Silpats and Spoonulas and Woks... OH MY!

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and anything food related that you want to share. You know the rule of a blog carnival, please mention the blog or TMTT in your post and link back to us. Don't forget to use Mr. Linky, He lives at Lisa's blog

Today I'm sharing a few new kitchen gadgets I received for Christmas. I'm so excited about them. With all the Tempt My Tummy madness and all the wonderful recipes, I find myself wanting to cook more and more. Thank you all for that!

So here are a few neat items I'll be using in the new year.

Rachel Ray's Spoonula set
High heat silicone heads are heat safe to 500°F
Durable, lightweight handles are heat safe to 350°F
Dishwasher safe

SILPAT. The most popular non-stick baking item ever invented, the SILPAT is a must for any patisserie chef or home baker. SILPAT can turn any pan into a non-stick surface. Just place the SILPAT on a cookie sheet or pan. SILPAT is especially great for working with sticky materials such as gooey batter, taffy, caramel, or anything your imagination allows. Nothing sticks to SILPAT, so it will save you a lot of time cleaning as there in no more sticky mess on your pans!

T-Fal 14 inch Jumbo Wok
Thermo-Spot heat indicator shows when pan is preheated
Ergonomic, stay-cool handle; safe to use with metal utensils
Dishwasher safe; oven safe to 350 degrees F
Limited lifetime warranty

I pray you all have a Happy New Year. My sweet hubby and I are taking a quick New Year's/ Anniversay trip to San Antonio's Riverwalk, so I will not be on my computer for a few days. Forgive me for not commenting... I'll catch up with everyone when we get back.

I'm looking forward to some good Mexican food. So I'm sure you'll be seeing something about that in next week's TMTT!

Amazing

Amazing... that is how it feels to me. When I stop and truly think of Baby Jesus and how he grew up to be the Savior of us all. An amazing plan developed by an amazing God... the one and true God.


There have been Christmas's in the past that I rushed through, busy and hurried. Too rushed to stop and really think about Jesus. Well, it shames me to say that but I am sure we have all been there.

But not this year. I have been blessed by thinking of my Lord and Savior and feeling truly grateful for His love and grace for me. It overwhelms me.

Looking forward to the new year, I know one thing I want to do different. I want to learn to seek my Lord more and to Worship Him more deeply than ever before.



For more musical inspiration, go see Amy's blog for Then Sings My Soul Saturday.

My heart Song

I know many of you may already subscribe to Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotionals, what a blessing they are. If you do not, let me encourage you to do so. It is a refreshing word from the Lord everyday, written by Godly women on the journey with us.

Today's devotional was especially touching to me as a singer. I am reminded how it is much more important to Worship the Savior with the song in my heart than the words that come out of my mouth. When the heart sings... our outward song has so much more meaning.

To read today's devotional, "A Christmas Solo" by Zoe Elmore please click here!
To subscribe to Proverbs 31 Daily Devotionals click here.

Sister, Sisters

It has been a great birthday week. I don't usually celebrate all week, but this has been a different kind of birthday. My dear twin came here so we could celebrate our day together. We had little girls night out a cousin, sister-in-law, our friend we have had since 4th grade and two of my dearest friends. It was fun. But most of all... it was with my sister, my very best friend.

So today it's my tribute to Lisa. Thanks being the best friend and sis a girl could have.

OH! You are going to laugh. I just hopped over to Lisa's blog and she has posted about our girls night out. We are SOOOOO the TWINS!




for more musical inspiration go see Amy's blog.

Merry Christmas

I pray you have a Merry Christmas!

And the Winner Is.....

What a fantastic Giveaway! We have a WINNER

Live.Love.Eat

What fun we had yesterday! Thank you all for your participation. Please plan to come back each week as we continue to share recipes and foodie ideas.

You are a blessing to me and Lisa.

Tempt Me With a Giveaway.... TODAY!!!!

The day you have all been waiting for!

It is here! Our big Giveway. I know you are all so excited! Today we are giving away a lovely cookbook holder. Lisa and I wanted to find a way to thank you all for your faithful participation in our Temp My Tummy Tuesday fun. We have had fun haven't we? Have you used any of the recipes you've picked up? I HAVE! It makes me espcially happy to use a recipe one of you have posted.

