tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67449427477406101772024-03-21T16:14:38.683-04:00Life with 5Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-27639816118155279802015-07-02T13:15:00.004-04:002015-07-02T13:15:59.050-04:00Fill your life with recipes. <div style="text-align: center;">
When someone says "get together", I say "food". They go hand in hand. </div>
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Food is love. Food is comfort. Food IS. </div>
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This is my binder of goodness. It started out with JUST recipes. </div>
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Over time, it's become a history book. </div>
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If someone brings a dish to a party - I have to have the recipe. I've been collecting recipes since I can remember being able to use the stove. </div>
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My first "handwritten" recipe was my grandma Farulla's FAMOUS, CAN ONLY MAKE IT ONCE A YEAR ON CHRISTMAS EVE, ALWAYS CRACKED IN THE MIDDLE........cheesecake. Little did we know, it was from the Argo Cornstarch box. </div>
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Sometimes, the best recipes are from your best friends mother.......carefully written out in CURSIVE, a lost art. (I think she wrote this out in 1990ish) </div>
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Theresa Martorana.......mother to Teresa Morales. </div>
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These are DELICIOUS. </div>
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She also wrote out THIS recipe......in the 80's!! I think we made these for EVERY GET TOGETHER. Of course, being nerds, we had a LOT of food parties in high school. </div>
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(Teresa, remember going out to eat at the Hollow wish Dee Dee Mock? She refused to let the waitress take her fruit cup away - every meal started with a fruit cup - and at the end of the meal asked for it "TO GO". </div>
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She was handed her fruit cup......in a paper bag. </div>
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Remember when people used to write out recipes on RECIPE CARDS? And have RECIPE BOXES? </div>
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Here is a recipe from one of the high schoolers from SSCPS. She made it for a party at school, I loved it, she wrote it out for me. I'll always treasure it. </div>
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Alisha Medieros!! </div>
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The binder also houses all of the take out menus. We RARELY get take out. Thus, most of these are outdated - no longer in existence, changed hands.......</div>
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Here's a gem. A Wilton Cake decorating book from the 70's!! </div>
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Some friends share recipes that come with a THREAT. </div>
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I love her for giving me her famous sauce recipe. It's the BEST I'VE EVER HAD and my kids refuse to eat ANYTHING but hers. If I could share it, you'd know why. Killer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml0WfThm07Ff-Lu57BJrtdqkQjDlaUbhURowyjKo9xa23clImEBbZRs7jvQaFiYlcdyOk6rzKyrltzAJRpHWgcx3Ig2TTgU1Ls4ZIka4jU8MnmqjHMo4fJEfa2CO_aevOLM2bTpcx3HU/s1600/IMG_5656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgml0WfThm07Ff-Lu57BJrtdqkQjDlaUbhURowyjKo9xa23clImEBbZRs7jvQaFiYlcdyOk6rzKyrltzAJRpHWgcx3Ig2TTgU1Ls4ZIka4jU8MnmqjHMo4fJEfa2CO_aevOLM2bTpcx3HU/s320/IMG_5656.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is a recipe from 1975ish when my sister Jeanne was in middle school. It's when it was POLITICALLY CORRECT to still have "Home Economics" and "Shop" class. </div>
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It's a recipe for Peanutbutter Chocolate balls. They are still a crowd pleaser. </div>
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STOLEN from my mother's big red cookbook. I want to say it's Betty Crocker. The hand written recipe my mother's famous Linzter cookies (we call them butter cookies with jam)</div>
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Sometimes you get a recipe from Archie at Stop and Shop. </div>
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A little artwork by David. He used to LOVE to help me in the kitchen. Now he loves to sit at the counter and "assist" me in the taste testing area. I'll take it. </div>
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WARNING!! This is a lie. These are NOT the Best Ever Butter Cookies! </div>
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(it reminds me of the scene in ELF when he bursts through the door of the coffee shop and says "CONGRATULATIONS!!")</div>
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From my friend "Miss Val". We used to spend HOURS on the phone discussing recipes. I think this is pretty precise. SMASH CAKE!! </div>
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I think I got this recipe from a woman Ginny Donovan from Arbella. </div>
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I guess it's excellent. I THINK it's chocolate sheet cake. </div>
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From 1993. (see? I keep EVERYTHING!) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUArt5DmRLdPNCqGcwNa5RWb0fXzFGElzrNhLy-44Pw3_IrW6Vqet2mPgC_CPy0UfdmISIxffYJKtTx-RfKk_noOpQV2qcXUOEt5VuwOlKQrpt6hoylasq4hvuQ7n5hb4bLMo8j2E34Q/s1600/IMG_5666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUArt5DmRLdPNCqGcwNa5RWb0fXzFGElzrNhLy-44Pw3_IrW6Vqet2mPgC_CPy0UfdmISIxffYJKtTx-RfKk_noOpQV2qcXUOEt5VuwOlKQrpt6hoylasq4hvuQ7n5hb4bLMo8j2E34Q/s320/IMG_5666.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Poor Paula. She really did have the BEST recipes. </div>
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These are DELICIOUS. (and I don't ever eat anything pumpkin flavored - only coffee)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EfH0GgFdHXMbX3WVrysfnl4_azMDhn2Cjq2WQGKXNvzx3KOa0ioiT5YJSLnEsVRE7Bgn9RmjDxH3KMPYQCCCAE4X7WZQkfeEszE_e3eS7cDtwP1ao-io0ad3_HGcYyuaY7p0KLXiO7M/s1600/IMG_5667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EfH0GgFdHXMbX3WVrysfnl4_azMDhn2Cjq2WQGKXNvzx3KOa0ioiT5YJSLnEsVRE7Bgn9RmjDxH3KMPYQCCCAE4X7WZQkfeEszE_e3eS7cDtwP1ao-io0ad3_HGcYyuaY7p0KLXiO7M/s320/IMG_5667.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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One of the MANY MANY DELICIOUS recipes I've gotten from Jan Wilbur. </div>
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This is the BEST banana bread. </div>
