Summer Ready

 I am so ready for Summer!

Are you ready too?

 I really want to try some fun tea recipes.

1

Recipe Alert

 

I just posted this yummy recipe over on my other blog

so if you wasnt to try and easy and yummy dessert stop by at:

http://inacottageinthewoods.blogspot.com/

Hope you have a great day!

 

2

Can't Stop Eating....

These are the best crackers EVER!

I was trying to find something not sweet to take to a retreat I am going to and decided to try these out on my husband. If they past though him then I know the ladies will like them.

And he has made several trip back and forth to the bowl.

So Winner Winner.

They are so easy to make the only hard part is it takes 4 hours for them to be done....

crying and crying but so worth the wait.

Here is the recipe:

3 sleeves of saltine crackers with unsalted tops

1 pkg dry zesty Italian dressing
1 pkg dry Ranch dressing
1 Tablespoon red pepper flakes
1¼  c canola oil

Mix the dressings, red pepper flakes and canola oil together.  Pour over saltines in an airtight container.  Carefully Turn the container every 30 minutes for 4 hours.  We don't want them broken. After 4 hours be prepared to just sit and eat and eat them.

We eat them plain and with different cheeses and they were so good!

5

Stitching & Cooking Up Something

Looks like a great day to design something in these beautiful colors.

I just am not sure what I want to draw! 

I am thinking its time to do something on a pillow case.

Before I start I think I will make 

Bethany's 

Mountain Dew Cake

This cake recipe is from the July/August 2007 issue of 

“Cooking with Paula Deen”. 

This is the cake everyone requests Bethany make. 

So at our house its Bethany's Mountain Dew Cake.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (18.25-ounce) box lemon cake mix
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box lemon flavored instant pudding mix
• 1 (12-ounce) can Mountain Dew soda
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs

• DIRECTIONS

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
  • 2
    In a large bowl, combine cake mix and pudding mix. Add soda, oil and eggs. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack. Sprinkle with powder sugar and serve!

    
    

    

    
    

    One for us and I took one to my son who was sick and 

    craving this cake!

    
    

    

3

Learning to Cook for Two

Empty Nesting means you get to do everything 

you didn't get to do with Kids.

And the hardest thing is re-learn cooking to only do it for 2.

We just can't eat all those left overs that fast 

and who wants left overs.

So I am having to learn to cook smaller portion. 

I am a cookbook junkie, I like reading cook books 

more than books. 

And if they are cute it makes it so much enjoyable.

This is one of my favorites! 

It is by Debbie G. Harmon and not only does it have great recipes 

for us empty nesters but its a darling book.

It really is hard to find small portion cookbooks but if you can find one 

that has a whole book full of ones you can't wait to try, then its a keeper!

3

A Great Start To The New Year

I just know this is going to be a Great Year!

And finding this Darling stove starts it off

GREAT!

Is this not the custest stove ever!

I bought it today!

No I don't have a place for it....

Yet....

But it is so cute I had to buy it!

The back left burner spot holds a pot...

Do any of you remember those...

My Grandmother had a stove with a pot in the back

and she made soup in it all the time...

I remember how good her house smelled when you came in from the cold.

I was really small but I remember thinking she had the coolest stove

that you didn't needed to buy a pan for cooking soup!

Now I have my own Soup Stove.

I couldn't believe what great shape this stove is in.

I am sure I will figure out what to do with it.

It reminds me kind of ....of the one the Gilmore Girls

had in their kitchen.

This one is a 1940 Kelvinator.

You know what they say

"One great find is alot of projects waiting to happen"!

6

Happy Weekend

  To Celebrate the 4th of July  

here is a recipe for a summer drink.....

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

Stand Lemonade

1-1/2 cups sugar

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon grated lemon rind

1-1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice

5 cups cold water

Lemon and lime slices for garnish

Fresh mint sprigs

Combine sugar and boiling water, stirring until sugar dissolves.

 Add lemon rind, lemon juice, and cold water; mix well.

Chill.

Serve over crushed ice garnished with lemon

 and lime slices and fresh mint sprigs.

Makes 7 cups

This time of year I am always wanting lemonade drinks

 and nothing beat just simple Lemonade!

Happy 4th of July!

3

I love Polka Dots!

Yes I am a QVC junkie!

I don't mean to be ....

it just happened one night when nothing else was on....

200 dollars late I was hooked!

