Happy Thursday!

Not much going on around here – babysitting today: older grandson (11) will be dropped off here from 8 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. then he & I will go to his house to ‘child/babywatch’ both boys until around 4:30 – for me, that’s a kind of EASY day!

============

Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart

3/4 C. butter, softened
1/2 C. powdered sugar
1 1/2 C. flour
1 (10 – 12 oz) pkg. white
baking chips, melted/cooled
1/4 C. heavy whipping cream
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese,
softened
1/2 C. pineapple juice
1/4 C. granulated sugar
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 – 2 C. fresh strawberries,
hulled/sliced
1 C. fresh blueberries
1 C. fresh raspberries
–
Preheat oven 300 degrees F.
Cream butter & powdered sugar
until light & fluffy. Beat in flour
(mixture will be crumbly). Pat
into greased 12 inch pizza pan &
bake 25-28 minutes until lightly
browned; cool. Beat melted chips &
cream until smooth. Beat in cream
cheese until smooth & spread over
crust. Refrigerate 30 minutes. In
small saucepan combine pineapple
juice, gran. sugar, cornstarch &
lemon juice – bring to boil over
medium heat. Cook & stir until
thickened, about 2 minutes – cool.
Arrange berries over cream cheese
layer on crust; brush top with
pineapple mixture & refrigerate
1 hour before cutting & serving.
Serves 12

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
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Crunchy Asian Broccoli
Coleslaw

1/2 C. zesty Italian salad dressing
2 (3 oz, ea) pkgs. ramen noodle soup
mix, any flavor
2 (12 oz, ea) pkgs. broccoli slaw
4 green onions, sliced
1/2 C. dry roasted sunflower kernels
1/2 C. sliced almonds, toasted
–
Mix dressing with seasoning packet
from 1 soup mix pkg (discard remaining
seasoning packet or reserve for another
use). Break noodles apart & place in
large bowl. Add slaw, onions, sunflower
kernels & nuts; mix lightly. Add dressing
mixture & mix lightly. Serves 9 (1 C. each)

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
————————————–

Tomato/Onion Phyllo Pizza

5 T. butter, melted
14 sheets phyllo dough (14 X 9″)
7 T. grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 C. thinly sliced onion
1 lb. plum tomatoes, sliced
1 1/2 tsp. minced fresh oregano
(or 1/2 tsp. dried)
1 tsp. minced fresh thyme (or
1/4 tsp. dried)
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
Brush a 15 X 10 X 1″ baking sheet
with some of the melted butter.
Unroll phyllo dough & cut stack
into a 10 1/2 X 9 inch rectangle;
discard scraps. Line bottom of
prepared pan with 2 sheets phyllo
(sheets will overlap slightly). Brush
with butter & sprinkle with 1 T. Parm.
cheese – repeat layers 5 times (keep
dough covered with plastic wrap
& a damp towel until ready to use
to prevent from drying out). Top
with layers of remaining phyllo
dough; brush with remaining
butter. Sprinkle with mozz. cheese.
Arrange onion slices & tomatoes over
cheese & sprinkle with oregano,
thyme, salt/pepper & remaining
Parm. cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes
until edges are golden brown.
Makes 28 slices.

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
——————————

Crockpot Sesame Chicken

3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
salt/pepper
1 C. honey
1/2 C. soy sauce
1/2 C. diced onion
1/4 C. ketchup
2 T. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tsp. cornstarch dissolves in 3 T. water
sesame seeds
–
Season chicken lightly with salt/pepper &
place in crockpot. In a bowl combine honey,
soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, garlic & pepper
flakes – stir & pour over chicken. Cover & cook
on Low 4 hours or High 2 hours just until
chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken
from crockpot using a slotted spoon. Dissolve
2 tsp. cornstarch with 3 T. water & pour into
crockpot sauce; stir to combine. Cover & cook
sauce on High 10 minutes until sauce has
thickened. Shred chicken using 2 forks & return
to pot – toss with sauce before serving. Sprinkle
servings with sesame seeds.

(recipe: familyfreshmeals.com)
————————————-
(this is what I’m making for dinner
tonight!)

20-Minute Tortellini Bake

4 C. tortellini (can be frozen or
refrigerated)
1 1/2 C. spaghetti sauce
1 to 1 1/2 C. shredded mozzarella
cheese
2-3 T. grated Parmesan cheese
parsley, garnish (optional)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Cook tortellini accordg. to pkg.
directions, 8-10 minutes. Drain &
toss with desired amount of
spaghetti sauce. Spray 1 1/2 qt.
baking dish with nonstick spray
& pour tortellini into dish.
Top with both cheeses. Bake
8-10 minutes. During last
couple of minutes turn on broiler
& broil top so cheeses get slightly
browned. Sprinkle with parsley,
if desired & serve. Serves 4

(recipe: thisgalcooks.com)
——————————–

3-Bean Macaroni Salad

1 C. uncooked elbow macaroni
1/2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed/
halved
1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained/
rinsed
1 (15.5 oz) can great Northern beans,
drained/rinsed
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3/4 C. chopped red onion
1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. zesty Italian salad dressing
2 T. chopped fresh dill
–
Cook macaroni in large saucepan
accordg. to pkg. directions, omit
salt & adding green beans to boiling
water last 2 minutes; drain. Rinse
with cold water; drain again. Place
macaroni mixture into large bowl.
Add remaining beans, peppers &
onions – mix lightly. Mix remaining
ingredients until blended & add to
salad – toss to coat.
Makes 16 servings (1/2 C. each)

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
—————————–

BLT Dip

1 1/2 lb. bacon, cooked/drained/
crumbled/divided
2 C. shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (8 oz, ea) pkgs. cream cheese,
softened
1/2 C. sour cream
1/4 C. mayonnaise
1 C. Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 T. mustard
2 C. chopped/seeded tomatoes
1 1/2 C. shredded iceberg lettuce
salt/pepper, to taste
–
toasted bread rounds, crackers
or pita chips for serving
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 1 1/2 quart baking dish
with nonstick spray. Set aside
3/4 C. cooked/crumbled bacon.
In large bowl combine remaining
bacon, cream cheese, shredded
cheeses, sour cream, mayonnaise,
Ital. seasoning, garlic powder, salt/
pepper, mustard. Spoon mixture
into prepared dish. Bake 25-30
minutes until hot & bubbly. Sprinkle
chopped tomatoes, remaining 3/4
C. bacon & lettuce over hot dip.
Serve immediately with suggested
bread rounds/crackers/pita chips.

(recipe: simple recipes – Facebook)
——————————-

Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt Bars

10 1/2 graham crackers
3/4 C. frozen strawberries
1/2 C. banana, chopped
1 C. plain Greek yogurt
1 heaping Cup Cool Whip, thawed
1 tsp. vanilla
–
Line 9″ square baking pan with foil. Be
sure ends of foil extend up & over sides
of pah. Arrange half of graham cracker
pieces into 3 rows of 7 pieces each along
bottom of pan. Place strawberries in a
blender & pulse; add banana & blend.
Spoon fruit into a medium bowl; stir in
Cool Whip, yogurt & vanilla. Spread over
graham pieces in pan & top with remaining
graham pieces, placing them over bottom
layer. Freeze 4 hours. Lift dessert from pan
& let stand 5 minutes then cut between
graham crackers into 21 bars.

(recipe: yummly.co.)

======================

Our weather has been rather ‘early’
Summer – in the mid 70’s, cloudy
with scattered rain. Hey, we’re not
‘roasting’ so I guess that’s OK – don’t
have to run the air conditioning with
it like this.

Gas prices have dropped, again, to
$2.29/9 so I’m happy (total fill up
yesterday – yay!).

Hope you’re having a GREAT week,
so far!

Hugs;

Pammie

I survived Log Cabin Day – another year!

One of our members, Tracy, is also a spinner – here she’s demonstrating her craft to a young boy

My friend, Marty – all bundled up but smiling!

Our youngest member, Katie – (she has a green dragon painted on her face)

My friend, Lane (we’ve been friends since high school-used to ride the bus together)

Sally, brave soul who walked to Log Cabin Days – she’s there every year

It was a cold, windy and, at times, rainy day – not exactly the kind of day you’d like to spend outside knitting/crocheting/spinning in. As you can see from some of the photos, the ladies had to bundle up to keep warm. We braved the elements – I brought out my ‘fingerless’ gloves to wear while knitting as my hands kept getting very cold. This year the Waterford Hisorical Society chose to down-size our event from 2 days to 1, and then cut the time from 9 – 5, to 10 – 4. When asked, those in charge said that they just weren’t getting the help needed to run the event two days (and their members were getting older, hence less who volunteer). It was ‘nice’ but I found myself longing for the days past where there were Civil War reenactors & their tents, miniature steam locamotives, wood carvers, live alpacas, our ‘resident’ American Indian – alot was missing; I’m guessing simply because only doing this event one day and for only 6 hours was simply not worth all the efforts involved in set up and tear down. In years past the ‘tent people’ (reenactors) would come in Friday, set up their tents and live on the grounds until Sunday night – cooking/eating/sleeping in their environment – this year their area was bare. There are two parts to the grounds – the main area where the entertainment/food/and all the old buildings are – then there’s ‘over the bridge’ where my group (and the tents) are. The only other group in our area was a husband & wife who bring in surveying maps & equipment from the early beginnings of my state: Michigan. They set up their tent and dress in period costumes while informing people of the history of surveying – very interesting.  It was a good day but sad for me, as well – I miss the energy and excitement of Log Cabin Days past.

=============

Raspberry Mandarin Whip

1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese,
room temp.
1/2 C granulated sugar
1 (12 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed
2 bananas, sliced
1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges,
drained
1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen raspberries
–
In medium bowl mix cream cheese &
sugar until smooth & fluffy. Stir in Cool
Whip; fold in bananas, mandarin
oranges & raspberries. Transfer to a
9 X 13″ baking dish. Cover & freeze at
least 4 hours. Remove from freezer
half hour before serving.

(recipe: simplerecipes – Facebook)
———————————-

Wedge Salad Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 C. sour cream
1 packet Ranch salad Dressing mix
1 1/2 C. chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 C. chopped tomatoes
1/2 C. chopped, cooked bacon
2-4 oz. crumbled blue cheese, to taste
1 T. chopped fresh chives
–
crackers or tortilla chips, for dipping
–
Combine cream cheese, sour cream &
ranch dip mix – mix until smooth. Spread
into bottom of 9 inch pie plate. Top with
lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, blue cheese &
chives. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips

(recipe: lemontreedwelling.com)
—————————
Crispy/Spicy Zucchini Fries

3-4 large zucchini, ends removed/
cut into thin wedges
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 C. panko breadcrumbs
1 1/2 C. Parmesan cheese, grated
1/3 C. flour
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. chili powder, (optional)
1/4 tsp. paprika
–
vegetable oil, for frying
–
Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with
2 inches of vegetable oil-heat over
medium heat until oil reaches 350
degrees F. on deep-fry thermometer.
Line a large plate with paper towels
(to drain cooked wedges)
In shallow bowl or dish with a lip,
mix flour, salt & pepper together.
Place beaten egg in a second bowl.
In third bowl combine Parmesan
cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chili
powder & paprika – mix well.
In batches, dredge zucchini wedges
in flour mixture. Shake off excess &
dip in eggs, making sure all sides
are coated. Let remaining egg drip
off then dredge in panko/parm.
mixture, pressing firmly so that it
adheres to wedges. Carefully lower
wedges into frying oil & cook,
turning over in middle of cooking,
3-4 minutes until wedges are a
reddish golden color. Remove
using a slotted spoon, to a paper-
towel lined plate to drain. Serve
immediately. Serves 4

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
———————————-

Baked Orange Chicken

Chicken:
3-4 boneless skinless chicken
breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
salt/pepper, to taste
1 1/2 C. cornstarch
3 eggs, beaten
1/4 C. canola oil

Sauce:
2/3 C. brown sugar
2/3 C. orange juice
1/4 C. soy sauce
2 tsp. sriracha sauce
3 T. white vinegar
3 T. apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. cornstarch
–
Cooked rice for 4-6 people
–
Preheat oven 325 degrees F.
Season chicken with salt/pepper. In
separate bowls place cornstarch &
beaten eggs. Dip chicken pieces into
cornstarch, then egg mixture. Heat
canola oil in large skillet over medium-
high heat & cook until lightly browned.
Spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with nonstick
spray & place coated chicken in pan.
In medium bowl whisk brown sugar,
orange juice, sriracha, both vinegars,
soy sauce, garlic salt & cornstarch;
pour over chicken & bake 1 hour.
Serve over rice, if desired.
Serves 4-6

(recipe: sixsistersstuff.com)
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Fire & Ice Salsa

3 C. watermelon, diced
1 C. cucumber, seeded/
diced
1 T. chopped green onion
1/2 C. bell peppers, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded/
diced (optional)
2 T. chopped cilantro
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 medium red onion, diced
2 T. fresh lime juice
kosher salt/black pepper, to taste
–
In large bowl combine all ingredients.
Mix well & serve.