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(I also have the BEST blueberry bread recipe from her, and the BEST BEST BEST EVER Zucchini Bread recipe!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ds911o5BvqyBeT6RcRUvgFZ2CbrTsR6aGF-EnZQwiM_SF2wBUpDWwHGJZQsBx8pqLu1r9T0mjBof_G7eM-r5tXLBQ7yg15GWnHbIs4PGgLeG8sS5IzyNfr6EK2nwoW4MpVdwIj7dX2s/s1600/IMG_5668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ds911o5BvqyBeT6RcRUvgFZ2CbrTsR6aGF-EnZQwiM_SF2wBUpDWwHGJZQsBx8pqLu1r9T0mjBof_G7eM-r5tXLBQ7yg15GWnHbIs4PGgLeG8sS5IzyNfr6EK2nwoW4MpVdwIj7dX2s/s320/IMG_5668.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hope we passed in the homework!! This is a scribbled recipe for excellent little appetizer that I got from Myles Dowling's mother at a party. You mix the ingredients and put them in a mini muffin tin. Then you bake them. I think. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVqAUXyVrzQGJuLQdrGdULAYxR2X7fb8W9o2FVpLCcWz2veqo-we4jnSjbYLPWyrmc8OC8COjPbTwfFd8UQ2F8H2CFmq9VkLln-76J-fYzARPkfbT4gcUpgCsFYRIIGv6yrcCEEC6zfs/s1600/IMG_5669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBVqAUXyVrzQGJuLQdrGdULAYxR2X7fb8W9o2FVpLCcWz2veqo-we4jnSjbYLPWyrmc8OC8COjPbTwfFd8UQ2F8H2CFmq9VkLln-76J-fYzARPkfbT4gcUpgCsFYRIIGv6yrcCEEC6zfs/s320/IMG_5669.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I guess this is a recipe for chicken. I'm not sure what KIND of chicken, but if it's from Anne Crowley, it must be good. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3AN9BOnVILPq_ztvk_a1fBjeBaxHLlLIiFQFVwbhWB1bj8_1xdFsdgL890S62W2iq7fqdJjEllMvhervMdasI77aQNFcHibxyotLVZN2sQouoXsPLHM0kc8yGI5CtlQkgtVkdQtvPA8/s1600/IMG_5670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3AN9BOnVILPq_ztvk_a1fBjeBaxHLlLIiFQFVwbhWB1bj8_1xdFsdgL890S62W2iq7fqdJjEllMvhervMdasI77aQNFcHibxyotLVZN2sQouoXsPLHM0kc8yGI5CtlQkgtVkdQtvPA8/s320/IMG_5670.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cod Fish Cakes from Olga Frederick. I remember being on the phone with her while she told me the directions. (I'm not sure what the boiled eggs and bananas are for - HAHAHAHAHA) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQNsBNyBvXQv5wSlASlxYoz8059Eq6PBy4xTULbtJBHlVWsanmy1Oeoi-wMV4K0_xfMXmTd-y3Erl8tvcyDrQS3TDZWXJqeTvdtoB8FDW7hguEND1RM3hnSxb7k42Qd44IoeV7Oojaiw/s1600/IMG_5671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQNsBNyBvXQv5wSlASlxYoz8059Eq6PBy4xTULbtJBHlVWsanmy1Oeoi-wMV4K0_xfMXmTd-y3Erl8tvcyDrQS3TDZWXJqeTvdtoB8FDW7hguEND1RM3hnSxb7k42Qd44IoeV7Oojaiw/s320/IMG_5671.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I guess we were HARD AT WORK at Arbella - swapping recipes!! </div>
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This are really great. I think we added browned sausage at one point. </div>
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(another Anne Crowley recipe)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi451yDxU4Hb12kP22K8CS1Nm4M2BxitvMnG7d-p6lNidlpSRDptvAnJ9c7BCYHOPS0WiEj0-Q3Q2vETlCYnSAGhXV-H32dS30UphJDxYe_6VKQ7-XRjU-0GiY5nHyUvRm2lCNbAJ4ga9g/s1600/IMG_5672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi451yDxU4Hb12kP22K8CS1Nm4M2BxitvMnG7d-p6lNidlpSRDptvAnJ9c7BCYHOPS0WiEj0-Q3Q2vETlCYnSAGhXV-H32dS30UphJDxYe_6VKQ7-XRjU-0GiY5nHyUvRm2lCNbAJ4ga9g/s320/IMG_5672.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When Laurie DiCroce tells you to use a recipe, you use it. </div>
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And she wasn't kidding. It's excellent. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwkyYA3tHcslHq0cr4Fn7SGGnLMCeYxnzsG2ElOUVkKLZCUq7c_0wE0WWhe9OTZwcPcTSr_HtdAWnmSOnEOWVIwcXt0BnKD1CpMXx3f42ebmBQAvMRalLjLjow_HbSUnYgAz5VxLOfBw/s1600/IMG_5673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwkyYA3tHcslHq0cr4Fn7SGGnLMCeYxnzsG2ElOUVkKLZCUq7c_0wE0WWhe9OTZwcPcTSr_HtdAWnmSOnEOWVIwcXt0BnKD1CpMXx3f42ebmBQAvMRalLjLjow_HbSUnYgAz5VxLOfBw/s320/IMG_5673.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love to cook. I love to collect recipes. I love to try new things. </div>
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My family, however, does not like it when I try new things. (and think the best meatballs I've ever made were the ones I poured out of the bag from the frozen food section of Stop and Shop - so what do THEY KNOW!!) </div>
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This is my cookbook collection (well, part of it. The rest are in a rubbermaid in the basement) </div>
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I hardly ever open them. But I have to have them close. </div>
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Before the internet.....it's ALL I HAD! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO9NBdtCDpMgcJ601JbvrQ0R64pO2xyV8xIfgPMI7uvcQusw_uB3HvebLyMC10p_mWjG1EWrNr3_I4G7f1wRyDIzhM3hhqO8Wu6hAH11TKC5Q8DSI6mSW0ueByuuZtKZxiw28_kbOI3k/s1600/IMG_5675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJO9NBdtCDpMgcJ601JbvrQ0R64pO2xyV8xIfgPMI7uvcQusw_uB3HvebLyMC10p_mWjG1EWrNr3_I4G7f1wRyDIzhM3hhqO8Wu6hAH11TKC5Q8DSI6mSW0ueByuuZtKZxiw28_kbOI3k/s320/IMG_5675.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love to collect church recipe books. I love to sit and talk about recipes. </div>
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Have one? Send it to me! </div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-15116823225933673492015-01-18T12:12:00.002-05:002015-01-18T12:12:44.887-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Using up the stock!!</span></div>
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I felt so guilty yesterday.....after making a trip to the market to get stuff to cook with, that I went through my fridge and pantry to see what I could get rid of....WITHOUT A TRIP TO THE STORE. </div>
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Of course, I turn on the TV......and there is my GIRL REE.....using up stock in her fridge and pantry. I'M CHANNELING REE!!! Or she's channeling me....omg....she's a stalker. I KNEW IT! </div>
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While I was digging, I found stuff I never knew I had. Like, 400 muffin papers - for every holiday. Enough sprinkles to make those 400 cupcakes really shine. 56 plug-ins. (3 dogs!!) THE GRAVY MASTER THAT I COULDN'T FIND AT THANKSGIVING!!!! And a new bottle of Vanilla. A HUGE one. Thank you BJ'S!! </div>
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I also had a half of a leftover roasted chicken from yesterday. It was a SIDE DISH to the excellent 4 cheese Mac and Cheese. I'm still thinking about it. It was REALLY GOOD. Trust me. Make it. </div>
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SO, I did this: </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spicy Chicken Corn and Potato Chowdah </span></div>
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I always start with the Italian staples. Onion and garlic. </div>
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(LIKE GOLD, IT IS)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvmnmEy2yOE70BeCt76ABaZ75MG_QxDRD7fZrJhouJatHbgp6R6J_Dw49giXOAWOn58RxyigOG_n_DG9m-ZIVmzxxfNDdQ1Bxt9juyAtQspHF2BP4aT-d8ppZrWObfHXYQHiFqWwGftU/s1600/IMG_3725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvmnmEy2yOE70BeCt76ABaZ75MG_QxDRD7fZrJhouJatHbgp6R6J_Dw49giXOAWOn58RxyigOG_n_DG9m-ZIVmzxxfNDdQ1Bxt9juyAtQspHF2BP4aT-d8ppZrWObfHXYQHiFqWwGftU/s1600/IMG_3725.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And lots of it. I think I used 2 medium onions and 6 cloves of garlic. I leave the skins on the garlic, smash them under a knife with my hand, then the skin peels away easily and I just rough chop it. </div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBs1C96jGbl3puwYlWED0wBbmQDIg7miYDaimJ6UlEn_aenQ1MkxSF0AfcgkidPoqQwZIlPVNacm4ENVi3VJf5uVC5DOJGAPCn9fRrST_b3G53kYzeHA5W-33MvWOwgnrjQCRA8cwk0c/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBs1C96jGbl3puwYlWED0wBbmQDIg7miYDaimJ6UlEn_aenQ1MkxSF0AfcgkidPoqQwZIlPVNacm4ENVi3VJf5uVC5DOJGAPCn9fRrST_b3G53kYzeHA5W-33MvWOwgnrjQCRA8cwk0c/s1600/IMG_3728.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I put them in a stock pot with some oil - I don't care WHAT you use.....olive oil (I don't like EVOO - I like good old fashioned THICK AND RICH regular olive oil), vegetable oil...butter....margarine.....and when they are a little done, I tossed in about 2 tablespoons of flour. </div>
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Stir it around, let the flour "cook" for a bit. </div>
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I "deglazed" the pan with my good old friend, Carlo Rossi. He's a good friend. He comes in white and red. And he's cheap. </div>
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Pour in about 1/2 cup and scrape the bottom of the pot. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ak5Ehre5aAjJ9QY2UPU40d4p26cQvJrFLOrB_o1SutWoiP3iDwqevS_5qyTDj_ubRD9avbnRXV6jLM9ST2wMkT1iReETOWQ-Gn7cNg8thrbyC49s3sVA4GNu0FRWZVhyphenhyphenCivJrI3SZJk/s1600/IMG_3730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ak5Ehre5aAjJ9QY2UPU40d4p26cQvJrFLOrB_o1SutWoiP3iDwqevS_5qyTDj_ubRD9avbnRXV6jLM9ST2wMkT1iReETOWQ-Gn7cNg8thrbyC49s3sVA4GNu0FRWZVhyphenhyphenCivJrI3SZJk/s1600/IMG_3730.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Then I added in 3 cups of milk. I only had skim - use what you have. </div>
