Warm Heart, Cozy Home

Menu planning Monday

Monday - Nacho Topped Chili Pot.

Tuesday - Flattened Pan-Roasted Chicken, Roast Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus Spears, Cheesy Garlic Biscuits.

Wednesday - Hearty meatball stew.

Thursday - Spicy Fahita Soup, Homemade Tortilla Chips.

Friday - Date Night!  TGIF :)

Saturday - Easy Salmon Pie, Rice, Tossed Salad.

Sunday - Spicy pop pulled pork, Perfect potatoes au Gratin, Green Beans. Flat Apple Pie with Perfect Pie Crust (Very Rustic) With Easy Carmel Sauce.

Snack: 

Love Buns and Pink Hot Chocolate

I started out with Pillsbury ready to bake Cinnamon Rolls with icing.

I tried to half un-roll them.

Then I re-rolled them, and pinched the bottom to form a heart shape.

Then I baked them in rows on a small baking tray, according to the package instructions.

With a little icing and heart shaped sprinkles, I think they turned out pretty well, and the kids loved our “love buns”.

I thought it would be fun to have them with some pink hot chocolate. I saw a very expensive can of it at HomeSense this week, and I thought I could do my own version. I had some white hot chocolate, that I bought very inexpensively from the bulk barn.

I added a couple of drops of red food colouring, and voila, PINK HOT CHOCOLATE! And it seemed like the right occasion to pull out my little heart shaped tea cups.

One final little sweet detail…heart shaped marshmallows. I cut a regular marshmallow in half, and then used a mini cookie cutter to cut out the shape.

We all enjoyed our Valentine’s day love buns and pink hot chocolate.

That's it for this week.  Have a great week of cooking in YOUR kitchen :)  Please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com for more delish menu's and recipes.

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

   

 

The Christmas Spirit.......

It seems to get later every season but I finally have gotten a good share of my decorating up and glowing.  I guess this means I'll just have to keep them up until Valentine's to get my full enjoyment out of them...wink :)  I have always had good intentions on making time for my blogging but the days seem to pass by so quickly..as the saying goes...there is never enough hours in a day...sigh lol  Life at my house has taken a drastic change over the last few months.  After being basically alone a majority of the daytime hours here with my work and hobbies I am now finding myself never having any quality time just for me.  My husband took an early retirement with his job...hence he's become the determined couch potato and as he often tells me...he's livin the dream...oh boy.  I"m having a huge curve in getting used to this and keep throwing out bones of maybe job opportunities..new hobbies just to grab a little of the old life back in my greedy little hands..to no avail.  I'm determined though and will forge ahead and take one day at a time.  My diet is still ongoing.  I have lost 22 pounds but the last few weeks or month it feels like I'm on this yoyo.  The weekends kill me...they are so right when it is a life change and its all about choices.  I'm slowing soaking in all the counseling I've been getting and making baby steps when I need to and trying to become more structured in my weekend eating...during the week I have no problem with eating the required Jenny foods...I just need to stay home more and less dinners out on the weekend..:)  The holidays will probably not be that much of a challenge for me as it is not too busy with festivities and I'm not planning on doing all the baking I have usually did.  I'll make a few scrumptious sugar highs for my husband to enjoy but for me...I'll stay strong and forge ahead in my journey of becoming more healthy.  Exercise is my struggle now that winter has raised its ugly head. I tried walking still outdoors...let's just call it skating and I really don't fancy spending the winter months healing a broken hip...maybe snow shoes?...haha  It is all such a mental game we play...the treadmill and I are not friends right now...maybe if I had a buddy.  My daughter exercises at 6 in the morning...do I have the motivation for that?...We shall see :) 

Well, for now I did snap a few pictures for you to share how the Christmas spirit has made its presence known around here.  I hope you enjoy. 

Yes my tree is in my grandmother's vintage rocker.  I downsized this year and found this adorable little 4 foot tree and only I would think its quaint in its place in that chair.

My little family tree is growing..I will have #10 grandbaby in July I found out over Thanksgiving.

The sign was made by a friend of mine and is made from inserts out of a vintage door. Of course my home is full of nostalgic vintage textiles.  They are so festive and are such a part of history.

The blue pitcher was my grandmothers.  I am sure it came with a basin but that was not found :(  Are picnic baskets really utilized anymore or is that considered nostalgic also...?

The flower centerpiece I picked up at a farmers market in Kansas City while on a trip there.  This talented asian woman delicately took apart all of the fresh roses and hydrangeas, reassembled them applying some kind of procedure to them to insure their perfect fresh picked state indefinitely...it was amazing the intensely delicate laborious work she did...everyone is a one of a kind and of course I brought one home with me.

Moving to the dining room......peeking from the living room....

Self explanatory...its a vintage thermos decorated for the holidays adorning a vintage handkerchief.

The built in and dining room has santa's presence known...as does the living room have snow men.

See....Santa

Nothing special but a little red and green adornment vintage style. 

I had ferns hanging on my porch last summer, I brought them in to harbor for the winter and of course they had to be sparkled with a little holiday cheer.

Apothecary jars full of delicious holiday sweets.

I love my homemade banners.  "Believe"..in the miracle of what Christmas represents.

The Kitchen.....Pedestals of little coffee mugs with candles for holiday ambiance.

Lights everywhere.....

The kitchen nook.  The Christmas tree is sitting on my grandma Rhoda's vintage booster chair, all of us grandkids used and her children used.

More ambiance.

Last but not least...my office....

This chair is so inviting.....

This is my computer armoire. 

Well...That is it for now...I hope you could gather a little of the Christmas Spirit from my home to yours.  I love Christmas.  It is my favorite holiday and I am embracing it.  Life can be simple...as simple as we wish it to be.  I am trying to embrace the many changes in my life and walk in the spirit the holiday brings. 

I am part of the Christmas Home Tours.  Please hop on over to see more inspiring holiday decorating ideas and sharing. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

   

 

 

Menu Planning Monday...........on Tuesday...haha :)

You must forgive me for not getting this posted yesterday but I've been doing a lot of fall organization outside while the weather has been wonderful.  Cleaning out garages, putting up a new shed and in the process of redoing my bedrooms.  I'm excited to begin..I've needed a change and it's nice to get my hands busy redecorating again...I've missed it a lot.  This week's menu for me is Jenny of course but I'm trying to get back in the kitchen again and enjoying what I love to do...cook which has been very hard while dieting. 

Monday:  Hamburgers on the grill, Fries, Malts.

Tuesday:  Cowboy Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Tossed Salad.

Wednesday:  Crispy Cheddar Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans.

Thursday:  Autumn Minestrone Soup, crusty bread.

Friday:  Date Night!..TGIF!

Saturday:  We're off to Omaha for the annual Autumn Craft Festival and are staying overnight.

Sunday:  Steak Fajita Bowls.

Snack:  Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting

Pumpkin Cookies with Browned Butter Frosting

*Makes 2-3 dozen cookies

INGREDIENTS:
Cookies:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour

Frosting:
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
Pinch of salt
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars for the cookies. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Stir in the pumpkin. In a medium bowl, sift together the baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, salt and flour. Add the dry mixture to the pumpkin batter and mix until combined. Drop the dough by large tablespoonfuls onto a lightly greased (or lined with parchment or silpat) cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes.

For the frosting, in a medium saucepan, combine the butter, cream, brown sugar and salt, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup powdered sugar and the vanilla. Let the frosting cool to room temperature and stir in the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar. Spread the frosting over the cooled cookies.

That's it for this week.  Have a great week of cooking in YOUR kitchen :)  Please stop over to www.orgjunkie.comfor more delish menu's and recipes.

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

   

Menu Planning Monday.....My Jenny Progress cont........

I'm still dieting on my Jenny Craig diet.  I've lost 12 inches now and 21 pounds.  The weather is getting cooler now and I"m finding it a challenge to keep my 2 mile walking up but I'm determined because I feel so great. 
Monday - Pizza Stuffed Meatloaf, Baked potatoes, grilled asparagus. 

Tuesday - Cheesy Vegetable Chowder. Crusty Bread. 

Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas. Chips and Salsa.

Thursday - Malibu Chicken Sandwiches, Salad.

Friday -TGIF!  Date Night!....

Saturday - General Tso's Chicken, Fried Rice.

Sunday - Chicken Ala King, Biscuits.

Snack:  O'Henry Bars

These are a great no-bake recipe. Perfect for when you need a peanut butter and chocolate fix!

1 c. sugar
1 c. white Karo Syrup
1 c. crunchy peanut butter
5 c. rice krispies
1 c. butterscotch chips
1 c. chocolate chips

Bring sugar and syrup to a boil. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and rice krispies. Press mixture into a 9x13 pan. Melt together the butterscotch and chocolate chips. Spread over the top and cool completely before cutting into bars.

Have a Great week in your kitchen's!  For more delicious menu ideas and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

I Love Fall....A little indoor glimpse.....

