100th Post Giveaway...

Is now officially closed. I have all the registries saved for my dd to draw on December 7th! Don't forget to stop by here and see who won:)

Have a blessed day~Cherylann

26 Days until Christmas

I have been sending out my cards for my groups (yahoo) and have finished the ones for church. I need to do the ones for kids' school.

I have bought some of kids' Christmas, but other than that, still have all the shopping to do that I did when I last posted. My mom, dad, stepmom, aunt, mil, fil & gmil will all be taken care of by one order to Pampered Chef. My nephew & dh's 2 cousins will get fast food gift cards. Then there's just the kids & dh to finish.

I also need to buy a new Christmas tree, find the rest of my decorations and decorate...I am behind schedule on this one:)

I also need to do some baking.

What is everyone else doing?

REMINDER....Contest

Don't forget to sign up for the 100th blog giveaway, if you haven't already. Deadline is tonight at midnight!!!

Here's the link: http://lovinghomeof4babies.blogspot.com/search/label/100th

Happy Thanksgiving

I may not post again until this weekend, so if not, Happy Thanksgiving!~Cherylann

Update on Jacob's award...

Well, you know I told y'all about Jacob's award ceremony today.

4 kids from each class got an award (16 for each grade) for doing well in a subject area (reading, math, etc).

Then a few kids from each grade got a spirit award for specials (pe, art, spanish, music, media, etc).

Well, MY BABY got the final (3rd) award...."The Paw Pride Award" which was for overall achievement in all subjects, specials and citizenship!!! He was the only Kindergartener to receive it!

He was kind of confused at first, because they did all the K subject awards, then said and the last one is...then moved on to 1st grade, etc. He didn't realize he was being award at the very end...by himself!

Today's plans 11.19.07

Today’s Plans (Monday, November 19, 2007):

Go to watch Jacob receive his award!!

o routines
o Straighten Jacob's Bedroom
o Straighten desk
o Clean kitchen
o Clean girls’ bedroom
o Do as Monday’s laundry (mine)---I am finally caught up!!!
o Do Monday’s & zone 1 cards (Entrance)
o do Tuesday's & zone 2 cards (Kitchen)
o do Friday's & zone 5 cards (Kids' Bedrooms)
o pick up meds
o finish cleaning
o fix dinner
o prepare for tomorrow

Jacob's Citizenship Award!!!

Jacob got a Terrific Kid Award last month (Kiwanis program).

Well, today he is receiving the Paw Pride Award. It's the very first time that they are giving away this award. The high school (across the street from his school) has started a new citizenship award. His teacher picked him to receive the first one!!!

I am so proud of my little man. I'm proud of all my babies!

Thanksgiving gift for guests:

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 Mix
Bugles: 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.

40 Days Until Christmas...

How are your plans coming along?

On Black Friday, I plan to do all of my kids' Christmas shopping (except maybe stocking stuffers).

The following weekend (first weekend of December) I will complete all of my other Christmas gift shopping (my parents, aunt & cousin; dh's parents & grandmother and stocking stuffers). After that, I will be done!!!

My Thanksgiving plans are coming along nicely. Hopefully all will go well. Please post a comment and let me know what you've got going on by way of preparations for Thanksgiving & Christmas (and how things are going). If you need help, post a question. Maybe someone can help you.~Cherylann

100th Post!!!

This is my 100th post, since beginning blogging in June. In honor of that, I will be doing a very special giveaway!!

I am giving away a Pampered Chef Trifle Bowl (value $39). I have one myself, and love it. You can see it if you look at my Thanksgiving Centerpieces, I have filled mine with pumpkins and pumpkin scented potpourri for Thanksgiving Day. You can also use it for salads and desserts. For Christmas, I am going to fill mine with glass balls and a mini (battery-operated) white light set, and maybe a few sprigs of greenery.

The stem removes, for storing inside the bowl. The bottom of the bowl is flat, to keep the layers (of a trifle) from sinking in the center. It holds 15 cups.

It has a plastic lid and is dishwasher safe.

To enter:

Leave me a comment in THIS post with your name and email. If you are the winner, I will email you for your address. DO NOT enter more than once, or I will delete all entries from you!!! Continental US Residents only. Deadline to enter is 12am (EST) on November 29th. Any entries after this date will be deleted.

The drawing will be December 7th. Please allow 2 weeks for shipping (maybe longer depending on Christmas shipping delays).

Enjoy!~Cherylann

Tonight's dinner

We were supposed to be eating at church tonight, but Brea got sick! She'll be having chicken soup.

Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad and Brownies~Cherylann

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Recipe By :Cherylann Smith
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Main Dishes

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion -- finely chopped
5 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 cup celery -- finely chopped
1 cup carrots -- finely chopped
1 cup zucchini -- finely chopped
1 green pepper -- finely chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary -- chopped
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 bay leaves
3 cans mushroom pieces -- undrained
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
2 boxes favorite noodles -- prepared as directed

Brown ground beef with onion, garlic, celery, carrots, zucchini and green pepper. Drain. Add to large pot.

Add spices, tomatoes, sauce, paste and noodles to ground beef mixture. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer on low for hours. Stir occasionally.

Discard bay leaves.

Garlic Bread

Recipe By :Cherylann Smith
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Breads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 loaf fresh baked bread -- cut into 1" slices
1 stick butter
1 sprig fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic -- pressed
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon savory
1 teaspoon marjoram

Preheat oven to 350°.

Put butter, garlic and spices in large microwaveable mug. Heat for one minute until melted. Stir.

Brush on all sides of bread slices.

Toast in oven.

