Right Here...Right Now

Different Enough

2011-04-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

At Hartly's Life With 3 Boys blog today Caitlyn Wray of the Welcome to Normal blog is guest posting.
Caitlyn has written a poem called "Different Enough" It says it all. I'm actually sitting in the waiting room at the Occupational Therapist waiting for Kathryn to finish. I was weeping as I read this not caring who was watching. I'm sure every parent in the room feels the same way.

Take a minute and go read the poem...

Itchy Scratch DON'T Touch ME!

2011-03-28T14:29:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd try to explain another one of the senses that cause the biggest problems for Kathryn.  This is what overwhelms her everyday... all day long. It is called Tactile Defensiveness.

Tactile Defensiveness is defined this way: "Children who have tactile defensiveness are sensitive to touch sensations and can be easily overwhelmed by, and fearful of, ordinary daily experiences and activities. Sensory defensiveness can prevent a child from play and interactions critical to learning and social interactions. Often, children with tactile defensiveness (hypersensitivity to touch/tactile input) will avoid touching, become fearful of, or bothered by ;

textured materials/items
"messy" things
vibrating toys, etc.
a hug
a kiss
certain clothing textures
rough or bumpy bed sheets
seams on socks
tags on shirts
light touch
hands or face being dirty
shoes and/or sandals
wind blowing on bare skin
bare feet touching grass or sand
(as defined on Sensory Processing Disorder.com)

It is because of her issues in this area that finally sent me looking for answers to her odd behavior. You see, she HATES socks. I mean HATES them. The tiny little seam at the end by her toes makes her CRAZY. Seriously. We have literally spent 30 minutes pulling a sock on and off trying to get just the right "fit." Usually it ends in a meltdown with her crying and asking not to wear them.  I went in search for seamless socks and a friend of mine found a website that sold them. I was so excited. When I went to the site I realized it was a site for kids with Autism and SPD. I was perplexed and began reading. After about an hour and following various links from that site, I realized that Kathryn was not just odd but that she probably had SPD. Honestly it was like a light shown down from heaven and pointed the way to the answers. I was so thankful.

So... back to our struggle with Tactile Defensiveness...it is so hard to find any clothes that "feel" right to her. When she was younger and I didn't know she had SPD we would force her to wear what we wanted her to wear. What a mistake... but now we know.  She would spend all her time being miserable and totally unable to concentrate on anything but the itchy - scratchy clothes she had on.  She was so easily brought to a total and complete meltdown.

I guess what makes me really sad about this is that she LOVES to play dress up and to look fancy. But it is hard to dress like that when all the fancy clothes feel so itchy and terrible to her.   Now it seems all she wears is the softest cotton t-shirts and leggings. She looks pretty ratty-tatty most days, but she is comfortable and with the comfort comes the ability to think more clearly and to be less agitated and for that... I say HURRAY! Now don't get me wrong, I will spend hours wandering from store to store feeling the inside off all the dresses or shirts. I am on a mission to help her feel good and look as cute as she really wants to. At this point she is honestly afraid to try any new clothes. It takes a good week for her to give something new even a try.

Another example is a hug or kiss or a light touch on her shoulder to show affection. She will pull away in a total "fight or flight" response. She will hit or throw her arm out to block the unwanted and offensive touch. It isn't that she doesn't love you or crave affection from you, it is that it feels like sandpaper scratching her skin. Who wants a kiss that feels like that? The touch really must be made by her initiating. If she initiates it, then she knows what to expect. It is that simple. I'm learning how and when to ask for a hug or to accept the high fives when then are offered as secret super kisses.

She is getting Occupational Therapy to deal with this. One of the techniques we use is the Wilbarger Brushing Protocol It allows us to give deep pressure input to her by way of a soft bristle brush. At first she HATED it... but she now realizes it helps. It is one of those things I say, "I don't understand how it works, but I know it is working." We do it before school, after school, and before bedtime. Some of the other techniques being used in OT for her is that she will sit in a huge tub full of dried beans and rice with her legs exposed so that she feels all the sensations. There are "prizes" hidden in the beans and so she digs with her hands to find them. Again... it is all about de-sensitizing her to tolerate that which feels intolerable.

It is so hard to explain, but if you ever witnessed her complete and utter meltdown because another childed brushed up against her or put a hand on her shoulder and she will break down in tears. Hard to believe but it is so true.

Well... that is the SPD lesson for today. So just remember, say hi to her, tell her you love her and if she jumps in your arms and gives you a hug, consider it a triumph. Feel extra honored and blessed, but please don't take it personally when she chooses not to be hugged or kissed. It may have been an extra stressful day and she may just be in sensory overload and the thought of one more touch is unbearable.

So that is where we are Right Here... Right Now

Falling out of chairs and other Olympic Events

2011-03-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

There are days when I think, she is just so normal and we are having such a great day. Then ten minutes later she has literally fallen out of her chair as she is eating dinner and then the meltdown starts.   And of course she knocks over her drink in the process and there is a mess everywhere.  She is crying and stomping upstairs to go to her room because she is embarrased and angry. This begins a few hours of getting her to calm back down.

Yes, she falls out of chairs and trips over her own feet and misjudges where the table is and loses her balance. I can not tell you how many times I've seen her fall for no apparent reason. If falling out of a chair was an Olympic event, she would have a gold medal.

The reason is that one of her senses, the Proprioceptive sense is... well, off.  Proprioception is defined as; The ability to sense stimuli arising within the body. Even if you are blindfolded, you know through proprioception if your arm is above your head or hanging by your side. Your body can sense where it is in relation to the ground. I allows you to walk heal to toe and not fall over or lose your balance. Kathryn can not do that. She has Proprioceptive Dysfunction. Her OT (Occupational Therapist) was excited to tell me she actually walked heal to toe for 3 steps before she lost her balance the other day... we were all excited.

We have Kathryn in a beginner gymnastics class that she attends once a week. She has enjoyed it but it is getting harder for her now and she does not want to go. She can not do a cart-wheel and struggles to walk the balance beam, and many other activities, but it is such good practice for her. I know later today when I pick her up from school she is going to give me a REALLY hard time and beg me not to go to gymnastics, but we will go. It is just the right kind of work her body needs to be doing. No, it may not be as fun as we had originally hoped gymnastics would be when we first signed her up (pre diagnosis). BUT it is helping and she is improving... slowly.

Proprioceptive Dysfunction is just one of the many aspects to SPD. I just wanted to share with you one of her many struggles. With OT she is building strength in her muscles and teaching her brain and muscles to "talk" so that she will begin to not feel and be so clumsy.

Again... it is just the beginning but that is where we are Right Here...Right Now.

Sensory Processing Disorder... beginning our journey

2011-03-21T19:29:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been so long I really don't know where to begin. I have been almost afraid to start blogging again because there is so much to say and I find it hard to put into words. It has been over 2 years since I was seriously blogging. It was great and I loved it but then I began working again and I was just unable to blog and keep the family and house going.

I'd say we have had a few big changes in our life since I last put it all out there. I am no longer working (woo hoo), we have a new addition to our family, Spencer. He is 10 months old and our favorite entertainment these days. Our other big change is that our daughter has been diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (aka Sensory Integration Dysfunction). It is the end and beginning of sorts. It is the end of the frustration and questioning. The wondering, "what is going on with her" or "why is she so different, other kids her age don't act this way." These were the questions I've been asking myself for a few years. I didn't have the guts to say them out loud - EVER. I just quietly, secretly wondered.

Then she began Kindergarten...

Everything changed. We knew something was different. It was too hard NOT to notice or talk about it. There is so much I could say to try and explain but I think these pictures may say it all...

First day of Kindergarten

First day of 1st grade

They sum up the two expressions she has most. Anger/frustration and being totally overwhelmed.

I'll go into more in the blogs to come, but for now, we know... it is a neurological disorder that she will struggle with the rest of her life. Wow, that was hard to swallow... it still is.

She is in Occupational Therapy twice a week to begin to help her learn how to cope with how her body feels in this world around her. To help her not feel overwhelmed in new situations; help her put on her socks without a 30 minute battle to find the precise way to wear them so they don't drive her crazy all day. She is OVERWHELMED by almost everything around her. When you can't stand the feel of clothing on your body and all you can think of is taking them off, well it makes it hard to listen to the teacher. Or if you can't stand to be lightly touched or brushed up against and a classmate accidentally brushes against you in line and you automatically react by yelling or hitting them as a defense mechanism... well, you can see where that would get you in trouble.

We are all struggling at our house to understand this. But it is a NEW beginning. I am reading all I can to understand what I can do to help and what will make life more tolerable for her. I am learning to think 5 steps ahead to cut off a meltdown before it happens. I'm trying to learn how to discipline a child who is out of control because her body doesn't feel what others feel and a child who is so easily brought to a rage that all I can do is hope she doesn't hurt herself or anyone else.

In the midst of it all, there is a smile, a glimmer of hope. Today is a good day. She had OT this morning and loved it. She actually came out of school today with a smile on her face... that has not happened in a very long time.

Everyday is a new day, I thank my God for that. I also thank Him for all of this because he knew long before we did that this would be a struggle... a trial if you will.

James 1: 2 - 5

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,^[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

I'm exhausted.

I'm overwhelmed.

I'm starting over... we are learning how to parent all over again and it is... hard.

But we are trusting that God will get us through and give us wisdom to help guide and encourage her.

But this is where we are. Right Here... Right Now.

great easy brownies

2011-01-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

Today its all about the chocolate. The other night I was seriously craving chocolate. I mean SERIOUSLY. I thought well, I know I have the ingredients for brownies just need an easy recipe. So I looked up some recipes online and found one that looked super easy and super good. You know what IT WAS! So here is my new brownie recipe.

EASY BROWNIES

1 1/2 c. flour (self-rising or plain with 1 tsp. salt)
2 c. sugar
8 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp. vanilla
1 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. pecans (optional)

Mix all ingredients well. Pour in 11x15 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

We are still eating them... but they won't last too much longer!

Banana Cake that doesn't Last

2011-01-03T19:40:00.000-06:00

Now, for today's treasure! My mom makes this and I can hardly stand it when she does. It is SO good. So thanks Mom... this one goes out to you!

"Banana Cake that Doesn't Last "
(seriously... that is the name!)
Ingredients:
3 Cups Flour
2 Cups Sugar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Cinnamon
3 Eggs (slightly beaten)
1 Cup Cooking Oil
1/2 cup melted Butter
1 can Crushed Pineapple (8oz drained)
1 Cup Nuts (optional)
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Cups Mashed Bananas

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Make a well in the center. Add eggs, pineapple, nuts, oil, butter, vanilla and bananas. STIR... do not beat. Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 75 minutes OR pour in to 2 loaf pans. If in the loaf pans, do not bake as long.

Enjoy... let me know if yours lasts very long :0)

Texas Christmas Y'all

2010-12-13T13:54:00.000-06:00

Hello Tempt My Tummy pals! I've missed posting the past few weeks but have been stalking your recipes when I have time and yummmy! I love all the holiday recipes.

Tonight I actually get to join the land of grown ups and go to a Christmas Party! My husband has been out of town for a few weeks on business and I have missed the adult interaction! I wanted to post a recipe I shared last year because I am taking this tonight to the party. We are having a traditional Texas Christmas party... Bar-B-Q. I'm really looking forward to it. The meat is from ledgendary Cooper's BBQ and we are all bringing the sides. I'm bringing this great Broccoli Salad. I love it! I originally saw Paula Deen make a version of it and I've modified it a bit. How great will that be? Now, for you non-Texas folks... I hope you understand how much we love our beef bbq. Lisa, I hope you are not too jealous now that you are up in pork bbq St. Louis land....

mmmm I can hardly wait...I'm sure someone will be bringing some 'Nana Puddin' cuz it goes so good with the bbq.

Merry Christmas Y'all!

