American Heart Month and Hearth Healthy Recipe

February is American Heart Month. No better time to celebrate than the month where love is in the air. Even one of the symbols for valentines day is a heart. See how it goes together so nicely. Heart disease in the US is at epidemic proportions and is now the leading cause of death for both men and women. The CDC estimates that 715,000 people suffer a heart attack each year however only 27 percent of people recognize chest pain as a symptom.

Heart disease is both preventable and controllable. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood through an artery that feeds blood to the heart. It causes permanent damage to the heart muscle unless it is treated quickly. The most common cause of heart attack is atherosclerosis and can include very low blood pressure, a tear in the heart artery, drug use or small blood clots or tumors that form in the body and travel to the heart.

Chest pain, shortness of breath and pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw are common signs in men of a heart attack. In women common signs are severe chest pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, inablity to sleep and breaking out in cold sweat. However, every case is different and if one is experiencing any symptoms like indigestion, chest pain or fatigue you should seek immediate medical treatment. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and lack of exercise are all risk factors. Early recognition of a heart attack can greatly reduce long term damage. 

First and most important tip is to always call 911 if you are experiencing any heart attack symptoms. False alarms are understandable.

Some life changes you can do to limit your risk of heart attacks are monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, getting plenty of exercise, putting a good dose of omega 3 fatty acid in your diet. Celebrate American Heart Month by getting your numbers checked and being proactive about one of the most important muscles in your body. 

Good for Your Heart Sloppy Joes

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup Kellogg's® All-Bran® Bran Buds® cereal
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon liquid pepper sauce
• 8 hamburger buns, split and toasted
• Shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions and/or chopped fresh tomatoes (optional)
• 
  

1. In large nonstick skillet cook turkey, onions and garlic over medium heat until turkey is no longer pink and onions are tender. Drain off any fat.

2. Stir in tomato sauce, KELLOGG’S ALL-BRAN BRAN BUDS cereal, water, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper sauce. Bring to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 to 8 minutes or until of desired consistency, stirring frequently.

3. Spoon turkey mixture onto buns. Sprinkle with cheese, green onions or tomatoes (if desired).

recipe source Kellogs

Fried Cinnamon Sugar Biscuits

This is an easy breakfast recipe that takes few ingredients and is super easy as well. 

Fried Cinnamon-Sugar Biscuits

1  8-piece can refrigerated biscuit dough
vegetable or canola oil for frying
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cinnamon

In a large dutch oven or deep cast iron skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil to around 350 degrees. To know when your oil is hot enough, you can either use a thermometer or put a drop of water into the oil; if the water sputters and pops, it’s ready. I kept my heat set on medium-low after reaching the desired temperature and was able to keep a pretty consistent 350 degrees.

Have a large platter lined with paper towels ready. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a pie plate or platter; set aside. Cut each biscuit into quarters. Drop 6-8 pieces of dough in the hot oil (carefully) and cook until they begin to brown on one side and float. Turn them over and cook until the other side is lightly browned. Remove from the oil and drop into the cinnamon-sugar; roll to coat and set on the paper towel-lined platter.

Repeat with the remainder of the dough pieces. If your dough seems to be browning too quickly, your oil is too hot. Reduce the heat just a little. Each piece should take about 45 seconds to 1 minute on each side. Serve immediately. Makes 32 pieces.

