Many Many Hats

Pumpkin Muffins

2013-10-22T15:22:00.000-06:00

Simply Sweet Sunday We like pumpkin desserts at our house. Then add chocolate chips you can't go wrong. On top of that say it's for breakfast. It's like getting dessert for breakfast! What I really use this recipe for the most is to take a treat to someone. Every one likes them and it easy to give away part of a batch and still keep some for my family. This makes everyone happy!

1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1 cup chocolate chips
1 2/3 cup flour
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

In a large mixing bowl mix melted butter, eggs and pumpkin. Stir in chocolate chips. In a small mixing bowl combine dry ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients into wet mixture. Grease muffin tins. Scoop into 18 muffin cups. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes

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Tip- Freeze the remaining pumpkin in 1 cup containers, it keeps for three months. Use 2 to make Pumpkin Bars or 1 to make more muffins

Pie Crust Recipe and Tips

2013-09-15T21:52:00.000-06:00

Making a pie can be intimidating, but with a little practice you can do it! One of my more crazy ideas was to teach the 12 and 13 year old girls in my church how to make a pie crust. But I'm proud, and relieved to say it was a success! Each girl went home with a pie crust baked and ready to fill and a package of pudding to fill it with. They were thrilled! If they can do it, so can you.

You can use your favorite pie crust recipe (if you have one.) I get excited every time I teach someone how to roll a pie crust out between layers of plastic wrap. You don't get flour all over the counter and clean up is easy!

Makes a single crust for 9 inch pie plate:

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

½ cup butter flavored Crisco chilled
½ teaspoon salt
3 - 4 tablespoons cold water

"Fluff" flour in canister with large spoon or whisk before measuring flour. (I don't think anyone sifts flour any more but I do suggest you do "fluff" your flour when making a pie. It just takes a second.)
Put some ice cubes in some water, you want cold water.

In a large bowl combine 1 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Drop 1/2 cup chilled Crisco into flour. I buy the Crisco Baking Sticks and keep them stored in the refrigerator. I only use them for pies. You can use regular Crisco but I would chill 1/2 cup before starting.

Cut Crisco with butter knife four or five times.

With clean hands, pinch Crisco into flour. You can use a pastry blender if you'd rather.

Keep pinching till all the flour is mixed in.

Sprinkle one tablespoon of cold water over dough. Toss with fork till the water is absorbed, do not over mix.

Repeat till you have added 3 tablespoons water.

Gently form dough into a ball. If dough won't form a ball, sprinkle another tablespoon of water over dough.

Get your hand wet and dampened counter. I know it's hard to see but I don't want you to forget this step, it keeps the plastic wrap from sliding around. (I really wish I had nice, granite counter tops.)

Lay 2 pieces of plastic wrap over lapping in the center on dampened counter. (Hard to take pictures.)

Place dough in middle of plastic wrap, flatten slightly.

Place another sheet of plastic wrap over dough.

Roll till crust is big enough to fit pie plate. Roll gently from the center out to the edge. To check that the crust will fit pie plate, place pie plate upside down on crust. Crust should be one inch bigger all the way around.

If you need to you can take dough from one edge to add to another.

Use plastic wrap to gently fold crust in half.

Remove plastic wrap from top half.

Gently lift crust into pie plate, with uncovered dough side down.

Remove the other half of plastic wrap.

Use the plastic wrap to help gently unfold crust.

Fit crust to pie plate by lifting the edge of dough and lightly pressing dough into bottom edge of the sides of pie plate. Do this all the way around the pie plate. Remove second piece of plastic wrap.

Trim crust ¼ to ½ inch larger than pie plate.

Fold under edge.

Flute edge.

If filling and crust are baked together use filling recipe for baking time and temperature. Such as a pumpkin pie. If baking the crust empty prick bottom and sides well with fork. Bake at 450 for 12 minutes or till lightly golden.

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Apple Galette

2013-09-06T00:24:00.000-06:00

Simply Sweet Sunday

I so delight in a flaky crust, and an apple galette is just the way to show one off. A flaky crust wrapped around sweet apples and cinnamon. What more can your taste buds ask for? With a galette you don't need a pie plate or fuss about how the edges look.

3-4 Golden Delicious apples peeled and sliced thinly (4 cups)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon to sprinkle on top
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1 tablespoon apricot preserves melted (optional)
1 uncooked pie crust (recipe and tips here)

Combine apples with lemon juice in medium sized bowl, toss to coat apples. In small bowl combine 1/4 cup sugar, flour and cinnamon. Stir sugar mixture into apples. On a dampened counter lay 2 pieces of plastic wrap over lapping in the center. Place dough in middle of plastic wrap, flatten slightly. Place another sheet of plastic wrap over dough. Roll crust into a 12 x 14 circle. Use plastic wrap to gently fold crust in half, remove plastic wrap from top half. Lift crust onto ungreased baking sheet, with uncovered dough side down. Remove the other half of plastic wrap. Gently unfold crust. Remove second piece of plastic wrap. For pictures that show these steps but with a pie plate look here. Heat oven to 400 degrease. Mound apple filling onto the center of the crust, leaving 2 1/2 inch edge empty. Dot apples with butter. Sprinkle with nuts if using.

Fold uncovered crust up onto the apples, working around galette. Brush top of pastry with milk. Sprinkle with one tablespoon sugar. With paper towel wipe off the milk and sugar that gets on baking sheet, because it will burn.

