TIME SURE FLIES!!

Seems like only yesterday - I was sitting here in this same spot - a year younger, several pounds thinner and waiting on 2011 to appear!  Now it is early evening -- but the year is winding down!! For many, including us - it has been a good year - good health - good jobs - wonderful church friends - wonderful family - including my 94 year old Mom - but for many it hasn't been so good.  One friend lost her dad, her husband, her favorite uncle, and her cousin's husband - that is so sad - and it could be any of us!  So my prayer is that 2012 will be a better year for all of us and that we each will live to our fullest, reach our goals - and always keep Christ centermost in our lives.

These holidays have been full of food.  I have made about 3 of my chocolate pies with the mile high  merrainge!  Travis made one for the Man Pie Contest at church -- but the pan was cleaned out so fast - enough people could not get a taste to vote on it -- so he lost!  He was disappointed - but also recognized the pan was empty and several told him how good it was!  Anyway - let's pass the baton around!!  I absolutely did not want Ham for Christmas - it seemed we had had ham from Thanksgiving until Christmas at every event -- but my sweet Mom bought one -- so I cooked it because she wanted it.  I got to thinking about her and her age (94) and knew she loved dressing for Christmas - so I made our Chicken and Dressing and she exclaimed over it - "Oh I am so glad we are having dressing -- it just makes it seem more like Christmas!"  I am so glad I did one thing right!!!   It was a great Christmas -- so thankful we could have her with us.  She was feeling so good -- but on Tuesday of this week she started feeling bad - and we can't discover the reason and it scares us.  I know how blessed we have been - but we want the blessing to continue!!

One of the things that I enjoyed cooking was the Peach Cobbler that my friend Marilena gave me.  It was her "Granny's" peach cobber - so I made it last night to take to our neighbors and brought the pan back  across the street almost empty.  I have probably posted it before - but who wants to search for it -- so here it is!!

GRANNY'S PEACH COBBLER

Use  a 9 x 12" pan, cut up a stick of butter (several big chunks) into pan.

Set pan in oven.  Turn oven to 425 degrees.

While butter is melting, mix together:
1 cup Pioneer Original Baking Mix
1 cup Sugar
3/4 cup Milk - whole is good, 2% is good, Half and Half is best
1 Teaspoon vanilla flavoring

When butter is melted:
Pour batter into hot pan; spoon peaches  (1 large can and 1/4 th cup of the juice) and I added another small can of peaches) over the batter.  Sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture to taste.  (About 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon)
Return to 425 degree oven for 15 minutes.  Then redue heat to 340 degrees and bake for about 30 minutes.   Make sure it is good and golden brown and bubbly and remove.

The recipe is wonderful - the more you bake i - you will be comfortable with your preferences.

Enjoy!!  )The original basic recipe is used at THE OLD STORE IN GALLATIN!  (Look up where Gallatin is -- I had to!!!)

I have already posted another of my favorites - the Sweet Pepper Glaze Dip - I am making it for tomorrow - but Sweet Gourmet is out of the Heritage Sweet Pepper Glaze - so I am going to us the Cranberry Jalapeno Jelly they stock in the place of the Sweet Pepper Glaze!!!

I am also doing my neighbor's baby back ribs.  She had them last night and they were wonderful.  She had marinated them and then cooked them in a big pot for about 2-1/2 hours with two big bottles of Jack Daniel's barbeque sauce.  Brookshires didn't have the Jack Daniel's barbeque sauce - so I bought the KC Masterpiece Original - I've used it before and it is wonderful.  The ribs are marinating right now and I probably can't even remember everything I put on them- but it all blends together and will be wonderful.  My blackeyes are ready - and they are seasoned rather well too - awesome actually - so I will take them out of Crock Pot and put in the ribs about 3 in the morning1 

Enough cooking for the evening.  Looking forward to Tim's message tomorrow - Mark is on a much deserved vacation - and then an afternoon with friends.   God is so good - and sends us the right people at just the right moment.  May HE continue to bless each of you - and each of you listen for HIS instructions.  Good night and talk to you next year!!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEK

How is everyone? I am wonderful – not even tired.  OF course, this is Saturday not Sunday night or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday or Friday!  We worked so hard to pull off the “Perfect Christmas Brunch” for church last Sunday – and not to brag – except on the awesome people that worked non-stop with me to make it such – it was the “Perfect Christmas Brunch.”  We served Breakfast Enchiladas, which involved cooking 25 lbs. sausage, 30 dozen eggs and making over a gallon of homemade cheese sauce for them.  Also the filling and rolling them up was involved. These were served with salsa and sour cream, and jalapenos.   Thanks to Gwynn, Billie, Michelle P., Brenda, and Pam -- and all the others that played a big part.  Also on the menu were Baked French Toast with a Hint of Orange, and Baked French Toast with Praline Topping – which about 25 gracious and wonderful ladies made for us!  Of course there was the traditional Ham with yeast rolls, and old fashion sausage gravy, jelly, juice, milk and coffee!    Then of course, it all had to be cleaned up – but some great friends stopped by to help us!  All and all we are thankful it is over, thankful it went so well and was so well received, and looking forward to doing something much simpler next year!!!

I also hosted a brunch for the Pilot Club ladies on Saturday morning and the menu was quite different – but also well received.

I have lots to say today – I thought about calling it “Rant’s and Rave’s” but didn’t want to infringe on the Tyler Paper, so I will just call it “Likes and Dislikes!”  So for the dislikes – here goes!

First – what is the deal with manufacturers that keep downsizing the amount of food in a container and upping the price for us to pay for less, or changing the packaging?  It is getting pretty hard to do “Grandma’s Hot Sweet Pickles” or Aunt Nelda’s Coconut Cake” when you can no longer buy a five pound bag of sugar, or a 10-1/2 oz. can of coconut!  Those are just examples of how recipes' products no long fit our old heirloom recipes!  I was trying to buy fruit for my Warm Fruit Compote – and not one can in the store fit the ounces description on the recipe!  I know change is good – but not in the grocery store!!!

 
Second – whoever invented the “Tacky Christmas Sweater Party” is pretty tacky.  Taking something that many women still wear and look forward to December so they can pull out their beautifully embellished sweaters to wear and making fun of them is just plain mean!  Wonder what they wear that we could laugh at – those short little skirts that barely cover the things that need to be covered with those knee high boots – or those skin- tight tights that need a shirt over them because they leave absolutely nothing to the imagination??  So – to the ladies that wear Christmas Sweaters – I say “More Power to you!!! Enjoy them!”

Third - and this is the one of the worst of all! The other day on the radio the disk jockey said they had been receiving calls from listeners asking if they could play some holiday music that didn’t include “Christmas or Christ.”   So they said that you could Google anything on the internet and find anything, and they had some music that left “Christ”mas out – and they played a line or two of the horribly butchered songs such as Silent Night and Little Town of Bethlehem.  Then the disk jockey said “There you are and Merry Christmas!”  He followed it with a great Christmas song – so I know they didn’t like it anymore than I did – but you know – if someone doesn’t want to hear a song about Christmas – I think all radios have off buttons – so turn it off and leave us alone. 

Fourth:  Tyler traffic - especially in wet weather and most especially - Christmastime traffic.  People are absolutely crazy - and have no idea how to drive.  I don't have time to tell you all of the crazy things I have seen just this week. 

Now – surely you are tired of “Dislikes” – so some things I really like.

1. Christmas Songs – I could listen to them all year long – they make me feel good and thankful that I live in a country where they can be heard!

2.  Even though I have not been able to attend many of the classes lately, I love our Women of the Word classes and the service projects that we undertake.  That is what Christianity is about – helping others – isn’t that what Christ did? 

3.  I like getting ready for Christmas – thinking about people that I want to remember with a kindness of some kind – and hearing from old friends even if it is just this one time a year!  I guess I enjoy the hustle and bustle because I sure do a lot of it this time of the year.

4.  And lastly – I like the readers of my blog and the people who comment on some recipe they have tried.  It makes it all worthwhile! 