The Beatles On The Ed Sullivan Show

To the music industry this day in history of one great importance holding lots of memories. It was the day that The Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan show. Not only on T.V and drawing a great crowd it will always be an important day in history

Sundays Hymn

The hymn for today is "Crown Him with Many Crowns" originally written by Matthew Bridges in 1851 and consisted of six eight-line stanzas. He thought of his hymn as a sermon in song based on Romans 19:12 "...and on His head were many crowns," and called it "The Song of the Seraphs". He once wrote a book condemning Roman Catholics but ended up converting to Catholicism in 1848. In 1874, Godfrey Thring, a staunch Anglican clergyman feared that some of Bridge's verses contained too much Catholic doctrine. Godfrey wrote six new verses for the same song and changed the title to "Crown Him with Many Crowns". Over the years, these twelve stanzas have become intermingled in the hymnbooks with editors mixing and matching the verses. This information is from the book, "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan, copyright 2003,=

Beauty of Winter

Real or Not

Calling all cooks, kitchen professionals and those who are home cook but are aware of their surroundings I saw this post on a friends facebook page and was wondering if there is any truth to it. Do you know?? It sort of makes sense to me but I am just wondering if that was what they were creating

Its all about the groundog

Its all about the ground hog today and it has been since the old European Days here in the early states. Before the groundhog it was the bear or the badger that helped these trappers to predict the weather. Since 1887 though it has been the groundhog in his home state of Pennsylvania to make the great prediction. Yes, if you have not heard he did see his shadow. Well with all those on lookers my question is why would he not? Maybe one day with all the technology we may be able to rig a camera to capture his outlook as he comes out of his warm underground home without everyone standing around. However, that would not be as fun so I guess that we all ready know that we have a great chance of another 6 weeks of winter and we should just simply have a day to enjoy where we hope that the little fellow may come out and not see his shadow.

So why don't we celebrate ground hog day with a fun recipe that we can share.

 

These groundhog hot dogs are splendid dish for supper tonight and may take the thought of six more weeks of winter off your mind for just a bit.

Happy Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday to Justin Timberlake. I wonder if it was every birthday that his grandma would make this coconut cake for him or if it was only for now and then. I hope you enjoy the recipe

Justin Timberlake's Granny's Coconut Cake

• 1 (18.25-oz.) white cake mix
• 8 oz. sour cream
• 1-1/2 c. sugar
• 3 (7-oz) packages sweetened, flake coconut

Prepare cake mix according to package directions, using two 8- or 9-inch round pans. Once cakes are cool, slice in half to form four layers.
In a bowl, mix together sour cream, sugar, and 2 of the packages of coconut. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Ice the top with the coconut mixture. Repeat with the next two layers. Place the last layer on top and cover entire cake with remaining icing.
Sprinkle some of the coconut from the third package on the top of the cake. Apply the rest to the sides, patting it on with the palm of your hand. Keep the cake in a cool place or refrigerate.
Bring to room temperature before serving.

Valentine Sun Catchers

Valentine Sun Catchers

These adorable sun catchers caught my eye. I can remember making sun catchers when I was younger and then I made some with my own children. These sun catchers are perfect for crafts at home, sunday school class or even homeschool lessons. I found this craft along with the easy direction on a blog that is new to me Mommyapolis You may want to visit her blog because from what I see there are lots of great ideas to be found there

Supplies:


Clear contact paper
Colorful tissue paper cut into small squares, triangles, circles, etc.. Older children can do the cutting themselves
Decorative ribbon
Scissors

Directions:

Cut 2 identical large squares out of the contact paper. Peel off the backing on ONE square and place it sticky side up in front of your child. Keep the other square for later use. Give them a stack of cut up tissue (I precut the tissue, but like I said depending on the age of your child he/she may be able to do this alone). Tell them to put the tissue ONE PIECE at a time all over the sticky stuff. Encourage them to fill up the entire sticky square. When they are finished, take the square away and place the other piece of contact paper on top of it so that the sticky sides are touching. You can then cut the contact paper in what ever shape you would like. I obviously chose hearts, but we have made all different shapes for all different holidays. Cut or punch a hole in the top of your heart and attach a ribbon… Show your child how to catch some sun in their favorite window

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Beef Stroganoff

Cold weather seems to make me very hungry. I guess they are right that it takes a lot of good cooking to fuel the body in the winter. My grandmother used to always say this. She was a farmers wife and cooked lots of great food. and really tried to get you filled before heading out to those central Illinois winter days. To say the least my grandmother cooked lots of noodle dishes. Beef Stroganoff was one dish she loved to make and serve the family. While this recipe is not my grandmothers and was found here instead I know that she would have loved it.