Bake for 40 minutes or till crust is golden. Brush top with melted apricot preserves if using. Serve warm, we like vanilla ice cream with apple desserts.
Enjoy every bite.

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Italian Zucchini Quiche

2013-09-03T01:11:00.000-06:00

I really like quiche, I think it's the combination of egg and pastry, that I enjoy. We have made this recipe at the pie classes we teach and everyone has been surprised how much they like the quiche. It's a great way to use zucchini.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
3-4 cups zucchini
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon parsley or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
1/4 teaspoon basil or 3 leaves fresh basil chopped
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 uncooked pie crust

Saute zucchini and onion in butter until tender. Add parsley, basil, oregano, and garlic powder cook
an additional 2 minutes. In bowl beat eggs with fork, add salt, pepper and cheese. Combine egg and zucchini mixture. Pour into 9 inch pie crust. Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. Serve warm. Top with thin slice of tomato when in season.

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Dinosaur Eggs for Breakfast? April Fools!

2013-03-28T21:00:00.000-06:00

A fun way to start the day on April 1st. Peach halfs in "plops" of peach yogurt to look like eggs sunny side up. Or for dessert use vanilla pudding instead of yogurt.

Kids Say the Darndest Things!

2012-12-07T22:09:00.004-07:00

It's finally FRIDAY! It's been another crazy week at our house and I'm happy the weekend has arrived!

Did you know that on average a child laughs about 400 times a day? FOUR HUNDRED!!! To me that's a lot, I guess that's because I'm a boring adult. Can you guess how often adults laugh? According to this study it's a whopping 17 times a day. And I know there are days that I don't meet that quota. This makes me wonder what has happened to us humorless adults. Somewhere on our journey we have lost some of the most basic simple pleasures in life, like laughing. Not only is laughing fun but it's also good for us. Laughter releases the chemical serotonin into our brains which makes us feels good. It also reduces stress, relaxes us and helps us feel more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. I don't understand all the science behind it but there are a few things I do understand; laughing makes me happy and my kids make me laugh a lot. Having young kiddos around can often make things more stressful but also very comical. My son Jaxson in particular is quite the character (full of his share of ups and downs!) He's often saying or doing some of the funniest things, we've started calling them Jaxsonisms. I thought for this week's Friday's Five Favorites I would share with you a few of the funny things this kid has said. Just thinking everyone could use a good laugh! Maybe we can pump that 17 up at least for today!

(I apologize in advance for some potty humor!)

1. A few summers ago we were driving through a canyon when Jaxson loudly declared he had to go poop. Luckily we were able to find an outhouse in a campground because we could not convince him to go in the grass. He had no problem with an outhouse and made himself at home. He actually found the whole adventure quite fascinating, bugs and smells included. Jax was almost three at the time and because it was he first time in an outhouse I felt it was my motherly duty to be in there, holding onto him so he wouldn't fall in. (Can you imagine if he had fallen in? Yuck!) I on the other hand wasn't fascinated with the bugs and awful smells and was trying to get him to hurry the process along. I kept asking him "Are you done?" over and over. Each time he's calmly respond "No" and keep talking about the bugs that were surrounding us. I asked again and when he said no, I feeling a little exasperated exclaimed "You are a slow pooper!" He looked up at me and said with a quizzical look "I am?" "Yes, you are." I quickly replied. Finally, we were able to finish up and leave the amazing place and get back on the road. Later that day while I was introducing Jaxson to someone new he interupted me and said matter-of-factly "Hi, I'm Jaxson and I'm a slow pooper." It was one of those times that everyone couldn't help but laugh. I wish I could say that was the only time he introduced himself as a slow pooper but alas, I can't.

(Yes, he's eating toliet paper. All I can say is thank goodness that stage is over!)

2. While we are on the subject of introductions we also went through a spell just recently where Jaxson liked to introduce his whole family. He loves talking to whomever will listen and would introduce us to everybody possible. So, people at the park, church, library and grocery store would hear about his family. Luckily my husband isn't usually with us on most outings but when he is get often gets an introduction similar to this; "and this is my dad, he toots a lot." Keith always appreciates when he adds that in there.

3. We'll get all the potty talk done with this one. Potty training was quite the roller coaster ride with this kid, but we finally convinced him that wet or soggy pants aren't fun. One day at church Jaxson's teacher asked if anyone knew what one of the ten commandments was. Of course, Jaxson's hand shot up and when he was called on he matter-of-factly said "Never poop or pee in your pants." And in our house that's pretty much true.

4. One day when Jax was about 4 we were eating lunch and out of the blue he stated "Mom, sometimes girls make me fall down."

A little confused I asked "why is that?"

He then lets about a big sigh with a very slight smile and a dreamy look "because they're soooo beautiful."

I think we might be in trouble with this young Casanova on our hands.

5. When Jaxson was 3 we were going through our house and dejunking. We decided we'd sell online his little kid basketball hoop that we had kept in our basement. We figured he rarely used it anymore and would probably not even notice that it was gone. The day after we sold it as soon as he went downstairs to play he immediately noticed and was not pleased. It seemed to take hours to calm him down after I told him we sold it. He was not happy with us! The next day he asked for some grapes and unfortunately we had just ran out. When I told them that the grapes were gone he stared at me with disbelief and even a little hurt in his eyes and finally said in a very pouty voice "What! You sold my grapes too!"

