Pecan Praline Candy for National Praline Day

happy national praline day!!!! National praline day happens on the 24th of June each year.

 

 

 

Are you aware that there are a few different types of praline? Well there is.

 

 

 

French Pralines contain a combination of almonds and caramelized sugar and is a bit harder than American praline. American praline is a combination of syrup and pecans, hazelnuts or almonds with milk or cream and are softer and creamier as a result. American praline often resembles fudge

Praline cookies are chocolate cookies that contain ground nuts. Belgian pralines are some of the most luxurious candy. Belgian chocolate shell with a softer, may be liquid, filling made up of hazelnut, almonds, sugar, syrup and milk based pastes,

 

 

 

Pecan Praline Candy Recipe

 

1 1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

2 tbsp salted butter

3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

 

1. In a pot, combine the milk, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir, and bring to a boil( over medium high).
2. Let boil for 1 minutes then add in the pecans, and butter. Stir in. Let the candy reach 240 F degrees ( use a candy thermometer )
3. Remove the pot from the heat, and add in the vanilla.
4. Stir the ingredients, and let cool for 3 minutes.
5. Stir the mixture, until it starts to thicken.
6. Grease/ Butter a cookie sheet.
7. Spoon out the mixture onto the cookie sheet, and let the candy cool and firm.
8. Enjoy!

recipe source here

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Pink Day - special treat recipe

Princess has 2 favorite colors they are purple and pink. So when we saw that today , June 23rd , was pink day we had to create a treat especially for the day. It is hot outside and we love us some lemonade to drink so we decided that these Pink Lemonade Cupcakes would be awesome

Pink Lemonade Cupcakes
For Pink Lemonade Cake:

1 box white cake mix
3/4 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 egg whites
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 24 muffins tins with liners
– Combine all of the ingredients in an electric mixer and begin by mixing low for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium for another minute.
– Divide the batter evenly, filling the liners about 2/3 full
– Bake cupcakes for about 25 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean
– Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting

For Two-Tone Pink Lemonade Buttercream:
3 cups confectioners sugar
1 stick unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 tbsp frozen pink lemonade concentrate
Pinch of salt
2 colors of food coloring
– Combine all ingredients in an electric mixer fit with a paddle attachment and mix on low until combined
- Increase speed to medium-high and beat until frosting is light and to your desired consistency
– Separate frosting in 2 bowls and color as you desire

recipe source here

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The Father of My Children

This is my husband, the father of my children holding his oldest grand-child. My husband has trusted the lord and led us through many rough trials in our life. It has been said to fear (and to me trust) in the Lord and He will provide a fortress that will protect his children. I feel blessed to have been loved and shared parenting responsibilities.


26 He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.

Onion Ring Day

 

1 large onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
seasoned salt to taste
1 quart oil for frying, or as needed

Pre heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F.
In a medium sixed bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt.
Place the bread crumbs into shallow dish.
Dip the onion slices into the flour mixture until they are all coated; set aside.
Whisk the egg and milk into the flour mixture using a fork. Dip the floured rings into the batter to coat. then place rings one at a time into the crumbs, and scoop the crumbs up over the ring to coat.
Repeat with remaining rings.
Deep fry the rings a few at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove to paper towels to drain.
Season with seasoning salt, and serve

recipe source here

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Refrigerator Pickled Dilly Beans

Refrigerator Pickled Dilly Beans

\

1 lb green beans
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup white vinegar (I prefer this to cider vinegar in this recipe)
1 teaspoon coarse salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 teaspoon dill seed
6 cloves garlic, cut in slivers
5 or 6 fresh dill sprigs




1.              Wash beans, remove any discolored areas, and trim off the ends, leaving beans whole.

2.              Combine remaining ingredients, bring to a boil and add beans.  Simmer the mixture, covered, over low heat for 4-10 minutes, or until beans are cooked through, but still retain some snap.  Timing will depend on how thick and how fresh your beans are, so check them often.  How will you know they’re done?  Bite one.  Add more salt if needed.

3.              Put beans and pickling mixture in a smallish, non-aluminum dish, arranging them so liquid covers the beans.  Cover tightly and refrigerate. These can be served as soon as they are cold, and will keep getting better in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.


This is an adaptation of an old Vermont recipe for spicy, garlic-infused pickled green beans.

