Week 1 Saturday (1/11/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Twice Baked New Potatoes

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Pages 212 - 213      Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins
461 calories for 1.5 potatoes
(Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         What can one say about the potato? It has been important to our country since the time of our discovery. Teaching American history I always share that many great things we have today came over with the European explorers.  I heard somewhere that there are about 5,000 varieties of potatoes.  Just imagine how long it would take to sample all 5,000 types of this delicious side dish. We are pretty creative in how we serve this yummy starch.  We stuff, French fry, shred, boil, bake, roast, mash, cream, tot-a-fie, scallop, pancake, steam, twice-bake, croquette, and turn them into fries.  With all of these ways to serve the potato, it makes it a food for all meals.  Let’s face it. When was the last time you had a Big Mac without the fries??? It seems sacrilegious to me!

Today’s critics: 

         Just little old me because I made them late in the night and only made a few and sharing seemed like a bad idea.  You see, I love potatoes almost as much as hamburgers. So I had a selfish night.

         These potatoes were so yummy!  Ree added three different types of cheese, which made these gems decadent.  My only problem with the recipe came when I was scooping out the shell.  Apparently, I needed to leave more potato in the shell because the shell literally fell apart.  I took so much out because these red potatoes were really small.  BIG MISTAKE!  Did it change the flavor? Not at all. I truly enjoyed every single bite.  Live and learn as some brilliant person exclaimed.

Random Reflections

         Animal Shelters need help all year around and most donations for shelters come in during the Christmas holidays when people are consumed with the idea of giving. I have decided to post this entry every three months to help remind everyone of the needs of these poor lost animals.  This was the list Anderson Animal Shelter posted under “Help”. If you are a part of any organization, please consider sponsoring a drive for these sweet animals. So please GIVE!

·       Paper Towels and Toilet Tissue

·       Fabuloso floor cleaner or Mr. Clean floor cleaner

·       Large dog pill pockets

·       KMR (kitten replacement milk), feeding bottles and other kitten supplies

·       Pedigree canned dog food

·       Fancy Feast canned cat food

·       Friskies canned cat food

·       Gift cards to Petco, PetSmart or Costco

·       Pet wipes

·       Disinfecting wipes

·       Dawn dish soap

·       Gently used towels and blankets

·       Soft Paws or Soft Claws

·       Kitty litter – non scoopable

·       Bleach

·       Cat toys

·       Feliway spray or plug in refills

·       Cat scratching posts

·       Cat trees for climbing

·       Cat condo's (cages)

·       Stretch and Scratch (www.stretchandscratch.com)

·       Stainless steel pet food bowls

·       Glade or Air Wick plug in refills

·       Hand Sanitizer

·       Training Treats

·       Monetary donations – this is a biggie (According to Anderson Animal Shelter - $35.00 can cover the upkeep for one animal until adopted)  This is not asking too much to save one life.

Helpful Home Hints

            Rubber bands can be really useful around the house when you are remodeling or just repainting a room.  Good Housekeeping (July 2013) had a new use for this old time office supply. Just stretch a thick rubber band centered across the top of a paint can. Rather than dip your brush in and wipe it on the side of the can – wipe off the excess paint on the middle of the rubber band thus leaving the edges paint free.  One of the biggest drags is when the can edges rust from the excess paint and the lid does not close tightly. This will leave a better seal when you are finished. Way to go Good Housekeeping for your great advice.

Week 1 Friday (1/10/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Malted Milk Chocolate Chip Cookies

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Pages 272 - 273     Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins
337 calories per cookie if 18 were made  
(Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I don’t think I have ever enjoyed making cookies like I did today.  I put on the Beach Boys and my watermelon apron, and tried my brand new Kitchen Aid stand mixer.  I have wanted this mixer for so long and it brought true joy to this new cook. I danced around and followed Ree’s recipe to a tee. When I added the malt powder, the cookies smelled so delicious.  The yummy scent filled my house until even my shelties, Willow and Sage, were pacing the kitchen. I had to taste the dough and was delighted and anxious to get that first tray in the oven. The dough had a stronger malt flavor than the actual baked cookie.  Next time, I would like to add additional malt to make the cookie more like the batter tasted. The cookies were thin and crispy with a chewy center that had a rich warm flavor. (A side note - at a later date I did double the malt..HUGE MISTAKE!  It changed the texture and they did not taste the same.  I am back to following Ree's recipe).