And to that end – I have something that I want you to read!  I heard it read at Travis’ Pine Cove Christmas party!  It is called “Parable of the Birds” and was originally written by Louis Cassels, in 1959.  This is the adaptation of the “Parable of the Birds” by a Chaplan Sam Houchins.I've heard that for years Paul Harvey has read it on his radio show!!

                                                            “PARABLE OF THE BIRDS”

This is the story about a modern man, one of us.  He was not a Scrooge.  He was a kind, decent, mostly good man, generous to his family, upright in his dealings with others.  But he did not believe in all that incarnation stuff that the churches proclaim at Christmas time.  It just didn’t make sense to him and he was too honest to pretend otherwise.  He just could not buy the Jesus story about God coming to earth as a man.

 Now it was Christmas Eve and the family was getting ready for church.  “I’m truly sorry to distress you,” he told his wife, “but I’m not going with you to church this evening.” He said he’d feel like a hypocrite.  Rather, he would stay home while they went.  But, he promised, he would wait up for them.  So, he stayed and they went.

Shortly after the rest of the family drove away, snow began to fall.  He went to the window and watched the flurries getting heavier and heavier.  It was one of those picture-postcard winter evenings. So he walked back to his comfortable fireside chair and began reading his newspaper.  Soon, though, his leisure was abruptly interrupted.  He was startled by a loud “thud,” quickly followed by another.  And then another.  “What could that be?”

At first he thought someone must be throwing snowballs against his living room window.  But when he went to investigate, he found a pitiful flock of birds huddled miserably in the snow.  They had been caught in the storm, and in a desperate search for shelter they had tried to fly through his large picture window.

 “I can’t let those poor creatures lie there and freeze,” he thought.  He was, after all, a reasonably compassionate man.  “But how could I possibly help them?”

Then he remembered the barn out back where his children stabled their pony.  That would provide a warm shelter – if only he could direct the birds to it.  He quickly put on his coat and boots and trampled through the deepening snow to the barn.  He opened the doors wide and turned on the light to show the poor birds the way.  But the birds didn’t go in.

“Food will bring them in,” he thought.  So he hurried back to the house and fetched bread crumbs, which he hastily sprinkled on the snow to make a trail from near where the birds were into the safety of the barn.

But to his dismay, the birds ignored the bread crumbs and continued to flop around helplessly in the snow.  He tried catching them.  He tried shooing them into the barn by walking around and waiving his arms.  None of that worked.  Instead they scattered in every direction – except into the protection of the warm, lighted barn.

“They find me a strange and terrifying creature,” he said to himself.  “If only I could think of some way to let them know that they can trust me.  If only I could convince them---if only I could show them I am not trying to hurt them, but to help them.  But how?  Any move he made tended to frighten the birds, confuse them.  They just would not follow.  They would not be led or shooed because they feared him.

In frustration and with a growing sense of urgency as the storm grew and the birds plight worsened, an odd thought came to him: “If only I could be a bird myself for a few minutes, perhaps I could lead them to safety.  If only I could mingle with them and speak their language, and tell them to not be afraid, and show them the way to the safe, warm barn.  But I’d have to be one of them, so they could see and hear and understand and not be afraid.”

At that moment the sound of the church bells pierced the frigid night, reaching the man’s ears clearly even above the sound of the howling winter winds.  He stood there, suddenly awestruck, listening to the pealing of the bells and their age-old message.  Joy To The World.  Oh Holy Night.  Away In A Manger.  These were all Christmas carols he had heard since childhood.  But they never before affected him in the way they now did. 

Then, there in the snow, he sank to his knees, gazed heavenward and, choked with emotion, whispered, “Now I understand.  Now I see why you had to do it.”

“In this the love of God was manifested toward is. That God has sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him….And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.”  (1 John 4:9,14.)

Jesus said, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”  (John 18-37)

I think we have all experienced this feeling of frustration in trying to make someone understand and wishing we could communicate in their language or ability.  Whether it is with someone with a disability, or from another country, it is hard for us to do – God surely felt the same way about us!

I do have some recipes for you.  Some – tried and delicious with great reviews!  One – I first did for the Pilot Club brunch and just about everyone there wanted the recipe. 

                                WARM FRUIT COMPOTE

2 (15-1/4 oz.) cans sliced pears, drained
1 (29 oz.) can sliced peaches, drained
1 (20 oz) can Chunk pineapple, drained
1 pkg. (20 oz.) pitted dried plums
1 (16 oz.) jar unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup Dried Cranberries (Optional)
1 21 oz) can Cherry Pie Filling
¼ cup brown sugar

Combine first six fruits and pour in 9 x 13” casserole dish

Top with Cherry Pie Filling and sprinkle the brown sugar on top.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Delicious!!!

Another new and wonderfully different chicken salad recipe is this:

                               CHUTNEY CHICKEN SALAD

3 Cups chopped cooked chicken

2/3 cup raisins *
1/3 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 tablespoons minced green onions
½ tsp. salt
2/3 cup prepared chutney
6 tablespoons low-fat Greek yogurt
      1)      In a large bowl, combine chicken, rains, pecans, green onions, and salt

2)      In a small bowl, combine chutney and yogurt.  Add to chicken mixture, stirring gently to combine.  Cover and chill up to 3 days.  Serve on toast rounds.   ** Note:    I substituted dried cranberries for raisins. 

Today we attended a sweet wedding of a very dear friend's son and the bride was beautiful and the groom so young and handsome.  Our prayer is that God will always be first in their lives and that they will continue to love one another forever - as they promised before God and all of their friends and relatives.

Guess this is about all the time I have and I’m sure each of you are just as busy.

Keep safe, and find time to stop and help someone this wonderful season!  Lift a spirit, calm a fear, spread the Word!

A GREAT SHOPPING WEEKEND

One night late - after driving 100 miles in pouring rain, wrecks happening all around me, dodging car parts rolling accross 635 - needless to say I was exhausted when we arrived home, thanks to the good Lord above, safely!  My sister, sweet niece and daughter, and I had a wonderful shopping trip to Dallas - and for the first time in the history of my Christmas shopping - I am almost through!!!  Our experience at the Galleria and Macy's was amazing.  I added up what I had charged on my Macy's card and the total savings was over $500 and I didn't charge near that amount!!  (Strange things happen though -- I was looking online at my Macy's account and they showed I had paid a large amount on my card in November - double what I thought it was.  I checked my bank account and sure enough I had only paid them once - and the credit showed two payments.  I called them and after about 15 or 20 minutes, they said that for them to take one of the credits off, I would have to fax them bank statement showing only one payment had come out.  So I did what they ask, but I told Kathy at work that I had never worked so hard to prove I owed someone money!!!)   We loved staying at the Westin and just going to second floor and walking straight into the mall! 

Travis said I missed one of Mark's best sermons - don't see how - they have all been amazing lately!!

I am looking forward to a very busy weekend - Pilot Club Brunch and Christmas party at my house Saturday morning - and then on to the church - to help my wonderful friends, Gwynn, Michelle, and Billie prepare brunch for our entire church!!  We think we have a wonderful menu planned - and are so thankful our Elders and staff allow us to do this for our brothers and sisters.

Last week I gave you the recipe for the Sweet Pepper Glaze Dip and it was funny - in the paper on Wednesday, Christine had the recipe published in the paper.  She also gave credit to Pam Gabriel and Sweet Gourmet!  Sure glad I did it first!!!
Don't you love going to a tea or ladies party and having cucumber sandwiches.  I am always looking for a great recipe and this one sounds wonderful!  Now I haven't tried it -- but I plan to!!!

HERBED GOAT CHEESE SANDWICHES
(Makes 40 to 45 sandwiches0

For The Spread

8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
10-1/2 ox. mild goat cheese, at room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, (2 cloves)
1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme leaves
3 Tablespoons  minced fresh parsley
5 to 6 tablespoons milk, half and half or heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE SANDWICHES
2 loaves 7-grain bread, thinly sliced
1 hothouse cucumber, not peeled

1) For the spread, place the cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic, thyme, parsley, 5 tablespoons milk, salt and pepper in the bowl of an electric mixed fited with the paddle attachment.  Beat on medium speed until well mixed.  Add an additional tablespoon of milk if the spread is too thick. 
2.  To make the sandwiches, spread each slice of bread with tthe goat cheese spread.  Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and arrange on half the bread slices.  Top with the remaining bread.  Press slightly, trim off the crusts and cut the sandwiches into halves, thirds or triangles. 