Beef Stroganoff

2 lbs of good stew meat
1 small minced onion
2 minced garlic cloves – 2 teaspoons of garlic
2 packages mushrooms ~ 4 cups quatered
32 oz beef stock
16 oz of creme fraiche/sour cream – get a little more if you want to place some on top
1 package of stroganoff noodles-german egg pasta
1 cup dry read wine
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper
2 tablespoon olive oil

Add oil to a large dutch oven or le creuset, let the oil get hot then add your meat. Do not crowd the meat will steam and you want it to brown on all sides. Remove meat pieces once they are browned and add the remaining meat. Remove meat to a plate, add onions to pan and sauté until they are translusent, add garlic and heat briefly.  Add the wine to the pot, place the meat back in the pot. Add beef stock, the quatered mushrooms, bay leaf and ground pepper. I wait closer to the end to add any salt, due to the beef stock. Some times you will have to much salt. After it cooks an hour or more then add a little salt if needed.  I pre heat the oven to 350. While this is getting to 350, I have the stroganoff on the stove top simmering. Once the oven reaches 350 place in the oven with a lid. I bake this for 2-3 hours once the meat is fork tender it is ready to take out. You may need to add a little beef stock during the baking process. Check every hour. Once the meat is ready, leave in oven to stay warm. A little red wine for the sauce.  Place your pasta on to boil in a large pot with a good amount of salt. I boil for 7 minutes only. Drain pasta from water. While pasta is draining, add creme fraiche/sour cream to stroganoff and stir until incorporated. Place cooked, drained pasta in beef stroganoff cooking until all heated through, remove/discard bay leaf. Plate and serve.




stay warm and ENJOY!!!!

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Bubble Wrap Day

Perhaps it is time to appreciate bubble wrap after all we use it for both protection and entertainment. Bubble wrap is great to have when we are moving, packing boxes or protecting a shipment that we are gifting or sending. The entertainment comes in the popping of these tiny bubbles, after all who has not been caught popping the bubbles.

Bubble wrap is actually not simple in construction rather there are several materials involved. First one must find the right kind of film, suction is applied to a drum-covered layer of film with holes punched into it.   Next the film is laminated so that the holes stick together and the air bubbles are trapped. There you have it bubble wrap all suctioned together.

So appreciate your bubble wrap or pop your bubbles your choice

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7 up biscuits

I would have to say that the secrets in the pop. These yummy and easy to make biscuits make a great accompaniment to any meal. Enjoy!!

7 Up Biscuits

4 cups Bisquick
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 7-up
1/2 cup melted butter

Melt butter and put and place in a baking pan cut sour cream into the Bisquick
Then add one cup 7-up. ***Do not add a whole 7up!
mix in and dump on a well floured surface ~ I used parchment paper, makes clean up easy
then I pat out just with my hand or roll out about 1 inch thick
flour your cutter each time before cutting your biscuits. Once you cut your biscuits add to your pan with the butter.
Bake at 425 until golden brown 20 to 25 minutes enjoy ~ see those boys got to them before I even got a picture WOW ~
Enjoy ~ these are so easy!!


recipe source here

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seasonal workers in my hometown way back in the day these men worked in the local orchards

Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Its no secret I love pie. It goes back generations with my grandfather raiding the dessert counter at family reunions, my own father asking for pie rather than birthday cake for his own birthday and my uncle who always enjoyed his pie with his meal not after I hope you enjoy this old fashioned coconut cream pie that simply melted in my mouth. Enjoy!!

recipe source here



makes 1 9-inch pie1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
3 cups half-and-half
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed


 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake it, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. In a medium saucepan, combine the half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt and mix well. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut and the vanilla extract. Reserve the remaining coconut to top the pie. Pour the filling into the pie shell and chill until firm, about 4 hours.Top with whipped topping and with the reserved coconut.