He sure is a character and we wouldn't have him any other way! I hope you enjoy a giggle. Have a great weekend!

The Smell of Christmas!

2012-12-05T21:19:00.003-07:00

Christmas is in full swing at our house. Every morning our son rushes into our room (too early I might add) asking if it's Christmas Eve. Yes, we are getting excited for the big day. Even our senses are enjoying the fresh changes that the season brings. Our eyes are feasting on the beautiful lights and bright colors that decorate our home and our ears couldn't be happier to listen to the magical Christmas music all day. Even our taste buds are getting their turn because we had our first taste eggnog tonight! And thanks to Pinterest our noses even get to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. While surfing my favorite site I found this interesting idea which really is an old an idea, of burning yummy concoctions on the stove just to make the house smell good. A light bulb went off in my head "so, this is what they did before scented candles and Scentsy!" I love the simplicity of it and my house does indeed smell like Christmas, without me baking!

You'll find lots of the different combinations all over the web but this one is our favorite and almost always on the stove. All you need is some orange slices or peels (yes you can just use the peel), 3 or 4 cinnamon sticks and 2 to 3 teaspoons of ground cloves.

It can't be much easier that! Throw all of this goodness into a pot, cover with water and let it simmer.

You'll be surprised how quickly your house will smell good enough to eat! The best part is that you can turn it on for a couple hours and then turn it off (especially when leaving the house) and then turn it back on. It lasts for days! Just use a pot you don't use very often and just let it sit out, you will have to occasionally add more water. I am in LOVE with this smell of Christmas that fills our home so often now. Enjoy!

Oreo Truffles!

2012-11-25T19:28:00.004-07:00

It's Simply Sweet Sunday! I'm a traditional kind of girl,and I like to do my holidays in order. I refuse to listen to Christmas music or put up my tree until after Thanksgiving. But now that Thanksgiving is over it's time to be thinking about the most magical time of year, the Christmas season. I LOVE this time of year for so many, many reasons and I'm not going to lie that one reason is because of all the sweets. Seriously right around the holiday I justify eating dessert at breakfast, lunch and dinner. These little treats are one of my all time favorites! I've been making them for years and they're always a hit.

Oreo truffles are a delectable and rich sweet that will leave you mouth begging for one more! One of the best parts is that they only have 3 ingredients. The biggest downfall is that you have to dip each one which can take some time but believe me they are sooo worth the effort. So crank up the Christmas tunes and get dipping!

Here's what you'll need:

1 package of your favorite Oreos (I always go for mint!)

1 8 oz block of cream cheese

12 oz of melting chocolate (I usually use Almond Bark)

Wax paper

First, you have to smash your Oreos. I use my chopper for this but you could put them in a ziploc bag and use a rolling pin as well.

I like to get mine fairly fine.

I like to garnish my chocolates after dipping them and often I'll use some of the cookies crumbs to do so. If you plan on doing this take a couple of tablespoons out now and put them in a separate bowl. Next, mix in the block of cream cheese. It helps if the cream cheese is soft and I use to a pastry blender or spoon for this.

Now, you're ready to form little chocolate balls. I use a scoop for this but your hands work too. The dough will be very sticky and I recommend putting the dough in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes so they will be easier to dip.

While your dough is setting it's time to melt your chocolate. Chocolate does burn fairly easily, so you need to keep the burner low and stir often.

Once your chocolate is smooth and creamy it's time to start dipping! Professional chocolate dippers actually use their fingers for this but I prefer to use a fork or slotted spoon.

Once the truffles are covered in chocolate put them on wax paper to set. If you are going to top them with anything now is the time. Once the chocolate sets it won't be sticky enough to hold anything on. Your options are limitless here. Some of our favorites are candy pieces, cookie crumbs, sprinkles, white chocolate swirls, almost anything will work, so get creative!

They don't take too long to set, then you can either devour them or save them for your holiday event. They do store well so you can prepare them 2 or 3 days before a party but do keep them in the fridge. Here's to the sweetest time of year!

Enjoy!

One week till Thanksgiving!

2012-11-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

How much of the big feast is your responsibility? If you are cooking the turkey make sure to plan enough for left overs. Don't you love a turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving? We buy potato rolls and put dressing and cranberry sauce on. They're small so you've got to have at least two. I love it when there is enough turkey to freeze and use in some of my favorite dinners: White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas and Chicken Flautas with Sour Cream Salsa.

If you want to be the star of Thanksgiving, bring Heavenly Orange Rolls. One bite and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. I remember these rolls from when we use to have Thanksgiving at my Grandma's house, such good memories. I must warn you, if you make them once, your family will beg you make them for Thanksgiving every year from now on. They take time, but are worth every minute.

If you are bringing a pie check out our tips for pie crust here. I think the best pumpkin pie recipe is on the Libby's pumpkin can. The edge of the crust always gets over done so if you have a pie shield, don't forget to use it. They best way to top a pumpkin pie is with real whipped cream.

Now if you have left over cranberry sauce (the jellied kind) don't let it go to waste. You've got to try making the salad dressing that goes on Turkey and Craisen Pasta Salad and Winter Green Salad.

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, and enjoy the people you share it with!

