Candy Land Faith

     When it comes to playing board games my husband is competitive.  I am not.  Sure, I like to win but, I like to play for fun win or lose.
   
     When our daughter was three years old, she loved to play board games.  I always tried to let her win while encouraging her along the way.  My husband always tried to be the winner and told me that it was good character building for her.

     One day after my husband got home from work, our daughter asked him if he wanted to play Candy Land with her.  He said yes that he would play three games.  He won two games and was about to win the third when she stopped to pray.  She said, "Dear Jesus, please help me to win this game.  Amen."  The next card that she drew was Queen Frostine and she soared ahead of her dad on the board and went on to win the game.  He was in shock!

     The moral of the story is:  Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Grandma's Lemon Bars

     This morning, I saw a tiny piece of blue sky poking through the clouds.  I am hopeful for some sunshine.  I thought that I would share with you a summertime dessert that my grandma use to make. Maybe it will help to coax the sun to come out.

Lemon Bars:

Crust:
2c flour
3/4 c butter
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/2 t salt

Filling:

1 1/3 c sugar
3 t flour
1/2 t baking powder
1/3 c lemon juice
3 eggs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 13 x 9 inch pan with foil & grease.  In a bowl, mix together crust ingredients & press into the pan.  In the same bowl, mix together the filling ingredients and pour on top of the crust.  Bake for 20 minutes or until done in the center.  Let it cool completely.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar & cut into bars.

Fred Rogers Quote

     On this dreary Wednesday, what is better than contemplating a thought provoking quote?  Who knows, it just might change your life.  (Or someone else's life for that matter.)

     "We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility.  It's easy to say it's not my child, not my community, not my world, not my problem.  Then there are those who see a need and respond.  Those people are my heros."  -Fred Rogers.

     As you sip your coffee/tea this morning, think about those around you who need you to respond to them.  Be a hero!

Pot Pie With Beef

     Yesterday was a crazy day.  I was gone most of the day and by the time I got home it was almost dinner time.  I opened the refrigerator to see what I could invent for dinner on short notice.  I had some left over ground beef that needed to be used up.  I decided to make a meat pie.  It turned out delicious and my family loved it.

Pot Pie With Beef:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion (diced)
1 c homemade cream of chicken (or 1 can)
1 large potato (diced)
1 carrot (diced)
1 c peas
salt & pepper to taste
Unbaked pie crust (top & bottom)

Brown the beef with the onion until no longer pink.  Drain the grease & set aside.  Place potato & carrot slices in a saucepan with water just covering the top of the veggies.  Bring to a boil & cook until the veggies are soft.  (About 12-15 minutes). Add the peas & turn off the heat.  As soon as the peas look done, drain off the water.  In a large bowl, mix the beef, veggies, cream soup, & sprinkle with salt & pepper.  Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie crust.  Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Lou Burgers

      My friend Lou makes the BEST burgers!  I use to help his family haul hay in the summer and he always had these tasty burgers cooking on the grill for lunch or dinner when we came in from the field.

Lou Burgers:

1 1/2 lb ground beef
salt & pepper to taste
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t seasoning salt
1/2 onion (diced)
1t worchesterchire sauce
1 sleeve crushed saltine crackers
1/4 c ketchup
1 egg

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl with your hands.  Form into patties & cook on the grill.  Serve on a bun with cheese, tomato, lettuce, etc..

Bobby James

     One of my favorite things in life is having a meaningful conversation with a child.  They are only small for a short time.  It is so important to appreciate the time that we get to spend with them while they are young.

     Several months ago, I went to visit a good friend of mine.  I stayed at her house for a week.  She has three children, the youngest being four years old (at the time).  One afternoon, the kids were playing outside and I saw the youngest (Bobby James) on the large porch swing by himself.  I asked him if I could sit with him and he said yes.  He told me about the fence that his grandpa built, the shop that his grandpa built, the garden that his grandpa put in, etc..  I asked him what his grandma does and he said to me, "She just bosses my grandpa around and tells him what to do.".  As if this wasn't enough to make me die laughing, he told me that he goes to Sunday School at church.  I asked him if he made some friends and he told me all about his friends.  I then asked him what he learns about at church.  He told me that he learned about a guy named Jesus who got stuck in a cave for three days.  I said, "Oh dear!"  He said, "Oh, don't worry he found his way out and He is alive!"

