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Sunday, June 14, 2020

Enjoy the Summer at Home

The year 2020 has been a bit different to say the least. Running out of T.P, having to stay home, not being able to attend school or church or even play on the playground are just a few things that have taken place. So how have you been able to deal with it all?? 



This summer has all ready shown to be a bit different as well. With fairs and events being cancelled it may seem like there is no summer fun at all. But wait there are many things that you can still do. Staying at home can be fun and add a spark to your life Right in your own backyard may lay lots of fun to entertain the entire family. 

Why not head outside on a clear night to do a bit of sky gazing. Looking at the night sky and those twinkling stars offers you a chance to relax and maybe even learn something. Perhaps you will participate in this activity during a meteor shower. Spread a blanket out or find a lawn chair take  a rest and simply look at the stars and watch the show so to speak.

As a child I recall chasing and catching lightning bugs. What a fun activity to catch these bugs and place in a jar to offer you a light in the night. However, the firefly population is decreasing 



The stars aren’t the only sparkling show that you can see from your backyard. Fireflies come out to play in the summer months, and they can be quite fun to watch. If you are interested in catching these “show-offs,” you will want to do so carefully as the firefly population is decreasing you will want to protect the little bugs as well. Capture the bugs and place in a jar with holes punched in the lid so they have fresh air. A moist paper towel in the jar will help keep the air at a level the bugs can survive. Finally, release the little bugs at the end of the night.


There are many other things you can do to have fun in your backyard what is  it you love to do??


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Baked Moz Sticks



cooking spray
1 12-ounce package reduced-fat Mozzarella string cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 tablespoons panko bread crumbs
½ cup prepared marinara sauce warmed
 
Position rack in upper third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Remove cheese from packaging and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg until foamy. In a small non-stick skillet, mix Italian seasoning with bread crumbs and place over medium-heat. Cook bread crumbs until lightly browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Dip one piece of string cheese in egg until coated and then dip into toasted bread crumbs, coating completely. Dip the string cheese in then egg again, then into the bread crumbs, if desired. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining string cheese and place on baking sheet 1½ inches apart. Spray string cheese lightly with cooking spray.
Bake 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through. Note: cheese may melt slightly and lose shape; simply press back into place. Serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.



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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

Answering Those Doughnut Questions and Offering a Tasty Recipe

Ancient Romans have been credited for creating many food items that we enjoy today. Romans even enjoyed dough fried in oil which may have been the pre thought of the doughnut. Now we all should know what this little treat a doughnut is. The pastry that is small, fried, sweet and has a hole. Whether prepared with baking powder or yeast the doughnut is still considered a favorite of many. 

Types of doughnuts:::
  • bismarks
  • jelly doughnuts
  • raised yeast doughnuts
  • French cream puffs
Doughnuts can be filled or unfilled, plain, glazed or iced. 

It could be a windbag of a good time

The instrument known as the accordion here in the United States has a great variety of other names in different countries. Whether it be called the German Akkordeon or the Hand harmonika, or in Italy the Italian armonicca it is built in the same nature with a treble casing with external piano style keys or buttons and a bass casing that normally is found on the opposite side. 


The accordion instrument is played by compressing or expanding the bellows while pressing buttons or keys. This procedure allows the flow across strips of brass or steel call reeds. The reeds vibrate to make sound and valves on the opposing reeds of each note are used to make the instruments reeds sound louder without air leaking from each reed block. 




I hope you now understand a bit more about how the accordion works. There are many others confused on who exactly was the mind behind this instrument. Was it C. Fredrich L Buschmann who created and patented a handvoline as he called it in 1822 in Berlin or was it Cyril Demian of Vienna who in 1829 patented his accordion. However, the wind instrument soon captivated the world as immigrants from Europe brought the instrument to America and other places around the world.

Places in South America such as Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Panama popularized the music that was created by the accordion. Other places around the world the instrument did not create such a following. Folk music in America did showcase the accordion and this folk music traveled around the world as well. Thus making the accordion part of other genres of music. 

Cajun, jazz and classical music offers a platform for the accordion. 




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Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Use Up the Rotisserie chicken





Most all of us have seen them the rotisseri chicken sold in the deli section of the local grocery store. Many of us have even tried them. They make a meal much easier and we are often able to eat as a family with shortcuts like this. However, what is the best way to use up when you have leftovers of rotisserie chicken. 

