Homemade Gnocchi

Gnocchi

6-8 servings

4 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 3/4 to 2 cups flour
3 quarts water
spaghetti sauce, warmed

Place potatoes in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain and mash. Place 2 cups mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl (save any remaining mashed potatoes for another use). Stir in egg and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually beat in flour until blended (dough will be firm and elastic). Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead 15 times. Divide dough into four sections. Roll each section into 1/2 inch wide ropes, about 12-18 inches long. Cut ropes into 1 inch pieces. Press down with a lightly floured fork on each piece. In a large pot, bring water and remaining salt to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for 8-10 minutes or until gnocchi float to the top and are cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon. Serve immediately with spaghetti sauce and enjoy.

Gnocchi is pronounced "no-key" and it's like a dumpling in texture. I usually buy it pre-packaged from the store. But, after having the real thing on our trip to Italy last year, I wanted to give the homemade kind a try. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I will probably still use the packaged kind most of the time, especially for company, since this recipe has a lot of last minute fuss to it. It was really fun, though, to make it fresh.

Cheesy Italian Bread

Cheesy Italian Bread

2 loaves

1 package yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons)
1 1/4 cups warm water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
3 to 3 1/2 cups flour
cornmeal

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the sugar, salt, garlic salt, cheese and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a floured surface; 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. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Shape each half into a 14 inch loaf. Place on a greased baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. Brush loaves with water. Make three diagonal slashes about 1/2 inch deep with a very sharp knife in each loaf. Fill a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with 1 inch of hot water and place on the bottom oven rack. Bake loaves at 400° for 20-25 minutes. Remove to wire racks. Serve with your favorite Italian food!

Next Project

A camouflage hunting scarf for my son...

to match his Daddy's. :-)

Chicken Pot Pie

Chicken Pot Pie
8 servings

2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
1 carrot, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/3 cup butter
½ onion, chopped
1/3 cup flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon celery seed
1 ¾ cups chicken broth
2/3 cup milk
1 can le sueur sweet peas
2 pie crusts

Place chicken in saucepan; cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer until chicken is done; drain, shred and set aside. Meanwhile, cook carrot, celery and potatoes in water until potato is done. Drain and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook onions in butter until soft and translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and celery seed. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer and stir over medium-low heat until thick. Add cooked chicken and vegetables to sauce. Add peas. Lay one pie crust in bottom of pie pan. Pour filling into crust. Cover with top crust, and seal edges. Make several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape. (You may freeze the pie at this point.  Simply slide the pie pan in to an airtight freezer bag.  When ready to bake let pie thaw on counter for about 30 minutes and then continue with baking instructions.) Bake at 425° for 30 to 35 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Linked to Down Home Cookin' Recipe Linkup.

Blueberry Quick Bread with Vanilla Sauce

Blueberry Quick Bread with Vanilla Sauce

8 servings

1 egg
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups fresh blueberries
for vanilla sauce
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup butter, cubed

Beat egg, milk and oil. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating just until combined. Fold in blueberries. Pour into a greased 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. For sauce, combine sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Stir in cream until smooth; add butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Slice bread and serve with vanilla sauce poured over top. Delicious with coffee!

"Little House" inspired supper...

We've had storms forcasted for today since Saturday, so I planned tonight's supper menu accordingly. While flipping through my old Taste of Home magazines over the weekend, I saw "Rustic Goodness" in the "Getting in the Theme of Things" section. Several recipes were listed for a meal inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books, so I decided to make them all! The oil lamp is lit, the clouds are rolling in, and I'm ready to get cookin'. Now, if I can just get all of my chores done this afternoon, I can knit the evening away...like Ma would do. ;-)

"Little House" Supper Menu

from "Taste of Home" Magazine

August/September 2006

~ old fashioned chicken pot pie ~

~ fried apples and onions ~

~creamed carrots ~

for dessert

~ blueberry quick bread with vanilla sauce ~

"Persons appear to us according to the light we throw upon them from our own minds."

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com

"Picking Daisies" by Carolyn Blish

Crispy Fried Chicken

Crispy Fried Chicken

4 servings

3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/8 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup water
boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 to 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons oil

In a bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, salt, paprika, oregano, sage and pepper. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and water. Dip chicken in egg mixture and then coat with flour mixture. In a skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Fry chicken for a minute or two on each side or until golden and crispy. Place in an ungreased baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is tender and done. Enjoy!

Linked to Down Home Cookin' Recipe Linkup, Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up.

Chocolate Touring

My daughter's 4H club toured a local candy shop today that specializes in hand made, gourmet painted chocolates.

We learned a lot...and got samples. :-)

Taking the chocolate's temperature!

They use a blow torch to clean the marble work surface!

Guess Who's One Year Old Today?

Happy 1st birthday Daisy girl!

We have a winner!

I had more fun doing this giveaway!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated. :-)

My son drew a name from those who entered

and the winner is...

