I thought this was such a great idea to keep the counter clean and to make it easier to wash the counter. 
Found at www.hometalk.com

Gluten Free Pancakes-You can't tell the difference!

 

2 Mina’s Purely Divine Gluten-Free All purpose baking mix
2 TABLESPOONS GROUND FLAX MEAL
2 TABLESPOONS BAKING POWDER
2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 CUP 1% MILK OR SKIM MILK
1 CUP BUTTERMILK
2 EGGS
1 TABLESPOON CANOLA OIL
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, add the wet ingredients and mix with a whisk until smooth.  Cook on hot griddle until browned on both sides.  Makes about 12 pancakes.

You can order the All purpose baking mix at:   http://www.minasgf.com/  see link at the right.

 

 

I found these cute Vintage jar labels that you can print out for free!

 

As you can see above you can enlarge the labels to the size you need or even print them on cotton paper and sew them to towels. 

Go to http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/07/apothecary-label-hand-towels-free-digital-downloads/

for the free download and instructions.

 



Wouldn't this be fun to have on your counter to put all of the kids snacks on for the summertime or to display snacks at a party or barbeque!

 

Found at creat-ologie.com  see link at the right.



 

 

Today is National Sugar Cookie Day! 

 How about making sunflower sugar cookies.

These are a family favorite that we have been baking for years. 

 





1/2 cup butter flavor shortening
1/2 cup butter softened
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
4 tsp. baking powder
4-1/2 cups flour sifted
Cream shortening, butter and sugar together until combined.  Add eggs one at a time, continuing to beat.  Add sour cream, buttermilk and vanilla.  Sift dry ingredients together and add to creamed mixture.  Refrigerate dough for about 2 hours.  Roll out on a floured surface about 1/4 inch thick.  Cut with any shape cookie cutter desired.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until slightly browned on the edges.  These cookies are soft and thick.  Frost with buttercream frosting.

Need a Midnight Snack?

Try these No Bake Oatmeal Treats!

2 cups sugar

2 tbsp. cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cube butter

2 cups oatmeal (quick or old fashioned)

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

Mix sugar, cocoa, milk and butter in a heavy bottom saucepan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from the heat and add peanut butter, vanilla and oatmeal.  Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper and let set. 

Yummy!



 

What's for Dinner!

How about Chicken Strips and homemade chips or French fries!

You can make your own sauces, too!

 

Don't forget the lemonade!

Chicken Strips

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/4 inch thick strips

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp. Morton season all seasoning salt

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. thyme

1 egg

1/8 cup milk

Oil for deep frying.

Preheat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F.

Mix flour, and seasonings in a bowl set aside.  Mix egg and milk in a small bowl until well combined.  Put 1/3 of the strips of chicken in the egg mixture to coat and then put the strips into the flour mixture.  Carefully place strips into deep fryer and fry until golden brown and done in the middle.  Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.  Do the same with the other 2/3 of the chicken strips.  Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce (see below for recipe).

 

Mustard Sauce

1-1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard

4 tablespoons light mayo

3/4 tablespoon honey

Mix together and serve with the chicken strips. 

 

Fry Sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/2 cup light mayo

Mix together until smooth and serve with fries.

 

Lemonade

Mix 2 envelopes lemonade drink mix with 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar until dissolved.  Pour into a good blender and add 4 cups ice cubes.  Blend until slushy. 

 

 

 

 

I found baskets at Dollar Tree and they were $1 for six (3 blue and 3 red).

I found the condiment cups at a thrift store.

The red papers I found at a craft store and the white paper is parchment. 

 



 

Here is what is blooming in my garden right now. 

I live in a Zone 3-4 area.

 

I really love these bearded irises.  This particular variety has a sweet smell.  I have it planted by my back door patio door and when the door is open I can smell that wonderful fragrance.  These grow well in just about any soil and are easy to care for.  They bloom in late spring and early summer.

This is the Stella D oro lily.  They are so beautiful when it is covered with all of the yellow flowers.

They grow well in our zone and require very little care and maintenance.

