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Saturday, August 29, 2020

Hamburger Chop Suey

 Are you like me and like to fix something different for your family every now and again. Well here is a great recipe to shake things up and won't break the bank Enjoy!!!

  • Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  Add the ginger and garlic, and cook for another minute or two.
  • Increase the heat to medium high and add the ground beef.  Cook until browned.
  • Stir in the molasses and soy sauce.  Dissolve the cornstarch in the water, then add to the beef and stir and cook until thickened.

  • Stir in the water chestnuts and bean sprouts and cook for a couple more minutes.
  • Spoon over rice and serve.


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Monday, August 24, 2020

The White House Was Burning

ON This Date:


August 24, 1814 was a day that would go down in history due to a fire. It was the war of 1812 between the British and the United States. The British troops would burn the White House in Washington D.C. in retaliation of the Americans torching the city of York in Ontario Canada just 2 months prior.  Perhaps it may have been worst if the then president Madison and his wife had not fled to safety prior to the fire. 

When the British soldiers arrived at the White House they found it empty They promptly sat down and ate a meal made from food that had been left over. After eating the soldiers ransacked the place and set it all afire. One of the only pieces left was a portrait of President Washington that Dolley Madison had managed to take with her. The house had been so destroyed that the Madisons would not be able to serve the rest of their term from that residence. 


Cite work

history.com <https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-troops-set-fire-to-the-white-house>


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Friday, August 21, 2020

Senior Citizens This is The Day FOr You

Nearly 30 years ago on  August 21, 1988 the United States Congress and President Ronald Reagan saw a need and reason to recongize the senior population among the citizens of the United States.  Truly this is something that we should all ready be doing and not just on senior citizen day. Seniors are walking history books. Perhaps you know a citizen that you can thank for what they have done for you


Seniors  often live by theirselves. A bit over a quarter of adults over age 65 live alone. This number goes up considerably with women over age 75. Living and taking care of ones own needs offers a sense of independence as well as a big boost to their self estem. Seniors that have little or no family or other social contact may go undetected when their physical or cognitive selves become impaired. Thus putting thier health and safety at risk, decreasing the likelihood of depression and other mental health issues. 


Loneliness and social isolation are the top items that lead to physical health declines, depression and deaths in  the elderly. It is easy to help combat this for your neighbors and loved onees, simply have a quick conversation and you may be surprised how much happier you can makee someones day. Spending time with seniors is not only good for them, the family and our selves as well. Studies have shown that strong relationships with grandparent and grandchild helps both children and seniors to battle depression. 

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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Mr Potato Would Be Proud of This Day

August 19th should be one of my favorite days since it is the national day of one of my favorit foods, potatoes. Potatoes are so versatile and have so many great ways they can be used. In fact it seems that people love potatoes so much they even created a toy based on it. Mr. Potato Head is a spud that you can dress up in different costumes to create the potato you desire. Likewise, real potatoes can be dressed up in different manners to achieve the taste you desire.  


Potatoes have been a popular food source for centuries. They can be prepared in a variety of ways from mashed, smashed, chipped, baked, boileed, fried or even serve them covered in cheese. It makes no difference what time of day you are ready to eat their is a potato dish that will fit perfectly. Not only will they taste good and accompaning any other dish or served alone but they will also provide important nutrients to your body as well. 

Potatoes are considered a starch but also provide important nutrients such as iron, potassium and vitamin C. Because of the many ways to prepare the potato and all the great nutrients it is no wonder that potatoes are considered a staple food. Around the world potatoes have occupied a space in diets. Potatoes are inexpensive and easy to grow as well. No matter if you serve them hot or cold, in salads or fried up potatoes are tasty and can be included in nearly every cuisin.  


