Friday, August 24, 2007

Computer difficulties

Sorry, I've been MIA, lately. Having computer problems. Will post again when I get them sorted out.~Cherylann

Saturday, August 18, 2007

What's for dinner 8.18.07

Baked Beans Dinner, baked potatoes, sliced tomatoes & garden salad.

Baked Beans Dinner
Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Main Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ ----------------1 pound ground beef -- browned and drained
1 sprig fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper -- to taste
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup maple syrup -- or 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
28 ounces pork and beans
8 slices bacon
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix all ingredients, except bacon. Pour into a 13X9" casserole dish, layer top with bacon slices; bake for 30 minutes until no longer soupy.

Baked Potatoes
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Side Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ ----------------6 baking potatoes

You can bake potatoes in your crockpot. Just wrap in foil and turn it on. Set the temperature depending on how long you'll be away from home. The best part is that this way doesn't heat up the kitchen, especially in the summer, and it uses far less electricity!

Tomatoes & lettuce are from my garden.~Cherylann

Progress so far...

zGot kitchen cleaned, need to finish decluttering.
Doing laundry now.
Dishes are done.
Got my girls' bedroom done.

Need to get started on Jacob's bedroom. Just taking a little break.~Cherylann

Lots to Do!!!

Today's Plans:
Clean Jacob's room.
Get kitchen decluttered & cleaned.
Laundry.
Dishes (as needed). Boy am I loving that dishwasher.
Finish cleaning my girls' bedroom (boy they sure are sloppy & do they know how to hide stuff!!!). I thought I'd be done days ago, since their room was already clean (I was just going to do a declutter session). However, I found that they were using their desk & under the bed to push everything into, so they wouldn't have to clean for long. So, I confiscated their desk. It now houses my computer & desk stuff. Now I have a free corner in Master Bedroom. The desk is right beside the Kitchen table, so it's really out in the open. (Our girls' bedroom is our former Living Room, because we only have 2 bedrooms.) If they keep on with under the bed, I'll find something to stick under there. Maybe I'll get some underbed bins for my extra kitchen stuff that doesn't have a home (we only have 2 cabinets in the kitchen & 1 of them you can't get to easily...it's in the corner & above the counter/stove).
Wish me luck, I've got lots & lots to do!!!
Is anyone else out there cleaning/decluttering today?~Cherylann

8 Alternative "Sandwiches" to PBJ

Here are 8 "sandwiches" that I make as an alternative to PBJ. Also, when I
do make PBJ, I use my PC Cut 'n Seal to make the "Freezables" (rather than pay
$5 for 6 little sandwiches at the grocery store.~Cherylann

Corn Dog Bites
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10 (5 bites each)
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup flour
2/3 cup cornmeal
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons oil
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 pound hot dogs

Preheat deep fryer to 375°.

In large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In separate bowl, mix oil, buttermilk and baking soda.

Pour into the flour mixture and mix well.

Cut hot dogs into about 50 pieces. Dip into mixture; coat well.

Drop into deep fryer and cook until golden brown; turning one.

Drain on paper towel. Can freeze at this point.

Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound cooked ham -- thinly sliced
1 pound Swiss cheese -- thinly sliced
1/2 cup butter -- melted
1 cup bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350°.

Roll up one ham slice and one cheese slice together; secure with a toothpick.

Dip in butter, bread crumbs and then Parmesan.

Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet; repeat with remaining ham and cheese
slices. (If freezing; do so now).

Bake for 10-15 minutes.

Pepperoni Bites

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup mozzarella cheese -- shredded
1/2 cup pepperoni slices -- chopped
1/2 cup pizza sauce
20 ounces refrigerated biscuits
1 Tablespoon milk
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese -- grated

Preheat oven to 350°.

For filling, in a bowl combine mozzarella, pepperoni and pizza sauce. Set
aside.

Separate biscuits. Flatten biscuits to 3" circles. Place about 1 rounded
Tablespoon filling in the center of each circle. Bring edges of dough together.
Pinch to seal.

Place, seam side down, on greased baking sheets. Brush with milk. Sprinkle
with Parmesan. (If freezing; do so now).

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden. Serve warm.

Pepperoni Pizza Bites

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 tube refrigerated dinner rolls
1 can pizza sauce
4 ounces sliced pepperoni
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven, according to dinner roll package directions.

Arrange dinner rolls about 3" apart on a lightly greased baking sheet;
flatten each roll into a 2" circle. Pinch edges to make a slight rim; spoon pizza
sauce into each center.

Add a few pepperoni slices; sprinkle with cheese. Bake according to dinner
roll package directions. (If freezing; do so now).

Cheesy Crescent Dogs

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 beef frankfurters
4 slices American cheese -- each cut into 4 strips
8 ounces refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

Preheat oven to 375°. Cut a lengthwise pocket into each frankfurter within
inch of ends.

Insert 2 strips of cheese into each pocket. Separate crescent roll dough
into triangles.

Wrap one triangle around each frankfurter.

Place on ungreased cookie sheet, cheese side up.

Bake for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Bambinis

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 ounces refrigerated large flaky biscuits
20 pepperoni slices -- thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 350°.

Combine cheeses in a mixing bowl; set aside.

Halve each biscuit horizontally; gently shape into a 8X2 1/2" oval.

Place one pepperoni slice and one Tablespoon cheese mixture in the upper half
of each oval; fold dough up and over filling, pinching closed.

Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Arrange on a lightly greased baking sheet; bake for 20 minutes. (Freeze now;
if desired).

Tuna Sandwiches

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cans tuna in water -- drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 hard-boiled eggs
1/2 cup celery -- diced
1/4 cup carrots -- shredded
salt and pepper
24 slices bread
12 dill pickle slices

Mix tuna, mayonnaise, eggs, celery, carrots, salt and pepper. Spoon onto
slice of bread, top with pickle and other slice of bread. (Do NOT freeze).

Tuna Wrap-Ups

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Lunch Boxes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 ounces tuna in water -- drained
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper -- to taste
8 ounces refrigerated crescent rolls -- separated
4 slices American cheese

Preheat oven to 375°.

Mix tuna, mayonnaise, salt and pepper together; set aside. Arrange crescents
on an ungreased baking sheet; set aside.

Fold cheese slices diagonally and break into 2 pieces; place one piece on
each crescent.

Spread one heaping Tablespoon tuna mixture over cheese; roll up crescent
roll-style.

Bake for 12 minutes.

