Sunshine and Strawberries

2011-10-22T18:37:00.002-04:00

Wow I really didn't know it has been this long since I had posted anything. I've had some many good recipes that I could post. Will have to get down to posting something.

It's has been awhile

2010-05-31T20:49:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted anything in quiet awhile, have been busy living life
work , sometimes there doesn't seem to be enough time for everything.
Now summer is here, and more time to spend outside. Get to enjoy
life, hopefully anyone that stops by is enjoying there life as well.

Dip

2009-07-25T23:22:00.002-04:00

1 package of cream cheese, room temperature

1 1/4 cup sour cream

1 1/3 cup mayo

2 to 3 garlic cloves

green onions, (add as much as you like)

Mix all ingredients together, use blender or food processor. what ever you like

great the next day, flavors blended together. Enjoy

Tea Biscuits

2009-07-25T23:16:00.003-04:00

4 cups flour

2 tsp. salt

8 tsp. baking powder

1 cup vegetable shortening

2 cups of milk

Mix all ingredients, until blended, mix on counter, about 2 inch thick,

use biscuit cutter. Bake at 425 for 15 to 20 minutes. You can add raisin,

sugar and cinnamon. Anything you like. Enjoy

Face Scrub

2009-02-18T19:06:00.002-05:00

1 cup of almonds

1 cup of oatmeal

1/2 cup honey

Add all of them to your blender, mix well.

Scrub face, wash off, then add face moisturizer.

Some of my Favorite Pictures

2009-02-18T18:46:00.008-05:00

Looking back on some of my earlier post's, I thought I would add some of my pictures here.

These were taken August/08, at cottage resort.

Warm Chocolate Puddings

2009-01-25T11:01:00.003-05:00

4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped

4 tbsps (1/2) stick unsalted butter

4 tbsps sugar

2 large eggs, yolks and whites seperated

1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. salt

ice cream (any flavor)

for serving (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 375. Place four 6 to 8-ounce ovenproof bowls on a baking sheet,

set aside.

2. Place chocolate and butter in a medium heatproof bowl set over (not in) a saucepan of

gently simmering water. Stir occasionally just until melted, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from

heat; mix in 2 tablespoons sugar, then egg yolks and vanilla. Set aside.

3. In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form.

Still beating, gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar; beat until mixture is stiff and

glossy.

4. Using a rubber spatula, mix about 1/3 egg-white mixture into chocolate mixture; gently

fold in remaining egg-white mixture just until combined. Divide among bowls. (Puddings

can be prepared in advance up to this point; cover with plastic qrap, and refrigerate up to

1 day.)

5. Bake until tops are puffed and cracked but insides are still quite soft (a toothpick inserted in

center will come out gooey), 20 to 25 minutes, or 25 to 30 minutes if puddings were

previously refrigerated. Serve, warm or at room temperature (puddings may sink as

they cool), topped with ice cream, if desired.

Dark Chocolate Pound Cake

2008-11-16T23:20:00.001-05:00

1 cup milk

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup plain yogurt (not fat-free)

3 cups all purpose flour

1/2 tsp. each baking powder, baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

4 eggs, at room temperature

1 tbsp. vanilla

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Icing sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 , Butter a 10-inch bundt pan or two 9 x 5 loaf pans. In a bowl,

gradually whisk milk into cocoa powder to make a smooth paste. Whisk in yogurt and set aside. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

2. In a larger bowl using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture alternately with milk mixture, making 3 additions of flour and 2 of milk. Fold in chocolate chips.

3. Spread into prepared pan, smoothing top. Bake for 60 to 70 min. or until a tester inserted in

centre comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let cool in pan on a rack for 15 min.

Invert onto rack, remove pan and let cool completely. Serve dusted with icing.

Prep: 15 to 20 min. Bake 60 to 70 min. 12 to 16 servings.

Kitty cookies

2008-10-06T22:51:00.003-04:00

1 cup whole wheat flour

6 oz can tuna in oil- drained

1 tbsp. vegetable oil or bacon grease

1 egg

Combine all ingredients, mix well; add small amounts of water if mixture is to thick.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/4" thick, Cut shapes out of

dough with a cookie cutter and place 1" apart on ungreased cookies sheet.

Bake in a 350' oven for 20 minutes or until firm. Allow to cool on wire racks. Meow!

Simple Syrup

2008-07-12T17:04:00.002-04:00

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water

In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil, stirring

until sugar has dissolved. Allow to cool.

Quick Spanish Rice

2008-04-26T09:40:00.002-04:00

2 cups water

1/4 cup salsa

1 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 cup long grain rice

1 tsp. lime juice

Bring water, salsa,chili powder, cumin and garlic powder to a boil.

Add the rice and stir, cover tightly and simmer for about 15 minutes, until

rice is tender. Flake with a fork adding the lime juice. Serve warm

4 servings @ 176 calories each

Rhubarb Coffee Cake

2008-03-19T19:06:00.000-04:00

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (8-oz) sour cream
1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb
TOPPING:1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 Tbsp butter or margarine1 tsp ground cinnamon

In a mixing bowl, cream sugar & shortening. Add egg. Combine flour, baking soda & salt; add alternately with the sour cream to the creamed mixture. Fold in rhubarb. Spread in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Combine all topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Serves 12.

Dedicated to My Tia Lidia

2008-03-02T01:26:00.011-05:00

I'm not posting any recipes today, As I wish to dedicate this post to my Tia (aunt) Lidia who
passed away on February 22, 2008. She had a very hard time for the past 2 years, As she was diagnosed with cancer, she was fantastic at crocheting, she did some beautiful work. As an example of her work above, and a picture of her (she's on the right side, with my mom and other Tia Laura, May you rest in peace.

Mix-Easy Chocolate Cake

2008-02-04T19:53:00.000-05:00

A very easy cake to make, and can be done all in one pan. Great for the cottage easy preparation. Enjoy

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 ounces baker unsweetened chocolate
3/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup baker semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup chopped nuts

Heat oil and chocolate in 8" square cake pan, in 350F oven for about 4 minutes.
Add water, sugar, egg, flour, salt, baking soda and vanilla.
Beat with fork until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Spread evenly in pan.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts.
Bake at 350F for 40 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool.

Icebox Cake

2007-12-28T23:16:00.000-05:00

3 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 (9 ounce) packages chocolate wafer cookies
unsweetened cocoa (or chocolate shavings)

In a large bowl, beat cream, sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form.
On a flat serving plate, arrange 7 cookies side by side in a circle, keeping 1 cookie in the center.
Spread with 1/2 cup whipped cream, making a 7-inch circle.
Repeat with remaining cookies and cream, making 11 layers of cookies and ending with a layer of cream (there will be a few cookies left over). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
To serve, dust top lightly with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

Haven't posted any recipe's in awhile, but then I don't really think anyone reads my post's, If you do enjoy the recipes.

