A Mom's Search for Answers

Jan. 18, 2007

House for Sale!

Well, it is official! My house in Cordova, Tennessee...just outside of Memphis...is for sale! Any takers?

It really is a great house...I am going to miss it. We have done some great decorating with colors...first time ever...usually we go very neutral. I am looking forward to the next house to experiement again! My daughter has already decided on an "Asian" theme...she has some super ideas!

Speaking of my wonderful and creative daughter, she and I have been "eating healthier" for this new year. A friend of ours hooked us on this super site...you might want to check it out! it's www.hungrygirl.com

I just LOVE it! They have menu substitutions...recipes for healthy versions of treats we love to eat...new groceries out there to help you be successful...as well as where to find them! It is just a fun place to visit...hope you enjot! icart

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Oct. 27, 2006

Great idea for the weekend!

Posted in Recipes

I have seen this a time or two...with the kids in band and football...I thought I might give it a try this weekedn! Can't hurt and I am all for fast, convenient and little to no clean up...leave a comment if you try it...a small "review!" enjoy, icart!

ZIPLOCK OMELETS!!!

This works great !!! Good when you're alone or when all your family is together.Best feature is no one has to wait for their special omelet !!! Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.

- Crack 2 eggs into the quart size Ziploc bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.

- Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.

- Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake.

- Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.

- Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes.You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.

- Cut the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.

- Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece.

Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready. And in 13 minutes, you have a nice omelet for a quick breakfast!!!

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Oct. 11, 2006

Since we are talking food...

Posted in Recipes

As you may have noticed from my daughter's comment (she posted it twice)...my family LOVES comfort food. Before I post about chocolate (the King of all comfort food), here are a couple of websites that have some different recipes...one is for Cuban food and another is for Mexican.

http://cubanfoodmarket.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=TFM&Store_Code=CFM&Category_Code=10901&gclid=CI-RgOmN8YcCFSAOUAodmh0Lhg

http://www.melissaguerra.com/list_recipe.cfm

Let me know what you find and if any are good....I love searching for new recipes! enjoy, icart

Here is a story I hope you can take to heart. It reminds me of my mother. She died from cancer when she was just 53...she never got to see any of her grandchildren. BUT, my mom was so full of life...all the way to the very end! She was 5'4" (she would tell you 5' 5") with an Audrey Hepburn figure (she had an elegant neck and a size 18" waist when she was married). Whenever she went out to eat...she always had dessert! I (unfortunately do NOT have her figure...I tend to be more of a weeble) take after her in the dessert needs....always! Life is too short...if you aren't that hungry...dessert first! ENJOY!!!

Chocolate Sings

One day I had a date for lunch with friends. Mae, a little old "blue hair" about 80 years old, came along with them--All in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Mae who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate."

I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Mae added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my eyes off Mae as her pie a-la-mode went down. The other ladies showed dismay. They ate their lunches silently and frowned.

The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Mae. I lunched on white meat tuna. She ordered a parfait. I smiled. She asked if she amused me. I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible?

She laughed and said, with wanton mirth, "I'm tasting all that's Possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. (She grinned) I haven't been this old before."

"So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many books I haven't read. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are many malls I haven't shopped. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of Broadway hits and potato chips and cokes.

I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want UN-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind in my hair. I want to fall in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert,
instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say
I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

With that, I called the waitress over. "I've changed my mind," I said. "I want what she is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

This is my gift to you - We need an annual Friends Day! Live well, love much & laugh often - Be happy.

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS -- BUT ONLY IF YOU REALLY WANT TO.

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people we love and respect. Remember that while money talks, CHOCOLATE SINGS!!!

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Oct. 10, 2006

Cooler weather approaching...

Posted in Recipes

...well, accept in Florida! With my husband heading off with the Navy for a year and winter fast approaching, I am always looking for fast, easy comfort food. I was e-mailed these from a yahoo homeschool group. They sound yummy...I may try the first recipe this week...I will give you a reveiw!