I Love fall.  It is my favorite time of year.  The cool mornings that kind of take your breath away with the crispness.  I haven't gotten into decorating inside as I usually do...but I've gotten a start.  I've had many weekends of business it seems and it is hard to get to doing that during the weekdays.  We went to Kansas City the hub and I for a relaxing weekend and to visit some old friends.  We got to stay in downtown Westin Crown and it was amazing.  I priceline a lot and get motels cheaper and it is none the different this time.  It was lots of walking and window shopping getting ideas and being inspired.  I went to my favorite little town of Westin, MO, full of antique shops and my favorite candle shop owned by my dear friend Marsha.  We are exploring maybe doing a small business of some sort and I've always been in love...with her store.  We explored her downtown franchise and then visited with her a little bit.  She has such a creative knack and her amazing unique scents and creative names and packaging just amaze me.  Who knows what life will bring we are just exploring lots of ideas.  Of course with anything its location, location, location....living in a very small community away from anything means we'd most likely have to do it somewhere else.  Life is full of amazing ideas and opportunities, it is just envisioning them and acting upon your vision.  I will keep you informed.  Here is my beautiful friend Marsha and her amazing candles.

http://www.5bandco.com/

Last weekend I went with my two older beautiful daughters and my 8 grandbabies to Omaha to go to a indoor water park for the weekend.  Wow talk about busy but fun and lots of memories made.  The
babies all under the age of 9.  I loved it.

Now for a glimpse into my home for fall....Its not much, I'm so far behind...but here goes.

Yes it's pink and an old chenille bedspread but when I found it had fall decor on it..it was mine and is on my dining room table.

I found these fall flowers out shopping and knew this was where they were going to be.  I always have a vision and know where its going before I buy anything.

My apothecary jars are always fun.  The fall candy is going to be the death of me on my diet though.

You know me and my vintage textiles.  I find a place anywhere for them.

Well that is it for now.  I am anxiously awaiting a purse by fed ex that I found in Kansas City, and yes there is a story behind it you'll never believe....ha!  What is it with women and purses?  It became more of a quest than a want in the end and its mine!..lol  I hope everyone is having an amazing fall we are in Nebraska.  Get out and explore, bring it into your homes and Enjoy!

A Friend from the Heart :)

The View from the Porch.....Fall Decor has arrived.

I finally got some fall decor out and about to my extended room on the porch.  Autumn has arrived in Nebraska and we're having the most gorgeous fall days.  I am doing well on my Jenny diet, continuing to walk 6 out of 7 days a week 2 miles each day and I am down now 21 pounds.  I will be a swimsuit model before you know it...lol..of course I'm joking.  Anyway I thought I would share with you some of the midwest autumn decor from my front porch to yours. 

 
 

My seating area...it has gotten lots of use and I sit out here in the mornings and have breakfast often.

 

A view of the grapevine decorated for fall.

 

 

My ferns gone wild.

 
 

 

 

I revamped an old fall wreath.

 

The sun shining through my vintage window.
 

 
 
 

Mums and gourds and pumpkins, oh my..lol  Trail up my front steps.

 

 

 

 

I found these beautiful fall flower pots very cheap and loved the black petunias.
 
 

I hope you enjoyed the burst of fall colors and decor from Nebraska.  I love fall..it is my favorite time of year.  I hope you are enjoying it as well.  More to come......

A Friend from the Heart :)

Menu Planning Monday only on Tuesday :) and a Jenny Craig Update

 

My Jenny update thus far.  I've lost 17 pounds and after taking my measurements I've lost 10 inches off my body.  Yippee!  I'll keep plugging onward :)

Monday - Baked Garlic Salmon, Hash Browns, Fresh Green Beans and Asparagus.

             Me:  Meal on My Own.  I had salmon and vegetables also.

Tuesday -  Southwestern Chicken Soup W/Black beans & Corn. Cheese Bread.

            Me:  Jenny Chicken Fettuccine, vegetables.

Wednesday - Cracked Pepper & Roast Garlic Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Malts.

            Me:  Jenny Fish & Chips, vegetables.

Thursday - Not Your Average Meatloaf, Potato Bundles, Green Beans.

           Me:  Weigh In Day at Jenny :)  Jenny Meatloaf, Vegetables.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night!

         Me.  Meal on my own.

Saturday -  Go Cornerhusker's!!  Emeril's Chili, Homemade Cinnamon Rolls.

         Me:  Jenny Beef Chili with Beans, Vegetables.

Sunday - Dry Rub Rib-eye, Pommes Chef Anne Skillet Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus.

         Me:  Jenny Salisbury Steak, Vegetables.

Dessert - Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce.

Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce

3 pounds of MacIntosh apples, peeled and cut in chunks
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup water

Place all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Applesauce with be both smooth and chunky.

Have a Great Cooking Week !  For more fun menu's and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

        

Menu Planning Monday.....Fall is in the Air.....

 
Fall is in the air and fall is my favorite time of year.  Time to start thinking more about more comforting meals for those crisp fall evenings.  A few weeks ago I shared with you my dieting journey with Jenny Craig.  Well I am very happy to share that I've lost 14 pounds so far :)  6 inches.  I've began a evening regimen of walking 2 miles and it has really helped whittle away the inches.  I've gotten rid of a lot of baggage and stress I've been carrying around the last 5 or 6 months to a year and boy does it feel good.  Some people just want and dream of what they wish they could have and be...but just can't break the chains that weigh them down....In my soul searching I have realized I'm very proud of the firecracker that I am...in my determination of my dreams.. and my knowledge of knowing who I am and what I have wanted and have never waivered in reaching for that......when I realized that it set me free.  I feel sorry for those who only just dream, stumble over themselves...and can never grasp it or let go and be free and truly happy.  

Monday -   Firecracker Salmon, Vegetable Kabobs, Garlic Bread. ME:  Jenny Food.

Tuesday - Corn chowder, crusty bread. ME:  Jenny Food.

Wednesday - Tasty Navajo Tacos, Chips and Salsa.  ME:  Jenny Food.

Thursday - Danish Goulash, Salad, Crusty Bread.  ME:  Jenny Food.

Friday - TGIF!  Burger Night..Homemade OR and a malt. ME:  ME:  Jenny Food.

Saturday - Let's Play some Football!  Go Big Red! Chico's Nachos, Dry Rub Grilled steaks, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Mushrooms, Red Onions & Garlic, grilled sweet corn, garlic bread. ME:  Day on my own.

Sunday - Texas Dry Rub Beer Can Chicken, Smashed Potato Salad, Green beans/Garden Beets, Garlic Bread.  ME:  Day on my own.

Snack - Iced Oatmeal Cookies

 

Iced Oatmeal Applesauce Cookies

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup chunky-style applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (I added this)
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (I added this)
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1. Make cookies: Preheat oven to 350. Put butter and sugars in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until combined. Add egg, applesauce, and vanilla, mix until well blended, 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in oats, flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix in raisins.
2. Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake cookies until golden and just set, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack set over parchment paper; let cool completely.
3. Make icing: Whisk confectioners' sugar, syrup, and 3 tablespoons water until smooth. Drizzle over cookies, let set.

For more delicious menu plans and recipes please pop over to www.orgjunkie.com ! 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Decorating with the Beautiful Outdoors......

I love summer especially for all of the color and fresh flowers in my yard.  I bring it in and decorate my cozy home as often as I possibly can. 

I bought this cute little vintage glass milk/cream bottle set and use it for my vase.  It works anywhere I want it.

You can pick anything fresh from the outdoors and put it in a bouquet for some summertime freshness indoors. The weather in Nebraska has cooled down some.  There is fall in the air.  We are having one last blast of summertime heat today.  I hope you're having a great week and bring the outdoors into your cottage, it will make you smile.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

School starts...my baby is a senior......

How the summer has gone by so very fast.  School starts tomorrow and I will be sending my baby girl as a senior.  The last few weeks of the summer we have been taking senior pictures and buying college books as she is taking a few college courses.  I hate how time flies by so quickly.  We combined some family pics along with her senior pictures this year so thought I would share a couple.

This is my senior, Lydia, and all her nieces and nephews.

My beautiful children.

Lydia...we had her senior pictures taken by a friend who just does it as a hobby and I thought she captured some wonderful pictures.

I hate that summer is almost over but fall is my favorite time of year :)  Enjoy our indian summer days and nights as school time begins again.  Our children grow up so very fast, it is a bittersweet feeling as we remember them as our beautiful babies but have seen them grow wings and fly off into the world as responsible, caring, magnificant adults.  What a gift.

A Friend from the Heart :)

Delicious Cookies......mmmmmm

I had the itch to bake some cookies...even if I can't eat them they were thoroughly enjoyed :)  This is a family recipe and one my favorites I make often.

This was on my kitchen table.  The little chair was one my Grandma Rhoda used as a booster chair for all of us to sit on and my vintage pink thermus with doilies and hankies to accessarize why of course:)  A friend of mine found this unfinished quilt that I have utilized for my tablecloth.  I love using the old glass cake stands as a platter..it just makes it a little more extra special.

The recipe..as you can see its very worn because of its deliciousness.....

 

I hope you are enjoying your week.  We've gotten a cool down in Nebraska this week...a beautiful 85 today with a chance of some rain.  I've been doing wonderful on my Jenny Diet.  I've lost 10.5 pounds and am walking now everyday sometimes once or twice..tried an old exercise tape this week also.  I woke up this a.m. and walked early when it was just beautiful out.  So quiet and peaceful..I'm not a morning person but that truly is the best part of the day.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Flowers Gone Wild....

The heat in Nebraska is crazy hot and the humidity even crazier.  When those two collide...it means Flowers gone wild...they love the humidity. Snapped a few pics to share.

