Hot Spinach Dip

Here's a little something to whip up for those holiday guests dropping by. Very easy to make.

HOT SPINACH DIP

4 10 oz. box frozen chopped spinach

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

4 8.oz packages cream cheese

1 cup fresh chopped onions

1 cup fresh chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped hot peppers

Combine ingredients. Bake for 40 minutes at 375 degrees. Serve with toasted pita chips.

This morning my sister, Marcy, and I went to help our church's Resale Shop get ready for our Christmas sale tomorrow. We have a lot of nice things donated to the shop which we sell very, very low. Plus if someone needs anything that we have in stock we just give it to them. The money made in the store goes to help those in our parish, or even elsewhere, needing assistance of any kind. I am going to go to bed earlier than usual tonight because I have to be there at 7:30 in the morning. Chris will be going to help tomorrow, too. It's fun and for a great cause.

I finally started my Christmas shopping today and did it at http://www.luckfamilygifts.com/. I ordered some great gifts (okay, stuff for me, too) at fantastic prices. When you go to the site request that a catalog be sent to you. I ordered quite a bit from the online catalog and, also, stuff from the print catalog. There are some really nice things there. Anyhow, it is off to bed now. Have a restful night's sleep.

No-Fuss Chicken

As you can see, I am about anything that takes little to NO effort lately.
1 bottle (16 ounces ) Russian or Catalina salad dressing
2/3 C apricot preserves
1 1/2 envelopes dry onion soup mix
16 boneless skinless chicken breast halves ( 8 pieces cut in half )
In bowl, combine dressing, preserves, and soup mix. Place chicken in 2 ungreased 11-in by 7-in baking pans. I think you could use one 9 by 13 or larger pan. Top with dressing mixture. Cover and bake at 350 for 20 minutes; baste. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink inside. Test by cutting into a piece of chicken.
Have a good nights sleep!

SIMPLE Onion Roasted Potatoes

2 pounds red potatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1/3 C vegetable oil
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
Combine all ingredients in a large plastic bag; shake until well coated. Empty bag into an ungreased 13-in by 9-in baking pan. Cover and bake at 350 for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer or until potatoes are tender.

Been going through clothes in the attic. I will never wear most of them again, but hard to say "this must go". It is a beautiful day here in South Carolina and did some yard work with much more to do. Jackie and I checked in with each other this morning, this helps start the day. Hope your day went well!

Parmesan Chicken

I am all about comfort food, so bare with me. It is getting cold and somethings in our lives are just to much, because there isn't much we can do to fix things.
1/2 C butter melted
2 t Dijon mustard
1 t Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t salt
1 C dry bread crumbs ( I prefer Italian bread crumbs for more flavor )
1/2 C grated Parmesan cheese
6-8 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
In a pie plate or shallow bowl, combine butter, mustard, W sauce, and salt. In a plastic bag, combine crumbs and cheese. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then shake in crumb mixture. Place in an ungreased 13-in. by 9-in. by 2-in baking pan. Drizzle with remaining butter mixture. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Make sure all juices run clear. This is easy and good, which is my kind of cooking.

Talk to Jackie and she is out doing for others as usual. She has time for anyone who needs her. One of a kind girl. That's why I love her. Think good thoughts!

Airplane travel tip

Since there will be a lot of you traveling by air this holiday here is a tip for you. Always make sure when you make your airline reservation to be sure that you get a seat number assigned for all traveling in your party. If the seat you want is not available, take whatever is available even if it is a center seat and you are not seated with your traveling companions. You can always try to change when you get to the airport. By having a seat assignment before you get to the airport you will most likely not be one of the unlucky ones on an overbooked flight that has to be told there are no more seats left to assign. As a retired airline Customer Service Agent I strongly suggest this. Please get to the airport early, early, early because you never know how long the lines will be at the counter or in security. You don't want to miss your flight because you are hung up in one of those outrageously long lines. Also, if you can, print your boarding passes before you leave home. If the flight is overbooked, you have your boarding pass and the agents are looking for volunteers so they can give someone who has been the unlucky one without a seat assignment, and you decide to give up yours for the compensation offered - make sure that you get a confirmed reservation for the next available flight (with a seat assignment and boarding pass). Don't let that plane take off without you without you getting a confirmed seat assignment on another flight. If they have to put you on another carrier, make sure that it is a definite confirmation and you are not on an overbooked flight. Unless they can get you a definite seat assignment on that carrier. Also, make sure that you call the airline to reconfirm your flight.

I am still in Thanksgiving recuperative mode and today was another lazy day. I was going to go and visit my mother with my sister, Marcy. But, my kitchen faucet hose got a leak in it over the weekend and Bill picked today to take care of it. I had to work with him in trying to get the stupid hose out, then go to the home repair store and then back home to work some more on getting the hose out. The only thing I was really doing, though, was holding the flashlight for him because I do not know how to do any of that stuff. Chris can do all of that home repair stuff. Chris and I talked for awhile this morning and then again this afternoon for a bit. Now it's off to bed for me. I have to go grocery shopping in the morning. Wednesday is the day for the senior citizen discounts at the grocery stores and I am one senior citizen that wants all the discounts that I can get!

