Oven Crud

You may not have a clue what oven crud is in which case this blogpost won't interest you. If, however, your oven needs some attention like mine, read on. Our lives have been a little upside down lately with my husband's serious heart attack and quintuple bypass surgery, my last child's wedding, and mother-in-law's health issues in play. Some of the household chores have been a little neglected. This needlepoint piece was done for me 20+ years ago by a family relative. As true as the saying may be, my oven situation had to be reckoned with. Of course, the cavity of the oven is way easier to clean… push a few buttons - but the oven racks, sigh. My oven manual says specifically to remove racks before setting oven on clean, but talk about gross. A friend's mother gave me an outstanding tip many years ago. In the bathtub place an old beach towel (to keep from scratching tub) and run hot water to cover racks, adding a couple of scoops of Cascade dish detergent. Let racks soak awhile. The oven crud will fall off. I also use SOS pads to once over the racks, but no scrubbing is necessary. The crud is loose and the racks clean up amazingly. Bring on the turkey and dressing! Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

To All Of My FB Family and Friends

Waking up this morning I was reminded of my thankful quotient. I thought of two friends in particular who taught me how to text when my dad was dying in 2009. Then I thought about my youngest daughter who taught me how to use Facebook when I retired in 2010. Both of those vehicles were lifelines to me over the past 2 weeks as we were most often in areas of the hospital where "quiet" was required. If you have never read Ann Voscamp's "1000 Blessings," I would highly recommend it. A friend gave it to me about this time last year. As I am waking this morning, I am deeply struck by the magnitude of friends and family who have sustained us over these past 2 weeks. Pat and MaryBess, along with hundreds of others of you, have cared for us using these two modes plus old-fashioned phone calls and cards with scripture, giggles, well-wishes, signs on our home, balloons on the mailbox, mums and pumpkins and fall wreaths outside our home, fresh flowers in most every room, a cleaned out refrigerator with fresh food, newly planted grass watered, meals lined up until Thanksgiving... I could certainly list 1000 Blessings at this moment. And to be back in our own bed... suffice it to say that I don't even want to get out of it right now since it feels so good. Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see...

A Detour On Vacation

We added another state to our current trip out West. We never had the funds to bring our children out here when they were young, but now they have joined us for this last leg of our journey! What began as a visit to Utah and Wyoming has extended to include an airlift into Colorado. My beloved's heart was in trouble Thursday morning. On Monday (tomorrow) Dr.Leonard Lapkin will be the only one ever closer to Rusty's heart than me. Almost 24 years ago the first photo here was our Christmas card announcing the birth of our 4th child, Lucy. The best part of the outcome will be that Rusty's heart will be like new, ready for Lucy again, when he walks her down the aisle to her beloved Sam soon.

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!" (Proverbs 3:5-8 MSG)

BOUNCE for Bugs

... and I am not talking about jumping up and down with excitement about the varmits. Biting bugs will find me wherever I am, especially outdoors in the evening. I had read somewhere about rubbing a dryer sheet on your skin but had not tried it until recently. Not only was the Bounce sheet effective in my infested backyard, the real test came while at the beach. We were sitting at a beautiful bar by the gulf at the historic Don CeSar for a couple of hours late one night. The next day the other lady in our party had been eaten up. I had rubbed on my Bounce sheet and did not get one bite. Obviously, the Bounce sheets are very compact for traveling, too. Other than smelling briefly like clean laundry, the laundry sheet is a much-preferred alternative to spray-on chemicals. Now that is something about which I can jump up and down.

Playing House

Helping a child set up her first home is one of my greatest pleasures. First home kitchens are usually tight on storage space and weak on function, so one has to be creative, especially when the items are shiny new wedding gifts! I have suggested using these vertical file folder holders in an earlier blog, but I thought it was worth repeating. You will need to get these at an office supply store. Target and Walmart do not have this more substantial one. See how conveniently the cutting boards, baking stones, and wire cooling racks are stored... and just to the right of the sink for quick access and put away. Playing house always was my favorite pasttime growing up.

Company's A Comin'

A houseful expected this weekend, so a big breakfast is in order at some point. This Cream Cheese Coffeecake calls for pizza dough which is available at Publix in the bakery. Recently the dough was BOGO (buy one get one), so I stashed a few in the freezer.  Wow your next breakfast bunch with this... It is  delicious!