Well, here it is, the lovely object of your affection. Your prize should you be our lucky winner.

Here is what you need to do.

1. On December 16th, participate in TMTT (write a recipe or foodie type post and link up with Mr. Linky. He live at Lisa's blog)

2. Leave a comment on the TMTT master post at Lisa's blog on December 16th and on my blog here.

4. Mention the giveaway on your blog, linking back to the giveaway post. (This can be in the same TMTT post. No need to write two different posts.)

5. You can only enter once.

That isn't hard, is it? You must be linked up by Midnight CST to be officially in the drawing. We will use the Random number generator to pick a winner. Then a winner will be announce on Wednesday, December 17th... OUR BIRTHDAY! Didn't you know we were twins? Now, I ask you, who offers to give you a gift on their birthday? We just love you ladies so much!!! I know you've been thinking of this all month, so have fun.

Now, on to my Christmas Goodie of the Week

It is nice and cold here and I'm thinking of warm drinks to enjoy. This is always a holiday favorite. I hope you enjoy. It makes a great gift as well!

Spiced Tea Mix

1 (3 ounce) package lemon-flavored ice tea mix
2 (1.8 ounce) packages orange-flavored drink mix (e.g. Tang)
1 1/3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cloves

Combine iced tea mix, orange flavored drink mix, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Store in an airtight container. To serve, stir 1 1/2 teaspoon mix into 1 cup hot water

Ok... now hop over to Lisa's and get all linked up for the Giveaway!

Just a Reminder

Just in case you really needed a reminder...

Don't forget! If you still don't know what I'm talking about, go HERE

It's going to be so much fun!

A Baby Changes Everything

Don't forget to come by THIS Tuesday, Dec. 16th for the BIG Temp My Tummy Giveaway!

Have you thought about it? A baby changes EVERYTHING.

Think about it, add a baby to a movie theatre, a church service and before long it changes things. What about for a husband and wife. A family... a couple who never thought they would have a child and suddenly they get the call, we have a baby for you... Changed... in an instant.

The biggest change came when a baby came and He saved us ALL. Hard to imagine a small little baby, coming to change and save the world but that is how God did it. He sent the most helpless creature, a small baby, he was sent to save those who are helpless to save themselves.

Have you truly stopped and considered what Baby Jesus did for you? Has he changed you? If you are unsure or are searching for true meaning this Christmas please go here and and see how simple it truly is for a Baby to Change Everything for you.



For more musical inspiration go to Amy's blog today.

Just a smidge was enough

Today I am Oh so thankful that God answers the prayers of a four year old.

My daughter, who you all by now know, has a wonderful way with words and story telling

She has been praying for snow. Yes, you may recall, we do live in Texas and not even the part of Texas that sees snow in winter. It is a rare occasion indeed for us to see it.

Well, I was shocked, as were all the weather men in the area, when Tuesday night we had sleet and snow. I was unsure when I looked out the window at what the mysterious stuff falling from the heavens was. Could this be manna falling to help us all survive this crazy economic crisis? No, it was much better, it was the answer to a small girl's prayer.

Now, for those of you who live in "Snowy Land" as my daughter refers to any play "up north" that sees the white stuff on a regular basis, we had flurries and some sleet. All that was left in the morning was a few small piles of sleet/ice in the shade.

When Kathryn woke up, I told her it had snowed and she needed to look outside. She ran down the stairs and you would have thought Santa himself was standing by the tree. We bundled up and went outside, she just giggled and crunched the frozen grass. Keep in mind, it was just a "smidge" (as Kathryn likes to say) of sleet still laying around.

OH she was so happy and full of JOY! The God of heaven heard her small prayer and she knew HE is the one who answered it.

What a lesson. He listens and still answers even the smallest of requests. Sometimes it is not how we think it should be answered but HE knows that even a "smidge" of proof, is sometimes all we need to find the Joy in it all.

