Off to a Good Start…

Today is Day 1 of the ‘official cookie baking’ at my house. So far, there are 2 1/2 dozen lemon meltaways; 4 dozen chocolate/chocolate chip; and 3 1/2 dozen oatmeal/walnut/chocolate chip cookies done!  Right now I’m waiting for the last tray of choc/choc. chips to finish; am thinking that I might delay the 4 dozen sugar cookies until tomorrow. Should mention here that I sort of ‘cheated’ on two of the recipes, using the ‘cake mix cookies’ idea for the chocolate & lemon varieties; they’re easy, go together quickly and taste really good! I still have several other recipes I want to try, but this year I’ve sort of varied a little from my ‘usual’ cookies. At the special needs dinner someone baked these really yummy choc/nut/oatmeal cookies which sent me on a mission to find something like them. Below is a pretty close copy:

“Prize Winning Oatmeal Drop Cookies”

(by Liz Tracy, as featured on allrecipes.com)

2 c. sifted all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt (I would omit this)

1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

2 C. rolled oats

1/2 C. packed brown sugar

1/2 C. white sugar

1 C. shortening

2 eggs

1/3 C. milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 C. chopped walnuts

———

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add oatmeal, brown sugar, white sugar, shortening, eggs, milk and vanilla; mix well. Stir in 1 C. chopped walnuts. Drop by teaspoonful onto greased cookie sheets and bake 10-12 minutes.

(MY additions/comments: I would omit the salt, as I felt these were a little too salty. I would also add 1/2 C. chocolate chips. I found that these were very hard to stir together and would suggest that the vanilla be added before all the wet ingredients, as it didn’t seem to be incorporated as well if added with the last ingredients. These cookies are VERY sticky; I used a melon baller to dispense them. They do not spread out, so you can group them closer together on the sheets. With that size balls, it made 3 1/2 dozen.

(suggestion from original recipe writer: you can also use raisins, chocolate chips, M & M’s or coconut instead of the walnuts, if you wish)

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I’m also eyeing another really yummy dessert that I haven’t made in quite some time:

Pistachio Dessert

1 small pkg. Pistachio jello pudding mix

1 large container Cool Whip

chopped cherries & walnuts (your choice as to how much)

—-

Mix DRY jello pudding into Cool Whip; when fully incorporated, stir in chopped cherries & nuts. Chill 1 hour before serving. (can be doubled)

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(NOTE: you can also add 1 small can drained crushed pineapple and small marshmallows, if you like)

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‘Tis the season to get baking & cooking all the lovely ‘treats’ we so enjoy at this time of year.  It’s a lovely (rather gray) WARM (35 degrees!) day out today; I’m not complaining a bit – whenever I can walk or drive without worrying about slipping, sliding or getting stuck in snow or ice, it’s a great day!

I’m not a big tv watcher, but lately there is a new feature on the Travel Channel called “Meet the Natives” which has me totally fascinated.

http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Meet_the_Natives

Five native men from the island of Tanna (in the South Pacific) have been sent by their high chief to speak to the highest ruler in the United States with the goal of achieving Peace. These are native men who wear very little in the line of clothing and who speak through one of their young men who has learned English. I am constantly amazed and enlightened at the level of not only their understanding, but their views on our culture and customs. They spend time living with five ‘families’ across the United States eating local foods, experiencing our customs (like Thanksgiving and Christmas), and inter-acting with the people in that location. Their depth of understanding is truly amazing, in my opinion. If you get a chance, check it out! (or, at least go to the site and read about it!).

Hoping you are getting ‘in the spirit’ of the season;

Hugs;

