Week In Review

Monday:
Last week we shared quite bit of Back to School Ideas including Lunch box Ideas
Monday was also National Thrift Store Day and my son was out at a few and said the sales were awesome note to self to take the day of August 17, 2016 off
We shared tips on how to take care of you feet on Monday as well. After the long summer months where skin tends to dry and crack or you face health issues like I do it is always better to take care of your feet.

We shared a tasty recipe for custard pie as well as showcased the artist Andy Warhol.

Tuesday:
We again shared with you on Tuesday some tips for Back To School and how to help them make new friends our princess really has had a few issues with this not understanding yet how to make new friends and keep the old ones as well.
Tuesday, we also shared some ideas about taking a last minute family road trip before summer is over

We have always loved delicious goodies and have shared many of them on our blog here at Annies Home. This recipe for frozen mud pie is no different

Now that school is back we will be looking for those filling family recipes soon. This recipe for Taco Pie should fit the need nicely.

Wednesday:

 Wednesday was a great day for recipes including a great way to serve up lunch box favorite peanut butter and jelly, some desserts to share, cornmeal crusted catfish, and german potato dumplings
Wednesday we also shared about an American artist who was tough by nature and created art showing ladies and girls that were as well

Thursday:
Thursday , August 20th was National Lemonade Day so we shared a sweet recipe for Lemonade

Thursday we also shared a great weeknight supper idea in cheesy potato soup
This was the night that we also shared a great way to work out with friends

Friday:

Friday was National Spumoni Day and also my dads favorite cold treat. We shared a great recipe to make your own.
We also ended the work week with a delicious breakfast burrito recipe and also an invention that helps us add it all up.

Friday, we shared with you all about an American artist that cherished the bond between a mother and father.
One of our harvest recipes that we shared on Friday received lots of attention. That recipe, zucchini patties, is very tasty and easy and best of all  garden plentiful

Speaking of harvest time and back to school time that must also mean that it is time for football games as well. We love to gather and have fun on game nights. Friday we shared several ways to enjoy the party, the game and serve up a feast as well

Saturday:
Saturday we only shared one post but a great post it was. A delicious post of Peach Walnut Dump Cake

Sunday:
Sunday we reminded you that we are not only sending our children back to school but there are a few that are there to make school less enjoyable and shared tips to help you protect your child from bullies
When I was a kid Sundays were for picnics so on sunday we shared a pasta salad recipe perfect for picnics I also shared yet another harvest recipe this time for salsa, A treat of sorts were offered as well in a ooeey gooeey cake.

Sunday we wished happy birthday to some very talented artist. We also shared with you all about how a very debatable test was invented by an athlete.

Sunday we also shared a recipe that friends can share and a delicious treat recipe of Southern Style Strawberry Pineapple Trifle.

Dutch Oven Mountain Man Breakfast

Mountain Man Breakfast 

1 lb. bacon
2 medium yellow onions, diced
1 ½ cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
12-12 medium potatoes, sliced
12 eggs, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
Picante sauce to taste

Heat your 12″ Dutch oven. Cut bacon into 1 inch slices and fry in oven until brown.  Add onion, mushrooms, bell pepper and sauté until onions are translucent.  Add your potatoes and season with salt and pepper.  
Cover and bake top for 30 minutes.  Season eggs with salt and pepper then pour eggs over the top of potatoes.  Cover and bake another 20 minutes, stirring gently every 5 minutes.  When the eggs are done, cover them with cheese and replace lid.  Let stand until cheese is melted.
Serve topped with picante sauce.  Serves: 10-12

recipe source at Our Family 2 Yours where you will find lots of great down home recipes and more about their family as well.

Kids can participate in Random Acts of Kindness as well

It is never to early to teach our children to care for each other. August is be kind to humans and we all should try to do this every day, not only in august. I have shared some ideas here that we could encourage or help our children complete. One of my favorites is visit a nursing home. I know that my elders and their neighbors love visitors. Our princess has made cards, colored pictures, helped paint nails and so many other things.