You can put the beans in sterilized canning jars and process in a boiling water bath, if you wish, and then keep the jars at room temperature for up to a year. (See the University of Georgia's National Center for Home Food Preservation for how to do this.)
recipe source

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Easy Recipe : Pickled Beets

My grandmother and mother were the canners of the family. Always making up tasty treats that would last us through the fall and winter. My sister always love her pickled veggies. This recipe for pickled beets would make her very happy and put a smile on her face. Eat them straight from the jar, with an entrée or along with a delicious salad

These pickled beets will keep about a month in the refrigerator, but eat them within a week because they get very overpickled!

Pickled beets

3 pounds medium beets, greens removed (leave a half inch of stem)
2 teaspoon whole allspice
1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 teaspoons yellow mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup
A few sprigs of fresh thyme
6 bay leaves
1 large onion, thinly sliced

Put the beets in a saucepan, cover with water and boil for about 25-30 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain, rinse in cold water, peel and cut into chunks.
Bring the remaining ingredients – except the onion – to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Layer the beets and onions into four pint (or two quart) jars, and pour the liquid over. Let cool before covering the jars. Refrigerate for two days before eating.

recipe source here

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Preparing Students for Real Life before college

A few weeks ago we saw many young people graduate from high school. Now that they get ready to head off to college there are a few things that they need to prepare for or gain knowledge of doing

If they have never done their laundry before (lets hope that mom has all ready had a few lessons) then they should gain knowledge of how to do their own laundry. College students while busy should do their laundry at least one time a week. By doing so the chance of running out of clean clothes will be limited Simple lessons such as sorting clothes, pre-treating when needed and reading special directions on clothing tags are all lessons that will come in handy. Lessons learned the hard way can be costly.

While parents will no longer be there to remind students to clean their rooms the best advice is for students to do it anyways. Students who are organized will do better. Creating a daily schedule can reduce student stress and make the college years more successful

Financial responsibility is very important as well. Mom and dad are not there to loan a few dollars and students can rack up so much debt in college years that it is very important to try their best to stay on top of financial sorts. Rent, food and bills are no longer the responsibility of someone else it now becomes the students. Budgeting becomes very important tool in this stressful time. It is the first time the student is going away and to be responsible for self it is best if parent has a talk and keeps up with what is going on.

Often there is not a lot of time or means to cook a meal so meals will need to be simple and easy to prepare. Help your child form a shopping list and create a meal plan. the good thing is that many colleges have meals built into the room and board of dorms.

 

Gifting students with the knowledge that college is stressful but that they can do it is very important. The student will learn responsibility, mature and gain an understanding of how life really is. Scheduling in time to study will help students be prepared for class work, test and special projects.

 

Life is different than it was when parents attended. Social media has become a resource as well as a gathering spot. Teach kids to responsibly use social media and that what they place on the internet others can see it. The future of what may of been can change because of social media responsibilities.

 

Reach out to professors when in need they are there to help. They have knowledge about college related issues, study related information, and information of what classes need taken etc...

 

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CNA Week

 

After being a CNA for over 20+ years I have seen a bit of everything. I have had patients pass away while holding my hand, I have worked double and sometimes almost triple shifts, made friends with co-workers and heard remarkable stories from those I take or took care of. I have loved the many years of the job that some consider the hardest around. While I have had the opportunity to care for those that some of my family members have known I have also cared for those that some may never have wanted to. Some of my residents have little to no family. We become their family to many and they wait to hear our daily stories as we earn to hear their stories of the past. The stress involved is not even a joke as those that we care for are demanding and we strive to please as well as those that we work for demand that all is done right and when we are wrong we are corrected. The business of slacking is not in the medical field because the care of others is very important While those that love us offer us a hug, handshake and a big thank you there are those that we care for do not have the ability. I personally love my job as a CNA and will continue to do so for as long as I am able.

