Food
Friday, June 20, 2008, by Sherra
Thought Flexible Friday was a good day to share a few of my favorite sites that I check out and catch up on at least once a week. I did that yesterday which got me thinking you might enjoy them too.
First, here’s a great fashion site that always has great photos of outfits and ideas for all ages, sizes and shapes.
Great ideas which are not necessarily in my clothing budget (but I’m sure I could put a similar ensemble together from Target.) It’s also a great checkpoint for me to see just how out of style I really am each season. 
Second, you already know I love Pioneer Woman and she recently re-vamped her site and proudly shows off her cooking skill and gorgeous photography showing step-by-step recipe instructions.
I’m not saying I make anything with green vegetables and she does have a lot of recipes with vegetables. Fortunately for us she hasn’t tried to sneak any vegetables in her dessert recipes (which I think is wrong on so many levels)!
I’m starting you with this breakfast item that I must try. Okay, I must have PhilBillPaul make it and I’ll try it–perhaps in bed on my breakfast tray that he will bring to me.
Don’t worry, he wouldn’t dare include the green chives!
Finally, this is subjective humor and some of you won’t like it and that’s okay. Much like TV and radio, you can just change the channel or not even click the link.
You’ll probably know from the name of the blog whether you’ll like it or not…it really shouldn’t be any surprise that I catch myself laughing out loud at some of her rants.
Visit White Trash Mom if you even cracked a tiny smile at that name.
Leave a comment and share your favorite blog or websites. Remember if you are reading this through an email subscription or an RSS reader you will have to click through to the actual blog to leave your comment.
Have a great weekend!
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Food, Random Thoughts, Raves
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008, by Sherra
The graduation party fun seems to be all-consuming for families with seniors (and families with kindergarteners?).
The Grunter has made this all a little too easy for us since he’s not participating in the ceremony and didn’t want to have a party.
I’d feel more guilty about it if he hadn’t made a lot of other things really hard for us and in case anyone forgets, we will have TWO more seniors next year. I’m pretty certain they’ll be walking in the ceremony and want a party too. I’ve heard that I need to start the planning now. (Giant SIGH)
Here’s a little last minute tip for those supermom party planners (i.e. my friend Leigh Anne) who need just one more thing to do for the party…luckily these are super-easy graduation treats for the food table and you can never have too much chocolate!
I’m putting this is my “party file” for next year. (Yeah, sure, I have a party file.)
Our neighbor had these at her son’s party over the weekend and they were gone by the time we arrived. She was nice enough to email me the instructions and the link. Thanks Marla! 
Aren’t these just too stinkin’ cute?!
Grad Caps
Miniature peanut butter cups
Frosting or peanut butter
Chocolate-covered graham crackers
Fruit leather
Step 1
Place a miniature peanut butter cup, bottom up, on a plate. Top with a small dollop of frosting or peanut butter, then press on a chocolate-covered graham cracker.
Step 2
For a tassel, tightly roll up a small square of fruit leather. Cut fringe on one end and attach the other end to the center of the graham cracker with another dab of frosting or peanut butter.
The idea comes from FamilyFun.com
Sidenote: Someone on the website suggested using mini m&m’s to hold the tassel.
There’s even a video if you need help assembling them. Seriously…let me know if you needed the video.
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Categories: Food, Friends, Raves, Teens
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Friday, May 9, 2008, by Sherra
When we want to try to eat healthy…
…okay, that made me laugh just typing it.
Let me start over.
When we’re out of chocolate chips, we make these cookies.
Well, that and if the applesauce doesn’t have mold on it since no one really eats it except if it’s in these cookies.
(Or at Red Lobster in lieu of a green salad.)
They could be mistaken for being “semi-healthy” if there is such a thing.
I’m sure you could use whole wheat flour and sneak in some flax. Yum.
I did grow up eating these and the recipe is in our family cookbook.
These could be my Mom’s recipe or Betty Crocker’s. I just don’t know for sure.
Truth be told, these are really good! So maybe when you are burned out on chocolate chip cookies and brownies, you might give these a try.
Applesauce Cookies
3/4 C soft shortening
1 C brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 C applesauce
2-1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cloves
Heat oven to 375º. Mix shortening, sugar & egg thoroughly. Stir in applesauce. Measure flour by dip-level-pour method or by sifting. Blend dry ingredients; stir in. Drop by spoonfuls on greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen.
Enjoy and let me know if you try them and if you like them!
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Categories: Finding the Funny, Food, Raves
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008, by Sherra
I got home late Sunday night from five fun-filled days visiting relatives in Indiana.