     The moral of this story is to enjoy the little people who are around you.  Take the time to talk to them on their level.  It might just make your day!

Cinnamon Bread

     Happy Saturday!  I hope that you have a nice, relaxing day ahead of you.  I wanted to share a yummy recipe with you that is simple to mix up.  It tastes great by itself or with butter.  Enjoy!

Cinnamon Bread:

2 eggs
1/2 c butter (softened)
1/2 c almond milk
1 1/4 c white/wheat flour
2 t baking powder
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t vanilla
1 t butter (melted)
1T cinnamon & sugar mixture

Mix eggs, butter & sugar together in a bowl.  In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.  Add alternately with the milk to the egg mixture until well blended.  Place the mixture in a greased bread pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 minutes.  Pour melted butter on top of the bread & sprinkle with the cinnamon & sugar mixture.

Horse Crossing

     I was in my car driving into town the other day.  On the way there, I noticed a girl riding a horse in the middle of the road.  The closer that I got to her, I realized that she was not paying attention and that I was going to have to stop so that I didn't hit her.  As I slowly passed her on the road, I noticed that she was texting.  So here is a warning:  Be cautious while driving in the country.  You may encounter texting while riding!  It is not just the city folk that you have to look out for.  The country folk are just as dangerous.

Baked Oatmeal

     I like to have breakfast items that I can make ahead of time and just pop in the oven when I get up.  This is a great recipe to have on hand when company comes over.

Baked Oatmeal:

2 c oats

1/2 c chopped hazelnuts

1/3 c brown sugar

1 t baking powder

1 t cinnamon

1/4 t salt

2 c milk

1 egg

3 T butter (melted)

2 t vanilla

2 sliced bananas

1 1/2 c cherries (chopped)

Mix oats, nuts, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon & salt together in a bowl.  Whisk milk, egg & vanilla in a separate bowl.  Arrange sliced bananas in a buttered 8 inch pan & sprinkle with cherries.  Cover with the oat mixture & slowly drizzle the milk mixture on top of it all.  Scatter leftover nuts & cherries on top.  Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.  The top will be golden when it is done.  Drizzle with melted butter & serve with brown sugar if desired.

Perspective

     We are so blessed to live here in America!  There are so many things that we take for granted.  Example:  a roof over our heads, food on the table, clean water to drink, a vehicle to drive, etc..  There is a quote that says "The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for."  That really puts things in perspective doesn't it?  I hope as you go about your day today that you keep in mind how good we really have it.  When someone cuts you off in traffic, be thankful that you have a car.  When your coffee order gets messed up, be thankful that you have extra money to buy a coffee.  When you stand in the hot water just a little bit longer, be thankful that you have clean water available to you.  Life really isn't as bad as we make it out to be.  There is always something to be thankful for and always someone else out there who is worse off than we are.

Oven Stew

      I really enjoy recipes that cook low and slow.  It makes my whole house smell yummy.  Here is a recipe that I have had for years.  It is very simple to make and it always turns out great.  I prefer to make homemade cream of chicken but you can use the canned version if you are running low on time.

Oven Stew:

1 pkg stew meat
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 onion (rough chop)
4 carrots (rough chop)
3 potatoes (cut into fourths)
2 c cream of chicken (or 2 cans)

Layer the ingredients in a large baking dish.  Sprinkle salt and pepper between each layer.  Pour the soup over the top of all the ingredients.  Cover and bake at 275 degrees for five hours.

Blackhead Remover

      I was talking to a friend of mine over the weekend about blackheads.  She said that her son has been getting them on his nose and she didn't know what to do about it.  I told her about a homemade recipe that I have used off and on in the past.  I hope that it will be of use to you as well.  Take 1 tablespoon of baking soda and place it in a bowl.  Add enough water to make a thick paste.  Rub the paste over the affected area and let it dry.  (about 15-20 minutes). Get a washcloth wet with warm water and remove the paste.  Do this once a week until the blackheads are diminished.

