Life's a Bowl of Cherries

Farmer's Wife Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:17:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

Here is another recipe I made for our school's FFA auction/fundraiser this week. It came from the Gooseberry Patch Quick & Easy Family Favorites Cookbook, as well. This salad was really good and was almost gone when I went to pick up my bowl. It's definitely a keeper!

My sister-in-law mentioned on the bread salad that maybe garden fresh tomatoes would have tasted better to me. I'm absolutely positive that it would have. Nothing beats straight from the garden tomatoes! Too bad our part of the world didn't grow any last summer. It was too hot, I suppose. The little tomatoes (sweet cherubs, I think) make an "OK" substitute, but still there is no comparison. (Makes me excited about planting our garden this summer!)

FARMER'S WIFE SALAD

(What a cool name for this salad! If it were me it would say "Goat Man's Wife Salad! :)

1 head broccoli, chopped

1 head romain lettuce, torn

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup mayonnaise-type salad dressing

3 1/2 Tablespoons sugar

1 1/4 Tablespoons vinegar

3/4 pound bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled

Combine broccoli, lettuce and tomatoes in a large bowl. Combine salad dressing, sugar and vinegar in a separate medium bowl, pour over lettuce mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with bacon. Chill before serving. Serves 8.

Recipe submitted by Coli Harrington, Delaware, OH

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Panzanella Bread Salad

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

Monday night we had an FFA Chapter event, where officers were asked to bring salads. Since two of our children are officers, I decided to do three different salads. I searched through a Gooseberry Patch Quick & Easy Family Favorites' cookbook, looking for some new recipes. This recipe, for Panzanella Bread Salad caught my eye because of the odd ingredient - bread. I like cornbread salad (you can find it on this blog. Search Cornbread Salad.) I don't ever remember seeing a recipe with bread in it, have you?

Well, I made it, and I ate it. It was okay, but not great (in my opinion). Since many of the attendees were teenagers, not a lot of people tried the salad. But, I'm posting it, just in case someone else might like to try it. It's definitely different, but I had fun making it!

Panzanella Bread Salad

4 cups Italian bread, torn into bite-size pieces

5 tomatoes, diced

1/2 red onion, sliced

1/2 cucumber, peeled, quartered and sliced

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Combine first 6 ingredients; toss well. Sprinkle with vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature 1 1/2 to 2 hours before serving so the bread can absorb the dressing. Serves 4 to 6.

Submitted to cook book by: Annmarie Heavey from Bridgewater, MA

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Potato Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

I received this recipe from a friend when I asked (begged) for recipes for the blog last week! I was out of new ones to share and hadn't made anything new in a long time. Thanks, Amber!

Potato Soup

1 can chicken broth and enough water to make about 5 cups liquid
1 pkg frozen O'Brien potatoes
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream style corn
1/2 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed

Bring liquid to boil and add potatoes. Cook for 10 minutes. Add soup (undiluted), corn, and Velveeta. Simmer and stir until soup and cheese are blended. Amber said she usually adds some shredded chicken breast to hers, but it's good without as well.
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Picture Frame Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:03:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

A couple of weeks ago, I was "exploring" pinterest and found this craft. I just loved it. I decided to make this and write Larry messages from time to time. After I wrote the first message, I told him the idea was for him to write me messages as well. So far, he has written none!!!! But, that's okay, I've had fun writing his, and I think he has enjoyed them as well. I wrote the one I have posted in the picture this morning before I left for worship services. He has to be at the church building before I do because he does the PowerPoint for the hymns we sing; so, he didn't see the new message until after we got home from worship services. Instead of thanking me, he asked me what I wanted!!!!!! I can't believe he thought I only wrote this because I wanted something in return. Of course, he was just teasing me.

After I made this frame, he told me I should have printed the words that said--I am mad at you because.........that way I could switch them out. Husbands are so funny!!!!!

This is very, very easy to make. After choosing the scrapbook paper you like, print the words --I love you because---on it.