Heavenly Orange Rolls

2012-11-15T01:47:00.000-07:00

For my family orange rolls are certainly a Thanksgiving tradition. I could break into song but I'll resist. I remember having these orange rolls at my grandma's house on Thanksgiving when I was a girl. My eyes would grow big as the bowl of orange rolls was pass around the huge table we sat around for Thanksgiving dinner. We only had them for Thanksgiving, this made them special. Now that I make them, I know why. They take a lot of time, (the dough rises three times) but they are worth every minute. Take one bite, and you'll think you've died and gone to heaven. Honestly they take time but anyone can make them. My daughter Julie is definitely not a bread maker. But since she lives too far away to come home for Thanksgiving she has to make her own orange rolls. She says, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without orange rolls. If you want to make rolls that will be the star of Thanksgiving dinner make Heavenly Orange Rolls. Makes 24 smiles, I mean rolls.

Dough:

1 cup scalded milk (divided)

1 packet yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons)

2 tablespoons butter

3 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups flour (divided)

Filling:

Zest from 1 and 1/2 oranges

3/4 cup sugar

6 tablespoons butter softened

Sorry you can't see the steam.

To scald milk: Place milk in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Stir occasionally until milk is just hot with steam and small bubbles appear around the edges; do not boil. Remove from heat.

Pour 1/4 cup of scalded back into cup used to measure the milk, allow milk to cool to 110 - 115 degrees.

Add yeast to the 1/4 cup milk. Yeast will form bubbles, but not foam.
(If your yeast does not form bubbles, you need to start over. Either your yeast is dead or you got it too hot.) Place 2 tablespoon butter in remaining milk to melt. (Leave the remaining cube of butter out to soften for the filling.)

In a large mixing bowl beat eggs with a fork. Stir in sugar and salt. Add yeast mixture and remaining milk and butter. Stir in 2 cups of the flour. Cover bowl with dish towel, let rise till doubled. How long this takes depends on how warm it is. It can take as long a two hours if it is cool.

When dough has doubled,

add remaining two cups of flour. Cover with dish towel, let rise till double a second time.

While waiting for dough to rise zest oranges. Prepare filling by mixing with a fork sugar, butter and orange zest.

When dough is ready deflate dough and turn it out onto a well floured surface. Roll dough out into a rectangle about 24 inches long and spread with filling.

Roll up dough, starting with long side.

Spray muffin tins with pan spray. To cut into rolls, slide a piece of thread or dental floss under rolled dough and pull up around sides. Cris-cross thread at top, then pull quickly. Cut dough into 1inch thick rolls, place in muffin tins. (You can use a cookie sheet.) Cover and let rise. They will rise more when first placed in oven. Bake at 325 for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Try to wait for rolls to cool a little. Remove from muffin tins while warm or they will stick to the pans.

Enjoy!

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Apple Dumplings

2012-11-11T23:02:00.001-07:00

Simply Sweet Sunday

I just have to share this new (to me) recipe. It so easy, and it's the season for apple desserts.
Baking apples and cinnamon makes the whole house smell good. Then wait till your family tastes it, they'll think you really went to a lot of work. Sugar crusted pastry, sweet apple and cinnamon what more can you ask for? Just some vanilla ice cream to go with it, right?

2 large Granny Smith apples
2 10 ounce cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 12 ounce can citrus soda (not diet)

Grease a 9 x 13 pan. Peel and core the apples, cut each apple into eight wedges. Roll each apple wedge in a triangle of crescent dough, starting at the large end.

Press dough to cover apple and seal.

Place in baking dish. Melt butter in a small sauce pan and stir in sugar and cinnamon. (I used the microwave oven.) Spoon over dumplings. (I made half a recipe because there's just the two of us.)

Pour soda into pan, not washing off cinnamon and sugar mixture.

Bake at 350 for 40 - 45 minutes or until golden brown.

Let dumplings cool. Serve warm with ice cream.

Enjoy!

Cranberry Salsa!

2012-11-07T21:46:00.001-07:00

I'm extremely excited to share this recipe today! Every year as soon as Halloween is over I start scanning the produce section at the store and my heart always leaps a little when I see CRANBERRIES! I know what you're thinking "Cranberries, really? This lady must be crazy!" But this recipe is why I get so excited. I can't put it into words how amazingly delicious it is. Honestly if you haven't tried it before it's going to knock your socks off!

Here's what you'll need:

1 12 oz bag of fresh cranberries
1 seeded jalabeno pepper
1 green onion
Fresh cilantro
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cumin
1 8oz block of cream cheese
Your favorite snack crackers

The instructions are simple. Pretty much all you have to do is chopped everything up and mix it all together. One important detail would be to make sure you seed your jalabeno pepper, oh and don't touch your eyes soon after. (As always I've learned the hard way.)

I always start with my cranberries and I use my Pampered Chef food chopper to do so. I also know people who use a food processor but make sure you don't over do it. You do want it to be slightly chunky. The chopping does take some time and effort but I promise the rewards are well worth it. Then I seed and chop the jalabeno pepper and green onion. Next I add the sugar and cumin. For some reason I always save the cilantro for last, maybe because cilantro is my favorite. Always use fresh and I use kitchen scissors to cut it up fairly well.

Generously top the block of cream cheese with this goodness and then serve with your favorite snack crackers.