Garden Salad

Recipe By :Cherylann Smith
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Salads

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 ounces salad mix
16 ounces carrots -- shredded
1 bunch celery -- chopped
1 pint grape tomatoes
1 large cucumber -- peeled and sliced
1 cup Mexican cheese blend -- grated
1 bag seasoned croutons
salad toppings
1 pound bacon -- crisply cooked and crumbled
6 hard-boiled eggs -- chopped
1 bottle salad dressing -- of your choice

Toss salad mix, carrots, celery, tomatoes and cucumber. Top with cheese, croutons, toppings and dressing.

From-Scratch Brownies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 18
Categories : Brownies & Bars

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
16 ounces chocolate syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix chocolate syrup, butter, flour and sugar together; add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Pour into a greased 13X9" baking pan; bake for 30 minutes.

Two new gift recipes (they freeze well)

Buckeyes & Snowball Cookies

Buckeyes

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Candy

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 stick unsalted butter -- softened
2 cups chunky peanut butter
2 cups confectioner's sugar
16 ounces chocolate chips
1/3 bar paraffin wax

Mix butter, peanut butter and sugar. Form into walnut-size balls and chill.

Melt chips and wax in saucepan.

Dip balls into chocolate mixture to partially coat, leaving an "eye" uncoated. Place on waxed paper until firm. Store in freezer.

Snowball Cookies

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter -- softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg
8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix flour and salt; set aside.

Blend butter, sugar and vanilla. Beat in 1 egg. Stir in flour mixture.

Add chocolate chips and nuts.

Shape into 1" balls. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet 15-20 minutes.

Cool and roll in powdered sugar. Freeze well.

My Thanksgiving Master Grocery List

I am not going to buy the produce until the day or two before Thanksgiving.

I will have to go through my cleaners to see what (if anything) I need, but I still put it on here to remind me not to skip that aisle.

I have a lot of this stuff already (especially the spices), so those I will just mark off.

When making your "master" list, save a copy, but also make a copy of it to be edited as to what you need (I just label mine Master Thanksgiving Grocery List and Edited Thxgvg Grocery List...I copy the entire master list onto the edited and then make deletions or additions as needed). Also, I have some one time items on here (such as a flat whisk), that will come off my master list, as soon as they are bought. The gadgets/supplies category will still remain on the list, though, so I can add things next year if need be (if I delete the category, I may forget things I need next year).

Produce:
o 5 lbs. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
o 3 large sweet potatoes
o 1 pound fresh cranberries
o Fresh, raw vegetables for veggie tray


Frozen:
o 2 9” deep dish pie shells
o 2-9” pie shells – unbaked
o 20 ounces Cool Whip® ( 8 & a 12-divided)
o Mini corn on cobs
o Lemonade

Beverage Mixes:
o Tea
o Coffee


Condiments:
o 36 ounces processed American cheese -- cut up
o mayonnaise -- as needed to moisten yolk mixture--do NOT add too much. You can always add more as needed.
o 2 Tablespoons relish
o 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – optional
o 2 packages Hidden Valley Original Ranch Party Dip Mix -- NOT the salad dressing mix
o 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Pastas/Boxes:
o 24 ounces elbow macaroni – cooked
o Instant potatoes


Cans:
o Green beans
o Turnip greens

Soups:
o 1 gallon vegetable broth (use low sodium)
o 1 can Low sodium chicken broth


Crackers:
o 10 ounces Cheez-its
o 10 ounces Wheat Thins® crackers
o 1 cup bite-size cheese crackers or goldfish


Cereal:
o 9 cups combination of Corn, Rice and Wheat Chex Cereals


Baking/spices:
o salt
o 1 cup sea salt or kosher salt
o 1 Tablespoon dried rosemary
o 1 Tablespoon dried sage
o 1 Tablespoon dried thyme
o 1 Tablespoon dried savory
o Bay leaves
o Garlic salt
o Pepper
o paprika
o 3 Tablespoons dill weed
o 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
o 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
o Seasoning salt
o 3 Tablespoons cinnamon
o Ginger
o Cloves
o Vanilla (3 tsp.)
o Flour (less than 1 cup)
o 5 cups enriched flour
o 14 cups bread flour
o 6 packages active dry yeast
o 4 cups Bisquick® baking mix
o Sugar (about 8 cups)
o Brown sugar (2 ½ cups)
o 1/4 cup Crisco
o 2 cups pecans – chopped
o 24 ounces evaporated milk
o 45 oz. canned pumpkin (29 & 16)
o 1/4 cup cocoa
o 6 ounces graham cracker pie crust, 9 inch
o 6 ounces Oreo pie crust
o 2 packages vanilla instant pudding mix
o 2 packages chocolate instant pudding and pie filling
o 1 box yellow cake mix -- reserve 1 cup
o 1 jar Pecan Pumpkin Butter
o 1/2 cup corn oil
o 1/2 cup vegetable oil
o 3/4 cup canola oil
o 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup


Candy aisle:
o 1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts
o 2 packages Snickers candy bars -- 4.14 ounces total, chopped


Chips:
o 10 ounces tiny twist pretzels
o 3/4 cup bite-sized pretzels


Paper Products:
o Toilet paper
o Paper towels
o Napkins
o tissues


Cleaners:
o


Dairy:
o 3 lbs. unsalted butter, softened
o 1 lb. salted butter, softened (Thanksgiving day)
o 4 dozen eggs
o 8 oz. half and half
o 1 gallon milk
o 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
o 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
o 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese – grated


Sodas:
o Sprite


Meat:
o Turkey
o Turkey drippings (don’t discard fat)
o Organs/neck (reserve after boiling & finely chop; reserve water, too)
o 2 pounds sausage


Gadgets/Supplies:
o Brining bags
o Meat thermometer
o Roaster
o Flat whisk

Thanksgiving Grocery Shopping...

