The other day, "Mexico Jen" did a posting she titled "About Me ABCs". I read them. I smiled. I thought that was that. But as the day progressed, I came to realize that my brain had paid more attention to her, "Thanks for listening! :) How about you? Copy and past this list to your blog and after you fill it our, leave a comment so I can come see!" then I had thought it had. I came to this realization, due to how my brain kept trying to figure out what I would write for my own version of the ABC's. Yes, my own version. You know me, always adding my own personal touch to things. I wonder which letter that would fit under ... ?
Seeings how my brain did not wish to just drop the subject, the next morning I gave in, pulled out a piece of scrap paper, and started jotting down what it was coming up with.
After you read the list, I hope that your brain does as mine did, and that you too decide to go along with it. As Jen had asked, please let me know so that I make sure to come read yours too. This 'inquiring mind wants to know'. o;-p
A = Animals. I am fascinated by the wide variety that God created. I enjoy watching their antics. I enjoy getting to know their personalities.
B = Brian. My husband. My lover. My friend. !
C = Children. I have them. They ARE a BLESSING from the Lord!
D = Doctors. I've known plenty. Through my sons. Through my husband. For myself. They come in all sizes, shapes, and personalities. Some of whom your saddened when you hear they are retiring. Others you can't wait to change away from.
E = Eating. Something I'm really glad that people like to do, because I sure enjoy cooking and baking so that they can!!!
F = Fat. Something I hate feeling.
G = Grandma. A title I am thrilled to be!!!
H = Heart. I am told both that I have a big one and that I have a good one. :->
I = Integrity. Something I continually strive to have.
J = Junk. I find it interesting how when you first obtain it, it can seem like such a treasure. It's also interesting how it seems to self multiply.
K = Kitchen. I would like a new one. In a different house. With high ceilings through out. And two bathrooms. And acreage. And yet most of the same neighbors we currently have.
L = Laughter. I find it to be a very important and effective medicine
M = Music. It's something I enjoy a wide variety of.
N = Notes. I take them. In school. In a church service. In meetings. I make them. To remind myself to tell somebody something. Or to do something. Or ... Oft' times, what starts out as a note, turns into a list. And sometimes they bloom into full notebooks.
O = "O Lord my God! When I in awesome wonder, consider all the works Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, Thy power throughout, the universe displayed.
(Chorus) Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art!
(3 rd verse) And when I think, that God His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died, to take away my sin;
(Chorus) Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee, how great Thou art, how great Thou art!
[Carl Boberg. Tr. by S.K. Hines 1948. Swedish Melody. Revised by Rev. Jean Staneschi, 1929.]
P = Personal Touch. I like adding adding my own personal touch to things. (I found a place to add it. ;-p)
Q = Quiet. Something life has taught me the beauty of. And yet, quiet can also be an indicator of trouble, when your raising children.
R = Reading. Oh how I have enjoyed the pleasures of it. :->
S = Strawberries. My favorite fruit. And when you dip them in chocolate.... Oh my!!!
T = Thankful. I am. For so-o-o-o many things!
U = Understanding. Something I often don't get quickly. Something I often wish people were more of.
V = Vertigo. Something I look forward to being free of !!!!!
W = Writing. Something I enjoy doing, due to how it removes the words and thoughts from their collecting in my brain.
X = Xanga (TM) - The internet 'server' our first blog was on. I sure have changed from my originally being the wife and mom whom didn't think buying a computer was necessary. o;-p
Y = 'Yonder'. A term I understand. Along with 'fixin-to' and 'withyadidya'. And that knowledge does not come from living in the state of Michigan since I turned 5. ;-p
Z = ZZzzz's. In cartoons they equal snoring. Something I'm told I now do. I think it's a trait I picked up from my husband. And our sons. And our dog. ... o;-p
Now that you've read the list, I hope that your brain does as mine did and that you too decide to go along with it. As Jen had asked, please let me know so that I make sure to come read yours too. This 'inquiring mind wants to know'. o;-p
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
When Plan A doesn't work, but you still need to turn it into dinner
While I sometimes feel like I am the only one that the above mentioned scenario happens to, I know that I'm not. Thus I decided to go ahead and share this tale with you. I hope that it will come to mind the next time you experience something similar, and thus reassure you a - that you are not the only one it happens to, and b - that you CAN get creative and still feed your family. Yes, still feed them from the mess or disaster that you have sitting in front of you. Like I alluded to, this isn't the first time what I had planned didn't turn out right. 8-/ .
Yesterday I had decided that Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes sounded really good for dinner. I knew that we had both ground beef and potatoes, and that I could wing any of the other ingredients we didn't have. So I set forth.
First I had pulled the meat out of the fridge about twenty minutes before I started cooking. Doing so, makes the meat ever so much easier to work with! ( <-- Bonus tip there. And for the record, I don't think our temps passed 50 yesterday.)
Dump your meat into a mixing bowl. (I was using just over five pounds of meat.)
Add a LOT of garlic powder. (Go HERE for some bonus tips about Garlic Powder)
Then quite a bit of Italian Seasoning.
Time to chop up an onion. Here's the way I do them. First, peel the onion (duh! ;-p). Then chop both ends off. Next, chop the onion in half. Then hold one half with one hand, while you use the other hand to use your knife and make thin slices (hopefully you can see what I mean in this picture).