A JON CAROLE TIP:  This was given to me by my 94 year old Mom - after having made zillions of sandwiches and fought crusts -- she told me to use my electric knife to take off crust - and it is amazing - clean - fast - smooth!!  One of the best tips I've ever had!

The second best was when Travis discovered that instead of struggling with sausage ball dough - getting your hands in it and wearing yourself out - put all of the ingredients in the mixer, mix well - and then roll out the balls.  Takes half the time and everything is mixed so much better!!! 

Have a great tomorrow - or today if you are reading this on Tuesday!
We have an opportunity at church to serve -- there is a young lady that needs meals and we have the change to take "freezer meals" - that we make -- not from Sam's please!, and help her out!!  Have thought of a dozen things to do - just got to nail it down, get it made - and get it to the church on Wednesday night!!!

May God bless each of you!!  Until next week - or wheneve I have something I need to share with you - Good night!!!

REFLECTIONS OF THE WEEK PAST!

Good evening!  Well - I was definitely ready for a new week when this Sunday morning rolled around!  Of course --last week was a wonderful week and I am thankful for it and for all it represented --- but I need a week of rest!  That is probably a joke!!  Michelle had a wonderful birthday - complete with beautiful and delicious cake from Chez Bazan to all kinds of special foods her Mom tried out on her friends!  One of the favorite dishes was a dip that I had received at Sweet Gourmet when I purchased some of the ingredients!   Everyone that tried it - really enjoyed it!   It is called Sweet Pepper Glaze and I will only share the recipe because I altered it a tad - and if you want to make it - you will need to go to SWEET GOURMET AND BUY THE PEPPER GLAZE!

SWEET PEPPER GLAZED CHEESE SPREAD

1/2 Cup Mayo
8 oz. package of Cream cheese
2 Cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
3 green onions, chopped with green ends
8 slices of bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1 cup of Panko Bread Crumbs
1/2 bottle of Heritage Sweet Pepper Glaze

Combine Mayo (try Dukes - also can be bought at Sweet Gourmet), cream cheese, grated cheese and green onions.  Spread into small baking dish and top with Panko Bread Crumbs.  Bake 15 to 20 minutres at 325 degrees.  Take out of oven, top with crumbled crumbled bacon and half a bottle of Sweet Pepper Glaze.  Put back into over for 5 minutes.  Sherve hot and bubbly with crackers!

I did a lot of Paula Deen cooking this past week -- never have before but her recipes in her new Christmas book inspired me!  They all turned out great!  Most especially - the beef tenderloin I bought and cooked for Thanksgiving.  I googled "How to cook a tenderloin" and watch a short video by Paula Deen.  I didn't rub mine with bacon fat - but I did do as her Aunt Peggy said, I wrapped it with bacon slices and put on the salt, pepper, and garlic.  If it had been any better, I am afraid my nephew would have killed himself on it!  IT was a rewarding dish!!!

My nephew wanted my Mom's Chicken and Dressing recipe (the same as I make) and I told him it was posted in my blog on January 4, 2010.  Lol - it was not there.  It seems the first 7 days of the blog have been wiped out!  Thankfully I have copies of those posts and will recycle them -- maybe beginning January1, 2012!  However, since the dressing is so delicious - I am going to give you that recipe tonight!

Mark's lesson today was so great - it was about Jesus' example of a servant's heart and how that is what God wants from us!  The story, of course, was about Jesus washing the disciples feet and how forgiving Jesus was of Judus -- even knowing that he would betray him.  He gave him a place of honor to sit - and gave him every chance to repent of the deed he planned to do.  My goodness, if Jesus could forgive Judus - how can we have the audacity to not forgive our enemies?  Sure makes you think, doesn't it??  So our question is -- how can we make sure we not only have the heart to serve others, but that we do?
 I am also going to give you my Thanksgiving/Christmas Sweet Potato recipe.  A sweet friend of ours said today, "Those potatoes had a more taste - the more you eat, the more you want!" 

So here are the two promised recipes for the evening!

Mom’s Chicken and Dressing

                                                                         Jon Carole Gilbreath
Take one cut up chicken and boil in water until tender.  Save the liver, gizzard and back for later for giblet gravy.  Allow to cool until you can work with it and remove from bone.    Use two pans (9 inch round) of cornbread (I use Jiffy but Mom likes her homemade – she says Jiffy is too sweet!)

Crumble the cornbread into small pieces; add 6 to 8 slices of white bread torn into small pieces.  If you have any left over biscuits – break a couple of those in it too. 

 Cook 1 cup chopped celery and 1 cup onion, and several (3 or 3) fresh green onions in the broth from the chicken until translucent.  Remove from stove and pour over bread – stirring until moistened.  Add more broth (You will want to have on hand 1 large container of bought broth in order to have plenty) until thinned.  Add about 8 eggs and stir until they are broken in and mixed well.  Add black pepper and salt to taste (probably 1 tablespoon salt, and black pepper until you can taste it.  Pour about 1 to 2 cups 1% milk into mixture – mixture should be juicy – but not very soupy.  (The milk and the thinness will give you a tender dressing.  Stir in the chicken you removed from bone.  Taste again to make sure flavor is good with right amount of salt and peppers.  Pour into greased pan(s), and Bake at 400 degrees for about an hour – or until set.

GIBLET GRAVY FOR DRESSING:  Take the parts that were saved for gravy (liver, back, gizzard) and up into 2 cups chicken broth.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat to about 1-1/2 cups. 

Boil 2 eggs and when boiled – peel.  Slice into gravy mixture.  Continue to slowly cook and when dressing is partially set, dip out about 2 to 3 tablespoons and put into gravy.  Let cook and if too thin – add a little more dressing or make a thickening by adding 2 to 3 tablespoons corn starch to ½ cup very cold water and stir well and slowly add to gravy!  Serve over dressing.   (Now don’t go adding Cream of Mushroom soup or Cream of Chicken soup or sage to this dressing or giblet gravy – OR YOU WON’T HAVE MY MOM’S CHICKEN AND DRESSING!!!  Enjoy!!

INGREDIENTS TO BUY:

1 WHOLE OR CUT UP CHICKEN (If cut up, you might not get giblets so you might want to buy some livers or something.)

Corn bread mix
White bread
Celery
1 yellow onion
1 pkg. fresh green onions
1 large container of chicken broth
1 Dozen eggs
Milk 

SWEET POTATO RECIPE

Jon Carole Gilbreath

TO SERVE 12 to 15.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

 6 TO 8 large sweet potatoes, washed, peeled and chopped into chunks

1 stick butter + 1/2 stick
¾ cup brown sugar + ½ cup
1 scant teaspoon baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
½ tsp. vanilla
½ cup pecan halves
1 bag miniature marshmallows

Bring a large saucepan of water to the boiling stage.  Add chopped up potatoes into boiling water and boil until very tender when pierced with a fork.  Drain well and add salt, baking powder and butter.  Mash the potatoes until there are no chunks.  Add brown sugar and vanilla flavoring.  Mix well with mixer – until creamy and smooth.    Taste to make sure you have enough salt, sugar, etc.  Pour into large casserole dish. 

Combine ½ stick butter, ½ cup brown sugar and pecans into an electric chopper and chop and blend until all ingredients are blended together and pecans are in small pieces.  Then spoon this over the potato casserole.  Bake for about 15 minutes and then remove from oven and spread the pecan topping over the entire casserole.  Bake another 15 minutes and then remove and add enough marshmallows to cover top of casserole dish.  Return to oven and allow marshmallows to brown.   Remove from oven and enjoy!!!

Well - that is it for the evening!  Hope you try the recipes and enjoy them!   

Now let's all - get up in the morning, pray for God's guidance on how we can serve someone else this week - and then get busy doing it!

Good night and God Bless each of you!

