Taco Dip for Chips

Tortilla chips are loaded with carbohydrates and fiber. A combination that can give you extra energy to get through the day. They also offer dietary fiber which can help reduce cholesterol in your diet and may reduce risk of heart disease. Packed with essential minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus. Great source of fiber as well. 

                                                 

Taco Dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened*

1 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

¾ cup salsa

2 teaspoons each cumin and chili powder

¾ teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper

1 cup Mexican blend cheese

1 cup chopped iceberg lettuce

1 tomato, chopped

¼ cup sliced black olives

Optional toppings: minced red onion, chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños

In a large bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salsa and spices until it’s fully smooth. The mixture will start out chunky, but keep whisking until the cream cheese is fully smooth. (It takes a few minutes, so be patient!)

Place the cheese mixture in the bottom of a circular glass pie plate or other circular dish. Smooth into an even layer.

Top with the cheese, chopped lettuce, chopped tomato, black olives, and other optional toppings. Serve immediately with tortilla chips, or refrigerate until serving. (Leftovers last up to 3 days refrigerated.)

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Take your dog for a walk

The one thing that most of us and our 4 legged family member the dog can do together and make you both feel better.  It offers you both to get out and exercise and enjoy fresh air. Walking your dog may or should be a bit more exciting than walking alone. You may even enjoy it so much that it does not seem like exercise but something that you look forward to. In fact the dog may look forward to getting out and spending time with you as well. However, getting the walks to turn into routine will take a bit of work and in this post I would like to share with you a few different tips and tricks for taking your dog on a walk. 

The walks with your dog should benefit both yours and the dogs health. First of all walking will help with your weight control and it will also help control your dogs weight. Before the first walk you will want to find the right collar and leash. Choose so that it is not too tight or too loose for the dog either one of those could hurt the pet. Start on short walks that take 15 to 20 minutes to start this will help the dog get used to taking regular walks. 

Dogs that are simply left at home often can easily get bored leading to destructive patterns. Allowing your dog to go on walks with you gives them something to look forward to and gets them out to see, feel and hear nature. You will want to use firm directions on the walk to let the dog know where to go and what he can and can not do. Heres to taking a walk with your dog may you both enjoy it. 

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Sweet Potato and recipe

 Sweet Potatoes may surprise you as large, starchy, sweet tasting potato part of the morning glory family and often used to make french fries, potato chips as well as casseroles and other dishes. 

sweet potatoes grow underground like other potatoes and store water, energy, starch and carbs. Sweet potatoes are known as tuber plants and work like carrots, beets, parsnips and turnips. The sweet potato plant is native to central and south America. Some may think that sweet Potatoe is another word for yam. This is a totally wrong statement as yams and sweet potatoes are not even related. Yams are related to grasses and lilies native to Africa and Asia and as they grow develop rough dark bark like skin. In addition, some yams com in a variety of colors. However, sweet potatoes develop smooth skins. 

The recipe we are using to salute sweet potatoes is

                                                                    Sweet Potato Balls

1 lb sweet potatoes
½ cup glutinous rice flour
¾ to 1 cup white rice flour
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
Vegetable oil for deep frying

Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Place in a steamer and steam for 10 minutes until soft. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with a potato masher.
Add glutinous rice flour, white rice flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix with a spatula until a soft dough forms. If dough is still a little wet, mix in some additional white rice flour. Dough should be soft but not sticky.
Pinch a little dough from the bowl and roll between palms to form a 1-inch diameter ball. Repeat until all dough is used up.
Fill a medium sized saucepan with 1 inch vegetable oil over medium low heat. Gently drop a few sweet potato balls into the hot oil. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Sweet potato balls should float when cooked. Remove with tongs and drain on a metal strainer. Repeat until all sweet potato balls are cooked.
Serve immediately.

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All About Grapefruits

Texas grapefruits were always in our house during part of the year. I had an uncle Bill who would travel to the state of Texas to visit and bring back large sacks of oranges and grapefruits. We had both yellow and pink grapefruits and boy were they tasty. February is national grapefruit month the purpose is to remind individuals to eat and enjoy citrus fruit because they are not only tasty but they offer great nutrients as well. 

Did you know that grapefruits were not always plants that grew wild in the United States?? Barbados was the first place in the 1700s that the grapefruit was found. It was a mix of the pomelo fruit and sweet orange. The grapefruit plant  would travel through the west Indies before making it to the United States in 1800s. 