As we were driving to my in-laws later that morning for her to stay for the day, she said,"Mommy I'm going to thank God for the snow." Then she began and prayed this prayer:

"Dear God, thank you, thank you, thank you for the snow. I loved it. I am so glad you made it snow. Thank you for everyone. Thank you for anyone. Thank you for protecting us. I love you so much"

A thankful heart... it's a good thing don't you think?

Thank you God for loving me so much you gave us Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much you gave me Kathryn. Thank you for loving her so much that you answered her prayer. I love you too.

Go see Iris for more Thankful stories today

Stackem' Up!

Go HERE to learn more about the Tempt Me With a Giveaway on December 16th. You could win an awesome wrought iron cookbook stand.

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. You know the rule of a blog carnival, please mention this blog or TMTT in your post and link back to us. Don't forget to use Mr. Linky, he lives at Lisa's blog.

Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of my favorite Christmas cookie and confections. Lisa and I hope that you will also share some of your favorite Christmas season recipes. By Christmas, we should all have a vast wealth of great and yummy recipes.

Now for today's Christmas Goodie...

Hay Stacks

1 Cup Butterscotch chips

1/2 cup Peanut Butter

1 large container of Shoestring Potatoes

Melt the butterscotch and peanut butter in the microwave and then stir in the shoestring potatoes. Place in mounds on a cookie sheet and put in the refrigerator to set.

You are going to love these!

Don't forget... Next week is going to be BIG. You won't want to miss the Giveaway.

Your Christmas tradition quiz

Well, let's have a little Christmas fun. My dear friend Mona sent this to me on email and I feel I must share it with you all. Now, I expect you to post your answers on your blog and leave a comment here so we know to check out you Christmas answers!

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper but I use a lot of bags... lazy
Real tree or Artificial? Artificial... I'm SO allergic, but I love the idea of a real tree
When do you put up the tree? Sometime during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
Do you like eggnog? no, not really
Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie Winnebago Bus
Hardest person to buy for? My father in law
Easiest person to buy for? Kathryn
Do you have a nativity scene? Yes - a gift from my sister!
Mail or email Christmas cards? Cards
Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A single TV tray from out of a set... yes she really only gave me one and kept the rest ( my ex-mother in law)
Favorite Christmas Movie? The Polar Express and The Christmas Story
When do you start Shopping? November/December
Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? ummmm yep
Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Breakfast casserole and sausage balls
Lights on the tree? YES always!
Favorite Christmas songs? I'll be home for Christmas
Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home
Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Only if I google it
Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel, hung by Kathryn for the first time with Daddy!
Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas Eve with the King family and Santa on Christmas morning
Favorite ornament theme or color? We have an old fashioned mixture of ornaments that have been collected through the years
What do you want for Christmas this year? To have LOTS of quality time with my sweet little family
Person most likely to respond to this? Lisa
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Jesus and the alligator

I guess it is finally feeling like Christmas today. I made my first batch of Christmas Crunch. Susan posted it for TMTT this week. For me it is one of the first signs that Santa is working hard getting ready for the big day.

We also made Haystacks. Ummm... I will post that wonderful recipe for TMTT next week.

I also know it is the season we remember baby Jesus because two days ago my daughter made up a new game she was playing with her daddy. It was called, "Away in a Manger"
Let me set the scene.

I am upstairs working on my TMTT post when I hear yelling and running and screaming downstairs. I know my husband is with her so I'm not too worried about the yelling as it must be part of some silly game. Then I hear her scream at the top of her lungs, "Quick get baby Jesus before the alligator eats him! Throw me baby Jesus and let the alligator chew on you"

Uhuh, you read that right, alligator and baby Jesus in the same sentence.

So at this point I have to go see what is going on. I walk out of the office and the house is completely dark. They are running in circles through the kitchen and den. I finally ask, "what are you doing??

This is what I was told by my husband. " I am Joseph, Kathryn (the 4 year old) is Mary, Mimi(her favorite bunny) is baby Jesus. We are being chased by an alligator through the forest and we can not stop because there is No room for us in the House." Apparently Joseph gets sacrificed if the alligator gets too close to the Jesus.
Are you getting this people? Kathryn yelled upstairs at that time and said, "were playing Away in a manger Mom"

How funny is that? What an imagination. I love it! I hope you enjoy your preparations for Christmas just as much as we do in our home.