         I doubled the recipe because we have a family summer picnic and these cookies were my contribution to the event.  I also delivered six cookies to both the Serpico and Lehman families for a critique.
         I had my first request.  My friend and colleague, Steve, told me he would appreciate it if I recorded the calories for each recipe.  So beginning now, I will write down the calorie count for each serving.  Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.

Today’s critics:  The Serpico and Lehman Families, various Scent Cousins, and many teachers at Norton Creek Elementary School.

        Brandy Lehman shared: “We all thought there were very yummy. They were super moist, probably from all that delicious butter!  Two thumbs up on those.”

        The Serpicos shared: “It tastes like a good chocolate chip cookie.  It has a lot of chocolate chips.  Nicole suggested that we add more malt powder next time.  I totally agree with her on this.  She also smiled and said, “You know a cookie is good when Nicholas shoves it all in his face.”  (which he did!).  Another positive review!  Yeah Ree!

        Various Scent Cousins:  They said they were good chocolate chip cookies.  Good and chewy and rich tasting.

        Originally I forgot to take a picture so I remade the cookies and took them into work. Today’s teacher reviews were:

         “They were to die for!”

         “They’re awesome”

         “WOW!”

         “I love that they are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside."

                                  

Why Weight?

       Whenever you talk about losing weight, the topic of exercise comes up, too.  Jenny Craig and counting calories worked well, with and without exercise, but I did notice that I was more successful WITH exercise. 

         My first exercise coach had to be Kathy Stopka, now Kathy Kirchler, when we were seven years old. As kids, she always wanted to do something active, while I preferred a sedentary activity.  Thank Heavens she was persuasive or Lord knows where I would have been then.  I had a very active childhood as all of my strongest memories took place outside in the neighborhood. Parents in the good ole’ days told their kids to go outside and play regardless of the weather. Either the weather has changed over time or we were much tougher than kids are today.  I remember riding bikes, walking to Bad Luck Forest, ice skating, playing softball in Mr. Charles’ field, and the ever, popular game of Red Rover in Kathy’s side yard. But I digress….

         In 2002,  I discovered Curves and began exercising about three days a week, which was a lot for me. I will never be one of those people who can’t wait to exercise. I do it because I must to succeed, not because it is a joy!  I do however love the employees and patrons of the Batavia Curves.  They are such great people and are very supportive of each other.  Curves circuit is about 30 minutes long, and my favorite time is when I have finished exercising. I feel so successful when I know I actually worked out for the day. 

          As I have lost weight, I upped my exercise from three to four/five days a week. This is totally due to a fabulous neighbor.  Paul Mansour is a wonderful guy who is in great shape.  One day around lunch time, I went over to talk to Melissa, his wife.  Paul was home from work and exercising to a DVD.  I asked why, and he told me that his goal for 2013 was to exercise 200 times.  He showed me how he put a new post-it note on the inside of the cabinet each day he exercised. I mulled this idea over for days and then thought, "If Paul can do this, maybe I can, too."  So I increased my exercise days in hopes of meeting Paul's goal for myself. I did not meet Paul's goal, but I am happy with the success I did accomplish.  I exercised a total of 164 times in 2013.  Now knowing this, I plan to reach that 200 mark during 2014. My worst month last year was January (only 10 pitiful times) so I need to start out much stronger in order to make up the 36 days that I fell short of my goal.                I will never become an exercise enthusiast, but I will keep at it because the rewards fall outweigh the negatives.

Fabulous “Family” Food

         The first family recipe that I want to share is one that my Mom is famous for at family gathering and parties.  We do not know where the recipe originated, but it is a staple for our family.  Mom calls them:

                                             “Scotcharoos”

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup sugar

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

6 cups of rice cereal

Directions:         
Bring sugar and light syrup to a boil. Shut off heat.  Add peanut butter and mix well.  Add rice cereal and stir.  Pour into a 9 x 13 in. pan and pat down.  Set aside to cool completely.

Frosting

6 oz. peanut butter chips
6 oz. semi sweet chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon thick white vegetable shortening

In a double boiler, melt 6 oz. or a small bag of peanut butter chips, 6 oz. or a small bag of chocolate chips, and 1 Tablespoon of white, thick vegetable shortening.  Watch carefully and when completely melted together spread on top of cooled Scotcharoos.  Let it sit until firm. 

Serve and enjoy!  Thanks Mom!