There are parts of California and Texas that are warm enough to have a year-round season for growing grapefruit. There are parts of Florida and Arizona that also grow grapefruit with shorter seasons. In addition, other warm parts of the world grow grapefruit as well. Since they are growing in so many places it makes it even easier to find a grapefruit to eat. 

Grapefruits help build up a faster metabolism and lowers cholesterol

Helps flush out toxins and leads to better skin. 

There is 73% of needed daily vitamin C in just 1/2 of a grapefruit. 

You should try to have a healthy nutritious grapefruit for part of your breakfast, a snack or serve one up as dessert. Grapefruits are perfect for sharing with their large size they are easy to half then separate the sections with a fork or spoon. In fact, there is a grapefruit spoon designed to enjoy and make eating grapefruits easier. 

Enjoy a healthy and nutritious grapefruit as part of a breakfast meal, for a snack or even as dessert. And, many times, grapefruits are so large that they can be shared with a family member, roommate or some other friend! Cut the grapefruit in half to eat it and enjoy it by separating the sections with a fork or spoon. Some people even appreciate having a special spoon with jagged edges that can be used just for eating this fruit.

When I eat grapefruit, I sprinkle sugar on top to combat against the sour flavor some grapefruits have. Other people though use salt instead of sugar. 

Did You Know:

The individual that came up the name of this fruit was a Jamaican farmer. He offered the name grapefruit as the pieces of fruit grew like a cluster of grapes. Clusters of grapefruits can have as many of 25 pieces of fruit. 

  

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welcome home birds

 Have you seen them yet?? You know are friends with feathers that travel south for winter. Yes our bird friends will be back soon if they have not arrived all ready. This winter was not as cold as some we have had in the past but hopefully spring weather is coming and to me the birds are part of the spring community. February is the time of year when the birds often start arriving back to their homes after their long journey. Our goal should be to welcome them home with food and water as we will be ready to listen to their lovely voices. In fact, National bird feeding month was established in 1994 

While not everyone feeds the birds through a feeder it is clear that some do. In addition, you may want to feed those pesky squirrels as well. 

Wide-mouth Mason jar and band

Crafting wire (or strong ribbon)
Spoon with a fairly flat handle
Secure the band on the jar
With the Mason jar upright, hold the spoon against it. The spoon’s handle should be pressed against the side, and its bowl should be up above the top of the jar. This will create a little ledge for the squirrels to stand on
Wrap wire around the jar and spoon handle to secure them together
Find a fence or tree for your feeder. Use more wire to attach it and hold it in place

Squirrel FoodSquirrels love walnuts, hickory nuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and peanuts with the shells on. Make sure you only give them raw, unsalted varieties.

Tip: Make sure you place your feeder where you can see it from a window. Watching the squirrels — and other animals — stop in and feast will be so much fun for the whole family. Meanwhile, your birds will be enjoying their own yummy treats!

Earlier in the month individuals were watching for doves and cupids when love was in the air but there are more feathered friends coming in the shape of wild birds. A mixture of one part of vinegar and nine parts water is a good solution to clean out the bird feeders. Bird baths are great for the birds to get water for drinking and bathing. In addition, bird baths will help birds maintain their healthy feathers to help them in flight. 

While you are getting ready for the birds to come why not make up some easy feeders that the entire family can help with. 

c

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Hot Breakfast Recipe

 

Breakfast is the first thing in the morning and several people believe that it is the most important meal of the day. Some may consider cereal a delicious meal that hits the spot or perhaps it is a bagel with cream cheese. A protein bar on the run is what some may consider breakfast as well. However, are those breakfasts good enough?? Let me ask you have you ever took the time to enjoy a hot breakfast. 

Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, and that’s why so many of us make a point of getting up in the morning and pouring ourselves a bowl of our favorite cereal. If not cereal, than a cold bagel smeared with cream cheese, and if we’re in a particular hurry, then we’ll have a protein bar or one of the many breakfast bars on the market to see us through the day.

National Hot Breakfast Month encourages us to break this cycle of coldness and start the day off HOT! Here is a great recipe that will fill you up but not take a lot of time to make. 

1/2 pound bulk lean turkey breakfast sausage

3 large eggs

4 large egg whites

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups chopped fresh spinach

tap here

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon pepper

6 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed

Salsa, optional

In a large nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink, breaking into crumbles, 4-6 minutes. Remove from pan.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs and egg whites until blended. In same pan, add eggs; cook and stir over medium heat until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remains. Remove from pan; wipe skillet clean if necessary.

In skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach, tomatoes and garlic; cook and stir until spinach is wilted, 2-3 minutes. Stir in sausage and eggs; heat through. Sprinkle with pepper.

To serve, spoon 2/3 cup filling across center each tortilla. Fold bottom and sides of tortilla over filling and roll up. If desired, serve with salsa.

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Quick and easy Cherry Twinkie Dessert

 

Cherry Twinkie Dessert 

 Because of time restraints I love to find easy to make desserts that the whole gang will love. Yes, I love desserts that take more time, but these easy ones are the ones that the kids can get in the kitchen with me to bake and we still have enough time to enjoy each other's company and go anywhere we need to be. 

 

• 14 Hostess Twinkies 
• 2 pkgs of cherry gelatin
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 pkgs instant vanilla pudding
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 container of whipped topping
• 1 jar maraschino cherries

• Place 14 Twinkie in a 9x 13 pan.
• Dissolve the cherry gelatin in the hot water and pour evenly over the Twinkies.
• Sprinkle on some chopped cherries.
• Mix the milk with the pudding.
• The mixture will be thick.
• Carefully spread pudding over the Twinkies.
• Spread the whipped topping over the pudding.
• Garnish with more chopped cherries. Chill overnight then cut into pieces.

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Freezer Mini Meatloaves

 

This recipe is freezer friendly as you can make it and freeze or eat it right away. Compact in size to give you that great little bite that we all deserve. 

FREEZER MINI MEATLOAVES

3 lb hamburger

2 stuffing mixes

2 c water

2 t Italian seasoning

1 c pasta sauce

1 c mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the first 3 ingredients with seasoning. Press into 24 muffin cups. In each cup make a small well place sauce into the wells. Bake 30 minutes or til done. Top with the cheese and bake 5 more minutes Cool.

Flash Freeze individually on cookie sheet til firm and then you can transfer them to a large baggies.

To serve: warm in microwave or oven

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Happy Presidents Day

 Our founding fathers were not proud individuals who wanted to be saluted or recognized in a special way. Yet the people of the United States normally overruled.  So to recognize all presidents that have served our country a special day known as Presidents Day was created.  Many have taken the day and broadened it into a sales bonanza of sorts. Thus taking all the history the holiday was to stand for away for some. 

Washington paid little attention to his birthday. His diary shows no visitors or special day occurrence rather. it showed Washington hard at work as he normally was.  Martha may have a few of the younger generation like nieces and nephews in to share care but that was normally it. However, Washingtons peers in government would celebrate his birthday. 

In 1832 Congress made up a committee that would plan a national parade and festival to celebrate. It was not until 1879 that the date was made into a legal holiday for federal employees to benefit. 

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National Chocolate Mint Day with recipe

 February 19th is known by some as chocolate mint day. The US National Confectioner's Association started this special day being chocolate mint day. Mint has always been valued by different people societies for different reasons. The ancient Greek and Romans valued mint due to its ability to aid in digestion and freshen the breath. The Mayan and Aztec societies loved all things chocolate. The normal way to get chocolate in the beginning was in a drink. It was in these chocolate drinks that individuals would add mint, cinnamon, and other flavored spices. However, it was not until sugar was added to the chocolaty drink that mint became the desired add in. 

In the mid 1800s chocolate mints were commonly advertised to the public. In the 1900s these mint-like candies were served in tea houses and dining rooms to help with good breath and digestion. The york Peppermint Patty candy would come along in the 1940s. The craving for chocolate mints has not slowed but continues to grow. You can find them in movie theater candy bars. Mint chocolate chip can be found in the ice cream shops. Spend a night in a hotel and you may find chocolate mint candies left out for you. In addition, one of the best Girl Scout Cookies is known as thin mint cookies. 

buttery crackers, 1 sleeve (like ritz)

chocolate chips, 1 bag

coconut oil, 1 Tbsp

peppermint extract, 1/2 tsp

sprinkles

1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper or a silicone lining.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and oil in 30-second increments at half power, until melted. Stir between increments.
3. Stir in the peppermint extract.
4. Carefully dip a cracker in the chocolate, coating both sides.
5. Remove with a fork and let the extra chocolate drip off.
6. Place on wax paper.
7. Add the desired sprinkles.
8. Refrigerate for a few minutes until the chocolate is hard.