Lay the slices down in a stack, and slice them the other direction. (Again, I hope the picture helps).
It is now time to slice them the third and final way, the end result being that you end up with small pieces. [For the record, I later decided that I should have made them even smaller for what I was putting them in. Aw well....]. When done, dump them on top of the meat, then chop up the rest of the onion (or more if you need).
It's time to add some eggs. Why? First is the fact that they really do have nutritional value. Secondly is the fact that they help bind the ingredients together. (Go HERE for some bonus tips about using eggs). [I was using over five pounds of meat, so I used five eggs].
It's now time to prep your crackers. {I use oats for meatloaf, and crackers of meat balls. Why? Dunno. ;-p} When you empty a bread or bun sack, dump out all of the crumbs and save your bags! [I just decided to do a posting soon about many of their wonderful uses]. Place your crackers (I used one sleeve of Toll House (TM) Crackers) into the bread bag.
Fold the top over a few times and then use your rolling pin to crush the crackers into crumbs.
Add the cracker crumbs to the mixing bowl.
When I put the eggs away, I spotted a partial container of a shredded three cheese mixture. That definetly went with Italian Seasoning, so I dumped the contents in.
It was then time to mix every thing together. But when I was done, the mixture just didn't look right. I got out the ketchup bottle and squirted in a bunch.
Awww... that's more like it.
After turning the now reused bread bag inside out, I spread it across the top of the cutting board and placed the meat balls on top as I made them.
After preheating a well SPRAYED skillet, I added a couple of tablespoons of butter to it.
Once it was melted, I started browning up some of the meat balls while making more.
(Oops, that picture got turned somewhere along the way ....)
Once They had been turned and browned all around, I used a thick plastic spoon to scoop them out of the frying pan and into a baking pan.
This is where Plan A fell apart. Literally. Grumble grumble. Bother!!
Took a deep breath and decided that if they wanted to be in pieces, I would let them. In-fact, I would help them!
Instead of using two baking pans for the meatballs, I just piled them a bit deeper.
O-kay, now what?!?
Make up a garlicky white sauce and pour it over the top. Then instead of making mashed potatoes (which I had planned to do while the meat balls baked), we'll have egg noodles with the meatball concoction on top.
Why dirty another pan? Perhaps the stuff left from browning up the meat balls will add good flavor to the white sauce. So in went the rest of the stick of butter. Topped with some pepper.
And some garlic powder. (Should have added more, of all three.)
Melted and mixed. Then dumped in a scoop of flour.
As you mix all of this together, IGNORE any looks you receive from persons whom pass through your kitchen at that point in time. You know - the look which silently but loudly asks, "You don't really plan on feeding us that, do-o you?!!!" [Tis best to also avoid allowing your sarcastic comments to slide from your brain, down and out your mouth. o:-) ]
It's time to add the milk. Slowly at first or your be wearing a lot of it. 8-/. Fill the pan up as far as your brave enough to do. Then start mixing every thing together. At first with a spoon, scraping the loosening stuff off of the bottom of the pan as you go. Then switch to using a whisk, to help the blending process along better. Once it really starts bubbling and thickening, you can switch back to the spoon again.
I poured the gravy (aka: white sauce) over the top of the broken down meat balls, figuring it would ooze down into them during baking.
Covered the pan and baked it at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.
When I took the foil back off, it looked pretty much like it had when I had covered it. Only browner. Had a baked look to it. (Guess I shouldn't have thickened the sauce as much as I did).
"Oh-h doesn't that just look yummy" I sarcastically said to Kayla.
"It might not look yummy, but it sure does smell yummy!!!" ( :->)
Here is what it looked like on top of the egg noodles.
Brian and Brent agreed that the meat mixture part was REALLY good! However, if you only got some of the sauce, it was bland. (Thus the reason I should have added more pepper, salt and garlic powder when making the white sauce. Live and learn).
Like I said, I decided to go ahead and share this tale with you hoping that it will come to mind the next time you experience something similar, and thus reassure you a - that you are not the only one it happens to, and b - that you CAN get creative and still feed your family. Yes, still feed them from the mess or disaster that you have sitting in front of you.
Please be brave and tell us about a similar experience you've had!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEXT WEEK, I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
[FOR THE RECORD, I have never linked up to any of these particular blog parties before. Go to THIS posting to see what ones I do often participate in.]
~ "Recipe Swap Sunday('s)" are hosted by Cassity, at 'Remodelacholic' (http://www.remodelaholic.com)
~ (Monday's) "Your Recipe, My Kitchen", hosted by Kristen, at 'Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker' (http://www.wiseanticsoflife.blogspot.com)
~ "Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Dr. Laura (Aridgides), at 'Dr. Laura's Adventures' (http://www.whoislaura.com/)
~ "Tuesday Night Supper Club", is hosted by Christy Larsen, at 'Fudge Ripple' (http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/)
~ "Totally Tasty Tuesday's", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/)
~ "What's Cooking Wednesday('s)", are hosted both by 'The King's Court IV' (http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday) and 'Turning The Clock Back' (http://turning-the-clock-back.blogspot.com/search/label/what%27s%20cooking%20wednesday)
~ "Whatcha Makin' Wednesday('s)", are hosted by "bookaddict4real", at 'Scrapaddict4sure' (http://www.scrapaddict4sure.com/)
~ "Friday Potluck('s)", are hosted by Erin, at 'EKat's Kitchen' (http://www.ekatskitchen.com/)
~ "Fat Camp Friday('s)" are hosted by Miranda, at 'Mangoes and Chutney' (http://www.mangoesandchutney.com)
Yesterday I had decided that Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes sounded really good for dinner. I knew that we had both ground beef and potatoes, and that I could wing any of the other ingredients we didn't have. So I set forth.