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Mix. </div>
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Then add whatever you have!!! </div>
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I found these in the pantry. I ALWAYS keep Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soup on hand. (Mixed with some white wine and butter, you get an instant sauce for pork or chicken. )</div>
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I'm not sure WHY I have the Mexican Style Corn. I probably couldn't see the label and just picked it up because it was in the general CORN area. Oy. It's really good though. A little spicy. But not TOO spicy. Just-right spicy. Enough with the spicy. </div>
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I added one can of each. </div>
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I also added 3 diced potatoes. Because what can a family of 7 do with 3 potatoes? Except for wait for them to go bad and toss them out. So, in they went. </div>
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This was a leftover breast from the chicken. I wait until it's COMPLETELY cool to cut it off the carcass. (Carcass sounds so COUNTRY!!) Just follow the bone. (I also used some of the dark meat - because we all KNOW.......</div>
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DARK MEAT IS BETTER!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq7O2VIK09oKCepIVTzjNwa-K-PbfL-rvlSTW5GT70FDmxsWvh1xrtiN7vbIecgC0u6MYjmgwVErSXpScb0MDCWDZ4TpCPAU8ZbF8ETWshmInTUr43emh9bAsEZNsnrNeHJ84yPFbIJI/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBq7O2VIK09oKCepIVTzjNwa-K-PbfL-rvlSTW5GT70FDmxsWvh1xrtiN7vbIecgC0u6MYjmgwVErSXpScb0MDCWDZ4TpCPAU8ZbF8ETWshmInTUr43emh9bAsEZNsnrNeHJ84yPFbIJI/s1600/IMG_3737.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The dried spice drawer. I used to keep it super organized by sweet/savory spices. But I found, it's like trying to keep the toilet seat down. Just does't happen. </div>
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I added some crushed red pepper. Some dry mustard. Some dried thyme. </div>
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I don't have measurements. You only have to measure when you bake. I promise. </div>
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And, the phone is still here. BD says "we MIGHT need it one day". When I try to use the same argument about my 100's of glass containers in the basement, it doesn't fly. But it's ok for the STUPID PHONE TO STAY. Nonsense. </div>
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I tasted it, and added a little more dried red pepper flake. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC-Q9SRTzdFcPifGX7N7p8m28I2DFZ72YguF3LxrvtuiYWOTi1RDAn-Pj_MRC2Gqupst3ymSSv4QKOx0qVvg8rs8xFJAcNMFjZBulAUVeQCA-dNZia_8hBQ6j9J089r6wrbTSxyQdck0/s1600/IMG_3732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDC-Q9SRTzdFcPifGX7N7p8m28I2DFZ72YguF3LxrvtuiYWOTi1RDAn-Pj_MRC2Gqupst3ymSSv4QKOx0qVvg8rs8xFJAcNMFjZBulAUVeQCA-dNZia_8hBQ6j9J089r6wrbTSxyQdck0/s1600/IMG_3732.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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AND, this is what it looks like UP CLOSE. If you get close enough to the screen, you can smell it. Go ahead. Try. </div>
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Waiting for the soup to be done is EXHAUSTING for some people. </div>
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Unfortunately for him, the kids are downstairs eating the soup. No they aren't. They won't touch it. I'll have to give it away. Of course, the cookies from yesterday are most likely ALL GONE. </div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-8830505615292538152015-01-17T19:23:00.001-05:002015-01-17T19:23:53.682-05:00<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Cookies and Cheese!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Hello....it's been a while. I'm 40 lbs heavier.....but IT'S NOT MY FAULT. It's The Pioneer Woman's fault. WHY??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I get up on Saturday mornings and put on the TV. And there she is. In all of her lodge-y, ranch-y, deep-fry-everything greatness. Ree, the goddess of the cast iron world. If she makes it, I have to try it. Have to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">So, today, after a QUICK trip to the Coach store, it was a stop at the supermarket for a few items. Because GOD FORBID I use any of the stock I have in my pantry. I just keep buying and buying and buying. One day, I'll find a use for the 5 lbs of almonds and 18 boxes of pudding. (it was on sale, they practically PAID me to take it out of the store) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">First up, cookies. Ree made some "slice and bake" cookies that had Nutella in them. I didn't have Nutella and I wasn't going back to the store. I'm tired of catching shoplifters. SO, I took a few different recipes, put them together and came up with this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies with cinnamon chips</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies with cinnamon chips, chocolate chips and walnuts. </span></div>
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<ul class="ingredient-list" style="border: 0px; color: #282828; line-height: 1.5; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em -24px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 24px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;">1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature</span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 large egg</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 large egg yolk</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tablespoon vanilla (sound like a lot, but it's good!!)</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 1/4 cups flour</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 cup oats (I used Foof's organic oats, it's all we had)</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon baking powder</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon baking soda</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 teaspoon kosher salt (or reg salt, but a little less)</span></span></li>
<li id="IngredientLine" style="border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: 1.2; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.2;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 bag of cinnamon chips (hard to find, but Hannaford has them!!)</span></span></li>
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<span style="color: #282828; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">This is the dough! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjasppYu8UQWm1cLEQGzg_02RHiKWKe9IcmsFD6RqlQxHGPzCZUGRUc8M5VLokK-I13gs2Nj8HGiM9MdUkZZdY-ROSfrYTQvye5u03APy7iGNZHFPY_rTBg4aZDRTSFtQ0tAltFBTD3Uk/s1600/IMG_3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjasppYu8UQWm1cLEQGzg_02RHiKWKe9IcmsFD6RqlQxHGPzCZUGRUc8M5VLokK-I13gs2Nj8HGiM9MdUkZZdY-ROSfrYTQvye5u03APy7iGNZHFPY_rTBg4aZDRTSFtQ0tAltFBTD3Uk/s1600/IMG_3697.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I used my trusty cookie scoop </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(which the girl at Sur la Tab tried to say was an ICE CREAM SCOOP....I said "for who? A barbie?"</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe3Eg_chucj6VFlzpN8R3Fs5Ial6-Da9hwbsdE7htLUAs0M6AHfVyHuew7xBePBXuvYCpc-Y-lM_1hyphenhyphentEXG27FTcgXjfaQ2P77PP60Aae2v-hYLSU0w70sUfEODbHlpU_GZFm7FxfNCc/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSe3Eg_chucj6VFlzpN8R3Fs5Ial6-Da9hwbsdE7htLUAs0M6AHfVyHuew7xBePBXuvYCpc-Y-lM_1hyphenhyphentEXG27FTcgXjfaQ2P77PP60Aae2v-hYLSU0w70sUfEODbHlpU_GZFm7FxfNCc/s1600/IMG_3696.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bake at 350 for about 10 min. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">After scooping out about 2 dozen, I put the bowl BACK on the mixer and added more deliciousness!! </span></div>