ANOTHER WEEK - ANOTHER BLOG

Good evening!  Already after 9:30 - but just had to tell you again about the impact the two speakers I heard last week have had on me!  Both talked about us doing what we can for others - spiritually - by either telling someone "our story" or "Jesus stories that relate to their situation," and the other about the seeds in us that need to be sowed.  He said each of us had something (a talent) that we might not even recognize or realize we had - or have refused to use it because we are either afraid or lazy.  That has haunted me -- I know there is more I could do!  I love to cook - and want to do a cookbook - but not just a cookbook but one that will be used!  If you have read of much of my blog - you know I love to write - I am sure I am not the best - but words do seem to flow through me.  Sometimes I don't even know what I am going to say and then the words start to come!  So I've been thinking about "our story" and how our life with Michelle might help others.  I certainly have made many mistakes during this life of raising her -- but I feel we have done a lot right too!  So I've started writing the story - amazing how the years melt away and memories of even the first months and years come flowing back!  I am not sure how long it will take - but if the blogs are shorter - time is divided!

Michelle's birthday is Tuesday and I am planning a small party for her.  I want it to be special though and am pulling out all the recipes - old and new to make lots of goodies. Of course the cake needed to be a decorated one, so Chez Bazan is doing it - but I am doing the rest!   Several of the recipes are coming from Paul Dean's new Christmas book.    Michelle had said she wanted red punch so I am making Cranberry - Pomegranate Punch from Paula's book.

CRANBERRY - POMEGRANATE PUNCH
  (Makes 17 servings )

Ice cubes:
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Distilled water.

Punch:
1 - 64 oz. bottle cranberry pomegranate juice, chilled
1 bottle sparkling apple cider, chilled
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup tonic water, chilled*

(1) To prepare ice cubes:
Divide pomegranate seeds and cranberries between 2 ice cube trays.  Add distilled water to trays until nearly full; freeze for 8 hours or until solid.

(2) To prepare pnch:  Unmold ice cubes into a punch bowl.  Add cranberry-pomegranate juice, apple cider, pomegranate juice and tonic water, stirring gently to combine.  Serve immediately.
* I don't really like the taste of tonic water, so I will probably substitute ginger ale. 

Another recipe I am making is:

SAUSAGE AND APPLE BITES

2-1/2 cups baking mix  (Jiffy is good as well as Bisquick)
1 pound raw bulk breakfast sausage, hot or mild
1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped celery
2 tablespoons grated onion
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 medium apples, finely chopped (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped finely)

Preparation: 
Combine all ingredients, knead until well blended.  Form into  1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet.  Bake in 20 minutes, or until browned; turn after 10 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.

Part of the table will included Sue's wonderful Chocoate Covered Strawberries and my sister is making a Chutney Chicken Salad to be served on Pita chips!   The rest of it will be decided by how long it takes for me to make the other six or seven things!!  I know - I am crazy - but I love that daughter of mine!!!

Ok - so start thinking about "your story" or the seed you are keeping hid that just might help someone else if you let the seed grow!  Even today coming home this morning from church - there was a preacher from a cowboy church that was saying "Each of us has a talent - and we need to use it!" 

So have a great Thanksgiving week, remembering to thank the ONE that gives us all we have - all the blessings!!!

SUNDAY NIGHT THOUGHTS

My goodness - it sure gets late fast.  It is already 9:21 but just wanted to say:  Get moving - Christmas is right around the corner!  My house is almost completely reflecting Christmas except for a couple of wreaths for outside and lights on the house!  It really is festive in a subdued way.  Not as many trees and stuff -- just really great where it is!  Thanks to Angie Hines and her amazing talent!!!

Do you ever shop at Dollar General?  Well I do!  I always try to make a trip when I need washing detergent, softener, that kind of things.  But this week I found more neat Christmas things - little gifts, Christmas trivets -- got carried away!!! 

I bought a new Paula Deen Christmas book - just like a needed another one -- but it really has some fun recipes in it!!!  Can't wait to try a few of them out on friends at work! 

Here is a little recipe sent by Pillsbury.  Sounds pretty goode -- but when we googled Dried Figs - we found that Walgreens has them -- but none in Tyler.  Kilgore was the closest -- just happens a friend at work was going this weekend -- so she said she would pick us up some!

Fig and Blue Cheese Appetizer Tarts

3 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese (Neufchatel; from 8 oz. pkg), softened
2/3 cup crumbled blue cheese (3 oz.)
1/4 cup Smucker's Sweet Orange Marmelade
2 Tablespoons Balassmic vinegar
16 dried Mission figs, coarsley chopped (1 cup)
1 can (12 oz.) Pillsbury Big and Flaky refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1/2 cup Fisher Chef's Natural Chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  In small bowl mix cream cheese and blue cheese with fork until well blendfed; set aside.
In one quart saucepan, stir marmalade and vinegar over low heat until mixed; stir in figs.  Cook over low heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until figs are softened.  Remove from heat.

Remove crescent dough from package, but do not unrol.  Cut roll of dough into 16 slices.  On ungreased cookie sheets, place slices 2 inches apart.  Press center of each slice to make an indentation, 1-1/2 inches in diameter.

Place one heaping teaspoon cheese mixture into each well.  Top cheese with about 1 tablespoon fig mixture and 1/2 teaspoon pecans.

Bake 15 to 19 minutes or golden brown.  Remove from cookie sheets to cooling rack; cool 10 minutes.  Serve warm!

Well - I have a busy week coming up - but I really want to start blogging more -- so I will try. 

Today we had a guest speaker and he was really dynamic - but everything he said made sense!  I will try to get back on really soon and share some of his message!  Until then, remember:  God made a perfect world, we messed it up, and Jesus came to fix it!  So if you've messed up, let Jesus fix it!
Have a good evening!

oA WEEK OF WORK - ALL WORTH IT -- FOR THE INSPIRATION THAT CAME AT THE END OF IT!

My - what a busy weekend this turned out to be!  Busy but rewarding -- in more than one way!  My weekend actually started last weekend - when we started gathering groceries for cooking for Wednesday night at church.  Tuesday night we started making chili - which the finished product is worth the trouble -- but when you are doing six times your original recipe -- cooking 22 lbs. of meat is an overpowering job.  Then there are all the onions to chop, the cans to open, the tablespoons to measure!  Oh well, we had some compliments -- the real compliments come when you get asked for the recipe - and that happened too.  This was posted way back in either October 2010 or November 2010 -- so I am going to post it again tonight.  It is just too hard to find something published that far back!!  Then on Thursday evening, I went to get the groceries I needed to make 6 times my recipe of Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup. (posted September 11, 2011)  Cooked it on Friday evening for a Ladies Day event at church on Saturday.  An awesome day -- it was a true reward to all who attended -- well, if they were affected like I was!  The morning started with a little ice breaker and then Amy Clem gave a very inspiring and thoughtful devotional.  Amy is one of our young ladies at church and it is so wonderful to see a young person with a heart like hers - so devoted to loving the Lord and willing to share that love through her delightful personality and talent.  As she continues to grow, she will be an awesome and inspiring speaker for the Lord.  As the morning progressed Melody Parker, daughter-in-law of John and Janet Parker brought a wonderful lesson.  We had heard her before and were definitely blessed by her coming back to discuss "Recipes for Life."  She reminded us of how important it for us to take care of our bodies and how what we do at one age will affect how our bodies hold out for years to come.  She stressed proper rest, diet and exercise, and prayer.  But with prayer, she brought home our responsibilty to do our part - such as teaching our children properly, taking care of them, etc.  Here I have to say, I was guilty as sin of taking on more than I should, and certainly of not taking care of myself - after finding out I have several cracked ribs.

Then it was time for lunch - a lunch of soup, salad and desserts.  Billie Usrey made a wonderful Cheese Tortellini soup and I made my Creamy Broccoli Cheese soup.  Barbara Warner made a deliciously mixed green salad filled with fresh apples, cranberries, and walnuts.  Then several ladies brought scrumptious cakes for dessert.  The room was transformed into a beautiful fall setting with very pretty rented table toppers and decorations borrowed from Prime Timers, Billie, Barbara, and Beth.  All and all it was a wonderful combined effort.  We had prepared for the 90 people that signed up - we rented 100 china bowls, 100 forks, spoons, and tablecloths to cover tables for 100.  We used glass plates and glasses.  Of course, we were very disappointed by only 50 showing up.  We had paid for at least half of what we didn't need.  We understand that some emergencies occur, but 40???