Now to go find a great (really bad) white elephant gift. This group gives some doosies... last year a bottle of laxatives and expired vitamins were amoung the gifts... ;-)

Broccoli Salad and dressing
Ingredients
1 head of broccoli. cut individual heads off
1 cup of small grape tomatoes - cut in half
1 1/2 cups cubes colby cheese
1/2 small red onion chopped
1/4 cup real bacon pieces chopped
optional additions:
raisins
craisins
broccoli slaw

Dressing
1/4 cup mayo
2-3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp Red Wine vinegar
1-3 packets of splenda or sugar substitute of your choice
*mix the ingredients of the dressing together. All is to taste. You may want it sweeter... you may like it with more vinegar, honestly, PLAY with it. I also LOVE this on a green salad. It is my go to dressing.

Pour dressing over all the salad ingredients and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Serve the next day!

Peanut Butter Cookies

2010-11-21T19:00:00.000-06:00

***THIS WAS ORIGINALLY POSTED BY ME ON JULY 7, 2008****

Welcome to our blog carnival. My twin sister, Lisa, will be co-hosting with me. From time to time, she will host the at her blog, Blessed with Grace other times I will. We will let you know when we will change it up. Just to keep you on your toes. For now, go to Blessed With Grace, and enjoy the fun.

Now, I want to start by saying that Lisa and I are not expert cooks, culinary geniuses, or recent winners of Bravo's Top Chef. We do, however, love food and love to eat, I know that is not a shock to any of you! We thought it would be fun to have every one share great recipes, cooking tips, great food finds, and/or restaurant reviews with each other. Sound good? Great, then join along. Also, feel free to copy the Tempt My Tummy Tuesday button and use it on your post. Just remember to link back to us.

Today I want to share with you the BEST Peanut Butter cookies I've ever had. I found this recipe in an Better Homes and Garden's Christmas Cookie Issue YEARS ago. This makes a ton of cookies which is good, because you will eat a ton of them.

Now, before I give the recipe, I MUST share with you a little story. I was co-hosting a bridal shower last year for my pal Becky. Well, I had been baking batch after batch of peanut butter delights getting ready for the shower. When I turned on the TV to hear the peanut butter I had used had just been recalled. Remember that? The great Peter Pan debacle of 2007? Well I had a freezer full of cookies. Now, you KNOW I had been tasting a few cookies along the way... just for quality assurance. I had not gotten sick, well, I mean, I had eaten enough to make me sick, but I was not.

So, you know where I am going with this don't you? What to do? Take and serve the possibly tainted cookies or throw them out? Well of course you know what I did...

I kept them for my family.

I made snicker doodles for the party and that was that!

So here it is... the BEST darned Peanut Butter Cookies you'll ever dare to poison you family with.

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup butter softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 large eggs
1 18oz jar creamy peanut butter

Preheat to 350. Combine first four ingredients. Mix on medium speed, butter, brown sugar and sugar, 2 minutes until creamy. Reduce speed beat in vanilla, eggs, one at at time. Beat well and add peanut butter until creamy. Beat in flour mixture until just blended (try not to eat too much at this point) .

Drop rounded Tbsp of dough. Dip fork in remaining sugar and cross the cookie (to make it pretty)
Bake 12-14 minutes.
Cool on Cookie sheet 2 minutes then move to cooling rack.

Store in tightly covered container for 2 weeks (as if they will last that long) or 3 months in the freezer ( yea, Right...)

Don't forget to leave a comment and go to Lisa's to add your post to Mr. Linky

Join us again next Tuesday for more Food FUN!

recipe photo from: stock exchange
tmtt button designed by me

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

2010-11-15T19:24:00.002-06:00

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Well I know it is getting cooler out because I want to make soup! Yesterday I made my favorite Baked Bean Soup and it finally felt like Fall to me. I am posting another great soup recipe today from my friend Ashley. She got this recipe from her mother in law who lives in Minnesota. I was lucky enough to have this one day at her house and honestly think I have dreamed about it ever since! She graciously gave me the recipe today and I am sure we will be having it soon. I can hardly wait! Honestly, how could it be bad when the first ingrident is 1 lb of bacon?

Hope you enjoy it!

4oz wild rice

1 lb bacon
3 T bacon grease
1/4 c chopped green pepper
3/4 c chopped celery
3/4 c chopped onion
2 cans chicken broth
3 cans cream of mushroom soup
1/4 c sherry or red wine, optional

Prepare wild rice as directed on package. While that cooks, fry bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to drain, then crumble. Reserve 3 T for soup (*Ashley note* pour the rest in your grease container for green beans**). Saute pepper, celery and onion in bacon grease until soft. Add remaining ingredients and simmer on the stove for an hour or more (tastes better the longer it simmers).

Alright... be sure to join all the fun at Lisa's blog!

Pumpkin Pie

2010-10-25T19:00:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to Fall. Actually, it does not feel like Fall here in central Texas yet. I am anxiously awaiting it. I think it will be 92 degrees here today. Seriously! I am so ready for some cooler weather, I can hardly wait.

My daughter has been begging for Pumpkin Pie for two weeks now. People are putting pumpkins out and decorating because we are hopeful that we will eventually get Fall. So this weekend my daughter and I made pie. I am all about easy and tried and true recipes. If is ain't broke, don't fix it! I like the recipe on the McCormick Pumpkin Pie Spice container. It is perfect.

It is so simple! I hope you will try it!

McCormick Signature Pumpkin Pie

MIX 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin, 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice.

POUR into 1 frozen unbaked pie crust.

BAKE in preheated 425ºF oven 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350ºF; bake 40 minutes longer.

COOL completely.

Tex-Mex Burritos

2010-10-04T19:50:00.000-05:00

Hello Tempt My Tummy friends. I'm doing a re-mash of a recipe Lisa did not too long ago. I would be a good blogger and link to her post but I can't find it. Sorry Lisa...

AnyHoo... We are in full crazy, ain't it fun to be a parent mode around here. Today is our first day for my son to have his Doc Band helmet for Plagiocephaly. So far he has done great EXCEPT for sleeping. So hard for him to get comfortable. He is sleeping right now so quick, say a prayer that he stays asleep!

He is a little trooper. Doesn't he look ADORABLE?!?!?! Yes, I decorated it because even a boy needs some BLING for his helmet. I will be documenting our special little journey with Plagiocephaly soon.

Now for my super quick and tasty

Tex-Mex Burritos.

Ingriendents

1 lb hamburger meat (salt and pepper)

1 medium onion chopped

1 small can chopped green chilis

1 can Tex-Mex Enchilada sauce

1 can refriend black beans

8 flour tortillas

2-3 cups Colby/Jack cheese shredded

Brown the meat with the onions, chilis and salt and pepper to taste. Take your tortilla, spread some beans on bottom then layer with meat and a little bit of cheese. Roll tortilla and place in the baking dish. When all are completed, pour the enchilada sauce on top. Now thrown on all the chesse you want. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Easy Peasy as my daughter would say! Enjoy!

Peach Pie

2010-09-27T19:00:00.001-05:00

Yep! We're talking pie!!!

My mother in law brought me the most delicious fresh peaches the other day and I thought PIE! Now, I have never made a peach pie but I thought, now is a good time to try. It was AWESOME!!!! I found a recipe that seemed super easy and aren't those usually the best anyway? I WILL be making this again.

Grandma's Peach Pie

• 1-1/4 cups sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (sprinkled over the peaches)

• 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. Stir in the peach slices and fold to coat with sugar/flour mixture.
Pour into a 9-inch unbaked pie shell. Dot with butter. Cover with top crust, seal edges and crimp. Make vents in top crust. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until crust is golden brown.

Chicken Marsala Tetrazzini

2010-09-20T19:00:00.001-05:00

Well I could hardly wait to sit down and type out this recipe for you all today. I saw it on Friday on page 133 of my Sept 2010 Southern Living Magazine and I could not wait to make it. It was almost like I could taste it just by reading the recipe. I made this Saturday for dinner and after only one bite my husband said, "WOW this is really good." Then he didn't say much else for all the eating. My 6 year old also proclaimed it to be "fabulous." HIGH praise indeed from that one. I made a few changes to the recipe... cuz I can and to keep me from having to buy extra ingredients and it was perfect.

Now, because I do not want to drag this out... here it is, with my changes noted.

Chicken Marsala Tetrazzini

Ingredients

1 (8-oz.) package vermicelli
2 tablespoons butter (I did not use this as my bacon made up for it)
1 (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms (I had a can of sliced mushrooms)
3 ounces finely chopped prosciutto (I used 3 pieces of smoked applewood bacon diced)
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup frozen baby English peas, thawed (I used a can of peas with the liquid drained)
1 (10 3/4-oz.) can reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup
1 (10-oz.) container refrigerated light Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup Marsala
1 cup (4-oz.) shredded Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add mushrooms and prosciutto, and sauté 5 minutes. (I did not use the butter but cooked the bacon and mushrooms together with a teaspoon of minced garlic)

2. Stir together mushroom mixture, chicken, next 5 ingredients, and 1/2 cup cheese; stir in pasta. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

3. Bake at 350° for 35 minutes or until bubbly.

YUMMM I can hardly wait to sit down and finish the leftovers!!!!
You can find this recipe on line HERE

Photo from Southern Living Magazine by: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Peanut Butter Baby!

2010-09-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

Wecome to TMTT! I am excited to be at At the Well today for all this fun, exciting foodiness! Today I'm going Old School simple and telling you about a new favorite at our house. Or I guess I should say, my daughter's new favorite. In an effort to start cutting certain foods out of her diet... (a topic I will no doubt be talking about on this blog as I can figure out what is really going on with her and how to put it all in to words) I made this sandwhich for her a few weeks ago and now... well it is the most request food item in the house.

She has always been a PB&J girl. ALWAYS! But I thought, I need to eliminate the J part of that combo. So we have been using honey, which she also loves, but then it occured to me that my Mom's all time favorite thing to add to the PB was Bananas.

Growing up, I just could not wrap my head around it... I don't know, it was probably because I was too stubborn to try it, but now... ummm ummm good! So I offered this to my daughter and WHA-LAH! Instant success. I even found her in the kitchen preparing this all by herself when she declared she was making us dinner the other night because she didn't want me to have to work so hard... I know... too cute, right?!

Something else I discovered is a Peter Pan's Honey Roasted Peanut Butter. OH MY HEAVENS... SO stinkin' good!!!

You gotta try this!

Now, if you are an Elvis fan you KNOW the King loved his PB& Banana. Did you know what he added to his that I have refrained from adding to our version? Yep... you got it... bacon! As so many would say, if it's got bacon it's got to be good. Elvis love his samich all hot and grilled... I'm just telling you because I know you really wanted to know that!

I've also been paring this with a glass of Almond Milk or Soy Milk, as we are also looking to eliminate dairy from her diet... again... a long story... but she has yet to realize she is drinking anything different.

ENJOY!!!

Tropical Fruit Delight Cake

2010-08-30T19:21:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't for get to use the Linky on Lisa's site . Next week will be exciting because At the Well will be hosting TMTT. It should be fun!
Now, today Lisa posted the Pacific Rim Chicken which made me think of this super yummy cake. So I'm re-posting this. Honestly... I may have to get these ingredients and make this tomorrow! Forget that I started my new walking/running get my rear in gear for my 40th bday coming up in Dec. :-)
So, enjoy!
(I originally posted this April 13, 2009)
Today's treat is Tropical Fruit Delight Cake
I made it this weekend for our family Easter dessert EGGstravaganza. We had so many people together this year (which was fantastic) that we went out to the Salt Lick for BBQ for Oh So Texas Easter lunch. Then back to Me Maw and PaPaw's for dessert and the Easter Bunny. We had wonderful treats! I hope you love my cake. I made it a few years back and have been looking for a reason to make it again. After the all the positive feedback yesterday, it looks like I WILL be making this again soon.

