Dry Your Bread

I am making white bread stuffing----I will make it tomorrow, the day before Thanksgiving--BUT--I need to dry out the bread. If you dry the bread the day before you make it, it makes for a better stuffing--and not soggy:) I just take a loaf of bread and lay the slices out on a cookie sheet and and put it in the oven and forget about it until the next day.

I found this recipe for the stuffing and it is pretty close to the way Grandma taught me--->

Classic White Bread Stuffing

Sunday Breakfast

My husband doesn't want breakfast the mornings he goes to work, but when he is home on Sunday, he says that breakfast is one of his favorite things:) I snapped this picture of his breakfast on Sunday---this is actually a more simple breakfast that I made. In the bowl is cheese grits, then scrambled eggs with cheese, bacon and buttered toast. Sometimes I will make pancakes or french toast--and then eggs--sometimes fried, scrambled or an omelette:)

Sweet Potato Fries

I just love sweet potatoes! Early in the week, I had gotten a whole bunch of sweet potatoes. I knew I wasn't going to use them all for Thanksgiving, so last night I made some Sweet Potato Fries----They were so yummy:) Just peel and cut the sweet potato just as you would a regular potato and slice to preferred thickness of a french fry---I fried mine in oil but you could bake them too--I would have loved to bake them, but married to a Southern man who just loves fried food--I compromised..LOL--I then salted them--they were very good and very easy:)

7 Layer Cookie Set Up

This is what it looked like right out of the oven--> This is what they look like on my favorite Christmas dish, isn't it pretty?
I also put cookies in tins, some I give away, some I keep for pretty presentations.
These cookie bars also freeze really well, so you can make them now, and have some for Thanksgiving and then some Christmas:)
The recipe is posted in a few posts below this one.

Fried Turkey

We had bought a Turkey fryer a few years back, and my husband just loves it cooked that way. He injects the turkey with marinade. Last year he injected it with Emeril's seasoning--it was very good and moist. We had 20 people for dinner last year, so we fried one and baked another. Since this year will be smaller, I think we will fry one and I will bake a small ham. The fryer cooks the turkey super quick , if I remember correctly it is something like 5 minutes a pound. I saw some fryers at the grocery store, and they still are pricey, 120.00. The peanut oil to fill it, cost about 30.00. We do have a pump, that pumps the oil back into its container and filters it. So that is how we will cook our Turkey. I will take a picture of it while it is frying and when it is done---it looks so pretty when it is done.

The only drawback about frying it, is the stuffing has to be cooked seperatly instead of inside the turkey--and yes, I call it stuffing..LOL. I will post my stuffing recipe next--it is my grandma's recipe and it is oh so good--it is white bread stuffing--not cornbread.

Also, when I was in Georgia, my MIL taught me how to make giblet gravy with the boiled eggs in it---that was new to me, but that is how I make it now, and everyone loves it.

Baking

I am going to do some baking today. I am going to make a loaf of bread and I am also going to make the Seven Layer Cookie, I know some people call them magic bars---either way, they are very good--and I will fill up some of my Holiday tins with them.

I will also be making in the next week in preperation for Thanksgiving , brownies and a pumpkin pie:)

I will post pictures of all my baking projects, because I just love visuals..LOL.

Here is the recipe for the cookies I will be making today--Magic Bars

Vegetables

HA Ha!! I thought this picture was so funny with my daughter peeking in the picture:)

And then the next picture is with her arm asking what everything is--I am posting these for fun, and also to post what I got today at the Farmer's market. I got a bunch of sweet potatoes for only 2 dollars, yay!!! Also, the Cilantro was only 30 cents, I love cilantro--yummy! Tomatoes were only 77 cents a pound and Alexis informed me after counting them, I got 16. I also got celery, green beans, green leef and iceburg lettuce.
I also bought some egg roll wrappers, and some more won ton wrappers--there are just so many different things you can do with those--and my family just loved the egg rolls, when I made them.
My Grandmother gave me a bag ful of chicken breasts--she doesn't care for them, she likes the dark meat better--so it looks like we will be having chicken again for dinner--well, I will do something different then last night's Balsamic vinegar chicken, which I must say, was very good.


