Black Walnuts,Pecans and Acorns!!!

Good Morning my dear friends far and near!

On my daily morning walk I have time to think and reflect but recently I take that time and fill it with nothing but gratitude and what an amazing journey I am having!!!!! And I truely believe this is only the beginning of my journey of gratitude!!!

I want to take this time and say 'HAPPY THANKSGIVING' to all of you! We will be spending the day with friends. I have on my to do list of making Pumpkin pie,Pumpkin Roll and twice baked sweet potato casserole and a chili cornbread salad to take along. Some of these recipes are posted on my blog and if you would like the others that are not posted let me know and I will be happy to share with you!

I dearly miss our children and grandbabies this time of the year and am sure they miss us too. But I am thankful that they are all well and healthy and are prospering in all areas of their life! And having them all only a phone call away makes it sweetly nice!!! I love you all! <3

I want to share a few pictures of what I have been filling my pockets with on my morning walks this past week. The acorns I am not sure why I am collecting them for. Look how huge some of them are! The pecans are only a few broken ones,we have a nice bunch in the garage.They come from our back yard and beside the road on my walks. The darker picture are black walnuts all from our back yard. We have three black walnut trees and four pecan trees in our back yard! What a blessing! We need to do something next year for a better crop and to keep them squirrels away from the pecans.

love and peace to each of you until next time---karen

Pumpkin Pie

This recipes comes from my momand it is a winner!

It makes 3 pie.

Make crusts for 3, 9-inch pie

1 cup white sugar

1 2/3 brown sugar

5 eaggs,beat seperately

4 cup milk

2 cup pumpkin

1 cup evaported milk or cream

3 Tbls. flour

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

Pinch of salt

Mix together sugars,salt,spices,egg yolks and pumpkin.Then add milk and cream or evap. milk.Fold in beaten egg whites.

Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes then 350 degrees F for 45 minutes or until done. ENJOY!!!!

Crunch Top Apple Pie

Make your favorite pie dough for a double crust recipe for a 9- inch pie

#/4 cup sugar

1Tbls. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

dash salt

3 1/2 cups peeled,chopped cooking apples

1 (16 ounce) jar applesauce

1 Tbls. lemon juice

2 Tbls. butter,chopped into small pieces

Crunch Topping:

3 Tbls. all-purpose flour

1 Tbls. sugar

Dash salt 1 Tbls.butter,at room temperature

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

Line a 9- inch pie pan with half the dough.Combine sugar,flour,cinnamon and salt in a bowl.Stir in apples,applesauce and lemon juice.Spoon apple mixture into pie pan and dot with butter.Cut remaining crust into stripes;arrange in a lattice design over top of pie. For crunch topping,combine flour,sugar and salt in a bowl.Using a fork,cut in butter until crumbly.Sprinkle over top of crust.Bake for 10 minutes,then reduce heat to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for about 45 minutes,or until crust and topping are golden brown.

Note; pie is runny when hot but sets up when cool...it has a very good flavor!!

Cranberry Pecan Salad

1 cup pecan halves

2 Tbsp. raspberry vinegar

1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp.sugar

1/2 salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste(optional)

6 Tbsp.olive oil

6 cups mixed salad greens,rinsed and dried

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 medium red onion,thinly sliced

crumbled feta cheese

1) Preheat oven to 400 drgresF.Spread pecans evenly on a baking sheet.Toast for 8 to 10 minutes,or until lightly browned and fragrant.

2) In a small bowl,stir together the vinegar,mustard,sugar,salt and pepper;mix until sugar and salt dissolve.Whisk in olive oil

3)In a salad bowl;toss together the grens,cranberries,pecans.onions,and cheese.Drizzle with vinaigrette,and toss gently to coat.

Twice Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon from Pillsbury.com

www.pillsbury.com

Thanksgiving meal

Oven Roasted Turkey with Butter

1 (12 to 14 ) pound fresh turkey

Kosher salt and freshly groung black pepper

Caramelized Onion and Cornbread Stuffing,recipe follows

Extra-virgin olive oil

Sage Butter,recipe follows

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and remove the top rack of the oven

Rinse the bird thoroughly inside and out with cold water,and pat dry with paper towels.Sprinkle

the cavity and skin liberally with salt and pepper.Stuff the cavity with stuffing and if required,truss the legs.Cover the turkey with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.Push the sage butter under the skin of the turkey,being careful not to punture the skin.

Put the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan,and into the oven.Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer into the meaty part of the thigh registers 170 degrees F.The thigh juices will run clear when pricked with a knife,about 3 hours total(15 minutes per pound).If the legs or breast brown too quickly during roasting,cover with foil.

Sage Butter:

2 sticks butter,softened

1/4 cup chopped sage

Salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients

Caramelized Onions and Cornbread Stuffing:

2 Tablespoons butter

2 onions,chopped

6 large cornmeal muffins,cubed

Handful fresh sage leaves,chopped

1 egg

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup chicken stock

Salt and fresh;y ground black pepper

Preheat the oven tp 375 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.Add the onions and cook,stirring,for about 10 minutes,or until soft and caramelized.Add sage and scrape into a large mixing bowl.Add the cornbread pieces,season well with salt and pepper,and give it a good toss until its well combined.In a separate bowl,whisk together the egg,cream and the stock and pour that over the cornbread.Stir the stuffing together and stuff the cavity of the turkey.You could also spoon it into a buttered baking dish and put it in the oven alomg with the turkey.Bake until hot and crusty on top,about 30 minutes. Yield: 6 to 8 servings

How I Save Lots Of $$$$$$ shopping!!!!

