A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

These noodles are your hidden secret to yummy soup!  My mom has used these since I can remember in her chicken noodle soup -- which is now my chicken noodle soup!  These little gems are  found in the freezer section of your favorite (or in my case, not so favorite) grocery store!  Once you get your soup all made up the way you like, you drop a bag of these in and it's the cat's meow!  Sometimes I've had people say, "Oh, chicken and dumplings!"  NO!  These are NOODLES -- there is a big difference in noodles and dumplings, but I will say these are much heartier than your basic dried egg noodle -- these are delicious!  I know for many of us there is cold weather coming and if you're making your final trip to the grocery store to get a few things, add this to your list and make your favorite chicken soup and drop these in -- you'll be glad you did!

Hot Pretzels I'm one of those that actually like pretzels!  I know they're plain and a little under-rated, but I can't help it; I like them!  So when an old friend gave me this recipe, I knew it would be a winner!  My kids LOVE these and my brother has actually asked for these for Christmas . . .as in a gift!  They're easy and there is no cooking involved.  It turns a great snack into a greater snack! Donna's Hot Pretzels 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or less if you prefer -- 1 1/2 tsp is pretty rockin'!) 1 tsp. lemon pepper 1 package dry ranch dressing mix 1/3 cup oil 1 to 2 packages mini pretzels* Dump the pretzels into a large bowl.  Mix cayenne pepper and next 4 ingredients together.  Pour sauce over the pretzels.  Let set for 2 hours and stir about every 20 minutes (or whenever you remember!) *We prefer this recipe with one bag of pretzels -- if I use 2 bags then I double the sauce ingredients; we like a more zesty pretzel...

This may seem like it's comin' outta left field!  But I've got to tell you about a secret that you gotta git!  A cast iron skillet!  I'm serious!  Do you have one of these?  Do you use it?  Really, cast iron is great!  It's not great for everything, but it's great for the things it's great for!  That's soundin' biblical, isn't it! Most of us remember cast iron.  I remember my dad cooking  . . .uh, let's try fryin' in a cast iron skillet.  Umm, let's pause here and learn to say "iron" correctly.  If you're sayin' it where we can "hear" all of the letters, you're not sayin' it right!  It's more like "arn."  If you need to hear the correct pronunciation, just listen to Paula Deen!  Back to the secret ingredient -- cast iron!  Seriously -- these pans do their job!  Last night I made a queso that could win any throw-down!  The secret -- the skillet!  Cast iron cooks hot, it's easy t...

I must admit, I'm an over-concerned mom!  I have loosened up a bit (HA!), but when our children were small there were so many things that I worried about!  It was approaching our son's second birthday and there were two things that were on my mind.  First, he didn't really need anything.  Second, what if he were given something inappropriate from a friend.  Yeah, I know what you're thinking, "How inappropriate can it be for a 2 year old?"  Remember, I was young! Anyway, we reached a workable conclusion;  let's collect something and give it away!  Really, that was the thought process at first!  We thought through the idea, refined it a bit, and totally sold him on the idea!  It wasn't hard -- he is our first-born!  Need I say more?  He picked the place and the deal was on!  Instead of presents for Jackson, we would ask for his friends to bring new books to donate to the church library.  Really, it wa...

My kids love tomato basil soup, however, they are kind of picky about what kind it is!  I have finally found a recipe that they like and it's easy!  Matter of fact, I dumped the stock and tomatoes into the crock pot and set it on low and let it simmer all day.  Just before serving, I added the cream and heated thoroughly.  As a side note, when adding your cream, perhaps you want to start with 1/2 of the amount -- as I thought it might be a little too creamy . . . I can't believe I'm saying that!  But, it's true!  I really thought, for my own preference, I could have reduced that ingredient and not compromised the recipe.  I served this along side of a grilled brie sandwich with ham and Jezebel sauce.  It was great for a chilly night! Creamy Tomato Soup 30 oz chicken stock 28 oz crushed tomatoes 1 cup heavy cream salt and pepper to taste Basil Pour the stock and tomatoes in a pan.  Use an immersion...

You may remember reading that MadisonGrace wanted a "S'More" party and that our final plans didn't look like the beginning plans, but that's ok!  The day of the party was fun and it was all she had hoped for!  Let me tell you about one of the time-killers, I mean activities, that we did!  Marshmallow Art!  That's right -- marshmallow art!  When I told my mom, she all but said, "that's stupid!"  But let me tell you that when we did our test run -- she reluctantly gave it a try.  By the end of her "test" she was asking me for mini marshmallows and toothpicks and different markers!  Oh yeah, she thought it was a  pretty clever idea! Marshmallow Art Marshmallows (mini, regular, and now the new "campfire" size!) markers Allow the marshmallows to sit out a day or two to dry out just a bit.  They are your new canvas -- create 'til your heart is content!  