Serve this a your next holiday party and you will be the hero of the hour!

Enjoy!

Banana Bread

2012-11-04T22:08:00.003-07:00

Simply Sweet Sunday

I think everyone likes Banana Bread, I know I do. This is a traditional Banana Bread recipe and of course my favorite. I love the smell of it baking. A loaf disappears pretty fast at my house.

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup mashed bananas (over ripe)
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs and beat, add bananas, milk and lemon juice. Pour 2 cups of flour on top of banana mixture. Spoon baking powder, baking soda, and salt; on top of flour. Using a fork mix dry ingredients together. Mix dry ingredients into banana mixture. Mix in nuts. Spray a 8x4x3 loaf pan with pan spray. Bake for 40 minutes at 350, reduce oven temperature to 325 bake for additional 20 minutes. Baking is for a total of an hour. Cool on cooling rack for 15 minutes. Remove bread from pan, allow to finish cooling.
Enjoy!

Souper Dinners!

2012-10-27T20:23:00.000-06:00

Welcome to this week's Friday's Five Favorites

When it's cold outside a bowl of soup is just what your family needs to feel warm all over! I really enjoy a bowl of hearty homemade soup for dinner. Served with cornbread or bread sticks and you got a great tasting, filling meal. Most soups are full of vegetables so they're good for you. Here are some favorites, starting with a new recipe.

1. Homemade chili O.K. You might not call chili a soup, but it's served in a bowl and that's good enough for me. Homemade is sooo much better than that from a can.

1 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounce)
2 cans beans (15 ounce each) with liquid (I used 1 can pinto beans and 1 can small red beans)
1/2 diced green pepper
1/4 cup diced celery (1 stalk)
1 can tomatoes (14 ounce)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain off fat. In large pot, combine the beef and all the ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Stir often to keep from scorching on the bottom. Or use a slow cooker, 8 hours on low 4 hours on high.

2. Tortilla Soup This is a really quick soup that will please your hungry family. Just open some cans! For recipe go here.

3. Minestrone Soup This minestrone is better than Olive Garden's, I'm not kidding. This recipe makes a lot, enough to share or freeze. If freezing don't add the pasta till you heat it to serve.
For recipe go here.

4. Broccoli Cheese Soup Creamy, cheesy, yummy need I say more? This is family favorite. For recipe go here.

5. Cream of Wild Rice Soup This is a flavorful, creamy soup, with a yummy chewiness of wild rice and a surprise crunch from the almonds. For recipe go here.

Enjoy!

Lemon Meringue Pie

2012-10-22T12:23:00.001-06:00

Simply Sweet Sundays

A homemade (even the pie crust) Lemon Meringue Pie is a gift of love. Here at Many Many Hats we usually aim for fast and easy but sometimes you want to make something special. A Lemon Meringue Pie is a delight to the taste buds, tangy lemon, sweet meringue and flaky crust. My mouth is begging for a taste. A meringue pie makes a big impression, sooo if you want to impress, this should do the trick. This recipe is from the Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. I got mine as a wedding gift 32 years ago. Back then we used and used our cookbooks, now we use the Internet to find new recipes.

Ingredients:

9 inch baked pie crust, cooled
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (I use unbleached)
1 1/2 cups water
3 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 - 2 teaspoons finely shredded lemon peel
1/3 cup lemon juice

Directions:

Before you start, prepare all of the ingredients. Separate egg yolks from egg whites. Be sure not to get any yolk in the whites, (the egg whites are used in the meringue.) Beat yolks with a fork. Measure butter. Shred lemon peel. Juice lemon, if there's not 1/3 cup of juice I add some bottled lemon juice, or you could use 2 lemons.

In a heavy medium saucepan stir together the 1-1/2 cups sugar, the cornstarch, and flour; gradually stir in water. Bring to boiling, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; cook and stir over medium heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Gradually stir about 1 cup of the hot mixture into beaten egg yolks; pour yolk mixture into remaining hot mixture in saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil; cook for 2 minutes more, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in butter and shredded lemon peel. Slowly stir in 1/3 cup lemon juice. Keep filling warm while preparing the meringue.

Meringue:

Ingredients:

3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 tablespoon water
6 tablespoons sugar

For meringue, in a large mixing bowl (use a glass or metal bowl, not plastic) beat egg whites, vanilla, cream of tartar, and water with an electric mixer on medium speed about 1 minute or until soft peaks form. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed about 4 minutes or until stiff peaks form and sugar dissolves. Pour warm filling into cooled crust. Immediately spread meringue over filling, carefully sealing to edge of crust to prevent shrinkage. Bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 -12 minutes. Cool on rack for 1 hour. Chill 3 to 6 hours before serving. Makes 8 servings.

Tip: To keep bottom of pie crust flaky, sprinkle a tablespoon of powdered sugar in bottom of baked and cooled pie crust before pouring in lemon filling.

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Tip: When cutting pieces of meringue pie, dip sharp knife in very warm water and it will easily slide through meringue.

Birthday Traditions!

2012-10-19T20:25:00.001-06:00

Welcome to this week's Friday's Five Favorites!

I LOVE birthdays! When I was a kid my mom made sure our birthdays were a day full of fun and excitement. She planned themed parties with homemade pinatas, games and a special homemade cake that went with the theme. I always loved every minute of it and it always made me feel very important. Now, that I'm a mom I also want my kids to feel that they are special on their birthdays. At the same time I long for simplicity (or maybe I'm lazy) so I've tried to keep the balance between making birthdays special yet simple. Here are our family's five favorite birthday traditions.