Pammie

Takin’ it Easy-for today…

After yesterday’s ‘fruit bread baking’ and last night’s Christmas gathering for my special needs group, this Pammie was just a little too pooped to jump into cookie baking. We had a great time last night and a great group; we estimated around 80 people to our little dinner (with just 3 of us getting it together).  We had a great veggie tray (I cut up around 12 seedless English cucumbers) with lots of veggies & dip, spiral meat & cheese sandwiches (our local Costco makes really nice rolled sandwiches using flour and wheat tortillas, sliced meats & cheeses & lettuce all wrapped in a roll then cut into little pinwheel sandwiches, and lots of cookies.  The group sang four songs:  “O, Holy Night”, “Joy to the World”, “Silent Night” and our theme: “Amazing Grace” (always brings tears when our kids sing that one…I’m the biggest bawl-baby there and I’m also the one playing piano and trying to see the keys through the wet-stuff dripping out of my eyes!). Our kids sing that one with their whole hearts and it really shows. After 4 hours on my feet in dress shoes, I was ready to come home and just crash…and I did. Got up today and did a quick run to our local store (Gordon Food Service) and was only going to buy their frozen sugar cookies & tub of their white frosting…oh well, let’s just say I was tempted! Came home with the cookie stuff, a nice assorted box of 40 chocolate eclairs/cream puffs/and dipped filled balls; a pumpkin pie; chips (a necessity); a lb. of butter; some nice little paper dessert plates with red & green wreaths; a large tray of their sweet potato souffle (we had it for Thanksgiving and it was just great!)…think that’s all.  Let’s just say we’re going to be eating large on Christmas!

On to the recipes, you say? Sure! Among the very nice gifts I was given last night was a ceramic bowl and this recipe:

Crab Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/3 C. mayonnaise

1 T. creamy horseradish sauce (I buy Kraft)

1  1/2 T. minced onion

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1 T. parsley, chopped

dash garlic powder

6 oz. canned premium crab meat

1 bottle cocktail sauce

—–

Blend all ingredients (except half of the crab and the cocktail sauce) in a bowl and mix well. Place into a  serving bowl and pour cocktail sauce over top. Add r est of crab meat on top and serve with crackers.

(sure sounds yummy to me!)

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I believe I stated earlier this week that I’ll be trying to feature at least one recipe per day up to Christmas.  I’ve found some pretty yummy sounding ones; can’t guarantee that they’ll all be non-fat or healthy/nutritious, but they certainly would brighten up a dinner or holiday party!

It’s 28 degrees outside right now and feels more like 20 or lower. Have to go pick up youngest son a little later from a band concert he’s attending so I’m not looking forward to jumping back in my really cold car…oh well, that’s the price ya pay for being a parent, right?

Enjoy your evening, relax a little, maybe pop a little popcorn? Sounds good to me!

Hugs;

Pammie

Recipes ‘n Wrappings

Just thought I’d add a few interesting ‘bits’ to your reading enjoyment. First up is an interesting site which features wraps: as in wrapping presents, wrapping scarves around your head or waist, all kinds of wrapping going on here – check it out:

http://furoshiki.com/techniques

Next on the agenda, another recipe! This time it’s a refreshing change from most; I found this one in the produce aisle by the apples and thought it sounded really yummy.

Apple Salsa

2 medium red apples

2 T. lime juice

1/2 C. chopped orange segments

1/2 C. finely chopped onions

1/2 C. finely chopped green pepper

1 finely chopped jalapeno

1 clove garlic, minced

2 T. chopped fresh cilantro

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. vegetable oil

—

Core and dice apples into 1/4 inch pieces. Toss immediately with lime juice. Stir in remaining ingredients; chill 2 hours. Use as dip for tortilla chips or can be served over fish, chicken or turkey. Makes 3 cups.

(featured by the Michigan Honeycrisp Apple  group)

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Right now our weather has done another ‘Michigan change’ – it’s in the low 30’s and finely snowing. It has been doing this on and off all day, but (fortunately) it’s not sticking too much. I’ve been watching the traffic in front of our house (we live on a major thoroughfare) and it seems to be going a bit slow. Tonight is my Knit Night, but it’s the ‘informal’ group, so I don’t feel really bad not going. (to explain: I have 2 groups, same people. The ‘regular’ Knit Night is scheduled on MeetUp.com and is every-other Tuesday at Panera Bread. My ladies liked getting together so much that the ‘hard core knitters & crocheters’ voted to meet on the ‘off’ Tuesdays at another location, Tim Hortons.  The regular crowd numbers between 14-16, where the Tim Horton’s crowd is around 9. Not a lot of difference in count, you say? Yes, but the bigger (Panera) group is the one that keeps growning bi-weekly, whereby the Tim Horton’s group is the same group. Since I started the Panera group, I kind of feel obligated to attend both meetings, but it’s really not necessary (although it’s just as much fun!). My husband is attending a retirement dinner for a very good friend he’s worked with for many years so I’m glad I opted to just ’stay home’. Dinner was simple: baked fish, macaroni & cheese & peas (or green beans, whichever you wanted). A lovely lady contacted me today with more squares; she’s the one I believe I mentioned around 4 months ago. The factor that gets notice: the first time she stopped by she dropped off 268 squares! Today she brought me somewhere in the 100 range (haven’t counted them yet, but she said she had 3 separate bags of 30 squares each which she felt would ‘go together color-wise’, then another bag of ‘odds & ends’ squares).  She said she really enjoys knitting for me and was thrilled to keep doing it. Me too! Just finished off afghan #219 today; that’s the first of the next ‘batch’. Since both ministries have had afghans delivered last week, I don’t feel so pressed to get more made right this minute. Sat down and just ‘knit for fun’ this afternoon, doing two “Granny’s Favorite” squares*see below* (those are the ‘knit on the diagonal’ ones, where you start with 3 stitches and keep adding on til you get to the middle, then begin decreasing until you’re back to the original 3 stitches, then bind off. Fun pattern – one of those ‘no brainers’ that look good when done.)

