121 FUN SAYINGS FOR SIMPLE GIFTS

I found these on the internet and thought that they were cute!! I wanted to share them for anyone who hasn't stumbled accross them.

121 FUN SAYINGS FOR SIMPLE GIFTSBrandie Valenzuela
All of the following are cute little sayings I have compiled, that go with a particular gift item. Do just one item for a simple gift, OR consider putting together a basket of several items and attach their saying to each item.
Any sweet treat: "Wishing you a season filled with sweetness!"
A plate of cookies: "Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, from your "crummy" neighbors.
Barq's Root Beer: "Have a wonderful Christmas, it shows you're "Barqing" up the right tree!"
Any soda: "We're "soda-lighted" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
Popcorn: "We just "popped" in to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
Loaf of bread: "For being there when you were "kneaded", for "rising" to the occasion, large or small. For never "loafing" on the job, for helping others "heel" with TLC. No matter how you "slice" it, you do a terrific job loving others."
Bananas: "If we could choose our friends, and we searched the whole world through, we'd go "bananas" trying to find a better "bunch" than you!"
Bear Shaped Honey: "Hoping our "honey" of a friend has a "beary" Merry Christmas".
Microwave Popcorn and 2-liter of soda: "Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a good friend you is!"
Mug with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends so dear, wishing you a cup of cheer."
Eggnog: "Have an "udderly moovalous" holiday!"
Ice Cream: "Have a cool yule!"
Hershey's Kisses in a Wire Wisk: "We "whisk" you a merry "kiss" mas.
Paper Towels: "Blot out your troubles, "absorb" the Christmas spirit!"
Candle: "Hope your Christmas is full of light"
Pencil and notepad: "Hope your Christmas is something to write home about!"
Matches: "To our matchless friends"
Bubble Gum or Bubble Bath: "May your holidays "bubble" over with fun!"
7Up: "7 Up ideas for a wonderful holiday season" (include 7 uplifting thoughts/ideas)
Sprite: "May your Christmas be Merry and "Sprite"!"
Rootbeer: "We're "rooting" for you to have a Happy Holiday Season!"
Any Pop: "We're "soda-lighted" to have you as our friends!"
Popcorn: "We're "popping" by with a holiday HI!"
Chocolate Covered Cherries: "Wishing you a very "cherry" Christmas"
Mints: "We "mint" to wish you a Merry Christmas"
Snickers Candy Bar: "Don't "snicker" - just be glad you got something!"
Cookie Dough - "Here's a little extra "dough" for Christmas"
Jar of Jam: "Hoping your Christmas is "jam" packed with cheer"
Veggies & Dip: "Dip into the holidays and a healthy New Year!"
Pasta: Have a "pasta-tively" happy holiday!"
Muffins or Muffin Mix: "You're gettin' "muffin" for Christmas!"
Grater & Cheese: "To a "grate" neighbor"
Seasoning Mix: "Seasoned with love - Happy Holidays!"
Any Sweet Treat: "Wishing you a season full of sweetness!"
Whisk Broom: "Take a break, From a Busy Day, and Sweep All Your Cares Away!"
Basket of Bath Items: "When you feel like a basket case, take a break...and slow your pace"
Basket of Rolls and Honey Bear: "Have a honey of a Christmas"
Hershey's Kisses: "Merry "Kiss"mas"
Bath oils, bubbles, salts: "The holidays can be a strain on our body and brain, so when you feel stressed, a hot bath is best, it truly will help keep you sane!"
Soup mix: You're "souper" - Merry Christmas"
Wooden spoon w/ favorite drink or baking mix: "Not a creature was "stirring"..."
Oven Mitt filled w/ treats: "We have to ad-"mitt" you're a great neighbor!"
Frozen cookie dough w/ cookie cutters: "Bake up some Christmas cheer!"
Apple Cider w/wassail mix: "Spice Up Your Christmas!"
Bag/Box of Whoppers: "Hope you have a "whopper" of a Christmas"
M&M's: Have a Merry and Most Wonderful Holiday Season!"
Frozen or Ready-To-Bake Pizza: "Warm up to a wonderful holiday season "topped" with Christmas cheer!"
Apples and Hershey's Hugs: A teacher can't live by apples alone...she needs hugs too!"
Popcorn Balls: "Hoping you have a "ball" this Christmas season"
Jolly Ranchers: "Have a holly "jolly" Christmas"
Chex Party Mix: "Remember Santa "chex" his list twice to see who's been naughty or nice...so be good for goodness sake!!!
Box of Hostess Ho-Ho's:" Hope a merry "Ho-Ho-Ho" fills your heart the whole year through!"
Jar of Jelly: "Jelly is like love -- you can't spread it around without getting some on yourself!"
Christmas Tray: "We "tray"sure your friendship!"
Bell: "With each chime of this festive bell, may a Christmas wish come true, and bring you peace and happiness to last the whole year through!"
Yule Log: "We send you warm greetings this Christmas seasoning"
Potpourri: "May this weet scent bring back thoughts of warm Christmasses long ago!"
Cleaners: "You add sparkle and make our life brighter!"
Nuts: "We're nuts about you!"
Lifesavers: "You've been a life saver!"
Juice pitcher filled with candy canes: "We pitcher you raising a little "cane" during the holidays"
Broom or Feather Duster: "You're "dust" the finest neighbors we know!"
Measuring Cup or Spoons: "Wishing you a joy beyond "measure"!"
Star ornament: "Remember the reason for the season!"
