 12 mini lasagnas or 3 servings.

recipe source here

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inspire me monday

National Popcorn Day January 19

Did you know that today is national Popcorn Day? I love this cute recipe with valentines day coming up I think it would be awesome for a movie night snack

 

 

 

 

1 stick butter

1 packet miniature marshmallows

3 packets microwave popcorn (popped)

1 packet m&m's (colored to match holiday or celebration)

salt (to taste)

1 packet candy corn (colored to match holiday or celebration)

 

Dump bags of already popped corn into bowl. Scoop popcorn handfuls at a time into another large pan or container, this step will lessen the likelihood of unpopped kernels causing a call to the dentist later on. Heat butter in saucepan over low to medium heat until melted. Add marshmallows to melted butter and stir until melted and combined. Add salt to marshmallow mixture to taste.  Pour half of marshmallow mixture over popcorn, tossing to coat. Sprinkle with half of mix

Pour candied popcorn into bowl to serve; or into individual cellophane bags for bake sales.

 

recipe source here

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sew darn crafty

RIP Cleo

I shared with you all a few days ago about our cat , my daughters cat, cleo. Well Cleo has went on to kitty heaven. We are still not sure what was wrong with her. She suddenly got sick and never got better. RIP Cleo we will always love you.

I think this is what our cleo will look like looking down on our little house

Grandson Doing What He Loves To Do

 

Grandson playing with his cars (what he loves to do) and wearing his pediped shoes.

Get A Little Mixed Up This Weekend

Looks like it might just be a good weekend to stay inside and have some fun. So why not get into the kitchen and get it all mixed up. Have some fun with Jell-O


Stained Glass Jell-O

For the colored pieces:
4 packets jello in varying colors
4 cups boiling water
3 cups ice cold water

For the white outer layer
3 packets Knox gelatin
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup boiling water
1 cup vanilla greek yogurt

Pour each of the colored jello packets into a medium, glass or ceramic bowl.  Whisk 1 cup of boiling water into each of the bowls. Once the gelatin powder has dissolved, whisk 3/4 cups of ice-cold water into each bowl.  Cover the bowls tightly with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to set, about 1 hour.
Once the colored jello has set, remove it from the fridge and use a butter knife to slice each bowl into several splintered pieces.  Place 1 cup of water in a large bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top, allow it to sit and soften for 1 minute, then whisk in the boiling water and sugar.  Whisk in the yogurt and stir until smooth.  Pour this mixture into a 9×13 pyrex pan.  Carefully drop the stained glass jello pieces into the white gelatin mixture.  Cover with plastic wrap, return to the fridge, and refrigerate for an additional hour until set.

recipe source here

shared at What To Do Weekend

1

Company Casserole

Company Casserole

 

 

12 oz. egg noodles
1 lb. ground beef
2 cans (8 oz. each) tomato sauce
1 pkg. cream cheese (8 oz.), softened
1 cup cottage cheese
¼ cup sour cream
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (more or less as desired)
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded (more or less as desired)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder or minced onion, oregano (all to taste)

Brown the ground beef. While browning, season well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder/minced onion (more or less to taste but use at least some of each). Drain and set aside.

Cook egg noodles in well-salted water according to package directions. Drain, return to pot and add butter to noodles. Stir while butter melts. Set noodles aside.

In a very large bowl combine cream cheese, cottage cheese and sour cream. Mix well. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and/or minced onion, and oregano to taste. Add noodles to seasoned cream cheese mixture and stir thoroughly. Add mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and stir thoroughly. Add cooked beef and stir thoroughly. Finally, add both cans of tomato sauce and stir thoroughly.

Spoon (dump!) mixture into a large baking dish (13 x 9 or larger). Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for 30-40 minutes.

 

recipe source here

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 Weekly Rays of Sunshine

Easy Crockpot Roast

There are days that I simple do not feel like cooking, days that are late at work, days that are just days that I have so much time to do no time for cooking and simply days that I just want to eat but don't want to cook lol. Well this easy recipe will help me on any of those days yes the crockpot does the cooking.

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 chuck roast (2-4 pounds)

Place roast in crock pot. Combine creamy soup and soup mix, and pour over roast. Cook on low 8 hours.

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A Little Claireification

What Party Are You Having

Tonight where my niece lives they are celebrating Super Hero Night. Where ever you are and whatever you might be celebrating check out this snack mix as it very well may go right along with your party

1 bag (8 oz) chex mix chocolate peanut butter snack mix   
3/4 c reeses puffs cereal    
3/4 c sweet and salty glazed peanuts
1/2 c candy coated peanut butter pieces                       

                                                                       

                                                  
                                                 

In medium bowl, mix all ingredients.

Bugle Snack Mix

Who does not like chips? This mix is perfect for Super Bowl with so many different flavors of chips should offer a super taste

 

 

Bugles (14 oz. or so)
Mini Pretzels (12 oz. or so)
Cheddar flavored fish-shaped crackers (1 package)
Cashews (10 oz. or so)
1 package ranch dressing mix
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl a few hours before serving (gives the flavors time to blend). Voila!

