Snickerdoodle Apple Cake

I ran across this recipe online somewhere within the last month (sorry I don't know who to give the credit to,,) and have made 4 of them.  Made it at home and Allen loved it and gave some to neighbors and then made one for each of the branches where I work.  Several called and asked for the recipe or to tell me they really liked it.

Be good for Thanksgiving dinner I thought....But we are staying home this year and not going to my sisters.  She normally has about 30 plus people but I know several aren't going. :(

Hope you give it a try!

 For the cake:

1 vanilla cake mix

1 (3.4 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding

3/4 cup apple juice

1/3 cup applesauce

4 large eggs

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 1/2 cups shredded peeled apples

For the Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 Tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

4 cups powdered sugar

6 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream

For the Topping:

2-3 Tablespoons cinnamon sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick spray.  

Mix together the cake mix, pudding mix, apple juice, applesauce, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Beat on low speed for 1 minute, and then 2 minutes on medium speed.

Gently stir the shredded apples into the cake batter.

Spread the batter in the prepared pan.  Bake for 35-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.  Let cool.

Beat the butter and vanilla until creamy.  Add the salt and cinnamon and beat again.

Slowly beat in the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream until light and fluffy.  Spread or pipe on the cooled cake.

Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the cake.  

Pillow from a dish towel

 Took maybe 25-30 minutes and most of that was trying to get it stuffed full enough and even.  Might have to look for a few more for gifts,,,,,,,,will see.  

Kitchen Boas

 I made these kitchen boas for a swap.  (13)   So fast and easy to do up.

A witch is loose in the woods!

 Teigan did some more pictures this past week-end.  Fairy ones are from week before.

Pictures in the woods

 

Day at the lake

 This picture was taken awhile back. Last summer.  Was a day spent with my sister and family at the lake.  Didn't do that this summer.

We are celebrating 40 years! (8-22-80)

 Does not seem like 40 years!!! The Lord has blessed us with many blessings throughout the years.  We have 2 great kids (son and a daughter) and a beautiful granddaughter.  

Couple Coffee Recipes

We are not coffee drinkers at our house but my friends that are like these 2 recipes

Mocha Java Mix

1/4 cup instant coffee granules

1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon nondairy creamer

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Grind the instant coffee into powder using a coffee grinder.  Mix coffee powder, sugar, creamer and cocoa powder in a small bowl.  Store in a sealed container.

To make coffee, measure 4 teaspoons of the powdered mix into a coffee cup.  Add 8 ounces (1 cup) boiling water and stir.  

Makes 16 servings

Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee

1/4 cup instant coffee granules

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon nondairy creamer

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Grind the instant coffee into powder using a coffee grinder.  Mix coffee, sugar, creamer and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Store in a sealed container.

To make coffee, measure 2 tablespoons powdered mix into a coffee cup.  Add 8 ounces (1 cup) boiling water and stir.

Makes 9 servings

Peanut Butter Fudge

Here is another fudge recipe that we like, too.

1 (12 oz.) bag chocolate chips

1 (12 oz) bag white chips

1 (12 oz) jar crunchy peanut butter

Melt chocolate and white chips.  Stir in peanut butter. Mix well, Pour in pan to harden.  Refrigerate, if necessary.  May use creamy peanut butter.

I have used creamy instead of crunchy at times.

Czech Bar Cookies

Buttery dough flanks berry filling

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups butter
3 egg yolks
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans  (or your choice)
3/4 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (try other flavors too)

Preheat oven to 375. Grease a 13x9" pan.  Cream sugar and butter.  Add egg yolks, beating well.  Stir in flour and pecans.  Divide dough in half and press half into bottom of pan.  Spread jam over dough.  Pat out remaining dough and place on top of jam.  Bake 1 hour until a deep golden brown.  Makes 24 bars.