I made a burlap/muslin flower to attach to the frame to dress it up a little. Purchase a dry erase marker and your set to go.

Steak Stroganoff

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

This recipe was sent to me by a Facebook friend. I haven't had time (lately) to try out any new recipes, so I asked for friends to send me some to share with you. This Steak Stroganoff sounds great and it's a time saver because it can cook in a crock pot.

I'm assuming that the last minute cooking time is on the stove.

Steak Stroganoff

Makes 6 Servings......Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Slow Cooker Cooking Time: 3 to 3 1/2 hours on high or 6 to 7 hours on low
Last-Minute Cooking Time: 10 to 15 minutes on high

Place the following ingredients in your Crock Pot or large sauce pan and cook the appropriate length of time:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 boneless beef round steak (about 1 3/4 lb.)
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup water
1 package (1 oz.) dried onion mushroom soup mix
1 jar (9 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
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Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

One of my children's former teachers told me about this great chicken recipe. She found it on Pinterest. Sounds delicious! Can't wait to try it! The recipe comes from http://www.copycatrecipeguide.com/.

Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets

2 cups tortilla chips, crumbled

1 cup Montery jack, colby, or mild cheddar cheese cheese, shredded

Marinade

1/3 cup teriyaki sauce

1 cup water

2 1/2 Tablespoons lime juice

2 Teaspoons garlic

1 Teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 Teaspoon salt

1/4 Teaspoon ground ginger

Sauce

16 ounces sour cream

1 Hidden Valley fiesta ranch dips seasoning packet

Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Clean chicken and rinse.
Combine teriyaki sauce, water, lime juice, garlic smoked paprika, salt and ginger in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Opt for fresh lime juice over prepared lime juice for optimal flavor.
Stir marinade until the salt dissolves in the liquid.
Place chicken in marinade and ensure all sides are coated.
Top bowl with plastic wrap and place in a refrigerator.
Flip chicken in marinade after an hour.
Remove chicken after a total of 2 hours marinading.
Combine sour cream and the fiesta ranch seasoning packet in a small mixing bowl. Stir to incorporate the sauce. Refrigerate as needed.
Preheat oven to a high broil.
Preheat grill to high.
Grill each chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side until done.
Place chicken on a baking sheet, then coat each with a layer of the dressing mixture.
Top each chicken piece with a thick layer of shredded cheese. If you want to lower calories, minimize the amount of cheese used.
Place baking sheet in the oven and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.
Plate chicken on a half-cup of tortilla strips.
Serve chick with flavored rice and fresh pico de gallo.
Garnish with lime wedges and parsley if desired.

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Rice Pilaf

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:21:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

A friend of mine shared this recipe with me last week. I haven't made it yet; but, I still wanted to share it. It sounds so good.

Rice Pilaf

1 cup water
1 cup instant rice
1/2 pkg. Lipton dry onion soup
1/4 cup chopped onions
1/2 stick butter (cut in small pieces)
Sliced almonds (optional)

Mix dry soup and rice together. Add water. Stir. Add butter on top.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.

*I think the 1/4 cup onions could be omitted since the recipe already calls for the dry onion mix. I'm anxious to make this to see for sure. I guess if you really like onions, they should be added, but I would probably prefer it without them.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:24:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

I made these brownies for my family last week. I used a brownie recipe that I found with this cookie dough recipe, but none of us cared for it. It was too dark-chocolaty for us. We suggest using your own favorite brownie recipe. Some of my kids, and even my husband, would say just use a boxed variety, but I have two other favorites. You can find them on this blog....search brownies.

COOKIE DOUGH (EGG FREE!):
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
3/4 cup granulated white sugar
3 Tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips

For drizzle, if desired:
1/2 cup semisweet chips + 1 teaspoon shortening

Prepare your favorite brownie recipe - homemade or boxed. Bake brownies and allow to cool. Top with cookie dough.