 

 

 

 

Back To School $5 Frugal Dinner : Taco Soup

1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, chopped
1 pkg taco seasonings
1 pkg dry Ranch seasonings
2 large cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes, undrained
1 can black beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can whole kernel corn

Brown meat and onion. Drain. Add seasonings. Drain beans and corn. Add to meat along with tomatoes. Simmer until well blended and hot. Eat and enjoy.
Add a bit of grated cheese or sour cream and this simple soup is perfect for cold nights.

cost break down

1 lb turkey $2
onion (in pantry)
taco seasoning (in pantry)
dry ranch seasoning (in pantry)
2 large cans diced tomatos $1.00
1 can rotel tomatos .50
1 can black beans .50
1 can pinto beans .50
1 can corn .50
total $5

Early Female Artist Lavinia Fontana

Lavinia Fontana was born august 24th , 1552 in Bologna. The Daughter of a painter and teacher teacher of the art school in Bologna Lavina would be come a great Italian painter that took a stand that many females in that time period did not do. She was the first woman to paint female nudes. A hard worker who was the main breadwinner of a family of 13. She is considered by many to be the first woman artist to work within the same sphere as her male counterparts. She created her first painting at the age of 23.

 

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inspiration monday

Styrofoam

Ray McIntire, the inventor of Styrofoam celebrated his birthday on August 24th. McIntire states that he accidently invented Styrofoam as he was trying to find a flexible electrical insulator during WWII. In 1954 the first Styrofoam products were introduced to the U.S. 

 

the big problem with Styrofoam is that we get to much of it and a lot of it becomes trash so what do we do with it???

 

To help save our earth from becoming overwhelmed we need to recycle all that we can and yes Styrofoam can be recycled

 

Waffle Iron Tater Tots

Today is national waffle day and so I thought I would share a waffle recipe with you all but then I found this very cool recipe and had to share it with you

 

 

 

1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots

salt and pepper to taste

non-stick spray or oil

Set waffle iron to medium /high. Wait until iron indicates it is ready to go and spray with non-stick stray or coat with oil. Set tater tots evenly on waffle iron. My iron measures 7 inches across and I used about 22 tots per waffle. Close iron and press down firmly to flatten out the tots a little. While they cook, you press down more and more as they continue to cook. Total cooking time is about 2-3 minutes depending on your waffle iron. When done, season with salt and or pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite breakfast eggs and some fruit for a fun, filling breakfast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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recipe source here

 

Southern Style Strawberry Pineapple Trifle

This luscious dessert is always a favorite at family gatherings.

Ingredients:
2-10 Ounce Boxes of Frozen Strawberries in their own syrup….Thaw at Room Temp and keep syrup.
Large Tub of Cool Whip Lite
2 Cans (20 ounce) of Crushed Pineapple (Drain Well thru a Strainer)
2 Large packages of Instant Vanilla Pudding. (Not the small ones)
2 Entenmann’s ( or comparable) Sour Cream Pound Cakes

Directions:
For best presentation, use a clear Trifle bowl on a pedestal.
Defrost Strawberries and Drain Pineapple
Prepare Pudding according to Direction and keep in Refrigerator for a few minutes to set

Start Layering:
Layer bottom of Trifle Dish with Thin Slices (1/2”) of Pound Cake
Follow with layers of:
½ of Pudding
½ of Strawberries
Slices of Pound Cake
½ of Pineapple
Pound Cake
Remainder of Pudding
Remainder of Strawberries
Remaining Pound Cake - Reserve a few slices for finishing the top.
Remaining Pineapple
Cool Whip

Add Peaks to Cool Whip with a Spoon and Sprinkle Pound Cake Crumbs on top for color.

Add a few toothpicks halfway into top and cover with Saran Wrap. The toothpicks will hold the Saran Wrap up like a tent. Just don’t forget to remove them before serving.

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life on lakeshore drive
mix it up Monday
creative collection

Friendship Bread Shared among Friends

With going back to school and all I have started to enjoy my life as a grand-parent. The reason is that while princess sees her friends at school because she is in early elementary school I go pick her up and see her friends parents and grandparents. What a treat for me to sit and chat for a moment. Here is a great recipe that we are sharing right now. I must say not the first time

Amish Friendship Bread Starter

By Cooking Mamas Published: March 18, 2013

A delicious sweet bread that bonds friends by sharing countless loaves of bread that all began from the same bowl of simple ingredients. Choose a few friends to start this wonderful tradition, they'll thank you for it!