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Crack Potatoes

The weather outside is not so bad one day and colder than anything on another day. This type of weather is the type that I love to eat yummy comfort food in. The heavier food allows me a chance to warm up, fill up and is a chance to escape from the summer time lighter meals. I love this recipe it is so yummy and I think you might enjoy it as well

 

 

 

 

16 oz Light sour cream
2.8 oz (1 full jar) Bacon Bits
1 Cup Reduced Fat shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Packet Ranch dip mix
1/2 bag frozen, shredded hashbrown potatoes
 Mix 1st 4 indredients throughly. Then add hashbrowns. Mix until well coated.
Put in lightly greased 2 quart casserole dish.
Bake at 400 degrees 30-45 mins.
Serving Size: Makes 8 servings. 230 Calories per serving.


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Calzones are one of our favorites. A family of 8 our teens all went through the "I love pizza" phase. Have you seen the bosco sticks that they love as well. My grand-daughter love them as well. So calzones just fall in there and these are easy to make and oh so good. Enjoy

Ingredients:

1 loaf of Rhodes frozen bread dough

1 small can of tomato paste

1 cup mozerella cheese

Pepperoni

1 1/2 tablespoons pizza seasoning

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese


Let the rhodes bread dough un-thaw in the refrigerator over night.  Stretch the dough out onto a cookie sheet.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a bowl, mix together tomato paste, garlic and pizza seasoning.

Spread paste onto one half of the spread out dough, then add a layer of pepperoni, 1/2 the cheese.  Layer again with pepperoni and then the rest of the cheese.

Fold the other half of the dough over the ingredients you just added.  Fold the dough in around the edge to form a half circle.

Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Place in the middle of the oven until golden brown.

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National Popcorn Day --- Easy RockyRoad Popcorn

 

• 1 bag (3 ounces) microwave popcorn (I used Smart Pop with less butter and salt)
• 1/2 cup salted cashew nuts
• 1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cups Light Corn Syrup
• 1/2 cup Hershey’s Chocolate Spread

 

1. Pop the bag of popcorn and pour the popped corn out onto a baking sheet lined with a silpat or parchment paper. Remove any unpopped kernels. Mix in nuts and marshmallows.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter, sugar, and corn syrup, stirring every 30 seconds. When mixture comes to a full boil, mix in chocolate spread until well combined. Dollop chocolate mixture evenly over the popcorn. Using a spatula, toss the popcorn to coat it with the chocolate mixture

 

recipe source here

Martin Luther King Day and ways you can help your community

Martin Luther King Day is celebrated each year on the third Monday in January celebrates the birth of Martin Luther King Jr. who was born January 15, 1929. King was a great man who stood up for society. He became the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace prize for his social activists work. On April 4, 1968 he was assassinated while making a speech on the balcony of his hotel room in Memphis Tennessee. His birth became a national Holiday when in 1983.      

                   Martin Luther King JR. was a great man who fought for freedom for many. He believed that all were created to be free and to live free. He helped his community and in many ways the world by doing what he thought was right There are ways that you can help your community as well.  Donate clothes and toys that your children have outgrown  or don't use anymore. There are many organizations that would welcome these  Help clean up your neighbor hood. We have some great weather here in our neighborhood the last couple of days. There are things that you and your family can do to spruce up the neighborhood Greet your neighbors with a special treat. Brighten their day and its also a great way to welcome new neighbors as well as to say thank you to the ones you all ready know.  Random Acts of Kindness are always something we all welcome. I love to read on facebook of those that paid it forward and the surprise that  they have received when someone does something nice for them.  straighten the pantry and donate can goods to a charity to help those in need

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Do you like sweet and sour chicken? I must say that at first that seemed a bit odd to me it was not one of the country dishes that my mom or grandma would make. When I got older though I had an opportunity to try it and I simply love it. This recipe serves 4 but can easily be doubled

2 chicken breasts, sliced

1/2 onion, split into wedges

2 green onions

1 can pineapple, including juice

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch, blend with a tiny bit of water to avoid lumps

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

I used a skillet, but feel free to use a frying pan.  Cook the chicken that you have cut into strips, salt and pepper as desired.