Week 1 Thursday (1/9/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Her Burgers

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Pages 160 - 161     Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

         My first choice for lunch at any restaurant is the cheeseburger.  I love them off the grill or pan or oven fried.  They have always been an American favorite and I think they are fabulous.  I would guess that there are millions of burgers sold in the USA alone each year. We Americans love our burgers. To me the burger is as important to Americans as baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet.  Okay – that was totally a "commercial" memory moment from this Ole Gal.

Don't ya love blue cheese???

Today’s critics: 

         Since I only made two burgers I am the sole critic on this recipe. I did have to omit the mushrooms because I totally hate the texture of this little fungus.  Ree used pesto, blue cheese, mayo and onion on her burger. I thought I had died and gone to Heaven.  She always has the right amount of each ingredient to satisfy this picky eater.  I had to reread the recipe more than once to be sure I had read it correctly.  Among the spices and meat she added heavy cream to the meat mixture.  Who would have thought to add this ingredient?  Heavy cream is a common ingredient in Pioneer Woman’s recipes and I now know why.  It makes everything it touches better.  Her dishes are rich and extremely flavorful.  This is by far the best burger I have ever had in my life.  I do need to try the His Burger sometime in the near future. You really need to buy this book so you can recreate these masterpieces!

Random Reflections

         Today, I drove past a home that spurred a memory from my childhood. There is a wonderful home in St. Charles between 5^th and 6^th Avenues. The address is 309 S. 6^th Ave. STC. During my childhood, my church group visited the home because it was a retirement or nursing home.  My memory is a little foggy as to its use at the time – could this be a sign of aging??? I remember entering the home, which had two large front rooms and a beautiful staircase rising to the second floor. We spent time bringing holiday cheer to the residents. I remember the stone fence that surrounded the structure making it look regal and important, and the stately oak trees that sheltered the lawn. The home is now for sale and in poor shape. The paint is peeling, the fence and massive stone end posts removed, and it now stands alone on a treeless lot. The previous owner either sold part of the land or maybe just built a row of buildings right next to the driveway – which in my view ruined the look of this old beauty. The home is unique in style, but there is something about the design that makes me smile. I hope the next owner gives this old home some new life and restores it to its former beauty. In case you were wondering, in December of 2013, the going price for this in-town residence was $570,000. Do you need a challenge and have a little extra pocket change? This is a diamond in the rough.

Irksome Ideas and Images

         What is up with the stores and the holidays?  You would think that the stores never sold anything during the year and relied solely on holiday sales for their mere existence. Each year the stores open earlier and stay open later in order to make more money.  Is that true?  If they closed on holidays and stayed open only during regular hours wouldn’t we still have to go out and shop anyway? I will never understand why people would stand outside in the cold, to save a couple of dollars on an item. But the best part of this dilemma is – to each his own.  I have many friends who love Black Friday and shopping in a crazed environment. My answer is – go forth and shop till you drop. I will be home enjoying a warm cup of tea in front of a roaring fire thinking of all of you.  Enjoy!

Week 1 Wednesday (1/8/14)

Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Basic Chicken Salad

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Page: 50   Copyright:  2012 Harper Collins

         This is by far the best chicken salad I have ever had in my life.  I really didn’t think I would like it because I have had chicken salad with grapes and didn’t really enjoy it.  I think the big difference is the creamy sauce. The taste is so rich that I was disappointed when I came to the bottom of the bowl.  I did make an error in that I forgot to toast the almonds, which I will correct the next time I make it.  I did eat two servings and loved every bite. A real secret to making great food is to use fresh spices. This is one recipe that I will make a lot for my school lunches because it is filling and very refreshing. I may also put it on a bed of lettuce for a really hearty lunch.

Today’s critics:  The Serpico and Lehman Families

         The Serpicos: Nicole, Joe, Nicholas, and Michael.  Michael took a big bite and then covered his mouth with a napkin and left the room.  He later told us he liked the grapes and chicken but didn’t like the sauce.  Nick tried it, which was wonderful, but he didn’t care for it.  Nicole said she would make it again but would take out the onion because it no longer agrees with her system.  Joe said that it reminded if of “picnics in the summer.” (I love that critique - I had an immediate visual on that one)

Joe Serpico

       
         Brandy Lehman sent in this critique:  “I love Chicken Salad...serve it on crackers, bread, toast, eat it with a fork, I don't care, I love it and can make a meal out of it. Things I liked about your Chicken Salad - The large chunks of chicken appeared to be all white meat, which was delicious. It felt hearty, but light, if that makes sense. The fresh dill not only appealed to the eye, but the nose as well. It did not overpower the dish. I absolutely loved how finely chopped the celery was, I think that was my favorite part. The grapes were refreshing and also provided a serving of fruit. I also liked the crunch of the slivered almonds.  My only con - I thought it was lacking something that I can only describe as a little "zing", so I put it on Italian Herb flatbread crackers, which made up for what I was missing. I also tried it on Club butter crackers, which was good, but the crackers kept breaking, so that was annoying. I don't think I could have eaten it on its own, like I said, "zing factor". Overall, ONE THUMB UP, ONE THUMB DOWN  Cory did not try the dish.

