Saturday, May 31, 2008

Supper on the Deck

There are many different ways to cook corn on the bar-b-q, but we've found the tastiest and easiest way is to just put the ears right on the grill - no need to pre-soak. Rub a little oil on them first, and in about ten minutes they are done and so very yummy!

Linked to Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup.

How to Make a Lattice Pie Crust

Roll out pie crust. Using pastry wheel (or pizza cutter), slice crust into nine 3/4" pieces.

Lay 5 pieces over crust.

When doing this, pick up every other piece so that the ones left will all fit nicely on the pie.
You will not use the end pieces.

Peel back every other piece.

Lay one piece just to the right of the middle of the pie.

Fold the three pieces back over.

Fold back the other two pieces, lay down a piece and fold the two pieces back over.

Do the same thing on the other side of the pie...

...and you're all done!

Seal around the edge and flute.

Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the top if you'd like.

To keep the edges of my pie from browning too quickly, I use to cover the edges with foil. Using this inverted pie plate is even easier! The one I use came from one of those over-size store bought pies - it's the perfect size to cover a nine inch pie plate - just trim out the middle!

Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie
8 servings

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup corn starch
1 cup cherry juice
4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 recipe double pie crust

In a sauce pan, combine sugar and corn starch; gradually stir in cherry juice until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat; add cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg and extract. Place one pie crust in pie plate and pour in filling. Make a lattice crust. Seal and flute edges. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 and bake 45-50 minutes longer or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Enjoy!


Link
"If we wish away the moments, they will be gone.
The things we have wanted to leave-
the mess, the noise, the obligations-will be gone,
but so will the children!
This is true of every moment of life.
If we do not see its joys, if we do not make the most of it,
it will pass-and so will its opportunities."

~Jaroldeen Edwards

Enjoy your weekend! :-)

Friday, May 30, 2008

Garden Fresh Taco Salad

Garden Fresh Taco Salad
6 servings

1 pound ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning mix (or use recipe below)
1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
3 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/4 onion, diced
1 cup (4 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) monterrey jack cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup salsa
crushed tortilla chips

Cook beef; drain. Stir in 1/2 cup water and taco seasoning; simmer. In a large bowl, toss lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheeses, and beef. In a small bowl combine sour cream and salsa. Pour over salad; sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips and toss. Add extra salsa on each serving if desired. Enjoy!

Homemade Taco Seasoning
to season one pound ground beef

1 teaspoon instant minced onion
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper


For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,
Father we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
For blue of stream and blue of sky,
Father, we thank Thee.
For pleasant shade of branches high,
Father we thank Thee.
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
For this new morning with its light,
Father, we thank Thee.
For rest and shelter of the night,
Father, we thank Thee.
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven , we thank Thee.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Seaside Summer I" by Vitali

Thursday, May 29, 2008

The New Pool

it's...big!

Thank you Daddy!!! :-)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo
4 servings

1/2 cup butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces fettuccine noodles

Melt butter. Add cream, garlic powder, and pepper; stir and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in parmesan cheese. Cook fettuccine noodles according to package directions. Toss cooked noodles with sauce, turn on the Italian music, and serve! 

“The easeful days,
The dreamless nights;
The homely round of plain delights;
The calm, unambitioned mind,
The simple stuff of summer time.”

~Aster Austin Dobson

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Summer' s Day in a Flower Garden" by Robert Payton Reid

Wonderful Things of Summertime...


backyard swimming pools
flip flops
watermelon

vine ripe tomatoes
fireworks
swing sets
bar-b-q
sundresses

kitchen curtains dancing in the breeze
lightening bugs

cook outs
beach towels
suntans

good books
ankle bracelets
homemade ice cream
summer movies
daisies in a mason jar

parades
swimming holes
cicadas 
cherry pie
floppy hats
popsicles
shell jewelry
picnics

sunflowers
the library
tubing
honeysuckle
hammocks

sun tea
peaches
black-eyed susans
butterflies

camping
farmers markets
grilled corn on the cob
hot pink toenail polish
rope swings
the beach!
dewberries
4th of July

porch swings
wildflowers
aloe vera gel
farmer’s markets
snow cones

the lake
tire swings
sleeping porches
shade trees 

ladybugs
sand castles

moonlit walks
road trips
bare feet
straw purses

sunshine
ripe strawberries

fresh squeezed lemonade
drive-ins
afternoon thunderstorms
homemade pickles
s'mores
carefree children


Linked to Farm Girl Friday Blog Hop #111

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

First Day of Summer!