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salted caramel popcorn with almonds

 

1/2 cup popcorn kernels popped (about 8 cups)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp baking soda

6 oz Blue Diamond Roasted Salted Almonds 1 container

• Preheat oven to 250F.
• Line a large roasting pan or deep 9 x13 baking dish with parchment paper (easy clean-up!) and fill with popcorn. Top with almonds. Keep popcorn warm in the oven while preparing the caramel.
• Melt the butter in a 3 qt heavy, saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup and salt and bring to a boil, stirring constantly
• .Once the mixture is at a boil, stop stirring and boil for 4 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and baking soda.
• Pour the mixture in a thin steam over the popcorn. Use tongs to mix the popcorn, almonds and caramel making sure to thoroughly coat.
• Put the baking dishes into the oven and let bake for 45 minutes. Every 15 minutes, pull the dishes out and break up the caramel corn using tongs to turn the popcorn over and mixing it up. After 45 minutes, let the caramel corn cool completely before breaking into small pieces.
• Store in an airtight container or the popcorn will turn sticky.

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Happy Birthday Levar Burton

 

Levar Burton was born on February 16, 1957 on a army base in Germany. His father was a photographer for the US army. Throughout the years Levar has played the roles of actor, director and producer. As a child he spent a lot of time reading comic books and when a bit older was a blogger for President Obama. Perhaps it was his family that played roles in life such as teachers and in back history had a grandfather that served in the Arkansas legislature 1887. However, he credited his mother teaching him about helping others. His mother was Erma an english teacher, social worker and administrator and after splitting with her husband kept the kids and did the best she could. 

Lemars first role played was that in the movie Roots as Kunta Kenta in 1977. After that his acting turned to the sci fi direction as he played in the Star Trek series of movies in years 1994 - 1998. Later he would appear in other shows throughout the years. But perhaps what he is known most for is Reading Rainbows show on PBS. For 23 years between 1983 to 2006 he hosted the show sharing books with children. Now, what will he do next?? Rumor has it he may be the next host on a TV game show trivial pursuit. Burton has played many roles and I find myself a fan of his as well. 

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Valentines Day

 First I would like to say to all my readers happy valentines day. This day may have been named after one of 3 Catholics who should be remembered. One of which was St. Valentine. This day may have started by honoring someone in history but has moved on to mean so much more. In the 14th and 15th century Valentines day took on a day that was full of romance. Thus by the 18th century lovers were giving each other flowers, candy and cards and that list has grown. 

Three of the most common shapes that are related to valentines day are hearts, cupid and doves. 

The heart may have originally been chosen by members of the religious sects because it is where God's commands are wrote 

The Words of Scripture are divinely inspired, able to transform our hearts, our minds, and our actions. Sharper than a two-edged sword, it can withstand any opposition. Moses knew the value and strength of God’s Word. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” Deuteronomy 6:6 (NIV).

Red hearts stand for love, romance and desire. In Chinese red hearts also stand for love, romance and desire. Red is also the color of hearts, love, passion and romance. 

Pink hearts are used for affection, tenderness, sweetness. 

Conversation hearts were copied off of a lozenge that a pharmacist had created. The heart was not directly following the creation but it came along a bit after. Napco was the first seller of these gems but since they went out of business the Spangler candy company has been making sure they are there for all that want them. 

Cupid another symbol popular with valentines day. Roman mythology created cupid as a chubby, winged cherub that carried a bow and arrow. He was said to be the son of Mercury and Venus. His job was to pass out love and passion. Cupids were painted on murals and art and eventually when Hallmark made the first valentine cards none other than Cupid would find himself on them. 

Doves are the third symbol of valentine that I want to share. Doves have many phases of what they mean to love and how lovers feel about them. First lets look at their physical appearance, they are gentle and have that soothing coo this often symbolizes calmness and serenity. In Roman mythology doves were devoted to the goddess Aphrodite. This symbolizes the doves devotion and faithfulness. In addition, the dove in the bible is full of purity and innocence. Thus the reason that doves are symbol of Valentines are demonstrated. 

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Lent and Ash Wednesday

 

Today, February 14th is a great day for love. This year it is also the first day of the season known as Lent. Lent is a day to renew our love for Jesus and what he did for us. Some have described the season of Lent as a time to make our hearts ready for Jesus, put him back to the top of our minds as well as remembering Jesus and the resurrection. The word lent comes from the lentclen which means spring. Lent will begin in the winter and go for 46 days including 6 Sundays ending on Easter Sunday. During this period of time a seasons of prayer, fasting, and alms giving will go on. In addition, many will fast and give up something including their ego if that is what they have put above Jesus. 