Here are Just a few Favorite Ways People Choose to Serve Potatoes



French Candadians from Quebec would most likely introduce you to a way to use the potato in a dish known as Poutine. A rich mixture of french fries and cheese curds that are all smothered in gravy



The Natives from Denmark may just impress you with this delicious recipe for potatoes topped with bacon and green onions 



Italy is known for its abundant types of pasta. Gnocchi is no different a potato dumpling made to serve with tomato sauce


The list of favorite ways to fix potatoes can go on and on, So many different ways and each pleasing to the taste buds to those who know the secret to the type of potato they simply love. Before I go though... I want to share one more style of potato It is one of my favorite ways to serve food to a crowd. It is the beloved baked potato bar



How to Make a Crock Pot Baked Potatoes Bar

  • 4-6 russet baking potatoes
  • 2-3 teaspoons olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon per potato
  • 1-1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt - 1/4 teaspoon per potato
  • Aluminum foil
  •  
  • Scrub the potatoes and dry completely. For each potato, tear off a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap around the potato completely. Prick the potato all over with a fork, then place it in the center of the foil. Drizzle with 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Rub the salt and oil over the surface of the potato, then wrap tightly with the foil sheet. Place in your slow cooker.
  • Cook the potatoes on high for 4 to 5 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours, until soft. Do not overcook, or the potatoes may become soggy. Remove and carefully unwrap (the potatoes will be hot). Split and top with cheese, chives, bacon, and Greek yogurt as desired.
  • Toppings: 
  • Chili 
  • Blanched broccoli
  • Pulled pork 
  • Avocado
  • Tex-Mex anything: salsa, cilantro, sliced jalapenos
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      Saturday, August 15, 2020

      Dress up Those Chops Julia Child's Way

      Julia Child one of the worlds most famous chefs, authors and teleevision personalities was born on this day August 15th in 1912. Child's was responsible for bringing french cuisine to Americans. She was the first women to host her own cooking show on T.V. making way for the many women to follow behind. On her T.V. show she would share tips and lessons to help prepare French foods simply and easily. However, it may surprise you that Julia did not come from the country of France at all.


      Julia Child was born August 15th, 1912 in Pasadena California. As Julia McWilliams she grew up with much wealth and privilege as was often demonstrated by her actions as an adult. Her father was a banker and her mother was heir to the Weston family who had owned the Paper company in Massachusetts. Her parents were civic minded and her father demanded that of his children as well. Julia attending boarding school during and during highschool would also attend a girls prep school in Northern California. While she was not great in academic work she oftn enjoyed sporting activities and was active in a number of school groups. 

      One thing that often stands out in my mind about Julia Child is that she was 6 feet 2 inches tall. This made her a leader among many sporting events. After High School Julia Child would attend the same college her mom and aunt had, Smith College in Massachusetts. Following college Julia would work as a secretary til she was fired However, this would not be the end of her secretarial work

      During the war Child's would volunter with the American Red Cross. Leading the Department of Stenographic Services she would work in the Aircraft Warning Service. However, while Julia Child wanted to do more and applied for the military she was denied entry because she was too tall. 

      Julia would meet her husband Paul Child thru he work with the military. In 1948 the couple were both in Paris due to work allowing Julia the chance to enroll in the Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. In addition she would meet two other ladies Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle and publish the cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking. The book would be published in 1961 and would launch Julia Child's cooking carreer. 

      During the 1960s the Child's would return to Cambridge Massachusetts. Another rewarding opportunity would occur allowing Julia Child to host her first cooking show. The French Chef featuring recipes from her book would be shown on a station later known as PBS. The T.V show helped to build her popularity among both national and international fans. Thus allowing her to win many awards and publish many more cookbooks. 