First I had pulled the meat out of the fridge about twenty minutes before I started cooking. Doing so, makes the meat ever so much easier to work with! ( <-- Bonus tip there. And for the record, I don't think our temps passed 50 yesterday.)
Dump your meat into a mixing bowl. (I was using just over five pounds of meat.)
Once They had been turned and browned all around, I used a thick plastic spoon to scoop them out of the frying pan and into a baking pan.
This is where Plan A fell apart. Literally. Grumble grumble. Bother!!
Took a deep breath and decided that if they wanted to be in pieces, I would let them. In-fact, I would help them!
Instead of using two baking pans for the meatballs, I just piled them a bit deeper.
Make up a garlicky white sauce and pour it over the top. Then instead of making mashed potatoes (which I had planned to do while the meat balls baked), we'll have egg noodles with the meatball concoction on top.
Why dirty another pan? Perhaps the stuff left from browning up the meat balls will add good flavor to the white sauce. So in went the rest of the stick of butter. Topped with some pepper.
Add some salt.
When I took the foil back off, it looked pretty much like it had when I had covered it. Only browner. Had a baked look to it. (Guess I shouldn't have thickened the sauce as much as I did).
"Oh-h doesn't that just look yummy" I sarcastically said to Kayla.
"It might not look yummy, but it sure does smell yummy!!!" ( :->)
Here is what it looked like on top of the egg noodles.
Like I said, I decided to go ahead and share this tale with you hoping that it will come to mind the next time you experience something similar, and thus reassure you a - that you are not the only one it happens to, and b - that you CAN get creative and still feed your family. Yes, still feed them from the mess or disaster that you have sitting in front of you.
Please be brave and tell us about a similar experience you've had!!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
NEXT WEEK, I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
[FOR THE RECORD, I have never linked up to any of these particular blog parties before. Go to THIS posting to see what ones I do often participate in.]
~ "Recipe Swap Sunday('s)" are hosted by Cassity, at 'Remodelacholic' (http://www.remodelaholic.com)
~ (Monday's) "Your Recipe, My Kitchen", hosted by Kristen, at 'Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker' (http://www.wiseanticsoflife.blogspot.com)
~ "Dr. Laura's Tasty Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Dr. Laura (Aridgides), at 'Dr. Laura's Adventures' (http://www.whoislaura.com/)
~ "Tuesday Night Supper Club", is hosted by Christy Larsen, at 'Fudge Ripple' (http://fudgeripple.blogspot.com/)
~ "Totally Tasty Tuesday's", are hosted by Mandy, at 'Mandy's Recipe Box' (http://www.mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/)
~ "What's Cooking Wednesday('s)", are hosted both by 'The King's Court IV' (http://thekingscourt4.blogspot.com/search/label/What%27s%20Cooking%20Wednesday) and 'Turning The Clock Back' (http://turning-the-clock-back.blogspot.com/search/label/what%27s%20cooking%20wednesday)
~ "Whatcha Makin' Wednesday('s)", are hosted by "bookaddict4real", at 'Scrapaddict4sure' (http://www.scrapaddict4sure.com/)
~ "Friday Potluck('s)", are hosted by Erin, at 'EKat's Kitchen' (http://www.ekatskitchen.com/)
~ "Fat Camp Friday('s)" are hosted by Miranda, at 'Mangoes and Chutney' (http://www.mangoesandchutney.com)
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Cute Doggie Tales ;->
Brent and Kayla had brought Daisy over for most of the day a week ago Saturday. None of us can say which of the two dogs gets the most excited upon seeing the other - Boo or Daisy. There had originally been some concern about their getting along, due to their size difference. The totally comical part is, while Boo is a good sized dog, he thinks he is a small lap dog; and while Daisy can easily curl into your lap, she thinks she is big and tough. So watching the two of them interact together, can be very comical!!!
A couple of different things happened that particular Sunday which I found ever so amusing.
Story #1 - Brent and Kayla had decided they were going to watch a movie in the living room. I was in on the computer. The others were scattered around the house. Kayla had fallen asleep before the movie had even actually started, and when I had glanced in a bit later, Brent was struggling to stay awake.
A while later Boo came in urgently wanting to be let out. I was rather curious about his urgency. Usually he lets me know, and if I don't respond quickly enough, comes back and reminds me. But that time he was most urgent in his notifying me.
As I stood and turned towards the dining room, I spotted Ms. Daisy. She was under the dining room table, sniffing, then starting to squat, then with a glance towards Boo she'd move and sniff someplace else, then again start to squat. I caught onto Boo's urgency! Especially once I entered the kitchen. There I found a good size puddle. Big brother Boo knew that peeing in the kitchen wasn't good, but pooping on the carpeting in the dining room would be disastrous!!!