Cookie Dough:

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine butter, brown sugar and white sugar. Mix in milk and vanilla. Mix in flour just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread cookie dough over the cooled brownies. Refrigerate until the dough is quite firm. It's okay to speed up the process and place it in the freezer too. The firmer the dough, the easier it will be to cut into neat squares. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies. You may need to wipe the knife off with a paper towel in between cuts since the fudgy brownies and cookie dough will tend to stick to the knife a bit.

4. If desired, drizzle chocolate on top. Melt 1/2 cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of shortening in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Scoop the melted chocolate into a zip baggie and snip off the corner. Squeeze the bag to drizzle the chocolate on top of each brownie. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top, if desired.

Gingerbread Men Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:46:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

Last week I mentioned that I would post about the other homemade gift I made for Lori and Kimberly. When the girls were small, I made small felt ornaments like this. I sewed while they stuffed. The ones I made then were smaller, and I used felt for the buttons and face features. My Christmas tree decorations haven't changed much over the years. I use the same gingerbread ornaments and the same gingerbread paper garland. I have added red balls, cloth bows, and several ornaments that have been given to me through the years; but other than that, it's the same tree. Every year I think I should change it, but I love my gingerbread men that the girls and I made. A lot of memories are in those gingerbread men.

Lori commented a year or so ago how much she loved the gingerbread men that she, Kimberly, and I made; so, that's when I decided to make some for her and Kimberly. I only have 19 of those--not enough for the girls to share. I had planned on making each one of them 20, but by the time I made a few of them, I was just about to pull my hair out!!!! Instead of using felt for the buttons and face features, I decided I should use buttons. I knew they would last longer. The small rickrack is what got me----I'm older now, and sewing that teeny tiny rickrack on was harder this time around. A good friend of mine told me I should have glued it on, but I wanted everything to be permanent. I ended up making twelve for each of them. Now, they can share what I have, plus what they have.

I try to make them something every year or every few years. Last year I made them Mr. and Mrs. Claus pillowcases with jingle bells on them. I don't think I ever posted about that.

Well, that's the end of my homemade gifts for Christmas of 2011. Now, I've got to get busy thinking of what to do next year!!

*Note from Lori: She put them in these cute little sewn bags, too! Fun idea!

TV Dinner Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

A couple of nights ago during a basketball tournament, one of our school's academic clubs had a silent auction as a fund raiser. Parents were asked to bring baked items for the fundraiser. This TV Dinner was absolutely adorable! I had never seen it before!

Below is a link about the cupcake book this TV Dinner "recipe" came from. It isn't a Martha Stewart recipe, but Martha hosted the author of the cookbook.
http://www.marthastewart.com/260350/tv-dinner-cupcakes

The lady who made these recently moved to our small town. I'm so thankful that she did! Now we are being blessed by her talents and support for our school, and we appreciate it very much!

Fried Bologna Sandwiches

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:31:00 +0000

Yesterday our three boys were busy working in one bedroom, helping move two of them into their new bedrooms. The youngest, Tyler, (aka Biscuit from The Chronicles of Biscuit in my other blog) wasn't working very hard and the two older ones were getting a little aggravated at him. Finally, after hearing too many "discussions" coming from the bedroom, I hollered (yes, that's how we do it around here :) for Tyler to come to the kitchen.

When he got to the kitchen, I said, "Tyler, if you don't start helping your brothers, you're not going to get the special treat your daddy is bringing you home from the store!" He asked what it was. I said, "Bologna!" His eyes got big and he was soooooo excited! So were the other boys when they found out! It was so funny just how excited they got about something so simple as a package of lunch meat!

Typically we don't buy bologna. The kids eat it from time to time at church finger-food-type fellowship meals or VBS or their grandparents' house. It was also neat for them because we also had another rare "treat" in their eyes: white bread! And it was Wonder, my childhood favorite. We usually eat only 100% whole wheat!

So, since the boys were so excited, I told them that after worship Sunday night, I would make them fried bologna sandwiches. I made a big deal about it. I told them my dad would make them when I was little and how it was cooked a special way and all.....really played it up to be big. One of the boys even asked if I would be breading it....like chicken fried steak!!! (Wishful thinking on his part :).