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(see below, about 2 pictures down)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cz4vdVn0fz4_CIot7rMyYWeYUfU25gvmAOXlAzpxyk1v3rWjeytLAbdZbGFYF0ibXORuU5jsVwuVqTP-koBuyqx2JJrzd9P-Fgv98JIZFzIlmU4shXATKHSrX5NBTBFw1VAHkfgqYN4/s1600/IMG_3698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Cz4vdVn0fz4_CIot7rMyYWeYUfU25gvmAOXlAzpxyk1v3rWjeytLAbdZbGFYF0ibXORuU5jsVwuVqTP-koBuyqx2JJrzd9P-Fgv98JIZFzIlmU4shXATKHSrX5NBTBFw1VAHkfgqYN4/s1600/IMG_3698.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">These are my fave measuring spoons. Upside down. And I can't rotate them. <br />I got them at "Spoiled Rotten" in Ogunquit, ME. <br />BEST STORE IN OGUNQUIT </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3JnyIRlhsjS9osJhLLNAD2apGWUOyqdqfU2t7ZsFeA8Eeb_YL95k_AREd5yED702IeT7CjZUaSnvhhwg1DawSMfQGhzV761oPtV2jheeN8pEgLT5jlHMB7lQlvNI2GIy7CosBE6Lhqw/s1600/IMG_3699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3JnyIRlhsjS9osJhLLNAD2apGWUOyqdqfU2t7ZsFeA8Eeb_YL95k_AREd5yED702IeT7CjZUaSnvhhwg1DawSMfQGhzV761oPtV2jheeN8pEgLT5jlHMB7lQlvNI2GIy7CosBE6Lhqw/s1600/IMG_3699.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Can we PLEASE, for the love of all this is holy, THROW AWAY THE OLD PHONE?!??! </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzolVGGdvZaq5yhNOpMBWip1iYfRKLBE-Oq4ShT0zD-ZVU9HJTHsrRMV2vRA24qgvOGaRlWf0b-0INXCpfj0STRuNB79qvGENm2ARUVf5bhoPIP9OhFs65JLj5Pwj040WGDnwLJrgV8M/s1600/IMG_3701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzolVGGdvZaq5yhNOpMBWip1iYfRKLBE-Oq4ShT0zD-ZVU9HJTHsrRMV2vRA24qgvOGaRlWf0b-0INXCpfj0STRuNB79qvGENm2ARUVf5bhoPIP9OhFs65JLj5Pwj040WGDnwLJrgV8M/s1600/IMG_3701.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Everyone needs a GIANT BAG of chocolate chips. I think it's 4 lbs. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> I added a cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough that was remaining. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GsYMmclGt-yGyQUvbzSYTCBUXHGMo-eeMEmcBTKasStB6L4MdPPJKSaFK2jxV1wxzmKbtqOZkdEcFHnHK0NjRQYrz5PQHgrvRTNVHrPH0AxFPXtyaJbgtdf0W3tV4UQxv0G8cxfhFG4/s1600/IMG_3703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GsYMmclGt-yGyQUvbzSYTCBUXHGMo-eeMEmcBTKasStB6L4MdPPJKSaFK2jxV1wxzmKbtqOZkdEcFHnHK0NjRQYrz5PQHgrvRTNVHrPH0AxFPXtyaJbgtdf0W3tV4UQxv0G8cxfhFG4/s1600/IMG_3703.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">It got REALLY thick. Like, my mixer now needs a muscle relaxer, thick. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXALQun4W8DJMlzUy7LXSpbqxBjalzaSpv0Yb1Lt8OON3fmjnVc7OkTInG2adFuZgeySgXZZq-SSLt7-OfUV9-5bt7j7xOI8qEowToP_iarug2wJJ-LqX4og9nhltmgBMRPzAqIqy3ZE/s1600/IMG_3704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXALQun4W8DJMlzUy7LXSpbqxBjalzaSpv0Yb1Lt8OON3fmjnVc7OkTInG2adFuZgeySgXZZq-SSLt7-OfUV9-5bt7j7xOI8qEowToP_iarug2wJJ-LqX4og9nhltmgBMRPzAqIqy3ZE/s1600/IMG_3704.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The remaining dough made 3 dozen more cookies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOHQJzgQJLl_qV05FERaeq0NNBh0U99ueJ2Fp8T_hv6C-I7l1pHgBa6wDhdJcs5ASkB01sYDZgEzajsTdMoIiV_b6PRw2yR5oYjD9He8FR6HnWdryfwQNEu86Z4s2JcWBBvlZyjOMHDY/s1600/IMG_3705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOHQJzgQJLl_qV05FERaeq0NNBh0U99ueJ2Fp8T_hv6C-I7l1pHgBa6wDhdJcs5ASkB01sYDZgEzajsTdMoIiV_b6PRw2yR5oYjD9He8FR6HnWdryfwQNEu86Z4s2JcWBBvlZyjOMHDY/s1600/IMG_3705.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">You know why I love parchment paper so much? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(and I only buy it on sale)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRxUWzTvXS6IOITBnkWCucB5GwyawieRM-qUCNDn1Yvfdkq4skjp6nsM1674kl_xtKd96DVGcbhWsN2WPpftrot2ETqSMWi0tHVMUnrJ3o9-CVT8mzZgaPdrVkjuYnrNasojwLoL69hM/s1600/IMG_3706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRxUWzTvXS6IOITBnkWCucB5GwyawieRM-qUCNDn1Yvfdkq4skjp6nsM1674kl_xtKd96DVGcbhWsN2WPpftrot2ETqSMWi0tHVMUnrJ3o9-CVT8mzZgaPdrVkjuYnrNasojwLoL69hM/s1600/IMG_3706.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Because you can WHIP it off the cookie sheet and get another batch going. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaDtQP-Jew69lkg1_lTxjUzxChq7l21ER5hBYgqIT_mTUgUHuACmw0Dp0bl_Hf_cDjkZMZ8s3t5_Xg-XXdEr58agGUmKa4_Cy_L6TRjikLt_eRmGDsma4_X5fEaBt8vUbLV2XqLnTNNQ/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfaDtQP-Jew69lkg1_lTxjUzxChq7l21ER5hBYgqIT_mTUgUHuACmw0Dp0bl_Hf_cDjkZMZ8s3t5_Xg-XXdEr58agGUmKa4_Cy_L6TRjikLt_eRmGDsma4_X5fEaBt8vUbLV2XqLnTNNQ/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I was like a sweatshop for cookies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aqAi7bKYBY5xSsyu_89lcf7BPFSlArsnexI-4t-5AXvaYyLaVfA1ERePEw6if5ivGSFILV1uJJ4wxQtIeYroLKfgBC8_vvxlZrbUsWuvRjd3wpLr0FXj1wQEvMatO_WxAtb3cLTp_bY/s1600/IMG_3708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7aqAi7bKYBY5xSsyu_89lcf7BPFSlArsnexI-4t-5AXvaYyLaVfA1ERePEw6if5ivGSFILV1uJJ4wxQtIeYroLKfgBC8_vvxlZrbUsWuvRjd3wpLr0FXj1wQEvMatO_WxAtb3cLTp_bY/s1600/IMG_3708.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">While those were cooking, I started on THIS: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">4 Cheese - Mac and Cheese! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Pioneer Woman's Recipe) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 pound elbow macaroni</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Salt</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1 cup heavy cream</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">2 tablespoons butter</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1 clove garlic, peeled</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1/2 cup grated fontina</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c;"><span style="line-height: 13px;">1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1/2 cup grated Parmesan</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">1/2 cup grated Romano</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Freshly ground black pepper</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Minced fresh parsley, as needed</span><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px; text-align: start;">Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/mac-and-four-cheeses.html?oc=linkback</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;">Cook the macaroni according to the package directions in lightly salted water, leaning toward the al dente side. Do not overcook!</span><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;" /><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;">Put the cream, butter and garlic clove into a Dutch oven and heat on the stove over low heat. When the cream is hot, add the fontina, goat cheese, Parmesan and Romano.</span><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;" /><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;" /><span style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;">Drain the macaroni (reserving some of the cooking water if needed) and add it to the pot. Stir gently to combine, adding hot macaroni water as needed for consistency. Don't overmix; if there are little clumps of cheese here and there, it's fine! Taste and add about 1/2 teaspoon salt if needed. Add some pepper and minced parsley and stir. Serve immediately.</span></span><br style="color: #1c1c1c; line-height: 13px;" /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nx5v4MDQgJY2nrKqLnWegCZngOSAOUQvqsDyry13-ukGAdLiozH999pfPBjnYD6fbMVtuCvCfhJs2SffVVRf_dbZqgojlIwXLaEGV0da1SPlbbburC8BCTA_eZlQ8RFnSZfqyflsoDI/s1600/IMG_3709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nx5v4MDQgJY2nrKqLnWegCZngOSAOUQvqsDyry13-ukGAdLiozH999pfPBjnYD6fbMVtuCvCfhJs2SffVVRf_dbZqgojlIwXLaEGV0da1SPlbbburC8BCTA_eZlQ8RFnSZfqyflsoDI/s1600/IMG_3709.