Kim's Kountry Kitchen

One More Piece of Info

2009-04-04T20:13:00.003-05:00

I had one more piece of information I wanted to post before getting back to my daily routine was some wonderful information about my cousin. He recently found a new job thanks to one of the best Executive Recruiting firms in the world. I am so happy and not to mention, excited, for him. He has been searching for a job for quite sometime. With today's economy, this is something to really be thankful for. If your wondering how he landed this job then check out A well-respected name in executive recruiting, Spencer Stuart fresh solutions depicts the company's involvement in innovation and progress. Know more about Spencer Stuart's profile here. It might just be the answer you and your family is looking for. Now I'm really getting back to work, I have tons of information I want to post on this site. Check back soon for some great ideas and information I have for you!

Guess Your Wondering Where I Have Been

2009-04-04T20:08:00.002-05:00

I haven't been on in a while, so I guess your wondering where I've been. Well first of all let me say, I have had a wonderful trip during this time of my absence. We were lucky enough to take a little trip. Well, I shouldn't say little, it was actually a wonderful vacation. We visited one of the best Cancun hotel resort that I have ever been too. It was so relaxing and full of great food and entertainment. If you ever get the chance to go, then don't pass it up. I assure you, that it is something that is well worth your money and time. We spent most of our time just relaxing on the beach, but did get to do some site seeing. We even visited a couple of flea markets and my husband played some golf, of course. Anyway, I'm back now and ready to get back to work. If you've ever been to Cancun, then drop me a note and let me know how it was for you. I hope to get back to posting some great recipes I was able to get while on my journey.

Visiting La Jolla California

2009-04-04T19:57:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine just got back home from being on a business trip in California. She was going on and on about how good this Italian restaurant in La Jolla was that she was lucky enough to visit while in San Diego. She said it was the best she had ever had. She talked about the atmosphere and even the beautiful scenery as it overlooked La Jolla Cove. I just thought I would pass this word along for any other Italian lovers that may live or visit this area. I know if it were me, I would definitely check it out! My whole entire family loves Italian, so this would be a wonderful treat for us. If you do get a chance to go or ever been, then let us know your thoughts too. We always like to hear great places to eat while we are visiting other parts of the country.

Everybody Loves Coupons

2009-03-28T11:31:00.003-05:00

I think everybody pretty much loves coupons, I know me and my friends do. There is nothing like getting a deal or something for free. I know I am constantly online checking out deals at each store, restaurant or business that I shop at often. Anyway, I ran across this really great place that is just starting up. Me being a coupon freak, it really caught my attention. This company is called Zibogo. I definitely am going to Pre-Register with Zibogo because I want to be notified of the official launch date. Also, if Merchants Register To Be A Beta Tester in order to improve their business, they are offering six months free for this beta testing. Isn't that great? I am so excited and can't wait for this company to get off the ground. If your a coupon lover like me, or a business in need of attracting new business, then don't wait. Get on this great deal today! Also, spread the word around so others will benefit from this wonderful opportunity. I plan on telling all my friends and family about this new launch so they can benefit like me. It is going to be a spectacular site!

Tasty Cheese Ball

2008-11-29T10:43:00.003-06:00

Cheese Ball

3 Tablespoons finely chopped peacans

1 package (8 oz.) Neufchatel cream cheese (at room temp)

3 green onions (finely chopped with tops, 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1/4 cup minced parsley

Preheat the oven to 350 F and spread out the pecans in a small pan. Bake, tossing once, for 8 minutes or until toasted.

In a small bowl, place the cream cheese, onions, mustard, red pepper sauce and garlic. With an electric mixer at moderate speed, beat for 3 minutes or until well blended. Stir in the cheddar cheese.

Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap, shape into a 4 inch ball, and chill for 15 minutes.

On wax paper, toss the toasted pecans with parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball and carefully roll it in the parsley mixture, coating it completely.

Rewarp in plastic wrap and refrigerate until time to serve.