Fern love the humidity.

Potato Vine gone wild.

I can't keep up with my crazy vine on my trellis..Wisteria gone mad. We have lighting wrapped around the patio..we are starting to teach it to vine out and grow all around.  I swear everything is growing by inches each day in this weather.

Keep them watered...they all keep me smiling with color.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Menu Planning Monday and I've started a new Journey.....

It's the start of another week of menu planning and the beginning of a new journey for me.  I am on my third day of the Jenny Craig Diet.  I have to admit I've struggled with my weight for a few years now but it's never defined me.  I have tried attempts at dieting the past few years and had good results with Jenny Craig...so I'm going to give it a try again because I do know how good it feels and how accomplished I feel with the results I have.  I have the challenge now of having to build a new menu planning around my new journey and allowing my husband to have a fullfilling meal plan also so hear goes. :)  The Jenny Program is structured around a set daily calorie amount and a structured menu plan personalized for you consisting of  3 meals, 3 snacks.  At first it feels like all you're doing is eating but you're giving a boost to your metabolism.

Monday - Me:  BF- Banana Nut loaf, 1 fruit and milk, S:  Anytime bar, 1 fruit, Lunch: Pesto Pizza, GArden salad, unlimited vegi's, S:  1 fruit, Dinner:  Salsbury Steak Dinner, S:  Chocolate cake, milk.  Hubby:  Dry Rub Rib-Eye, Crash Hot Potatoes, Garden Fresh Green beans.

Tuesday - Me:  BF- Complete Cereal, 1 fruit, 1 milk, S:  Bar, 1 fruit, Lunch:  Beef Chow Mein, Spinach Salad, Vegi's, S: 1 fruit, Dinner:  Rising Pizza, Garden Salad, Vegi's, S:  Cheese Curl, 1 milk.

Hubby:  Meatloaf in Peppers, Hash Browns, Garden Beets.

Wednesday - Me:  BF: Honey Oat Bar, 1 fruit, 1 milk, S:  Bar, 1 fruit, Lunch:  Cheesy Potatoes, Garden Salad, Vegi's, S:  1 fruit, Dinner:  Cashew Chicken, Salad, Vegi's, S:  Toffee Cookies, 1 milk.

Hubby:  Firecracker Salmon, Vegetable Kabobs, Garlic Bread.

Thursday - Me: Day meal plan on my own.

Hubby:  Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stirfry.

Friday - Me:  BF:  Cheddar Cheese Omelot, 1 fruit, milk, S:  Bar, 1 fruit, Lunch:  Broccoli & Cheese Potato, Spinach Salad, vegi's, S:  1 fruit, Dinner:  Turkey w/Gravy, Salad, Vegi's, S:  Chocolate cake, 1 milk.

Hubby:  Crack Pepper and Roast Garlic Burger, Baked Potato Wedges, Malt.

Saturday - Me:  BF:  Sunshine Sandwich, 1 fruit, 1 milk, S:  Bar, 1 fruit, Lunch:  Chicken Stuffed Sandwich, Salad, Vegi's, S:  1 fruit, Dinner:  Teriyaki Glazed Salmon, Salad, Vegi's, S:  Triple Chocolate Cheesecake.

Hubby: Grilled Garlic Chicken Pizza with peppers, olives and onion.

Sunday - Day on my own meal plan.

Hubby -Olive Garden Spaghetti, Olive Garden Salad, Olive Garden Dressing, Garlic Bread.

Snack:  Lite Lemon Fluff Pie

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 3-ounce package sugar-free lemon Jell-O
• 2 containers (6-8-ounce each) lemon yogurt
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• 8-ounce carton Cool Whip Lite
• Food coloring (optional)
• 1 reduced-fat graham cracker crust
• Additional lemon(s) for garnish (optional)

In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the Jell-O in the boiling water. Whisk in the yogurt. Zest the lemon and add to the yogurt mixture. Squeeze the juice out of the zested lemon and whisk into the mixture. Fold in the Cool Whip. Stir in a few drops of food coloring for a deeper color, if desired. Spoon mixture into pie crust. Cover and chill for at least two hours to set. (I make it the night before I want to serve it.) To serve, garnish with fresh lemon slices. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Have a Great week in your kitchen's!  For more delicious menu ideas and recipes please stop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

A Friend from the Heart :)

Beans Beans..........

Garden freshly picked and nothing better....

 

Today's produce..both green and wax.....

 

Part of Tonight's dinner....I love my garden.

A Friend from the Heart :)


Menu Planning Monday.......

 

 

Monday - Grilled Fish Tacos, Salsa and Mexican Quinoa.  I"m trying Quinoa as its suppose to be so good for you and high in protein but like rice.

Tuesday - Basil, mozzorella and sausage kabobs, (I got some great seasoned sausage brats at the farmers market and thought this would be a great way to utilize them and beat the heat of the Nebraska temps this week),Grilled Zucchini, Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Walnuts and Parmesan shavings.

Wednesday - Chipotle Chicken Salad, Foccacia bread.

Thursday - Teriyaki Burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Friday - Drunken Barbecue Pork Chops, Green beans, with Mushrooms and Shallots, Cobb Salad.

Saturday - Shredded Beef and Carmalized Onion Enchiladas.

Sunday - Beer Can CHicken on the Grill, Baby Potato and Vegetable Kabobs, Garden Fresh Baby Beets and Green Beans, Garlic Bread.

Snack - Raspberry Cupcakes with White Buttercream Frosting

 

Raspberry Cupcakes w/White Chocolate Buttercream
makes 2 dozen

3 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons lemon zest
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries

White Chocolate Buttercream

5 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups white chocolate chips, melted
2-3 tablespoons milk

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest and work the zest with your fingers until the sugar becomes moist and fragrant. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix. Add the almond and vanilla extracts. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk until combined well. Carefully fold in the raspberries. Line 2 cupcake pans with cupcake liners and evenly distribute the batter between the 2 pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until baked through. Let cool.

To make the buttercream, using your mixer, cream the butter until soft. Add about half of the confectioners’ sugar, the milk and the melted white chocolate. Mix until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the remaining sugar and mix until smooth. Add any more sugar or milk you might need to get a good frosting consistency. Smooth or pipe on top of the cooled cupcakes.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)

Life and Emotion......

 
I'm feeling a little down today.  Been doing a lot of thinking about the different levels of emotion and how we all feel and handle it very differently.  I've suffered a lot of pain and heartache in my life but its how you handle that heartache that shows the character of a person.  I've always had a huge heart...gave it willingly and unselfishly and I've felt so much joy and love but what do you do or how do you process and feel the emotion of pain you feel when someone you care deeply for hurts you.  You can't stop loving them...but the pain you feel is a pang so deep and your eyes fill with welts everytime your mind goes back to the feeling, even though you try so very hard to forge forward.  You never feel the people you love the most will ever do that..but its a part of life and nobody is perfect I realize...the pain still is felt and where do you put it and where do you go from there.  How do you trust...How do you heal...find the faith everyone has instilled so deeply within them.  I"m having one of those days.  I woke up this morning feeling such a happiness and hope for the day and in the course of just a few minutes it can turn into a heaviness and weeping loss and pain.  I acknowledge that I have grown to be a very strong woman in my journey of life and have learned a lot of how I want to experience it..the kind of person I need to share it with and the really important things to me and my happiness.  Everyone has that one love of a lifetime...that probably only crosses your path once.  KNowing what to do when you find it in front of you and let yourself feel it to the depths of your soul.  Children bring you so much love and hope for life that you can only rejoice they are such a gift.  Having a purpose in life, something to challenge you and make you a better person.  Having a faith in something greater than yourself.  When you feel the pain and hurt from one or all of these how does the heart heal from this.   I know time heals...I know God heals our hearts...I know love can make you dance...cry....laugh and be filled with so many levels of emotion and some are so easy to process and deal with...but what do you do with the pain...where does it go and how do you grow stronger for it.  I know I"m the woman I am because of the pain and hurt and joy and amazing gifts I have been given through my lifetime...but each time it happens..its like it is the first time and you have to reach very deep within and grab on to hope and move forward and grow and yes sing your own song.  It never gets easy...but I keep trying.

A friend from the Heart....

 

 

 

Menu Planning Monday...Happy 4th of July :)

 

Monday - BBQ Orange Chicken Kabobs, baked beans, grilled vegetables on Foccacia, red, white and blue sangria.

Tuesday - Summer corn fettuccine, grilled flat iron steaks with sweet & spicy salad on top.

Wednesday - Panko crusted chicken stuffed w/Ricotta cheese, spinach, tomatoes, basil, Arugala salad with toasted walnuts, champaigne vinegerette and shaved cheese.

Thursday - Southwestern cheddar fries, Spicey Mac Hamburgers, chocolate malts.

Friday - Vegetable shrimp or chicken stirfry.

Saturday - Fahitas, Mexican Rice, Chips, Salsa, Guac.

Sunday - Grilled garlic chicken pizza with red peppers, olives and onions.

Snack - Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

 
Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers crumbs
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsp white sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup of flour
• 1 cup of chocolate chips

Cheesecake Filling:

• 10 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang, then spray the paper and dish with cooking spray.

Combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until mixed thoroughly. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Place into the oven and bake for 6 minutes. Remove pan and set aside to cool. DO NOT TURN YOUR OVEN OFF.