~Would you like to learn how to earn free or discounted Pampered Chef
products?~

Please contact me:
Cherylann Smith, Independent Consultant
ChefCherylann@wmconnect.com

Friday, August 17, 2007

Kids' Clothing 4 Sale

Hi all. On Wednesday, 9/5, I will be selling my kids clothing, as well as consigning Kids' Clothing.

Next week is the last week of my kids' summer vacation, and the following week is the first week of school. So, I will be very busy for the next 2 weeks.

Freecycling Again...

I’ve been Freecycling again!!!

Today I got rid of 7 (yes, 7!!!) 13 gallon garbage bags of kids’ hangers. I organize the kids clothes by color (Caity pink, Jacob blue, Brea red, Rory white). But, I had way more “extras” than room to store them. So, I got rid of over ½ the hangers that were in the bin in which they belong. I know there are strays in the bedrooms & in the laundry room, though. The woman who picked them up, said she’d take those too. Lots of people in her family have either just had a baby or due to have one. It’s good to get the extra hangers out of my house & given to someone who could really use them.

I gave my mil 5 Wilton cake pans (Strawberry shortcake, ballet slippers, ladybug, tractor & a large sheet cake pan). By giving them to her, I can still use them if I need to.

I also got rid of some curtains, kitchen towels/dishcloths, an overnight bag, a computer monitor, some of dh’s too big clothes and some other miscellaneous stuff.

I also had some clothes of mine that I no longer wear. I looked it over and deemed it not worthy to give to someone else, so I just trashed it.

I am glad to be rid of about 10-11 garbage bags full of clutter. And, I’m happy everything went to those who could use them!

I just got through reading Peter Walsh’s: It’s All Too Much. In it, he says to keep a garbage bag or bin (labeled) for giveaways handy. I’d already been doing this. I was given a tote bag that I didn’t need or want, so I was gonna freecycle it, but then I thought I will use it FOR freecycling. I figured I’d fill it up as I go along and when full, I’d post the contents on FC.

Peter also recommended taking said bag around the house for 5 minutes 5 days a week & seeing how much you can fill it with. Just think how much you could bless others (& your home) if you did this for a whole year!~Cherylann

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

2 Pics of Max




New Additions to our Family



Well, I probably forgot to tell y'all about Pongo. We got him on 7/1. He's a white kitten with black spots. My daughter's Kindergarten class was the Dalmatians, so of course, since this kitten looks like a Dalmatian, she had to have him. And, had to name him Pongo (the dad Dalmatian from Disney's 101 Dalmatians). He's now about 2 months old. Here's a picture of him with Jacob. I think something's up w/my camera, because all the pics I try to put on my blog are fuzzy.


Yesterday, we got Max, a yellow lab. He's about 5 months old. He's just as friendly & as sweet as can be. He took to the kids like bees to honey. He didn't like Pongo that good, but, well, Pongo didn't like him much either. So, I guess they're even.


We've had Duke for a year now, he's just over a year old. He's our chocolate lab.


Honey, we've had for 1 1/2 years. She's an adorable mutt. LOL. She's Brea's and Brea loves her more than anything.
I'll post some pics as soon as I get around to taking them, LOL.

New Additions to our Family



Well, I probably forgot to tell y'all about Pongo. We got him on 7/1. He's a white kitten with black spots. My daughter's Kindergarten class was the Dalmatians, so of course, since this kitten looks like a Dalmatian, she had to have him. And, had to name him Pongo (the dad Dalmatian from Disney's 101 Dalmatians). He's now about 2 months old. Here's a picture of him with Jacob. I think something's up w/my camera, because all the pics I try to put on my blog are fuzzy.


Yesterday, we got Max, a yellow lab. He's about 5 months old. He's just as friendly & as sweet as can be. He took to the kids like bees to honey. He didn't like Pongo that good, but, well, Pongo didn't like him much either. So, I guess they're even.


We've had Duke for a year now, he's just over a year old. He's our chocolate lab.


Honey, we've had for 1 1/2 years. She's an adorable mutt. LOL. She's Brea's and Brea loves her more than anything.
I'll post some pics as soon as I get around to taking them, LOL.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Cold dinner tonight

I have a BBQ chicken pie (from my oamc session) that was gonna be dinner tonight, but it's too hot.

We're having Chicken Salad sandwiches, a garden salad and fruit salad for dessert.

Chicken Salad
By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Salads
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ ----------------------- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 cup red apple -- unpeeled
lemon juice
3 cups cooked chicken
1 cup celery -- sliced
1 cup seedless grapes
1/4 cup pecan halves
12 slices pumpernickel bread

In small bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, pepper, mustard, sugar and vinegar. In large bowl, sprinkle apple cubes with 1 tablespoons lemon juice, toss, add chicken, celery, grapes and pecans. Stir in dressing, refrigerate. Serve on pumpernickel bread.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 381 Calories; 30g Fat (67.8% calories from fat); 23g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 69mg Cholesterol; 408mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 3 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 2 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Fresh Fruit Salad
1 medium sized seedless watermelon
1 medium sized cantaloupe
1 honeydew melon
1 lb. green grapes (red and purple too if desired)
1 to 2 cans orange slices, drained (or fresh)
1 can pineapple chunks, drained (or fresh)
fresh strawberries or blueberries (optional)

Cut about 1/4 off top of watermelon. Cut back to the white and get all the red out to mix with other fruit. You can use a melon baller, teaspoon measuring spoon, or easiest of all just cube up all the melon. Mix fruit carefully, and heap into trifle bowl . Soft fruits like berries may be added at the last, but tend to get crushed. Fresh Oranges and Pineapple are better than canned, however they are optional. Just 3 melons, and grapes are great, as you have a good variety of color and flavors.

Optional Dressing
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. fruit juice
1/4 c. lemon juice
3 Tbsp. cornstarch

Cook sauce until thickened; it will stay thin. Chill. Pour over fruit in watermelon boat or mix in large bowl and chill.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Breakfast Recipes

Freezer French Toast

Recipe By : Cherylann

Serving Size : 8

Categories : Breakfast OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------

5 eggs

1 1/4 cups milk

1 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

16 slices French bread slices

Heat oven to 500°. Butter cookie sheets.

Beat eggs, milk, sugar, salt and vanilla until mixed.

Dip bread in egg mixture: arrange on baking sheets.

Bake until bottom is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn slices; bake until golden brown about 2 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Grease baking sheets. Place in a single layer on baking sheets. Flash freeze until hard. Wrap and label; return to freezer.

