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Remember TO Care for the Birds

God our heavenly father created every creature here on earth. God provides for you and me each and every day. We can testify to that God also takes care of every little creature like the birds. God also created mankind to care about others. We can help take care of the birds this winter here is an easy way to ensure they have food

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup flour
2 cups cornmeal

Combine all ingredients until well-mixed. I used my hands. Feel free to add some sunflower seeds, nuts, dried fruits, anything your birds might like!
There are many ways to serve this treat! We have a board attached to a pole, but you can also smear it right onto the tops of your bird feeders, or even onto the branches of a tree or bush. Or, add chunks of it to a tray feeder. The options are endless

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Cherry Pie Muffins #recipe

My dad loved his sweets. I can recall him at family reunions. He would get a large plate of food and and an equally large plate of sweets. If any thing in particular stood out I would say it would be cherry pie. In honor of my dad I share with you a recipe Cherry Pie Muffins

TOPPING

2 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups tart cherries, pitted

MUFFINS

1/2 cup unsalted butter or margarine, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup milk
6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup pitted, chopped tart cherries

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a muffin tin, or line with paper liners. For the topping: combine the flour, sugars, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and mix until thoroughly combined and little clusters form. Set aside. For the muffins: in the bowl of a mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each egg. Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the flour mixture and the milk to the mixer bowl in two alternating additions each, scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. In the bowl from the flour mixture, mix together the cream cheese and chopped cherries. Portion half of the batter into the prepared muffin tin cups. Scoop small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture into each cup. Top with remaining batter. Place cherries on top of the batter (4-5 cherries per cup). Carefully sprinkle the prepared topping over the cherries. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the muffins are golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean (try to avoid testing through the cream cheese centers!).

By Put On Your Cake Pants

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Spaghetti Pizza Casserole

1 Box Gluten-Free Spaghetti

3 Large Eggs

1/4 Cup Milk

1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

1 1/2 Cup Mozzarella Cheese

1 Jar Pasta Sauce or Marinara Sauce

Turkey Pepperoni

1 Tsp. Italian Seasoning

1/2 Tsp. Salt and pepper or to taste

1/2 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese

First, cook the gluten-free pasta (or the pasta of your choice) in accordance with the directions listed on the box. Drained. Combine eggs and milk together and set aside. Add the pasta sauce, cheese, eggs mixture, salt and pepper, and all the other ingredients. Toss everything together, then transferred to the baking dish. Topped with more cheese, turkey pepperoni, and more cheese, bake for 25 minutes on 350 degrees. Let cool, serve warm.

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A Bit of History Did not Last Long

The 18th Amendment abolished the sale or manufacture of alcohol in the United States. This amendment was later repealed (taken back/erased).

On December 18th , 1917 the prohibition of alcohol in the United States was proposed. The proposed bill became a new amendment on January 16, 1919 However, it would be repealed by the 21st amendment on December 5, 1933.

Why was the 18th amendment created:

The need for the 18th amendment came from decades of trying to create a temperance movement. It was believed if a ban was put on the sale of alcohol the issue of poverty and other societal issues would go away. The amendment made the acts of production, transport and slae of any intoxicating liquors illegal. What many did not know is that it did not outlaw the consumption of alcohol.

Following the passing of the amendment the government set out to declare all wine, beer and other alcoholic specialties illegal. Enforcing the law and new amendment would prove to be very hard to do. Individuals would begin to make money by those that desired these alcoholic beverages. Bootlegging or rum running as well as speakeasies became very popular social sites. The popular opinion was turning against prohibition and in 1932 presidential candidate Franklin D. Roosevelt ran on the step to repeal the 18th Amendment Eventually in 1933 the amendment was repealed. .

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Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Good or Bad Snow Is Here .... Might as well have Snow Cream

So the weatherman says we need to prepare for a winter storm... The stores go crazy everyone trying to buy the needed items. ... How much will we get?? ?How many days will kids be out of school??

After the snow starts to fall we all know there is nothing else we can do so we might as well enjoy it. In fact it does look a bit beautiful. In our family it does not take long before they are gazing out the windows and ready to go play.