After lunch Melody spoke to us again - taking us through a couple of exercises to give us practical ways to alleviate tension and clutter.  She was as amazing and inspiring in the afternoon as in the morning.  She is an amazing young woman with six children, the oldest 14 and the youngest only 5 months old.  She teaches, does inspiring talks, cooks, takes care of her family, and finds time to read and study her Bible, other family enrichment books,  and be good friends with many! 

The only other thing I want to say about our Saturday event - is that I felt so privileged to get to help with the food and just thank Barbara Warner for allowing me to help.  I also truly enjoyed working with Billie.  She and I have the same philosphy - "Do it right or Don't do it at all!!"

If you have seen us lately, you will have noticed that Michelle has lost weight and looks so cute -- but all of her pants are almost falling off - they are just way too big.  So I took her shopping this afternoon -- and in our quest - we shopped 4 different stores - but she came home with some really nice and cute size 6 Petite pants - and a cute top!  Yes - Mom was in pain - but determined she would have pants that fit!  SHE did this all on her own - slowly - just cutting back on her food and being more picky about what she ate.  I am so proud of her!

Ok - here is the recipe I promised:
REAL TEXAS CHILI
                       Jon Carole Gilbreath

 3 Lbs. Ground meat (I like to mix really lean meat half and half with chili meat – you get better chili)
1 Cup Flour
2 Tablespoons salt
2 Teaspoons black pepper
Work the above ingredients together until all of the flour is worked into meat.  Saute` slowly in a large, heavy pan until meat begins to change color – then add:

2 Medium onions, chopped

3 Tablespoons minced garlic
Allow to cook until done, but not brown, stirring frequently.

Then add 2 quarts hot water and simmer one hour.

Next – add:
4 Tablespoons Paprika
6 Tablespoons Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Cumin
2 Small cans tomato sauce
Simmer for 1 hour, stirring gently, but often.  Add more salt, pepper, or some Tabasco sauce to taste.  Best when made 24 hours before serving. 
Freezes well – makes great enchiladas too!!

Here is the other recipe some asked for:  The drizzle of salad dressing on the salad both on Wednesday night and Saturday.  They were made without measuring - but this is the measured recipe:

DRESSING
Combine:
1 cup Extra virgin olive oil ( or canola oil)
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
2 minced or pressed fresh garlic cloves or 1 tablespoon of dried minced garlic or omit salt and use 1 T garlic salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4th teaspoon cayenne pepper

Wisk together the sugar and remaining six ingredients together until sugar starts to dissolve.  Then while wisking, slowly add olive oil, continuing to wisk until it begins to slighly thicken.  Wisk really good again before drizzling onto salad.  NOTE:  It will not take all of this for a salad with even 5 to 6 cups of mixed greens.  Go lightly!!!  Enjoy!!!

I hope you enjoyed my journey back through Saturday as much as I have.  IT is good to have a reminder about how inspiring these young women were!!!
 Well - I had something really inspiring to give you tonight - but I will save it and go get some of that rest that Melody said we need!

I hope each of you feel as blessed as I do - to have a wonderful family - and to have the privilege of a good deed now and then!  May God bless each of you and your efforts!

ONE DAY LATE - -SORRY BUT TIME RAN OUT!!!

Well - good evening!  I am one night late -- just had too much on my mind and too busy in the kitchen to write!  Lots has happened -- one of which was one of my favorite events - Pilot Club's "Tablescapes."  WE get companies to sponsor a table (only $250.00 - which all goes to help individuals) and then decorate it - either advertising products or showing how to set a wonderful holiday table.  I have happily decorated Southside's table for the past three years and this year I asked Angie Hines, sister of Susan Myers who owns Red Barn Flowers and Gift, to help me.  Well Susan supplied all of the great decorations and Angie helped me arrange the table.  As you will be able to see - it was awesome - not really something you could add food  dishes and have a meal - but a wonderfully decorated table.  - Some of the decorations will be calmed down some - but will wind up on my table!  They are both wonderfully talented ladies who are willing to help a friend and I appreciate them so much!  Several ladies disected my table and went straight from Tablescapes to Red Barn - and for that I am also grateful.  There were many other tables just as awesome - some a lot more functional but very festive! 

I am getting ready to cook at church again on Wednesday and again on Saturday for a ladies event.  My poor husband never gets a home cooked meal anymore - I really wear myself out with all this "outside cooking!" He is very understanding and I appreciate him so much!

I tried a new recipe I heard about and it might be a good substitution - but does not do the real thing a run for its money!  The recipe for Lemon Bars:

EASY LEMON BARS

1 Angel Food Cake Mix
1 Can Lemon Pie Filling

Combine well and bake in greased and floured pan for approximately 30 minutes at 350 degrees or until done at touch. (You know when you gently touch the top, it doesn't leave an indention but bounces back.)   It puffs up kinda like a Souffle and definitely has the lemon bar taste but not the tartness or texture.  I did sprinkle with powdered sugar!!

For this Wednesday night I am having Frito pies with homemade chili, Fritos, and cheese.  The Chili recipe was posted back in 2010 - called "Real Texas Chili."  We will also have a great green salad with Spring Mix greens, Spinach, walnuts, cranberries, grapes, Feta Cheese, and an olive oil drizzle.  Dessert will be Milk Chocolate Brownies with walnuts, and Pumpkin bars. This is the last Wednesday I will be cooking until 2012 if they ask me again!

Today we had a Halloween fest with scary Halloween themed food.  Some really great efforts from several employees at our branch.  Our two hostesses deserve our greatest thanks. Melissa and Kim get the event  going each year with a rousing poem of invitation, really fun table decorations, and all out efforts for scary foods.  They deserve our greatest thanks for going all out trying to make sure our branch has something special!  This year we had "Spider Pies", a goulish halloween seafood salad, pumkin-banana cupcakes, really good and very cute skeleton pimento cheese sandwiches to just name a few!  I made a Great white Pumpkin ball - which was ridiculously expensive because it called for two logs of goat cheese.   I had no idea - but those little 2 X 1" logs were $4.79 a piece.  Here is the recipe and then I will tell you what I did with the remainder!!

GREAT WHITE PUMPKIN

2 - 12 OZ. blocks white Extra Sharp WHITE Cheddar cheese
1 - 8 0z. cream cheese
2 - logs blue chees (found mine at Fresh)
1/2 tsp. black pepper. 
That was it. -- and Boring TASTE!!!

So - I added 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper and 2 tablespoons minced garlic (Penzey's of course)

Then I rounded into a ball resembling a pumpkin.

Then you are suppose to make lines so it will look like a real pumpkin.  I made a mess - so this morning Travis redid it and it really was great.  He added pretsels for stem and then took some grapefine from our garden and put the leaves and vine on top.

I had lots of compliments - brought the 1/3 that was left - combined it with Pimento cheese fixings - more cheese, pimento, jalapeno, Duke's mayonnaise and I believe we have some awesome Pimento cheese!

Well - it is really getting late and I am really, really tired - just thinking about the six recipes of Chili we will make and all of the desserts! 

Have a great Tuesday - do something great for someone else - and Praise God for all of your blessings!

Thanks for checking in!

GREAT WEEKEND IS ALMOST GONE

Good Sunday evening!  All is well and the world is back on it axis at the Gilbreath home now that Travis is home from Miami.  Dogs are content, Travis gets his job back of feeding and walking our little furry babies,  Michelle goes back to her room to sleep, and I have time tonight to write my blog!  WOW - when on link is missing - nothing fits.  I wonder if that is how Travis feels when I am away??? But I am glad that  he and Mark had a good time and accomplished whatever it was they went to accomplish!

  I was just to tired of food after cooking Wednesday night!  Basically it turned out ok - but now I have to decide what I will cook for next Wednesday!  I had planned to do a nice stew, cornbread and great dessert -- but now at the Ladies Day Retreat - the menu is soup -- so I don't want to rain on their parade - and because it is only three days later, I am reconsidering!!!  