Chocolate Mousse Mix: "Merry Christmousse to our "deer" friends!"
Wooden Spoon: "Whether stirring up cakes, cookies, soups or souffles; You'll find this sppon useful in so many ways. But whatever it's use, it says, "Merry Christmas from us to you!"
Flower: "If friends were flowers, we'd pick you!"
Heart Ornament: "May the joy and love you give away, come back to you on Christmas Day"
Cinnamon Sugar for toast: "May your Christmas be sprinkled with laughter and love!"
Christmas music: "May the sweet song of Christmas make your heart rejoice!"
Filled Basket: "Wishing you a basket full of Christmas blessings"
Salsa: "Add a little spice to your holidays"
Stocking or Filled Jar: "Have a fun filled Christmas this year!"
Candle: "May your days be happy, your heart be light, your Christmas merry and the New Year bright!!!"
Calendar: "Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year through!"
Sugar Cookies: "Rolling out a batch of Christmas cheer, for someone we think is very dear!"
Cherry 7-Up: "Just a little Christmas cheer from Happy Hearts this time of year!"
Sparkling Cider: "Wising you a sparkling hoilday season!"
Warm casserole or bread: "Bundled up with warm wishes"
Eggbeater: "Have an "eggstra" special holiday!"
Pie: "Wishing you a scrupmtuous Christmas"
Oranges: " Orange" you glad we're Friends!?" Merry Christmas!!
Chocolate Orange: "Orange" you glad it's Christmas? Hope your Christmas is a Sweet one!
Ice Cream Snowballs and Hot Fudge: "Here's some packaged"snowball" treats - Just Drizzle Hot Fudge and its ready to eat!...Enjoy!!"
Box of Light Bulbs: "Have a bright and radiant Christmas"
Anything Santa: "Ho - Ho - Hoping your Christmas is Heavenly!"
Anything Angel: "Hoping you have a Heavenly Christmas!!"
Gingerbread House: "Nibble, Nibble like a mouse, We hope you'll nibble at this house!" Merry Christmas!!
Mugs with Hot Chocolate Mix: "To our special friends who are so Dear, We wish you all a cup of Cheer!"
Cocoa Mix: "Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas!"
Gum: "By Gum, You're a great Neighbor!! "Have a Merry Christmas"
Christmas Shaped pasta: "Have a Pasta-tively Happy Holiday!"
Jar of Jam: "Hoping you have a Holiday "Jammed" packed with fun!!" "Have a "Berry" nice holiday season!!" Or "Hoping your Christmas is "Jam-packed" with Christmas Cheer!!"
Homemade Frozen Rolls - "Here's a little holiday treat. Rise and bake, it can't be beat! Warm fresh rolls just for you. Top with butter that's all you do! Warm Holiday Greetings to you"
Brownie Mix (or other mix): "Whip up this mix for a wonderful holiday fix! Wishing you a "rich" Holiday Season!!" (Attatch the recipe!)
Homemade carmels: Hoping you have a "Rich" and "wonderful" Holiday!!"
Pie: "Just a "Holiday Hi" and a tasty Pie!! Happy Holidays!!"
Divinity: "May your Christmas be "Devine" and your Holidays so Fine! Sweet Christmas Wishes!"
Rice Krispie Treats: "Snap, Crackle, Pop" We think You're really Tops!"
Toffee or Brittle: "Any way you break it, We think you're the greatest!"
Fudge: "Fudge" a little on the calories and enjoy the Holiday Season!"
Cheese Ball and Crackers: "We don't mean to sound "Cheesey", we just hope you have a "Ball" this Holiday Season! Or "Spread a little Christmas Cheer this Holiday Season!"
Apple Anything (pie, cobbler, crisp, muffins etc.): "Sending you a "Bushel" of love this holiday Season!!" Or " You are the apple of my eye, Teacher!"
Banana Bread: "Banana Bread just for you, because you have so much to do... We also love you a whole "Bunch" too! Merry Christmas!"
Cinnamon Rolls: "Here's a sweet treat "Rolled" up with warm Holiday Wishes! Merry Christmas!"
Homemade Chocolates: "You're so sweet...having you as neighbors is really a treat! Have a Heavenly Holiday Season!"
Cake or Cupcakes: "You take the "Cake" neighbor, We think you're first rate! Happy Holidays to you!!"
Cornbread or Mix: "We're not trying to be "Corny" we just want you to have Merry Christmas!"
Carrot Cake: " I Really "Carrot" alot about you!! Merry Christmas"
Spiced Drink Mixes: "Hoping your Holidays are "Spiced" Just right!"
Recipe: "Just like you friend...it's tried and true, just for you! Happy Holiday Baking or Merry Christmas Cooking!"
Pizza - "Hope your Holiday has a touch of "Pizza - z!!" Merry Christmas!!"
Crayons and Coloring Book: Hope your Holidays are Colorful!
Plant: "The kindness you showmakes our friendship grow and grow! Hope you have a Happy Holiday!!"
Stuffed animal: "Pawsing" to wish you a Merry Christmas!"
Donuts: "Donut" you know we love you??? Have a happy Holiday!!"
Tree shaped pasta, tree shaped container or a small Christmas tree: "Hope your Christmas is "tree-mendous"!"
Payday candy bar: "It's the "nutty" time of the year again, so please don't lose your cool! Relax, and much this little treat and have a happy yule!"
Squeeze-It Juice drink & a Hershey's Kiss: "Here's a "squeeze and a "kiss", to remind you you're loved all through the year!"
Salsa & Tortilla Chips: "Have a hot and spicy Christmas!"
Scouring pad/sponge: "I scoured the earth for a friend like you!"

CHEX PUMPKIN PIE CRUNCH

Everyone loves Chex Mix of at least one kind or another. I have liked every Chex Mix recipe that I have tried. Here is the latest one that we tried.

