Weekly Christmas Cookies and other Christmas sweets

How do the Bailey's celebrate Christmas, by making cookies while singing songs! Thinking back over the Christmas season I wanted to share with the world all the fun we had and what we made.

God sent His son as a babe to die for our sins, that is the true reason of Christmas. I want to continue traditions from my childhood and improve upon them at the same time. For the second year I choose to make one cookie a week instead of one day of feet aching torturous cookie baking extravaganza. My daughter Eva is learning to be a great baker so somethings were chosen with her abilities in mind.

Cookie #1, oatmeal and dried cranberry. The symbolism of red and white at Christmas is to remind us of the blood that was shed and how that blood can make you white as snow.

http://senceanddollars.blogspot.com/2010/07/oatmeal-and-dried-cranberry-cookies.html

Cookie #2, candy cane cookies. This cookie is a must for my family. Once again the red and white continues here but the reason candy canes were invented was to share the story of Christ. The symbolism of the blood, purity, and the shape of a 'J' one direction and a shepherd's staff the other way reflect that Jesus was truly God's son in the flesh.

Cookie #3, thumb prints. We baked with SIL Heather and used Granny Eva's recipe. I had planned to make this cookie so Eva could lend a thumb but that did not work out. The instructions say to bake a bit then press so they were too hot for Eva to help.

Week 4 was week of confections. Coating chocolate can be purchased or you can use 1/2 a package of almond bark and 1 package of chips. I used white chocolate to make chocolate dipped pretzel rods and the leftover I used Andes peppermint chips to make candy cane bark. I used regular chocolate to make cashew clusters. The big hit with a toddler was the snap turtles. Eva helped unwrap 2 bags of roles and set each Rolo on a Syndar Snap pretzel. Bake at 200 degrees until the Rolo is soft then press a pecan on top. Cool and enjoy.

The final sweet is enjoyed Christmas morning. For years I made cinnamon rolls but once the Baileys introduced me to Kringler I was hooked! This is one of the only things they use almond extract in so it makes since that I love it so.

And that folks explains my sugar high!

Warm Beverages

What is keeping me comfy, warm beverages!

I don't like tea unless it is doctored like my coffee. So I figured out that I could make a cup of tea and add chai tea mix that does not have instant tea. This has been great because as a new mom again I need to be drinking mother's milk tea.

Tea Mix

2 c instant milk

1 c French vanilla creamer

1 1/2 c sugar

2 t cinnamon and ginger

1 t cardamom and ground cloves

Mix in food processor. If you want to include the tea, which makes great gifts, add 1 1/2 c instant tea. Makes 1 qt jar

I have been enjoying some peppermint hot cocoa that my mom got at Aldi. Well, if you shop there ever you know that they don't carry the stuff you love most but once a year. So, here is the mix I made. Once again, great gift idea.

Hot Cocoa Mixes

5 c powdered milk

1 c powdered creamer

3 c powdered sugar

1 1/2 c cocoa

Add everything to the blender. Store in mason jar. To make add about 1/3 c to cup of boiling water. Enjoy!

Modification:

2 t cinnamon

or

12 smashed candy canes, reduce powdered sugar by half

Teething Biscuits

What's the baby eating, teething biscuits.

So, after having this recipe for 3 years I finally have tried them. Wow, they are like bricks! I do like them because unlike other teething biscuits Wren could not bite into it and therefore it is a choking hazard. This are long-suffering!

1 1/2 c unbleached flour
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c maple syrup
3 tbsp applesauce
Preheat 300. Mix all ingredients in bowl then transfer to floured counter top. Knead until the mixture comes together about 3 minutes. Roll out to 1/3 inch thick. Cut with cup and soda bottle cap for the doughnut shape. Place biscuits on greased cookie sheet, makes about 15. Bake until barely browned about 35 minutes. Cool on the cookie sheet. They will harden slightly more if left out overnight. Store in airtight container.

From Wondertime magazine

Black Bean Burgers

What's for dinner, black bean burgers!

Tonight I tried bean burgers for the second time with much success. They have a good amount of spice to them without being too much. I did not plan ahead for toppings, Guy wanted tomato and I wanted avocado.

Black Bean Burgers, adapted from allrecipes

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1/4 bell pepper

1/4 yellow onion

2 tsp garlic powder

1 T chili powder

1 T cumin

1/2 t to 1 t Thai chili sauce

Blend in food processor, scrape the sides, process a bit longer until the beans are broken up.

Add:

1 egg

Blend well, then add:

1/2 c oatmeal

I use a baking stone for everything but if using a cookie sheet grease it. Divide into 4 patties. Bake at 375 for 10-15 minutes, flip, bake 10 minutes then add cheese and bake until cheese is melted. I used pepper jack and we had tatter tots with it.

I did alter a previously posted recipe. Crock pot lasagna was good but the next day it was dry. So, I changed it to have more sauce.

For dessert last night we enjoyed a summerish delight but good whenever you are craving it.

