Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Last Day of the Month

Tonight I am going to share my thrift store find.

Since spring is so far away up here in the plains of Canada, I needed to bring some spring into my home. Searching one of the thrift stores in Regina I found a lovely glass container and looking further I came upon a package of fake limes that had never been opened. Bingo. Now this is sitting on my diningroom table.

All for a total cost of ....are you ready..... $3.50. It brightens up the room, and now all I need is just the right candles.

Off to visit everyone.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Biyearly Mammogram

Last night I went to the mobile clinic for my biyearly mammogram. I am so happy the province sends a mobile clinic to all the cities outside of the two big cities in my province. I get to stay home, even work all day and then go after supper to have it done.

This year I had the last appointment of the day, and the technician was a bit tired and grouchy. Usually I enjoy talking to the ladies, but not last night! Oh well it is over for another two years and I can rest easy, I have been so lucky in that I have never gotten a letter telling me to come for more tests.

The weather here is very cold once again, the wind chill is almost unbearable at times. I hope it clears up and warms up by Friday as I am not working and have decided to go up and visit Kris (well at least take him out for supper) and do some shopping. I have a gift card for Michaels and am planning to do some serious shopping.

Well off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Cranberry Muffins


I am mixing up my new recipe challenge to myself. I made these Cranberry Muffins yesterday and they are very, very, good. So I am sharing this recipe with all of you.
Cranberry Muffins

1 cup chopped cranberries (I used dry, rehydrated, next time I am using fresh)
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 beaten egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup melted shortening ( I used butter)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees when ready to bake. Mix the 1/2 cup sugar and cranberries in small bowl and soak together overnight. Mix flour, baking soda, salt and 1/4 cup sugar together. Add beaten egg, buttermilk and melted shortening. Mix in cranberry mixture. Grease muffin cups and put in the batter. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Mine made 10 muffins, but they are very large.

Hope you all enjoy them.

Off to visit you all.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Another Recipe

Thought I would share my newest recipe with all of you. This is a picture of it before the baking.



This is a picture of the finished product. Harvey had two helpings so it has to be good.

Zucchini Pork Bake
Company's Coming Leftover Cookbook

2 tsp cooking oil
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped apple
Heat oil in frying pan on medium. Add onion and apple. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until onion is softened. Turn into large bowl.

2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup fine chopped leftover cooked pork
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese (at least medium)
3/4 cup flour
1/3 cup oil
4 bacon slices cooked crisp and crumbled
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
Add above ingredients to the bowl. Mix well. Turn into greased 9 X 9 pan. Smooth top. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes or until golden and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover and let stand 10 minutes. Cuts into 9 pieces.

Well off to visit all of you now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Tasty Beef Rolls

I have another new recipe to share with all of you. This is so good and uses up many leftovers not just roast beef.Here they are cut and ready to go in the oven. They don't look very appetizing yet.Now here they are fresh out of the oven. Getting better!



Here is the finished product with the Mushroom Sauce. Mmmm, good.

Tasty Beef Rolls

Companies Coming Leftover Cookbook

1 cup chopped leftover cooked beef, packed

1 cup leftover cooked carrots (or mixed vegetables, this is what I used)

2 coarsely chopped green onions (I used 3 as they were fairly small)

10 oz can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1/2 tsp Worchestershire Sauce

1/4 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 1/3 cups Biscuit mix

1 tsp Curry powder

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup water

3 tbsp white wine (I left this out)

Process beef, carrots and green onions in a blender or food processor until finely ground. Turn into a medium bowl.

Add 1/3 cup soup. Reserve remaining soup. Add Worchestershir sauce, salt and pepper. Stir until beef and vegetables are well coated. Set aside.

Combine biscuit mix and curry powder in a separate bowl. Add milk. Stir until dough forms a soft ball. Turn on to a lightly floured surface. Knead 6 times. Place on a large sheet of waxed paper, lightly dusted with flour. Press or roll out into a 10 inch square. Spread beef mixture over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on 3 closest edges and a 2 inch border on the farthest edge. Roll up jelly roll fashion. Press seam together to seal. Cut into 8 slices and arrange cut side down, in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes 8 rolls.

Combine reserved soup, water and wine in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium low. Simmer 2 mintes. Drizzle over each roll and serve.

We enjoyed this meal immensely.

Off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful evening.

God bless.







Saturday, January 16, 2010

Finally Finished

I had been working on a sweater for Harvey for Christmas for over a month. I never did get it finished in time for Christmas Day, but I did finish it yesterday.

I loved the pattern and the yarn, it just took a bit longer than expected what with working full time, baking and keeping house.


He did love it when he found the sweater laying on the bed. He had to try it on right away.


Now that I know how long this pattern takes I am sure I would be more than willing to make one for Kurt and one for Kris. This sweater was made from Beehive Astra and they have lots of colours to choose from.

Off to visit you all.

Everyone have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Anniversary And Some More Recipes

Harvey and I just had our 34th Wedding Anniversary on January 10th. I must say the man can still surprise me. He disappeared for awhile on Saturday and came back with these lovely gifts for me.





Thirty-four various shades of pink roses, with a couple of white thrown in for good measure. This is one of the bouquets I made.
He also bought me an angel for my collection. I am now the proud owner of an "Angel of the Kitchen". He says it is because I am such a good cook that he picked that one.