Homemade Marshmallows

2007-10-16T22:52:00.001-04:00

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup cold water
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Combine the gelatin and 1/2 c.
of cold water in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and allow to sit while you make the syrup.
Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1/2 c.
water in a small pan and cook over med.
heat until the sugar dissolves.
Raise the heat to high and cook until the syrup reaches 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the dissolved gelatin.
Put the mixer on high speed and whip until the mixture is very thick, about 15 minutes.
Add the vanilla and mix thoroughly.
With a sieve, generously dust an 8 X 12 inch non-metal baking dish with confectioners' sugar.
Pour the marshmallow mix into the pan, smooth the top, and dust with more confectioners' sugar.
Allow to stand uncovered overnight until it dries out.
Turn the marshmallows onto a board and cut them into squares.
Dust them with more confectioners' sugar.

Rice Pudding

2007-10-06T14:31:00.000-04:00

2 cups of rice (I use Long grain)

5 cups of milk

5 cups of water

2 cups of sugar

2 Tbsps margarine

1/2 tsp. salt

1 package Instant Lemon pudding (4 servings)

4 egg yolks

To a pot over medium-high heat, add the milk, water, rice and margarine and salt, cook until

rice is done, stir oftern. Then add the Instant lemon pudding, then one egg yolk at a time, stir quickly so egg doesn't cook solid, add sugar and keep stirring until all ingredients have been added. Pour into a choosen dish, decorate with cinnamon if you wish.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-09-19T20:32:00.000-04:00

5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
12 ounces chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a cookie sheet.
Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt; set aside.
Beat sugar, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla together.
Add pumpkin and the dry ingredients alternately to the mixture.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet.
Bake 10 minutes or until edges are set.

Maple Sugar Muffins

2007-08-05T10:53:00.000-04:00

Prep: 15 minutes Bake: 12 minutes

1 8-oz carton dairy sour cream
1 egg beaten
1 cup granulated maple sugar or 3/4 cup
granulated sugar plus 1/4 tsp. maple flavoring
1/2 tsp. ground allspice
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 375 F . Grease a very large baking sheet. Set aside
In a large bowl combine sour cream, egg, maple sugar, and allspice. In
a medium bowl stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the flour
mixture all at once to the sour cream mixture. Stir just until combined.
Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead 10 to 12 strokes. Pat
on lightly roll dough to a 1/2 thicknes. Cout dough with a floured 2 1/2-inch
round cutter. Place muffins on prepared baking sheet.
Bake to 12 to 15 minutes or until bottoms of muffins are brown. Transfer to
a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm. Makes 14 muffins.

Each muffin: 148 cal. 4g total fat( 2g sat. fat) 22 mg chol. 102 mg sodium, 25 g carbo.
1 g dietary fiber, 3 g protein, Daily values 0% vit.A, 0% vit.C, 2% calcium, 5% iron.

If your looking for the the brownish granulated sugar in specialty food stores,
or you can order it from the Baker's Catalogue at www.bakerscatalogue.com. Enjoy

10 Minute Shrimp Soup

2007-08-05T10:26:00.000-04:00

Healthy, low-cal Shrimp Soup is ready in less than 10 minutes.

3 cups water
2 to 3 tsp. hot chili-garlic sauce (optional)
3-oz (85-g) pks seasoned oriential instant noodles
Such as Mr. Noodles
1/2 (340-g) bag small, frozen cooked shrimp
1 cup (250ml) frozen peas or 2 cups (500 ml) frozen,
oriental-style stir-fry vegetables

In a large saucepan, stir water with chili-garlic sauce. Bring to
a boil over medium-high heat. Add noodles and contents of seasoning
package. Stir until noodles are separated. Cook uncovered and stirring occasionally,
until noodles are cooked, about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and peas. Stir until
hot, about 2 minutes. Ladle soup into warm bowls. Serves 2 to 3

For anyong who is interested in the nutrients valve here it is.

16.6 g. protein, 6.2 g. fat, 23.9 g carbohydrates, 2.1 mg iron, 44 mg calcium, 800 mg.
sodium, 1.9 g fibre, 221 calories
*Excellent source of vitamin B12

Add it:

*Other fish in the sea
In place of frozen mixed seafood or baby scallops, canned tuna or salmon or clams. Or
try leftover cooked chicken or beef.
*Fresh touch Stir in baby spinach leaves, sliced green onions or chopped parsley,
coriander or fresh dill.
*Try some spice Add dried dillweed, tarragon or lemon-and-pepper seasoning. In
place of hot-chili-garlic sauce, use dried chillies, Tabasco or chopped jalapenos.

Pastry Dough

2007-07-25T23:41:00.000-04:00

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
1 lb vegetable shortening
1 egg, separated
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 cup cold water

Measure unsifted flour into a bowl, and stir in the salt. With two knives, cut in the cold shortening until the mixture is granulated, not creamy.
Combine the egg yolk, vinegar, and water. Make a well in the flour mixture, and pour the yolk-mixture into the well. Mix thoroughly using one knife.
Beat the egg white until stiff, but not dry, and fold it into the dough, mixing well. Shape the dough into a ball and sprinkle it with flour.
Turn the dough onto wax paper, dusting with flour if necessary. Shape the dough into an oblong 4 inches across. Wrapp tightly, and refrigerate or freeze.

Cheesy Bacon Cornmeal Muffins

2007-06-26T21:42:00.000-04:00

Serve these savoury muffins with scrambled eggs for a heart breakfast.
Did you know? Cornmeal if flour made from dried corn and contains B-vitamins like riboflavin and thiamine, which promote healthy muscles and tissue.

3 slices bacon, cut crosswise into thin strips
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/4 cups finely diced old cheddar cheese
1 green onion, very thinly sliced
1 1/4 cups plain yogurt
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400F. Grease 12 muffin cups or spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place bacon in a small frying pan set over medium heat; cook, stirring, until bacon is crisp. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Put 1 tsp. bacon in a small dish; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar baking powder, salt, baking soda and cayenne pepper until combined. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese, bacon (not the reserved portion) and green onion.

In a medium bowl, whisk yogurt with butter and eggs. Stir into flour mixture until well combined. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups and sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.

Bake in oven until muffins are golden and a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean, about 18 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the muffins. Let stand in pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Let cool on a rack.

Makes 12 Muffins.