(recipe: allrecipes.com)
—————————–
Parmesan-crusted Pork Chops

4 boneless pork chops
1/3 C. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 T. Italian bread crumbs
3 T. olive oil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 pinch paprika
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray glass baking dish with
nonstick spray. Drizzle pork
chops with olive oil on both
sides. In shallow bowl combine
Parm. cheese, bread crumbs,
garlic powder, paprika, parsley
& pepper – dredge chops in
mixture until completely coated.
Heat 1 T. oil in a skillet & saute
chops, 5 minutes each side.
Place in baking dish & cook
25-30 minutes (longer if using
thicker chops)
Serves 4

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
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Chinese Chicken/Noodle Salad

Salad:
1 (16 oz) box linguine
2-3 C. rotisserie chicken, chopped
2 C. frozen peas, thawed
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 C. carrots, grated
4 green onions, chopped on a
diagonal
4 T. toasted sesame seeds

Noodles:
1/2 C. soy sauce
2 T. sesame oil
2 T. brown sugar
1/4 C. canola or vegetable oil
1 T. fresh garlic, minced
1 T. fresh garlic, grated
1/4 C. rice wine vinegar
1 tsp. sriracha sauce
–
Cook pasta accordg. to pkg. directions.
Place all salad ingredients in large bowl.
Place all dressing ingredients in large glass
measuring cup – stir to combine – pour
dressing over salad & toss to combine.
Cover & refrigerate 2-3 hours before
serving. When ready to serve: taste &
adjust salt/pepper. Serves 12

(recipe: jamiecooksitup.net)
———————————

Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie

Crust:

1 box (2 crusts) refrigerated pie
crust
1 1/4 C. flour
1/4 C. cocoa powder
2 T. sugar
1/4 C. butter, softened

Filling:

4 eggs
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. light corn syrup
3 T. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla
4 oz. dark chocolate baking
bar, chopped
coarse sea salt
2 C. pecan halves
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Toast pecan halves in a baking
dish 5 minutes until lightly
browned.
Open pie crust box – allow
crusts to sit at room temp.
about 10 minutes then unroll
both crusts. Press both into
a 15 X 10″ flat rimmed baking
sheet; cover entire bottom &
sides of sheet & overlap crusts
in  middle. Be sure seams are
firmly sealed. In a large bowl
whisk flour, cocoa powder &
sugar. Add 1/4 C. butter & cut
mixture using 2 knives or pastry
cutter. Press mixture on top of
unbaked crust. Bake 15 minutes
until chocolate puffs a bit; remove
from oven. In large bowl beat eggs,
sugar, corn syrup, butter & vanilla;
mix until fully combined & smooth.
Pour on top of chocolate crust &
spread evenly; sprinkle chopped
chocolate & toasted pecans on
top. Bake 20 minutes until filling
is set; cool completely before
cutting. Serves 15-16

NOTE:  When cutting: spray a sharp
knife with nonstick spray before
cutting-makes cutting easier & a little
less gooey.

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)

=======================

Last night when I got home I told my husband I
wanted two things: a hot cup of tea and a warm
shower – I was really chilled. The next knitting
event for our group comes up at the end of July:
the Oakland County Historical Society’s Ice Cream
Social which takes place on the grounds of our
first Governor’s house (mansion). Our group
took part last year but it poured rain the entire
day (we were located in the Carriage House
so we were dry), making it a day when few
people chose to come out for such an event.
This year the lady organizing this approached
me yesterday, making sure our group would be
there this year. IF the weather permits, we will
be located under a very large sycamore tree
which, I’m told, is right in the middle of the
event. Really hoping the weather permits
and is DRY and not too hot. You really begin
to test your ‘meddle’ when faced with doing
your craft outside/all day. It’s worth it – we did
have one young couple stop by who had just
moved to the area. The wife seemed very
excited to discover our group in her area –
hopefully she will join us soon!

Hoping your weekend was pleasant;

Hugs;

Pammie

Getting Ready!

Tomorrow is LOG CABIN DAY and this is what I’ll look like

It’s a fun-filled day – lots to see & do; it is a celebration of our state’s Log Cabin celebration. Every year the Waterford Historical Society puts on this event (this will be my ninth year participating. Our group gets together to demonstrate old-fashioned crafts: knitting, crochet (and along with us is my friend Tracy who spins). This year they’ve cut down our days from 2 to one, and cut the time from 9 – 5 to 10 – 4 p.m. so it will be a VERY fast day for me. There is SO much to see: a local alpaca farm brings out 2 of their alpacas (they have them in a small pen & you can pet them), there’s a small steam locamotive train on raised tressels (it’s about shoulder height), wood carvers, lace (tatting) makers, lots of food & music plus touring the antique buildings (AND a white elephant sale!). It’s a great family event.

=================

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

2 C. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. kosher salt (or 1/4 tsp
sea salt)
1/2 C. unsalted butter, cut into
chunks
2/3 C. sugar
finely grated zest & juice of
1 large lemon
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 C. sour cream
12 oz. fresh strawberries, hulled/
diced
coarse sugar (such as tubinado,
for sprinkling – optional)
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Spray two 24-cup mini muffin
pans generously with nonstick
spray or line with paper liners.
In a bowl sift flour, baking powder,
baking soda & salt. In bowl of a
elec. mixer fitted with paddle
attachment, beat butter, sugar &
lemon zest on medium-high speed
until fluffy, about 1 minute. Beat
in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla
until well combined, scraping
down sides of bowl using a rubber
spatula. Add sour cream & lemon
juice; beat on Low speed. Add dry
ingredients & beat on Low speed
just until evenly moistened. Gently
stir in strawberries on Low speed.
Batter will be super thick.Pour
batter into prepared pans.
Bake 15-20 minutes. Remove
from oven & sprinkle tops with
coarse sugar, if using. Makes 24
muffins

(recipe: all-my-recipes.com)
—————————

Mexican Corn on the Cob
(grill & crockpot recipe)

4 ears sweet corn
2 T. butter
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 C. fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. lime juice
1 T. Sriracha
1 T. fresh chopped cilantro
–
Clean ears of corn & place on
large piece of foil. Add 2 T. butter
& sprinkle evenly with chili powder.
Wrap tightly & place on grill preheated
to 450 degrees F..
Cook 20-25 minutes until crisp-tender.
Remove & unwrap corn; sprinkle with
cheese, a squeeze of fresh lime juice
& a drizzle of Sriracha. Garnish with
chopped cilantro. Serves 4

Crockpot Recipe:
Place foil-wrapped corn in crockpot.
Cook on High 2 hours or Low 4 hours.
Finish with recipe – unwrap/garnish,
etc.

(recipe: showcookergourmet.net)
——————————-

Sausage-stuffed Zucchini Boats

4 medium zucchini
1/4 C. marinara sauce
1 tsp. oil
1/2 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 C. diced red bell pepper
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
14 oz. Italian sausage, casings
removed
1/2 C. shredded mozzarella
2 T. grated Parmesan cheese
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Bring large pot of water to boil.
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise &
scoop out flesh using a spoon so
that each zucchini ‘boat’ is about
1/4 inch thick. Place zucchini
halves in boiling water & cook 1
minute-remove from water. Lightly
spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick spray & add marinara sauce
to bottom of pan – spread out evenly.
In large saute pan brown sausage,
breaking up into small pieces while
cooking – brown thoroughly & remove
from pan. Add oil to pan & cook onion,
garlic & bell pepper on medium-low
2-3 minutes. Add sausage back to pan
& salt/pepper – cook another 2-3 minutes.
Spoon sausage mixture into zucchini
boats (each should hold about 1/3 C.).
Top with a sprinkle of tomatoes, 1 T.
mozzarella & sprinkling of Parm. cheese.
Place in prepared dish, cover with foil &
bake 35 minutes until cheese melts.
Makes 8 ‘boats’

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
—————————————

Hot Jezebel Dip/Sauce

1 (18 oz) jar apricot preserves
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese,
softened
1 T. Dijon mustard
2-3 T. horseradish
fresh cracked black pepper,
to taste
–
crackers or pita chips for dipping
–
In bowl whisk together preserves,
mustard, horseradish & pepper –
add more horseradish/pepper, to
taste.
OPTIONAL: chill overnight OR serve
immediately poured over top of
cream cheese block. Serve with
pita chips or crackers. Serves 8-10

Optional: Pour into mason jars
& store, refrigerated, until ready
to serve.

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
——————————-

Creamy Tortellini Mac & Cheese

1 (20 oz) bag frozen cheese
tortellini
1 (16 oz) block Velveeta cheese,
cubed
6-8 slices bacon, cooked/crumbled
1 C. finely chopped yellow onion
2/3 C. heavy cream
3 T. unsalted butter
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste
olive oil, as needed
Parmesan cheese, grated, as needed
–
Heat 2 T. olive oil in large saucepan
over Low heat; cook onions, stirring
frequently, until caramelized, 10-15
minutes – season with salt/pepper.
While onions are cooking bring large
pot of salted water to boil & cook
tortellini accordg. to pkg. directions
for al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 C.
cooking water. Return pasta to pot
over medium-low heat. Gently stir
in Velveeta, heavy cream & butter;
season generously with salt/pepper
& add nutmeg. Fold in cooked onions
& sprinkle in 1/2 crumbled bacon.
Transfer to serving bowls & serve hot,
garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Serves 6

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
—————————–

30 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu
Casserole

1 (12 oz) pkg. bowtie pasta
1 C. chicken broth
2 C. Half & Half
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. onion powder
salt/pepper, to taste
3 T. sour cream
2 C. cooked/cubed chicken
2 C. cooked/chopped ham
1-2 C. shredded Swiss cheese
1 C. Italian Panko bread crumbs
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick spray. Cook pasta
accordg. to pkg. directions. Mix
chicken broth, Half & Half, soups,
mustard, onion powder, salt/pepper
in large skillet – simmer 4-5 minutes.
Add sour cream, chicken, ham &
cooked pasta – toss to combine well.
Pour mixture into prepared dish.
Sprinkle top with Swiss cheese &
bread crumbs. Bake 20 minutes.

