Pumpkin Corn Chowder

 My daughter finds herself in amongst the many that love pumpkin. Not just the taste but the scent, wording pretty much anything that has to do with pumpkins. This is also the time of year that farmers here in Illinois and states surrounding us will be harvesting the crops. One of the many grown is corn. So it simply makes sense to combine both pumpkin and corn in a lovely meal that will fill one up. I hope you enjoy leave a comment please if you do try. 

½ cup diced pancetta

4 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 cup diced onion

½ cup diced celery

1 cup diced carrots

1 quarts chicken or vegetable stock

1 ½ pounds diced pumpkin, see note

1 peeled and diced large Russet potato (1 ½ – 2 cups)

¼ cup fresh parsley chopped

¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 15-ounce cans creamed corn
• 1 pound frozen corn
• 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups heavy cream (one pint)
• Optional toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish

1. In a large pot, heat pancetta and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat until pancetta is crisp, five to ten minutes.  Add garlic, onions, celery and carrot and cook 5 minutes. Add stock, diced pumpkin, diced potato, chopped parsley, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt , pepper, coriander, cream corn, frozen corn and pumpkin puree. Bring to boil, simmer 10 minutes or til veggies are tender.                                                                                                                            While soup is cooking, place 2 TBSP butter in medium sauce pan and let it melt. To the melted butter add flour and cook 2-3 minutes Add few ladles soup to the flour mix and stir til thick. Then place mixture back into soup and stir. Mix in cream and taste for seasoning. 

To toast seeds place in pan and heat over medium heat til roasted about 5 to 6 minutes

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Truck Stop Biscuit and Gravy

 Truck Stop Biscuit and Gravy 

2 can fridge biscuts
lb hamburger
1/2 t pepper
1/2 t garlic
5 c milk
1/2 c flour
2 cream cheese

Bake biscuts Brown meat add spices Mix milk and flour Shake Pour milk into skillet Add cheese Cook Stir often til thickened and cheese melts Spoon over biscuts

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National Coffee and Mocha Day

 Today, September 29th is National Coffee as well as Mocha Day. So take your pick. Each will offer great drink with just a bit of a difference. Mocha is a drink made up of steamed milk, espresso (coffee beans that have been roasted til they are extremely dark.) and chocolate. Coffee on the other hand is made up of water and roasted coffee beans. However, each drink offers a drink that is made with coffee beans, caffeine and can be drank either hot or cold. 

                                                        color of coffee beans used in mocha. 

                                                                  color of roasted coffee beans

A couple of major differences between the two is that black coffee which has more caffeine and hardly any calories stands against mocha that yes does have caffeine but less by sure and more calories as well. 

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Easy Strawberry Cream Cheese Pie

 2 сuрѕ graham cracker сrumbѕ about 16-18 full ѕhееtѕ, сruѕhеd

1 1/2 сuр granulated ѕugаr dіvіdеd

1/2 сuр butter mеltеd

8 оunсе Cream Chееѕе, ѕоftеnеd

1 саn Swееtеnеd Condensed Milk

1/3 сuр Lеmоn Juice

1-2 tѕр Vаnіllа

2 cup Cоld Wаtеr

3 оunсе ѕtrаwbеrrу Jell-O gelatin dessert

5 tbsp Cоrn Starch

4-5 сuрѕ Fresh Strаwbеrrіеѕ

Cоmbіnе grаhаm сrасkеr сrumbѕ, 1/2 сuр of ѕugаr аnd buttеr.

Prеѕѕ іntо thе bоttоm аnd ѕіdеѕ of a buttеrеd 9-inch ріе pan. Place іn refrigerator to сhіll.

Blеnd cream cheese аnd ѕwееtеnеd соndеnѕеd mіlk until ѕmооth and wіthоut lumрѕ. Add іn vanilla аnd lеmоn juісе аnd blend untіl mіxеd.

Pоur іmmеdіаtеlу into crust and allow tо ѕеt (10 mіnutеѕ).