Tropical Fruit Delight Cake

Ingredients for Cake:
1 box Butter cake mix
1/2 cup oil
1 (11oz) can Mandarin oranges (with the juice)
4 eggs

Mix all ingredients together in a bow. Pour batter into 9 inch Bundt pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 - 35 minutes (it took more like 40 mins. this time.)

Allow Cake to cool. Remove cake from pan and refrigerate about 1/2 hour. Stick holes in cake with a fork and spread frosting. Refrigerate.

Ingredients for Frosting:
1 (3oz) package of vanilla instant pudding
1 (8oz) carton of Cool Whip
1 (8oz) can crushed pineapple with juice

In a bowl combine pudding mix and Cool Whip. Drain half the juice from the pineapples then add remaining juice and fruit to the mixture.

This cake is SO refreshing and moist. You will love this for a Spring or Summer event.

I'm dying here... I need some cool relief!

2010-08-23T18:31:00.000-05:00

Y'all I am HOT!!! No, not that kind of hot... HOT like Hell HOT!!! Who can stand it? It has been 101 -104 degrees here. So YES, I am once again posting something cool and refreshing because it is all I think about. Snow, snow-cones, ice, ice cream, cold lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee... do you get the picture?
So, today it is Ice Cream. I've taken this recipe straight from the Eagle Brand Milk website.

It is Mint Chocolate Chip Ice... one of my favorites!!!

Ingredients
	1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND� Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
	2 teaspoons peppermint extract
	Green food coloring (optional)
	2 cups (1 pint) half-and-half
	2 cups (1 pint) whipping cream, unwhipped
	3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions
	In large bowl, combine EAGLE BRAND�, peppermint extract and food coloring (optional); mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients.
	Pour into ice cream freezer container. Freeze according to manufacturer�s instructions. Freeze leftovers.

Check out Lisa's blog for Mr. Linky!

Thanks you Eagle Brand Milk for today's recipe!

A little Comfort with my food Please...

2010-08-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

(this was orginally posted on Oct. 28,2008 by me)

Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then link back to my blog, mentioning Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info, with Mr. Linky he lives at Lisa's blog.

Today I am writing about something amazing I saw last week. I could not believe my eyes. Could it be that simple I thought? Could it be that easy to have homemade doughnuts in my own home? Surely not!

BUT Paula Deen made it so. She made Doughnuts using... are you ready for this (you MUST do a drum roll in your head please)... store bought biscuits!

Yep, you read that right, biscuits. I was sitting there with my jaw dropped open like an idiot.
I got so excited. I plan to try this on Saturday for my little family as a treat.
You can go directly to the Food Network website to see the recipe and more wonderful Paula delights.

Paula Deen's Chocolate-Dippy Doughnuts

Ingredients:

Peanut Oil
1 Can store -bought biscuits
1 (4oz) bar sweet chocolate ( Baker's German recommended)
1/2 oz (1/2 square) unsweetened chocolate
1 stick unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Preheat fryer with peanut oil to 350 degrees
Separate pre-cut biscuits. Make a hole in the middle with your hand and sculpt dough into a doughnut shape. Place doughnuts into fryer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, flipping to fry both sides. Place doughnuts aside onto a paper towel lined plate to remove excess oil.

Melt the chocolate and butter in a saucepan over very low heat. Stir in the sugar, alternating with the evaporated milk, blending well. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, about 8 minutes. Stir in the vanilla then remove the pan from the heat.

Stick a fork through the doughnut holes and dip the doughnuts immediately into the chocolate mixture before the chocolate starts to cool. Place the doughnuts on a plate and serve when the chocolate on the doughnuts sets, about 5 minutes.

Seriously... this is NOT a weight watcher kind of post... it is all comfort here!

Have a great week and don't forget to come back next week for more foodie fun. Now, check out Lisa's for more exciting food posts.

picture from FoodTV.com

I've fallen in love again...

2010-08-16T15:55:00.001-05:00

Yes it is true, I've fallen in love again... with... READING! I have to be honest, for most of my life thus far, I have not been a reader. Oh, in high school and college it was all about the "required" reading and I didn't jump full force into the wonderful world of books. In 2000, when I was newly single again, I found comfort at night in reading. I had such a hard time going to sleep in my little apartment all alone, I would read until I fell asleep. I enjoyed it, but the passion had not ignited.

But, at Christmas my husband gave me one of the best presents I have ever received. A Kindle. I absolutely love it. It has been so great! With all the problems I had during my pregnancy this Spring, I found myself sitting in the recliner most evenings and days when I was not working. Especially the last 2 months when I was having to be off my feet. It was great because I would find a book online a the Amazon store and in a matter of moments it loaded to my Kindle and I was reading. There are so many books that are free and under $9. I read books I've been wanting to read for years but was too lazy to go to the book store and buy them.

I have found a perfect time to read... it is while I am holding my little man and giving him a bottle, which happens quite often. We get to snuggle and I get to read. As soon as I finish a book, I am looking for the next one to start. The BEST news is that the last 7 books I've bought were actually FREE because I use Swagbucks. com as my search engine. You win swagbucks randomly for searching and doing surveys. Once you have 450 swagbucks you can buy a $5.00 gift card for Amazon.com. Well, when most of the books I buy are $9.99 or less, it only takes two gift cards and WHA-LA... Free book. I have averaged a new book every 2 weeks. I am LOVING it. My husband loves it because well... they are free and now that I'm not working outside the home, I'll take all the free I can get.

So, have you found any books you just can not put down? I'd love to hear what they are. I'm not big on sappy romance stuff- I like intrigue, mystery or historical fiction, oh and really... almost anything! I'll give you list of what I've read in the last 4 months. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed reading them all!

Let me know what you recommend, PLEASE!

Here is my list...

"The Apothecary's Daughter"

"The Poisonwood Bible"

"Shanghai Girls"

"The Help"

"The Secret Life of Bees"

"The Kite Runner"

"A Thousand Splendid Suns"

"The Lovely Bones"

"The Scent of Rain and Lighting"

"The Girls With the Dragon Tattoo"

"The Girl Who Played with Fire"

"The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest"

"The Shadow of the Wind"

"The Heir"

OK... I think that is about it. Whew! That is more books than I have read in 10 years... seriously! Now, when I finish a book and I'm waiting on more swagbucks to buy a new free book... I am re-reading some classics that I loaded for Free as well.

"Pride and Prejudice"

and all the Jane Austen collection. I LOVE them as well.

Now, what is it I am forgetting to do... Oh Yes... laundry! As much as I want to sit and read all day... I do have housework to do... blah blah blah... but then back to my book or should I say Kindle!

Sticky Chicken Linky Love

2010-08-09T19:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. I am so glad you are joining us today. I co-host TMTT with my twin, Lisa. This blog carnival is all about sharing recipes, cooking tips, and wonderful kitchen and cooking finds. This is a very talented community of cooks. I know you will find something to tempt you.

By the way... have you seen Lisa's new blog layout? Pretty snazzy huh? I think it is so sassy!

Today I'm actually posting a link to a great recipe. If you have been around TMTT very long you have no doubt seen Lisa refer to this recipe. It is "Sticky Chicken in Crock Pot". I made it today an Oh my house smells so good! This recipe comes from "The Newlyweds" blog. She has fabulous stuff, you just have to visit her page.

The reason I made the Sticky Chicken is because tomorrow I will be making another one of her fabulous recipes that calls for the chicken, it is Enchiladas De Pollo Y Queso. Have mercy, they are so tasty! Being a Texas girl, we love our enchiladas and these certainly satisfy. So, follow the links over to The Newlyweds for some super good recipes!

God's Plans

2010-08-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

I love going to church on Sunday night because our pastor is like a different preacher. It is a much smaller crowd, much more intimate, and I think he just lets his guard down a bit more. Tonight he was using 2 Samuel 7:1-17. This is the passage where King David wants to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, But God has a totally different plan. David wasn't trying to do something wrong but it wasn't God's timing for the Temple to be built.

It really got me thinking. How many times do I think I'm doing what God would want because it is a "good cause" or "something for the church" but God didn't need my help or even ask for it. I was also reminded of Abraham who left all he knew to go to a new land that God would give him and he never made it there, but with faith he continued to go the path God sent him. Moses never made it to the promise land but he continued to be faithful and obey. They trusted that God had a plan even if they didn't understand it.

Waiting on the Lord, being faithful in the everyday things that he asks of us, listening and then obeying. It really isn't that hard... why do we act like it is? I hope this week I stop and wait and listen before just jumping right in. It might do me some good to actually ask God what his plans are... he may just tell me.

Not Guilty

2010-08-07T19:09:00.000-05:00

I was able to go to choir this week for the first time since February. Some of you know I just had a baby 3 months ago, but it was a tough pregancy so I had to stop singing in choir and take it very easy. I missed choir more than anything... it is such a special time of worship for me and our church choir is my family. I was so excited to find out we will be doing an arrangement of this song "Not Guilty" It is awesome. The first time I heard it a friend sang it in church and I just wept... what powerful words. All I can think is I am so unworthy of forgiveness... Thank you God for forgiveness....

Hello blog world... I'm back

2010-08-03T21:10:00.006-05:00

Hello, My name is Lana... do you even remember me? I once was a blogger. Oh yes, remember? I used to blog all the time, not just on Tuesday's when we talk food. Seriously folks, I've been on a blog fast and I am so glad to be typing again. It all went down hill for my blogging when I went back to work about 3 years ago and then my hours kept increasing at work and my blogging was decreasing. It was life and that was it.

Also, I was working at our church... and honestly, there is only so much I can put in this blog about my church and the people I worked with and or crazy situations I encountered. Oh don't get me wrong, there was plenty to talk about, just would not have been a good idea to put it on the world wide web. One thing you have to remember working at a church is... people are still people even when they work at a church... we are all human and that makes for fun and well... you know what I mean.

So since we talked last... no, no, I'm not going to give you all the details... but A LOT has been going on. My dear husband went back to school and graduated with a Masters in Software Engineering. I am so proud of him! And we have a new addition to the family... a sweet baby boy. Spencer Knox! Is he the cutest little guy ever! We are all in love with him, especially his big sister Kathryn. It has been a fun 3 months so far.

So, thankfully, I am no longer working and am home now, officially a Stay at Home Mom again.

I am praying this gives me more time to do the things I have truly missed since ging back to work... blogging, attending Ladies Bible study, volunteering at my daughters school, helping family when needed, getting my house cleaned up and maybe even do some painting. Most of all I am looking forward to taking good care of my family.

I'll do my best to get my blogging butt back in to gear, be patient with me, I'll try to think of something fun or interesting or profound to say... or maybe not.

Apple Chicken Salad

2010-07-26T16:45:00.002-05:00

Hello Tempt My Tummy Tuesday people! Hope you are well! I am still getting the hang on my new addition and promise to begin some serious blogging soon. I have lots to discuss with the new little guy and we are in the middle determinining some treatment options for him as he has Plagiocephaly. It looks like he will be fitted for a DOC band. Please keep our little guy in your prayers. I am sure I will be documenting our adventure soon.

This week Lisa has a give away so I'm posting a salad recipe that would be appropriate! Enjoy.

This recipe comes from the Girard's website

Apple Chicken Salad

Ingredients
1/2 cup Girard's Apple Poppyseed Dressing
1/2 cup toasted pecans
2 cups shredded cooked chicken meat
1 large Granny Smith apple diced
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped dates or your favorite dried fruit
2 cups chopped cabbage
4 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 cup peeles of aged white cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

In a large bowl add all ingredients except cheese and gently toss. Top with cheese.

Balsamic Spinach Salad Supreme

2010-07-05T20:27:00.005-05:00

Hello Tempt My Tummy friends! Don't forget to visit Lisa's blog for all the TMTT fun.

