Life's a Bowl of Cherries

Mini Layered Mexican Dip Cups

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:55:00 +0000

This is a cute idea for mini-appetizers that I made last week for a Teacher Appreciation Week meal.

Using your favorite layered Mexican dip recipe, but layer it up in small, 5 ounce cups that are perfect for individual servings. I'll tell you what I did, but don't have amounts needed listed.

Refried beans mixed with taco seasoning for the base.

Sour cream mixed with shredded cheddar cheese.

Guacamole (homemade or ready to serve)

Drained salsa (so it's not so runny)

Shredded cheddar cheese

Sliced black olives

What a fun was to serve this popular dip!

Easy Batter Fruit Cobbler

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:17:00 +0000

(before baking)

Last week I made this cobbler for Teacher Appreciation Week. I made two of them with frozen cherries and one with frozen strawberries. I realized about 10 minutes into the baking that I hadn't put any sugar into the batter, so pulled them out of the oven and added it (stirred it into the whole cobbler). It wasn't a pretty dessert, but tasted really good, still! I was surprised that the strawberry cobbler was good. I had never had a strawberry dessert where the strawberries had been cooked in such a large amount, only strawberry cake that doesn't have very many. Anyway, it's an easy dessert that is sure to please your family or great for any type of gathering!

Easy Batter Fruit Cobbler

8 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cup milk
4 cups of sliced, frozen fruit (peaches, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries)
2 tablespoon sugar

Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position, and heat oven to 350 degrees. Put butter in a 9 x 13 inch cake pan (I used a disposable pan to take to the school) , set in oven to melt. When butter has melted, remove pan from oven.

Whisk flour, 1 1/2 cups of sugar, baking powder and salt in a small blow. Add milk, whisk to form a smooth batter. Pour batter into pan, then scatter fruit over batter. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake until batter browns and fruit bubbles, 50 to 60 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Twas the Week of Teacher Appreciation Week.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:54:00 +0000

'Twas the week of "Teacher Appreciation Week" and all throughout our abode......

Not a dish or pan was clean, we were in another mode.

My family and friends had helped serve and honor others this week,

And the result, you can see, was a mess in the sink!

Yes, this week we've been celebrating and honoring our teachers and staff during "Teacher Appreciation Week". Many PTO members, friends, and family have helped me during this week and it has been enjoyed by the faculty of our school. We feed the elementary staff, as well as the junior high and high school staff, so that they'll all feel appreciated. And they do.

Last night I wrote a special tribute to my friend, Tonya, who passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer. (Read it HERE, if you are interested.) Tonya and I talked on the phone a lot. Before she got cancer when she would call (Yes, she did most of the calling. I always apologized that I'm not a caller. But, I'm a talker! I enjoy talking, but not calling. I'm weird like that!) and say she was cleaning house. Usually she called right after our kids left for school. I was usually writing my blog, getting busy to go do some project or cook for something, but she was always cleaning or washing clothes. In fact, she was usually finished with her cleaning and washing clothes! I mean.....with four children and a husband, she has an EMPTY clothes hamper, washer and dryer. It was DONE. Her dishes were all DONE. Her house was SPOTLESS.

Mine usually wasn't. Actually, I would probably go as far to say that mine was never spotless. It really never is. It may be straight. The kitchen may be clean and tidy. The clothes may mostly be clean and put away, but it's never all done. With four kids and a husband, it's an on-going thing for us.....and my husband helps tremendously, even in the house. The kids do, too. And Tonya's kids did, too.

When Tonya found out she had cancer, she realized a lot of things. I mentioned the most important things she learned in my other blog's post about her. But, she also learned that there is more to life than having a clean house and everything washed and tidy by early morning every single day. She learned that taking time to serve others, to enjoy life, and to let some things go from time to time was okay. She mellowed in that area and grew in others.