This is a creeping jenny, moneywort that I have planted in my rocks along with hen and chicks.  They spread and right now they have this beautiful yellow bloom.

This is stonecrop that is planted in my rocks as well and requires little maintenance.

These are amur privets that I have planted by my driveway and they are the hardiest bushes that I have.  They have beautiful white flowers right now and provide a great screen in the summer.  They have grown about ten feet tall and stand up well to pruning.  They grow well in just about any soil.

Beebalm

Catmint

 

This dresser is from A Bee in my Bonnet on Facebook and she refinished this dresser.

 

 

She used Annie Sloan Country Grey.  It is a warm cream color, kind of like oatmeal.

She used chalk paint, wax and dark wax and then distresses it.

 

 

What a fun way to redo a dresser to match your décor without spending a lot of money!

 

Check out This Fourth of July Party Display at www.ourbestbites.com.

It has directions for all you see on the table!

 



What a Cute Playhouse!

This Would Be a Great Addition to My Backyard.



THIS WAS THE THEME FOR AN OUTDOOR WEDDING.  I JUST LOVE THE DOORS!



WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

 

GLUTEN FREE PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN



2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 4 pieces.

Crush 2 cups rice crispies cereal in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.

To the crushed cereal add 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, 1/8 tsp. garlic powder, 1/8 tsp. onion salt, 1/8 tsp. Morton Season All seasoned salt and salt and pepper to taste pour out onto a dinner plate.  Set aside.  In a small bowl combine 1 egg, 1/4 cup buttermilk, and 1/4 cup milk and beat.  Dip chicken breasts in egg mixture and then in the rice cereal mixture and place in a greased baking dish.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for 30 minutes.  

Serve with mashed potatoes and green beans. 

Quick and Easy Dinner!

 



THIS IS A GREAT PANCAKE AND WAFFLE RECIPE THAT IS A LITTLE MORE HEALTHY THAN THE NORM AND YOUR FAMILY WILL NOT KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

2 CUPS FLOUR
2 TABLESPOONS GROUND FLAX MEAL
2 TABLESPOONS BAKING POWDER
2 TABLESPOONS SUGAR
1 TEASPOON SALT
1 CUP 1% MILK OR SKIM MILK
1 CUP BUTTERMILK
2 EGGS
1 TABLESPOON CANOLA OIL
Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, add the wet ingredients and mix with a whisk until smooth.  Cook on hot griddle until browned on both sides.  Makes about 12 pancakes.

Here is a great idea to do if you have any leftover batter.  I make 2 inch size pancakes and freeze them between waxed paper put in a plastic freezer bag, the kids can get them out and warm them in the microwave for a snack or for breakfast the next day.





 

 

ARE YOU HEADED OUT CAMPING OR SENDING A SCOUT ON AN OVERNIGHTER?  HERE IS A TWIST ON THE TIN FOIL DINNER!

 

 

COOK A POUND OF GROUND BEEF UNTIL BROWNED.  STEAM 4 MEDIUM SIZED POTATOES AND 1 POUND OF CARROTS.  PLACE THE HAMBURGER ON THE BOTTOM OF TWO SHEET OF ALUMINUM FOIL, TOP WITH CARROTS AND POTATOES.

MIX ONE 10 OUNCE CAN OF CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP WITH 1/2 CUP SOUR CREAM.  TOP EACH TIN FOIL DINNER WITH THE SOUP MIXTURE, SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND TOP WITH SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE. 

FOLD THE TIN FOIL AROUND THE MIXTURE AND ROLL UP THE SIDES.  LABEL EACH DINNER WITH A NAME AND IT IS READY TO COOK IN THE FIRE, ON THE GRILL OR IN THE OVEN.  SINCE EVERYTHING IS COOKED YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY IF IT IS DONE AND JUST HAVE TO HEAT IT THROUGH. 

MAKES THREE LARGE DINNERS OR FOUR MEDIUM SIZED DINNERS. 

 

HAPPY CAMPING!

 

 

You Will Never Need Another Cookbook!