1. Balloons!

The night before the child's birthday we fill their room up with balloons. This only costs a few dollars and some hot air, which my husband has plenty of. :) Since he usually doesn't do much with the cake and hates wrapping presents the balloons are his job. The next morning the special kid wakes up to their room full of fun. It always makes for a great morning for the whole family. To see more pictures and details on this fun tradition go here.

2. Birthday Book!
I love scrapbooks but I'm not on top of it enough to do a scrapbook for each of my kids, documenting their whole lives. When my oldest was a baby I decided I would do a ABC Baby Book for each of my babies and then a family scrapbook, which mainly includes holidays and special vacations. Then when my son had his first birthday I decided I had to add one more book. I keep their birthday book very basic but something that is all about them. Each year around their birthday I update their book with just a few pages.

It includes a simple collage showing my favorite picture from each month during the last year. It's so fun to watch them grow.

I do a simple page showing their birthday celebrations.

An interview page.

This book is also where I store the 8x10 photos I have of them that go on the wall after they get outdated.

And last but not least a I slip in a special letter to that child, one from me and one from their daddy. We keep the letter fairly short but tell them some of our favorite memories of them from the year and how much we love them. This doesn't mean much to them now but I know it will someday

3. Hunt for Presents!

This tradition is extremely easy but such a big hit with the kiddos. We take the presents that family and friends have sent ahead of time and then the few we get them and hide them in the house. We then make a very simple scavenger hunt and make them find their presents.

After all the presents are collected they can open them. They LOVE it!

4. Food!

It seems as human beings we can't have a celebration without food. In our house on someones birthday they get to plan the menu. I ask them ahead of time what they want for their birthday breakfast and dinner. They also get to eat off the special birthday plate that just joined our family this year. We often add candles to the breakfast and sing happy birthday to them in the morning.

Of course it wouldn't be a birthday without cake. Whether we have a friend birthday party or not I make the birthday cake. I let the child pick what they want and I do my best to create it. Thank goodness for the Internet!

5. Party Time!
My mom spoiled us by doing a big birthday party every year when we were young enough to want it. My husband did not grow up that way and thought it a little too much. We compromised by doing a friend party every other year. I did a party for my son when he was three but I think that was a little young. We have decided to start friend parties at age four from now on. Last year Jaxson had a bug party with a few of his buddies and we all had a blast.

For more on his bug party you can go here.

On the years that we don't do a party we decided to make their birthday memorable for them by having them do thoughtful things for other people. This was our first year doing it and it turned out to be awesome, even Jaxson thought it was great. Since he was turning 5 we had him pick five nice things do to for someone else (with a little help from us.)

We ended up doing things like taking candy to our local firefighters.

And taking cookies, candy or flowers to other people that Jaxson chose. He was so excited about it and loved every minute. I love our new tradition! I would also love to hear about your families birthdays traditions.

Pumpkin Cookies!

2012-10-14T20:51:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Simply Sweet Sunday!

If you've been on pinterest at all lately you've seen the pumpkin explosion that's been going on there. Pumpkin decorations, pumpkin parties, and pumpkin recipes galore! Fall is truly in the air! So we're jumping on the band wagon and sharing our best pumpkin recipes. Today it's our favorite pumpkin cookies.

My mom got this recipe from our neighbor who was pretty much like family to us. They are so good! The recipe makes a good 5 to 6 dozen cookies which is perfect if you're hosting a Halloween party but not so perfect if you just want a cookie or two. These are not the type of cookie where you can stop after one! The recipe can be halved fairly easily but I like to freeze about half the dough and then it's ready to go for the next time.

Here's what you'll need:

1 cup shortening
3 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoon vanilla
5 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons all spice
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons cloves
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 large can of pumpkin (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 cups chocolate chips

Super simple instructions. All you have to do is first cream shortening and sugar. Next mix in eggs and vanilla. Then stir in flour and spices then the pumpkin and chocolate chips. Easy peasy! Bake these tasties at 375 for 15 minutes on a greased cookie sheet and then enjoy a taste of the season!

Homemade Tomato Soup

2012-10-10T11:44:00.004-06:00

What to do, what to do? Too many tomatoes to eat fresh, not enough to make a batch of salsa or juice. I can always share with the neighbors which I often do, but there won't be very many more tomatoes this year. We picked every tomato, even the ones that were just turning red before the first frost 5 days ago. This year's fall has been kind to gardeners, the first frost didn't come till October. This is amazing for South East Idaho. The perfect solution is to make a batch of the BEST Homemade Tomato Soup. I love this soup. My son raves about this soup. At our house we like to have toasted cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. You can make a batch to freeze (do not can this recipe) or make a batch to enjoy for dinner. I have done both this fall. Since I have a small freezer I have also frozen 5-6 cups of tomatoes to make into soup this winter. This saves room compared to 9-10 cups of soup the recipe makes. This recipe is from the Gardener's Community Cookbook, I have made a few changes. I use a stick blender to puree the soup. To be honest I'm not sure I'd bother pureeing the soup if I didn't have one. I would chop the tomatoes before starting. Look at pictures at bottom of post.