While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. Beat the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and vanilla together using a mixer until creamy and smooth. Add the flour to the butter mixture until just combined then add the chocolate chips and mix. Set aside.

For the cheesecake filling, place the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla together into a bowl then beat, using a mixer, until creamy and smooth. Pour the cheesecake batter onto the prepared crust. Using your hand to form clumps, distribute the cookie dough evenly in clumps on the top of the cheesecake batter until you use all of the dough.

Place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top (cookie dough) feels dry and firm and the entire pan looks set if given a gentle shake. Move bars to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Lift bars out by the overhang; slice and store in the refrigerator. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy.

Have a Happy 4th!  Enjoy the week!  For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

Menu Planning Monday.....

 

Tuesday - Roast Chicken with Spring Vegetables.

Wednesday - Chili Rubbed Pork Chops, Spanish Rice.

Thursday - BBQ Skirt Steak, Steak Fries, Grilled Corn and cheese cakes.

Friday - Mexican Pizza.

Saturday - Tilapia, Green beans, Cobb Salad.

Sunday - Smoky Chipotle Pork Tenderloin, Rice.

Snack:  Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

 

 

 

 Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread

Recipe found on www.joythebaker.com      Makes: one 9x5x3-inch loaf      Recipe adapted from HungryGirlPorVida For the Dough: 2 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 envelope) active dry yeast 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 ounces unsalted butter 1/3 cup whole milk 1/4 cup water 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract For the Filling: 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted until browned In a large mixing bowl (I used just the bowl of my stand mixer) whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.  Set aside. Whisk together eggs and set aside. In a small saucepan, melt together milk and butter until butter has just melted.  Remove from the heat and add water and vanilla extract.  Let mixture stand for a minute or two, or until the mixture registers 115 to 125 degrees F. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula.  Add the eggs and stir the mixture until the eggs are incorporated into the batter.  The eggs will feel soupy and it'll seem like the dough and the eggs are never going to come together.  Keep stirring.  Add the remaining 3/4 cup of flour and stir with the spatula for about 2 minutes.  The mixture will be sticky.  That's just right. Place the dough is a large,  greased bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap and a clean kitchen towel.  Place in a warm space and allow to rest until doubled in size, about 1 hour.  *The dough can be risen until doubled in size, then refrigerated overnight for use in the morning.  If you're using this method, just let the dough rest on the counter for 30 minutes before following the roll-out directions below. While the dough rises, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg for the filling.  Set aside.  Melt 2 ounces of butter until browned.  Set aside.  Grease and flour a 9x5x3-inch  loaf pan.  Set that aside too.   Deflate the risen dough and knead about 2 tablespoons of flour into the dough.  Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 5 minutes.  On a lightly floured work surface, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out.  The dough should be 12-inches tall and about 20-inches long.  If you can't get the dough to 20-inches long... that's okay.  Just roll it as large as the dough will go.  Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter across all of the dough.  Sprinkle with all of the sugar and cinnamon mixture.  It might seem like a lot of sugar.  Seriously?  Just go for it. Slice the dough vertically, into six equal-sized strips.  Stack the strips on top of one another and slice the stack into six equal slices once again.  You'll have six stacks of six squares.  Layer the dough squares in the loaf pan like a flip-book.  Place a kitchen towel over the loaf pan and allow in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes or until almost doubled in size.    Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.  Place loaf in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is very golden brown.  The top may be lightly browned, but the center may still be raw.  A nice, dark, golden brown will ensure that the center is cooked as well.   Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 to 30 minutes.   Run a butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread and invert onto  a clean board.  Place a cake stand or cake plate on top of the  upside down loaf, and carefully invert so it's right side up.  Serve warm with coffee or tea.   I think this bread is best served the day it's made, but it can also we wrapped and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)

Flower Power.....

 
It's that time of year where spring has sprung, the birds are nesting and chirping about, all the trees are bursting in their green coats, and flowers are bursting in color everywhere.  I finally bit the bullet and have started my array of flower planting and thought I would share some pictures with you.  I mainly have began in the front of my home, making it more curb appealing and of course I love this time of year where I can adorn my home with the color of the summertime.  I did a new arrangement on my porch...not much..just a little something something.  It's always nice to try something different and this allows more seating and comfy coziness.  I spend a lot of time on my front porch and if I'm there others tend to follow and people tend to stop and talk when passing by.  I love my porch...my swing and the memories it holds for me.  It is just the place to sit out there with your honey, chatting about what anything and everything.  It's a great place that inspires me and makes me happy and my mind goes to a better place. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

This vintage radio flyer wagon was the wagon I used when all my babies were little..it has found a new home.

 

This is my office behind these windows and when I have the window open I can hear and see the birds chirping and landing in the window box...

 
 
 
 
 

It is a beautiful sunshiney day in Nebraska and suppose to be in the 70s.  I don't know about you but the weather is a great mood indicator for me..It is hard when you sit behind a computer so much of the day but working from home I do have the flexibility to work in comfort, walk away from the computer and enjoy special spontaneous moments when they come to surface and enjoy the day. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

Menu Planning Monday......

 

Monday - Sweet & Spicy Chicken Stir fry.

Tuesday - Sweet Onion Pork Chops, Long Grain Rice, Green Beans.

Wednesday - Burrito Pie. Chips & Salsa.

Thursday - French Dip Sandwich w/Au Jus, Baked Potato Wedges.

Friday - Spinach Salmon Bundles, Cobb Salad.

Saturday - Ultimate Patty Melts, Baked Garlic/Parmesan Fries.

Sunday -  Buffalo Chicken Salad w/Blue Cheese Dressing, Grilled Vegetables.

Snack - Peanut Butter Fudge Cake

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups sugar

1 cup butter

1/4 cup cocoa (I use dutch )

1 cup water

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter

chocolate frosting

Combine first 3 ingredients in large bowl and set aside. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in cocoa. Add water, buttermilk, add eggs, stirring well. Cook stirring well until mixture boils. Remove from heat, add to flour mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully spread peanut butter ( I heated it in the microwave for a minute to soften it) over warm cake. Cool completely. Spread with chocolate frosting. Cut into squares. 20-25 servings.

Chocolate Frosting

1 (16oz) package powdered sugar

1/4 cup cocoa (I use dutch)

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Bring cocoa, butter and buttermilk to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Pour hot mixture into a bowl with the sugar, stirring until smooth. stir in vanilla.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :) 

  

Menu Planning Mondays.......

 

Monday - Steak & Fahita Bowls.

Tuesday - Baked Paprika Chicken, Bowtie asparagas pasta.

Wednesday- Meatloaf in Tricolor Peppers, Smashed Potatoes, Green Beans.

Thursday - Shephard's Pie, Cheddar Cornbread.

Friday - Olive Garden Spaghetti, Olive Garden Salad and Dressing.

Saturday - Spicey Mac Burgers, Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Sunday - Orange Glazed Salmon, Stir Fry Vegetables.

Snack - Brownies w/oreos from vanillasugarblog.com

 

Note: make sure you use very little brownie batter.  this will help to keep cookies somewhat crunchy.  as you will see in my photos i used a thin layer of brownie batter on the bottom and top.

take your favorite brownie recipe or boxed brownie mix.

mix as directed

pour half the batter into greased 8 x 8 pan

top with your favorite Oreo, about 6 of them

pour rest of batter over the Oreo's

tap pan on counter to remove excess air

bake according to recipe directions

let cool a bit before cutting as they need to set up/firm up

if you don't have a brownie recipe you can search foodtv.com for one

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :) 

My Easter Sweeties and a Princess.......

You know its springtime when the beautiful ball gowns and tuxedos come out of the closet.  My baby girl just had her prom and she was a princess in ever sense of the word.  She is a junior and I cannot imagine topping this one.  The gown in itself has a story, such memories in the grand search.  It was custom made for her and she received communication on a weekly to daily basis from a Molly Lee in China...then tracked its journey from Shanghai to Alaska to Kentucky to Nebraska, all at a bargain price!  She looked beautiful :)  I'm sure you can remember the fun filled day of primping, prepping and all the little nieces here watching and making the day so special and a day to always remember.

 

 

 
 

 
 

I need to also share pictures of my little Easter Sweeties (Grandbabies). 

 
This is Libby, Jack, Annie, and Elin. 

 

My daughter Emily and her babies...Lilly, Eden, Olive and Abram.

 
My Son and his wife and Baby Bridger...

 
 

We have to cherish the moments with the ones we love.  Memories, we make them each and every day....I have a sign hanging on the wall.....

 
 
 
Some people have photo albums...I have a tree of love you will see where my story's foundation begins and ends.

A Friend from the Heart :) 

 

Menu Planning Monday......

 

Monday - Southwestern Sloppy Joes with Avocado, Chips.

Tuesday - Roast Beef with Basil, Oregano, and Garlic, Baby Carrots, Baby Red Potatoes.

Wednesday - Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Tossed Cobb Salad.

Thursday - Shredded Beef and Avocado Tostada, Chips and Homemade Salsa, Guacamole.

Friday - Beer steamed burgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Chocolate malts.

Saturday - Dry Rub Rib-eye, Pommes Chef Anne Skillet Potatoes, Cauliflower Steaks.