Butterfingers Dessert

1 Angel food cake

3-4 normal size Butterfingers candy bars, crumbled

1 1/2 c powdered suger

3/4 c marg, melted

12 oz cool whip

3 egg yolks

Beat sugar, marg, and egg yolks. Fold in cool whip. Cut the cake in 1 inch slices. Lay half of the cake in a 9x13, pure 1/2 the topping, and then 1/2 the candy bar pieces. Repeat. Refridgerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

I did alter a previously posted recipe. Crock pot lasagna was good but the next day it was dry. So, I changed it to have more sauce.

Crock Pot soups

What do I want to try, 2 new crock pot soups!

My sister Lesley passed these recipes on to me with rave reviews. I look forward to trying both.

French Rice and Lentil Soup
6 c chicken/veg broth
1 c lentils, rinse, uncooked
2 med carrots finaly diced
1 small onion, finely diced
2 celery stocks finely diced
1/4 c uncooked rice
2 T minced garlic
1 t dried thyme
1/2 t salt
1/8 pepper
Put everything in crock pot low for 8 hours or high for 4.Top with sour cream and parsley

Autumn Herbed Chicken with fennel and squash
3 to 4 pounds chicken
salt/pepper to taste
1/2 c flour
2 T olive oil
1 fennel bulb finely sliced
1/2 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 t dried thyme
3/4 c chicken broth
1/2 c apple juice
Season chicken with s/p and flour, heat oil brown chicken. Place in crock pot add other ingredients.
Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 5-7. Serve over rice or pasta, garnish with basil and rosemary

6 Can Tortilla Soup

What was for pot luck lunch and block party dinner, 6 can tortilla soup!

This soup is really good and impossible to mess up. You can easily store these ingredients for o'crap dinner or tortilla soup sounds good!

6 Can Chicken Tortilla Soup

1 14oz can chicken broth

1 can cream of chicken

1 can rotel cilantro and lime

1 14 oz can season black beans, drained not rinsed

1 14 oz can corn

1-2 cans of chicken

Mix together, heat, and serve or put in the crock pot all day. Serve with chips, cheese, and sour cream. Yum!

Crock Pot Lasagna

What's for dinner, crock pot lasagna!

Fast and good dinner planned ahead of time, man that is nice! The house smells wonderful and all the mess is cleaned up as well.

Crock pot lasagna

1# burger

1 onion chopped

1/2 c sliced mushrooms

1 frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed

2 jars spaghetti sauce

1 6oz can tomato paste

2 t Italian seasoning

2 t garlic powder

32 oz cottage cheese

16 oz lasagna noodles, dry!

2 c mozz or cheddar cheese

1 c water

Brown burger and onions, drain. Add mushrooms, spinach, sauce, paste, and seasonings. Then layer in the crock pot meat, double layer of noodles, cottage cheese, and cheese. End with noodles, meat, and top with cheese. Pour water on top. On low for 4 hours. Enjoy!

Ode to Aunt Barbie!

What's baking in the oven, Apple Bread!

Guy's Aunt Barbie has past down some really yummy recipes. I love that though she is no longer with us because of baking her legacy lives on. I wanted to show Eva where our bread recipe today came from and I will share some pics with the world as well.

Baby Guy, Heather, and BarbieSue, Heather, Brandy, Guy, and Barbie. I am assuming this is Christmas baking. My sister's family calls these dipsy doodle balls but I am sure the Bailey's have their own special name for them.

Thanksgiving Dinner

What's for dinner, Thanksgiving?

Every year we get a free ($18 worth) turkey from Garmin. We have never used it for a holiday but instead roast it and use the meat in casseroles and soups. So, this is our second turkey this year because the sales at Christmas are just too good not to buy two. Here is how I cook my turkeys:

1 bird

2 t kosher salt

1 t thyme

1 t onion powder

1 t pepper

1/2 garlic powder

2 dashes of cayenne

Mix up the spices and rub all over your bird. Put it in a electric roaster at 375 for 13-18 minutes per pound. So, my 14# bird will be done between 3 and 4 hours. I will check it at hour 3 so we don't have a dry turkey like on Christmas Vacation ;-)

Tonight we will have the turkey with stuffing, homemade apple sauce, and baked sweet potatoes.

The rest of the turkey I will divid into 2 c amounts and put in freezer bags. I will plan on 4 meals from this meat, but most likely once I start measuring I should have more. Here are some meal ideas:

turkey enchiladas

white turkey chili

turkey pot pie or turkey and biscuits

turkey and dumplings

curry turkey salad

Apple Pie

What's for dessert, Apple Pie!

Once again with the apples. To think there is still more to come like bread and hopefully butter. I hit a great sale and got these Jonathan apples for 49 cents per pound. I bought a conservative 20# and to think that I only have enough apples left for a double batch of apple bread. This apple pie is a cooked juice method of fruit pie. By cooking the juice, adding the raw fruit, shell, and baking you know before that it will be firm and not mushy. Some twice cook their fruit and that is easily bought at the store.

Apple pie

7 apples, I prefer Granny Smith but today I did 1/2 and 1/2

3/4 c water

2 oz butter

Boil water and butter

2 oz water

2 T and 1/2 t cornstarch

Mix together and pour into water/butter to thicken. Then add:

3/4 c sugar

pinch of salt

1 T cinnamon

1/4 t nutmeg

Bring to a boil to dissolve sugar. Once it looks like slim pour over apples and mix. Let cool while you make the crust.