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         If today, I had to name one person that I am truly grateful for it would be my best friend, Donna Dowd.  I was blessed the day that she came into my life. She entered my life as the parent of a student in my class and we became fast friends quickly. 

         What makes Donna Dowd special?  She is the best friend you can ever ask for in life. She always goes above and beyond and is there with support. She is a fantastic natural cook.  She is one of those people who just put in a pinch of this and that and turns out a masterpiece.  She is a wonderful mother. She and Bill are blessed with three amazing kids (Patrick, James and Meghann - all of whom were my previous students). They are now very important to my life. I sometimes feel like their "other mother". Donna is a great listener who supports all of her friends. She is extremely funny, without even knowing it.  She is a great, gifted teacher, but most of all, she makes me smile and laugh and I love everything about her.
         Donna and I have had many adventures in the past.  We used to go to garage sales and mini shopping sprees down Third Street in Geneva.  We only went to a few stores before we were tired and just wanted to go for a yummy lunch. Donna is the type of friend that you laugh with over something silly.  We also laugh weeks, months, and years later as we revisit those stories. Everyone needs a friend like Donna.

         Donna, thank you so much for your friendship and sharing your wonderful family with me throughout the years. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.

Memory Musings

         My favorite memories are those of my dad, Dick Scent. My dad was so full of life and joy.  He was so handsome.  I remember my best friend, Kathy Stopka Kirchler, telling me one day how cute my Dad was.  At the time I laughed, but agreed.  Dad was a charmer. When I went to work at Hawley Products, where my dad was a salesman, the ladies in the factory all raved and oohed and aahed over my Dad.  I was so proud (as if I had anything to do with that!) He always had a joke for every situation. I never ever knew where he got them but by the time I was older I knew a few of them by heart. He was so charismatic that everyone loved him.  He loved to play golf and coach basketball, two sports at which he excelled! He was a great husband, father, uncle, and eventually grandfather.  
          He loved his grandchildren more than anything in the world.  He played with them and always mowed the lawn with one of them on his lap.  He even cut down golf clubs so the boys had real clubs of their own. My dad passed away 20 years ago this past month at the age of 63 years old. He influenced the lives of everyone he met. I miss him dearly, but thank God I have my wonderful memories to make me smile.

Week 1 Tuesday (1/7/14)

 Hi Everyone,
      Here we are on Day 2.  If you missed yesterday, I believe the archives are on the right side of the screen, so you can begin at the beginning.... and start all over again.
Enjoy!  
               Becky
Recipe Review

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Make Ahead Muffin Melts

Found in: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From my Frontier

Pages 12 – 13    Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

         Breakfast is my favorite!  I love eating a hearty breakfast because as a teacher, it has to last until noon.  I have always purchased McDonald’s Egg McMuffins, but this recipe is so much better than that muffin.  This was a very basic recipe that was quick and easy to make.  My only problem was that Ree loads up the muffin with a great amount of spread.  This actually makes a lot of sense because she has cowboys and cowgirls riding the range all day who need a filling breakfast. As I ate my first muffin I decided it was too much for me so I will modify it and use about half as much of the mixture on the English Muffin.  This modification will basically double the total muffins used.  So instead of 12 I now have 24.  As usual, I recreated the recipes and can now make 24, 12, or 6 servings.  When I took that first warm bite I thought it was Heaven on Earth. I also shared some muffins with my nieces:  Brandy Lehman, The Serpico family, and Alaina Erd.

         Today’s critics:  The Lehman, Erd, and Serpico Families

         Brandy Lehman reported:  “These were fantastic, the bacon was an awesome surprise, I did not even know it was on there until I put them in the broiler. I thought they were so hearty, but not "too much". The serving portion of the topping (the modified version) was the perfect amount. The flavor was excellent, filling, fast, and a great way to start the day, or have for lunch, or even dinner :) No cons for these. TWO THUMBS UP! This was so much fun! Thanks Becky!!”

          Cory Lehman stated, "I thought they were good!"