Our traditional first-day-of-summer breakfast - out for doughnuts. A trip to Hobby Lobby for new craft activities and a visit to the library to load up on books. Welcome summer! :-)

Basket Carnival

I am participating in the-basket-carnival at orgjunkie. I am sharing how I organize some of my bathroom cabinets. This tall cabinet is not very deep. I feel it wouldn't be a wise use of space to store linens in it. I also do not have a traditional medicine cabinet in my bathroom. So, I use recycled baby wipe containers, labeled with my label maker, to store my cosmetics, medicines and toiletries. Be sure and stop by the-basket-carnival for lots of great ideas to use baskets, containers, and totes for organizing!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake Pie

Chocolate Marble Cheesecake Pie
8 servings

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
1 square semisweet baking chocolate, melted
1 chocolate graham pie crust

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla; mix well. Add egg and blend. Combine 3 tablespoons of pie mixture with melted chocolate. Pour pie mixture into pie crust. Drop chocolate mixture by spoonfuls into pie and marble with knife. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes. Cool and refrigerate until serving. Enjoy!

Easy Baked Beans

Easy Baked Beans
16 servings

6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
2 (16 ounce) cans baked beans
3/4 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Combine ingredients and bake uncovered at 350° for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Lemon Bars

Lemon Bars
18 servings

for crust -
2 cups flour
2/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
for topping –
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
confectioners' sugar

Combine flour, butter and confectioners' sugar; pat into a rectangular baking dish. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Combine sugar, eggs, flour, lemon juice, extract, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until frothy; pour over crust. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until light golden brown. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Cut into serving bars and refrigerate. Enjoy!

Apple Pie


Apple Pie
8 servings

1 recipe double pie crust
6 granny smith apples
½ cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons cinnamon
extra sugar and cinnamon for topping

Peel, core and thinly slice apples. Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, flour and half of the butter. Fill pie crust and dot with remaining butter. Place top crust on, seal, and vent, or prepare lattice crust. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes. Enjoy!


Memorial Day

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of a free and undivided Republic."
~John A. Logan


"And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me."
~Lee Greenwood

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Casablanca



Supper Menus
May 26th-31st

Monday
Memorial Day cookout with friends
Tuesday
creamy chicken enchiladas, spanish rice
Wednesday
fettuccine alfredo, garlic bread sticks, caesar salad
Thursday
kung pao chicken, rice
Friday
garden fresh taco salad
Saturday
grilled chicken, steak, and pepper kabobs, long grain and wild rice, roasted corn on the cob, lettuce and tomato salad, cherry pie

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Cookies
4 dozen

1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
3 cups quick cooking oats

Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Blend in flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Mix well. Add oats and mix. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheets. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Flowers for my Sister

asters

Friday, May 23, 2008

Black Bean Enchiladas with Tomato Salsa4 servings

for enchiladas -
1 cup dried black beans
4 cups water
2 teaspoons oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 1/2 tespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 can corn kernels
1/2 jalapeno chili, seeded and diced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 flour tortillas
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese

for salsa -
2 tomatoes, chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Pick, rinse and soak beans. Combine beans and water; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours; adding water if needed. Saute onion and garlic in oil for 3 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin and saute for 1 minute. Add tomatoes, corn, jalapeno, salt and pepper; simmer for 1 minute. Combine the cooked beans and sour cream. Add the beans to the sauteed vegetables; cook until warmed through. Divide the bean mixture among the tortillas. Roll and place seam side down in a greased 13in. x 9in. baking dish and top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. For salsa, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir to mix well. Top each baked enchilada with tomato salsa and serve. Enjoy!

Heritage Schoolhouse - closed for summer!


There's a time in each year that we always hold dear,
Good old summertime!
With the birds and the trees and sweet scented breezes,
Good old summertime!

When your day's work is over, then you are in clover,
And life is one beautiful rhyme,
No trouble annoying, each one is enjoying,
The good old summertime!

Those are days full of pleasure we now fondly treasure
When we never thought it a crime
To go stealing cherries with face brown as berries
In the good old summer time!