 

• 1 (1/4 oz.) pkg. active dry yeast
• 1/4 c. warm water (110° degrees.)
• 1 c. sugar
• 1 c. flour
• 1 c. warm milk (110° degrees.)

This is the Amish Friendship Bread Starter recipe that you will need to make Amish Friendship Bread. Do NOT use any type of metal utensils or bowls for mixing, it will interfere with the fermentation process.
In a glass or plastic measuring cup, dissolve yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Pour yeast mixture, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk into a 1 gallon re-seal-able plastic bag. Seal and knead mixture until well combined. This is Day 1 of the Amish Friendship Bread instructions.


1 cup live yeast starter (see above)

day 1:

Do nothing with the starter.

days 2-5:

Stir with a wooden spoon.

day 6:

Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup milk. Stir with a wooden spoon.

days 7-9:

Stir with a wooden spoon.

Day 10:

Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Stir. Take out 3 cups and place 1 cup each into three separate plastic containers. Give one cup and a copy of this recipe to three friends. To the balance (a little over one cup) of the batter, add the following ingredients and mix well.

1 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl combine the following dry ingredients and mix well:

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 - (5.1 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup nuts

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Mix and pour into two well greased and sugared bread pans. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour

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spiritual sundays

Drug Testing a Hot Debate and the Inventor

Drug testing is a hot subject. Who should be tested for drugs is at the face of debate. Where I work employees are drug tested when hired, randomly and at any incident they may be involved in. Many feel that drug testing should be done for those who get assistance from the government. That is one debate with many having opinions and sharing them often. Good thing that is not what I am here to share with you. Rather I want to tell you about the man who invented drug testing. Manfred Donike

Manfred Donike born August 23rd 1933. He was a german cyclist and chemist. He is well known for his study on doping of athletes. Donike studied chemistry in cologne and graduated in 1965. A little over 10 years in 1977 Donike was appointed director of the institute of biochemistry at the german Sport University in Cologne. Donike developed a procedure capable of accurate detection of banned substances and their metabolites through urine analysis. Donike would have a son Manfred who would compete in the 1984 summer Olympics.

Happy Birthday to two talented artist

Alexander Milne Calder born august 23, 1846 in Scotland. The son of a tombstone carver Alexander followed in the art work and became a sculptor. Came to America where he was an architectural sculpture and is most known for work in Philadelphia. His sons Alexander Stirling Calder and grandson Alexander "Sandy" Calder would also follow in the family trait and become significant sculptures of the 20th century.

Sharing today as her birthday is artist and sculpter Hannah Frank. Hannah lived a right long life of 100 years. She was a Glasgow born Jewish artist that aimed to leave a rememberance through her art. She was the oldest of four children whose parents fled to Britian at the end of the 19th century.  Hannah attended college studying Latin and English at Glasgow University and took evening classes at Glasgow school of art. Hannah began to produce hallmark black and white drawings in her 20s. Her art was medieval and biblical. She married a man who also attended college with her and her art seemed to change with a lighter touch. Hannah would sculpt up to her early 90s

Picnic pasta Salad

A component that we love to have at our grill outs, picnics or outside summer get together is salads. Lettuce salads, potato salads, slaws or pasta salads makes no difference. It is just a great accompaniment for sandwiches, grilled meat, or whatever the entrée may be. This pasta salad recipe adds a bit of spice to the life of the picnic as well.

Spiced Mexican Pasta Salad

4 cups cooked (al dente) rotini pasta, hot                        
1  cup Old El Paso™ Hot Thick 'n Chunky Salsa                  
1 (4 oz.) Old El Paso™ diced green chiles, drained                        
1 (4 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained                        
1 (14 oz.) can Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted tomatoes                 
1 (14 oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained                       
3/4  cup sweet corn, drained            
1/2 cup red bell pepper, seeded and diced                                            
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro                                    
2 green onions, sliced                      

dressing                
1/2   cup Italian dressing                       
1  teaspoon ground cumin                    
1  teaspoon salt                        
1/4  teaspoon freshly ground black pepper                     

Combine the dressing ingredients and set aside.  While the pasta is hot, combine all ingredients in large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss to combine. Serve immediately warm or at room temperature

Homemade Recipes: Hot and Sweet which is your choice

 

Its that time of year where the garden is booming and there is so much to do. Loads of tomatoes so we are cooking up some delicious salsa. Long winter ahead of us have to stay warm somehow. This salsa will be so good as a snack or part of a meal.