As I shared last week, I went back home to Indiana to visit Imogene.
One week ago on Wednesday I surprised Imogene and spent the afternoon with her. She has fallen twice since I was there last year so she spends most of her time in a wheelchair. She has made a remarkable recovery especially at age 92.
She doesn’t go out very much, if at all. Since I was there by myself and was not on a schedule, I made myself available if she wanted to go anywhere. After a little encouragement because I’m sure you know how much her generation “doesn’t want to be a burden” she finally said “I sure would like to have some good food at Gray’s.”
Gray Brothers Cafeteria is a local landmark in Mooresville, Indiana.
Photo of Gray’s sign came from this fun food blog.
Cafeterias are not my favorite kind of restaurants. I actually refuse to eat at them here in Georgia. (Another one of my issues…for another day.)
But Gray Brothers is different. I love it.
PhilBillPaul loves cafeterias so I had to take a picture of our food so I could show him I had his favorite chicken and noodles (and corn and potatoes and a roll and butterscotch pie if you’re taking inventory.)
I found a far better picture of their food at RoadFood.com which is a fun site that features reviews the kind of down-home restaurants we love.
“A tray of lunch, Gray Brothers-style. Clockwise from the bottom left: candied beets, dinner roll, banana cream pie, orange chiffon Jell-O, lemonade, chicken with cornbread dressing.”
- Michael Stern
Imogene had those candied beets (yuck) and jello salad and fried potatoes and strawberry pie with her chicken and noodles. My photography skills really didn’t do justice to our meal.
Yes, it does appear that we might have thought this was our last meal. I’m happy to report it wasn’t. We actually took some beets, jello salad and pie back to her room.
Everything was absolutely delicious and words cannot describe what it meant to me to get to spend the afternoon with her and take her out to dinner.
The waitress took our picture and I’ve already ordered two 5 x7 prints that I’m framing–one for me and one for her!
Life Lesson (LL): In spite of gas prices and a nine hour drive, the trip was worth every moment I got to spend with Imogene and other relatives!
Share a Life Lesson (SALL): Any trip you’ve taken or are planning to take to visit someone special in your life?
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Categories: Food, Life Lessons, Milestones, Moments, Raves
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Friday, May 2, 2008, by Sherra
We have several pancake recipes that we love and rotate for Sunday brunch.
PhilBillPaul and I love breakfast any time. We have it for dinner at least once a week. Much to the chagrin of Wizzy. There’s one in every family or in our case–two. The Grunter doesn’t eat eggs.
Remember my food chart? Sigh.
PhilBillPaul loves IHOP buttermilk pancakes and I figured some brilliant cook had worked out a copycat recipe.
So this recipe was found through the detective work of The Grunter and Google. Mostly Google.
To keep it real, here is the actual recipe that sometimes finds its way back to one of my recipe binders divided by categories. Usually though, it’s just loose in the cabinet and we search through a big pile to find it.
Have I mentioned that we have a slew of artists in the house? This is an unsigned work so I can’t give proper credit.
Have a great breakfast this weekend!
P.S. Credit for the recipe source is noted on the recipe itself but in case you missed it, it was found on Top Secret Recipes.
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Categories: Food, Raves
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Friday, April 25, 2008, by Sherra
I have no idea where my Aunt Jane got this recipe. I’m visiting next week so I’ll try to get the history of the recipe because I don’t want there to be any bad press surrounding the release of this recipe.
I just remember that whenever we visited her house she always had a pan of brownies for us.
The important facts you need to know right now are that these brownies are super easy to make and delicious. This is a great recipe for kids to make as you teach them to cook.
I’ve yet to meet a bad brownie.
Enjoy!
Aunt Jane’s Brownies
- 1.5 C flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 C sugar
- 1 C shortening
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 heaping TBSP cocoa
Beat by hand. Bake at 350º in greased 13×9″ pan for 30-35 mines. No icing needed. Melt in your mouth delicious!
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Friday, April 18, 2008, by Sherra
I choose not to talk politics or religion here.
Mostly because I started this site so we could share and support one another.
I didn’t start this site to get into any heated debates and I heartily respect other people’s views even when they are different than mine. It’s how I learn. It’s what makes the world go ’round.
It’s also what makes me laugh. Especially when I’m right. Which is often. Just ask PhilBillPaul.
Or you could ask my mom since I was right about the year of the photo.
I was amused when they got into a heated debate this week on The View. If you didn’t hear about this BIG news story, hurry, click on over and get yourself educated about this newsworthy event.
Even if you don’t want to get educated, please click just so you can see
the author’s name. I feel like I’m being stalked by ________s.