Pie crust

1# 8oz flour

pinch of salt

1 # cold butter chopped up

7 oz ice cold water

Put flour, salt, and butter in mixer until the butter is pea sized. Slowly add water. This yields enough for 2 double crust divided to 14 oz for each bottom crust and 9 for each top crust. I will make pot pie with the other half, best to plan ahead!

Applesauce

What is in the canner, Applesauce!

I feel that my Pennsylvania Dutch roots come out this time of year. I feel the need for work frolics and wool slippers. This is the third time I have made apple sauce. The first adventure I was joined by Jamie DeJong, then Briana Taylor, and how fun to spend this year with my own daughter Eva. The pride that comes out as my girl puts on her apron with glee and spins that apple peeler. For the record I knew I would not have the energy to do all this in one day. So, Eva and I made it last night and today during nap time I canned it. This was best because I would have been a nut with all that hot stuff and my girl near by.

Spiced Applesauce

3# apples peeled, cored, and sliced

1/3 to 1/2 c sugar

1/8 t each cinnamon, cardamon, and ginger

2/3 c water

Put everything in a stock pot, stir well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender. Mash with a potato masher or I used the blender carefully so I would still have chunky sauce.

To can put hot applesauce in hot jars, 1/2 inch head space, wipe rim, top with hot lid, and then screw on rim. Process in water bath for 20 minutes. Recipe only makes 1 full qt jar so I times the recipe by 5 and got 11 pint jars plus a little for sampling :-)

The samples were enjoyed by Eva who thought it was lip smacking good!

Chili and Cornbread

What's for dinner, Chili and cornbread!

This cool weather is sure making me hungry for comfort food. It is also the time of year I can save a lot on food because I can add beans so easily to many of my meals. Chili is one of many meals that I dont miss meat. I actually can hardly stomach chili with meat because people use way too much and it is a gut bomb. So, all bean chili for the Bailey's!

All Bean Chili

8 oz dry black beans

8 oz dry kidney beans

Soak over night. Throw away the water. Put in crock pot with fresh water and cook on high for 2-3 hours until the beans are tender. Drain beans and throw back in the pot and add:

2 14 oz cans diced toms

1/4 c diced onion

1 14 oz can corn, undrained

1 or 2 cans of chili beans, undrained

1/4 c chili seasoning

Cook all day in the crock on low and enjoy with corn bread.

Corn Bread, adapted from allrecipes

Preheat oven to 375, oil 9 inch cast iron skillet and preheat in the oven until mixture is done.

1/2 c butter or marg

2/3 c sugar

2 eggs or 2T ground flax with 2 T water

1 c buttermilk or 1 c milk with 1 T vinegar rested for 5 minute, or powdered buttermilk reconstituted to 1 c

1/2 t soda

1 c cornmeal

1 c whole wheat flour

1/2 t salt

Melt butter in pot, remove from heat and add in sugar. Then mix in eggs quickly. Add in milk, soda, and salt. Then beat in flours until blended, a few lumps still is okay. Pour into skillet and bake 25 to 30 minutes.

Pulled Pork

What's for dinner, pulled pork!

On sale right now at a couple of grocery stores is Boston butt pork shoulder for 99 cents/lb. I say buy it up and let the good times roll. The roast I cooked was so large I am going to divid it in thirds, one for eating and 2 separate meals in the freezer. We had it on rolls with potato salad and blackberry cobbler for dessert.

Pulled Pork

1 pork shoulder

1 can of root beer

a lot of shakes of liquid smoke

Put in the crock pot on low for about 10 hours. Remove and let rest 10-15, shred, and serve. I prefer to put the bbq sauce on my sandwich and not on the meat but that is just me.

Play Dough

What to play with, Play Dough!

Today we made play dough. We have never bought any but Eva has played with it at friend's houses. The recipe was totally easy but I had to add quite a bit more flour. Also, without a mixer I am not sure how long it was have taken to mix in the color.

The mixer did a lot of the work but my hands finished up. Eva requested blue, green, and purple for the colors. I love glass jars and have been saving jelly jars. These are the fit and active jelly jars from Aldi, I think they are cute.

Now with the play dough ready I choose a few cookie cutters, I have over 100! I picked ones that were totally open without crevices. A few essentials from Eva's kitchen like a rolling pin and spatula and she was set.

I was really jazzed when she grabbed the cookie cutter and knew right what to do with it. All in all a huge success.

Recipe from make-baby-stuff.com

1 c table salt

1 1/2 c flour, I needed a lot more

4 T oil, veg or olive

4 t cream of tartar

1 c water

food coloring

I dumped everything in my stand mixer. Turned it on and once it was all mixed together I just kept testing it to see if it was sticky and firm. I just kept adding flour until it was moldable. Don't worry, if you get a bit crazy with the flour, if it gets dry just add a little water. Once it was together I divided into 3 and added color to each, about 6 drops total. If you divid into 6 they fit into baby food jars. Store in air tight containers. Over time if they start to get dry just add a few drops of water. Have fun!

Hawaiian Volcano

What's for dinner, Hawaiian Volcano!

