Back to school Dinner Idea: Taco Corn Bread Casserole

Back to school is always a busy time for our family. Thats why I am always on the look out for a delicious meal that will fill the whole family Do you have those members of the family that simply don't like the ordinary supper and want something new from time to time? Well this will please many taste buds and break the dullness of meal time in our family. A simply yummy easy to make casserole

Taco Corn Bread Casserole

1 package (8 1/2 oz) corn bread/muffin mix
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
3 cups cooked taco seasoned meat
1 can black beans
1 cup (8 oz) sour cream, light
1 cup colby jack, cheddar or mexican cheese, shredded and divided
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 can sliced olives (optional, I didn't use)

In a large bowl, combine the corn bread, egg and milk until blended.  Spread into an 8 x 8 pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.  Combine taco meat and beans, spread over corn bread.  Combine sour cream, 3/4 cup cheese and onion.  Spread over meat mixture.  Bake for 20 - 25 minutes longer or until heated through and cheese is melted.  Sprinkle with tomato, lettuce and remaining 1/4 cup of cheese.

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recipe source here

John Wayne Casserole

John Wayne played many roles during his career as a Hollywood Movie Star. He was so good looking and charming. He played a man of authority in all his roles. I believe in reality he played the same rule of authority Watching western movies with my parents, grandparents, in laws and husband has made me a big fan of John Wayne in a cowboy hat looking strong and hard.

The recipe I share today is one that has been around for a while and is often referred to as  the John Wayne casserole I  hope you enjoy

2 lb. ground beef
2 pkgs. taco seasoning mix
2 cups sour cream...
3 cups shredded cheddar chese
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped onion
1 pkg. biscuit mix
4 fresh tomatoes
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup diced jalapeño pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a casserole dish.

Brown ground beef and drain fat. Mix in taco seasoning.

In separate bowl mix together sour cream, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and chopped onion.

Mix the biscuit mix following package directions. Press biscuit dough in the bottom of the prepared dish to 1/2 inch depth. Layer ground beef, sliced tomatoes, chopped bell pepper and diced jalapenos. Spread sour cream mixture on top. Finish off with the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Bake for 30-40 minutes or until edges of dough are lightly browned

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Spatulas on Parade

End of Summer Fun : Smore Brownies

  Summer time fun can last even into fall if you know the right things to do. The heat of summer will fade away before we know it and to tell you the truth someone did not turn the heat on high this year. The bonfires will help keep the night glow going and the perfect snack like these yummy smores brownies will do great. Enjoy the night and the snack  Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (15 cracker sheets)
• 1/4  cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Fudge Brownie Filling: (recipe from Baker’s One Bowl Brownies)

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Toasted Marshmallow Topping:

• 4 cups (packed) miniature marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Line a 13×9” pan with foil. Coat with cooking spray. Make the graham cracker crust by combining the graham crumbs, sugar, and butter in a large bowl. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan- creating an even 1/4″ thick crust.
2. Place the chocolate and the butter in a large bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes on high heat, until the butter is melted. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted.
3. Stir in the sugar. Mix well.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until well combined, about 1 minute.
5. Blend in the flour, mixing until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and give it one final stir.
6. Pour the brownie batter over the crust in the pan and spread evenly to the sides.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few fudgy crumbs.
8. The top should be shiny. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
9. Turn on your oven’s broiler. Spread the marshmallows over the cooled brownies. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows begin to brown. Watch them carefully because once they begin to brown, they can burn very quickly. Let the pan cool. Lift the foil overhang to remove the bars from the pan. Peel down the foil sides. Cut into squares using a sharp knife. For a clean edge, wipe the knife down after each slice with a damp towel.

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Time to Sparkle

River is where its at

Here in Southern Illinois there are many places that are high and dry that are nice to climb and see the sky but for me its the river that I love to look at, watch and enjoy. What is your passion?

Labor Day Picnic idea : creamy coleslaw

One of my favorite side salads is a creamy coleslaw. Now when I was growing up this would maybe not have been considered a salad as it did not have the typical lettuce that I used to think was always in a salad. It accompanies so many great entrees and taste super good to me alone as well. Check out this yummy recipe another great idea for the upcoming Labor Day picnic

 

 

 

1 head of cabbage, shredded
2 carrots, shredded
3/4cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons sugar       
1 tablespoon dry mustard       
1 tablespoon white vinegar       
2 teaspoons lemon juice       
1 teaspoon celery seed       
salt and pepper to taste     

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Shred cabbage and carrots into a large bowl. Shred finely, or more coarsely, the way you like it.        Mix together remaining ingredients in a separate bowl. add the mixture to the cabbage. Mix well.        Cover and chill 1-2 hours before serving.