Place water, 1 сuр of ѕugаr, соrnѕtаrсh, and jello іntо a small ѕаuсераn аnd whіѕk untіl соrnѕtаrсh іѕ disolved. Plасе оvеr med-high hеаt, аnd heat untіl glaze іѕ thісkеnеd аnd уоu саn ѕее a ‘faint lіnе’ аftеr рullіng thе ѕрооn through thе glаzе.

Allоw glaze tо сооl аbоut 10 mіnutеѕ before роurіng over fruit.

Mаkе ѕurе thе bеrrіеѕ іѕ wеll drаіnеd and heap onto ріе. Pоur glаzе over fruіt.

Lеt сооl іn rеfrіgеrаtоr fоr at least 4 hоurѕ or untіl ѕеt.

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Rice Info and a great recipe

 

My husband commented this morning that he would love a bowl of rice with some butter and cream. In other words, the way that him and I both had them when we were kids. Little did he know that today is also a day to celebrate rice. So to do that, I am first going to share a bit of information about rice then share a delicious recipe. 

Rice is one ingredient that the entire world has made a way to make their own. From white, brown, short grain, long grain and more rice comes in a great variety. In addition, the manner in which it is cooked is even more interesting because some choose to cook it on the stove, others in a rice cooker, in the microwave and it may be baked as well. 

short grain rice is round and plump. Look in the picture at these tiny pieces that are high in starch and as they cook get quite sticky. 

Long grain rice is longer than wide and can be picked up individually

White rice has had the outer husk removed making it lighter in color. It has its own advantages by being able to be stored at longer period of time. In addition, it will cook quickly

Brown rice is considered a whole grain. Brown rice is more nutritious than white rice. Its taste is nutty and this rice also has a chewy consistency. 

Easy Weeknight Fried Rice Recipe

3 cups cooked white rice
3 Tablespoons sesame oil (or vegetable oil) – I find Sesame Oil gives it more of the taste of a Chinese Restaurant
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
1 small onion, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 eggs, slightly beaten
3-4 Tablespoons soy sauce

On medium high heat, heat the oil in a large skillet or wok. Add the peas/carrots mix, onion and garlic. Stir fry until tender.
Lower the heat to medium low and push the stir fry off to one side, then pour eggs on the other side of skillet. Stir fry until scrambled.
Now add the rice and soy sauce and blend all together well. Stir fry until thoroughly heated.
Enjoy!

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Smores Brownie Bars (chocolate milk in recipe)

 

Non-stick Cooking Spray

1 (18 oz.) package of Fudge Brownie Mix

Eggs and Oil, as called for on the packaging

TruMoo® Chocolate Milk

Graham Crackers

3 cups of Mini Marshmallows

2-3 Milk Chocolate Bars, broken into small pieces

1/2 cup of chocolate chips for drizzle (optional)

4.25″ wide Clear Treat Bags

Preheat your oven to 350°

Begin by spraying a 13″x9″ baking or brownie pan with cooking spray or lining it with aluminum foil.

Line your pan with graham crackers, edge to edge, as this will make for a nice and crunchy crust.

Mix the brownie batter according to the package directions and substitute the water for your TruMoo Chocolate Milk®.

Spread brownie mix evenly over crackers.

Bake for 25-28 minutes.

Remove brownies from the oven and sprinkle with marshmallows, milk chocolate bar pieces, and some broken graham crackers.

Bake another  5-10 minutes, or until marshmallows are slightly puffed. If you want that golden brown coloring, put your broiler on for a few minutes.  If you use the broiler, be sure to watch them the entire time so you can turn it off once you reach the desired coloring.

Allow brownies to cool. You can stop here, or continue if you’d like to add some more fun!

Once your brownies are cool, melt the chocolate chips for 30-45 seconds in the microwave. Stir, and continue melting in 10 second intervals until fully melted.

Add a few drops of oil and stir melted chocolate to thin.

Using a fork, dip it into the melted chocolate and drizzle on top of the brownies.

Add crushed graham crackers for added texture.

Allow the drizzle to harden.

Cut brownies and bag in plastic treat bags that are 4.25″ wide.