Tomorrow I will begin my Thxgvg grocery shopping. I will go ahead and buy everything I need except produce.

I wanted to get the turkey this am, but there was hardly any selection. The meat department manager told me they just got a shipment yesterday and would be putting them out tonight, or early tomorrow. I need a 20+ lb. turkey. They had one today, but I didn't know how long it'd been there.

The only bad thing about cooking dinner here at my house, is when I am doing the cooking, it fills me up just to stand there smelling it all day:) (Hey...maybe I should start a brand new weight loss plan:) ). Anyways, today when I was baking the cinnamon rolls & cookies, I was too full (without taking a bite) to even eat a roll or test a cookie.

I will let you know tomorrow how my shopping went.

As far as my remaining November OAMC goes, I am probably not gonna do the other 5 recipes (not including turkey soup...still doing that to help get rid of turkey leftovers). I still have a plenty from the 8 I've already made, so we will not need any more meals this month, except Thanksgiving.

~Cherylann

Reunion Cookie update...

For the Hidden Mint Cookies, I used Peppermint Patties this time, because the Andes mints were way more expensive. They turned out wonderfully. Also, I need to tell you two more things...1. These spread! So make sure not to put them too closely on the baking sheet. 2. When I say slice the cookie dough thin, I mean THIN! I forgot that today, so I ended up having to bake them 20-25 minutes, and they were HUGE! So, I have updated my notes in the recipe, to remind me for next time.

Ok, for the Red Velvet Cookies, today I had some cream cheese frosting left over from cinnamon rolls I made, so I put some of that on top of each cookie. Everyone said they were really good, but I don't eat Red Velvet, so I can't tell you from my experience. However, I did get more than 36 cookies, I think I got about 42+.

The Holiday Cookies, next time I will be refrigerating them for an hour before cooking. Maybe this will help them keep their round shape, mine spread too much (could have been the stone got too hot, though)...I cooked these last, next time I think I will either do them separately or first.

HTH.~Cherylann

Family Reunion

Well, me & the girls went to Wal-mart at 6:30 this morning to buy cookie ingredients. Then we came home and made the cookies for the reunion.

After we made the cookies, the boys (dh & ds) came home. So we all piled in the car and went to Brea's friend's bday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Me & dh carted Caity, Jacob & Rory from game to game, while Brea enjoyed the party.

Afterwards, we went straight to the Reunion. It was fun, we saw family that we hadn't seen in a while.

Now, dh & ds are off again, so it's just me and the girls. They are getting in their pj's, then we will enjoy cookies, hot cocoa and a movie.~Cherylann

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

It's getting colder each day that passes.

Tonight we are going to stay in bundled up, make hot cocoa and watch Christmas movies.

We are going to watch Rudolph and Charlie Brown Christmas.

This is a long but busy weekend for us. DH and the kids all have Monday off from work/school. Tomorrow we have a birthday party and a family reunion. Sunday is church and Monday I plan to spend all the day getting the house ready for Thanksgiving.

We are also going to observe 2 minutes of silence at 11am for Veteran's Day.

What are you doing this weekend?

Here are my recipes for what I am bringing to the reunion tomorrow. We weren't asked to bring anything (therefore I do not know what the menu is), so I figured cookies would be a safe bet.

Now I wish I could tell you they are all already in my freezer...but I can't. So, tomorrow morning, the kids and I will be running out to get the ingredients. We will bake them before the birthday party, so we can take them to the reunion right after.
Hidden Mint Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 20
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
18 ounces refrigerated sugar cookie dough -- thinly sliced
1 package chocolate mint wafers
1 Tablespoon pecans -- coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°. Slightly grease a cookie sheet. Place slices of sugar cookies on sheet. Top each with a chocolate wafer. Cover wafer with another slice of cookie dough. Seal edges. Press nuts into top of cookie. Bake for about 10 minutes.


Holiday Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 24
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup unsalted butter -- softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup walnuts -- finely chopped
powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350°.

Cream butter and sugar together; add flour, mixing well.

Stir in walnuts; refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll dough into 1" balls; bake on ungreased baking sheets for 12 minutes.

Roll in powdered sugar while warm.

Red Velvet Christmas Cookies

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 36
Categories : Cookies

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 package red velvet cake mix
1/2 cup oil
2 Tablespoons water
2 eggs
12 ounces white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°. Combine all ingredients; mix well.

Drop by tablespoons onto lightly greased cookie sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes.

Let cool slightly before removing from baking sheets.

Yield:
"3 dozen"

Time to get serious...

Ok ladies, there are only 49 days until Christmas!!!!!!!!!! Now I don't want to hear any moaning later about where did the time go??? How is it Christmas already??? I am giving you fair warning!!!!!!

Get those homes in gear, clean them up & declutter!!! Once a week I've been making my kids get rid of at least 2 toys each (=8!!!). Now, I know eventually, after a while, they shouldn't have any toys left...right??? Wrong!!! We should have done this long ago. We should've been doing it since Caity was born (she's 6 1/2 now).

I told the kids that they have to make room for new toys for Christmas (although in my ideal world, the grandparents will discover the value of savings bonds or some other college savings. We put money in to each of our kids' savings accounts at bdays & Christmas). Now, don't get me wrong, every child needs some toys at Christmas, just not a zoo of them (x4 kids...you get the pic).

We have been giving our used, good condition, no longer played with toys to a woman who cleans them up and gives them out to girls & boys who might not otherwise get Christmas gifts. This is a win-win situation. We get rid of excess toys, other children get toys, and perfectly good toys don't just get thrown out.