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National Relaxation Day

 

have you ever just wanted a day to sit and relax? Well here it is august 15 the national relaxation day.
Whatever you like to do when relaxing today is the day to do it. Try your hand at one of these ideas

Reading a book

Fishing with a friend

A picnic in the park

Walking along the beach

Taking a drive in the country

Spa

Golfing

Photography

A movie

Window shopping

Lunch with friends

Drinks with friends

Watching sports

Swimming

I realize that today is a week-day and many will be at work. There should be a moment or two that you can take a deep breath and have a relaxing deep breath.

Have a good day.

 

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Back to School giveaway : $100 Kohls gift card

Getting ready to go back to school is no easy task. There are the school supplies, the backpack, the right clothes and perfect shoes and so much more. The great thing is that right now there is a giveaway on the blog Mom and More that will help you get started on your back to shopping . With their $100 Kohls gift card giveaway I am sure you can that special back to school item .

Giveaway $100 Kohls gift card
Moms and More
Ending date 8/30/14

Keep Your Lettuce Fresh

Don't you just hate it when you just bought (or thought you did) that head of lettuce (or was it that fresh) I can tell you that it is one of my pet peeves. I really do not care for it when things like this happen. The next time perhaps you could and I know I will try a few tips that I found here while searching the www

Remove all the lettuce leaves and place them in a big bowl or salad spinner.
Pour 1 cup of vinegar in the bowl or spinner and fill the rest with water.
Gently mix the lettuce, water and vinegar around and let soak for a few minutes.
Drain the vinegar-water solution and rinse the lettuce thoroughly in water.
Spin dry if using a salad spinner. If not, transfer lettuce to a colander and shake off excess water.
Lay out and air dry the lettuce on a clean counter, dish towel or paper towels until completely dry.
Place the lettuce in a gallon plastic zip bag along with a paper towel.
squeeze all air out of the bag and refrigerate.

she also offered the tip to
I also like to take several dried lettuce leaves, chop or shred it up and store in a smaller 1-quart plastic zip bag with half a sheet of paper towel for grab-and-go chopped or shredded lettuce. Perfect for tacos, salads, burritos, subs and so much more!

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Ready for Fall Sports

 football season is here and alive. With the arrival of back to school come back the local highschool and college sports. Perhaps you are an avid fan. Have fun creating these pom poms and allow the whole family to have fun.


We picked out two colors to use and cut a total of 24 two-foot-long strip pieces (12 from each colored roll). We began placing one strip down at a time, slighting overlapping the one before,

making a large pinwheel.

Using one hand, we grabbed the middle of the pinwheel

and held up what looked like a little hula skirt. We next folded the top of our hula skirt in half vertically,

grabbed the top of the pom pom and gave it a good squeeze to mold a handle. We got some masking tape, wrapped it around the makeshift handle to keep it secure and even added some pipe cleaners around the tape for a little added team pizazz.

The final thing we did was cut each pom pom streamer in half (my kid’s favorite part). This took only a few extra minutes and really added some pep to that pom. Go team!

Easy Pom Poms

 party streamers
scissors
masking tape
pipe cleaners (optional)

Choose your streamer colors (we used 2 colors) and cut 12 of each color, at least 24 to 30 inches long (eyeballing it is totally fine). You will need about 24 pieces total. Begin placing one piece down in a straight vertical line on a flat surface. Each piece after slightly overlaps the one before, making a large pinwheel fan. Grab the middle of your streamer circle and with one hand, lift it up. It should look like you are holding a little hula skirt. Fold the top of the skirt in half vertically. Now it should start to resemble a pom pom. Time for a handle. Grab that pom pom like you are holding an ice cream cone and give it a squeeze. You are molding your handle. Cut a few pieces of masking tape and wrap it around your makeshift handle to make it more sturdy and secure. If you have any, wrap some pipe cleaners over the masking tape. This is just for decoration and is optional. Now take some scissors and cut each streamer in half to add more bulk to the pom pom. Let the cheering begin!


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busy monday

 

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Make Someone A Smile

 

August 11-17 is happy smile week. Be sure to share yours whenever possible you never know whose day it might brighten.