Christmas Goodies... here we come!

Go HERE to learn more about the Tempt Me With a Giveaway on December 16th. You could win an awesome wrought iron cookbook stand.

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and anything food related that you want to share. Remember to go over to Lisa's blog to use Mr. Linky.

As we near Christmas we want you to post your favorite holiday recipes. I'm talking the good stuff. The treats and goodies you bake once a year and if your neighbor is lucky, you pass it on to them on a fancy plate!

Today I'm giving you my secret to the best Frosted Sugar Cookies in town. Are you ready? It's Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix. You can NOT go wrong people. This is the best! I used to try and make my own cookies and then discovered this, they taste so much better than the ones I made and the package calls for an egg and a stick of butter. HELLO! Did you read that? I also add a little vanilla extract and flour to stiffen the dough for rolling out cookies.


After we press out our Christmas cookies we frost them. And do you know what I use for that? Oh please, Have you NOT been paying attention?

I take a can of Betty Crocker Vanilla Frosting empty the can out in to a few bowls mix in some powered sugar and food coloring and we are ready to create our Christmas masterpieces. (The powered sugar helps the frosting to hold up better and to harden on the cookies.)

Now, are you ready for the finished product?



We look forward to this all year. Aren't they cute?
Yes, the cookies and the kid are pretty cute! She gets to frost and of course sprinkles go all over them.



Her favorite part... hard to say, sprinkles or eating... they run a tight race.





Oh, did I mention... this link will get you a Coupon for Cookie Mix . Thank you very much Betty Crocker Website! They have all sorts of coupons so be sure to print them out and have fun baking!


As always, don't forget to visit Lisa's blog and link up! And by all means, don't forget about our Tempt Me With a Giveaway coming up Dec. 16th!

Apparently Mr. Linky is having a tough day at Lisa's blog. He is DOWN. So be sure to put your link on you comment here and at Lisa's blog.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Don't forget to stop by for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday! We've got a big giveaway on Dec. 16th!

Well, it has been a crazy two weeks for me, for so many reasons. But one of the biggest things has been that my computer has died. I'm using an extra computer of my husbands that frankly, I'm not a huge fan of BUT I am so very thankful to get to use. I know you understand, those of you who consider your computer to be a sort of extension of your self...it is hard to be without it.

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours is still in progress. We began Thursday with my in-laws. Yesterday was my husbands birthday, which meant another big meal at the in-laws house. Today is the big get together for my family. Yep, Turkey and the works all over again. On Sunday I expect to have gained 10 more pounds.

More than the food, it is the joy of spending time with those you love. The people who know us best and still don't mind having us over for dinner; that is what holidays are about. Spending time thinking about what and who we are grateful for and hopefully, loving them a little bit more when it is all said and done.

So, I've missed talking with you as I'm in computer limbo. I'll post as I can, but know, I count you as one of my many blessings too.

Now, for our Saturday musical interlude...


As always, Amy has all kinds of musical inspiration today. You should go check her out.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday..... Corn Casserole

Go HERE to learn more about the Tempt Me With a Giveaway on December 16th. You could win an awesome wrought iron cookbook stand.
Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and anything food related that you want to share. Remember to go over to Lisa's blog to use Mr. Linky.
(Okay ladies, I am hi-jacking Lana's blog. Her computer is sick. She said something about "mother board" and "long time to get fixed". So, she won't be able leave any comment love, around the group. I am posting her recipe, for her, this week. ~Lisa)
Corn Casserole

• 2 cans cream corn
• 1 small can whole kernel corn (drained)
• 2 sticks butter (melted)
• 1 cup yellow corn meal
  
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 3/4 cup regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2- 4 oz cans chopped green chilies

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except cheese and chilies. Grease 9x13 pan. Pour 1/2 batter in pan. Layer with chilies and cheese. Then, pour remaining batter over the cheese. (I also put some cheese on the top.)
Bake 45 minutes.
I am also participating in Blissfully Domestic carnival, this week.