I am still just so happy at the price I got for those sweet potatoes and tomatoes. I just love a happy kitchen:) Have a wonderful Evening--I have to start dinner, it is now almost 4:00 and Kevin just got home--oops--kind of early, but that is okay--I can whip up dinner fast..LOL, especially when my kitchen is well stocked.

Marketing

My Grandmother needs to go shopping today, so off to the market I will go..LOL. I really LOVE the Farmer's Market!!! It is suppossed to be in the 80's today----in November?? YES:)

What is on your Thanksgiving Day Cooking list?

I will be frying a turkey (maybe a small ham too)

Stuffing

green bean casserole

sweet potatoes

corn

salad

mashed potatoes

pumpkin pie

homemade gravy

dinner rolls

relish tray

veggie tray

cheese tray

macaroni and cheese

turnip greens (part of kevin's southern tradition)

stuffed mushrooms

Cranberries (of course)

I am not done yet..LOL----> I LOVE TO COOK!!!

Have a Wonderful and Safe Wednesday xoxoxo

Today's Post :)

I plan on breastfeeding my baby---bottles are not an option and formula is just not what God had intended for our precious gifts. Breast is best, need I say more:)






This is a picture of Kevin and I one Christmas--I like this picture of us:)














This is my dog...he is just like another child in my home..LOL:) He is 4 pounds and sometimes I think he thinks he is 400....










This is me and my daughter at her Red Ribbon parade..my son was there but he stayed away from the camera..LOL









Today in San Clemente California, is a dark and cold day--I LOVE IT!! I put on a black turtle neck and a grey skirt--I love dressing for winter. (and if you happen to stop by--I would probably have an apron on too)

I am going to make chicken tonight, and found a recipe in one of my magazines, for the very best chicken, they marinade it in balsamic vinegrete--we shall see if it is the *very best chicken*

I also want to post a few links that I just love---I love this site for printables, calendars, to do lists, schedules etc..it is free---Organizedhome.com
I also like this site for printables also---> Debi's site
And of course I can't forget FlyLady

I always thought I was pretty good with computers, but I just can't figure out how to post links on my sidebar:( I would love to add my favorite blogs that I read, but I can't get it to work--there are so many lovely blogs out there, that I love to read----I love to read about how other's keep there home, and what they are cooking--and I absolutely love pictures!!!

You all have a Happy Tuesday xoxox

15 Weeks and 2 Days

I am 15 weeks and 2 days pregnant--I can not believe it--I am so excited:) I have a baby appointment next week, so I am excited to hear the heart beat again--it is so amazing and it brings such happy tears to my eyes when I hear it. I am starting to feel little flutters too.


I was reading some local news about my town San Clemente and they had this picture---so this is my town--it is a small little beach town---and I can't even tell you how many times I have walked the length of that pier..LOL. The other day when I was at Walmart, I bought this lotion for my feet---my poor feet get rough in some spots, I usually smother my feet in babyoil at night and then put socks on--I thought I would try this lotion--it works pretty good:)

And now, this is the most important beauty product I have, Ponds lotion for dry skin---my skin can get so dry, so I use this lotion twice a day to keep it looking smooth and not dry--in the morning and then before I go to bed. I did recieve a trial size of Oil of Olay's newest product in the mail, but I have not yet tried it. Ponds is very reasonably priced, and Oil of Olay is rather pricey--so we shall see:)


Over the weekeend, we had Grilled Chicken on Saturday, and on Sunday we had Pork Strips--this morning I took out some ground beef, I am thinking about making a shepard's pie--with a nice crust on the bottom and lots of cheese and then creamy mashed potatoes on top----Kevin laughs when I make meatloaf, he thinks I make that at last resort for not knowing what to make..LOL--so even though meatloaf had crossed my mind--I know my family loves shepard's pie. I will also make a nice green salad and a veggie--maybe green beans tonight. I had a big bowl of spinach last night--YUMMY!!!!

Happy Monday Everyone xoxoxoxox

Good Morning!!!!