(recipe: 77easyrecipes.com)
———————————-

Crockpot Nutella Brownie Pudding

3 eggs
1 C. + 3 T. granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C. cocoa powder
1/3 C. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
10 T. unsalted butter, melted
1/4 C. Nutella
–
vanilla ice cream
–
Find an oven-safe casserole dish that
fits inside your crockpot – spray the
insides with nonstick spray. Fill bottom
of crockpot with about 2 inches of water.
In bowl beat eggs & sugar on medium
speed 5-7 minutes until very thick &
light yellow in color. Make sure to mix
for full 5 minutes (it’s essential for
texture of this dessert). Add vanilla,
cocoa, flour & salt – mix on Low speed
just until combined. With mixer on Low
speed, carefully add melted butter &
Nutella – mix just until combined, using
a spatula to scrape sides of bowl – pour
batter into prepared dish & place dish
in bottom of crockpot. (the water
should go about halfway up the sides
of the dish). Place 2 layers of thick
paper towels over the top of the
crockpot & secure them by placing
crockpot lid on top. Cook on High
2-3 hours (at 2 hours it will be more
melty; at 3 hours it will still be moist
but totally cooked through – you
choose which you prefer). Unplug
crockpot & let stand 10 minutes.
Scoop mixture into serving bowls &
top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Makes 6 servings

(recipe: 365daysofcrockpot.com)

======================

Today I went out with full intention of purchasing gas
for my car at (what I thought) was $2.16/9 – big
surprise – it’s now $2.39/9 (again). Husband thinks
I’m a little nuts worrying about a few cents per
gallon, but HEY! Every little bit counts!

Weather-wise we’ve had a few showers & thunder; it’s
supposed to rain a little tomorrow (hope not). The good
thing is: our group is under a pavilion which helps – except
if it blows & rains – no big deal.

I’m pretty well ‘set’ for things I have to take with me
tomorrow – just need to do some ironing of my
costume and I should be ‘good to go’.

Hope you have a GREAT day!

Hugs;

Pammie

Taking Advantage of my FREE day!

Today I ‘technically’ have NOTHING scheduled except my special needs group tonight – YAY! I just went over my emails and decided to totally FLUSH a good 100+ recipe emails – got all the way back to Easter. That might not sound like much, but I get at least 12-15 emails a day from various recipe sites – some I read right away, some I type up & save to use here on my blog and some I just get rid of. A person can only save SO many – right? I just kinda closed me eyes and let them go – they won’t be missed if I didn’t read them in the first place, I hope.

A little later today I have to mail the next newsletter for special needs group (should have done it Monday, but I was lazy – I’m still ‘early’, as they’re not due until first day of July). Also on my agenda is stopping by the local baseball batting cages to purchase a card for older grandson’s birthday. Ordered him a “Minecraft” (game) t-shirt and need to order a on-line gaming ‘card’ that he can download for game time (I pay, he uses the card to pay for gaming time on line). He will be 11 this Friday but they’re not having a party until some time in July, so I still have time to get it all together.  “Was” supposed to watch both grandsons yesterday, but older grandson was at his Mom’s, so it was just baby & me – he was really good. He’s just discovered his “HIGH PITCHED” voice – we had a grand time SHRIEKING at each other – such fun! (didn’t take any photos, sorry). It’s hard to believe on Saturday he will be FOUR months old already!

================

Peanut Butter Pudding Dessert

1 C. flour
1/2 C. cold butter, cubed
1 1/2 C. chopped cashews, divided
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/3 C. creamy peanut butter
1 C. powdered sugar
1 (12 oz) tub Cool Whip,
thawed/divided
2 2/3 C. cold milk
1 (3.9 oz) pkg. instant vanilla
pudding mix
1 (1.55 oz) milk chocolate candy
bar, coarsely chopped
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
In food processor place flour &
butter; cover & process until
mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add 1 C. cashews; pulse a few times
until combined. Press mixture into
bottom of 9 X 13″ baking dish – spread
evenly. Bake 25-28 minutes until golden.
Cool completely on wire rack
–
In small bowl beat cream cheese, peanut
butter & powdered sugar until smooth.
Fold in 1 C. Cool Whip & spoon over cooled
crust.
In another bowl whisk milk & both pudding
mixes 2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes until
soft-set then spread over cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining Cool Whip & sprinkle top
with chopped candy bar & remaining nuts.
Cover & refrigerate at least 1 hour before
serving. Serves 12-16

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————-
Blender Salsa

1/2 medium red onion, divided
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded
juice from 1 lime
3 cloves garlic, crushed
5 Roma or Plum tomatoes, halved/
seeded
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. sugar
handful of chopped cilantro
–
Place half of onion, jalapeno,
lime juice & garlic in blender &
pulse several times to break up.
Add rest of onion, tomatoes, salt,
sugar & cilantro – pulse until
desired consistency is reached.
Refrigerate several hours for best
flavor – or serve immediately
if desired. Store in airtight
container in fridge up to 3 days.
Makes 2 cups

(recipe: momontimeout.com)
———————————

Zucchini Quiche

Crust: (or use 10″ store bought)
1 1/2 C. flour
4 T. butter, cold/cubed
4 T. vegetable shortening, cold
3 T. ice water
kosher salt/ground black pepper,
to taste
(uncooked beans – for weighing
down crust)

Filling:
5 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 C. milk (or 1 C. milk, 1/2 C.
heavy cream)
1 C. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
1 white onion, chopped
2-3 small zucchini, rinsed/chopped
2 T. olive oil
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
kosher salt/ground black pepper,
to taste
mixed herbs, garnish-optional
–
Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
Spray pie pan with nonstick spray.
In food processor pulse flour with
very cold cubed butter, cold
shortening & salt until mixture is
pebble-like in texture. While
pulsing, slowly drizzle ice cold water
until dough ball begins to form. Turn
dough onto counter & roll into a ball.
Wrap ball in plastic wrap & refrigerate
30 minutes.
Remove from fridge, roll out on lightly
floured surface. Fold dough in half &
carefully transfer to 10″ pie pan. Spread
dough out gently in pan & trim off excess
overhang. (Dough should be rolled out
1-2 inches larger than size of pie plate)
Cover crust with sheet of parchment paper
or foil & weigh down with beans. Bake
10 minutes – remove beans & bake,
uncovered, another 5 minutes. Remove
from oven & reduce oven temperature
to 350 degrees F.
Heat 2 T. oil in large pan over medium-
high heat. Cook zucchini until softened,
8-9 minutes. Add onion (& more oil if
necessary) – cook until translucent,
stirring occasionally, 5-7 minutes. Drain
any excess oil & season with salt/pepper.
In medium bowl mix milk (& heavy cream,
if using) with beaten eggs. Add nutmeg &
a pinch of salt/pepper. Spread veggies out
evenly in crust & slowly pour egg mixture
in. Cover top with mixed cheeses & herbs,
if using. Bake 35-40 minutes until crust
is golden brown & cheese is bubbly. Let
cool 10 minutes before cutting. Serve
warm. Serves 6-8

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
————————————

Pineapple Punch

2 tea bags
2 C. boiling water
2 lemons, halved/juiced
1 C. sugar
3 C. water
1 tsp. vanilla
1 (46 oz) can Dole Pineapple
juice
sliced lemons & fresh mint-garnish
–
Brew tea accordg. to pkg. directions
in boiling water. Place lemon halves
(not juice), 3 C. water & 1 C. sugar in
saucepan – bring to simmer. Continue
simmering until sugar has dissolved;
remove from heat, discard lemon halves.
Stir in vanilla & lemon juice. Combine
tea, lemon mixture & pineapple juice
in large pitcher. Chill & serve over ice.
Garnish with sliced lemons & fresh
mint, if desired. Serves 8

(recipe: momontimeout.com)
———————————
Smothered Steak
(copycat Applebees recipe)
NEED grill or grill pan

Potatoes:
1 head garlic
1 T. olive oil
2 lb. potatoes (Yukon Gold or
New Road)
1/2 C. milk
1/4 C. cream
3 T. butter
salt/ground black pepper,
to taste

Onions & Mushrooms:
1 large yellow onion
8 oz. white button or
creminin mushrooms
2 T. butter
salt/ground black pepper,
to taste

Steak:
1 T. olive oil
2 1/2 lb. sirloin steak, 1 inch thick
8 slices mozzarella cheese
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Cut garlic crosswise & lay on a
piece of foil. Drizzle cut edges
with oil & wrap tightly in foil.
Bake 30 minutes. Reserve oil
in packet & squeeze the head
to produce softened cloves.
Mash with salt/pepper. (can
be done ahead).
Cut potatoes into 1-inch pieces
& place in large pot. Cover with
water & bring to boil. Lower heat
to medium & cook 20-25 minutes
until potatoes are soft when tested
with tines of a fork. Drain well &
place potatoes in large bowl of
elec. mixer. On Low speed, mash
potatoes. Slowly add milk, cream,
butter then olive oil/garlic mixture
until fluffy & smooth. Cover & keep
warm until ready to serve.

While potatoes are boiling, place
olive oil in medium nonstick skillet
over medium-low heat; cook onions
until slightly softened, stirring
frequently about 15 minutes. Add
mushrooms & read heat to medium,
stirring frequently another 10
minutes. Keep warm until ready to
serve.

Cut steak into 4 serving-sized
pieces. Rub steaks with olive
oil on all surfaces. Heat a grill or
stovetop grill pan & grill steaks
4 minutes per side for medium-
rare, or longer, as desired. After
first 4 minutes, turn & top each
steak with mozzarella slices – cheese
will melt as steak finishes cooking.
Serve steaks with potatoes &
topped with some of onion/
mushroom mixture. Serves 4

(recipe: allfreecopycatrecipes.com)
———————————-

Crockpot Meatloaf-stuffed Onions

1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 C. pork rinds, crushed (or bread-
crumbs or oatmeal)
2 large eggs
1/3 C. tomato sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 T. dried parsley
1/2 C. Parmesan cheese, grated or
shredded
1/4 C. yellow onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 (16 oz) pkg. bacon
6 large onions – as large as you
can get
–
Spray insides of crockpot with nonstick
spray. Mix all ingredients (except large
onions & bacon) in very large bowl.
Peel onions – cut top & bottoms off &
separate 2 layers from rest of onion (the
layers will be put in the meatloaf). Shape
meatloaf meat into the same number of
balls as you have 2-layer onions – place
both on a sheet pan. (If you have any
leftover onion sections, you can use them
in another recipe). Take one meatloaf ball
& wrap with 1 slice bacon & cover with
the onion – carefully set into crockpot;
repeat with rest of meatloaf/bacon/onions.
Cover & cook on Low 6-8 hours or High
4-5 hours. (You will want to use a meat
thermometer to make sure the temperature
reaches 160 degrees F. Remove onions with
tongs when fully cooked. Serves 8

(recipe: crockpotladies.com)
—————————————-

Best 5-Cup Fruit Salad
(8 hour or overnight recipe)

1 C. sour cream
1 C. shredded coconut
1 C. miniature marshmallows
1 C. pineapple tidbits, drained
1 C. mandarin oranges, drained
–
Mix sour cream, coconut, marsh-
mallows & pineapple together in
a bowl. Smooth top & garnish
with mandarin oranges. Cover with
plastic wrap & refrigerate 8 hours
or overnight.

(recipe: allrecipes.com)

======================

I noticed yesterday that our gas prices
have REALLY dropped! Now at $2.16/9 –
that’s GREAT!

Hope you’re having a GREAT day!

Hugs;

Pammie

And so my Summer schedule begins!