If anyone else tries (or has tried) one of these...leave a comment and let me know if they are any good. Also, let me know any changes you make to them...I perdunkle ALL my recipes! Enjoy, icart

Mexican Taco Bake
1 lb. ground beef
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can meatless chili
2 c. Colby Jack cheese
2 boxes Jiffy corn muffin mix
2 eggs
2/3 c. milk
1 can Mexican corn

375 degree oven. Cook beef and drain; add taco seasoning as
directed. Add chili and 1 c. cheese. In mixing bowl, prepare corn
muffin mix as directed w/eggs and milk. Add Mexican corn (drained)
and 1 c. cheese; mix well. Spread beef mixture on bottom of 9x13
pan. Cover w/corn muffin mixture. Bake 15-20 minutes until golden
brown. Serve w/sour cream, tomatoes, lettuce, black olives.
**Since our family is small, I usually cut the recipe in half (still
use whole cans of chili and corn) and bake in 8x8 pan.**

Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1 ? 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese
1 c. salsa
2 c. chopped cooked chicken
1 ? 16 oz. can black beans
6 ? 6 inch flour or corn tortillas
2 c. shredded Colby Jack cheese

350 degree oven. Lightly grease 9x13 pan. In small pan on medium
head, combine cream cheese and salsa. Stir in chicken and black
beans. Layer tortillas and filling in pan ? I usually get two
layers and end with a layer of tortillas. Top w/ cheese. Cover w/
foil. Bake 30 minutes. Garnish w/ taco toppings. **This recipe
freezes nicely!**

Chicken Squares

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
3 T. butter, melted/divided
2 c. chopped cooked chicken
1 T. chopped onion (optional)
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
2 T. milk
8 oz. crescent rolls
3/4 c. croutons/dried stuffing (optional)

350 degree oven. Blend cream cheese & 2 T. butter. Add chicken,
salt, pepper, milk, & onion. Make 4 squares of crescent rolls (2
triangles per square). Seal perforations. Spoon ¼ c. chicken
mixture onto center of each square. Pull 4 corners of dough
together and seal. Brush tops w/ remaining butter & sprinkle
croutons on top, (I never do this!) Bake on ungreased cookie sheet
or pizza stone 20-25 minutes. This is great w/ fresh green beans
and red rosemary potatoes! **You will find great freedom if you
rename this recipe "Chicken Blobs" instead of "Chicken Squares"! J)

Enjoy!

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Aug. 2, 2006

Brownie recipe

Posted in Recipes

Hi Guys!

KarenW over at Wired Wisdom (homeschoolblogger.com/KarenW) was asking for brownie recipes. I posted this sure fire one I got from the Baker's Chocolate box. Make sure you use the unsweetened chocolate (you add 2 cups of sugar...they come super rich and sweet). If you have any other...post! My family LOVES brownies!!! Enjoy, icart

I got this recipe off the "Baker's UNSWEETENED Baking Chocolate Squares" box. It is called one bowl brownies and it works everytime!

4 squares of UNSWEETENED Bakers' chocolate
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) of butter
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (Optional)
mini M&M's or chocolate chips for topping (Optional, but makes the brownies)

MICROWAVE unsweetened chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH for two minutes or until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.

STIR in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla (I slightly beat the eggs first, but it is not necessary); mix well. Add flour and optional nuts. You can also add chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the batter. Totally optional...make them your own!

SPREAD into a foil lined (spray with Pam after lining) 13X9 inch baking pan.

OPTIONAL: Top with mini M&M's or mini chocolate chips...they get really soft and work like an icing when the brownies are done. The M&M's look so festive too! You can use Red and Green for Christmas...pastels for Easter...etc. Try Orange and Black for Halloween!

BAKE at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with fudgy crumbs. DO NOT OVERBAKE! Let stand until set...take out of pan and cut into 24 squares. These guys come really rich!

If you like cake-like brownies: Prepare as directed stirring in 1/2 cup milk with the eggs and vanilla, and icrease the flour to 1 1/2 cups.

