Thursday, March 28, 2013

Baby's Butterfly Footprint

I love any types of crafts that are with baby's hand prints or foot prints!  I just wish that all of these wonderful ideas would have been around when mine were all young!  I do have some sweet ones, though.  They just keep showing new ideas that are precious! 

Here is a sweet one of a butterfly.  If you click on the photo, the photo's owner's FB name is in the bottom left corner.  Here is a blog link for directions, as well:   http://www.sawdustandembryos.com/2011/10/crafting-with-twinfants.html

I think this would also be a great idea for children Bible class or VBS!  I think of "A New Creation" or maybe use during a lesson on the days of Creation.  

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Easter Egg Centerpiece

Isn't this cute?  I saw it on display at Dillard's in the Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City.  It made a beautiful centerpiece for an Easter-inspired table setting.

The eggs were placed in the large glass vase, then other eggs were hot glued to each other forming the "egg branches" poking out from the vase.  I thought it was a great idea and wanted to share it with all of you!  I even bought a bunch of tiny eggs to do the same thing.  However, they're still in the original packaging and will most likely stay there. Maybe next year! :)

Monday, March 25, 2013

Easter Goodies

My intention was to make several new things last week to be able to share with you this week.  However, because of circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to.  (Read HERE to learn why.)  The last thing I wanted to do was cook!

So...I found a few cute sites with some Easter goodies that I'll share with you.  There are several neat ideas!

http://www.creative-food.blogspot.com/2013/03/easter-bunny.html

http://chri.olhblogspace.com/2012/04/02/16-must-make-easter-sweets/

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Happy Spring Break!

Hi, friends!  

I'm taking a break from blogging this week to enjoy the schedule-free (for the most part) time with my four kiddos and husband.  See you again next week!

Friday, March 15, 2013

PEEPS!

My husband adores the PEEPS marshmallow snacks.  I think they're nasty!  A few weeks ago, just for fun, I did a Facebook poll about the like and dislike of PEEPS.  The dislikes won out by a long shot, which caused me to wonder....."Why do they sell if so many don't like them?"  Many do like them, I suppose, but others who don't like them buy them too, it seems.  I buy them for my husband.  Parents buy them for their children.  So, apparently that's how they remain popular.

After my Facebook poll, several people began sending me cute ideas about decorating with PEEPS.  I'll agree - they're adorable!  And because of their chemical makeup of no nutritional value at all, these decorations would most likely stay good for years.  I honestly don't think bugs or rodents would eat them, either! (ha ha!)

So here are a few Easter PEEPS decorations for you, with directions on making them:  (Enjoy!)

PEEP TOPIARY
http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2011/04/11/peep-topiary-plus-other-easter-table-top-decorating-ideas/

PEEP GARLAND
http://thriftshopromantic.blogspot.com/2007/03/peep-project.html

PEEP WREATH
http://www.gerberadesigns.com/triedandtrue/?p=310%20“target=

PEEP FLOWER POT
http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/peeps-flower-decor/2011/04/12/

PEEP VASES
http://haymarketdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/decorating-with-peepsyum.html

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Fried Chicken

I can only remember cooking homemade fried chicken once for my family in the past, but last night we did it again.  We've been trying to eat healthier, but last night one of the boys was craving chicken strips, so I went with it!  And, boy, was it good!  We all enjoyed this rare treat!  Along with the chicken, we had gravy (Of course! If you're gonna be 'bad' you might as well make it the best 'bad' possible, right?), homemade mashed potatoes (Always homemade....never, ever boxed....made by my daughter) green beans (because you HAVE to have something green on your plate - even if the rest of the meal is unhealthy!) and homemade biscuits (made by my oldest son).  Mmmmmm, good!

How do you fry chicken?  Here is what I did:

1 large bag of frozen Tyson Chicken breast tenderloins (from Sam's - 5 or 6 pounds)
(Note: since this was a spur of the moment thought, I cooked the chicken in a big pot of water until it was thawed and cooked just a tiny bit.)
Buttermilk (I actually had some, but if not, make your own with milk and vinegar.)
Flour, salt and pepper
Oil

After I cooked the chicken, I dipped it into the buttermilk (I use a pie plate to dip it.), then into flour which has salt and pepper added (I just guess.).  I use a shallow glass dish for the flour mixture.  After the flour dip, then re-dip into the buttermilk, then into the flour for a second coating.  Cook in hot oil about one inch up the pan.  I use the skillet part of an electric skillet across two burners, so can cook a lot at one time.  Flip when browned on one side.

Cooking the fried chicken made me crave Babe's in Texas.  Must visit there soon! :) 


Monday, March 11, 2013

Franks and French Fries

This recipe has FOR CHILDREN written all over it!  Not, really, but when you see the title and read the ingredients, you know it would be a huge hit with almost any child!

I got this recipe from one of my sister-in-law's church elders' wives cookbooks.  I took a picture of it to share with all of you.  