We all have lessons to learn. For some of us, it's something we never quite grasp, but for Tonya, it was a quick learning experience. From her 'trial' and years of cancer, she because a shining light in Tipton. Her light will continue to shine for years to come, through the products of her labor, her children. Her husband and parents will inspire others, as well. What a blessing to have known Tonya!

Yesterday afternoon and evening, my family and I worked together to get our messy abode straightened up and tidy. It has to be because we're having a Senior class party here tonight! But, as we cleaned, we all thought of Tonya. I told my children about how she used to work so hard to never have a messy house, but how sometimes it will get messy when we're serving others.

Thank you, God, for the life and lessons that Tonya lived and learned and shared. She was an inspiration to all who knew her!

The Lady's Coleslaw (Paula Deen)

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 08 May 2013 12:59:00 +0000

I've never made coleslaw before. In fact, I've only just started liking it in the past few years. But I needed to make it for Teacher Appreciation Week, so decided to go with this recipe. I took the easy way out and just bought the cole slaw mix. I just guessed on the ratio of bagged to her list, but it came out fine. I was also doing it times six, twice, so it was in a huge bowl!

The Lady's Coleslaw
by Paula Deen

1/2 bell pepper, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
1/2 large carrot, chopped
1/8 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cabbage head
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (recommended: Jane's Krazy Mixed-up Salt)
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Using a food processor, gently process the bell pepper, onion, carrot, and parsley, being careful not to over process. Cut 1/2 of the cabbage into chunks and place in the food processor and process lightly, making sure the cabbage doesn't become mushy. Slice the remaining cabbage thinly. Mix the cabbage together with the processed vegetables. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients together and allow to stand for a few minutes. Combine the mayonnaise mixture with the vegetables and toss. Chill for 1 hour before serving.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:42:00 +0000

The cardboard drink carriers from Sonic Drive - In makes a cute tote for goodies and gifts! They were perfect to make gifts in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week this week.

I used lime green, hot pink, and white shredded paper in the bottom of the box, then filled it with bottled water, drink packet mix, candy, 100 calorie cookies and mixes, and nuts. Just add ribbon and a gift tag, and you're all set!

The Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 02 May 2013 05:17:00 +0000

For the past few days, I have been at the Oklahoma State FFA Convention. Today they played one of the cutest and funniest commercials I have ever seen! I've put the link below. You'll be glad you watched it :). It goes along with the phrase: You're stronger than you think!

Click HERE for commercial on YouTube.

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 01 May 2013 05:44:00 +0000

I've posted this recipe before, but never had made it into a trifle. Last week, at our church family's fellowship dinner, I made this trifle. It was a bowl given to me by a secret pal a few years ago and was especially pretty with strawberries inside, since the base is red. What an easy, but elegant looking dessert! It tastes wonderful, as well!

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake

2 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter (at room temperature or melt just slightly in the microwave to soften)
2/3 cup milk
1 egg

Strawberries with syrup (sweetened)
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 9 x 9 inch square baking sheet. In medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add butter and cut in with pastry blender or just use fork. Mixture will form into crumb-like consistancy. Add milk and egg and stir just until well blended. Pour batter into greased round pan. Bake 15 - 20, or until shortcake is lightly browned.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cut shortcake into bite-sized pieces. Layer trifle bowl with shortcake. Cover with sweetened strawberries and juice, then with Cool Whip. Repeat layers. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Bacon Turtle Burger

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Have you seen this??! It's a Bacon Turtle Burger! Actually, I would call it a Bacon Turtle Burger Dog, but left the "dog" off because of the link I am sharing. They don't use the "dog" part. Anyway, this weekend may be the perfect weekend to try this popular bacon-weaved turtle! Here's the link: http://bacontoday.com/bacon-turtle-burgers/

Barbecue Sliced Chicken Open-Faced Sandwich

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:12:00 +0000

Occasionally we by the rotisserie chickens sold at the grocery store or Walmart. They're really good - coming in several different flavored varieties. Last night, I sliced some and made these open-faced sandwiches. The family really liked them!