 

 

 

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Have You Seen This Guy

Here in southern Illinois these alligator snapping turtles have become fairly popular. Don't remember them as a kid myself. They look prehistoric with claws and such like little dinos or dragons. Are you familiar with them? Like everything else there are recipes for these snapping turtles here is one

General Tso's Turtle

General Tso’s Turtle

Adapted from Hank Shaw

Serves 4

Turtle meat soakingIngredients:

Marinade:

• 4 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste mixed with 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon corn starch

Stir-fry:

• 1 pound turtle meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tablespoons canola
• 8 dried hot tien tsien chiles, broken in half and seeds shaken out (use less if you don’t want it spicy)
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 6 green onions, chopped

1. Mix the marinade ingredients together and then add the turtle meat. Let sit for about an hour.
2. Heat canola oil or your favorite frying oil to about 350 degrees and fry the turtle in small batches, being careful to not let the pieces stick together. After all the pieces are fried, place them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 300 degrees.
3. While the turtle is baking in the oven, mix together the sauce and set aside.
4. In a large pan or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil and stir fry the chilies for about a minute, then add the ginger and cook for another minute, lastly add the garlic and stir it a couple of times in the pan.
5. Add all the turtle pieces and the green onions to the oil. Pour the sauce mixture over the turtle and stir until it thickens. Once the sauce thickens, serve the turtle over rice with chopped fresh green onions on top.

 recipe source here

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3 ingredient grilled porkchops

 

Ready to get out there and grill?? This easy recipe will do the job nicely Enjoy

 

Grilled Glazed Pork Chops

 

 

 

• 4 boneless pork chops
• ½ C Italian dressing, prepared (zesty variety)
• ¾ C apricot preserves

 

1. In a bowl whisk together preserves and dressing.
2. Place pork chops in resealable bag and pour most of the mixture over pork, reserving about ¼ cup. Refrigerate 4 hours.
3. Preheat grill to a medium. Place chops on grill and cook covered, 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired temperature is reached (minimum of 145 degrees) Brush additional preserve mixture on pork just before serving.

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Budget Friendly Recipe : Banana Taco

Here we are having a bit of fun on one of our outings. So many outings so much fun all done on a budget. Here is a fun recipe that is budget friendly and kid love as well

Peanut Butter Banana Taco

Peanut Butter Banana Taco!

Not only is this super healthy – it’s super easy and fun for kids to make themselves for a snack.  Packed full of protein and nutrients, both mom and kiddos are happy.  (Little secret I LOVE these myself!)

Peanut Butter Banana Tacos

Recipe Type: Snack

Author: Busy Vegetarian Mom

Prep time: 2 mins

Total time: 2 mins

Serves: 1

A simple healthy snack kids can easily make themselves

 

Tortilla

Peanut Butter

Honey

Banana

1. Lay Tortilla on a Plate.
2. Spread Peanut Butter on Top.
3. Drizzle Honey Over Peanut Butter.
4. Lay Banana on Top.
5. Roll it Up.
6. Enjoy!

 

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Pasta Meal Featurin Home Raised Veggies

Smoked Chicken Sausage with Vegetables, Fresh Ricotta Cheese and Whole Wheat Spirals

 

• 8 oz Whole Wheat Spirals
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb smoked chicken sausage links sliced
• 1/2 cup onion chopped
• 1/2 cup Marsala wine
• 2/3 cup cream
• 3 cups zucchini sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes
• 1/3 cup basil thiny sliced
• 1 cup Ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan grated
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water for 9 minutes or until al dente and still rather firm.  Save ½ cup cooking water and then drain the pasta.  Set both aside.  In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes or until both sides are browned.  Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.  Add onion to the drippings in the skillet and sauté until beginning to soften, about 3 minutes.  Put sausage back into the pan with the onion and add Marsala wine and cream.  Simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.  Reduce heat to medium-low and add zucchini and tomatoes.  Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the tomatoes begin to burst.  Add the pasta and basil to the skillet and toss to coat.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm everything through, adding reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time if sauce becomes too thick or needs to be extended.  Serve immediately with a dollop of fresh ricotta on top of each serving and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. 

recipe soure here

Mamal Diane 
Sugar Bee Crafts
Ladybug Blessings,
Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Cozy Little House   
Kathe With an E
Cedar Hill Ranch
  

Me and Princess

Me and my princess sitting at one of our favorite places at the river. Summer time we love to spend time at the river and walking the many trails you will find here in southern illinois We take along one of our favorite snacks most times to keep our energy high and make us feel great.

• 2¼ cups quick oats
• 1¼ cups whole spelt flour
• ¾ cup chocolate whey protein powder (or a chocolate vegan protein powder)
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• ¾ cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• ¼ cup whole flax seeds
• ¾ cup coconut palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup sultana raisins
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
• ⅓ cup canola oil
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Line baking trays with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine wet ingredients.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not over mix.
5. Portion cookie dough using a ¼ cup measure and place onto lined baking tray. Gently flatten cookies before baking. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

recipe source here

Flag Day and Craft to do together

Today, June 14th, is flags day in the United States. June 14th is the date that the United States Second Continental Congress adopted the flag in 1777.