Fill in the blank with author’s last name.
The answer is no for those of you asking yourselves if I’m going to stop being immature any time soon…sticking out my tongue as I type this.
I had already planned to share this recipe with you all before I heard about the story.
My Mom’s Butterscotch Brownies are brownies she has made since I was a little girl. They are a lovely change from your regular chocolate brownies and they are a perfect addition when making a brownie tray medley which I’ve been known to do on occasion. Easy and quick, PhilBillPaul whips them up from time to time.
Now because of Cindy McCain and the recipe scandal, I feel I must put a disclaimer here before actually revealing the recipe.
Disclaimer: To my knowledge, my mother has never created her own recipe. She has added and omitted different ingredients to match our family’s taste buds. I have followed that same tradition and customized recipes to match our love dislike of vegetables.
We call them “Family Recipes” because they are the recipes our family grew up loving and were prepared in our home - hence the name “Family Recipes.” I don’t know for sure where her Butterscotch Brownies recipe originated. She may have lifted this recipe right from the pages of a very old and worn Betty Crocker cookbook that looks just like this…
Sidenote & reminder to my mom: Remember, I get the cookbook along with the black cast iron skillet and Grandad’s desk.
I feel better now that it’s in writing on the internet just in case she hasn’t made that clear in her will even though we’ve discussed it dozens of times through the years. I think this will hold up in court; you all are now my witnesses. Thanks.
I’ve done my research and Betty Crocker was not a real person and if she was, she’s dead. General Mills could come after me or my mom. Um, yeah, okay, whatever.
Here’s the thing…speaking only for women (since I am a woman), we trade recipes, share recipes, print recipes, type recipes, email recipes and post recipes. Whenever possible, I give credit as to the origin of the recipe. Many times, I just don’t know or remember. I don’t think any of us are trying to plagiarize or steal anyone’s original recipes.
Relax people. Share the recipes. Share the love. Journalists: Find a news story worthy of reporting and more importantly, worthy of our time!
Next week I might get really wild and share my Aunt Jane’s Brownie recipe. Who knows who she stole it from. My mom and my Aunt Jane have a long history of theft and deception.
Until then, bake these this weekend and enjoy!
Our way: We usually double this one and bake in a 13×9″ pan since there are six of us. The top has a thin crispy-like layer and they are gooey underneath. Don’t overbake!
My Mom’s Butterscotch Brownies
- 1/4 C margarine, melted
- 1 C light brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 3/4 C flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Cream margarine, sugar and egg. Add dry ingredients; mix well. Spread in 8×8″ or 9×9″ well-greased pan. Bake at 350º for 25 minutes.
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Categories: Food, Rants
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Friday, March 21, 2008, by Sherra
When I was growing up my mom always made a baked ham with pineapple rings that I just loved.
I’d like to tell you that I have carried on that lovely tradition but alas, I’d be lying.
Instead, I pick up our favorite Honeybaked Ham and cook this simple and easy side dish along with several other side dishes and two or three desserts. I got this recipe from a friend who served it at a luncheon many years ago. (Thanks Daylelynn!)
Baked Pineapple
- Two 20 oz. cans pineapple tidbits, drained
- 3/4 C sugar
- 1/2 C flour
- 1 tube/sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 1 stick margarine, melted
Mix all together in a 9×13″ pan. Top with crushed Ritz crackers and drizzle melted margarine over the top. Bake at 350º for 45 minutes.
It’s always fun to add something new to your traditional menu so please share one of your favorite Easter recipes here!
Wishing you all Easter blessings…
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Wednesday, March 12, 2008, by Sherra
A new series that will share little lessons learned through the years.
I’m a systems kind of girl. I thrive when repetitive tasks are made easier. We have a “Family Binder” that houses all kinds of important information that we need to find on a regular basis. (I’ll probably feature that in a future post and tell you what is in the binder.) I mention this binder because my Weekly Planning form is found in the binder in a sheet protector with extra copies.
Since the big kids were little kids, I have used this form and posted it on our fridge. I have used the form in presentations to several mothers’ groups and I’ve lost count of the number of moms who spied it on our fridge and have asked for a copy.
Such buildup for an 8-1/2 x 11 piece of paper.
One of the best things about the efficiency of this form for me has been that anyone can write down a shopping item and when I have an errand day, I simply grab the sheet and fold it up and tuck it in my purse.
You can make something similar and put your favorite stores in each column. Keep an original as your master and make copies to have on hand or print from your computer. I do better when I can see what I need at each store rather than one giant list. Call me crazy, I’m just visual like that.