I went to Fresh this afternoon -- the more I go there - the more I like it!  It is just amazing at the choices that one has when shopping there!  Of course it was a little strange - seeing several people walking around shopping and sipping on Margarita's on a Sunday afternoon!  I did buy some wonderful tasting bread - it is cranberry orange -- will be delicious for breakfast!
Here is a cake recipe I plan to make very, very soon!

PUMPKIN POUND CAKE WITH BUTTERMILK GLAZE

The glaze on this mouthwatering cake is enough to make you want to lick the bowl.  Drain the canned pumpkin before making the cake batter to keep the cake's texture light.  Yeild:  16 slices
INGREDIENTS
Cake:
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cu packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups alll purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (the best I've found is Penzey's)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup fat-free buttermilk

Glaze:
1/3 cup fat free buttermilk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon baking soda

Preparation

To prepare the cake, lightly coat a 10 inch tube pan with cooking spray; dust with 1 tablespoon flour.  Spread pumpkin over 2 layers of paper towels; cover with 2 additional layers of paper towels.  Let stand about 10 minutes.  Scrape drained pumpkin into a bowl.

Place 3/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed 3 minutes or until well blended.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in pumpkin and vanilla.  Lightly spoon 3 cups flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife.  Combine flour and next four ingredients (through salt) in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk.  Add flour mixture and 3/4 cup buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

Spoon batter into prepared pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack.  Remove from pan, and cool completely on rack.

To prepare glaze, combine 1/3 cup buttermilk and remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat; bring to a boil.  Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly, remove from heat.  Drizzle cake with glaze.

Cake really sounds delicious!  I would love to cook it for the dessert for next Wednesday -- but that would require I make 8 of them!!!

How many of you like Ceasar Salad?  If you do, stay tuned for an easy, light recipe that will make your mouth water!!!

Tonight I heard something I had never heard about - but makes sense!  God doesn't need us!  WHEN HE wants something done, whether it is a new church to be planted in a foreign land or someone encouraged with attention from their brothers and sisters.  When we have a thought  - like I should take them some food, or I should at least send a card - but time and other things deter us and we let the time go by and don't do anything.  Then we see in a bulletin thank you notes for the cards, expressions of love by the food and calls one received - we know God gave us a hint, we let it slip by - so he gave someone else the thought and they responded.  I'm sure this has happened to all of us -- surely I am not the only one -- so let's all try to answer these requests of God and be more conscious of uplifting and helping our fellow man!  God will bless our efforts!!!

Later!!!


Preheat oven to 350 degrees

SUNDAY EVENING - PART 2

Was that video awesome or what?  I can't wait to try it!!! 

It was great being with my niece today too!  She is such a delight and so entertaining.  She is becoming quite a whiz at playing games.  She keeps a Monopoly game going with her Meme - and is always challenging me to some game!  She is so sharp!!! 

Well - I am attempting something quite different from anything I have ever done!  I have the beginnings of "Cake Balls" started - but it is a slow process!  First you bake a cake - then you crumble it up and mix it with icing.  Then it needs to chill overnight or for 5 or 6 hours.  After that -  you take and roll out about 1-1/2 inch balls.  Then they must freeze.  Then the fun starts  - you dip them in coating and decorate.  Mine are in the freezer right now!  Guess I will dip and decorate tomorrow night!!!  I'll take a picture of my attempts and post it for you - with further and more detailed instructions!!! 

This afternoon we went and purchased the groceries for the Wednesday night meal we will prepare.  IT is going to be Glazed, spiral cut ham, Sweet potato casserole, green beans almond, rolls and Apple tortillas.  So - come eat with us!!

Thinking about Mark's sermon tonight led me to think about an email I received today.  It was about how thankful we should be for our washers and dryers.  I want to share this with you!!

Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe

this is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook -
with spelling errors and all.

                 WARSHING CLOTHES
                  Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water. Set tubs so smoke
wont blow in eyes if wind is pert. Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with
boiling water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then
rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and
starch.
Hang old rags on fence.
Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
Turn tubs upside down.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.. Brew cup of tea, sit
and rock a spell and count your blessings.
================================================
Paste this over your washer and dryer Next time when you think things are
bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give
thanks.. First thing each morning you should run and hug your washer and
dryer, also your toilet---those two-holers used to get mighty cold!

Well - it really is getting late - so I am going to sign off!  I'll let you know how the Cake Balls turn out!  Have blessed tomorrow - and remember to Thank God for your blessings!  They all come from Him!!

For you non-southerners - wrench means, rinse ;)
AND WE THINK WE HAVE IT ROUGH!

That was a true story -- I don't remember all of that - but we did have clothes lines - clothes smelled so good.  My Mom would make my sister and I full, full, net pedicoats and we would wash them - and then starch them really stiff - and hang them on the lines to dry.  I would stretch mine across a couple of lines so it would stand straight out!!!  Oh what we girls did back then for "fashion!!"

SUNDAY EVENING ALREADY AND IT IS GETTING LATE - Part 1

Good evening - hope you attended worship services as good as ours.  We had a substitute song leader - but singing was just as good!  Mark's sermon was one of the best ever!  Tonight his lesson was to remember to look up to say Thank you to our Heavenly Father who provides every blessing we have!

Looks like I can't type below it!  So -- check out Part 2 for tonight Too - but watch this first! 

A COOL EVENING - SOUP AND STEWS ARE IN ORDER!

Good evening!  Thought I would take this time to update you!  Yesterday Travis came home with his lip black,  I was shocked; I had forgotten that he had a follow-up appointment with dermatologist.. They did a biopsy on his lip six week ago.  They froze his lip three times and didn't actually say the big "C" word, but told him she didn't like the biopsy report.  So he has been in major pain today.  I didn't go to church but cooked him homemade chicken-rice soup!  He only ate one helping - not sure if appetite wasn't the same as usual or he just tolerated it.  Please pray the lip will heal properly and all will be ok!!

Monday was a holiday from the bank so I made a delicious (even if I do say so myself) beef stew.  So - here is the recipe as I remember it!  It makes a large amount -- but it went fast!!

COUNTRY BEEF STEW

1 large pkg. stew meat or cut up a big nice piece of sirloin steak in inch squares
1 onion chopped
2 to 3 garlic cloves, pressed
1 pkg. (5 or 6 large) carrot, cleaned and cut into about 1/2inch chunks
8 to 10 large red potatoes - peeled and cut into at least fourths
1 can hominy, drained
1 can (15-1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste ( I love the paste in the tube)
Salt to taste
Good shakes of black pepper (of course I used Penzey's Fresh Ground and probably used 1 tablespoon)
3 large bay leaves
1 tsp. sugar
2 tablespoons Pensey's Beef Roast Flavoring
2 cups cheap red wine
2 tablespoons Canola oil

Heat Canola oil in large skillet and add beef - seasoned with salt and generously covered with black pepper.  Saute until red is missing.  Add onion and garlic, red wine and bay leaves.  Cook until onion is tender and wine is cooked down.  Place beef mixture  in a large crock pot.  Start on high and add 2 cups hot water and 2 tsp. chicken instant chicken bouillon.  Allow to cook until starts to boil.  Add carrots.  Then add potatoes and let cook for about 20 minutes on high.  Then add tomatoes, hominy,sugar,  and other seasoningsm- except tomato paste.   Let cook until meat is tender.  Check water and if needed add 1 cup very hot.  Taste and add salt and black pepper to taste.  Once meat is tender add the tomato paste and cook just a little longer, put on warm until ready to serve!!

Sounds involved - but it flows and I had it ready in about 4 to 5 hours.  It could have been much faster but I would  put the veggies on top of beef in crock pot and go shopping, or go to Mom's.  Normally I would have cooked it all in a big old iron pan with a lid  either left it on the stove top or put in the oven for about 2 hours!  Same thing accomplished.!!! 