Popsicle (craft) sticks
- Small wooden stars (I found mine at Michael's)
- Red and white paint
- Paint brushes
- Small piece of white card stock
- Small piece of blue card stock
- Magnetic adhesive strips
- Glue gun


To make our flag magnet first paint the popsicle sticks red and whit. Paint 3 red stars white s well.
In the meantime cut a piece of white card stock that will fit on back of the flag. As the popsicle sticks dry cut a piece of magnetic adhesive tape to the back of white card stock.
On the front of the flag make a square of blue to attach the white stars to.

art source here

Lobster Mac N Cheese on Lobster Day

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil
• 1 pound cavatappi or elbow macaroni
• 1 quart milk
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (4 cups)
• 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 pounds cooked lobster meat
• 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Directions

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. 2. Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
3. 3. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. Still whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, the pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and lobster and stir well. Place the mixture in 6 to 8 individual gratin dishes.
4. 4. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top

recipe source here

Fresh Vegetable Ratatouille Recipe: A hearty, fresh vegetable stew to nourish your body and warm your soul.

 

 

• ½ lb bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 1 large zucchini, scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large summer squash (such as yellow or sunburst), scrubbed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 (14 oz.) can of crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
• 1½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp Kosher salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ to 1 cup shredded Asiago or Romano cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Brown the bacon until almost crisp, in a large skillet set over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the onions to the pan, and continue to cook until they are soft and the bacon is crisp. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute.)
3. Stir the diced tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash, carrots, and seasonings into the skillet, and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they soften slightly and brighten in color. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the vegetables, stirring well to coat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of freshly grated Asiago cheese and a thick slice of crusty bread.

Notes

NOTES: Leftover Ratatouille is wonderful when morphed into different meals. The simplest idea is to puree the leftovers and serve it as a pasta sauce. My personal favorite is to reheat the Ratatouille in a skillet, make wells in the center, crack eggs into the wells, sprinkle the eggs with salt and pepper, and cover the skillet to poach/steam the eggs.

 

recipe source here

Happy Rose Day

It seems that roses never last long enough. There are a few things you can do to extend their lives. A few things you should be able to easily find around the house may help your roses stay around a bit more.

aspirin lowers the ph of the water.
bleach does the job of a disinfectant and helps to stop fungus from growing on the bottom of the rose stems
Pennies are valuable in helping roses stay around as well. The copper and zinc work as fungicides and
How about those little packets that come with fresh roses. Well they are mostly comprised of sugar and a disinfectant

changing the water in the rose container daily and trimming the bottom of the stem helps continue life just a bit more




 
   

 

Little Brown Church

I have forever loved this song "Little Brown Church in the Vale" My daddy could belt it out with his baritone voice and make it sound amazing. Since my mother always loved the Statler Brothers I am sharing their version of this amazing song. 

History:
The song is believed to be about a little brown church that sits along side Highway 218 in Bradford Iowa. The church was not there when the song was written. A twenty-seven year old man named William Pitts was traveling by stage coach to see his girlfriend. The stage coach ride started in Wisconsin and he was traveling to Fredericksburg Iowa. Along the way the stagecoach made a stop to allow the horses and ride to relax a bit. Pitts decided to take a walk and started to travel along the slopping hills and valley while the river flowed peacefully by. When he returned home he thought what a beautiful place for a church and created a song about the little church in the vale. Early on the song was not impressive to anyone and it was filed away. However, few years later Pitts found his family in Iowa teaching music. How ironic it must have been to see a church building in that very spot that he thought would be perfect. The church had been built by Christians who wanted and desired a meeting place. During the years of 1850s and 1860s war was raging in this great land. Pitts sold the song and used the money to enroll in medical college and spent his life as doctor in town of fredericksburg Iowa. 
Now the little brown church still stands and is well known for tourist as well as weddings.