 

2-3 medium sized fresh tomatoes (from 1 lb to 1 1/2 lb), stems removed

1/2 red onion

2 serrano chiles or 1 jalapeño chile (stems, ribs, seeds removed), less or more to taste

Juice of one lime

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Pinch of dried oregano (crumble in your fingers before adding), more to taste

Pinch of ground cumin, more to taste

Start by roughly chopping the tomatoes, chiles, and onions. Be very careful while handling the chile peppers. If you can, avoid touching the cut peppers with your hands. (I often use disposable gloves or hold the peppers with a plastic sandwich bag.) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water after handling and avoid touching your eyes for several hours. Set aside some of the seeds from the peppers. If the salsa isn't hot enough, you can add a few for more heat.

Place all of the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse only a few times, just enough to finely dice the ingredients, not enough to purée. If you don't have a food processor, you can finely dice by hand.
Place in a serving bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the chilies make the salsa too hot, add some more chopped tomato. If not hot enough, carefully add a few of the seeds from the chilies, or add a little more ground cumin.
Let sit for an hour for the flavors to combine.
Serve with chips, tortillas, tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, pinto or black beans.

recipe source for salsa here

 

While the salsa is cooking I decided to make a dessert to help us cool off. This paula dean recipe is one that our whole family loves. The cake just seems to melt in our mouth.

 

1 (18 1/4 oz) package yellow cake mix
1 egg
16 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (16 oz) box powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°. 
Combine the cake mix, egg and 8 tablespoons butter and mix well with an electric mixer. Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 by 9-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla and 8 tablespoons butter and beat together.  Next, add the powdered sugar and mix well. Spread over cake batter and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Make sure not to over bake as the center should be a little gooey.

Back To School With Bullies

Its back to school time and when the doors open there will be children of all types from all backgrounds entering the school doors. Students who want to learn and others who for one reason or another will try to bully others. Sometimes it is the kids that were bullied last year have decided to find someone to pick on this year. Whatever the reason the truth is that parents can not always be ther to protect our children against such bullies. It is our job to set up our kids to fight back against the bullies in order to make the new school year a good one.

As a mother of six I have seen my share of tears from my own children being bullied. One child of mine has a speech problem another a weight problem both have seen their share of being bullied. Relentless teasing where my daughter did not even want to choose to go to school After such teasing the tolerance built up and she fought back and took care of herself. While she was never treated like this again I must say that violence is not the only way to go about getting a bully to stop.
Be active in schools , when a parent is active in the school and life of a child it helps build their self esteem. I was an active parent , however the events of my daughter started when she was in jr. high when I was in a high demand job and there was no real time for a parent to visit the school. However, my daughter in the end did take care of herself and I (while not backing violence) backed her decision

The goal of a bully is to make your child feel bad. One big reason a bully attacks a child is because they do not like something about their self. Many bullies have been bullied their self and are looking for a victim they can pick on now. This is not a behavior that anyone is born with but one that one that is learned. It may be hard but have your child include the bully in with their own friends. It may help stop the bully

Parents should try to take time to visit school, volunteer when possible, have friends over and monitor to see if your child needs help in social skills.

School is meant to have a good time learning skills that will be needed. I hope that these points will help you guard your child against any bullies

.

Peach Walnut Dump Cake

As I have shared here before we are enjoying the bounty of peaches and celebrating August is Peach month. I would so love to have you share with us and enjoy a recipe or two as well. Here is a sweet and yummy easy to make recipe

Peach Crunch Cake

24.5 oz jar of sliced peaches in light syrup
1 package yellow cake mix
1 stick butter (1/2 cup), cut into 16 pieces
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Layer ingredients in a 13 X 9 dish, in order starting with the peaches.
Bake for about 40 minutes.
Serve warm or cold… with or without ice cream.