Grandmas Deep Dish Pizza

     If you are like me, you scramble after to church to find something to make for lunch.  This is a simple and tasty meal that will satisfy.

Deep Dish Pizza:

1 1/2 lb ground beef
2 c shredded mozzarella
1 jar canned spaghetti sauce
2 1/4 t yeast
Dash of salt
2 1/2 c flour
1 c warm water
1/2 onion (chopped)

Mix yeast and 1 cup of flour with the warm water.  Add salt and the rest of the flour until it forms a soft dough.  Let it stand 10 minutes.  Brown the meat & drain.  Add the onion & cook until translucent.  Add spaghetti sauce, sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, etc..  Spread the dough on the bottom of a greased 9x13 pan.  Top with the meat mixture.  Sprinkle on the cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Quote For Saturday

     I wanted to share with you a quote from one of my favorite books Little Britches by Ralph Moody.  If you have never read this book, you should go out and buy it today.  It is a fun book to read with the kids but adults will enjoy it just the same.  You won't be able to put it down.

     "You know, Son, sometimes a fellow has to take a licking for doing the right thing.  A licking only lasts a short while, even if it's a hard one, but failing to do the right thing will often make a mark on a man that will last forever."

     In this crazy world that we live in, it is hard to stand up for what is right.  This quote is a great reminder of the consequences that come from not doing the right thing.

Coconut Pie

     I love coconut!  I love macaroons, coconut cake, coconut cookies and most especially COCONUT PIE!!!  Yum!  I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do.  It is super easy to make and it tastes delicious.

Coconut Pie:

1/2 stick butter
1 c sugar
3/4 c milk
1/2 t vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 c sweetened flaked coconut
1 unbaked pie crust

Melt the butter in a saucepan.  Add sugar, milk & vanilla.  Beat in the eggs one at a time.  Fold in the coconut.  Pour into pie crust.  Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until firm.  Cool before serving.

The Best Tub Cleaner

     Several years ago, I found the best tub cleaner on Pinterest.  It does not smell the greatest but it sure does work well.  I usually open a window and turn on the bathroom fan when I spray it in the tub.  The smell is not so bad after you rinse out the tub.

     Here is how to make it:  Fill a spray bottle 1/4 of the way full with blue Dawn dish soap.  Add white vinegar to the rest of the bottle and gently shake.  To use:  Spray the entire tub.  Let sit for 15 to 20 minutes.  Scrub with a scrub brush and rinse.  Your tub will sparkle!

Healthy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins

     I often sneak healthy items into my recipes.  I feel like it is my responsibility as a housewife to try and get as many fruits and vegetables into the stomachs of my family members as possible.  Here is a delicious muffin recipe that I adjusted to make it "healthy".  My husband likes to eat these for breakfast:

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Muffins
1/2 c butter
3/4 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 c white/wheat flour
1/4 c wheat germ
1 c oatmeal
1 t baking powder
1/4 t soda
1/4 t salt
3/4 c homemade applesauce
1/2 c carrots (puréed)
3/4 c chocolate chips

Cream together butter, sugar & egg.  Mix together dry ingredients in a seperate bowl.  Slowly add to the wet ingredients.  Add applesauce & chocolate chips.  Pour ingredients into a greased muffin tin.  Fill about 3/4 full.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.

Dirty Dishes

     I try to get all of my dinner dishes put away each day so that I can start my morning with a clean kitchen.  Last night however, I was lazy and did not feel like cleaning up after dinner.  This morning I turned on the kitchen light and was reminded of the mounds of dirty dishes that were not only in the sink but also on the counter top as well.  For a moment I started to feel sorry for myself and then I was reminded of a poem that I found on the internet several months ago.

Dirty Dishes:

Thank heaven for dirty dishes,

They have a tale to tell

While other folks go hungry,

We are eating very well.

With home and health and happiness,

We shouldn't want to fuss

By this stack of evidence,

God is VERY good to us!

     Bless the person who wrote this!  We can all use a bit of perspective sometimes can't we?  Happy Tuesday everyone.