While it was not warm enough for the youngest one to go out we did bring her some in to share the experience of her first snow.

So after that it was time for a sweet treat... a bit of snow ice cream.

1 cup milk (any kind)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 pinch salt

8 cups clean snow or shaved ice (more or less, depending on the density of the snow)

optional topping: sprinkles!

In a large bowl, whisk milk, sugar, vanilla and salt together until combined. Go scoop up some fresh (clean!) snow, and immediately stir it into the milk mixture until you reach your desired consistency. (The ice cream should be fluffy, not runny. But it melts quickly, so dive in quickly.)

Top with sprinkles or other ice cream toppings if desired, and enjoy!

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German Based Dish For Dinner

I was blessed with a vast amount of heritage from my ancestors. They lived life and they loved it. One area is from my dads mom my grandmother. The Crawdocks were from Germany. In honor of her I am sharing this delicious sausage and sauerkraut dish that her family would have loved.

1 large onion, quartered and sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 cups apple juice
1 tablespoon vinegar
4 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 pounds cold pack sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained
2 pounds smoked sausage (andouille, kielbasa, knackwurst, or chicken apple sausage)
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, or to taste, optional

Heat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large ovenproof saute pan or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the onion and sliced sausages in vegetable oil until onion is golden and sausage is lightly browned about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the apples and saute for 1 minute longer. Add apple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, sauerkraut, and pepper. Add caraway seeds, if using. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Serve with crusty rolls or biscuits and a tossed salad.

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Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Baked Potato Soup #Recipe

2 onions sliced finely

• 6 medium sized red potatoes chopped into bite sized pieces

• 4 tablespoons butter

• 4 tablespoons flour

• 2 cups milk

• 3 cup vegetable stock

• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

• salt and pepper to taste

• Sliced green onions to serve

1. Heat some butter in large pot over medium heat, add onions, and sauté for five minutes.

2. Sprinkle flour over the onions and sauté for a minute more, constantly stirring.

3. Add vegetable stock slowly, stirring to make a smooth mixture with the flour.

4. Add potatoes, salt, and pepper and boil on low heat for 30 minutes.

5. Remove half the soup and puree in a blender.

6. Put the pureed soup, milk, and cheddar in the pot, and let cook on low heat for five minutes more.

7. Serve topped with sliced onions and a sprinkle of cheese.

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Southern Fried Cabbage #recipe

4 slices thick bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces

2 tsp. light brown sugar

Kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper

Freshly chopped parsley leaves, for serving

in a large heavy-bottomed skillet, cook bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Add onion to the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add cabbage and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is just tender, about 5 minutes.

Return bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook 1 minute to heat through. Top with parsley and serve hot.

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Sunday, February 14, 2021

Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes

These beautiful little cupcakes are perfect for Valentines Day. Whether your special valentine is your spouse, a special nother or your children any of them should love this special treat. My daddy was a cherry lover and if he were still here I would most definitely make these for him .With bits of cherry throughout the delicious cupcake these beauty's would be a hit for sure.

recipe source here

1 (15.25 ounce) box white cake mix
3 eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup cherry juice (from Maraschino cherry jar)
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup Maraschino cherries, roughly chopped

Frosting
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 (16 ounce) box powdered/confectioners sugar
1½ teaspoons almond extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream plus more if needed
24 cherries with stems, for garnish
heart sprinkles, for garnish

Cupcakes
Preheat oven to 325°.

Prepare muffin tins with paper liners.

Rough-chop cherries, and set aside.

Combine cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, sour cream, cherry juice and almond extract in a large bowl and beat on medium speed with a hand mixer for two minutes. Fold in chopped cherries.

Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full with batter.

Bake 17-20 minutes or until a cake-tester comes out clean.

Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Frosting

In a bowl beat butter until creamy.

Add powdered sugar and whipping cream, and beat until just combined.

Add almond extract and beat until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. If frosting is to dry add a little more whipping creamy and beat another minute or so.