I hastily called Daisy and ushered them both out the back door, thanking Boo for being such a good big brother and letting me know!!! :->
(Story #2 - )I went to the bathroom, got a drink, etc., when suddenly Ms. Daisy started barking for all she was worth. She seldom barks. What in the world?!? I listened closer, Boo was not making a sound, what was he doing to her?!!!
I walked over and put the shade up on the side porch window. Boo was sitting on the top porch step, craning his neck looking back and forth trying to figure out what it was that Ms. Daisy was barking so furiously at the side fence gate about.
He had heard me open the shade. He quickly glanced at me and then went back to trying to figure out what she was barking about. A minute latter, he looks back at me and I swear that dog shrugged his shoulders!!! ;-p!! He had no clue what all of her commotion was about! Comical!!!
Story # 3 - It was cold and wet here this now past Sunday. A v-e-r-y cold rain! Boo does not like rain. Period. Daisy on the other hand didn't seem to mind it in the least. She'd go scooting out every chance she got, sniffing every inch of our back yard. I figured, let her. I had no idea just how cold her paws were getting.
Boo has always had a cold nose. To the degree that when he touches you with it, it will chill your bones. But I've never really noticed him having cold paws. At one point after coming back in Sunday afternoon, Daisy jumped up to snuggle between Kayla and I on one of the little couches. I had bare feet. And I was sitting with one of my feet tucked up underneath me. Suddenly, in a split instant, my foot was froze!! All due to Daisy resting her ever so cold paw on my bare foot. Oh my goodness was her paw cold!!! Silly dog.
(Maybe I can sneak out behind Benson while they go get the stuff out of the vehicle.)
Story #4 - At one point Sunday afternoon Daisy was jumping at the back door, she needed out to go potty. At that point in time, it was both hailing and sleeting outside. She darted out the door and down the first step, only to come to a screeching halt. In the mean time, Boo had taken one look out and sat himself down in the door frame. ;-p Daisy backed up and shook her head, not only to shake off the wetness, but as though she was questioning what in the world that stuff was, and where it had come from. So-o cute. But she HAD to pee, so she timidly ventured forth again, then again, then... I left the door propped open and went back in. She must have eventually done so, because we never found any puddles. Boo on the other hand held his for several hours. HE was not venturing out in that stuff! The wisdom of age. ;-)
I've been trying to get good pictures of them playing. Seems that being Ms. Vertigo and quickly playing moving dogs is not a good picture getting combination - even with the camera on the sports setting. I went ahead and shared a couple anyways. Just because.
Story #1 - Brent and Kayla had decided they were going to watch a movie in the living room. I was in on the computer. The others were scattered around the house. Kayla had fallen asleep before the movie had even actually started, and when I had glanced in a bit later, Brent was struggling to stay awake.
A while later Boo came in urgently wanting to be let out. I was rather curious about his urgency. Usually he lets me know, and if I don't respond quickly enough, comes back and reminds me. But that time he was most urgent in his notifying me.
As I stood and turned towards the dining room, I spotted Ms. Daisy. She was under the dining room table, sniffing, then starting to squat, then with a glance towards Boo she'd move and sniff someplace else, then again start to squat. I caught onto Boo's urgency! Especially once I entered the kitchen. There I found a good size puddle. Big brother Boo knew that peeing in the kitchen wasn't good, but pooping on the carpeting in the dining room would be disastrous!!!
I hastily called Daisy and ushered them both out the back door, thanking Boo for being such a good big brother and letting me know!!! :->
(Story #2 - )I went to the bathroom, got a drink, etc., when suddenly Ms. Daisy started barking for all she was worth. She seldom barks. What in the world?!? I listened closer, Boo was not making a sound, what was he doing to her?!!!
I walked over and put the shade up on the side porch window. Boo was sitting on the top porch step, craning his neck looking back and forth trying to figure out what it was that Ms. Daisy was barking so furiously at the side fence gate about.
He had heard me open the shade. He quickly glanced at me and then went back to trying to figure out what she was barking about. A minute latter, he looks back at me and I swear that dog shrugged his shoulders!!! ;-p!! He had no clue what all of her commotion was about! Comical!!!
Story # 3 - It was cold and wet here this now past Sunday. A v-e-r-y cold rain! Boo does not like rain. Period. Daisy on the other hand didn't seem to mind it in the least. She'd go scooting out every chance she got, sniffing every inch of our back yard. I figured, let her. I had no idea just how cold her paws were getting.
Boo has always had a cold nose. To the degree that when he touches you with it, it will chill your bones. But I've never really noticed him having cold paws. At one point after coming back in Sunday afternoon, Daisy jumped up to snuggle between Kayla and I on one of the little couches. I had bare feet. And I was sitting with one of my feet tucked up underneath me. Suddenly, in a split instant, my foot was froze!! All due to Daisy resting her ever so cold paw on my bare foot. Oh my goodness was her paw cold!!! Silly dog.