~from "The Good Old Summertime"
composed by George Evans, lyrics by Ren Shields

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Red Schoolhouse" by Marianne Caroselli

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Day Well Spent

"If you sit down at set of sun
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard -
One glance most kind,
That fell like sunshine where it went -
Then you may count that day well spent."

~George Elliot

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Evening Sun" by M. Dipnall

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread
1 loaf

1 tablespoon honey
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 cups flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary
1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt

Dissolve honey in warm water; sprinkle yeast over top and let stand 5 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 5 cups of flour until dough comes together. Knead on a well floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place dough in a oiled bowl and turn to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Place dough onto oiled baking sheet, and flatten to cover the whole sheet. Use the tips of your fingers to make indentations all over the dough spaced about 1 inch apart. Drizzle the focaccia with 3 tablespoons olive oil; sprinkle with rosemary, parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon salt. Let rise for 10 minutes. Bake at 415 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

I've never made this before and have always called it, "that good Italian bread that I can't pronounce and it starts with an F." ;-) So I looked it up! If I'm going to bake it, I need to know how to say it. :-)

Focaccia (pronounced foe-CAT-cha) is a flat oven-baked Italian bread, which may be topped with onions, herbs or other foodstuffs, related to pizza.



To Stay at Home is Best

Stay, stay at home, my heart and rest;
Home-keeping hearts are happiest,
For those that wander they know not where
Are full of trouble and full of care;
To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,
They wander east, they wander west,
And are baffled and beaten and blown about
By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;
To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, my heart and rest;
The bird is safest in its nest,
Over all that flutter their wings and fly
A hawk is hovering in the sky;
To stay at home is best.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

illustration courtsey of
www.allposters.com
"The Road Home" by Ray Hendershot

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Cashew Chicken


Cashew Chicken
6 servings

2 cups chicken broth, divided
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bag frozen oriental stir fry vegetables
1 1/2 cups cashews
hot cooked rice

In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of broth. Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, cayenne pepper and remaining broth until smooth; set aside. Add chicken to the skillet; stir-fry over medium heat until no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and keep warm. Add garlic and vegetables to skillet; stir-fry for 3 minutes. Stir broth mixture; add to the skillet with the chicken. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in cashews. Serve over rice.

Monday, May 19, 2008

I am participating in "The Simple Woman's Daybook" -
please visit The Simple Woman Blogspot to join in the fun!


~ for today ~
Monday, May 19th 2008

Outside my window...
I see sunshine and a cloudless, beautiful blue sky.

I am thinking...
about summer!

I am thankful for...
my family.

From the kitchen...
it will be bagel pizzas for lunch.

I am wearing...
capris and a baby doll top.

I am creating...
our last two weeks of lesson plans.

I am going...
to my son's end-of-season soccer party this evening.

I am reading...
Where Two Ways Met by Grace Livingston Hill.

I am hoping...
to go for a walk this afternoon.

I am hearing...
the birds outside, the dryer and the children's voices.

Around the house...
I am doing Monday's laundry, homeschooling,
and tidying the house after a busy weekend.

One of my favorite things...
to do is to plan and host a party.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
finishing up last lessons in school books, having company on Wednesday evening, planning Memorial Day activities, planning my daughter's birthday party, taking a trip to the library.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
of my sweet little Daisy girl.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Supper Menus
May 19th-24th


Monday
soccer party - out to eat burgers
Tuesday
cashew chicken, rice
Wednesday
angel hair pasta with spaghetti sauce, focaccia bread, green salad
Thursday
crispy chicken cutlets, crescent dinner rolls, long grain and wild rice, lettuce and tomato salad
Friday
black bean enchiladas, tomato salsa, green chili rice
Saturday
'lil cheddar meatloaves, make ahead potatoes, green salad

Welcome to all those stopping by from Organizing Junkie's "Menu Plan Monday". Please come back later in the week - I post recipes and pictures each evening. Thanks for visiting!

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Yesterday's dead,
Tomorrow's unborn,
So there's nothing to fear
And nothing to mourn,
For all that is past
And all that has been
Can never return
To be lived once again -
And what lies ahead
Or the things that will be
Are still in God's Hands
So it is not up to me
To live in the future
That is God's great unknown,
For the past and the present
God claims for His own,
So all I need do
Is to live for Today
And trust God to show me
The Truth and the Way -
For it's only the memory
Of things that have been
And expecting tomorrow
To bring trouble again
That fills my today,
Which God wants to bless,
With uncertain fears
And borrowed distress -
For all I need live for is this one little minute,
For life's Here and Now
And Eternity's in it.