I got a huge kick out of showing the kids how to slit the bologna, so it wouldn't puff up too much in the middle.

I nicknamed the bologna PacMan, since it looked like the PacMan on the video game.

PacMan grew.....

....and grew.....

.....and grew! He got a little puffed up, but not too much! :)

I made the boys, plus my daughter and husband their fried bologna sandwiches, then called my dad to tell him the good news about his grandkids enjoying one of his still-to-this-day favorite treats!

He mentioned when he used to get huge cuts of bologna and grill it on the grill! I do remember that, but don't think I'll be doing it!

Dad said to tell the boys and our daughter that they were enjoying a delicacy!

Who knew a fried bologna sandwich was a delicacy???!

What a simple thing that the boys were excited about! What a fun (and funny!) memory!

Quick Fudge

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:56:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

My aunt shared this recipe with me over the Christmas holiday. She said it's not as good as the marshmallow fudge that everyone fixes; but, when you're really craving fudge this is a quick fix. I've heard her mention making this several times during the year.

Quick Fudge

1 can Eagle Brand
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Microwave for about 4 1/2 minutes, stirring every minute. Once melted, add the pecans.

Simple, isn't it?

I haven't made this yet, but every recipe she's ever shared with me has been very good. I'm sure I would like this as well. I'm trying to "lay low" on sweets for a while.

Heirloom Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

I wanted to share one of the home-made gifts I made my girls this Christmas. I had seen a similar pillow at one of my very favorite stores in Oklahoma City. This gave me the idea to do this one, but use pictures of their grandparents and great-grandparents.

A couple of years ago, I decided I wanted pictures of all the grandparents when they were very young and first married. It took me a while and several letters to relatives to come up with two or three of the pictures.

To do the pillow, I had Larry scan and print each picture onto a wallet size photo.

The doilies on the two corners were hard to find. I knew what kind of doilie I wanted, but finding each one was hard. The first I found here locally, but the second one I found in an Antique Store in Wichita Falls, Texas.

I also wanted vintage brooches above the pictures. I really wanted to use some of my mother's, but she only had one that would work and I wasn't going to choose who should have it. After searching several stores, I finally located the two vintage butterflies at Hobby Lobby.

I used a pillow form for the pillow. The ribbons were tacked on, then tied to each picture.

These pillows can be used in so many ways. anniversary gifts, wedding, birthdays, etc. So many possiblities---

Just to let you know--- The pillow that I saw had a price tag over $100.00. I was shocked. Believe me, it only took about $12.00 of materials to make; but since I'm not a great seamtress, I told Larry I might charge that much to make one for someone else!!!!!! It was a very trying project to figure out exactly how I wanted it to look. After it was finished, though, I couldn't wait to give it to the girls---regardless of all the mess ups on each one. I love making keepsakes for them.

I'll share another project I made for them in a day or so.

Nutella Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

Do you like Nutella?? Here is a great recipe using Nutella! I look forward to trying this soon. Thanks for the recipe, Renee!

Nutella Brownies

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 cup Nutella

1 cup flour

1 - 2 eggs (Mix one and if too dry, add another one)

Mix ingredients together in medium sized bowl. Spoon batter into 9 x 13 (I assume greased) pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 12 minutes or until center is done (like regular brownies.)

Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:21:00 +0000

**Note from Lori: Mom and I posted at the same time yesterday, so if you didn't see this one of hers before, we're sending it out again! Sorry about that!

Posted by Donna:

A couple of years ago, we were visiting some friends from church. Their daughter had made a very good hot dip that we really liked. I asked for the recipe, but her mother wasn't for sure which one her daughter had made. I found this recipe on allrecipes that sounded pretty much like what her mother was suggesting it could have been. Whether it was the same thing or not, most of the adults and the older grandchildren really liked it.

Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

2 (10 oz.) cans chunk chicken, drained
2 ( 8oz.) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup Ranch dressing
3/4 cup pepper sauce, or to your liking
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Heat the chicken and hot sauce until heated through. Stir in the cream cheese and ranch dressing. Stir and cook until the cheese is melted. Mix in the half the cheddar cheese. Once the cheese is blended and melted somewhat, put into a crock pot. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Cover and cook on low until ready to serve. Serve with chips, crackers or vegetables of your choice.

When I made this, I only had 15 oz. of chicken; so, I had to adjust all the ingredients, but you really can't go wrong. I think I added a little more hot sauce than called for just because I know how "men" like the stronger flavor. I liked it even better when it was heated up later for leftovers after it had been sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

One thing for sure, it is definitely a keeper for my "sandwich" meals.

Christmas at Mom and Dad's 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

I always enjoy visiting Mom and Dad's house, but Christmas Day and this weekend I noticed just how pretty and "homey" it really was.

She has lots of antique things that have been passed down from my grandparents and even great-grandparents, but also lots of things that have been give to her through the years.

I decided to share some of the sweet and sentimental pictures with you...just to brag on her....because I know she never would!

I'll give Dad some credit, because I have heard that he's pretty good at helping her straighten up and even clean some! I don't think he would get any of the decorating credit, though :).

These little snowmen were gifts from one of her piano students a few years ago. They've got a vintage style. So unique!

When my sister was born, it was at a time when children couldn't visit in the hospital. I bought her a sock money and sent it up with my grandma. Since then, I've always liked sock monkeys! Mom's sock monkey is so sweet!

So thankful mom and dad have these pictures of my grandparents and great-grandparents!

This gingerbread tree has pretty much been the way my mom's tree has looked for almost all of my life! There have been a few ornament additions, but not too many. I remember mom sewing the little felt gingerbread men when I was little. This year she made Kimberly (sister) and I a set of our very own! She didn't want us to fight over hers some day (hee hee!).

This light-up snowman reminds me of the Snoopy we had when I was little.

Light up reindeer....

Our family's stockings at my parent's house.

Kimberly and I made mom and dad these stockings several years ago. Search "stockings" on our homepage to find out how we made them. (She gets most of the credit. Sewing's not my thing :).

More of the stockings....

More displays of Christmas.

So cute and simple!

Mom found this little metal red truck at Hobby Lobby. For Christmas, it held metal cookie cutters. The bell lights were my grandma's (I'm pretty sure).

Glowing....

More of the sock monkey tree.

Mom's handmade felt gingerbread men.

Thanks for the special Christmas memories of 2011, Mom and Dad!

We love you and appreciate you both!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 04:19:00 +0000

We pray that you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you a very happy New Year! We look foward to sharing recipes and crafts with you during 2012!

Peppermint Candy Tray

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:04:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

I saw this photo on a Facebook friends' page and asked to share it and the recipe with you as a final before Christmas post. She saw this idea on a blog. Isn't it neat?

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap peppermint candies. Put parchment paper on a baking sheet. Make your design and leave a little bit of space between candies. Bake for 7-10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack - peel off paper! It will be glossy and not sticky! You can only put cool or room temperature items on the candy tray.

Acrylic Photo Frame Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:50:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

It always seems that on the few weeks before Christmas we have a lot more craft "recipes" than food recipes, but we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

These acrylic photo frames were my homemade gifts for my husband's side of the family this year. They could easily be made to fit any holiday or celebration, but were especially fun to make for Christmas. In fact, I got so carried away with making them that I have quite a few left over to give to others!

I used 5 x 7 frames, which can be vertical or horizontal. Purchase 3D embellishments, ribbon, and background paper at a scrapbook supply store. Cut paper to frame size and insert it into frame. Add photo then or later. Hot glue ribbon to frame where desired. Be sure to leave an open space for photo to slide in. The photo can be pushed to correct spot using a flat, thin piece of cardstock or tool that is small. Add embellishments as desired.