Well, friends that’s what’s going on around here at the moment. Still haven’t decorated the main tree (youngest son wanted to help and wasn’t ‘in the mood’ today…sigh). I feel like this year’s Christmas preparations are going at ‘ultra-slow’ speed…do you feel that way? Our Christmas contata was a week earlier this year than in years past, my special needs groups big Friends & Family  Christmas Gathering is a week earlier, too. I’m guessing by next week I’ll start feeling the ‘press’ to get it all done on time, but for right now I’m just ’sittin’ & relaxin’ a bit!

Enjoy your evening, stay warm and remember to smile a little.

Hugs;

Pammie

PS: In case you might be interested in learning how to knit a “Granny’s Favorite” square (for hot pads or dishclothes?) here’s a link:

http://tankhouse.knitability.com/freepatterns/DishClothDuo.pdf

http://dishandwashclothmania.com/grandmas-favorite-dishcloth-knit/

Cookin’, Crochet & Chicken!

Last year at this time I remember featuring several recipes and thought I’d do that again this year.  For the most part, these will be recipes which caught my eye but I haven’t tried yet (note the disclaimer…hehehehe). First on the list is one I just saw in the Sunday coupons; I like hot & spicy things and this sounded ‘just right’…

Buffalo Chicken Dip

(like Buffalo Chicken Wings in a dip!)

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1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

2 (9.75 ea.) cans Swanson chunk chicken breast, drained (or)

2 C. cooked chicken, cut up in chunks

1/2 C. redhot sauce*

(*Franks is the company who is featuring this recipe)

1/2 C. blue cheese salad dressing

1/2 C. crumbled blue cheese

assorted fresh vegetables and/or crackers for dipping

————

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix ingredients in deep baking dish until smooth. Bake 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling.

(http://www.franksredhot.com)

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Tonight I’m in an ‘eating’ mood…but not a ‘cooking’ mood! I should be starting dinner soon and already know that we’re having an old favorite:  “Potatoes O’Brien” (at least that’s what I call it.) It’s a very simple recipe; let’s see if I can write it up in recipe format:

Potatoes O’Brien

1  1/2 lb. ground beef

1-2 (28 oz. ea) pkgs. frozen “Potatoes O’Brien” (or…

check the frozen potatoes section for pkgs.  of diced potatoes with chopped onions & green peppers included-sometimes it comes as shredded potatoes, like hash browns. I have also used hash browns and added my own chopped onions & green peppers)

about 1 stick margarine

2-4 T. garlic powder (we really love garlic)

1-2 tsp. ground black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. salt

dash or 2 Worcestershire sauce

(could also add a dash or 2 Tabasco sauce)

(small can sliced mushrooms, if desired)

1 1/2 – 2 C. shredded sharp Cheddar Cheese

———————

In LARGE fry pan, brown hamburger & drain grease; leave in pan. Add frozen potatoes along with margarine, cut into cubes. (this is the hard part…I usually keep checking the pan to see if the potatoes are browning and have enough margarine to keep them from burning; you could add more or less, as you determine.)  Cover pan and check about every 5-10 minutes to lift & stir potatoes & hamburger to ensure they don’t burn. (they do tend to stick some).  When the potatoes are almost fully cooked, add the seasonings and canned mushrooms.  Continue stirring/lifting to make sure all potatoes are fully cooked.  When the potatoes are fully cooked, add shredded cheese to top and cover until cheese melts.  You could also put the pan under the broiler until cheese is browned a bit & bubbly.