Today I'm all about the Salad. My daughter knows how much I love a good salad. She talks about how she wants to be a chef when she grows up and will have her own restaurant. She always tells me that she will have really yummy salads because those are Mommy's favorites. I love her!

The salad I want to tell you about is one that our dear friends brought to us when it was their turn to bring us food after the baby was born. It is a Salad kit she bought at Sam's It is called "Balsamic Cafe Salad Kit" I promise you I have looked all over the webby world for a picture or a link to this product but did not find one. Sorry... BUT the good news, you can make it yourself! The kit contains all the ingredients except the fresh baby spinach. Not a problem. Actually a good thing, because when I was at Sam's today... I bought 2 kits. We had one for dinner and the other I'll save for next week. If the spinach was in it, we'd have to eat it immediately. I'm telling you people, this is so stinkin' good that my husband even asks for it.... and salad is NOT his favorite food, especially as a main course for dinner! So here are the ingredients! You really do need to make this!!!

Balsamic Spinach Salad Supreme

(I'm calling it supreme because it is supremely yummy!)

(these are rough estimates on ingredient amounts, as everything in the kit is pre-measured)

1 bag Fresh Baby Spinach

1 Chicken breast cooked and diced

1 1/2 cup Red Seedless Grapes

1 cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 cup Roasted Pecan pieces

1/2 cup Blue Cheese crumbles

Balsamic Vinaigrette of your choice

Now, throw all of that is a huge bowl and toss it. Yep... I told you it was gonna be good!

Best Brownies

2010-06-28T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I actually had this ready to post last week and just plain forgot. I'm still trying to figure out how to juggle being the mom of two and wife to one. I also had a bad cold last week on top of it all. I'm so glad you all stopped by for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. It is great. I can't believe how many participants we have now. Be sure you are always linked up at Lisa's blog She is the BEST sister in the WORLD.

Last week I was craving chocoloate and actually had to make brownies from scratch! I know! Crazy thought! This recipe is great and we really enjoyed them. I hope you do too. It is from "Necessities and Temptations" one of my all time favorite cookbooks.

BEST BROWNIES
Ingredients

1 cup butter
1/2 cup cocoa
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
dash of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Melt butter and dissolve cocoa in the butter and set aside
Beat in flour, salt and vanilla
Add cocoa and butter to flour mixture.
Bake in a greased and floured 9x13 metal pan for 30-40 minutes
30 minutes for chewy brownines or 40 minutes for cake-like brownies.

Waldo's Enchiladas

2010-06-14T17:19:00.007-05:00

Well, Hello my blogger friends. Have you forgotten about me? I've been a little bit busy with a new baby. I knew I'd get back to the blog eventually and here I am, 6 weeks after delivery and ready to post for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Would you like to see our precious Gift from God? Here is big Sister Kathryn with little man Spencer. This was her first time to see him at the hospital. I love this picture.

We are all adjusting well, and yes, even getting some sleep at night. We are truly blessed. I had a moment yesterday when I just stopped and had to thank God for all the blessing and how he has completed our little family. I am so grateful.

As I was thinking about TMTT, I also thought about all the wonderful friends we have who have brought us meals during the past weeks. We have been blown away by the love of our church family. It is so wonderful to be a part of a loving church family. Honestly, we have not had one bad meal. They all rocked!!! So in honor of one of the meals we received, I'm posting the enchilada recipe our friends the Waldos' brought over. I'm told it is a family recipe, all I know is it was good and easy and I didn't have to make it! woo hoo! So here it is I've renamed it in their honor...

Waldo's Hatch Green Chili & Cheese Enchiladas
1 package flour tortillas
16 oz container of sour cream
10-15oz Hatch Green Chili Enchilada sauce
3-4 cups of Colby Jack Cheese
(you can add seasoned chicken if you wish to change it up)

Mix the sour cream and green chili sauce together, put a little on the bottom of your 13x9 dish. Take the four tortilla and cheese and roll up. Fill the pan . Pour the remaining sauce on top of the enchilads and cover the sauce with cheese. Bake at 350 for 40 minutes.

Easy enough! Have fun and enjoy! Don't forget to link up at Lisa's blog for all the TMTT fun!

Ham & Noodle Casserole

2010-04-27T08:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Tempt my Tummy Tuesday! I figured I needed to post this week as next Monday is
c-section day! We are hoping to welcome a baby boy that morning! So... today I'm sending a quick post out. This is a yummy recipe I found yesterday and will probably try it this week and make enought to put in the freezer for after we get home from the hospital.

So today I'm just posting the link to All Recipies.com to this. I figure that is easy and I'm having too many contractions to work to hard on this. Oh did I mention... I've been on partial bed rest and taking meds to control the contractions... good times people, good times!

So here it is Ham & Noodle Casserole from AllRecipes.com they send out a recipe of the day if you sign up for their free membership. I've been getting some great ideas from them!

Ok, check back next week, hopefully I'll have a pic of the new baby!

Now be sure to link up at Lisa's blog!

My Father's World

2010-04-22T01:00:00.000-05:00

I originally posted this two years ago, but after watching Food Inc. last night, I am feeling like I need to rethink a lot about what we eat and where our food comes from. If you have a chance, please watch Food Inc.

Today is Earth Day. I am thinking about this beautiful world and all the wonders it has to offer. I am thinking of my God who made it all for us to enjoy. I am thinking that we have not taken care of it with the respect and love that one should when given such a glorious gift. I woke up early today, laying in bed listening to the birds sing and I found myself humming this wonderful song. It is a hymn that we don't sing often anymore in church as it has been replace by newer more "hip" tunes, but it speaks volumes to me. I will be singing it all day long.

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world, the birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass;
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world: the battle is not done:
Jesus Who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.

This is my Father’s world. I walk a desert lone.
In a bush ablaze to my wondering gaze God makes His glory known.
This is my Father’s world, a wanderer I may roam
Whate’er my lot, it matters not,
My heart is still at home.
What can you do to honor our Father's World today?

Song..."This is My Father's World" words by Maltbie Babcock, 1901

Broccoli Salad and dressing

2010-04-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Temp My Tummy Tuesday! My dear sweet sister Lisa and I co-host and we are so glad you are along for the foodie ride! Be sure to link up at her blog for all the fun!

I have been so bad about posting regularly these past few months. This pregnancy has really been tough and I am finally coming to the end of it. I need to make it two more weeks but I just don't know. When I get up and move around... the contractions begin. So, I am sitting/reclining and reading A LOT (thanks to my Kindle) and I'm catching up on all the TV shows I haven't seen in ages thanks to Hulu. But honestly, all I really want to do is have this boy already!

With my diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, I have had many, many, many salads the past few months. One of my favorites is a Broccoli Salad. I originally based this on a Paul Deen recipe I had, but I change it up depending on the ingredients I have. I also make my own dressing that is diabetic friendly. It is supper yummy and actually tastes the best a day after you make it.

Broccoli Salad and dressing

ingredients:
1 head of broccoli. cut individual heads off
1 cup of small grape tomatoes - cut in half
1 1/2 cups cubes colby cheese
1/2 small red onion chopped
1/4 cup real bacon pieces chopped

optional additions:
raisins
craisins
broccoli slaw

Dressing
1/4 cup mayo
2-3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp Red Wine vinegar
1-3 packets of splenda or sugar substitute of your choice

*mix the ingredients of the dressing together. All is to taste. You may want it sweeter... you may like it with more vinegar, honestly, PLAY with it. I also LOVE this on a green salad. It is my go to dressing.

Pour dressing over all the salad ingredients and let it sit overnight in the fridge. Enjoy!!!

Sauteed Spinach with garlic

2010-04-05T17:46:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday! My sister Lisa and I co-host weekly. We are so glad you are participating today. Be sure to post a foodie goodie and link up at Lisa's blog. I've taken a few weeks off as I'm 8 months pregnant and having all sorts of problems, so I'm not so good at the blog right now.

As I'm suffering with Gestational Diabetes right now and taking insulin. I'm doing my very best to eat a very healthy diet. Which is a bit embarrassing, because, honestly, I'm just eating a healthy diet... like we ALL should be doing.

One of the veggies I've been cooking lately is sauteed spinach. I've always eaten spinach from a can, but have you ever taken a huge bunch of fresh spinach and sauteed it with garlic and onions? Well, let me tell you... YUMMY! My husband loves it! So by all means, forget the can and go fresh!!!

Fresh Sauteed Spinach

What you need:

Take a LARGE bunch of fresh spinach (it really reduces in size, so the more the better)
2 - 3 cloves of garlic minced
1 small yellow/white onion sliced
1 small container of mushrooms sliced
3 Tbsp olive oil

Put olive oil, garlic, onion in a large skillet or WOK like saute pan and cook on medium heat. When onion is beginning to become translucent add the mushrooms and spinach. You will need to continue to stir this as the spinach wilts. This does not take long! Enjoy!!!!

Gestational Diabetes

2010-03-08T15:21:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone! Thanks for stopping by for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to visit Lisa's blog to link up and see all the great recipes and goodies!

I have a HUGE favor to ask you. I'm in my 7th month of pregnancy and I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. I'm looking for great tips and healthy ideas for helping me control my blood sugar with diet. I'm testing my blood 4 times a day and watching EVERYTHING I eat and keeping a food journal to turn in to the nutritionist.

So, can you help me? Any ideas or encouragement will be gladly accepted here.

I am looking forward to what you can help me with.

Thanks!

English Pea Salad

2010-03-01T17:10:00.002-06:00

Welcome to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday. Be sure to check Lisa's site for all the recipe goodness and to link you blog up!

Today I'm posting an English Pea Salad. I've been craving this today! I guess you can blame the pregnancy on it. I may be making this tomorrow for lunch!

English Pea Salad
1 can of English/sweet peas, drained
2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
2 -3 pieces of bacon ( I love to used the Oscar Meyer or Hormel real bacon pieces for this)
1 cup of cheddar cheese ( I like the cheese cubed but you can use shredded as well)
1/4 cup of chopped red onion ( you can use less if you like)
3-4 tsp Mayo ( again this is to taste, if you like it creamer... go for it. Fat free works great here)

Combine all your ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste and refridgerate!

How easy is that... come to think of it... I think I'll just add this to our dinner menu tonight!

Enjoy!

Smoky Chipotle Orange Dip

2010-02-01T18:01:00.003-06:00

Hi All~ Welcome to Tempt my Tummy Tuesday! Lisa and I enjoy hosting this fun foodie fest. If you have a great recipe... post it! Link up at Lisa's site and see what happens!

Today I'm sharing a recipe I got from my grocery store today. It was on a flyer from Smucker's Jam. It looks so good, I can not wait to try it!

Smoky Chipotle Orange Dip

Ingredients
1/2 cup low-fat or fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup low-fat or fat-free mayonaise
1/2 cup Smucker's sugar free Orange Marmalade
3/4 teaspoon cumin
1 to 3 tablespoons adobo sauce... or to taste

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl
Cover and refrigerate several hours to blend flavors
Serve with assorted fresh veggies or corn/tortilla chips

Sounds great doesn't it!

Fool-Proof Popovers

2010-01-25T17:50:00.004-06:00

Hello All! Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister and I started this up over a year ago and what fun we have had. I can not tell you how many of your recipes I have used! So thanks for expanding my families food choices! Be sure to visit Lisa's blog for all the link up fun!

Today I'm posting a link to a new TV Food host, Melissa d'Arabian. She won Next Food Network Star last year. Her show focuses on feeding a family of 4 with on $10 per meal. I love that idea! She seems like the Mom next door and like you'd love for her to be the PTA president next year! I'm linking to her "Fool-Proof Popovers" I saw her make these when she was competing on the Food Network show and the judges loved them. I watched her make them again yesterday on her show. I was reminded how simple they were to make. I think I'll be trying these for sure!