Italian Cheese Twists

I've been preoccupied and down in the dumps the last week or so. I always find food helps. We all know that isn't good. I made these a long time ago and made them again today. They taste very good and have raised my weight and spirits.

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1/4 C butter, softened
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t each dried basil and oregano
3/4 C shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 T water
2 T sesame seeds or grated Parmesan cheese
On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 12-in square. Combine butter and seasonings; spread over dough. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Fold dough into thirds. Cut crosswise into 24 strips, 1/2 in. each. Twist each strip twice; pinch ends to seal. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost double, about 30 minutes. In small bowl, beat egg and water; brush over twists. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or Parmesan cheese. ( you can use both ) Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes or until light golden brown.

Maybe someday we can include pictures of the finished product. I think sight helps a lot. I really enjoy this blog Jackie has set up. I hope others are benefiting from it to. We can add more in months to come. Hang with us!

Foggy Windshield

Hate that foggy windshield? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it under your car seat. When the windows fog, rub with the eraser. It will get damp but will dry out under your seat for the next time you need it. Works better than a cloth.

We got a little, very much needed rain. Have a good nights sleep.............

Boy, am I beat!!

I am not the spring chicken that I used to be, that's for sure. These last few days have shown that. All of my family has left and I am beat!! But it was fun and I would do it again. I am so glad that they were here. But, again I say, I am beat! Today has been a rest day for me. The only thing that I really did was to make turkey soup. So I guess this is my little recipe tip. I did not use a recipe and just put in what I thought would be good. And it is delicious. I took the turkey carcass and some slices of turkey, put it all in a large pot and covered it with water. I let it boil and then simmer until the meat was falling off of the bones. I then took the bones from the pot. After I took all of the meat from the bones I put the meat back into the pot and added a bag of mixed vegetables, a chopped onion, chopped garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, a bay leaf, salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, chicken bouillion and a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce. All of the spices were added "to taste". I let that simmer for awhile and then added some cubed potatoes and I broke a handful of thin spaghetti into it. My daughter, Jackee, was the first to eat some and said it was very good. Her daughter, Dominique, had some next and she said it was very good. My sister, Marcy, ate a bowl of it and said it was good. I ate 2 mugs full and I must agree with them. In fact, I say that it is very good. It's a great way to get the last little bit from your turkey.

I talked to Chris for a little bit today. I don't know if I am going to the gym tomorrow with her because I am still in my zone where I don't want to do anything. Nor do I foresee doing anything in my near future. I really do need the exercise and workout, though. But, one more day not getting any won't hurt.

Anyhow, now I am going to bed and just melt into my bed!! Goodnight and I hope you had as great a holiday as I did.

Votive Candles

We will be using more candles for the holidays and I find that a little cooking spray in the glass container, helps release the unusable wax that is left.

This is a very quite day today. I talked to Jackie, my Mom, and my daughter. It was cool to cold, so no work outside. I really need to push myself, to at least make a good attempt in the next few days outside. I also want Jackie and I to take advantage of our gym membership. Why is exercising so hard and boring? It's like anything else in life, whatever is good for us takes motivation. I talk a good story, now let's see if I can follow through. I'll let you know. Hope your day was good!

Turkey Italian

8oz. dried bow tie pasta
1C chopped turkey ( bit size )
1/4 C Italian dressing
8oz. fresh asparagus spears
1T butter
1T olive oil
1 clove garlic clove, minced
1/2 C shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 C shredded Romano cheese
1 C frozen peas, thawed
Salt and pepper to taste
1T chopped parsley
In a small bowl put the chopped turkey and mix in the Italian dressing, set aside for later.
Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain, set aside.
Snap off and discard woody bases from asparagus. Cut in to 1 inch pieces.
In large skillet cook asparagus in hot butter and oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and turkey, including dressing to skillet and cook for additional 2 minutes. Add pasta and cook for 2 more minutes. This will bring all the flavors together. Add cheeses, peas, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix all together and serve.
This is a one pan dish and is great with french bread or warm rolls.

Not to much going on today. I spent most of my time in the attic getting a few items for the church store. It was a good day to be up there because it was cold outside. Hope you all had a good day.................

We are now getting ready to go to the Annual Chitlin' Strut in Salley, SC. It is always held the weekend after Thanksgiving and has become a must-do for my family. We usually caravan there in about 3 or 4 cars. We tried their chitlins' the first year we went even though they were fried. That is, the few of us that eats chitlins'. It was okay, but, we like the other way of cooking them best. There are a lot of food booths there with all kinds of stuff and we try to try them all. Bill is not going this year because it is hard for him to walk a lot. The ground there is too bumpy for his wheelchair so he will be more comfortable at home.

While I was getting ready I was trying to think of what I was going to put in as a tip or recipe today. Then I thought of giving a good tip on great Christmas gift deals. Go to http://www.luckfamilygifts.com and check out the deals being given there. Prices have been slashed in half and shipping is low. Fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers. I have ordered from there before and have always been satisfied. Quality is great and there is such a variety to choose from.

