Suzy Homefaker

SWEET CONFETTI CUPCAKES

2013-04-26T17:10:00.004-05:00

Sweet adorable confetti cupcakes....

Confirmation Cross Cake

2013-04-26T17:07:00.002-05:00

Chocolate cake with Italian buttercream!

Au GRATIN RING BOLOGNA

2013-04-17T19:22:00.004-05:00

Ingredients

1 ring bologna sliced 1/2 inch thich
2 tbs butter, softened
5 Larger red potatoes, scrubbed clean and peeled
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbs flour
1 tsp garlic salt
pepper to taste
1 pinch nutmeg (ground)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup Farmers cheese , or Mozzarella

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Brown the ring bologna slices in a heavy cast iron skillet.
Slice the potatoes. Add them in the skillet along with the bologna.Add butter. Combine the milk and sour cream in a bowl. Add the flour, garlic, salt , nutmeg, and pepper and whisk. Pour over potatoes.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and and bake for another 20-30 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle with cheese and bake for another 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

ENJOY!!!

LEOPARD WEDDING CAKE

2013-04-13T19:19:00.003-05:00

POWDER PUFF PRINCESS

2013-03-22T20:48:00.001-05:00

Half Dolls have been cherished by Victorian and Edwardian Ladies since the early 1920's.

Once upon a time, women applied their loose powder with soft, fluffy 'puffs' made of feathers, cotton, and even fur. Not like the cosmetic sponges that women use today, powder puffs were made to look pretty in addition to being functional.

If you ever watch old movies from the early 1900's, you will often notice that the leading lady has a vanity table in her bedroom with beauty items that look almost too exquisite to touch. Vanity items from long ago were designed to be displayed, and powder puffs from the bygone era came in many interesting and beautiful styles.They were also a statement made from the well to do ladies.

These vintage beauties fetch upward into the hundreds of dollars. I'm just not a buyer at that price, and then I would fear breaking it. I came up with a way to repurpose some items I already had. I did order a 7 inch puff Fashioned from the purest soft, combed lamb's wool. They last a lifetime because you can wash them.

IRISH CAR BOMB CAKE

2013-03-16T21:47:00.001-05:00

This is a chocolate Guiness cake filled with Bailey's cream topped with a whiskey buttercream!

1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4/ eggs
1/2 cup warm GUINESS beer
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil,mayo, beaten eggs and beer. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into 2 well greased 8 inch cake pans.
3.Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate .Frost/Enjoy

Frosting...
2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons Irish cream whiskey aka Bailey's
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

~whip all inredients on high until light and fluffy

CHOCOLATE MELTAWAY CAKE

2013-03-16T21:08:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Meltaway...aka amazing!!!

This new favorite is a triple chocolate cake filled with chocolate mousse and chocolate topped with a chocolate whipped buttercream!!

1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
4/ eggs
1/2 cup warm milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil,mayo, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into 2 well greased 8 inch cake pans.
3.Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate .Frost/Enjoy

Frosting...
2 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
6 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons evaporaed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

PRESSED COOKIES

2013-03-15T17:49:00.003-05:00

INGREDIENTS
1 cup soft butter~2 sticks
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs beaten
2 tsp. vanilla
4 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 T . lemon juice

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Cream :butter, sugar,vanilla and eggs with a mixer.
3. Sift together dry ingredients and add with lemon juice to creamed mixture. Mix well.
4. Pack dough into molds, or make into balls and flatten with fork onto an un~greased cookie sheet.
5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes.

DILL PICKLE BREAD bread machine

2013-03-12T16:47:00.005-05:00

 DILL PICKLE BREAD

1/3 c. dill pickle juice
2/3 c. warm water (110 degrees F.)

1 tsp sugar
1 dill pickle, chopped fine
1 Tbsp. butter, softened
1 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash
1/2 tsp. dill weed
2 c. PLUS 2 Tbsp.  Flour
2 tsp.  active dry yeast

Dissolve yeast and sugar  in a cup for about 10 minutes,

or until frothy.

Place ingredients in the pan of your bread machine. Set for 2 lb. White Bread/light Crust Setting.

*Please note the bread pictured was removed from the machine for baking in a cast iron dutch oven.

JELLO POKE CAKE

2013-03-10T17:24:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

white or yellow boxed cake mix (and the ingredients listed on the box to make it)
3 oz box sugar free Jello any flavor
1 Tablespoon orange juice concentrate
1;2 tsp. lemon juice
1 c boiling water1/2 c cold water
Bake the boxed cake mix according to the direction on the back of the box.

I baked it in a 9×13 cake pan.

When it is done, let it cool at least 20 minutes.

Once it is cool, poke holes in the cake using large meat fork, or a regular one will do.

Left to right, top to bottom, lots of holes.