Lemon Berry Muffins

2007-06-26T21:23:00.000-04:00

Tip: To prevent blueberries from falling to the bottom of your batter, lightly coat them with flour first.

Muffins:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 large lemon, zested
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 to 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries or blueberries

Glaze:
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350F . Grease 12 muffin cups or spray with a non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Finely grate lemon peel into the flour mixture; stir to combine. In a small bowl, squeeze 1/4 cup of juice from the lemon; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk buttermilk with oil and eggs; stir into the flour mixture until combined. Stir in berries. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake in centre of oven until golden and a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean, about 18 to 22 minutes.

To make the glaze, stir sugar into lemon juice until dissolved. Poke several holes into the top of each baked muffin. Let stand in pan for 5 minutes, then remove muffins and place on a tray. Slowly spoon glaze over hot muffins and let them soak up any glaze and drips on the tray. Let cool on a rack.

Makes 12 muffins.

Peach Cobbler

2007-06-11T23:47:00.000-04:00

1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup room temperature milk
1 room temperature egg
Filling 1 (28 ounce) can sliced peaches, drained
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Melt butter in a 9 x 13 inch pan.
Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder& salt.
Stir in milk& egg.
Pour evenly over melted butter.
Combine peaches, sugar& spices and spread over batter-DO NOT STIR!
Bake 35-45 minutes at 350 degrees until batter comes to the top and is golden brown.
Serve warm with ice cream.

Chocolate Cobbler

2007-06-11T23:42:00.000-04:00

1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 1/3 cups hot water

In bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and the 2TBS cocoa.
Stir in milk and oil until smooth.
Pour into a greased 8in square baking pan.
Combine brown sugar and the 1/4 cup cocoa.
Sprinkle over batter.
Pour hot water over the top (do not stir).
Bake at 350* for 45 minutes or until cake springs back when touched.

This recipe is so good, give it a try. And see what you think of it.

Pecan Pie

2007-05-10T22:05:00.000-04:00

This totally incredible pie is more butter tart then pecan pie. In Fact, omit the pecans and add raisins and you have a superb butter tart pie. One thing to watch for--the filling appears runny when you remove it from the oven. Let it sit until cool, then refrigerate until it is time to cut it. It will firm up, although it will still be a bit runny.

1/3 cup butter

1 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup corn syrup

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

1/4 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

One 9-inch unbaked short crust pie shell

1. Preheat oven to 375F.

2. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in sugar and corn syrup. Add

eggs, milk and salt and vanilla. Mix well.

3. Place pecans in pie shell and pour filling over top. Bake on lower oven rack for

45 minutes, until top is quite brown but filling still jiggles underneath. Cool and

refirgerate until serving. Serve with ice cream if desired.

Serves 6 to 8

Potato and Roasted Garlic Soup

2007-05-10T21:47:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:

1 head of garlic

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 onion, diced

4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

4 cups water

1 10g vegetable stock cube, crumbled

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

2 bay leaves

1 cup soy milk or 1% milk (if you like)

Directions:

Slice the top off the head of garlic and cover with aluminum foil. Roast in a hot oven, 4ooF, for

45 minutes or until the garlic is soft. Meanwhile heat oil in a large saucepan and saute onion

until soft. Add potatoes, water, stock cube, nutmeg and bay leaves. Bring to a boil and reduce

heat to moderately low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the

soy milk or 1% milk and squeeze in the softened garlic cloves. Remove from the heat, and

allow to cool slightly. Discard the bay leaves and blend the soup in a food processor until

smooth. Serve with crusty wholegrain bread.

Makes 6 servings

Per serving: Calories 130, fat 4 g, sodium 33omg, carbohydrate 16g, fibre 3 g, protein 5 g

Raspberry Upside-Down Treat

2007-04-26T19:49:00.000-04:00

2 cups frozen or fresh raspberries
3 egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter melted
3/4 cup milk
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
2 egg whites
1 cup sugar

Preparation (4-6 servings)
Beat the egg yolks and add, in the following order,
the sugar, salt and melted butter.
Add the milk and lemon juice, alternately folding in the dry ingredients
previously sifted together.
Beat the egg whites to a snowy white texture and gently fold them
in with the mixture.
Place the raspberries in a 10x6x2 baking pan and dust them with sugar.
Cover them with the pastry.
Bake in th oven at 425F for 30 minutes.
Let the dessert cool and turn it over onto a serving platter.

Three Cheese Macaroni

2007-04-06T01:36:00.000-04:00

3 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper
2 cups milk
2 cups old cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup asiago cheese, shredded
Topping
1/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon butter, melted

In large pot of salted, boiling water, cook pasta for 8 to 9 minutes, or until pasta is tender but firm.
Drain Rinse with cold water and drain again, return to pot.
Meanwhile, in saucepan melt butter over medium Heat.
Sprinkle with flour, salt and pepper, cook, stirring for 1 minute.
Whisk in milk, bring to boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, whisking often, for about 5 minutes or until sauce thickens.
Stir in cheddar Cheese, whisking until smooth.
Add to pasta, mixing well.
Fold in Asiago and pour mixture evenly into Greased 8 cup (2 L) baking dish.
Mix together cracker crumbs and Parmesan, toss with butter and Sprinkle over top of macaroni.
Bake in 350F over for 30 to 35 minute, or until topping is golden Brown.

Spiced Carrot Cake

2007-03-22T20:21:00.000-04:00

1½ hours 25 min prep

1 medium orange
3/4 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1 1/2 cups plain flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup grated carrots
3/4 cup chopped pecans
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sunflower oil (or canola)
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
7 ounces cream cheese
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar
5-6 pecan halves, to decorate (optional)

Zest the orange, cover and set aside for the frosting.
Juice the orange, add the chopped apricots and mix with the orange juice, leave to soak for at least 3 hours.
When ready to make the cake, preheat the oven to 300F and line the base of a 2lb loaf tin with parchment paper.
Sift the flour together with the cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and the baking soda into a mixing bowl.
Add the brown sugar, chopped pecans, carrots and the apricots with the juice, (reserve 2 tablespoons of the orange juice), mix well.
Beat together the eggs with the oil, add to the mix and mix again.
Spoon into the prepared loaf tin and bake for 50-60 minutes.
Test with a wooden skewer whether the cake is done, (it should come out clean and dry), otherwise cook a bit longer.
Turn the cake out of the tin and let it cool until slightly warm.
Mix the two tablespoons of Grand Marnier and the two tablespoons of the reserved orange juice, return the cake to the tin, poke holes in the top and drizzle the liquid over to soak up the juices.
Beat together the cream cheese, confectioners sugar and the orange zest, taste if you find it sweet enough, if not, add more sugar.
Take the cake out of the tin, remove parchment paper and spread the frosting on the top.
Decorate with the halved pecans.

Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

2007-03-08T18:51:00.000-05:00

The perfect dessert for a sunny day. I have made this recipe with other fruit (blueberries, raspberries) and they have turned out great. And it's so Easy to make, you won't regret making this pie!! Enjoy

1 (6 ounce) 9-inch graham cracker crusts
2/3 cup carnation fat-free evaporated milk
1 (8 ounce) package fat free cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon grated lemons, rind of
1 1/2-2 cups halved fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons strawberry jelly, warmed

Preheat oven to 350F.
Place evaporated milk, cream cheese, egg, sugar, flour and lemon peel in blender (I use a mixer), cover.
Blend until smooth, Pour into crust.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set.
Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
Arrange strawberries on top of pie; drizzle with jelly.
Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Chocohotopots

2007-02-07T17:05:00.000-05:00

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, with 60 percent cocoa solids
2 eggs
3/4 cup superfine sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
****Butter the ramekins with 1 tablespoon butter.
Either in a microwave or in a bowl suspended over a pan over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and 1 stick butter, then set aside to cool a little.
In another bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and flour with a hand whisk and beat in the cooled butter and chocolate mixture.
Divide the mixture between the 4 buttered ramekins.
Bake for about 20 minutes, by which time the tops will be cooked and cracked and the chocolate gooey underneath.
Place each ramekin on a small plate with a teaspoon and serve.
Make sure to warn people that these desserts will be HOT!
****Special equipment: 4 (2/3 to 1-cup capacity) ramekins

Oatmeal Breakfast Cake

2007-02-07T16:49:00.000-05:00

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned oatmeal
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 350*.
Coat a 12 cup bundt pan with cooking spray.
Combine flour, oats, crumbs, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
In seperate bowl, whisk together oil, buttermilk and eggs.
Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients and whisk until combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes.
Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack.

Chocolate-Cinnamon Pudding with Raspberries

2007-01-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

Kid-friendly, but grown-up chocolaty.

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup cornstarch

2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 1/2 cups whole milk

1 1/4 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries, or frozen raspberries, thawed

In a heavy saucepan, combine the cocoa, cinnamon, cornstarch, and 2/3 cup of brown sugar. Whisk in the milk and 1/2 cup of the cream. Over medium-low heat, bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the pudding is thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
Pour into individual ramekins or a large bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Whip the remaining heavy cream with the remaining sugar until soft peaks from. Serve the pudding warm or chilled with the raspberries and whipped cream.

Yield: 6 servings

This chocolate pudding sound's so good, thought someone else might like it, so

if you geta chance to make it, come back and leave a comment for me,

and tell me what you thought of it. Enjoy.

California Italian Wedding Soup

2007-01-19T20:45:00.001-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons shredded fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon chopped Italian flat leaf parsley (optional)
2 green onions, sliced (optional)
5 3/4 cups chicken broth
2 cups finely sliced escarole (spinach may be substituted)
1 lemon, zested
1/2 cup orzo (rice-shaped pasta), uncooked
grated Parmesan cheese for topping
DIRECTIONS
Mix together the meat, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, basil, parsley, and green onions; shape into 3/4 inch balls.
Pour broth into a large saucepan over high heat. When boiling, drop in meatballs. Stir in escarole, lemon zest and orzo. Return to a boil; reduce heat to medium. Cook at a slow boil for 10 minutes or until orzo is tender, stirring frequently. Serve sprinkled with cheese.

Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions

2007-01-19T20:43:00.001-05:00

INGREDIENTS
6 (4 ounce) links sweet Italian sausage
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, sliced
1/2 red onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup white wine
DIRECTIONS
Place the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, and brown on all sides. Remove from skillet, and slice.
Melt butter in the skillet. Stir in the yellow onion, red onion, and garlic, and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Mix in red bell pepper and green bell pepper. Season with basil, and oregano. Stir in white wine. Continue to cook and stir until peppers and onions are tender.
Return sausage slices to skillet with the vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until sausage is heated through.
Note
Add a little more white wine while simmering if needed.

Kielbasa with Peppers and Potatoes

2007-01-19T20:19:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 (16 ounce) package smoked kielbasa sausage, diced
6 medium red potatoes, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Place kielbasa and potatoes in the saucepan. Cover, and cook 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
Mix red bell pepper and yellow bell pepper into the saucepan, and continue cooking 5 minutes, until peppers are just tender.

Deluxe Marbled Cheesecake

2007-01-16T17:23:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:
CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST(recipe follows)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
4 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
4 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Directions:1. Prepare CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST. Heat oven to 300°F. 2. Combine cocoa and butter until smooth in small bowl; set aside. Beat cream cheese in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, beating until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla then flour. 3. Measure 1-1/2 cups batter into medium bowl; beat in cocoa mixture. Spoon half of vanilla batter over prepared crust. Spoon half of chocolate batter in dollops into pan. Repeat, ending with chocolate batter. With metal spatula or knife, cut through batters to marble. 4. Bake 50 to 60 minutes or until center is set. Remove from oven to wire rack. With knife, loosen cake from side of pan. Cool completely; remove side of pan. Refrigerate several hours before serving. Store covered in refrigerator. 12 servings. CHOCOLATE CRUMB CRUST: Combine 1-1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (about 45 wafers), 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa and 1/3 cup melted butter or margarine. Press mixture firmly onto bottom of 9-inch springform pan.

Italian Sausage Soup

2007-01-15T06:33:00.000-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 pound Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-style stewed tomatoes
1 cup sliced carrots
1 (14.5 ounce) can great Northern beans, undrained
2 small zucchini, cubed
2 cups spinach - packed, rinsed and torn
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
DIRECTIONS
In a stockpot or Dutch oven, brown sausage with garlic. Stir in broth, tomatoes and carrots, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
Stir in beans with liquid and zucchini. Cover, and simmer another 15 minutes, or until zucchini is tender.
Remove from heat, and add spinach. Replace lid allowing the heat from the soup to cook the spinach leaves. Soup is ready to serve after 5 minutes.

Cake Mix Peanut Butter Squares

2007-01-05T16:51:00.000-05:00

1 package yellow cake mix
1 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup melted margarine
1 egg
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix cake mix, peanut butter, margarine and egg together.
Place 2/3 of the mixture in a greased 9x13 pan.
Heat condensed milk, chocolate chips and butter until melted.
Spoon over mixture that is in the pan.
Cover with the rest of the cake batter.
Bake 25 minutes.