      Julia Child did not stop at just cookbooks and T.V. shows, she truly wanted others to know and share her love of food. Helping to create organizations like the American Institute of WIne and Food in 1981. Her enthusism for the love of food and desire to share it with others found her being awarded with many honorary doctorate degrees from many schools including Harvard 

      Child would leave this world on August 13th , 2004 just 2 days shy of her 82nd birthday. She would leave her mark on the world one that many will never forget. Her kitchen that was featured in many cooking programs was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 

      Now It's Time TO DO Some Cooking of Your Own:


       

      Per 1 pound of pork:
      1 tsp salt
      1/8 tsp pepper (I think I doubled that...I like me some pepper)
      3 TB lemon juice (I didn't have any lemons so I used limes instead)
      3 TB olive oil
      3 parsley sprigs (didn't have any so I used a couple teaspoons of dry parsley)
      1/4 tsp thyme or sage (I used sage...not a big fan of thyme)
      1 bay leaf
      1 clove mashed garlic

      Combine all ingredients and pour over meat in a zip lock baggy. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours....6 to 12 hours would be better. Turn baggy over every so often.

      Cotes De Porc Poelees (a.k.a. Casserole-sauteed Pork Chops)

      6 pork chops, 1" thick and marinaded
      3 - 4 tablespoons pork fat, lard, or cooking oil (Yes....I put my lard to use)
      2 TB butter
      2 cloves garlic, halved
      1/2 cup dry white wine, dry white vermouth, brown stock, beef bouillon or marinade liquid (I used vermouth)

      Preheat the oven to 325' F
      Dry the pork chops on a paper towel.
      Heat the fat in a heavy large oven safe skillet or fireproof casserole dish over medium heat. Brown the chops on each side for 3 - 4 minutes. As they brown transfer them to a dish. You will probably have to work in batches of 2 to 3 at a time. You don't want to crowd them when you brown them....this will cause them to steam instead of brown.
      Pour the fat out of the pan and discard (when it is cool and save). Add the butter and garlic to the pan. Return the chops to the pan. It's ok to overlap them. Baste them with the melted butter garlic. Cover and heat until the meat sizzles. Place the pan in the lower 3rd section of your preheated oven for 25 - 30 minutes. Once or twice during the cooking time, turn the chops over and baste with the butter and juices.
      They are done when the meat juices run clear yellow with no traces of red.
      Remove the chops to a hot platter.
      Remove all but 2 TB of the remaining juice in the pan. Pour in the liquid (in my case, vermouth) and boil rapidly....scraping up all the good yummy crunchies off the bottom. Boil for just a few minutes until the juice has reduced down to 1/2 cup.....this is your concentrated sauce. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
      Pour over chops and server

      recipe source <https://peacefulcooking.blogspot.com/2011/01/julia-childs-cotes-de-porc-poelees.html >


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      Thursday, August 13, 2020

      Peach Season Means Peach Recipes

       

      Here in Southern Illinois every August we  enjoy a bountiful peach season. Fresh peaches will stay firmer during baking in recipes like this peach dump cake. After peeling peaches, slice and mix the peach slices with 2 Tbsps. sugar and allow them to sit in bowl for 30 minutes this will allow the peaches natural juices to come out. 


      If you choose to use frozen peaches place a bit of sugar over top of them and allow them to defrost. Do not discard the juices after defrosting 

      Canned Peaches can be used and the best for this recipe is to choose the canned peaches with heavy syrup. The liquid syrup will work as a binder that helps to blend the mix with the peaches. By being able to use canned peaches this recipe can be used any time of the year. 


      Peach Dump Cake is quick and easy to make. In fact in just a few steps it is ready to go

      1. Pour three cans of the peaches (draining one) in a dish.
      2. Sprinkle cake mixture over the top of the peaches, then top with pats of butter.
      3. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

      • 3 cans peaches in heavy syrup (14-15 ounces each)
      • 1 box yellow cake mix
      • 1 teaspoon apple pie spice cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
      • ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, sliced into 24 slices

      • Preheat oven to 350°F. In a 9x13 dish add 2 cans of the peaches with the heavy syrup.
      • Drain the 3rd can of peaches and add just the peaches to the dish. Stir to combine.