Mix your 3 oz box of Jello,with 1 cup boiling hot water ,Then add orange juice concentrate, and lemon juice.

Pour the Jello liquid evenly over the cake.

Cover it and pop in the fridge for 2-3 hours to let it chill.

Frosting

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup powdered sugar

1 egg white

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp. salt

Whip all these ingredients together until light and fluffy.

Frost cake, and ENJOY!!!

PANKO PERCH

2013-03-08T19:31:00.006-06:00

Panko Perch

Yellow Lake Perch fillets (about 1 pound)
1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 tablespoons butter

Here's how ya do it....

Combine the flour, panko, pepper, and salt in a small bowl, mix well.

Beat egg in another bowl.

Spread the panko bread crumbs on a plate or in pie tin. Soak Perch fillets in 1/2 cup milk for up to 1 hour. Drain fillets from milk. Dry the fillets with paper towels.

First coat fillets in egg mixture then place in flour and panko mixture on plate or in pie tin. Press fillets into flour/panko mixture to coat.

In a large frying pan, heat coconut oil and butter on medium-high heat. Fry fillets until golden brown on both sides. Place cooked fillets on paper towels to drain excess oil.
ENJOY!

CHEATER CHICKEN FLORENTINE

2013-03-03T16:46:00.005-06:00

Ingredients

1 cup fresh chopped spinach

1 cup meat from a deli roasted chicken

1 box prepared Tuna Helper Tetrazzini

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated or chopped fine cooked carrots

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

OPTIONAL TOPPING

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan optional

1/2 cup soft bread crumbs

2 tablespoons butter

Directions

In a medium casserole dish, combine the prepared box of Tuna Helper, mayonnaise,mustard, chicken, spinach, and pepper. Mix well with a spatula.No need to bake unless you add topping.

IF YOU USE TOPPING....

Combine the Parmesan and bread crumbs and sprinkle over the top. Dot with the butter.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees F for about 20 minutes until bubbly.

Dr SEUSS CAKE

2013-02-28T21:23:00.007-06:00

CHERRY MARTINI CAKE

2013-02-10T21:29:00.000-06:00

CHERRY MARTINI CAKE

1 box yellow cake mix
1 jar or can good quality cherries
2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
2 Shots vodka
1 /2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
~mix thoroughly,spread in 2 greased 8 or 9 inch pans and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

Frosting: Whip 1 pkg. cream cheese and 1 stick butter softened with 1/2 cup powdered sugar , 1/2 tsp. sea salt,1 tsp. vanilla.

LATVIAN APPLE TORTE

2013-01-31T20:40:00.002-06:00

My grandma Milda Narbatovics brought this coffee cake to every family gathering.

Äpple torte
Makes 8 servings

SUPPLIES

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups flour, plus 1 tablespoon (divided)

1 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons (divided)

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, room temperature, plus 1 tablespoon (divided)

3 eggs

4 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 5 medium)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine salt, baking powder, cinnamon and 2 cups flour in a bowl. In another bowl, cream 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of butter until smooth, then add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in dry ingredients by hand, stirring just to combine. Do not overwork or mixture will be tough. Stir in apples.

Prepare a 9 x 13 pan by rubbing it with remaining 1 tablespoon butter and dusting with remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Knock out excess.

Add cake mixture to pan, spreading it out evenly. Place sliced apples in rows on top of batter, then sprinkle top with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for color.

Bake in preheated oven about 45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on rack, then remove from pan for slicing and serving. Serve with ice cream, if desired.

CROCK POT MAC AND CHEESE

2013-01-27T18:11:00.000-06:00

This is a great one dish recipe for those of you who hate boiling noodles . No boiling here, just throw it all in one crockpot and DONE!!! None of that out of the box crap. Remember, orange powder isn’t really cheese.

*Homefaker tip: I get my cheese from the deli and have them slice it super thin ,then I break it up when adding it to the crockpot. Works great with no grate ! lol

INGREDIENTS
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
12 oz. can evaporated milk
2 1/2 cups 2% milk
8 drops Worcestershire sauce
1/2 stick butter
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tsp. sea salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated or diced fine onion
3 cups grated cheese of choice.
I like any of the cheddars, and pepperjack

Whisk milks and eggs together with a fork in large crockpot.

Add all other ingredients except cheese . Mix well. Add cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 hours.

Remove lid and stir well adding grated cheese.Return lid to pot and continue to cook on low for another 1 1/2 hours. Remove lid, and ENJOY!!

* You can also make this a one dish meal by adding cooked ham or chicken and a can of veggies to the pot at the time you add your cheeses.

CAR CHANDELIER

2013-01-25T21:01:00.005-06:00

Today I was feeling a bit under the weather, but I still felt the need to accomplish a little somethin' somethin'.I really wanted a little chandelier for my car.I made one using little trinkets from my hoarding stash/ craft room.