This is a great twist on chicken and rice. Cook extra rice when you do stir fry and extra chicken when you make enchiladas to have a fast Friday night dinner.

Hawaiian Volcano

Prepare all ingredients and layer in this order:

Brown rice

Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded

Pineapple, crushed or tidbits

Chow mein

Slivered almonds noodles

Green onions, sliced

Shredded cheddar cheese

Gravy (chicken broth slightly thickened)

Once you have layered, pour the gravy over the top as the lava that flows down. Enjoy!

Cream of ____ Soup, take 2

What's for dinner, White chicken enchiladas!

What's in the dinner, homemade cream of mushroom soup!

The first post on cream of ___ soup I posted a recipe but it did not get thick enough. Now that my mix was gone I decided to try another. I looked for one that had more thickeners in it. Once again, allrecipes to the rescue. I prefer to measure ingredients in weight because then you hadn't have 4 measuring cups and spoons dirty. So, as I made this recipe I scaled it in weight. I made one batch of celery and one batch plain. That way I could make plain for potato, broccoli, mushroom ect. One recipe fits into a pint size canning jar. I love storing stuff in canning jars. Cheap, buy in bulk, see through, glass, and homey.

Homemade cream of ____ soup mix.

2 c powdered milk, 5 oz

1 c cornstarch, 3 oz

1/2 c potato flakes, 1 oz

1 t onion powder

1/2 t garlic powder

1/8 t pepper

1/2 t marjoram

Put ingredients in the food processor and mix until blended. To make whisk 1 1/3 c broth and 1/2 c of mix in a small pot. Heat over med high heat, whisking until thick. Remove from heat and it thickens up beautifully. Make sure your broth is not hot because the cornstarch will not incorporate but clump up instead

For celery soup add 2 T dried celery to the mix in the food processor or simply saute 1/4 c, add mix, add broth, and whisk until thick. To dry celery it is really easy. You can dehydrate it or chop it finely and leave it out until it is dry.

For mushroom soup add 2 T dry mushrooms or simply saute 1/4 c, add mix, add broth, and whisk until thick.

Chicken Pot Pie

What's for dinner? Chicken Pot Pie

Guy has asked for weeks that I make him a meat pie. Well folks, today was the day. I am so thankful that Jesus laid on my heart to make this meal since my dear husband will be working on my car tonight.I put chicken leg quarters and a cup of water in the crock pot this morning and then I was committed. Once the chicken is done I removed the chicken and poured the broth into a dish. I let it cool then skimmed fat from the top. Then I have MSG free broth to make my own sauce. I will make a salad topped with tomatoes from my sisters garden to go with our dinner.

Chicken Pot Pie

2 unbaked pie crust

1/3 c butter

1/3 c flour

1/4 c diced onion

1 3/4 broth

2/3 c milk

1# frozen bag mixed veggies thawed and drained

1 c chopped chicken

salt/pepper

1 t thyme

Melt a bit of the butter and saute the onions. When tender melt the rest of the butter. Sprinkle in flour until you have something that looks like peanut butter, you may need more flour. Then whisk in the liquids. Bring to a boil and watch closely because milk burns easily. Then add the veggies and meat. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over pie crust and top with another. Cut vent holes and bake at 350 until hot and bubbly. Tip: I like to make my own crust so for the top of take balls of crumbly dough and pat then down making a bunch of small biscuits. This is how Missy Bailey wins the heart of her bread lovin' husband!

Happy Birthday Eva!

My dearest daughter turned two today and her momma made her some yummy cupcakes. I love this recipe because it has almond in it, simply put.

Almond White Cake, from allrecipes

1 white cake mix

1 c flour

1 c white sugar

3/4 t salt

1 1/3 c water

4 egg whites (save the yolks and add them to mashed potatoes. It makes them really rich.)

1 c sour cream

1 t vanilla ex

1 t almond ex

2 T veg oil

Preheat 350. Sift dry, mix wet, add wet to dry. Mix on low about 4 minutes. I fill my cup cakes with 1 large cookie scoop and 1 small cookie scoop, at is about 2/3 full. Bake 20 to 25 minutes.

Sharon Family Buttercream Icing

1/4 c butter, soft

2 c pwdr sugar

1 to 2 T milk

1/2 t vanilla ex

1/4 t almond ex

Cream butter, add sugar alternating with milk and extracts. Beat to desired consistency. Stir in color. For chocolate add 1/3 c coco, up the milk to 3 to 4 T and take out the almond.

Maple syrup, kinda

What went with breakfast? Maple syrup

My mom's family makes 'homemade' syrup which is so good and brings back so many memories. My Papa and Aunt Becky make it whenever we have big breakfast but it is also easy to have the stuff around for emergencies. An emergency can take place when there is no syrup, if you know me you know this as fact.

Homemade simple syrup

1 c boiling water

2 c white sugar

1/2 t maple syrup flavoring.

Boil water, add sugar. Once the water is clear take off heat and add flavoring. Serve hot. Cut in half for 4 or less people cut in half. Left overs can be reheated but the sugar will re-crystalize in a few days.

Waikiki Meatballs

What's for dinner, Waikiki Meatballs!