Make a Pot Pie

using a refrigerated pie crust place the chicken, some chopped garlic and diced potatoes, baby carrots, a quick gravy and any other veggies you would like to place in the meat pie. Butter the top crust and pop in oven to bake for about 30 minutes

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad 

Mix up the shredded chicken, your favorite pasta, torn spinach leaves, marinated artichokes, onions, tomatoes, feta cheee, olives and greek dressing. 



Other ideas include:
  • shredding to use in tacos or burritos
  • shred and add to soup with noodles and veggie

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Potato and Chorizo Taco #Recipe



Chorizo and Potato Tacos
Serves 2 – 4

  • 6 ounces fresh chorizo, casings removed
  • 2 medium red potatoes, cut into a small dice (about 2 cups)
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into a small dice (about 1/2 cup)
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Tortillas
  • Lettuce
  • Other taco toppings – sour cream, cheese, avocado, salsa, etc.

Brown the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the chorizo is fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes), transfer it to a small bowl, leaving the rendered fat (and flavor!) in the pan.

Add the potatoes and cook for 3 – 4 minutes, until slightly tender. Add the onion and continue to cook until both the potatoes and onion are soft and tender (an additional 4 – 5 minutes). Return the chorizo to the pan and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Serve immediately on tortillas with lettuce and other taco toppings.



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It's a Rocky Road


If you happen to watch the news, read the news paper or even drive down the road you may instantly see that our world is on a rocky path. With the Covid 19 as well as the rioting  because of  George Floyd death caused by police officers the world is definitely taking us all down a rocky road. However, did you know it was during a rocky road that one of my mothers favorite ice cream flavors came about.




Yes... I did say ice cream. I know that ice cream is often associated with happiness but when this one flavor was invented the world around was not going thru a happy period of time. During the late 1920s the world seemed pretty dire after the stock Market crashed. The ice cream man, William Dreyer created a new flavor to help Americans feel a bit better when the world was so bleak. His creation (while some may disagree that it was his idea) was a creamy marshmallow almond chocolate chip ice cream flavor that individuals still love today.



So you have vanilla ice cream in the freezer but you would like to try to make your own rocky road?? It's easy simply add almonda or pecans, mini marshmallows, and chunks of chocolate. If you want to try rocky road ice cream and don't have time or means to make your own then head out to the market and buy a ctn of delicious rocky road ice cream. 



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Friday, May 29, 2020

Cleaning Tip :: Using Lemon to clean Cutting Boards



Wooden Cutting Boards
Cut a lemon lime or grapefruit in 1/2 and dip into a small dish of salt. The salt will actually use as the scrub in this cleaner. Lightly rub fruit over the cutting board, squeezing the fruit to release juices as you scrub. Rinse completely when done.
Plastic or Glass Cutting Board
Mix together 1/4 c lemon juice and 2 cups of water let cutting board soak in the mixture for 15 minutes and rinse completely

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Old Fashioned Pickle and Onion #recipe



1 – 2 large cucumbers, or 3 medium
1 yellow onion
white vinegar
Peel and cut the cucumbers into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices
Slice the onion into 1/4 to 1/2 inch rings
Place the onions and cucumbers into a dish and pour enough white vinegar in to cover the cucumbers and onions.
Cover and leave in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. (these can last up to a week in the refrigerator, but they won’t be around long enough to test that theory)
Remove and serve the cucumber slices as a snack, a side dish or just something to grab on a hot day
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Why Can't We All Just Get Along


If we could all just get along.... 

World peace is something that everyone on this planet known as Earth truly could use. Each of us have our own little space here and most of us call it home. But our home can go outside the walls of our house and extend so that we get to call the entire Earth our home. Just take a look into history and recall individuals living in caves, along the rivers, in forests and all of them lived in harmony or nearly harmony with nature. However... it has also been said that War has been around as long as men and disagreements have been. 



Would it not be nice if the courageous soldiers who protect us would be able to live a safer happier life and spend more time with their own family?? Peace on Earth would do just that. Peace on Earth would allow those that lived in War affected areas to live in peace and have healthier lives. Just imagine for a moment if the money that is spent on arming individuals for battle could be saved to use on things that would better the world. Perhaps world peace is what we need to make the world a better place... now why did someone not think of that before. 

Some one did think about this and created the United Nations Peacekeepers. These peacekeepers help countries through the harshness of moving from conflict to peace. Each member of the Peacekeeping team brings their own unique talents, strengths and ability to deploy troops and police from around the world. 