 

Easy Apple Smiles

 

 

Easy apple smiles are fun and easy to make. Take a couple of apple slices, marshmallows, and peanut butter. Allow everyone to make their own and their creativity to go wild. Have fun

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One of my Favs

Crested Celosia (cockscomb) is one of my all time favorites. I love to plant them as they are easy to raise and add a pop to any garden. The texture of its velvety wavy flowers grow best in the sun and withstands the brutal heat. Withstands the summer drought well and has little known pest problems. While it provides a great lift and color to garden. Self seeding but it is not invasive.

If you enjoy drying flowers this one is great that will mix well with dried evergreens, boxwood for wreaths, ornaments, or in garlands. Colors can be dark pink, light pink, red, or yellow.


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Son and Daughter Day

August 11 is always Son and Daughter day. If you are as blessed as I am to have sons and daughters then be sure to take a moment to spend some time with them today and every day. Before you know it they will be grown and have their own sons and daughters

Kids Music Giveaway

Do your kids love music? well mine do they are always going around humming a song or singing. They love to listen to it and when their song comes on watch out cause they are gonna bust it out. That's why I love this giveaway

Enter to win CD Kidz Bop
Where the blog Mom and More
Giveaway ends 8/25

Beautiful

heirloom tomatoes

Recently we were able to purchase some delicious heirloom tomatoes I love the farmers market as we never know what we will find. They were delicious. While I would love to be an avid gardener like my parents I am not but know many that are. If you enjoy gardening and would like more information on heirloom tomatoes. Here is a great post created by a fellow blogger.

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fabulous finds

Simplify To Make Room For Those Important TO You

Sometimes life can spin to fast and before you know it the day is gone and then another and yet another. Step back take some time and keep in mind a few tips

1. Keep in mind what is important to you. Don't let the daily hustle and bustle take those pleasures away. Make up your mind what is important and sometimes it is not what is important at the moment. My grandmother always said the work will wait while the days pleasures may not. Children grow fast and we age a bit every day (sad as it is) that is why it is so important to relax and take the time to enjoy the day and life. When deciding what is the most important ask a question or two of yourself. Take a moment and see if what will change in a day, a week, a month or a year from now.

Sometimes it is our activities that take over our life. Doing to much can create a negative effect draining your energy and time. Decide what activities and hobbies you most enjoy. Is there something that has become to demanding? Sometimes we must release an activity or commitment in order to make room and enjoy what we find interest in. When we strive to do to much we can become overwhelmed with stress

Clutter is something that often stresses me out as well. With it not being organized my life seems a bit chaotic. Try to remove what you no longer need or use and keep the rest straight and organized.

One of the toughest words to say is a simple 2 letter word. The word I speak of is one that I have trouble saying myself  "NO". Often people will take advantage of this and you may find yourself doing so much that there is no possible way. It is best to learn to be selective in the jobs and goals you accept. Remember in the end it is what you hold important that will end up suffering.

I try to hard to get it all perfect or as near to it as I can get it. The thing is I am sure that there are others that are like me. I have been told many times that there are no perfect individuals and while I know this I must try to remind myself of that. Trying to select a realistic goal is better than feeling like it never is good enough. Being successful also spills over to our children. We try to hard to make sure that we set them up for success and make it better than our childhood. Instead of pushing to hard we should concentrate on being there for support and whatever the outcome offer a bit of love.

Taking a moment for yourself allows you to refresh , enjoy life more and giving those around you a more loving refreshed you. Take a walk, participate in a hobby, read a book or sit and ponder whatever it is take some time and do it. 

In this world of technology it is hard to escape but getting away for a few seconds is what you may need. There are times where go for a ride to simply get away from the world, don't worry when you go back it will all still be there but for a moment it will help you escape from it all.


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Thoughtful Thursday

Peach Fest and a Yummy Recipe

 

 

Over the weekend we were able to have lots of great fun at the annual Peach Festival in Cobden Illinois. Never heard of Cobden? Here in southern Illinois it is the location of a few orchards that supply the area with delicious goodies of peaches and apples both. Yummy desserts are among my favorite things to make from the fruits that are available. Perhaps you would like to try your hand at a delicious recipe like peach crisp.

 

 

 

 

4 to 6 large peaches

sprinkle of sugar

 

For the topping:

½ cup flour

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¹/₈ teaspoon ground cloves

½ cup (1 stick) butter

spread peaches in baking dish and sprinkle with sugar

Mix dry ingredients together.  

Using a pastry blender, blend in the cold butter until mixture is uniformly crumby.  If you don’t have a pastry blender, just use a fork. 