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For this recipe, remember that I’m feeding 4 adults with large appetites, so you might want to halve the recipe…feel free! We usually eat this in big bowls with lots of catsup (I know…most of you are saying YUCK! but remember I have all GUYS here!) It’s definitely NOT a cholesterol-free recipe, but it’s filling and sticks to the ribs!

Did my Christmas shopping with youngest son today which entailed the two of us going to American Eagle Outfitters and letting him pick out 2 pr. jeans and 2 t-shirts. That might not sound like much, but he got what he liked (and they had a good SALE!); he’s happy and now I don’t have to agonize over what to get him! I do have one more t-shirt squirreled away for him to open on Christmas (not Amer. Eagle, but a nice long sleeved tee with a sort of barbed wire design). I must say: after about 45 minutes in that store my OVERLOAD of all things PREPPY got the best of me. Lots of young people (teens & 20’s) all dressed in the latest fashions, all ‘perfect’ bodies/perfect hair, etc…a little too much for my 61 yr old mind to handle (plus the modern music on the speakers). The ONE thing that really surprised me? They were selling winter hats & scarves for girls…one nice white scarf in a basic crocheted shell pattern: $34.50!!! I could MAKE one for around $8!!! Oh, and the other item: a little hat with (AMAZING TO ME) the very same design that I just learned to knit! Remember me featuring that square with the Hexagon design? Yep, that’s the one! It was done in all-solid colored yarn: $19.00. Gee, if I really wanted a ‘cottage industry’, that would be my forte…knitting scarves & hats for American Eagle!

Anyway, that was my experiences for today; got the Christmas tree all together (finally)…now I just have to decorate it and we’ll be done with that project!  A few more little trips to go, buying a few ’stocking stuffers’ (side note: did you know that one of the best places to grab nice, reasonable stocking stuffer ‘food-stuffs’ is your local drug store? WalGreens/RiteAid/CVS all are having some great sales on candy-type stuff. I was all excited because CVS has Maxwell House instant coffee for $4.99 until I read WalGreen’s add and it’s $3.99 there! Since where I live all the drug stores seem to be competing for putting their stores closest to all the other drug stores, it’s not a big drive for me to visit all three within 2 blocks of my house! Walgreens also has canned salmon for $1.49 a can/limit 4…I love making salmon patties using that (we use 2 cans here…big eaters, remember?).

Guess that’s all I wanted to tell you for now; have more good sounding recipes coming up. Ten more days until Christmas! Still have all my baking to do…but that’s next week (I hope!).

Enjoy yourselves!

Hugs;

Pammie

Been Shopping…

The past two days have been spent going to several stores trying to find a nice, yet affordable gift for my 3 1/2 yr. old grandson. I had seen (what I thought) was a really neat toy advertised on TV: “Bounce Back Racer”, which is a toddler version of a remote control car which flips over ( if it runs into any object) and keeps going. It’s a great toy but my Scots heritage came screaming out and I just couldn’t justify paying $30+ for one toy. After searching several stores for his other favorite thing, cardboard puzzles, I came away frustrated. Yes, KMart and Meijers had puzzles: $8 + wooden ones with about 9 pieces which would bore him in no time. I finally ended up at our local Family Dollar store today and found 3 good, cardboard ones which will make him happy. He’s so cute; the other day when he was here the first thing he said when he came in the door was: “Gramma Pam has lots of puzzles for me, Dad! She bought me lots of puzzles; we need puzzles at OUR house!” (guess I know what he likes). Also found him a car carrier that has about 15 small metal cars in it; he loves playing with the little cars.

Amid the searching for the ‘right toy’ I also ended up snagging several pairs of winter gloves for the boys (not gifts) because KMart is digging deep in the discounting department and all gloves were 40% off! Middle son requested a few video games which I was able to find, and some floor mats for his car. Now floor mats are in most stores, but I was searching for something PLAIN which I could afford! Yes, there are the Tinkerbelle ones, or big dolphins or flowers (not GUY-type stuff). He has a Pontiac Grand Am which has small floor spaces; I was finally able to find a good set (all black) for around $24. (the fancy ones above listed run $30 and up!).  His 21 st birthday is coming up the beginning of January, so I have to remember to budget the gifts a bit so as not to go overboard with the Christmas presents then have to turn around and do it again in 2 weeks for his birthday. I know that probably sounds a bit cheap…but this year money is tight (as I’m sure it is in your households, also) and I have to take that into account.