This will be one of many blogs on saving $$$ by couponing and sales,etc. !

First thing you do is buy your local Sunday paper for the inserts of coupons.There are a couple times a year when there are none. I will try to warn you ahead of time so you don't waste your money on a paper.

2nd- cut out any coupon (i usually cut them all out) that you think you will use before they expire. My filing system i have is still in the making. The one i have i am not happy with so am very open for suggestions in that area.

3rd-sign up on fb for different sites that tell you where the deals are. example-The Thrifty Mama,Deal Saving Mom,www.frugalandthirftymama.blogspot.com,BucktownBargains. These are just a few i check in every week.As you go along you will find those that share the deals at the stores where you enjoy shopping.

4th- starting in October i will start posting on my blog the deals for the week at the stores where i do my shopping. So check my blog every week and if i don't have your store listed let me know and if there are deals to be had i will let you know!

5th-get familiar with what ecb's are and rr's are.I will be posting a list of all the abbreviations for couponing.Also get a CVS card if you want to save money!!!!

Here are samples of this weeks deals at CVS and Walgreens:

Philips Ear Buds, On Sale $6.99

Get $6.99 ECB’s
Final Cost: FREE after ECB’s

Always or Tampax, On Sale $2.96
Use $1/1 Always Pad, Clean or Feminine Cloth, exp. 9-30 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Tampax Product, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $1.96 each

Dawn, On sale $.97
Use $0.20/1 Dawn Product, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $0.25/1 Dawn Product, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)
Use $1/1 Dawn Hand Renewal, exp. 10-31-10 (Decor Done Right)
Final Cost: FREE – $.75 each

Purex Ultra Concentrate, On sale $3.99
Get $2.00 ECB’s
Use $0.35/1 Purex Ultra Concentrate Detergent, exp. 9-11 (RP 8/15/10)
Final Cost: $1.64 after ECB’s

Glade Relaxing Moments 2 pack, On sale $4.99
Get $1.00 ECB’s
Use $1.00 Glad Premium Room Spray printable coupon
Final Cost: $1.49 each after ECB’s

Cascade Get, Powder or 2 in 1 Gel packs, On Sale $2.99
Get $1.00 ECB’s
Use $1/2 Cascade Product, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $0.50/1 Cascade Complete ActionPacs, exp. 10-31 (Decor Done Right)
Final Cost: $1.49 after ECB’s

Duracell AA/AAA 20 pk, C/D 8 pk, 9 Volt 4pk, On Sale $9.99
Get $2.00 ECB’s
Use $1/1 Duracell Coppertop Batteries, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Select Duracell Batteries, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)
Final Cost: $6.99 after ECB’s

Windex or Fantastik twin pack, On Sale $6.99
Get $2.00 ECB’s
Use $0.55/1 Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner/Wipes, exp. 9-12 (SS 8/1/10)
Use $1/2 Windex Glass Cleaners, exp. 9-12-10 (SS 08/01/10)
Use $1/1 Windex Product printable
Use $0.55/1 Fantastik All Purpose Cleaner, exp. 9-12 (SS 8/1/10)
Final Cost: $3.89 – $4.44 (depending if your store let’s you use 2 coupons on the twin pack.. some will some won’t)

Bounce or Downy, On Sale $3.99
Get $1.00
Use $0.20/1 Bounce Product, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Bounce Product, exp. 10-15-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Use $0.20/1 Select Downy Products, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1.50/1 Downy Ultra Fabric Softener, exp. 9-30-10 (SS 08/22/10)
Use $1/1 Downy Fabric Softener, exp. 10-15-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Use $1/1 Downy Product (P&G MIR Booklet)
Final Cost: $1.49 – $2.79 after ECB’s

Arm & Hammer 2 in 1 Dryer cloths, On Sale BOGO Free
Use (2) $1/1 Arm & Hammer Floor Protection Pads printable
Final Cost: varies

Spend $10 Get $3 ECB’s wyb Maybelline Eye or Lip
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, On Sale $5.00
Expert Wear Eye Shadow Trio, On Sale $5.00
Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks, On Sale $7.00
Maybelline Falsies Volum’ Express, On Sale $6.00
Use $1/1 Maybelline New York Eyeshadow or Liner, exp. 9-15 (RP 8/8/10)
Use $1/1 Maybelline New York Mascara, exp. 9-15-10 (RP 08/08/10)
Final Cost: as low as $2.50 each after ECB’s

Mennen Speek Stick, On Sale 2/$5.98
Get $3.00 ECB’s wyb 2
Use (2) $1/1 Speed Stick or Lady’s Speed Stick (Reinventing Beauty, Jul ‘10)
Final Cost: $.49 after ECB’s

Old Spice Pro Strength, Secret or Gillette Clinical Strength, On Sale $7.49
Get $1.00 ECB’s
Use $4/1 Gillette Deodorant wyb Secret Clinical, exp. 9-30 (P&G 8/29/10)
Final Cost: $2.49 after ECB’s

Gillette Venus, On Sale $8.99
Get $5.00 ECB’s
Use $2/1 Select Venus Razors or Bikini Kit, exp. 9-30 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use FREE Olay Body Wash wyb Venus Cartridge, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10) (expires Tuesday)
Submit $10 MIR Olay, Venus, Covergirl, Secret or Pantene Products printable
Final Cost: $1.99 after ECB’s

Crest or Oral-B Pro Health, On Sale $3.97
Get $2.50 ECB’s
Use $1/1 Crest Toothpaste, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Crest Toothpaste or Liquid Gel, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $.47 after ECB’s