The second part of the form “Things to Do” is where I would first put all the activities for the week in the appropriate slots. I tried to do this every Sunday evening and then post it for all to see. PhilBillPaul and I would take a few minutes and review our separate calendars and plug in the items for the week. Since I’ve always had a homebased business, this was an excellent snapshot to see when I would be at a meeting or an event in the evening. Appointments, school events, basketball, etc., would all be recorded here.
Once that was done, it took less than 15 minutes for me to plan our meals around our schedule for the week. A weekly menu plan for dinner really helped us as a family. I believe that planning dinner is still a stress point for many. At the bewitching hour of 5:00 p.m. or so, the last thing I wanted to hear was a semi-whiney voice saying “Whaaaat’s for dinner?”
I rotated our meals around a master list of main dishes that we liked. We being me and PhilBillPaul. Now that the teens can make dinner (life skill), they have more input. The menu planning also helped with the shopping list and having them all on one sheet of paper really worked well for me! (Use the back if you need more room for your grocery list.)
I used the lunch planning when they were toddlers and in the years that we homeschooled. You can eliminate that portion of the form if all your kids are in school or you can use it for your own *healthy* lunch plans.
Here’s how I planned dinners in those toddler and tween days of chaos and Cocoa Krispies.
- Sunday - chicken night
- Monday - pasta night
- Tuesday - ground beef night
- Wednesday - breakfast night
- Thursday - pork night
- Friday - pizza night
- Saturday - “wing it” night
Peanut butter or cereal was available if they didn’t like the menu.
Make your own theme nights and rotate your favorite recipes or try new ones. A little bit of weekly planning can save you a lot of time during the week!
I must confess, I don’t use it as consistently as I used to because with three teenagers driving and working part-time, we all go different directions on many nights. But I do still use it during the holidays and on vacations.
I hope this inspires you to spend a little time planning your week so you can save some time and avoid some aggravation during the week. I’d like to hear if this helps or gives you an idea to improve what you are already doing. Or maybe you have a great system or menu planning tip? Either way, share it by leaving a comment here!
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Categories: Food, Little Lessons
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Friday, February 29, 2008, by Sherra
I made baked ziti last week for dinner and the kids are still talking about it. Well, except for The Grunter, who doesn’t eat noodles. No, I didn’t traumatize him with a pasta dish.
Scary Baby said “it was the best dinner ever.” I was going to freeze 1/2 of it but the kids who are not crazy about leftovers…ate it all!
As I assembled it in the kitchen, Wizzy watched intently because she loves to know how to make dinner “the way mom does” which is rare these days. She noted that “it would have been cool if we had taken pictures and then put them on the blog.” What a great idea. That we didn’t do…
This is a quick, easy meal you can make ahead of time. During the season of life with 3 toddlers, I would often make an extra pan and freeze it. It is my go-to meal when I need to deliver a meal to a family in need. Throw in a loaf of fresh bread (or frozen garlic bread) and “salad in a bag” (yeah, I send something green and vegetable-like to other families) and you have a delicious, hearty meal. I’m all about convenience and ease so if I’m making it to take to another family, I make it in a disposable foil pan so no one has to worry about returning dishes.
Don’t forget dessert - if the family has little ones I always send knox blox (stop laughing) and some cookies or cake. They’ll love you for it, I’m telling you!
Our way: I use one jar of Prego spaghetti sauce & one can of Hunt’s tomato sauce. I season the sauce with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, minced onion, pepper & brown sugar. I wish I could tell you how much, but I don’t know. My educated guess would be about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of each and about 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Basil? Hmm, I might sprinkle in some dry basil leaves. You don’t seriously think we would have a fresh, green herb in our house, do you? Oh, and I use shredded mozzarella and there’s no such thing as too much cheese at our house so I use about 2 cups and save a little for the top. I spread the sour cream on top of the cheese slices and then add sauce. I use an 11 x 13 pan.
Baked Ziti
- 1 16 oz package rigatoni pasta (or any shape you like!)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 (28 oz) jars spaghetti sauce
- 6 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 6 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1-1/2 cups sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al denté; drain. In a large skillet, brown beef over medium heat and add onions. Drain off fat and add spaghetti sauce; simmer for about 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350º and lightly grease a 2 quart baking dish. Place about half of the pasta; top with a layer of provolone and mozzarella cheese slices. Spread on a layer of half sour cream and half spaghetti sauce. Repeat with pasta, cheese, sour cream and sauce; sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cheese and sauce are bubbly.
I’d love to hear if you make this and what you think!
This recipe is from one of my favorite recipe sites: allrecipes.com
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