Here are photos of my frames. Photos will be inserted by those who received my homemade gifts.

Santa Can Craft

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:18:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

My daughter made one of these Santa Cans for the county fair in September. It placed 1st, going on to the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City, where it won 3rd place in the 4-H metal craft division. She used a smaller paint can from Michael's for the craft at that time.

Last week my daughter decided to do these craft cans for all of her girl cousins. She needed eight cans, but this time she couldn't find the small paint cans. She decided to buy these candy containers at Hobby Lobby. They were a little harder to do and needed two layers of the red duck tape to cover up the painted coating on the outside of the can.

Supplies needed for one can:

1 roll red duck tape covering bottom part of can

1 roll zebra duck tape for around the middle of the can...making Santa's belt

1 piece of metallic or glittered silver (or gold) paper cut into a square then cutting a smaller square out of the middle, making a buckle

1 white (some have silver strands in them, as well) boa or white fluffy trim

Red Ribbon

Brushed silver bells

Remove lid from can and set aside. Wrap can with red duck tape, wrapping twice if needed. Place zebra duck tape around the middle of the can, making Santa's belt. Glue on the belt's buckle using hot glue. Hot glue the boa/trim around the top edge of the can (remember to have lid off and not to go too close to the top edge of the can. Place lid on can. Make two pieces of red thin ribbon and tie to two jingle bells. Secure the bells to the can by tying them on the can's handles. Fill with your favorite goodies or leave empty and ready to fill as a gift for someone.

Homemade Christmas Gifts - #2

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:55:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:

Here are more from our family Christmas homemade gift tradition:

My mother-in-law made these cute shotgun shell Santas.

One of my sister-in-law's sews these neat t-shirt bags. The bags are eventually going to be sold by her to help an organization called "Path of Hope Foundation". Read the note below to see what this foundation does for young, needy girls in Central America. When she gets her Etsy shop set up, I will have a link to it on my blog.

One of my brother-in-laws got into the homemade gift tradition this year with these nifty "survivor bracelets". Each cord strand has 7 cords within it that can be used for many "survival" tasks. How neat!

He even found a way to make this homemade gadget that helps him hold the cords while he is braiding the bracelets! Look on YouTube for survival bracelet thingy :).....maybe!

One of my sister-in-laws was in Branson, so unable to participate in the homemade gift exchange, but we're looking forward to seeing what she finds for a "homemade" substitute!!

On this GRATITUESDAY, I am grateful for family.....for traditions.....and for homemade gifts made with loving hands....and for organizations such as the Path of Hope Foundation who are concerned with the needs of others.

I'm saving mine and my daughter's homemade gifts for separate posts that I'll share in the next few days.

Homemade Christmas Gifts - #1

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:49:00 +0000

Posed by Lori:

Every year on my husband's side of the family, we do homemade gifts between each of the siblings. Even some of the niece's are now getting into the "homemade" giving! I'm posting a few of the homemade gifts today and then will do the others in my next post.

Framed burlap mat stamped with a "W".

Funny how this "homemade" ornament candle holder is packaged so neatly and has a nice little tag dangling from it! Occasionally, one of the group opts for non-homemade gifts! Still cute, though!

Glass ornaments with paint swirled around on the inside. I made some of these years ago, but I really like how my niece used the larger glass balls and the ribbon to hang the ornament. So cute!

Isn't this paper tree adorable!!??? One of my sister's-in-law saw it on Pinterest using ribbon, but she used paper. I like the paper a lot! It seems like it will stay "fluffier" with the paper, as long as I store it properly where it doesn't get smashed.

Remember.....I'll share the rest of the homemade gifts next time!

Hugs Pretzels

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Posted by Lori:
These look yummy! Can't wait to try them! I first saw these on Pinterest, then found them at the website below.

