mini holiday bread loaves

I found these on pinterest, sorry don't remember what site.  I made these in mini loaf form.  I really liked them but most of the family didn't because, READY for THIS...it had fruit in it.  LOL  even one of the dogs, who is a big carb bread lover eat the bread and spit out the fruit...too funny.  I didn't make the glaze for these.  I will make it again even though they didn't really like it.  I know my friend Patsy and her hubby will enjoy it so will make it next time I go there.
Ingredients

3 cups bread flour
4½ tsp Red Star Active Dry Yeast
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup milk
½ cup water
2 TBSP shortening
½ cup candied fruits, chopped
½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp butter or margarine, softened
1 to 2 TBSP hot water or milk

Instructions

In large mixer bowl, combine 1½ cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. In saucepan, heat milk, water and shortening until warm (120-130°F; shortening does not need to melt). Add to flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, gradually stir in candied fruits, nuts and remaining flour to make a stiff batter. Cover; let rise in warm place until light and double, about 30 minutes.


Stir down batter. Spoon into one greased 9x5- inch bread pan or four well-greased 20-ounce cans. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double, a out 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown. Remove from pan or cans; cool. Drizzle with Glaze and garnish with additional fruit and nuts, if desired.

*You can substitute Instant (fast-rising) Yeast in place of Active Dry Yeast in batter/no knead recipes.
Thanks for stopping by, I know it's been a while since my posts but I will try much better to get new ones.  Have a great day and always Remember to Find the Time to Do all the things YOU L♥ve.
Donna

honey dinner roll in a hurry

 Sorry I've been MIA for so long.  With working my time is really limited.  I made these for thanksgiving and they were a hit. Hope you give them a try.

 Printable
30 Minute Honey Butter Rolls

Ingredients

1/3 c. butter, plus extra for brushing on rolls

1 c. milk

2 T. instant yeast

1/3 c. honey + 2 TBL

3/4 tsp. salt

1 large egg

3 ½ – 4 ½ c. all-purpose flour

2 T. butter, melted

 
Directions:

In a small saucepan, melt butter.
When butter is mostly melted, stir in milk, and heat mixture to
Preheat oven to 400 F. Lightly grease a half sheet pan or a 9x13-inch rimmed cookie sheet.
100-110 F.
Meanwhile, add yeast and honey to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or a large mixing bowl if mixing by hand).
When milk mixture is at temperature, add to yeast and honey; stir to combine.
Add salt and egg, and stir until combined.
Stir in 2 cups all-purpose flour.
Add remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until dough clings to paddle and cleans the sides of the bowl. Dough will still be pretty sticky.
With floured hands, shape dough into 12 rolls, and place dough on prepared baking sheet.
Cover, and let dough rest for 10 minutes.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
When rolls are done baking, brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things you love.
Donna

WOW Who Knew

I found this on facebook today posted by one of my friends and thought it was a good idea to share.  There are so many uses for Dawn and really so many of them I never knew.

You will want to pass this one on to your friends and doing so will save it on your timeline for later use! Your welcome!
ORIGINAL BLUE DAWN . . . IT’S NOT JUST FOR DISHES ANYMORE
Wild Life
Ever wonder why Dawn Dishwashing Liquid is the wildlife cleaner of choice after an oil spill? According to the International Bird Rescue Research Center, Dawn effectively removes grease but does not cause harm to the skin of the birds. It’s also biodegradable and contains no phosphates.
BUBBLES
According to Bubbles.org, Dawn dishwashing liquid makes great homemade bubbles. Here is the Giant Bubble Recipe used in bubble makers at many children’s museums: 1/2 cup Ultra Dawn 1/2 gallon warm water 1 tablespoon glycerin (available at any drug store) OR White Karo syrup works too! Stir gently. Skim the foam off the top of the solution (too much foam breaks down the bubbles). Dip bubble wand and get ready for some good, clean fun!
GREASY HAIR PROBLEMS
Kids get into the darnedest things! Like Vaseline and baby oil rubbed into their hair! Dawn is mild enough to use on their hair and strong enough to remove the most stubborn grease.
HAIR PRODUCT BUILDUP
Once a month use original Dawn as you would shampoo. It will remove excess oil from your hair and scalp and strip away any build-up of styling products without any damage. Perform this once a month and you won’t have to buy expensive salon products that do the same thing.
MANICURE SECRET
Soak fingers in full-strength blue Dawn. It makes the cuticles soft and easy to work with. And it removes the natural oil from the fingernails, which allows the polish to adhere very well.
REPEL HOUSEPLANT INSECTS
A safe, effective way to repel insects from your houseplants, including aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs. Put a drop of Dawn Dishwashing Liquid in a spray bottle, fill the rest of the bottle with water, shake well, and mist your household plants with the soapy water.
CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
Try this recipe from Merry Maids: mix 3 drops Dawn in 1 gallon water and fill a spray bottle with the solution. Spritz and wipe as you would with any window cleaner.
PETS AND PESTS
Use it to bathe the dogs. It kills fleas on contact and is much cheaper than expensive dogshampoos.
CLEAN AUTOMOTIVE TOOLS
After you have finished your automotive repair project, soak your dirty tools in Dawn before you put them away to remove all the oil and grime. Dawn also helps prevent rust from forming on the tools.
ICE PACK
Partially fill a strong zip-type sandwich bag with Dawn dishwashing liquid, close and freeze. The liquid soap stays cold much longer and it can be re-frozen many times. It will conform to the place you need an ice pack.
TUB AND SHOWER CLEANER
Take a spray bottle and fill it halfway with white vinegar. Heat in the microwave. Fill the rest of the way with blue Dawn. Put lid on and shake to mix well. Spray on your tub and shower walls. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse away. It will totally melt all the gunk, slime, sludge and other stuff that builds up including a bathtub ring.
REPEL ANTS
Spray counter-tops, cupboards and any other area where you see ants with a solution of Dawn and water. Wipe dry. The slight residue of Dawn that remains will not be a problem at all for kids or pets, but ants hate it. Should you see a trail of ants, go ahead and hit them with the Dawn spray.
STRIPPING CLOTH DIAPERS
Add a squirt or two of original Dawn dish soap to your washer and run a hot wash, then rinse until there are no more bubbles. Dawn is a degreasing agent and helps stripping by removing oily residue. Be sure to rinse, rinse, rinse until the water runs clear.
UNCLOGGING TOILETS
A cup of Dawn detergent poured into a clogged toilet allowed to sit for 15 minutes and then followed with a bucket of hot water poured from waist height will clear out the toilet.
POISON IVY
Poison ivy spreads through the spread of the oil within the blisters. Washing the affected area with Dawn, especially on children who keep scratching the blister’s open, helps dry up the fluid, AND keep it from spreading.
DRIVEWAY CLEANER
If you have gasoline or motor oil stains on your driveway, you can use the kitty litter method to clean up the excess oil and then use a scrub broom and a solution of biodegradable Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm water to safely and effectively remove excess motor oil from the pavement.
OILY SKIN
Dawn makes a great facial cleanser for oily skin. A drop or two combined with warm water will do the trick.
PAINT OR GREASE REMOVER FOR HANDS
Dawn combined with corn oil makes for the perfect paint or grease remover. Simply combine a little bit of both in your hands then rub it over affected areas. The corn oil and the dishwashing liquid both help to dissolve the grease and paint – yet leave skin soft, unlike harsher paint removers.
CLEANING THE KIDDIE POOL
Plastic wading pools can get very gunky, very fast. Dump the water, then scrub the pool with Dawn and a sponge. More potent cleaners like bleach will weaken and dry out the plastic in the sun.
MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER
Merry Maids recommends using a drop of Dawn in water to clean ceramic tile and no-wax/linoleum floors. You can also use the spray on:
• Bathroom and kitchen counters and sinks.
• Woodwork, e.g., baseboards, shelves, and wainscoting. (Dry as you go–wood doesn’t like prolonged contact with water.)
• Tubs and toilet seats.
LAUNDRY PRE-TREATER FOR OILY STAINS
For oil-based stains such as lipstick, grease, butter, motor oil, cooking oil, and some pen inks, simply apply some Dawn dishwashing liquid directly to the stain and scrub with a small brush or toothbrush until the oil is removed, and then launder as usual.
NON-TOXIC LUBRICANT
Sliding glass doors, door knobs, hinges etc. It lasts much longer than any aerosol type spray that I have tried. And Its non-toxic! It does a great job of cleaning the parts that its lubricating as well!
SIDEWALK DE-ICER
For icy steps and sidewalks in freezing temperatures, mix 1 teaspoon of Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol, and 1/2 gallon hot/warm water and pour over walkways. They won’t refreeze. No more salt eating at the concrete in your sidewalks
POOL CLEANING
Squirt Dawn down the middle of the pool and all of the dirt, suntan lotion, etc. will move to the edges of the pool for easy clean up! AND it makes the pools sparkle.
EYEGLASS DEFOGGER
Simply rub a small drop of Dawn on eyeglass lenses, and wipe clean. It will leave a very thin film that will prevent them from fogging up.
SHOWER FLOORS
Cover greasy footprints on shower floors with a coating of Dawn; let sit overnight. Scrub away the gunk in the morning with a stiff brush.
APHID CONTROL ON FRUIT TREES
Mix two tablespoons Dawn to a gallon of water and put in your sprayer. Try to get spray both sides of the leaves, branches and the tree trunks. Let sit for about 15 minutes and then rinse the trees THOROUGHLY!
USEFUL !
Hope you find this list useful, I know I did and will be trying some of them.
Have a great day, thanks for stopping by and Always Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things You L♥ve.
Donna

7 up biscuits

I made these the other night for my grandson and his family.  They are the ones that just had the beautiful baby boy in the last post.  I had made a pot roast is the slower cooker at their house so they would have a nice dinner and not have to worry about cooking.  I saw these biscuits on pinterest and knew I wanted to try them.  I have also made them when I just cooked a turkey breast for the family.  They are so light and yummy.  A must try for sure.

~~ 7 UP BISCUITS ~~
INGREDIENTS:
4 cups Bisquick
1 cup sour cream
1 cup 7-up
1/2 cup melted butter
**I added about 1/3 cup shredded colby/jack cheese*
DIRECTIONS:
Mix Bisquick, sour cream and 7 up. Dough will be very soft - don't worry. Knead and fold dough until coated with your baking mix. Pat dough out and cut biscuits using a round biscuit / cookie cutter. Melt butter in bottom of cookie sheet pan or 9x13 casserole dish. Place biscuits on top of melted butter and bake @ 425 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until brown.
I think the next time I make these I am add some herbs and garlic and see if I can get them to taste like Red Lobster biscuits.
Have a great day everyone, and thanks for taking time to stop by.  Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things You L♥ve.
Donna

Apple crumb cake

I made this cake for my oldest grandson's birthday, he turned 22 on Sept. 7, he celebrates that day with my mom (who is no longer with us).  Lately he has not been much for desserts so I thought this cake would do just fine.  It was a big hit and people have asked for the recipe.  I used sweetened condensed milk made into caramel for the caramel part.  It's easy you just take a can and immerse it in water, bring it to a boil then for 2 hours your cook it on a slow simmer.  Do Not open it while it's hot.  I have included the recipe for the caramel from the site that I found this recipe at.  Hope you try this is a great cake and a nice change from the ordinary birthday cakes.

adapted from here

For the Batter

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 large Granny Smith apples (cored, peeled, and sliced)

Streusel Topping (recipe follows)

Caramel Sauce (recipe follows)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup milk

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F (About 180° C). Grease and flour a 9-in (22.5 cm) springform pan. Reserve.

Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the apples; sauté for 5 minutes or until softened.  Remove from heat; cool completely (about 30 minutes).  Meanwhile, prepare the Streusel Topping and Caramel Sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce to drizzle the cake with just before serving.  At medium speed, beat the butter with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well blended. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Beginning and ending with this flour mixture, add to the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beating at low speed until well blended after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.  Pour batter into the prepared pan, top with apples, drizzle with 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce; then, sprinkle with Streusel Topping.  If using a dark, coated springform pan, bake at 325° for 45 minutes (if using a noncoated shiny springform pan, bake at 350° for 45 minutes). After these 45 minutes, cover loosely with aluminum foil in order to prevent excessive browning; bake for additional 25 to 30 minutes or until center is set (note: wooden toothpick will not come out clean due to the caramel).

Cool in pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes; remove the sides of the pan.  Then let cool completely on wire rack (about 1 1/2 hours).  Drizzle with 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce and serve.

For the Streusel Topping

Ingredients:

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg**

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract**

1/4 teaspoon salt

** These ingredients are not part of the original recipe. They were added by me.

Directions:

Directions:

Stir together all the ingredients until blended.  Let stand for 30 minutes or until firm enough to crumble into small pieces.

For the Caramel Sauce

Ingredients:

1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup honey

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract**

** This ingredient is not part of the original recipe. It was added by me.

Directions:

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring brown sugar, butter, whipping cream, and honey to a boil , stirring constantly. Let boil, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add the vanilla, stir, and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

This can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. In order to reheat, microwave at high power for 10 to 15 seconds or just until warm; stir until smooth.

the original recipe was adapted from Southern Living

thanks for take the time to stop by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the Things you  love.
Donna

Our newest family member

This is Eli, he arrived August 29, 2014 at about 11:20.  He was 7 lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long.  What a beautiful baby boy.  Was a long day and a half waiting on him but well worth the wait.  Here are some pictures of him and his new family.

proud daddy

Eli, dad, grandma, grandpa and uncle

Uncle AJ and Eli

grandpa and Eli

 Mammy, Great Aunt Winnie and Eli

Great Aunt Winnie and Eli

Mammy and Eli

 Welcome to our family little man, it's going to be wonderful to see all the changes as you grow.  Will get pictures of Eli and Mommy today.

Happy Birthday Lyndsey

 This picture is her on her first day of school entering 2nd grade.

 This is her today.

Today is my  granddaughters birthday she will be 14....where have all those years gone.  She is such a beautiful young lady with so many talents.  She is a champion in the rodeo arena winning many buckles, saddles and other items. This past summer she won the championship goat tying at the JR High Rodeo Finals.  She is also an accomplished dancer both in ballet, tap and jazz.  This year she will be going into high school.  So proud of you Lyndsey and wish we were closer so I could celebrate all these wonderful occasions with you.

 Love you so much.  Have a wonderful day.
Mammy

The Champion

 My granddaughter Lyndsey is the one of the right.  WTG Lyndsey.
2014 Grand Champion Goat Tying JR High Rodeo


I've been trying to get this posted for weeks now.  Don't know if I've mentioned that I've gone back to work.  It was suppose to just a part time job, maybe 20 hrs a week and it's turned into a 90 hour a week plus job.  Before I retired I was an apartment manager (tough profession), well after 4 years of retirement I decided I wanted a part time job so I got a job at Home Depot as a cashier, it was going pretty good, was not crazy about the hours but hey....well anyway this gentleman that I knew who owns many rental properties came into Home Depot and asked why I was working there and that I needed to come to work for him.  Well, after many back and forth phone calls I finally caved and took the job.  The first couple of weeks were just about 25 hours and then it got closer to what we call "turn" and I decided with all I had to do 25 hours were not enough time so I kept increasing the hours a day and here I am.

Anyway, what I am getting at is a couple of weeks ago my beautiful granddaughter Lyndsey made it to the JR High Rodeo finals, which were held in Des Moines, Iowa which is about 3.5 hrs from here so of course I was going to go and see her compete.  What an exciting and wonderful time it was.  She won all her go rounds and was in second place for the final competition and won by just 100's of seconds.  OH My it was heart pounding excitement. 
Here she is with some of her winnings.

We are all so proud of her, and I was so happy that I was able to share this special event with her.
Love you so much....Mammy.
thanks for taking time to stop by, I do have some new recipes to share and will do so very soon.  Have a great weekend and Remember to Always Find the Time to Do ALL the Things YOU Love.
Donna

Peanut Butter Cookies

Recently I made cookies to take into work for co workers as a good bye from me.  I am changing jobs and just wanted them to know I will miss them.  This is one of the cookies that I made, very simple but yet very tasty and who doesn't like peanut butter cookies?

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter 1 cup  peanut butter (plain or crunchy) 1 cup white sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 eggs

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

Directions:

	Cream together butter, peanut butter and sugars. Beat in eggs.
	In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir into batter. Put batter in refrigerator for 1 hour.
	Roll into 1 inch balls and put on baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork, making a criss-cross pattern.  (a simple tip, dip the fork in water then into sugar before making flattening)  Bake in a preheated 375°  oven for about 10 minutes or until cookies begin to brown. Do not over-bake. Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend and always Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things YOU L♥ve. Donna

My beautiful Granddaughter

This is my beautiful granddaughter Lyndsey.  He just graduated from St. Mary's School.  No she's not a senior, she just finished 8th grade.  She will go to Public School in the fall.  We are so proud of her, she is a beautiful young lady with many talents.  She loves to Rodeo and also does ballet.  She is very accomplished in both.  She and her brother have won many saddles, buckles and awards in Rodeo.  She has been in the Nutcracker several times, and this past year did Point.

 

Love you very much Lyndsey....oh yes and Jake too.  :)

Mammy

chicken cordon bleu Casserole

This is a very tasty dish, especially if you like the original Chicken Cordon Bleu.  It has all the same ingredients but in a casserole form.  You could add some other things I guess, like broccoli,  or other veggie just use your imagination.

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts cooked and chopped
1/2 lb deli ham
6 slices swiss cheese
Sauce:
4 TBL butter
4 TBL flour
3 1/4 cp milk (I use 1/2 n 1/2 and water)
2 TBL lemon juice
1 TBL dijon mustard
1  1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp pepper
Topping
6 TBLbutter
1 1/2 cups  panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 TBL fresh parsley
salt and pepper

Direction:
preheat oven 350°
Boil chicken until tender, set aside...when cool cut.
Butter a 9-10 inch casserole dish, layer chicken, ham then cheese.  Pour sauce over top and then top with bread crumbs.  Bake for 30-45 minutes in 350° oven.  Top should be nice a browned.
Thanks for taking time to stop by, have a wonderful day and Always Remember to Find the time to Do All the Things Y ♥u L♥ove.
Donna

Ingredients

For the casserole:
1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the topping:
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste - See more at: http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole.html#sthas

Ingredients

For the casserole:
1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the topping:
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste - See more at: http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole.html#sthash.mwEMPHEj.dpuf

Ingredients

For the casserole:
1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the topping:
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste - See more at: http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole.html#sthash.mwEMPHEj.dpuf

Ingredients

For the casserole:
1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the topping:
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste - See more at: http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole.html#sthash.mwEMPHEj.dpuf

Ingredients

For the casserole:
1 whole cooked chicken, bones removed, meat diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken is excellent, should have 5-6 cups)
1/2 pound very thinly sliced deli-style honey ham, rough chopped
1/4 pound thin sliced baby Swiss cheese
For the sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
3 1/4 cups milk
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon pepper
For the topping:
6 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste - See more at: http://foods-exclusive.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-chicken-cordon-bleu-casserole.html#sthash.mwEMPHEj.dpuf

LC stawberry cream cheese dessert

I found these while searching for a LC dessert.  Sorry but I can't remember where.  These are really good and hit the spot for having something sweet after a meal.  Even my grandson loved them and said I could make them anytime.  Here's the inside.

Ingredients:

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1 Tablespoon plus 1/4 cup sugar, divided *I used Splenda and their measurement to get the above*
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
6 (8-inch) soft flour tortillas Mission LC version
1 3/4 cups sliced strawberries, divided
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
Vegetable oil, for frying

 Directions:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese with the sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla extract and lemon zest, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Fold in 3/4 cup of the sliced strawberries.
Divide the mixture evenly between the tortillas, slathering each portion in the lower third of each tortilla. Next, fold the two sides of each tortilla toward the center and then roll the tortilla up like a burrito and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat the rolling process with the remaining tortillas.
Combine the remaining 1/4 cup sugar with the cinnamon in a shallow bowl and set it aside. Line a large plate with paper towels.
Add 3 inches of oil to a large, deep saucepan, leaving a minimum of 2 inches from the top of the oil to the top of the saucepan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360ºF on a deep-fry thermometer.
Working in batches, fry the each one until golden brown and crispy, about 3 minutes, flipping them as needed. Transfer them to the paper towel-lined plate to drain for 1 minute, and then roll them in the cinnamon and sugar mixture. Repeat the frying and rolling process with the remaining ones, returning the oil to 360ºF between batches.
Remove all toothpicks from them and transfer them to serving plates. Top each with a portion of the remaining 1 cup of sliced strawberries and serve immediately.

They are simple to make and you could use regular flour tortilla's if you like.  I used the LC version and to me you really can't tell the difference.
There are so many different ways to change this up by just changing the fruit that you use.  I had strawberries in the freezer so that's what I went with.  I also think these would be really good if you added walnuts or pecans, but I didn't to these because my grandson doesn't like nuts.
Thanks for taking the time to stop by, hope you try these because they really are great.
Have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do the Things You L♥ve.
Donna

Blueberry Muffins

I made these for some co-workers.  They are made with 1/2 AP flour and 1/2 white whole wheat flour.  I didn't have yogurt in the house so I used a combo of sour cream and 1/2 and 1/2 .  To my surprise these turned out really good.  I had blueberries that I had froze last summer when they were on sale, that's the best way to save on fruit is when they are in season.  These muffins are not overly sweet and go great with a cup of coffee.  Makes 24-28 mini, 12 regular and 10 mini's or 7-8 large muffins.  If making mini's they take about 5 minutes shorter in baking.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 TBL flour
1 1/2 cups blueberries *fresh or frozen*
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
3/4 cp white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cp sour cream
1/4 cp half and half
*****can substitue 3/4 cp greek yogurt for last 2 items****
Crumb topping:
2 TBL flour
3 TBL brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 TBL butter, cold and diced
Direction:
preheat oven to 375° and prepare muffin tins with either liners or spray.  In a medium bowl mix the dry ingredients, set aside.  Add the 1 1/2 tbl flour the blueberries and set aside.   In another bowl cream the sugar and butter, add the eggs 1 at a time then add vanilla.  Alternate the sour cream and 1/2 n 1/2 or yogurt with the flour.  Start with the flour that way you will end up using the yogurt last.  Fold in blueberries, don't overmix.  Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake for 20-25 minutes until tester comes out clean.  Enjoy

Turkey Stir Fry

What to do with all that turkey that you have leftover.  Well this is the perfect quick dinner dish.  Add all the veggies that you enjoy and you have a healthy LC dinner.  The only thing that takes time with this dish is getting all those veggies cut.  But all that work is well worth the end result.

Ingredients:
left over turkey (or chicken)
3 small sweet pepper (I used red, yellow and orange)
1 medium onion
1 1/2 stalk celery
2 carrots
5 cauliflower florets
15-20 snow peas
1 pkt chicken broth
2 TBL cornstarch
1-2 TBL soy sauce
1 1/2 TBL sesame oil
oil for frying

In a large skillet heat the regular oil, add a few pieces of onion to get the oil flavorful, add the rest of the veggies and stir fry until almost tender,  add the soy sauce, sesame oil and cooked turkey then add the chicken broth packet and water.    In a small cup add about 1/2 cup of water and the cornstarch and stir until you have a slurry, add that to the veggies and meat.  Cook until it thickens.
Serve over your choice of either faux fried rice *here* or regular rice.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things YOU L♥ve
D♥nna

Faux Twice Baked Potato - LC

I belong to Atkins online and we have a wonderful group that shares life stories regarding weight loss, food and just everyday living. (group name on forum is 50-60's with 30-40 lbs to lose) One of the gals talked alot about Almost Twice Baked Potato and so I finally decided to give it a try.  I changed a few things from here  .  I roasted a turkey the other day and one of them meals I made this was the side along with sauteed snow peas.  The dinner was really good and best part is was all Low Carb.  If you are trying to lose weight and struggle you should give LC a try.  It's a very healthy way to eat and best of all you can lose weight and inches.  I have been LC'ing now for almost 2 years, my weight loss has been steady and slow and I have lost 31 lbs....feel fantastic and have lots of clothes that now fit.

printable

Ingredients:
1 large head of cauliflower
4 oz. soft cream cheese
3 TBL butter
green onion 3 or 4 tops included
3-5  slices bacon
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or colby/jack)
1/2 cup muenster cheese, grated
4 heaping TBL sour cream (more if you like)

Directions:
Preheat oven 350°, grease a 8x8 baking dish or a 2 qt. casserole dish.  Cut the cauliflower and cook in the microwave in a large bowl for about 12-15 minutes.  (can cook on top of stove also) until tender.  Drain.  Cook the bacon until crisp, when done use the grease from the bacon to saute your onion.  Put cauliflower in dish and mash, but leave some small chunky pieces, mix in the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and muenster.  Chop the bacon and add that and the onions to the cauliflower.  Mix well.  Bake for 20-40 minutes.  The last 10 minutes top with some more cheese and turn to oven til melted.  Serve.  YUM
 I served this with a roasted turkey and salad.

Makes about 6 servings
per serving:  approximately 324 calories; 27 g fat, 145g protein, 6 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 4 net carbs.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day and Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things YOU L♥ve.
D♥nna

Basic Butternilk Quick Bread w/many variations

 

Basic Buttermilk Quick Bread

Makes one loaf
2 cups (10 oz) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (4 oz) white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (8 oz) buttermilk
1 large egg
1/4 cup (2 oz) unsalted butter, olive oil, or vegetable oil
Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease or spray with nonstick cooking spray a standard 9x5 loaf pan.
Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Melt the butter, if using. Whisk it in a separate bowl with the buttermilk and the egg.
Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients. Gently stir and fold the ingredients until all the flour has been incorporated and a shaggy, wet batter is formed. Be careful not to over-mix.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and pat it into the corners. Bake for 45-50 minutes. When finished, the loaf should be domed and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing and slicing.
Wrap baked loaves tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Baked loaves can also be wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil and frozen for up to three months.

Basic Variations:
 You can be reduce the sugar to a tablespoon for more savory breads.

Up to half the flour can be substituted with an alternative flour.

 Replace the buttermilk with a mix of yogurt and milk or milk and a squeeze of lemon, milk and sour cream. 
 Use up to 1 1/2 cups fruits, nuts, olives, cheese, or other ingredients, added to the dry ingredients. Use 1-3 teaspoons of herbs or spices, added to the dry ingredients.  Just use your imagination.

These were good but I felt they were missing something, what that something was I don't know.  :)

thanks for stopping by, have a great day and Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the Things You Love.

Donna

Sweet and Sour Chicken (baked)

That was a very good meal, and not long to make. 
Instructions

3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1½ cup cornstarch
3 eggs, beaten
¼ cup canola oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons ketchup (no sugar added)
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon  soy sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 carrot sliced thin
1 onion sliced
1 celery stalk sliced
1 small red pepper
Fresh Pineapple (can use 20 oz can of pineapple chunk drained)
2-3 TBL of the pineapple juice
sesame seeds to top

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
In separate bowls, place cornstarch and slightly beaten eggs. Dip chicken into cornstarch then coat in egg mixture.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned. Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic powder. Pour over chicken and bake for 1 hour.
I stirred the chicken every 15 minutes so that it coated them in the sauce.
separate bowls, place cornstarch and slightly beaten eggs. Dip chicken into cornstarch then coat in egg mixture.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned. Place the chicken in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish.  After the chicken is cooked, pour oil off and leave a tiny bit in skillet, add the onion saute for a minute or so then add the rest of the veggies.  Add to baking dish.
In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic salt, mix well add the pineapple. Pour over chicken and bake for 1 hour. Stir the chicken every 15 minutes so that it coated them in the sauce.  Just before serving you can sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.  Serve with your favorite rice.   I always make cauliflower fried rice.
Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment if you like.  Have a great week and always Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things YOU LOVE.
Donna

Banana and Pineapple Upside Down Cake with a touch of Rum

I had some banana's I need to use and wanted to make something other than the usual banana bread, so this is it.  This was really good but the banana's seemed to overpower the flavor of the cake.  But it was good enough I would make it again.

I adapted this from here

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp fine-grain sea salt

 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature 

1/2 white granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tso pure vanilla extract 

3/4 cups milk (I used a bit over 1/3 cup half n half and water)

Banana Topping: 

4 TBL unsalted butter

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1/4 tsp fine-grain sea salt

3 TBL rum, whiskey or bourbon

2-3 medium-sized bananas, sliced lengthwise 

 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

 In a small to medium bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Next, in a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla; and then mix until the mixture is smooth. 

 To the butter and sugar mixture, mix in half of the flour mixture and the milk. Then, mix in the remaining flour mixture, being sure not to over mix. 

 In a 12-inch cast iron skillet , melt the butter over medium heat. Mix in the brown sugar and salt and stir until the sugar begins to bubble, about 1 minute. Carefully add the bourbon (the mixture will sizzle!) and mix one more time. Turn off the heat and let stand for a few minutes to cool slightly. Next, arrange the bananas to your liking. 

 Pour the batter over the bananas, and spread the batter gently so it's nice and even. Transfer the cast iron skillet to the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. 

Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. To invert the cake, place a (large enough) plate on top of the cast iron skillet and turn both of them over; lift up the cast iron skillet and voila! Your cake! 
Thanks for stopping by, have a great day and Always Remember to Find the Time to Do ALL the things You Love.
Donna

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Yet another comfort dish for these cold winter days in Kansas.  Our local grocery store had asparagus on sale so of course I bought some.  Micheal Simon from Iron Chef and the Chew recommends that you save all your stems and such for making soups and stocks.  Well when I made the pork chop I also had asparagus and took the bottoms that I snapped off and made this wonderful soup.  Great for a cold day.  It's super easy and quick to make and I'm sure you'll have all the ingredients in your pantry.  So the next time you have asparagus, broccoli or other veggies remember not to toss the parts you cut off.  If you don't make something right away put them in freezer bags for future use.

Ingredients:
bottom from aparagus
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic minced
1 carrot sliced or diced
1-2 stalks celery, tops and all
2-3 TBL flour
1/4 - 1/3 cp white wine
1/4 cup sour cream
salt and pepper
2 TBL parsley
1/2 tsp rosemary
1/2 cup water (may need more)
1 packet chicken stock
1/2 - 3/4  half n half
1-2 TBL butter
1-2 TBL bacon fat

In a sauce pan  heat and then add the bacon fat and butter, when melted added 1/2 the onion, saute until clear add a pinch of salt, add the garlic cook about 30 seconds or so.  Add the flour and stir til you have a sand color, add the wine and cook for a minute or two.  Add 1/2 cut of water and  the asparagus, 1/2 the carrot and 1/2 the celery, cook for about 3-5 minutes.  With an emulsion blender cream the ingredients in the pot.  When smooth add the rest of carrots, onion, and celery.  Add the chicken stock more water and cook for 5 minutes.  Add the half n half and sour cream  and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes.  Add parsley, rosemary and salt and pepper to taste.  Enjoy
Thanks for taking time to stop by and Always Remember to Find the Time to DO all the Things You L♥ve.
Donna

Happy Birthday Jake

Today is my youngest grandson's birthday.  He is 12 today, wow how the years
fly by.
He loves to fish with his grandpa Jerry and also hunt, rodeo and just be a boy.
Here's a few pictures of him.  Wish I were there to celebrate with you.
Love you very much.
Mammy

  The second one he is with his sister Lyndsey.  Love them both so much and wish I were closer.
xoxoxoxoxox

Strawberry Banana Muffins

It's been soooooooooooo cold here in Kansas and I am so ready for Spring.  A couple of weeks ago I got very ambitious and decided to clean out the top freezer on my fridge.  A big job for sure.  A couple of days before that I cleaned out my kitchen towel drawer and got rid of all the old and and found that I had many new towels, and I might add the drawer looks pretty good now as so does the freezer.  I actually know what I have in there now, and I can see it all.  whoop!  Back the muffins.  I found some strawberry puree in there so decided to make muffins and I also had 1 banana left.  Of course banana's and strawberry go together.  Hope you try these they really are very good.

1 banana sliced thin
1/2 -3/4 cp strawberry puree
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 stick unsalted butter  melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 cp brown sugar
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds *optional*
white sugar for top

Preheat oven to 350°, line large muffin tin or spray with nonstick spray.  You can also make this in a loaf pan.
In a large microwave safe bowl melt the butter, add the sugar, eggs and vanilla, stir well. Add the strawberry puree and sliced bananas.   In another bowl combine the dry ingredients.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir but do not over mix.  Fill the muffin tins 3/4 full, top with finely chopped almonds and sprinkle with sugar.  Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Enjoy.....these would be really good at breakfast time too.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day and Always Remember to Find the Time to Do all the Things You L♥ve.
D♥nna

Apple Cranberry Muffins

I made these the night I made the Bourbon Molasses Braised Beef.  Boy was that good.
The weather here in Kansas has been brutal the past couple of weeks.  Between the wind and frigid temps it's hard to stay warm.  The braised beef was a perfect meal for the weather that day.  These muffins were a perfect accompaniment and topped of the meal perfectly.  These also would be great in the morning with your first cup of coffee. 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter, soft
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk (I used 1/2 n 1/2 and water 1/4 cp each)
1 1/4 cp white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, room temp
1 3/4 cp AP flour (you could use 1/2 AP flour 1/2 whole wheat)
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3-4 granny smith apples, peeled, sliced and chopped
1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, cooked down
1/4 c up sugar for cranberries
pinch of salt
1/2 cup Pecans (or your choice of nuts...optional)

Cinnamon crumble topping
1/4 cp white sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 TBL AP flour
2 TBL cold butter grated.

Direction:
Preheat oven to 375°.  Spray pans or use liners, set aside.
In a large bowl. cream together 1/2 cp butter, 1 1/4 cp sugar, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy.   Beat in eggs, 1 at a time.  In another bowl mix the dry ingredients and then stir in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until it's incorporated.  Fold in the apples and nuts.  Scoop into muffins tins and fill 3/4 full.  Lightly sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon crumble.
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool and enjoy.

To make the topping:
In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients, then grate the cold butter into the mixture and using a pastry blender, mix until mixture resembles small peas.  I actually use my hands for this, works much better.     

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend and Always Remember to Find the Time to Do all the Things YOU L♥ve
D♥nna

Broccoli and Cheese Soup (LC)

Well it's snowing here in KS ....again....am sooooooooooo ready for Spring and some decent weather.  I wrote this and also made the soup the day it snowed and that day was Feb. 4.    So with that said it was perfect weather for some soup and today's choice was Broccoli and Cheese.  Best part of this one is that it is LC too, and oh so yummy.

1/2 head of broccoli crowns (microwave in bowl with water for about 4 min)
1/2 onion diced
1 - 2 carrots (cook in microwave til almost tender)
3 pcs bacon
4-5 oz. velvetta
4 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2-1 cp half and half (can also use milk)
1 pkt chicken powder seasoning (makes stock)
2/3 cp water
salt and pepper

In stock pot cook bacon, when almost crisp add the onion and cook until translucent.  Add the half and half and start adding the cheeses, cook until melted.  Add 1/3 of broccoli and then use an immersion blender to make it nice
and smooth.  Add the rest of the broccoli and the carrots and simmer until done.
Serve with some sour cream on top and a little bit of fresh parsley.  Enjoy

Thanks for stopping by,  have a great week and Remember to Find the Time to do all the Things YOU L♥ve.
D♥nna

Cranberry Honey Chicken Wings

I made these for Super Bowl Sunday.  Was just me watching the game but had to have some snacks.  I didn't want the usual wings with ranch or anything like that so thought I'd see what this glaze would taste like.  I'm going to use it on pork chops this coming week.  Will report back as to how they turned out.

1 cup fresh cranberries, cook down (add a bit of sugar)
1/2 cup diet cherry pepsi
1 TBL sweet chilli sauce
1 TBL butter
2 tsp grated fresh ginger
1 TBL hoisin sauce
4 TBL honey
1 TBL Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper

Pre heat your oven to 400° put some parchment paper on a large cookies sheet.  Salt and pepper your wings and sprinkle a bit of flour on them.  Place on the cookie sheet and cook for about 20 minutes.  Take out and pour the glaze over the wings and return to the oven for about another 12-15 minutes.  Enjoy.

I also had some shrimp with my own cocktail sauce.  Will share that next.
Ok, these were ok but the glaze was much better on a pork chop.  Think I'm just used to having the chicken wings with ranch.  Old Habits ya know.
Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.  Please remember to Find the time to Do all the things YOU L♥ve.
D♥nna

Bourbon beef roast

I watch "The Chew" everyday and I am a huge fan of Michael Si
mon.  Really I like all the hosts except for Daphne.  Remember folks it's just my opinion, but she acts like she's a know it all for healthy eating.  Ok enough of her on the my recipe.
Micheal made some short ribs a couple of weeks ago (something I really want to make but they are so pricey)  I decided to make a bourbon molasses roast and here is what I came up with.  And I might add YUM, YUM, YUM

3-4 lb. Rump roast (or any inexpensive cut of roast..if there is such a thing)
1/2 cup bourbon (I actually used Jack Daniels)you could use RED Wine -omit the molasses
1/2 cup dark molasses
1 - 14.5 oz of diced tomatoes
5 cloves of garlic (minced)
3-5 TBL flour
2 medium onions
6-8 carrots
5-6 potatoes
4-5 stalks celery
1/4 - 1/2 cup water
1 1/2 - 2 cups of chicken stock
salt and pepper
olive oil for searing

In a Dutch Oven heat pan and when hot add oil and heat.  Season the roast liberally with salt and pepper, add to the pot (you should hear a good sizzle) brown on ALL sides, remove.  Add a little more oil then add 1/2 of 1 of the onions and cook till translucent and then add the garlic.  Cook for about 30 seconds.  Add the water and stir.  You should be cooking this over med-high heat.  Add the flour and stir, you will get a mixture that looks like wet sand.  Add the bourbon and molasses (or red wine) cook for about 5-10 minutes at a low simmer.  Add the chicken stock, canned tomatoes and the meat back into the pot.  Add the rest of 1st onion.  Cook on the stove top for about 15 minutes.  Put in 300° oven and cook for about 4-6 hours.  Half way through add the other veggies and cook until all is tender.  You could thicken the sauce when it's all done with 1/3 cup of water and 3-5 TBL more flour.  Mix in a cup til you get a slurry and then add to the sauce while the meat is resting.  Enjoy.
With the recipe above I actually cooked the potatoes separately and had mashed potatoes.

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful day...stay warm if your in the cold part of the country and Remember to Find the Time to Do All the Things YOU L♥ve.
D♥nna