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sZFg0ELtkWa94htHZdhvniSI31WtIKfue75qcRidrLa7v-YaOHfML5VZxNsOUF0SmZC0HYTOHM5G-FxQL7aqhOJHXebj8tjsdkpGi015owpM_tMzs_AVL_ooZK8NNeL3tlV7L3iF8Gc/s1600/IMG_3710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sZFg0ELtkWa94htHZdhvniSI31WtIKfue75qcRidrLa7v-YaOHfML5VZxNsOUF0SmZC0HYTOHM5G-FxQL7aqhOJHXebj8tjsdkpGi015owpM_tMzs_AVL_ooZK8NNeL3tlV7L3iF8Gc/s1600/IMG_3710.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyP18Y1R_xaJRYhGA6Kt_1MT89mrL4JBPU4sLfvSt4PzQPgmbiP3RF97Kz_D3h_TtIlppS3FelaiDriTf_4-RMq8RuNnuPIxu27ALYGjmjJElGc9uiAN-2tLEAhPwKK6PnhuGKinSLRo/s1600/IMG_3711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyP18Y1R_xaJRYhGA6Kt_1MT89mrL4JBPU4sLfvSt4PzQPgmbiP3RF97Kz_D3h_TtIlppS3FelaiDriTf_4-RMq8RuNnuPIxu27ALYGjmjJElGc9uiAN-2tLEAhPwKK6PnhuGKinSLRo/s1600/IMG_3711.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I didn't take a picture of the Parm and Romano before I grated them....and if you don't know what they look like, you shouldn't be in the kitchen. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAmkZxRucXbwTxsvKbyNWYwzTuDUcYu3bZ3H2HcYqzEmZgNiK-iUZ-28nuFC0v6gO1JyZEZg1mfsIQGwpMgKWK43tmb5TGY_vvNIfuv5UPggzbgpBW49HVQMzeVTGaR2wXeuLggLtddI/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAmkZxRucXbwTxsvKbyNWYwzTuDUcYu3bZ3H2HcYqzEmZgNiK-iUZ-28nuFC0v6gO1JyZEZg1mfsIQGwpMgKWK43tmb5TGY_vvNIfuv5UPggzbgpBW49HVQMzeVTGaR2wXeuLggLtddI/s1600/IMG_3715.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the entire kitchen smelled like feet. Greg didn't believe me that it was the cheese. He had to check for himself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">IT WAS DELICIOUS!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(I wanted to SKIP the Goat Cheese, Greg said "If you're going to make it, make it the way it says to make it. If we hate it, we'll change it for next time. Smart little Bastid, he is.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My helper in the kitchen, with a mouth full of whipped cream. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now....we will crumble them and put them in ICE CREAM SUNDAES!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(If there's any whipped cream left!!) </span></div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-89037050263891412402014-03-12T10:50:00.001-04:002014-03-12T10:50:41.280-04:00Bread Pudding - Miss Valerie's way! <br />
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<b>Bread Pudding - Miss Valerie's way!</b></h2>
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In 1984, I met Miss Valerie. I arrived in New Orleans to go to Tulane, and had to make a stop on the way home from the airport at the World's Fair- my sister worked in the Italian Village. She sent me to the bank, with Miss Val. I was in a "button down the back dress" and heels. AND I HAD BIG HAIR. (it was the 80's!!)</div>
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Miss Val had a sack of rolled coin slung over her back. She stated "If any of these *expletive, expletive, expletive* try to *expletive* with us, I'll knock them in their *expletive" heads. I was terrified. From that point on, we became FAST and FOREVER friends. </div>
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Miss Valerie also knows, or is related to, everyone in New Orleans and the surrounding area. We never paid to ride the street car, we always go the freshest shrimp (off of the back of a truck) and we always had a seat at the Jazz Clubs. When I had David, we went to visit Miss Val. She was proudly carrying him around the market. A woman that Val knew, of course, said "where did you get that little white baby"? She pointed to me and said "it's my sister's son.....we have the same daddy, different mammas"....straight faced.....as we carried on with our business at the Winn Dixie. </div>
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Me and Miss Valerie, 1984. </div>
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Miss Valerie is the BEST COOK I KNOW. However, she never uses any recipes. Her measurements are something like "you know, enough so it tastes good"....."enough so it's wet, but not too wet"......"cook it until it's done, but not too done". She uses what she has in her pantry, she can make something out of nothing, and she ALWAYS has enough to share. </div>
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I have been fortunate enough to WITNESS some of the recipes being made, other's I have to "wing it" by what she tells me over the phone. Bread Pudding was one of my "over the phone" experiences. AND IT'S "SOOO GUUUUUUUUUD"(said in a New Orleans twang, Miss Valerie style). </div>
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**Remember, bread pudding was a poor man's pudding....so the leftover bread wouldn't go to waste. </div>
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Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce</div>
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Stale bread (or fresh bread. left out, until it's stale), usually 1 1/2 french loaves (or whatever you have, I used hot dog rolls for my last batch - about 18 of them) - cut into 1" pieces.</div>
Evaporated Milk, (or whatever milk you have in the fridge) - usually 3 cans evap, plus a little milk<br />
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2 cups sugar</div>
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8 eggs</div>
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Cinnamon - about 2-3 tsp</div>
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Ground Clove - about 1-2 tsp</div>
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Nutmeg - about 1-2 tsp</div>
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Allspice - about 1-2 tsp</div>
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(I probably use more of the above spices then I wrote.......and I lean down and smell the mixture after it's all together to see if I can SMELL the spices. If I can't, I add more. Once, I didn't have any ALLSPICE, so I used "chai tea" spice that I had - USE WHAT YOU'VE GOT BABY)</div>
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Pinch of salt</div>
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Vanilla - a splash </div>
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1 can of fruit cocktail</div>
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Bananas - 2 if you have them, none if you don't have them</div>
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1 stick of melted butter</div>
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Mix everything together in a HUGE BOWL. I like to beat the eggs separately, add the milk to them and then add that on top of the bread/spice mixture. I usually start with 3 cans of evap milk, and then "add enough regular milk" until it's "wet but not TOO wet" (a Miss Valerie measurement). A good test is when you press down on the bread mixture, you can SEE liquid, but you don't want the bread to be floating in it. Cover it with plastic wrap, put it in the fridge and let it sit over night. Pour it into the pan (I use the throw away 1/2 chafing dish aluminum pans), and bake it at 350 for ABOUT 45 min....or so. (Until it's done, but not too done). It should be "firm" in the middle, and dark golden all over. (I usually put a baking sheet under it to catch any overflow...it will puff WAY UP, then sink down again when you take it out). </div>
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**I've used chocolate chips in it, pecans, but never raisins....because I don't LIKE raisins. I've even made "savory" bread pudding with caramelized onions and mushrooms. BE CREATIVE! </div>