Enjoy!

recipe source here

Game Time

Tonight is the first football game of the season. It will be so fun, great time to get together with family and friends. We love football from the littlest level to the pros. We also love to host parties. I believe the two go together well. Here are a few party ideas


Taco Bar:

simply mix up some ground beef or chicken, setting out some taco shells or tortilla chips, as well as taco toppings will allow you to prepare before the game and enjoy the company as well.



Hot Dog Bar:

Grill the franks or brats and keep warm in a crockpot. Set out the buns and set the toppings out so guest can serve themselves.



Potato Bar:

Bake a batch of potatoes and wrap them in foil to keep them warm. They can simply be unwrapped and warm up in microwave if they cool off. Set toppings such as chili, shredded cheese, green onions, butter, salsa, bacon bits, and sour cream out so guest can serve them selves.

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made from pinterest

Zucchini Patties

Zucchini Patties

1 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt
3/4 cup flour
2 eggs
4 cups grated zucchini
3/4 cup grated cheese (optional)

Mix above ingredients. Dip by tablespoon full in hot oil. Press with back of spoon to make patties. Brown on both sides and drain on paper towels. Best served warm. They go great with fresh sliced tomatoes.

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friendship Friday
share the wealth
fat Tuesday
Tuesday garden party

Back 2 School : Quick 3 minute breakfast buritos

Quick Breakfast : 3 Minute Burito

1	flour tortilla (6-inch)
1	EGG
1	Tbsp. shredded Mexican cheese blend
1	Tbsp. salsa

Here’s How

1. LINE 2-cup microwave-safe cereal bowl with microwave-safe paper towel. PRESS tortilla into bowl. BREAK egg into center of tortilla. BEAT egg gently with a fork until blended, being careful not to tear tortilla.
2. MICROWAVE on HIGH 30 seconds; stir. MICROWAVE until egg is almost set, 15 to 30 seconds longer.
3. REMOVE tortilla with paper towel liner from bowl to flat surface. TOP egg with cheese and salsa. FOLD bottom of tortilla over egg, then fold in sides.

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frugal Friday
superparent Saturday
simple saturday

Friendship Friday

One of my favorite things about having a friend is that sometimes they know you better than you know yourself.
Looking for more blog friends head over to friendship Friday where you will find me as well.

This Invention helps us add it up

1888 The first practical adding & listing machine (calculator) was patented by William Burroughs.

What would we do without the calculator?? Now while I am pretty good at math my co-workers use them daily. However, there are things that can be done by a calculator that can not be done by the average mind. So for this I say thank-you

National Spumoni Day

Spumoni is a molded Italian ice cream made with layers of different colors and flavors. The treat usually contains candied fruits and nuts. Often found with 3 flavors with a fruit and nut layer between them. Typical flavors include cherry, pistachio, and either chocolate or vanilla. The fruit and nut layer often contain cherry bits. Popular in the U.S. where National Spumoni day is august 21st. 

 

3 cups pistachio ice cream, softened

3 cups vanilla (or cherry vanilla) ice cream, softened

1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped

1/3 cup sliced almonds, chopped

2 tablespoons cherry brandy

1 teaspoon almond extract

A few specks pink food coloring

3 cups chocolate ice cream, softened

                               
Line 9- by 5-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap. Place a 12- by 8-inch piece of parchment paper into pan, letting sides overhang the edges. Spread pistachio ice cream into pan and smooth the top. Freeze until semi-frozen, about 20 minutes. Stir vanilla ice cream, chopped cherries, almonds, brandy, and almond extract until combined. Stir in food coloring (if using) to desired shade of pink. Spread over pistachio ice cream. Freeze for 30 minutes, or until semi-firm. Spread chocolate ice cream over cherry ice cream and smooth top. Wrap and freeze until completely solid, 3 to 4 hours. Remove from pan, remove wrap, and slice with a hot, wet, knife.

recipe source here

Mary Cassatt - Embraced Mother and Child

Mary Stevenson Cassatt was born in 1844 and lived a right old age for that time period passing in 1926. She was an artist who had a way of sharing a glimpse into the private life of women and families. She created images of the social and private lives of women. She often emphasized the intimate bond between mothers and children. 