To serve ( 15 min before serving ), remove freezer French toast from freezer and unwrap; place on ungreased baking sheet. Heat until hot, 8-10 minutes, or use toaster oven or frying pan to reheat.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 218 Calories; 6g Fat (24.8% calories from fat); 10g Protein; 31g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 138mg Cholesterol; 367mg Sodium. Exchanges: 2 Grain(Starch); 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe By : Cherylann

Serving Size : 6

Categories : Breakfasts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------

12 slices French bread

8 eggs -- beaten

1 1/2 cups milk

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Topping:

10 ounces frozen strawberries -- thawed

1/4 cup sugar

1 Tablespoon cornstarch

2 Tablespoons water

powdered sugar -- for sprinkling

Butter a 9X13" baking pan. Lay the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the pan.

In a medium bowl, mix the eggs, milk, sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Pour the mixture over the bread.

Cover the pan and refrigerate it overnight.

When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450°.

Place the baking pan on the oven's middle rack, bake 20-25 mintues.

Topping: Cook the strawberries and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water and pour into the strawberries.

Cook until the mixture thickens.

Sprinkle with the powdered sugar.

Serve with maple syrup.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -


Breakfast Casserole

Recipe By : Cherylann

Serving Size : 6

Categories : Breakfasts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------

16 ounces sausage -- divided after cooking

10 eggs -- lightly beaten

3 cups milk

2 Tablespoons dry mustard

1 teaspoon salt

6 cups cubed bread -- divided

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese -- 2 cups, divided

1/2 teaspoon black pepper -- divided

1/2 cup green onions -- thinly sliced, divided

1 small can mushroom pieces -- optional

Preheat oven to 325°.

In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.

In large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard and salt; stir well.

Distribute half of the bread evenly in a buttered 9X13" casserole dish. Sprinkle with half the pepper, half the cheese, half the sausage and half the onions.

Repeat layering using remaining bread, pepper, cheese, sausage and onions. Pour egg mixture evenly over casserole.

Bake uncovered for 60 minutes or until eggs are set. Tent with foil if top begins to brown too quickly.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 677 Calories; 56g Fat (74.8% calories from fat); 33g Protein; 9g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 461mg Cholesterol; 1272mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Non-Fat Milk; 8 1/2 Fat.

NOTES : Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 12 hours before baking.

Breakfast Casserole

Recipe By :Cherylann

Serving Size : 12

Categories : Breakfasts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 can fluffy biscuits -- baked

1 pound sausage -- cooked and drained

1 sprig fresh rosemary -- chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon thyme

salt and pepper -- to taste

8 eggs

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese


Preheat oven to 350°. Crumble biscuits in bite-size pieces; place in casserole dish. Add sausage. Mix spices, eggs and milk, then pour over bread and sausage. Top with cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 309 Calories; 26g Fat (76.8% calories from fat); 15g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 192mg Cholesterol; 436mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 4 Fat.

Breakfast Pizza

Recipe By : Cherylann

Serving Size : 8

Categories : Breakfasts

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound sausage

1/2 cup onion -- chopped

1/2 cup green pepper -- chopped

32 ounces frozen hashbrowns

3 Tablespoons milk

6 eggs -- beaten

8 ounces Monterey jack cheese and Cheddar Cheese -- shredded

3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese -- grated

Preheat the oven to 400°.

Brown the sausage in an oven-proof frying pan, drain off most the fat.

Add the onions and peppers, saute until softened.

Spread the hashbrowns evenly over the sausage mixture.

In a small bowl, mix together the milk and eggs; pour over the hashbrowns.

Combine the cheeses and sprinkle on top.

Bake on the lower rack of oven 10-12 minutes until brown.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 311 Calories; 27g Fat (80.3% calories from fat); 13g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 200mg Cholesterol; 469mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 4 1/2 Fat.

Texas Breakfast Casserole

Recipe By : Cherylann

Serving Size : 8

Categories : Casseroles

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------

1 package crescent rolls

1 pound sage sausage -- cooked and drained

1 small can sliced mushrooms

12 ounces Monterey jack cheese -- grated

6 eggs -- beaten

1 cup cream of onion soup -- or celery

Line a 13x9 inch Pyrex dish with rolls, sealing perforations. Cover with sausage, mushrooms and half the cheese. Mix eggs with soup and pour over casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Chill overnight.

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake for 1hour.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 244 Calories; 18g Fat (67.2% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 4g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 199mg Cholesterol; 424mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 2 Fat.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Getting in the spirit

Merry Christmas....Oops still 4 1/2 months away. Guess I got a little carried away. Christmas Notebook started 8/1 & Christmas Clutter Countdown starts Monday...

Jingle Bell Rock
(by J.Beal, J.Boothe)

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring
Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun
Now the jingle hop has begun.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock
Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time
Dancing and prancing in Jingle Bell Square
In the frosty air.

What a bright time, it's the right time
To rock the night away
Jingle bell time is a swell time
To go gliding in a one-horse sleigh.

Giddy-up jingle horse, pick up your feet
Jingle around the clock
Mix and a-mingle in the jingling feet.
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell,
That's the jingle bell rock.

Picnic Menu

Summer's end is quickly approaching. Soon the kids will be back in school. How bout an impromtu trip to the park or beach.

Here’s my favorite picnic menu & could also be used for tailgating in the fall (for those of you that attend games…could be NFL, College or your child’s pee-wee or jr/sr high team):

Here's my menu for picnics (recipes follow~Enjoy!):
Chilled "Fried" Chicken
Baked Potato Salad
Baked Beans
Deviled Eggs
Iced Tea
Lemon Dream Bars

Chilled 'Fried' ChickenRecipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Main DishesAmount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper -- to taste
1 1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
3 Tablespoons butter -- meltedPreheat oven to 400°. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, cheese, paprika, thyme, and garlic powder.In another small bowl, stir together bread crumbs and butter.Dip chicken, one piece at a time, into yogurt mixture, then place in bread
crumb mixture. Spoon bread crumb mixture over chicken, coating well.Place coated pieces of chicken in a greased baking pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes
or until juices run clear when thickest part of chicken breast is peirced
with a fork. Cover and refrigerate until ready to present. SERVE COLD.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 389 Calories; 11g Fat (26.8% caloriesfrom fat); 45g Protein; 25g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 110mg Cholesterol;557mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 5 Lean Meat; 1/2 Non-Fat Milk;1 1/2 Fat.NOTES : Recipe is easily increased.