Cream Cheese Bonbons

1 package (8 ounces)  cream cheese softened

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup flaked coconut

1 square (1 ounce) unsweetened chocolate, grated

In a small mixing bowl beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.  Stir in coconut until combined. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

Shape into 1" balls then roll in grated chocolate.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Yield 1 1/2 dozen

Try using almond extract for teh vanilla and chopped toasted almonds for the coconut for a different version.


One yet for me to try

Poem by William Gladstone

If you are cold, tea will warm you:
if you are too heated, it will cool you:
if you are depressed, it will cheer you:
if you are excited, it will calm you.

Frozen Fruit Tea Slushie

3 bags fruit tea (raspberry, peach or or other)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
2 cups ice cubes
1 cup frozen fruit (mangoes, berries or other)

Bring water to a boil then pour over tea bags.  Cover and let steep 7-10 minutes.  Remove tea bags.  Stir in sugar or honey until dissolved, then pour into blender or food processor.  Bleand with ice and frozen fruit until slushy.  Serve in tall glasses.

Sayings

Christmas is not just a day, an event to be observed and speedily forgotten.  It is a spirit which should permeate every part of our lives
William Parks

This Christmas season will be only as meaningful as we make it.

Selfishness makes Christmas a burden, but love makes it a delight.

To feel sorry for the needy at Christmas is not the mark of a Christian.....to help them is.

Christmas is a time for patience.... when we try once more to mold our lives in the image of him whose birthday we celebrate.

Christmas is a time for giving....the wise men brought and gave their best, but Jesus Christ showed us that the gift of self will out-gave all of the rest.

Christmas is the time for sharing...a time to reach out to touch the needy, with a reach that extends to heaven, then to earth, bringing them together.

Christmas is a time for love....a time to shed inhibitions, a time to show that we care, a time to say words too long unsaid.

Christmas is the time to remember timeless stories from days of old, a time to ponder what's ahead and a time to open another door.

Think .....today, if you toss out once of those musical Christmas cards, you are throwing away more computer power than existed in the entire world in 1950,

The challenge for us today is to hear the Christmas story as if we were hearing it for the first time,

Ideals To Make A Merrier Season

For some.

Mail or take Christmas cards to a nursing home to be handed out to residents who never get mail or to ALL!

Let a person in front of you in the checkout line.

Let a car out in front of you.

At a drive thru or eating in at a place--pay for their meal.

Somebody having a hard time--send them a gift card from unknown or leave a basket of items that might be useful to them on their door step.  Clothes basket filled with useful stuff.  Laundry det., kleenex, dawn, maybe envelopes, pens, snack type food, etc..

Of course, always remember people who do a service for you.  Trash collectors, mail lady, library workers if they are really helpful, fire dept, police and anybody else you can think of that you do business with.  Neighbors who are helpful.

Hope this gives you some ideals.

5 months and ir is Christmas Day!!!!

Magnetic Notepads

I ALWAYS get everybody a magnetic notepad for Christmas.  All the women in the family, the 2 beauty shop women and co-workers, etc.  There are some cute ones at Dollar Tree and always nice to stick with their other gifts.

Jalapenos with Olive Cream Filling

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese softened

1/4 cup chopped pimoento-stuffed olives

2 tablespoons olive juice

16 large jalapeno peppers halved lengthwise and seeded

In a small bowl combine the cream cheese, olives and olive juice.  Spoon about 2 teaspoons into each jalapeno half.  Serve immediately or refrigerate.

I have made these, but never ate any.  I do not care for olives.  Over half of the immediate family likes them so I always have olives when hosting family dinners.

Recycling Christmas Cards

There are so many creative ways out there to reuse the cards we receive in the mail.  I will name a few that I have did and some I have just seen.

The front can always be removed and framed in a picture frame

Remove the front and if clean on the back (no letter on it) can be used for postcard.

Remove front and if clean on the back can be used for invitations if having a cookie swap party, craft night or any other type of party.