CVS Nail Polish Remover or Cotton Balls, On Sale $2.99
Get $1.00 ECB’s
Final Cost: $1.99 after ECB’s

walgreens-

Breath Right Nasal Strips (10 ct.) On Sale $4.00
Get $4.00 RR
Use $1.50/1 Breathe Right Product, exp. 10-31-10 (RP 04/11/10)
Final Cost: FREE + $1.50 Money Maker after RR

Carmex Lip Balm, On Sale $2.00
Get $2.00 RR
Final Cost: FREE after RR

Irwin Naturals Healthy Skins Hair + Nails Supplements, On Sale $10.00
Get $10.00 RR
Final Cost: FREE after RR

Walgreens Perfect Tampons (8 ct.), On Sale $2.00
Get $2.00RR
Final Cost: FREE after RR

Colgate Total Toothpaste, On Sale $2.99
Get $2.00 RR
Use $1/1 Colgate Total Toothpaste, Fall Diabetes and You Walgreens Magazine (By Pharmacy)
Final Cost: FREE after RR

Soft Soap Body Wash or Irish Spring Body Wash, On Sale 2/$7.00
Buy 2, Get $5.00 RR
Use $1/1 Softsoap Body Wash, exp. 10-1-10 (ALL YOU Sept ‘10)
Use $1/1 Irish Spring Body Wash (Reinventing Beauty, Jul ‘10)
Use $0.75/1 Softsoap SPA Radiant Body Wash printable
Final Cost: as low as FREE

Nabisco Oreo, Ritz, or Chips Ahoy! Snack Packs, On Sale $0.79
Use $1/2 Nabisco Printable Coupon
Final Cost: $0.29 each

Bayer Asprin, On Sale 2/$3.00 with in ad cpn
Use $1/1 Bayer Aspirin printable
Use $1/1 Bayer Aspirin, exp. 9-30-10 (RP 06/27/10)
Use $1/1 Bayer Aspirin or Heart Health Advantage, exp. 10-31 (RP 8/1/10)
Final Cost: $0.50 each

Campbell’s Chunky Soup, On Sale 2/$3.00 with in ad cpn
Use $1/2 Campbell’s Chunky Soup, exp. 9-26-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Final Cost: $1.00 each after coupons

Crest Pro Health Toothpaste or Floss, On Sale $3.99
Use $2/1 Walgreens September IVC Booklet
Use $1/1 Crest Glide Floss, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Crest Toothpaste, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $.99 after coupons

Ponds Towelettes, On Sale B1G1 $5.99
Use (2) $1.50/1 Ponds Towelettes Coupon
Final Cost: $1.50 each

General Mills Cereals, On Sale $1.99
Use $1/2 General Mills Cereals printable coupon
Buy 2
Final Cost: $1.49 each after coupon

Charmin Basic 6pk, On Sale $2.99 with in cpn
Use $1/2 Charmin Product, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Buy 2
Final Cost: $2.49 after coupons

Nyquil Combo Pack, On Sale $8.99
Get $2.00 RR
Use $1.50/1 Vicks Nyquil, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $2.75 each after RR

Target-

For all the deals Check Out Target’s Weekly Ad

Red Baron 12″ Frozen Pizzas, On Sale 3/$10.00
Use $1/1 Red Baron Pan Pizza or Pan Pasta, exp. 11-20-10 (SS 08/29/10)
Use $0.75/1 Red Baron Singles Product, exp. 10-31-10 (SS 08/01/10)
Final Price: as low as 3/$7.75

25-oz. Tyson frozen fully cooked crispy chicken strips, On Sale $6.49
? FREE 16-oz. Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing when you buy any Tyson bagged frozen chicken item.
Use $1/1 Tyson Frozen Breaded Chicken, exp. 11-15-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Use $1.00/1 Hidden Valley Printable Coupon (sign up required)
Final Price: $4.49 + FREE dressing!

Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup, On Sale $1.50 each
Use $1/1 Campbell’s Select Harvest Soup printable
Final Price: $.50 eacch

Gillette Venus or Fusion ProGlide Razors, On Sale $7.99-$8.99
? FREE $5 TARGET GIFTCARD® with purchase of any two Gillette razors or cartridges
Use $2/1 Venus Embrace or Breeze, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10) Expires Tuesday
Use $4/1 Gillette Fusion Proglide Razor, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)Expires Tuesday
Stack with $2.50/1 Target Coupon found inside some 1 subject school notebooks
Use $2.00/1 Gillette Venus mfr coupon from 8.29 PG Insert
Final Price: as low as $1.98 for 2 depending on coupons used

Aussie or Herbal Essence Hair Care, On Sale $2.99
Use 50¢/1 Target Mobile Coupon
Stack with $5.00/3 Beauty Products Target Coupon from Home Mailer
FREE Aussie Styler wyb Herbal Essence/Aussie Item (P&G 8/1/10)Expires Tuesday
Final Price: as low as 48¢ for all three if you use 1 of each coupon listed!