Donut Day

National Donut Day first Friday of June every year is a very sweet day. The holiday was originally created by the Salvation Army to celebrate the men and women who served donut to soldiers during WW1

On Friday June 5th Dunkin Donut will celebrate this day by offering a free donut to those who visit

Canned Biscuit Donuts

Canola or peanut oil, enough for frying 1 can Pillsbury Grands Jr. biscuit dough Cinnamon sugar   Preheat oil in fryer or large pot to 350 degrees. Lay out the biscuits on a cutting board.  Flatten and cut out a hole from the middle of each biscuit. (I used a little medicine cup.)  Fry them in the oil until golden and then flip with tongs to fry the other side. Fry the donut holes, too. Drain on paper towels and then toss in the cinnamon-sugar. Adapted from foodnetwork.com/Paula Deen

It seems surprising that national gingerbread day is in the summer month of June rather than in the winter month of December where we see more of it I love gingerbread and will not complain.

 

 

 

gingerbread play dough recipe (recipe source here)

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tsp orange extract {optional}

 

In a medium saucepan whisk together dry ingredients. Next mix in the water, oil, and orange extract and stir until a thick batter is formed. Cook the mixture over low/medium heat until a thick dough forms. Turn out onto parchment paper and knead until smooth. Makes about 2 cups of dough.

Cheesier The Better

Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese

1/2 stick of butter (I use organic) cut into pieces and softened
2 1/2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni (although other shapes would be equally delicious)
16 ounces of cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 cups) ( I use organic)
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed (I use organic)
1 c. half and half (I use organic)
4 large eggs (I use free range/local)
1/2 cup sour cream (I use organic)
Preheat oven to 350. Butter a 13×9 baking dish.
Boil noodles according to the package directions. Drain noodles and return to pot. Add the cheddar cheese and the cream cheese to the hot macaroni and stir well. Spread into your buttered 13×9 dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients. Pour over the macaroni. Bake, uncovered, for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Fancy Deviled Eggs

Looking for a recipe to take to al those summer time bbqs, tailgates and parties? Check out these fancy deviled eggs sure to please all.


Fancy Deviled Eggs 
recipe source here

6 hard-boiled eggs
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
½ tsp dry mustard
2 ½ to 3 tbsp mayonnaise
6 jumbo pre-cooked shrimp, minced
Sliced green olives for the top garnish
Paprika

Cut hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise.
In a small mixing bowl, pop the yolk out of the egg whites. Mash yolks with a fork.
Mix into the yolks — salt, pepper, mustard , shrimp and mayonnaise.
Refill egg whites with the yolk mixture, heaping it up gently.
Sprinkle with a little paprika, add a slice of green olive on top and serve.
Something different:  Add crab to the yolk mixture instead of the shrimp.  Alternatively, add chopped chive as garnish instead of sliced green olives.

Rocky Road Ice Cream Pie

My mama loves Rocky Road Ice Cream. In fact I believe it is one of her all time favorites. Packed full of so much goodness it offers a treat of so many flavors.

 

Summer time brings around so many good things and ice cream and get togethers are two of them . So why not bring them together in something nearly everyone wuld love Check out this super yummy recipe

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Road Ice Cream Pie

recipe source here

 

 

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream, softened

3 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate syrup

1/2 cup to 1 cup mix of chopped peanuts and pecans (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a bowl combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Mix well. Press into a 9 inch tart pan ( a pie dish would also work). Bake for 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
In another bowl fold marshmallows into softened ice cream.
Spoon and spread ice cream mixture onto the graham cracker crust. Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until frozen.
Remove from freezer. Slice and top with chocolate syrup and chopped nuts. S

National Bubba Day

National Bubba Day is always on June 2nd. Maybe one of my favorite bubbas is the bubba from the movie Forest Gump  Bubbas real name was Benjamin Buford Bubba Blue. Another famous bubba is one that perhaps you have heard of William Jefferson Bubba Clinton, that's right the U.S. 42nd President is a bubba as well. Do you have a bubba in you life. Then you may want to let them know that they have a day that honors them.

National Bubba Day honors all bubbas whether given the name at birth or nicknamed it later in life.
Many refers to sons and brothers as bubbas. There are places that the name Bubba honors the oldest son in the family.    

Take Care of your Teeth

Education of tooth care is a very important subject. We were all only given one chance to take care of our teeth. So that's what we should do care for our teeth Here are some tips to help our children care for their teeth.

Limit the amount of pop and sugar drinks we give our children and teens consume. Encourage them to drink water and milk. Both will help teeth grow in strength.