Thanksgiving Day

I spent the day with my dear friend Jackie and her family. It was a wonderful afternoon with very caring people. While Dennis is out on the high sea's, Jackie's family included me in their day. I will always be part of this family because of Jackie. I believe she is the SOUL of this great group of people.

Tip of the day after. Be thankful for your blessings. The grass might look greener but if you take a really good look, it's not that green! More recipes and tips are on there way. Have a safe day!

A BELATED HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Yep, they are almost all here and my life is hectic and I love it!! I was so sorry because 3 of my older grandchildren and their families couldn't make it and I really missed them. We had a great day yesterday and Chris joined in with all the craziness and merriment. She brought me a beautiful angel statue that has "Thankful For All Good Things" written on the front. She says it symbolizes that she will always be there if I need her. It was a good day. A house full of family including my mother who has alzheimers and my brother, Ricky, and his new wife, Annie. My brother, Andy, who lives in Phoenix sent us all a very nice picture text message greeting for everyone. Food, food, food everywhere!!! That was the case yesterday. Even with the amount of people we had here yesterday we still have a lot of food left!! I always says it's better to have too much than not enough. Bill fried 2 turkeys yesterday and I roasted 1. I know that we will be having turkey soup sometime in the next few weeks.

I don't do the Black Friday thing because I don't like the crowds. I did go to WalMart with my sister, Roxy, and her daughter and grandkids late morning because I had to pick up a prescription for Bill. It wasn't packed because a bigger WalMart opened about a month ago so the crowd evidently went there. Nothing much going on today. Tomorrow we go to the Chitlin' Strut.

My tip for today is to enjoy your family and friends and life every day that you can every minute that you can. We never know what the next hour brings. Believe me I am enjoying every moment I can.

FAITH--FAMILY--FREEDOM

Happy Thanksgiving to all! The three things that I am thankful for in my life are, my faith, family, and the freedom we have. In my life, my friends become my family. Please be safe and have a great day!

THINKING

What was I thinking when I bought all those flip flops? What was I thinking when I bought all those crop pants, in all those colors? What was I thinking when I bought those shoes that look like stilts?

I was cleaning my closet out and I cannot believe that I thought I could wear all these things or even would leave the house with them on. #1 TIP for today is, think before you buy. Look in your drawers and closet to see what you have. I know that I feel much better looking in my closet now. I hope in six months I can feel the same. I doubt it! Sleep well.............

Pecan Sandies

We are going to put cookie recipes in next month for your Christmas baking. But, my Aunt Irene was looking for a good quick recipe so I thought I would go ahead and put this one out there now. This is one of the ones that I always made when I used to do my Christmas baking. My son, Jerry, loved making these and always asked to make them. There are different variations on this recipe and this one is simple and delicious.

Pecan Sandies
1 cup softened butter
4 tablespoons sugar
2 cups flour -- sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ground pecans
powdered sugar
Directions:Cream butter and sugar. Beat in vanilla. Mix in flour and pecans. Mix well. Form dough into 1 inch balls. Bake on greased cookie sheet in preheated 350 degree oven for 20-25 minutes. Cool, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar.

Chris came by yesterday and brought me a plaque that I hung on my front door. It says "Good Friends Gather Here". I have another one that she gave me that is the shape of a heart and says "Give me a house to call my own, Family and Friends to call it a Home." She's thoughtful like that. In the next couple of days there will be quite a house full here. In fact, including Bill and I, there should be 44 people here for Thanksgiving dinner. That's a HOME I would say. If Dennis had not gone on his sailing trip and he and Chris stayed home for Thanksgiving there would have been 45 here.

Now I have to go get some chores done so I can go get my grandkids that live about an hour from here, Dominique and Tyler. Their mother, Jackee, said she will meet me half way when she gets off work so I don't have to go all the way there.

Reducing Static Cling Tip

Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place a pin in seam of the slacks--both legs. Static gone.
I never heard of this tip, but I will try it.

Beautiful day today but we still need rain. Hope everyone will be able to spend time with friends or family on Thursday. Be safe!

Quick Tip

Here's a little tip that I am sure you all know, but, I thought I would throw it out there. If you want to deodorize a rug, just sprinkle some baking soda over it and vacuum it up. It works real well and I've used it before.

Thanks to Chris for that sweet compliment. I don't know what I would do without her in my life. I can always talk to her about anything and everything. Her husband, Dennis, and herself have always been there when we needed them. Since Bill was in the middle of remodeling a portion of our home when he had his strokes there are still some areas not finished. I do not know anything about doing anything handiworklike. Chris, on the other hand, knows it all just like Bill and Dennis. So her and Dennis are there for me always. Plus we have really had some great times together. In fact, we will be spending the first few days of 2008 in Hilton Head. We are going after Christmas and will be there for New Year's Eve. We don't have anything planned. Just having our own little celebration. We always have fun whenever we go.

Now it's back to getting ready for my familial crowd coming in a few days.

Caramel Corn

This recipe is good for all of us who need something sweet.
2C Brown sugar
1/2C Dark corn syrup
1/2t Baking soda
1C Salted peanuts--optional
1C Butter
1t Salt
1C Un-popped popcorn
Pop popcorn and keep warm in 2 pans (9+13) in oven at 250. Combine sugar, butter, syrup, and salt-boil slow for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda; pour immediately over popcorn. Bake 1 hour, mixing every 15 minutes at 250 degrees. Pour out on wax paper to cool. Store in air tight container.