Good Morning!!! I didn't post yesterday, but I had a very nice day. Early in the morning, I went shopping, I went to Walmart and then to Albertson's. At Albertson's I bought meat and produce. At Walmart I bought toiletries and paper products---I love when I have a well stocked home, it makes it more fun to be a housewife...LOL. Did I say fun? Yes, I love being a wife and mother, I wake up every morning and I can not wait to start the day and cook and clean and make a happy home for my family:) I spent 100.00 at each store, which I think was really good, considering I got a bunch of much needed stuff.

I made my chicken stock that turned out really good. For dinner last night I made lasagna--boy was it good. My son also had a dentist appointment. Today is Friday now, and there is no school --yay!!!!!

It wasn't hot yesterday like it had been, which I am happy about--I love the cooler weather--it makes it more seem like November and not July.

Well enjoy your coffe or tea this morning. I am going to put a load of laundry in the dryer, and I will be back shortly to write about a product I bought yesterday and other fun stuff. Happy Friday Friends xoxoxoxox

Laundry Day

Everyday is laundry day at my house--well, it has to be if I want to keep a handle on it. When I was sick, I let it go for a few days, boy did it pile up---We have so much to wash, clothes, towels, bedding, rugs, kitchen towels, etc--it adds up. There is nothing nicer then fresh, clean laundry:)

A few years back Michael's had these baskets for 10.00 on sale for 1.99--I bought 5:) I wish I had bought more, because there are so many things you can do with them--I use one for my crocheting--and then I have one in each bedroom for everyones laundry--plus I think they look nice, especially empty..LOL:)

What's Cooking?

For my casserole last night, I pulled the last bit of chicken off the bones, and then I marinated it in Franks Hot Sauce (A Family Favorite here) and I made some Jasmine rice, in my steamer. When the rice was finished, I put it in a buttered casserole dish, spread the chicken over it and topped it with cheese--it came out wonderful:) I served it with peas and a salad. So today I am on the last day of my chicken adventure--I am now making a stock for later use:)

FlyLady's Rubber Chicken

I am sure everyone is familiar with FlyLady by now. I have been a subscriber for a very long time. I know the email's can be a little obsessive, but it is easy to just delete what you want and read what you like.

One thing on flylady's website that I like are the recipes--and the rubber chicken is a really great idea. I am doing the Rubber Chicken this week--I made baked chicken last night, so tonight I will use the rest of the meat, and tomorrow use the carcass for a stock. I don't follow the recipe for rubber chicken exact, I just use the idea--like tonight, I will probably make some sort of cheesy chicken casserole--I will let you know, what my creative mind comes up with.

Here is the Rubber Chicken from FlyLady:

Leanne Ely's Rubber Chicken Serves 4 for 3 days
1 chicken -- washed and patted dry (get a nice sized one)
1/2 celery rib -- cut in pieces
1 onion -- quartered
1 carrot -- cut in 2" pieces
salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Day One: The adventure begins--Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In the cavity of the chicken, season with salt, pepper and garlic powder and place cut up vegetables inside. Sprinkle the outside with salt and pepper and a little garlic powder, too, if you like. Cook for about an hour or longer (depending on the size of the bird) till the juices run clear. Let sit a minute and then remove the vegetables. In the meantime, if you were smart, you boiled the neck with some celery, onion and carrot and have that broth, too. To further cut down on the grease from the chicken, you could take the cooking juices and put them in a cup and refrigerate while you make the rest of the meal. This will get rid of a significant amount of chicken fat which will all rise to the top. Make a nice gravy by deglazing the pan with a little water and thicken it up with a flour/water mixture (about a tablespoon should do) Serve your wonderful chicken with Just Like Mama's Mashed Potatoes and lots and lots of veggies. Remember, you want leftover chicken.

Day Two: Let the adventure continue! Take your time and pull every last itty bitty bit of chicken of them bones. You want that chicken skeleton to look like a science project. Toss the chicken in pot with a can of black beans and season with a little cumin, some garlic powder and serve it up with lots of salsa, tortillas, some cheese--whatever turns your key! A great big salad will give you a perfect dinner.