Straws should be encouraged as they will help keep the sugar away from their teeth.

Rinsing of the mouth after drinking will help as well. Parents can help by helping children swish their mouth out with water to dilute sugar

Water should be the only liquid drank directly before bedtime. Pop, juice, sport drinks and milk coats tongue and teeth with sugar and acid. Likewise water should be the only liquid after brushing teeth as well

Brush teeth with toothpaste 2 times a day in the morning and night. Battery operated tooth brushes work well with children

The dentist should be visited two times a year.

Do Your Share for Environment

Summer time is here and the outside is so enjoyable. You can help keep it that way


Use water wisely Turn off water when brushing teeth, fix leaky toilets and faucets promptly. Try tap water when you can so that the plastic bottles don't end up in landfill.

Limit the use of car riding. Walk more will be better for health and the environment. When you have to drive do it smart by combining errands it will save gas and time

Recycle and reuse will help reduce pollution. When shopping select the one with less packaging. Recycling at work would be great a well

Compost your trash will help reduce solid waste and take up less space in landfills Compost makes a great natural fertilize

On The Go Breakfast

makes 12 muffins

these muffins can be made in silicone muffin cups or silicone muffin pan,

 12 - 15 eggs (use 12 eggs for individual silicone cups and 15 for larger silicone muffin pans.  You can use less egg yolks and more egg white if you prefer.)
1 tsp. (or more) Spike Seasoning (optional, if you don't have Spike, use any type of seasoning blend that's good with eggs.)
fresh-ground black pepper (optional)
1-2 cups grated low fat cheese (I like sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar/Jack cheese, use less cheese if using meat)
Optional, but highly recommended, 3 green onions diced small.
Optional: chopped veggies such as blanched broccoli, red pepper, sauteed zucchini, sauteed mushrooms, etc. (Using veggies will reduce the fat content)
Optional: diced Canadian bacon, lean ham, or crumbled cooked turkey sausage

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Spray a Silicone Muffin Pan or Silicone Muffin Cups with non-stick spray or olive oil.

In the bottom of the muffin cups layer diced meat, if using, sauteed vegetables, if using, cheese and green onions. You want the muffin cups to be about 2/3 full, with just enough room to pour a little egg around the other ingredients.

Break eggs into large measuring bowl with pour spout, add Spike, and pepper (if using) and beat well. Pour egg into each muffin cup until it is 3/4 full. I like to stir slightly with a fork. Bake 25-35 minutes until muffins have risen and are slightly browned and set.

Muffins will keep more than a week in the refrigerator.  Microwave on high about 45 seconds to one minute to reheat.

(Egg muffins can be frozen and reheated, but I like them much better when they're just refrigerated. For best results, thaw in refrigerator before reheating.  Frozen muffins will release some water when they thaw.)  
recipe source here

Dare To Read On

I find it funny how time has changed through out my life fads and things to do have changed. When I was a pre-teen I can remember sitting around hanging out with my sister who was 4 years older than me. My sister and her friends would sit around talking , singing and playing games. One game I remember is Truth or Dare. Oh my when I got in on it I nearly always tried to tell the truth. Dares were terrible like drinking muddy water or eating a bug.

Dare Day celebrated June 1st each year becomes a day to dare yourself and someone you know. It can be used to build self esteem as well as to build fun for daredevils. Dares come in all forms and are limitless in what one can dare someone else to do. Pranks, challenges, or even meeting a goal you have all fit the bill. It is always best to be safe, do it legally and have lots of fun.

Perhaps the most important dare though is to D.A.R.E someone to stay away from drugs and alcohol.

     

            
 I dare you to get out there and have a great day and make at least one other person smile

Flip A Coin Day

Have you ever had to decide an issue by flipping a coin???

The activity of coin flipping, coin tossing, or deciding heads or tails are all the practice of throwing a coin in the air and then choosing between one side or the other. Normally this activity is done to resolve a dispute between two possible and equal likely outcomes.

The Romans used the practice to decide issues of ideas held by ne emperor or the other. In England tossing a coin is known as cross and pile.

Super-villain comic character Two-Face has a double-headed coin with one side defaced. All decisions are made with this coin. If the face side is up evil will be done and good if the other side.