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Going to Grandmas

Happy Birthday Shaun Cassidy

 As a kid I was lucky enough to be the only one but have 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I was not the oldest but not the youngest either. I had an older sister that was 4 years older than me. My older sister was a huge fan of Shaun Cassidy, Lief Garrett and Andy Gibbs. Her music choice has changed over the years but she has remained a fan of Shaun Cassidy. Today, September 27th is Shaun Cassidys birthday. 

Shaun, the son of Shirley Jones. Shirly has herself been a long-loved singer and actress. Shaun Cassidy also has been seen in the limelight of acting. As one of the Hardy Boys Shaun acted but this was not the only time. He would also show up in daytime soap operas and in other areas as well. Likewise life has shown that Shaun has had the ability to do both careers well. 

Shaun has had a lifetime of love from his parents to his wives and children. Shaun has fathered 7 children during his life. His career as a singer gained him a platinum record in 1976. Later his life as an actor, writer and producer would be loved by many fans as well. Perhaps through the years his fans changed but somehow I think many stayed the same. 

Pecan Praline Cookie Recipe

 

September 21 is pecan cookie day and so I decided to share the recipe for these tasty pecan praline cookies. Oh so yummy !!! 

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

In a pot, combine the milk, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Stir, and bring to a boil( over medium high).
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 )
Remove the pot from the heat, and add in the vanilla.
Stir the ingredients, and let cool for 3 minutes.
Stir the mixture, until it starts to thicken.
Grease/ Butter a cookie sheet.
Spoon out the mixture onto the cookie sheet, and let the candy cool and firm.
Enjoy!

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Farm Safety Awareness

Today, September 21st is farm safety for kids' day. I grew up in a small town and my grandparents both had farms. As you can imagine there was a lot of work to be done but there was also a lot of fun. Of course, there were lots of rules to follow as well. 

The dangers on a farm are plenty ranging from livestock to tractors and other equipment. The same dangerous things were also what made a farm so fun. Kids are always or normally always to give a helping hand. I know that as kids we always had set chores on the list of things to do for the day. Our grandparents would always go thru the chores with us telling us what was important to do and what we needed to watch out for. Likewise, todays world demands the same in-depth preparation so a child can know what to do and what they cannot. 

One way to grab attention is to hang posters with pictures in places kids can see. You can find posters to order online that are perfect for kids of all ages. In addition adults need to make sure that keep tools, sharp objects, and poisons in and up out of reach.

Fencing is another great way to keep children protected. Ponds and places where equipment is located are great places to place fencing. Rules should be known by all so that the level is danger is kept at a minimum. Perhaps it is best to make it understood that adult supervision is needed to do certain activities/ 

supervision is one of the best ways to keep children safe. Keeping an eye on them at all times is nearly a must. Chores is a great way to get children involved with the work on the farm but must be age related to ensure safety. In addition, a reward for doing good on the farm, finishing chores etc would be a great idea. 

Farming is a wonderful way of life for the entire family both young and old. Keeping everyone safe is what makes it even better. 

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Butterscotch Pudding Recipe

 

Butterscotch pudding offers our taste buds a rich , delicious, creamy taste that reminds me of childhood. Butterscotch itself is made of brown sugar and butter. From hard candies to sauces and puddings butterscotch has been long loved. A close love but definitely quite different is caramel. The main difference is that caramel will use white sugar and uses heavy cream. The source for this recipe

• 
  1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp corn starch
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp bourbon (optional)

• Over medium/medium-low heat, melt the brown sugar with the salt and the water. The water helps the sugar to dissolve and melt evenly. Heat until bubbling, and continue to cook for 5-6 minutes more, keeping a close eye on it and making sure it doesn't burn. Don't stir it while it is cooking, but you can swirl the pan around a bit to distribute the heat if needed.
• Allow the melted brown sugar to cool for a few minutes.
• Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of the milk, and whisk until very smooth. Add the egg yolks, and whisk until smooth.
• Add the corn starch slurry to the rest of the milk and cream, and whisk briefly to combine everything.
• Add the milk/cream mixture to the partially cooled brown sugar, whisking as you go. The sugar will seize up and become hard, but don't worry, everything will melt once the pan goes back on the heat.
• Return the pan to the heat, and gently bring the whole mixture to a boil over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. Once all the brown sugar has dissolved and the mixture is beginning to thicken, switch to a silicone spatula so that you can scrape the bottom and sides of the pan as it thickens.
• Once the pudding comes to a boil, (it should be quite thick), take it off the heat and immediately pour it through a fine mesh strainer.
• Add the butter, vanilla extract, and whiskey (if using), and whisk vigorously to combine (I whisked mine for a good minute or so to get the butter well incorporated.)
• Pour the pudding into serving containers, and enjoy warm, or allow it to fully set in the fridge. It will be fully set in a couple hours.