The chandy arms are made from 3 metal ornament hangers glued onto a tealight using e6000 glue.I then built it up from there. The candles are from a really old confirmation cake top, and all the beads were wired on from an old broken bracelet. The beads are faceted aurora borealis glass beads. You can't see the detail, but they sparkle like nobody's business.

It measures 6 x 4 inches, and the tea light has it's own timer that automatically comes on for 4 hours each night.

SAUCY CHICKEN WITH HAWAIIAN ROLLS

2013-01-17T19:32:00.003-06:00

Hawaiian Rolls and moist juicy chicken breast served with a smooth and creamy sauce for dipping.

Does it get any better? YES...

Top with melty cheese and crisp bacon .....

4 Chicken breasts brined overnight in 6 cups water and 1/2 cup sea salt, and 1/4 cup poultry seasoning.

Ingredients
4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup sour cream
2 T. bleu cheese dressing
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
4 T. honey
4 T. Mrs Dash
4 slices cheddar cheese
4 slices pre cooked bacon
4 thin slices red onion
4 thin slices tomato

Directions
Preheat oven 450 degrees.

Mix together mayo, ranch, sour cream, bleu cheese dressing, mustard, and 1 T. Mrs. Dash. This will be your dipping sauce.
Put brined chicken breasts in a 9 x 13 pan. Drizzle each with honey.Spoon a tablespoon of dipping sauce onto each breast . Top with sliced onion and tomato. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove pan from oven and place cheese on top of each breast , then bacon. Bake for another 15 minutes .Remove and serve with tossed salad, corn, and Hawaiian rolls. YUMMY!!

HOMEFAKER CRACKLE/CHALK PAINT RECIPES

2013-01-17T11:18:00.001-06:00

Homefaker Designer Chalk Paint Recipe

3 cups flat latex paint (any color)
1 cup Sodium Bicarbonate
1/2 cup warm water
~mix until smooth, and paint.
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DIY Chalk Paint

4 cups latex paint
1 cup plaster of paris ,baking soda,OR grout mix
1 cup warm water

~mix until smooth, and paint.

After paint has dried overnight, you can distress with some fine sandpaper.Then if you want an antique look use a gel stain in a walnut color brush on, and wipe off with a soft cloth. Last step is to get a furniture wax. Brush on an ample amount then wipe most of it off. IF YOU LEAVE TOO MUCH ON IT WILL BE STICKY. Let the wax dry overnight, and buff with a lint free soft cloth the next day.

The antique stain I used was a mocha glaze. Any dark brown glaze will do.Do not use a stain, it will absorb in the paint and you will not be able to blend or remove.( Learned the hard way argghhh..)

This is the wax...http://www.amazon.com/Minwax-78500-Regular-Finishing-1-Pound/dp/B000LNOZAW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1358132504&sr=8-6&keywords=furniture+wax

You can also use a satin polyurethane clear coat, but not with the wax. One or the other.

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Homefaker Crackle Finish

Apply a coat of paint that you want your cracks to be. Darker colors work best.

Let dry completely

Apply a liberal layer of school glue using a brush. The more glue the bigger your cracks will be.I use the cheap dollar store glue cause it's thinner making it easier to work with.

Do not let the glue dry .Glue must be still tacky and wet when you apply your top coat of paint.

Apply your top paint color . Brush in same direction not overlapping brush strokes for a more realistic look.

Let the paint dry, and in hours you should have a beautiful crackle finish.

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This beauty will be in my Shasta camper..

www.bitchwithahitch.blogspot.com

THRIFT STORE WHORE

2012-12-30T16:44:00.000-06:00

EASY CRANBERRY DREAM CAKE

2012-12-01T21:38:00.000-06:00

Cranberry Dream Cake

2 cans Cranberry Sauce

1 box of white or yellow Cake Mix

8 oz chopped walnuts or pecans

1 can white frosting

1 stick butter(melted)

In 9×13 pan spread Cranberry sauce. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over top and stir until just combined. Sprinkle walnuts on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake in 350 oven for 35-40 mins. Cool cake in pan for about an hour.

Take the cover off of the canned frosting and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir with a spoon and drizzle over cooled cake. That's it!

EASY PEACHY DREAM CAKE

2012-12-01T20:23:00.003-06:00

Bake for 35-40 mins in a 350 oven

Peachy Deam Cake

2 cans peach pie filling

1 box of white or yellow Cake Mix

8 oz chopped walnuts or pecans

1 can white frosting

1 stick butter(melted)

In 9×13 pan spread peach pie filling. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over top and stir until just combined. Sprinkle walnuts on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake in 350 oven for 35-40 mins.Cool cake in pan for about an hour.

Take the cover off of the canned frosting and heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir with a spoon and drizzle over cooled cake. That's it !