Chai Tea

     I am not a morning person.  If it were up to me, there would be no noise and no one would speak to me before 10:00am.  Of course, that is not reality so I do what I must to get by.  One thing that helps is caffeine.

     Several years ago a dear friend of mine gave me this creamy, delicious chai tea while I was visiting at her home.  I asked for the recipe and I make it often.  It makes a large batch, so if you want to share with others you can.  I like to make the recipe for Christmas and put it in Mason jars with a cute bow to give as gifts.  It is always a big hit and I am always asked for the recipe.

     This tea reminds me of the Oregon Chai that comes in the purple box that you would find in the store.  It is creamy and tastes like you are eating a piece of pumpkin pie.  In the past, I have ordered chai from a coffee shop and have been very disappointed.  Not all chai is the same.  (Be aware!  There is a nasty, watery substance out there that disguises itself as chai). This is not that chai.  I promise!  I hope this recipe will help you to wake up if you are like me.  Happy Monday!

Chai Tea Mix:

1 c. dry milk
1 c. non-dairy creamer
1 c. vanilla creamer
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. instant tea
2 t. ginger
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. cloves
1 t. cardamom

Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl.  Blend 1 cup at a time in a blender until mixture becomes a fine powder.  To serve:  stir 2 tablespoons of chai into a mug of hot water.

Beeswax Surprise

     I have been wanting to make some homemade lip balm for a while.  I did not have any beeswax on hand so I went to Michaels in town to get some.  They carry the bricks of beeswax so I bought one.  I set it on a shelf at home and a few days later decided to get it out with the rest of my ingredients to make sure that I had everything.  As I was looking the beeswax over, I noticed that there were teeth marks in my wax.  I was disturbed at first, but then realized that a small child in the store must have thought that it was a honeycomb and therefore decided to have a taste.  Imagine his or her surprise when they bit into the waxy, unpleasant substance.  The more I thought about it, the more hilarious it became to me.  I have laughed and laughed about it for weeks.  I still can't bring myself to make the lip balm without new beeswax and I also can't seem to get rid of the brick that I already purchased.  It just makes me crack up every time I see the brick.  All that to say, when I get around to making the lip balm (and if it turns out) then I will share the recipe with you.

Aunt Patsy's Cinnamon Rolls

     Nothing says I love you to your family like a big pan of cinnamon rolls.  This morning, I am bringing my family together at the breakfast table with the following recipe:

1 pkg yeast
1 c. warm water
1 t. sugar
4 eggs
3 t. salt
1 c. butter
5 c. milk
10 c. flour
2 c. sugar

Filling:
1/2 c. butter
1t. cinnamon
1 1/2 c. sugar

     In a large bowl, mix together yeast, water and sugar.  Beat together eggs, salt and butter in another bowl and combine with the yeast mixture.  Stir in the milk, flour and sugar.  The dough will be sticky.  Place in a greased bowl and let rise for one hour.  Repeat three times, punching down the dough after each time.  Cut the dough into six parts.  Roll out each part, spread with butter, cinnamon and sugar.  Roll up and seal.  Cut into rounds and place in well greased glass pans.  Let rise for eight hours.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-17 minutes.  If desired, drizzle with a glaze.  Enjoy!

     This recipe came from my Aunt Patsy.  She was known for being a fabulous cook.  She had signature dishes that she would bring to family gatherings.  She died of a brain tumor over twenty years ago and I still miss her every day.  She had the most contagious laugh and if I close my eyes while biting into my cinnamon roll, I can still hear it.

     Have a blessed Saturday!

New to Blogging

     I am nervous about starting a blog.  Mostly because I don't like technology.  I think that it is impersonal.  I would much rather sit down over a cup of hot tea or coffee and talk face to face.  It is easier to read someone face to face rather than try to figure them out on a computer screen.  It is important to me to be genuine and know where I stand with people.

     The thing that intrigues me about blogging is being able to share my random thoughts, ideas, hopes and dreams.  I like the idea of keeping a "diary of sorts" so that long after I am gone, my words will remain.  My goal with this blog is to encourage you in the midst of this crazy world that we live in, share with you some fabulous recipes that I have enjoyed and impart some wisdom that I have gained over the years.

     Let's begin...