Frost and top with a cherry and heart sprinkles. I used a pipping tip and ziplock bag for frosting my cupcakes.

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Saturday, February 13, 2021

Black Hero who Fought For Confederacy

During Black History Month occuring each February I thought we might take a look at someone that has not gained as much popularity. To start with one must understand that the Confederacy was fighting for much more than slavery. Thus when we talk about African American former slaves stood up for the confederacy and became heros are often dismissed

One such hero was the name of Levi Miller. Captain John J. MacBride Texas Infantry Regiment brought along a camp slave by the name of Miller. When doing research one can find his name on muster sheets that included names of cooks, servants and musicians. Before long... Levi Miller had raised to the rank of private and later it was said that he had raised to the role because of his loyalty to his master and his conduct during his time in camp.

Like other slaves he gained his freedom during the result of the Union Victory and emancipation proclamation.

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Homemade Food at its best Yummy ---- Creamy Chicken with Biscuits #recipe

Creamy Chicken with Biscuits (from March 2011 Real Simple)

4 carrots, cut into 1-in. lengths
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 c. flour
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Salt and pepper
1/2 c. dry white wine
1/2 c. low-sodium chicken broth
6 biscuits, store-bought or drop
1 c. frozen peas
1/2 c. heavy cream
1. In a 4-6 quart crock pot, toss together the carrots, celery, onion and flour. Place chicken on top and season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Add wine and broth.
2. Cover and cook until chicken and veggies are tender, about 2 1/2 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low.
3. Ten minutes before serving, add peas, cream and 1/2 tsp. salt to chicken mixture. Cover and cook until heather through, 5-10 minutes more.
4. Serve spooned over split biscuits,

Biscuits
2 c. flour
1/2 c. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. whole milk
1. Heat oven to 400. In a food processor (or with your hands if you don't mind getting messy), combine the flour, butter, baking powder and salt; pulse until pea-sized clumps form. Add milk and pulse until just moistened.
2. Drop 6 larges mounds of dough onto baking sheet. Bake until golden, about 18-20 minutes.

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Thursday, February 11, 2021

Spring Mint #Recipe

1 8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 Tbsp salted butter softened
2 tsp peppermint extract May use more or less to your taste
2 lbs powdered sugar plus additional for rolling
Food coloring gels in assorted colors

Using a food processor or using an electric mixer, cream together the cream cheese, butter and peppermint extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar. Mix on low speed just until it comes together.

Dust a non-stick surface with additional powdered sugar. Divide evenly in 4 even pieces. Add a few drops of desired food coloring into the mint mixture.

Roll each color into a 20-inch rope. Cut into even 20 even pieces. Dust with additional powered sugar between batches to prevent sticking.

Roll each cut piece into a ball. Press the center with the tines of a fork dipped in powdered sugar.

Leave on a wax paper lined baking sheet for 2 hours or until dry.

Store chilled with wax paper between layers.

recipe source

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No Need To Cry Over Spilled Milk

Have you ever heard the saying "dont cry over spilled milk" The message it offers is one that should help us all. Don't worry about the things that we can not change. The line was first saw in 1659 as a proverb offered by James Howell. The original saying was "No weeping for shed milk" Over time the saying has changed but the meaning remain that there is no changing what has been done and crying over it serves no purpose.

None of us can add any time to our life and perhaps we could shorten our lives by worrying about what is going to happen. It is better to be prepared by organizing for the day, observing others and places so we know what to expect, and planning whenever possible.

Life happens quickly and sometimes it is not always what we expect. Things can come up, people may need your attention, family may have an emergency, individuals put demands on you, driving to work may not be the best ride of your life, they may mess up your order or there are a number things that may happen to throw your day off. But if you are in the mindset to expect the unexpected while you may be a bit shaken it will be better. Simply pick yourself up and move on with your day

If your day or for that matter your life throws you a curve ball be ready. Have a backup plan or an idea of what you will do. Life is for making memories not for crying over spilled milk. Not everything may go as perfectly planned but dont let yourself get down. If whatever it is that happens does not destroy you then it is only spilled milk and spilled milk can be taken care of easily so no need to fret.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Mississippi Mud Roast

This week we were able to find a great sale on roast. This recipe is one of my favorite ways to prepare the roast. The tasty recipe is one that makes it great for weeknight or weekend meal. Enjoy

3-4lb chuck roast
1 stick of unsalted butter
1 packet of au jus gravy powder
1 packet of ranch powder
10+ whole pepperoncini
1/2 cup pepperoncini juice

In a crock pot, add all ingredients. Cook on low for 8-10 hours.