This sweet and sour meatball dinner is so easy and so good. Guy had 4 helpings and I had 3. I am happy there was still left overs with our big appetites. I usually serve this was a salad but tonight we had watermelon.

Waikiki Meatballs

1# frozen meatballs, thawed

1# egg noodles

2 T cornstarch

1/2 c brown sugar

1/3 c vinegar

1 T soy sauce

1 (20oz) can chunk pineapple, drained and juice reserved

1/3 c chopped green bell pepper

Cook pasta according to packaging. Thaw meatballs. Combined the rest of the ingredients in a bowl, stir until smooth. Pour into skillet and heat until thickened. Add meatballs and coat in sauce. Serve over pasta or rice, enjoy!

Old School Muffins

What's for breakfast, Old School Muffins....take 2

Alton Brown's base recipe for muffins, man these things are awesome.

All purpose flour 11 oz

Baking powder 1/4 oz

Baking Soda 1/8 oz

Salt pinch

Sugar 3 3/4 oz

Mashed bananas 3/4 c, 2 medium bananas

Whole egg, 1 large

Egg yolk, 1 large

Plain yogurt 3/4 c

Top with chopped walnuts

Preheat 375

Mix dry, mix wet; add wet to dry. Mix only until flour is gone. Fill cups to top. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. 12 muffins

I think that it still needs a little oil. May a tablespoon or two would be good.

Sloppy Joes

What's for dinner, Sloppy Joes

Once again I do try to achieve healthy meals but then I have a bad habit of then ruining them. I use pumpkin in my sloppy joes so that I dont use so much ketchup but then I am serving them with tator tots. This recipe is a sneaky way of getting pumpkin in your diet. I use 1/2 the can and the other half I usually make pancakes with the next morning.

Sloppy Joes

1# burger

1/4 c onion, diced

1/4 c bell pepper, diced

1/2 can (15oz) pumpkin, about 3/4 c

2 T bbq sauce

1/4 c ketchup

1/2 t garlic powder

1 t yellow mustard

1 T brown sugar

Saute onions and peppers until soft. Add burger, cook, and drain. In a 1 cup pyrex I put in the pumpkin, then bbq sauce, and then ketchup in order until you reach 1 cup. Then add garlic, mustard, and sugar. Mix and add to drained burger. Cook until heated through and thick enough for your taste.

(Altered from allrecipes sloppy joes II)

Shrimp Alfredo and Biscuits

What's for dinner, Shrimp Alfredo and Biscuits

I have been really wanting Red Lobster so I decided to make it for dinner. You can always buy shrimp at Aldi for $3.99 for cleaned shell on, easy peel. This is a cheater sauce but some times just jazzing things up is all we have time for as moms. I am learning to take short cuts here and there because life is so busy. I have a list going in my head of meals that I can make completely from Aldi's, this is on that list.

Alfredo with Shrimp

1# penne pasta

1/2 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic minced

1/2# mushrooms sliced

1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce

3/4 c grated parmesan cheese

1/2 c 1/2 & 1/2

1 pound shrimp shelled and tail removed

Cook pasta and drain. Saute onions in a little EVOO until soft, add garlic, sauce, cream, cheese, and shrimp. Cover but watch closely since milk products burn easily, until shrimp is cooked. Then remove lid and cook until thickened, I dont like my sauce to get too think so I add a couple of tablespoons of pasta water. Plate pasta and top with sauce and garnish with parsley.

Cheddar Garlic Bay Biscuits

2 1/2 c Bisquick (or make your own)

1/2 c cheddar cheese

1 t garlic powder

1/4 t onion powder

1/2 t dried parsley

2/3 c water

1/4 c butter

1/2 t garlic powder

1/8 t onion powder

1/4 t dried parsley

2 dashes Old Bay Seasoning

Preheat 375. Mix the top ingredients together, add water. You may have to add a tablespoon or so more of water to incorporate all the ingredients. Spoon on to baking sheet or stone. About 8 good since biscuits. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden

Combined the bottom ingredients, if butter is hard microwave to soften or liquidity. Brush over biscuits fresh out of the oven. Turn off oven and return the biscuits while you set the table, serve and enjoy!

Oatmeal and Dried Cranberry Cookies

What's for dessert, Oatmeal and Dried Cranberry Cookies!
1 1/2 c flour
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t baking powder
2 sticks softened butter
1 c packed brown sugar
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs ( I do 1 egg and 1 T ground flax with 1 T water)
1 t vanilla
2 c oats
2 c dried cranberries (you can buy these at Aldi cheap but for large quantity they have them at Costco, I just have never priced it)
Preheat oven to 350. Sift dry ingredients together but oats and berries. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients and mix in oats and berries by hand.
Bake 15 to 20 minutes, enjoy!
I am thinking this recipe could be good as a jar gift at Christmas, just thinking ahead

Dip, fruit, and popcorn

What's for dinner, Dip, fruit, and popcorn!

It is a Bailey family thing to do fruit and popcorn for dinner. When Guy first tried to introduce this he would want to do it on a night I had worked. I obviously turned him down flat since I had worked 13 hours I would need something more than that. Now a days we tried to have quiet Saturday nights to start getting us prepared for church. We usually watch a movie, get tithe ready, and get to bed in good time. So, these nights are great for something easy like fruit and popcorn. I still like a little more so I like chips and dip. I whipped up this spinach and artichoke dip for tonight.