Today is the start of baby/grandson sitting BOTH grandsons; was kinda hoping for an ‘easy’ day of maybe 2-5 p.m. but looks like it’s more like 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; we’ll see how this goes. Last night found me out to dinner with oldest son & his little family (minus older grandson) – it was my birthday dinner. Originally I picked “Olive Garden” but this is the Executive Chef son and he had a fit – “NO! We’re not eating there!” (he listed off a bunch of reasons, mostly that they don’t have a chef on hand to COOK their food, they warm it up & it all comes frozen – surprising. I’ve never eaten at one, their commercials just make their food look really good.) We ended up at the same place we ate for Mother’s Day. It’s a medium-priced  place with a relaxed atmosphere. Since my husband was also coming I had to kind of pick a place that wasn’t (in his words) “fancy-schmancy”. This place had good food; I had fried calamari for appetizer & cedar plank salmon, grilled asparagus & baby red skin potatoes – yummy.  Husband had the same and seemed pleased with his food (Yay). Tonight is also Knit Night so I’m really hoping I’m not totally exhausted when it’s time to go to that. I chose to watch both grandsons at THEIR house because then the (almost 11 yr old) grandson would have all his games/toys/friends right there and (hopefully) not be as bored as he would be at our house – we’ll see how this works out.

=====================

Banana Split Dessert (Lasagna)

Crust:
2 C. crushed graham crackers
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 T. sugar
kosher salt

Cream Filling:
12 oz. cream cheese, room
temp.
1/4 C. sugar
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed

Fruit Layer:
3 bananas, thinly sliced
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple,
well drained
1 lb. strawberries, finely chopped

Additional Toppings:
8 oz. tub Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 C. walnuts, chopped
chocolate syrup
rainbow sprinkles
maraschino cherries
—
Spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick spray.
Crust:
In medium bowl add gr. cracker
crumbs, butter, sugar & pinch of
salt; mix until evenly combined
then press into baking dish. Place
in fridge at least 15 minutes, to set.

Cream Filling:
In large bowl beat cream cheese &
sugar until fluffy, 5 minutes. Fold in
Cool Whip & spread mixture evenly
on crust.

Cream Layer:
Add even layers bananas, pineapple &
strawberries. Top with Cool Whip &
sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Refrigerate at least 4 hours up to
overnight.

When ready to serve, garnish with
chocolate syrup, sprinkles & maraschino
cherries.
Serves 12

(recipe: delish.com)
—————————————
Chicken & Summer Squash
(crockpot)

3 lb. boneless skinless chicken
breasts
2 (10.5 oz, ea) cans cream of
chicken soup
4 small summer squash, sliced
(poster used yellow squash)
16 oz. sour cream
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 1/2 C. Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 T. butter, room temp.
1 C. bread crumbs
dried parsley, optional garnish
paprika, optional garnish
–
hot cooked rice or pasta to
serve 8
–
Spray insides of crockpot with
nonstick spray. Place chicken
breasts in bottom of crockpot. In
large bowl mix soup, sour cream,
onion, cheese, garlic salt, pepper
& butter. Fold in sliced squash &
mix well to coat – pour over
chicken. Sprinkle bread crumbs on
top. Cover & cook on Low 8 hours
or High 4-5 hours. (chicken should
be fully cooked when it reaches
165 degrees F. using a thermometer).
Serve over hot cooked rice or pasta
& garnish with dried parsley and/or
paprika. Serves 8

(recipe: crockpotladies.com)
——————————–

Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni
6 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1 C. chopped celery
3/4 C. sweet pickle relish,
drained well
2 C. mayonnaise
2 T. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
paprika, for sprinkling on top
–
Cook macaroni accordg. to pkg.
directions; drain/rinse & let cool.
In large bowl combine cooked
macaroni with remaining ingredients
(except paprika) – mix well. Sprinkle
top of salad with paprika & cover.
Refrigerate 1 hour until ready to
serve. Serves 10

(recipe: mrfood.com)
———————————

Shrimp Linguine

1 lb. cooked large shrimp,
(thawed/tails removed)
2 T. butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes*
pinch crushed red pepper
salt/pepper
2 tsp. light brown sugar
1 C. Half & Half
3 T. fresh parsley (or 1 tsp.
dried parsley)
1/4 C. (heaping) fresh
grated Parmesan cheese
(plus extra for topping)
8 oz. cooked linguine
–
Place butter in large skillet
over medium heat; add garlic
& saute 2-3 minutes. Add
canned tomatoes**, crushed
red pepper, pinch or 2 of
salt & brown sugar – cook
about 5 minutes. Add Half &
Half & parsley; bring to slow
boil then immediately turn
heat to medium-low. Cook
5-10 minutes, stirring
occasionally until mixture
reduces by a third. Cook
linguine accordg. to pkg.
directions. Add shrimp,
Parm. cheese & black pepper;
cover & simmer 3 minutes until
shrimp are heated through &
cheese is melted. Add cooked/
drained linguine & simmer
3-4 more minutes. Serve
topped with more Parm. cheese
& fresh black pepper.

*poster said she used the canned
tomatoes with basil, garlic & oregano

**poster said she broke up the
tomatoes using a food processor
to make them smaller

(recipe: americantimesfood.com)
————————————

Mexican-style Coleslaw

1 (14 oz) bag coleslaw mix
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded/
diced
1/2 orange bell pepper, seeded/
diced
3/4 C. mayonnaise
1/3 C. sour cream
1 (13.75 oz) can black beans,
drained/rinsed
1 (13.75 oz) can corn, rinsed/
drained
1/3 C. fresh cilantro, minced
1/4 C. lime juice
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded/
minced
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix (dry)
–
In medium bowl whisk together
mayonnaise, sour cream, lime
juice & dry taco seasoning mix
until combined. Refrigerate until
ready to use. Combine all other
ingredients in large bowl. Toss
with taco seasoning mixture until
thoroughly coated, then top with
more cilantro, if desired. Serves 8

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
——————————

Easy Mini Sausage Quiches
(appetizers)

1/2 lb. bulk hot Italian sausage
(or mild, your choice)
2 T. dried minced onion
2 T. minced chives
1 (8 oz) tube refrigerated
crescent rolls
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 C. (8 oz) shredded Swiss
cheese
1 C. (8 oz) cottage cheese
1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese
paprika
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
Spray mini muffin cups with
nonstick spray.
In large skillet brown sausage &
onion over medium heat 4-5
minutes until meat is no longer
pink; drain. Stir in chives. On
lightly floured surface, unroll
crescent dough into one long
rectangle; seal seams & perforations.
Cut into 48 pieces. Press onto
bottom & up sides of prepared
muffin cups. Fill each with about
2 tsp. sausage mixture. In a large
bowl combine eggs & cheeses;
spoon 2 tsp. over each muffin
cup & sprinkle tops with
paprika. Bake 20-25 minutes
until a knife inserted into center
comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes
before removing from pans to
wire rack. If desired, sprinkle
tops with additional minced
chives. Serve warm.
Makes 4 dozen

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
———————————

Homemade Won Ton Soup

1 bunch green onions, cut into
1/2 inch pieces, divided – reserve
1 T.
6 fresh mushrooms, sliced – reserve
1 T.
1 lb. ground pork
1 T. sesame oil
1 T. soy sauce
1 egg
1/4 C. dry bread crumbs
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
1 (16 oz) pkg. wonton wrappers*
8 C. chicken broth
16 uncooked medium shrimp,
peeled/deveined (optional)
1 medium head bok choy,
torn into 2-inch pieces
16 snow pea pods
1 dash soy sauce (or to taste,
optional)
1 dash sesame oil (or to taste,
optional)
–
Finely chop reserved 1 T. green
onions & mushrooms – place in
a bowl with ground pork, 1 T.
sesame oil, 1 T. soy sauce, egg,
bread crumbs, salt/pepper – stir
to thoroughly mix. Spoon about
1 T. mixture onto center of each
wonton wrapper. Use your finger
or a pastry brush, lightly moisten
edges of wrappers with water. Fold
one corner of wrapper over filling to
opposite corner to form a triangle.
Press edges together to seal. Moisten
the two long ends of triangle, fold
them together & press to firmly seal.
In large saucepan over medium heat
bring broth to a boil. Drop filled
wontons, one at a time, into broth &
cook 3-5 minutes until they float to
surface. Reduce heat to simmer &
gently stir in shrimp, bok choy &
reserved sliced mushrooms. Let
simmer 2 minutes until shrimp turn
pink then drop in snow pea pods.
Garnish with remaining green onions
& dash of soy sauce & sesame oil.
Serve immediately. Serves 8

*you can find won ton wrappers in
the fresh veggie section at the grocery
store

(recipe: allrecipes.com)
——————————-

No-Bake Strawberry/Banana
Pudding Twinkies Cake

10 Twinkies, individually
wrapped (unwrap them)
4 C. whipped cream
2 C. strawberries, diced
2 C. strawberries, sliced
1 (3.4 oz) box Jell-O instant
banana cream pudding mix
1 C. heavy cream
1 C. whole milk
2 T. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
–
Rinse strawberries; pat dry.
Slice 2 C. strawberries & mix
with powdered sugar. Place
diced strawberries in separate
bowl (cake topping).
Place unwrapped Twinkies in a
medium casserole dish. Mix
pudding mix with milk, vanilla &
heavy cream – pour over Twinkies.
Top pudding with sliced straw-
berries & top with strawberries
with whipped cream. Last, place
diced strawberries on top of
whipped cream layer. Cover with
plastic wrap & refrigerate 3 hours.

(recipe: americantimesfood.com)

=====================

Our weather has cooled off a bit, had a few
thunderstorms to help that; scattered
showers & high of 74 today.

Not much else new on the horizon except
this coming Sunday is our “one day” Log
Cabin Day – that event crept up on me.
I know that it’s always the last weekend
in June but this time it seemed to come
earlier! Hope we have good weather for
our ONE day event (still can’t get used to
it being only one day now . . . ).

Hope you are having a good start to your
week. Stay healthy!

Hugs;

Pammie

Help! I’m Lost on “PINTEREST”!

If you’ve read my blog for very long you know I LOVE knitting – especially if it’s challenging (Why? I’m not sure!). There is a wonderful site on line that’s free; it’s called PINTEREST and it has all kinds of ideas for almost anything you can think of: crafts, cooking, fitness, home improvement, fashion, building, inspirational sayings, tips on how to raise foods/yard plants, etc. – if you think it – it’s probably on that site!

http://pinterest.com

They have a HUGE area for all things knitting and, in particular: Lace Knitting. I have recently learned that I love the challenge of lace knitting. It doesn’t have to be a doily (which most of you are probably thinking of when you hear lace knitting) – almost all of the baby blankets I have knit lately have been lace patterns. For example, the picture above is a lace knitting pattern (one I’ve bookmarked for a future baby blanket). There is really only ONE problem with Pinterest: once you start looking you get MESMERIZED! You can lose entire hours just looking at all the various things there! Sometimes you end up seeing a lot of the same thing; for example, I was looking at a particular site that just dealt with lace knitting – there were probably at least 12 patterns with the same photos repeated over & over & over! Why? Not really sure – you just learn to kind of skip/skim over them. If you have some extra time give Pinterest a try – I’m sure there’s something on there you would find interesting! (even recipes!)