Pumpkin Pie Crunch
INGREDIENTS FOR 16 SERVINGS:
¼ C. Brown Sugar
1 Tbs. Pumpkin Pie Spice
¼ C. Butter
2 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Cinnamon Chex cereal
2 C. Wheat Chex cereal
2 C. Honey Nut Chex® cereal
8 oz Pecans
INSTRUCTIONS:
In small bowl, mix brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice; set aside. In small microwave-safe dish, microwave butter on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in vanilla. In large microwavable bowl, mix all cereals and pecans. Pour butter mixture over cereal mixture, stirring until evenly distributed. Add sugar and spice mixture and stir until coated.
Microwave uncovered on High 5 minutes or until mixture begins to brown, stirring every minute. Spread on wax paper or a cookie sheet to cool. Store in airtight container.

This recipe came from the Chex Website

Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter

We tried these out for breakfast this morning. Can I just say - Delightful!!! I already have a pumpkin pancake recipe and waffle recipe. However, this recipe replaces them all. They were so yummy!

 

Pumpkin Pancakes with Cinnamon Brown Butter
INGREDIENTS FOR 14 PANCAKES:
½ C. Butter, Cubed
¼ C. Maple Syrup
½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Ground Nutmeg
½ C. Chopped Pecans, Toasted
1½ C. Flour
2 Tbs. Packed Brown Sugar
2 tsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
1 1/3 C. Milk
¾ C. Canned Pumpkin
½ C. Ricotta Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small heavy saucepan, cook butter over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add the maple syrup, cinnamon and nutmeg. Remove from the heat.
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, pumpkin and cheese. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.
Drop batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a greased hot griddle; turn when bubbles form on top. Cook until the second side is golden brown. Serve with brown butter. Top with maple syrup and Pecans.
COMMENTS: This recipe came from the Nov. Taste of Home.

Fresh Tangerine Cake

So this was a recipe that my husband brought home from work that a co-worker had made. He told me that I had to make it. This came to a bit of a surprise because he doesn't like orange ingredients used in my cooking. I gave it a whirl and it was very good. I made it for a cooking class at my house and it was a huge hit. Enjoy!

Fresh Tangerine Cake
INGREDIENTS:
2 ½ C. Flour
1 ¾ C. Sugar
1 ½ tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1.2 tsp. Salt
3 Eggs, Beaten
1 C. Vegetable Oil
8 oz. Sour Cream
1 C. Tangerine Juice
1 Tbs. Tangerine Zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Spray two 9” Cake Pans with Pam. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Add eggs, oil, sour cream, tangerine juice and zest. Mix until well combined. Divide batter between pans evenly, bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely on wire racks before icing.

Tangerine Icing
INGREDIENTS:
½ C. Butter, Softened
8 Oz. Cream Cheese, Room Temperature
6 C. Powdered Sugar
3 Tbs. Tangerine Juice, or More
1 Tbs. Tangerine Zest
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix together in a large bowl; combine until you get the consistency you desire. This sounds like a lot of icing, but you will use it all. Frost bottom layer of the cake and top with the second layer. Frost the top and around the sides.

Loaded Sweet Potatoes

I love Sweet Potatoes, just love them. I am always looking for new things to do with them. Tonight, I made loaded sweet potatoes and well they are all gone. No left overs with these!!

INGREDIENTS:
4-6 Sweet Potatoes(Yams, there are two different types ogf sweet potatoes)
1/4 C. Butter
1/4 C. Honey
1/4 C. Brown Sugar
Marshmellows
INSTRUCTIONS:
Scrub Sweet Potatoes and poke with a fork.
Put in the oven at 400 and cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until soft when pierced with a fork. Cool. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the butter, honey, and brown sugar. Bring to a slight boil to make the caramel sauce. Cut a slit down the middle and with a spoon and carefully remove the flesh of the potatoes and place in a bowl. Pour 3/4 of the caramel sauce in the bowl and mix with an electric mixer until fluffy. Place a few marshmellows in the bottom of each potatoe skin. Evenly distribute the mashed sweet potatoes in each potatoe skin. Top with a few more marshmellows and spoon the remaining sauce over each potatoe. Broil in oven for about 30 seconds and serve.

I had this recipe for lunch one day at my friends Alicia's house. It has been a favorite ever since.

Southwest BBQ Chicken Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR 4-6 SERVINGS:
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts-Cooked
1 Bag Tossed Mixed Salad Greens
1 (15oz.) Can Black beans, Rinsed and Drained
3 Green Onions, Chopped
2 Tomatoes, Chopped
1 (15 oz.) Can Corn, Drained
1 ½ C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 ¾ C. Ranch Dressing
¼ C. BBQ Sauce
INSTRUCTIONS:
Blend together Ranch dressing and BBQ sauce and set aside. Toss together salad, black beans, green onions, corn and tomatoes in a large salad bowl. Cut cooked chicken into thin slices and arrange over salad. Top with cheese and serve with dressing.
COMMENTS: For added zip, Blend together 1 Pkg. Sloppy Joe Seasoning, 1Tbs. BBQ Sauce, and 1 Tbs. Melted Butter; brush over chicken breasts and grill. You can also add a pkg. of taco seasoning to the dressing.

Cream Cheese Flan

I found this recipe at Kraft.com. When I was in Idaho, my sister in-law made Flan for us and I really liked it so I wanted to come home and try it. Everyone really liked it. Anything with a little cream cheese in it is har to pass up. I am not sure that I have ever tried a recipe with cream cheese as an ingredient that I didn't like.
Cream Cheese Flan
INGREDIENTS FOR 8 SERVINGS:
2 C. Sugar, Divided
1 Can (12 oz.) Evaporated Milk
1 Pkg. (8oz.) Cream Cheese, Softened
5 Eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla
Dash of Salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat oven to 350. Cook 1 cup sugar in small saucepan on medium heat until sugar is melted and deep golden brown, stirring constantly. Pour into 9-inch round pan, tilt pan to evenly cover bottom with syrup. Blend milk and cream cheese in blender until smooth. Add remaining sugar, eggs, vanilla and slat; blend until smooth. Pour over syrup in pan. Place filled pan in larger pan; add enough hot water to larger pan to come halfway up side of smaller pan. Bake 50 minutes to 1 hour or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool slightly. Carefully remove flan from water. Cool completely on wire rack. Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Unmold onto a plate just before serving. ENJOY!

Cookie Sheet Eclairs

We had this about a month ago and my husband asked the person who make it to give me the recipe. We have made it twice since then. He said it is becoming one of his favorite desserts.
YUMMY!

Cookie Sheet Éclairs
INGREDIENTS:
1 Cube Butter or Margarine
1 C. Water
1 C. Flour
6 Eggs
2 Sm. Pkgs. Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 8 oz. Pkg. Cream Cheese
4 C. Milk
1 Lg. Container of Cool Whip
Chocolate Syrup or Hot Fudge for Garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small pot, bring water and butter to boil. Add flour and blend so the mixture pulls away from the sides of pot. Remove from heat and place in a mixing bowl. Beat in eggs one at a time. Spray large cookie sheet with Pam. Spread mixture evenly on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes. It will be uneven when removed from the oven. Flatten with a fork to make it even. Let cool. Meanwhile, mix pudding and milk together and mix according to directions. Add in softened cream cheese and mix well. Add ½ C. Cool whip into the mixture. Spread evenly over cooled crust. Spread remaining Cool Whip over the pudding mixture. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce. Chill until serving time.
COMMENTS: I chop chocolate chips and sprinkle over the Cool Whip and then I drizzle with Chocolate Sauce.

OREO PUDDING POPS

It's back to school time and time to come up with after school snacks. Here is one that my kidos loved. I apologize that there is no picture, they were devoured before I had the chance to take one.
Oreo Pudding Pops
INGREDIENTS FOR 9 POPS:
1 Pkg. (3.9 oz.) Jell-o Chocolate Instant Pudding
2 C. Milk
6 Oreo Cookies
½ C. Thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
INSTRUCTIONS:
Beat pudding mix and milk in large bowl with whisk 2 min. Place cookies in resealable plastic bag; seal bag. Use rolling pin to crush cookies. Add cookies and Cool Whip to pudding; stir just until blended. Spoon into 9 (3-oz.) paper or plastic cups. Insert wooden pop stick or plastic spoon into each for handle. Freeze 5 hours or until firm.

I found this recipe on the Kraft Foods websight.

New England Baked Beans

New England Baked Beans
INGREDIENTS FOR 12 SERVINGS:
1 Lb. Dried Great Northern Beans

1 Lb. Sliced Bacon Strips, Chopped
2 Lg. Onions, Chopped

3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
2 C. Ketchup

1½ C. Packed Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 C. Molasses

1/3 C. Maple Syrup
¼ C. Worcestershire Sauce

½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Ground Pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Sort beans and rinse with cold water. Place beans in a Dutch oven; add enough water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour or until beans are softened. Drain and rinse beans, discarding liquid. Return beans to Dutch oven; add 6 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are almost tender.
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Sauté onions in drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, molasses, syrup, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.
Drain beans, reserving cooking liquid; place in an ungreased 3-qt. baking dish. Stir in onion mixture and bacon. Cover and bake at 300° for 2-1/2 hours or until beans are tender and reach desired consistency, stirring every 30 minutes. Add reserved cooking liquid as needed.

An Easy Dinner with a Little Pizazz

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup is a common pair. Here is a way to Jazz them both up for a yummy meal.

Grilled Roast Beef Sandwiches
INGREDIENTS FOR 4 SERVINGS:
1 Medium Onion, Sliced
1 Medium Green Pepper, Sliced
½ Lb. Fresh Mushrooms, Sliced
2 to 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
2 Tbs. Canola Oil
¼ tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Pepper 8 Slices Sourdough Bread
8 Slices Colby-Monterey Jack
8 Slices Swiss Cheese
8 Slices Deli Roast Beef
½ C. Butter, Softened
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large skillet, sauté the onion, green pepper, mushrooms and garlic in oil until tender; sprinkle with salt and pepper. On four slices of bread, layer two slices of cheese (1 of each kind of cheese), two slices of beef and a fourth of the vegetable mixture. Top with the remaining cheese and bread. Butter outside of bread; sprinkle with garlic salt if desired. On a hot griddle or large skillet, toast sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Tomato Tortellini Soup
INGREDIENTS FOR 10 SERVINGS:
1 Pkg. (9 oz.) Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini
2 Cans (10-3/4 oz. each) Reduced-Sodium Condensed Tomato Soup, Undiluted
2 C. Vegetable Broth

2 C. Milk
2 C. Half-and-Half Cream

½ C. Chopped Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1 tsp. Onion Powder

1 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. Dried Basil

½ tsp. Salt
½ C. Fresh Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Additional Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Optional
INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the soup, broth, milk, cream, tomatoes and seasonings. Heat through, stirring frequently. Drain tortellini; carefully add to soup. Stir in cheese. Sprinkle each serving with additional cheese if desired