King Ranch Chicken

2010-01-18T18:58:00.000-06:00

Hello All! Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. I have been SO bad lately about posting. I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and really stuggling this go round. I'm having pains I never had before and it is all new. So forgive my hit and miss posting. It was so exciting to see we had 125 people participate last week in TMTT! WOW! I remember when there were only 20 of us. Pretty exciting. Lisa my best friend and sister is the best hostest around, so please be sure to follow the rules and mention TMTT and link back to her site where Mr. Linky lives.

On an unrelated note, our (mine and Lisa's) mom, Carolyn is having knee replacement surgery today, Tuesday, Jan. 19th. Please keep her in your prayers. We are praying a speedy recovery for her!

Now, for this week's recipe. I made this a few days ago as I was trying to put together casseroles that would "freeze nicely" for me and my Mom. I thought I would make a few dishes to have for my parents when she got home from the hospital that just needed to go into the oven from the freezer. While I was at it, I made enough for my family and now have a nicely stocked freezer. One of the dishes I made was King Ranch Chicken. I shall share it with you today!

Ingredients:
4 boneless chicken breasts boiled and then chopped (I always throw some spices in to the water for a little flavor when I boil them)
1- 20 count package of corn tortillas - torn into stips
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mild rotel tomatoes
1 medium onion chopped
3-4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Layer the tortillas at the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish
Combine the rotel tomatoes, chicken soup, mushroom soup and onions in a bowl
Pour half the soup mixture over the torillas
Layer the chicken on top of the soup mixture and half the cheese on top of that
Pour the remaining soup mixture over the cheese and then top with the remaining cheese.
Put in over and bake around 25 - 30 minutes until bubbling.

How Yummy does that sound! I like to have fresh chopped Cilantro and sour cream on the side for those who would like to add it to their serving. It is super yummy folks, and really not hard at all.

Enjoy!

Baked Bean Soup

2010-01-04T19:08:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then link back to my blog, mentioning Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info, with Mr. Linky he lives at Lisa's blog.

This is a recipe I began cooking last winter. We LOVE this. It is so easy and SO good. If you are a fan of good old fashion baked beans, you will adore this.
It comes from my favorite lady...Paula Deen. It is in her cookbook, "The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook"

Confederate Bean Soup
serves 3 or 4

1/2 lb. Hillshire Farms smoked sausage, sliced in round 1/4 inch thick
2 slices bacon, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 tbs. butter
2 cups leftover baked beans OR 16ox can of Bush's baked beans
1 1/2 cups half-and-half

Saute' sausage, bacon, garlic, onion and pepper in butter until bacon is cooked. Add beans and simmer for a few minutes over medium to low heat. Add half-and-half. Increase or decrease half-and-half for preferred thickness.

Enjoy... it is fantastic on a cold evening with some crusty bread.

..........................................................................................................................................................................

Now you know that drill... head on over to Lisa's for all the Temp My Tummy Fun!

This post originally posted on Oct. 30, 2008

7 Layer Mexican Dip

2009-12-21T16:38:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. I hope you are having fun getting ready for Christmas at your house. We are finally taking a deep breath and enjoying this lovely season.

This week at Lisa's blog she has a great Tex-Mex casserole. So I thought I'd give you a layered mexican dip that we love. I took a double batch of this to a party last week and it was GONE in 15 minutes! Now that will make you feel good.

So here is a family favorite of ours.

7 Layered MexicanDip

Ingredients

2 cans of Frito Lay bean dip

1 container of Dean's guacamole dip ( you can also use avocados and salsa mixed together)

1 16 oz container of sour cream

1 packet of taco seasoning

2 cups shredded colby jack cheese

2-3 roma tomatoes- diced

1 bunch of green onions - chopped

1 small can of sliced black olives

Here goes... this is SO Easy!!

In a 13x9 dish begin to layer the ingredients

1. spread the bean dip evenly on the bottom of the dish

2. layer the avacado dip next

3. mix the sour cream and taco seasoning in a bowl. Then layer it on top of the avadado

4. sprinkle the cheese as the next layer

5. sprinkle tomatoes over the cheese

6. sprinkle the green onions next

7. sprinke the black olives ( I never use all the olives... it is to taste)

There you have it! Serve with Tortilla chips or Frito Scoops. You will love it. I think it is best when it has set up over night.

Be sure to check out all the great recipes at Lisa's site!

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

People Puppy Chow

2009-12-14T07:21:00.000-06:00

(This was originally posted on Dec. 23, 2008 by me)
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 is at Lisa's blog.(If your post was DELETED, go HERE for an explanation.)

Now... on for the fun! Today I'm posting a recipe of some goodies our family received a few days ago. We have only a little bit left- it is SO good! My sweet friend Becky made it. Don't let the name scare you.... you won't let your dog anywhere near this stuff because you'll be too busy eating it yourself!

People PUPPY CHOW

1 c. Creamy Peanut butter

1/2 c. Butter

1 (12 oz.) pkg. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

1 (12.3 oz.) box Rice or Corn CHEX-cereal

3 c. sifted Powdered Sugar

Melt together butter, choc. chips, and peanut butter over a medium-low heat. Put cereal in large pan or roasting pan and pour chocolate mixture over it, stirring until well coated. Put powdered sugar in large brown grocery bag or large container with lid. Pour in coated cereal and shake well. Cool in fridge.

Don't say I didn't warn you... you are going to be addicted!

Now, please have a Wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. Always remember the tiny baby whose birth we celebrate... the baby Jesus, the Savior of us All.

Yummy Sweet Potatos from our Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T16:45:00.004-06:00

Welcome to Temp My Tummy Tuesday!

You want to stop by my sister's blog, Blessed With Grace for all the recipe swapping fun!

My aunt Joan made this incredible sweet potato recipe from Southern Living magazine for our Thanksgiving feast.

It is called Classic Sweet Potato Casserole. You can find the recipe on the Southern Living website and get all the details. The yummiest part is the two different toppings on it. Marshmallows anda pecans!

Lana's lasagna

2009-11-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

(This was originally posted by me on Jan. 12, 2009. This week I had a request for this recipe from a friend so I thought I would repost for you all as well )

Lana's Lasagna ... with variations

(these are my variations)
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage or a mixture of the two)
1 jar spaghetti sauce - I add seasonings to mine liking such as basil, oregano, parsley and garlic (you can really effect the taste here, so use your imagination and change up the type of sauce you usually buy)
1 -15oz container of ricotta cheese (use skim or whole... it doesn't matter to me)

2 cups mozzarella cheese (skim or whole...same as before)

3/4 cup Parmesan cheese ( go for the good stuff if you can... not the kind in the tall green container please... you'll be grateful, I promise)
1 egg
lasagna noodles - (use oven ready/no boil- I figure if Giada can use them, so can we)

salt, pepper and parsley to taste

Brown your meat and drain it. (I usually add garlic and onions to the meat when it is cooking. I didn't have any this time)

Add your sauce to the meat and let it simmer as long as it takes you to mix the other ingredients.

Mix all the cheeses, egg , salt and pepper and parsley together in a large bowl.

Are you ready? Preheat oven at 350 degrees. This is the FUN part. Putting it together. You need a 13x9 pan. Lightly grease the bottom. Pour a small amount of sauce mixture on bottom. This is not a thick layer, but one so the noodles don't stick. Next take three noodles and place in the pan, but don't allow them to touch as they will expand in the cooking process. Next cheese. Here is where you need to think. How many layers are you making? Divide the cheese & sauce accordingly. If three full layers, divide by thirds. This time I only had 6 noodles, so if I divided the cheese in half. After the cheese layer, place three more noodles down, then sauce then cheese. Then finish with a sauce layer on top. Make sure all noodles are covered with sauce. Add a bit more Parmesan on top, Cover with foil and cook for 35 - 45 minutes, until it is all bubbly and wonderful looking.

Yep, that my darling daughter and cute husband. Thanks honey for making an appearance for the blog.

Add some garlic bread and that's how we do it at our house.

Yes... this lasted a few days, another good recipe when you know you need leftovers.

Easy Turtle Candies

2009-11-02T20:01:00.004-06:00

This week for Tempt my Tummy Tuesday I've got a quick and easy candy recipe. I have not tried these but at friend at work has and she loves them. I can not wait to add this to our Christmas goodie list!

Easy Turtle Candies

1 bag Rolo candies
1 bag square shaped pretzels
1 bag of pecan halves

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

-Place pretzels on a cookie sheet with wax paper.

-Place a Rolo on each pretzel

-Put them in the oven for approximately 5 minutes. Don't let them melt

-Take out of oven and push a pecan half on top of each Rolo.

- Set in a cool area or fridge to harden

Have fun with this one!

Be sure to check out all the recipes at Lisa's Blog!

Orange Spice Tea

2009-10-26T15:36:00.004-05:00

We are having our first really cool and wet day here in Central Texas. I'm loving it even though I got soaked 3 times today due to umbrellas breaking and falling apart. Needless to say, I made a trip to Target for nice new BIG umbrella.

When I picked Kathryn up from school we came home made hot chocotale with marshmellows for Kathryn and I had a wonder hot cup of orange spice tea. It was wonderful. I like the Bigelow teas, they are Oh so nice.

So what cozy drink do you like for that cold, wet days and nights?

Stay warm and have a fun time Trick or Treating with the kiddos!

Libby's Pumpkin Bread Kit

2009-10-19T19:16:00.000-05:00

Did you think I was done blogging all together? Well it has been a very long month. There is so much going on at our home right now... one day I'll let you know how crazy it is. Right now though, here is a great easy Pumpkin Bread Kit. Lisa and I were shopping at SAM'S when she was in town last week. We both got so excited when we saw this Libby's Pumpkin Breat Kit. You get to sets that make two loafs each. In total 4 loaves of yummy, delicious Pumpkin Bread. All you need to do is add eggs, water and oil. How easy is that?

How does it taste? FANTASTIC!!! Everyone in the house has really been enjoying it.

At my SAM's it was very reasonable, I believe around $8 or $9. Gotta love that! So if you happen to come across this little gem, I totally reccomend it!

not feeling so tempting today...

2009-10-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

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. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

Well I haven't felt very much like posting recipes lately... I am PREGNANT!! It is great news but I am really suffering with Morning- All day sickness. So the last few weeks, I just have not been in the mood at all to post anything about food. In fact the worst of it hits right around 4pm when I am thinking about what we are going to have for dinner.

So my question to you is... what did you do to help with the nausea of pregnancy? Does anyone have a great suggestion? I know everyone has differnt experinces when it comes to pregnancy, so I'd love to hear from you and what worked and did not work for you.

I am finding that I feel a lot older than my first pregnancy. It has only been 6 years since I was last pregnant, but it feels A LOT longer than that and my body feels much older.

So, please keep me in your prayers! I hope that after my first trimester I'll feel more like talking about food and recipes...

Chocolate Croissant bread pudding

2009-09-14T17:53:00.003-05:00

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. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

So, I have never been a huge fan of bread pudding. BUT when I saw this recipe in Woman's Day this month, I thought, "that is a bread pudding I can eat!" I mean really people, there are 3 ingredients!!!! I hope you like it too!

Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS
2 boxes (3 oz each) cook & serve vanilla pudding and pie filling
1 qt (4 cups) whole milk
4 chocolate croissants (about 4 oz each)

PREPARATION
1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Have a 3-qt shallow baking dish ready.
2. Whisk pudding mix and milk in a large bowl for 2 minutes, or until thoroughly blended.
3. Cut croissants in 1-in. pieces. Arrange in prepared baking dish. Pour pudding mixture over croissants, pushing pieces into the liquid.
4. Bake 50 minutes, or until bubbly around edges and a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool about 10 minutes before serving. If desired, dust top with confectioners’ sugar.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

2009-09-07T19:55:00.000-05:00

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. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

Hi Everyone! Did you know Lisa is so sick? Our very own (BlessedWithGace) Lisa. Please be praying for her. She has the swine flu... YIKES!