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

1 loaf frozen bread dough: Let bread rise to double in size & spread on greased pizza pan. Press on pan with fingers. OR use Publix fresh pizza dough. Allow to rise as pkg. directs - 1 hr. - during which time your stone is heating in 375 oven.

Cream together: 8 oz. cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, 1 beaten egg, 1 tsp. vanilla…   spread this onto dough.

Topping: 6 Tbsp. butter, ½ cup sugar, ¾ cup flour…   mix with fork & sprinkle over cream cheese mixture.

Bake 375 for 25-30 minutes.

Drizzle mixture of powdered sugar & milk over warm coffee cake. Remove to wire cooling rack to prevent dough from becoming soggy. Place on platter to serve. Looks professional!

Piña Colada ~ Thanks Alotta...

Needing a crisp cocktail to help you finish off the summer? Try this Piña Colada garnished with a wedge of fresh pineapple and a cherry in a pretty glass. I make it ahead... 2 blendersful for my army.


Place in blender:
7 oz. good rum - I like Castillo silver
1/2 can pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
1/2 can creme de coconut
ice to top of blender

Blend, pour into Tupperware jug, then repeat process, using remaining second half of juice and coconut. Store in freezer. Keeps several weeks if you are lucky.

Move Over Smoothie King

Today's breakfast included a fresh peach smoothie, and I scored a 4 out of 4 with the grands. All enjoyed it... just add a colorful jumbo straw and they think they have been to Smoothie King. What a glassful of nutrients... calcium, protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and FIBER... all without any fillers, thickeners, or preservatives. Go ahead and get some of those peaches your next time at the fruit stand. Mine are in the freezer already because I enjoy them all year-round.

Place in blender:
1 cup Greek nonfat yogurt (I like Fage from Costco)
2 cups fresh or frozen fruit of your choice, partially defrosted in microwave
1 or 2 cups ice
1 Tbsp. good vanilla
2 Tbsp. sugar

Blend until smooth. Makes 4-5 8 ounce servings.

Trying To Be More Out Of The BOX

My children would tell you that I am an "in the box" type - rule follower, go by the recipe, etc. So when I decided to do battle with my refrigerator drawers, I was definitely pushed to thinking outside that box. These drawers have never performed to my satisfaction, and, of course, the call to the manufacturer produced nothing. They simply will not slide, so they are both cracked from the tragic impact of the anger in this household. Then I got an idea: who cares about the idiot drawers. I have removed the drawer on the lower left and now have ample room for a couple of things, one being my favorite versatile Pampered Chef Cool 'N' Serve square BOX. It not only holds 2 dozen deviled eggs (and can keep them cool for hours for travel), it holds a plethora of raw veggies, cut up and ready to eat. No more wasting multiple gallon zip bags. Currently, it is holding 3 colors of bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Rainy days in July can bring out the best (or worst) in some people. 

A New Appetizer

Light up the bottle rockets, all you party animals... here is a new recipe given to me recently from my brother-in-law, Mark. Green Salsa... oh, what a pretty color for many other occasions, too. Made in the blender, this spicy dip is great served with raw veggies or chips. It is traveling with us to the home of friends for the 4th of July. Delicious.

6-8 jalapenos (seeded if you desire it with less heat) (I used 1 good-size)

1 (8 oz.) package of Philadelphia cream cheese

1 dry package of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (I used 2 Tbsp.)

1 bundle of cilantro

1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or Mayo

½ cup of buttermilk 

I Love Ziploc

I haven't blogged for quite some time but wanted to share something today. Recently I purchased at Costco a Combo Pack of Ziploc "Space Bags." It includes a whopping 15 bags in varying sizes. Get your vacuum cleaners started, fair readers. You will love these if you need more storage space at your house. I am creating new storage space left and right. Besides that, you can SEE what you have put away! The Auburn gear on the left was occupying an enormous dresser drawer plus a large copy paper box... voila! One airtight bag. And the items on the right are relics from my parents' deaths, also occupying a large dresser drawer. You will be delighted to see your storage dilemmas solved. Happy organizing to you!