Spinach and artichoke dip

1 c mayo

1 c shredded parmesan

1 box of spinach thawed and squeezed

1 can/jar artichoke hearts chopped

Mix together, spread in 9x13, top with 1/2 c mozzarella or mon jack cheese and bake covered in a 350 oven for 20 minutes. I am going to serve with tortilla chips but you can use sliced French bread

Mac and Cheese and Veg Salad

What's for dinner, Mac and Cheese and Veg Salad

Mac and Cheese

1# pasta

20 oz cheddar cheese or a mix of cheddar and american

8 oz 1/2 and 1/2

4 oz butter

Cook pasta. Put cheese, milk, and butter in microwave bowl and heat for 1-2 minutes. Once the pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain. Add cheese mixture and pasta back into the pot. Mix well and add pasta water until it is well mixed and not dry. Pop into a 350 oven until top is just golden.

Veg Salad, thanks Paula Hink

2 can corn, drained

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 bell pepper, finely diced ( I used orange, it was good)

1/2 c finely chopped purple onion

1 c cucumber peeled and chopped

4 T mayo

1/2 c sour cream or yogurt

1/2 dry mustard

2 t salt

1/4 t pepper

2 T vinegar

1/2 t celery seed, optional

Mix veggies together, mix dressing together, and fold dressing until veggies are well coated. Refrigerate overnight. Make 10-12 servings (Note from Paula which I agree with: unless you're like me and eat half of it).

Old School Muffin

What's for breakfast, Old School Muffins

Alton Brown's base recipe for muffins, man these things are awesome.

All purpose flour 11 oz

Baking powder 1/4 oz

Baking Soda 1/8 oz

Salt pinch

Sugar 3 3/4 oz

Veg oil 1/2 c

Whole egg, 1 large

Egg yolk, 1 large

Plain yogurt 1 c

1-2 cups extras, chips should only be one cup

Preheat 375

Mix dry, mix wet; add wet to dry. Mix only until flour is gone. Fill cups to top. Bake 18 to 20 minutes. 12 muffins

I have been thinking I could substitute 3/4 c mashed bananas for oil and reduce the yogurt to 3/4 c. Then add walnuts

Pancakes and turkey sausage

What's for dinner? Pancakes and turkey sausage

My favorite pancake recipe

1 1/2 c flour

1 T and 1/2 t aluminum free baking powder

1 t salt

1 T sugar

1/3 c powdered milk

1 T ground flax seed

1 1/2 c water

3 T butter or EVOO

Mix dry then add wet ingredients. You can make up a lot of mix and store then just add water. I love to use brown sugar and walnuts or pumpkin with spices or chocolate chips.

Turkey sausage is my only option. Once a year Aldi has 10 turkey breakfast links for 89 cents. I stock up for our brenners (breakfast for dinner).

Santa Fe Chicken

What's for dinner? Santa Fe Chicken

2 cans black beans rinsed and drained

2 cans corn drained

1/2 c salsa

4 chicken breast

1/2 c salsa

8 oz cream cheese

Mix beans, corn, and 1/2 c salsa in crock pot. Top with chicken then the other 1/2 c salsa. Cover and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Remove chicken, dice it up and throw it back in. Top with cubed cream cheese. Let cook another 1/2 hour. Stir and serve over rice.

Hint: I make the beans and corn for a side dish often. I just let it cook on the stove for a while so the salsa permeates the beans. Stir in cream cheese and serve.

Cold Desserts

What's for dessert? Something cold!

Here are two recipes that will cool you down in the summer heat.

Strawberry Chantilly (allrecipes)

1 c flour

1/4 c brown sugar

1/2 c butter (that is one stick)

1/2 c chopped walnuts or cashews

2 egg whites

1 c white sugar

2 c fresh strawberries finely chopped or whirred in processor for a second

1 small cool whip

If you use frozen strawberries use 2/3 c sugar and 10 ounces frozen strawberries.

Mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add nuts and place 2/3 of the mix in a 9/13. The other 1/3 put in another oven proof dish and bake at 300 for 20 minutes

In a large bowl whip egg whites, sugar, and strawberries on high for 10 minutes. Then fold in cool whip. Spread over crumb mixture and sprinkle with the crumbs from the other dish. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight.

Lemon Fruit Freeze

2/3 c margarine

1/3 c sugar

7 c rice crispies or rice chex crushed to 3 c

1 14 oz can sweet/condensed milk

1/2 c lemon juice

1 small box lemon pudding

cool whip

Melt marg, stir in sugar than crumbs. Set aside 1/3 c for garnish, pat crumbs in a 9/13. Bake at 300 for 12 minutes, cool.

In a large bowl mix milk, lemon juice, and pudding mix. Pour over cooled crust then top with cool whip and garnish with crumbs. Freeze 4 hours. Remove 20 minutes before serving.

Pesto and Biscuits

What's for dinner? Pesto and Biscuits

I had 9 basil plants 2 years ago that yielded me enough pesto to freeze that I am using the last of it today. What bits is that none of the basil I planted made it to now. So, I will need a new source for my freeze supply.