Molasses Cookies

2006-12-18T18:51:00.000-05:00

3/4 cup margarine or butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1/4 cup light molasses (mild)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1/2 teaspoon ginger, ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cloves, ground

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.# In 3-quart saucepan, melt margarine or butter over low heat. Remove saucepan from heat and, with wire whisk, beat in molasses and 1 cup sugar until blended, whisk in egg.# With spoon, stir in flour and remaining ingredients until mixed.# Transfer dough to medium bowl and freeze 15 minutes or until firm enough to handle. Spread remaining 1/4 cup sugar on waxed paper.# Roll dough into 1-inch balls, roll balls in sugar to coat. Place balls, 2 1/2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie sheet. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes, until cookies spread and da rken.# Let cookies remain on cookie sheet on wire rack 1 minute to cool slightly.# Transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.# Repeat with remaining dough.# Store cookies in tightly covered container up to 2 weeks.

Carrot Cake Cookies

2006-12-09T07:40:00.000-05:00

Makes 18; Prep time: 30 minutes; Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Before being filled, the cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The filling can be made ahead and chilled for up to 5 days.
For the filling:
2 ounces bar cream cheese, room temperature
2 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the cookies:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1large egg yolk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup packed finely grated peeled carrots
1/3 cup dried currants
1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make filling:With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.Add sugar and lemon juice; beat until combined. Cover; chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make cookies: In a large bowl, whisk together butter, sugars, and egg yolk. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ginger, and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; stir until combined. Mix in oats, carrots, and currants.
3. Drop dough by level tablespoons, 2 inches apart, onto prepared baking sheets. Flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake until edges are crisp, rotating baking sheets halfway through, 15 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool.
4. Turn half the cookies over, bottom side up; dollop each with about 1 teaspoon chilled cream-cheese filling.Top with remaining cookies, pressing gently to spread filling to edges. Serve immediately.
Note: The cookies are also good (and have fewer calories) without the lemony cream-cheese filling.

Where to Start

2006-11-26T21:39:00.000-05:00

A good first step is to buy non-toxic cleaning products that won't leave a toxic residue, either on counter surfaces or in the air.
Alternatively, you can make your own cleaners. It's easy, and the ingredients are inexpensive and totally safe. If you want, you can add essential oils to any of the following cleaners, either to scent or, in the case of oils such as tea tree, sweet orange and lemon grass, to also disinfect. However, be careful to use only a few drops, as these oils are highly concentrated. Also, be sure to include an emulsifier such as witch hazel, aloe vera gel, cornstarch or vinegar, to make sure the oil blends with the other ingredients.
And for all your cleaning, try using microfibre cloths, which are reusable and designed to pick up dirt without any chemical cleaners. Or recycle old towels by cutting them into small squares or turn old dish cloths into cleaning rags.

All-purpose cleaners
Mix one part water to one part vinegar in a spray bottle for a cleaner that will also disinfect and deodorize kitchen surfaces.
Use borax, a naturally occurring mineral that deodorizes, disinfects, kills fungus and mould, boosts laundry soap and removes stains. It can be used as a multipurpose cleaner and an alternative to bleach. However, it is poisonous if ingested, so keep it out of the reach of children and don't use if near food.
1 tsp borax
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. vegetable-oil based liquid soap (available in most health-food stores and in supermarkets with an organic/natural product section) or mild, fragrance-free, liquid hand soap
2 cups very hot water
*Lemon contains citric acid, making it an excellent and versatile cleaner that bleaches, disinfects, deodorizes, cuts trough grease and polishes brass and copper. Use half a lemon as a scrubber, adding baking soda for extra scouring power, to get glistering stainless-steel sinks and aluminum pots.
*Baking soda can be mixed with lemon or vinegar to make all-purpose cleaning solutions. Or make a paste with water and use it to polish siver.

Floors
White vinegar is an all-purpose cleaner, deodorizer and mild disinfectant that can be used to wash floors, clean windows and remove stains. Pour one part water to one part vineger in a spray bottle to clean, disinfect and deodorize surfaces or in a bucket to wash floors. Or make the following:

1/4 cup baking soda
1 tbsp mild vegetable-oil based liquid soap or mild, fragrance-free, liquid hand soap
1/4 cup vinegar
7 quarts hot water

Wood furniture
Three parts olive oil to one part white vinegar, or one part lemon juice
to two parts olive oil, make an excellent cleaner and polisher for wood furniture.
Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or dampen a soft cloth with it and rub clean.
Remove fingerprints or stainless steel surfaces and cooking utensils with a few
drops of olive oil on a soft cloth.

Windows
One part water to one part lemon in a spray bottle can be used to clean windows.
Drains
Regularly pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let
stand for five minutes, and then pour in a full kettle of boiling water.
Stains
Salt mixed with baking soda or lemon juice, is good for cleaning tea and coffee
stains in cups and for removing red-wine stains from tablecloths.
Air-freshener
Put some orange peel, a few cinnamon sticks and some cloves in a piece of cheesecloth, tie it together and drop it in a pot of water. Simmer slowly for a
few hours, adding water as needed. Or simmer slices of lemon for a lemon-fresh scented home.
Tip
For lists of cleaning products that are healthier for you and the environment, and additional less-toxic cleaning tips and make-your-own recipes, check out The Guide to Less Toxic Products (www.lesstoxicguide.ca)

Cinnamon Biscuits

2006-11-06T18:29:00.000-05:00

2 cups flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter, melted (or very soft)
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
chopped pecans (optional)
Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoon milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; cut in shortening.
Add milk and 1 tsp. vanilla; stir with fork just until dough leaves sides of bowl.
Roll dough out, on lightly floured surface, into a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.
Brush top with butter (I prefer to use soft butter rather than melted).
Combine cinnamon and sugar; sprinkle evenly over dough.
Sprinkle with chopped pecans (or other nuts or raisins) if desired.
Roll up, starting on long side.
Cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds.
Place rounds, with sides just touching, in greased 9" round pan.
Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven and drizzle with glaze, serve warm.
For glaze: Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth.

Joke , Frying Eggs

2006-10-29T18:07:00.000-05:00

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.
Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen. "Careful,"
he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh my GOD!
You're cooking to many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them!
TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh My GOD! WHERE
are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to
STICK! Careful....CAREFUL!I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER
listen to me when you're cooking!
Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you CRAZY? Have you
lost your mind? Don't forget to salt
them. You know you always forget to salt them.
Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!!! THE SALT!!!
The wife stared at him, "What in the world is
wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry
a couple of eggs?" The husband calmy replied, I
wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm driving."

White Chocolate Butterscotch Oatmeal Chippers

2006-10-23T18:02:00.000-04:00

Coconut and oatmeal lend a crunchy texture to these irresistible drop cookies. For a nut-free variation, omit the pecans or walnuts.

