A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

Betty Crocker's picture! Seriously!  Look at those gems! They're perfectly delicious! If you want a great little treat, whether for a get-together or for your family, here's an easy to fix and tasty treat! I found the recipeon the Betty Crocker website, whipped it up, baked it and took my first bite in less than 30 minutes! Parmesan Puffs 1/2 cup milk                              1/4 cup butter                                                                        ...

Kraft's picture We had company the other evening and I wanted to serve an appetizer -- but something just a bit different; something out of the ordinary. Something we had never had before! (I love doing that!  Trying new recipes on company!) This recipe popped up in my e-mail and since my entire family loves Reuben sandwiches, I decided we'd give it a try! I've made it twice this week . . .and I might make it again this weekend! It's so easy!  I made a few minor adjustments -- the following is the original recipe.  I'll give my changes below the recipe. Warm Reuben Dip 4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese , softened 1/2 cup KRAFT Thousand Island Dressing 1/4 lb. sliced deli corned beef , chopped (about 1 cup) 3/4 cup well-drained  Sauerkraut 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Big Slice Swiss Cheese Slice s, chopped TRISCUIT Deli-Style Rye Crackers   P...

I'm not a tree-hugger or anything like that. I'm not all into natural, or organic, or tofu, or anything that's remotely weird. But I do think that when you can make your own stuff, it's just better. I'm not talking mayonnaise, bath soap, or yogurt. I'm just talking "normal" basics! Like granola. Most things, when you make them from scratch, not only is it tastier, but it's cheaper. Granola is one of those things that, once you make, you'll never want to buy it again!  For one thing, you'll be eating it for a long time!  One batch will make a substantial amount! I made a very simple granola the other day.  Both of the cherubs have eaten it every day since!  They enjoy topping their yogurt with the crunch goodness.  I find myself having a scoop for a small snack during the afternoon.  It's just sweet enough to satisfy, without being an overload. You'll like this recipe because it's very forgiving and it's v...

 Hands down up, this is an easy Christmas project to do with your kiddos! We were at a fantastic school when the cherubs were . . .little cherubs! The teachers were always creative in the gifts they had the children make for the parents! (We're at a great school now, too, but my cherubs are too old to be making cutesy Christmas gifts for me and the Mr.!  But I wish they weren't . . .because I'd still like those gifts a whole lot!) The above hand towel was from our boy cherub in 2006. I love this hand towel. Every year, I'm so excited to get it out and look at those sweet little hands! Aren't they cute? He was 8 years old. He was in the 3rd grade when he made it. The above hand towel was from our girl cherub in 2010. I love this hand towel. Every year, I'm so excited to get it out and look at those sweet little hands! Aren't they cute? She was 8 years old. She was in the 3rd grade w...

BBQ Pot Pie is hard to photograph! I'm trying to show you the thick layer of cheese grits, piled high on the saucy meat mixture! Is it working? I don't know about you, but when I cook a brisket for my family, it seems like we eat it forever!  I'm good about freezing the leftovers -- but I think it multiplies when it's all bundled up in that ziplock bag in the freezer! We like brisket, don't get me wrong -- but sometimes it's nice to have a change of pace, even with bbq! I first tried this recipe in 2003 and we really liked it! I don't make it much, because truthfully, I forget about it. But this week, I remembered and I made it and we like it . . . again! My girl cherub, who said she didn't like cheese grits was the first to ask for it in her lunch for the next day! Speaking of lunch.  Let me tell you a funny story. My cherubs usually take leftovers in their lunch a good majority of the time. I don't know why. Oh, yes I do...

During Thanksgiving, we saw all of our cousins!  These are the grandkids on my side of the family.  There's 8 years between my youngest cherub and "the baby!"  Oh boy!  Do we have fun with him! These are the grandkids on the Mr.'s side of the family.  There are 7 cousins and they are all within 5 years of each other! The boys are sitting from oldest to youngest. This is my cherub's only girl cousin!  Don't misunderstand, they can give those boys a run for their money!

The other night, the cherubs and I returned home from being out of town. We were in need of a quick meal, as we had to meet the Mr. at a Christmas program at church. I opened the cabinet doors and starred .  .  .  . . .we've all been there!  It's miserable! You stand there wondering, "What can I possibly make with this?" I looked again and saw a can of fat-free refried beans. Then it hit me! Soup!  I've used refried beans in a soup before -- so this time, I'll make a few little changes and it will be all new! My cherubs liked it -- even took it in their school lunch the next day!  Easy "Canned" Soup 1/2 onion, chopped 1-2 tsp. garlic 1 tsp. cumin 1/2 tsp. chili powder 1-2 TBSP oil 2 cans refried beans 1 can rotel, drained 1 can chicken broth crushed chips shredded cheddar cheese chopped onion In a large sauce pan, heat oil.  Add onion and sautee.  Add in garlic, and heat just a bit to release flavor. A...

A long time ago, there was a lady who made peanut brittle. It was her "Seasonal Job!" Once her kids were out of school and she had done it as long as she wanted, she made her last box of peanut brittle and handed the wooden spoon to me! Now it's my "seasonal job!"  I've already been perched at my stove this week, stirring and smelling and waiting for the hot syrup to "spin a thread."  Once it does . . . . we end up with a table full of thin, golden brittle that has just the right amount of peanuts!  Box and after box line our kitchen table, ready to be delivered!  The cherubs used to help me get the boxes ready for the brittle. It's amazing, though, this year they're both so busy with school??!!?!  However, neither one of them seem to be busy when it's time for a "quality control check!" Look at that super-yummy, incredibly thin and perfect piece of brittle! If you're in my area, it's not...