Can cut the picture out, to fit inside a Miracle Whip lid and decorate it.  I have one that my son did in grade school and its a picture of a deer and they put batting in it to look like deer standing on snow.  Use eyelet or lace around the edge.  ( I would mica snow on it to look more shiny)  Actually on the one he did they put 2 lids back to back and glued a doily in between to look like lace and put a piece of yarn also in between for a hanger. The same picture of deer in both lids.  Make sense?

My grandma would take them and cut out a picture in a circle and then punch small holes and crochet around the edge with the thread and make an ornament.

Spiced Honey Pretzels

4 cups thin pretzel sticks

3 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

Line a 15x10x1 pan with foil.  Coat the foil with spray.  Place pretzels in a large bowl.  In another bowl, mix the onion powder, butter, honey, and chili powder.  Pour over pretzels toss making sure all is coated evenly.  Spread into prepared pan. 

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes, stirring once.  Cool on wire rack stirring gently several times to seperate.

Hot Cocoa Mix

Several recipes out there I know and here is another.  Most I see uses powder sugar and this is regular sugar.

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 1/4 cups sugar

3 cups powdered milk

Dash of salt

Combine cocoa, sugar, powdered milk and salt.  Keep in an airtight container at room temperature,
To prepare add 3 tbsp mix to 6 oz. hot water and stir.

Yield 5 1/4 cups of mix

Hand Print Deer Ornament

Childs hand. Brown construction paper and on thumb put an eye and nose.  Wrist a ribbon,

Snowballs

2 sticks butter softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups sifted flour
1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or pecans)
8 oz chocolate kisses
powered sugar for dusting

Cream butter & sugar well, until smooth.  Add flour, then nuts.  Gather dough into dish shape and wrap in plastic, refrigerate at least 1/2 hour.  Preheat oven to 350.  Remove foil from kisses and insert one inside a ball of dough 1" diameter, Make sure each kiss is completely covered by dough.  Bake on ungreased baking sheet for about 12 minutes until just cooked through.  Sift over powder sugar while still warm.

Haven't made these in several years but everybody always loved them.  From Susan Branch --Christmas Joy book.

Frosty Votive Candles

Spray votive candle holders or the battery lit candles (protest the flame by wrapping or however you choose) with spray adhesive or clear spray and roll in mica snow.  Will make the candle glimmer.

Chocolate Mint Tea

Okay, just saw this in a Christmas book called Teatime Treats but..........  I don't know..........

Chocolate Mint Tea

1 cup of water

1 peppermint tea bag

3 tablespoons chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon sugar

1-2 tablespoons cream

Bring water to boil.. Place tea bag in cup, pour in boiling water, cover, and let steep for 3-5 minutes.  Remove tea bag.  Stir in remaining ingredients, Makes 1 serving.

Poem

First, Last, and Always

The Old Testament cries: BEHOLD, HE COMES!

The Gospels declare: BEHOLD, HE IS BORN!

Then they declare: BEHOLD, HE DIES!

Acts declares: BEHOLD, HE LIVES!

The Epistles join in with, BEHOLD, HE SAVES!

The Apocalypse finalizes with the Hallelujah chorus:
                 
                         BEHOLD, HE REIGNS!

It is Jesus.......

          first,

                       last,

                                    and all the way through!

J. Sidlow Baxter

Early Morning Sightings

This morning Allen and I went Kubota riding about 6:30 a.m..  We saw this family of geese and then when we got home and going thru ours the twin fawns that stay over there were looking at us.

Then the blackberries were calling to be looked at.

The flowers are along our ditch in the rocks.  Were a couple years ago in a mix we put out in front of fence and the seed traveled.  My grandma use to have these flowers and I love them.  Different colors and they are called touch me nots but in the impatient family.  When the seed are ready you can pick the seeds by pulling pods but with your touch they pop open.

The Carrot Salad I made this a.m. for the first time.  I liked it.

2 1/2 cups shredded carrots

1/2 cup raisins

1 celery stalk chopped

3/4 cup vanilla yogurt (I used vanilla bean)

Cabinet Decorations........