Lexar 4GB TwistTurn USB Drive, On Sale $12.99
Use $10.00/1 Lexar 4GB USB Drive Target Home Mailer
Final Price: $2.99

To see more Target deals go to Brandy’s Big Bargains

General Dollar-

Tide Liquid 40 oz or Powder 18-24 load, On Sale $5.00
Use $1/1 Tide Detergent, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Use $1/1 Tide Detergent, exp. 8-31-10 (P&G 08/01/10)
Use $2/1 Tide Liquid, exp. 9-30-10 (Good Housekeeping, Parents, Oprah and Redbook Magazines, Sept)
Final Cost: as low as $3

Cheer Laundry Detergent, 40 oz., On Sale $5.00
Use $2/1 Cheer Bright Clean, exp. 8-31-10 (RP 07/25/10)
Use $1/1 Cheer Bright & Clear Laundry Detergent printable
Final Cost: as low as $3

Mt. Olive Pickles, On Sale $1.50
Use $1/1 Mt. Olive Pickles, Peppers or Relish, exp. 10-9-10 (SS 08/01/10)
Final Cost: $.50

Chef Boyardee Microwaveable Meals, On Sale $1.00
Chef Boyardee Cans, On Sale for $1
Use $1/5 Chef Boyardee Can or Microwave Pasta, exp. 9-30-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Use $0.35/3 Chef Boyardee Product, exp. 9-30-10 (SS 08/15/10)
Final Cost: as low as $.80 each when you buy 5

Act II Mini Butter or Light Butter Popcorn, 3 pack, On Sale $1.00
Use $0.40/1 Act II Microwave Popcorn, exp. 8-30-10 (SS 06/20/10)
Final Cost: $.60

Hunt’s Snack Pack, 4 pack, On Sale $1.00
Use $1/4 Hunt’s Snack Pack, exp. 10-31-10 (ALL YOU Aug ‘10)
Final Cost: $.80 each when you buy 4

Kellogg’s Apple Jacks, Frosted Mini-Wheats or Frosted Flakes, On Sale $2.00
Use $1.50/2 Kellogg’s Froot Loops, Apple Jacks or Corn Pops printable
Use $1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal, exp. 10-10 (SS 08/29/10)
Use $1/2 Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Cereal printable
Final Cost: as low as $1.25 each when you buy 2

Right Guard Sport Deodorant, 1.8 oz., On Sale $1.50
Use $1/1 Right Guard Product printable
Use $1.50/2 Right Guard or Dry Idea, exp. 10-31-10 (RP 08/15/10)
B1G1 Right Guard or Dry Idea, exp. 8-31-10 (RP 07/25/10)
Final Cost: as low as $.50

Olay Body Wash, On Sale, $2.00
Use $1/1 Olay Body Wash or Hand and Body Lotion, exp. 9-30 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $1

Gain Dish Liquid, On Sale $2.00
Use $1/1 Gain Dish Liquid, exp. 9-30-10 (P&G 08/29/10)
Final Cost: $1

Visit Nicole’s Nickels for the more Dollar General deals

Abbreviations FOR COUPONING-----------

Sunday Coupon Inserts. These are the names of the different inserts you'll find in your Sunday newspaper. Ordinarily, you'll see these abbreviations accompanied with the date the newspaper came out:

SS - Super Saver
RP - Red Plum (sometimes also called Valassis)
PG - Procter & Gamble
GM - General Mills
KG - Kellogg

Other abbreviations:

B1G1 or BOGO - buy one get one
MIR - mail in rebate
RR - register reward (Walgreens)
FAR - free after rebate
ESC and ESR - EasySaver Rebate and EasySaver Catalog (Walgreens)
IVC - instant value coupon
ECB - extra care bucks (CVS)
OOP - out of pocket
YMMV - your mileage may vary. Means all stores may not accept or participate.
IP - internet printable
MC or MQ - manufacturers coupon
Q - coupon
SCR - single check rebate (Rite Aid)
WYB - when you buy

Catalina - coupons for $$ off your next purchase that print out alongside your receipt at the register.
Stack - use two coupons together. For example, Walgreens allows you to use a Walgreens store coupon with a manufacturers coupon on the same item.
Peelies - coupons you find on the product itself (peels off)
Blinkies - sm coupon machines found in many stores that spit out coupons. They have a blinking light, hence the name.
Hangtags - just what it sounds like. Coupon is on a tag that hangs from the product.
Tearpads - just what it sounds like. Usually tearpad coupons hang on shelves near the product.

Read more: http://www.momsbyheart.net/2008/11/coupon-abbreviations-and-lingo.html#ixzz0yTq8V2vL

IF ANY OF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE INBOX ME ON FACEBOOK AND I WILL DO MY UTMOST TO ANSWER THEM FOR YOU!!!!

The main thing is to have fun while you are doing this!!!! ----- Karen

P.S. ALSO I PRINT ALOT OF INTERNET COUPONS>You can always use a store coupon and a manufacture coupon together!

Its been awhile.....

My dear friends i have not forgotten you! I still love to cook and bake.I have started a new adventure since July and i will be adding that to my blog as time permits!! I am into couponing big time!! Love to save money and i will be giving out tips on helping you save money. which one of us doesn't like to save $? I thought so!! :) I will continue to post family recipes also. I took a break because I was on a special 'diet' for 30 days. Today is my last day. I ate mainly organic fruits and vegetables and certain meats.My health has improved 90%. Its amazing how you look at life when you feel good!!! And one of these days I will finish my family cookbook! I always wondered why my husband never gets a project done after starting quite afew.....I rest my case!!! :) Doesn't it always come back to bite you in the bud!!!!!

We have also lived here in texas about a year now.Is that even possible?! A year has flown by! We have found a small house(will be a rental or lease option later) to move into.We are in a very small duplex,it has served its purpose well!!! It is time to move to a better area where no 6 cops with guns drawn, knock on your door at 9p.m. and you open the door they ask are you so and so and of course wrong house,they go 2 doors down.And there are similar stories to tell.....but you get the picture. So saying all that ,I am packing to move in the next couple weeks! Fun times!! I do love to pack...i know,i know!! I love life and i celebrate it every day whatever comes i deal with it!!! I have much to share in the coming days......... time to get to freezing my very tasty organic strawberries!!! until than do yourself a favor,fall in love with yourself!!!! much love to you!!!! -karen

Rhubarb Pie

This recipe comes from our friend Urie Hershberger and its from his mothers kitchen.I have now made this pie twice and i do believe it is a keeper!! My friend Daniel has also given me a rhubarb pie recipe i will try later! Thanks guys!!!