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Whiskey Sauce</div>
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1 stick butter</div>
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3/4 cup sugar</div>
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1/4 cup whiskey - don't worry about using the good stuff, it's ALL GUUUUUUUUUD</div>
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Splash of cream or milk </div>
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Cook until it's all combined and the sugar is "melted" in. (you'll have to either keep it warm or reheat it) IT'S NOT OK TO DRINK THE WHISKEY SAUCE. </div>
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Sometimes my bread pudding comes out more dense and wet. Sometimes it comes out more dry and fluffy. It's always guuuuuuuuud....cause it's made with LOVE....and whiskey sauce. </div>
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ENJOY! </div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-28436414382920695472013-07-25T19:47:00.000-04:002013-07-25T19:47:00.387-04:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Cupcakes for Love</span></b></h2>
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A nurse in work is running a fundraiser for her daughter-in-law that is battling breast cancer. </div>
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These are my pink themed cupcakes.....made with love. </div>
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(here's a warning....I use cake mixes for MOST of my recipes. Why try to improve on something Betty Crocker has spent MILLIONS perfecting)</div>
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First, I made all the cupcakes and then used a melon baller to take out the centers. </div>
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I put a chocolate truffle in each chocolate cupcake.</div>
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These (below) are LEMON SUNSHINE CUPCAKES with Lemon Curd filing, a shortbread bottom and cream cheese frosting. I painted the inside of the 16" piping bag with the gel coloring and then filled it with the pink icing. I used a 2D tip! Start in the center, and then just SWIRL around the edge. VOILA! </div>
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Recipe: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">For crust on the bottom:<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1 1/3 cups shortbread cookie crumbs, (22 Lorna Doone Shortbread Cookies or Pecan Sandies)<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1/4 cup granulated sugar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />For the batter:<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1/2 cup sour cream<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />2 large eggs, at room temperature<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1/4 cup vegetable oil<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1/4 cup water<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1 small box (3.4 ounce) instant lemon pudding<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1 (18.25 ounce) box lemon cake mix (recommended: Betty Crocker Super Moist)<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" />1/3 cup lemon curd<br style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px;" /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make the crust. Put it in the muffin cup and press down. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix all the ingredients except the curd. Fill to the top-ish of the muffin tin. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake at 350 for ABOUT 22 min. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">When cool, scoop out (I used the BALLER) and fill with a little curd. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"> (I've been told "less is more Mom" by my #2 son - the Foof - about the curd). </span></div>
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THESE (below) are my FAVE! </div>
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Almond cupcakes with almond filling, and almond buttercream frosting. </div>
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Ever see the cookbook by Dom Deluise? "Eat this: It'll make you feel better". </div>
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WELL, it's terrific. Not only for the recipes, but also for the stories. </div>
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I use his "Death By Chocolate 2" as a base for all my cupcakes. </div>
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White Cake Mix</div>
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4 eggs</div>
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1 cup sour cream</div>
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1/2 c water</div>
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1/2 c oil</div>
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Box of pudding (vanilla) </div>
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2 tsp almond flavoring (I use William Sonoma)</div>
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Bake at 350 for ABOUT 22 min. </div>
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Use any almond filling you like! I buy mine in the ITRALIAN aisle. </div>
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I use a basic buttercream frosting, and add......ALMOND FLAVORING!</div>
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Pink jimmies makes the job complete. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd1ZZ6LEFEOuld-FOG6D8o1qVEi5QYAscCvdqin7_tg6JPOGJbIDahmY4_JYPwPjProfeNj75Eb_7PhDaltnP5j3ZsE2pI0kpQe7TiqBV-sJIIurkLI4MqYc_EeQUg8-gibuP7lTd8VU/s1600/cupcake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd1ZZ6LEFEOuld-FOG6D8o1qVEi5QYAscCvdqin7_tg6JPOGJbIDahmY4_JYPwPjProfeNj75Eb_7PhDaltnP5j3ZsE2pI0kpQe7TiqBV-sJIIurkLI4MqYc_EeQUg8-gibuP7lTd8VU/s1600/cupcake3.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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Red Velvet with cream cheese frosting. Nothing inside because FILLING them with cream cheese filling would be CREAM CHEESE OVERLOAD and I can't decide what else would go with it! </div>
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I used a 2D tip to TRY to make a pink hydrangea. Eh. I like it in blue better....but blue wasn't the THEME....so it was pink. Again, I painted stripes on the inside of the bag. Just two stripes. WIth a wooden coffee stirrer...that I borrowed from work.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYyNdEvW0-ePo9g_NbQwhgJhrFfSnOl4CKC-eYihNdlA61YoEayfmd8Roae8vq0L18hHXfpEdqhPU20c39OPsFKz9gfV669fH8OzctpYtL_199yPFrxHCzHATtPGjNLpJx8KDCpUm7Vs/s1600/cupcake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdYyNdEvW0-ePo9g_NbQwhgJhrFfSnOl4CKC-eYihNdlA61YoEayfmd8Roae8vq0L18hHXfpEdqhPU20c39OPsFKz9gfV669fH8OzctpYtL_199yPFrxHCzHATtPGjNLpJx8KDCpUm7Vs/s1600/cupcake4.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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NOW! DELICIOUSNESS. </div>
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Candied pecans. </div>
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Beat one egg white with 1 tbsp of water til foamy. </div>
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In another bowl, mix 1 cup sugar, a little cinnamon and a smidge of salt. </div>
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Coat the pecans with the egg foam. </div>
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Toss them in the sugar. </div>
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Spread on a cookie sheet. </div>