      • Pat the mixture down lightly. Place the sliced butter squares equally over the top of the cake mix.
        Whisk together the yellow cake mix and the apple pie spice and sprinkle over the top covering all the peaches.
      • Bake for 50-60 minutes or until deep golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
      • Let sit for 15 minutes before scooping


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      Offering Plenty of Good Energy For Back To School

      Back to school each year is a time that can be stressful. Because of the added stress a bit more energy may be needed. Carbohydrates supply the body with energy. Carbs as they are commonly called are broken down by the bbody into simpl sugars. These sugars circulate thru the body's bloodstream and are used as energy. They help our children to continue to be their active selves and help adults as well. While some members of the family will want to cut down on carbs at times children should continue to supplement their diets with them.

      Kids are still growing and need lots of energy. Even when it is down time on a child's body the rest of the body is working hard to help them grow and become stronger. While we know that the body does a lot of movement do you realize that the brain needs to energy as well??? Carbs help children to stay alert and awake during the day and keep the brain working good. Thus allowing all children who attend school to learn and concentrate for long periods of time. 

      Limiting the intake of simple carbs in the diet may seem like a great idea but for the most part they should not be cut from a childs diet completely. On way to supply our children with carbs and limit sugar is thru grains and fruits. Try this sandwich for breakfast, lunch or a quick after school pick me up 


      recipe resource <https://weelicious.com/banana-cream-cheese-sammie/>


      • 4 Slices whole wheat bread
      • 1/4 Cup Cream Cheese, divided 
      • 1 banana

      Cut the banana in half for each sammie. Then cut each half into strips lengthwise. On the bread spread 2 Tbsp. cream cheese on one side of th bread and top it with 1/2 of the banana slices. Top the sammie off with another piece of bread. Now using the remaigning ingredients make another sammie. Enjoy!!!


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      Wednesday, August 12, 2020

      Salt Lick Potato Salad

      August is traditionally the month for picnics, get togethers, family reunions and so many other places to share good food and eat as well. This is a recipe for potato salad that I borrowed from a fellow blogger I hope you enjoy  



      • 2 white onions
      • 1 cup dill pickle juice
      • 15 medium Yukon gold potatoes
      • 1 tbsp celery seed
      • 1/2 cup vinaigrette
      • 1/2 cup Salt Lick BBQ sauce
      • salt & freshly ground black pepper


      1. Chop the onions and add to a bowl. Pour in the pickle juice so that it covers the chopped onion. Marinate in the fridge overnight.

      2. Wash the potatoes and peel. Cut into one inch cubes. Boil in salted water until tender to the fork, about 15-20 minutes.

      3. Drain the water and place the potatoes in a bowl. Sprinkle with celery seed, salt and pepper. Place in the fridge until cooled and ready to serve.

      4. Mix together the vinaigrette and BBQ sauce. Drain the pickled onions. Add both to the potatoes. Toss until everything is incorporated. Taste test and serve.



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      IS It TIme TO See The Eye Doctor

      For our family back to school always meant it was time for our annual eye exam. We would all load in the car and drive to the local eye doctor, only an hour away and see if we needed glasses. The answer for me was yes I would have them just like my dad. But what if you do not have a plan for an annual eye exam??? Well there are a few different ways you will know that you have to go to the eye doctor:

      • if you find that your eyes are red, dry, itchy or you are seeing spots, flashes of light or floaters it is time to go to the eye doctor
      •  If you have diabetes or othr health conditions that can affect your eyes or you have a family member that has a history of a condition like diabetes or glaucoma you should go to the eye doctor
      • If the last time you saw an eye doctor to have an eye exam has been longer than a year or if you can not recall when it was you last went you should see an eye doctor. 
      • IF you have eye strain, headaches, and / or blurred vision you should see the eye doctor. 
      • if you find it hard to following a moveing target or you get motionsickness or dizzy when doing so you should see an eye doctor. 
      • If to read you find yourself holding books further away and squint or close one eye to read then you should see and eye doctor. 


      Don't wait until you experience any of these 8 things before you schedule an eye exam. When was  your last visit to the eye doctor. 


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