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Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Hodge Podge Wednesday at the Last 2nd

 


Today, I decided to do something different. I decided to join in a meme that I participated with several times in the past. Wednesdays Hodge Podge. Its a bunch of questions that bloggers answer and then share you can participate as well.  


1. The Hodgepodge lands on the second day of a brand new month. Tell us one thing you're looking forward to in September.




The beginning of the month sees many birthdays like my 2 grand-daughters and mine that we will celebrate but also my grandmothers and cousins that we will simply remember.  This year not a lot of football, festivals or much of any activities so we will make our own. Bonfires, cookouts and watching fall leaves will fill much of our time


2. Do you enjoy browsing second-hand shops? Last thing you bought or 'inherited' second hand?



Let me tell you I love second hand shopping and reselling myself. I buy all sorts of items it is my favorite way of shopping


3. Something you had second thoughts about after committing to, purchasing, or posting/commenting  online?

Buying a house which we just did yes we love it but currently we feel like poor people living in a rich house






4. What's a product or service you use that you'd rate as second to none?

There are many things that are my favorites from my favorite laundry detergent --- that I have a few of as I love Tide pods and Purex as well. I love ramen noodles nothing like them as they are the best in my book. 





5. Something you do so often or that comes so naturally to you it's second nature ?


Pray when anything goes good , bad or I simply feel like a prayer is needed. I pray 







Monday, August 31, 2020

Disclosure Policy

Hello!! I am delighted that you found my blog. Yes, you heard that right I said my blog. What do I mean by that?? It means that I take my writing serious no matter what I am writing about. I may be sharing a recipe, a bit about my family, or a product I want everyone to know about. That is just it I want to share it so everyone will know. 

I may have received a product for free to share my thoughts with my blog readers. The thoughts I share will be honest and not just share good thoughts just because I was sent a product. I like to be honest and if I would not try the product again I will share that with you but if I would not care to use it again I will share those thoughts with you as well.  Like you I want to know what products are worth spending my money on 

I will write my reviews with not only truthful thoughts but with real life issues as well. I have a large family having raised 6 of my children and now raising 2 of my 6 grandchildren with all of my grandchildren living with me. No product will change the post that I am writing. I love to write and share with others,, if you were here in person I am one of those individuals that would burn your ear off by chatting. 

I am sharing this policy that is valid as of September 1st 2020. I own a personal blog that is written and edited by myself, Angela Church, I will on occasion accept cash advertising, sponsorship, paid ads as well as other types of compensation. At times there may be content , ad space or post that may not be I.Ded as paid or sponsored. 

I am not compensated to provided a positive opinion on products, services, websites, or other issues and topics. I will share my personal opinion in blog post and do not claim to be an expert on any given topic, product or service. In addition as a reader and a consumer you should personally verify for yourself any quote, stat or claim offered by a manufacturer or provider. 









Frozen Fruit Salad

Its that time of year its hot but yet it is time to settle down and prepare for fall.. This frozen fruit dessert is one I recall my mother making for many different get togethers and it was oh so yummy. I hope you enjoy as well. 

  
                                               


  •  1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
  • 1 1/2 cups grapefruit sections (about 2 large grapefruit)
  • 1 1/2 chopped fresh pineapple (you can also use canned chunks in natural juices)
  • 1 3/4 cups pineapple juice
  • 1/3 cup thawed orange juice concentrate



Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Cover and freeze 4 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or until slightly thawed before serving. Yield: 8 servings. Enjoy!

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Sunday, August 30, 2020

Don't throw the peeling out

 

It seems every day the trash heap gets larger and larger. Our family has cut back on throwing trash away in a number of different ways. First we recycle as well as finding ways to use the kitchen scraps we used to throw away. Perhaps one of my favorite ways of doing this is by re-using the peelings of fruit and veggies. 



Fruit and veggie peelings are packed with flavor and vitamins. Whether you peel your fruit and veggies or keep the skin on whenever possible it does not matter. The nutrients and fiber found in the peelings of produce are what some people look for However, there are those that do not like the taste or texture and due to pesticide concerns remove the peelings. 



Did you know that fruit peelings can help shine your coffee pot and help your tea kettle look good as well?? To make your coffee pot shine why not leave the cleaners behind and try a mixture of ice, salt and lemon rinds. Put the mixture inside of your empty coffee pot and swirl around for a few minutes. Finish up by dumping it out and rinsing well. 

So now your tea kettle may not be looking as great next to your coffee pot so why not spiffy it up as well. This time fill the kettle up with water and throw in some lemon peels. Bring it to a boil, turn off the heat and allow to sit for an hour. Finally drain the kettle and rinse well it should be free of those mineral deposits that often build up inside tea kettles. 



There are more ways to use the peelings of your fruit. A couple of tasty ways will help you brighten the taste of your food as well. First take the peelings of your citrus fruit and remove the pith (the white) The peelings need to have time to dry out. After they dry out place in blender or a spice grinder and make into powder. The powder can then be stored inside clean jars. Similar you can make citrus extract sugar by adding sugar to a jar of fresh not dried out peelings but be sure to remove peelings after they dry out. 


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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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