Look how cute this baking dish is!

and it came with 2 smaller ones, lids, 

wire racks to serve in and a carrying case....

that matches!!!

See and if you look toward the back a cute round air tight 

sealing lid for my salt.

Oh and the big guy David....

he has his own kitchen show on wednesday and sundays.....

I record it....

the lady who sells the dishes has a cookbook too!

Hot Recipes in Cool Dishes by Tara!

Stop by my other blog 

http://tieyourapronstrings.blogspot.com/

And you can see the yummy recipe from this book for 

Corn Dog Casserole

My  grandkids loved it!

The dishes are called "Temp-tations" presentable ovenware

oh my gosh.....

I really do think I need all of the line....

check it out.....if you dare....just remember it habit forming!!!

9

Making Laundry Soap!

Yes its time again to make Laundry soap. I love making this soap because its so easy and it work so well. And its pretty too! LOL The picture above is the pink Zote soap I shread in my kitchenaid.

And I can always use a strong stir er! Elijah was so much help.
Even if he is getting tired...stiring form the bottom up is hard work.

See told you ....pretty!

*You can also use Ivory, Castile or PINK Zote bar soap.

3 bars Fels Naptha Bar Soap - each bar is 5 1/2 oz.

(I LOVE TO USE PINK ZOTE THE BEST! USE 1~1/3 bars)

4 lbs. Borax

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda

4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Mix and store in airtight container.

1 to 2 tablespoons per load.

Next packaging ...so important!

I love making cute labels!

I got this recipe from maryJane about a year or two ago. I love her blog if you haven't been there stop by

http://thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com/

you won't be sorry...

9

Where I found that Wonderful Recipe!

I am not usually to good at making bread....

even though I have been to several cooking classes...I have just never gotten the hang of bread making. But this recipe is so easy and I got a few emails wanting the recipe.

I got this recipe from:

http://mybuttermilkcottage.blogspot.com

You might have to scroll to get to her recipe but its worth it. She gives you step by step directions on how to make it. Read it all before you try it...But you won't be sorry...and it is so good.

 I even put some of the batter in the fridge for later this week.

6

What's For Dinner?

Fancy Noodle Bake is what's dinner. We are having a Harry Potter weekend. I am getting my grandsons on Friday so we can watch the last Harry Potter so Saturday when we go to the show we will remember what happened last. So we have to have something yummy both kids and adults will love. Well this recipe is it. It is something the kids will gobble down but has a bit of a fancier flare adults will love it! So give it a try and see what you think.

Fancy Noodle Bake

Brown:

1 lb. hamburger

Mix with hamburger;

2 to 3 cloves garlic minced

1 tsp. salt

dash of pepper

1 tsp. sugar

2 small cans tomato sauce

Cook;

1 16 oz package noodles

Mix together;

1 chopped onion (sweet Vidalia)

1 8 oz package cream cheese at room temp.

1 cup sour cream

Arrange in 9 X 13 buttered pan. 1 row of noodles, cream cheese and meat mixture, repeat 1 more row. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

1

New Toy

This is my new Toy!

I am so excited to chop & shread!

3

Praline Strips!

These are so good.

The tray of them didn't last to long. I would make them when you need alot quick.

Praline Strips


1 cup butter

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup chopped pecans

1 to 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips

About 20 graham crackers (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)
Arrange graham crackers on ungreased 15 X 10 X 1 pan. Place butter and sugar in saucepan. Heat to boiling point; stir and boil for 2 minutes. Take off heat and stir in pecans. Spread mixture evenly over crackers. Bake at 350 for 7 to 10 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. After they melt, spread chocolate over the top of the crackers with a knife. Cut each cracker into rectangles strips while warm. When cool...Enjoy !!

1

Starting Right!

I love measuring spoons!

This is one of my favorite set...and when I use these my recipes always work out perfectly!

3

Recipes everyone should have!

I love Jelly Bellies!