Use cookies cutters to tie onto some of the kitchen cabinet door handles.  Look for them at rummage sales.  I use gingerbread man and they are all different and sizes.  Use ribbon, or fabric.  Buffalo check would be in to use.

Holiday Pickles

We make Horseradish Pickles for Christmas Eve but have never tried these.  Ran across the recipe today while going thru some papers.

80 fl oz whole kosher dill pickles cut into 1/2" chunks
1 medium onion chopped
2 cups white granulated sugar
24 cloves
12 cinnamon sticks

Drain all the pickle juice out.  Cut pickles into 1/2" chunks and return half of them to the jar.  Add half the chopped onion, 1 cup of sugar, 12 cloves and 6 sticks of cinnamon.  Repeat and put the lid on and refrigerate.  Turn jar over every 4 to 5 hours for 2 months keeping it stored in the refrigerator.  In 2 months they're ready!

Hmmm, might have to try these.

Gift Ideals

Don;t forget for kids at this time of year with the summer toys in the stores maybe grab some bubbles, jump ropes, plastic ball and bat etc... for the stockings.

Sweet and Salty Treat

Using pretzel rods dipped in white chocolate and then decorated with however you want.  Kids love doing these.

French Christmas Cookie

1/2 cup butter softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup whole milk
2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
2 cups milk chocolate chips
2 cups finely chopped walnuts  (or change out to pecans, my choice)
Topping
1 1/4 cups milk chocolate chips melted

In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in the milk.  Gradually add the crumbs and mix well.  Stir in chips and walnuts (or pecans).

Fill miniature foil baking cups three-fourths full.  Place cups 1" apart on baking sheets.  Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until set.  Cool on wire racks.  Top each cookie with 1/4 tsp. melted chocolate.  Store in the refrigerator.

Yield: 9 1/2 dozen

Very good

Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks

They have cookbooks on sale so check it out.  I am a huge collector of their books.  Getting some for gifts and some for door prizes for Christmas Eve.

Packaging of Treats

Now is the time to start saving the coffee containers (and air them out), pringle cans, oatmeal containers, empty boxes from wax paper and such.  Also the smaller cardboard boxes where you can cut the middle of the top out and put plastic and then line the box with tissue paper (so you can see thru it.).  You can cut the box top out using a scallop edge.

Also watch like at Dollar General and when they have the summer items on sale like trays or bowls grab some to put treats on and then they can be used again for outdoor picnics or such.  On not on sale they are a good price.  The colored baskets would be nice and could be used for silverware later on.  Of course, Dollar Tree always has baskets and such too.

Not packaging but an ideal for a gift.
If you have somebody who has alot of parties or outside meals maybe get some vinyl tablecloths when they go on sale at the end of summer and throw in some plastic silverware, maybe some plastic cups and those plastic ice cubes.  All could fit in a bowl, pitcher or on a tray.

Sleeping bag for dolls

Using some scrap material make a sleeping bag and pillow for a doll or barbie doll.  This was for an 18" doll I made years ago.

Eggnog Mini Loaves

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 eggs
1 cup eggnog
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. rum extract

In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  In another bowl, beat eggs, eggnog, sugar, melted butter and extracts.  Stir into dry ingredients until just moistened.

Pour into 3 greased 5 3/4x3X2" loaf pans.  Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.  Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Cornflake Cookies

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
6 cup corn flakes

Heat corn syrup and sugar to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Stir in peanut butter.  Gently fold in corn flakes.  Spread evenly into a flat buttered pan.  Cool. Cut into squares.

Eternity Scarf gift

For a daughter, granddaughter, niece, neighbor, friend, co-worker, mail lady, beauty shop ladies, etc..... consider making an eternity scarf.  You could do one in fabric for all holidays or a fleece for winter.  I made this one a few yrs. ago before work one a.m. to have something to wear for 4th of July.