Another thing (even though toys is probably the MAIN thing)...how many duplicates of things do you have. You know what I am talking about...you keep buying the same thing over & over because you can't find it??? Ok, I'll give you an example...I was cleaning out my junk drawers (yes plural) in my scrapbook chest. I found 4 full-size pairs of scissors, 8 small pairs (+ we already had 2 small pairs in my desk and 2 that my mom had just bought).

Ok, that's 4 full size, and 12!!! small pairs. I kept 2 full-size (desk, scrapbooking) and 4 small size (one for each of the kids...I know Rory is too young yet, but she'll need her own pair eventually and they're with the others, so they aren't taking any extra space).

OK, now for the golden rule...Assign things a designated spot!!! If you always put things away where they belong, you will never lose them (unless as in my case, you always have people "borrowing" things)!!! If you have frequent "borrowers" make the offenders use the item where you store it. If it's scissors, make them bring the paper to your desk (or wherever it makes sense for you to keep them). When they are done cutting, they go back in their spot.

If you don't have an assigned spot, make one!!! My desk scissors are now in a little caddy that sits on my desk (it's chrome w/daisies that's actually made to hold the big kitchen utensils...whisk, tongs, etc), but since I have a Pampered Chef utensil caddy I don't need this one in the kitchen. So, I repurposed it, and it's working perfectly.

Anyways, I also found 3 extra staplers and over 100 pens. I put the pens I have room for in my pen caddy (one of those single drawer dividers that you find by the plastic silverware trays). The extra pens, staplers and scissors, I took to my kids' school. The teachers are having to spend their own $$ on items that we have laying around by the gross in our homes and aren't using.

Now, that's just my office supplies :) Anyways, apply it to whatever you are having trouble with. I replaced most of my kitchen utensils with Pampered Chef tools, so all my extras went either to my church's kitchen or my brother's (who just got his first apartment). Get rid of duplicates or what you don't use!!! It's the only way!!! Otherwise you will always be looking for stuff because you have so much to sort through that you can't readily see what you are looking for.

Ok, since I have so totally gone off on a tangent away from my original train of thought, I will now veer back to it....getting ready for Christmas.

Now is the time to start buying gifts. We always buy most of our kids' gifts on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving) because you can get great deals. However, I shop for them all year long (clearance aisles...aren't they great?). Santa got Caity a pink leapster a few months ago for only $20!!! They are normally $85. I've picked up 2 fuzzy pink purse notebooks for just a few dollars for Caity and Brea. I bought Jacob a bunch of stocking stuffers (bathtub crayon sets, other small toys) for only 25c in last year's after Christmas sales.

Other than my kids and dh, I am almost done buying. I still have 8 other gifts (not including small teacher gifts) to buy. I will probably do most of that shopping in my Pampered Chef catalog, since 7 of them are adults (ok all 8, but my baby cousin is 21 and living w/mom & dad, so he'll probably get fast food gift certificates since he's always on-the-go).

So, basically I am done shopping except for my immediate family. Everything I've already bought is wrapped and being stored in 2 plastic bins I just bought (so they don't get messed up...or opened by the kids:) ).

I have made my Christmas cards and gift tags. The only thing really left for me to do right now is decorate (day after Thanksgiving), get ready for Thanksgiving (will start this on 11/15), and bake cookies for Christmas (will start weekend after Thanksgiving). There are other things to do, but for right now, I'm good. I kind of don't know what to do with myself, I've never had it this together this early before. I am one of those last minute, grab what ya can, Christmas Eve shoppers. This year, I may just go out on Christmas Eve to watch everyone else hustle and bustle...or maybe not!

Please ladies, get it going.....you don't know how good nothing to do can actually feel!!!

Update on November OAMC

Forgot to tell you this, but I made the Tortilla Soup a few days ago. It wasn't what I was looking for. I was looking for a tortilla soup kind of like Cracker Barrel had a few years ago (a little more spicy, with tomatoes).

This was just like a very easy version of chicken and dumplings, except the "dumplings" were way too mushy (and I didn't think dumplings could be too mushy...usually the longer c&d lasts, the better it gets). I probably won't be making this one again. You may like it, but I just didn't. My family loved it, but they can have dumplings:)

Just thought you'd like to know before you made it.~Cherylann

My babies at Halloween 2007

I forgot to post this a few days ago.

Rory was a ladybug...she picked out the costume as soon as she saw it and never once changed her mind.

Brea went into the store knowing exactly what she wanted...Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). She is bigtime into Aurora right now. She had just gotten the shoes and tiara for her birthday.

Jacob was a green power ranger. He just loved the big muscles...can't ya tell???

Caity was her favorite Disney character, Ariel (The Little Mermaid)...she's been this at least once before (different costume, same character).

My little secret...

I may not want to share this with you guys...I might get more competition on bidding:)

But here is my favorite seller on ebay: rosebud413

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZrosebud413QQssPageNameZSTRKQ3aMEFSQ3aMESOI

These are 2 barn stars that I won on ebay. They are absolutely beautiful and will be up through Thanksgiving. Hopefully, I will be able to get a winter or Christmas wreath, swag or barn star. I was bidding on a snowman star, but it went over my price range :)

The top one has a pineapple in the center and has dried orange slices and flowers. It also has fake apples and pears with a sign that says hospitality. After Christmas, I will probably put this back up, since my kitchen is decorated in apples and Americana.

The 2nd has a piece of indian corn in the center and has fall flowers/grasses, the sign says indian corn. It's perfect for fall/Thanksgiving.

Hope you like these. I also have a wreath by Sue, too. I will take a picture of it later and post it.~Cherylann

My Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Here are the centerpieces I made for our 2 Thanksgiving tables.