4 tablespoons butter
1 large onion finely chopped
3 pounds of tomatoes peeled and quartered, this is about 6 large tomatoes or 5-6 cups of tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon sugar opt.
1 cup whipping cream opt.

In a large heavy soup pot melt butter. Add onions and saute over medium heat until soft, about 8 minutes.

Add tomatoes, thyme, basil, salt and pepper stir to mix. Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat 8 minutes. Allow mixture to cool enough for next process.

Puree tomato mixture. I use a "stick" mixer to puree the soup in the pot it is cooked in. You can puree the mixture in a blender or food mill or a victorio strainer (a strainer will remove the seeds, I really don't mind the seeds). A word of caution, do not put a hot liquid in a blender and it turn on. The liquid will explode. I don't know the science behind it, but trust me it makes a big mess and can burn you!!!!!!!!! Return tomato puree to soup pot.

Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. (I use my microwave, 30 sec. on high.) Whisk in flour till smooth. Stir flour and broth mixture into tomato puree. Add remaining vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove pot from heat. Stir in sugar and cream. Do not boil soup after you have added the cream.

How to chop tomatoes if you are not going to puree soup.

Pumpkin Cobbler.

2012-10-07T12:13:00.001-06:00

Simply Sweet Sunday

My husband loves this dessert, every fall he starts to ask when are we going to have it. If you like pumpkin desserts like we do, you should try this recipe. The pumpkin layer is the same recipe as on the can of Libby's pumpkin for pie. It surprises me how more moist the pumpkin custered is baked this way instead of in a pie crust.

Pumpkin bottom layer:

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
4 large eggs
1 can (29 oz) pumpkin
2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk

Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in a large bowl. Add eggs and beat. Stir in pumpkin and evaporated milk. Pour into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan.

Topping:

1 yellow cake mix
1 cube butter or margarine

Cut butter into the cake mix using a pastry blender. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Bake at 350 for 65 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool, and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Teriyaki marinade for grilling

2012-10-05T18:34:00.000-06:00

This simple marinade has only 3 ingredients. Easy and yummy, that's my kind of recipe. The flavor of the marinade and flavor a grill gives is a perfect combo. I use it to marinade chicken breast or chicken tenders. This marinade was my mother's favorite way prepare meat to serve a crowd. Except she always used turkey steaks (the tender strip from the turkey breast). Her neighbor had a turkey farm. Actually she got this recipe from him. Many, many people have enjoyed turkey steaks at her home.

Teriyaki marinade:

1 part soy sauce
1 part vegetable oil
2 parts Sprite

I know a recipe by parts seems strange, but actually it very convenient because you can make the amount you need.

Small,

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup Sprite

or large,

3/4 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 12 oz can Sprite

or any amount in between.

Prepare your turkey or chicken by trimming off any fat. If the chicken breast are large I like to cut them in half length wise. (I use my kitchen scissors.) I like the way they cook on the grill cut to that size. Marinate the meat in the sauce for at least 4 hours, but longer is better. I try to start marinating in the morning of the day we'll have it for dinner. Keep the meat in the fridge and covered while marinating. (If using chicken tenders marinate for only about 4 hours) Stir occasionally. To grill, preheat grill on high. Place meat on the grill reduce heat. When meat has dark grill lines turn. The amount of time depends on the size of your meat. I like the way chicken breast cut in half length wise have three sides to brown. Cut a piece to make sure it is done or use a thermometer. My family likes Casserole Potatoes with Teriyaki chicken.

Chicken breasts cut length wise.

Chili

2012-10-01T23:03:00.000-06:00

When it's cold outside a warm bowl of chili can make you feel warm and cozy. Homemade chili is simple to make and is so much better than what you can buy in a can. Southern Cornbread is the perfect partner for chili.

1 lbs. ground beef
1 medium onion
1 can tomato sauce (15 ounce)
2 cans beans (15 ounce each) with liquid (I used 1 can pinto beans and 1 can small red beans)
1/2 diced green pepper
1/4 cup diced celery (1 stalk)
1 can tomatoes (14 ounce)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar

Brown ground beef in skillet. Drain off fat. In large pot, combine the beef and all the ingredients. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Stir often to keep from scorching on the bottom. Or use a slow cooker, 8 hours on low 4 hours on high.

Ghosts and Pumpkins

2012-09-25T12:42:00.000-06:00

This is an easy to make, early math counting manipulative. Just color with permanent marker one side of Lima beans orange and on the other side make a ghost's face. You can cover a yogurt cup with paper or you can just use a plastic cup. The child puts the Lima beans in the cup, shakes them like dice, and pours them out on the table. They count how many ghosts, and how many pumpkins. You ask which is more or which is less. You can change the amount of beans in the cup after a few shakes.

Easy and cheap just the way we like it.

Peach Melba Trifle

2012-09-23T19:02:00.001-06:00

It's Simply Sweet Sunday and we're glad you're here! Today was a day of celebration at our house. Why? Because for the past week my husband has been on call (he's a medical resident) which means he's worked a lot of long days. The kiddos hardly saw him this week because he left before they woke up and came home long after they were in bed. Thankfully, this week is finally over and the call phone is no longer haunting us! We celebrated with one of the best ways we know how, dessert!!!