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Bake at 250 for 1 hour....tossing every 15 mint. SET THE TIMER. Or you'll forget. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE8Zoryqin-x0PuZcW5aDT5ckyasgjL5frwsPPvrO8uNsEnn7wZxfWvpit_ur8MiXSWDuV-HdswiNHEJkkvVuc_nTCBgJekj9FAlif1hHACu1wai2HhwmDs00dMBnADP_IHn0K_Z89Ow/s1600/cupcake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVE8Zoryqin-x0PuZcW5aDT5ckyasgjL5frwsPPvrO8uNsEnn7wZxfWvpit_ur8MiXSWDuV-HdswiNHEJkkvVuc_nTCBgJekj9FAlif1hHACu1wai2HhwmDs00dMBnADP_IHn0K_Z89Ow/s1600/cupcake5.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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Don't they look great on my Carrot Cake Cupcakes!! </div>
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THIS recipe comes from my friend Linda, who, when giving me the recipe also gave me 6 cups of shredded carrots.....and an order for a few dozen. </div>
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Mix together: </div>
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2 c. sugar (NOT a WW recipe)</div>
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1 c veg oil</div>
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4 eggs. (one at a time)</div>
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Add in:</div>
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2 cups four</div>
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2 tsp baking soda</div>
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2 tsp cinnamon</div>
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3 cups shredded carrot</div>
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1 cup walnuts (I used pecans)</div>
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1 cup coconut</div>
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Bake at 350 for...YOU GUESSED IT.....22 minutes...ish. </div>
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I used a 1M tip to make the swirl on top. Then, added on the PECAN...and ate the rest of the batch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacRB3Z3NHOy6PcOlkq_08_d0BWkZ9lbFm6kqqYzG8AhEUThnU2gVCWX_EgNtnB-sSK9dG8ooPE1wg0bVDZU4p9xPX7Zge9er8VxP-rQvGdLdqzYOO-YAEjcrddWe2f220UnDsqLl2XuE/s1600/cupcake6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacRB3Z3NHOy6PcOlkq_08_d0BWkZ9lbFm6kqqYzG8AhEUThnU2gVCWX_EgNtnB-sSK9dG8ooPE1wg0bVDZU4p9xPX7Zge9er8VxP-rQvGdLdqzYOO-YAEjcrddWe2f220UnDsqLl2XuE/s1600/cupcake6.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chocolate with a chocolate truffle center</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Death by Chocolate 2 recipe:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 eggs<br />1 cup sour cream<br />1/2 cup water<br />1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />1 package of extra moist chocolate cake mix<br />1 12-oz package of chocolate chips</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I omitted the chips...since I was doing the truffle. BUT, your cupcakes, your decision.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix and bake at 350 for 22 min. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used a standard buttercream frosting recipe but used "chocolate" extract that I found at.....</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MY FAVORITE STORE....William Sonoma. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used 1M tip again and added some little pearls for decoration. DON'T USE TOO MANY.....or the dentist will be buying a new summer home on YOUR DIME. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDBxX22DTMgzl4Io5iKm-gyxCTzbbDthluZL3PtxJ8e056XLl2sRoyH-OYD_hO_knFw9PpsHwKskratLGgPAwaJemDMY9RStHZZ8ggBUIzyrQsTuyTUNHzP2Y5USVGHvqZuOJSTLiUGQ/s1600/cupcake7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZDBxX22DTMgzl4Io5iKm-gyxCTzbbDthluZL3PtxJ8e056XLl2sRoyH-OYD_hO_knFw9PpsHwKskratLGgPAwaJemDMY9RStHZZ8ggBUIzyrQsTuyTUNHzP2Y5USVGHvqZuOJSTLiUGQ/s1600/cupcake7.jpg" height="238" width="320" /></a></div>
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White Chocolate cupcakes with Cherry pie filling and a cherry on top. </div>
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Recipe: </div>
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White cake mix</div>
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White choc pudding</div>
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blah blah blah.....</div>
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(see recipe above) </div>
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I used canned cherry pie filling in the center and then put one ON TOP.</div>
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By this time of the day, I was exhausted and I don't remember what tip I used. </div>
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Be creative. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8ghNNWON6ii1xDCQyYUNHZwdYjkdPvJbFjY0KZxF6zc4IKEQfKcM3UFOJSNK7yTvzqwPq28ChCHLtPKT8e8AS0Z-kRzYLsJVewqsLTQCR2q4mtuy8cYSW-kbpocuA_FHHnMBQUdHmyk/s1600/cupcake8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8ghNNWON6ii1xDCQyYUNHZwdYjkdPvJbFjY0KZxF6zc4IKEQfKcM3UFOJSNK7yTvzqwPq28ChCHLtPKT8e8AS0Z-kRzYLsJVewqsLTQCR2q4mtuy8cYSW-kbpocuA_FHHnMBQUdHmyk/s1600/cupcake8.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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If my nursing career doesn't work out, I could open a "Cake Mix Bakery"</div>
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Maybe I'll call it "Betty Crockless"</div>
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I'm tired. </div>
<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-51160629048330275252013-04-23T17:37:00.002-04:002013-04-23T17:37:42.397-04:00Fabric Roller Shade......for under $30<div style="text-align: center;">
Feel like making a fabric shade...in ONE afternoon?</div>
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First, buy any cheap, expensive...middle of the road....shade. ($7 at Lowes) It doesn't really matter. The worst part of buying shade is that they DON'T cut them for you anymore. They are now sold to 'cut yourself' ....which never works for me. </div>
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I sawed through the shade with my BEST KNIFE. Then, it was just a smidge too big...so I had to do it ALL AGAIN! </div>
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Pick out fabric you like! I bought a pre-cut piece of fabric that is meant for quilting! ($13)</div>
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IT WORKED FOR ME! </div>
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Then, buy a lightweight, cotton lining. ($3) </div>
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Also, double sided fusing. ($5) </div>
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AND, last but not least, trim. (if that's what you like) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATz5vhzAgRzCTTZE2VoVdJGyUstWr0Igsjr1Ixe3zC_ehqc2pE0iZ-nYOmv02nMkxlmwxNJatnxNwTICqiK10FffIJUPe4E1YjU-x1j72OjEN5IBTU1uoMpy0_S4EGnMYTKyHaQnJfls/s1600/shade1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATz5vhzAgRzCTTZE2VoVdJGyUstWr0Igsjr1Ixe3zC_ehqc2pE0iZ-nYOmv02nMkxlmwxNJatnxNwTICqiK10FffIJUPe4E1YjU-x1j72OjEN5IBTU1uoMpy0_S4EGnMYTKyHaQnJfls/s320/shade1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I removed the shade from the rod. They are just glued on. It was EASY. </div>