The trifle bowl has pumpkin spice potpourri in it and little plastic (they look real) pumpkins in it. For Thanksgiving day, I will take the lid off the trifle, but for now I will keep it on (to keep the dust out and the scent in). It also has a raffia bow, but until the big day, it is inside the bowl.

The vase just has various fall leaf sprays, apples, pumpkins, flowers and other foliage (all fake). To hide the stems, I put pumpkin spice potpourri in it, and stuck the stems in. It is tied with a sheer orange ribbon.

I got all the materials on clearance at Wal-mart. They are so worried about getting Christmas stuff out that all the Thanksgiving stuff is already marked down. The pumpkins were normally $6.84, I paid $1.70 (just to give you an idea of the savings I got).

Christmas Cards

Here's a picture of my Christmas cards.~Cherylann

Gift baskets

The first pic is of all 5 baskets together.

The 2nd is just of one basket. Not the greatest of detail, but if you look closely, you can see 2 of the movies (this one has Bratz Diamondz, Friday Night Lights & The Program), popcorn & hot cocoa. You can see the tulle wrapping, too.~Cherylann

Gift tags

Ok, here is a picture of my gift tags that I made for this year. Email me if you'd like to get a copy emailed to you for you to use this year.

I just cut them out and punched a hole in the top to hang from some Christmas yarn. You could just cut them out and either tape them to your packages or run through the Xyron to make stickers out of them (or even put a zot behind it). Since I am giving baskets, it was easier for me to just hang by a ribbon:)

~Cherylann

Hot Cocoa

Ok, I didn't exactly get this done step-by-step, like PW, but I did get a couple of after pics.

I made 8 pint jars of homemade Hot Cocoa (I only needed 5 for my family movie gift baskets).

Here is the recipe (I didn't make the whole recipe, obviously):

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

Mix the dry milk, powdered sugar, creamer and cocoa powder together. Divide between jars. Press firmly. Top with marshmallows and chocolate chips.

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. Can also add crushed candy canes or peppermints. Use wide-mouth jars.

Finished most of my Christmas shopping today...

I still have my 4 kids to buy for (mommy/daddy & santa & stockings), dh, my parents, dh's parents, his grandma, my aunt & cousin. Also, still have to buy small gifts for the teachers/church teachers.

But, we knocked 19 people off our list today!!!!!

I didn't even really spend that much, either:)

We did 5 family movie baskets. I put family type movies in there for each of the kids in each family (age & gender appropriate--ex. 3 kids, 3 movies), microwave popcorn packets (1 for each family member), a pint jar of homemade cocoa mix and candy canes for each family member.

I bought baskets ($2.88 each) for each of the 5 families and a yard of red tulle for each (97c/yard). I was going to buy the shredded basket filler, but it was like $3 for a small bag, so instead I bought some red & green paper and shredded it myself ($3.44 for 125 sheets). To tie the tulle, I bought Christmas yarn. I will make my own gift tags.

There are 9 kids total for the 5 families, so I bought 9 movies. They cost $58 (but one for $20 I had bought a few months ago, so I only spent $38 today on the movies).

I spent about $75 today on the gifts for 19 people...not bad:) I already had the pint jars and ingredients for the cocoa mix. ~Cherylann

Beef & Chicken Stroganoff Recipes

I like the chicken one better, but you can always sub beef for the chicken in that one (rather than using the beef one with tomatoes).

We usually serve with hot bread or rolls and green beans and salad.~C

Beef Stroganoff

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds steak -- cut into 1/2" cubes
1 small onion
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup sour cream
egg noodles -- cooked

Place steak and onion in crockpot. Stir in flour and coat steak and onion. Add the remaining ingredients, minus the sour cream. Stir well. Cover and cook. Add sour cream 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in thoroughly. Serve over egg noodles.

Chicken Stroganoff

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Dinner

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts -- frozen (don't worry about thawing)
1 pound sour cream
8 ounces mushroom pieces
1 can cream of mushroom soup

Put breasts in crockpot, mix up the rest of the ingredients and pour them on top, making sure chicken is covered. Cook 8 hours on low. Serve with wide egg noodles.

Ok, today I did PART of my shopping. I bought the ingredients for double batches of the following recipes:

Chicken Tortilla Stew
Italian Lentil & Barley Soup
Chili
Homestyle Chicken Soup
Homestyle Bean Soup
Farmhouse Pot Roast
Chicken and Dumplings
Baked Potato Soup

I spent $98.69, which I don't think is too bad for 16 meals. Just keep in mind that I had some of the ingredients on hand (and most of the spices), and also I will be making my own broth.

Also, some of the ingredients you can't just buy what you need, if you don't have it, you have to buy a whole package (ex. flour, salt, pepper). Also, look for the better deals....I was gonna just buy 8 baked potatoes, rather than the whole 10 lb. bag, but they were 94c a pound, and for a 10 lb. bag was only $3.38. So, any that I have left over, we can use for baked potatoes one day for lunch.

I will buy for the other 12 meals (6 doubled) on 11/10. I expect that to be a little higher (because of the seafood for the gumbo), but even if it's $150, that will be about $250 for 28 meals...not bad huh?~Cherylann

Approximate Cost of Grocery List

Just giving a very ROUGH estimate on prices (some I have no idea), I'd say about $300 should cover this grocery list.

HOWEVER, keep in mind, you may already have some of these items, such as the spices (which I estimated at $3 a piece). If you do, that will lower your food bill. I have a fully stocked spice cabinet, so I don't have to buy any of the spices. Also, you may already have flour, vegetable oil, salt and pepper, milk, butter, etc. If so, that's money you will save on those items.