I had bought a chicken and had planned to cook it and make chicken enchiladas but Travis wanted soup so that is what I did!!  Yes - I actually bought a whole chicken, cut it up, took off 98% of the skin, then boiled it. Why - when there is every choice at the grocery store:  whole chicken cup up; chicken breasts, with skin or skinless, with bones or boneless; chicken legs or thighs - skinless or with skin.  Well - here is a lesson in being a little old fashion!   The whole chicken was $4.69 - the cut up chicken was $10.49 (smallest one and that was at Super 1) - so I decided I could take about 5 minutes and cut that old bird up!!!!  Yes - something I hate worse than cutting up chicken is sacking my own groceries , taking them to the car, and putting them in the car.  Then you have to unload them at hone!  But - I was near there when I got finished getting hair done -and it is cheaper - so I bit the bullet and did it!!

Oh here is a tip I have been intending to give!  Have you tried the Gourmet Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Pecans at Sams.  It is in the deli (where special cheeses are located).  IT is wonderful - I love it.  It seems to have a dressing that has poppy seeds.  It would be great for a luncheon or just to eat!  I shared it with my sister and then my Mom. 

The only deed I did on Monday was take my Mom a big helping (probably two helpings) of stew and earlier the chicken salad -- but that was good!  So tomorrow we all need to try to make someone else happy!!!    I hope you have a great tomorrow and God will grant you a special blessing.

SUNDAY - TALENT IS SHARED - BLESSING THE CONGREGATION

What a sad week it has been!  Life goes on - and gradually I am becoming use to walking in without starting to cry.  Our other two babies seem to be trying to make it up to us.  They stay closer and come where we are for pets and hugs.  They are precious too -- just no silly antics. 

Last week was very busy - there are just some weeks that meetings take up more of  my time than anything else!  I did take an extra hour for lunch on Thursday and atttended a cooking class that Sweet Gourmet was having.  It was about how to make the proper (and delicious) bread puddings!  One was a dessert - Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with a Caramel Banana Rum Sauce.  The other was a main dish - Wild Mushroom and Gruyere Bread Pudding.  Not being a dessert eater, I loved this one.  I can't share the recipes because even though Chef Alyssa Wilhite didn't ask us not to,but I feel it is a professional courtesy to not do it.  She had said at one meeting with her that she was very protective of her recipes.  I loved getting new tips, a couple of good recipes, and finding out the use of some new wonderful products.  Several of those attending must attend all of the classes and were quick to take over all of the preparing - I think all I got to do was mash up some pecans!  So I was disappointed that the duties were not shared more -- but guess I already knew how to  beat eggs, fold in ingredients, melt butter!! Ha!  I did learn one thing I didn't know - "don't ever crack eggs on the edge of the bowl or cabinet, crack them on a flat service."   That way you don't have jagged pieces that can break off and fall in your bowl.  I tried it today - and they really crack smooth - with no jagged edges.  You are also less likely to break the yellow as it goes out of the shell!

Today - I decided to use my creative spirit to rework an old favorite!  Banana Pudding.  So here is the recipe - I really made it up as I went.

Caramel Banana Pudding

1 Cup Sugar
3 Tablespoons flour
3 eggs yokes
2 Cups Milk
1/2 tsp. salt
Add  2tablespoonsCinnamon Honey Butter
1/4 Cup Caribbean Banana Caramel
2 large Bananas
2 to 3 tablespoons white rum
Vanilla Wafers

Begin the pudding as any other pudding.  Combine sugar, flour and salt in heavy sauce pan.  Beat eggs in 2 cup measuring cup and then fill the cup to 2 cups with milk, whisking well to combine.  Stir into flour mixture.  Start the heat on medium low, stirring well.  While mixture is heating up, slice bananas and cover with the rum.  When the pudding mixture is good and hot stir in the 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Honey Butter allowing it to melt, then add the bananas and rum.  Cook until thickened and then add the Caribbean Banana Caramel.  If mixture gets too thin, combine one large tablespoon of corn starch to about 1/4 cup verycold water and then stir into banana mixture, allow to start to boil again and take off burner. 
Put a few vanilla wafers in bowl, cover with banana mixture, add a few more cookies and top with remaining mixture.  For finish, you may crush one vanilla wafer over the top!   So far - good reviews!!!

Well - tonight can be called "Dessert Night!"  Here is another easy and quick cake to bake!  It is a Pina Colada Cake.  No it is not another recipe with rum, etc.  By the way, the alcohol cooks out - anytime it is put in a recipe where it is cooked - and just leaves a good flavor!

PINA COLADA CAKE
1 (2 Layer size) package Extra Moist White Cake Mix
1/4 cup Oil
3 Eggs
1 Cup Sour Cream
1 - 8-1/2 oz. Can Cream of Coconut

Pina Colada Frosting:

1 - 8 oz. pkg. Cream Cheese
1 lb. Powdered Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
1 - 8-1/4 oz. Can Crushed Pineapple, drained well and blotted dry on paper towel
Angel Flake Coconut

In large bowl combine cake mix, oil, eggs, sour cream and Cream of Coconut and beat.  Pour into 2 greased and floured 8 or 9 inch layer pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.  Cool in pan 15 minutes.  Remove and cool completely on rack.  Frost with Pina Colada Frosting.    You can also cook in 9 X 12 pan and spread icing over all of it!!!

Well - next time - I will try to give you some main dish recipes or side dishes!  Although I don't normally eat dessert, I love to cook them! 

One more tip:  (got this one from the class too!)  Don't ever test for doneness by sticking toothpick or tester in pudding.  If it comes out clean - you've cooked it too long.  Just feel -  you can tell if it is firm - and if it is firm - it is done enough.  Any recipe will continue to cook after taken off heat or out oven - and you will have a much softer and nicer product!!

Have a great Columbus Day tomorrow!  I have lots of plans!!!  I want to do something nice for someone - so many needy - I have to decide who to try to bless - and hope you will do the same. 

DEDICATED TO A TENDER MEMORY - MY HARLEY

FIRST OFF - LET ME SAY -- IF YOU'VE RECENTLY LOST SOMEONE CLOSE - A PARENT, A SPOUSE, A CHILD - My heart hurts for you but I don't want you to read this and think "oh that crazy woman - she doesn't know grief!"  I do know grief and what you don't understand is my Harley was my substitution for the grandchildren I would never have, my other children that I will never have - he represented so much to me!  He loved me and I loved him.  Tonight I was cooking -- and it broke my heart -- the only thing that got in my way was a stool I had used to get something down from the cabinet that I could not reach!  Normally he would have been right here - either barking for a bite or just being here with me!

So let me tell you a little about my Harley(I think I can do this) In January 2001, I was begging for a new dog.  Our poodle - Nugget had been gone several years - so to placate me Travis took me to Canton and all the way - I was thinking " I will not buy a dog in Canton."  So - none of the dogs even tempted me until we were leaving and there were these little Schnauzers - with Schnauzer cuts and ears clipped.  Travis picked one up and we were looking at him and he reached up and nipped Travis' chin.  That did he, he never put him down.  We brought him home and he was so little - I was scared of him, but I called my sister to come over.  She fell in love with him and I did too.  But every name I thought of wasn't right - Alice didn't like it, Travis didn't like it.  For two weeks the baby didn't have a name.  THen we were watching the Westminister Dog Show and a little dog came out and his name was Harley.  My phone rang and my sister said, "I know what you can name him!" and I said  "he has a name, HARLEY!"  In just two weeks we had figured out he was different - bad to the bone - he wanted to bite everything!  From there it was love, love, love.  I taught him to "Patty cake" and just last week we did it one last time - he would roll the ball to me - and follow me everywhere - he was still doing that on Thursday before he died.    Three years later I bought Lexie for Travis and then one year later, kinda by accident,  Travis saw Beemer and came home and told me about him.  So we wound up with three wonderful Schnauzers - and Lexie and Beemer are wonderful, sweet, beautiful, and precious -- but they are like twins, never one without the other.  They are laid back - don't really care if they are in the room with us or not.  Harley was the loner -- he was always with us - and if I made 100 trips to the back of the house, he was either right behind me - or in front of me - looking back to make sure I followed.  He loved his toys and would go get them and shake them with all his might and then lift his head and swing it.  The last one he slung was on the coffee table on Friday.    At Christmas 2001 - he started stealing Christmas ornaments off the Christmas tree and Christmas 2010 was no different.  I have a picture of him coming around the corner with an ornament in his mouth.  He loved to steal wet wash clothes and would hide them and then when he was let out of their room, would just fly to get it!  HE was so unique and so wonderful -- and my heart is broken - and I wonder if it will ever heal!  I know - he was just a dog - but no - he was so much more to us!  He was joy, fun, entertainment and love.  He loved us and we love him.   Here are a couple of pictures!  I will post more as time goes by.  If they don't show up as you read - just click the little icon in the frame.