1 unbaked pie crust(I'd share my pie crust recipe but so far its a family secret,sorry)

SAUCE:

1 1/4 cup sugar;

2 T.flour;

2 egg yolks;

2 cups finely cut rhubarb(more if using big pie pan);

Stir together(fold in rhubarb last).Put into unbaked pie crust

CRUMBS FOR TOP:

1/2 cup brown sugar;

1 cup flour 1/4 cup butter

Mix sugar and flour,cut in butter until well blended,spread on top

Makes one pie

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake pie for 15 min. turn oven down to 350 degrees for 30 minutes. DELICIOUS!!!

Corn Chip Salad

This recipe comes from my mom and trust me it is absolutely delicious!!!!! We actually eat it alone as a meal!

1 head lettuce-chopped;

1 lb. bacon(of course we don't eat pig so i used beef;also turkey works);

6-8 boiled eggs-chopped;

Just before serving add 4-6 cups corn chips and 1 rounded cup cheddar cheese.

DRESSING:

1 1/2 cup miracle whip;

1/4 cup vinegar;

1/3 cup milk;

1/3 cup brown sugar;

1/3 cup white sugar

Mix all together and pour over salad.

I truelly believe the secret that makes this salad is in the dressing!!!!

Speedy Chicken Scarpariello

This recipe comes from our son Kevin.Yes all three of our children can cook and bake! He made this for us when we went to visit him last week. You must try it,it is his girlfriend Michelle's favorite dish!

1 T. extra-virgin olive oil;

2 lbs.boneless skinless chicken thighs,fat removed & chicken cut into 1 inch pieces;

3/4 t. salt;

1/4 t. dried italian seasoning;

1/2 t. black pepper;

1 pkg.(12 ounces)fully cooked italian-flavored chicken sausage;

1 lb. refrig.pkg. precooked potatoe wedges;

2 sweet peppers(any color) seeded & cut up;

2 cloves garlic-chopped;

1/4 cup italian salad dressing

1)In large nonstick skillet,heat the oil over med. high heat.Season the chicken with 1/4 t. each of the salt,italian seasoning & black pepper.Saute chicken for 5 minutes,stirring occasionally.

2)Cut sausage into 1/2 inch pieces.Add to skillet along with potatoes,sweet peppers & garlic.Stir in remaining 1/2 t. salt,1/2 t. italian seasoning & 1/4 t.black pepper- add italian dressing,stir to combine

3)Cover skillet & cook over med. high heat for 15 min.,stirring occasionally.

4)Remove skillet from heat & let stand for 5 min. before searving.

Kevin adds cheddar shredded cheese between step 3 & 4---We are cheese lovers!!!

Beef & Chili Burritos

1 lb. ground beef
2 cans (15 oz) Chili with Beans
1 can (15 oz) Black Beans
8 oz of Finely Shredded Taco Blend Cheese
Chili Powder
1 package of Flour tortilla shells

Brown beef in a large pan. Add chili, black beans and 6 oz of the Taco Cheese Blend. Add as much Chili Powder as desired. (The more you add, the spicier it will be!) Stir over medium low heat until the cheese is completely melted (no more than 5 min). Use a large tablespoon and put about 3-4 scoops of the mixture in the middle of a tortilla. Roll up and place in a baking dish. Repeat until you have used all of the mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the burritos. Put in the oven for about 5-7 min or until cheese is melted.

Note: Garnish with salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and/or sour cream. I serve the burritos with Mexican Rice.

FORGOT TO PUT AT THE BEGINNING OF INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degree

Hello dear friends- This recipe comes from our daughter Krystal. She made this from her very own kitchen. Again the recipes I post, someone in my family has made! And of course as good as it looks!!! Enjoy!!!

POPSICKLES!!!!!

Here are some favorite summertime Popsicle recipes for the children and adults too!! :)
I made these when our children were younger and never could keep them on hand!
1) Popsickles- 1 pkg.instant butterscotch or choc. pudding;2c. milk;1c. evap. milk;1/4c. sugar-mix together well and put in your ice tups and freeze.
2) 18 Tup-cicles-1,3oz. jello and 1 pkg.kool aid(make sure the jello and kool aid are the same flavor);1c. sugar;2c. hot water.Mix well & add 2 c. cold water.Stir & pour into ice tups.Freeze!(THIS WAS OUR CHILDRENS FAVORITE!!)
3)Butterscotch cicles- 1 pkg. butterscotch instant pudding;1 c. root beer;1 1/2 c.water.Mix together and pour into ice tup molds.Freeze.makes 12.
4) Fudgecicles- 1pkg.instant chocolate pudding;2 1/2 cups milk.Mix together and pour into ice tups. Freeze. makes 12
5) Frozen Fruit-1 regular can of fruit cocktail;Divide fruit evenly into ice tup molds & divide the juice evenly into molds.Freeze,makes 6
REMEMBER--- allow at least 1/4 inch at top of ice tup molds for liquid to expand during freezing.tO REMOVE...HOLD IN HAND A MINUTE OR TWO..POPCICLE AND STICK WILL COME OUT EASILY...READY TO EAT!!!