Place the ball on a serving platter. Serve alongside crackers, pita chips or toasted slices of French Bread.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

2008-11-29T10:33:00.004-06:00

I found this great recipe in a local paper called, "The Clarion." It was sent in by Shirly Dawson. I can't wait to try it.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Ingredients:

6 Chicken Breast

Fresh Rosemary (enough to line bottom of pan)

Lemon Pepper

Salt

Olive Oil Spray

Paprika

Lemon

2 Red Bell Peppers

3 Cloves Garlic (chopped)

Directions:

Spray baking dish with olive oil cooking spray. Line with sprigs of fresh rosemary. Spray rosemany. Spray Chicken breast. Sprinkle each chicken breast with lemon pepper, salt and paprika. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken. Add one slice of lemon on each chicken breast. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes uncovered. Saute red peppers and fresh garlic in olive oil. Pour over chicken or serve on the side of chicken.

This dish will be moist, full of flavor and tender. It is also a very pretty dish!

Free Ringtones

2008-11-26T15:11:00.005-06:00

While I was cooking some of my desserts earlier for tomorrow's big dinner, I was thinking of how I would love to come across some free ringtones. Actually, I would be needing free Verizon ringtones. What would really be nice is to have a tone that sounds like my daughter when she plays the saxophone. Now that would be really cool. Speaking of my daughter, she could probably use some free t-mobile ringtones. Of course her ringtone would probably be some type of music that I couldn't understand. You know how teenagers are now days. Anyway, I found the neatest place to get these tones. It is called Best In Cell Phones. I bet I could even find something for my parents. They would need some free Sprint ringtones. They would just love something like this. I have no idea what kind they would want, but I know they would be beside themselves. They would be even more thrilled if they could get it for free. In case you're wondering, this great site also has free at&t ringtones. You definitely got to check it out. I know I am going to surprise my entire family with this. They will owe me forever!

Cooking ahead of time!

2008-11-26T15:11:00.002-06:00

I am trying to get some of my Thanksgiving cooking out of the way today. I thought if I could only get the desserts made then I would have that much done. Now tomorrow is going to be a different story. I will be working from early morning until time to eat. That's the worse part about holiday eating. You work yourself to the bone and then your too tired to eat. So for all of you mothers and wives out there cooking today and tomorrow, then I feel your pain.

Buying for that someone special

2008-11-25T10:50:00.002-06:00

While I was cooking the other day, my niece wanted to help me. She was just adorable and really tried her best at helping bake a cake. I thought to myself how she is always such a good child that I really want to buy her something special this Christmas. I know she loves Mickey Mouse and thought seriously about buying mickey mouse cars. But I'm not sure about that. I also thought about some play cooking products, but I don't know if she would want that or if she rather just help me in the kitchen with the real thing. I continued to research and come up with something I know she would just adore. She loves anything to do with Sleeping Beauty and I ran across this Sleeping Beauty's Princess Room Set. I definitely know she would love that. If you are searching for any MEGA Brand toys for a special someone, then you should check out this site. It will give you all of the details and descriptions of that brand. I found it to be very helpful in deciding what to buy for my niece. Nothing is better than shopping and researching right from the comfort of your own home. At least this way, I can make a better decision about what to buy.

The Easiest Pie Recipe EVER!

2008-11-23T15:36:00.002-06:00

My mom gave me this recipe and said I could use it to make any flavor of Pie I wanted. It is so simple and quick to make.

Check it out...it's pretty neat!

1 graham cracker crust
1-4oz. cream cheese
1 can condensed milk
1/4 c. lemon juice (you might not want to add the lemon juice if you were making chocolate pie...maybe just add more cream cheese or pie filling instead.)

Mix the above ingredients and then add:

1/2 box instant pie filling (she has used instant pie filling in the flavors of lemon, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and coconut)

Mix again and pour into crust then add cool whip on top. You could also put some fruit or nuts on top if you wanted too.

This is great, not to mention quick and easy!!!