Baked Potato SaladRecipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : SaladsAmount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
15 potatoes -- cooked and cubed
2 pounds bacon -- crisply cooked and crumbled
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese -- divided
1 onion -- chopped
16 ounces Miracle Whip®Preheat oven to 350°.Combine potatoes, bacon, half the cheese, onion and enough Miracle Whip to
make the mixture moist; mix well.Spread into a large roasting pan; sprinkle with remaining cheese.Bake, until bubbly, about 1 hour.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 510 Calories; 39g Fat (68.3% caloriesfrom fat); 20g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 64mg Cholesterol;979mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 6Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Baked BeansRecipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Side DishesAmount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds pork and beans
1 Tablespoon ketchup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 medium onion -- chopped
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 Tablespoon Karo syrup
4 slices baconPreheat oven to 250°. Mix all ingredients. Bake for 1 1/2 hours.Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 163 Calories; 3g Fat (17.5% caloriesfrom fat); 7g Protein; 29g Carbohydrate; 7g Dietary Fiber; 11mg Cholesterol;575mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Deviled EggsRecipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Side Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
12 eggs
mayonnaise -- as needed to moisten yolk mixture--do
NOT add too much. You can always add more as needed.
2 Tablespoons relish
paprika -- for garnish
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard -- optionalPlace eggs in cold water to cover in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over
medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat
and leave eggs in covered pot of hot water 15 minutes. Drain eggs, refill
with cold water. Remove shells.Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks. In small bowl, mash yolks,
mayonnaise, relish and mustard. Fill eggs with yolk mixture.Sprinkle with paprika.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 78 Calories; 5g Fat (59.6% caloriesfrom fat); 6g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 212mg Cholesterol;96mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

Iced TeaRecipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 48
Categories : BeverageAmount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 (1-ounce) each tea bags
1 gallon boiling water
2 gallons cold water
10 pounds ice -- (10 to 15) chipped or cubedPlace tea bags in enamel, stainless steel, or earthenware container.Pour boiling water over tea bags. Steep 4-6 minutes. Remove bags.Pour hot tea into cold water.Fill 12 oz glasses with ice. Pour tea over ice just before serving.Yield:"3 gallons"- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 9 Calories; 0g Fat (0.0% calories fromfat); trace Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol;15mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrates.NOTES : Always pour the hot tea concentrate into the cold water. Do notrefrigerate or ice the tea prior to service. Cloudiness develops in tea that has
been refrigerated.Instant tea (1-1 1/2 oz) may be used in place of the tea bags.Six to seven lemons, cut in eighths, may be served with the tea.

Lemon Dream BarsRecipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 16
Categories : DessertsAmount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 cups graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- melted
1 egg
3 egg yolks
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk -- NOT evaporated milk
1/2 cup lemon juice from concentratePreheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, butter and
lightly beaten egg until combined. Reserve one cup of the mixture. Press
remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13 X 9" baking pan. Bake 10-15
minutes or until lightly toasted.With mixer or wire whisk, beat 3 egg yolks, add milk and then lemon juice.
Spread over pressed crumb mixture, top with reserved crumb mixture. Bake 25
minutes longer or until set. Cool. Refrigerate 2 hours. Cut into bars. Store
leftovers covered in refrigerator.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 238 Calories; 14g Fat (50.8% caloriesfrom fat); 4g Protein; 26g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 85mgCholesterol; 134mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 2 1/2 Fat;1 OtherCarbohydrates.

10 (100) Words Every High School Graduate Should Know

10 Words Every Graduate Should Know
If you graduated from high school--no matter the year!--you should know these 10 words, according to the editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Actually you should know 90 more, too. And they're all in "100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know." But let's start with these 10.
Time to test yourself! The definitions are at the end of this page so you don't have to go far to find out what the words mean.
Top 10 words you should know:
abstemious
bellicose
chromosome
filibuster
gauche
gerrymander
interpolate
irony
plagiarize
suffragist
Just as any current high school student preparing for the SAT college admissions test can tell you, words sometimes contain hints as to their meanings either through spelling or sound. For example, "abstemious" means to eat or drink in moderation. It sounds a lot like "abstain," so on a multiple-choice test, you might be able to figure this out from the sound of the word.
"The words we suggest are not meant to be exhaustive but are a benchmark against which graduates and their parents can measure themselves. If you are able to use these words correctly, you are likely to have a superior command of the language," Steven Kleinedler, senior editor of "100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know," says in a news release announcing the book. But he admitted to the Detroit Free Press that few people actually know all 100. Confession time: He told the paper that one of the words on the top 100 list, "quotidian," was completely new to him. (It means commonplace or ordinary.)
The meanings of the 10 words above (on the off chance you need to bone up on your vocabulary):
abstemious: eating and drinking in moderation; self-denyingbellicose: warlike or hostile; belligerent
chromosome: a strand of DNA; genetic material
filibuster: the use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speechmaking
gauche: lacking grace or social polish; vulgar
gerrymander: to divide voting districts so as to give unfair advantage to one party
interpolate: to insert or introduce between other elements or parts; to butt-in
irony: the use of words to express something different from and often opposite to literal meaning
plagiarize: to use and pass off the ideas or writing of another as one's own
suffragist: an advocate of voting rights, especially for women
Want to really impress people with your vocabulary?
Here are all 100 words:


Press Release

100 Words Every High School Graduate Should Know
by Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries (Editor)
100 Words That All High School Graduates — And Their Parents — Should Know
BOSTON, MA — The editors of the American Heritage® dictionaries have compiled a list of 100 words they recommend every high school graduate should know."The words we suggest," says senior editor Steven Kleinedler, "are not meant to be exhaustive but are a benchmark against which graduates and their parents can measure themselves. If you are able to use these words correctly, you are likely to have a superior command of the language."The following is the entire list of 100 words:

Abjure
abrogate
abstemious
acumen
antebellum
auspicious
belie
bellicose
bowdlerize
chicanery
chromosome
churlish
circumlocution
circumnavigate
deciduous
deleterious
diffident
enervate
enfranchise
epiphany
equinox
euro
evanescent
expurgate
facetious
fatuous
feckless
fiduciary
filibuster
gamete
gauche
gerrymander
hegemony
hemoglobin
homogeneous
hubris
hypotenuse
impeach
incognito

incontrovertible
inculcate
infrastructure
interpolate
irony
jejune
kinetic
kowtow
laissez faire
lexicon
loquacious

lugubrious
metamorphosis
mitosis
moiety
nanotechnology
nihilism
nomenclature
nonsectarian
notarize
obsequious
oligarchy
omnipotent
orthography
oxidize
parabola
paradigm
parameter
pecuniary
photosynthesis
plagiarize
plasma
polymer
precipitous
quasar
quotidian
recapitulate
reciprocal
reparation
respiration
sanguine
soliloquy
subjugate
suffragist
supercilious
tautology
taxonomy
tectonic
tempestuous
thermodynamics
totalitarian
unctuous
usurp
vacuous
vehement
vortex
winnow
wrought
xenophobe
yeoman
ziggurat