Story #4 - At one point Sunday afternoon Daisy was jumping at the back door, she needed out to go potty. At that point in time, it was both hailing and sleeting outside. She darted out the door and down the first step, only to come to a screeching halt. In the mean time, Boo had taken one look out and sat himself down in the door frame. ;-p Daisy backed up and shook her head, not only to shake off the wetness, but as though she was questioning what in the world that stuff was, and where it had come from. So-o cute. But she HAD to pee, so she timidly ventured forth again, then again, then... I left the door propped open and went back in. She must have eventually done so, because we never found any puddles. Boo on the other hand held his for several hours. HE was not venturing out in that stuff! The wisdom of age. ;-)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Soothing Shepard's Pie
Today is one of those "Rainy Days and Mondays" that Karen Carpenter use to sing about. Outside, it's an overcast day, with cold rain and occasional thunder. Yesterday was even more so. There was even lighting involved in the evening. Mid-afternoon had included an accumulating mixture of sleet and hail.
Inside, well... for varying reasons, our 'spirits' are also fighting feelings of being dreary and overcast. Sometimes you just can't seem to get deep enough, snuggled down into that mattress under those blankets. I know many of you fully 'get' what types of feelings I am referring to.
But I have been struggling with and fighting said feelings. And besides chocolate and Pepsi (TM), there are also other types of 'comfort foods' that somehow contain their own form of healing [or at the least, soothing] powers. Around here, Shepard's Pie is one of those type of foods. So one night recently, I decided that I was going to try and make some for dinner.
Yes, try to. Just because it sounded good, does not necessarily mean I had the ingredients on hand to do so. I knew you'd relate to that part too. Life.
Shepard's pie is one of those dishes that is made slightly different in every single household. Some people put this in it, others put that. Years ago, one of my renditions was such a 'hit', that it has pretty much been made that exact same way ever since. When you stumble upon a winner, you stick with it. If you haven't yet found your 'winner' for Shepard's Pie, I recommend that you try this one. Ya just never know, it might become your families favorite type too. ;->
First step is to finely chop up some onion, and then brown up some hamburg (or ground chuck, although a couple of times we did use ground venison), the onions and garlic powder. [**]
Bonus Tips here in regards to garlic powder. If your not comfortable using real garlic, garlic powder is a very easy to use alternative. And remember, buy garlic powder, NOT garlic salt as your stand in. Yes, there is a huge difference in the texture and taste of your final product, depending on which of those two types you choose. Garlic Powder blends in smoothly. Garlic Salt leaves a grainier texture and much stronger taste.
Another tip about Garlic Powder. A light sprinkling on of it does nothing. Well, okay, so there is no way it's really nothing. If your using garlic powder to add some garlic flavoring, you must use more of it than you would think you would need to. Quite a bit more. When I use it in Spaghetti Sauce or Chicken Tetrazini, it looks like I am adding an 'obscene' amount. And yet the final product does not taste extremely garlicy.
Back to the Shepard's Pie.
Brown those three items up until the onions are turning rather clear.
How much meat? You want to use enough so that it will make a nice layer of meat in the bottom of your baking pan. A nice layer of meat, not just some meat spread around on the bottom of the pan. Get the difference?
Once the mixture is browned enough, turn off the heat underneath your pan and then drain any remaining grease out of the pan.
Add one can of cream of mushroom soup to the meat, and blend thourally. If you only used two (2) pounds of meat, then one regular size can of the soup is sufficient. If you used three (3) or more pounds of meat, then you'll want to use the larger sized can of soup.
Second step is to spread the meat and soup mixture into the bottom of a sprayed baking pan. What size pan depends on the size of your family (or whom all you'll be feeding). If there's only going to be four of you, depending on their appetite size, you might be able to only use an 9x9" baking pan. If your feeding six to eight of you, you'll want to move up to a 9 x 13" baking pan. And if it's ten to twelve people (or guys with hearty appetites), your best off moving on up to a 11x13" pan.
On the other hand, if it's only four of you but you love to have leftovers to take in lunches, etc., go ahead and make the largest size pan of it!
Third step is to add a layer of frozen corn kernels over the meat. Yes, you again want a layer, not just a scattering.
Fourth step (third layer) is to open a can of whole tomatoes (if you have some. This time I didn't, so I ended up using this type of canned, sliced, seasoned tomatoes, which Brian and Brent like, who's technical name is totally alluding me right now. 8-/. They were passable, but prefer the plain style tomatoes.). After draining the liquid off of the tomatoes, chop them up into rather small pieces. Small pieces so that when you take a bite of the Shepard's pie, you get some of each ingredient in every bite, not some of this in the first bite and then some of that in your second bite. Then spread your chopped tomatoes on top of the corn. If you have enough tomatoes on hand to get a whole layer of them, do so. If you don't, add as many as you have.
Fifth step is to make mashed potatoes. Now, [**] if your going to be making them from scratch, you'll actually want to peel your potatoes and put them on to boil at the same time you start browning up your meat.
When they are ready, drain off the water, make your mashed potatoes, and carefully spread them on top of the tomatoes.
OR, you can make instant mashed potatoes and then spread them.
OR, you can do what I did this time, and use up the left over mashed potatoes from a meal when the whole family was here and somebody had over estimated how much mashed potatoes would be eaten.
The trick to 'spreading them' on top of the corn and tomatoes, is to scatter your scoops of the potatoes all over the pan, rather close to one another, and then GENTLY spread together. As you can see, I don't always have full success in keeping the corn and tomatoes completely hidden under the potatoes. Aw well, "still tastes just as good" (quote from Brian).
Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
This can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated for a day or two. When your ready to bake it, first let it sit on the counter for about twenty (20) minutes before placing it in a preheated oven. Bake for a good hour at 375 degrees.
Recipe's Ingredients:
(recipe made up by Cheryl B.)
Hamburg
Med. sized Onion
Garlic Powder
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Frozen Corn Kernels
Canned Tomatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Shepard's Pie is really good served with Cottage Cheese (dairy!) and Applesauce (fruit!), and sometimes even Biscuits (fiber?) ;->
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
~ "Melt in Your Mouth Monday('s)", hosted by Jane Doiron, at 'Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms .. and other delicious recipes!' (http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com)
~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)' (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven' (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
~ "Market Yourself Monday", are hosted by Sumo, at 'Sumo's Sweet Stuff' (http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/)
~ "Delectable Tuesday('s)", hosted by Stephani, at 'Home Sweet Farm' (http://www.ourjourneytoasimplerlife.blogspot.com/)
~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies - Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace' (http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com).
~ "Tuesdays at the Table", are hosted by Cole, at 'All The Small Stuff' (http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/).
~ "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes' (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/).
~ "Tasty Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Jennifer, at "Balancing Beauty and Bedlam" (http://www.beautyandbedlam.com/)
~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (there is nothing wrong with living with chaos as long as it's organized) (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com)
~ "Whatever Goes Wednesday('s), hosted by Michelle, at 'Someday Crafts' (http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/)
~ "Recipe Swap Thursday('s)", hosted by Alison, at 'Prairie Story' (http://www.prairiestory.com/)
~ "Full Plate Thursday('s), hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/)
~ "Sweet Tooth Friday('s)", hosted by Alli, at 'Alli 'n Son' (Parenting and Life with a side of Chocolate) (http://alli-n-son.com/)
~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)
Inside, well... for varying reasons, our 'spirits' are also fighting feelings of being dreary and overcast. Sometimes you just can't seem to get deep enough, snuggled down into that mattress under those blankets. I know many of you fully 'get' what types of feelings I am referring to.
But I have been struggling with and fighting said feelings. And besides chocolate and Pepsi (TM), there are also other types of 'comfort foods' that somehow contain their own form of healing [or at the least, soothing] powers. Around here, Shepard's Pie is one of those type of foods. So one night recently, I decided that I was going to try and make some for dinner.
Yes, try to. Just because it sounded good, does not necessarily mean I had the ingredients on hand to do so. I knew you'd relate to that part too. Life.
Shepard's pie is one of those dishes that is made slightly different in every single household. Some people put this in it, others put that. Years ago, one of my renditions was such a 'hit', that it has pretty much been made that exact same way ever since. When you stumble upon a winner, you stick with it. If you haven't yet found your 'winner' for Shepard's Pie, I recommend that you try this one. Ya just never know, it might become your families favorite type too. ;->
Bonus Tips here in regards to garlic powder. If your not comfortable using real garlic, garlic powder is a very easy to use alternative. And remember, buy garlic powder, NOT garlic salt as your stand in. Yes, there is a huge difference in the texture and taste of your final product, depending on which of those two types you choose. Garlic Powder blends in smoothly. Garlic Salt leaves a grainier texture and much stronger taste.
Another tip about Garlic Powder. A light sprinkling on of it does nothing. Well, okay, so there is no way it's really nothing. If your using garlic powder to add some garlic flavoring, you must use more of it than you would think you would need to. Quite a bit more. When I use it in Spaghetti Sauce or Chicken Tetrazini, it looks like I am adding an 'obscene' amount. And yet the final product does not taste extremely garlicy.
Back to the Shepard's Pie.
Brown those three items up until the onions are turning rather clear.
How much meat? You want to use enough so that it will make a nice layer of meat in the bottom of your baking pan. A nice layer of meat, not just some meat spread around on the bottom of the pan. Get the difference?
Once the mixture is browned enough, turn off the heat underneath your pan and then drain any remaining grease out of the pan.
Add one can of cream of mushroom soup to the meat, and blend thourally. If you only used two (2) pounds of meat, then one regular size can of the soup is sufficient. If you used three (3) or more pounds of meat, then you'll want to use the larger sized can of soup.
On the other hand, if it's only four of you but you love to have leftovers to take in lunches, etc., go ahead and make the largest size pan of it!
Fourth step (third layer) is to open a can of whole tomatoes (if you have some. This time I didn't, so I ended up using this type of canned, sliced, seasoned tomatoes, which Brian and Brent like, who's technical name is totally alluding me right now. 8-/. They were passable, but prefer the plain style tomatoes.). After draining the liquid off of the tomatoes, chop them up into rather small pieces. Small pieces so that when you take a bite of the Shepard's pie, you get some of each ingredient in every bite, not some of this in the first bite and then some of that in your second bite. Then spread your chopped tomatoes on top of the corn. If you have enough tomatoes on hand to get a whole layer of them, do so. If you don't, add as many as you have.
When they are ready, drain off the water, make your mashed potatoes, and carefully spread them on top of the tomatoes.
OR, you can make instant mashed potatoes and then spread them.
OR, you can do what I did this time, and use up the left over mashed potatoes from a meal when the whole family was here and somebody had over estimated how much mashed potatoes would be eaten.