Evenly sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the peaches.  Some crumble recipes stipulate patting the mixture down on top of the peaches.  I chose not to, and it was fine.  Bake at 350° for 45 minutes.

Don’t try to serve like a piece of cake.  Allow the peaches to jumble together with the crumble.  It is so good!



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show and tell friday

family fun summer time fun

As a mother of 6 I have learned to look for frugal fun out of necessity. This fun family craft will provide cool off fun for hours. Frugal and fun go in hand in hand as you travel through hours of splashing fun.

 

 

 

 

FOR EACH BALL:

3 plain kitchen sponges
Scissors
Strong string
Bucket

How to make it

1. For each ball, you'll need 3 plain kitchen sponges fresh from the package and still slightly damp. Use scissors to cut each sponge lengthwise into 5 strips about a half-inch wide. Stack the strips as shown.
2. Loop a piece of strong string around the center of the stack and pull tightly. Double-knot the string and trim the excess.
3. For a fast cool-off game, have two players stand a few feet apart, each beside a bucket of water. See how many times they can toss the ball back and forth, taking a step apart and dunking the ball in a bucket before each throw

resource: family fun magazine

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In and Out of the Kitchen

End of Summer Pasta Salad

I love end of summer, harvest time, a great time when fresh veggies are fully available. This pasta salad recipe allows you to share your bounty in one delicious recipe. Check it out many veggies currently available from your own garden, farmers market or roadside stand. Enjoy the summer and all that it has to offer.

1 package pasta (your shape choice)
½ cup carrot, diced
½ cup bell pepper, chopped
½ cup cucumber, chopped
½ cup green beans, choppedL
2 cups tomatoes, diced (any kind of tomato)
¼ cup onion, chopped
½ cup feta
Fresh basil, chopped (to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
Italian dressing (dress salad to your liking)

Prepare the pasta until al dente and rinse in cold water, set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the other ingredients except the dressing. Then add pasta and dressing and toss to evenly distribute and coat.
If you expect your pasta salad to be eaten at one sitting, then feel free to use all of the Italian dressing. If you expect leftovers or for it to sit for several hours before serving you may want to reserve some of the dressing as it is absorbed into the ingredients and can leave them dry if stored too long. You can also use olive oil to refresh the salad if you don’t want to add more flavor or don’t have any dressing left.

recipe source here
meet up monday
marvelous monday

celebrating in costume

The famous rose hotel in Elizabethtown Illinois recently celebrated Independence day. A few of my great friends helped celebrate and dressed in period style clothing.

 

 

A Taste of The Isnands In a Bit of Fudge

Summer time is just for a short period of time. Maybe this is a good thing at times when there is so much to do so many places to go. A little breeze, a moment to sit and ponder the day, a cool glass of lemonade these are the things that I love during a busy summer day when the world seems to start spinning out of control. Now I found a delicious little treat that is perfect for a summer giveaway even its just for a moment.

Pina Colada Fudge
1 (12 oz.) package white chocolate chips
1 (16 oz.) tub cream cheese or vanilla frosting
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. rum extract
1/2 cup dried pineapple, chopped
1/4 cup toasted flaked coconut
1/3 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/3 cup chopped pecans
more nuts or fruit for garnish (optional)

1. Lightly butter an 8 x 8-inch baking pan or a 9-inch diameter pan*. Set aside.
2. Melt the baking chips in the microwave in a medium bowl.
3. Stir in the frosting, salt, extract, nuts and fruit until well combined.
4. Scrape into the prepared pan and sprinkle with additional nuts or fruit as garnish, if using.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1/2 hour or until firm. Cut it into squares to serve.

recipe source here

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Peach Ice Cream

Today is national peach ice cream day. Here in southern Illinois there are peach orchards in a few different places none better known to our family than the Rendleman Orchards. The orchard has been a family farm selling their good for over 100 years. The delicious juicy peaches that can be found there are perfect to create into delicious recipes like peach ice cream.

 

 

 

 

 

1 1/3 lbs. ripe peaches (about 4 large peaches)
1/2 cup water
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
a few drops freshly squeezed lemon juice

Peel the peaches, slice them in half, and remove the pits. Cut the peaches into chunks and cook them with the water in a medium, nonreactive saucepan over medium heat, covered, stirring once or twice until soft and cooked through, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat, stir in the sugar, then cool to room temperature.

Puree the cooked peaches and any liquid in a blender or food processor with the sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla and lemon juice until almost smooth but slightly chunky.

Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator (overnight is best) then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.

recipe source here