Friday, August 10, 2007

OAMC time again

Hi, I am going to do another OAMC session tomorrow. I am “cheating” a little this time, though. I used dump recipes for most of my chicken, so that I don’t have so much to cook tomorrow. These are gonna last from 8/11-9/10; 12/19-23; 12/26/07-1/3/08 (not counting 12/24 & 12/25/07 & 1/1/08Blessings~Cherylann

Easy Crockpot Beef Stew (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 pounds beef stew meat
2 pounds baby carrots
4 large can potatoes -- or cut your own
4 cans corn -- drained
4 cans green beans -- drained
6 jars beef gravy
2 large cans V-8® vegetable juice

Brown your stew meat in skillet. While browning, get out your crockpot and put all other ingredients in it. You can also add onions, peas (or any other type of vegetable you like). This recipe can be made with many variations. When the meat is browned, add it to the crock pot. This can all be done in the morning in about 15 minutes.

Cook on low 6-8 hours. Divide into 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Preheat oven to 350°. Heat for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Ideas : Serve with biscuits.

Dump Garlic Dijon Chicken (OAMC 4 meals; 6 serv)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bulb garlic -- pressed
1 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup lime juice
24 skinless boneless chicken breasts

Mix up the garlic, mustard and lime juice. Divide between 4 gallon freezer bags. Add 6 pieces of chicken per bag. Freeze.

To cook the chicken, thaw completely in the fridge. Preheat oven to 350°.

Dump into 9x13" pan, bake until done, about 25-35 minutes. OR use your crockpot.

NOTES : For chicken pieces, it runs closer to an hour.

Sloppy Joes (OAMC 6 meals; 6 serv)

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : OAMC Sandwiches

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
6 pounds ground beef -- uncooked
4 red onions -- diced
2 green peppers -- diced
2 red peppers -- diced
1 bulb garlic -- pressed
2 cups ketchup
3/4 cup brown sugar
6 dashes Worcestershire sauce
30 ounces tomato sauce
6 ounces tomato paste
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
36 hamburger buns

On cooking day: Cook onions and peppers until onions are translucent. Set aside. Cook ground beef until done. Add back in Onions and peppers and
remaining ingredients. Heat til boiling. Reduce heat and cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Divide among four 1 quart containers and freeze for three months.

On Serving Day: Thaw all day in refrigerator. Place mixture in Dutch oven and reheat. Serve on hamburger bunsContainers:

NOTES : 4 Freezer Bag - Quart

Barbecue Chicken Pie (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Casseroles OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 refrigerated pie crusts
16 green onions with tops -- about 2 cups; thinly sliced
32 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
12 cups chicken -- cooked and chopped
3 cups barbecue sauce


Preheat oven to 425°. Let pie crusts stand at room temperature 15 minutes. Place pie crusts in Deep Dish Pie Plates, gently pressing dough into bottom and up sides; prick bottom. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown; cool completely.

Thinly slice green onions; set aside. Thinly slice half of the cheese. Grate remaining cheese using Deluxe Cheese Grater. Set cheese aside.

Place chicken in Large Micro-Cooker®. Add barbecue sauce; toss to coat. Microwave on HIGH 3-4 minutes or until mixture is hot, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated cheese and half of the green onions.

To assemble pies, line bottom and sides of crust with sliced cheese. Spoon chicken mixture into crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle top of pie with remaining grated cheese.

Cool. Put one pie each into 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze.

To reheat: Preheat oven to 350°. Heat for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Puerto Rican Pork Chops (OAMC 4 meals; 6 serv)
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Main Dishes OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
24 boneless pork chops -- (6 lbs)
4 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 Tablespoon oregano
3/4 teaspoon oregano
3 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 3/8 teaspoons pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice -- just a bit less than 1/2 cup

Wash, drain, and salt meat.

Put rest of ingredients in blender and blend well.

Put 6 pork chops in each freezer bag. Divide marinade evenly into bags. Freeze at this point. (Let sit overnight to cook without freezing.)

To Cook: Thaw meat overnight in fridge. Add 4 Tbsp oil to large skillet bring to medium high. Brown meat 2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium and cook about 5 minutes more turning once or twice until done.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 29 Calories; 3g Fat (88.6% calories from fat); trace Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 400mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Fat.

Serving Ideas : This tastes wonderful with a squirt of lime or lemon and onions sliced into rings and cooked in the same pan after the pork chops are done. I usually serve with puerto rican style rice and beans
and a salad.

"Homemade" Meatloaf (48 servings; 6 oamc meals)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 48 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Main

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 packages McCormick's meatloaf seasoning
8 eggs -- slightly beaten
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cans mushroom pieces -- chopped
1 onion -- chopped
1 green pepper -- finely chopped
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
fresh rosemary, basil, oregano, Italian parsley -- to taste; chopped
8 pounds ground beef
ketchup -- for topping

Preheat oven to 375°. Place foil in 13X9" pan and 2 loaf pans.

Mix meatlof seasoning and eggs together. Add ketchup, Worcestershire, mushrooms, onion, green pepper, seasoning and fresh herbs. Mix well.

Add ground beef, mix well. Make 8 mini loaves of meatloaf, place in prepared 13X9" pan. Fill loaf pans with regular size meatloaves. Top with ketchup.

Place in oven. Take 13X9" pan with mini loaves out after 30 minutes. Leave loaf pans in for 30 more minutes (for a total of 1 hour).

Serving Ideas : Great with mashed potatoes or rice topped with tomatoes.

NOTES : Freeze the 2 loaves for future meals & eat the mini loaves for dinner and lunch the next day.

Or you can freeze before cooking. Thaw & bake for 30 minutes (mini loaves) 1hour meatloaves.

Dump Teriyaki Chicken (OAMC 4 meals; 6 serv)
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bulb garlic -- pressed
1 1/3 cups soy sauce
1/2 cup rice wine -- or sherry
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup minced ginger
24 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Mix garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, cider vinegar, brown sugar and ginger. Divide between 4 gallon ziploc bags.