A few years ago, I was a Development Representative for a non-profit pregnancy center.  One evening, I attended a "shower" where some ladies were gifting to our center and we were there to share about the ministry.  As you do at any shower, we were standing around, visiting with one another and enjoying the treats that the hostess had made.  My lips were privileged to meet this yummy conncotion and I've not been the same since!  I politely asked the hostess for a to-go cup when I left the shower as well as the recipe!  OK, I didn't really ask for a to-go cup . . .she offered and I didn't want to hurt her feelings!  This stuff was GREAT and I wasn't even a coffee drinker at the time! I call it "Carol's Coffee Punch" after the rightful owner of the recipe!  Matter of fact, the short story is that Carol and I were actually in elementary, jr. high, and high school together and our paths crossed many years later at this event, which ...

Oh boy!  Who doesn't love a s'more!  Oh!  Can't you taste that yummy, gooey, delicious treat right now!  It takes you back . . .it lets you be a kid again!  Messy, worth-lickin' fingers with melted chocolate smeared on your chin!  Oh yeah! So, my Madison Grace is having a "S'More Fun" birthday party.  With the final plans having been tweaked, therefore making them "final," it goes without saying that I've made a little "detour" to the plans and I'm surprising her with S'More Cupcakes!  Who won't like these!  My hope is that a dozen of them make it to the party!  Only time will tell! You're going to read through this recipe and say, "Whatever!"   I know, it seems long, drawn out, and maybe even a little complicated.  But trust me, it's much easier than it reads and I do think the final product is worth the little bit of extra effort!  Clear the house, i.e -- kick everybody out so that you can have...

 Easy Ingredients!  That pretty little bottle is my oil!  My friend, Cora, paints these!  My friend, Cheryl H., gave me this recipe a long time ago and they other day, while needing a quick dessert, I reconnected with this recipe!  It is wonderfully simple, adjusts easily, and tastes good!  Those three criteria are a must!  Somewhere between a cookie and a cake -- these "cakies" are great!  I served them along side fruit salad and everyone was happy with their dessert! Cakies 1 cake mix (your favorite flavor) 1/3 cup of oil 2 eggs **Flavoring, if desired Frosting, if you want it  Your batter will be fairly thick.  Combine cake mix, oil and eggs.  Mix until well combined.  If desired, add a bit of vanilla, or other flavoring that goes well with the cake mix.  Shap into 1" balls and flatten out slightly.  Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.  Remove to cooling rack and cool completely before fro...

Oh, come on now -- are you acting like my children?  Did you read the title and wrinkle up your nose and mentally think "Gag!"  I will be honest with you!  I feel like I'm working under-cover this afternoon as I prepare dinner BEFORE the kids get home!  There's no way I want them to see the tuna can!  And I've been thinking about what I can even call "it!"  I want them to try it before they decide to gag!  I will tell you, it has smelled very good while I've been doing Operation Covert Cooking!  As I put the ingredients together, it reminds me of a crab cake; which, by the way, I enjoy!  The ingredients are simple, it throws together in a snap (I know, because I'm working covertly), and it's healthy!  Oh, great!  Those of you who have stuck with me through the tuna have just rolled your eyes and figured "how good can THAT be?" This recipe comes from Taste of Home magazine, the Nov./Dec. issue.  By the way, I got a prete...

I don't know what it is but I really do love soup!  There isn't really anything to soup -- but oh boy, it's good!  I pretty much like all kinds of soup, but sometimes I feel a little cheated on the "brothy" ones.  You know, you do a lot of slurpin' but sometimes there isn't a ton of substance!  Truly, I love the creamy ones but I try to steer clear of those.  Because, while they're delicious, they are usually full of yummy cream or butter or both! This creamy soup, would make a dietitian happy because the creaminess comes from protein and not cream!  So my thought to ponder, is it really creamy?  We can discuss that later!  This recipe is simple and adjustable. Creamy Taco Soup 1/2 onion, chopped 4-5 cloves garlic, chopped 1 TBSP olive oil 1 can refried beans 1 can diced tomatoes 1 package taco seasoning (or about 1/4 cup if it's homemade) 1 can corn, drained Add ins: canned beans (kidney, black, or your favorite)...

OK -- so it's the first post of the new year and I thought I better do something that was healthy!  You know, start out strong -- all gung-ho and all!  Well, I did!  I thought we needed chocolate pudding for dessert!  OK -- so I made it 'til dinner to give in! But really, the truth is this!  This little chocolate pudding recipe says it will serve 2.  It's easy as pie . . . well, make that pudding, and I thought to myself why not put a smidge of pudding in cute little dishes, like they do at the restaurants, and let this "little" recipe serve the 4 of us!  Remember when dessert bites hit the menus of restaurants?   Why not take the concept to your home . . . you'll save calories AND money!  That's a deal! Easy Chocolate Pudding 2 TBSP sugar 1 TBSP corn starch 1 cup skim milk 1/3 cup chocolate chips 1/2 tsp. vanilla Place sugar and corn starch in a pan and stir together.  Slowly add the cold milk and stir until smooth....