Mexican Wedding Cookies

Here is a different version besides the round balls.  The lady who made my wedding cake (which was very good) put this recipe in teh church cookbook.

1 cup butter

1 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups flour

1 cup very finely chopped pecans

1 egg

 Cream butter, sugar and egg till fluffy.  Blend in salt and vanilla.  With wooden spoon, gently stir in flour and nuts.  Divide dough in 5 portions, shape each in 12x1 inch rolls.  Wrap in plastic and chill.  When ready to bake, slice in 3" lengths cut in half lengthwise and place cut side down on ungreased baking sheet.

Bake at 350 for 12 to 14 minutes.  Cool on racks.  

Sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

Makes 40 cookies

Another gift ideal

This is another ideal from the Uncommon Artistic Endeavors blog.  On my side bar.
if you need another little something to put into a gift basket or just alittle something to give by itself.  A scoop with bag of a certain nut or could be trail mix, chex mix, puppy chow, etc......

Cracker Jacks

Different times I have made this up and put in containers for gifts.

Large roaster put 5 or 6 quarts of popped popcorn.

In a pot prepare:
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1/2 lb butter or oleo
Boil 5 minutes and take from heat. Add:
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
Blend and pour over popcorn mixing well.  Bake at 250 for 40 minutes stirring occasionally.  Spread on wax paper to cool.

The recipe doesn't call for peanuts but I usually add some in with the popcorn.

Bath Salts

Years ago I made several jars of bath salts for Christmas gifts for a few years.

They are so simple with just Epsom salt and or Sea salt and then your choice of oil.  When I did Rose scented I used dried rose petals and put on top the salt.

Don't have my recipe handy (if I could even find it) but people liked the one where I used some glycerin alot.  There are so many different recipes out there and they make up so fast.  I put mine in quart jars.

Ideals for Crafts

Many of you crafters probably already know this but...............  If you google Dollar Tree Christmas Ideals you will see some really cute things.

Honey Caramels (Another recipe I want to tgry)

1 tsp. plus 1/4 cup butter, divided
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup honey
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Line an 8" square pan with foil, greasing it with 1 tsp butter.

In large saucepan combine the heavy cream, honey, sugar and remaining butter.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until a candy thermometer reads 238.

Using a pastry brush dipped in cold water wash down the sides of the pan to eliminate sugar crystals.  Cook stirring constantly until a candy thermometer reads 255 (hard ball stage).  Stir in walnuts and vanilla return mixture to 255.

Remove from heat and pour into the prepared pan--do not scrape saucepan.  Let stand until firm about 5 hours or overnight.

Using foil lift candy out of pan.  Cut candy into 1" squares.  Wrap individually in wax paper twist ends.

Heavenly Chocolate Fudge Cake Balls

1 pkg. devils food cake mix
2 tbsp. hot water
1 tsp instant coffee granules
1 cup chocolate fudge frosting
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
1 1/3 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
2 lbs. white candy coating, chopped

Optional toppings: milk chocolate, English toffee bits, toasted coconut and crushed candy canes

Prepare and bake cake according to instructions, cool completely and crumble cake into a large bowl.  In a small bowl, combine hot water, and coffee granules, stir until dissolved.  Add the frosting, cocoa and chocolate syrup stirring until combined.  Add to cake beat on low until blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Shape into 1 inch balls.  In microwave melt candy coating stir until smooth.  Dip ball in coating, allow excess to drip off. Place on wax paper sprinkle with toppings of your choice.  Let stand until set.  Store in airtight containers.

Approximately 8 dozen

I have not tried these but would like to.

Gag Wrapping

Put gift in box and put zip ties ALL around it and then wrap it.

Gift Ideal

Do you have any sewers or crafters in the family???

For a sewer maybe watch for cute fabrics that are on clearance or use your coupon at Hobby Lobby or JoAnns.  Could get maybe some 4th of July, fall fabric when it goes on sale or any. Fat quaters or 1/2 yards etc.......  Thread always comes in handy, maybe a cutting mat, extra bobbins.