To cook the chicken, thaw completely in the fridge. Preheat oven to 350°. Dump into 9x13" pan, bake about 25-35 minutes. OR use the crockpot.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 282 Calories; 3g Fat (10.1% calories from fat); 55g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 137mg Cholesterol; 1069mg Sodium. Exchanges: 7 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : For chicken pieces, it runs closer to an hour.

Baked Beans Dinner (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Main Dishes OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 pounds ground beef -- browned and drained
4 sprigs fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 Tablespoon basil
1 Tablespoon thyme
1 Tablespoon oregano
salt and pepper -- to taste
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 cups ketchup
2 cups maple syrup -- or 1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large cans baked beans
2 pounds bacon

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix all ingredients, except bacon. Pour into four 13X9" casserole dishes, layer top with bacon slices; bake for 30 minutes until no longer soupy.

Cool; divide into 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze.

To serve: Preheat oven to 350°. Heat 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Ideas : Serve with potato salad and a nice, cool summer dessert.

Dump Lemon and Garlic Chicken (OAMC 4 meals; 6 serv)

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Main Dishes
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 bulb garlic -- chopped
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup parsley -- chopped
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients except chicken in a bowl; mix. Divide into 4 gallon freezer bags. Put 6 pieces of chicken in each bag; Freeze.

To cook the chicken, thaw completely in the fridge. Preheat oven to 350°. Dump into 9x13" pan, bake until done, about 25-35 minutes. OR use your crockpot.

NOTES : For chicken pieces, it runs closer to an hour.

Pork Chops Supreme (OAMC 4 meals; 6 servings each)
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Crockpot Dinner
OAMC

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 onions -- sliced
12 potatoes -- peeled and sliced
2 large cans cream of mushroom soup -- or cream of celery soup
24 boneless pork chops
salt and pepper -- to taste

Put onions and potatoes in bottom of 2 crockpots. Top with chops, salt and pepper, pour soup over chops. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.

Cool. Divide between 4 gallon freezer bags. Freeze.

To serve: Thaw. Preheat oven to 350°. Heat for about 20 minutes or untli heated through.

Alive & Present (sent to me by Jayedee)

Alive and Present by Steve Goodier

Architect Frank Lloyd Wright once told of a childhood incident that may have seemed insignificant at the time, but had a profound influence on the rest of his life. It happened when he was nine years old. It was winter. Young Frank was walking across a snow-covered field with his uncle. As the two of them reached the far end of the field, his uncle stopped him. He pointed out his own tracks in the snow, straight and true as an arrow's flight, and then young Frank's tracks meandering all over the field."Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the fence to the cattle to the woods and back again," his uncle said. "And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that.

"Years later the world-famous architect liked to tell how this experience had greatly contributed to his life's philosophy. "I determined right then," he'd say with a twinkle in his eye, "not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had."He determined to be alive and present. To be fully aware and squeeze as much life out of each moment as possible.We will miss most things in life if we live in the past.

Let us learn from the past, but not live there.We will miss most things in life if we live in the future. Let usp lan for the future, but not live there.We will miss little if we live in the present. And we'll have more fun along the way!

More gifts-in-a-jar

Here are a “few” more gift-in-a-jar recipes. I’ve made these in the past. I’ll probably make 1-2 (or all 5) for gifts this Christmas. Enjoy!~Cherylann

Apple Butter

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
8 apples -- peeled, cored and sliced
4 cups sugar
4 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt

Fill crockpot with all ingredients. Cook on high for 1 hour, Reduce heat. Stir occasionally for 12 hours or until thick and a dark golden in color. Puree if desired. Fill pint jars with hot apple butter, leaving about 3/4 inch space at top. Seal jar with their lids.

Yield:
"10 8 oz. jars"

NOTES : These make wonderful gifts. What I did was wrote out the receipe and put it on the jar and then put a ribbon around the top of the jar and there you go, you have a beautiful gift for any occasion. Your whole house smells great when this is cooking in the crockpot.

Double Chocolate Hot Chocolate
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 133
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
25 5/8 ounces nonfat dry milk (8 cups)
16 ounces miniature marshmallows (7 1/2 cups)
12 ounces miniature chocolate chips (2 cups)
3 cups powdered sugar
3 cups nondairy creamer, fat-free
1 1/2 cups baking cocoa powder

Serving -- 3 TABLESPOON. per mug of hot water or milk.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 14 Calories; trace Fat (0.2% calories from fat); 0g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; 0g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; trace Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : This delicious mix makes great gifts for teachers, co-workers, church staff, etc.

Bread-in-a-Jar for Gift Giving

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 32
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 2/3 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 cups canned pumpkin
2/3 cup water
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2/3 cup nuts

This recipe is easy to do, but the instructions must be followed exactly. The nicest thing about giving Bread-In-A-Jar is that those who receive it can keep it until they get over the holiday food blahs.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Bake in pint size wide mouth canning jar, seal immediately upon removing from the oven. It will keep on the shelf for up to one year. Take jars out the oven one at a time. When jars have cooled enough to handle them, tighten the tops. As jars cool, they will seal.

Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in eggs, pumpkin and water.

Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Add to pumpkin mixture into greased wide mouth pint jars, filling half full.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. When done, remove one jar at a time, wipe sealing edge with paper towel or cloth and screw cap on tightly. The heat will vacuum seal the jar and the bread will keep up to one year.

Yield:
"8 pints"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 145 Calories; 2g Fat (15.0% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 29g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 27mg Cholesterol; 197mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Substitute for pumpkin, one of the following:
2 c. sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
2 cups shredded apples or carrots
1 bag whole ground fresh cranberries
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 3/4 cup applesauce plus 1/4 cup pineapple
1 3/4 cup applesauce plus 1/4 cup raisins
2 cups mashed bananas
2 cups apricot
2 cups shredded zucchini
2 cups chopped fresh peaches

Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mix-in-a-Bag
Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks
1/2 cup nuts -- chopped
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
disposable foil bread loaf pan

Place all ingredients into a 1-gallon sealable plastic bag; seal bag. Place bag in loaf pan. Place in decorative gift bag or basket.

Attach the following instructions: Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread:
1 bag Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread Mix
2 eggs
1 cup ripe bananas -- mashed
1/3 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
Preheat oven to 350°. Mix eggs, bananas, oil and milk in large bowl until well blended. Add contents of bag. Stir just until moistened. Grease or spray loaf pan; fill with batter.

Bake for 55 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Store, tightly wrapped, at room temperature.