I look forward to making interesting dish for my kids!  Not sure I would like it (I don't eat 'franks'!), but I know that at least two of them will.  I think my husband would, too.  :)

FRANKS AND FRENCH FRIES

1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 pound frankfurters, sliced diagonally
3 Tablespoons butter
2 (9-ounce) packages frozen French-fried potatoes
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1/4 pound cheddar cheese chunks
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley

In a lare skillet lightly saute' onion and franks in butter. Push to edge of skillet, forming a ring.  Place frozen French-fried potatoes in center of ring and saute' 5 minutes more, turning potatoes to brown all sides. Add salt and pepper, tomato sauce and cheese chunks.  Sprinkle with parsley. Simmer until cheese melts.  Serves 4 to 5.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Burlap Bunny


The burlap wreath I showed how to make last year has undergone another transformation.  This time I added this cute burlap bunny!  I bought this bunny, but I'm showing it in case someone wants to make one themselves.  The wire whiskers sticking out make him extra-cute!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Lady Bug Party Theme

I've wanted to purchase these lady bug-themed party plates for months!  So last night, for my annual church ladies' salad supper, the lady bug theme worked out perfectly!
I'm teaching ladies' class on Wednesday nights, and the book we're using is also lady bug-themed, it was an easy decision.
In case you're interested, the party store also had Baby Shower napkins and 1st Birthday napkins to go along with the lady bug theme.  At first I could ONLY find the baby shower napkins.  I had just decided that I didn't care!  I would buy them and turn them over to the back side! I was DETERMINED to have this lady bug party :).
I was surprised at the lack of lady bug supplies when I tried to find some extra decorations.  The little lady bugs you can see on the black burlap runner and on the "grass" below were from Hobby Lobby.
They added a little touch of lady bugs.  I especially liked the fake grass squares!
You may remember the jars my daughter painted using Modge Podge and food coloring.  They worked perfectly for centerpieces tied with polka dot and lady bug ribbon.
And one more little centerpiece of fake grass in a galvanized bucket, with the little lady bug picks and ribbon.  Such a fun theme for any occassion!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Peanut Butter - Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

Every year, during our county livestock show, our county 4-H clubs work together at a concession stand.  Each 4-H club is asked to bring several desserts, and one of the ones I always bring is some type of cheesecake.  This year I made a Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.  It was a big hit!

I used a cookie crust, and honestly, I don't even know what kind of cookie it was. I made the crust not even knowing what kind of cheesecake I was going to make  For the crust, then, I would recommend a chocolate cookie crust.  I'll list a crust recipe that would work great with this cheesecake:

Crust:
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 tablespoons crushed chocolate cookie crumbs

Cheesecake (Recipe from Junior's Cheesecakes Cookbook):

Three 8-ounce packages cream cheese (use only full fat), at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 extra-large eggs
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup heavy or whipping cream

Cheesecake Topping:
Homemade hot fudge sauce (recipe below)
Peanut Butter chips
Chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the outside with aluminum foil, covering the bottom and extending all the way up the sides.  Add chocolate cookie crumbs and tilt pan in all directions to evenly coat.

In large mixing bowl, put one package of the cream cheese, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and the cornstarch in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on low until creamy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl several times.  Blend in the remaining cream cheese, one package at a time, scraping down the bowl after each one.  Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat in the remaining 1 cup sugar, then the vanilla. Blend in the eggs, one at a time, beating after each one.  Add the peanut butter and cream and beat just until completely blended.  Be careful not to over mix.  Gently spoon the batter on top of the cookie crumbs.

Place the cake in a large shallow pan containing hot water that comes about 1 inch up the sides of the springform.  Bake until the edges are light golden brown and the top is light tan, about 1 1/4 hours (mine took about 1 1/2 hours).  Remove the cheesecake from the water bath, transfer to a wire rack, and let cool for 2 hours (just walk away-don't move it). Leave the cake in the pan, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely cold, preferably overnight or at least 4 hours.

Make hot fudge sauce:

2 cups powdered sugar
1 can evaporated milk
2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla

Bring powdered sugar, evaporated milk, chocolate chips, and butter to a boil. Simmer, uncovered for 8 minutes, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Cool sauce completely.

To decorate, release and remove the sides of the springform, leaving the cake on the bottom of the pan. Place on a cake plate.

Pour hot fudge sauce over the top of the cheesecake, allowing some of the fudge topping to pour over the sides and drizzle down.  (You will not use all of hot fudge sauce.  Save it for another yummy treat!) Top cheesecake with peanut butter chips and chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate chips) or chopped up Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Keep stored in refrigerator.  Cut cheesecake slices with a non-serated knife.


Friday, March 1, 2013

Green Eggs and Ham

Did YOU eat green eggs and ham this morning?  If not, why not? 

Today, in celebration of children's author, Dr. Seuss's birthday (March 2), many schools are celebrating this day in different ways.  Our youngest requested green eggs and ham for breakfast this morning.  The funny thing about it, is that he doesn't even like eggs! He thought his siblings would enjoy it, which they did.

I remember learning from a friend whose mother taught Home Ec for years that 'blue' is the least appetizing color of food.  If you think about it, there aren't any 'real' blue foods.  It's just not natural.  For me, though, this green is right up there with it!  Green eggs?  I'll pass!  A lot of kids think it's sure fun, though.  

For Dr. Seuss's birthday, I thought I would leave you with one of my favorite quotes from his book/movie, The Lorax: