Chicken and Salmon Recipies

Here are some recipies I thought I'd share. My SIL gave them to me. Soooo yummy!

Southwest Chicken Marinade
2 T. olive oil
1 clove minced garlic
1 t. chili powder
1 t. dried oregano leaves
1/2 t. salt
1 lb. chicken
combined all ingredients, coat both sides of chicken. Marinate in fridge a couple hours or just go ahead and grill on the spot if no time.
make extra and freeze some for later.

Lemon Chicken
3 T. lemon juice (fresh is always best)
3 T. olive oil
1 t. minced garlic
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
1/2 t. oregano
1 lb. chicken
Marinate chicken overnight. Grill chicken ans use with salads, pastas, pizza, or whatever.

Honey Glazed Salmon
1/4 c. honey
1/4 c. soy sauce plus 2 T. soy sauce
3 T. fresh lime or lemon juice
2 T. water
1 T. plus 1 t. Dijon mustard
1-2 T. olive oil
4 6oz. Salmon fillets
Preheat broiler. Brush Salmon with 2 T. of the soy sauce. Place on a baking sheet and broil salmon for 10 min. or until it is cooked through. in a small bowl whisk together honey, soy sauce, lime juice, water and mustard. Heat a small non-stick skillet, add honey mixture to skillet and simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a glaze-like consistency. Pour the glaze over salmon. yummy with brown rice!

Next Month & Show and Tell

Our next get-together is Jan. 7th. For recipes, how about either desserts or something really healthy? Like a favorite vegetable side dish.
How do you girls feel about making some "It's My Day" things to use for upcoming birthdays, etc? I know a few of you girls have some great traditions for birthdays or other special events (like the balloon wreath that I've seen on Maria's front door or those triangle banners). Here are a few things that I've been wanting to make FOREVER.

I REALLY want to make a plate for special occasions. If we cut vinyl with Jessica's Cricket and put it on a red plate, do you think we could still eat off it? Could we wash it? Or would painting it be best? Do we have an expert on such things in the group?

I saw this chair cover over at nannygoat.
Post any other tutorials you guys know of or we could do that cute skirt that Jessica posted as well. :)

Now for the "Show and Tell" portion of this post.
The kid's have loved doing this advent calendar. Thanks again Jessica for sharing the Cricket with us and spending the entire evening cutting out letters for us.

This is my mom's new scripture case. She likes it simple.

Now on to the quilts. I used the same 12 fabrics for all three quilts but did three completely different patterns. This first one was similar to the patch baby quilt that I have done in the past... only I cut the squares bigger and bound it with ric-rac


I saw this quilt on the sugarnspicecreations blog and after spending way too much time doing simple math I was able to change the pattern to the size I wanted. I'm still not sure about binding it in brown, maybe white would have been better but that doesn't keep it from being my favorite of the three quilts.


This last quilt was me attempting to recreate a darling quilt that I've seen at Jill's house. I like it so much I think I'll make McKayla the same type of quilt to go on her bed.


Which quilt is your favorite?
It would be great to see some of the handmade items you all have been making posted on this blog as well.

White Chili

(sorry so late; lost my recipe)

4 lg. chicken breasts/rotisserie chicken

1 T olive oil

1 med. onion

3 cloves garlic

1 32-oz box chicken broth

2 cans Great Northern beans - drained & rinsed

2 4-oz cans diced green chilis

2 15-oz cans white corn w/ juice OR frozen

1 T cumin

1/2 t oregano

1/2 t coriander

1/2 t salt

fresh cracked pepper

1 lime

1/3 c chopped cilantro 

Garnishes: limes, shredded monterey jack cheese, sliced avocados, sour cream, cilantro, tortilla strips

In large pot, sautee onions until translucent.  Add chicken and garlic  and cook until done (if raw, I cube--if not I add shredded rotisserie with next step).  Add chicken broth, rinsed beans, green chilis (w/juice), white corn (w/juice), cumin, oregano, coriander, salt, a few turns pepper.  Bring to boil, then simmer 10 mins.  

Remove from heat, add squeezed lime and cilantro.  Best served with garnishes!

Oreo Truffles

I got this recipe from my sister-in-law, Carlee Simpson



1 package oreos (I like the mint)
1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, room temp.
White Chocolate melting chips (1 lb)
Milk or Dark Chocolate melting chips (1/2 lb.)

Using a food processor, grind cookies to a fine powder. With a mixer, blend cookie powder, cream cheese and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed (there should be no white traces of cream cheese).

Roll into small balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate or freeze for 45 minutes.

Line two cookie sheets with wax paper. Melt white chocolate in microwave safe bowl (stopping to mix every 30 sec). Dip balls and coat thoroughly. With slotted spoon, lift balls out of chocolate and let excess chocolate drip off. Place on wax-paper-lined cookie sheet.

In separate bowl, melt chocolate. Put chocolate in a Ziploc bag and cut off a small corner. Drizzle white chocolate over balls. Let cool.

Store in airtight container, in refrigerator.

Christmas Cheese Ball

2- 8oz. packages of Cream Cheese -softened

3- Green Onion tops- chopped

1/2tsp. Dry Mustard

2 1/2 tsp. Bon-Appetite (it's a seasoning)

a few shakes of the dry chives

Mix all ingredients together and chill to refirm cheese. After it's chilled, form it into a ball and roll it in slivered almonds or any chopped nut. Serve with crackers of veggies.

advent calendar

Jessica, I finally got a photo for you!!!  

Thank you SO much.  for sharing, for all your work, for your time...all of it.

--btw, the random flowers are for my random hole in the canvas, (long story)

which is why they're on there in random spots 

Ruffle Skirt

Check this super cute skirt out. I think this one will be fun to make.

Microwave Caramels

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup corn syrup

1 cup sweetened condensed milk

Place butter in a large bowl, microwave 1 minute on high. Stir. Add remaining ingredients. Stir. Cook on high for 7 minutes. Stir well. Cook for another 7 minutes, stir well. Pour into a buttered 9x13 pan. Cool. Cut into squares and wrap in wax paper. Adjust cooking time to your microwave.

Chocolate Pie

24 Marshmallows

1 giant Hershey Bar

1/2 Cup Milk

1/2 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream

1 Graham Cracker Pie Shell

Melt marshmallows with Hershey bar over double boiler. Add milk. Cool. Fold in whipping cream. Pour into pie shell. Let stand until firm (about 2 hours). Cover with whipped cream.

Advent Calenders

I owe Jessica big time! She was so patient and helpful. I coudn't have done it without her (and Her Cricket). I'm really happy with how they turned out. They're headed to Alaska, Arizona and eastern Idaho. I used the list that Jessica sent and added a few of our own traditions too. Thanks again Jessica. You're awesome!

Spidey bag

Thanks Maria for showing us these cute scripture bags. I made this for my nephew's birthday.

Lemon Meringue Pie

9 in cooked pie crust
1 1/2 c sugar
2 1/4 c water
2 big lemons, juiced
7 1/2 T cornstarch
6 T water
3 extra large egg yolks

Put 2" of water in bottom of a double broiler. Mix sugar and water in top of double broiler. Add lemon juice. Stir over medium heat until hot.

Mix together in a small bowl cornstarch and water until creamy. Slowly add cornstarch mixture to lemon mixture. Stir constantly so that it will not be lumpy. Stir over medium heat until mixture thickens

Beat egg yolks slightly in a small bowl (I use the cornstarch bowl:)) Add 4 T of hot lemon mixture into egg yolks and stir. Slowly pour into lemon mixture. Cook a little longer and pour into cooked pie shell. Top with Meringue.

MERINGUE

3 egg whites
4 T powdered sugar
1/2 t vanilla
1 t cream of tartar

Beat egg whites adn cream of tartar until frothy. Add sugar gradually and beat until stiff. Add vanilla and pile on pie.

Bake at 325 for 15-18 minutes

Recipe can be doubled but not trippled

Apple Cream Pie

2 cups sugar, divided
1 cup flour
2 T flour
1/8 t salt
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 c sour cream
5 apples, cored, peeled and grated
9 inch pie crust, unbaked
1/2 c butter, softened
2 t cinnamon

Mix together on cup sugar, 2 T flour, salt,egg, vanilla, sour cream and apples. Pour into pie crust. Set aside.

Mix remaining flour, sugar, butter and cinnamon. This mixture should look like little pebbles. Sprinkle on top of pie.

Bake at 400 until bubbly about 35-40 minutes.

Pie Crust

6 Cups Flour
3/4 teaspoon Salt
3 Cups Shortening
1 Cup Water
3 Eggs
1 Tablespoon Vinegar

Mix with beater; flour, salt and shortening.

In a 2 cup measuring cup mix with beater; water, eggs and vinegar. Add liquid to flour mixture and combine well. If to sticky add flour a little bit at a time.

Form into fist size balls. Roll out on floured surface. Put in pie tin, prick crust with fork tines. Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes. For best results put a cheese cloth on top of pie crust and then fill with dried beans when there is three minutes left remove beans and cheese cloth.

Fill with your favorite pie recipe, quiche, tart, chicken pot pie.

The remaining dough balls can be frozen(up to six months) or refrigerated(up to three weeks). When ready to use put on counter and let the balls thaw. Use when they are just colder than room temperature.

Key Lime Pie

Key lime Pie

1 Graham cracker pie crust

1 14oz can Sweeten condensed milk
3 Eggs

½ cup Lime juice

Preheat oven 350°. Mix condensed milk and eggs together. Once the oven is ready, mix in the lime juice until it becomes creamy. Pour into pie crust and bake for 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes and then put in fridge to cool completely. Serve plain or with cool whip.

Graham Cracker Crust

1 pkg. Graham crackers

6T Butter- melted

1/4c Sugar

Crush crackers and stir in sugar. Add melted butter and press down onto the pie plate.

Scripture Totes

I found a couple of other sites with super cute ideas of scripture totes. Here they are!

http://itsagirlthing1.blogspot.com/2009/09/scripture-toteanyone.html

http://scripturetotesbyloree.blogspot.com/

Anyone find a store with really cute placemats? I have heard Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, but I haven't looked yet.

Cinnabon Popcorn

12 c popcorn (natural; I use Orville Redenbacher's "natural" microwave popcorn)

1 c pecans

1 c brown sugar

3/4 t cinnamon

1/4 c karo syrup

1 stick butter

1/2 t baking soda

3 squares almond bark (vanilla flavor) or white chocolate

Preheat oven to 250.

Put popcorn & pecans in very large bowl (will be messy when stirring, so go bigger than you think you may need).

Mix brown sugar and cinnamon really well (or won't work right) in large microwave-safe bowl or Pyrex 2qt measuring bowl works great. Chop butter into chunks and place on top. Pour karo syrup over. Microwave high for 30 seconds. Take out & stir. Microwave 2 mins, take out & stir. **I stop here but the recipe goes on; my microwave runs high; too much carmelizes it. Should be really really bubbly but not super thick.  

Microwave 2 mins (if not done), remove. Add vanilla and baking soda. 

Pour over popcorn/pecans. Stir quickly (dries fast) until well coated. 

Pour onto foil-lined baking sheet. Bake 30 mins total; take out and stir every 10.

Remove and pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet. (or will stick to foil). Let cool while you melt almond bark - according to directions on package. Drizzle with fork and let cool.

Calendar Update

I have decided to order the tins from the CPS container store here in Eagle. We can get them for around the same price, but they are better quality tins.
With that being said, we can do as many calenders as we want, so if you know of someone who wants to make one then let me know and we can get them on the list. (let me know by this Friday so that I can have a week for the order)
So far we have on the list:
Kim D
Jocelyn M
Chelsea M
Sara E
Jen R
Jill B x3
Trisha M

I know there were a few from book club interested (Sharla and someone else, I can't remember), but I don't have their emails, so if someone can email them then that would be great.

Calendar Project

I bought enough tins and canvas' for 4 calendars. If you would like to make one then let me know by Wednesday (October 14th) so that I have enough time and coupons to get the stuff for you. Below is what is required for the project. What is highlighted is what you still need to bring. I painted my canvas black, but you can leave it white or any other color. Email me what color you want yours and I can get that done before we make them.


· One 16" x 20" blank Canvas * Cheap at Michaels. You don’t need the really nice canvas’*
· 24 metal tins (2" diameter Wilton® favor tins were used here, available at Michaels in the wedding favor section) *With a 40% off coupon you can get these for around $12.* *Correction- they ran out of tins and we can't order on the internet, so we are going through CPS containers in Eagle. They are way better quality for a couple of dollars more. I think it is worth the extra $$*
· Patterned Paper *2 each of 4 different patterns*
· Coordinating Cardstock *2 for squares and 1 for letters/numbers (I also did a shadow on my letters/numbers so if you want to do that you will need 1 sheet of a shadow color Mine is white)*
· Strong and regular adhesive (SNAIL and Terrific Tape) *super important*
· Ribbon *5/8" for edging, but not necessary*
· 24 Velcro™ dots

Peanut Butter Balls

Per Belle's request I am adding this recipe.

2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. chunky peanut butter
3 T. melted butter
1 pkg chocolate chips
1/3 c. crushed graham crackers

Combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and graham crackers in a bowl. Knead until well mixed. Roll into balls and chill. Melt chocolate chips and dip balls in chocolate. Chill.

Marshmallow Krispie Bars

1 pkg Brownie mix
1 pkg mini marshmallows
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips
1 c. creamy peanut butter
1 tbsp butter
1 1/2 c. rice krispie cereal

Prepare brownies according to directions on box. Remove from oven. Sprinkle marshmallows on hot brownies. Return to oven and bake for 3 mins.

Place chocolate chips, peanut butter, & butter in saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until chips are melted. Add rice krispie cereal.

Spread mixture over marshmallow layer. Refrigerate until chilled.

Advent Calendar

While grabbing a picture of the chair covers I saw my advent calendar picture and thought I would put this up as an option. It is kind of pricey to make (around $30), but worth it.

I also have a Cricut that cuts vinyl that I used to make It's your day Chargers. (You use it for a birthday to put a plate on) I gave a birthday set as a gift for Christmas last year. (chair cover, charger, and centerpiece)

Chair covers

Here is another idea we thought of doing. I made these for Christmas and through out December we filled the back pocket with "love notes" that we opened up Christmas Eve. It set a great tone in our home for that night and the next day. I also made one that was bright for birthdays that we stick on the birthday persons chair and that day we write a "love note" to that person. Good stuff- thanks to Carlene Tanner for the idea.

Garden Soup

2 cups Chicken-cooked/cubed
1 cup Minute Rice- uncooked
1 cup Carrots- grated
1 large Zucchini -grated
2 stalks Celery- chopped
1 can Cream of Chicken
3 cans Chicken Broth or 6 cups water & 6 Chicken bullion
1Tbl dried Onion
Salt and Pepper to taste

Put all the ingredients in a crock pot and heat all day on low.

2Tbl Butter 2Tbl Flour 1 cup Milk Green Onions- chopped

About an hour before serving brown butter in a sauce pan and then add flour and milk and stir until smooth. Heat on med until it thickens and then add it to the soup. Add green onions. Salt and pepper to taste.

Placemat Scripture Tote Bag

Keeping on our theme of Christmas gifts, November 5th Maria will be teaching us how to make scripture bags out of placemats! (I stole these images from a tutorial I found online)


Materials needed:
1. One sturdy/thick placemat.
2. 1 1/2 inch "gross grain" ribbon. 2 pieces, 16 inches long each for handles.
3. Any flowers, ribbon, & fringe to embellish the tote. Approximately 1 extra yard will be needed to go all the way around the tote.
4. Matching thread for placemat and embellishment ribbon.
5. Glue gun & fabric glue for fringe.
Anything else Maria?

For our recipe swap we will be doing pies and soups. Bring whichever one you want... or both! :)

Pink Lassies

This is a great treat for special events. I serve it at our grandchildren's Christmas sleepover on December 23rd. (other variations use pineapple juice and a splash of soda) serve in mock tail glasses.

Pink Lassies:
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice

Blend and serve

Pumpkin Dip

1 - 14 oz can of pumpkin
1 - pkg cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar

Mix together and season with cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to taste.

If you would like to use the larger can of pumpkin, use 2 pkgs of cream cheese and a bit more powdered sugar according to taste. Put in fridge to chill and serve with cinnamon seasoned pita chips.

Fruit Smoothies

1 Cup Fat Free Milk

1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt

1/4 tsp. Vanilla extract

1 1/2 Cups fresh or frozen strawberries

1/2 Cup canned unsweetened pineapple chunks

1/4 Cup nonfat dry milk powder

4 ice cubes

2 Tbsp. sugar

Directions:

In a blender combine all the ingredients. Cover and process for 30-45 seconds or until smooth. Stir if necessary. Pour into chilled glasses and serve.

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

12- 15 Appetizer Servings

1 1/4 Pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (About 4 Breasts)

1 (1 Pound) Package Sliced Bacon

2/3 Cup Firmly Packed Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Chili Powder

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees F.

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with a toothpick. Stir together brown sugar and chili powder. Dredge wrapped chicken in the mixture. Coat a large sheet pan with foil. Place a rack on top of the sheet pan, and coat rack with cooking spray. Place chicken wraps on the rack. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until bacon is crisp.

Aprons and Favorite Recipes

The next couple of months we will be doing a few projects that would make great Christmas gifts. This month will be aprons.

For this hostess apron you will need:
2/3 yard for the main fabric
fat quarter for the pockets
3/4 yrd for the waist band and tie
interfacing for the waist band
1 package of double fold bias tape (or you can make your own)



For our recipe swap we will be bringing our favorite recipe. Bring your most requested item or call you mother-in-law for hers.

We'll see you October 1st at 7:30 pm.

french flea market apron

adult size:

fabric A (bottom ruffle - blue in photo) 1/2 yd

fabric B (middle ruffle - green in photo) 1/4 yd

fabric C (top panel - pink in photo) 2/3 yd

fabric D (waistband/tie - polka dot in photo) 1/2 yd

child size:

A - 1/2 yd  **smaller girls sz 3-6 could do 1/3 yd

B - 1/4 yd

C - fat quarter

D - 1/3 yd

Chicken Poppers

chicken breasts or tenders
diced green chiles
sliced cheddar cheese

Grill chicken. Place green chiles on top of chicken. Place cheese on chiles and let the cheese melt.

Limeaid

32 oz of freash squeezed lime juice (if you use the bottled kind-don't bother to make it because it its just not the same!!)

6 QTS cold water & ice

6 cups of sugar- give or take depending on how tart you want it

stir stir stir!!

Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Cranberry Sauce

2-3 lb pork roast tenderloin
6 tablespoons butter - divided
1/2 onion - finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 can chicken broth (7 oz)
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
3 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions
1. Melt 2 Tbs butter in heavy large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper.
3. Sear pork on all sides, about 2 minutes.
4. Place pork in crock pot and cook on high with 2 cups of water for 1 1/2-2 hrs.
5. Meanwhile, melt remaining 4 tablespoon butter in heavy medium skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add onion and rosemary; sauté until onion softens, about 3 minutes.
7. Add broth, cranberry sauce and vinegar and whisk until cranberry sauce melts, about 2 minutes.
8. Boil until sauce has reduced enough to coat spoon thickly, about 6 minutes (could take longer).
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Slice pork and serve with sauce.

Shrek Margaritas

Shrek Margaritas

1/2 small can white grape juice concentrate
1/4 lime including rhine
1/2 orange peeled
1/4 pineapple
ice
couple handfuls of raw spinach

Blend well in a blender

My children absoutely love this drink. They ask for it all the time!
Don't be scared of the Spinach you can not taste

Burned Flowers

I am not sure if that is "the name" of these little flowers (or big) but I thought it's fun!  I came across these on Saturday and made one for Emma, they are sooo easy and cute.

Materials Needed

Clip 

Hand needle

Thread

Button or bead

9 circles of fabric 

(at least I used 9, the largest ones were about 4" in diameter and the smallest about 1 1/2 inch)  see you all tomorrow!

rolled roses

supplies:

20" by 3" strip of fabric, button, needle & thread, clip  

Corkscrew hair bows

I know how to make the corkscrew hair bows. They are simple and fun
You need:
crossgrain ribbon of your choice
thread
needle
1/4" dowels...about 9 inches long (I have some but not enough if everyone wanted to make them)
wooden clothes pins (Once again I do have some)

ButtonFlowerPin

I found this crocheted flower that is really cute and easy to make
ButtonFlowerPin

Does anyone know how?

Does anyone know how to make these darling curly ribbon hair bows? I REALLY want to learn how!


Are there any other hair accessories you guys are wanting to learn how to make? I saw the cutest feathered headband the other day - wouldn't that but fun to make for ourselves?

Ribbon Flower

Maria said she'd teach us how to make these cute ribbon flowers. I'm not sure exactly what you need so correct me if I'm wrong.

2-3 coordinating ribbons
matching button
hot glue?
hair clip

Felted Flower

This one would look so cute on all of us so if you don't have any little girls, come learn how to make cute hair accessories for yourself!

Felted Flower
-Felted wool (or regular felt)
-thread
-needle
-headband or clippie (whatever you want to attach the flower to)

Fabric Flowers

Sanetta found tutorials on these fabric flowers and shared the links with me. So cute.

Fabric Flower 1
fabric
scissors
small piece of felt in a coordinating color
needle and coordinating thread
hair clip or headband to attach the flower to
button to be covered and small amount of fabric to cover it (or any button you choose)
fabric glue (optional)

I'll bring the template but if you want to view the tutorial click here.

Fabric Flower 2
2- 3" x 3" fabric squares
Wonder Under
Iron
Marking pen
scissors
sewing machine
hair clip to attach flower to

Same thing. I'll bring the template but click here if you want to view the tutorial for yourself.


As far as hair clips go, I believe these metal single prong clips to be the best. Don't buy the double pronged ones because they don't slip into a ponytail very well. You can buy them for way cheep at any Sally beauty supply store. Bring a glue gun if you want to cover it with a ribbon before you put the flower on.


If you want to put your flower on a nylon headband for a baby I'm sure we can figure it out. I think all you need is a pair of white knee high and a hot glue gun.

August = Hair Accesories, Meat & Drinks

Our next get together will be Thursday, August 27th, 8 pm at Avimore. In honor of the kids return to school we will be making hair accessories to match all our girls' darling school outfits. Please post pictures of the flower, felt, button, ribbon, fabric, etc hair clips/bands that you know how to make along with a supplies list. I would love to have 5 or more different tutorials going on that night.

For our recipe swap, let's do drinks and meats. Last names A-M bring pork, beef, chicken, or fish, N-Z bring drinks. I will be bringing a recipe for Cranberry/Balsamic Vinegar Pork that Deven will be making :) (we call him the meat man here at my house).

McKayla and Bree modeling the outfits I made them last week. McKayla has declared this to be the clothes she will wear on the first day of school. I already made her a matching two sided headband (uses scrap fabric and 3 inches of elastic) but I'm planning on making some of your cute creations to match as well.

Oh, BTW Craft Warehouse is having that same buy 2 yards get one free sale again. I believe it lasts through the end of August. Should we make aprons in September? :) Happy shopping.

Jessica's Pillowcase Dress/shirt

Here's mine. Super cute! I originally was making it for Victoria, but made it Anne's size. So now Anne gets the outfit and Victoria gets to use the shirt as a dress.

Beer Bread

Beer Bread

3 cups Flour- sifted *must*-

3 tsp. baking powder-omit if using self rising flour-

1 tsp. salt -omit if using self rising flour-

2 tsp. dry active yeast

1 (12oz) can beer -or any carbonated drink, I like ginger ale better-

1/2 cup melted butter -I use less, maybe 1/4 cup-

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix all the dry ingredients and then add the beer. Pour into a greased loaf pan and cover with the melted butter. Bake for 1 hour and remove and let it coll for 15 minutes

Quick, Easy, and super good!

Potatoe Rolls

1 1/2 c mashed potatoes (I use instant)
2 c. warm water
3/4 c. butter
3 tbsp. yeast
3 eggs
3/4 c. sugar
6 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp salt

Mix all ingredients. Divide dough into fourths; knead for 3 minutes adding flour. Let rest for 15 mins. Roll out into circle and cut into triangle shapes. Rolld dough into crescents. Place on greased cookie sheet; let rise until double (30-45 mins). Bake at 375 for 10-15 mins.

Romano's Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread

This is an attempt to imitate the excellent bread that is served in the Macaroni Grill Restaurant.


2½ hours | 2¼ hours prep

2 loaves

* 1 tablespoon yeast
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 cup warm water
* 2 1/2 cups flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons rosemary
* 2 tablespoons butter

1. Place yeast, sugar and water in large bowl or food processor and allow mixture to become bubbly.
2. Mix in 1 T butter, salt, and 2 cups of flour.
3. Add one tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary.
4. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Add more flour if necessary.
6. Oil a bowl, put dough in it and cover with a towel.
7. Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled.
8. Punch down dough and divide in half.
9. Let dough rest about 5 minutes.
10. Spray baking pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray.
11. Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves.
12. Sprinkle remaining 1 Tablespoon of rosemary over the loaves and press lightly into the surface.
13. Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes.
14. Preheat oven to 375°F.
15. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned.
16. Carefully remove from oven, brush with remaining butter (and salt if desired.).

Orange Rolls

1 1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup shortening or butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 Tbsp yeast, dissolved in 1/3 cup warm water
2 well beaten eggs
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
2 Tbsp grated orange peel
5 cups flour

Scald milk & shortening or butter together and let cool.

Combine milk with sugar, salt, yeast mixture, eggs, juice and beat well. Add flour and orange peel at once and stir to mix. Rest for 10 minutes.

Knead again 5-10 minutes. Let rise 1 hour.

Roll out and shape into knots or crescents

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. Frost when cooled.

FROSTING
2 cups powdered sugar
6 Tbsp soft butter
Orange juice

THE Jello Salad

Jello Salad

1 small pkg jello- any flavor
1 small pkg tapioca pudding- cook-n-serve
1 small pkg vanilla pudding- cook-n-serve
3 cups of water
1 small tub cool whip
fruit if desired- fresh or frozen

In a sauce pan combine jello, tapioca, and vanilla pudding with the water. Stir continually and watch for it to come to a rolling boil. let in boil for 3 minutes. take off heat and let sit for 3 hours. -It doesn't matter if it is on the counter or in the fridge- add your tub of cool whip and mix thoroughly. Once blended add in your fruit and stick in fridge to set up again. (usually take 15-30 minutes to fully set.)
Enjoy!
*I usually use raspberry or strawberry jello, but my mom has used orange and lime and both have tasted really good.

Better than Tide!

Miss Teeter was so awesome and came to our enrichment and taught us how to make Laundrey detergent

Here is what you need- all purchasable at Winco (in Laundry Isle)...

1 bar of Soap (you can use whatever but Miss Teeter uses Fels-Naptha because it is made for treating laundry stains)

1 Cup Washing Soda- Arm and Hammer brand

1/2 Cup Borax (20-Mule team brand)

3 Gallons Water

5 Gallon Bucket

Step One:  use a regular cheese grater and grate your soap (then throw in the dishwasher and you have a very clean grater!) Next heat up 4 cups of water in a large sauce pan(it will become very volumous so use a huge pot) until it is almost boiling.  Add the grated soap and stir until it is dissolved, keeping below the boiling point.

Step Two: Put 3 Gallons of hot tap water into the 5 gallon bucket.  Then mix in the hot soapy water from step one.  Stir for 1 minute.  Add 1 Cup of washing soda and stir for another minute, then add 1/2 cup borax and stir for another minute.  Let the mixture sit overnight, uncovered.

That is it you are done.  You should have now a bucket of gelatinous slime that iis a paler shad of soap you used before.  You will need about 1/2 cup per load and this bucket should last for about 96 loads!!!  about $10 per year!!!!  Also Miss Teeter said that she bought all she would need for a year and put it all in a extra 5 gal bucket and set it in her food storage- great idea!

An idea for the future...

I ran across this blog and loved the shirt. And it looks super easy to do.

Check it out. Enchantresses 3

Pillow case dress/shirt in July

OKAY everyone....On July 28th we are making pillowcase dress/shirt and ruffle pants. Here are the fabric requirements for our fun project.
Pants
6-18 months................. 1/2 yard
18-14 months-3T .......3/4 yard
4T-8..............................1 yard

Ruffle
All sizes 1/3 yard

Pillowcase Dress/Shirt

The amount of fabric will vary according to the length that you want your dress/shirt. So get out your measuring tapes and measure your girls from shoulder to where you want the dress/shirt to end then add 3 inches.
Here are inches converted into yardage
9 in = 1/4 yard
13.5 in = 3/8 yd
18 in = 1/2 yd
22.5 in = 5/8 yd
27 in = 3/4 yd
31.5 in = 7/8 yd
36 in = 1 yd
By the required amount
All fabric needs to be at least 44/45in wide

If you want to add a band to the bottom of your dress/ shirt buy 1/2 yard of a coordinating fabric
Notions:
1 in wide elastic for waistband
2 yd ribbon for dress/shirt tie
Matching thread

If you have any questions please post them and I will respond

Another Flirty Skirt....

Here is the little skirt I made for Bentlee! Kim, thanks for being patient enought to teach all of us. What a fun night! Looking forward to next time!

Kari's Flirty Skirt

Thanks Kim for teaching us how to make these cute flirty skirts. I actually ended up shortening my top layer so you can see more of the orange. I think it turned out so cute.
Thanks Jessica for sticking around to show me how to make the fabric flowers again.

I had so much fun that on Saturday Carissa and I got brave and decided to try and make another skirt. This is what I ended up with. I think it turned out cute!

I'm really excited to do this each month! Thanks for inviting us to be a part of it all!

Summer Salads and Breads

Jocelyn has so graciously volunteered to teach us how to make a pillowcase dress/shirt and pant with ruffle. Both are beginner sewing projects and so cute!



As for food. We'll be doing salads and breads. Bring salads if your last name begins with A-M and a bread/roll item if your name begins with N-Z. I can't wait to taste what you all with be bringing.

Jessica's Flirty Skirts!

I finished mine! They are so cute! I LOVE THEM!!!

So I want to see all the other creations!

Thanks for teaching us. I can't wait until next month.

Flirty Skirts

Kim taught us how to make these Flirty Skirts - she found this pattern for these multilayered skirts at Quilt Expressions. Needs 1/2 yard for top fabric. 1/2 yard for bottom fabric, 3/4 inch elastic and thread to match fabrics.

Corn Salsa

4 cups corn or 1 pkg frozen corn
1/4 cup yellow peppers, diced & roasted
1/4 cup yellow peppers, diced and raw
1/4 cup red peppers, diced & roasted
1/4 cup red peppers, diced & raw
1/8 cup onion
1 TB parsley
1 TB chives
1 TB cilantro
lemon juice
lime juice
salt & pepper

Combine all ingredients and serve - tastes great with lime tortilla chips!

Brownie Trifle

1 of your favorite boxed or homemade fudge brownie recipes
12 oz cool whip
1 large pkg of instant chocolate pudding
Fruit of choice (we used strawberries and blueberries)

Prepare brownie mix according to the recipe. Bake in a 9 x13 pan. Cool: break into small pieces.
Prepare chocolate pudding according to the recipe. Let is set up.
Place a third of the brownie pieces in an even layer in the bottom of a bigger casserole dish or a trifle bowl. Pour pudding mixture over brownies; Spread Cool Whip on top of pudding. Place cut up fruit over the Cool Whip. Repeat all steps beginning with the brownie pieces 2 more times. Chill and Serve.

Cheese Ball

2-8 oz softened cream cheese
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained
1/4 cup red bell-pepper, chopped
1 TB grated onion
1 1/2 tsp season salt
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients except for pecans. Form into a ball, roll in chopped pecans. Refrigerate until firm.

Keylime Tarts

Makes 24 Tarts

24 Lemon or Lime Cookies*
16 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
2 Eggs
1 Cup Sugar
4 Tablespoons Lime Juice
2 Teaspoons Lime Zest
Fresh Sweetened Whipped Cream
Mint Leaves or Lime Slices for Garnish

Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees F.

Fill 2 (12 Muffin) muffin tins with foil or paper cups, and spray with cooking spray. Place one cookie in the bottom of each cup, flat side down.

Prepare filling. Beat together cream cheese, eggs, sugar, lime juice and zest until well mixed. Distribute into the cups. Bake for 12 minutes or until filling is set. Remove tarts to cool. Once tarts are completely cool, top with whipped cream and garnish.

*I found Famous Amos Lemon Cookies at Walmart and they worked great. If you can’t find lemon or lime cookies, Nilla wafers would also work!

Mint Brownies

Make brownie mix according to directions (use a mix that can go in a 9x13 pan). Bake in a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes. Cool completely.

Mint Layer:
3-4 TB milk
3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter softened
1 tsp mint extract
Green food coloring

Combine ingredients and spread over brownie mix. Chill.

Chocolate Layer: (I just use a chocolate milk frosting mix.)
4 TB butter
8 oz milk chocolate chips

Melt and spread over mint layer. Chill.

Peanut Butter Popcorn

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter

Heat sugar and corn syrup to a full boil. Take off heat and add vanilla and peanut butter. Pour over 6 cups of popped popcorn and 1 cup peanuts (optional).

And so it begins...

It all began at a baby shower at Chelsea's. She served these amazing eclairs. I couldn't get enough of them. After convincing her to give a us a tutorial at Brittany's house we decided to make a girls night of it!

Cream Puffs
2 (3.5 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
1 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 eggs

1. Mix together vanilla instant pudding mix, cream and milk. Cover and refrigerate to set.
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
3. In a large pot, bring water and butter to a rolling boil. Stir in flour and salt until the mixture forms a ball.
Transfer the dough to a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or stand mixer, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Centers should be dry.
5. When the shells are cool, either split and fill them with the pudding mixture, or use a pastry bag to pipe the pudding into the shells.
6. Optional: Top with melted chocolate or chocolate icing.

Then I convinced Jessica to teach us how to make some fabric flowers. SO CUTE and super easy too! For a free tutorial on how to make these flowers go to Flower from Anna's Garden
We had so much fun that night we decided to make this into a monthly gig. We'll have a recipe exchange and post the recipe's on this blog and learn a new craft or do a sewing project. June = appetizers, desserts, and the flirty skirt.