This is one of the arrangements I made of the flowers.



Here is another one. Right now I feel like I am living in a florist shop.











I have three recipes to share with you. Only one has a picture to go with it though, Harvey ate the other two so quickly that I didn't even get a chance to get a picture.

The first one is not a new one but one that my family really enjoys. I had more leftover ham to use up and I always make this.



Souper Supper
Company's Coming Casseroles

1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 soup can of water
1 soup can of rice
1 1/2 cups chopped broccoli
4 slices cheese cut up
1 1/2 cups cooked leftover ham cut up
Put soup, water, and rice in a casserole. Mix together. Add broccoli, cheese pieces, and ham. Stir to combine. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serves 6.
Italian Chops
Fix It And Forget It Cookbook
16 oz bottle Italian salad dressing
4 pork chops
baby carrots
quartered potatoes
Place pork chops in slow cooker. Add washed baby carrots (or sliced carrots) and potatoes. Pour salad dressing over top. Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours.
I also added sliced onions to this.


Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Company's Coming Leftovers
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 can drained sliced mushrooms (10 oz)
2 tsp parsley flakes
1/4 tsp paprika
8 slices bread toasted
2 cups chopped or shredded leftover turkey
1/2 cup grated Cheddar Cheese (I used grated mozzerella)
Combine first 5 ingredients in a saucepan. Stir to combine. Heat on medium for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the turkey and heat through.
Make your toast and place the 2 slices of toast on each plate. Spoon the hot mixture on top. Top with the grated cheese and either broil until cheese melts or put in the microwave for a few seconds to melt.
Serves 4.


Well off to visit everyone.


Everyone have a wonderful evening.


God bless.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Sharing Some Christmas Photo's

I thought I would share some photos from our Christmas Celebration with everyone. I finally got them downloaded on to the computer. Just a little bit slow here.







This is a picture of one of my great nephews, Peyton. He is a little doll and always wants me to play with him.









This is a picture of another great nephew, Jouquin, and his "MeMe" Nancy. Nancy is married to Harvey's brother Kevin.










This is a picture of Kevin, cleaning up after carving the Christmas beast. That is what we call the turkey in this family.




Our handsome boys, sitting in front of the fireplace letting their Dad take a photo of them. It isn't too often that they are together. It was wonderful to have them for an extended time. Kind of like the old days.





A photo opportunity. Those in the family that managed to make it to our celebration. There are two brothers and three sisters missing for various reasons. Harvey is in black on the end and is the oldest sibling here.
Well that is enough for tonight. I will share more in a day or two.

Off to visit everyone.
Everyone have a wonderful evening.
God bless.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

New Recipe Is A Keeper

Well my goal of at least one new recipe a week is one that I just may be able to keep.



I am sharing the recipe with all of you. It was very good, but made a very big batch. We ended up having the leftovers tonight. Good thing overall as I had forgotten how tired I am after working all day.





Ham and Pasta Bake


from Recipes For Leftovers by Jean Pare
2 cups chopped sweet potato or yam
2 tsp cooking oil
1/4 tsp salt

Combine sweet potato, cooking oil and salt in small bowl. Arrange in single layer on greased baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring once at half time, until tender and golden brown.

3 1/2 cups penne pasta
Cook pasta as directed and drain. Set aside.

3 tbsp margarine(or butter)
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked leftover ham
1/3 cup chopped green onion
3 tbsp flour
1/2 cup sour cream
3 1/2 cups milk
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp pepper
10 oz box of thawed spinach, chopped (squeeze dry before chopping)
1 1/2 cups grated white cheddar cheese

Melt margarine in large saucepan on medium. Add ham and green onion and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until ham starts to brown.

Add the flour and heat and stir for 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk until boiling and thickened.

Add the sour cream and remaining ingredients. Stir and heat the spinach through.

Put sweet potato mixture, ham mixture and cooked pasta in a large bowl. Toss to mix well. Transfer to a greased 3 qt casserole (3l). Spread evenly.
Top with the grated cheese. Bake uncovered at 375 for about 35 minutes or until cheese is golden.


Serves 8


A picture of the finished product. I think next time I make it I will add another 1/2 cup of chopped ham.

It tastes a bit sweet, but was very, very, good.

Off to visit you all now.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.





Sunday, January 3, 2010

The New Year Is Here

Well the old year is past, my tree is down and the decorations all put away. The house is quiet now that Kurt and Kris have left and it is only Harvey and I....can hardly wait until it is noisy and a constant go, go, once again.

I thought that to start the year off I would show a picture of the sweaters I made for the youngsters.

The black one was for Kris and the royal blue was for Kurt. Much easier to knit than the one I am doing for Harvey! I am still not done that one yet, working on the second sleeve. The pattern is gorgeous though and I will be sure to post a picture of it once I am done.
I have made some "goals" for this new year, while some of them are old ones that I did not follow through on, some are completely new and I have started out the month with a bang. The one goal that I think will be no problem to keep is making at least one new recipe a week. Started a new one today for supper. I will take some photo's and if it passes the taste test I will post the recipe...if not all I will share is a picture of my failure.
Well off to finish off the casserole and set the table. Be back to visit all of you after supper.
God bless.