I grilled hamburger buns in a small amount of butter until well toasted, then sliced up the heated chicken, and topped it with heated barbecue sauce (Head Country made in Oklahoma is our favorite!). Simple and delicious!

The picture is a little bland. My daughter thought it needed something green on the plate - because of my "always have something green on your plate" rule. No one wanted a pickle, we had no parsley, and the top of the strawberry she tried as a garnish looked ridiculous! So, no green, but still good! :)

Vegetable Casserole (Variation #3)

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 04:23:00 +0000

This has always been one of my favorite side dishes because it was one of my Grandma Sibyl's recipes and one I especially remember her making and serving for holidays (Christmas and Easter). When I first posted this, I posted her original recipe, plus my variation. However, yesterday when I was getting it ready for a church potluck meal for today, I realized I had opened up a can of creamed corn instead of regular corn. Rather than waste it, I decided to try it. It was delicious! So, I decided to share this new variation with you. The other two variations are below, as well.

Now that I look at the recipes, I realize I have made other changes. And, as I was actually typing the recipe, I realized I didn't put in the sour cream. I guess that was a good thing, since I added the creamed corn. So, maybe this isn't actually a variation, but a whole new recipe! Yes! I think so!

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE (Variation #3)
Note: This one makes a 9 x 13 inch dish.

1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can creamed corn
2 cans French-style green beans (I used regular cut green beans, just cut them with a knife while they were in the can)
2 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 -4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, chopped
2 sticks butter (not margarine)
1 small can green chilies
crushed cheese crackers (I used Goldfish, as you can tell!!)

Melt one stick of butter in small saucepan. Add onions and saute until browned. While this is sauteing, mix whole kernel corn, creamed corn, both cans of soup, and cheese in large bowl. Add sauteed onion and butter. Pour into 9 x 13 inch dish. Top with crushed cheese crackers. Can now refrigerate to bake later or bake now. Before baking, melt stick of butter and pour over top of crackers. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven until bubbly. If refrigerated, it will take 45 min. to an hour. If cooked immediately, it will take about 30 - 45 min.

GRANDMA'S VEGETABLE CASSEROLE
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can French-style green beans, drained
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can celery soup
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Cheese nips

Mix together and pour in 9 x 9 dish. Cover with crushed cheese nips. Melt 1/2 stick oleo and pour over nips. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbles, about 30 minutes.

VEGETABLE CASSEROLE
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
2 cans French-style green beans, drained
1 - 4 oz. can chopped green chilies
1 - 8 oz. carton sour cream
1 small onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup (I've used all cream of mushroom soup, too)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Cheese flavored crackers, crushed (ex. Cheez-Its, Goldfish, etc.)
2 sticks butter or margarine

In small skillet, cook chopped onion and 1 stick butter or margarine until onions are translucent. In large bowl, combine corn, green beans, chilies, sour cream, soups, and cheese. Mix in cooked onions. Pour ingredients into 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with crushed crackers. Melt remaining stick of butter and pour over crackers. Bake 45 minutes (or until bubbling) at 350 degrees.

If you are making it ahead of time, refrigerate casserole until needed. Add crackers and melted butter or margarine just before baking.

I take this casserole to church potluck dinners and serve at Thanksgiving dinner with my husband's family. It always makes me think of Grandma!

Blessings and Prayers

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:53:00 +0000

With all of the tragedy that has been on our hearts and minds this week - with the bombing in Boston and now with the explosion in West, Texas, we can't help but think of the sadness and loss that so many of our neighbors are facing. Prayers to everyone who has been affected by these tragedies in any way.

In our area of Southwest Oklahoma, we have been blessed with rain. Storms that had tornados touching down made their way across our state last night - some causing some damage, but mostly sending much-needed rain to our drought-stricken land.

Looking out the doors of our house we have mini "ponds" of standing water - three inches fell last night and during the wee hours of the morning. Thank you, God!