Today is also scheduled as the ‘put up the big tree’ day; we’ll see if that gets done. The rest of the house is decorated and the little fiber optic tree is in the dining room (have to have at least ONE tree up!). If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you know that decorating is NOT my favorite thing. Don’t get me wrong-I like the ‘end result’, it’s just taking the time to get all the stuff down from upstairs, dragging out all the various parts to the tree, assembling the branches on the middle part, putting the lights on, etc. Not my ‘fun thing’.

Coming up this week is the BAKING! I’ve purchased the ingredients for getting that done, but it’s going to be another ‘waiting for inspiration’ moments for me. In lieu of that thought, I offer you a great-sounding recipe from my friend Peg in Florida (below is featured where she got the recipe, also):

Orange Cream Cheese Bread

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons grated orange peel
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
2/3 cup orange juice
——————–
Preheat oven to 350º F.
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Combine cream cheese and shortening, creaming well. Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix well after each addition.
Stir in nuts, orange peel and extract. Pour batter into two 8- or 9-inch loaf pans which have been coated with vegetable cooking spray.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 50 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; orange pour juice over loaves. Remove to wire rack to cool.
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Recipe source: Corner Sweet Shoppe yahoo group, submitted by berude2u

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Tonight is the last choir practice before tomorrow’s adult choir Christmas Contata. Just glad my health is holding out and my throat seems to be doing just fine (there have been years where that wasn’t the case!). Hope that this post finds you (a) in good health (b) enjoying the season (c) getting your shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, etc. done in time to please you and (d) remember to RELAX a little and enjoy yourself!  ‘Tis the season to be jolly’, remember!

Hugs;

Pammie

PS: Quick weather report for our area:  Thursday found us going through some snow flurries, Friday found us in the ‘deep freeze’, with temperatures no exceeding 16 (bitter cold) and today the sun’s out, it’s clear with temps around 25 degrees. I’m glad it’s warmed up a bit; my husband works outside quite a bit and the past few days have really been hard on him; I’ve been trying to make comfort food dinners to help in that area. Tonight is Turkey Noodle Soup (from the turkey leftovers of Thanksgiving.)

Getting Ready

Hi!

Now that it’s almost Turkey Day (and, YES, I now know it’s on Thursday, thanks to the reminder from my good friend Momma…grin) I guess I should explain my confusion on the actual ‘day’ of the holiday: in years past my son has been off for Thanksgiving holiday the day before Thanksgiving, but this year he has Weds-Sunday off, which threw my mental schedule off by one day.  I think I’m finally ready with the food purchases. Made an early trip (again) to Kroger for a larger turkey; thought I had the turkey thing all wrapped up but now we’re having extra company and the 15 pounder just won’t cut it to include leftovers. Kroger is having a GREAT sale on Riverside turkeys 29 cents a pound with extra $10 purchase (using their Kroger card). I picked up a 20- something pound turkey for $6.01 … you just can’t beat that!  Got a call last night to make a ‘fruit type dessert’ for a bride/groom shower our Sunday School class is throwing next Sunday evening after church. This is a very ‘interesting’ shower, as it’s for my long-time friend (the groom) who’s wife was my very close friend. You might remember a little over 2 years ago when I wrote about my friend dying of cancer…that was his wife.  Sometimes in life (call it ‘fate’?) events fall into place that just seem ‘right’.  In our Sunday School class is a lady (58) who is a widow with 2 daughters; her husband died of cancer 5 years ago.  As ‘fate’ would have it, she and my good friend’s husband(he’s 63) have started dating and are now going to be married in January! They are both great Christian people, very devoted to their children and each other. For me, it’s been a bit of adjusting to get used to this new ‘couple’, but I’m very happy for the both of them-to see them together makes me think of the words: It’s like ‘coming home’…they belong together.   I say all that to give you another recipe for a yummy dessert (don’t think I’ve posted this one before, but am not totally sure). It’s a light, fluffy, not too sweet dessert – every time I’ve made it there are NO leftovers…just plain great stuff! I usually double the recipe if it’s for a party.

Cherry-Pineapple Dessert

1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated)

1 large container Cool Whip, defrosted

1 can cherry pie filling

1 can crushed pineapple, drained

—-

In a large bowl, fold Eagle Brand milk into Cool Whip until incorporated. Gently fold in pie filling and pineapple. Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.

NOTE: You can substitute blueberry or strawberry pie filling and/or add chopped nuts before refrigerating.