CREATIVE HOARDER

2012-11-29T14:41:00.000-06:00

Please join me on my new adventure.The new blog is all about my compulsive obsession with cute useful things.
It's not hoarding...I'm gonna need these someday!
SEE YA THERE.
http://creativehoarder.blogspot.com/

CHILI CHEESE POTATO

2012-11-25T17:08:00.000-06:00

I love my potatoes!!

Any variety of toppings make the perfect meal. After many years of eating any potato that was on sale, my natural doctor suggested going to only red ones because the starch content is much lower which equals fewer carbs overall and more fiber than russet potatoes. Whether mashed, baked or roasted, people often consider potatoes as comfort food.

A red-skinned potato is low in calories and brimming with a host of vitamins and minerals that contribute to your health.One medium potato supplies you with 1.21 mg of iron, which is important for healthy red blood cells. The same potato will also provide you with 48 mg of magnesium,a small amount of zinc, 47 mcg of folate, 17 IU of vitamin A and 4.8 mcg of vitamin K.

Red potatoes have a phenolic content which rivals that of broccoli, spinach and Brussels sprouts, and includes flavonoids which fight cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems and certain cancers.They also contain high levels of vitamin C, folic acid, quercetin and kukoamines. Did you know the red potato contains five times the level of antioxidants compared with the russet potato? They also contain higher levels of protein.

*Potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as their starch content will turn to sugar giving them an undesirable taste.

Ingredients

1 large baked potato
1 (15 ounce) can chili with beans
1/2 cup Fritos chili cheese corn chips (crushed into large pieces, this is done easiest while still in the bag)
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 -2 tablespoon light sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onions

DIRECTIONS

Cut potato into 2 inch chunks and steam until just done, not mushy,

Top with chili mixture on plate, and sprinkle with cheese.

Microwave on high for 2 minutes until cheese is melted,

Sprinkle with Fritos and chopped onions.

Add a dollop of sour cream, and ENJOY!!!

EASY FABULOUS LONDON BROIL

2012-11-25T14:17:00.002-06:00

The change of seasons is an exciting time for all cooks. With Wisconsin's cold weather among us, it's time for more hearty meals. I especially enjoy this one in winter .
These pinwheels make a great hot entree and can  be served atop a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. The provolone adds great texture and flavor without taking away from the beef.Stronger cheeses can be substituted depending on your particular taste preferences.

Ingredients
2 lbs ½ inch sliced London broil
(ask your butcher to slice for you)
1 ½ lbs. thinly sliced provolone
6 oz. washed organic spinach leaves
1 cup  red wine
12 oz. can of Cola soda
2 tbsp. Worcestershire  sauce
4 oz. olive oil
4 oz. Beef Bouillon
1 clove fresh garlic
2 tbsp. of meat tenderizer

DIRECTIONS

Add Cola, olive oil,red wine, clove of fresh garlic. Worcestershire sauce,and bouillon to sauce pot set on low heat. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes until reduced to half.

Let marinade to cool to room temperature.

Rub meat with tenderizer.

Tenderize meat a few times on each side , then cut into 2x6 inch strips. Place strips in zip-top bag.

Pour marinade into zip lock bag over meat.

Marinate in refrigerator for 4 - 6 hours.

Remove meat from refrigerator and allow to come room temperature.

Place strips flat on working surface, then top with cheese and spinach. Roll meat and use a skewer to hold pinwheel together. Continue until all meat has been skewered.

Cook on grill at 400°F until meat reaches desired temperature and doneness. Also works well in an oven heated to 450°F and wrapped in aluminum foil.

Serve over rice or with grilled/baked potatoes and salad.

Suzy Homefaker

SWEET CONFETTI CUPCAKES

Confirmation Cross Cake

Au GRATIN RING BOLOGNA

LEOPARD WEDDING CAKE

POWDER PUFF PRINCESS

IRISH CAR BOMB CAKE

CHOCOLATE MELTAWAY CAKE

PRESSED COOKIES

DILL PICKLE BREAD bread machine

JELLO POKE CAKE

PANKO PERCH

CHEATER CHICKEN FLORENTINE

Ingredients

Directions

Dr SEUSS CAKE

CHERRY MARTINI CAKE

LATVIAN APPLE TORTE

Äpple torteMakes 8 servings

CROCK POT MAC AND CHEESE

CAR CHANDELIER

SAUCY CHICKEN WITH HAWAIIAN ROLLS

HOMEFAKER CRACKLE/CHALK PAINT RECIPES

THRIFT STORE WHORE

EASY CRANBERRY DREAM CAKE

EASY PEACHY DREAM CAKE

CREATIVE HOARDER

CHILI CHEESE POTATO

EASY FABULOUS LONDON BROIL

Äpple torte
Makes 8 servings