 

 

I went to a Family and Consumer Science conference last week and one of the classes that I attended introduced this new software to help organize your recipes.  I just loved it because it can calculate nutritional value for any recipe, you can capture recipes from the internet, print a family cookbook, enter recipes that you already have on hand, and edit recipes for a large group or small group.  You can even get with others and share recipes. 
If you go to their website at www.dvo.com you can watch a video that will show you everything that it is capable of doing.  I cannot wait to get started. 

 

Summer is Here!

Great Salad for Lunch.

 

 

Pesto Pasta Salad

 

1 roma tomato diced

1 avocado diced

1/2 large cucumber diced

3 cups cooked pasta

4 tabs. pesto sauce (I used Classico brand)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

toss all of the above together until pasta is well coated.  Top with extra parmesan cheese and avocado. 

Serve with garlic bread. 

Can add some pine nuts for crunch if desired.



 

TODAY IS NATIONAL DONUT DAY!

Lets make doughnuts!

This recipe is a great recipe that I found in the newspaper and it makes very delicious donuts!
2 tab. yeast
1/3 cup warm water
2 tab. sugar
2 cups scalded milk(cool to lukewarm)
4 tab. butter
1 cup mashed potatoes packed
4 tab. sugar
1-1/2 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1/4-1/2 tsp lemon extract
6 cups of flour, divided

Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup boiling water
1 tsp. vanilla

In a small bowl dissolve 2 tablespoons yeast in 1/3 cup warm water and 2 tab. sugar.  In a separate large bowl combine the following: scalded milk, butter, mashed potatoes, 4 tab. sugar, salt, eggs, lemon extract and mix well.  Add the yeast mixture to the large bowl mixture.  Add 3 cups of flour.  Beat until smooth.  Continue to add enough flour to make a sticky soft dough (about 3 more cups).  Cover the bowl and let rise until double-about 45 minutes.  Punch down.  Divide dough in half.  Roll each portion on a floured surface to 1/2-inch thick.  Cut with a doughnut cutter.  By the time all the doughnuts are cut out the first ones will be ready to fry.  Preheat oil in frying pan or deep fryer to 375 degrees.  Fry one side at a time until the doughnut is golden brown.  Let doughnuts drain on a paper bag until cool.  Dip each doughnut in glaze.  Place on a wire rack.

IN THE MOOD FOR A SNACK?

THESE ARE TO DIE FOR!

 

CARAMEL CEREAL TREATS

2 squares butter

1 cup dark brown sugar

3 cups miniature marshmallows

4 cups Special K cereal

 

Melt butter in heavy bottom sauce pan, add brown sugar and bring to a boil.  Boil for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and add marshmallows and stir until marshmallows are all melted.  Pour cereal into a large bowl and pour caramel mixture over the cereal and mix until cereal is completely coated.  Drop by tablespoons full onto waxed paper or parchment paper.  Let cool.  You can add candy coated chocolate pieces to it or drizzle with chocolate to make them even better. 

Makes about 2 dozen treats

*for a gluten free version use a rice cereal or toasted rice cereal instead of Special K cereal.

 

When I make these they are gone as soon as I make them!  Enjoy!

 







 

 

LOVE SPRING BLOOMING PERENNIALS!

 

 

 

 

RANUNCULUS

SPRING BLOOMING

GREAT FOR ROCK GARDENS

 

 

 

THIS IS MY FAVORITE BRAN MUFFIN RECIPE!

 It makes a lot and you can bake a few and  refrigerate the rest for up to 4 weeks for fresh muffins

 

 

1 c. butter flavor shortening
2 c. sugar
4 c. buttermilk
4  large eggs, beaten
5 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
5 tsp. baking soda
2 cups all bran cereal
3 cups bran flakes cereal
2 c. boiling water
Heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Blend butter flavor shortening and sugar together in a large bowl.  Add buttermilk and eggs and mix well.  Mix dry ingredients together and add to the liquid mixture and mix well.  Pour cereals over the wet mixture and while stirring slowly (to prevent cooking your eggs) pour the boiling water over the cereal and wet mixture.  Mix until everything is incorporated well.  Let stand for 10 minutes before baking.  Line a muffin tin with paper liners and fill each one 2/3 full.  Bake at 400 degrees F. for 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown and top springs back when touched.  This makes about 4-1/2 dozen muffins.  I usually cook one dozen at a time and put the remaining in an ice cream pail, cover with a lid and put in the refrigerator to bake for breakfast or a snack on another day.  This can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks.  Mine usually doesn't last this long. 