=============

Hotel Rice Pudding

1/4 C. (1/2 stick) butter
1/2 C. sugar
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1 pint sour cream
1 C. raisins
1/3 C. chopped maraschino
cherries
3 C. cooked long or whole-
grain rice (not instant)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
spray a 1 1/2 quart casserole
dish with nonstick spray. In
large bowl cream butter &
sugar. Using elec. mixer, beat
in eggs, one-at-a-time. Add
remaining ingredients & mix
well. Pour mixture into
prepared dish & bake 45-50
minutes until center is set.
Serves 8

(recipe: mrfood.com)
——————————-

Bacon & Egg Macaroni Salad

1 lb. elbow macaroni
8 hard cooked eggs, chopped
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked/crumbled
1 C. chopped celery
1/2 C. finely chopped red onion
2 C. mayonnaise
1 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. black pepper
–
Cook macaroni accordg. to pkg.
directions; drain/rinse & let cool.
Place cooled macaroni in large
bowl; add remaining ingredients &
mix well. Cover & refrigerate at
least 1 hour before serving.
Serves 10

(recipe: mrfood.com)
———————————–

Crockpot Chicken & Mushrooms

1 1/2 lb. chicken
2 T. oil
1 (16 oz) pkg. crimini mushrooms,
sliced
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt/pepper, to taste
1/4 C. fresh parsley, chopped
1 1/2 C. chicken broth
2 T. cornstarch
–
Cooked rice or pasta
–
In medium skillet add oil & chicken; cook
on medium-high heat & sear until brown;
flip & brown on other side. Place in crockpot.
In same skillet add onion & saute until
tender; put in crockpot. Place mushrooms,
garlic, & parsley in an even layer over chicken;
pour in broth & add salt/pepper. Cover &
cook on Low 4 hours. Remove chicken &
add cornstarch to juices & mushrooms in
crockpot. Whisk until smooth then return
chicken to crockpot. Cover & cook until
gravy is thick, about 20 minutes. Serve
over cooked rice or pasta.
Serves 4-6

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
———————–

Crockpot Garlic/Lemon/Butter
Artichokes

6 qt. or larger crockpot
–
3 medium artichokes (or 2 large)
salt
pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lemon
1/4 C. butter
1 C. water
–
Cut bottoms off artichokes so they
sit flat; cut very tops off (about
half inch). If you have trouble
getting the chokes to fit, peel off
a few of the outer leaves; place
them in crockpot. Sprinkle salt/pepper
then add garlic. Squeeze lemon
juice over them. Cut butter into
slices & place on top. Add water
to bottom of crockpot. Cover &
cook on High 3 1/2 hours without
opening lid during cooking time.
Serve with melted butter (or
mayonnaise, if that’s your thing)
Serves 8

(recipe: themagicalslowcooker.com)
——————————-

BLT Panzanella (Bread) Salad

1 lb. bacon
1 T. olive oil
1/2 loaf French or Italian bread,
cut into 1-inch squares
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
4 C. chopped romaine lettuce
4 C. chopped iceberg lettuce
1 C. fresh basil leaves
2 large tomatoes, cored/cut ito
bite-sized pieces
–
Dressing:
2 T. fresh lemon juice
zest from 1/4 lemon
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. whole grain mustard
1 T. mayonnaise
1 T. sour cream (or creme fraiche)
1/2 tsp. honey
few drops sriracha or other hot sauce
1/4 tsp. salt
few grinds fresh ground black pepper
2 T. bacon fat
3 T. olive oil
1 T. basil, finely chopped
–
Cut bacon into 4 pieces each;
cook until crisp in large skillet.
Drain on paper towels & reserve
1 T. in pan & 2 more for dressing –
total of 3 T. reserved.
Add oil to 1 T. bacon fat in skillet &
heat to medium high. Add bread,
salt & pepper – toss continuously
until toasted on all sides, about
10 minutes.
Cut romaine & iceberg lettuces into
bite-sized pieces – place in large bowl.
Add whole basil leaves, tomatoes,
cooked bacon & toasted bread – toss.

Dressing:
Place all dressing ingredients (except
bacon fat, oil & basil) into a blender –
blend & slowly add bacon fat & olive
oil. Toss in basil & pulse a few times
to combine. Serve dressing drizzled over
salad & tossed to coat – or on side, if
desired.
Serves 4-6

(recipe: afamilyfeast.com)
—————————–

Cantonese Orange Ribs
(oven & crockpot methods)

1 slab meaty pork baby back
ribs, cut into serving pieces

Glaze: (for both methods)
1 C. orange marmalade
3/4 C. water
1/3 C. soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. grated fresh ginger
–
OVEN directions:
Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
Place ribs, meaty side down, in
a shallow roasting pan. Roast
30 minutes; drain fat. Turn
ribs meaty-sides up, reduce
oven temp. to 350 degrees &
continue roasting (uncovered)
60 minutes longer.
=========
CROCKPOT directions:
Place ribs in a 5-7 qt. crockpot.
Add 1 C. water & 1 T. soy sauce.
Cook on Low 6-8 hours.

Glaze:
 Place all glaze ingredients in a
small saucepan; bring to boil
over high heat. Reduce heat
to medium-low & reduce by
50% (should be like thick syrup).
Heat a gas grill OR broiler on
High heat. Generously glaze ribs
with glaze. Grill each side
approximately 5 minutes –
watch them carefully so they
don’t burn – just get bubbly
on the surface & slightly crisp.
Serves 4

(recipe: bakeatmidnite.com)
——————————–

Pecan Pie Bars

Crust:
1 1/4 C. (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted
butter, room temp.
6 T. granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 C. flour
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/8 tsp. salt
–
Topping:
2 sticks unsalted butter
1/2 C. light corn syrup
1 1/2 C. light brown sugar, packed
2 T. heavy cream
1 lb. pecans, chopped
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.

Crust:

Beat butter & gran. sugar in bowl
of elec. mixer fitted with a paddle
attachment until light, about 3
minutes. Add eggs & vanilla; mix
well. Sift together flour, baking
powder & salt. Mix dry ingredients
into batter with mixer on Low
speed just until combined. Press
dough evenly into ungreased
9 X 13 inch baking sheet,
making an edge around edge like
you would a pie crust. (It will be
very sticky; sprinkle dough &
your hands lightly with flour)
Bake 15 minutes until crust is
set but not browned; let cool.

Topping:

Combine butter, corn syrup &
brown sugar in large, heavy-
bottomed saucepan. Cook over
Low heat until butter is melted,
using a wooden spoon to stir.
Raise heat & boil 3 minutes;
remove from heat. Stir in heavy
cream & nuts; pour over crust,
trying not to get the filling
between the crust & pan. Bake
25-30 minutes until filling is set.
Remove from oven & allow to cool.
Wrap in plastic wrap & refrigerate
until cold. Cut into bars & serve.
Serves 18

(recipe: theslowroastedItalian.com)

=========================

Today is another busy day so I’m taking
a little time to relax here on my computer
as well as knitting a few rows on both
baby blankets. Among my purchases at
WalMart yesterday were two very large
balls of yarn: one a bright, cheery
yellow and a bright blue – sometimes
it’s hard for me to CURB my desire to
start another project when I see a really
cute pattern or nice baby yarn. Ah, the
‘fun’ of being a bit ADHD (Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) – No,
I don’t actually have ADHD (my middle
son does) – basically you get easily
distracted by almost anything! I’m not
that bad, but when it comes to yarns,
knitting & new patterns – I’m there!

Hope you’re having a GREAT day!

Hugs;

Pammie

Out ‘Shoppin’! (or – subtitle: I LOVE A GOOD BARGAIN!)

Today found me out & about – first trip was to the Salvation Army looking for a chest of drawers for middle son. Didn’t find one BUT found two very nice long ‘church’ skirts ( 99 cents each!), some yarn (of course) and three very lovely hand knit baby blankets (each around $3.99). I have learned to search for these (if they’re a good price and in almost new condition) – they get added to the many blankets & items we donate to the Detroit Veteran’s Baby Shower in September. For $3.99 I couldn’t MAKE one so these were a really good find. Next was WalMart (no, I don’t shop there often but when I do…look out!). Best deal? a VERY large black forest ham/Swiss cheese/lettuce sub sandwich for $3.29! Why so low a price? It was made yesterday – normal price: $4.99! It was large enough for me to have a quarter of it and husband had the rest – VERY big lunch and very reasonable, too!

Tomorrow night is my special needs group’s last Gym Night until Fall – we’re doing Bingo. Our kids love this as we have small prizes for winning (and, of course, enough for everyone to win at least one thing). Some of the other leaders have already found some nice small items so it was my turn. Let me tell ya – trying to find something small & reasonably price for a GUY is not easy! I ended up buying four key chains that have foam ‘floats’ on them (in case you drop them in the water when boating or swimming) – weird, I know – but I was desperate! Bought 2 big boxes of the ‘theater candy’ (99 cents each) – I kind of gave up. I’m pretty sure there will also be individual bags of chips as prizes, so we’ll be ‘good’.

=============

Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 C. milk
1/2 C. (1 stick) butter, melted
2 C. chocolate chips
1 C. caramel sauce
1/2 C. (from a can of vanilla
prepared frosting)
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick spray. In bowl beat dry
cake mix, milk, eggs & melted
butter until fully combined & smooth;
pour batter into prepared dish.
Sprinkle top of batter with chocolate
chips & press them down slightly.
Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick
inserted into cake comes out clean.
Let cake cool 30 minutes.
Spray  long fork tines with nonstick
spray: using fork, poke holes all over
top of cake. Pour caramel sauce on
top. Let cake stand 1 hour to allow
caramel to soak into cake. Microwave
prepared frosting about 15-30 seconds
until it is thinned out & easy to drizzle.
Drizzle frosting on top of cake before
serving. Serves 12-15
Store leftovers, covered, in refrigerator

(recipe: ourtableforseven.com)
———————————-

Bacon/Cheeseburger Casserole

1 uncooked pie crust
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
5 slices bacon, chopped
1/3 C. panko bread crumbs
1 tsp. yellow mustard
3 T. BBQ sauce
1 T. ketchup
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
1 egg
1/4 C. milk
–
Preheat oven 400 degrees F.
Brown ground beef, onion & bacon
until no pink remains; drain well.
Remove from heat & stir in bread
crumbs, mustard, BBQ sauce, ketchup,
Worc. sauce & pepper – place mixture
into pie crust. In small bowl combine
cheese, milk & egg – spread over
meat mixture. Cover edges of pie
crust with foil (or a pie shield) to
prevent over browning of crust edges.
Bake 15 minutes, remove foil & bake
an additional 15 minutes.

NOTE: you can also add diced pickles
to the dish, omit them or serve them
on the side.

