Organza Flowers

Posted by Donna:

Our younger daughter and her family were here last week. Kimberly and I were going to try a new recipe out, but instead we decided to make a pillow and add an organza flower to it. These are so easy to make and can be used in many different ways. I had bought everything for the pillow a couple of months ago, but never found the time to make it. I'm glad I waited now. It's much more fun to do "crafts" with someone.

Organza Flower

1/2 yard organza ( I bought extra fabric to make more flowers. I used ivory.)
Pearl buttons
clipping of satin ( I had the saleslady cut a corner off the black satin---of course, it was free.)


Cut three circles from the organza--three varying sizes. My largest circle was 3 3/4 inch. The next circle was 3 inches in diameter. The last circle was about 2 1/2 inches. The circles can be cut free-handed; unless you're like me and have to have a pattern. I finally found some drinking cups and glasses for mine.

Once the circles have been cut out, light a candle in a glass container or votive. I went to the Dollar Tree and bought one. Hold the edges of the circle over the flame until it curls up. This goes pretty fast. We got a little close on a couple of spots and had to clip some of the edge off. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's really simple. After all three circles have been done, stack them on top of each other.

Pull some of the stray edges off the satin and roll into a ball--then spread out a little--and place on top of the flowers. Place one pearl button on top of the satin and sew all the layers together: organza flowers, satin, and pearl button. Sew the flower onto the pillow. That's it.

I may go back and make two more flowers for this pillow. I like it with just the one, but I think I would like it even better with two more. Pin It Now!

Waikiki Chicken

Posted by Lori:
(Originally posted on June 19, 2009)

Waikiki Chicken was the first thing I ever cooked for Joe when we were dating, so I would have been 16. I remember setting the table with pretty plates, a centerpiece and candles. Dad, Mom, and Kim left home for the evening. Wonder where they went? I never thought about that before! This is still one of our favorites, even though our kiddos don't like it too much.

WAIKIKI CHICKEN
2 pounds chicken breasts or pieces, unskinned
Milk
Flour
Oil

1 - 20 ounce can chunked pineapple
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 chicken bouillon cube (Now I would try the chicken base I've raved about instead of bouillon!)
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 large green bell pepper, coarsley chopped

Dip chicken pieces in milk and coat with flour. Fry in hot oil until browned. Place chicken in 9 x 13 baking dish. Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Add enough water to juice to make 1 1/4 cups of liquid. Mix sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan. Add pineapple juice mixture and next 4 ingredients; mix well. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour over chicken. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Top with pineapple and green bell pepper. Bake for 30 minutes longer. Serve with rice (We like brown rice cooked with chicken broth instead of water).

It's great using the fried chicken, but it would be good with plain chicken breasts, as well.  Pin It Now!

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

Posted by Lori:

I've thought about trying this for quite some time, and finally had the opportunity to do it last Sunday morning.  I've mentioned that our typical "Sunday morning breakfast" (for the kids, anyway) is cinnamon rolls - usually from a can.  These came from a can, but these cinnamon rolls were made from Grands Pillsbury biscuits.  All four of my children really liked these and a few of them liked them better than regular canned cinnamon rolls.  Of course, nothing can beat homemade cinnamon rolls, but these are pretty good for quick rolls.

Biscuit Cinnamon Rolls

2 cans Pillsbury Grands Biscuits

4 tablespoons melted butter

6 tablespoons brown sugar

Cinnamon (sprinkled as desired)

Glaze:

3 tablespoons brown sugar

3/4 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Open both cans of biscuits and place them on a clean work surface.  Press biscuits together and roll out to an approximate 10 x 12 x 1 inch rectangle.  Spread melted butter over biscuits, followed by 6 tablespoons of brown sugar and desired amount of sprinkled cinnamon.  Roll up biscuits, long side, jelly roll style.  Cut into 15 equal slices.  Place on greased 10 x 12 x 1 inch jelly roll pan. Bake for approximately 20 minutes...until golden brown.

For glaze, mix 3 tablespoons brown sugar, powdered sugar, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla.  Pour over hot cinnamon rolls.

ENJOY!

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Cake and Ice Cream Parfait

Posted by Lori:

This is a fun treat to make on a hot, summer day!  It would also be fun to serve for birthday parties, as the cake and ice cream is all in one dish.

