Week 11 Sunday (3/23/14)

Recipe Review       

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Almond Cake

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

                          

         I love almonds and anything made with them. This cake was so easy to make. It was sweet but also moist. I like that it was a sheet cake. Way to go Ree.  As you can see, I had a lot of critics to share how wonderful your recipe is to all of us.  Thanks!

Today’s critics:

         Today the reviews come from my elementary school.

         Jodie McKnight and Deborah Pauling both said it was very good.

         Jen Adams shared, “It’s delicious and I love the complex flavors.”

         Sarah Gress said, “It reminds me of almond crescent cookies and it tastes really good.”

         Joyce Simkus stated, “It’s nice. I like the frosting.”

         Jenny Anderson shared that it would be good with raspberries. “It’s delicious and frickin’ good.”

         Amy Geyer  just said, “Mmmmmmm that is yummy.” She also thought it would be good with strawberries.

         Sara Gilroy thought it was lovely.

         Rachel Friend shared, “It is really good!”

         Tom Caepert also said it was really good.

Trivial Triffles

I just finished reading a Rebecca Caudill nominee for 2015 titled SLOB by Ellen Porter. In the book she gives a quote from Thomas Edison that was great food for thought.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found the thousand

ways that won’t work.”

Thomas Edison

         I love that he looked for the positive when things were not going well instead of focusing on what he did not or could not do at the moment. He really was a brilliant positive man.  I would like to aspire to be more like him.

Memory Musings

I have spent a lot of time looking through old photos this week.  My Aunt Ada let me borrow her photographs and make copies of them for my files.  It is so much fun to look at our family from long ago.

         At times I am reliving an event in my head as I study the pictures. I laugh at the hairstyles and clothing and enjoy the events as if they are happening again. 

         Thank Heavens for photography. 

Wek 11 Saturday (3/22/14)

Recipe Review       

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Buttery Lemon Parsley Noodles

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/08/buttery-lemon-parsley-noodles/

                          

I figured out that there are 215 calories per serving, if 8 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         Butter + Parsley + Lemon + Noodles = Deliciousness 

This is a wonderful side dish for any meal.  I loved the hint of lemon flavor. It was subtle but actually made the dish taste refreshing. I know that is crazy to describe a dish of pasta but that was the first thing that crossed my mind as a consumed this recipe.  I even think that kids would like this one once they tried it out.

Random Reflections

         A few years ago I began writing a book about my Dad’s family. He came from a very large family that grew up in Streator and Sandwich, Illinois. I became interested in genealogy when ancestor.com began advertising. They offered a free trial so I spent a lot of time gathering information about both sides of my family. My cousin, Craig, was already working on my Mom’s side so I stopped and left it to him.  He has spent a lot of time and has had a great deal of success.

         My Dad’s family, however, is extremely hard to trace back because of a lot of missing information. I worked with many of my Dad’s siblings interviewing them and started the hunt.

         This past weekend I visited my Aunt Ada and she lent me her personal photos so I could get a copy for my files. I was so excited when I came across this photo of my Dad in Korea.

         I can’t wait to have more time to devote to this project when I retire.

        

Helpful Home Hints     

         Are you a person who likes to wrap packages and presents?  I am and I think I received this gift from my Dad.  He was always the one to wrap presents because Mom said, “He is really good at it.”  She really was right on that note.

         I love to decorate presents. Lately I have been into polka dot paper with interesting bows and package decorations. During the holidays my packages used to have a color theme.  I varied it from year to year and it was fun to plan for the holidays. Then one year I realized just how much wrapping paper I had in the house.  I am still trying to use it all up but every once in awhile I buy a new tube.

         To store the paper so it is not dented or destroyed, I purchased x-large long clear containers to keep the paper safe. This was a great idea because it holds a lot of paper and has a lid to keep out the dust.

         Around the holidays look into these containers and you will be happy you did, too.

Week 11 Friday (3/21/14)

Recipe Review   

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cookies

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/08/brown-sugar-oatmeal-cookies/

I figured out that there are 144 calories per serving, if 34 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I really liked these cookies as did everyone that I shared them with this week.  Whenever I eat an oatmeal cookie I think of my Grandmother. These were a staple at her house and it was always a treat to visit her house. As you can see from the fabulous reviews, Ree has hit another home run.

Today’s Critics:

         The Serpico Family:    Nicole said it was very similar to the ones she makes. The difference is that hers has chopped walnuts and is not as sweet.  Joe said that he is not a fan of traditional oatmeal cookies however these were delicious.  Gianna liked the crispy ends and the chewy insides. She also said, “I want another one!”  Nick gave me a thumbs up and returned for another one. He liked the chewy center better than the crispy outside. Marisa liked the “squishy” inside and wanted to eat them everyday.  She asked, “Becky, will you make more?”

         A big day at school for cookies.

Kristin Sharping:  “Perfectly chewy and not too sweet. YUM!!!

Tom Cappaert:         “Excellent”

Allison Gibson:         “So delicious! Very chewy and just the right amount of                                                       sweetness.”

Monica Gloor:         “I love how they were chewy with a little crispiness.                                     Deeeeee-lish!”