Brownies

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar;1 1/2 sticks melted unsalted butter;1/2 teaspoon salt;3 eggs; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup flour
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350.Grease a 9 by 9 inch baking pan.In a large bowl,combine 2 cups sugar,1 1/2 sticks melted unsalted butter and 1/2 t. salt.Whisk in 3 eggs,1 at a time.Stir in 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 cup flour. Transfer the batter to the baking pan and bake until just set.25 to 30 minutes;let cool.

San Antonio Taco Salad

ingredients: corn oil for deep frying;4(6 inch) flour tortillas;1 pound ground beef or ground turkey; 1/2 med. onion,finely chopped;1 cup salsa; 1(15.25 ounces) can kidney beans;2t. chili powder;2t. cumin;1t. salt;1/8t. pepper;4cups shredded iceberg lettuce, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese;Optional garnish:sour cream,chopped tomato,sliced black olives and additional salsa.
Directions:1) heat 3 inches oil to 365 degrees F in deep fryer or deep saucepan.Place one tortilla in oil.Let float 5 seconds.Press center of tortilla into oil with metal ladle to form bowl.2)Holding ladle in place fry 1-2 minutes or until lightly golden brown.Drain on paper towel.Repeat with remaining tortillas.3)Brown ground meat and onion in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat;drain.4)Add salsa,beans chili powder,salt and pepper.Cook over medium heat,stirring frequently,for 5 minutes.Divide lettuce equally between tortilla bowls.Top with meat mixture.Sprinkle with cheese.Top with garnishes.Serve!
NOTE-A few things I'd do next time for myself; I'd use corn tortillas and get the bigger ones,believe they are like 10 inches. these are perfect for children,the 6 inch ones. Hope you enjoy this as much as we did!! I truelly believe its in the spices what makes it so yummy!!! of course we had the sour cream,tomatoes, black olives also..

Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

1/2cup chopped onion;1/2cup chopped celery;2 garlic cloves,minced;1/4cup butter;1/2cup all-purpose flour;2t.sugar;1t.salt;1t.dried basil;1/2t.pepper;4 cups chicken broth;1pkg.(10oz.)frozen green peas;4 cups cubed cooked chicken.Dumplings:2 c.buttermilk biscuit mix;2t.dried basil;2/3c.milk.
In a lg.saucepan,saute onion,celery and garlic in butter until tender.Add flour,sugar,salt,basil,pepper and broth;bring to a boil,cook and stir for 1 minute;reduce heat.Add peas and cook for 5 minutes,stirring constantly.Stir in chicken.Pour into a greased 13-in. by 9-in. by 2-in. baking dish.For dumplings,combine biscuit mix and basil in a bowl.Stir in milk with a fork until moistened.Drop by tablespoonfuls onto casserole(12 dumplings).Bake,uncovered,at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.Cover and bake 10 minutes more or until dumplings are done. Yield 6-8 servings-huge ones!!!ENJOY!!!

Southwestern Stew

2 lbs. beef stew meat,cut into 1-inch cubes;2T.cooking oil;2 cups water;1-1/4 cups chopped onion;1 cup salsa;2 garlic cloves,minced;1T.dried parsley flakes;2t.beef bouillon granules;1t.ground cumin;1/2t.salt,optional;3 med.carrots,cut into 1-inch pieces;1 can(14-1/2 ounces)diced tomatoes,undrained;1-1/2 cups cut green beans(asked for frozen but I have always used canned);1-1/2 cups frozen corn;1 can(4 ounces)chopped green chilies;hot pepper sauce,optional.
In a 4-qt. dutch oven over medium heat,brown meat in oil;drain.Add the next 8 ingredients;bring to a boil.Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 1 hour.Add carrots;return to a boil.Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.Add tomatoes,beans,corn and chilies;return to a boil.Reduce heat;cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until beef and vegetables are tender.Season with hot pepper sauce if desired.This stew is good served over rice! Yield 8 huge servings!

Texas Taco Platter

2 pounds ground beef;1 large onion,chopped;1 can(14-1/2 ounces)tomatoes with liquid,cut up;1 can(12 ounces)tomato paste;1 can(15 ounces) tomato puree;2 T.chili powder;1 t.ground cumin;1/2 t. garlic powder;2t.salt;1 can(28 ounces) ranch-style-(pinto,etc.)beans,undrained;1 pkg.(10-1/2 ounces)corn chips;2 cups hot cooked rice.TOPPINGS:2 cups(8ounces)shredded chedder cheese;1 medium onion,chopped;1 head iceburg lettuce,shredded;3 medium tomatoes,chopped;1 can(2-1/2 ounces)sliced ripe olives,drained;1 cup picante sauce,optional.In a large skillet or dutch oven,brown beef and onion;drain.Add next seven ingredients;simmer for 1-1/2 hours.Add beans and heat through.On a platter,layer the corn chips,rice,meat mixture,cheese,onion,lettuce,tomatoes and olives.Serve with picante sauce if desired.Yield 10 to 12 servings. ENJOY!!!!!

Hamburger Cheese Dip

1 lb. hamburger;1 small onion,chopped;Fry together and add- 1 can salsa,your favorite;1t. chili powder;1t. Worcestershire sauce;1/2 t. garlic powder;1 lb. velveeta cheese.Mix all together in a pan until cheese is melted.Serve warm with taco chips.
This is a very simple recipe YET so very YUMMY good!!!!!