I guess today's lesson is patience. My dear friend has more than most people and that is why Jackie is a great gift in my life and my families. Make sure you tell your friends how much they mean to you.

The Paint Brush

#1 Use a dry paint brush to dust large plants that are to heavy to move.
#2 Use a Small brush to dust stereo knobs or hard to reach places.
#3 Sweep up spilled flour, with a big flat paint brush.
#4 Mist a brush with dusting spray and make short work of bookcases and shelves.
#5 After cleaning your oven, remove residue from corners with a paint brush.
I buy all my paint brushes at the $ store. When I am done painting or just touching up marks on the walls, I don't feel bad about throwing it out. I especially like them for stain or varnishing because of the difficulty cleaning these brushes without buying additional cleaners. They are never the same after a good cleaning.

Not much going on today. Called Jackie and she was shopping. I don't stay on the phone long with Jackie when she is in a store, because I really hate when people are on the phone shopping or checking out. What in the world did we do before the cell phone????????????????
My BIGGEST problem with the cell phone, is when it rings in church. Jackie can tell to that. Have a great night!

Tip for Measuring Cups

Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry the cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how it comes right out.

This is another tip from Marci, she is a fountain of good tips. I see there is another snake story from Jackie. Doesn't it just give you a good laugh and the creeps. She can really tell a good story. The best part is, they are all true. Well, I don't know if that is the best part because she has to experience it. I think with the cold night tonight and nights to come this week and next, the snakes will go for winter cover. Good news for us all. Goodnight!

Broccoli Casserole

Sunday after Mass our congregation will be having our annual Thanksgiving feast which we all bring a dish to. My contribution this year will be the above named casserole. It's a recipe that my daughter, Sue, gave to me years ago. It is easy to make which is right up my alley about now. I have been going, going, going trying to get the house ready for our onslaught of family. I love having them all, though.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
2 pkgs frozen broccoli (chopped or speared)
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
3/4 cup of mayonnaise (small jar is just enough)
1 medium onion (chopped real fine)
2 eggs
4 oz of grated cheese (I use sharp cheddar)
1 cup of bread crumbs
Mix all together and put into a buttered 2 qt casserole dish. Dot butter on top of mixture and then sprinkle the bread crumbs on top. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 - 45 minutes.

It's pretty chilly here right now. I know the snakes are deep in their holes or wherever. That is the only thing that I like about cold weather. Now that I am thinking about it, how in the world did I live in the Philippines where it never gets cold?!? In fact, one of the houses on our compound had a boa or python in their mango tree. Plus one of our friends opened her front door and their was a cobra on her porch. Then our friend, P.J., had a mama snake have babies in a rug that was rolled up in her carport. Yuuuuuuuuuck!!!!!!! And she only lived 2 rows behind us. Wow, how did I go from broccoli to snakes. Just shows how ditsy my brain is now with all that I have running through it getting ready for Thanksgiving. A week from today my chores will be over. Yayyyyyyyyy!!!!!! Then the next week my decorator (Chris) will help me with getting my livingroom decorated to go with my new furniture. Well, I better stop typing and start ??????. Who knows what I am about to start doing, but, I will find something that is calling for my attention. Later.

FLEXIBLE VACUUM

This tip works if you tape the empty paper towel holder or gift wrap roll to your vacuum hose. This is another tip from our friend Marci. To get something out of a heat register or under the refrigerator add an empty towel holder or gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings.

I just read my dear friend Jackie's story about snakes. Needless to say, it is all to true. I am still fighting a cold and just reading it, made me laugh sooooooooooooo hard. Snakes can be a big problem around here. You have to pay attention and get a cat. Our cat D.J. keeps this yard snake free. In 18 years I have only seen 2. Our dog George was after one in spring. The snakes can live here, just not where I can see them. When I moved here, that was a verbal deal between rats, snakes, mice, and me. I would rather have a lion on this yard.
This another thing Jackie and I have in common. Lets all be safe anywhere we plan to be!

Rethinking

Chris and I just had our morning talk and I told her about my snakes post and my cement yard idea. Well, she said that the snakes would just lay on the cement to get cool or sunned or something. My only hope is cold weather I guess. I've heard that pigs kill snakes. I saw that on a western mini-series once. I wanted to get a potbelly pig and put out back, but, Bill said no way, no how. Our dogs are not any help because there are 3 of them back there and the snakes still think they have a right to slither around our yard and our bushes. Once when we were out doing yardwork (before I got too scared). It was myself, my grandson, Tyler, and my granddaughter, Dominique. This was last year. We have several tall pine trees on our property and when the needles fall off our driveway can be a mat of pine straw. This was the case that day. Tyler was blowing the driveway with the blower and disturbed a little snake that happened to be there. It startled Tyler and the snake. Tyler went one way and the snake another. When I asked him how big it was his answer was "I think it was a teenage snake." His reasoning was that it was not a big snake so it wasn't an adult. It wasn't a tiny snake so it wasn't a baby. We got a big laugh out of that.