Creamy Rice and Mediterranean Chicken

So this recipe was inspired by the Chicken Mediterranean Pizza from Papa Murphy's. I just love it. I thought that I could create something with similar ingredients and this is what I came up with.
INGREDIENTS FOR 4 SERVINGS:
3 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 Onion, Finely Chopped
1 C. Arborio Rice
1 C. White Cooking Wine
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
4 Chicken Breasts Cut into Strips
3 Cloves Garlic, Sliced
¼ tsp. Thyme
½ tsp. Basil
1 Pint Sun Dried Tomatoes
2 C. Fresh Baby Spinach
Feta Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat 1 Tbs. of the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, about 5-7 minutes. Add the rice and wine and cook, stirring until the wine is absorbed. Add 2 cups water and ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper. Simmer, covered, over low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile in a large pan, add 2 tsp olive oil, chicken, and garlic. Cook until chicken is no longer pink. Season with thyme and basil; Add the sun dried tomatoes with their oil. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted. Serve over the rice and top with Feta Cheese.

As I am sitting here thinking about my children. I just had a few quotes that have come to mind that I thought that I would share.

COME WHAT MAY AND LOVE IT!!!
I just love this quote. It has really helped me try to focus on the important things of life. Kids can be so great and so hard. Great Joy and Great Pain are both part of parenting.

HOLD ON THY WAY----GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION..
This was really inspiring. There I times that I feel that I am failing miserably at trying to do my best at raising these sweet little kids. I love the giving up is not an option. It really isn't. When we have made our mistakes as parents, we really just have to move ahead and try to do better.

Amazing Caesar Salad

Here are a few new salad recipes. I am always looking for new ones to try. I got this one from our stake releif society dinner and I found the cole slaw one online. Yummy

Amazing Caesar Salad
INGREDIENTS:
Romaine Lettuce
Baby Spinach
Red Onion, Thinly Sliced and Quartered
Cherry Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
Parmesan Cheese, Shredded
Craisins
Croutons
Black pepper
Marie's Caesar Dressing
Marie’s Poppyseed Dressing
INSTRUCTIONS:
Mix all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Before serving add the dressings. Use a little less poppy seed dressing than Caesar (maybe 1/3 to 2/3).
COMMENTS: Really, you can add just about anything in whatever proportions you like. There is no right or wrong way to make it. Some other add-ins are: cubed cooked chicken, dried apricots-cut up, brown rice-cooked, sunflower, pumpkin seeds or whatever kind you like.

Thai Cole Slaw

INGREDIENTS:
½ Head Napa Cabbage, Thinly Sliced
2 Jumbo Carrots, Julienne
½ Zucchini, Julienne
2 Green Onions, Sliced
3 Tbs. Shaved Coconut
3 Tbs. Unsalted Peanuts
2 Tbs. Toasted Candied Almonds
DRESSING:
8 oz. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
8 oz. Orange Juice
½ Oz. Honey
½ Tbs. Fresh Ginger, Chopped Fine
½ Tbs. Light Brown Sugar
1 Tsp. Cilantro, Chopped Fine
1 Tbs. Sesame Oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Chill until ready to use. For dressing: place ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk together, slowly aging the sesame oil while whisking. Pour desired amount, about ¼ cup, over chilled salad. Toss and serve.

Chicken and Cabbage

So here is a supper easy recipe that my whole family has enjoyed. We were at some friends on Sunday and they served this yummy dinner. My family all really liked it so I made it yesterday because it is so easy and it was baseball. I am not a huge cabbage fan, but I really liked this meal and I liked that it was healthy.

Chicken and Cabbage
Chicken Thighs (I used the boneless skinless from Sam's club)
1 Bottle Veri Veri Teriyaki Sauce
Cooked Rice (Jasmine or Cal Rose)
Thinly sliced Purple and Green Cabbage

INSTRUCTIONS:
Marinade chicken for the day in 1/2 of the Teriyaki Sauce. Place a Tbs. Olive oil in a large skillet with a lid. Cook chicken on high heat for couple minutes on both sides. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken and simmer on low for about 20 - 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Place cabbage in individual bowls. Top with hot rice and then the chicken. Spoon some of the hot Teriyaki Sauce over the top. Enjoy.

Grilling Time!

Oriental Steak Skewers
1 Pound Boneless Beef Sirloin Tip Roast

(I actually prefer to use Beef that is already cut for Carne Asada)

1/3 C. Soy Sauce
¼ C. Sugar

½ tsp. Ground Ginger
1 C. water

4 Med. Carrots, Julienne
½ Pound Fresh Green Beans

1 Lg. Sweet Red, Julienne
½ C. Sour Cream

2 Tbs. Honey
1 ¼ tsp. Prepared Horseradish
Cut beef widthwise into 16 slices, ¼ inch thick. In a large resalable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, sugar and ginger; add the beef. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for 4 hours. In a saucepan, bring water and carrots to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3 minutes. Add the beans and red pepper; cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place vegetables in ice water. Drain and pat dry. Drain and discard marinade from the beef. Arrange three beans, one carrot strip and one pepper strip down the center of each beef slice; roll up. For each kabob, use metal or soaked wooden skewers and tread two bundles on two parallel skewers or just seal individually with toothpicks. If grilling the kabobs, coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Grill kabobs, covered, over medium heat or broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes on each side or until beef reaches desired doneness, turning once. In a bowl, combine the sour cream, honey and horseradish. Serve with kabobs.

Serves 4.

A Spring Torte

The Side View..

I have a Pampered Chef Cookbook that I have never made anything our of. I decided to give this recipe a try. I turned out really yummy. It is a perfect dessert for spring!

Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Torte
INGREDIENTS FOR 16 SERVINGS:
1 Pkg. (16 oz.) Pound Cake mix (plus ingredients for cake)
1 Large Lemon ¾ C. Boiling Water
1 Pkg. (6 oz.) Lemon Gelatin 1 Pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 C. Cold Milk 12 oz. Frozen Whipped Topping, Thawed
1 Pkg. (3.4 oz.) Cheesecake Pudding 1 Kiwi, Peeled, Sliced and Cut in Half
1 C. Blueberries
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Line a Stoneware Bar Pan with Parchment Paper. Prepare cake mix as directed; pour into pan, spreading evenly. Bake 15-18 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean; cool 10 minutes. Using the edges of paper, carefully lift onto cooling rack; cool completely.
Juice lemon to measure ¼ cup juice. Pour boiling water into a small bowl. Add gelatin and 2 Tbs. of the juice; reserve the remaining for cream cheese mixture. Stir until gelatin is dissolved. Prick cake at ½- inch intervals and brush cake evenly with all but 2 Tbs. of the gelatin mixture. Trim
¼-inch. around edge of cake; discard edges. Cut cake into 3 equal layers. In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese and remaining 2 Tbs. lemon juice; whisk until smooth. Add milk; whisk until smooth. Spoon whipped topping over cream mixture (DO NOT MIX). Sprinkle with pudding mix; mix well until smooth (Mixture will be thick). Place 1 cake layer on a platter. Attach open star tip to a decorator bag; fill with filling mixture. Pipe a straight border around the edge of cake layer. Place 4 scoops of filling down center; spread evenly to border. Top with second layer and repeat as above. For third layer, pipe a decorative border around edge. Spread any remaining filling sown center. Arrange kiwi slices on the top of cake. Add blueberries to reserve gelatin mixture; mix gently. (If gelatin mixture has set, microwave on High for 5-10 seconds or until softened.) Spoon blueberries over top of cake; sprinkle with reserved zest. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves, if desired.

Caramelized Pears

These were so delicious. I have been craving them ever since I first made them. I bought more pears today which reminded me to share this recipe. We had ours with breakfast but you could easily serve it as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Caramelized Pears
INGREDIENTS FOR 8 SERVINGS:
8 Pears, Peeled and Cored

½ Lb. Unsalted Butter
¾ C. Brown Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla
2 tsp. Cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Peel, then core the pears. Leave the stems on. In a skillet, melt butter, then add brown sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Stand pears in a baking dish and coat each one inside and out with the hot mixture. Bake for 60 minutes. Reapply mixture to each pear prior to serving,
COMMENTS: To get the pears to cook well, use a mellon-baller to core them. Then slice the bottoms so they are flat and will stand in the pan. It is best to use pears that are quite ripe; younger pears are too firm.

Dinner Time

Dinner time is such an important time of the day. Not only does everyone need to eat, but it is a great time to gather around the table for family bonding time. With that said, dinner is always a crazy time of evening with small children. They are hungry and it is just a busy time of the day; homework is being finished up or sports practices are starting or ending. It is important to me to provide a good cooked meal for my family. This is not always practical at the peek of a busy day. My solution: I try to have dinner prepared before my kids get home from school. If you have even smaller children, you can prepare it while your kidos are napping. When dinner time rounds the corner, you just need to pop something in the oven or finish the final preparations for the meal. It is hard for me to make dinner when I have a hundred other things going on and a 2 year old whining at me because she is hungry and I don't want to give her a snack because otherwise she will not eat her dinner. This is just something that has helped me dramatically. It is probably something that many of you already do but I just thought that I would share it anyways.

Make It Mom's Day All Year Round

I love the Love and Logic Philosophy to raising children. Since Mother's Day is in a few months I thought that this would be a great article to share.


Make It Mom's Day All Year Round --Teach kids how to treat mom with the respect she deserves. By Dr. Charles Fay

Mother's Day is a special day for moms to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. An effective way for kids to help mom on Mother's Day – and throughout the year – is by assisting with chores around the house.
Chores are an important part of family life. They provide the foundation upon which responsibility, self-esteem, and strong family relationships are built. At the Love and Logic Institute, we've found that kids who make meaningful contributions to their families, such as preparing dinner once a week or completing household chores, are more likely to gain academic achievement, enjoy success in life, and develop a desire to give back to the community.
Here are four practical, easy-to-learn tips to teach children the value of helping their mothers (and fathers) all year round:

Tip #1: Teach kids to do their fair share of the housework without being hounded.It will make mom's life a lot easier if kids complete chores without frequent reminders. With one simple statement, show your kids you mean business in a loving way by saying, "I'll be happy to do the things I do for you as soon as your chores are done."

Tip #2: Guide your kids toward needing less help with completing daily chores.It's never too early to start teaching kids how to take care of themselves. As early as age two or three, kids can learn daily activities, such as getting ready in the morning, putting away toys, and preparing for bed in the evening.
In order to teach kids how to be independent, have them write down a list of daily tasks and mark them off the list as they are completed. If the child is too young to write, such as a two-year-old, draw pictures of the daily tasks with your child.

Tip #3: Assign chores as repayment for withdrawals from your "emotional bank account."When a parent asks a child to stop misbehaving, but the child keeps it up, the parent can say in a loving, soft tone of voice, "How sad! Your behavior has really drained the energy out of me. Now I'm too tired to clean the bathrooms. When you get them done, I'm sure I'll feel a whole lot better."
If the child refuses or forgets to do the chore, wise parents don't lecture or threaten. Instead, they quietly allow their child to "pay" for their bad manners with one of their favorite toys.