Choc. Covered Cherries

2 pounds pd. sugar; 1 can sweetened condensed milk;1 stick butter(1/2 cup);1t. vanilla;about 3 small jars marsh. cherries;1 pkg.almond bark chocolate. Drain cherries about 15 minutes.Mix pd. sugar,condensed milk,melted butter & vanilla in a large bowl.Mix well till smooth.Pinch off small amount of dough and roll into a ball in the palm of your hand.Roll the dough around cherry.Place wrapped cherries on waxed paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for about an hour.Melt choc. in double broiler and dip the frozen cherries and place back on cookie sheet.Let set till chocolate hardens.ENJOY! Yields-around 75.

Lone Star Pot Roast

1 boneless beef chunk roast(3 to 3-1/2 pounds);2 T. cooking oil;1 can(14-1/2 ounces) tomatoes with liquid,cut up;1 can(4 ounces) chopped green chilies;2 T. taco seasoning mix;2t. beef bouillon granules;1t. sugar;1/4 cup cold water;3 T. all-purpose flour;I add a small chopped onion.In a dutch oven,brown roast & chopped onion in oil.Combine tomatoes,chilies,taco seasoning,bouillon and sugar;pour over the roast.Cover and simmer 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meat is tender.Remove roast to a platter and keep warm.For gravy,pour 2 cups pan juices into a saucepan.Combine the cold water and flour;stir until smooth.Add to juices;cook and stir over high heat until thickened and bubbly,about 3 minutes.Slice roast.Serve with gravy.Yield 6-8 servings.

My thots were to just make the regular roast but....

...as I was saying,yesterday I got our last roast beef out of the freezer(time to butcher that beef,brother Duane)and my thoughts were bake the roast with the usual potatoes and carrots,which by the way is so yummy!!! Than changed my mind this morning,the aroma of what i did is filling the air,we can't wait to dig into this roast!!! I will be posting the recipe with a picture,I am so sorry that I can't send the smell with it,but hey why not try the recipe yourself!! And for tonite while we watch the Colts kill the Saints we will be enjoying a dip & chip recipe,which i intend to post also.I will be posting with a picture the recipe for choc. covered cherries that I made the other day.My husbands favorite candy.So you wonder why am I making candy in January and February,I always ask myself,why do we make it only for holidays when its so good!! And we are really enjoying it more now than during the holidays.Don't we tend to have so much food to taste & we overeat and never really get the enjoyment out of all the hard work that goes into making the sweet goodies. So do yourself a favor and this year make the goodies through out the year,surprise your loved ones just because!!My last recipe I want to post today and won't have a picture to add till later is a family favorite of ours as well.One time,back when our children were still at home,I made this taco platter,it can be used for a meal,as we did or when entertaining guests.When I made the dish I didn't realize the children loved it so well,especially our daughter,Krystal.Which by the way is an awesome cook,even their newly adopted son Jake thinks shes the best!!!So within the week of me having made it, when I was at work one day,Krystal called me(remember no cell phones :)and was making this for our supper and had afew questions on the recipe.She did this without me telling her to make supper,Do you remember that Krystal? So even up to today we will share recipes that we tried and liked.
I believe it is time for me to bring this to a close for now.Oh by the way,all of your beautiful snow pictures that are posted from my ohio friends are AWESOME!!! I have to admit,I miss that white fluffy stuff and how when we got snowed in,I could wrap myself in a blanket snuggled up on the couch reading a Debbie Mccomber book and not feel guilty for not doing a thing of importance that day! Or when the children were home,we'd play board games till 3 a.m.They soon figured out when we played monopoly,that daddy always won!!!So they liked clue or life better and once in awhile they gave daddy the pleasure of playing monopoly and let him win once again! :) :)
So be looking for my recipes to try for yourself! BE blest today and be a blessing to someone! as always -karen

Bob Evans Chedder Baked Potatoe Soup

If you have never tried this soup,this one is a must try!!!!!
1 can(10 & 3/4oz.) campbells cheddar cheese soup;1 can(14oz.)chicken broth;1lb.grated cheddar cheese;4c.milk plus 1 soup can milk;2T.butter;2T.cornstarch;1/2 t.each of salt,pepper,onion pd.& garlic salt;7 med.potatoes,diced to 1 inch & boiled.
In a kettle add soup,1/2 can broth,1 can milk & stir.Add cheese & milk.Stir in cornstarch with the rest of the broth.Add broth to soup.Add spices & butter.Bring to a boil,reduce heat & simmer for 15-20 min.Add boiled potatoes & simmer 15 min. more.For the best taste,let cool & reheat- To serve,top with chives & bacon bits. Serves 4

Fudge Nut Bars

This is our daughter Krystal's favorite bar.Whenever i'd ask her what to make her it was always fudge nut bars!
Part One
1c.butter;2c.brown sugar;2 eggs;2t.vanilla;3c.quick cooking oatmeal;2 1/2c.flour;1t.baking soda;1t.salt
Part Two
1pkg.(12oz.)choc.chips;1 can sweetened condensed milk;2T.butter;1/2t.salt;2t.vanilla;1c.chopped nuts
Cream together 1 c.butter & sugar.Blend in eggs &2t.vanilla.Combine oatmeal,flour,soda &salt,add to butter mixture.Set aside.In a saucepan over boiling water(or double broiler)heat together choc.chips,condensed,2T.butter,salt & vanilla,stir until smooth.Stir in chopped nuts.Spread about two thirds of the oatmeal mixture in a well greased 15 by 10 by 1 pan.Cover with choc.mixture & dot with remaining oatmeal mixture.Swirl to blend.Bake at 350`for 25 to 3 min.or until lightly browned. makes 60 bars. ENJOY!