This weekend my sweet son-in-law, Otis, has organized a little work crew to do our yard work. Since Bill had his strokes he is unable to do the things that he used to do. Our property used to be immaculate and now is not that way. So Otis and his crew will do that for us. When we had some cold days I had said that I was going out to do the yard work. Then it got warm again and Bill said the snakes would be poking their heads out of their holes. That did it for me. Well, now I will just make a big pot of gumbo for Otis and the crew.

Yard work

I don't do yard work yet because I am waiting for the snakes to go into hibernation. Sounds silly, but, I can't help it. After the last snake was found in our yard I swore off of yard work. I used to love going out to garden, but, can't force myself to do it now that I know they are out there lurking. A few years ago our German Shephard was bitten by a large poisonous snake in the upper part of our yard. I never went up there again. The last seen was a little one by where my flowers were. Well, as far as I am concerned they don't have to worry about me out there. I always hate to hear in Spring when Chris says "Well, the snakes are on the move." Yuck, I would love to turn our whole 1 acre into a cement yard. Bill would never let that happen. Plus I think our Homeowner's Association would have something to say about it. Just my little two cents.

Kahlua

First, that fruit fly tip is great, Chris. I just read it and I won't be talking to Chris until tomorrow so I thought I would put my thoughts on it here. Those little buggers drive me crazy and I will definitely be taking advantage of that tip. Chris and I usually talk in the morning and then probably several times during the day, but, not too much late at night. And it is late at night. Sometimes we just talk and giggle like we are teens. Whatever, we sure feel like it sometimes. And then there are days when we feel as old as our mothers (mine 83 and hers 93).

Chris's drink of choice is usually kahlua. Mine is anything. Just kidding!! But, anyhow, when we were in the Philippines recipes for different liquers were passed around. This was one of them. If I remember right, one that we had was from Chris's sister. I think. If any of our P.I. friends are reading these, don't hesitate to put a recipe we don't have in the comments section. In fact, anyone can put a comment in. We love to receive comments.

KAHLUA
bottle of vodka
12 tsp instant coffee
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups water
3 cups sugar
Simmer water, sugar, coffee and vanilla for 1 hour. Cool to room temperature. After mixture gets to room temperature add the vodka.

VARIATION: Instead of 12 tsp coffee, use 11 tsp and 1 tsp cocoa plus a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Either mixture is delicious. Now that I think of it, we had another recipe for Irish Creme that used half & half that we used to make. In fact, we liked it so much we had to stop making it for awhile because we were drinking it so much and it is soooooo rich. And delicious. We'll get that one in here when we find it.

#1 Tip

Greetings--I have a very bad cold, so I will make this short with a great tip.
GOODBYE FRUIT FLIES--To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2 with apple cider vinegar and 2 drops of dish soap, mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the glass and gone forever.
Hope it rains in Atlanta today, they really need it. A rain dance could help, but prayer is better.

Corn Bread Sausage Stuffing

1 pound fresh mushrooms sliced ( about 4 C )
1 C chopped celery
3/4 C chopped onion
1/2 C butter
4 t chicken flavor instant bouillon
1 2/3 C water
1 pound bulk sausage, browned and drained
1 ( 16 ounce ) package corn bread stuffing mix
1 1/2 t poultry seasoning
In a large skillet, cook mushrooms, celery, and onion in butter until tender. Add water and bouillon; cook until bouillon dissolves. In large bowl, combine mushroom mixture and remaining ingredients; mix well. Loosely stuff turkey just before roasting. You can also cook outside the turkey by placing mixture in a greased glass dish. Bake this for 30 minutes at 350 or until hot.

Beautiful day here in S.C. and did some yard work. It will be about 3 weeks before all is set for the winter. Good exercise. I can feel it already, with all the soreness. Take time to look at the sky, it will make you think! Thinking keeps us all young. Think--GOOD THOUGHTS!

A tip for someone with gout

Bill developed gout after our last trip to Vegas in May. We went there for a week for our friend's son'sm J.J.'s, wedding. Chris and I went for a girl's week there in March with our friends, Debbie and Michelle. I said before that my other sister-friend, P.J., lives there so we went to see her and have fun. Anyhow, getting back to our May trip. The rehearsal dinner was at P.J.'s and Hal's (her husband) home. She is Italian/Irish and a fantastic cook. She did all of the cooking herself and there were several absolutely delicious dishes - chicken cacciatore, Italian sausage and sauce, meatballs and sauce, etc. Plus there were to-die-for pastries, too. Bill is on a diabetic diet, but, decided he couldn't pass this good food up and he WAS on vacation. He didn't pass up anything the food at the reception the next day either. Plus, since he had his strokes, developed diabetes and diabetic neuropathy and has a bad back he has not danced since the beginning of 2004. John, P.J.'s ex-husband, who is still our good friend, also, would not let Bill sit out the reception. God bless him, he kept after Bill until Bill got up to dance with him like they used to do. Especially when we were in the Philippines. It was a blessing to see him up and dancing again. John did it. Then after that P.J. and several of the other ladies came to get him to dance and he did. I got a chance to dance with him, too. It is such a big deal because Bill was always a big dancer because he loved to dance. That's another story. However, by the time we got home everything was starting to catch up with him. In fact, the doctor said evidently everything that happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas. All of the rich foods caught up with him. We came home on a Wednesday and he thought his foot was hurting so much because of all the dancing and walking in the casinos. By Saturday his big toe was looking like one of the sausages he ate and was as red as the sauce that was on the sausage. The doctor took one look and said "I hate to tell you this, but, you have gout." He gave him instructions and a prescription.