A Tale of Two Nail Spas

All nail spas are not created equal.  Two years ago when I first began my blog, I wrote about my first experience with a gel manicure. It was called "The Newest In Nails." I usually frequent the same spa in Green Hills. However, I enjoy a bargain as much as anyone. Recently Living Social ran a half-price deal on a gel manicure at a place nearby my home. I had to try it for that outlandish price. Unfortunately, it was a bust. The very night of the manicure, the polish bubbled off one nail completely. By the next morning, the tips of my fingernails were all showing through. The old me would have gone back to that salon for a redo. I am not returning there because I think they are ill-trained, incompetent, and poorly managed. I have returned to my salon of choice, Venetian. Tina has done a superb redo. Lesson learned: stick with what you know.

Mardi Gras Po' Boys, Honeystyle

With a little leftover chicken, celery, and Tabasco, I have created a new favorite sandwich: Roasted Chicken Po' Boys. I am a little particular about my Ranch dressing... don't like the premade in the bottle. My mother-in-law has ALWAYS made hers using the Hidden Valley Ranch Dry Mix, so that is what I do as well. It is better, I think, and I always have the mayo and buttermilk. Less preservatives than the bottled stuff. I buy the large container of Ranch at Sam's, then I always have it on hand. When my children were little, they might not eat the cooked veggies I prepared, but they would always eat the raw carrots, celery, & bell pepper with a little dip cup of Ranch. A little fresh garlic added to the dressing really takes it up a notch, too. Happy Fat Tuesday!

Mardi Gras Po Boys, Honeystyle 

roasted chicken, skinned, boned, chopped

1 to 1 1/2 cups celery, diced fine

several shots of Tabasco

2-3 Tbsp. Ranch dressing 

hoagie buns,brushed lightly with butter which has been melted with Ital. seas. & Lawry's Seasoning Salt

cheese slices

1.You will have plenty of chicken leftover for another meal. For 2 nice sandwiches, I used probably a cup or so of chopped chicken to which I added the Ranch dressing. Toss to coat.
2.To the diced celery, add several shots of Tabasco and coat well. Coated celery can sit for several hours as well for more absorption.  
3. In 400 degree oven, toast the buttered hoagie buns for about 5 min. Then place cheese slices on bread. Watch carefully, leaving in only a couple more min.
4. Layer on toasted, cheese rolls the celery, then the chicken mixture. Serve asap.

The Perfect Pink Cocktail For Valentine's

Easy as can be, this twist on the traditional margarita is a crowd pleaser for sure. Great to do ahead and enjoy in the upcoming days as you celebrate Valentine's Day with loved ones. Be forewarned: the Raspberry Chambord is not cheap, but it only takes a litte. It is also great to add a splash to champagne for a Kir Royale.

Raspberry Margaritas

12 oz. can raspberry lemonade concentrate (Kroger has)                       

juice of 2 limes                                                                                   

1/2 can tequila                                                                                   

2 Tbsp. Raspberry Chambord

1/4 can Triple Sec

lots of ice

Use lemonade can for measuring when noted. Put all in blender, then fill blender with ice. Blend to slush. Garnish with lime wedge or raspberries on a skewer. Beautiful shade of pink.

Mr. Happy

Recently my two preschool-aged grandchildren were visiting and both were dealing with coughs. In an attempt to contain the germs, I was trying to encourage them to aim their coughs into their elbows. They are way too young to understand that covering a cough with a hand does nothing but spread more germs with everything that they touch. It occurred to me that perhaps they needed a visual. Voila! Sharpee marker and Mr. Happy to the rescue. Both of them responded positively for the rest of the morning, coughing into their Mr. Happy marks and correcting each other when procedure was not followed. One of them, however, did end up in Vanderbilt ER because his situation was accelerating. While being examined, the attending physician asked the little guy about the mark on his arm. My grandson promptly responded, "That's Mr. Happy. That's where I cough." The physician remarked very positively about the visual, so I am passing along the information to you during this intense flu season. 