Cassatt was born to an upper-middle class family from Pennsylvania. Born into a family well educated and with a rich background her family believed that travel was very much part of education. She would live for 5 years in Europe and see the sites. Cassatt also spoke German and French. It was while in Europe that she developed the love of drawing and music. Upon returning to her home the family objected to her becoming a professional artist but she went on to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts at the age of 15. She lived the years of the American Civil War going to school and after school continued to study alone and earned no degree. She then moved back to Paris with her mother and attended art school there.

 

 

Stuck on You discount code

School is back in session here and all ready we have started sending more than our share of items to school. I am sure that this will continue as our little princess does well in school and in return we make sure she has all she needs. I am sure that most of you are like that reward the good that our children do. The only thing is that I also like her to keep what is hers and that means I try to label everything that she gets. There are many different styles available and some of the cutest are available at Stuck On You.

Right now you can shop and save at Stuck on You for 30% off. Simply visit their website
http://www.stuckonyou.com/ and use the code get30.

Have a great school year!! Hold on to what you get and have fun

Friendship Goes Great With Good Workouts

Working out with a friend seems to always be the best. Why??? Well, there are some great reasons and ones that you will I am sure agree with as well

When you spend time with friends the normal thing to do is have a good time. Why would it be any different when you work out with your friend?? Working out alone it may seem like it takes forever but just like when you spend time with your good friend the time goes by faster than it would other wise. Chatting it up when working with a partner can leave you looking forward to the next time as well

Canceling a work out will be less likely if your workout partner is your good friend. Not wanting to let the other down will promote you to want to keep your workout dates.

Making workout times a family event that includes a family dinner after wards, taking family walks or sharing a babysitter so you can all work out

Working out with your friend also gives you a support system. Whenever one of you gets down the other can be there to pick the partner back up. Give each other support will allow you more of a chance to reach your goal

Happy National Lemonade Day -- recipe included

 

 

 

 

4 cups of cold water
1 cup lemon juice
1 cup water
1/2 cup honey

Add honey to one cup of water and bring to a boil. Be sure to stir frequently Add lemon juice and remaining water Put in refrigerator for approximately 3 hours Add ice cubes and serve

Potato Cheese Soup

3 C potato - peeled, and cubed
1 C carrot - diced
1 C celery - chopped
1/2 c onion - diced
3 cup water
4 chicken boullion cubes

bring to a boil on stop top and let simmer on low-med heat until barely tender

In a separate pan make roux
3/4 C flour
2 C milk
2 C 1/2 & 1/2
3/4 C. butter
Melt together and whisk until thickens and is smooth.

Add to roux
12 oz Velveeta or Cheese Wiz
1 Tbl Basil (dried) or fresh basil to taste
1/2 tea pepper
1/2 tea salt (or to taste)

Add to the vegetables and stir, let simmer on low heat.

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Thursdays favorite things

German Potato Dumplings

There are so many different potato recipes around , I know I have had tons myself and shared several as well. Today being national potato day I thought I would honor my dads mom my Grandma S. Grandma had 13 brothers and sisters and they all were raised by a doting German mama and papa. I remember meeting them but was not very old when her mama and papa passed away. To honor my grandmother who cooked many delicious recipes I want to share a recipe. I hope you enjoy

German Potato Dumplings

3 large Russet potatoes, boiled with skin until soft
1 1/2  teaspoons salt
1/8  teaspoon nutmeg
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/8 cup cornstarch
1 large egg
2 slices Pepperidge Farm sourdough bread, or other high-quality bread
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon veggie oil