Cheeseburger Soup

1/2 lb. ground beef;3/4c.chopped onions;3/4c.diced carrots;3/4c.diced celery;1t.basil;1t.dried parsley flakes;4T.butter,divided;3c.chicken broth;4c.diced potatoes;1/4c.flour 8 oz. Velveeta cheese;11/2c.milk;1t.salt;1/4t.pepper;1/4c.sour cream.
In a 3 qt.skillet,brown meat & onion.drain & set aside.in same pan,saute carrots,celery,basil& parsley in 1T.butter until tender.Add broth,potatoes & meat.Bring to a boil.Cover & simmer until potatoes are tender.Meanwhile,in a skillet,melt remaining butter,add flour.Cook & stir until bubbly.Add milk,salt,pepper & cheese.Heat & stir for 5 min. until smooth.Add to soup.Remove from heat.Add sour cream.Do not boil after it is all together. DELICIOUS! serves 8

Peppermint Patties

I have to share this recipe even if for most the candy making is over till next year. This will be one that i will use all year!If you like York patties like i do,you will love these! Our son Kevin asked why buy the York patties??? They even look like the boughten ones! :) :)
1 lb.powdered sugar;3Tbsp.butter,softened;2 to 3 tsp.peppermint extract;1/2tsp.vanilla extract;1/4c. evaporated milk;2c.(12ounces)semisweet chocolate chips;2Tbsp.shortening-In a bowl,combine first 4 ingredients.Add milk & mix well.Roll into 1-inch balls & place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.Chill for 20 minutes.Flatten with a glass to 1/4 in.;chill for 30 minutes.In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl,melt chocolate chips & shortening.Dip patties;place on waxed paper to harden.Yield:about 5 dozen. THE BEST!!!!!!NOTE- Paul wanted to know why i didn't make mine bigger!!:) :)

Dinnerbell Raisin Cream Pie

Here is the recipe from the cookbook i was sharing on my status on facebook yesterday.
The reason its called Dinnerbell raisin cream pie is that this recipe was used when my sister in law used to make dinners for their catering business & the name of her business was called dinnerbell & this recipe was used exclusively for the suppers.Today her & her husband have moved to Honduras for 4 years to be on the mission field,please remember them in your prayers!
Take 1 c.raisins,1 1/2c.water,2/3c.sugar & 2tsp. lemon juice.Put in kettle,cover & simmer for 15 minutes.Dissolve 3 Tbsp.corn starch or clear jell in 1/2c. sweet cream.Add 2 egg yolks.Mix well,then add to raisin mixture.Boil all together till thickened.(note:mine thickened really quik)Add 1/2 tsp.salt,1/2 tsp.cloves,1/2tsp.cinnamon & 1/4 tsp.nutmeg.Boil 1 minute more.Add 1 Tbsp.butter & 1 c. sour cream.Cool.Pour into baked pie crust & cover with whipped cream. DELICIOUS!!!!!!!

Dip for fruit

Here is a very simple,last minute,delicious dip for apples,grapes,any finger fruit.
8 oz. cream cheese-softened;1/2 cup plus 2T. brown sugar;2T. white sugar;1t. vanilla-mix together and ENJOY!!!!!

Almond Chicken Casserole

Again i remind you all,i do not post a recipe that me or my children have not tried!
This is very simple to make and ohhh so very good!
2 cups cubed cooked chicken;1 can(10-3/4 ounces)condensed cream of chicken soup,undiluted;1 cup(8 ounces)sour cream;3/4 cup mayonnaise;2 celery ribs,chopped;3 hard-cooked eggs,chopped;1 can(8 ounces)water chestnuts,drained& chopped;1 can(4 ounces)mushroom stems& pieces,drained;1 T. finely chopped onion;2 t. lemon juice;1/2 t. salt;1/4 t. pepper;1 cup(4 ounces)shredded cheddar cheese;1/2 cup crushed cornflakes;2 T. butter,melted;1/4 cup sliced almonds.In a large bowl,combine the first 12 ingredients.Transfer to a greased 13-in.by 9-in.by 2in. baking dish;sprinkle with cheese.Toss cornflakes with butter;sprinkle over cheese.Top with almonds.Bake,uncovered,at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.Yield 6-8 servings..ENJOY!!!!!! most def. a family favorite!!!

its been to long........

I missed chatting with you all!! Yes its been so long that i forgot my password for my blog,lets just say that is very sad!!!Here we are 2010!! wow,who would of thought it,2010! I will tell on my age but i remember in high school,discussing what it would be like living in the year of 2000's.:)All i can say its awesome living in this era!
I'm not much for goal setting the first of every year because well, i'd be interested to know how many of you follow through to the end with them,yup thot so!! :)And again maybe thats why my book isn't completed yet or the recipes for the cookbook are scattered everywhere!
Have much to share so what do i share?? We spent time with our family between the holiday's.Was so awesome to see our children again,even Kevin & Michelle came up from florida to be with all of us!I miss Krystal& Kendra so much too & can't forget our favorite son in law Jeremey and Kendra's Brad!So we made memories to last!And i cannot forget the most precious thing that happened to our family this past year! we got blessed with our first grandson,Jacob;Krystal & Jeremey adopted him,it became official in October.He is 7 years old and is grandma Karen's favorite!!!!! I cannot say enough how much i love our children and miss them but one thing i am learning;we can always love them & support them wherever we are! Kids hug yourself for being the best kids i have ever had!! Can you tell i'm having a "i miss them" moment!!:) :)
On a different note,later on i will be posting afew recipes for you all to enjoy...Gotta go wipe my tears.......