other recipes you may want to try

corn pudding 

butterscotch trifle

southern style banana pudding

Voter Registration Day

 Are you a registered voter??? If so then that is great but please check with the local registers office to ensure your information is correct. September 19th is Voter registration day. We each have our own way of getting others involved. George Washington, it seemed wanted to bring voters, so he used his campaign budget to buy everyone a drink. Texans do it even in a different way it seems you cannot use just any ID but if you show a gun card you are good to go. Folks of color had it even harder as they were made to pay a poll tax forcing them to stay away from voting, but these were later repelled.  So as you can see there have been many changes and many have fought for the right to vote.

National Voter Registration Day is a day that will see volunteers out at schools, in the workplace, and in neighborhoods urging others to get ready to vote. Tables will be set up with information on how to vote. Doors will be knocked on to share the news of voting with all. In addition, you may have noticed post on social media on the importance of voting. 

So the question is are you registered to vote?? 

Enjoy some Chili Cheese Toast

September 15th is National Cheese Toast Day.  We make cheese toast often at our house. I thought for a change I would switch it up and make Chili Cheese Toast. Whether it is chosen to be served as a snack or a meal chili cheese toast can be filling. In addition, it takes neither a lot of time nor ingredients to enjoy. 

You will need a few slices of your choice of bread, your choice of cheese but best to use cheddar or mozzarella, bell peppers and fresh chillis. 

Start by preheating oven to 350 degrees. Place bread slices on baking sheet and top with cheese. Add diced peppers and chilli and bake 5 to 10 minutes. Cheese should be melted and peppers golden. Enjoy

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Welcome to our Blog

 Welcome to our blog. Our home on the great www. if you would have it. Several years ago I started this blog and many things have happened since that time. My life looks a bit different. I am still married to a wonderful man and have been for the past 37 years. Our children have all grown and are living out on their own now. If this is your first visit here or if you are like me and need a memory refresher let me remind you that me and my husband have raised 6 children. In addition, we also took in my nephew and raised him from the 6th grade year of school all the way to graduation .

I have been blessed to live the life of a daughter, mother, cook, bottle washer, aunt, sister , wife and the list goes on. I was a Certified Nurses aide for nearly 30 years before my health turned and I had to give up the career I loved. Yes, I am only 53 but have had a stroke, heart attack, an insulin dependent diabetic and have had 1/2 of a foot amputated. So I plan to share with you all , my readers about such health scares and how to help yourself avoid them as well. However, I have not stropped and been still I am now helping my youngest son to raise his 2 children. 

A baby girl, now 4, and boy is she something else can carry on a conversation like someone in their teens and loves to dress up but not scared to get dirty. Her brother is 8 and in the 4th grade. He loves to be active and also loves to help me and his grandpa in our little shop. Yes, that is correct I said we have a shop a little thrift stor online and off. Perhaps, that is something I will share in blog post as well. 

Any how WELCOME to our blog I hope you take time to look around and come back again as well. 

 

Peach Melba Muffin

 

Today is eat a peach day. I enjoy eating fresh peaches and also enjoy baking with them. Today I shared a delicious recipe for Peach Melba Muffins 

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄3 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1⁄3 cup butter, melted
1 cup milk
3⁄4 cup peach, chopped
3⁄4 cup raspberries
1⁄2 cup sugar
1⁄3 cup flour
1⁄4 cup butter

Sift flour, baking powder, salt and 1/3 cup sugar together. Stir in the eggs, butter, and milk just until moistened. Fill prepared muffin cups half full. Cover with fruit. Top with remaining batter.
Mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, and 1/4 cup batter together until crumbly. Sprinkle over the muffins. Bake at 400º for 20 minutes.