The trick to 'spreading them' on top of the corn and tomatoes, is to scatter your scoops of the potatoes all over the pan, rather close to one another, and then GENTLY spread together. As you can see, I don't always have full success in keeping the corn and tomatoes completely hidden under the potatoes. Aw well, "still tastes just as good" (quote from Brian).
Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.
This can be made ahead, covered, and refrigerated for a day or two. When your ready to bake it, first let it sit on the counter for about twenty (20) minutes before placing it in a preheated oven. Bake for a good hour at 375 degrees.
Recipe's Ingredients:
(recipe made up by Cheryl B.)
Hamburg
Med. sized Onion
Garlic Powder
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Frozen Corn Kernels
Canned Tomatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Shepard's Pie is really good served with Cottage Cheese (dairy!) and Applesauce (fruit!), and sometimes even Biscuits (fiber?) ;->
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
I 'plan' on linking this particular posting up to:
~ "Melt in Your Mouth Monday('s)", hosted by Jane Doiron, at 'Make Ahead Meals For Busy Moms .. and other delicious recipes!' (http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com)
~ "Making Your Home Sing Monday('s)", are hosted by Nan, at 'Mom's the Word (I love to hear)' (http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/).
~ "Homemaker Mondays ... Yours, Mine & Ours", are hosted by Jen, at '11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven' (http://rtheyallyours.blogspot.com/).
~ "Market Yourself Monday", are hosted by Sumo, at 'Sumo's Sweet Stuff' (http://sumossweetstuff.blogspot.com/)
~ "Delectable Tuesday('s)", hosted by Stephani, at 'Home Sweet Farm' (http://www.ourjourneytoasimplerlife.blogspot.com/)
~ "Tuesday's Tasty Tidbits", hosted by Susan, at 'Permanent Posies - Creative Chaos' (http://permanentposies.com/)
~ "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Lisa, at 'Blessed with Grace' (http://blessedwithgrace.blogspot.com).
~ "Tuesdays at the Table", are hosted by Cole, at 'All The Small Stuff' (http://allthesmallstuff-cole.blogspot.com/).
~ "Kitchen Tip Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Tammy, at 'Tammy's Recipes' (http://www.tammysrecipes.com/).
~ "Tasty Tuesday('s)", are hosted by Jennifer, at "Balancing Beauty and Bedlam" (http://www.beautyandbedlam.com/)
~ "Foodie Wednesday('s)", hosted by Bibi, at 'Daily Organized Chaos' (there is nothing wrong with living with chaos as long as it's organized) (http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com)
~ "Whatever Goes Wednesday('s), hosted by Michelle, at 'Someday Crafts' (http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/)
~ "Recipe Swap Thursday('s)", hosted by Alison, at 'Prairie Story' (http://www.prairiestory.com/)
~ "Full Plate Thursday('s), hosted by Miz Helen, at 'Miz Helen's Country Cottage' (http://mizhelenscountrycottage.blogspot.com/)
~ "Sweet Tooth Friday('s)", hosted by Alli, at 'Alli 'n Son' (Parenting and Life with a side of Chocolate) (http://alli-n-son.com/)
~ "Foodie Friday('s)", are hosted by "Gollum" (aka: Michael), at 'Designs by Gollum' (http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Hello again, Hello
That opening sets me right off into one of Neil Diamonds songs ... sure do wish that I could figure out where in this house those CD's are hiding, or who we loaned the set out to!!!
A-n-y-ways,
hi :->
Yes, I'm aware that I haven't posted in about a week
No, I haven't changed my mind about blogging. [Quite the opposite in-fact]
Yes, I'm okay. Nothing majorly wrong.
What's been going on you ask?
How long ya got? o;-p
Okay, I'll give you the not super short version, but not the every detailed version either.
About my vertigo and progress on it. Yes, the new specialists is indeed making progress on the neck and back due to the one type of it I had. Learned I had two different types. The crystals in the inner ear caused type, as well as the type due to C1 and C2 being smashed together and off kilter, while also having the brain stem caught between them.
Progress involves pain. A fan of the progress. NOT a fan of the pain involved.
Still wearing the neck brace 90% of the time. Gotten rather used to it.
No, he won't lift most of my 'restrictions' yet. As in, still "no" to dishes, and doing laundry, and vacuuming (even when sitting on the steps), and only occasional cooking or baking, a-n-d ...
Why? Due to the way you tilt your neck, and the muscles in the shoulder area you use, etc.. While I have made progress, I'm still far to susceptible to set backs. There have been a couple.
Can we switch subjects?
Thanks!
What have I been doing this week?
The normal two visits a week to the specialist.
I decided that I wanted to craftily make the invites to something we are going to be hosting soon. I went through what materials I had on hand, and came up with what I felt was a very cute invite. I also thought that while it was multi-stepped, it was an easy-peasy style.
It was. They did turn out cute. But oh the challenges I ran into while attempting to make them as 'Ms. Vertigo', compared to when I had previously taken on such tasks. Goodness! Things such as keeping straight lines straight. And only being able to focus for short amounts of time. And ...
But they are all done, and yesterday Brent mailed them out for me (THANKS again Brent!)