Anybody do the counted stitch?  You can do thread and the cloth.

Paints, canvass, beads, crochet hooks of various sizes (some like the cushion handles--I haven't tried them), a variety of items you can look for on sale/clearance.

Pattern books for several different things can be found on E-Bay.

A budding new cook---- can do a recipe book, apron, etc...

A good way to start a new hobby.

Coconut Caramels

1 teaspoon butter
24 caramels
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons flaked coconut, divided
1/2 cup white baking chips
1/2 cup salted peanuts

Line a 8 x 4 loaf pan with foil and grease the foil with butter set aside.

In a microwave safe bowl, combine the caramels, 3/4 cup coconut, baking chips and peanuts.  Microwave on high, uncovered for 1 minute, stir.  Cook uncovered, 30-60 seconds longer or until caramels are melted, stir to combine.  Press into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with remaining coconut. Cool.

Using foil lift candy out of pan.  Discard foil, cut candy into 1" squares.

Yield about 3/4 pound.

Tested in a 1,100 watt microwave.

Below Post

The post on packaging is from the blog on my side bar Uncommon End. that I followed.  She hasn't posted for a few years.

This is bags with foam stickers on them.

Packaging

Not a Christmas ideal but........

Teigan LOVES popsicles!!!  I have been freezing cranapple juice, apple juice and even orange juice she ate for awhile.  Of course she gets kool-aid ones too.

Lemon Sheet Cake

I have lemon lovers in my family so I always try to do a lemon dessert.

1 package lemon cake mix
1 (15 1/2 oz.) can lemon pie filling
4 eggs

Beat cake mix and eggs until well blended.  Fold in pie filling.  Spread into a greased 10 x 15" pan.  Bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes or until toothpick near center comes out clean.  May serve with whipped topping or frost with cream cheese frosting.

Gift Ideal

I think I say this every year so here we go again...........................

This is the time of year that garden stuff (yard decorations, etc.)  swim stuff (suits, towels, toys) and summer kid toys and outside games go on sale.  I have gardeners and lots of swimmers so I try to look for stuff.

Kohls had a GREAT deal a few years back on beach towels.  Think I got everybody in the family a towel!

Bar stool decorations

How cute would this be with using small homemade holly wreath or pine branches---can smell the pine!

Old Fashioned Rice Pudding

4 cups milk
1 cup quick cooking rice (uncooked)
1/4 cup raisins (optional)
1 egg, well beaten
1 package (4 oz serving size) vanilla or coconut cream flavor pudding and pie filling
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine milk, rice, pudding mix, raisins and egg in saucepan.  Stir over medium heat until mixture just comes to a boil.  Cook 5 minutes, stirring twice.  Pour into dessert dishes or serving bowl.  Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg--serve warm.  Makes 10 servings.

Found in my grandmas recipe box when going thru it this past weekend.

Ritz candy

Take Ritz crackers and put peanut butter on one and top with another craker and dip into chocolate.  If you desire dip in chocolate-then drizzle white over it or dip in white and drizzle chocolate over it.

Wrapping

Buy new clean paint cans to use to put your gift in or cookies/candies.

Miscellaneous

Colors didn't come out to good.  Sun was under.  Also kinda crooked.  The banner we got several years ago.  I am thinking from Goodwill/Salvation Army or could of been a rummage sale.

We just painted the door and the bottom thingy needs replaced or cleaned up.

Christmas Coasters

I might have shared these in the past--not sure.

I had purchased a few star shaped boxes and I painted them gold and sponged some silver onto them and then I made 6 coasters to put into the box and gave as gifts.  I used the box as the template and cut out 2 pieces of fabric the same and a piece of batting and just sewed the edges .