Today, Wednesday February 14th as I said earlier is the first day of lent. Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent,  is a day that all are asked to turn their hearts to the feelings of brokenness of Jesus and the need for salvation. During the season of lent there will be much prayer, meditation. Some may feel the best way they can help share is through social media. However, many will attend a mass where they will have a black cross placed on their forehead to stand for the ash. In addition, today as well as every Friday of Lent season followers are not allowed to eat meat. 

Today or any day try this great devils egg salad sandwich 

6 hard boiled eggs 

2-3 tablespoons Miracle Whip Light start with 2 and add more at the end if needed

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

3 tablespoons sweet relish

fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Sprinkle of paprika optional

lettuce for serving (optional)

4 Ciabatta Rolls or any kind you desire

Peel and finely chop your boiled eggs. Add the eggs to a mixing bowl with the Miracle Whip, Dijon mustard, sweet relish, black pepper, and paprika, if using. Fold the ingredients together to create a smooth, well-blended mixture. Toast your buns or your bread. Taste the deviled egg salad for seasoning, build your sandwich, and serve!

Flavor Tips - The amount of mayo and mustard required will depend on how large the yolks are in the eggs and also your personal taste. Be sure to taste as you go to ensure the egg salad is the flavor and texture you are looking for.

Storage – Store leftover egg salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Be sure to store the bread separately, or it will become soggy.

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Jello day of creation and a delicious recipe to try

 The name Jell-O was introduced by Pearle Bixby and his wife. He had created the new treat by adding strawberry, raspberry, orange and lemon flavoring to sugar and granulated gelatin. 

Graham Cracker Crust:

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

⅓ cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

⅓ cup butter, melted

Strawberry Pie Filing:

1 (3 oz.) package strawberry jello

⅔ cup boiling water

½ cup cold water

½ cup ice cubes

1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip topping

4 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Using a food processor, pulse graham crackers until crumbly. Mix in sugar, ground cinnamon and melted butter until crust forms.

Press graham cracker crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Place pie crust in refrigerator.

In a large bowl, add boiling water and gelatin powder. Stir gelatin powder until completely dissolved .Then, add ½ cup cold water and ½ cup ice cubes, stir until gelatin is slightly thickened. 

TIP: Let the gelatin mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before you add the cool whip otherwise it won’t set up.

Add cool whip topping to gelatin mixture and whisk together until light and fluffy. Stir in sliced strawberries. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until mixture has thickened.

Add strawberry pie filling to pie crust. Refrigerate for up to 6 hours or until firm. Top with cool whip and a slice strawberry.

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Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln and a Blackberry Crumb Cake

 Today, February 12th, is the birthday of Abraham Lincoln. Old Abe was born in Hodgenville Ky in 1809. He was not born into wealth rather his family was poor and this may have been what helped Lincoln through life. School was one thing he did not see a lot of only attending public school 1 year after that it was more independent study. Throughout his early life Abraham held jobs such as post master, surveyor, and shop keeper. 

Abraham Lincoln would enter politics in Illinois. Serving in the legislation from 1839 to 1842 he would be seen as a strong opponent and one that would stand up for what he thought was right. What he thought was right was to protect the union of the states . He did not agree with slavery but did not lead a revolt to free them either. He would change his life a bit in 1842 when he would get married and enter the United States Congress from 1847 to 1849. 

History tells the story of Abe Lincoln being a strong man but a caring man. Becoming president preserving the Union and have slavery abolished during his presidency. What they may not tell is that MR. Abraham suffered from deep depression. He often hid his depression behind funny impressions, jokes etc... He would live to be 56 years old before being shot by John Wilkes Boothe. For all you did Mr. Lincoln we want to say thank you. 

One thing that Lincoln liked to eat was blackberries. Here is a blackberry cake recipe he may have liked. 

crumb topping:
1/2 cup pecans
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter

FOR THE CAKE:
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound fresh blackberries (about 3 1/2 cups)

Heat oven to 350º F. Make the crumb topping: In a food processor, pulse the pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter until crumbly; transfer to a bowl and set aside. Wipe out the food processor.  Make the cake: Butter an 8-inch square baking pan. In the food processor, pulse the butter, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until crumbly. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and mix just until combined. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle with the blackberries and crumb topping. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before serving.

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Help For a Toothache

 I have no idea why there would have be a day dedicated to a toothache. The truth is if you have ever had a toothache then you know that the pain is real and it is not fun. But if you have a toothache then perhaps you could use a few tips to relieve the pain from a toothache. 