I can't get enough of them and I have 3 rules when eating them:

1- You get what you get...no picking out certain ones

2- you eat one at a time...unless you are following a recipe

3- Anyone who eats Jelly Bellies should have the recipes

Jelly Belly Recipes

Banana Split = 2 Chocolate Pudding + 2 Cotton Candy + 2 Top Banana + 2 Very Cherry

Macaroon = 2 Coconut + 1 Very Cherry

PB&J Sandwich = 2 Peanut Butter + 2 Grape Jelly

Chocolate Covered Cherry = 1 Chocolate Pudding + 1 Very Cherry

Strawberry Milkshake = 2 Strawberry Daiquiri + 1 A&W Cream Soda

Candy Apple = 2 Green Apple + 1 Cinnamon

Cinnamon Popcorn Balls = 2 Buttered Popcorn + 1 Sizzling Cinnamon

Peaches and Cream = 1 Peach + 1 A&W Cream Soda

Poached Pear in Raspberry Sauce = 1 Juicy Pear + 1 Raspberry

Cafe Mocha = 2 Cappuccino + 1 Chocolate Pudding + 1 A&W Cream Soda

Lemon Meringue Pie = 2 Lemon + 2 Coconut

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry = 2 Strawberry Daiquiri + 1 Chocolate Pudding

Blue Raspberry = 2 Blueberry + 2 Raspberry

Mint Chocolate = 3 Chocolate Pudding + 2 Peppermint Stick

Movie Theater Floor = 1 Bubble Gum + 1 Buttered Popcorn + 1 Root Beer

Pink Lemonade = 1 Cotton Candy + 1 Lemon

Chocolate Dipped Banana - 1 Top Banana + 1 Chocolate Pudding

Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich =
2 Top Banana + 2 Peanut Butter

S'mores = 1 Caramel Corn + 2 Marshmallow + 1 Chocolate Pudding

Honeydew Melon = 1 Cantaloupe + 1 Green Apple

Root Beer Float = 2 Root Beer + 1 Cream Soda

Jalapeno Poppers 1 Buttered Popcorn + 1 Jalapeno

Strawberry-Kiwi Refresher = 1 Kiwi + 1 Strawberry Daiquiri

Banana Cream Pie = 1 Top Banana + 1 Cream Soda + 1 Coconut

Orange Dream Bar = 2 Orange Sherbet + 1 Cream Soda

Berry Smoothie = 1 Strawberry Daiquiri + 1 Blueberry + 1 Raspberry

Mud Pie = 2 Chocolate Pudding + 1 Cappuccino + 1 Peanut Butter

Pineapple Salsa = 2 Crushed Pineapple + 1 Jalapeno

Rainbow Sherbet = 1 Blueberry + 1 Watermelon + 1 Lemon-lime + 1 Raspberry + 1 Strawberry Cheesecake

Tutti-Frutti Soda = 1 Top Banana + 1 Cream Soda + 1 Coconut

Peach berry Bubble = 2 Tutti Frutti + 2 Peach

Blueberry Muffin = 2 Blueberry + 1 Buttered Popcorn

Bottom of Your Shoe = 3 Bubble Gum + 1 Licorice + 1 Cinnamon + 1 Peanut Butter

Twizzlers = 3 Hawaiian Punch + 1 Licorice

Mellow Yellow = 2 Lemon Lime + 1 Lemon

Orange Peach Juice = 2 Orange Juice + 2 Peach

Sweet Fried Banana = 1 Top Banana + 1 Cinnamon + 1 Buttered Popcorn

Fruit Salad = 1 Cantaloupe + 1 Crushed Pineapple + 1 Green Apple + 1 Pink Grapefruit + 1 Tangerine

Tropical Fruit Salad = 1 Cantaloupe + 1 Coconut + 2 Crushed Pineapple + 1 Hawaiian Punch + 1 Peach + 1 Pink Grapefruit + 1 Very Cherry

"Primary Color It's Just Fruity In My Mouth" Flavor = 1 Blueberry + 1 Lemon + 1 Cherry

Yucky Pie = 1 Top Banana + 1 Cinnamon + 1 Buttered Popcorn + 2 Orange Juice + 2 Peach

French Vanilla Coffee = 1 French Vanilla + 1 Cappuccino

Candy Apple = 2 Red Apple + 1 Caramel Apple

Tropical Punch = 1 Pina Colada + 1 Crushed Pineapple + 1 Coconut + 1 Hawaiian Punch

Starbucks Mocha Valencia = 2 Espressos (Cafe Latte?) + 1-2 Orange Juice

Rocky Road = 1 French Vanilla + 1 Chocolate Pudding + 1 Peanut Butter

Toasted Caramel Corn = 1 Toasted Marshmallow + 1 Caramel Corn

Sizzlin' Watermelon = 1 Sizzling Cinnamon + 1 Watermelon

Sizzlin' Caramel Watermelon French Banana Split = 1 Top Banana + 1 Chocolate Pudding + 1 Crushed Pineapple + 1 Strawberry Jam + 1 Very Cherry + 1 A&W Cream Soda + 1 Caramel Corn + 1 Watermelon + 1 French Banana + 1 Sizzlin' Cinnamon