(recipe: tasteerecipe.com)
———————————

Greek Pasta Salad

1 (12 – 16 oz) box curly pasta
(radiatore or ruffles)
1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach,
rinsed/drained/coarsely chopped
1/2 lb. (8 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 C. pitted Kalamata olives, drained
1 C. bottled Greek salad dressing
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
–
Cook pasta accordg. to pkg. directions;
drain, rinse & drain again. In large bowl
combine remaining ingredients; add
pasta & toss gently until evenly coated.
Serve or refrigerate until ready to
serve. Serves 8

(recipe: mrfood.com)
———————————
Hawaiian Party Salad

8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked/
rinsed in cold water
1 (20 oz) can pineapple chunks,
drained (reserve 1/4 C. juice)
2 C. cooked/cubed ham
1/2 C. shredded carrot
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. sour cream
1 T. apple cider vinegar
1 T. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
–
In large bowl combine cooked
macaroni, pineapple chunks, ham,
carrots & onions. In small bowl
whisk reserved juice, mayonnaise,
sour cream, vinegar, sugar & salt –
pour over pasta mixture & mix
until evenly coated. Serve or chill
until ready to serve. Serves 6

(recipe: mrfood.com)
————————————

Crockpot Green Beans

4 (14.5 oz, ea) cans green beans,
rinsed/drained
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked/
crumbled (reserve 2 T. drippings)
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1/2 C. ketchup
1/3 C. brown sugar, packed
1/3 C. BBQ sauce
1/4 C. honey
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
kosher salt/black pepper, to taste
–
In large bowl combine ketchup, brown
sugar, BBQ sauce, honey. Wors. sauce &
cayenne until combined – season with
salt/pepper. Heat 2 T. reserved
bacon drippings in large pan or skillet
over medium-high heat. Saute onions
until softened & translucent – season
with salt/pepper & red pepper flakes –
remove from heat. Spray crockpot
insides with nonstick spray; place green beans
& onions (including remaining bacon
grease) in crockpot. Pour BBQ/ketchup
mixture over beans. Mix together then
top with crumbled bacon. Cover & cook
on High 2-3 hours or Low 4-5 hours.
Serves 6-8

(recipe: 12tomatoes.com)
———————

Sweet Honey-Mustard Chicken
(crockpot & freezer meal)

4 chicken breasts (or 10-12 thighs)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 C. Dijon mustard
1 1/2 C. honey
1/4 C. (4 T.) butter
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
salt/pepper, to taste
–
Crockpot:
Spray insides of crockpot with nonstick
spray. Place all ingredients in crockpot.
Cover & cook on High 3-4 hours or
5-6 on Low. Remove rosemary sprigs
(discard) & shred chicken. Place chicken
back in crockpot – stir.
Serve over buttered rice, mashed
potatoes or noodles.

Freezer Meal:
Combine all ingredients & place in
freezer ziplock bag; label & freeze flat.
The day before you plan to cook, place
in fridge to thaw overnight. Next day
follow above directions for crockpot
cooking.

(recipe: auntbeesrecipes.com)
————————————–

Simple Caesar Salad for a Crowd

2 bags romaine lettuce
2 bunches green onions, sliced
1 C. shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 bottle (good quality) Caesar
salad dressing
(toasted croutons, if desired)
–
Place both bags lettuce in large
salad bowl. Scatter sliced green
onions on top & sprinkle Parm.
cheese on top – toss well.
Drizzle salad dressing, a little
at a time, over mixture & toss
well as you add dressing.
Sprinkle a little more Parm.
cheese on top (& add croutons,
if using).

(recipe: lifeinmyemptynest.blogspot)
—————————-

Triple Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake

Cake:
1 1/2 C. hot brewed coffee
4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
(finely chopped – or use chips)
3 large eggs
3/4 C. vegetable oil
1 1/2 C. buttermilk*
3/4 tsp. vanilla
3 c. granulated sugar
2 1/2 C. flour
1 1/2 C. cocoa powder (regular,
not Dutch)
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/4 tsp. salt
–
Pudding:
2 (3.4 oz, ea) boxes instant
chocolate pudding mix
3 C. milk
1 C. cream
–
Whipped Cream topping:
2 C. heavy whipping cream
6-8 T. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
(fresh berries – optional)
–
CAKE:
Preheat oven 300 degrees F.
Place chocolate in heat-proof bowl;
pour hot coffee over chocolate & let
stand, stirring occasionally, until
chocolate is melted. Beat eggs (using
elec. mixer) until thick & lemon-colored.
Slowly add oil to eggs, then slowly add
buttermilk – then vanilla. Add chocolate
mixture slowly & beat until well combined.
In another bowl, sift sugar, flour, cocoa, soda,
powder & salt – add gradually to liquids &
beat on medium speed just until combined.
Spray 8 or 9″ baking pans with nonstick spray.
Pour batter into pans & bake 40-60 minutes
(until center is set – do not overbake).

PUDDING:
Place pudding mix, milk & cream in large bowl
& whisk until mix is totally dissolved, 2-3
minutes. Chill until ready to assemble cake.

WHIPPED CREAM:
Place all ingredients in stand mixer with
attachment & beat until firm peaks form.
(NOTE: the amount of powdered sugar just
depends on personal preference)
——————-
TO ASSEMBLE:
Break up baked cake into bite-sized pieces.
Place about 1/3 of cake in bottom of large
punch bowl or trifle bowl. Add 1/3 of pudding
(in even layer) then 1/3 of whipped cream (evenly).
Repeat these steps 2 times, ending with whipped
cream. Top with fresh berries, if desired.
Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 16

*If you don’t have buttermilk:
Pour 1 T. lemon juice or vinegar into
a 2-Cup measuring cup. Pour in enough
milk to read 1 1/2 Cups. Stir then let
set 5 minutes – now you have 1 1/2 C.
buttermilk!

(recipe: neighborfoodblog.com)

======================

My ‘car saga’ yesterday worked out, finally –
they were able to finish all the work by 4:45 p.m.;
by then my husband was home & could drive me
back to the dealership. I was able to leave there &
make it to my special needs group a little early.

Thanks for your suggestions/ideas on
how to fix my car! You know me & my
ability to ‘pick up people’? While sitting
in the dealership waiting room a lady
came over & asked what I was knitting
so I explained about the charity baby
blankets. She mentioned she belongs
to a group in a nearby city that provides
clothing for needy families; the one thing
they don’t seem to be able to get is:
BABY HATS … you guessed it, she asked
for my business card and was interested
in whether I would be able to knit some
for their group. (You know me & a good
cause – guess I’ll be switching ‘gears’ for
awhile & knitting baby hats for them.
I think I’m not the only one knitting baby
hats for our local hospital so they can
be put on hold for awhile. Hey – IF I can
fill a need for a good cause – I’m there.

I’m truly grateful for air conditioning as the weather
has turned really hot (in the high 80’s/90’s).

Gas prices are now down to $2.26/9 – dropped
another 3 cents – YAY!

I’m sitting here enjoying my ‘off day’ from
babysitting & other appointments; feels
nice to know that I don’t have to GO anywhere
later on. Dinner is Enchiladas – easy & lasts
more than one meal – YAY!

Have a GREAT Day!

Hugs;

Pammie

Some days ya just gotta be FLEXIBLE!

Today was “take my van in to the dealership for fluid changes’ day. Also on that agenda was ‘please check out WHY my right front tire has a continual slow leak!” and – why my electric side doors sometimes decide they don’t want to open/close – only sometimes! I was prepared: took 2 knitting projects and my latest book. Drove myself there, got some free coffee and commenced knitting. About half hour later nice young man from Service comes over & tells me that I have more issues than I thought: #1 they can’t find reason for electric door problem (why am I not surprised?), #2 all FOUR tires have issues (they ARE older tires) #3 something else I don’t remember now needed fixing. When I asked grand total of TIME for fixing all this they said: FIVE HOURS! Oh MY! Today is husband’s class reunion in another city so he’ll be gone a good 3+ hours, tonight is special needs group – what to do? Nice guy suggested they DO have a shuttle AND I’m just within their radius for using it -now I’m home sitting at my lovely computer, it’s almost 11 a.m. Husband ‘should’ be home in time to drive me back to dealership later. As I was getting out of the shuttle the driver said: “Hope they get your vehicle done today!” OH MY – never thought of the “What if they don’t? scenario! Mentioned to husband that he might need to drive me tonight to special needs – his response: “Won’t be the first time!” Ah, life – it’s great IF you’re flexible! Yesterday while watching the baby (just before Mom left for work) she asked if I was available TODAY to watch him – I had to say No. I texted her a little earlier explaining my plight and saying that IF she still needed, I could watch him until around 4:30 BUT she would have to pick me up; turns out her Dad will watch the baby so I’M FREE – WOW, what a concept!

=============

Easy Strawberry Cake

1 (16.25 oz) box white cake mix
1 (.3 oz) box strawberry Jell-O
4 egg whites
1/3 C. canola oil
1 C. frozen unsweetened
strawberries, thawed
1/2 C. water
1/3 C. butter, softened
2 1/3 C. powdered sugar
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Grease & flour two 9″ round
cake pans. In large bowl combine
cake mix & Jell-O; add egg whites
& oil; beat using elec. mixer until
well blended. In small bowl or
food processor, mash strawberries
in their juice – set aside 3 T.
mashed berries for icing. Add
water & remaining berries to
batter & mix; pour into pans.
Bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick
inserted into center of cake comes
out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes;
remove cakes from pan to wire
racks & cool completely.

Icing:
Combine butter & reserved berrie
mixture in small bowl. Gradually
beat in powdered sugar until light &
fluffy). Place one cake on serving platter
& top with half of icing; top with second
cake & repeat, spreading icing evenly
on top.

(recipe: julieseatsandtreats.com)
————————————-

Chicken Burrito Skillet

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken
breasts, cut into 1 1/2″ pieces
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 T. olive oil, divided
1 C. uncooked long grain rice
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
& rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes,
drained
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. chili powder
2 1/2 C. chicken broth
1 C. shredded Mexican-blend cheese
1 medium tomato, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
–
Sprinkle chicken with salt/pepper.
In large skillet over medium-high
heat, heat 1 T. oil. Saute chicken
until browned, about 2 minutes-
remove from pan. In same pan, heat
remaining oil over medium-high
heat. Saute rice until lightly browned,
1-2 minutes. Stir in beans, canned
tomatoes, seasonings & broth – bring
to boil. Place chicken on top (do not
stir into rice). Simmer, covered, until
rice is tender & chicken is no longer
pink, 20-25 minutes. Remove from
heat; sprinkle top with cheese. Let
stand, covered, until cheese melts.
Top with tomato & green onions.
Serves 6

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
————————–
Mexican Corn Bread Salad

1 (1 oz) pkg. dry Ranch
dressing mix
1 C. sour cream
1 C. mayonnaise
6 corn bread muffins
2 (16 oz, ea) cans pinto
beans, drained/rinsed
1 green bell pepper,
chopped
1 (16 oz) pkg. frozen corn,
thawed
3 large tomatoes, chopped
10 slices bacon, cooked/
crumbled
2 C. (8 oz) shredded Mexican
cheese blend
6 scallions, sliced
–
In small bowl combine dressing
mix, sour cream & mayonnaise.
Crumble 3 corn muffins in large
glass bowl or trifle dish. Place a
layer of beans over muffins, then
bell pepper, dressing mixture,
corn, tomatoes, bacon, remaining
corn muffins (crumbled), cheese &
scallions. Cover & chill at least
2 hours before serving. Serves 8

(recipe: mrfood.com)
——————————-
Freezer Slaw

1 1/4 C. sugar
3/4 C. cider vinegar
2 (10 oz, ea) pkgs. shredded
angel hair cabbage slaw
1 large carrot, peeled/shredded
1 small green bell pepper,
diced
1 tsp. celery salt
1 tsp. mustard seeds (optional)
–
Bring sugar & vinegar to a boil in
small saucepan, stirring until sugar
dissolves; cool. Combine cabbage
slaw & remaining 4 ingredients;
pour vinegar mixture over cabbage
mixture & toss to coat. Place in a
large heavy-duty ziplock bag or an
airtight container & freeze up to
3 months. Thaw in fridge before
serving. Serves 8

NOTE: If you don’t need to make
this dish in advance, prepare dish-
cover & chill at least 2 hours before
serving.