~Helen Steiner Rice

Friday, May 16, 2008

An Afternoon at the Park


"What riches are ours in the world of nature, from the majesty of a distant peak to the fragile beauty of a tiny flower, and all without cost to us, the beholders! No man is poor who has watched a sunrise or who keeps a mountain in his heart."

~ Esther Baldwin York

"There is a serene and settled majesty to woodland scenery that enters into the soul and delights and elevates it, and fills it with noble inclinations."

~Washington Irving
My Fair Lady

Cheese Filled Manicoti


Cheese Filled Manicotti
6 servings

1 package manicotti shells
15 ounces ricotta cheese
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
2 tablespoons parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano

Cook manicotti shells according to package directions. Combine cheeses, bread crumbs, parsley, and salt; set aside. Saute onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil and oregano. Simmer 30 minutes. Pour half the sauce in a baking dish. Stuff cooked manicotti shells with cheese filling; arrange in dish and top with remaining sauce. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Hints for the Homemaker


from Betty Crocker's New Picture Cookbook 1961
  • PLAN AHEAD

Write menus for a week's meals at a time. Shop for staples once a week, fresh fruits and vegetables twice weekly.

When cooking, assemble all ingredients and utensils before beginning to prepare the dish.

If you have a freezer, make several cakes, pies, cookies, main dishes or sandwiches at a time and freeze some for future use.

  • COMBINE JOBS

Bake cake or cookies while washing dishes or cooking dinner. Pare vegetables while meat is browning.

Plan leftovers. Cook some foods to be served more than one, such as beef roast; use again for beef sandwiches, beef hash and beef pie.

Plan and organize daily work while working with hands (peeling potatoes, sweeping floor, etc.)

  • REFRESH YOUR SPIRITS

Every morning before breakfast, comb hair, apply makeup and a dash of cologne. Does wonders for your morale and your family's, too!

Think pleasant thoughts while working and a chore will become a "labor of love."

Have a hobby. Garden, paint pictures, look through magazines for home planning ideas, read a good book or attend club meetings. Be interested - and you'll always be interesting!

If you have a spare moment, sit down, close your eyes and just relax.

  • ORGANIZE WORK

Have a weekly plan for scheduling such tasks as washing, ironing, baking, shopping, cleaning the refrigerator or washing the floors. One task done each day provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps work from piling up.

Alternate sitting-down tasks and standing-up tasks. Don't be on your feet too long.

Let the family help you. Very young children can set the table; older ones can help cook and wash the dishes. Include them in party plans.

  • BE COMFORTABLE

Wear comfortable shoes and easy-fitting clothes while working.

Stand erect. Good posture prevents fatigue.

Have sink, work table, and counter tops at a height that is comfortable to eliminate strain.

Use a dust mop and long-handled dust pan. Use a self-wringing mop to prevent stooping.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Farmhouse Bar-B-Q Biscuits

Farmhouse Bar-B-Q Biscuits
5 servings

1 tube (10 ounces) refrigerator biscuits
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Flatten biscuits and press into the bottom and up the sides of a greased muffin tin; set aside. Brown ground beef; add ketchup, vinegar, and chili powder. Spoon beef into biscuit lined muffin cups and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 20 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from tin. Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

A Cup of Blessing


"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting - a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"In all ranks of life the human heart yearns for the beautiful; and the beautiful things that God makes are his gift to all alike." ~Harriet Beecher Stowe

"Why should we think about things that are lovely? Because thinking determines life. It is a common mistake to blame life upon environment. Environment modifies but does not govern life. The soul is stronger than its surroundings." ~William James

Milk and Honey Bread


Milk and Honey Bread
2 loaves - one to enjoy and one to share!

1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
2 1/2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons salt
7 - 8 cups all-purpose flour (or 1/2 all-purpose, 1/2 whole wheat)

Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Add honey, butter, salt and 5 cups of flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured board; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch dough down and shape into two loaves. Place in greased 9-in. x 5-in. x 3-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans and cool on wire racks. Enjoy!



Makes delicious sandwiches!