Day Three: The adventure ends--with the skeletal remains finally hitting the stock pot. Throw in the same veggies: onion, carrots and celery, season it with salt, pepper and garlic powder and throw about 3 quarts of water over the top. Cook the daylights out of it and strain. Now make soup or store appropriately. Bet you didn't know one puny chicken had so many meals in it, did you?Remember this is Rubber Chicken, not Miracle Chicken, if you have a big family, you will need to cook more than one chicken to insure leftovers. LOL

A Few of My Favorite Things

This is my everfaithful bread machine--it has moved across country with me both times, and boy did I bubble wrap it alot..LOL. My Darling Husband gave it to me a few Christmas's back, and I just love it. It helps me make my bread, bagels, pizza dough, rolls-- This is my FoodSaver, another very handy Kitchen gadget--I had another one, that didn't seem to work so well, but this one does a very nice job--doesn't it look nice on my counter? I keep it out, so I will use it.
Oh, and my rice steamer!!! I love this little steamer. I was watching Martha one day, and she said, every kitchen needs one of these--so I told Kevin, I need a rice steamer, because Martha says so. Kevin's reply was, Julie, you have a pot, lid and water--you have a steamer..LOL. Well as you can see, I got my steamer--it does a lot more then just steam rice too--I use it almost every day, for rice and steaming fresh veggies--yummy!!

Meatloaf according to Julieann:)

Mrs.U asked me for my recipe for meatloaf---I don't really have a concrete recipe--I do it differently everytime, can anyone relate to that..LOL. Sometimes I split the meat in two and put cheese in the middle--yummy:) This time, what I did was basic, I added onion soup mix, catsup, an egg, bread and *W* sauce. Other times, instead of bread I will add crackers, or BBQ sauce---and if I don't use the onion soup mix, I will cut up fresh onion. I guess my meatloaf is made depending on my mood. Another thing my husband likes, is when I layer bacon over the top. Also, Mrs U has such a beautiful blog-- You all need to check hers out--I hope you don't mind me posting your link:)

YAY!

YAY!!! My kids only have school Monday and Tuesday--and then they will be home for the rest of the week. I love having my children home with me:)))

I know Tony will be happy. My 5 year old really loves kindergarten, so she will probably miss it, but I am excited:)

Sunday Dinner

Sunday Dinner:

Meatloaf

Angel Hair Pasta w/ Butter

Corn

Salad with all the fixings:)

Getting Ready for Baby

I can not believe how fast this pregnancy seems to be going. I am already in my second trimester-whew. I am enjoying every minute of it. I have been thinking what to premake for my family while I am in the hospital. When I am not around I know they are lost in the kitchen, so my hamster wheel is spinning about easy things I know they can prepare and love to eat--like premake the taco meat and freeze it--shred the cheeses and chop all the veggies up so they can ensamble them easy. Bake a chicken and make Chicken and egg noodles, which they love. It will only be gone for a couple days, so I really don't have to go wild..LOL. Also, when I arrive home, I have my everfaithful crockpot to use, and my best and dearest friend close by, who has already said she will be here:)

As for preparing for baby, I already have a diaper bag from Alexis, which is in almost perfect condition. I don't need any bottles or warmers or anything that goes along with that sort of stuff--I am very pro-breastfeeding. I seriously doubt the number of women who say they can't breastfeed is actually acurate, kwim? Okay I will not go there in this post. BUT, breastmilk is the best for baby. I started crocheting an afghan for baby--I started it in yellow, because even though the doctor says it is most likely a boy--I am still not convinced being soo early to tell. I don't need a crib, baby will co-sleep--it helps me too--with sleep--no getting up making bottles, etc--all I have to do is comfortably breastfeed my precious one.

Okay that is all for now on this subject--I have so many ideas to write about, about getting ready for baby, but I still have about 6 months to go, so I won't make a super long post--because, I personally don't like reading novels on blogs either..LOL.

Have A Blessed Sunday xoxox

Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Cookies
1 box of any flavor

2 layer cake mix

2 large eggs1/2 cup oil
Mix altogether in large bowl until well blended. Add 1 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, candies and mix them in. Drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 until done approx. 7-9 minutes. Cool for a few minutes.