Tip #4: Show kids why it is wise to be polite to mom (and dad).When a child talks back, pick one loving statement in response and say it over and over again, such as, "Honey, I love you too much to argue." Kids will learn that they need to use a polite tone of voice and respectful words when requesting assistance from their parents.
It's never too early or late to start raising kids to respect their parents.
I know of a mom with a 15–year-old who had to "go on strike" with her son, because he was very demanding, wanting to know, "Where's dinner? Where are my clean clothes?" In response to her son's rude requests, she said, "I'll be happy to help you when your chores are done and I feel respected." It eased her stress level and before long, her son was a much happier, more respectful and responsible child.



Give Love and Logic a try and join thousands of parents who have discovered easy and effective ways to improve their relationships with their kids and teach positive family values.
Dr. Charles Fay is a parent, author, and consultant to schools, parent groups, mental health professionals around the world and President of the Love and Logic Institute in Golden, CO. His book Love and Logic Magic When Kids Leave You Speechless provides a host of helpful tips for teaching values, as well as handling other perplexing parenting issues. For more information about Love and Logic parenting and teaching techniques, call 800-338-4065.
©2002 Dr. Charles FayPermission granted for photocopy reproduction.Please do not alter or modify contents.For more information, call the Love and Logic Institute, Inc. at 800-338-4065.

Eggs Rio Grande

We had this meal when we stayed at an amazing bed and breakfast in Tahoe. It was called the Black Bear Inn. I like the meal so much that I bought their cookbook. I came home and made it for my kidos. They all loved it. Here is the first recipe. You can serve it with a small dollop of sour cream.

Eggs Rio Grande
INGREDIENTS FOR 8 SERVINGS:
8 Eggs
1/3 C. Flour
1 tsp. Baking Powder
1 (16 oz.) Container Cottage Cheese
1 (4oz.) Can Diced Green Chilies (Mild)
Pinch of Salt
2 C. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Lb. Sausage, Browned and Drained (I used maple flavored)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, until just mixed. Whisk in flour a little at a time, then add baking powder. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour mixture into a prepared 9 x 13 pan and stir slightly for even distribution. Bake for 50 minutes.
COMMENTS: for another variation, substitute Monterey Jack cheese for the cheddar and add ½ C. loosely packed cilantro, chopped.
I made this recipe the night before. I just had to wake up and pop it in the oven.

Roasted New Potatoes
INGREDIENTS FOR 12 SERVINGS:
6 lb. New Potatoes
4 Cloves Garlic, diced
2 Tbs. Fresh Rosemary, Chopped
½ C. Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper to Taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350. Slice the potatoes into small pieces. Place in metal baking pan. Drizzle oil over potatoes, then add all remaining ingredients. Bake for 1 hours. Baking time may vary.

Baked Peaches with Craisens
INGREDIENTS FOR 6 SERVINGS:
2 Cans of Peaches
1 tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Vanilla
2 Tbs. Brown Sugar
2 Tbs. Craisens
Shredded Coconut (optional)
Fresh Sliced Strawberries or Blueberries (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat oven to 200. Open and drain peaches, reserving juice. Pour juice into a large skillet. Add cinnamon, vanilla and brown sugar. Heat and stir. Fill 6 prepared ramekins nearly to the top with peaches and craisins. Pour sugar mixture over the top. Bake for 20 minutes just to warm it up. Top with coconut or strawberries or blueberries.

Blackberry Pecan French Toast

I love breakfast! My kidos do too. I have one little guy that loves a hot breakfast. As soon as he wakes up he asks, "What's for breakfast?" If I tell him cereal, he will start to cry. It's a good thing that I love to cook. We go through about 10 to 15 dozen eggs a month. I am crazy- I know! Anyways, I love breakfast foods that can be prepared the night before for quicker mornings. This is one recipe that has to be made the night before and is oh so yummy. I made this for our sunday morning breakfast. When we came home from church, we ate it for lunch again. We really liked it!



Blackberry Pecan French Toast
INGREDIENTS:
1 Lg. Loaf French Bread
8 Eggs
3 C. Whole Milk
½ tsp. Grated Nutmeg
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 C. Brown Sugar, Divided
2 C. Blackberries
5 Tbs. Butter, Divided
¼ tsp. Salt
1 C. Pecan Halves
Syrup:
2 C. Blackberries
1 C. Maple Syrup
1 Tbs. Lemon Juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. Cut bread into 1-inch slices and arrange in a single layer in bottom of baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, nutmeg, vanilla, and ¾ C. brown sugar. Pour evenly over bread. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours. Preheat oven to 350. Sprinkle blackberries evenly over bread mixture. Put 4 Tbs. butter in a saucepan, add ¼ C. brown sugar and salt. Stir until butter is melted; drizzle over bread mixture. Bake for 20 minutes or until liquid is bubbling (a little longer if using frozen berries). In the last few minutes of baking, top French toast with pecans. Watch carefully so not to allow nuts to burn. For syrup: In a saucepan, cook all ingredients over medium heat until berries burst. Pour syrup through a sieve into a heat proof pitcher. Stir in lemon juice.
Comments: For the syrup, I did not pour through a sieve. It was more like a sauce than a syrup but we do not mind the seeds.

I found this recipe in the California Bed and Breakfast Association cookbook.

Baker's Dozen Yeast Rolls

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to make rolls. I am so much better at rolls than I am bread. Here are a few new recipes that I have stumbled accross that have been added to my collection.