Today I'm tempting you with Peanut Butter! I'm a big fan of Peanut Butter. I mean really... it is good stuff. I've posted a Nutter Butter Pie recipe before.
It is a good one but today I've got another good pie recipe. It comes from the Jiff website It is called Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie. This looks so good and I just can not wait for you to make it.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Ingredients:
• 1 (14 oz.) canEagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk, divided
•2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

•1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
•1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
•1 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
•2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed

Directions:
1. COMBINE 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH (100% power) 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. Place 2 tablespoons chocolate mixture in small resealable plastic bag for drizzle. Spread remaining chocolate mixture evenly onto bottom of pie crust. Chill 10 minutes.

2.BEAT remaining sweetened condensed milk, cream cheese and peanut butter in large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spoon over chocolate layer. Cut corner off bag with reserved chocolate mixture. Drizzle over pie.

3.FREEZE 1 hour or until firm.

Enjoy!

*picture from the Jiff website

Help... Kindergarten blues

2009-08-31T19:29:00.001-05:00

Welcome to another edition of Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. It has been great having new people join in, every week. We are getting a good grouping of recipes. If you are new to the carnival, let me catch you up. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We invite you to share a recipe, kitchen/ cooking tip, great food find, anything foodie. Write about it on your site, make sure you mention TMTT and link back to Mr. Linky on Lisa's site.

Well, I must admit, this has been a tough week. My little girl started Kindergarten. How can that be? It was only 5 short years ago we brought her home? She was so tiny. I'll never forget getting her all strapped into that giant car seat for the first time and my sweet husband just sitting in the hospital parking lot with tears rolling down his cheeks saying, "what do we do now?" I said, "we take her home and become parents."

And that is what we did. So much fun and so many tears, but 5 of the best years of my life to date.

I'll admit to you, I have had a tough time this week. I trust and believe that God is watching over her and will protect her. But man... it is just hard! I want to believe that her adorable "Barbie" like teacher knows best and that she is seeking the best for my child, but she does have a room full to care for. I have found myself praying for her teacher a lot this week. I'm praying that she grows to love my dear daughter so and that she will have a special bond with Kathryn. I know it is a lot to ask, BUT my God says that whatever I ask in His name, He will give it to me if it is in His will.
I am also praying that Kathryn begins to adjust more quickly to this new world called school. She was not too impressed with the first week and all the rules. She does suffer from only- childism, and that is hard to overcome. It is a whole new world dealing with so many kids and adults who don't know you hung the moon.

As you see before we left for school Tuesday morning she was so excited. But a mere hour later she looked at us like we were crazy to be leaving her at school. It tugged at my heart like nothing else has.

It will get better and she will begin to adjust... till then and to the end of time I will continue to pray for my baby.

Now, for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday... I am asking you for some help... do you make your kids lunch or do you send them off with money for the cafeteria? We are packing our lunch for now. In our stylish new Princess lunch box. It is so cute.

What I'm having a hard time with is getting her to eat enough. Lunch is only 30 minutes and this is apparently not enough time for her as each day she is coming home with more food uneaten. So what are some of your idea for lunch box staples that will fill her up and that she can get to and eat quickly. They eat lunch at 10:45 (eee gads... so early) but they are allowed to take a snack to eat on the playground in the early afternoon. BUT she is not eating her snack and comes home famished!

So... ideas please on lunches and snacks.

Thanks!

getting ready for school

2009-08-24T15:52:00.002-05:00

Hi all! I'm taking a Tempt My Tummy break this week. My daughter starts Kindergarten on Tuesday and we are having a special family day. Hubby took off from work and so did I so that we could have one last little day of fun before our world completely changes.

Say a prayer for this mama... I'll be hugging my baby good bye and bringing home a school kid.

See ya next week...

Lemon Crisps

2009-08-17T20:36:00.003-05:00

Kraft... great ideas for families

2009-07-27T19:09:00.006-05:00

Hi Temp My Tummy Pals! This week I'm highlighting a website Kraft Foods.

They have so many great recipes and fantastic meal plans.
Go to the "1 Bag, 5 dinners" section for a full meal plan for a week, plus a shopping list. You will love that.

What I really like is it is cooking for real people like me and you! Who does not need a little help packing lunch for the kids? They have ideas for school lunches that will keep your kid excited to eat healthy lunches you prepare.

I also like the Healthy Living section of the site, they have message boards and lots of great healthy alternatives for eating well.

I hope you enjoy browsing the site and I hope you find a new family favorite from there as well.

The Food & Family magazine is a great value as well if you like print. It is always full of great stuff too.

Don't forget to go to Lisa's blog to link up for all the Tempt My Tummy Fun.

pictures from Kraft website www.kraftfoods.com

Kathryn's Apple Sugar Pie

2009-07-20T16:42:00.003-05:00

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,at Lisa's Blog. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

OK... I know you are expecting Ice Cream again, but alas... something different. I was flipping through a church cookbook and saw a hand written note. So I stopped on that page. It said, "Kathryn's Apple Sugar Pie" and I had a date next to that. I remembered that night we made it and she was all excited. She gave it the new name because "Apple crisp" made no sense to her.

I began putting notes in cookbooks by recipes I had tried and the date with a comment. My mom has done this for years and I can not even begin to tell you how much I treasure coming across one of her hand written notes in an old cookbook she has passed along to me. So, today I'm posting a recipe that my daughter likes and made up her own name for.

Apple Crisp (aka Kathryn's Apple Sugar Pie)

4 cups sliced apples (or 2 large cans of apple pie filling)
1/4 cups water
1tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup butter softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread apples in bottom of an 8 inch square pan. Combine water, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle over apples. Combine sugar, flour and butter until crumbly (using fingers.) Spread crumbs over apples. Bake, uncovered about 40 minutes.

My Favorite Ice Cream Brand is .... and yours?

2009-07-13T20:09:00.004-05:00

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,at Lisa's Blog. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

Thanks for making last week a great 1st Anniversary for TMTT. Congrats again, to Kristen from Frugal Antics of a Harried Housewife, who won the cookbook giveaway.

Y'ALL it is still SO HOT! I know you are tired of me telling you... but I just can not help it! So, I'm thinking about cold things AGAIN! I know many of you are not lucky enough to live here in Texas where it is a comfortable 104 degrees... but I know you love ice cream. One of the BEST things about living in Texas is Blue Bell Ice Cream. I've eaten other ice cream... but I'm telling you, nothing really compares. So what I want to know is...
What is your favorite Ice Cream and Ice Cream Brand?
It would also help to tell us what part of the country you live in. SO... I'll start!

Favorite Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip or Cookie-n-Cream
Favorite Brand: Blue Bell
State: Texas

Click HERE for a Blue Bell Coupon

picture from BlueBell.com

The BIG ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

2009-07-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Anniversary to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. When Lisa and I came up with the idea, one year ago to host TMTT, we never expected it to be what it has become. We now average over 70 participants, each week! We have discovered some wonderful recipes and made some great blog friends through TMTT. Lisa and I want to thank you all for your faithfulness to participate, sharing your recipes tips and ideas.

As a THANK YOU we are hosting a cookbook giveaway TODAY!!The winner of the giveaway will receive our FAVORITE cookbook. Both Lisa and I were given this cookbook as wedding gifts. I know that we have used many recipes from our books, through the years. Having been born and raised in Austin, Texas, we are proud the cookbook was created by the Austin Junior League. The giveaway will end at Midnight Tuesday night, July 7th. Lisa will use Random.Org to generate the winner. Lisa will announce the winner on Wednesday afternoon. Please make sure that Lisa can reach you via email.

To ENTER:

1. Leave a comment on BOTH THIS POST and LISA'S TMTT POST.
2. You MUST link up and participate in this week's Tempt My Tummy Tuesday carnival.

Thank you all for making Tempt My Tummy Tuesday so special!

All posted must be dated no later than MIDNIGHT JULY 7th

NOW... today's recipe

Chicken Divan

It has been awhile since I made this, but I have a real craving for it, so I'm sure it will be made soon. It is super yummy! This comes from one of my favorites, Paula Deen

from her Food Network recipe list. I hope you enjoy it! My husband even likes it and he is not a fan of curry... so don't let that ingredient throw you off.

Ingredients
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen broccoli, chopped
6 cups shredded chicken, cooked
2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Remove the outer wrappers from the boxes of broccoli. Open 1 end of each box. Microwave on full power for 2 minutes, until thawed. Drain the broccoli and put into a casserole dish. Add the shredded chicken.
In a medium bowl, combine the soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, Cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the broccoli and chicken. Mix well with a spatula.
Place the mixture into an 11 by 7-inch casserole dish or 2 (9-inch) square disposable aluminum foil pans that have been sprayed with vegetable oil cooking spray. Pat down evenly and smooth with a spatula. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.
Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Italian Soda

2009-06-22T20:00:00.000-05:00

Necessities and Temptations

2009-06-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

A little annoucement: We will be celebrating ONE YEAR OF Tempt My Tummy Tuesday on July 7th. Woo hoo! One year of wonderful recipes and foodie tips. To Celebrate TMTT's Anniversary, Lisa and I are hosting a giveaway. It will be for our FAVORITE cookbook!! I KNOW you all LOVE cookbooks. So, join us on July 7th to enter for a chance to win! Below is a post I made regarding my love for this cookbook!

***This was originally posted Jan. 5, 2009, but thought it was appropriate to re-post due to our Give Away listed above!***

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.

Lisa has a great post today featuring our Mother's very old cookbook. It brings back so many memories for me to see those pictures. I hope you enjoy reading about it. It inspired me to tell me about one of my favorite cookbooks. It was given to me by a dear family friend 15 years ago. Actually, it was a wedding gift... that marriage did not last, but the cookbook is still one of my favorites! It is called "Necessities and Temptations" it is celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year. It is from The Junior League of Austin.

It not only has great recipes, but it offers variation on many of the best recipes. It also has a fantastic kitchen reference guide. I can not tell you how many times I have gone to it to convert measurements or for things like... "what do you do if you need buttermilk, but do not have buttermilk?" It has all sorts of things like that.

I used it Christmas Eve to make our family favorite Brunch Egg Casserole (on pg 166). I have had a recent request for this recipe (sorry Chrissy for taking so long to post this) so I'm posting a family favorite, I always make this for Christmas morning or whenever I need a great brunch dish.

Brunch Egg Casserole

6 slices white bread, crust removed
1 pound ground sausage
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
6 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp dry mustard
2 cups half & half

Lightly butter each side of bread and place in a 9x13 glass baking dish
Brown sausage, and drain. Sprinkle sausage over the bread
sprinkle cheese over sausage
Beat eggs. Add salt, dry mustard and half & half, beat again
Pour egg mixture over the bread, sausage and cheese
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. At this point you may freeze it until ready to use.
If you freeze, thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Remove foil. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Now as I said before, this cookbook offers different variation... and they have two more that go along with this. But, you'll have to get the cookbook to see them :-) BUT the above variation is my all time favorite... I don't like to mess with perfection.

Appetizer Treasure

2009-06-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

Well, hello Temp My Tummy Friends! How do you like our new logo for the Summer of '09? I thought a little change would be good. So feel free to use it when linking up your post!

If you are new to our little Foodie Fest, look here for all the guidelines. If you have a great foodie recipe or idea, please share it. Link up at Lisa's blog, and be sure to mention TMTT in your post.

Today I found this great little cookbook in the back of my cookbook shelf. It has so many great appetizers. It is "Southern Living Ultimate Book of Appetizers" I don't know when or how I got it, I just know I have it. You can get one here.

I'm posting one of the recipes today. It reminds me of one of my favorites, "Mexican Layered Dip" This recipe is for "Layered Mediterranean Dip" Sounds good huh? It is on page 13 of this little treasure.