Mr. Clean = 1 Juicy Pear + 1 Lemon Lime

Cinnamon Bubble Gum = 2 Cinnamon + 2 Bubble Gum

Berry Smoothie = 1 Strawberry Daiquiri + 1 Blueberry + 1 Raspberry

Happy Hour = 1 Pina Colada + 1 Margarita + 1 Strawberry Daiquiri

Scrumptious Surprise = 1 Peanut Butter + 1 Coconut + 1 Very Cherry + 1 Licorice

Hot Wings = 2 Roasted Garlic* + 1 Tabasco* + 1 Jalapeno

Kiwi Cheesecake = 2 Kiwi + 1 Strawberry Cheesecake

Chocolate Mocha = 2 Chocolate Pudding + 1 Cappuccino

Hot Chocolate = 1 Toasted Marshmallow + 1 Chocolate Pudding

French Sizzling Berry = 1 Berry Blue + 1 French Vanilla + 1 Sizzling Cinnamon

Breakfast = 2 Espresso + 1 Buttered Toast* + 1 Orange Juice

So Enjoy! And don't eat to many at once or you will get a tummy ache!

3

The Easiest Treat Ever!!

Don't these look wonderful....They taste even better.
They are" Rolo Pretzel Turtles"

I was blogging around and stopped by Cherry Hill Cottage and she was making these. And they looked so easy I thought I would give it a whirl...

and they were sooooo easy... If you would like the recipe type on over to http://cherryhillcottage.typepad.com/

you won't be sorry.

6

Move Over Neelys the Clarks are in Town!

If you have read any of my other blogs you have heard me mention going to cooking classes at Melanie's! She FINALLY got her own blog and so I thought would tell you more. I love going to cooking class taught by Melanie and she almost always has her sidekick/ husband Mathew helping her. The Neely's might as well give it up, because not only are the Clark's amazing cooks but a really fun couple. I really look forward to cooking class. I have taken classes all over the place and Melanie's are by far the best! She always has a lot of recipes and you definitely don't leave hungry!
She and Mathew are full of so much helpful information and cooking hints that alone is worth the class. I have known Melanie for to many years to count....well I think we are both enternally 39 so it doesn't matter how long. But she has alway been an amazing cook so when I heard she was teaching cooking class I was there! She also does catering on the side as well as having freezer meals you can buy at class if you only want her cooking. She works at the Bosch Store on highland drive also. Thats were I took the picture above. In Melanie's class you will learn about every product the bosch store has because Melanie uses them. She also does almost all of her shopping at Costco....both store should be paying her for the great advertisment.

I have never taken a more organized and well thought out class...They even have bottles of water!
Melanie's classes are the lowest price ever! I would say how much but you'll fall off your chair! Just believe me you can't eat out at a restarant and get a cooking class for this low price.
Now I did tell you she has now entered the blogging world so here is her address:
http://cookingwithmelanie.wordpress.com/
He blog was designed by her also talented daughter!
So go stop by and visit.

3

Morning Muffins!

Have you ever mad something that sounded so good but as you are making it, the dough looks terrible. And you are thinking what have I done! And the more you mix the more you are thinking "I have just waisted all of this stuff"! Oh my Gosh!! But you keep going and "Wah-la" it turns out! That is this recipe....and believe me it is a good one. Straight from the oven and the smell so good!
Cooling but I don't think some will make it before they are eaten.

Morning Muffins
5 cups Flour
5 tsp. soda
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. allspice
15 oz box raisin bran
3 cups sugar
1 cup veg. oil
1 qt. of buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix dry ingredients. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Mix well. Butter muffin tin and fill 3/4 full.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
Great with butter while warm.....yummy!

Keep believing,

0

Who Doesn't Love Fudge!

2 Minute Microwave Fudge

1 (1 lb.) box confectioners' sugar

1/2 c. cocoa

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 c. milk

1 tbsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. butter

1 c. chopped nuts

Stir together sugar, cocoa, salt, milk and vanilla. Stir until blended in 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Top with 1/2 cup butter. Microwave at high for 2 minutes. Stir smooth. Blend in nuts. Pour into wax paper lined 8-inch square dish. Chill.

Keep believing,

0