The pesto has whole wheat shell pasta, pesto, fresh diced tomatoes, and diced rotisserie chicken.

The biscuits are those yummy cheddar bay biscuits, like at Red Lobster. There are a lot of recipes on the internet. I dont use Bisquick so I made some up since it is the base.

I know it a shocker that I bought a cooked chicken. If I am going to do that I will get 3 or 4 meals out of it to make it worth it. Always buy them at Costco so you get the biggest bird for your money. Here is my meals with the chicken.

1 breast and back meat for pasta

1 breast split in two and served with a baked potato

1 leg and thigh for buffalo pizza

1 leg, thigh, and wings for salad

Review on Camp Post

The couscous salad was really good. I thought it would be good made ahead of time but the reviews said it was best fresh. I only had it fresh and it was really good.

Aldi no bean chili made with beef and TVP is good and did not upset my stomach. We had dogs with left over hot dogs, I was kinds opposed but they were good.

In the future I will have rain/emergent meal(s). We had rain twice and praise the Lord my in laws had a camper to retreat to. We would have been fine in our tent but our food would have been hard to prepare. I made quick meals up for Guy's backpacking so in the future I will have a one of those ready to grab. Also, tuna salad on the go packs would have been good for this problem as well.

We did eat out for 2 meals so we had a lot of food left over at the end of the weekend. I had a feeling this would happen. I had to throw some food away which I HATE! I will try to foresee a bit better.

Altogether our trip was about $25o. That is 4 nights of camping site split with Heather, 2 lunches out, duck tour in Branson, gas, a lot of ice, and a trip to Wal-Mart. The pontoon boat my in laws paid for which was a great treat. In the future I would be willing to go in on it to make it happen. It was a lot of fun!

Camp Food

What's for Dinner- Camp Food!

This summer the Bailey family will be spending some time camping on Table Rock Lake. I think it just as important to save money and limit chemicals on vacation as well as at home.

Breakfast:

Whole wheat bagels with neufchanel cheese.

Cereal

Eggs with fresh shredded hash brown and turkey bacon

Pancakes (Mix up your own at home with powdered milk and ground flax seed. Put in a shaker bottle. When ready to make all you have to do is add water!)

Lunch:

Sandwiches/ Wraps

Chili Dogs

BLAT's (avocado instead of mayo)

Dinner:

All beef hot dogs and corn on the cob

South Dakota Taco Salad

Steak with salad, potato/onion packet, and no bake cheese cake

Fish with Greek couscous salad

Dessert:

Banana boats (the best part of camping in my mind)

Smores (I prefer fudge shop cookies and roasted marshmallows)

This picture is the closest I can find to our way. I just use chocolate, no PB or mellows. Rap in foil and throw on the fire. When squeezable soft remove and enjoy.

Snacks:

Stove top granola in large pieces for granola bars

Cliff bars

Trail mix (smaller granola pieces, M n M's, cranberries, almonds)

Fruits

Chips (tortilla and Sun Chips (MSG free))

Recipe for South Dakota Taco Salad

1/2 lentil taco recipe

lettuce

red onion

1 can kidney beans

tomato

avocado

cheddar cheese

tortilla chips

thousand island

Mix everything together in a bowl but the chips and dressing. Layer chips, salad, and top with dressing.

Greek couscous salad

1 box parmesan cheese couscous

1 can chick peas

diced cucumber

diced fresh tomato

finely sliced red onion

goat/sheep feta

EVOO and balsamic to taste

Hot Dog Buns

Tip of the day- Hot dog buns!

I absolutely love when there are leftover hot dog buns. You may think to just let them sit until they are stale or moldy but I would say you are missing out! Here are some ideas,

Croutons- Cube them and let them sit on a cookie sheet over night. You can toast in the oven but why waste the energy when nature does it for free. Store them in a airtight container. When you are having salad lightly toast them in the skillet with a little EVOO. Then toss with italian seasoning and garlic powder. You dont want the seasoning in while toasting because they will burn, yuck.

Bread Crumbs- Let sit out until dried out, you can cut them up a bit if you like. Then whirl them through the food processor. You can season them but I leave them plain for more possibilities.

Garlic bread- Split open the bun and brush with EVOO and top with garlic, italian seasoning, and parm. Toast until the broiler, watching close.

Meatball sandwiches- Make the garlic bread above then top with meatballs and marinara for a delicious dinner. I use froze meatballs so this is a quick and tasty dinner.

Greek Salad

Tip of the day- Greek Salad!

Oh, the taste of summer is in fresh tomatoes! My friend and follower Jennie introduced me to greek salad several years ago and I cant stop. The real deal is in the feta. I get a sheep and goat cheese blend at Costco that is the bees nees. When I first started buying the cheese it was French and now it is greek. Mt Vikos Feta is the brand and it is written in Greek style writing. It is $6.99 for 18 oz which is a lot for me. So, I cut the block into 4-5 slices and freeze the extra that I dont need today in baggies. This way I can have feta ready whenever my own tomatoes decide to spring up and sing.