"Layered Mediterranean Dip"

Ingredients:

2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and mashed
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/3 cup sliced ripe olives
14 cup chopped green onions
1 TBS olive oil
1 tsp Greek seasoning
1 (4 oz) package tomato-basil feta cheese, crumbled

Spread black beans in a shallow 9 inch dish. Combine tomato and next 5 ingredients, toss gently.
Sprinkle tomato mixture over the beans, top with the crumbled feta. Cover and chill thoroughly. Serve with pita chips.

Punchy Punch

2009-06-01T20:04:00.001-05:00

Well, hello Temp My Tummy Friends! How do you like our new logo for the Summer of '09? I thought a little change would be good. So feel free to use it when linking up your post!

If you are new to our little Foodie Fest, look here for all the guidelines. If you have a great foodie recipe or idea, please share it. Link up at Lisa's blog, and be sure to mention TMTT in your post.

This week, My family and Lisa and her little family are all at the beach enjoying some family fun in the sun! So please understand... we will more than likely not be making many if any comments this week. I know you will understand.

As we are preparing for our sunny week I am thinking of cool and refreshing treats. I thought about Punch. Who does not like punch? A fruity, refreshing drink with so many variations. I had an email today to help with a baby shower and that also always makes me think of my favorite drink. So in honor of a hot sunny beach and all those baby showers to come... today I'm posting a classic punch recipe, or as my daughter calls it... Punchy Punch.

12 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
1 small can (6ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 gallon dry ginger ale (32 ounces)

Mix fruit juices; cover and chill thoroughly in refrigerator. Add cold ginger ale just before serving. Serve fruit punch over crushed ice or freeze about half of the ginger ale all in ice cube trays and add to the punch with remaining ginger ale.

Now... here is something much more decadent... Cappuccino Cooler. A friend of mine makes something similar and I is divine. This recipe came from allrecipes.com.

1 1/2 cups cold coffee
1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
crushed ice
1 cup whipped cream

In a blender, combing coffee, ice cream and chocolate syrup. Blend until smooth. Pour over crushed ice. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and serve.

So... be cool and refreshed ladies. See you next week!

cappuccino punch picture from allrecipes.com

Marinated Roast Beef

2009-05-18T19:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then mention Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info with Mr. Linky He lives at Lisa's blog.

This week I am giving you a wonderful recipe I tried for the first time this weekend. It comes from one of my daughters all time favorite Sunday school teacher from her "3 year old class."

The Women's Ministry of our church put together a cook book a few years back and I love looking through it for new ideas. I also love seeing the names of the ladies who submitted the recipes. I think it will be a treasure I keep for many years to come. So for you ladies who have this book, this recipe is on page 121, Marinated Roast Beef.
Thanks Ms. Connie.... we LOVED it!

Marinated Roast Beef

6-8 lbs. beef roast
1 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh ground pepper

Pierce roast at one inch intervals with meat fork and place in a plastic Ziploc bag (make sure your bag doesn't have holes in it like mine did... it will save you time and a huge mess) Combine oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and garlic.

Pour marinade over roast, seal bag and chill 24-48 hours, turning occasional. Remove roast from marinade and discard marinade.

Sprinkle roast with pepper and cook 8-10 hours on low in a crock pot.

I let mine marinade all day Saturday. I put it in the crock pot Sunday morning on high and it was ready when we got home from church 4 1/2 hours later.

I'm HOT and need a little lemonade here!

2009-05-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then mention Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info with Mr. Linky He lives at Lisa's blog.

Well, I do not about you people, but it is HOT here already! Aurghhhh! I was hoping for a few more weeks of somewhat tolerable, but it looks like summer is here to stay in Texas. So, lets at least have some recipes that make me feel a little cooler, shall we?

Today I'm sharing a recipe with you that is OH SO EASY! I don't even know when I started making this, but I'm sure it was back in my Tyler days. You can change this up a little, so I will add in the variations for you.

I hope you enjoy... I think I'm making this again soon!

Creamy Lemonade Pie

Ingredients:

1 & 3/4 cup cold milk (SKIM MILK is just fine here)
2 packages Vanilla Jello instant pie filling
1 can (small) Lemonade THAWED (you may use limeade or pink lemonade)
8 oz. container Cool Whip (you can use FAT FREE)
2 graham cracker pie crusts

Pour milk in large bowl. Add pudding mixes and whisk for 30 seconds. Add Lemonade and whisk for another 30 seconds until thick. Stir in Cool Whip and spoon into crusts.

Refrigerate 4 hours or until set. You may also Freeze and serve for a firm, more ice- cream- like dessert.
(You may freeze one too keep for another day... that works very well)

I told you it was Easy!!!
As you see there a LOW fat version and it tastes just as good!

picture: Kraft foods.com

French's Crunchy Onion Chicken

2009-05-04T20:00:00.001-05:00

We are having this recipe tonight for dinner... so I thought I would re-publish this post from Oct. 2008. I hope you enjoy... it is really soooo yummy.

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Glad to have you join us. My sister, Lisa, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, and anything food related that you want to share. So, join the fun. Write your foodie post and then mention Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. Don't forget to leave your link info with Mr. Linky He lives at Lisa's blog.

Today I want to encourage you to eat more chicken. (I Love Those Cows!) This is a recipe I have seen in numerous magazine advertisements and I finally tried it. It is French's Crunchy Onion Chicken. This recipe is SO easy and was great. My hubby loved it even the four year old gave it the thumbs up. The next time you are looking for a quick easy chicken meal, do yourself a favor.... MAKE THIS!

Now, some good news. If you go to the French's website, there is a coupon for the wonderfully versatile French Fried Onions, Along with many more recipes.

They're not just for your mama's green bean casserole anymore!

French's Crunchy Onion Chicken

Ingredients:
2 cups (4 oz.) FRENCH'S® Original or Cheddar French Fried Onions
4 (5 oz.) boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 egg, beaten

Directions:
1. Place French Fried Onions into plastic bag. Lightly crush with hands or with rolling pin. Transfer to pie plate or waxed paper.
2. Dip chicken into egg; then coat with onion crumbs, pressing firmly to adhere. Place chicken on baking sheet. Sprinkle with additional crumbs, if desired.
3. Bake at 400°F for 20 min. or until no longer pink in center.

Petits Fours Junction

2009-04-27T18:53:00.005-05:00

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
	1 (16-ounce) pound cake
	9 cups powdered sugar
	1/2 cup light corn syrup
	1/2 to 3/4 cup water
	1 teaspoon vanilla extract
	1/2 teaspoon almond extract
	Liquid food coloring
	Decorations, such as sprinkles, colored sugar, and candy flowers PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER:

1. Cut the entire cake into 1-inch-thick slices. Then use 1-inch-wide cookie cutters or a knife to cut round, square, and diamond shapes from each slice. Place the cake pieces on a wire rack set on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, mix together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and vanilla and almond extracts until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. As the icing cools, it may start to stiffen; if so, stir in a spoonful of water to keep the icing smooth and flowing. Divide the icing equally between two or three small bowls. Stir food coloring, a drop at a time, into each bowl until the icing is the desired shade.

3. Working with one piece of cake at a time, spoon on the icing to cover it completely, then add sprinkles, colored sugar, or a candy flower before the icing sets. Let the cakes stand, uncovered, until the icing is dry, about 30 minutes. Store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Makes about 30 cakes.

You can find this recipe online at the Family Fun website along with all sorts of wonderful goodies and crafts!

"I'll take the hot and sour with an egg roll please"

2009-04-20T19:41:00.007-05:00

The House Seasoning

2009-04-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

Paula Deen's House Seasoning

1 cup Salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder

Mix Well

Now, QUICK, go to Lisa's and see what other great recipes you will find.

This was originally posted Aug. 20, 2008 by me.

Lana's Crab Rangoon

2009-03-30T20:05:00.010-05:00

Welcome back. If you are new, this is the Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog carnival. My twin sister, Lisa, and I co-host the fun. Please post a recipe, kitchen tip, fun food idea, or anything foodie related. Be sure to link up at Lisa's blog for all the fun.

Today I am sharing one of my favorite items to get in an Asian restaurant, Crab Rangoon. I think they are a purely American addition to the Asian restaurant scene. According to wikipedia they were introduced at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904. Now, didn't you want to know that?
Me too!

So please enjoy this. I have to say, they were fantastic. We will be having these again, I am sure of it!

Lana's Crab Rangoon

Ingredients: (By the way... this is SO cheap)

Wanton wrappers (in the produce section of your grocery store)
Cream cheese
Imitation crab- one "leg" chopped
the green stem of 1 green onion - very thin slices

Heat oil to deep fry... whatever method you usually use to deep fry

Prepare the wanton
Put one small ball of cream cheese on wanton then a few pieces of crab and a few pieces of green onion.

Fold into a triangle

Then fold the ends together.

Now, is your oil all hot and ready to go?
Good!
Here we go!
It will only take a few minutes. DO NOT leave them. You will want to flip them after about a minute to get both sides golden brown.

Remove from oil and place on paper towel.
Then EAT!
A little duck sauce is great for dipping!

This is SO easy, really! My friend Stacey inspired me and now, all I can do is think of all the wonderful things I can put in these Wanton wrappers!

A little secret... they work GREAT for ravioli too!

Chicken-N-Rice Throw Down!

2009-03-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back. If you are new, this is the Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog carnival. My twin sister, Lisa, and I co-host the fun. Please post a recipe, kitchen tip, fun food idea, or anything foodie related. Be sure to link up at Lisa's blog for all the fun.

Ok, so it is not so much a Throw-down as a Throw-together! I was trying to figure out what to make the other day and came up with a mighty nice chicken and rice meal. The day before I had made Sticky Chicken. It totally ROCKED! If you have spent much time around Temp My Tummy posts you will surely have seen the Sticky Chicken recipe posted by The Newlyweds. She is one smart cookie. This chicken is good for SO much. On this day I chose to use it for my Throw-together.

So here it is, Lana's Throw-together Chicken -N-Rice
... your gonna love it!

Ingredients
Sticky Chicken - taken off the bone and shredded
or 3 boneless chicken breast cooked and cut in pieces

1 cup rice prepared as package directs

1 can Cream of Chicken Soup

1 1/2 cup Sour Cream

1-2 cups shredded Colby cheddar cheese (use whatever cheddar you have)

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers -crushed

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare your rice as directed on package. Mix shredded chicken, soup, sour cream, cheese and rice in a 13x9 greased baking dish. Cover with the crushed crackers.

Now, how hard is that? I KNOW! It was so good. So please, feel free to make your own variation according to what is in your pantry.

Be sure to check out all the great foodie treats at Lisa's blog!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday- Nutter Butter Pie

2009-03-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

(this was originally posted by me in Aug. 2008)

Welcome back. If you are new, this is the Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog carnival. My twin sister, Lisa, and I co-host the fun. Please post a recipe, kitchen tip, fun food idea, or anything foodie related.

Today, we have Pie, Pie, Me- O-My! It is one of my all time favorites, Nutter Butter Frozen Peanut Butter Pie. Now... That is a NAME! It leaves absolutely nothing to the imagination, but let me tell you it is utter heaven. I know you will love this.

Here is the recipe:

24 Nutter Butter cookies (try with all you might not to eat them... seriously)
1 Pkg. cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 tub of Cool Whip
5 Tbsp butter, melted
1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter
1 Tbsp vanilla

CRUSH cookies and mix with butter. Then press in to the bottom of a pie plate

MIX the cream cheese, peanut butter, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed. Gently stir in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip.

FREEZE 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with remaining Cool Whip and cookies.

How EASY is that? I KNOW! Get with it ladies, anyone can do this.

Now, when you make this try to save a little for someone else will ya?

Now... quick... Go see Lisa at Blessed With Grace for Mr. Linky and all the other TMTT fun!