Sunday - Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna Roll-ups with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce, Garlic buns, Green beans.

Snack - Strawberry Shortcake

 
Strawberry Shortcake...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
Strawberries
4 cups sliced strawberries
1/4 cup granulated Sugar
2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur
Whipped Cream 1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Shortcakes
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar, divided use
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced strawberries
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1-1/4 cups heavy cream
Ice Cream
2 small scoops per serving

Directions:
1) To make strawberries: Wash, drain and slice strawberries. Sprinkle with sugar and toss to coat. Sprinkle with orange liqueur and lightly toss again. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2) To make whipped cream: Combine ingredients in stainless steel bowl. Whip to stiff peaks. Refrigerate.
3) To make shortcakes: Combine flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking power, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut butter into dry ingredients. Stir in strawberries. Add heavy cream and almond extract and stir by hand just until dough forms. Dough will be soft and sticky. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until dough just holds together. Press dough into a 8 to 9-inch circle, 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 3-inch rounds. Place scones on baking sheet and sprinkle with reserved sugar. Bake 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees or until scones are a light golden brown on top.
4) To serve: Cut shortbread in half horizontally, separating top from bottom half. Place bottom half of biscuit in a medium bowl. Cover biscuit bottom with 1/2 cup of strawberry mixture. Place two small scoops of vanilla ice cream in center of biscuit bottom. Place remaining biscuit half on top of ice cream. Spoon additional berry mixture over biscuit top to moisten it. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream. Serve immediately. Yield: 8 servings.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :) 

Hope of Easter.......

Happy Easter!  As we share the day with our families let us remember the real meaning of Easter...It's not the Easter Bunny...hiding Easter Eggs....Wearing all those beautiful new Easter Dresses...We celebration the foundation of our faith....Jesus is ALIVE.  Rising he Justified...freely forever.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3

Easter is about the abundance of Hope, Joy and Life.   Happy Easter!

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

Menu Planning Monday......

 

Monday - Stuffed Boneless Pork Chops, Twice Baked Potatoes, Grilled Asparagas.

Tuesday - You Won't Be Single for Long Cream Pasta, Green Beans, Cheesy Garlic Stuffed French Bread.

Wednesday  - Shredded Beef and Carmelized Onion Enchiladas.

Thursday - Corn chowder on a chilly day!, crusty bread. 

Friday - Hamburgers, Homemade Onion Rings, Onion Ring Dip, Chocolate Malts.

Saturday - General Tso's Chicken, Fried Rice, Hot & Sour Soup.

Easter Sunday - Herb roasted Turkey Breast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn Souffle, Sausage stuffing, Parker House Rolls.

Snack - Resurrection Rolls

 

Ingredients:

• 1 Tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (Big and Flaky)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted (you will not use all of the butter but it makes it easier to have enough to dip the marshmallows)
• 8 large marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons sugar mixed with 3 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Separate crescent rolls. (Note: This is much easier if you can find the “Big and Flaky” variety. If you can only find the regular size, trim off about a quarter of the marshmallow.)

Give each child a triangle of crescent roll. The pastry represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.

Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.

Have them dip the marshmallow into the melted butter and roll to coat evenly. This represents the oils of embalming.

Roll the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. This represents the spices used to anoint His body.

Place the coated marshmallow at the short straight end of the crescent roll. Bring the two corners up to the top of the marshmallow.

 

Roll up (away from you and toward the point) the crescent roll with the marshmallow and seal to make sure the marshmallow is not showing (or it will leak out when baking). This represents the wrapping of Jesus’ body after death.

 

Place two inches apart on prepared cookie sheet and place in preheated oven for the length of time indicated on the crescent roll package (around 10-14 minutes or until golden brown). The oven represents the tomb.

Remove from oven and cool slightly. Break open or bite into the rolls and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :) Have a Blessed Easter With Your Families :)

 

Late Menu Planning Monday........

 
Monday - Take out Broasted Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and corn.

Tuesday - French Onion Soup with Fontina & Thyme, Salmon in Lemon Brodetto.

Wednesday - Sesame Chicken, Lemony Egg Soup, Orange Ginger Fried Wontons.

Thursday - Pizza Out.

Friday - Bacon Cheeseburger Buns, Homemade Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Saturday - Flattened Pan Roast Chicken, Mashed cheesy garlic potatoes, Green beans.

Sunday - Stuffed Boneless Pork Chops, Pineapple Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoes, Grilled Asparagas

Snack:  EASTER STORY COOKIES

Bible
1 c whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 c granulated sugar
1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag
wooden spoon
tape

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place pecans in ziploc bag and let kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3. Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Add teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30...Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink,Jesus said,"It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27 A large number of people followed Him, including women who mourned and wailed for Him.

So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8--Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him~and John 3:16--"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18--"Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." And John 3:1-3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

Fold in broken nuts.

Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting a guard.

GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 "I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, buy your grief will turn to joy." And John 16:22 "So with you~ Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

On Easter morning, open the oven and remove the cookies. Take a bite. Notice~the cookies are hollow!

On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. Then go quickly and tell His disciples: "He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him. Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell His disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them, "Greetings," He said. They came to Him, clasped his feet and worshipped Him.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

Springtime.........

 
I woke up this morning to the sound of springtime.  This time of year inspires me and fills me full of a inner peace and joy.  I'm energized.  I opened the windows, smelled the glory of the morning thinking of what means so much to me.  Have you ever been around someone that just makes your heart happy and your soul smile..... I turned on some jazz, inhaled the springtime and with a bounce in my step I headed to the kitchen and put together something I promised my daughter yesterday I would do for her this morning.  I enjoy being barefoot in the kitchen doing something I love so much, thinking of the people who mean so much to me and inhaling life.  I feel somehow as if I'm a different person, someone so revitalized and anew.  I brewed some coffee as I put together my daughter's request and then I went out on my porch that I love to do every minute I can get to reflect upon the day, my life and my soul smiles.  Yesterday it was a gorgeous yet a bit humid day in Nebraska and I did a little spring decorating on my porch...it is no longer bare and naked and cold...it looks warm, cozy ahd inviting.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Birds really do build their nests in these......A beautiful thing to hear when I'm swinging the sweat chirping sounds of life.
 
 
 

 

Springtime...one of my favorite seasons...new beginnings.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Late Menu Planning Monday........

 

Monday - Chicken Fahitas, Rice & Beans, Chips and Salsa.

Tuesday - Leftovers.

Wednesday - Hamburgers, Cheaters Fries with Cajun Seasoning, Chocolate Malted Milk Shakes.

Thursday - Take-Out Chinese or Mexican.

Friday - Ricotta, Spinach, and Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast Marsala with Pine Nut Pilaf.

Saturday - Upside Down Supreme Pizza, Tossed Salad.

Sunday - Dry Rub Ribeye, Crash Hot Potatoes, Grilled Asparagas, Cheese Garlic Stuffed French Bread.

Snack - Bird Nests from http://www.shecooks.org/

 

Ingredients:

• 12 ounce package semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 5 ounce can chow mein noodles
• Candy for eggs (I use Cadbury mini eggs – not the dark chocolate – they are not speckled, or speckled jelly beans)

Combine chocolate and butterscotch chips in a glass bowl and microwave for about three minutes to melt. (Each microwave is different so check yours after two minutes.) After three minutes the chips will look soft but not melted. Once you begin to stir the chips they will smooth out into a creamy mixture. If the chips are not melted after three minutes, put them back in the microwave for 30 seconds and stir again. Continue with this process until they are melted and creamy. (You can also use a double boiler to melt chocolate and butterscotch chips.)

Once your chocolate and butterscotch is melted, stir in the coconut. Then carefully stir in the chow mein noodles to combine.

Spoon blobs of the mixture onto waxed paper-lined cookie sheets (you will need two cookie sheets). Carefully press the back of the spoon into the center of each mound of the mixture to create a little well. I usually end up using my fingers and just getting messy. It’s easier this way… and kind of fun.

Arrange three eggs in the center of each “nest.”

Place cookie sheets in the refrigerator for about an hour to set. To store, layer treats in a sealed container with waxed paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together (and to keep the chocolate off of the eggs).

You can also arrange on a plate/platter and store, covered on the counter… unless it’s really hot! They are actually easier to eat if they are room temperature.

Makes 18-20 nests.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)

Menu Planning Monday.........

 

Monday - Raviolasagna - Blooming onion garlic bread.

Tuesday - Salsbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans.

Wednesday - Chicken, Bacon & Vegi Pizza, Tossed Salad.

Thursday - Cornbread Taco Bake.

Friday - Out for Dinner.

Saturday - Orange Chicken & Vegetables.

Sunday - Pasta w/creamy Shrimp & Tomatoes & Peas, Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread.

Snack:  Pineapple Cheesecake Bars

 

Pineapple Cheesecake Bars

Submitted by Mindy ~ The Sisters Cafe

Recipe Source: www.lemonpoppycake.com

 

Crust:

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups butter, room temperature

In a medium bowl combine flour, sugar and butter.  Mix until crumbs.  Press into large cookie sheet (12x17x1) and poke holes in the crust with a fork.  Bake at 350 degrees 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.  While the crust is baking, prepare the coconut topping and cream cheese filling.

 

Coconut Topping:

2 Tablespoons butter, melted

3 cups sweetened coconut, grated

In a small bowl, mix together melted butter and coconut.  Set aside.