Happy Barefoot Day

While you have heard all about the reasons we should wear shoe for protection and support check out these reasons that help support going barefoot

walk lighter without shoes as you walk without shoes you walk lighter as you feel the ground more. The ball of the of the foot hits the ground rather than the heels of your foot. This helps both joints and muscles which could mean less injuries

Injuries would heal quicker and muscle tone would increase. Without shoes we must learn to balance our selves. Our Abs and back works together to create a wall of strength in our midsection. Our legs will have better tone and balance as they will have the job of support.

Tripping, falling ,twisting would be less often. The truth is walking barefoot would make us more aware of where we are and our surrounding. Going barefoot would help awaken the nerve stream between our feet and brain helping us with balancing our bodies.

Going barefoot would make our feet stronger. Lower the amount of pain in our feet, help eliminate bunion and straighten our toes often caused by shoes. Strong feet would lead to our lower legs being strong as well.

Studies have often shown that going barefoot helps reduce your blood pressure and cortisol stress levels. Going barefoot will also help to create better posture as our feet gain strength.



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Its Getting Hot Out THere Be Safe

The weather will simply continue to get warmer as the summer goes along . If you are anything like me you will want to get out there and have a bit of fun. The only problem is that shining star up there, the heat source known as the sun. It offers warmth and a great day but can also be dangerous.

chocolate hazelnut coffee cake

recipe source here

 

 

 

My mother loved pastries and cakes. She loved to make them for her family and served them whenever possible. She loved coffee cakes. My mother would rise early in the morning or prepare a mix before she went to bed so that she could delight us with a delicious cake or pastry This hazel nut cake would have done the job perfectly just look at all the goodness packed inside. First of al you may want to know what a hazelnut is so here goes

 

 

 

Hazelnuts are considered by many to have the most beneficial nut for heart health. The nut contains a mix of beneficial compounds that protect against coronary disease. Considered in the list of superfoods for the antioxidants that the nut contains. Also considered one of the most nutritious nuts as they supply large amount of protein and fiber, vitamin E, B vitamins, iron, zinc, magnesium and potassium Hazelnuts helps to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and relaxes blood vessels

 

So with that in mind I present a recipe that is not only good tasting but good for you

for the topping
• 3/4 all purpose flour
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup finely chopped hazelnuts
• 5 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into cubes

for the batter
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup Greek plain yogurt
• 2/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
• powdered sugar, optional

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9-inch square baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang. Coat with nonstick cooking spray.
Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nuts. Cut in the butter with a pastry blade, fork, or your hands, until mixture resembles course crumbs. Set aside.
Make the batter: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat the stick of butter and sugar until light and fluffy; about 2 minutes. Add in eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the yogurt, beginning and ending with the flour. (The batter will be thick.)
Spread half the batter in the prepared dish. Spread the chocolate-hazelnut on top in an even layer. Spoon the remaining batter over the filling and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the crumb topping.
Bake for about 50-55 minutes until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 20 minutes in the dish, then lift out using the foil and transfer to a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Note: this cake is best served the first or second day, but may be stored up to 5 days, covered at room temperature.

 

 

 

National Fishing Week

I was lucky enough to be blessed with adults who taught me many things in life. Work hard and do your best to relax and enjoy life. I went on many a fishing trips many times not catching a thing but still enjoying all the fun. The season is right and if you all ready enjoy the sport of fishing then you should try to share that love and take a little someone with you the next time you go out to catch a mess.

Tips for Fishing with Kids

Chooing the right equipment is the best place to start a rod and real that is easy to use will make the experience special. Hooks that are a bit larger are easier to learn to use but will not get the same kind of bite or attention from fish at the same time a smaller hook does not work well either

A light line with 6 lbs test line or less works best Use small bobbers as well like slip bobbers thatwill cut down on amount of line needed and are easier to cast. Use bait such as worms, moths, or crickets work best.

Most importantly remember to have fun and enjoy the time together

 

Last Day of Kindergarten

The last day of kindergarten is tomorrow. From the outside looking in I can say that this school year went pretty well, I may even say great or awesome. My little princess has changed so much and learned so much as well. Reading, Writing and Arithmetic those are the subject of the good old school day. Princess learned to read over 50 words, to write and make all of her letters and so much more and math while simple has started some real steps to grow on. Not only did she learn skills to use in life but life skills of making friends and her teacher. She did not know a person when she started but she is trying so hard and has several and loves her teacher as well. While school returns next year I know that what she learned in kindergarten has given her support to build on the rest of her life.