Sleezy Chicken

2009-03-09T20:04:00.004-05:00

Versatile Baked Chicken
Variation 2
"Sleezy Chicken"

8 boneless chicken breasts

Butter Mixture
1/2 cup butter
2 cloves garlic minced

Crumb Mixture
1/2 Italian bread crumbs
1 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Melt butter and add garlic in a bowl
Combine all crumb mixture ingredients in another dish
Dip chicken into butter and then roll and thoroughly coat in crumb mixture
(At this point the chicken may be frozen for later baking)
Place chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Drizzle any remaining butter on top and sprinkle with any remaining crumbs.
Bake 45-60 minutes.

Yep, your gonna love this.

Pancake Night!

2009-03-02T19:43:00.005-06:00

Now, on the the FOOD!

Pancake Night!

Because last night was the end of the CRAZY around here, we opted for a nice easy dinner of pancakes. Boy, I forgot how good it is to have Breakfast for Dinner! Can I hear an amen out there? Growing up, we did this a lot. My Dad's favorite meal was breakfast, but he wanted it for dinner because he was too busy to have it in the morning.

My daughter LOVES pancakes and asks for them all the time. I like to make them a special treat, which means in Mommy talk, " I'm too busy to make them very often." When I do make them, we go all out! Now, I DO NOT make mine from scratch, that is just silly! I usually have our grocery store brand "bisquick" and I go from there.

I use the recipe on the box which calls for:
mix, milk, eggs and a little bit of sugar.
I add:
vanilla
cinnamon
and this is the MUST have ingredient at our house....
red food coloring to make PINK pancakes.

I do not measure my "extras" it is by taste preference. BUT the vanilla adds a nice homey taste and flavor that I really recommend. We also add mashed up bananas from time to time.

SO... what about you? Do you add anything fun to your pancakes?

Do tell!

What works for you? This really works for ME.

Lime Blueberry Tiramisu

2009-02-23T20:30:00.000-06:00

Lime Blueberry Tiramisu

Ingredients

1 pint heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
3 (3-ounce) packages unfilled ladyfingers
1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
1 (21-ounce) can blueberry pie filling
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, beat cream with an electric mixer at medium speed until thickened. Gradually add confectioners' sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Gently stir in cheese until combined; set aside.

Split ladyfingers in half. Line a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish with ladyfingers, cut side up. Brush ladyfingers with limeade concentrate. Spoon half of cheese mixture over ladyfingers. Top with half of blueberry pie filling. Repeat procedure for the next layer with remaining ladyfingers, limeade, cheese mixture, and pie filling. Cover and chill 8 hours. Cut into squares to serve. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

You can go directly to FoodTV.com to see much more from Paula and find the original recipe.

picture from FoodTV.com

A Barbie Story and a Giveaway

2009-02-21T14:07:00.004-06:00

Did you know it was almost Barbies birthday? Go check out all the fun and a GIVEAW AY over at Christine's blog.

This should be fun reading everyone's Barbie stories! You'll find my story of our Barbie RV here in the comments.

Have fun and Good Luck!

Passing on the Traditions

2009-02-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome back. If you are new, this is the Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog carnival. My twin sister, Lisa, and I co-host the fun. Please post a recipe, kitchen tip, fun food idea, or anything foodie related. From time to time, the carnival will be on my sister's blog. Make sure you visit her blog , as well to post your link.

This is a TMTT post from the beginning. I figure we have so many new participants, it was worth posting again!

I hope that my daughter will love to cook, like I do. Good east Texas southern cooking is what I know from my Mom. It is a tradition that has been passed down in our family. I can remember wanting to be in the kitchen helping her and wanting to learn. I guess it worked because today, I think I'm a pretty good cook. Mom gets excited when I tell her I've tried something new or an old family recipe. She smiles and my heart knows that she is sure the legacy is being passed on. Her mother was a great cook, but did not really want her in the kitchen growing up. BUT my father's mother was a fabulous country cook and she loved to show my mom how to do it. There is great story that my father tells about my mother's first attempt at making gravy. Apparently they had to cut it with a knife. We all laugh now because no one makes gravy like her, it is awesome.

Now, my daughter loves to be in the kitchen with me, she is the "egg breaker" and number one "stirrer" as she says. It is a wonderful time for us to prepare meals together and I feel like I am giving her a gift that she will pass along as well.

So in honor of my mom's great cooking, I will include an old family favorite that I made for the first time this week, for my family. It is a recipe I had not thought about in years, but Mom recently made it and we were there to enjoy it and I thought... WOW that is awesome... just like I remember it. I need to add this to our meal list. So, here it is, to share with your family.
Just to warn you... I cook by feel and by sight... so not all my measurements will be exact... but get over it. That is the secret to great country cooking.

Swiss Steak or Pepper Steak (it depends who you ask)

1 1/2 lbs round steak (tenderized)- cut in pieces (around the size of your palm)
1- 14oz can of stewed, diced tomatoes
1 green bell pepper -cut in thin slices
1 medium onion- cut in slices
2 tbs minced garlic
enough flour to lightly coat the meat
salt/ pepper/ garlic powder to season flour

Combine salt/pepper/garlic powder and flour in a dish and dip the meat in the mixture just to coat. Not real heavy. Then pan fry the meat in a heavy skillet ( I used my iron dutch oven) in canola oil. You don't need a lot of oil. Brown the meat on both sides. Remove meat. Drain the oil, but keep all the cruchy pieces that fell off the meat in the pan. Next, put the meat back in, add the tomatoes, peppers and onions and the garlic. Also, take the tomato can and fill it with water and add it in. Now, stir the bottom of the pan and get all the good stuff that stuck to the bottom loose and let it come to a boil. Then turn the heat down and simmer for a while. I did for 30 -40 minutes. You want the meat really tender.

Serve with good ole' mashed potatoes.

Now... doesn't that sound like good comfort food?

Well it is!

Now QUICK go to Lisa's blog and see what other great cooking ideas are posted with Mr. Linky.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T09:57:00.000-06:00

Chocolate Covered Love...

2009-02-09T22:33:00.007-06:00

It's 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, it is all about the LOVE. I'm thinking Valentine's Day people! You should know that nothing says love to me like Chocolate. I see that Lisa has paid tribute well to my first love, Mr. Chocolate. Thanks sis, I appreciate your ode to my first love.

So I thought I would tell you what reminds me most of Valentine's Day, and True Love... it is none other than Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

Ohhhh doesn't that look so good? Growing up, my sweet mama would bring home this delightful treat from our local sweet shop, Lammes Candies. During the year, usually at Valentine's Day and Mother's Day they have the most incredible Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Such a treat!

So I have started making them for my little family as a special treat. My daughter LOVES them. At our grocery store, in the produce section they usually have chocolate. There are easy ways to do this, I'm going to share a recipe that is easy and fool proof. So grab a container of Strawberry's and get dippin'!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well

Put the semisweet a heatproof medium bowl. Fill 1 medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn off the heat; set the bowl of chocolate over the water to melt. Stir until smooth. (Alternatively, melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power, for 1 minute, stir and then heat for another minute or until melted.)
Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, remove from the heat. Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper. Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip the fruit into the dark chocolate, lift and twist slightly, letting any excess chocolate fall back into the bowl. Set strawberries on the parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the strawberries. Set the strawberries aside until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

15 Bean Soup

2009-02-02T19:00:00.000-06:00

It's 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.

Last week I was in the mood for some beans and rice. I had a bag of Hambeens Cajun 15 Bean Soup. Now, as you well know by now, I don't always follow the recipes like they appear anywhere. I'm a fan of making things my own way and with the ingredients I have on hand.

So, You are more than welcome to check out the recipe on the back of the bag HERE. This is my version of their recipe. I served it over rice.

In my crock pot, I put the beans and about 3 quarts of water. I then added 2 cans of diced tomatoes. Turn crock pot to high and covered it. After two hours I added 1 onion medium chopped in large pieces and a clove of garlic chopped. After 2 more hours I added 1 link of smoked sausage cut up. I then let it continue to cook one more hour. In the last 30 minutes I put in HALF of the Cajun seasoning that came with the beans. I wanted the kid to eat it and I did not want it to be too spicy.

When it was all said and done... it was good! I served it over rice.

A List of sorts

2009-01-29T15:54:00.004-06:00

Thanks Cammie for this sweet award. I LOVE your blog too!
So with this award comes a TAG. So, This list is for my good friend Cammie who tagged me on her blog.

Here is a set of questions to answer. Each question can only have a one-word answer. (I did NOT do this part well... what can I say?)

Here goes:

1. Where is your cell phone? pocket

2. Where is your significant other? behind-me

3. Your hair color? colored/highlighted (I'm not doing well with one word answers!)

4. Your mother? loving

5. Your father? devoted

6. Your favorite thing? computer

7. Your dream last night? STRANGE

8. Your goal? stay-at-home-mom

9. The room you are in? home-office

10. Your hobby? blogging

11. Your fear? hubby/unemployment

12. Where do you want to be in six years? thinner

13. Where were you last night? choir

14. What you are not? hyper

15. One of your wish list items? paint house

16. Where you grew up? Austin

17. The last thing you did? laundry

18. What you are wearing? jeans

19. Your TV? FoodTV

20. Your pet? biter

21. Your computer? PC

22. Your mood? content

23. Missing someone? Julie

24. Your car? Camry

25. Something you are not wearing? socks

26. Favorite story? Christy

27. Your Summer? hot

28. Love someone? Kelly

29. Your favorite color? blue

30. When was the last time you laughed? hour ago

31. Last time you cried? Sunday

So, now I'm supposed to list who I am tagging... will you participate too, but if your reading this... consider yourself Tagged!

These people I really want to hear from:
Stephanie

Deanna

Felicity

Liz

Right Here...Right Now

Different Enough

Itchy Scratch DON'T Touch ME!

Falling out of chairs and other Olympic Events

Sensory Processing Disorder... beginning our journey

great easy brownies

Banana Cake that doesn't Last

Texas Christmas Y'all

Peanut Butter Cookies

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Pumpkin Pie

Tex-Mex Burritos

Peach Pie

Chicken Marsala Tetrazzini

Peanut Butter Baby!

Tropical Fruit Delight Cake

I'm dying here... I need some cool relief!

A little Comfort with my food Please...

I've fallen in love again...

Sticky Chicken Linky Love

God's Plans

Not Guilty

Hello blog world... I'm back

Apple Chicken Salad

Balsamic Spinach Salad Supreme

Best Brownies

Waldo's Enchiladas

Ham & Noodle Casserole

My Father's World

Broccoli Salad and dressing

Sauteed Spinach with garlic

Gestational Diabetes

English Pea Salad

Smoky Chipotle Orange Dip

Fool-Proof Popovers

King Ranch Chicken

Baked Bean Soup

7 Layer Mexican Dip

People Puppy Chow

Yummy Sweet Potatos from our Thanksgiving

Lana's lasagna

Easy Turtle Candies

Orange Spice Tea

Libby's Pumpkin Bread Kit

not feeling so tempting today...

Chocolate Croissant bread pudding

Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Pie

Help... Kindergarten blues

getting ready for school

Lemon Crisps

Kraft... great ideas for families

Kathryn's Apple Sugar Pie

My Favorite Ice Cream Brand is .... and yours?

The BIG ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

Italian Soda

Necessities and Temptations

Appetizer Treasure

Punchy Punch

Marinated Roast Beef

I'm HOT and need a little lemonade here!

French's Crunchy Onion Chicken

Petits Fours Junction

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

"I'll take the hot and sour with an egg roll please"

The House Seasoning

Lana's Crab Rangoon

Chicken-N-Rice Throw Down!

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday- Nutter Butter Pie

Sleezy Chicken

Pancake Night!

Lime Blueberry Tiramisu

Ingredients

Directions

A Barbie Story and a Giveaway

Passing on the Traditions

Happy Valentine's Day

Chocolate Covered Love...

15 Bean Soup

A List of sorts