 

Cream Cheese Filling:

16 ounces cream cheese

2 eggs

4 Tablespoons sugar

4 Tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons almond extract

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 20 oz can crushed pineapple

Combine cream cheese, eggs, sugar, milk, almond extract and vanilla in a large bowl.  Beat with electric mixer until smooth.  Add crushed pineapple and mix.  Pour cream cheese filling over baked crust.  Sprinkle coconut topping over cream cheese filling.  Bake at 350 degrees 18-20 minutes or until coconut has browned and middle is set.  Chill for at least one hour before serving.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Little Pieces of Joy......

 

This is what it's all about.  I have had the joy of one of my daughters moving back to Nebraska close to me this past week.  She lived in North Dakota and is My Sweet Baby Abram's Momma.  Here is Abe, very healthy and beautiful along with all of his little cousins.  When you take a look at this it just makes you realize what it's all about, these little angels.  There are days I think I am way to young to be a grandmother but when I hold each and everyone of these little shining stars I wouldn't have it any other way.  I just had one of those days when life could easily sweep you away but then I saw these little sweet faces tonight and it just made me smile.  They are little pieces of joy.  Thank you God for all these perfect little angels and how they each in their own way are just absolutely perfect.

A Friend from the Heart :)


 

Spring is in the Air.....

 
Spring is in the Air, yes it is.  You can't help but feel energized and rejuvenated when you see the first Robin and wake up hearing the birds chirping.  We have had a week of beautiful weather here in Nebraska in the 50s, 60s and even a day in the 70s.  I finally got my winter decor all down but not yet put away.  My spare bedroom is a muck.  I now have a fresh clean canvas to work with for my spring decorating which makes me a very happy girl.  I have felt a bit stagnant and needed this little boost to energize me.  Nothing like a little warm weather to bring people out walking with their pets or family even though what it brings to my environment is a barking madhouse, but my baby girls Maisie and Gabriella rule the roost, what we do for our little 4 footed friends :)  They love you unconditionally.  The snow is almost gone and the grass is breathing and getting ready to green up and bring life to a dull humdrum yard.  Yes, Spring has sprung I am hopeful.  I love when the days get longer..you can sit outside on the porch swing and breath in the smells of life and hope.  Here are a few glimpses of vintage springtime that I have already utilized to inspire me in this moment....In a few days spring will have sprung in my vintage home, it will be full of the springtime smells, colors and full of life...I cannot wait, it energizes me and makes me smile.

 

This is a banner I had made for me from Sweet Ms. Cherry from Cherry's Jubilee. 

 
I love this vintage picture with the chickadees..It screams of springtime.  I have this hanging in my dining room.

 

Vintage waterers and birdhouses, some of my loves.  You can see that I love pink.  I have saved every rose I've gotten and dried it to utilize in decorating.  Vintage speaks history and history tells a story. My home is full of memories and the past, it speaks to me everyday.

Life is what we make of it.  Everyone needs a little energizing and find what brings joy and happiness to your heart whether that be in decorating or whatever brings you joy.

A Friend from the Heart :)


Menu Planning Monday.....

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY :)

Monday - Cipollini Onion and Fennel Pot Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Zesty Roasted Garlic Bread.

Tuesday - French ONion Soup, Easy Breadsticks, Tossed Salad.

Wednesday - Easy Salmon Pie, Rice, Tossed Salad.

Thursday - Spicy Fahita Soup, Homemade Tortilla Chips.

Friday - TGIF!  DATE NITE !

Saturday - Hamburgers, Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Sunday - Flattened Pan-Roasted Chicken, Roast Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus Spears, Cheesy Garlic Biscuits.

Snack:  Rich Chocolate Cake

 

Rich Chocolate Cake

submitted by Brittany ~ The Sisters Cafe

Cake:

2 2/3 cups (16 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup butter

1 cup half-and-half cream

1 cup sugar

8 eggs

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Glaze:

1 cup (6 oz.) semisweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons half-and-half cream

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Wrap bottom of 10 inch springform pan with heavy duty aluminum foil. Grease pan and set aside. (*make sure your pan fits tightly together so it won't leak! *see note) In saucepan, combine chocolate, butter, cream, and sugar; cook over low heat until chocolate is melted, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir until smooth. Pour into a large mixing bowl; cool.

In another mixing bowl, beat eggs on high for 3 minutes or until fluffy. Beat into chocolate mixture, a third at a time, until blended. Stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan; place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (top may crack). Cool on a wire rack (cake will settle). Cover and chill for 1 hour. Run a knife around edge of pan in needed before removing sides.

For glaze, in a large saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, cream, butter, and corn syrup; cook over low heat until chocolate is melted; stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Spread enough glaze over top and sides of cake to cover. Chill for 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining glaze. Chill overnight (or make early morning for serving in the evening). Serve with fresh raspberries and mint leaves to garnish. Refrigerate leftovers.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)


  

 

Update on Abram Carrol......

 
 

 Well many wonderful Prayers were answered..our precious Abram Carrol got to be taken off the vent and was even able to be dismissed from the hospital to go home to all his little sisters who all are just dying to be little mommies last Sunday!  Babies are so precious but yet so very strong.  Baby Abe is my 9th grandbaby but he lives in North Dakota...so now I cannot wait to hold him in a few weeks when he comes back to Nebraska.  Thank you for all your wonderful kind wishes and prayers that were indeed answered.  God is Good.....

A Friend from the Heart :)

  

 

Menu Planning Monday.......

 
Monday - Vegetable and Dumpling Soup.

Tuesday - Corn and crab chowder pot pie.

Wednesday -Nacho topped chili pot.

Thursday - Roast Chicken Enciladas Suizas Stacked Casserole.

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night...

Saturday - Hamburgers, Homemade Onion Rings and dipping sauce, Chocolate Almond Milkshakes.

Sunday - Meatloaf Patties, Smashed Potatoes and Pan Gravy, Green Beans.

Snack:  Chocolate Explosion  Cheesecake

 

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup butter, melted

Chocolate Layer:

• 6 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cheesecake Layer:

• 1/2 cup caramel syrup
• 1 (16 1/2-ounce) package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Chocolate Ganache:

• 6 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
• 4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.

For the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter, stirring to combine. Press the crust into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 6 minutes; let cool.

For the chocolate layer: Using a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter (or microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes total). Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and flour until just combined. Pour into the bottom of the cooled crust and bake for 15 minutes; let cool.

For the cheesecake layer: Spread the caramel topping evenly over the cooled chocolate layer. Cut the cookie dough crosswise into 1-inch slices. Place the slices in an even layer over the caramel, pressing gently together to seal the edges.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla and flour until just combined. Stir in the sour cream. Pour the mixture over the cookie dough layer and bake for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and gently run a knife around the edges to release the crust from the sides of the pan. Let cool completely.

For the ganache: Using a double boiler, combine the chocolate and cream and melt (or microwave on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth, about 1 minute total). Spread over the cooled cheesecake. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours before serving.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)


Prayers for Abram Carrol..........

 

 
I became a grandmother to #9 on Monday.  Please be praying for my newest little grandbaby as he was taken early because of low amniotic fluid.  He was placed on a ventilator when he was born for premature lungs.  My daughter Emily has 3 beautiful little girls and now has been blessed with this little angel...Abram Carrol ..weighing in at 6 pounds 4 ounces...19 inches long.  They have taken him off the ventilator as of this morning and we are crossing our fingers he can remain off and can continue to pass his tests.  Mommy is hoping to get to hold him as she hasn't been able to yet.  Our little Baby Abe has proven to be a fighter and is such an angel..we love him already.  God never gives us more than we can handle but when it comes to our babies...we often wonder why for so many reasons...it is so hard to just be helpless but God is indeed good and will give us the strength we need to endure this trial and give our sweet angel the strength to become healthy and strong. 

 
 

They seem so helpless..

Please keep Abram and his mommy, daddy and 3 sisters in your prayers...I have felt a little helpless as they live in North Dakota...I'm in Nebraska..staying with my other daughter this week babysitting 4 of my other grandbabies..ages 7, 5, 3 and 10 months...while they are in Hawaii on vacation!...I"m a very busy lady to say the least...and I can't imagine how I did it so many years ago with my own 4..its exhausting..but a happy tired.

 
Emily, her husband Quinn, Lilly, Eden and Olive...and now Baby Abram :)

A Friend from the Heart :)


  

Another Menu Planning Monday.....

 

Another week of menu planning...I hope you enjoy your week of cooking in the kitchen....

Monday - Lasagna, tossed salad, garlic bread.

Tuesday - Broccoli, Cheddar, and Chicken Tator Tot Casserole.

Wednesday - Chicken Pot Pie crumble.

Thursday - Firecracker Shrimp Stirfry, Rice.

Friday -  TGIF!  Date Night!

Saturday - Quesadillas de Camerones, Rice & Beans, chips and Restaurant Style Salsa.

Sunday - Giddy-Up Steak with onion compote, Quinoa pilaf in lettuce cups. The Ugly Duckling Salad..(Indian recipes).

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)


  

 

A Little Valentine Ambience........

 
I have did a little Valentine Decorating so thought I would share.....

 

My vintage hankies add their special touches to anything, vintage lunch pail with valentines in it and some flea market vintage valentine knick knacks.