          Alaina Erd: “We did have a little trouble with the broiler.  The top was warm and crispy before the inside cooked so next time I will cook it in the oven and then broil at the last minute. I also think they need a little kick.        

         Tim Erd came up with the perfect solution – “Maybe a little sausage.”

         We oohed and ahhed at his solution for a similar recipe or substitution.

        

         Nicole, Nicholas, Gigi, Marissa, and Michael Serpico also critiqued them:         Gigi actually preferred it cold, but Marissa enjoyed the warm version. Everyone said it has good flavor. Nicole and I both think I should have chopped both the egg and bacon into smaller bites.  Nicole thought this would be a great item for a brunch table.  The family also said that it was good, cheesy, and delicious. Nicholas, a picky eater like me, even tried it, too.

Nick, Gigi, Marissa, and Michael Serpico

Why Weight?

       As much as I hate this topic, I know it has to be a part of this blog. Since high school, I have struggled with my weight.  I have gained and lost hundreds of pounds in my lifetime.  I should have been the poster child for Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, the Metabolic Diet, and Atkins, along with many others.  I once even tried to be professionally hypnotized to help curb my cravings. The leader told me I could never be hypnotized because I had a will of steel and would never give up my personal control.  I know this is a shock to all of you readers who know me well. Of course, he never knew that a thin Pizza Hut Pizza had total control over my thoughts. Nevertheless, they all worked for a while but never became a lifelong habit.

         I also purchased every diet book I could get my hands on. I own at least 17 books, from Bob Green to Geneen Roth and even Dr. Phil.  My best friend, Donna Dowd and I purchased just as many exercise tapes because the person with the most tapes wins.  What do we win?  God only knows the answer to that one. My all time favorites include Zumba, Country Line dancing and yes – Sweatin’ to the Oldies with good ole’ Richard Simmons.

         My bad eating habits actually began with the first solid foods given to me by my parents.  My Mom and Dad said that I refused to eat anything green.  They tried everything but unless they mixed it with peaches or something like that, I would not consume those nasty green meanies. Unfortunately, avoidance became a lifelong habit. In the old days, kids were told they could not leave the table until they cleared their plates.  My iron will left me seated at the kitchen table long after everyone else had gone into the family room. Eventually I won, or did I really lose?

         The weight issue all began in high school with a simple comment, but unfortunately I internalized the statement and began to believe it. From that point on, I anesthetized myself with food.  I ate when I was sad. I ate when I was depressed.  I ate when I was angry. I even ate to celebrate happiness and joy.  I associated all emotions with food. It now all sounds so sad and pathetic. Food was my constant friend and comfort. You begin a bad habit for one reason but it may continue for a different reason. Either way - it has been the anvil around my neck for as long as I can remember.

         The diet that worked the best over the years was Jenny Craig. I bought a life-long membership, which is pitiful to admit.  I became a member in March of 2002. I took the program very seriously. My Mom, who is always a good support, joined with me.  She reached her goal quickly as she is a little thing. From March of 2002 to September of 2007 I lost 126.0 lbs. on Jenny Craig. When you do the math, that is only about 25 lbs. a year – so much for total devotion.  From September of 2007 to July of 2012 I basically gave up.  I ate pizza every Friday night and binged constantly.  I lived off of fast food and didn’t care.  I knew I was gaining weight but was just sick of being “on a diet.” Unfortunately, I gained 90.5 lbs. back in those four years, yo yoing once again.

         July 10^th of 2012 was a new beginning for me in so many ways. I am now successfully losing weight but not because of a Diet Program or just exercising but because I did it for myself for the first time ever.  I am now at the lowest weight I have been at since 1977. As of 12/28/13, I have lost 115 lbs. I will fill you in during the coming weeks on the secret to my success (to quote an old movie).

My Gorgeous Girls

         Dogs have always been a part of my life. I have two shelties named Willow and Sage. They are a huge part of my life and bring me such joy.

         Willow is quite timid with strangers, but a true sweetheart with me.  She is a wonderful guard dog and knows everything that goes on in our neighborhood. She loves to bark at cars, buses, and especially the UPS and FedEx vans.

         Sage on the other hand, is outgoing and extremely protective of our yard. My poor neighbors have to deal with the attack sheltie that lures their dogs to run the fence and bark. She has a bad habit of biting the fence, which causes damage to the fence and her mouth.  We are working on that one.

         I am so blessed to have these two in my life. Every time I enter the house they run to meet me with love and licks. What more could a person ask for in life?

Willow 

Sage 

Summer Fun