Uncooked Cookies

I have never made these but a friend recently gave me the recipe

2 cups sugar
3/4 cup Milnot--mix & boil 3 minutes
Remove from heat and add 6 Tablespoons peanut butter
1 cup chopped nuts of your choice
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix and pour over 1/4 pound crushed soda crackers.  Stir and cool. Pour onto wax paper.

Gift Ideal

As the years have gone by, I really try to give gifts that can be used instead of just something that sits around (unless I know they REALLY want it)

This year a gift that I will give to people that I like to give something to but not much and to family members along with another gift or gift card I think I am going to get like a 6 pack of tiolet paper, bottle of hand soap, some hand cleaner, and some wipes and put into a bag.  Maybe a can of soup or something else that was on the hard to find list (pasta, beans were limited).  I know wipes are still iffy to come by and at Dollar General I have found a 2 pack of hand stuff for $1.00.  Think I have like 4 or 5 boxes, so have to look for more. They are 2 small ones.  Then DG has had their brand of tiolet paper---hey works when theres a shortage. Will be something that all will be useful.

Also in the sack will be my seasoning salt I do and the cream I do every year.

Coconut Cream Delight

This recipe is in a cookbook from the church we belonged to.  Haven't had it in years but ran across the recipe so will share.

Mix:
1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 cup oleo, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans, fine
Press into a 9x13 pan.  Bake 15 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Cool.  While baking crust toast 1 cup coconut.

Cream:
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese softened, and 1 cup powdered sugar
Add 1 cup Cool Whip and spread onto cooled crust.

Cook 2 packages coconut cream pudding (3 oz. size) with 3 cups of milk.  Cool. Spread over cheese mixture then cover with 1 cup Cool Whip.  Sprinkle toasted coconut on top.  Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Christmas Gift for 2020

I just finished crocheting this blanket. (on 7-2)  It is for my granddaughter for her dolls.  Just double crocheted rows and then I put the shell border on.  I just learned it from you tube.  It was so easy.

Have you started on any of your gifts that you plan to make for Christmas?

Chocolate Pecan Fudge

Another recipe that I am hoping to try before Christmas.  We always make Fannie Mae Fudge and Peanut Butter Fudge (from 2 ingredients) on our trays but this sounds good.

2 lbs. powered sugar
1 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk
1 cup or 2 sticks margarine
1 cup pecan pieces

Place sugar, cocoa, milk and margarine in large microwavable bowl.  Microwave on high for 4 minutes.  Blend well.  Fold in pecan pieces.  Pour into greased pan ( appox. 7 1/4 x 11 1/2). Refrigerate for 20 minutes or longer before cutting.

Miscellaneous Post---Night Stand

I have been wanting to do this for a few years to this nightstand top.  It was brown wood when purchased.  We painted the outside part white and the top and 3 drawers pink.  Then I brought the lace and taped in on the top (with some overhang) and spray painted in white.  This is 1 coat of white.  I will put a clear coat over it ---- I think.

Will go in the room that granddaughter claims.

Got it at a flea market store about 3 years ago.   We are slow doing stuff!!!!!

Fudge Treat

I have did this in the past, but this is not my picture. 

They get a sweet treat and a cookie cutter.  Would be nice to use a unique cookie cutter.  State they live in, their favorite hobby, letter to their name, etc.....

Fudge, cellophane bag, and ribbon

Quick Fruit Cobbler

A different type of cobbler

1 roll sugar cookie dough
3-5 cups fruit (fresh, canned, frozen (thawed)
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar (more or less to your taste)

Mix fruit with lemon juice and sugar.  Use more or less depending on your sweet level.  Pour in a 9x13 baking dish.  Drop pieces of cookie dough on top of fruit.  Use all of it.  Sprinkle with sugar and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.  It should be bubbly and light golden crust when done.

The Cheesy Bowl

I have been looking for new recipes to try and here is one that I thought sounded good.