Beth Pelayo:                  “Love how they were so buttery! The Oatmeal was very                                     moist and crunchy around the edges.”

Martha Paschke:         “Delicious! Perfect combination of soft and crunchy.”

Joyce Simkus:         Soft, chewy, crunchy and sweet!  Would be great with                                     coffee or milk.”

Christie Griffin:         “Dee-licious! Would love to try with raisins, next time.”

Julie Misner:         “Loved the brown sugar taste with outside crunchiness                            and the inside chewiness! Delicious! What about adding                            chocolate chunks for an extra treat?”

Why Weight?

         The experts always say that we should all be eating a filling, healthy breakfast.  I used to hate to eat breakfast, but I have learned that I really do need something to get me through until lunch.

         Most days my breakfast consists of oatmeal.  I absolutely love cinnamon oatmeal and it really does fill me up. 

         The hardest time for me is in the evening, so I need to save enough calories during the day so I have enough to keep me away from the kitchen in the evening.  Everyone needs to do what works for them!

Fabulous “Family” Food

Irish Cream (alcohol)

**I have no idea where I got this recipe. I was going through my college papers and found this recipe. I had a demonstration speech class and I taught the class how to make this drink. Everyone in the class was over 21 yrs. Of age, but nowadays that would never have been allowed.  Boy, have times changed.

3 eggs

3 Tablespoons chocolate syrup

¼ teasp. coconut extract

1 – 16 oz. frozen coffee rich (do they even make this anymore?)

1 – 14 oz. can of sweet condensed milk

1 cup of whiskey (the better the whiskey, the better the drink)

Blend it all together in a blender.

Week 11 Thursday (3/20/14)

Recipe Review         

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Nutella Krispie Treats

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/10/nutella-krispie-treats/

                          

I figured out that there are 354 calories per serving, if 12 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         OMG!!!  Krispie Treats are out there everywhere but these are the cream of the crop. In many ways it reminds me of a smore, but the Rice Krispies add a new dimension to the whole thing.  Nicole suggested that you could even substitute Cocoa Krispies to add a variation to Ree’s recipe.  All I know is that there isn’t a kid out there that I know that wouldn’t just love this recipe to death.  That’s the ticket – DEATH BY YUMMINESS.  Oh Lord, now I making up my own new sayings.  All I know is that the next time we have an enormous family reunion, I will be making these treats for the assorted nieces, nephews, and various cousins.  I will be the star of the show, the hit of the party…and all because of Ree Drummond.

Random Reflections

         Do you have a bucket list?  I watched that movie recently and really enjoyed the concept. I haven’t really given it much thought because I am very happy with what I have and what I am currently doing. I think this is why I had so much trouble with the “Wants and Wishes” category of this blog. If I want something, I usually work hard and save money and go out of buy it. The wish part was easier because what I wish for isn’t something to purchase. It is usually something associated with time.

         So what would I put on my bucket list?  I traveled a lot in my twenties so I really don’t crave that any more. I am curious about Wales and Scotland, however. So, maybe that can be the first two items on my list. The only other place I can think of is Alaska.  I have been watching Buying Alaska, Building Alaska, and Alaska, the Last Frontier. So maybe I should take an Alaskan cruise. I just don’t want to encounter any bear.  That would be the only downside to that trip. But…I think I will add it to my list.

         Well, I’m exhausted from thinking these huge thoughts.  I think I will keep this as a regular part of this category.  I like the idea of having a bucket list so maybe this is a good home for these thoughts.

Becky’s Bucket List

Travel to Wales

Travel to Scotland

Alaskan cruise

Irksome Ideas and Images

         A major irksome idea for me is about people who do not tip a sufficient amount. As a waitress, in my previous life, I feel strongly about tipping.  Now, I am not recommending tipping a great deal for poor service, but I do feel strongly about tipping 20% if the service is great.  Maybe people do not tip adequately because they are cheap, or maybe they do not understand that service personnel do not even make minimum wage and tips are the bulk of their pay. Either way, showing thankfulness when a service is provided should be the norm, in my opinion.

         My parents taught us to be thankful and show our gratitude.  Do you always show yours???  Just a little food for thought.

Week 11 Wednesday (3/19/14)

Recipe Review       

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Salted Pita Wedges

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2013/12/salted-pita-wedges/

I figured out that there are 47 calories per slice, if 36 slices are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

          At first I was unsure about these salty wedges, but then I dipped them in Walmart’s Chipotle Ranch dip and was over the moon. Using these in a buffet would be a great idea because they are filling. Make sure you have a spoon in the dip because double or triple dipping is a strong possibility. I love salty and sweet combinations so these wedges would be great in a sweet dip, too.  These take minutes to make, and complete the appetizer buffet.  Take a chance – make’m for your next shindig.

Gabbin’ About Gratitude

         I am so thankful for friends that share something that really helps me.  A couple of weeks ago Nicole and I were talking about how dry our skin was since the weather has stayed so bad for so long. Nicole shared that she and her daughter applied a thick paste lotion on their hands and then wore socks over them during the night. She claimed that this really softened their skin.