Although the temperatures dropped and it feels like a cold, winter day, you can see that the grass is getting green! Some of our garden is planted in the plowed dirt and God watered it for us. What a blessing!

Be sure to thank God for the rain. Maybe you didn't need it, but others did. Be sure to ask God to comfort and strengthen those who are hurting....not just from the Boston and West tragedies, but also those who may be hurting in your own community.

Sunday Roast and Veggies

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:38:00 +0000

I remember showing this picture on my "Shine Like Stars" blog on a Disney World post, but I just realized I never shared the recipe with you.

This meal was made for my family over Christmas vacation while we were staying in our rent house. When I went to the store, I bought everything we needed for the meal, plus one big roaster. The house is supplied, but not with big baking pans, so I purchased this disposable aluminum pan. It worked perfectly and our lunch was almost completely ready when we got home from worship on the first Sunday we were there.

Just put your roast (I had two of them.) in the bottom of the pan, and top with potatoes (cut up or whole), carrots, and green beans. Pour water to about one inch deep and add three spoonfuls of beef base down in the water. (It's like bouillon, but in a paste form and without added salt.). Bake 4 - 5 hours. Make gravy with liquid, if desired.

Butter Pecan Gooey Bars

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:36:00 +0000

This recipe can be made with any flavor of cake mix. Most recipes call for a yellow cake mix, but I was wanting to use a butter pecan cake mix and found this recipe. I made this for a church fellowship cookout yesterday.

Butter Pecan Gooey Bars

1 box butter pecan cake mix

3 eggs

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon pur vanilla extract

1 pound powdered sugar

1 cup chopped pecans (I used less.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, mix by hand the dry cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Pat into the bottom of the greased pan and set aside. With electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, and vanilla well. Add confectioners sugar and beat well. Pour filling onto cake mixture and spread evenly. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. you want the center to be a little gooey, so don't over bake. It will begin to crackle across the top. That is perfectly normal!

(Note: My oven always takes longer to bake than suggested, but this time I didn't let it bake longer. I should have! The middle wasn't set. The outer portions were super, though! Just need to bake it longer.)

Crock Pot Baked Steak

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:46:00 +0000

YAY!! A new recipe!! Aren't you excited?? I am! I can't remember the last time I actually cooked something new! And it turned out good, which is even better.

We served this Crock Pot Baked Steak over brown rice. I baked the rice in the oven - at 350 degrees - for about 30 minutes. Hey! That's two new things!

Crock Pot Baked Steak

8 tenderized round steaks (about 2 1/2 pounds)

1 (1 1/4 ounce) package dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup water
1 (10 1/2 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

Directions:
Place tenderized steaks in slow cooker. Add onion soup mix, water and mushroom soup. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Bakery Tasting Cakes from a Cake Mix

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:50:00 +0000

Like using cake mixes, but want them to taste more like "made from scratch" cakes? Try this simple substitutions and additions! I have tried one or two of them in that past, and maybe I've even shared them with you, but in case I haven't....here they are:

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix.
Step 2: Add one more egg that recipe says (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich).
Step 3: Use melted butter (real butter, not margarine) instead of oil and double the amount.
Step 4: Instead of water, use milk.
Step 5: Mix well and bake for the time recommended on the box.

Simple, but fabulous!

Tuna Biscuit Sandwiches

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:48:00 +0000

When our youngest three children were little, this was one of their favorite foods to eat. I made it for them at least once a week. I don't make it very often now, but when I do, they are always excited. It reminds them of their younger days. Our fourth child doesn't like anything with tuna in it, so he's not so excited.
Tuna Biscuit Sandwiches
1 can refrigerated biscuits
1 can tuna, drained
1 - 2 Tablespoons Miracle Whip (or mayo if you prefer)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Dash of celery seed (optional)
Dash of onion powder (optional)
Dash of pepper (optional)
Milk (a little more than 1/2 cup)
Crushed potato chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Flatten out each refrigerated biscuit into a circle (3-4 inches)and place on cookie sheet. In small bowl mix tuna and cheddar cheese. Stir in Miracle Whip or mayo...just enough to make it not quite so dry. Mix in celery seed, onion powder, and pepper if desired. Place a heaping spoonful of tuna mixture in the middle of each biscuit circle. Fold in half and seal edges.