Also, I will be making my own chicken broth from the chicken in these soups, so I will save money there as well (it's very easy, you can follow the turkey broth recipe I provided, or you can do it yourself). All I do for my chicken broth, is boil my chicken with plenty of spices and salt/pepper (rosemary, Italian spice blend...and since my herb garden is for some reason still in full bloom, I don't even have to waste my jar spices).

So, just think even if it cost you the whole $300, could you feed your whole family all month eating out at fast food or restaurants 28 nights and probably about 10-12 lunches on only $300? I know I couldn't. It costs us about $20 to eat at McD's or Wendy's just off the Dollar Menu for lunch or dinner. So times that by 28 nights, you are looking at $560 just right there. Then add about 10 lunches at $20 each, that's another $200. So, there you go, you have $760 and you haven't even eat off anything other than a dollar menu, and you've not had breakfast or snacks/desserts. So, for less than 1/2 price, you could cook it all at home (the soups are easy to double or even triple if you wanted to) and save money.

HTH.~Cherylann

November OAMC's shopping list

Ok, here's my shopping list for my November OAMC. Keep in mind that this is set up as to how my store is located. Also, some of this you can make yourself to save money (ex. chicken broth).

Some of the recipes were for 10 or 8 servings (we only need about 4-6), but I still double the whole recipe, because it might make more than 1 meal to freeze, or will provide leftovers for lunches (whew...hope my high school English teacher isn't reading this...she'll send me back for that run-on sentence for sure! )

HTH~Cherylann

Produce:
o 2 cups carrot – chopped
o 4 cups carrots – sliced
o 18 large carrots -- peeled and sliced
o 1 pound baby carrots
o 6 cups celery – sliced
o 19 stalks celery – chopped
o 6 sprigs celery leaves
o 10 cups onion – chopped
o 2 onions – sliced
o 2 large onions
o 4 cloves garlic – pressed
o 2 Tablespoons garlic – pressed
o 2 bulbs garlic – crushed
o 1/2 cup fresh parsley -- chopped, optional
o parsley – optional
o 6 medium tomatoes – chopped
o 4 chili peppers – diced
o 16 large red potatoes -- cut into chunks
o 8 large baking potatoes -- (about 5 ½ lbs.)
o 2 cups mashed potatoes – cold
o 4 medium potatoes -- about 1 pound, cut into quarters
o 1/2 cup green onions -- thinly sliced
o 2 Tablespoons green onion -- chopped with tops
o 1 cup bell pepper – chopped
o 2 pounds fresh okra – sliced
o 2 Tablespoons fresh basil – chopped

Frozen:
o 2 packages dumplings


Bread:
o 14 10-inch fat-free flour tortillas

Condiments/Jars/Boxes/Mixes/Cans/Dry Beans/Pasta/Rice/Soups:
o 15 cans chicken broth (or make your own…which is what I do)
o 16 cups seafood stock -- or chicken broth, or 8 fish bouillon cubes (we use chicken broth…homemade)
o 4 cans beef broth
o 52 ounces cream of mushroom soup
o 29 ounces Italian-style tomatoes – undrained
o 112 ounces whole tomatoes – chopped
o 58 ounces tomato sauce
o 4 Tablespoons cider vinegar – optional
o 116 ounces kidney beans – undrained (we use Pintos)
o 60 ounces mixed vegetables
o 3 large cans mushroom pieces – drained
o 6 cups egg noodles – uncooked
o 2/3 cup pearl barley
o hot cooked rice
o 2 cups lentils
o 2 pounds dried navy beans -- soaked overnight
o dried white beans
o 1 cup macaroni

Baking/Spices/Oils:
o Salt
o Pepper
o Flour
o Vegetable oil
o 16 bay leaves
o 3 ½ tsp. dried thyme
o 2 Tablespoons dried parsley – optional
o 1 teaspoon dried basil
o 1 teaspoon dried oregano
o 1 teaspoon + 1 Tablespoon cumin powder
o 6 Tablespoons chili powder
o 14 chicken bouillon cubes
o 2 teaspoons garlic powder
o 12 whole peppercorns
o 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
o 1/2 teaspoon dried sage – crushed
o 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
o 3 cups Bisquick® baking mix

Dairy:
o 1 ½ stick butter
o 1 1/3 cup butter
o 2 Tablespoons butter
o 12 ½ cups milk
o 8 ounces cheddar cheese – shredded

Meat:
o 5 whole chickens
o 6 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or you can use a whole chicken…or 2)
o 6 pounds ground beef
o 2 pound ham bones – meaty
o 10 pounds roast, trimmed
o 2 pounds turkey sausage -- cut into 2" pieces
o 2 pounds raw medium shrimp -- peeled and deveined
o 3 pounds catfish fillets -- cut into 1" pieces
o 2 pounds fresh lump crabmeat
o 2 pounds shucked oysters – undrained (we omit these)
o 8 cups turkey -- cooked and chopped (save bones for turkey broth)
o 20 strips bacon -- cooked and crumbled
o ham
2 pounds stew meat—cut in 1” cubes

November OAMC

To warm us up as it gets colder, November is a month of soups/stews. I have picked 14 of our favorites (we will have each twice from 11/2-12/1).

We celebrate Thanksgiving twice (once on Thanksgiving Day 11/22 with my family, and then again on 11/23 Black Friday at dh's family's house).

Also, with the soups/stews, it is very easy just to double the recipe and freeze half for later. And, in a pinch, if I forget to thaw, it's no problem. Just dump in the soup pot & heat slowly until heated.