The new bride, Mary Setzer, at Hydrangea Skies!

Congratulations Mary, and thank you so much for visiting Heritage Schoolhouse. :-) If you will leave your e-mail address in the comments of this post, I will contact you to get your mailing address, and then your prizes will be on their way.

Supper Menus
August 4th-9th

Monday
crispy fried chicken, mashed potatoes, fried okra, biscuits
Tuesday
old fashioned chicken pot pie, creamed carrots, fried apples and onions, blueberry quick bread with vanilla sauce
Wednesday
potato gnocchi with marinara sauce, cheesy italian bread, caesar salad
Thursday
hamburgers, spicy potato wedges, old fashioned baked beans, picnic slaw
Friday
homemade pizza, lettuce and tomato salad
Saturday
steaks, peppers, and corn on the grill, baked potatoes, salad, old fashioned chocolate pie

It's a Giveaway!

If you win, you will recieve -

~ the July/August issue of Victoria magazine ~
~ a “summer raspberries” candle ~
~ homemade notepaper, shopping lists, and to do lists ~
Heritage Schoolhouse blog will be three months old this Monday, and I’m celebrating with a giveaway! If you visit Heritage Schoolhouse and would like to be entered for a chance to win this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post – it’s that easy! I will draw a name from the ones I receive at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, August 4th. (You don’t have to have a blog to enter, as long as you have an e-mail address to contact you at if you win.) Good luck and thanks for commenting! :-)

Tiramisu Toffee Torte

Tiramisu Toffee Torte

12-14 servings

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
1 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
4 egg whites
4 Heath candy bars (1.4 ounces each), chopped
for frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup chocolate syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups heavy whipping cream
6 tablespoons strong brewed coffee, room temperature
1 Heath candy bar (1.4 ounces), chopped

Grease and flour two, 9 inch round baking pans. Combine cake mix, coffee and egg whites; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Fold in chopped candy bars. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool. For frosting, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in chocolate syrup and vanilla. Add the whipping cream. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the coffee. Spread with 3/4 cup frosting. Repeat twice. Top with the remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining frosting. Refrigerate overnight. Garnish with chopped candy bar. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Linked to Sweet Indulgences Sunday.

A Month Of Proverbs

Thank you for reading a chapter of Proverbs with me each day this month!

Proverbs Chapter 31

Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle his mother taught him:
2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel—not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Ta-Da!

I love it!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 30

1 The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh—an oracle: This man declared to Ithiel, to Ithiel and to Ucal:
2 "I am the most ignorant of men; I do not have a man's understanding.
3 I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands? Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and the name of his son? Tell me if you know!
5 "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.
7 "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
10 "Do not slander a servant to his master, or he will curse you, and you will pay for it.
11 "There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers;
12 those who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not cleansed of their filth;
13 those whose eyes are ever so haughty, whose glances are so disdainful;
14 those whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are set with knives to devour the poor from the earth, the needy from among mankind.
15 "The leech has two daughters. 'Give! Give!' they cry. "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!':
16 the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'
17 "The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.
18 "There are three things that are too amazing for me, four that I do not understand:
19 the way of an eagle in the sky, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship on the high seas, and the way of a man with a maiden.
20 "This is the way of an adulteress: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, 'I've done nothing wrong.'
21 "Under three things the earth trembles, under four it cannot bear up:
22 a servant who becomes king, a fool who is full of food,
23 an unloved woman who is married, and a maidservant who displaces her mistress.
24 "Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings' palaces.
29 "There are three things that are stately in their stride, four that move with stately bearing:
30 a lion, mighty among beasts, who retreats before nothing;
31 a strutting rooster, a he-goat, and a king with his army around him.
32 "If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!
33 For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife."

Knitted Poncho

It's finished!

A Month Of Proverbs

Proverbs Chapter 29

1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
4 By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.
5 Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.
6 An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.
7 The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.
8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.
9 If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.
10 Bloodthirsty men hate a man of integrity and seek to kill the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked.
13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives sight to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.
15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.
19 A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 If a man pampers his servant from youth, he will bring grief in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.
23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
24 The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify.
25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.
26 Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the LORD that man gets justice.
27 The righteous detest the dishonest; the wicked detest the upright.

Mexican Pizza

My children loved this! :-)

Mexican Pizza
8 servings

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1 pound ground beef
1/2 onion, diced finely
1 cup salsa
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 can mexican style refried beans
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes
crushed tortilla chips
additional salsa and tortilla chips

Add first six ingredients to bread machine and choose dough cycle. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and onion. Add salsa, salt, pepper, and cumin to beef and mix thoroughly. When dough is ready, spread onto a 14 inch pizza pan. Spread beans on top of dough and beef mixture on top of beans. Top with cheddar cheese. Bake pizza at 400° for 20 minutes. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, and a sprinkling of crushed tortilla chips. Serve with additional salsa and tortilla chips.

Linked to Gooseberry Patch Recipe Round Up