On the stove, over medium high heat, mix together pineapple juice, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire, garlic, mustard and ginger.  Whisk as the mixture heats up.  Once it starts bubbling, gradually whisk in your cornstarch mixture.  Remove from heat.

Add sweet and sour sauce to your cooked chicken, then add in pineapple chunks, onion and green pepper.  Cover with lid and let the vegetable cook down until onions are almost completely transparent and green peppers are no longer crispy.  Serve over rice.


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Crunchy Baked Chicken

Looking for a delicious dish to serve the family tonight? Check out this chicken recipe with a bit of crunch. Easy to make and oh so good

This is a very easy chicken dish to make.  Feel free to bread it the night before and just bake in the oven.  I match this with a baked potato and carrots.  It is also excellent with spaghetti.

4 chicken breasts, pounded out
2 cups Kellogs Corn Flake Crumbs
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup of milk
Salt & Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix together Kellogs, paprika, salt and pepper.
Pour milk into a separate dish. Dip chicken breast into milk and then coat with Kellogs mixture.  Place into a 9 x 13" pan, coated with non-stick cooking spray.

Bake for about 15 minutes, the chicken has been pounded and will dry out quickly













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breakfast egg and sausage casserole

Breakfast Egg & Sausage Casserole is the perfect dish to serve during the month of January. It will not only help keep you warm and filled but also is great to help celebrate national egg month. Take a bit of time fix up this for your family and enjoy

This is a breakfast, or dinner dish that my mom has made in the past.  It is one of my favorites.  I substitute the sausage with ground turkey, and the eggs with egg substitute.

Ingredients:

4 slices white bread, cubed

1 lb sausage or ground turkey

1 tomato, chopped

1 bunch of green onion chopped

12 eggs, beaten

1 cup shredded cheese, use any cheese you would like

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Mix together all ingredients and put into a 9 x 13'' pan, sprayed with non stick cooking spray.  Refrigerate overnight.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake for an hour or until firm.

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Happy Strawberry Ice Cream Day

Today is that day that the celebrates the taste of Strawberry ice cream. The thought of those red, ripe, juicy strawberries are churned and frozen in with some fresh cream and a bit of sugar to make that delicious perfect dish of strawberry ice cream.  Everyone can enjoy and celebrate this day For over a thousand years the mixture of frozen ice and fruit and ice cream and fruit have been around. It is reported that as long ago as 3000 BC people in China served their guest sweetened juices mixed with snow or ice shavings. Strawberry ice cream ranks third in popularity of ice cream flavors with the first two being chocolate and vanilla. Celebrate the special holiday with this recipe that would be perfect to serve guest on valentines day as well


Virgin Strawberry Margarita Ice Cream Cake-9 large portions

Crust

• 1 1/4 cups pretzel crumbs
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sugar

Filling

• 1 1/2 cups strawberries,pureed or mashed well
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed (I only had 1 lime on hand and used lemon juice as well)
• 3 large scoops of vanilla ice cream-softened

Directions:

• Combine pretzel crumbs, butter, and sugar and mix well.
• Press crust mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 pan.  I placed a sheet of saran wrap on top before pressing my hands into the crumb mixture, it’s a lot cleaner and the crust ends up nicer.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed milk, lime juice, strawberries, and soft ice cream and blend well.
• Pour the mixture right on top of the crust, then freeze for at least 6 hours.
• To serve: take the pan out of the freezer and allow it to sit for a few minutes before cutting into it.  I find that using a flat-edges spatula works best.