The Belt: Low on Style, High on Function

If you have a housekeeper, this blogpost will not interest you. If you do not, you may find some helpful information. I apologize ahead of time for the length of this post. A couple of years ago I took back the cleaning of my house. It has been a good thing for sure, but I have had to make some modifications in my procedure since I am not as young as I once was. As I began to study the situation, I broke it down into 2 blocks: 1) bathrooms and all floors, and 2) all other surfaces. What I observed about my own behavior was that the bathrooms and floors got done often, the "all other surfaces" not so much. After scrubbing 4 bathrooms and doing all of my floors consuming more than a couple of hours, I was spent. When I would do the "all other surfaces," I left products all over creation. The bucket-carrying was not working. So, after further study as to why was this making me crazy, I realized that in my house (and probably yours) there are 4 different types of non-bathroom surfaces to be cleaned: 1) glass which needs Windex; 2) hardwood which needs a little orange oil especially in the dry heat of winter; 3) stone, marble, painted surfaces, etc. which need only a damp wipe; and 4) ceiling fans and other hard to reach dusty spots which need Swiffers. No wonder the #2 Block was making me crazy. So, back to the 2-block theory. By breaking the chores down into the 2 categories, perhaps I could manage them better. One session for #1 Block, another session for #2 Block. The #2 Block is the part I dislike most. It is not gratifying like mowing grass. I know that I am weird, but the immediate gratification of a mower or blower along with being outside motivates me more. The dust still accumulates. To make my time more efficient, I decided that a tool belt might help me keep up with my varying products and get me moving efficiently from room to room, leaving no stone unturned. Pockets... that's what I need... several pockets, big & strong. I went to Lowe's and studied their selection of tool belts. I purchased one for $15.00. Now I have plenty of pockets and even an empty one for collecting evidences of little people visits (joy). Pockets for paper towels/Windex, 2 different cloths- one oiled - one damp with water, 2 different Swiffers- long and short handle, pocket for crevice attachments for vacuum, and cell phone in front pocket. Large carabeener hooks are also helpful. And not to belabor a point, but my eyesight is one of those "not as young as I once was" issues. Enter hubby's headlamp. Wow. Now that's a fullsize dustbunny I would have missed otherwise. Not a very good photo opportunity when I am all suited up, but so far the tool belt and headlamp have really helped me get the job done. Happy cleaning!

Cowboy Cookies By Request

This blogpost is in response to a request from the lovely ladies where I have had my hair done for almost 3 decades. The Cowboy Cookies recipe was given to me by a cookfriend long ago, and I took them to the salon during the holidays. They have not stopped talking about them! Thrills my heart. I thought the cookies spread on the pan a little too much, so next time I might use the procedure I use for Toll House Cookies which is half butter, half Crisco. However, the salon ladies wanted the recipe for exactly what I brought them. Those gals are adorable. Here's to the Ladies at The Ritz!

Cowboy Cookies

1 cup butter                                                                                                           

1 cup brown sugar                                                                                               

1 cup white sugar                                                                                               

2 eggs                                                                                               

1 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2tsp. baking powder

2 cups rolled oats

1 sm. pkg. chocolate chips

1/2 cup nuts

Cream sugars, butter, eggs, & vanilla until fluffy. Mix dry ingredients & stir into creamed mixture. Add oats, choc. chips, & nuts. Bake 350° for 12 minutes.

Kiss Konundrum

Do you have leftover seasonal Hershey kisses like I do? Don't let the delicious morsels go stale. Since Christmas season came before all of our autumn kisses were consumed, I had an overstock situation of gold, orange and brown foil-wrapped kisses. So I drew on a favorite peanut butter cookie recipe which can only be enhanced with the addition of chocolate. If you are on your January starvation plan, give the cookies away... someone you know may need cheering up with a little delivery. Or maybe it is someone's birthday - I would love these for a gift! This recipe is a cherished one which a longtime cookfriend baked when we were mere teenagers. I have not altered one thing about the ingredients, and I never make less than the 4 times quantity since they store beautifully in zip bags in the freezer (not with the kisses, though). Truly the perfect peanut butter cookie.

Peanut Butter Cookies

                                                          recipe x4

1/2 cup butter                                     2c

1/2 cup peanut butter                          2c

1/2 cup sugar                                       2c

1/2 cup brown sugar                             2c

1 egg                                                   4

1 tsp. vanilla                                        1 Tbsp.

1 1/4 cups self-rise flour                       5c

1. Combine & scoop with 1" cookie scoop, flatten slightly with a fork or my personal favorite, the Pampered Chef wooden tart shaper which has been dipped in sugar. Bake 375° 10-12 minutes.

2. Amounts to the right are for large batch.           

Notes from 11/5/10: Baked with seasonal M&Ms which did great. Made 45 XL cookies (4" diameter) using my large scoop (1/4 cup batter per cookie). Baked 13 min. & left on cookie sheet several minutes to cool and set up.           

3. Great cookie to add leftover seasonal Hershey kisses. Bake cookies, then immediately press on kiss while cooling on cookie sheet.