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Friday Favorites

Chinese Coca Cola Chicken

Chinese New Year is an awesome celebration I plan to try to cook up a bit of Chinese for the first time this year as well. Will be yummy

 

 

 

 

You will need

1 lb chicken wings

1 can coca cola

7 T soy sauce

1/2 tsp crushed garlic

1/2 tsp crushed ginger

3 pinches Chinese five spice

salt and pepper

14 cups of flour

5 cups frying oil

Pour two thirds of the Coke and two thirds of the soy sauce into a pot.
Add the garlic and ginger, a pinch of five spice and chili powder and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cut the chicken wings into sections and add them to the cold pot.
Bring the liquid to the boil, then simmer it for 12 minutes.
Drain the cooked wings and allow them to cool slightly, reserving the liquid for later use.

 

 

To make the sauce, skim the chicken fat off the top of the liquid.
Without disturbing the sediment, return some of the cooking liquid to the pot.
Add the remaining Coke and soy sauce to the pot and simmer gently.
Season with salt and pepper and a pinch of five spice and chili powder.
The sauce can be reduced until it has a syrup like consistency, or to speed things up and produce more volume, simply thicken the liquid, off the stove, with a slurry of corn flour and water.

 

 

Season the corn flour with salt and pepper and a pinch of five spice and chili powder.
While the chicken is still warm, coat it in the seasoned corn flour.
Heat the oil to 175° and fry the chicken wings until the coating is crisp and brown.
Remove the fried chicken a drain it on a paper towel.
Serve Chinese Coca Cola Chicken drizzled with the soy and cola sauce, accompanied by fried rice.

recipe source here

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Farm Hop

Pediped : Semi Annual Sale

pediped offers great shoes everyday but now through February 9 they will be offering many of their shoes on the Semi annual sale. That's right you can save up to 60% Off

Recently we got the pair of flex jones - hunter green for our grandson. I was very impressed to see them included in the great sale currently going on. You really do not want to miss out on this sale.

 The Flex Jones are great looking perfect for any little boy. I do not care for light colored shoes as they never stay light colored. Boys like to play in the grass, on the ground and play hard so it is always better to look for a great looking colorful pair of shoes for boys in my opinion. The Jones shoe offers a sporty style as well. The stripes are full of color and run across the top and down the sides. The suede and leather upper part of the shoe and the all natural sole will offer parents something they are looking for as well a chance to save real money by having the shoes last longer than others. The sneakers also have Velcro strap that secures safely in place. The shoes also feature the Flex Fit System that allows the child foot to grow a bit in the shoe and prolong the length of the wear. pediped Flex Fit system shoes are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting healthy foot development.


This great pair of shoes with many other styles, colors and both for boy and girl are available on the great Semi Annual Sale at pediped. Simply head over there and check it out


we were sent the great pair of shoes from pediped for review only purposes. The thoughts shared within this post are those of mine alone

2 cups cold milk
1 (5 1/8 ounce) package vanilla instant pudding mix
1 (15 ounce) package Hostess Twinkies (cream filled sponge cakes)
4 cups fresh sliced strawberries
1 (8 ounce) carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
additional strawberry, halved for garnish

In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes; let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set; set aside. Slice the Twinkies in half lengthwise; place filling side up in an ungreased 13x9x2 inch dish.
Spread the pudding over the top of the sliced twinkies. Arrange sliced strawberries over the pudding and then spread the whipped topping over the strawberries. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before cutting.
Garnish with strawberry halves if desired. Refrigerate any leftovers.

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Slow Cook Irish Stew

This yummy stew should be perfect for St. Patricks Day. Irish stew is a filling dish that is very flavorful. Once considered peasant food it was traditionally made with the cheapest ingredients readily on hand. In other words it was the go to meal. The Irish raised primarily sheep and root crops for subsistence. Sheep had many uses including wool for warm clothing, milk for drinking and making cheese and they were also a food source. Potatoes prior to the potato famine were the main food crop.

Irish stew was made up of lamb, potatoes, onions, and parsley. Lamb pieces such as the neckbone, shank and other trimmings made up the base of the stock. They still provided flavor after a long simmering. Adding the root veggies provided more flavor and thickened the stew as well.

Todays Irish Stew may be like this

 1 whole chicken ( a 3-4 lb. fryer )
1 coarse chopped onion or 1 tblspoon dried onion flakes
3 bay leaves
4 garlic cloves unpeeled

3 leeks (or 2 onions), chopped
6 medium carrots cut into pennies
5 tablespoons chopped parsley

1 tablespoon Peppercorns
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
4 whole cloves
Salt and pepper
3 quarts water
1/4 cup barley
2 dried plums or prunes diced

Stew the chicken with the onion bay leaves and garlic in a large soup pot for 45 minutes.
Strain Stock into another pot and reserve.

After the chicken cools a bit pick the meat, chop and reserve.

Cook all the remaining ingredients except barley until vegetables are almost tender, 30-60 minutes. Add barley , prunes and cook 30 minutes until barley is tender

Add the Chicken meat and simmer 10 minutes.

Serves 10.

.