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Even though I know it’s going to be a lot of work, I’m looking forward to the Thanksgiving meal; lots of good foods you don’t usually eat except at the holidays, friends and family to share with. With work schedules that day, we’ll be eating around 7/7:30 p.m. but that’s OK-part of the ‘downside’ of being in the food service business (oldest son is Executive Chef, his girlfriend is a server, his friend who’s coming is one of his employees…another ‘cook’).  Sometimes I feel a little intimidated cooking for my oldest son because he’s a chef, but then I think again: “Hey, I’m sure he’s just glad that he doesn’t have to cook this meal himself!”  Besides, sometimes he gives me little tips when helping with the last minute details (he’s a GREAT cooked potato masher!). This year I’m attempting to make homemade cranberry-orange relish since I can’t find Ocean Spray Cranberry-Orange relish (a staple EVERY year for our holidays…until THIS year!). His advice to me: freeze the fresh cranberries before grinding them…they come out less shredded that way.  Then he added: “That’s the way I do it at my restaurant and I make that stuff all the time”. I still remember the young kid who was just starting Culinary training who decided to make dinner for us: spaghetti…and the entire kitchen filled with dirty pots & pans, spaghetti sauce EVERYWHERE! Ah yes…they DO grow up!

Hope you’re ‘on track’ with your holiday preparations and food buying. It’s a semi-cloudy 49 degree day out today; still a nice Fall day (I hear we’re supposed to get the first “S word inserted here…Thursday or Friday…sigh. Not the ’sticking’ kind, but s-n-o-w in any form just signals it’s coming in larger quantities very soon…the ‘downside’ of living in Michigan…sigh.

Hugs;

Pammie

Bonus recipe:

Fresh Cranberry-Orange Relish

1 (12-ounce) package Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, rinsed and drained
1 unpeeled orange, cut into eighths and seeded
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar

1. Place half the cranberries and half the orange slices in food processor container. Process until mixture is evenly chopped. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining cranberries and orange slices. Stir in sugar. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Makes about 3 cups.

Thinkin’ about Turkey Day

Today was the beginning of  ‘holiday food shopping’; I spent a good amount of  time yesterday going through four different grocery store fliers and comparing who had the best prices on the various items needed for this coming Wednesday. Most of the stores ’special prices’ go through 11/29, but our local Kroger only goes to this coming Monday, so it’s there I spent a bit of my time. Have you ever had one of those days where you just feel like you’re ‘out of sorts’? That was me in the store today; up one isle, down another – look at the list and realize that one of the things I needed was 2 isles back from where I was now…trek back and get it, then go on. This happened a good 4-5 times! (Must be getting senile or something! sigh…) Perhaps it might help to add that I was holding 2 lists: one was the regular weekly list and the other was the ’specials’ I was supposed to pick up.  At least I can say that I got a good ‘walk’ in at the store!

Since Wednesday is Thanksgiving, I’m getting mentally prepared for the food preparations. We’re having the same menu we do every year (I know…some people like to ‘change it up’, but not my family): turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, corn casserole, snow flake rolls (courtesy Kroger) and dessert. This year we’re having the Fruit Cheesecake Selection from Gordon Food Service: something like 12 slices of cheesecake/4 different fruit varieties, like Apple Caramel (only one I remember right now without going down to the basement freezer to check…sorry).  One of my notes of ‘things to do’ today was look up the recipe (again) for Corn Casserole.  This is one of those things I found on the ‘net a few years back and it’s become a ’staple’ for our holiday dinners: nice texture, sweet but not too sweet, very creamy flavor…just a really good ’side dish’.

Easy Corn Casserole

1/2 C. melted butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 (8.5 oz.) box Jiffy cornbread mix

1 (15 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (14.75 oz.) can creamed corn (do not drain)

1 C. sour cream

—

Preheat oven to 350º. Lightly grease a 9 X 9 inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients, stirring to incorporate thoroughly. Spoon mixture into prepared dish and bake 45 minutes or until top is golden brown.

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I love this dish and usually double the recipe. The one thing I usually FORGET? To double the baking time…hence, it’s still not cooked when I think it should be (that happened last year…again….sigh).

We’ll be having roast turkey; got a really good deal on one (13 lb.) and I usually (if we can afford it) try to get two at this time of year; one for the freezer.  Turkey is such a versitile meat; great by itself, as well as in sandwiches, or the carcass makes great turkey soup.