 
I have saved all my valentine's cards so adorn them in my hutch along with a valentine banner I got off Etsy made of vintage valentine's.

 

My Dining Table Centerpiece.  I got the scented lavender valentine's off Etsy last year and of course my pink bedspread and vintage thermos.  I hope this puts you in the mood for a little Valentine embiance in your home.

    

 

Menu Planning Monday.....

 

Happy New Year!  Well I have been in a funk for a few months and wasn't doing anything I enjoyed but its a new year and Here I am trying to get in the groove again with my menu planning.  I started a new job back in May and boy did that turn my world upside down.  My old job I had did for 12 years.  I was very spoiled working early hours getting off at 10 a.m. leaving me the whole day to do the things I love.  This new job was working regular 9 to 5:30 hours and boy I hate it.  The whole is shot and there is no time for anything else.  I guess maybe I'm just not organized enough I don't know and was very spoiled.  Anyway its a new year and new beginnings and I'm trying new hours 5 to 1:30 leaving me more daytime to get out of this rut and funk I'm in and get back to doing some things I love and enjoy again.  This new year is all about change and new beginnings and that includes my children.  I got a new Grandson in August and my daughter is having a new baby in February, her fourth and a baby boy.  She has three little girlies and now a little boy.  Life is wonderful.  She lives in North Dakota and this year will be bringing new change to her little family also as they will be moving back here to live and join a family farming operation.  I will get to be a hands on grandmother to these beautiful grandbabies, something I have never gotten to do and my daughter has greatly missed the closeness of family ties so excitement is brewing.  My son also started a new job and moved to Sheridan Wyoming.  He loves it there and loves his new job and family and that is all you can ever hope for your children is happiness and for them to thrive.  I still have my Christmas trees up but my house is beginning the conversion to Valentine's day.  I love all the lights and glamour of the holidays and my lights are still all up and my trees which are easily converted to Valentines as they have the white lights and red decor.  Yes its a bit unconventional..but who cares..i'm happy.  I finally sat down last night to do some menu planning for the week and thought I would share it with you.  This is a brand new year with new beginnings...so cheers and raise your glasses!  Enjoy and embrace what life has to offer you :)

MENU PLANNING MONDAY

Monday -Baked Runzas, Tossed Salad.

Tuesday - Beef & Vegetable Noodle Bowls.

Wednesday - Drunken Porkchops, mashed potatoes, green beans, garlic cheese biscuits.

Thursday - Shrimp w/scallions and garlic in Chili Tamari Sauce, rice.

Friday - TGIF!  DATE Nght!

Saturday - Upside Down Supreme pizza, salad, garlic buns.

Sunday - Cipolini onion & fennel pot roast, herb flatbread, apricot & pineapple crisp.

SNACK - Valentine's Day Cake Balls.

 
 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries &
Strawberry Cheese Cake Balls - www.mommyskitchen.net

1 (18.25 ounce) package strawberry cake mix + cake mix ingredients
1/2 - 1 (16 ounce) container prepared cream cheese frosting
1 - 24 oz block vanilla flavored almond bark
milk chocolate flavored almond bark
(I use Plymouth Pantrys almond bark from Walmart in the baking isle)
Icing paste or candy coating paste
sprinkles (optional)

Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended. Melt vanilla coating in a glass bowl in the microwave on the DEFROST selection or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth. Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the cake mixture. Dip the balls in melted candy coating using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set. Roll in sprinkles or leave plain. I tinted the vanilla coating pink and swirled dark pink over that. For the chocolate covered strawberry cake balls, I dipped them in chocolate and swirled dark pink on top of that.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)


A Little Fall Decorating and the Cutest Pumpkin Ever......

I finally got around to doing some fall decorating.  I can't believe that it is already November.  The holidays are approaching and it will soon be Christmas..I can't wait.  I thought I would share some photos I have taken.  I finally got a new living room set and I just love it.  What does one do with our old worn out furniture once it has served its purpose through the years..I just hated to throw it away thinking someone surely could find a need for it.  We called Goodwill and of course they were more than happy to take it off our hands and someone would be so happy to have it and enjoy it for a few more years.  I felt so much better.  Do you form an emotional attachment to your furniture?..lol  I certainly was having issues with that..but now I'm fine :)  As my family is fast growing by leaps and bounds with my children having grandbabies I have had to try and re-establish more space in my cottage.  Pictures of the process will be forthcoming.  I am finding it hard to find enough hours in my day to get everything done I need to..so it is taking me more time to accomplish the things I want...but be patient..I will be sharing very soon.  The last few days I have been getting in some grandma bonding time with my newest grandbaby Bridger Sven Fredrick.  He is now 2 months and they live in Wyoming but are back for a few days to do some hunting and I have gotten to babysit in the evenings...he was my first trick or treater on Halloween...My little Pumpkin....

 
 

Now going forward to the fall decorating.....enjoy!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We have had such an amazing fall..I hope everyone out there gets out to enjoy our brisk fall mornings and days.  I find myself behind the computer most days but I try to get out and breath in some of that fresh fall air.   I wish everyone a great rest of your week...and Happy Fall :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

Its Tuesday, I'm late but its Menu Planning Monday..........

 

Monday - Tempora Shrimp, Baby Red Potatoes & Green Beans, Cheese Bread, Apple turnovers.

Tuesday -  Southwestern Chicken Soup W/Black beans & Corn. Cheese Bread.

Wednesday - Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Tator Tot Casserole. Garlic Bisquits.

Thursday - Creamy Chicken & Green Chili Enchiladas, Chips & Salsa.

Friday - Date Night!

Saturday - Cheesy Skillet Chicken & Rice & Green Beans. French Bread.

Sunday - Cheeseburger or Bacon Cheeseburger Buns, Homemade Onion Rings, Chocolate Malts.

Something I have been drinking a lot of lately for comfort and relaxation is Chai Tea...and I found this recipe I just love.....

 

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 (1-inch) piece of cinnamon stick

4 green cardamom pods, smashed.

4 whole cloves.

1/2 star anise.

2 quarter-sized coins fresh ginger

2 scant teaspoon black tea leaves. ( I just use Green tea)

2 teaspoons honey, or more to taste.

Whole milk or half and half.

Directions

In a medium pan, bring the water, all of the spices and the ginger to a boil over medium heat.  Turn off the heat and allow it to steep for 15 minutes.

Bring the mixture back to a boil, then add the tea.  Turn the heat off, and allow it to steep for 3 to 5 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea.  Stir in the honey and add milk to your liking.  Strain it into a bowl or pitcher and serve!

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com.

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

A Friend from the Heart :)


The Lost is Missing.......Random shots.....

Yes I am still here and I am fine.  I can't believe I've been missed so much but it is a very nice feeling knowing people get enjoyment out of my blogging.  I've been kind of lost in space but I hope to be back blogging now..its on my list of want to do's :)  When you get older the days seem to just pass by so quick.  I just want time to slow down or just stop so I can at least catch up a little.  I have been consumed in my work..no play and not a lot of fun and boy I miss it.  My family continues to grow with leaps and bounds and I will fill you in on that in future posts.  I took my weekend to do some heavy cleaning I've been putting off...you know what I mean I'm sure....once you get started its not so bad.  I find myself just plugging in my ipod and dance my way through it.  Music is the source of sunshine and makes everything seem not so impossible for me anyway.  I started in the kitchen so I just took some random pictures and thought I'd share with you. I love my kitchen...it is probably my favorite room.  I love walking in the morning and being greeted by the vintage stained glass windows I have sat in my window sill.

I saw this done in a magazine and decided to take my vintage silverware and put them in pitchers on my counter.

Just some random shots of items on my counters. My containers full of necessities.

 
I got this server off Ebay which as you see I display my salt, pepper and seasoning salt.  My daughter was using it the other night and of course displayed or dismay "mom why don't you just have a normal salt and pepper shaker"...I looked at her and said...you no me...there is nothing normal about me, my home, so why start now...:)

I did find time to plant a small garden.  Nothing better than fresh produce out of the garden.  You can see I have a bit of canning to do don't I...I'm hearing Salsa calling me....

Onions, baby potatoes and fresh vegi's.....yum....

I'm very glad to be back.  Thanks to all who have written me with concerns about how I am and how they have missed me.  I have missed you also.....I am feeling fall in the air...that is my absolute favorite time of year....

A Friend from the Heart :)

A Sunday Morning.........

I was blog reading this morning over at one of my favorite bloggers...Belladella.  Her Sunday mornings look so peaceful and relaxing so I thought I would share with you my Sunday morning favorite place to be....

 

I love my swing.  As many of you know this swing holds a lot of history for me.  This is my Grandma Rhoda's and the swing is the original swing so when I sit out here I think of her.

The porch swing and my Grandma Rhoda....that is my big brother :)

 

I found this little bench at a little antique mart.  I've been looking for a weathered red bench forever. Great for putting feet up and relaxing. 

Upon entering the porch this is what you read..words I embrace everyday.....

My ferns...My porch isn't complete until I have them.......

 

Are you beginning to sense a color scheme?..I've decided to use red as my focal color.

My birdhouses.  My porch wouldn't be complete without them..every one of the homes houses a family so when I am sitting on my porch swing..I'm kind of lets say disturbing the peace ...hehehe :)

 
  
 

My vintage mailbox...it sits on my porch with its flag up as if its waiting for mail but instead it has a new usage......