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take your cat to vet day

 today is take your cat to the vet day. It is recommended to take a cat to the vet at least twice a year. To make it easy for both you and your cat it is recommended to use a large pet carrier.  this will help make your cat more comfortable and also help you know where your cat is. Coaxing your cat in by petting and offering a cat treat will help. 

More than likely, you have heard the term fat cat before. The truth is that cats have a tendency to become overweight. The vet can help you watch your cat's weight as well as watch for diabetes, heart disease or any arthritis problems your cat may have. A vet can help you know how and what to feed your cat as well as how much exercise they should have. However, this is not the only reason to take your cat to the vet. 

Vets can help a cat's owner by giving tips on how to help their pets behavior to making sure they are healthy. Dental care is one important way to ensure your cat is healthy. Like humans their teeth can develop plaque leading to other problems. From home dental care to professional cleaning an examination from the vet can help the owner know how to care for their cat. In addition, parasites and vaccinations will be discussion topics at the vet. 

Celebrate Bagel Day with Cinnamon Toast Bagels

 

As grandmas should all ready know then we are always ready to find out about all those little things. So when I found out that my 3 year old little lady recently fell in love with bagels and has long (if a three year old can do anything for a long time) loved french toast I had to introduce the two. This recipe at inquiring chef completes a perfect new dish to the taster in subject. 

For the French Toast:

• ▢6 Eggs
• ▢1/2 cup Milk
• ▢1/2 tsp Salt
• ▢2 Bagels, halved (just about any flavor will work, but plain or slightly sweet flavors are my preference)
• ▢1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter

For the Whipped Cream Cheese:

• ▢4 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
• ▢1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
• ▢1/2 tsp Cinnamon

• In a square baking dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt. Add the bagel halves and flip to coat both sides. Soak the bagels cut side down in the egg mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight.
• Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Use a fork to transfer the bagels to the pan (discard egg mixture), and cook on both sides until golden brown and crisp.
• While bagels are cooking, beat cream cheese, sugar and cinnamon until light and fluffy. (If too thick, add a bit of milk.)
• Serve bagels topped with whipped cream cheese.

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Planning Tomorow nights Supper

 I am looking forward to tomorrow. First of all, it is Friday, but it is also the night I get all the grands under one roof again. The grands if you are wondering are my grandkids who range in age from 14 to 3. There are 4 of them 2 girls and 2 boys. Much enjoyable as I love times like this. I love to make a large supper and breakfast the next morning. So I thought I would share the recipe to what we will be having tomorrow night for supper. Not only is it filling but it will help me use up peppers I got on sale at the store. Enjoy:

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• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

• 1 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup chopped celery

• 2 large bell peppers, cut in 1-inch squares

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon celery flakes, optional

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, divided

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice

• 8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, or Cheddar Jack blend, divided. (I prefer the cheddar jack or cojak as my daddy would call it)

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I am Here

I've been gone for a bit but now I am back ready to share with you life little lessons. To remind you I am a mother of 6 grown children and 4 grandchildren. grandkids are between the ages of 3 and 14. In addition I am the aunt of one special young man who will graduate in May. Thus as you can see life is busy and I can not wait to hear all about you as well.

Goulash

1 tbsp olive oil

 1 cup onion, diced 

 1  green bell pepper, diced 

 2 lbs. ground beef, lean 

 3 tsp garlic, minced 

 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce 

 2 15 oz cans petite diced tomatoes 

 3 cups beef broth 

 3 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce 

 2 tsp seasoned salt 

 2 tbsp Italian Seasoning 

 3 bay leaves 

 2 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked 

 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 

 Add olive oil to large pot over medium-high heat. Add in the onion, bell pepper and ground beef then cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat and return pot to stove top. Add in garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, Italian seasoning, bay leaves and dried macaroni noodles. Stir and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a light boil and stir occasionally until the pasta is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the cheddar cheese just before serving remove leaf

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