Have milk in small bowl or small flat dish. Dip tuna biscuits into milk and coat with crushed potato chips. You can mash the biscuits down a little bit to help coat them with the crushed chips. Place biscuits on cookie sheet and bake for 12 - 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

(Originally posted in November 2009.)

Central Park Banquet Theme

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:54:00 +0000

Our high school's Junior/Senior Banquet was held Saturday night. It was a "Central Park" theme. I wanted to share a few pictures with you. I especially liked the centerpiece. Three vases with silk flowers floating in water, topped by a floating candle. Then a few votive candles around the larger vases. Isn't it pretty? Simple and elegant!

I also liked the way they had the napkin folded flat, topped by a menu and a banquet invitation. The whole thing was tied up with a black satin ribbon and a small silk flower bouquet was tucked into the bow. Again....simple, but elegant.

Before getting to "Central Park", you had to pass through the "Subway". Glow in the dark graffiti paint showed each Seniors' name. The Seniors will get to keep their names. Cool!

Because my husband was recently appointed to the school board, we were able to attend the banquet. Kind of fun since our daughter is a Senior! I stayed out of her view and tried not to go overboard with pictures :). A teacher snapped this picture of my husband and I. Any time my eyes are open during a picture with a flash is a rare thing. I was excited that it turned out pretty good! He's so handsome :).

My daughter and her friend at the banquet...posing in front of the Central Park street sign. Beautiful!

Great job, Juniors and Sponsors! And the sponsors' husbands......I heard they worked really hard, too!

Dusting Formula

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:20:00 +0000

My mom gave me a new cookbook for my birthday and it had a few natural cleaning recipes that caught my eye. This one is for dusting. I'm looking forward to trying it soon!

Dusting Formula
by Lynnita Hufstedler, Lubbock, TX

3/4 cup white vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon water

Dip dusting cloth into the olive oil mixture, wring the cloth so it is not dripping and dust furniture. It will gleam.

THS Seniors of 2013 - Easter Party

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:19:00 +0000

The Senior Class get-togethers will soon be coming to an end because the group will soon be graduating. Because of that, my daughter and I wanted this Easter party to be extra-fun! We bought about 300 eggs and painted them with glow-in-the-dark paint on the ends (we had lots of help painting them!).

The class ate ham, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, carrots, corn, macaroni & cheese, and rolls.

The girls that arrived early helped decorated the table with Easter-themed plates, tablecloth, and napkins.

Dessert was ice cream sundaes with waffle bowls, Blue Bell ice cream, and lots of different toppings.

They decorated boiled eggs using Koolaid....

...an idea we found on Pinterest.

They ended the evening with the egg hunt. There was a problem, though....The eggs didn't glow because it was a full moon!!! However, they did show up because they were pastel and easy to see. (Just kind of sad that they spent so much time painting them for nothing!! Ha ha!)

No matter how old you may be, it's always fun to act like a kid again! These seniors had fun just being kids :). I hope they are making memories that will last a life time!

Baby's Butterfly Footprint

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:06:00 +0000

I love any types of crafts that are with baby's hand prints or foot prints! I just wish that all of these wonderful ideas would have been around when mine were all young! I do have some sweet ones, though. They just keep showing new ideas that are precious!

Here is a sweet one of a butterfly. If you click on the photo, the photo's owner's FB name is in the bottom left corner. Here is a blog link for directions, as well: http://www.sawdustandembryos.com/2011/10/crafting-with-twinfants.html

I think this would also be a great idea for children Bible class or VBS! I think of "A New Creation" or maybe use during a lesson on the days of Creation.