So here goes my tip. I went online and, also, researched about gout. One of the things that I found was a site that had natural remedies. There are two that I have given Bill that definitely worked. He would take 1/2 tsp baking soda in a little water with meals. This helps to alkalize the body. Also, cherries were in season at the time and eating six to eight cherries a day helps to relieve the symptoms of gout. I told his doctor about this that we were, also, doing for his gout and he said it was okay. It works and whenever he feels an attack coming on we get out the baking soda. Since cherries are not in season and I can't find frozen cherries in any of our grocery stores I get canned cherries for him. When cherries come back in season, I will definitely be buying and freezing them. I hope this helps someone because gout is so painful.

Now I am going to continue my mad dash trying to get our home ready for our Thanksgiving crush of relatives that will be coming. More later.

Rich Turkey Gravy

1/4 to 1/3 C unsifted flour
1/4 C turkey pan drippings
2 C water
2 t Wyler's chicken flavor bouillion cubes
In medium skillet, over medium heat, stir flour into drippings; cook and stir ( use a wire whisk )until dark brown. Stir in water and bouillion: cook and stir until thickened and bouillion is dissolved.
Makes 1 1/2 Cups and easy to double recipe.

As I said; Jackie and her family are very good cooks. I am looking forward to great Thanksgiving food on the 22nd. I am sure Jackie will have pictures.
Not much going on here. Did some yard work and of course as I told you before, Monday is laundry day. Enjoy a breath of fresh air today!

Rice Pudding

Here's another recipe that I love and I got from a Creole cookbook. It is so delicious that Bill and I can eat a whole casserole dish of it in 24 hours. My mother is the only one that I know that doesn't like it and that is because she said she does not like sweet rice.

RICE PUDDING
1 cup uncooked rice
1 qt. milk
8 tbsp. butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup raisins
5 eggs, beaten
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1 tsp cinnamon
Combine the rice and milk. Bring to a boil, cover and cook over low heat until rice is tender. Add the butter, sugar, vanilla, lemon rind, raisins and eggs. Pour into a buttered 2-qt casserole dish. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
Serves between 6 and 8 people. Or if you are like Bill and I it is just enough for 2!!

This would make a good side dish for Thanksgiving. My daughters, sisters, granddaughters and niece are going to be preparing our dinner. Thank goodness I don't have to do the cooking for the gang we always have. We all do our share and that's good. We enjoy the cooking, the camaraderie, the tequila, the confusion, the eating, the tequila and all that goes with it. I will be writing bits and pieces on our 4 or 5 days of merriment. Chris will be joining in all of the craziness with us. I guess we get along so well because she is as nuts and crazy as my family is. And what fun it is!!!

TIPS

Here are some good tips from my friend Marci. We have been friends for many years. She takes good care of my animals and home when we go out of town.
#1 Heat up leftover pizza in nonstick skillet on top of stove. Set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy microwave pizza.
#2 To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster.
#3 Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away. I will have to try that one up in Wisconsin.
#4 Keep squirrels away from plants by sprinking the plant with cayenne pepper. This will not hurt the plants or animals. I did this to keep the neighbor's dog from doing his business every morning at our mailbox. It worked. Buy the cayenne pepper at the $ store to save money.
Well, thats it for now. I saw Jackie at mass this morning and we helped out at the church store. Laugh and feel good today!

Banana Bread

The last week has been quite hectic for me so I haven't been online and entering my little witticisms like I enjoy. My 83 year old mom had surgery (she's ok), my brother, Andy, went to the Mayo clinic for a procedure (he's ok) so naturally a looooooot of praying was going on. Plus I am trying to get a lot of things done that I have been putting off. I am trying to get ready for my onslaught of family and friend (Chris) arriving for Thanksgiving dinner. I love this time of year and love having everyone here for the big day. It's always a little spastic for Bill at first, but, he enjoys it as much as we all do. The ones that stay over come Wednesday and usually stay until Sunday. You see, every Saturday after Thanksgiving the annual Chitlin' Strut in Salley, SC is held. It has become a tradition for the last several years that we go to it. Not everyone goes, but, most of us do. Sometimes there is a caravan of about 5 cars of us going. Chris might be adventuresome and go with us this year. We always have a great time when we do.

I had some bananas that were getting overripe and didn't want to just throw them out. I decided to do a quick look online for an easy banana bread recipe. This one I found was so easy and is soooooo delicious. I hope you enjoy it.

BANANA BREAD

3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). With a wooden spoon, mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a buttered 4x8 inch loaf pan. Bake for 1 hour. Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and slice to serve.