Web Hosting

2008-11-10T17:32:00.002-06:00

I have been considering trying a new webhosting for my blog here at Kim's Kountry Kitchen. The one I have now seems to not be working half the time and that can be very frustrating. The problem is, I don't really know where to begin choosing one. I started searching and ran across Web Hosting Geeks. So, I thought I would try using their site to help me make a decision. They have independent reviews of the best web hosting providers. They also list cheap professional web hosting services for under $10 a month. Now, that I can handle. All webhosting plans include at least one free domain name registration and 30 day money back guarantee. I don't really need a new domain, or at least not for this site, but it is definitely something to keep in mind when I start a new blog. There are so many to choose from that I am almost sure I will have a hard time making up my mind. Anyway, I just thought I would let all my readers know what I found in case you might be looking for a new web host yourself. Maybe the next time you visit my site it will be hosted from some other company. You just never know.

Lasagna Vanished

2008-11-10T17:30:00.002-06:00

I was so mad that I decided to sit down and write....I thought, what blog do I write on? So, I figured since it was pertaining to food, I would choose this one. I had this great looking lasagna all fixed up and sitting on the counter ready to go in the oven. I leave the room for 5 minutes and come back to my dog eating it! Now I have to start over again from scratch. I was wanting Lasagna so bad, but now I am thinking about a frozen pizza instead....lol

Restaurant.com has a great deal!!!

2008-10-26T19:29:00.005-05:00

SPECIAL EVENT ALERT

Have you tried Restaurant.com yet? If not then this is your chance to click on the link below and save big.

Restaurant.com is now offering 80% off Savings on $25 Gift Certificates. $2 when you use code TREAT.Valid only 10/27/08 thru 10/31/08.

The Foodie Blog Roll

2008-10-23T19:16:00.003-05:00

Check out my Foodie Blog Roll on my side bar! I am so thrilled to be accepted. It is the first of its kind and is one of the fastest growing online communities for foodbloggers. So if you have a blog that is 50% food content...then what are you waiting for? Sign up today and get on the Foodie Blog Roll!

Sun Dried Apples

2008-10-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

I know some of my readers are aware of my father and his famous sun dried apples. In fact, some of you have purchased from him in the past and come back to tell me how wonderful they were and purchased more. But for all of you who do not know, my father takes the time each year to pick all of these apples, hand peel them and slice them. Then he dries them in the sun. He DOES NOT use a dehydrator. They are done the old fashioned way. You wouldn't believe how delicious pies and cakes are made from these apples. Well some of you know. But for those who don't then I am letting you in on a little secret. He has a few gallon left. This year he had more apples than ever before, and I was amazed the other day to hear he hasn't sold out yet. Most of the time he don't have any left after 2 or 3 weeks of selling them. So I decided to do him a favor and let everyone know about the apples who reads my blog. If you are interested then you can either give him a call, since he puts his number in different classifieds for advertisement then he doesn't mind me posting it here. Or you can email me from my site here. I would recommend calling or emailing before ordering them to make sure they are not all gone. If you prefer to call him and order then his contact information is:

Kenneth Ledbetter
1316 County Road 32
Fackler, AL 35776
Phone: 256-574-5619

I wish I would have thought to take pictures of his entire process this year, but didn't think of it until I decided to post here. I have included a picture of the golden brown and clean apples like you would receive in a gallon bag. They are $15 a gallon and $6 for shipping & handling. Don't wait too long or they'll be gone!

Restaurant Deals!

2008-10-19T15:00:00.006-05:00

I don't know about you, but my family loves eating out. We do it way more than we should. I'm not sure if it is because of the convenience or my cooking (even though they say I'm a good cook...lol). A friend of mine turned me on to this wonderful site with great deals. You can actually purchase gift certificates and save right here online. By doing this you would be saving so much everytime you eat out!!! I just love this site. They have $25 gift certificates for $10 as well as some lower priced ones. This place is always running other promotions and I'll try to keep you updated on those also.