A perfect place to sit..early morning, at the end of the day...you'll find me resting and reflecting...my favorite Sunday morning place......

A Friend from the Heart :)

  
 
 

Happy Mother's Day! The Dailyness......

 

Since we last talked I have had another little addition to my family.  Meet my new granddaughter Elin Rose......

 

This is what it's all about.  We as mother's are the ones so privileged that God chose us to be mother's.

My daughter has the most beautiful family and I'm so lucky to be a grandmother.  FAMILY...that is what we're thankful for on Mother's Day....for all you moms out there....this devotional really gave me a boost today (with a couple of tears:). Enjoy the daily grind of motherhood!

The Dailyness......Proverbs 31 Ministries

   "Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway." Proverbs 8:34 (NIV)

Life wouldn't be so hard if it wasn't so daily. As I sit here surrounded by laundry and dishes piled high in the sink, I see more than ever how life wears us down one day at a time.

Crumbs litter the floor and dirty smudges cover the windows. And I have yet to discover where that smell is coming from. For this mother of four, a simple trip to the grocery store requires an act of God and Congress – attempted only when we are down to powdered milk and Ramen noodles. Not thirty minutes ago a little one-year-old boy clung to my legs, belting out that scream - you know the one, bats can hear it. And I felt my coping skills slipping away. Not because he was crying but because he cries every day.

The daily-ness.

The job of motherhood feels so vast, and frightening, and unending. I am called to raise these children in the fear and admonition of the Lord and yet there are days that I can't seem to get out of my pajamas much less lead them in a time of prayer. I think anyone could endure the temper tantrums of a small child or the rebellion of a teenager or the constant needs of another if they lasted just one day. But the truth is that these things are the stuff of daily life. And when I am honest with myself, they grind down the rough edges of this woman. Because parenting can not be all about me when diapers must be changed, noses wiped and beds made.

In those moments I force myself to take a deep breath and thank God for this season of life. These children. The privilege of wiping noses and bottoms and countertops. A privilege many women would love to have, but don't. I remind myself that the days are long but the years are short. And one day I will look in the rear-view mirror and see empty seats. The cup that is overflowing right now will slowly drain. The stretch marks will fade. And I will find that a new set of daily struggles has overtaken me. When that day comes I will find the strength to face them as well because God gives the grace, daily.

The daily-ness.

As C.S. Lewis once said, "The thing is to rely on God… Meanwhile, the trouble is that relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing has yet been done."

Your daily-ness is probably different than mine, but it is nonetheless God-ordained. It is exactly what we need to live dependent on His grace instead of our own strength. The One who knows us best, who knit us together in our mother's womb, has allotted these days that are equal parts trial and triumph. And He knows that we will see Him most clearly from a place of dependence.

So today I embrace the normal things. The daily things. Another round of laundry. The ring in my toilet. The dust on my dresser so thick a child could write his name. But even more than that I want to celebrate the important things. A child slowly learning to read. A husband that finds his comfort in my arms. A baby who learns to walk and talk. Because all these are the things of life: some mundane and some holy. And all of them must be received daily.

Dear Lord, sometimes daily life is just hard. And we're tired. And overwhelmed. But You promised to be our strength and our hope and our comfort. So today we look to You for what we need. Would You meet us in this, our daily-ness, and help us receive Your grace? In Jesus' Name, Amen.

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 
 

Happy Easter.....a little Vintage Spring Decor.......

 

Spring has finally sprung here.  I don't know about you but my mood definitely coincides with the weather and spring brings joy to my heart.  I have found myself after over 10 years of working to be unemployed for the time-being.  I have found that I enjoy waking up each and every day to knowing I can do just about anything my heart desires.  I am enjoying not having to wake up so early, as I worked at 4 in the morning and I cannot tell you how rested and refreshed I feel.  My heart chirps.  I am sure I will work again, but right now I am treasuring my free time and trying to get a few things done around here that I just haven't had the gumption to do.  I haven't did as much decorating as I usually do but thought I would share a few springtime decor I have added to my cottage home.....

 

I do wish each and every one of you a wonderful Easter holiday and while you're munching on that chocolate Easter Bunny and Cadbury egg--thank the Lord for his part in this celebration. :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

  

 

Menu Planning Monday ................

Monday - Spring Green Risotto, Tossed Salad.

Tuesday - Not Your Average Meatloaf, Potato Bundles, Green Beans.

Wednesday - Baked Spaghetti, Garlic Bread.

Thursday - Quick Chinese Meal, Wanchai Ferry Sweet & Spicy Shrimp,(These are excellent for a quick chinese meal)..Yummy!

Friday - TGIF!  Date Night!

Saturday - Enchiladas Especiales Tacuba Style, chips & salsa.

Sunday - Bacon cheeseburger Buns, French Fries, Chocolate Malts.

Snack - Frosted Banana Cookies

Frosted Banana Cookies
WorldWide Ward Cookbook / Minda Kjar

Cookies:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup butter-flavored shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 3)
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/4 cups flour

Cream Cheese Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Cream the butter and shortening. Add sugar, then bananas. Mix well. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Blend in buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over-beat. It will be a sticky batter. Drop by tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-12 minutes. Cool completely.

Cream the butter and cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Spread on cookies.

Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.

For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

 

Have a Great Week of Cooking!

 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

 

Happy SweetHeart Day <3<3<3<3<3

Happy Valentine's Day !  Nebraska never a dull moment...A roaring blizzard outside almost demanding you to stay indoors and snuggle with that special somebody in your lives whether it be your true love, a great friend, even your best pooch...they all give us unconditional love and that is what the day is all about.  My day started out with this.....

 ..... A very close friend of mine sent me these this ...I so love her candles....One is missing as of course it is burning today :) 5B and Candle Company....

 

and of course...one of my favorite sayings.....and is so true ....

 
 

These are my Valentine's...what it all about..... Happy Valentine's Day my sweet babies...

Wishing you the most wonderful Valentine's Day...Snuggle in and be with your Valentine..if not in person...then in mind, body and soul......

A Friend from the Heart :)

  
 

 
 

Menu Planning Monday..........

Monday - Italian Vegetable Beef Soup, Crusty Bread.

Tuesday - Bacon cheeseburger meatloaf, Creamy Green Chili Rice, Corn, Crusty Bread.

Wednesday - Mexicali Pizza, Tossed Salad

Thursday - Asparagus, Mushroom, and Ham Quiche with Potato Crust. Blueberry Muffins.

Friday - Date Night!  TGIF!

Saturday - Chicken and Black Bean Stuffed Pasilla Peppers, Guacamole, Salsa.

Sunday - Sockarooni Shrimp Parmigiana, Roasted Red Pepper and Parmesan Biscuits.

Snack - Chocolate, Coconut and Pecan Crescent Rolls.

• 1 tube of crescent rolls
• Shredded coconut
• Semi sweet chocolate chips
• Crushed pecan pieces

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the unrolled crescent rolls onto an ungreased cookie sheet (I used my silpat mat). Spread a layer of shredded coconut on each triangle; top with chocolate chips and pecan pieces. Roll from the bottom of the triangle to the point.

Place in the oven and bake for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve while hot. Enjoy.

 

Enjoy the week!  For more wonderful recipes and menu ideas pop over to www.orgjunkie.com. 

A Friend from the Heart :)

 
 
 

Happy Pink Saturday...........

Happy Pink Saturday.  It's been a while since I participated and I am trying to get back in the groove of things blogging..etc.  I have these lovely vintage etched glasses I'd love to share with you. A friend gave them to me for x-mas a couple years ago.  Frosted, etched snowflakes with pink trim.

Well.... for many more wonderful Pink Saturday posts please pop on over to Beverly's at How Sweet the Sound blog.  Enjoy your Saturday and get whisked away in a Pink Saturday getaway :)

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

It's Been A While....and it's Valentine Time .......

I know it's been a while..life just has a way of whisking you away and time just flies.  It has taken me forever to put Christmas away..in fact I still have some holiday decor up.  I kept all the greenery and red colorage throughout the house.  I've managed to add a bit of Valentine theme in and about and thought I would share.  I bought the new edition of Romantic Homes....Lots of beautiful ideas....

 

What is Valentine's without candy.....Chocolate and carmel centers..Yummy :)

 

One of my favorite Goblets and a framed picture from Duda Daze...I love her little cute characters.

I love vintage tins...I battled over this with a friend at a sale...I won...:)  I found this tattered quilt and put it to good use.....

The built in dining buffet....I have a vintage dough bowl filled with vintage valentine boxes, doilies and such.

A vintage valentine I got as a gift from my very special friend Jean last Valentines.  I treasure and love vintage valentines.

 

A vintage valentine tablecloth on the dining table...

The centerpiece with vintage porcelain pretties....

Vintage valentines...by the bucket.....

Live, Laugh, Love, Simplify.....Heart bowl fillers....I found on Etsy..Scented with Lavender :)

My Valentine Banner..vintage postcards accented with glitter.

 

A little Valentine decor to share....what have you been doing?

A Friend from the Heart :)

 

Happy New Year!

Just wishing all my wonderful blogging friends a very Happy New Year!  Be safe and many blessings for the new year!

A Friend from the Heart :)