Once done, remove meat from crock pot and discard the fat. Shred the meat using a couple of forks or leave the meat in large chunks.

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Beware of Freezing Rain

Here in southern Illinois as well as other parts of the state are experiencing what is to be an "ice storm"/ Thankfully there was enough time to prepare for the storm so that we have water, food and etc.. and are ready as much as we can be. Ice storms have the potential to be dangerous and even deadly. Ice storms have lasted for days before Thus being prepared for the storm is the best way to protect ones self.

Cause behind an Ice Storm:

Ice forms when freezing rain accumalates on the ground and other hard surfaces. Air that is warmer than the freezing mark above the ground moves over below freezing air near the ground. Snow begins to fall in the warm area and melts into rain. Following that the rain droplets before landing these raindrops freeze upon reaching the ground creating a sheet of glass.

Definition and picture from weather.com

Here are some tips to keep you safe during an ice storm:

If you are one of the unlucky ones that must go outside during an ice storm be aware of branches or wires that could fall and come down in your area due to the weight of the ice.
If possible avoid driving your car. Freezing rain can make the roads slippery.
If you do have to go outside be sure to dress appropriately. Remember your animals need cared for as well.
Stay tuned to local T.V or radio stations for weather advisories and warnings.

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What are your Answers Here are Mine

Here are some more questions from a meme that will help you find out more about who I am, what I think and how I would like things to be.

1. February is the perfect month to ____________________.

2. I have a subscription to _______________________.

3. _________ is my kind of humor.

4. I shouldn’t _________, but I do anyway.

February is the perfect month to learn a bit of history. There were many events that happened in the month of February. Here are a few links where you can learn more. here, here and here

I have a subscription to many different newsletters from blogs if you have one leave a comment so I can come sign up for that as well.

A chance to hear a good joke and get a big belly laugh is my kind of humor. Check out these links to find out just what I mean go here here and here

I shouldn't eat sweets but I do anyways. Here are some great recipes for sweets you may enjoy

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Wednesday Hodge podge

1. Something little you are loving right now?

Today, my grandson turns 10 ... In his short 10 years he has experienced broken bones, broken hearts while experiencing many life lessons. My favorite part is he found a special place in my heart and my life and changed my personal life in so many awesome ways.

2. Red roses or pink peonies? Red wine or pink lemonade? Red lipstick or pink polish? A cotton candy colored sky or a fiery red sunset? A book-movie-song you love with the word red or pink in it's title?

My husband is more the red roses type while peonies remind me of my mother and my childhood home and would choose those over the roses. Pink lemonade would be my drink of choice I am not much of a wine drinker except for special occasions. Would love to see the pink willowy fluffy clouds of a cotton candy sky but the bright red of the sun rising on a warm spring morning or going down on a hot summer day are always welcoming as well. An old one but fits this question nicely

3. What's something you currently have your heart set on doing-going-seeing-or experiencing?

I can not wait til this summer when hopefully more activities and chances to sell my junque will be available.

4 Who would you most like to have a heart to heart

with right now? Is that possible

I am loving life right now it finally seems that for the moment my family is contempt. There are always members that are missing and a few of those members reside in heaven. My sister and my daddy along with other relatives that I truly miss are not able to be here and share in the love but I hope that they have a comfortable seat in heaven looking down on all that is going on

5. Write an acrostic for the word L-O-V-E.

Love may be what makes the world go round....

Only if it is love then why are there so many unhappy....

Voices may say that they are just not expressed correctly ...

Even though it may seem there is not enough love always recall I love you.