8 oz. Colby Jack Cheese shredded
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
16 oz. bacon bits or crisp fresh bacon bits
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
26 oz. round loaf bread

Stir together all ingredients except bread and set aside.  Hollow out bread, reseving the torn pieces.  Spoon dip into bread and place on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.  Serve with torn bread or sliced apples.

Christmas In July time AGAIN!!!!!

Can you believe half of 2020 is over? ( Might be a good year to move along---considering everything)

Thought I would share this ideal with you.  I have been wanting to make these for gifts for a number of years and this year I got the fabric and also the towels to get started on several.  I think my family/friends will like these and get plenty of use from them. I am going to use a combination of 2 ways to do one.

It is a kitchen boa and several ways of making them are out there.



If you have cooking friends, they may like one too.

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To you and your families!!!

May God's Blessings be with you all!

We normally have the family Easter dinner but will just be my 2 kids and us 2.  Normally I would be in kitchen all day today and up early tomorrow but.....  Made a pie today and the little ham sandwiches are made so will just have to do slow creamy potatoes in crock pot and probably cream corn I will make tomorrow or green beans.  So less prep, save some money and won't be dragging btomorrow night.  Well okay, I might still be dragging but ..............

Cheesecake

3--8 ounce packages of cream cheese
1-- 8 ounce carton of sour cream
1 1/4 cups of sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
Half roll of sugar slice & bake sugar cookies
Sprinkle of cinnamon on top

Mix the cream cheese and sour cream until light, then cream in the sugar.  Add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each egg.  Add vanilla and beat again.
Pour into a large pan about 11 x 14 that is sprayed and lined with cookie dough pressed thin.
Sprinkle cinnamon on top if desired.
Bake about 45 minutes at 350.

Help---Please???

I seem not to be able to figure out how you can post a comment back to one person when they comment or ask a question.

TIA!

Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake

I ran across this on facebook the other day and made it.  We loved it.



Chicken Bacon Ranch Potato Bake
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp. salt
1 ranch dressing mix--dry powder ( I used Italian because I had it)
14 medium potatoes, cubed    (We used about 9)
3 chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces  (used 2)
2 1/2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup crumbled bacon
1 cup green onions, chopped
1 tsp. black pepper

Preheat over to 500.
In a large bowl combine, olive oil, salt, pepper and ranch dressing (or dressing of choice).
Add the potatoes to the oil mixture and toss well.  Spoon potatoes into a 9 X 13 baking dish that has been sprayed. Leave behind as much oil mixture as possible.
Roast potatoes until crispy, about 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Cut raw chicken into bite size pieces and add to oil mixture and toss well.
In a separate bowl mix the cheese, bacon and onion.
When potatoes are crispy, remove from oven. Lower the temperature to 400.
Top potatoes with raw chicken and the cheese mixture.  Bake for another 15-20 minutes.  (I did about 30)
Allow to cool for 10 minutes.  Serve with sour cream or ranch dressing (or dressing you used) if desired.

Just to share

I went to a church service on Friday night and their saying is:

"God, open my eyes to one person who needs Your love today and give me the courage to share it."

Christmas 2019 and a few others

Pictures go bigger if clicked on.

 Teigan at our house Christmas morning.

 Santa must of dropped 3 presents out of his sleigh.  She saw them laying around the yard out the window when she was handing presents out.

 Our Christmas tree.  98.9% all homemade ornaments.  Few of my grandparents on it.  The door prize was to guess on many were on it.  339 was the number of ornaments on it.

Some of our fish on Christmas a.m.

 Gpa and Teigan

Teigan with her great great great Aunt Imogene.

Some crafts I did for 2019 Christmas

This is the lotion that people like on their feet and also hands, especially if you work outside. Seasoning salt in other containers.

 These are painted globes.

 Snowman ornament glittered and painted inside.

This one my mom made last year for us for Christmas.  The top is a tuna can painted.  I put the little accents on it.  Inside is small blue battery operated lights.  I did 11 and gave them out before Christmas so they could be used.  Did 3 for where I work so each branch would have have.  They were very well received.