Death By Chocolate Cookie Mix
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

Combine dry ingredients. Place in a Ziploc and store up to six months.

Attach instructions:
Death By Chocolate Cookies
1 1/4 cups Butter -- softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, eggs and vanilla. Add mix and stir until well-mixed. Drop dough by heaping teaspoons onto an ungreased baking sheet, spacing about two inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. (Do not over bake!) Cool for five minutes; then remove to a baking rack. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Yield:
"3 dozen"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 91 Calories; 2g Fat (19.7% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 19g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 66mg Sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : Print instructions on a decorative card and attach to mix for gift giving. Instructions can also be printed onto large labels and placed onto zip baggies before filling with mixes when making several
mixes.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Lyme Disease

For those of you who go outside (all of us do), even just going from the car to the house.

Please check for ticks as soon as you get inside. Check all over, even hidden places (scalp) and especially warm places (underarms, etc). If you live in wooded or grassy areas, you probably have more chances of picking them up than those in sandy areas.

Some ticks are so small you can barely even see them. Two of my 4 kids have been diagnosed within the last 2 weeks. It’s not pleasant and it’s extremely hard to watch your kids just not feel good at all.

My baby has the bullseye rash. Click for pics (warning...some are graphic and show bottoms) Lyme Disease Rash.

Thankfully, so far, the pediatrician does not think they have Rocky Mtn Spotted Fever, but they are monitoring the kids closely.

What's for dinner

We were having cube steaks & gravy that I made yesterday while reheating our chicken & stuffing , but my dear, darling kids snuck into the fridge after bedtime and ate every last bite.
So, probably tomato sandwiches (fresh grown from our garden), and onion petals.
Recipes follow ~Cherylann

Tomato Sandwich with Basil
Recipe By :CherylannServing
Size : 6
Categories : Sandwiches
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -----------------------12 slices whole grain bread
1 onion -- grated
1 cup mayonnaise
salt and pepper -- to taste
4 tomatoes -- sliced
seasoned salt -- to taste
1 bunch basil

Combine the grated onion, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Spread mixture onto the bread. Cover and refrigerate.

To prepare the tomatoes, peel, slice, and drain thoroughly between layers of paper towels.

Sprinkle the tomatoes with seasoning salt before assembling the sandwiches. Place a tomato slice on top of 6 slices of bread. Top with basil.

Place the other 6 slices of bread on top of each stack. Cover with a damp towel and refrigerate until ready to serve.

NOTE: I have to put Danish ham & maybe some crisp bacon on dh's, otherwise, he won't eat it. "It's just not a meal without some meat on the table".

Onion Petals
Recipe By : cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Side Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -----------------------1 cup onion blossom coating
1/2 cup water
1 large Vidalia onion -- cut into pieces (just cut into rings & cut each ring into 3-4 pieces)

Put cut onion pieces into ice water; set aside. In a small bowl, mix coating and water thoroughly. Heat approximately 1" of oil in a heavy frying pan.

Take a few petals out of water at a time; shake off excess water. Coat generously in coating mix.
Fry until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Serving Ideas : Serve with bloomin onion sauce.

NOTES : Recipe can be halved or doubled.

Cube Steaks & Gravy

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Main Dishes
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -----------------------6 slices cube steaks
oil -- enough to cover bottom of pan
salt and pepper -- to taste
1 cup flour
Gravy:
4 Tablespoons flour
2 cups COLD water
drippings from cube steak
salt and pepper -- to taste

Heat oil to sizzling. Turn down to low-medium.

Salt and pepper each steak. Coat each side in flour. Add to hot oil. Cook until golden brown; flipping 3-4 times until done. Don't let stick to pan.

Drain oil out of pan; leave drippings and enough oil to add flour and water mixture to add gravy.

Mix flour with COLD water; mix well. Add to oil and drippings. Cook until thickened. Add more water 1 Tablespoonful at a time if gravy gets too thick.

Cover cube steak with gravy.

Serve with mashed potatoes.

This recipe I submitted to Gooseberry Patch, it is In GBP Speedy Suppers 2/07.

Chicken & Stuffing Bake

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Casseroles
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ -----------------------1/2 cup water
1 Tablespoon butter
4 cups herb-seasoned stuffing cubes
6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/3 cup milk
1 Tablespoon fresh parsley -- chopped

Preheat oven to 350°.

Bring water and butter to a boil in a large saucepan; remove from heat. Stir in stuffing mix.
Spoon mixture across center of a lightly greased 3-quart casserole dish.

Arrange chicken on each side of stuffing. Sprinkle with paprika; set aside.

Combine soup, milk and parsley; pour over chicken.

Bake, covered, for 15 minutes.

Uncover; bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Blessings,~Cherylann

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

American Blessings Gift-in-a-Jar

Here's a gift I'll be giving to some of my friends on my Christmas list this year.


American Blessings Mix-in-a-Jar
Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Gifts-in-a-Jar
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ ----------------2 cups Bugles® snacks
2 cups small pretzels
1 cup candy corn
1 cup dried fruit bits or raisins
1 cup peanuts or sunflower seeds
1 cup M&Ms® plain chocolate candies
1 Hershey kiss
Put in jars with this tag:American Blessings MixBugles: shaped like a cornucopia or horn of plenty-a symbol of our nations abundance.Pretzels: arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by those who founded our country. Candy Corn: sacrifices of the pilgrim's first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn a day.Nuts or Seeds: promise of a future harvest, one we will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.Dried Fruits: harvest gifts of our bountiful land. M&MS: memories of those who came before us to guide us to a blessed future.Hershey's Kiss: the love of family and friends that sweeten our lives.


Cherylann

Something to ponder

What matters most to me is to finish what God started; the job that Jesus gave me of letting everyone I meet find out about the incredibly extravagant generosity (grace) of God.

Sorry the pic wasn't clear.

I'll have to try again later.~C

My 4 Beautiful Loving Babies...trying it again


Well, you can't even see their faces.


I'm trying again, hopefully this will be better.

My 4 Beautiful Loving Babies


Left to right: Brea 3 1/2, Jacob 5, Caity 6 & Rory 21 months.

Pics of the Table after dinner...




Hence the baby's bowl still under the table. LOL... All I did was clear off the table, take the tablecloth off and wipe the table down.

My Kitchen Table


Tami, I found my camera .

Here's my new table before dinner (aka clean...LOL). Yes the wall behind my table is 1/2 white & 1/2 pink (we had to borrow a few feet of dds' room to have a table), you should also see a couple of Aurora wallies.