Glaucoma Awareness

January is Glaucoma Awareness month  Glaucoma is a vision impairment that causes damage to the optic nerve in the eye that worsens over time. Pressure inside the eye can build up and take the sight of an individual.

The leading cause of preventable blindness in the U.S is glaucoma Focus is placed on the word glaucoma. Some tips to help you prevent this terrible disease from yourself and your loved ones:

One of the best ways to prevent glaucoma is to get regular eye exams. Half of those that suffer have no idea that they even have glaucoma. Those at risk for developing glaucoma should have a complete eye exam including eye dilation every year or two. People over 60 with close family members who have glaucoma, African americans, Asian Hispanics, and those who may have had eye injury, nearsighted, people with hypertension, and steroid users are among the top risk but regular eye exams are a good idea for everyone.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

The signs and symptoms of glaucoma vary from one individual to the next.  Top signs and symptoms

• Vision Loss
• Eye Redness
• Hazy Eye (Infants in particular)
• Seeing Halos Around Lights
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Eye Pain
• Narrowing of Vision (Tunnel Vision)

The test for glaucoma focuses on the optic nerve.  It allows the optometrist to see changes in the eye as glaucoma progresses.  This type of test is standard, does not cause pain, and takes very little time to administer

If diagnosed with glaucoma it is very important to take the medication prescribed. It is estimated that around 40% glaucoma patients do not follow guidelines prescribed to them. Taking prescribed medication exactly as prescribed is essential to prevent sight loss.

Every health professional you see should be aware of your glaucoma diagnosis and the medication you take. Knowledge is the key to prevention and treatment.

Reporting any changes in your eyes is very important to keeping eyesight once diagnosed with glaucoma

Kentucky Burgoo

January is a good month for soup. To me soup is a comfort food as my mother and grandmother served it a lot in the fall and winter months. Burgoo is a dish that you either really like or you don't. Where we are from there are many burgoo dinners that raise money for different causes. My dad loved it and my mother hated it. He did not know this on their first date and he took her to a burgoo dinner where she sat and ate pickles and crackers. He learned after that she did not like it. I personally love it because it is thicker than many soups and stews. However, the old tale of the folks making burgoo in big iron kettles and then whatever happened to fall in fell in never to be known and all cooked up together is one that I personally don't want to think about and rather like to follow a recipe like the one below.

Kentucky Burgoo Recipe

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 3 hours, 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves a small army. Or 12-16.

This recipe makes a lot! Feel free to halve. Otherwise, it makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder or country ribs, cut into large pieces (3 to 4 inches wide)
• 2-3 pounds chuck roast, stew meat, or other inexpensive cut of beef, cut into large pieces (3 to 4 inches wide)
• 3-5 chicken legs or thighs (bone-in)
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 quart chicken stock or broth
• 1 quart beef stock or broth
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 large potatoes (we used russets)
• 1 bag of frozen corn (about a pound)
• 1 bag of frozen lima beans (about 14 ounces)
• Salt and pepper
• 4-8 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco or other hot sauce on the side

