Lobster Mac N Cheese on Lobster Day

Lobster Macaroni and Cheese

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

Directions

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

recipe source here

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

 

 

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

Instructions

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

Notes

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

 

recipe source here

Happy Rose Day

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

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

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




 
   

 

Little Brown Church

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

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

Donut Day

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

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

Canned Biscuit Donuts

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

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

 

 

 

gingerbread play dough recipe (recipe source here)

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup salt

2 tsp. cream of tartar

1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tsp orange extract {optional}

 

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

Cheesier The Better

Ultimate Macaroni & Cheese

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

Fancy Deviled Eggs

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


Fancy Deviled Eggs 
recipe source here

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

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

Rocky Road Ice Cream Pie

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Rocky Road Ice Cream Pie

recipe source here

 

 

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1.5 quarts chocolate ice cream, softened

3 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate syrup

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

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

National Bubba Day

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

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

Take Care of your Teeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

The dentist should be visited two times a year.

Do Your Share for Environment

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


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

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

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

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

On The Go Breakfast

makes 12 muffins

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dare To Read On

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

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

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

     

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

Flip A Coin Day

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

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

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

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

Happy Barefoot Day

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

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

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

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

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

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



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Its Getting Hot Out THere Be Safe

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

chocolate hazelnut coffee cake

recipe source here

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

National Fishing Week

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

Tips for Fishing with Kids

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

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

Most importantly remember to have fun and enjoy the time together

 

Last Day of Kindergarten

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