6. Todays thoughts

Today is the birthday of both my grandson and son in law. While I did not give birth to either of them I must say that I would be no prouder of them if I had. They are both charming , helpful individuals always on the lookout for others and their feelings so to them I say Happy Birthday!!!

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Friday, February 5, 2021

Baking Soda vs Baking Powder

Winter is the time of year that I love to bake. With winter holidays, valentines day, Easter and so many other days that I love to make special treats for those that I love. Thru all the years of baking I have learned that it is a sort of scientific magic that helps the ingredients all mix together. Two of the ingredients most commonly used in baking are baking powder and baking soda.

Baking powder and soda are both ingredients that help to reach ideal texture in baked goods. I have often wondered what makes these two ingredients so different and when to know which to use when. What their commonalities are and if they could be used in place of the other. Likewise if these ingredients are truly needed what would happen if I left them out.

The truth is that both baking powder and baking soda are both in the same category known as leaveners in baking but they do not do the same exact job. In addition both baking powder and baking soda are whit in color with a powdery texture with similar names so getting them mixed up is rather easy to do. Leaving out the recipe called for ingredient may leave you with a result that is unflattering.

Baking Powder

Baking Powder is actually baking soda that has been mixed with a dry acid. When baking powder mixes with a liquid it will release carbon dioxide bubbles. These bubbles help make baked goods rise. Most baking powders at the store are known as "double acting" and activate when it is mixed with liquid and again when heated.

Baking Soda

There is no acid added to baking soda so it requires some sort of acid like lemon juice, buttermilk or vinegar to work. It is much stronger than baking powder so it requires less amounts. Using to much baking soda can make food taste metallic or soapy

Recipes can call for both baking powder and soda at the same time. When this happens there is often an acid agent that will help the baking soda react but a bit more of a reaction is needed to provide the deemed push and because to much baking soda can turn the recipe taste some baking powder is used.

In a pinch you can make a substitute for baking powder Simply mix cream of tartar in with the baking soda

1TBSP baking powder = 2 tsp cream of tartar + 1 tsp baking soda

Baking powder or baking soda both have a shelf life that will not last forever. Baking powder will stay good for about 12 months but baking soda will go bad around 6 months. In addition, they both should be kept stored in a cool dry place to stay up to par.

To test baking powder mix 1/2 tsp baking powder in a 1/2 cup hot water stir When testing baking soda mix 1/2 tsp baking soda with 3 Tbsp distilled white vinegar and stir.The mixtures should bubble as soon as they are stirred to make the mixture.

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Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Hodge Podge Wednesday

1. Feb 2nd is Groundhog Day in the US of A. Tell us about one day you wouldn't mind living over again, and why you chose that day.

Gosh there are lots of days I would love to live over again such as the last time I could see my daddy before he got sick. It was a good day, one filled with happiness and talk.

2. Something you know beyond a 'shadow of a doubt'?

The way the world is now days there is not a lot that I know for sure. The one thing I know for sure is that (1) there is a God (2) we can believe in him and count on him (3) He has a plan for our life

3. Give us an example of history repeating itself in some way, in your own life or the lives of your children.

We are by nature a junque type of family. We like to find, buy and sell antiques as well as other treasures. This began years ago with my father, infected both me and my brother to make a living at it and caught on to my own children. Now we have a grand-daugher that loves to go and investigate , listen to and have fun at the auctions.

4. Snowed under, snow job, not a snowball's chance, snowbird, on thin ice, snug as a bug in a rug, tip of the iceberg, snowball effect, run hot and cold....choose a wintry idiom and tell us how it best applies to your life right now.

After losing heat for nearly a day,,, our trusty repairman came by and fixed our furnace. Now we are snug as a bug in a rug.

5. Your favorite sign of spring?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Tonight while getting my 17 month old grand-daughter ready for bed I was watching a show on T.V. she did not pay it any attention and after doing our nighttime rituals that includes PJs hugs, prayers etc.. she said she wanted to watch mickey mouse. I turned it over there and within 5 minutes she was out like a light LOL all ready a demandive little lady.

Join in fun here

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