Method

1 Heat vegetable oil on medium-high heat in a large soup pot (at least 8 quart size). Salt the meats well on all sides. When the oil is shimmering hot, working in batches brown all the meats. Do not crowd the pan or the meat will steam and not brown well. Do not move the meat while browning a side. Let the meat pieces get well seared. Remove the browned meats to a bowl.
2 Add the onions, carrots, celery and green pepper to the pot and brown them. If necessary, add a little more oil to the pot. After a few minutes of cooking, sprinkle salt over the vegetables.
3 When the vegetables are well browned, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Add back the meats, and the chicken and beef broths and the tomatoes, stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2 hours.
4 Uncover and remove the meat pieces. Strip the chicken off the bone and discard skin if you want. Break the larger pieces of meat into smaller, more manageable pieces. The reason you did not do this at first is because the meats stay juicier when they cook in larger pieces. Return all the meat pieces to the pot and bring it up to a strong simmer.
5 Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks about the same size as the meat pieces (if using new potatoes, you can skip the peeling, but russets you'll want to peel). Add them to the stew and cook them until they are done, about 45 minutes. When the potatoes are done, add the Worcestershire sauce, mix well and taste for salt. Add more Worcestershire sauce to taste if needed.
6 Add the corn and lima beans. Mix well and cook for at least 10 minutes, or longer if you’d like. Here is the point where you decide whether you want a burgoo that’s been hammered into a thick mass or a stew with bright colors in it. It’s your call.
To serve, taste one more time for salt, and add either Worcestershire or salt if you want. Serve with crusty bread or cornbread and a bottle of hot sauce on the side.

recipe source here

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Rubber Ducky Day

National Birth Defects Awareness Month

January is national birth defects prevention month. The goal for this awareness is to raise awareness and educate the public. The National Birth Defects Prevention Network is a resource like none other to offer more information.

Birth Defects Awareness Month events have several goals, including:

• Raise awareness of the prevalence of birth defects. Many people are not aware that a baby is born with a birth defect every four-and-a-half minutes. A message for a custom birth defects bracelet might say, “Birth Defects Awareness – January 2014”.
• Educate people about birth defects that can be prevented. Folic acid can help prevent some birth defects, so one a bracelet may include the message “Did you take your folic acid today?” to help spread that message.
• Support families of babies with birth defects. Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies every year and cause 1 in 5 infant deaths.  A message of support may say something like “Love Conquers All Learn More About Birth Defects”.
• Raise money for research about birth defects. While a birth defect may be caused by genetic or environment factors, over sixty percent of birth defect causes are currently not known. The more that is discovered about the causes of birth defects, the more likely doctors are to find ways to prevent them.
• Inform people about specific birth defects. There are thousands of different birth defects. Birth defects include Anencephaly, Congenital Heart Defects, Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, Hydrocephaly, Microtia, and Spina Bifida

Marzipan Day

Today is marzipan day. Did you even know that sweet bakery art even had a day of its own?? Well I have long loved the work that is done with marzipan. My mother worked in a large bakery for several years starting work there after her children were grown. My children her grand-children loved for her to decorate their birthday cakes. She did an awesome job. Now my thought just turned to the thought that some of you may not know what marzipan is so may be this will help



Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal, sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into sweets; common uses are chocolate-covered marzipan and small marzipan imitations of fruits and vegetables. It is also rolled into thin sheets and glazed for icing cakes, primarily birthday, wedding cakes and Christmas cakes. This use is particularly common in England, on large fruitcakes. Marzipan (or almond paste) may also be used as a cake ingredient, as in stollen. In some countries, it is shaped into small figures of animals as a traditional treat for New Year's Day. Marzipan is also used in Tortell, and in some versions of king cake eaten during the Carnival season. Traditional Swedish Princess Cake is typically covered with a layer of marzipan that has been tinted pale green.^[1]

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Get Your Desk Organized

Time to organize your desk whether in the office or at home. The holidays may have thrown your whole system off or you may think that you are one of those individuals that knows where it all is and works better with a messy desk. I so agree with you in some ways but in others I think it works so much better with a bit of organization. There are a few tools that may help you get this done

An accordion folder is worth the investment and can be a big help. A good one will help you organize all your important papers (bills, important letters, copies of anything you need to keep) One great thing is that you will be able to put everything in one tidy folder.

Bookends come in handy when searching through those old cookbooks looking for ideas, or doing a bit of research.

finding items that multi task like the lamp will help you save room and come in very handy. There is a pen stand connected to the lamp and this can make it awesome to keep pens and pencils just where you need them as well as offer you a bit more light when needed

Every time I think I get it all organized I get in a hurry need something and I am unable to find it because of a messy drawer. The drawer organizer can stop this and keep it all together.