Greek Salad

Tomatoes diced

Cucumber peeled and diced (I use English cucumbers from Costco)

Red onion sliced thinly and chopped up a bit

Olives of choice, I use black

Feta

I put equal amounts of tomato and cucumber. Toss in onion until it looks like enough and the olives. I keep the feta on the side for people to add to their liking.

Greek Dressing

1/4 EVOO

1/4 balsamic vinegar

3/4 tsp oregano, basil, garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt, pepper, onion powder, dijon mustard

Shake it all up in a tight sealing container. I also serve on the side because if there is leftovers it will trash the salad

Sweet Potato

Tip of the day- Sweet Potato!

In our house we love sweet potatoes. Baked, baked fries, and grilled are the normal. Reasons to eat more of them is because they have almost twice the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A, 42 percent of the recommendation for vitamin C, four times the RDA for beta carotene, and, when eaten with the skin, sweet potatoes have more fiber than oatmeal. All these benefits with only about 130 to 160 calories! Well here are three new ways to use them. (foodreference.com)

Potato Pocket

Yukon gold potatoes

Sweet potatoes

Yellow onion

Thinly slice potatoes and onions. Put in foil with salt and pepper and dot with butter. Seals the foil pocket and grill until potatoes are tender.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

Add 2-3 medium cooked and mashed sweet potatoes to pancake batter. I add spices like clove, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and/or cardamon.

Sweet potato burritos

This is a recipe I plan to try soon. Here is an example from allrecipes.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Addictive-Sweet-Potato-Burritos/Detail.aspx

Bacon'n Pancakes

Tip of the day-Bacon'n pancakes!

This is one of the few life's lessons I learned from my Papa. He introduced Guy and I to the revolutionary idea of cooking your bacon into your pancakes. With real bacon some of the fat is sucked up in the batter but with turkey bacon (my lot in life) no so much, but still good.

First partial cook your bacon, or at least on one side.

Then mix up your batter, I use the old fashion pancake recipe on allrecipes, with aluminum free baking powder.

Then pour out your batter and place the bacon on the uncooked side.

Then, partake in the goodness.

Eva is always a great help. While I cooked these up she rearranged the spices. Sweet girl!

Homemade Granola

Tip of the day- Homemade Granola

I realized some time back that granola is expensive to buy yet so easy to make. All the ingredients can be purchased at Aldi, better yet, you will not add HFCS! I have given this as gifts, and eaten it as a snack or meal. Feel free to add wheat germ or ground flax seed. I will warn you that those are types of fiber and fiber can add results on the other end.

Granola

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups rolled oats
• cinnamon to taste
• 1/3 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• cinnamon to taste
• 1-2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/3 cup dried fruit
• 1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oats then cook and stir until starting to brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and spread out on a cookie sheet to cool.
  2. Melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and brown sugar; cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly. Return the oats to the pan. Cook and stir for another 5 minutes or so. Turn off heat, add cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and toppings. Pour out onto the cookie sheet and spread to cool. I will leave it out over night.
  3. Once cool, transfer to an airtight container. Can break it in large sectionals like granola bars, enjoy ;-)
  4. 
     

  Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com

What's for dinner?

For dinner tonight is leftovers from the shrimp boil along with a salad. For dessert is my new creation, lemon curd truffle! Here is what I did...

1 pound cake

2 cups of lemon curd, mine was leftover from my mini lemon meringues

1 tub of whip stuff

1 pint of raspberries

Cube the cake. I did mine in an 8x8 because I have a lid for it. I divided the ingredients for two layers: cake, curd, cake, curd, whip, raspberries. Enjoy ;-)

Shrimp Boil

Tip of the day-Shrimp Boil!

We have had 2 shrimp boils with our friends the South's. It is always a wonderful night filled with cooking, eating, and laughs. If you have never done this before, please consider it. We had each person bring a pound of shrimp and the host, Mrs. Jennie provided the rest. Like I mentioned in the previous post, I made mini lemon meringues for dessert. The mini is preferred because the crust to curd ratio is wonderfully right on.

So here is how an Old Bay Shrimp Boil is done.

1) In an 8-quart stock pot, bring 1/2 c. Old Bay, 2 tbsp salt, 4 qt water and 12 oz beer (we used Sam Adams to a boil.

2) Add 8 medium red potatoes, cut in quarters and 3 large vidalia onions, cut in wedges; cook over high heat for 8 minutes.

3) Add 2 lbs smoked sausage, cut in 2 inch lengths; continue to cook on high for 5 minutes.

4) Add 8 mini ears frozen corn on the cob, thawed to pot; continue to boil for 7 minutes.

5) Add 4 lbs shrimp in shells, cook 4 minutes

Steven and Alice (AK)

6) Prep table by lining the center with newspaper, dump drained goodness on newspaper. We saved the broth for a future use like gumbo.

7) Sprinkle with additional Old Bay and enjoy

I love my girls Eva, my daughter, and Leila, my niece, first at the table for shrimp. Eva was looking forward to the sausage that she calls hot dogs

The gang, minus Jennie who was the photographer. From the left: Guy, Me, Eric, Eva, David, Leila, Briana, Levi, Alice, and Steven.

Recipe from recipezaar.com