paper napkin rings from Martha Stewart Living
drink parasols for the kiddy table (also Martha)
flags and daisies for centerpieces~ simple, easy, quick, and festive! ~
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Independence Day Table Decorations
drink parasols for the kiddy table (also Martha) flags and daisies for centerpieces~ simple, easy, quick, and festive! ~
Independence Day Reading
The 4th of July Story by Alice Dalgliesh
Fireworks, Picnics, and Flags - the Story
of the Fourth of July Symbols
by James Cross Giblin
by James Cross Giblin
A Month of Proverbs
Proverbs Chapter 3
Further Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason — when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
Further Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not accuse a man for no reason — when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
McDonald's Cheeseburger Buns
These taste just like McDonald's cheeseburgers! Really!
12 servings
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast (or 4 1/2 teaspoons)
1/2 cup warm water
3/4 cup warm milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
1 pound ground beef
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
6 slices process American cheese, quartered
24 thin dill pickle slices
In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt 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 4-6 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. In a skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat; drain. Stir in ketchup and mustard. Lower heat and simmer. Punch dough down; divide into 12 pieces. On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out and stretch each piece into a 5 inch. circle. Top each circle with two pieces of cheese, about 3 tablespoons beef mixture and two pickles. Bring dough over filling to center; pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 20 minutes. Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers. Enjoy!
Linked to Gooseberry Patch Recipe Roundup
Independence Day Decorating
It's starting to look like the 4th of July around here!
Some Independence Day decorating took
place this afternoon at Heritage Schoolhouse.
First, I made a banner for the hutch. This was inspired by Kelli's banner at There Is No Place Like Home. Thank you so much for the instructions Kelli! I love how the banner turned out!
I also made a star garland for the mantle. You can find the instructions at Marth Stewart Living. Once you get the hang of making the stars, they go very quickly!
"It's summer - so swim in chlorine-free water, sit around a campfire, watch sunsets, hike at day-break, collect and press wildflowers, pick blueberries, sleep outside and look for shooting stars."~Susan Branch
illustration courtesy of www.allposters.com
"Summer Preserves" by Eric Barjot
A Month of Proverbs
Proverbs Chapter 2
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse,
13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
16 It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
18 For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Firecracker Casserole
Firecracker Casserole
8 servings
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 flour tortillas
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
In a skillet, cook the beef and onion; drain. Add beans, chili powder, cumin and salt. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Arrange tortillas over the top. Combine soup and tomatoes; pour over the tortillas. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Enjoy!
Blueberry Sauce
So easy and so yummy!
Blueberry Sauce
about 2 cups
½ cup sugar
¼ cup orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups fresh blueberries
Combine sugar, concentrate and cornstarch; stir until smooth. Add blueberries and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Store in the refrigerator. Warm to use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, pound cake or ice cream. Enjoy!
¼ cup orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups fresh blueberries
Combine sugar, concentrate and cornstarch; stir until smooth. Add blueberries and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Store in the refrigerator. Warm to use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, pound cake or ice cream. Enjoy!
A Month of Proverbs
Do you read a chapter of Proverbs each day of the month? I try to, and I thought it would be nice to include a chapter at Heritage Schoolhouse every day during the month of July. My posts will be from the NIV. If you prefer a different version, please fill free to click on the Web Bible in my side bar.
Proverbs Chapter 1
Prologue: Purpose and Theme
1 The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance-
6 for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom
Warning Against Enticement
8 Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9 They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
11 If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
12 let's swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13 we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
14 throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"-
15 my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
16 for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
17 How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
18 These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
19 Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
Warning Against Rejecting Wisdom
20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21 at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22 "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, 25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-
27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32 For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and Sour Chicken
4 servings
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce, divided
1 tablepoon chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks
2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup cornstarch, divided
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups hot cooked rice
4 servings
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce, divided
1 tablepoon chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 can (20 ounces) pineapple chunks
2 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup cornstarch, divided
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups hot cooked rice
Combine 1 tablespoon soy sauce, broth, salt, garlic powder and ground ginger in a large, resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Drain pineapple, reserving juice; set pineapple aside. Add enough water to juice to measure 1 cup. Combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, sugar and pineapple juice mixture until smooth; stir in vinegar, ketchup and remaining soy sauce. Set aside. Drain chicken and discard marinade. Place remaining cornstarch in a large, resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and toss to coat. In a skillet, cook chicken in oil until done. Remove and keep warm. Stir pineapple juice mixture and add to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken and reserved pineapple; heat through. Serve over rice and enjoy!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Supper Menus
June 30th-July 5th
Monday
sweet and sour chicken, rice
Tuesday
firecracker casserole, guacamole, tortilla chips
Wednesday
cheeseburger buns, spicy potato wedges, macaroni salad
Thursday
fajitas, pinto beans, spanish rice
Friday
Independence Day Celebration - menu TBA :-)
Saturday
garlic chicken spaghetti, caesar salad, bread sticks
Menu Plan Monday is being hosted by Heavenly Homemakers this week, while Org Junkie is on vacation!
June 30th-July 5th
Monday
sweet and sour chicken, rice
Tuesday
firecracker casserole, guacamole, tortilla chips
Wednesday
cheeseburger buns, spicy potato wedges, macaroni salad
Thursday
fajitas, pinto beans, spanish rice
Friday
Independence Day Celebration - menu TBA :-)
Saturday
garlic chicken spaghetti, caesar salad, bread sticks
Menu Plan Monday is being hosted by Heavenly Homemakers this week, while Org Junkie is on vacation!
Honey-eyed Chicken
This yummy recipe came from Kelli at There Is No Place Like Home - one of my favorite blogs. Thank you, Kelli! We loved your family's recipe.
Honey-eyed Chicken
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup butter
1/4 cup mustard
4 teaspoons curry powder
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Combine honey, butter, mustard and curry in a small saucepan. Heat and stir until butter is melted. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour sauce over chicken. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
I have been looking forward to these all week! Yummy!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfaits
4 servings
2 tablespoons peanut butter
2 tablespoons plus 2 cups milk, divided
1 cup plus 4 tablespoons whipped topping, divided
1 package instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
4 tablespoons finely chopped salted peanuts
Combine peanut butter and 2 tablespoons milk. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping; set aside. Whisk remaining milk with pudding mix for 2 minutes. Spoon half the pudding into 4 parfait glasses. Spoon the peanut butter mixture over the pudding, then spread a layer of remaining pudding. Refrigerate one hour. Top with remaining whipped topping and peanuts - serve and enjoy!
My 2nd 5K
I'm a walker, not a runner. :-)I finished 2 minutes slower than my first 5K in April -
I blame the heat! ;-)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Panhandle Beef Brisket
Panhandle Beef Brisket8 servings
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more - we like bbq sauce very peppery!)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried chopped onion
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small fresh beef brisket (3 to 4 pounds), trimmed
2 tablespoons liquid smoke
In a saucepan combine ketchup, broth, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion and garlic powder. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Set aside one cup of sauce for serving. Place brisket in a shallow pan; brush on both sides with liquid smoke. Pour remaining sauce over meat. Cover and bake at 325° for 2-3 hours or until meat is tender. Let stand for 5 minutes. Thinly slice meat across the grain. Serve with reserved sauce and enjoy!
I used a three pound brisket for our family of four. It was just the right size for supper this evening with enough brisket and sauce leftover for four chopped beef sandwiches for lunch tomorrow! This sauce is very, very good!
Linked to Down Home Cookin' Recipe Linkup.
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