I love dry erase boards at any given time I can jot down what I need to do, shop for or even what supper is. Keeping organized to me also includes keeping an organized schedule

desktop drawers are great for keeping the clutter in one place. You can use it to store receipts, chargers or whatever is needed.

Good luck cleaning your desk



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Easy Curried Chicken Salad

I love chicken salad with fruit and nuts. Easy Curried Chicken Salad goes just a bit further and offers spice as well Today is also national curried chicken day so no better time to share a great recipe for a lunch or even an easy supper. Enjoy

 

 

Easy Curried Chicken SaladAdapted from Ina Garten
6 servings

1 whole roasted deli chicken (or leftover chicken meat equaling about 1-1 1/2 pounds)
Olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup Major Grey’s mango chutney
3 tablespoons curry powder
2 stalks celery, diced
2 green onions (white and green parts), chopped
1/4 cup raisins
1 heaping cup red grapes, sliced in half
1 cup whole roasted, salted cashews

Remove the chicken meat from the bones, discard the skin, and dice the chicken into large bite-size pieces.
For the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, wine, chutney, curry powder, in a large bowl and mix until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine the chicken with enough dressing to moisten well. Add the celery, green onions, raisins and grapes, and mix well.
Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend. Add the cashews and serve. 

Quick Strawberry Twinkie Cake

I know you may not see it now but love is in the air. The cupid is about to get a hold of many that could use a hug right now and when he does it will be a time when you will want to make up something sweet. If you are still like me you will want to make something up easy and quick as well. This quick recipe for Strawberry Twinkie Cake may fit just the bill. Enjoy

 

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.


recipe source  Food.com

 

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Winter is Great for Reading

WE love to read any time of the year but when the winter weather is here and there is not much else we can do we spend a lot of time reading. Recently I came upon a giveaway that if you are like us you will want to enter.

the giveaway for the book

Giveaway location at the blog Savings In Seconds
giveaway ends 1/15

Easy homemade Spaghetti Sauce

I believe that my gift of love is service. I love to prepare dishes that my family loves and when I have time I love to make it all homemade. It shows my love for them and the food we share taste great and I know exactly what is in it as well. I hope you enjoy find some time to share a dish with your family That's what I really love to do.

Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce1 lb hamburger
1 onion, chop
¼ c chop celery
1 can (29 oz.) tomato sauce
2 ½ c tomato juice
1 can (14 ½ oz) diced tomatos
1 can (12 oz. tomato paste
2 t sugar
2 t chili powder
1 t salt
1 t garlic powder
1 t dried basil
1 t dried oregano
½ t pepper
4 bay leaves
spaghetti
grated parmesan cheese

In large skillet brown meat, onion and celery over medium heat til meat is no longer pink: drain. In a 4 or 5 qt slow cooker Mix sauce, juice, tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar seasonings and beef. Cover and cook 6 hours til heated through Discard bay leaves Serve with spaghetti sprinkle with cheese.


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Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

Looking for a tasty treat to share with your friends on valentine day or to finish a romantic meal up? Well the strawberry cheesecake salad offers just that. While the berries are not in season currently they are still available in the grocery store. I can remember a time when I was much younger where fresh fruit was much harder to find now though if you are looking for something with a bit of red and pink and sweet over all then check out this special dish



Strawberry Cheesecake Salad

 12 oz. whipped topping
1 small package of cheesecake pudding (powder)
3 (6 oz) strawberry yogurts (I use Yoplait)
1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
3 bananas, sliced (add just before serving or they brown)
miniature marshmallows (add just before serving)

Thaw whipped topping and in a large salad bowl stir together whipped topping, yogurts, and pudding powder. Let this set up in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Wash and slice strawberries. You can add strawberries to salad or wait to add them with sliced bananas and marshmallows just before serving. Keep refrigerated.

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