(recipe: mrfood.com)
————————————

NO-bake “Baked Potato” Salad

8 medium potatoes (about 3 lb)
scrubbed & cut into 1-inch chunks
1 T. salt
1 (16 oz) tub sour cream
1/4 C. real bacon bits
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 tsp. black pepper
–
Place potatoes in large pot with
enough water to cover them. Add
salt & bring to boil over high heat.
Cook potatoes 10-15 minutes until
fork-tender; drain well & allow to
cool slightly. In large bowl combine
remaining ingredients; mix well.
Add potatoes & mix until well
combined. Serve warm or cover &
chill until ready to serve. Serves 6

(recipe: mrfood.com)
————————————

No-cook Roll-ups
(appetizers)

1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen
chopped spinach, thawed &
well-drained
1 C. mayonnaise
1 (8 oz) tub sour cream
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1 (.4 oz) envelope Ranch-
style salad dressing mix (dry)
1 (3 oz) pkg. bacon bits
9 (10 inch) flour tortillas
–
In large bowl combine all
ingredients except tortillas;
stir well. Spread mixture on
tortillas, distributing evenly.
Roll up, jelly-roll fashion;
wrap each in plastic wrap.
Chill 4-6 hours then cut into
1/2 inch thick slices & serve.
Makes 6 dozen

(recipe: mrfood.com)
—————————–

Crockpot Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs

4 skinless boneless chicken thighs
1/2 C. soy sauce
1/2 C. ketchup
1/3 C. honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried basil
–
Lay chicken thighs in bottom of
crockpot. Whisk soy sauce, ketchup,
honey, garlic & basil together in a
bowl & pour over chicken. Cover &
cook on Low 6 hours. Serves 2

(recipe: allrecipes.com)
———————————-
Crockpot Peachy Pork Chops

4-6 whole very ripe peaches, peeled/
pitted (can use frozen that have
been thawed or canned-in-water,
not syrup)
1 small onion,
2-4 lb. boneless pork chops
1/4 C. ketchup
1/4 C. honey BBQ sauce
2 T. brown sugar
1 T. soy sauce
pinch salt
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
–
Using blender or food processor,
place peaches in device & process
until smooth adding a small amount
of water, if necessary. Puree should
be smooth & not chunky. Place a
small amount of olive oil in large fry
pan heated to medium-low heat.
Place some of pork chops in pan &
cook 3-5 minutes per side until
chops are slightly browned on each
side but still pink inside (work in
batches until all are semi-cooked).
As chops are browning place finished
ones in a bowl, coat each chop with
some peach puree & place in crockpot.
When all chops are cooked/coated,
mix remaining peach puree, ketchup,
BBQ sauce, brown sugar, salt, garlic
salt, soy sauce & ground ginger in a bowl
& mix well to combine. Drizzle mixture
over top of chops. Cover & cook on
Low 5-6 hours or High 2-3 hours.
Test chops for doneness to make sure
they are no longer pink inside or when
a meat thermometer reads 145 degrees F.
Serves 6-8

(recipe: crockpotladies.com)
————————–

Pineapple Pie

1 1/2 C. sugar
1/2 C. butter, softened
1 C. crushed pineapple
3 T. flour
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 unbaked pie shell
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Beat all ingredients together
(except pie shell) & pour into
unbaked pie shell. Bake until
pie sets & is brown.

(recipe: tastyrecipes/facebook.com)

=====================

Weather-wise we’re now DEFINITELY into SUMMER;
high 80’s & low 90’s – thank heavens for air conditioning!

Gas prices are really good: $2.29/9! YAY!

Depending on whether I need to go back & fetch my
vehicle today or not, dinner “might” be enchiladas.
We love them but it takes about 40+ minutes to make
them, then about an hour to bake them – we’ll see,
dinner just might be ‘catch-as-catch-can’ (meaning
eat what you want, I’m not cooking!)

Hope you’re having an OK day!

Hugs;

Pammie

and so begins the HEAT!

Yesterday around 5 p.m. I happened to glance out at our thermometer on the garage IN FULL SUN – it read: 119 degrees F! WOW – car thermometer read 92, so you know it was a HOT one! Today it’s another fully sunny, slightly  breezy day – I’m ‘staying in’ with the air on – yep, enjoyin’ the summer INSIDE!

Checking my calendar for this week, it’s another busy one: babysitting Tues & Fri. 2:30 – 5:30/6, Wed. take my van in for routine work in the morning & special needs group in evening, (Think I might have Thurs. free, not sure) then babysitting again Friday. I don’t mind when it’s not totally FULL, gives me a chance to do the little things (like grocery shopping, getting gas, trip to drug store – that stuff) without making me feel totally frazzled. (got to add another cute Sandra Boynton cartoon here – couldn’t resist her humor:)

Now you know the difference, right?

================

Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

4 C. fresh rhubarb (1″, diced –
4-5 stalks)
4 C. fresh strawberries, hulled &
halved (if large)
1 1/4 C. granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp. grated orange zest
1 T. cornstarch
1/2 C. fresh squeezed orange juice
1 c. flour
1/2 C. light brown sugar, lightly
packed
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C. quick-cooking oats (not instant)
12 T. (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted
butter, diced
–
vanilla ice cream, for serving
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Toss rhubarb, strawberries, 3/4 C.
gran. sugar & orange zest together
in large bowl. In measuring cup
dissolve cornstarch in orange juice
then mix into fruit. Pour fruit
mixture into a 8 X 11″ baking dish
& place dish on a sheet pan lined
with parchment paper.

Topping:
In bowl of elec. mixer fitted with
paddle attachment, combine flour,
remaining 1/2 C. sugar, brown sugar,
salt & oatmeal – mix at Low speed
then add butter & mix until dry
ingredients are moist & mixture is
in crumbles; sprinkle topping over
fruit in dish, covering top completely.
Bake 1 hour until fruit is bubbling &
topping is golden brown. Serve warm
with ice cream. Serves 6

(recipe: foodnetwork.com)
———————————–

Citrus Broccoli Salad

1/2 C. mayonnaise
1/4 C. orange juice
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
dash black pepper
3 C. coarsely chopped broccoli
florets (about 8 oz)
1 C. orange, peeled/cut into
bite-sized chunks
3/4 C. sweetened dried cranberries
1/3 C. roasted salted sunflower seeds
2 T. sliced red onion
–
In large serving bowl mix mayo,
orange juice, sugar, salt/pepper.
Add remaining ingredients & toss
until well coated. Store covered,
in refrigerator.

(recipe: facebook – Mike Suddaby)
—————————-

Crockpot Tuscany Pot Roast

& Veggies

1 (3.5 – 5 lb) beef chuck roast
5-6 carrots, cut into chunks
5-6 medium russet potatoes,
peeled/cubed
1 (12 oz) jar beef gravy
1/2 C. white vinegar
1 packet dry Italian salad dressing
mix
–
Place roast in crockpot, add carrots
& potatoes. In medium bowl mix
beef gravy, white vinegar & dry
Ital. salad dressing mix – pour over
roast. Cover & cook 8 hours on Low.
Remove roast & veggies to platter
& serve. Serves 4-6

(recipe: southerplate.com)
———————————-

Bacon/Egg Salad Lettuce Cups

3 T. mayonnaise
1/2 C. plain Greek yogurt (non-fat)
2 T. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp. honey
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
pinch salt
8 hard cooked eggs, cooked &
placed in an ice bath
4 slices bacon, cooked/crumbled
8 leaves butter lettuce
–
In small bowl add mayonnaise, yogurt,
mustard, vinegar, honey, garlic powder &
salt – stir until well combined. Chop eggs
& place in bowl; fold until well combined.
Serve salad on a leaf of butter lettuce &
top with bacon crumbles. Serves 4

NOTE: Mixture will thin after sitting in
fridge for a few hours – mix then use.

(recipe: thecreativebite.com)
———————————

Macaroni Picnic Salad

1 (16 oz) pkg. elbow macaroni
3/4 C. extra sharp Cheddar cheese,
cubed small
1 C. bread & butter pickles, chopped
1 (12 oz) pkg. frozen peas, thawed
1 red bell pepper, seeded/chopped
6 green onions + tops, chopped
1 large carrot, peeled/chopped fine
1 lb. bacon, fried  & chopped
5 hard cooked eggs, chopped
–
Dressing:
1 pkg. dry Ranch salad dressing mix
1 C. real mayonnaise
1/3 C. sugar
1/2 C. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 C. sweet pickle juice
2 T. mustard
(2 tsp. Tony Cachare’s Creole seasoning)
generous amount ground black pepper
–
Cook pasta accordg. to pkg. directions;
cool. Combine all salad ingredients;
combine all dressing ingredients –
mix both together & chill until ready
to serve. Serves 8

(recipe: chindeep.com)
——————————-
Juicy Watermelon Salad

8 C. cubed seedless watermelon
(about 1 medium)
1 small red onion, cut into rings
1 C. coarsely chopped macadamia
nuts or slivered almonds, toasted
1 C. fresh arugula or baby spinach
1/3 C. balsamic vinaigrette
3 T. canola oil
1 C. (4 oz) crumbled blue cheese
(watermelon slices – optional)
–
In large bowl combine watermelon &
onion; cover & refrigerate until cold,
about 30 minutes. Just before serving,
add nuts & arugula to mixture. In small
bowl whisk vinaigrette & oil; drizzle
over salad & toss to coat. Serve over
sliced watermelon, if desired. Sprinkle
top with cheese. Makes 10 servings.

NOTE: TO toast nuts: Preheat oven 350
degrees F. Place nuts in shallow pan &
bake 5-10 minutes
(OR) cook in a skillet over Low heat until
lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

(recipe: tasteofhome.com)
——————————

Potato Pancakes

4 C. cold mashed potatoes
5 slices bacon
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 eggs, well beaten
1/2 C. shredded Cheddar cheese
–
Place bacon in large, deep skillet on
medium-high heat. Cook bacon,
turning occasionally, until evenly
browned & crisp, about 10 minutes.
Remove bacon, crumble & set aside.
Leave drippings in pan & mix mashed
potatoes, eggs, onion powder, salt/
pepper in a bowl. Stir in crumbled
bacon & cheese – form into 8 patties.
Heat drippings to medium heat &
pan-fry patties in drippings until crisp
on each side, about 4 minutes per
side.

(recipe: Mike Suddaby – Facebook)
—————————————-

Peach-Pineapple Dump Cake

2 T. flour
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple
1 (21 oz) can peach pie filling
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 C. water
1 1/2 C. chopped walnuts
1 stick butter (8 oz) cut into
16 cubes
–
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 9 X 13″ baking dish with
nonstick spray – dust with flour
to coat. Pour Pineapple (& juices)
and peach pie filling into prepared
dish – swirl fruit using a spoon to
combine, but don’t over mix. Pour
dry cake mix on top, evenly. Scatter
nuts on top of cake followed by
cubes of butter, dotting them all
over cake top. Place baking dish
on a cookie sheet (to prevent spills
in oven). Bake 1 hour – check cake:
it should be golden brown & bubbly.
Remove from oven & serve warm
topped with a scoop of vanilla
ice cream.

(recipe: tootsweet4two.com)

====================

Health-wise I’m finally almost back to
my regular health; I ‘braved it’ yesterday
and sung in choir (and practice, later).
I was very happy to find that my voice
was OK (chewed a cough drop just before
we were to sing the choir number, just to
make sure I didn’t cough – it went well.)
Allergies – not very cool; haven’t had them
my entire life and now I do? Not cool.

Looking at the calendar for the rest of the
month I was almost surprised to see that
Log Cabin Day is in 2 weeks! WOW that
crept up fast! I love participating in that
event – you meet such nice people, get
to be outdoors (under a pavillion), enjoy
doing your craft of choice (knit/crochet)
in a early 1900’s setting – lots of fun. This
year they are scaling down the event due
to lack of helpers which is sad – really
hoping that doesn’t effect the entire event.
(used to be 2 full days 9-5, now it’s one day
10-4). We’ll see –

Hope you are in (relatively) good health
and able to enjoy this summer weather.