Layer in parfait glass:

Cake (I used Funfetti (Pillsbury) cake, without icing

Icing (or whipped cream)

Ice Cream

Cake

Icing (or whipped cream)

Ice Cream

Top with whipped cream and sprinkles.  My parfait glasses are really big so two children shared each glass.

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Doctored Up Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

Posted by Lori:

My three oldest children stayed at my mother-in-law's for several years when I was working three days a week.  Even though I quit when they were 5, 3, and almost 2, they still remember lunch time at Grammy's house as some of their favorite meals.  The one thing she introduced them to was macaroni and cheese from a box.  That was something that I just couldn't understand, having grown up eating homemade macaroni and cheese.  It's just something about that artificial powdered orange cheese packet that bugs me! I was reluctant to even make it for them, but they eventually persuaded me and I gave in; however, I've also continued to make homemade and now they all actually like it a lot, too.  Even the fourth child is okay with both.

I would say that most of the time we go the homemade route, but a few days ago I decided to make them "boxed"....but with a twist.  Instead of using the regular milk as called for on the directions, I substituted canned evaporated milk.  I ate a few spoonfuls and was pleasantly surprised that it gave it a more homemade taste.  All four children thought I was crazy for trying something (they blame this blog for my willingness to be creative!), but they all thought it was SUPER! 

So, next time you open that "blue" box, or whatever color box you choose.....try adding the evaporated milk and see what you think!  (Note:  FYI - Target in Wichita Falls, TX, today had Kraft Mac & Cheese in the Disney Cars 2 shapes for only 90 cents!!!  I couldn't resist!  AND, they also had Kraft FLAT marshmallows - perfect for s'mores.  I bought every package at $1.19 each....to use at Bible camp in a few weeks! :).
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Cranberry Orange Scones

Posted by Lori:

This recipe was served at a wedding shower last Saturday. They were delicious! I asked my friend, Carol H., if she would share the recipe so that I could share it with you. She did! (Thanks, Carol!)

Carol got this recipe from the Gooseberry Patch Christmas book #9. The recipe's author is listed as Dayna Hansen from Junction City, OR. Thanks, Dayna!

Cranberry Orange Scones

2 cups all-purpose flour
10 teaspoons sugar, divided
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (the peel)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup cold butter
1 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup orange juice plus 1 tablespoon, divides
1/4 cup half-and-half cream
1 egg
1 tablespoon half-and-half or milk
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

In a large bowl, combine the flour, 7 teaspoons sugar, 1 tablespoonorange zest, baking powder, salt and baking soda. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, cream and egg. Add to flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

On a floured surface, gently knead 6-8 times. Pat dough into an 8-in. circle. Cut into 8 wedges. (Carol cut hers smaller....possibly cutting each wedge in half.) Separate wedges and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush with milk; sprinkle with remaining sugar.

Bake at 400° for 12-15 minutes (less for smaller scones) or until lightly browned; cool slightly. Combine powdered sugar, remaining 1 tablespoon orange zest; drizzle over warm scones.
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Grilled Ham-Wrapped Asparagus

Posted by Donna:

Several weeks ago, I got on an asparagus "kick" and made several different recipes. This is one of them. It's very quick and simple.

8 - 10 asparagus spears, washed and snapped
8 - 10 thinly sliced deli ham

Drizzle each asparagus spear with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roll each spear in a piece of deli ham.

Grill until the ham is crisp and the asparagus spears are tender---5 - 6 minutes. Turn the spears once during grilling.


*****The original recipe called for thinly sliced proscuiutto. When I find recipes calling for this, I always use deli sliced ham. I'm really not sure what the difference is anyway.

*******The original recipe also had this vinaigrette recipe that could be drizzled over the spears after grilling. I was short on time; so, I didn't make this.

1 large garlic clove
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2 T. Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Make vinaigrette by whisking garlic, vinegar, mustard, and salt and pepper in a 2 cup measuring cup. Slowly whisk in the oil until you reach the 1 cup mark.

I think the vinaigrette sounds really good. I plan on trying it on the spears next time.

The ham-wrapped asparagus is very filling. I could only eat a couple. They are really good. This is a keeper recipe for me. I found this recipe on threemanycooks.com Pin It Now!