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnut halves
1 cup butter, softned
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

Line rimless baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick foil, or grease; set aside.
On small rimmed baking sheet, toast pecans in 350F oven until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
In large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time;
beat in vanilla. In seperate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, coconut, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture, stirring to combine . Stir in white chocolate and butterscotch chips and pecans.
Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls (15 mL), about 2 inches (5 cm) apart, onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of 350°F (180°C) oven, rotating and switching pans halfway through, until golden on bottoms, about 12 minutes. Transfer to racks; let cool completely. (Make-ahead: Layer between waxed paper in airtight container and store for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 weeks.)

Chocolate Blackout Cake

2006-10-15T11:40:00.000-04:00

Dark, chocolaty cake crumbs covering three layers of dark,
moist cake and smooth, rich filling earn
this superb cake the name "blackout."

2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/3 cup butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Icing
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups whipping cream
6 oz unsweetened chocolate , chopped
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla

*Grease two 8-inch round metal cake pans; set aside.
*In saucepan, bring sugar and water to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Place
chocolate and butter in large bowl, whisk in sugar mixture until melted and smooth.
Stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly. Beat in eggs.
*In seperate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to
chocolate mixture all at once. Using electric mixer, beat until smooth. Divide between prepared pans. Bake in centre of 350F oven for about 35 minutes or until
tops spring back when lightly touched. Let cool in pans on racks for 30 minutes.
Remove from pans; let cool completely on racks.
*Icing: in saucepan, heat sugar with cream until boiling. Removing from heat; whisk
in chocolate, butter and vanilla until melted and smooth. Transfer to bowl; refrigerate for 2 hours or until cold. Using electric mixer, beat for about
5 minutes or until thick and glossy.
*Slice each cake in half horizontally; set 1 layer aside. Place 1 layer on cake plate.
slide strips of waxed pater between cake and plate. Spread top with heaping cupful of the icing; level icing. Top with third layer of cake; spread top and sides with remaining icing. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
*Crumble remaining cake layer into crumbs; sprinkle over top and press small handfuls onto side of cake, pressing lightly to adhere. Remove paper strips. Serve at room
temperature.
**I have made this cake recipe, but the only difference I made to it, was pour the cake batter into a bundlt pan, and no icing, and it turned out perfect. Chance it to your taste, icing or no icing. Enjoy >'.'<

2006-10-06T09:03:00.000-04:00

Your Birthdate: June 6

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.
Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Chocolate Kahlua Cake

2006-10-02T12:16:00.000-04:00

1 package devil's food cake mix
1 1/2 cups sour cream
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup Kahlua
2 eggs
1 (4 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
powdered sugar, for dusting finished cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Oil a 12 cup bundt pan.
3. Combine all cake ingredients in a large bowl.
4. Beat with mixer about 3 minutes.
5. Spoon into pan.
6. Bake about 45 minutes or until tester comes out clean.
7. Cool 15 minutes.
8. Remove from pan.
9. When cool, dust with powdered sugar.
10. Refrigerate for best flavor.

Drop Doughnuts (Donuts)

2006-10-02T11:41:00.000-04:00

2 cups sifted flour
1/3 cup sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons oil

1. Sift together dry ingredients. Mix together wet ingredients and incorporate into dry. Stir until smooth.
2. Drop by teaspoonfuls(no bigger) into hot oil (365 degrees, no hotter), turning after a few moments until golden brown on all sides, remove and drain.
3. Roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm and serve.

2006-09-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

I am an
Echinacea

What Flower
Are You?

The Best (No Kidding) Buttermilk Pancakes

3 eggs, separated
1 2/3 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups flour
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1. Beat the yolks until pale and smooth.
2. Beat in the buttermilk and then the baking soda and mix well.
3. Sift in the dry ingredients mixing as you add; make sure the batter is smooth.
4. Add in the melted butter and mix well.
5. Beat the egg whites in another bowl until stiff.
6. Fold into the batter until no bits of white are visible.
7. Let batter stand about 20 minutes before making pancakes.
8. Make sure your griddle is really hot (the old water droplet test).
9. Ladle batter onto griddle; turn when buddles form across the cakes and allow to lightly brown on the second side.
10. Serve with warm maple syrup and sweet butter.

Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes

2 cups pancake mix
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup cinnamon applesauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3/4 cup milk

1. In a large bowl, whisk together pancake mix and cinnamon.
2. In another bowl mix eggs, applesauce, lemon juice and milk.
3. Add to dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Lightly oil a griddle or skillet.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto griddle and brown on both sides.
6. Serve with syrup, butter, powdered sugar and/or lemon!

Enjoy both pancake recipe's, great for breakfast.

2006-09-14T09:49:00.000-04:00

You Are: 60% Dog, 40% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog.
You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful.
And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Take the quiz and see which one you are cat or dog.

2006-09-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

Vanilla Pudding Robbery

This is just too funny not to share. Excerpted from an article which
appeared in the Dublin Times about a bank robbery on March 2.

Once inside the bank shortly after midnight, their efforts at disabling the
security system got underway immediately. The robbers who expected to find
one or two large safes filled with cash & valuables, were surprised to see
hundreds of smaller safes throughout the bank.

The robbers cracked the first safe's combination, and inside they found only
a small bowl of vanilla pudding.

As recorded on the bank's audio tape system, one robber said, "At least
we'll have a bit to eat."

The robbers opened up a second safe, and it also contained nothing but
vanilla pudding. The process continued until all safes were opened.

They did not find one pound sterling, a diamond, or an ounce of gold.

Instead, all the safes contained covered bowls of pudding. Disappointed,
the robbers made a quiet exit, each leaving with nothing more than a
queasy, uncomfortably full stomach.

The newspaper headline read:

IRELAND'S LARGEST SPERM BANK ROBBED EARLY THIS MORNING...

Easy Pleasing Meatloaf

2006-09-06T23:05:00.000-04:00

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (120 g) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup KRAFT Original BarBQ Sauce, divided

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce.
SHAPE meat mixture into oval loaf in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.
BAKE 1 hour or until cooked through (160ºF).

Serving Suggestion
Serve this comfort food with mashed potatoes and a steamed vegetable, such as broccoli.

To Double
Prepare as directed, shaping meat mixture into 2 loaves. Place loaves, side by side, in 13x9-inch baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 1 hour and 25 min. Use leftover meatloaf to make sandwiches.

Substitute
Substitute ground pork or veal for the ground beef.

Here's some comfort food for you, Enjoy.