Click here for Restaurant.com

All you have to do is go to the site, put in a zip code or city and it will bring up participating restaurants in the area. You can print off your certificate or even have it emailed to you. In fact, I am thinking of purchasing some for gifts at Christmas time! I also am going to use these for when we go out of town and want to try different restaurants in that city.

And by all means, don't forget to check out the NEW FEATURE! Dinner of the Month on Restaurant.com.

Thanks for the award!

2008-10-18T16:35:00.006-05:00

Thanks goes to The Jillybean and Mindy for leaving me a "I Love Your Blog" award. I feel honored to receive this. I want to take a moment and say I truly enjoy reading your blogs at http://www.thepost-itplace.com/ and A Peek Inside our Life!

There are some rules for this award:
1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the persons you've nominated.

So, with that said, I am now passing the award along to 7 blogs that I love. I hope all of you will take some time to check them out.
My nominees are:

Here on Columbia Avenue
Hill Billy Heart
A Hunters Wife
I Love My 3 Boys
My So-Called Blog
Mommy Madness
Piece of Me

I've been tagged!

2008-10-18T16:31:00.004-05:00

Jolly Mom has tagged me!!! What does this mean? It means I have to share some things about myself with you! What do you want to know? Well, I get to choose what I want you to know!! LOL!! I am supposed to post 8 random facts about me and then choose 8 people to get tagged!

First, the rules:
1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Facts About Me:
1. I have one child, named Haley, who is 18 going on 30.
2. I have a step-son from a previous marriage who I still think of as my own.
3. I have a dog named Noel, which is half lab, half greyhound. I would love to have a Yorkie...maybe someday!
4. I remarried again this past April...so, I'm still a newlywed.
5. I'm the only child! Always hated that!
6. We love to travel...but our favorite are cruises!
7. I have worked at home for approx. 10 year....wouldn't trade it for an outside job!
8. I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and have had two knee replacements and one shoulder replacement.

I'm tagging these great bloggers in hopes that I find out some juicy gossip about them:

Life in Cypress Texas
Different World
Domesticated Diva
Feelings Just Are
Florida Travel Spots
Green N Pink
Happy Healthy Families
Have Your Health

Pumpkin Muffins

2008-10-17T20:53:00.004-05:00

A friend of mine gave this to me today and I wanted to share it with you since it is pumpkin time!

Pumpkin Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups dehydrated cranberries
2 1/2 cups flour all-purpose
1/2 cups milk1
3/4 cups pumpkin (canned)
2 large eggs
2 egg whites
1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (firmly packed)
7 Tablespoons butter, unsalted (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger
3/4 teaspoon cloves (ground)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon saltPinch Black pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven 350 degrees
2. Line muffin pan with 20 paper cups or spray with cooking spray.
3. Mix baking soda, salt, baking powder, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, vanilla, butter, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Using a mixer on medium speed to mix well.
4. Mix in eggs, and egg whites then pumpkin; mix well after each ingredient
5. Add flour and milk mixing well, stir in cranberries last.
6. Pour 1/4 cup into each muffin cup.
7. Bake for 30 min or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cool 5 min
Optional: Add your favorite frosting.

Monkey Bread

2008-10-14T12:05:00.004-05:00

While visiting some other sites I came across a Monkey Bread Recipe on Columbus Foodie. They have it posted as a "Kid's Cooking Thursday" recipe. I can honestly say I don't think I have ever tried to make this. It looks delicious for adults, let alone children.

They have the recipe adapted slightly from Recipezaar and it sounds wonderful. If you make it before me or have ever made it before. Let me know how it is.