Here is my schedule:

11/2-Chicken Tortilla Stew
11/3-Italian Lentil & Barley Soup
11/4-Chili
11/5-Homestyle Chicken Soup
11/6-Homestyle Bean Soup
11/7-Farmhouse Pot Roast
11/8-Chicken and Dumplings
11/9-Baked Potato Soup
11/10-Busy-Day Vegetable Soup
11/11-Seafood Gumbo
11/12-Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings
11/13-White Bean Soup
11/14-Homestyle Beef Stew
11/15-Chicken Tortilla Stew
11/16-Italian Lentil & Barley Soup
11/17-Chili
11/18-Homestyle Chicken Soup
11/19-Homestyle Bean Soup
11/20-Farmhouse Pot Roast
11/21-Chicken and Dumplings
11/22-Thanksgiving with my family...at my house this year (wish me luck)
11/23-Thanksgiving with dh's family
11/24-Turkey Soup (with Turkey Broth)
11/25-Baked Potato Soup
11/26-Busy-Day Vegetable Soup
11/27-Seafood Gumbo
11/28-Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings
11/29-White Bean Soup
11/30-Turkey Soup(with Turkey Broth)
12/1-Homestyle Beef Stew

Here are the recipes (Hope you enjoy):

Chicken Tortilla Stew

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 8
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 pounds broiler chicken
29 ounces chicken broth
3/4 stick butter
1 Tablespoon dried parsley -- optional
7 10-inch fat-free flour tortillas

Wash the chicken in salt water, put it breast side down in a large pot, and cover it with water.

Bring the water to a boil and reduce the heat to medium.

Let cook, but NOT boil, until the chicken is tender, turning the chicken over after about 40 minutes to cook evenly.

Let the chicken begin to cool down in the pot, then remove to a bowl to finish cooling.

When cool, pull the meat from the bone.

Cut or pull the meat into strips.

Skim the fat from the stock and strain.

Add enough canned broth to the stock to make 6 cups total; pour the liquid into a pot.

Add the butter and parsley.

Cut the tortillas in 1 1/2" squares.

When the pot begins to boil, alternately add the chicken and tortillas, stirring after each addition.

Simmer for 10 minutes.



Italian Lentil and Barley Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup lentils
1/3 cup pearl barley
1 cup carrot -- chopped
1 cup celery -- chopped
1 cup onion -- chopped
2 cloves garlic -- pressed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
3 1/2 cups broth
2 1/2 cups water
14 1/2 ounces Italian-style tomatoes -- undrained
1/4 cup fresh parsley -- chopped, optional
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar -- optional

Sort through lentils to remove debris and shriveled beans, then rinse.

Add lentils to crockpot along with carrot, celery, onion, garlic, dried herbs, and bay leaf. Pour in broth, water, and tomatoes.

Cover and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours. Discard bay leaf. Just before serving, stir in parsley and vinegar (if using).

NOTES : The lentils do take a long time to get tender when cooked on the low setting. If you start the soup just before you go to bed in the evening, it'll be ready by lunchtime the next day when cooked on low heat.




Chili

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 12
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds ground beef
29 ounces tomato sauce
58 ounces kidney beans -- undrained
1 cup onion -- (1 medium), diced
1/2 cup celery -- (1 stalk), diced
3 medium tomatoes -- chopped
2 chili peppers -- diced
2 teaspoons cumin powder
3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups water

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain off the fat. Using a fork, crumble the cooked beef into pea-sized pieces.

In a large pot, combine the beef plus all the remaining ingredients, and bring to a simmer over low heat. Cook, stirring every 15 minutes, for 2-3 hours.

Serving Ideas : For spicier chilli, add 1/2 teaspoon more black pepper. For much spicier chli, add 1/2 teaspoon back pepper and a tablespoon of cayenne pepper. And for a real stomach stinger, add 5-6 sliced jalapeno peppers to the pot.

NOTES : Can also be cooked in crockpot over several hours.

Leftovers can be frozen for several months.




Homestyle Chicken Soup

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 whole chicken
water -- to cover chicken by 2"
2 chicken bouillon cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
6 stalks celery -- diced
6 large carrots -- peeled and sliced
2 cans mushroom pieces -- drained
3 cups egg noodles -- uncooked

Place chicken in stockpot filled with enough water to cover chicken by 2". Bring chicken to a boil; turn down to medium. Add bouillon cubes and spices. Simmer until chicken is falling off bone. Remove chicken from broth (reserving broth), put in refrigerator to cool, making sure to remove all bones from broth.

Add celery, carrots and mushrooms to broth; bring to a boil. Add egg noodles, turn down to medium and simmer until noodles are done. Turn down to low.

Pull cooled chicken off bones and add to pot. Simmer about 20 minutes, or until chicken is heated.



Homestyle Bean Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : i. Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound dried navy beans -- soaked overnight
2 quarts water
1 pound ham bones -- meaty
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup onion -- chopped
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs celery leaves
6 whole peppercorns

Put all ingredients in crockpot. Cover and cook on low 10-12 hours or High 5-6 hours.

Remove bones, bay leaf, peppercorns and celery sprigs before serving. Salt as needed. Trim meat from
ham bone(s) and return cut pieces to soup.

Farmhouse Pot Roast

Recipe By :Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Crockpot

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 pounds roast, trimmed
8 large red potatoes -- cut into chunks
1/2 pound baby carrots
3 stalks celery -- chopped
1 can mushroom pieces
26 ounces cream of mushroom soup
14 1/2 ounces beef broth
2 cups water

Put roast in bottom of 5-6 quart crockpot. Top with potatoes, carrots, celery and mushrooms.

Pour in soup, broth and water.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until beef is done and falling apart.

NOTES : Can substitute 3 beef bouillon cubes and 2 cups of water for the beef broth.
Can substitute venison for beef.