And one day, my 'chauffeur' Amy took me price gathering. We have been asked to make certain types of salad sandwiches for an upcoming 50th wedding anniversary of some people we know. The askee wanted a price quote. With as foggy as my brain gets, combined with how little shopping I've personally done in the last year and a half... we went gathering prices for the involved ingredients. And we did some comparison pricing. We went to both Sam's Club and GFS. Was surprised by some of the findings. Things have definitely changed!
Was also surprised with how much turning, etc. that involved and how quickly I became dizzy. I am so-o blessed to have Amy as a friend and a willing chauffeur!!! THANKS Amy!!!
One evening I went out to dinner with another neighbor/friend. Elizabeth P.. God's work in her heart and life is so-o amazing. She is NOT the same person who moved into that house, what, fifteen years ago? She is also most definitely not the same person whom moved south about a year ago. Oh am I enjoying the new Elizabeth P.!!! Thank-you Lord for allowing me to see the answer to some of my prayers!! Elizabeth, I too am cherishing your friendship and am looking forward to doing things together far more often!
Your right, what I've done this week doesn't sound like much. Funny how much it was, for me, in this condition. I AM thankful for the progress that has been made. I am striving hard to be content with where I'm at. And I'm thourally enjoying the spirit lifting sunshine we've been experiencing.
HOPEFULLY, next week I will get back to somewhat regular blogging. In the mean time, I need to go finish making the "Life File" for my nieces "family" baby shower tomarrow. And combine all of the ingredients prices to come up with a quote for those salad sandwiches. And ...
So, that's what's up with me.
N-o-w, what's been up with you?!!!
A-n-y-ways,
hi :->
Yes, I'm aware that I haven't posted in about a week
No, I haven't changed my mind about blogging. [Quite the opposite in-fact]
Yes, I'm okay. Nothing majorly wrong.
What's been going on you ask?
How long ya got? o;-p
Okay, I'll give you the not super short version, but not the every detailed version either.
About my vertigo and progress on it. Yes, the new specialists is indeed making progress on the neck and back due to the one type of it I had. Learned I had two different types. The crystals in the inner ear caused type, as well as the type due to C1 and C2 being smashed together and off kilter, while also having the brain stem caught between them.
Progress involves pain. A fan of the progress. NOT a fan of the pain involved.
Still wearing the neck brace 90% of the time. Gotten rather used to it.
No, he won't lift most of my 'restrictions' yet. As in, still "no" to dishes, and doing laundry, and vacuuming (even when sitting on the steps), and only occasional cooking or baking, a-n-d ...
Why? Due to the way you tilt your neck, and the muscles in the shoulder area you use, etc.. While I have made progress, I'm still far to susceptible to set backs. There have been a couple.
Can we switch subjects?
Thanks!
What have I been doing this week?
The normal two visits a week to the specialist.
I decided that I wanted to craftily make the invites to something we are going to be hosting soon. I went through what materials I had on hand, and came up with what I felt was a very cute invite. I also thought that while it was multi-stepped, it was an easy-peasy style.
It was. They did turn out cute. But oh the challenges I ran into while attempting to make them as 'Ms. Vertigo', compared to when I had previously taken on such tasks. Goodness! Things such as keeping straight lines straight. And only being able to focus for short amounts of time. And ...
But they are all done, and yesterday Brent mailed them out for me (THANKS again Brent!)
And one day, my 'chauffeur' Amy took me price gathering. We have been asked to make certain types of salad sandwiches for an upcoming 50th wedding anniversary of some people we know. The askee wanted a price quote. With as foggy as my brain gets, combined with how little shopping I've personally done in the last year and a half... we went gathering prices for the involved ingredients. And we did some comparison pricing. We went to both Sam's Club and GFS. Was surprised by some of the findings. Things have definitely changed!
Was also surprised with how much turning, etc. that involved and how quickly I became dizzy. I am so-o blessed to have Amy as a friend and a willing chauffeur!!! THANKS Amy!!!
One evening I went out to dinner with another neighbor/friend. Elizabeth P.. God's work in her heart and life is so-o amazing. She is NOT the same person who moved into that house, what, fifteen years ago? She is also most definitely not the same person whom moved south about a year ago. Oh am I enjoying the new Elizabeth P.!!! Thank-you Lord for allowing me to see the answer to some of my prayers!! Elizabeth, I too am cherishing your friendship and am looking forward to doing things together far more often!
Your right, what I've done this week doesn't sound like much. Funny how much it was, for me, in this condition. I AM thankful for the progress that has been made. I am striving hard to be content with where I'm at. And I'm thourally enjoying the spirit lifting sunshine we've been experiencing.
HOPEFULLY, next week I will get back to somewhat regular blogging. In the mean time, I need to go finish making the "Life File" for my nieces "family" baby shower tomarrow. And combine all of the ingredients prices to come up with a quote for those salad sandwiches. And ...
So, that's what's up with me.
N-o-w, what's been up with you?!!!
We were featured :-)
'Miz Helen's Full Plate Thursday('s)' is one of the blog parties we have been linking cooking postings up to.
Miz Helen chose our 'Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars' as one of the things with which to fill her red plate, for one of her meals.
Therefore, we were featured - :-)
And earned the right to display this -
You too should try them! o:-D
Miz Helen chose our 'Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars' as one of the things with which to fill her red plate, for one of her meals.
Therefore, we were featured - :-)
And earned the right to display this -
You too should try them! o:-D
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