Prayers for these peacekeepers who help to keep our earth peaceful. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Mathew 5:9

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Thursday, May 28, 2020

Start a Compost Waste To Help Your Plants


You most likely may have heard about composting but many may not have started composting their selves. This may be easier if you have a green thumb and like to offer your plants the best. Composting helps to enrich the soil in your garden thus making it fertile and helping your plants. Don't worry if you are a plant lover then there is still time to start composting. 



What do you need???

well this is really rather simple. Most of us have scraps left over after preparing veggies to cook, leaves left from the fall, coffee grounds and the list goes on. 

a place to start your compost whether it is purchased or you simply choose a container laying around the home. Make sure it is large enough to stir around

A place to keep your compost waste. It most likely will have a odor as it is rotting. It needs to be a place where animals can not get to. It needs to be able to be kept in a place that the breeze can help keep it aerated. Water is also important as it should stay moist


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picture and more information can be found at University California Cooperation Extension

Apple Pie Filling Cupcakes







For the Apple Pie Filling:
  • 6 cups granny smith apples, peeled, cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water
For the Cupcakes:
  • 1 cup salted butter, slightly softened - 2 sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup milk
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Filling:
  1. In a large bowl, squirt about a Tablespoon of lemon juice on diced, peeled apples. Toss to coat.
  2. In a heavy saucepan, combine water, cornstarch, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk over medium high heat until mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and darkens to a very thick gravy-like consistency. Add apples and cover.
  4. Reduce heat to a simmer and simmer for about 20 minutes or until apples have reached desired tenderness. Remove from heat and let cool.
For the Cupcakes:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F
  2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of a mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla.
  4. With the mixer on medium low, add flour and milk alternately, starting and ending with flour mixture and scraping the bowl as needed. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full.
  5. Bake for about 15 minutes or until center of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
To Assemble Cupcakes:
  1. Using a small knife, cut the center out of each cupcake and fill to overflowing with apple filling. Right before serving, prepare and top with cinnamon whipped cream.
For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream:
  1. In a chilled metal mixing bowl, whip cold cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon on high speed with your mixer whisk attachment until stiff. Spoon or pipe onto cupcakes

recipe source here

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Broccoli Salad and a few fun facts as well



What do you know about broccoli?? Here are some facts you may not have known 
  • Broccoli originated in Italy as a form of wild cabbage and has been around since the b.c's 
  • In the 1700's broccoli started to arrive in England and was known as "Italian aspargus" 
  • Thomas Jefferson imported broccoli seeds from Italy and planted them at his home in Monticello in the spring of 1767.
  • George H.W. Bush did not like broccoli and broccoli became part of a punch line in many of his speeches. Broccoli growers were not deterred and sent 10 tons of broccoli to the White House.
  • President Obama found broccoli to be one of his favorite foods 
  • The United States ranks #3 in producing broccoli. In the U.S. most broccoli producers are located in California
  • Tom "Broccoli" Landers holds the title for eating the most broccoli. 



Broccoli Salad
adapted from a recipe by Paula Deen

1 head broccoli
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup raisins
½ cup of shredded carrots
¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds
½ cup Follow Your Heart Cheddar, cut into very small chunks
1 cup vegan mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 cup raw cane sugar
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Trim off the large leaves from the broccoli stem. Remove the tough stalk at the end and wash broccoli head thoroughly. Cut the head into flowerets and the stem into bite-size pieces. Place in a large bowl. Add the onion, raisins, carrots, sunflower seeds and vegan cheddar. In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently. Season with freshly ground pepper and salt.

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Monday, May 25, 2020

Happy Home Maker Monday

The weather in these parts has been quite a bit of rain and some bad storms as well. Tonight even while we were grilling out the sky got black, the wind started blowing and while no real rain came I am sure some where close by was getting a storm. 


As far as how I am feeling I would say extra tired. I think the amount of work they give me at my job would wear anyone out but I am starting to get older and it is becoming a bit overwhelming. 

On my mind... 
  1.  at work everyone in the health care field will soon be tested. I am not sure what to expect as many stories are floating around about the test for covid 19. 
  2. glad to see many places are getting ready to open seems like the world may get a bit closer to the way it was soon
  3. road trip to my home town is coming up I am both excited and nervous

Breakfast:
nothing extreme just a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal. Sometimes I like go a bit easy

On my T.V.
been watching a lot of the game show station especially since I found out the other day we had it.