Came across these

2006-08-31T22:02:00.000-04:00

Found these among some of my pictures, and thought I would post them, the first is me and my sweetheart (hubby) at a family ann. party, the second is one of my cuties, he's only 5 wks. old here, and the last one I just liked it, an easy stroll with friends. >'.'<

Upside-Down Breakfast Cake

2006-08-30T20:09:00.000-04:00

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter, softened (1-1/2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1-1/2 cups flour
2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2-1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons grated orange zest

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine 2 Tablespoons butter and brown sugar; spread evenly in bottom of greased 9-inch round cake pan. Spread cranberries over mixture and set aside.

Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; reserve. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining butter, sugar, and eggs and beat until creamy smooth. Add the reserved dry ingredients, orange juice, milk, vanilla, and zest and beat until well blended.

Pour the batter over the cranberries and bake until golden, about 55 minutes. Run a knife around the outside and turn upside down on a serving plate.

Serves: 10
Per serving: 236 Calories, 4g fat (14% calories from fat), 3g protein, 49g carbohydrate, 43mg cholesterol, 242mg sodium.

Here's another great recipe to try, enjoy.

Here I am

2006-08-26T16:30:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure if anyone, has checked out my blog yet ?
But I have been away on holiday's, have just only gotten back,
enjoyed the peace and quiet. Which is something I look forward to,
had a great view from the cottage where we were. This is a great picture at sunset on the Lake. I've taken some of my own, but haven't had a chance to have them developed.

Apple Sauce

2006-08-17T06:52:00.000-04:00

8 x apples, peeled and diced
1/2 lemon
1 cup water
1 x sticks cinnamon
1 tbsp allspice, whole
1/2 cup Vidalia onion, chopped
3 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp brandy

In a pot, place butter and onions, sauté for 10 minutes or until softened. Add cider vinegar and cook for 2 minutes. Add apples, lemon, water, cinnamon stick and allspice, simmer for 15-20 minutes covered.
Place in a food processor and puree until smooth.
Seasin with salt, sugar and brandy.

Another simple recipe, great with pork roast, or ham. Have the bean's on the side.

Margaret's Baked Beans

2006-08-17T06:44:00.000-04:00

8 x slices bacon
4 x large onions, sliced
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tbsp dry mustard powder
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup molasses
2 x can butter beans, drained
1 x can lima beans, drained
1 x can red kidney beans, drained
1 x can pork and beans

In a pan, fry bacon, cool, break into small pieces. Reserve 2 tbsp bacon fat. Sauté onions in reserved bacon fat. Add the vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, dry mustard and molasses to pan, stir for 2 minutes.

An easy recipe to put together, and great to make when at the cottage. Enjoy
Combine beans in large bowl. Mix onion mixture with beans. Pour into a 3-quart casserole dish, and sprinkle with bacon bits.
Bake at 350 for 45 – 60 minutes.

Cream of Potato Soup

2006-08-15T19:22:00.000-04:00

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 cup chopped onions
3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
1 cup chicken broth, lowfat okay
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups milk, lowfat okay
2 tablespoons flour

In large saucepan, cook onions in butter until soft.
Add potatoes, chicken broth, parsley, thyme, celery seed, salt, and pepper to saucepan.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Add milk to saucepan.
Puree half of soup and flour in blender.
Return to saucepan.
Heat through.

A great soup to make on those cold day's, great for leftover's, Have with a sandwich on the side. Enjoy >','<

Baker's Fabulously Flawless Fudge

2006-08-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

1 1/2 cups pecans or walnuts, chopped
16 baker's semi-sweet chocolate baking squares (2 pkgs)
1 (300 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

Spread nuts on cookie sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes to toast; cool.
Melt chocolate with milk in large microwaveable bowl in microwave on HIGH 2 to 3 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
Stir in vanilla and nuts. Spread in foil-lined 8 inch (20 cm) square pan.
Chill 2 hours or until firm. Cut into squares.
VARIATIONS: PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE - Omit nuts. Drop 1/2 cup (125 mL) peanut butter by teaspoonfuls on top of fudge. Swirl with knife to marble.
WHITE CHOCOLATE LAYERED FUDGE - Prepare fudge as directed using 3/4 cup (175 mL) nuts, 1 pkg (225 g) Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate, 3/4 cup (175 mL) sweetened condensed milk and 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla. Spread in prepared pan. Melt 1 pkg (170 g) Baker's White Chocolate. Stir in remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) sweetened condensed milk. Spread over dark chocolate layer. Chill as directed.

2006-08-13T21:42:00.000-04:00

There were these three guys. They had been walking for 3 days and were very tired. They found a hotel, rented a room and went to sleep. Then, this old guy comes in out of nowhere, and says there is a magic pool just outside their hotel room. He tells them "Ok, you must jump off the diving board, and yell out what you wanna land in."

So the three guys go over to the pool. The first guy, a vegetarian, yells out "Bananas!" and lands in a pool of bananas. The second guy was money hungry and yelled out "Money!" and lands in a pile of money. The third guy jumps, when a bird shits on his head, and he yells "Oh Shit!"

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An 80 year old couple were having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to their doctor to get checked out to make sure nothing was wrong with them.

When they arrived at the doctors, they explained to the doctor about the problems they were having with their memory. After checking the couple out, the doctor told them that they were physically okay but might want to start writing things down and make notes to help them remember things.

The couple thanked the doctor and left. Later that night while watching TV, the man got up from his chair and his wife asked, "Where are you going?" He replied, "To the kitchen." She asked, "Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?" He replied, "Sure." She then asked him, "Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?" He said, "No, I can remember that."

She then said, "Well I would also like some strawberries on top. You had better write that down because I know you'll forget that." He said, "I can remember that, you want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries." She replied, "Well I also would like whipped cream on top. I know you will forget that so you better write it down."

With irritation in his voice, he said, "I don't need to write that down! I can remember that." He then fumes into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes he returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of bacon and eggs. She stared at the plate for a moment and said angrily: "I TOLD you to write it down! You forgot my toast!"

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Mr.Johnson and his secretary are on a train to Paris. They are just about to go to sleep when the secretary, who has the hots for her boss says in a seductive voice, I'm a little cold, could I borrow your blanket? The man says how would you like to be Mrs. Johnson for awhile? The secretary jumps at the chance and begins to get out of bed. Then he replies, good, then you can get your own damn blanket.

Killing of endangered Animals, This make's me sick.

2006-08-09T12:13:00.000-04:00

China OK's hunting of endangered species

Wednesday, August 9, 2006; Posted: 11:08 a.m. EDT (15:08 GMT)

BEIJING, China (Reuters) -- China is to auction licenses to foreigners to hunt wild animals, including endangered species, a newspaper said on Wednesday.