Believe me this makes a very tasty bread and is so easy to make. Overripe bananas will never go down my garbage disposal again. I made it this morning and it is gone tonight. Bill, my sister, Marcy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

CURTAIN RODS

When I was visiting my daughter, she needed to finally put up curtains in her bedroom. You all know how expensive the rods can be. We found a great rod and the area to cover with the rod was 110 inches. The rod we purchased was 120 inches. Even with the center bracket, the rod was not strong enough to be level or take the weight of the curtains. I told my daughter that if we get a wooden dowel small enough to fit inside the smaller end of the rod. A piece to put into the large end, but here is the trick. That piece can only be long enough so the small rod can insert without the dowel obstructing the two rods from having a connection. I hope I am explaining this right, it really strengthens the rod and holds it level. This is a very cheap way, to ensure a strong rod. It work great for us.

We had a touch of frost, so I will spend sometime cutting back all the bushes. This is a big job because I tend to over plant. It will be a sunny day and it has to be done before it gets to cold. Please be safe!

Orange Cransicles

I have to laugh to myself because the front of this magazine says" Drop 30 pounds by Christmas". I think if you work hard and follow their directions, anything is possible. I often wonder why they put all these ( not good for your diet ) recipes in the same issue. I am sorry but I do not have that much will power to pass up a great dish or creamy drink.
This makes 4 servings or for me 2----In a blender, combine 2 C orange sherbet, soften; 1 C frozen cranberries, like Ocean Spray; 1 C milk; 1 C orange juice, and 2 T finely choppes crystallized ginger, like the Spice Hunter; puree 1 minute or until mixture is smooth.
I have not tried this yet. It sounds like a refreshing drink.
I talked to Jackie this morning. She is very busy all the time. She put herself out there for all family and friends. We live about 7 miles from eachother and do not see eachother face to face much, but will speak everyday if possible. Please let both of us know any good tip or recipes. Or just say hello!

Tips for Potatoes

#1 De-puff eyes by placing 2 cut slices of potatoes on your eyes for about 5-10 minutes.
#2 Floral arrangements can hold better and stay fresher by placing a raw potato, cut in half and place it at the bottom of a vase. Poke holes in the potato. Place the stems in the holes and add your water.
#3 Soak up excess salt from stews and soups by placing a raw potato in large chunks into your pot. Let sit for 10 minutes, then remove the potatoes. This soaks up the salt and does not give it a potato taste.

Not much to report. Still having trouble with this computer. Have a great day!

Cleaners

The secret to getting the last drop of liquid cleaner out of the bottle is this--Simply open the plastic container and drop a few marbles inside. For those people who don't have marbles at their finger tips, use a couple of marble size stones. Then fasten the top back. This raises the baseline of fluid, making it easier to squirt out. Let me know what other item you could use instead of marbles or small stones. I always added water but this weakens the strength of the product. This tip came from another magazine I read on the airplane.

I talked to Jackie and she has marbles at her house , so she is all set to use this tip. I also told her that I will not be in any Thanksgiving pictures this year. Any additional pictures for the BLOG must be cleared by both of us. I hate having my picture taken. I plan on drawing a stick person, in place of having a parish photo taken at our church. Sorry, that's just me. Goodnight!

Computer Fixed

Hi--I am back from Wisconsin and our computer is fixed. I will be back with recipes and tips on Friday. I am alittle out of it, getting my home back to where I like it. Being away, it doesn't get a good weekly cleaning. My sisters claim I am a clean nut. This is not true, I just like alittle organization. Have a good night!

A little tip for cooking greens

I don't remember where I heard this tip from, but, I do it everytime I cook greens. I put whatever meat (ham hocks, ham pieces or smoked turkey) I am going to use in a pot with water, seasonings, onions and garlic. I let that cook and simmer overnight. It makes a good stock to cook the greens in. And, boy, is the finished product delicious!

Chris came home yesterday and it is so good to have her back. Their computer is in for repairs, but, should be back tomorrow.

Hair Cream Rinse

Cream rinse isn't just for your hair anymore. Here are some tips I forgot about because you just have been doing it for years.
#1 Use hair cream rinse for shaving your legs instead of soap or shaving cream. It really does a very smooth job and leaves your legs feeling great. You know you always need more shampoo before cream rinse, so this also helps to get your monies worth.
#2 Put crean rinse on a cloth and rub it into your wood furniture. Than buff it out like you would if you waxed your car. My sister did this when she was visiting my Mother last week. Mom's furniture is very old and it really helped. It gave it a fresh look.

The wind is blowing up to 50 miles an hour in good old Wisconsin today. It is suppose to continue on Tuesday. Flying out of here will be a up and down ride. Jackie called to tell me she posted pictures of us today. I thank God that these are at least 7 years ago. I hate having my picture taken and the additional years we put on our face and body does not help. I thank God for good health for us and both our families.