Saltwater rinse is one thing you can do until you can get to dentist. Swish warm, salty water around in your mouth. A simple mix of 1/2 teaspoon table salt in 8 ounces of water will help you out. Remember do not swallow. In addition to rinsing floss around your sore tooth to remove any bits of food that may be stuck.

One popular natural remedy is to mix clove oil and garlic and apply to gums to help numb the gums. If the pain continues for a couple of days it is very important to head to the dentist for more care. 

Wheat grass juice also acts as a good toothache pain relief. It can be used as a mouth wash or it can also be chewed in order to get rid of the pain.

Black pepper is good for toothache as well as bad breath. A paste of black pepper and salt, applied on the cavity tooth, can do wonders.

Vanilla extracts too can be used to make the aching area numb, thus reducing the pain. Dried peppermint leaves are also good for a toothache. Place these leaves around the tooth for around 10 to 15 minutes (and do this for at least 10 to 15 times) and then throw it out. This acts as a good painkiller and stops toothache pain fast.

The use of an ice pack can also help reduce pain and swelling. 

Do you have a simple toothache remedy? What is it?

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Pizza History and a Warm #Recipe

Pizza has been around many years. The ancient Greeks enjoyed a dish of bread covered with oils, herbs and cheese that would have been a lot like a modern pizza. This style of pizza was baked in pans and not a pizza oven. 

 The crust of a Greek Pizza Pie is chewy, puffy and oily. Tomato paste is primarily used in the sauce which helps make a tangy and thick sauce that is spiced with oregano. Greek Pizza Pies have more sauce than cheese which is normally a blend of mozzarella and cheddar. The Romans also had their own style of pizza. Their pizza was a sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey and flavored with bay leaves. This style of pizza was thick and rectangular in shape. However, the Italians would capture the heart of pizza as they would use only mozzarella cheese from Naples and the addition of few simple ingredients. The pizzas would be like those of modern mini pizzas. 

Pizza would come to the United States in the early 1900s. The first pizzeria in the U.S. was located in Little Italy New York. The love of pizza has continued to grow so that in todays world there are approximately 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese used each year. Soldiers coming back from WWII from Italy would bring their love of pizza back home with them. The types of pizza has changed through the years because of taste, ingredients, etc..

Today I share a recipe that has the flavor of pizza but is perfect for a cool day in February. Enjoy

¾ cup flour

¾ tsp baking powder

½ tsp dried oregano

4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 oz turkey pepperoni, diced

¾ cup milk, 2%

1 egg, lightly beaten

½ cup pizza sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease muffin pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and oregano. Whisk in the milk and egg. Stir in the mozzarella and pepperoni and let stand for a few minutes.

Stir the batter and divide evenly among the muffin cups. Bake until puffed and golden, about 18 to 23 minutes.

Warm pizza sauce in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat on the stove in a small sauce pan. Serve the muffins with the pizza sauce for dipping.

recipe source here

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Boy Scouts OF America Celebrate With Stew #recipe

 

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest scouting organizations in the United States. More than 2 million youth have participated then add to that another 1 million adult volunteers. The group has grown since it began in 1910. The organization Boy Scouts of America strive to train youth in how to be responsible citizens by helping to develop their character and self-reliance.  The goal is to train the youth thru outdoor activities, educational programs, and at the correct age boys will be guided thru career-oriented programs as well. For younger scouts values of trustworthiness, good citizenship and outdoor skills such as camping, aquatics, and hiking help strengthen the boys. 

Each level of boy scout has their own colors. As young cub scouts the colors, they wear are blue and gold. Blue for truth and spirituality, loyalty and the sky above. Gold for the sun, good cheer and happiness. Boys ages 7 to 11 can be in the cub scout troops. The second level is ages 11 to 18. While the name may insinuate that only boys can be members that is not true. Girls can join the troops if they wish to as well. 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound ground beef

2 cups onion, cut into large pieces, about one large onion

1 pound potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” pieces (I used New Red)

1 14.5–ounce can beef stock

2 14.5–ounce cans diced tomatoes

*2 8.5 ounce cans Bush’s Baked Beans

*1 22.5 ounce can Bush’s Steakhouse Grillin’ beans

1 15.5ounce can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 14.5 ounce can kernel corn, drained

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground chili powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium to large heavy bottomed pan or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add olive oil and once hot add the beef and onions.

Break up the beef and cook until browned.

Add all other ingredients and bring to a simmer, cover and place in the oven for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

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