The government would auction licenses based on types and numbers of wild animals, ranging from about $200 for a wolf, the only carnivore on the list, to as much as $40,000 for a yak, the Beijing Youth Daily said.

The auction, taking place on Sunday in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan, would be the first of its kind in Chinese history, it added.

"Some animals are from the first and second category of national wildlife protection, but with the strict limitations in place, the hunting could not destroy wild animal populations," the daily said.

The report made no mention of the endangered giant panda, some 1,500 of which survive in nature reserves in southwestern China.

Five western areas, including Qinghai, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces and the autonomous regions of Ningxia and Xinjiang, are involved in the auction.

Hunting of animals is popular with Chinese who like to eat exotic meats or use animal parts in medicines for their perceived aphrodisiac or medicinal properties.

But the hunting licenses would be available only to foreigners, given China's strict rules on gun control, the daily said.

"Hunting is not slaughtering," it quoted an official at a wild animal protection department as saying.

Proceeds from the auction would be used for wild animal protection, the report said

I couldn't believe my eyes, when I read this. Some people on this planet earth
are really sick, they have no regard for the animals on this planet, that we have
to kill everything, what a bunch of sick people. Do we really need to destroy
everything? I shake my head.

Blueberry Snack Cake

2006-08-07T10:09:00.000-04:00

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup milk
2 eggs, separated
2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (If using frozen, do not thaw before adding to the batter)

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar.
Cut in butter until crumbly.
Set aside 3/4 cup for topping.
Add the baking powder, milk and egg yolks to remaining mixture; mix well.
Beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter.
Pour into a greased 13" x 9" x 2" baking dish.
Sprinkle with blueberries and reserved crumb mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Zucchini Cobbler

2006-08-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

8 cups zucchini
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons flour
1 dash salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (10 ounce) can crushed pineapple
1 box yellow cake mix or white cake mix (Jiffy)
1/2-1 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup nuts, chopped (optional)

PEEL AND CUT ZUCCHINI LENGTHWISE, STRIP OUT SEEDS, CUT IN 1/2" SLICES, COOK IN BOILING WATER UNTIL TENDER.
DRAIN, COOL IN COLD WATER FOR 5 MINUTES.
DRAIN, ADD SUGAR, FLOUR, SALT, CINNAMON, CREAM OF TARTER AND LEMON JUICE.
STIR WELL.
ADD PINEAPPLE AND JUICE.
MIX WELL.
DO NOT BEAT.
POUR INTO A GREASED BAKING DISH (13X9" pan).
SPREAD DRY CAKE MIX OVER TOP.
DRIZZLE BUTTER OVER CAKE MIX.
SPRINKLE NUTS ON TOP.
BAKE AT 350F degrees FOR 60 MINUTES.

Try this recipe out, you won't regret it. When I made it for a family party, the one's that tried it, they thought it was apples. Enjoy.

Making a Bet at a bar/ Burglar /Hamburger Maker

2006-08-06T22:26:00.000-04:00

Two guys were in a bar, and they were both watching the television when the news came on. It showed a guy on a bridge who was about to jump, obviously suicidal. "I'll bet you $10 he'll jump," said the first guy. "Bet you $10 he won't," said the second guy.

Then, the guy on the television closed his eyes and threw himself off the bridge. The second guy hands the first guy the money.

"I can't take your money," said the first guy. "I cheated you. The same story was on the five o'clock news." "No, no. Take it," said the second guy. "I saw the five o'clock news too. I just didn't think the guy was dumb enough to jump again!"

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A burglar breaks into a house. He sees a CD player that he wants so he takes it. Then he hears a voice "JESUS is watching you". He looks around with his flashlight wandering "What The HELL Was That?". He spots some $ on a table and takes it......Once again he hears a voice " JESUS is watching you". He hides in a corner trying to find where the voice came from. He spots a birdcage with a parrot in it! He goes over and asks " Was that your voice?". It said "YES". He then says "What's your name?". It says "MOSES". The burglar says " What kind of person names his bird moses??" The parrot replys "THE SAME PERSON THAT NAMES HIS ROTWEILER "JESUS".

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A man walks into a hamburger shop and orders a regular meal. Later, the waitress brings his meal to him. He takes a bite out of it, and notices there's a small hair in the hamburger. He begins yelling frantically at the waitress, "Waitress, there's a hair in my hamburger! I demand to see what is going on!"

So, the waitress takes him back where the cook is and to his demise, he sees the cook take the meat patty and flatten it under his arm pit. He says, "That's disgusting!"

Then the waitress says, "You think that's disgusting you should see him make donuts."

They're boasting about race records

2006-08-06T22:05:00.000-04:00

Some race horses staying in a stable. One of them starts to boast about his track record. "In the last 15 races, I've won 8 of them!"

Another horse breaks in, "Well in the last 27 races, I've won 19!!"

"Oh that's good, but in the last 36 races, I've won 28!", says another, flicking his tail.

At this point, they notice that a greyhound dog has been sitting there listening. "I don't mean to boast," says the greyhound, "but in my last 90 races, I've won 88 of them!"

The horses are clearly amazed. "Wow!" says one, after a hushed silence. "A talking dog."

Fruity Frozen Cheesecake

2006-08-06T09:41:00.000-04:00

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs or chocolate graham cracker crumbs
1/4 melted butter or margarine
1 (250 g) package cream cheese
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/3 cups orange juice or raspberry juice or limeade or grape juice or pink lemonade
1 cup strawberries or blueberries or raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 (1 liter) container thawed Cool Whip

Combine the graham crumbs and butter, press on bottom of 9 inch springform pan.
Beat the cream cheese with the sugar in bowl with an electric mixer until smooth.
Whisk in the juice, the fresh or frozen fruit and the whole tub of Cool Whip, combine well.
Pour over prepared crust, freeze until firm, remove from freezer and let stand in refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
You can freeze this as well.
To freeze, wrap cheesecake securely in plastic wrap followed by foil if desired, Freeze up to 2 months.

Hope you enjoy this recipe, please feel free to leave me a comment on what you thought of
the recipe. Your feed back would be great. Have a Good Day.

I don't do mornings

2006-08-04T13:36:00.000-04:00

I don't do mornings.

Bearing with Me.

2006-08-04T06:48:00.000-04:00

Please bear with me as I have only gotten this far on my page, life is so busy and never seems
to be enough time, but I promise I will try and get some interesting things on here for you to
read, Everyone have a great day.

My First Posting

2006-08-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

May you Enjoy, some of my wit and charm along the way. As I post varies
interest's of mine for you to read.