Dirty Rice

This is one of the dishes that I make every Thanksgiving. I guess it's my Creole heritage coming out of me. This recipe I found years ago. I had an uncle in Beaumont, TX who was an awesome cook. One year at a family reunion he made this and yummmy!! My brother and I tried to get the recipe from him, but, he wouldn't give it out. A little after I got home I found the recipe. This recipe makes quite a bit so I just make it when I am cooking for a crowd. My family loves it. I will, also, make it for our church's Thanksgiving dinner that will be held after Mass the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

DIRTY RICE

1 lb chicken gizzards
1 lb chicken livers
6 cups water or chicken stock
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp red pepper
3 tbsp bacon drippings, oil or margarine
1 bunch shallots, chopped
1 cup chopped celery
2 red peppers, finely chopped
1 lb lean ground meat
2 lbs hot bulk sausage
2 cups uncooked rice

Boil the gizzards and livers in water or stock to which the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper has been added. Boil about 30 minutes, remove gizzards and livers (retaining the liquid), grind, and set aside. (I grind them in a food processor.) In a large Dutch oven, saute the shallots, celery and peppers in the bacon drippings (or oil or margarine) until nicely browned. Brown the ground meat and the sausage in a separate pot; pour off the excess grease. Put the vegetables, gizzards, livers, meat and sausage in the Dutch oven. Saute slowly about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups of the reserved liquid and simmer slowly for about an hour. If it thickens too much, add a little more liquid.
Cook the rice in your rice cooker or boil it and mix with the meat mixture. Bake in a covered dish at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. (I bake it in an aluminum roasting pan covered with foil.) Serves 15 - 20.

I talked to Chris after church today. We got into the discussion of her helping me to decorate my livingroom. Like I said before, I am not good at this at all. My husband used to do most of the decorating before he had his strokes. I try, but, my mind has no artistic traits at all. Thank God for Chris!

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Just returned from visiting my 92 year old Mother and my sister who just returned from her trip. It is always great to see your family. Will spend sometime hopefully with my son on Sunday. Time has gone fast, I will be off on Tuesday at 5:30 in the morning. Back to South Carolina. Here is another recipe from that same magazine I purchased at the airport.
( you can cut this recipe in 1/2 very easy )

5 pounds white or Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces
salt and pepper
8 T or 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
3/4 C buttermilk
1/4 C heavy cream
1/4 t ground nutmeg

Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and add 2 1/2 tablespoons salt. Reduce heat and simmer until just tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add the butter, buttermilk, cream, nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Mash the potatoes with a handheld masher. Transfer to serving dish.
Do not make ahead because the potatoes will turn dry and pasty if reheated. This is what the magazine states. They also state it is best to continue to keep them warm in a double boiler or crock-pot.

That's it for now. I didn't talk to Jackie today, which is odd. Her Mother had surgery and I didn't want to bother her. I did find out yesterday she went through her surgery and family was there for support.

Thanksgiving Morning Breakfast

My mother had surgery yesterday and I spent the day at the hospital so I didn't get online at all. My sister, Marcy, and I left home very early in the morning to get to the hospital and then spent all day there. My daughter, Sue, came from another town and met us there, too. When I came home I was too tired to even think about the computer. Mom is home sleeping in her own bed now so all is good. The recipe I am contributing today is one that has become a tradition at our home on Thanksgiving morning. I prepare it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning. That way breakfast is taken care of and we don't have to have anyone in the kitchen while we are cooking. Everybody loves it. It is a recipe that I got from one of my friends when I was in the Phillipines.

BAKED SAUSAGE 'N EGGS

6 or 7 slices white bread (trimmed)
2 lbs. sausage
1 tsp dry mustard
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 eggs
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup Half & Half
1 tsp worcestershire sauce

Brown sausage. Mix in the dry mustard while sausage is browning. Place bread in a 8 x 13 baking dish. Sprinkle meat mixture top of bread. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over this.

Slightly beat eggs, add milk, Half & Half and worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture over ingredients in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnite.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

I think I mentioned before that all of the family that can comes to our home for Thanksgiving. We have a biiiiig family so I make more than one of these for that morning. It has a nice cheesey top that everyone loves.

This afternoon we were treated to a very nice lunch by our daughter, Sue, & our son-in-law (more like a son), Otis. We all went to visit Mom first and then went to one of the nice downtown restaurants that we enjoy going to. The food was delicious and the company was great. We were supposed to go to a church potluck supper this evening, but, Bill and I are pooped. Yesterday he went with a group from the Knights of Columbus that he belongs to. They go to visit the patients at the Vets hospitals in our area. He really enjoys going and trying to bring some cheer to these men and women. It takes a toll on him, though, and he is usually quite worn out for a couple of days. Plus I am worn out from my long day at the hospital. I'm not as young as I used to be and these old bones tire very quickly!! Anyhow, we will just stay home tonight and I will work on getting this place ready for the mass of family that will be arriving in a few weeks.

Warm Apricot-Cranberry Sauce

Happy November to ALL--Still here in Wisconsin and found this recipe in a magazine I bought at the Atlanta airport and want to share it with all of you.

1 T unsalted butter
2 T finely grated ginger
16 ounces cranberries ( fresh or frozen )
2/3 C sugar
1 C fresh orange juice
1/2 C apricot preserves

In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Add ginger and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and preserves. cook, stirrring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and serve warm.

If you make this ahead of time, refrigerate up to 2 days.

Hope your day went well. I spoke to Jackie about 3 times today. She was back on the road doing for others as usual.