LOL...
Blessings~Cherylann







Buddy Support System for the Organized Challenged...Like Me

I have had a Loving Home Yahoo Group for a while. For the past 4-5 months it's been inactive due to no members.

I've changed it a bit and have invited a few girls from a group I am on Christmas Clutter Countdown (I joined after Christmas last year). They were all interested in joining a small buddy group to encourage each other & help each other out. If anyone else is interested, please stop by and check us out.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LovingHome/

Blessings~Cherylann

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Thanksgiving/Christmas/Holiday dinners

I know Thanksgiving is almost 4 months away and Christmas is almost 5.

But, I have a challenge for you. Send me your favorite turkey leftovers recipe.

Here's mine:

Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Sandwiches
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method-------- ------------ ----------------3 cups stuffing mix
12 slices toasted bread
6 Tablespoons mayonnaise -- or Miracle Whip
6 Tablespoons cranberry sauce
6 cups cooked turkey -- shredded
6 Tablespoons cream cheese

Prepare stuffing mix as directed on package; set aside.
Spread 6 of the toast slices with mayo and cranberry sauce; top with turkey and stuffing.
Cover with remaining 6 toast slices spread with cream cheese.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 413 Calories; 24g Fat (51.9% calories from fat); 42g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 127mg Cholesterol; 224mg Sodium. Exchanges: 6 Lean Meat; 2 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

Recipe Pen Pals

Hi, I've recently started penpalling with a few friends across the country. Two are dear TNT friends, the other 4 are new friends. Last week, I sent my 6 pen pals a letter and 5 Christmas Cookie recipe cards.

I got the idea from a group called Cookin Pen Pals about 2 weeks ago, but I think the group has been deleted now, not sure why. I also got the idea of pen palling again from Elizabeth (see links to the right Elizabeth's Clothesline).

So, if anyone would like to participate in pen palling with me and trading recipe cards, just email me at Cherylann or post a comment here (email addresses, not snail mail, I will email you back). You will just be pen pals with me, I will not give anyone else your address. There are no requirements on how often to write me, no set amount of recipe cards or theme of recipes. Just do what you want/can and I'll write back :) ~Cherylann

Planning another OAMC session

I can't believe it's already been a month since my last session. It has been great, though, to just open my freezer each night & thaw out the next day's dinner for reheating. I cooked all the food completely last month, this month I think I may prep and put in the freezer & do the cooking after the thaw. We'll see. I guess it really depends on the recipes I choose.

Hopefully, I will have my recipes chosen and everything planned before I go to bed Thursday night. I want to shop Friday morning.

Does anyone have any TNT OAMC recipes? Or meals that can be frozen? If so, please forward them to me at Cherylann or post them in the comments. I have been doing this for a while, but it would be nice to add some new recipes to the rotation.

~Cherylann

I've been tagged....5 links

Just copy paste this and everything below up until my Five links:

Tami thought it would be cool to have a meme where we post links. We can post up to five. Then we tell five more people to share their links. If we all share who tagged us, our links are sure to be seen!

They can be business links, favorite sites, affiliate links, whatever you want…

There are Five Rules:
1. MUST be clean. No R rated sites.
2. Only FIVE links.
3. MUST tell 5 people.
4. A link back to the person who tagged you
5. Lara’s Place is the meme originator. (an active link would be appreciated)
———– end copy paste ———————————–>

MY LINKS:
1. Tami (BF Blog)

2. Best Friend's 2 Blog
3. Elizabeth's clothesline
4. Pioneer Woman Cooks
5. FlyLady

I am Tagging:
1. Nichole
2. Elizabeth
3. JayeDee
4. Nancy
5. Garden Gnome

Tagged by:1. Tami

Sunday, August 5, 2007

My Wonderful (almost) Kitchen

Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted. We’ve been on the go lately.

I got a new dining room table & chairs yesterday!!! Free!!! Gotta love that FreeCycle.

It is a very nice WOOD farmhouse table and chairs. The table top is butcher block and it has hunter green spindle legs. It has 4 hunter green chairs with tapestry flowered seats (I am going to recover…going to try to find an apple print, hopefully in tapestry). We are having to use 2 of our folding chairs for the other 2 chairs, but that’s okay by me. At least the folding table is now reserved for holidays & family get-togethers!!!

My kitchen is already red/hunter & decorated with apples. I need to get dh to paint my kitchen & put my border up (apples…of course). It’s just a very small kitchen, and it’s been the bane of my existence. But, slowly, it is getting better. It’s still small, but I am making changes here & there, as my budget & FreeCycle allow. Just think, 2 months ago, we didn’t even have a kitchen table!!! I didn’t think I had the room.

Also included in my deal was a stool for my scrapbook table, an office chair for my son’s desk, and a stand-up fluorescent light that lights up half the house (with no need for other lights to be on). We had it on last night, in my daughters’ room and it lit up the kitchen and laundry room as well. So, we can now leave all the lights off except this one if we are in one of those 3 rooms.

I am slowly starting to like my too small kitchen. To make up for the lack of counter space, I now have my long beautiful table to roll out dough or cool cookies………..Yay!!!

I've been tagged

What were you doing 10 years ago?
Working at a low paying job, renting a house that’s larger than what I currently live in. Dating dh, but not engaged yet.

What were you doing 1 year ago?
Getting ready to send my babies to Kindergarten & Pre-K. We took the kids to the zoo.

Five snacks you enjoy:
1) Funyuns with Dr. Pepper
2) Peanut M&M’s
3) Popcorn
4) Doritos
5) Chips

Five songs to which you know all the lyrics:
I know too many to list if there is music playing.

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire:
1) Tithe, so that my church could afford to stay open.
2) Build a house.
3) Buy a decent car for me & dh.
4) Put aside a trust fund for each of my kids, so they wouldn’t have to worry about paying for a college education, or a house when they get older.
5) Not worry about money anymore.

Five bad habits:
1) drinking soda, though I do a lot less than I used to.
2) wasting time
3) procrastination
4) saying words that are not pure
5) letting things pile up

Five things you like to do:
1) spend time with kids
2) cook/bake
3) make gifts
4) scrapbook
5) craft

Five things you hope to never wear again:
1) the size clothes I am in, after I lose the extra weight
2) stirrups
3) leg warmers
4) neon
5) sweats

Five favorite toys:
1) computer, internet, printer
2) cell phone
3) dvd player
4) scrapbooking materials
5) crafts

You've been tagged, send me yours. You can post here in the comments, or email to me at: ChefCherylann@wmconnect.com