Harley - with his little crocked ear and Harley in the middle - spokesman for the rest!!

So - no, I can't say "good-bye" yet!  He is in so many of my thoughts! 

Well - this blog is supposed to be about cooking - and I did cook tonight -- but my heart hurt as I did.  I did cook the Pumpkin-Pecan bread that I posted the last time I wrote.  It turned out wonderful and served with Pampered Chef's Caramel Sauce - family was pleased!!  So make the bread - everyone will love it. 

P. S.  I only used 2-1/2 cups sugar and added 1 Tablespoon vanilla. 

WONDERFUL!  I served drizzled with caramel sauce and everyone loved it!  You just must try it -- if you cook at all!!!

I have a wonderful - well it sounds wonderful, and very simple Maranara Sauce and that will be the next thing I cook.   So why don't you try it and let me know what you think!  I got it out of the Dallas paper and  this editor had been to Spain and every restaurant has Penne All' Arrabbiata so she tried it and fell in love with it.  She came back to her test kitchen and reinvented it.  She said "Arrabbiata" means "anger!"  So - in case you didn't see the recipe - here it is:

PENNE ALL'ARRABBIATA

2 oz. Dry penne pasta for each serving (see note)

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thinly

1 teaspoon red pepper (see note)

1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 tsp salt

1 - 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

Shredded parmesan cheese, to taste for serving.

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and set hot cooked pasta aside.

While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a 2 quart or larger saucepan.  Add garlic and red pepper flakes to hot oil.  Add chopped red bell pepperand salt; stir and cook for two minutes or until bell pepper begins to soften.  Add tomatoes and reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer sauce until pasta is done.

For each serving, toss hot pasta and 1/3 cup of sauce together in a pasta bowl.  Top each serving with shredded parmesan cheese, to taste and serve.

Makes 4 cups sauce, enough for 12 servings.  Freeze leftover saucein an airtight container for up to 3 months. 

NOTE:  Use 2 oz. of dry pasta for each serving, and toss with 1/3 cup of the sauce..  Red pepper flakes can be added to taste.  one teaspoon gives the sauce a nice, smooth heat.  Add additional, to taste, after sauce is cooked to increase the heat level. 

Per serving:  Calories 240!!!  Carbs 48 grams; Protein 9 grams

I think the sauce would be great on chicken, or a whole wheat pasta, pork chops or eggplant.

So try it!!!!

Have a great tomorrow - do something great - for someone else - and remember - if you have a pet - especially a dog -- it love you -- and give it your love.  Your heart may break later - but the love you received will be worth it!!!

FALL IS FINALLY IN THE AIR - READY FOR PUMPKIN, APPLES AND SPICE

Good evening!  Watching the cowboys or Dancing with the Stars?  I have been trying to figure out how to delete old posts on Facebook!  IT seems by "upgrading" they made it much more complicated because I still have not figured out how!  If you know - please face book me and let me know!

Just got home from work, an Executive Board Meeting for Pilot Club, followed by a meeting with a committee from church!  Tomorrow I have a Red Cross board meeting, Wednesday is church again   - all of this was preceded with an all day Pilot Club Fall Council in Longview on Saturday, and a funeral for a precious lady on Sunday that I would not have wanted to miss but seiously- I want Jon Carole, Travis and Michelle time!!!

I am ready for the weather to stay cooler and me have time to start cooking again!  I have some great ideas and great recipes!  At a Pampered Chef meeting, a dish was prepared using chicken, Julienne carrots, and PC's Ginger-Wasabi Sauce.  IT was delicious and I now have the sauce and the Julienne Peeler!  I am ready to cook!!!  Also don't you think it is time to cook FALL!  Pumpkins, apples, sweet potatoes, Pecans, and simmered cider!  My new Southern Living is full of delicious sounding recipes and adorable pumpkins!  Can't wait to try some pumpkin decorating.

Here is one of the first recipes I plan to make: 

PECAN PUMPKIN BREAD

1-1/2 cups chopped pecans
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon  pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 cup Canola oil
4 large eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

Stir together flour and next four ingredients in a large bowl, and make a well in center of mixture.  Whisk together pumpkin, next two ingredients, and 2/3 cup water; add  to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.  Stir in pecans.  Spoon batter into 2 greased and floured 9 X 5 inch loaf pans.  Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from pans and cool completely (about 1 hour).  Makes 2 loaves.

That recipe can also be used to make Sticky-Bun Pumpkin Muffins - but you will need to buy the October 2011 Southern Living to get the directions for that!!!


FOUR BOYFRIENDS -
(Not what you think)

 Once upon a time there was a girl who had four boyfriends.

  She loved the fourth boyfriend the most and adorned him
with rich robes and treated him to the finest of
delicacies. She gave him nothing but the best.
She also loved the third boyfriend very much and was always
showing him off to neighboring kingdoms. However, she
feared that one day he would leave her for another.

 She also loved her second boyfriend. He was her confidant
and was always kind, considerate and patient with her.
Whenever this girl faced a problem, she could confide in
him, and he would help her get through the difficult times.
The girls first boyfriend was a very loyal partner and had
made great contributions in maintaining her wealth and
kingdom. However, she did not love the first boyfriend .
Although he loved her deeply, she hardly took notice of
him.

One day, the girl fell ill and she knew her time was short.

She thought of her luxurious life and wondered, "I now
have four boyfriends with me, but when I die, will I be
a alone."
Thus, she asked the fourth boyfriend, "I loved you the
most, endowed you with the finest clothing and showered
great care over you. Now that I'm dying, will you follow
me and keep me company?" "No way!", replied the fourth
boyfriend, and he walked away without another word.
His answer cut like a sharp knife right into her heart.
The sad girl then asked the third boyfriend, "I loved you
all my life. Now that I'm dying, will you follow me and
keep me company?" "No!, replied the third boyfriend.
"Life is too good! When you die, I'm going to marry
someone else!" Her heart sank and turned cold .....
She then asked the second boyfriend, "I have always turned
to you for help and you've always been there for me. When
I die, will you follow me and keep me company?"

"I'm sorry, I can't help you out this time!," replied the
second boyfriend. "At the very most, I can only walk with
you to your grave."
His answer struck her like a bolt of lightning, and the
girl was devastated ......

Then a voice called out: "I'll go with you. I'll follow you
no matter where you go." The girl looked up, and there was
her first boyfriend. He was very skinny as he suffered
from malnutrition and neglect.
Greatly grieved, the girl said, "I should have taken much
better care of you when I had the chance!"

In truth, you have four boyfriends in your lives:

 Your fourth boyfriend is your body! No matter how much
time and effort you lavish in making it look good, it will
leave you when you die.

Your third boyfriend is your possessions, status , and
wealth. When you die, it will all go to others.

Your second boyfriend is your family and friends. No matter
how much they have been there for you, the furthest they
can stay by you is up to the grave.

And your first boyfriend is your soul. Often neglected in
pursuit of wealth, power and pleasures of the world.
However, your soul is the only thing that will follow you
wherever you go. Cultivate, strengthen and cherish it now,
for it is the only part of you that will follow you to the
throne of God and continue with you throughout Eternity.
In essence, it's the REAL you......

Thought for the day: Remember, when the world pushes you
to your knees, you're in the perfect position to pray.
Pass this on to someone you care about - I just did.
Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect. It means
you've decided to see beyond the imperfections. PRAISE
HIM!

I thought this was a great reminder and decided to share it with you - my loyal readers.  May God bless each of you - and you in turn, bless someone else.