Chicken and Dumplings

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans water
1 package dumplings
salt and pepper -- to taste

Put chicken, broth, water, salt and pepper in small stockpot. Boil until chicken is done. Remove chicken from broth. Add enough water to broth to make 1 1/2 gallons of broth. Remove dumplings from freezer. Bring broth to a boil. Separate each layer of dumplings as needed and drop 8-10 in boiling broth. Stir lightly. Let broth come back to a boil. Add 8-10 more dumplings. Continue until all dumplings are in the pot. Cook at full boil for about 6 minutes. Stir lightly to keep dumplings separated. Add cooked chicken meat back to pot. Boil 2 more minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover and wait 20-30 minutes before serving.


Baked Potato Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 10
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
4 large baking potatoes -- (about 2 3/4 lbs.)
2/3 cup butter
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
6 cups milk
1/4 cup green onions -- thinly sliced
10 strips bacon -- cooked and crumbled
4 ounces cheddar cheese -- shredded

Preheat oven to 350°. Bake potatoes for 65-75 minute or until tender; cool completely. Peel and cube potatoes.

In a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat. Add potatoes and green onions. Garnish with bacon and cheese.



Busy-Day Vegetable Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 6
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 pound ground beef
56 ounces whole tomatoes -- chopped
30 ounces mixed vegetables
3 bay leaves
1 onion -- sliced

Mix ingredients together in a large stockpot; stir to mix well.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Discard bay leaves before serving.


Seafood Gumbo
Recipe by: Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup flour
1 cup onion -- chopped
1/2 cup bell pepper -- chopped
1 Tablespoon garlic -- pressed
8 cups seafood stock -- or chicken broth, or 4 fish bouillon cubes dissolved in 8 cups hot water
1 pound turkey sausage -- cut into 2" pieces
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pound fresh okra -- sliced
1 pound raw medium shrimp -- peeled and deveined
1 1/2 pounds catfish fillets -- cut into 1" pieces
1 pound fresh lump crabmeat
1 pound shucked oysters -- undrained
1 Tablespoon fresh basil -- chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
hot cooked rice

Heat oil in a 6-quart pot over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is a dark caramel color, 15 minutes.

Add onion, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until vegetables are softened, 5 minutes.

Stir in stock, sausage, bay leaves and thyme; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Stir in okra and simmer 10 minutes more.

Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes or until shrimp begin to turn pink.

Stir in catfish, crabmeat and oysters; cook until gumbo returns to a boil, 3-4 minutes. Stir in basil, salt and pepper.

Serve gumbo over hot cooked rice.

Serving Ideas : Can add additional seasonings, such as Old Bay, Creole seasoning, cayenne pepper or filé powder.




Chicken Soup with Potato Dumplings

Recipe By :Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup onion -- chopped
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups chicken -- cooked and cut up
1 cup celery -- sliced
1 cup carrots -- sliced
1/4 teaspoon dried sage -- crushed
Potato Dumplings
1 1/2 cups Bisquick® baking mix
1 cup mashed potatoes -- cold
1 Tablespoon green onion -- chopped with tops
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup milk

Cook onion and garlic in oil in 4 qt. Dutch oven, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Add broth, chicken, celery, carrots, and sage. Heat to boiling.

Potato Dumplings: Mix the Bisquick, mashed potatoes, green onion, pepper, and milk until a soft dough forms. Beat vigorously 30 seconds. Knead about 2 minutes or until smooth, adding more baking mix if necessary. Roll dough into 18 balls, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Drop the dumplings into the boiling soup.
Cook uncovered over low heat 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer.



White Bean Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 large onion
1 Tablespoon butter
dried white beans
water
5 chicken bouillon cubes
ham
salt and pepper -- to taste
oregano

Cut up a large onion and put in crockpot with a pat of butter on high until onion is tender. Then add dried white beans and lots of water.

Several hours later when the beans have become very tender, add 4 or 5 chicken bouillon cubes, a chunk of leftover ham, salt. pepper and oregano. If you need to add more liquid, heat it first. Let cook another hour or 2.

Serving Ideas : This is so delicious with cornbread or with sandwiches.


Homestyle Beef Stew

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 4
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 pound stew meat -- cut in 1" cubes
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 can beef broth
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme -- crushed
1 bay leaf
3 medium carrots -- about 1/2 pouund, cut in 1" pieces
2 medium potatoes -- about 1/2 pound, cut into quarters

Mix flour and pepper. Coat beef with flour mixture. In large heavy pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add beef and cook until browned, stirring often. Set beef aside. Pour off fat.

Add broth, water, thyme and bay leaf. Heat to a boil. Return beef to pan. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 1 1/2 hours.

Add carrots and potatoes. Cover and cook 30 minutes or until beef is fork-tender, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaf.





Turkey Soup

Recipe By : Cherylann
Serving Size : 4 Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup onion -- chopped
1 cup celery -- chopped
14 1/2 ounces chicken broth
1 recipe turkey broth (see soups)
1 cup carrot -- sliced
1/2 cup macaroni
4 cups turkey -- cooked and chopped
parsley -- optional
salt and pepper -- to taste

Put the oil in a large pot on low heat and add the onion and celery, stirring until the onion is tender, but not brown.

Add the chicken and turkey broths, stirring well, turn the heat to medium high, and bring to a boil.

Lower heat to medium, add the carrot and macaroni, cook for 20 minutes.

Add turkey, parsley, salt and pepper; turn heat to low and simmer 30 minutes.

NOTES : This soup freezes well.

Turkey Broth

Recipe By : Cherylann
Categories : Soups

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
roasted turkey bones
6 cups water
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning

Remove the meat from a roasted turkey, add the bones to a large pot, and cover.

Add water and seasoning. Let come to a rapid boil for 10 minutes. Strain the broth.