Easter Egg Centerpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:54:00 +0000

Isn't this cute? I saw it on display at Dillard's in the Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City. It made a beautiful centerpiece for an Easter-inspired table setting.

The eggs were placed in the large glass vase, then other eggs were hot glued to each other forming the "egg branches" poking out from the vase. I thought it was a great idea and wanted to share it with all of you! I even bought a bunch of tiny eggs to do the same thing. However, they're still in the original packaging and will most likely stay there. Maybe next year! :)

Easter Goodies

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:59:00 +0000

My intention was to make several new things last week to be able to share with you this week. However, because of circumstances beyond my control, I wasn't able to. (Read HERE to learn why.) The last thing I wanted to do was cook!

So...I found a few cute sites with some Easter goodies that I'll share with you. There are several neat ideas!

http://www.creative-food.blogspot.com/2013/03/easter-bunny.html

http://chri.olhblogspace.com/2012/04/02/16-must-make-easter-sweets/

Happy Spring Break!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:48:00 +0000

Hi, friends!

I'm taking a break from blogging this week to enjoy the schedule-free (for the most part) time with my four kiddos and husband. See you again next week!

PEEPS!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:33:00 +0000

My husband adores the PEEPS marshmallow snacks. I think they're nasty! A few weeks ago, just for fun, I did a Facebook poll about the like and dislike of PEEPS. The dislikes won out by a long shot, which caused me to wonder....."Why do they sell if so many don't like them?" Many do like them, I suppose, but others who don't like them buy them too, it seems. I buy them for my husband. Parents buy them for their children. So, apparently that's how they remain popular.

After my Facebook poll, several people began sending me cute ideas about decorating with PEEPS. I'll agree - they're adorable! And because of their chemical makeup of no nutritional value at all, these decorations would most likely stay good for years. I honestly don't think bugs or rodents would eat them, either! (ha ha!)

So here are a few Easter PEEPS decorations for you, with directions on making them: (Enjoy!)

PEEP TOPIARY
http://www.thehungrymouse.com/2011/04/11/peep-topiary-plus-other-easter-table-top-decorating-ideas/

PEEP GARLAND
http://thriftshopromantic.blogspot.com/2007/03/peep-project.html

PEEP WREATH
http://www.gerberadesigns.com/triedandtrue/?p=310%20“target=

PEEP FLOWER POT
http://ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com/peeps-flower-decor/2011/04/12/

PEEP VASES
http://haymarketdesigns.blogspot.com/2011/04/decorating-with-peepsyum.html

Fried Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:51:00 +0000

I can only remember cooking homemade fried chicken once for my family in the past, but last night we did it again. We've been trying to eat healthier, but last night one of the boys was craving chicken strips, so I went with it! And, boy, was it good! We all enjoyed this rare treat! Along with the chicken, we had gravy (Of course! If you're gonna be 'bad' you might as well make it the best 'bad' possible, right?), homemade mashed potatoes (Always homemade....never, ever boxed....made by my daughter) green beans (because you HAVE to have something green on your plate - even if the rest of the meal is unhealthy!) and homemade biscuits (made by my oldest son). Mmmmmm, good!

How do you fry chicken? Here is what I did:

1 large bag of frozen Tyson Chicken breast tenderloins (from Sam's - 5 or 6 pounds)

(Note: since this was a spur of the moment thought, I cooked the chicken in a big pot of water until it was thawed and cooked just a tiny bit.)

Buttermilk (I actually had some, but if not, make your own with milk and vinegar.)

Flour, salt and pepper

Oil

After I cooked the chicken, I dipped it into the buttermilk (I use a pie plate to dip it.), then into flour which has salt and pepper added (I just guess.). I use a shallow glass dish for the flour mixture. After the flour dip, then re-dip into the buttermilk, then into the flour for a second coating. Cook in hot oil about one inch up the pan. I use the skillet part of an electric skillet across two burners, so can cook a lot at one time. Flip when browned on one side.

Cooking the fried chicken made me crave Babe's in Texas. Must visit there soon! :)