Hugs;

Pammie

PS: LOTS of summer recipes – having trouble
choosing which ones to post and not
overwhelm you with recipes!

National KNIT IN PUBLIC Day!

Seven lovely ladies participated today – we sat outside on Panera Bread’s patio (roasting in 74 degrees & sunny). I was there, also, but not in the photos; our youngest member (Katie) is in the third photo along with her younger brother. Her Mom brought all 4 kids plus their 2 puppies – interesting day! I only managed 2 hours in the heat – was just happy we had a turnout (considering I really didn’t know if anyone WOULD show up!).

==================

S’Mores Ice Cream Cake
(8 hour – overnight chill time)

Crust:
10 graham crackers, divided
3 T. butter, softened

Ice Cream Layer:
5 oz (or 3/4 C.) bittersweet chocolate
or chocolate chips
1/2 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed
milk (reserve rest for whipped topping
layer)
3/4 tsp. vanilla

Marshmallow Layer:
2 C. mini marshmallows

Whipped Cream Layer:
2 C. heavy whipping cream
reserved 1/2 can sweetened
condensed milk
3/4 tsp. vanilla

S’More Layer:
1/2 C. mini marshmallows
2 Hershey chocolate bars,
broken up
1-2 graham crackers, crushed
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Line bottom of 8″ springform pan
with parchment paper. Using food
processor, pulse 10 graham crackers
until finely ground; add butter &
pulse until blended (or crush crackers
in ziplock bag using rolling pin). Add
graham cracker crumbs/butter to a bowl
& use fingertips to mix all well. Press
mixture into bottom of prepared pan;
bake 8-10 minutes until golden brown.
Let cool 25 minutes.

Ice Cream Layer:

Melt chocolate in microwave;
let cool slightly. Using elec.
mixer, beat chocolate, half can
condensed milk & vanilla in
large bowl until combined. Add
1 C. heavy cream & beat on High
speed until thick; medium peaks
forming. Spoon mixture on top of
cooled crust & spread evenly.

Marshmallow Layer:

Sprinkle marshmallows on top &
gently pat down into chocolate
filling.

Whipped Cream Layer:

Using elec. mixer, beat remaining
cond. milk, vanilla & heavy cream until
thick; medium – stiff peaks forming,
3-5 minutes – spread on top of
chocolate layer.

S’More Layer:

Break remaining 2 graham crackers into
tiny pieces; sprinkle crumbs/broken
chocolate bars & marshmallows on top
of whipped cream layer. Cover & freeze
until firm, at least 8 hours & up to 2 weeks.

When ready to serve, unmold & transfer
to a platter. Let stand 5 minutes before
slicing. Serves 12

(recipe: thebakingchocolatess.com)
————————————

Easy Layered Taco Salad
(overnight recipe)

1 lb. ground beef
1 small can green chilies, (undrained)
1 head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves
removed (all other lettuces will wilt)
1 pkt. dry taco seasoning mix*
1 C. Ranch Sour Cream mayonnaise **
1 (15 oz) can your favorite beans, drained/
rinsed well
1/2 can (about 7 oz) sweet corn kernels,
drained well
1/2 C. chopped red or green onion (more
for garnish)
8 oz. your favorite tomato salsa
8 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (3.8 oz) can sliced black olives, drained well
1/2 lb. bacon, fried crispy/crumbled
2 jalapeno peppers, sliced
1 Roma tomato, seeded/chopped
ripe avocado chunks (optional)
tortilla chips – for topping
–
Cook ground beef, canned chilies &
taco seasoning in skillet until beef
is browned & liquid from chilies
has evaporated. Refrigerate &
allow to chill until completely cold.
When chilled, place in bottom of
9 X 13″ glass cake pan. Top with a
double layer of lettuce leaves (half
the head), 1/2 C. Ranch/sour cream
mayo (smoothed evenly), beans,
corn, onion, another double layer
lettuce (press down gently after
placing lettuce), 1/2 C. Ranch/Sour
cream mayo, salsa, cheese, olives,
bacon, jalapenos, tomato & more
onion. Cover with foil & refrigerate
12-24 hours before slicing. Break up
tortilla pieces on top & slice. You can
also top with avocado chunks, extra
tomato chunks & hot sauce.
Serves 8-12

*You can also use mixture of cumin,
chili powder & garlic powder

**Ranch Sour Cream Mayonnaise
3/4 C. real mayonnaise
1/4 C. sour cream
3-6 T. dry buttermilk ranch salad
dressing mix
–
Mix ingredients together well.

(recipe: chindeep.com)
——————————————-

Mama’s Chicken Rollups

2 large chicken breasts
1 can crescent rolls
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken
soup
1/2 (soup can) of chicken broth
from cooking chicken*
1/2 (soup can) milk
1 T. flour
6 oz. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
pinch salt & pepper
–
Preheat oven 375 degrees F.
Place chicken breasts in large
pot & cover with water; bring to
boil & cook on Medium heat
until no longer pink inside. Remove
chicken from pot & let cool enough
to handle – shred chicken. Add soup,
milk, flour, salt/pepper to broth &
stir to combine. Spray 9 X 13″ baking
dish with nonstick spray.
Unroll crescent rolls & separate into
triangles. Put a little cheese on dough
& a good heaping of chicken at large
end of triangle. Roll up & place in
prepared pan – continue with rest
of dough & filling. Pour broth
mixture around & on top of each
roll. Bake 25 minutes then top
with cheese – bake 5 minutes more.
Let stand a few minutes before
serving with soup mixture.

(recipe: 77easyrecipes.com)
—————————-

Brown Sugar Meatloaf

1/2 C. packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 C. ketchup
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
3/4 C. milk
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
2 eggs
3/4 C. finely crushed saltine
cracker crumbs
–
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Spray 5 X 9″ loaf pan with
nonstick spray. Spread brown
sugar in bottom of pan & top
with ketchup (spread evenly).
Mix rest of ingredients in large
bowl then shape into a loaf;
place loaf in pan on top of
ketchup. Bake 1 hour.

(recipe: 77easyrecipes.com)
—————————–

Crockpot Smothered Chicken
w/Bacon & Onions

8 slices center cut bacon,
cut into 1″ pieces
2 onions, cut lengthwise in
half, then sliced crosswise
1/3 C. flour
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/4 C. chicken broth
8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
4 C. egg noodles, uncooked
1 (8 oz) tub cream cheese spread
2 T. milk
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
–
Cook in stir bacon in large skillet
on medium heat until crisp; remove
bacon from skillet using slotted
spoon & drain on paper towels.
Drain all but 2 T. drippings from
skillet; add onions & cook 15-18
minutes until golden brown,
stirring occasionally. For the last
minute of stirring add flour, pepper
& half the bacon – whisk in broth
until blended (mixture will be
thick). Add chicken to crockpot &
cover with onion  mixture. Cover &
cook on Low 4-5 hours (or High
2-3 hours). About 15 minutes before
ready to serve, cook noodles accordg.
to pkg. directions, omitting salt. Drain
noodles & place on a platter. Top
with chicken, reserving onion mixture
in crockpot. Mix cream cheese spread,
milk & garlic powder in a bowl then add
to ingredients in crockpot & stir until
blended. Spoon mixture over chicken;
top with parsley & remaining bacon.
Serves 8

(recipe: kraftrecipes.com)
—————————-

Santa Fe Rice Salad

2 C. cooked/cooled rice
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans,
drained/rinsed
3 ears fresh corn on the cob
(about 1 1/2 C. kernels)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 C. minced onion
2 T. white vinegar
2 T. vegetable oil
2 T. chopped fresh parsley
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded/
minced
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. sugar
–
In medium bowl combine rice,
beans, corn kernels & onion. In
another small bowl whisk remaining
ingredients; pour over rice mixture &
mix well. Cover & chill 2-3 hours to
allow flavors to blend. Stir before
serving. Serves 4

(recipe: mrfood.com)
——————————–
Cold Sesame Noodles

1 lb. linguine or spaghetti
1 C. peanut butter
6 scallions (green onions),
thinly sliced
2 T. vegetable oil
2 T. soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. white vinegar
2 T. sesame oil
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/2 of a red pepper, cut into
strips
–
Cook pasta accordg. to pkg.
directions; drain. In large
bowl combine remaining
ingredients; mix well. Add
pasta & toss to coat evenly.
Cover & chill at least 1 hour
before serving. Serves 4

(recipe: mrfood.com)
——————————–

Gazpacho (cold summer soup)

1 (46 oz) can tomato juice
1 C. diced cucumber
1 C. diced green bell pepper
1 C. sliced green onions
2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 T. white vinegar
4 T. olive or vegetable oil
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
hot pepper sauce, to taste
–
In large bowl combine all ingredients;
mix well & serve chilled. Serves 8

Note: you can also add fresh chopped
tomato, thyme, rosemary,oregano,basil
or dill.

(recipe: mrfood.com)
—————————–

Grilled Cabbage Steaks w/Bacon &
Blue Cheese

6 slices bacon
1 pkg McCormick Grill Mates Smoky
Applewood Marinade
3 T. vegatable oil
2 T. cider vinegar
2 T. maple syrup
1 head green cabbage, cut into
3/4″ thick slices (about 6 ‘steaks’)
1/2 C. crumbled blue cheese
2 T. thinly sliced green onions
–
Cook bacon in large skillet on medium
heat until crisp; reserve 1 T. drippings;
crumble bacon. Mix Marinade Mix,
oil, vinegar, maple syrup & reserved
bacon drippings in small bowl until
well blended. Place cabbage steaks
in large ziplock bag or glass dish; add
marinade & toss to coat well.
Refrigerate 30 minutes (or longer)
for extra flavor. Remove from
marinade & reserve any leftover
marinade.
Heat grill to medium heat & grill
cabbage ‘steaks’ 5-6 minutes per
side until tender-crisp, brushing
with leftover marinade. Serve
steaks topped with blue cheese,
crumbled bacon & green onions.
Serves 6

(recipe: mccormick.com)
——————————–

Summertime Fluff

1/2 (16 oz) box orzo pasta
1 (20 oz) can pineapple tidbits,
drained (reserve 1 C. juice)
1/3 C. sugar
1 T. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
3 T. egg whites
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 C. vanilla Greek yogurt
1 1/2 C. miniature marshmallows
1/2 C. maraschino cherries, cut in
half
1 (15 oz) can mandarin oranges,
drained
2 C. Cool Whip, thawed
–
Cook pasta accordg. to pkg. directions;
drain. Rinse under cold running water;
drain well. In saucepan over medium
heat combine reserved pineapple juice,
sugar, flour, salt & egg whites; cook
until mixture thickens & is smooth,
stirring constantly. Remove from heat
& stir in lemon juice – let cool.
In large bowl combine pasta, pineapple
juice mixture & yogurt. Stir in pineapple
tidbits & marshmallows; fold in mandarin
oranges, cherries & Cool Whip. Serve or
refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serves 12

(recipe: mrfood.com)

======================

It’s a gorgeous Summer day out – sunny with
a slight breeze; it’s 83 degrees F. now & supposed
to get up to 86 – WARM!

Gas prices are in the ‘decent’ range: $2.33/9 –
I read in our local paper that gas prices around
here are the lowest they’ve been in many years.
YAY!

Right now I’m happy I’m home in my nice
air conditioning with no particular plans for
the day other than making dinner later.

Enjoy your day;

Hugs;

Pammie