In a large skillet- melt butter on medium-high.
Trim crusts off bread slices & throw them to the birds, you won’t need them. Cut bread into 1/2-inch cubes place in skillet.  Cook until golden brown.  Transfer to paper towel & pat dry.
Get your cooled, boiled potatoes & trim off peel. Cut into large cubes.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl- mash potatoes with fork or masher.  Mix in salt & nutmeg.  Add 1/2 cup flour & cornstarch.
Using your hands, knead mixture in bowl until smooth.  You may need to add a dash more flour if dough in sticky.  
Whisk in egg.
Form dough into balls, using about 1/2 cup mixture for each.
 Insert buttery bread cube into the center of each dumpling.  Roll dumpling between palms to enclose bread cube completely and form smooth balls.  It’s kinda like preschool Play-Do fun, right?
In a large pot- add half full of salted water & get to simmer.  Once simmering, add 4-5 dumplings into pot & cook until the dumplings rise to the surface, about 10-15 minutes.
Using slotted spoon, transfer dumplings to large bowl.
Transfer to bowl & keep covered with a damp, clean kitchen towel as you cook the rest.
Once done with your batch, you’re ready to enjoy

recipe source here

Lynda Lanker A Tough By Nature American Artist

Lynda Lanker, an artist from Kansas City , Missouri was born in 1943 Growing up in Wichita Kansas, a cowboy town for sure, she attended the Wichita State University and majored in painting and earned a bachelor's degree in art education. Lynda was inspired to become an artist as a child and began her career as a middle school art teacher.

Lynda was married to a Pulitzer prize winning photographer Brian lanker. In Lynda's early 30s her and husband moved to Oregon and she concentrated more on her art. She earned a reputation as a portrait painter during the 70s and 90s. I especially like the "Tough by Nature" series of women ranchers and cowgirls in American west.

 

 

Lunch Box Idea A Twist on PBJ

Another great lunchbox idea. Check it out, so yummy, easy and I know our little ones like them as well.

2 tablespoons Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
2 tablespoons Smucker's® Strawberry Jelly, or any Smucker's® Jam, Jelly or Preserves of your choice
2 slices bread 

1. REMOVE crusts from bread. With a rolling pin or large soup can, completely flatten bread.
2. SPREAD 1 tablespoon peanut butter and 1 tablespoon fruit spread on each slice of bread
3. ROLL each slice into a tight spiral. Cut each spiral into 4 pieces.

Dessert to Share

This is the perfect dessert to share with friends. Friends that your child brings home after school or friends of yours at work. It does not matter just enjoy and make a new friend

Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Frozen Pound cake, cut into squares

Favorite Fruit, Strawberries and Blueberries work great

Cut pound cake into squares and slide onto a skewer with your favorite fruit. It's simple, it's easy and everyone loves it.

White Chocolate Mousse

from Your Homebased Mom, found originally on Evil Shenanigans

1 cup milk (whole milk would be the best)
1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp butter
3 oz. white chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 tsp gelatin
1 tbsp cold water
1 cup whipping cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Combine milk, cornstarch, sugar and egg yolk into a medium sauce pan.  Whisk together well.  Over medium heat, cook until it thickens and comes to a simmer.  Whisk constantly.  It will take about 10 minutes.

Then remove from heat and add in vanilla, butter and white chocolate.  Mix until everything is melted (make sure white chocolate melts completely.  Pour into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap and chill for four hours or overnight.

In a small cup or bowl combine the gelatin with the water.  Let it stand for about 10 minutes.  Then pop into the microwave for about 10 seconds to melt the gelatin.  Cool to room temperature.

Then combine cream, powdered sugar and vanilla.  Whip until thick.  Add in gelatin and mix until medium peaks are formed.  Fold the whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture in 3 parts.  Cover and chill for at least an hour or overnight.

Cornmeal Crusted Catfish

One thing that is a favorite of many here in Southern Illinois is Fried Catfish. Since I was a little girl I can remember going to fish fries. One of my hubbys favorite restraunts is located right on the river and is a floating restraunt where some of the best catfish can be found here.

Cornmeal Crusted Catfish

 

3 slices bacon
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons salt-free Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 (6-ounce) catfish fillets

Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; reserve 2 teaspoons drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; reserve for another use. Combine cornmeal, seasoning, and salt in a shallow dish. Dredge fillets in cornmeal mixture, shaking off excess. Heat reserved drippings in pan over medium-high heat. Add fillets; cook 5 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily when tested with a fork or until desired degree of doneness