With peaches still being in season I decided this would be the perfect treat. We usually save trifles for company or parties because they look a little more fancy than some desserts, but this heavenly goodness has been calling my name for weeks now.

The Peach Melba Trifle looks like it's merely angel food cake, pudding and peaches. That combination would be amazing by itself but this recipe has a few surprise ingredients that really take your taste buds for a wild ride!

Here's what you'll need:

An angel food cake cut up into about 1 inch squares
About a 1/2 cup of orange juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup of raspberry preserves
4 to 5 sliced fresh peaches (I have made it with canned peaches before and it's still awesome!)

For the creamy melba you'll need:

1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cup water
1 small box of vanilla pudding
2 cups of Cool Whip

In a large bowl combine the condensed milk and water, then mix well. Next add the pudding and beat until blended. Chill this mixture for at least five minutes. Once mixture is ready fold in the Cool Whip and 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Now, you're ready to assemble your delicious trifle!

Start with a thick but even layer of angel food cake. Angel food cake is one of the lowest calorie cakes out there so don't feel bad about popping a few in your mouth during the process!

Next, sprinkle the cake with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. The cake will absorb the juice and give it a little extra kick without making it soggy. Then add a thin layer of raspberry preserves which will add another element of fun for your taste buds!

Top with a generous helping of those delightful fresh peaches!

Top it all off with a thick layer of the creamy melba. Then repeat the layers again, double up on all the goodness!

Once your trifle bowl is filled to capacity you can garnish it with almonds, mint leaves or extra peaches to jazz it up a bit.

And you've done it! You've just made one of the most heavenly desserts out there! This dessert is for sure a winner in our family. Dig in and enjoy!

Favorites From My Garden

2012-09-21T16:07:00.000-06:00

Growing a vegetable garden is a lot of work. The pay off is all the fresh vegetables you get to enjoy this time of year. I LOVE vegetables so all the work is worth it to me.
This week's Friday's Five Favorites are my favorite ways to eat what I grow.

1. Garden Stir Fry

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 carrot cut into sticks and the into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 onion
1/2 sweet red pepper opt.
1 small zucchini
1 small yellow squash
garlic salt
pepper

I like to use young squash.

Pour the olive oil into a fry pan, I like to use a non stick pan. Cook carrot on medium heat for about 3 minutes. While carrot is cooking cut half sweet red pepper into strips and then in half. Cut half an onion into petals. Add to cooked carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes. While onions cook cut zucchini into fourths length ways, then into slices. Add to onions.

While the zucchini cooks cut yellow squash the same as the zucchini. Add yellow squash to pan cook till vegetables are soft. Season with garlic salt and pepper. Serve hot.

2. Breaded Zucchini

1-2 young zucchini sliced 1/4 inch
1 egg
2 tablespoon milk
1 cup bread crumbs (I like plain)
vegetable oil
garlic salt
pepper

Beat egg and milk with fork. Heat oil in fry pan (I use an electric fry pay). Dip zucchini slices into egg mixture, then bread crumbs cook on one side then the other. I season with garlic salt and pepper on both sides. Drain on paper towel before serving.

3. Grilled Yellow Squash

1-2 yellow squash sliced 1/4 inch
1/4 cup butter melted
garlic salt
pepper

Preheat grill on high for 5 minutes. Reduce heat slightly. Dip squash in melted butter. Remove excess butter before placing on grill. Season both sides with garlic salt and pepper. Turn when squash has grill marks. Squash is done when soft.

4. Cucumbers

I enjoy cucumbers in lots of different salads. I use them in Turkey and Craisins Pasta Salad for example. My favorite way to eat a cucumber is peeled, sliced with seasoned rice vinegar sprinkled on it. It only takes about 1 tablespoon of vinegar for one cucumber.

5. Green Beans

My favorite way to cook green beans is to boil them. I snip the stem end off and break them in half. I boil them for 20 -25 minutes. Drain off the water and season with butter, salt and pepper. I've tried cooking them in a slow cooker with red potatoes and broiling them but truly, I like them best just boiled.

I know these last two are boring but I guess that sometimes simple is best.
I hope you enjoy a bountiful harvest from your garden!

Fabric Pumpkins, NO Sewing

2012-09-20T14:08:00.000-06:00

These pumpkins are soooo easy. Just use some fall fabric that matches you fall decor. You only need half of yard or a fat quarter of fabric. A half a yard will make two pumpkins. Then grab a package of toilet paper, yes I said toilet paper. Place the roll in the middle of your fabric. Pull up the sides and push them in the hole of the toilet paper roll, and then do the corners. Add a steam of a cinnamon stick, or cut a piece of a branch of a tree, or a roll of cardboard. Add leaves cut from felt or paper, or from a silk plant. Raffia bows would look good too. The best thing is they're easy to make. The second best part is they hardly take any space to store till next year, just take out the toilet paper and store the fabric, stem and leaves!

If you bought a 1/2 yard of fabric cut it in half to make two squares.

(It doesn't need to be an exact square.)

Start with the shortest sides.

Then the other sides.

Now the corners.

Make a stem and leaves. I used pieces of a branch, some leaves off of a silk ivy plant and vines made of florist wire wrapped with florist tape. I wired them together with florist wire.

This fabric was a thick flannel so I needed to trim the corners to get it to work.

To make a more rounded bottom like the center and right pumpkin I put a large plastic lid under the roll of toilet paper.