Monkey Bread

4 (7.5 oz) packages refrigerated buttermilk biscuits

1/2 c. granulated sugar

1 tbsp. cinnamon

1 c. salted butter

1 c. brown sugar

2 tsp. water

1/2 c. walnuts

Preheat oven to 350.
Place nuts onto bottom of greased Bundt pan.
Quarter biscuits, roll in cinnamon and granulated sugar that has been mixed together.
Place loosely in pan.
Melt butter, brown sugar and water, boil for 2 minutes (until it has a nice caramel consistency) and pour over biscuits.
Bake for 25 minutes, and unmold 1-2 minutes after removing from oven.
To serve, do not cut with a knife - pull apart small pieces with fingers.

Don't forget to check out Columbus Foodie for other great recipes!

Amish Peanut Brittle Recipe #2

2008-10-11T19:54:00.005-05:00

AMISH PEANUT BRITTLE RECIPE #2

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup white Karo Syrup

1/2 cup water

1 (8 oz.) package of raw peanuts

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking soda (sifted)

IMPORTANT: Have ready a buttered cookie sheet.

Cook the sugar, water and syrup until mixture threads (approx. 10 to 12 minutes).

Add sale and raw peanuts and stir constantly.

Cook until peanuts are toasty brown (approx. 10 minutes).

Remove from heat and add baking soda.

Stir quickly and thoroughly.

Pour at once onto prepared cookie sheet.

Let mixture spread itself.

Cool and break into pieces.

Don't forget to check out Amish Peanut Brittle Recipe #1

Amish Peanut Brittle Recipe #1

2008-10-11T19:34:00.012-05:00

We visited the Amish Community today and purchased some wonderful Peanut Brittle. Thought I would share the recipe with you.

AMISH PEANUT BRITTLE RECIPE #1

1 cup water

1 dash of salt

1 cup of brown sugar

1 cup light molasses

4 tablespoons of butter

2 cups peanuts (shelled)

Combine the brown sugar, molasses, water and salt in a sauce pan. Cook slow, stirring occasionally, to 280 degrees F. Stir in the butter and immediately remove from heat. Stir in peanuts. Pour onto marble slab, stoneware platter or lightly greased cookie sheet and let cool. Break into pieces.

Remember to check out my Amish Peanut Brittle Recipe #2

Pumpkin Walnut Fudge

2008-10-04T11:06:00.003-05:00

Since it's fall and Halloween is right around the corner, I thought I would list this Pumpkin Recipe. Hope you enjoy!

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
3 cups sugar
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/2 cup pumpkin
dash of salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 stick butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Combine milk, sugar, corn syrup, pumpkin, and salt in tall pan (mixture may boil over). Cook over medium high heat until boiling, stirring constantly. When mixture comes to a full boil, reduce heat and simmer until mixture comes to softball stage (about 232 degrees on a candy thermometer - takes approximately 40 minutes). Remove from heat and stire in cinnamon, allspice, butter and vanilla. Cool, then beat until thick and less glossy. Stir in walnuts and pour into a buttered plate.

Coleslaw Recipe

2008-10-02T22:44:00.003-05:00

While this is probably not the "real" KFC Coleslaw recipe, it has been given to me as the closest thing to it.

Ingredients:

1 head (about 8 cups) finely diced cabbage
1/4 cup finely shredded carrots
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced onions
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar

Preparation:

1. Finely dice the cabbage and carrots (preferably using a food processor).
2. Place the shredded cabbage and carrot in a large bowl and stir in the minced onions.
3. Using the regular blade of your food processor, process the remaining ingredients until smooth.
4. Pour the sauce over the vegetable mixture and mix well.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.

Servings: 10

Let me know what you think...I haven't even tried it myself yet!

Coolest Cooking Gadgets

2008-10-01T20:34:00.004-05:00

I was looking around online at Kitchen Gadgets and ran across this totally cool website called Coolest Gadgets. Anyway, I found the perfect gift for my husband for Christmas. It's called a Drive Bay Toaster. Have you ever heard of such? It is toaster that is powered by your PC! You can insert it directly in the drive bay. It even includes a Windows based software to control the temperature setting. Oh and to beat it all....it has a crumb tray, now that's a cool gadget! You can purchase one of these from CrazyPC for $29.99.