Photo and recipe from cookiesandcups.com

2 bags of Hershey’s Hugs

1 “Pounder” bag of Pretzel SnapsBig baking sheet

Waxed paper – for easy removal

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Unwrap hugs. Line baking sheet with waxed paper – if you don’t have waxed, use parchment. If you don’t have either, just use a non-stickbaking sheet. Lay one pretzel down for every Hug and top each pretzel with a Hug. Pop in the oven for 2 minutes, just until they are glossy and softish. Remove from oven and let sit for 1 more minute, to continue the softening process. **This is the only step you can make a mistake on – by laving them in the oven too long they will completely melt and run through the pretzel and all over your sheet and you won’t have a sandwich, just a mess. Now top each hug with another pretzel pushing down gently, so it sticks together. Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for 20-30 min. to cool them off or leave them at room temperature (it will just take longer). Store in airtight container.

20 Gifts to Give

noreply@blogger.com (Donna) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:32:00 +0000

Posted by Donna:

I received this through the mail yesterday. It was in the church bulletin we receive from one of the area congregations. I just loved it and decided to share it with you.

20 Gifts to Give

1. Mend a quarrel.
2. Seek out a forgotten friend.
3. Hug someone tightly and whisper "I love you."
4. Forgive an enemy.
5. Be gentle and patient with an angry person.
6. Express appreciation.
7. Gladden the heart of a child.
8. Find the time to keep a promise.
9. Make or bake something for someone else---anonymously.
10. Speak kindly to a stranger.
11. Enter into another's sorrow.
12. Smile. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more.
13. Take a walk with a friend.
14. Kneel down and pat a dog.
15. Lessen your demands on others.
16. Apologize if you were wrong.
17. Turn off the television and talk.
18. Pray for someone who helped you when you hurt.
19. Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly.
20. Encourage an older person.

Charles Swindoll, "The Finishing Touch"

These are gifts we can give everyday of our lives. They're really simple, they don't cost us anything--but they mean everything to others. Plus, these are the gifts that are remembered years and years later. I hope you enjoyed the list as much as I did.

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Lori) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:52:00 +0000

*Note from Lori - This is a guest post from a professional chef. Be sure to check out Joseph Morris' website listed at the bottom of this post!

Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a wonderful holiday treat that many people look forward to this time of year. Unfortunately, those with gluten intolerances don’t get to enjoy traditional baked goods. However, here is a gluten-free gingerbread recipe that anyone will love.

The hardest thing about gluten-free baking is finding good flour. I’ve found that Bob's Red Mill Hazelnut Meal Flour works well and adds a little extra flavor to the gingerbread – you can look for it at your local health food store or online.

For sugar, coconut sugar seems to work well to me. You might also try Sucanut, which is a type of whole cane sugar with a higher glycemic index.

The dough seems to work best if it is refrigerated overnight. You could make the dough on Friday night after your children are in bed and then bake them on Saturday.

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups hazelnut meal flour

1 cup sweet rice flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup coconut sugar

1/2 cup softened organic butter

1/4 cup blackstrap molasses

1 large organic egg

2 teaspoons vanilla

1. Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the wet ingredients with an electric mixer. Then mix together the dry and wet ingredients. Separate the dough into three small balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

2. Once the dough is firm and chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lay out a large piece of parchment paper on a flat surface and lightly dust it with sweet rice flour. Take once piece of dough out of the fridge and roll it out to a little less than ¼ inch thick. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters, then peel away the dough around the shapes and put them on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, then cool on a wire rack. Repeat with the rest of the dough. If you want to decorate your cookies, make sure they are completely cooled before you frost them.

Coconut Sugar Icing

1/2 cup powdered coconut sugar (The easiest way to make this is to put coconut sugar in a coffee grinder with a little bit of arrowroot)

2 to 3 teaspoons milk (or almond milk)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

To make the frosting, simply whisk together all the ingredients. You might also want to add food coloring if you like.

If you don’t want to use frosting, you can also use raisins, small nuts, organic sprinkles, or anything else you can think of to decorate your cookies.

Joseph Morris has been a professional chef for over 20 years. He also owns the site Culinary Arts College for students interested in getting a degree in culinary arts.