These are great right out of the oven with a little butter.  They are so delicious and you can't eat just one!

I just love these new blue canning jars.

I couldn't wait to try them out!

What will you do with yours?

Orange Chicken

Recipe

Chicken
2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken cut up into bite size pieces
1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2-3/4 cup flour or gluten free all purpose mix
Heat oil in deep fryer to 325 degrees F.
After cutting up the chicken into bite sized pieces, place in a large bowl and pour egg and milk mixture over the chicken.  Add the salt and pepper and toss to coat well.  Add 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup flour or for gluten free add 1/2 to 3/4 cup all purpose gluten free flour mix and toss chicken to coat.  Deep fry until golden, but not overdone.  Place on a paper towel covered plate and set aside. 
Sauce-part 1
1 tablespoon fresh gingerroot, minced
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame oil
Saute garlic, gingerroot, and onions in 1 tablespoon oil.   Add rice vinegar, water and sesame oil.  Set aside.
Sauce-part 2
1-1/2 tablespoon gluten free soy sauce
2 tablespoons water
5 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons white vinegar
zest of one orange
juice of 1/2 of an orange
1/2 cup cornstarch
Mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl and add this to sauce part 1.  Add cornstarch and bring to a boil and cook until sauce is translucent.  Pour over deep fried chicken and toss to coat.  Serve with rice.

Enjoy!  Very yummy!
You can find the all purpose gluten free mix at the link on my blog.

 

Would love to put this in an barn wood frame.  It would look good in my bathroom.

Here is a great idea when you find a great deal on meat.

 

Pictured here is chicken that I got on sale for $1.49 per pound.

 

Divide it up into 2-pound freezer resealable plastic bags.

 

Label it with the contents, the date it was purchased and how many

 

pounds are in each bag. Freeze in your deep freeze. 

 

 

A good kitchen scale (about $30 for a good one) will help you weigh each package.

They are all individually packaged to provide enough for one meal!

 



 

 

 

Graduation is upon us.  Here is a great graduation card idea for you to make.  The inside mock diploma I made on my computer word processing program and printed it out in 5 x 8 inch size and cut out.  I used black card stock for the inside cover and the corners.  The graduation hat is a sticker.  The diploma cover is black shiny cardstock with a 2013 graduate sticker on the center front.  Just add some cash and you are set to go.

Strawberries are on sale this week at Smiths here in Utah for $0.99 per pound what a great deal.  I bought several pounds and plan on freezing them for later.
Directions:  Wash and hull strawberries.  Place on a cookie sheet in a level spot in your deep freeze or freezer until frozen.  Put in freezer safe reclosable plastic bags and label.  When strawberries are no longer in season you can make smoothies or jam for a very great price. 
Enjoy!

Individual Taco Casseroles

1-pound hamburger

1 package taco seasoning mix

 1-16 ounce can refried beans

1-16 ounce jar salsa

1-package corn chips

1-1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 6 -3x4-1/2 inch oven safe dishes. Brown 1 pound of hamburger, add taco seasoning packet and prepare as directed on package.  Set aside.  Warm refried beans in a microwave safe bowl for one minute or until heated through.

Place seasoned hamburger, refried beans, corn chips, salsa and

cheese in bowls and have everyone layer their own casseroles.

Start with the hamburger, top with refried beans, add corn chips,

top with salsa and cheese. 

Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes.

Serve topped with lettuce, tomato and sour cream.

 

 

What is Your Wish?

Lets Make Our Wishes Happen!

 

 

Spring is in the Air.  My flowering crab apple in full bloom.