         Boy was she right on. I bought a thick lotion and applied it to my dry, cracked feet and tucked them into socks for the night.  After about a week I noticed a huge difference in my feet.

         Thanks Nicole!

Memory Musings

         When I lived in Florida one of the things I loved to do was to find items on the beach and bring them home.  One of the most beautiful things is the sand dollar. When they wash into the beach they are not they sparkling white color that you see if you are a tourist, but green and mossy. The ones you buy in the store have been bleached and left in the sun to dry. I think they are just a gift from the ocean and a something delicate that washes in from a vast ocean.

         I also loved to look closely at the jellyfish that have also washed into the beach. I much prefer to see them on the beach than floating next to me in the water. I love to look at them but they are not something I appreciate when they get too close.

Week 11 Tuesday (3/18/14)

****SOMETHING NEW!!!  A big thank you to Steve Kafkas for a wonderful suggestion. Steve thought it would be a great idea to put a direct link to Ree’s blog where everyone can click and get the blog recipes immediately.  This is fabulous because the more people who learn about and visit her blog, the more scrumptious food is being created out there.  Thanks Steve – I actually figured out how to do it all by myself.  Yeah!  Ree's pictures are a heck of a lot better than mine – try not to judge me too harshly.

Recipe Review 

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Monster Cookies

         Found in: The Pioneer Woman Blog

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/09/monster-cookies/

I figured out that there are 202 calories per serving, if 36 servings are made. (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         I am in love with these cookies.  They are so hearty and made with everything but the kitchen sink.  I first began loving oatmeal cookies when I visited my Grandma.  She made great cookies.  These cookies are an improvement on the old standard.  They are moist, but Ree has added so many goodies into the recipe that you can’t help but smile as the variety of tastes attack your taste buds.  I love chocolate and candy.

The happy colors of M & M's

Today’s critics:

         I shared these cookies with my university students who said:

         “Good!”

         “We really needed these cookies today.”

         “These cookies are a good combination of flavors”

Why Weight?

         Eating out is really hard when you are counting calories.  If I go out to a place like Chipotle or Panera, it is not inconvenient because they have the calorie counts listed on the menu.  Unfortunately, when you go to a sit-down restaurant you are on your own.

         I do not want to limit where I go with my friends so I always reserve 1,000 calories if I know I am going out to dinner.  That way, I have no guilt or remorse because I have saved enough calories for a great dinner. 

My Gorgeous Girls

         As I reported last Tuesday, I was really worried about Willow’s cyst/tumor.  We went to the groomer and I had the vet recheck the nasty little growth. She aspirated it and found out that most of it was fluid. I told her that I really wanted it out, because since it was made up of a lot of fluid and some solid mass it would probably return. I made the decision to have it removed. The dogs got their teeth cleaned last July, but I would like to move it up and have it done at the same time to avoid having Willow anesthetized twice. So in the upcoming weeks Willow will undergo the knife and both of us will feel a lot better. Okay – I will feel a lot better because I don’t think it even bothers Willow.

Week 11 Monday (3/17/14)

Recipe Review  

Today’s Recipe and Location:  Meatball Sliders

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

                           Page: 103    Copyright:  2012  Harper Collins

I figured out that there are 554 calories per serving,  (Please note that the calorie counts vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients that you choose to use.)

         This recipe all began with a previous recipe of Ree’s that I already loved. Ree’s whiskey meatballs are great alone, but as a slider they are phenomenal! The melted cheese and sauce added the perfect topping. They are so flavorful. I had two sliders for dinner and was totally content for the whole night.  Try’em!

Craft Corner       

         Last winter I worked on a bright quilt top that just made me smile. The colors are bright and vibrant.  I love to make quilts. I finished the seams of this quilt with a decorative stitch that made this one more unique.

         One of my favorite quilting stores is in Hampshire, IL. The name of the store is Judy’s Quilt and Sew. I love the classes that they offer and the selection of materials and supplies.

         Here are some pictures of the quilt.  What do ya think?

Random Reflections              

         I love the Fox River. I used to live off of Route 25 and could walk my dogs down the bike path right on the river’s edge. The Fox divides all of the towns in the Fox Valley in half. When I was in downtown North Aurora and Batavia last week I took a few pictures of the mighty Fox.  In the next few weeks the Fox will rise as the snow melts and at times move extremely rapidly.

         I love to watch it flow and watch the ducks and geese swim against the current. When I lived near the river I frequently saw beavers, but only at night. They always surprised me because when they saw me they dove into the river. The trees have wire surrounds to protect them from the large beavers that make the Fox River their home.

         Whenever you need a moment of solitude, walk along the Fox River and enjoy the view.

The North Aurora dam

Winter Water

A view from the Batavia bridge

Wants and Wishes       

         I want to send out a big thank you to Donna Dowd for introducing me to these little beauties.  Every holiday, Donna sets a beautiful, festive table and I fell in love with the little salt and pepper shakers at each place setting.  There is just something fun about every person having their own set.  Donna was so thoughtful that she gave me my own sets for my home.  Every time I use these I smile and think of the joy they give me and how much I adore my best friend, Donna.