Menu this week:
Monday we grilled out and will have leftovers for lunches this week
Tuesday beef stew and biscuits
Wednesday daughter is cooking 
Thursday chili, crackers and PB sandwiches
Friday --- pay day / shopping busy day 
Saturday - Sunday our of town will eat on road



Part of the family ... me and hubby with daughter and her family

Around the house
so much to do have many items sold that I will deliver this weekend. My house is always busy with many things that need to be done

Relaxation time
road trip with the family will have lots of fun 

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Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May each year. It was created to celebrate the lives lost from the armed forces. Those individuals who gave their life to protect the freedom and liberties that America enjoys. To them I say "Thank - You"





Memorial day normally sees large crowds, gatherings and food. This year, 2020 and the covid 19 quarantine things are not the same. While many are still looking to have a bit of fun the dangers during this unknown time are preventing the large gatherings. However, you and your family can prepare a meal and tell the young members of the family about those that served in the many wars. 

 
This year Memorial day occurs on May 25th... the same day as the national holiday known as brown bag it. So why not?? Me and my family have had the opportunity to head out and about and have a few different picnics. Yes we stay 6 feet apart from others and yes we still enjoy our selves. So why not make up a brown bag and have a bit of fun this Memorial Day 2020. 

Why not make your favorite sandwich and serve up with these tasty chips


  • 2 1/2 c. vegetable oil
  • 1 lb. russet potatoes
  • 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • Sea Salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
This ingredient shopping module is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content on their web site.
  1. In a medium saucepan fitted with a candy thermometer, heat oil to 325 degrees F. Using a mandoline,* slice potatoes widthwise into paper-thin slices.
  2. In batches, fry potatoes in heated oil, 1 to 2 minutes, making sure not to overcrowd pan. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. While still hot, sprinkle each batch with rosemary and salt and pepper to taste.


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Sunday, May 24, 2020

South Carolina Information + recipe

The state of South Carolina was settled by the English and the eighth state to ratify the U.S. constitution in 1788. With its economy coming largely from agriculture because of the states fertile soil the issue became one of having enough man power. Thus opening the door for slave trade from Africa



Cheap labor would help maximize the profit the large plantation owners would receive. Just shy of 100 years after ratifying the constitution the state would secede from the union in 1861. South Carolina would be the place that shots from the civil war would ring out. However the darkness of the states history the beauty still rang out.

Myrtle Beach South Carolina is one place that was developed as a destination to relax and soak up the sun. Natives of South Carolina include Chubby Checker, Dizzy Gillespie, Boxer Joe Frazier, and politician Jesse Jackson. Along with the great music, history and wonderful beaches the food from South Carolina is amazing. Just take a look at the recipe I shared 




  • 12 Large Red New Potatoes, washed and quartered (or halved, depending on the size, or the equivalent if using smaller potatoes)
  • 6 Smoked Sausage Links – approx. 4-inch links, cut into a little larger than bite-size pieces
  • 6 Ears Fresh Corn, each broken in half
  • 3 Pounds Fresh Jumbo Shrimp, unpeeled (plus any other seafood you like)
  1. Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all of the ingredients when full.
  2. Add the Crab Boil, or other seasoning, and bring to a boil.
  3. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  4. When the water boils, add your potatoes and sausage.
  5. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes.
  6. Add corn and continue to cook for 10 minutes.
  7. Add shrimp and cook for no longer than 3 minutes.
  8. Drain, and serve, spread out on your craft paper or newspaper, with warm French bread, or the bread of your choice.

Dig in! Have lots of paper towels on hand. Nobody needs to be dainty chowing down on this feast!


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Lily Of The Valley

He's the lily of the valley He's the bright and morning star
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul


The old words to a song that means the world to my soul. I can recall singing it in those old country churches I would visit with my parents and grand-parents. But while that lily of the valley soothes my soul the plant lily of the valley is highly poisonous woodland flowering plant with sweetly scented, pendent, bell shaped white flowers that appear in the spring. 




The Lily of the Valley has been adored by many around the world. Perfumes featuring the scent have been created. One such was made by the French firm Dior in 1956. Christian Dior's favorite flower was the lily of the valley and Diorissimo was designed to celebrate this fact. 




The flower lily of the valley have been large parts of ceremonies including weddings. The bridal bouquet of Catherine Middleton the bride of Prince William featured the Lily of the valley. 


Many days including Labour day in France and Flora Day in the United Kingdom pay tribute to the flower as well. In the Yugoslavia and Finland the Lily of the valley was the national flower 




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