Knitting Update:  After many attempts at getting the knitted cowl (neckwarmer) to lay right, I’ve given up on this project. It’s “o.k.” but definitely (in my opinion) NOT Christmas gift material: yes, it’s nicely knit and looks good…laying on a table, but NOT on your neck! Oh well, no harm done. Working on a new knit square pattern; will photo it soon and show you.

It’s a very grey, gloomy day today; temps in the low 40’s and it’s drizzling occasionally…the kind of day you want to stay home, cover up with a nice afghan, get yourself a big mug of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and read a really good book. Me? I’m going to get off here, go make a cup of coffee, cover up and wait for my teenager to get home from school, which should be momentarily. Dinner is homemade (leftover) lasagna and garlic bread; no fuss there, it’s already made! Don’t ya just love leftovers night?

Enjoy your day, hope you’re cosy!

Hugs;

Pammie

Unexpected Fun!

Almost 3 1/2 years old!

Today worked out to be one of those ‘not planned, but totally fun’ days. I got most of the housework/chores out of the way yesterday which left me ‘free’. Around 10 a.m. I got a frantic call from our oldest who wanted to know what I was doing right then; “Not much” I replied. “Can you watch the little guy?” “Yes, of course!” Due to some sort of  mix-up in scheduling, his Mother had to work, the great-grandmother wasn’t home which left my son frantically trying to find someone to watch my grandson (apparently he’d already driven to the Mom’s house AND the great grandmas…no one home either place!). We had a good time putting puzzles together, playing cars & trucks, rocking (and a nap), then time to go to great grandma’s house.  The whole mix-up got straightened out, and I got to spend some ‘fun’ time with my sweet grandson who’s growing so quickly. Due to lots of unplanned events (car troubles/sick cat/his Mom’s changed work schedule) I haven’t babysat him in almost 2 months, other than seeing him for a few hours when his Dad stops by, so this was truly a treat for me. What a nice way to spend a Fall day!

Working on afghan #210; managed to ‘put together for sewing’ six more afghans (I usually only get 4 done before getting too tired), so now I’m getting my ’second wind’ in the afghan department.

Last night was my Knit/Crochet group night and we had another new lady join us: total of 17 people gathered to knit/crochet/chat/eat & drink great stuff from Panera Bread/chat lots more/share ideas & patterns…all-in-all, a totally fun evening!  (Usually we average around 11-12 on an evening, so it felt like we were bursting at the seams! So glad that the management there like having us…of course we spend money, but they’re very tollerant of us re-arranging all their tables, too…we put them back when we’re done!).

It seems we’re still getting a bit of Indian Summer: nice breezes, beautiful colors, sun shining and the temperatures are really nice for this time of year (50-60’s!). I know it will very quickly change, but for now I’m just enjoying the blessings!

Have to get off here and go make dinner; my husband’s all-time favorite: “Souper Meat & Potato Pie” (I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere in my postings…it was an old Campbell’s Soup label recipe from the 70’s). It’s basically a big meatloaf which is baked half-way, then frosted with mashed potatoes and topped with shredded cheddar cheese…Yum!

Hope you’re enjoying your day!

Hugs;

Pammie

Having a Little Fun!

Today was one I’ve been waiting for, now, for about a month; took our cat to the vet’s for another check up and he’s doing good! The vet’s report: “Looks like the food is doing him good!” They checked him out and reported that there was no obstruction and very few crystals, so I was just thrilled!  So thrilled, in fact, that I went on a mini-shopping spree! (Actually, it was more of a “treat Pammie” spree). Came home with three nice pairs of earrings (Big Lots: they were a set and very reasonable: $3.00), a new container for my knitting supplies in my ‘carry everywhere’ knitting bag (for scissors, tiny ruler, crochet hook) from the St. Vincent de Paul thrift shop (for $1) and my last little find: Almond Chocolate Biscotti on sale for $3 at our local drug store! Yep, I’m a ‘cheap treats’ person, but it made me happy, so all’s good!

Finished another afghan yesterday, #209, and am ‘on to bigger and better things’…(actually, just #210….grin).

Tonight’s dinner is homemade chicken noodle soup which I have to get making very soon, as I like to let the chicken get to the ‘fall off the bone’ stage before using it in the soup.  Was able to obtain a really (in my humble opinion) fantastic, yummy treat recipe and thought I’d share it with you. WARNING: It’s very rich, but VERY yummy!