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Jul. 9, 2006

Breakfast anyone?

Posted in Recipes

For those of you who have been reading with me, you know my father-in-law is a GREAT cook. Very southern, homestyle cooking. My parents were both very good cooks also. Very Italian, northern grub. Needless to say...I have a food problem...I LOVE IT!

This little number is from my father-in-law. It's called cheese grits...but don't let the title fool you. It is a breakfast all rolled up into one pan...and I promise you, you don't have to like sausage or GRITS to love this recipe...enjoy, icart

! cup quick cooking grits (I use Quaker)

4 cups water

1 onion, diced

1 of each...green, red and yellow peppers; diced

1 lb sausage

1 lb velveeta cheese

Cook the onions and peppers with the sausage (crumbled up) in a deep frying pan (no oil or butter is needed, the sausage will supply the needed moisture). When the sausage is cooked completely, add the water and the grits. Raise the temp to bring the water to a boil. Stirring occasionaly for 5 to 7 minutes. Once the grits thicken, lower the temp to low or simmer, add the velveeta (dice it up...it melts faster) . Once the cheese is melted...serve!

You can adapt this recipe anyway you would like...more onions and peppers (at Christmas time I just use the red and green ones)...add more sausage or take it out completely...add more or less cheese depending on how your family likes it!

It is very filling alone or serve with eggs (or pancakes like I did this morning).

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Jun. 20, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Posted in Recipes

Today is my husband's birthday...AND it is my best buddies' daughter's birthday. There are a LOT of June 20 birthdays out there. That being said:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And here is my husband's (and children's) favorite birthday cake recipe...

TRIPLE CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

You need: 2 boxes of your favorite chocolate cake mix

(my husband likes plain chocolate, my daughter chocolate fudge

and my son devil's food...they all work)

2 containers of your favorite chocolate icing

(my husband likes three containers of icing...I have used chocolate

fudge, and milk chocolate icing)

1 bag of Ande's Mints baking pieces

(I found them at Christmas time and bought enough for everybodies'

bday cakes. I found them at Kroger and Schnuks)

Now, just mix the cake mixes as directed and pour into THREE cake pans. Bake as directed. When COMPLETELY cooled, ice one layer, add mint pieces, top with the second, ice and add mint pieces, top with the third layer. Ice top and sides...add mint pieces. If you get a second bag of Andes you have enough to place pieces on the side also. Just tweek it to fit your favorite person...enjoy! icart.

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Apr. 18, 2006

Topsy Turvey Apple Pie....

Posted in Recipes

Okay...here's recipe number one!

I used to buy Mrs. Smith's appple pies...why go through the trouble of making homemade when it's cheaper and great out of the box!?! That was until my father-in-law gave me this recipe. It is super easy and looks fantastic! Martha Stewart good! Enjoy!

Glaze and Crust Filling

1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar 2/3 cup granulated sugar

1 Tablespoon butter (melted) 2 Tablespoon all purpose flour

1 Tablespoon light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup pecan halves 4 c sliced, peeled apples

1 package Pilsbury Refrigerated crusts (4 medium apples)

Directions

In a 9 in glass pie pan, combine brown sugar, butter (or margarine) and corn syrup. Mix weel and spread evenly in the bottom of the pan. Make a pretty design with pecan halves (I usually outline the bottom of the pan and make a star in the middle). Then place the bottom pie crust (prepared as directed on package) over mixture. Preheat oven to 425.

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon, mix well. Arrange half the apples slices in crust lined pan. Sprinkle with half the sugar mixture. Repeat with the remaining apple slices and sugar mixture. Top with second crust, seal edge and flute. Cut slits in several places in crust.

Place pie pan on a sheet of foil on an oven rack. Bake at 425 for 8 minutes. Reduce heat to 325 and bake for 35-45 minutes or until apples are tender.

Take out of oven and IMMEDIATELY run a knife around edge of pie to loosen. Carefully invert pie onto plate. Serve warm!...icart

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