Baker’s Dozen Yeast Rolls
INGREDIENTS FOR 13 ROLLS:
2- 2 ½ C. All Purpose Flour
2 Tbs. Sugar
1 Pkg. Yeast
½ tsp. Slat
¾ C. Warm Water
6 Tbs. Butter, Melted, Divided
¾ C. Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 tsp. Honey
1/8 tsp. Garlic Salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, sugar, yeast and salt. Add water and 2 Tbs. butter; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth. Stir in cheese and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 4-6 minutes. Cover and let rise for about 10 minutes. Divide into 13 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place in a greased 9-in. round baking pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Bake at 375 for 11-14 minutes or until lightly browned. Combine the honey, garlic salt and remaining butter; brush over rolls. Remove to a wire rack and cool.


I found this recipe in Simple and Delicious

Overnight Honey-Wheat Rolls

Overnight Honey-Wheat Rolls
INGREDIENTS FOR 1 ½ DOZEN ROLLS:
1 Pkg. Active Dry Yeast
1 ¼ C. Warm Water, Divided
2 Eggs
1/3 C. Honey
¼ C. Canola Oil
1 tsp. Slat
1 ½ C. Whole Wheat Flour
2 ½ C. All Purpose Flour
Melted Butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in ¼ cup warm water. Add the eggs, honey, oil, slat, whole- wheat flour and remaining water. Beat on medium speed for 3 minutes or until smooth. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky). Cover and refrigerate overnight. Punch dough down. Turn onto a well-floured surface; divide in half. Shape each portion into 9 balls. To form knots, roll each ball into a 10-inch rope; tie into a knot. Tuck ends under. Place rolls 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 50 minutes. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Brush with melted butter.

Cookie Clay Dough

I have a little guy that struggles sometimes in spelling. He actually does OK we just have to work really hard. I found this recipe on Everyday Food Storage. I modified it a bit by using real eggs. The original used 2 Tbs. Dry Egg Powder. At the beginning of the week, I quized him on his spelling words. With the words that he missed, I had him spell them using the cookie clay dough. We baked them and he ate his hard work. He really enjoyed this. It made spelling homework turn into fun (something that every 7 year old boy loves).


Cookie Clay Dough
INGREDIENTS:
½ C. Brown Sugar
½ C. Sugar
½ C. Butter
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 C. Whole Wheat Flour
2 Eggs
1 tsp. Baking Powder
½ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cream together sugars, butter, and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. Mix well. Use clean play-dough accessories or shape into letters. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes (depends on the thickness so keep watch. Some pieces may need to come out earlier than others.)

Fruity Baked Oatmeal

This is a warm yummy breakfast enjoy!

Ingredients:
3 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup chopped peeled tart apple
1/3 cup chopped fresh or frozen peaches
1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
Additional fat-free milk, optional

Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Combine the eggs, milk and butter; add to the dry ingredients. Stir in the apple, peaches and blueberries.
Pour into an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Cut into squares. Serve with milk if desired. Yield: 9 servings.

Another Wreath

I was checking out crafty blogs a few weeks ago and I stumbled on this wreath that looked fun to make. It was on Redberrybarn.blogspot. com. It is made mostly out of burlap. The cost was under 5 dollars. I took an old frame and sprayed it with flat black spray paint. If you type in Urban Corsage on the Internet, it teaches you how to make these cute little fabric roses.

P.S. Here is your evidence that I have little kidos running around our house. There are finger prints all ove my piano :)

Valentine's Day Wreath

This is just a quick little project that I made. I don't have many valentine's day decorations. I just picked the Love hanging up from Michael's and tied it to a grapevine wreath with some scrap fabric.

Tissue Pom Pom's

This is a little projust that I made for my 2 year old's room. It was cheap - like $2.00 cheap. They added a cute little touch to her room. The idea came from Martha Stewart. Follow this short cut: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/article/pom-poms-and-luminarias

Pink Tutu

Here is a tut that I made for my neice's birthday. It turned out pretty cute. It wa

s supper easy to make. If you go on Utube and type in no sew tutu, there is a video that teaches how to make this.

Tutu Bedskirt

I needed to make a bed skirt for the new bed of my two year old. I had this idea and I think that it turned out cute. On line you can find instructions for a ne sew tutu. I made one of these but much larger. I then sewed it to a piece of fabric and put it on her bed. She loves it.

Autumn Pot Roast

I made this recipe yesterday. It is one of our favorites. Every single person in our family loves this yummy meal. The first time my husband ate it, he said that it was one of his favorite meals of all time; it was up there with prime rib. (He' s a meat lover, so this says alot.) It is a recipe that I first found on Taste of Home, however, as usuall I tweeked it. Enjoy!!!

Autumn Pot Roast

INGREDIENTS FOR 8 SERVINGS:
1 Boneless Beef Rump Roast
¼ tsp. Salt
½ tsp. Pepper
1 Can Whole Cranberry Sauce
1 C. Water
1/3 C. Prepared Horseradish
½ tsp. Cinnamon
¼ tsp. Ground Cloves
2 Med. Onions, Slices Into Chunks
2 Medium Dark Sweet Potatoes
16 Baby Carrots
4 tsp. Cornstarch
2 Tbs. Cold Water
INSTRUCTIONS:
Sprinkle meat with salt and pepper. Place in crock-pot on low; add 1 C. water.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and horseradish. Cook and stir
until combined and heated. Remove from heat. Pour over roast. Sprinkle cinnamon
and ground cloves over the top of sauce. Cover and cook roast on low for 6 – 8 hours.
After about 4-5 hours, add vegetables into the crock pot. Continue to cook until
roast is tender and vegetables are soft. Remove meat and vegetables and keep warm.
Cool pan juices for 10 minutes and transfer to a blender. Cover and process until smooth;
return to a sauce pan. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Gradually whisk
into pan juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Serve
with meat and vegetables.