Reese’s No-Bake Squares

2 1/2 C. powdered sugar

2 1/2 C. graham cracker crumbs

1  1/3 C. peanut butter

1 C. melted butter

12 oz. chocolate chips, melted

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Mix together powdered sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Add peanut butter and melted butter; mix well.  Press into a 9 X 13 baking pan. Pour melted chocolate chips over top and spread around to cover top. Refrigate 15 minutes or so (NOT until hard), then cut into small squares.

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My youngest came home from a youth outing, brought one of these home and shared it with me. Of course I IMMEDIATELY wanted the recipe … it was gooey (could have been because it was in his hot hands?), peanut buttery, and nicely chocolatey! I have another recipe similar to this one, but that one comes out about 1/4 inch thick; the above recipe comes out about 3/4 inches thick!  Believe me…it’s worth making them (forget the calories…they all fall off when you cut the squares! …. wink).

Going into this weekend I have a bridal shower tomorrow at church for two of our choir members who are also friends of ours (well…the groom has been like another one of my ‘kids’), so it ought to be a fun adventure! They’re planning a January wedding (Brrrrrrr!). Before I go to the shower I have to help youngest bake a pan of brownies, as he’s attending a Chili CookOff and the teens are required to make (or at least ‘help’ make a dessert…he chose brownies, as that’s HIS favorite dessert!).

It’s shaping up like a fun weekend; our weather’s been a bit ‘goofy’ but I’m happy…it’s been chilly (in the 30’s & 40’s) with some rain, some gloomy days, BUT….NO SNOW so far! (It was predicted that we were supposed to get ’scattered flurries’ Weds & part of Thurs, but they didn’t appear…YAY!!!).

Enjoy your weekend; stay warm, eat something YOU like (brownies/biscotti/bagel?) along with a nice, hot steaming cup of your favorite beverage….gotta stay cosy, remember?

Hugs;

Pammie

Sure Looks Like Fall!

The leaves around here are now mostly on the ground; the weather has taken a decidedly chilly turn, with grey days filled with light winds and rain. That’s OK, it’s what’s supposed to happen right around now. Halloween, for us, was un-eventful; we live on a main road (45 mph speeds) so we don’t get trick-or-treaters, haven’t for many, many years.

The Harvest Party last week for my special needs group went very well; we had a roomfull of people (students/caregivers/parents) who seemed to really enjoy themselves. We went through a ton of chips & hot cheese, cider/pop and cookies. We had so much donated candy that each student went home with two small bags full! It was a busy, fun evening, for sure!

Tonight is our church’s “Ladies Fellowship” which consists of a light supper and devotional speaker. This time my alphabetical grouping (L-Z) is to bring a salad (the others, A-K)  are bringing dessert). I’m not a great ’salad’ maker for parties, so I relied on a recipe found on-line:

Apple Cole Slaw

3 C. chopped cabbage

1 unpeeled red apple, cored & chopped

1 unpeeled Granny Smith apple, cored & chopped

1 carrot, grated

1/2 C. finely chopped red bell pepper

2 green onions, chopped

1/3 C. mayonnaise

1/3 C. brown sugar

1 T. lemon juice, or to taste

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In large bowl, combine cabbage, apple, carrot, bell pepper and onions. In small bowl mix together mayonnaise, brown sugar and lemon juice. Pour dressing over salad and toss. Refrigerate for 1 hour and serve chilled.

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Note: You could also add chopped pecans, raisins, poppy seeds or mandarine orange segments.

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It’s been kind of ‘touch & go’ lately with our cat; another trip to the vets Friday for a re-check found that his urinary tract was blocked again (for the third time). I called my husband to ask just how to proceed. He said go ahead with another catheterization, but this is the last time. I fully understand; it’s been almost a month of vet checks and he isn’t really getting ‘over the hump’.  As I’ve said before, we can’t afford the major surgery for him if he blocks up again.  It’s a hard call to make, but sometimes you just have to do the ‘hard things’. We’re just watching and waiting at this point, hoping that somehow his system will finally clear itself.

Other than that, it’s been rather calm around here; finished afghan #208 Saturday and now working on 209. Visited the chiropractor today and my back is staying stable, which is a great thing-I’m not in pain. I’ve learned that, whether I like it or not, these visits are in my future regularly for me to maintain mobility and flexibility. Yep, I’m gettin’ older…sigh.

Enjoy your day;

Hugs;

Pam