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I then cut the fabric a little bigger than the shade to allow for mistakes. I make A LOT of mistakes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2BJflbXAnRettlHT3ikI-bOUKmXZqcc0gHgn1coWnAWMeCo0KGgJRf_sOKqn3-ZuGF4R3OrbB-4q_MJrqT46du7qU_MZOpKBk0BacEe-mU6h1NCzAJSqvbH05GIr_NYc0P9xH658aig/s1600/shade2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2BJflbXAnRettlHT3ikI-bOUKmXZqcc0gHgn1coWnAWMeCo0KGgJRf_sOKqn3-ZuGF4R3OrbB-4q_MJrqT46du7qU_MZOpKBk0BacEe-mU6h1NCzAJSqvbH05GIr_NYc0P9xH658aig/s320/shade2.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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THEN, I flipped the fabric over, so the wrong side of the fabric faced up, and put the fusing on top. (the paper side of the fusing should be on top, so that when you iron it, the fusing sticks to the fabric)</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEL5zrQf3CbldxUmBAxjfyKsg9CZMTbFG6HPyessl4NoHMX_gaicewvqftP1ilBMb1eofr8vdOpsuhFNGOlhkJicJYOcZS9EBlGzB4T2UVWPHj7kgc08lR-QB6WJ8xZ1LQxIZ1BuQ7Hg/s1600/shade3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEL5zrQf3CbldxUmBAxjfyKsg9CZMTbFG6HPyessl4NoHMX_gaicewvqftP1ilBMb1eofr8vdOpsuhFNGOlhkJicJYOcZS9EBlGzB4T2UVWPHj7kgc08lR-QB6WJ8xZ1LQxIZ1BuQ7Hg/s320/shade3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Iron it OVER AND OVER, on a really high setting to make sure it sticks. ALSO, I tried to go from the middle out so that I didn't have any bubbles or creases. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZF7hzGkUIpNNmW-eGHyH2fl1CQpob1b6IrM-o1pSu6InxobjXTFynfoyS-to0lg4WB5rN5rvxjHKOF9N9EGUTraS_WYQ29XsADkGWE63tOlfivnjCWYSX34WVXH1Q0HjZS_aG8DP8mM/s1600/shade4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZF7hzGkUIpNNmW-eGHyH2fl1CQpob1b6IrM-o1pSu6InxobjXTFynfoyS-to0lg4WB5rN5rvxjHKOF9N9EGUTraS_WYQ29XsADkGWE63tOlfivnjCWYSX34WVXH1Q0HjZS_aG8DP8mM/s320/shade4.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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I removed the paper and put the lining on top of the fusing. I ironed it again. Then, I flipped it over and ironed it again on the RIGHT side of the fabric JUST TO MAKE SURE it stuck. </div>
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(I'm a bit of a worry wart like that)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKz98CxrFlz2V95pjGImy_dH9EdT18p7hszh2ukXCEsrsPMGhmpunEAvewKltJOf9kTZok4ttLyhbUZddLY86zzidmORsySmMHxQWyFZTRCylR56cyFveHKAu7NOoKn89XwVGzMmbv9w/s1600/shade5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKz98CxrFlz2V95pjGImy_dH9EdT18p7hszh2ukXCEsrsPMGhmpunEAvewKltJOf9kTZok4ttLyhbUZddLY86zzidmORsySmMHxQWyFZTRCylR56cyFveHKAu7NOoKn89XwVGzMmbv9w/s320/shade5.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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My lining was much bigger than my shade fabric. It was cheap. I trimmed it when it was cool. </div>
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I then took 30 minutes to find the staple gun. I found one from the mid 50's....I have no idea WHERE it came from, and then figured out we didn't have staples to fit it. </div>
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I kept searching and finally found the staple gun that I LIKE (it's a little girly and you use your whole body weight to FIRE it). Of course, I forget that the staples come out of the opposite end than you would THINK, so I put a few staples into the dining room table IN ERROR. </div>
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I then stapled the "fabric fused to fabric"...TO THE ROD. Make sure it lines up and rolls up evenly. This part was a PAIN IN THE ARSE. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRQghbkugc7NleVQXnUNOJWWIzi2NhkkrGtIazuU_hMR7NqjsMElYEopw-VB6-HYlHUhGypgCGaTT8loCeuxEHX5VqMvLVYEn3MwHGVBcBAbc9UIy2W-ZgIONXr4Ahh5JnInAhUL1z1g/s1600/shade6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRQghbkugc7NleVQXnUNOJWWIzi2NhkkrGtIazuU_hMR7NqjsMElYEopw-VB6-HYlHUhGypgCGaTT8loCeuxEHX5VqMvLVYEn3MwHGVBcBAbc9UIy2W-ZgIONXr4Ahh5JnInAhUL1z1g/s320/shade6.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Hot glue the shade stick (no longer made of wood) to the bottom of the shade. Put another bead of glue along the shade "stick" and flip it over to stick to the fabric again.....sort of a FAKE rod pocket. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF4PZPr7zBjPKALLZ4SdYs00jRcN599UIIO_5SVTXSo3_yytsTKeeHJTG9hGLC9TzxkkikMXAaYkViZfzkv429_koTzxvEqJ4m7Cj07ivxeOYOP93nvhMTBh8V5idnuylljVHkBKUh9s/s1600/shade7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibF4PZPr7zBjPKALLZ4SdYs00jRcN599UIIO_5SVTXSo3_yytsTKeeHJTG9hGLC9TzxkkikMXAaYkViZfzkv429_koTzxvEqJ4m7Cj07ivxeOYOP93nvhMTBh8V5idnuylljVHkBKUh9s/s320/shade7.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Then glue your trim.....if you DON'T have trim....don't do this step! </div>
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HAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHHA </div>
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(it's been a long day) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIsKQIYTogheD3JJmb_kmIRESDJLkckNFCgPvXGFvNGP8zn2g1sePxdYngIWfIJTiPkfLqCzcwM9rD9lphgohnL2y38wa30mLI7XhxsPRiqhcrrGDAbqkIsN2lTnDPGHbfS8Q1gBv1dE/s1600/shade8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIsKQIYTogheD3JJmb_kmIRESDJLkckNFCgPvXGFvNGP8zn2g1sePxdYngIWfIJTiPkfLqCzcwM9rD9lphgohnL2y38wa30mLI7XhxsPRiqhcrrGDAbqkIsN2lTnDPGHbfS8Q1gBv1dE/s320/shade8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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HANG AND ENJOY! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKf7I7xTbmkcR3h1JEb5BmU9xcfp-Xtd0xXJxUhyphenhypheng-y-o0hkq1zk-Wyx6CoHKQQmw34eIPrN0WaSewEIk86u1pFkATFhJ0RnjHZ5CzpYz3fKfDeZwAF9vAt9wz-rXeJR-Z1zXTNr1MSg/s1600/shade9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKf7I7xTbmkcR3h1JEb5BmU9xcfp-Xtd0xXJxUhyphenhypheng-y-o0hkq1zk-Wyx6CoHKQQmw34eIPrN0WaSewEIk86u1pFkATFhJ0RnjHZ5CzpYz3fKfDeZwAF9vAt9wz-rXeJR-Z1zXTNr1MSg/s320/shade9.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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My bottom window looks so BLUE!! </div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-25284926526597951642013-04-05T17:01:00.003-04:002013-04-05T17:09:07.090-04:00BEST EVER Zucchini Bread....compliments of Jan Wilson's sister in law's mother. Got all that? <br />
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<span class="userContent">Zucchini Bread<br /><br />4 eggs<br />2 cups of sugar<br />1 cup of veg oil<br />3 1/2 cups of flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />3/4 tsp baking powder<br />1 1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">1 tsp cinnamon<br />2 1/2 cups shredded zucchini</span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">1 cup nuts<br /><br /><br />350 for one hour</span></span></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-42938471560537111652013-04-05T08:41:00.002-04:002013-04-05T08:41:35.218-04:00Stuffed Peppers, Auntie Grace's Favorite. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJjcIAHVSNcenyVujhGobMW8AevkWS72Zuy46Vn5hhqfqRvnY2LyG8XxK5qJuewMK__LNBuDn5wS-vzaOqBqbwoqP3POGlkaq7bjYrVswXSI90cyvo9zOJOltFi_e4kBSGpLXao_9t-8/s1600/stuffedpeppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJjcIAHVSNcenyVujhGobMW8AevkWS72Zuy46Vn5hhqfqRvnY2LyG8XxK5qJuewMK__LNBuDn5wS-vzaOqBqbwoqP3POGlkaq7bjYrVswXSI90cyvo9zOJOltFi_e4kBSGpLXao_9t-8/s320/stuffedpeppers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Stuffed Peppers</b></span></span><br />
<h4>
<div class="_53" id="TKG2D5146opVBthkqEgBMQ" style="line-height: 14px;">
<div class="_3hi">
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<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6-8 Green Peppers, medium size</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 lbs ground beef</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 medium onion</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1-2 cloves of garlic</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rice, any kind, whatever is left over.....OR cook 2 boxes of Rice-a-Roni....OR MAKE WHATEVER RICE YOU HAVE. (about 4 cups total cooked) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">pepper</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">cinnamon</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cut the tops off of the washed peppers. Pick out the insides of the peppers with your hands. Cut up the tops of the peppers into small pieces.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saute ground beef (about 2 lbs) and onion and the chopped up pieces of the green peppers. Salt, pepper and a little garlic if you have it.....and if not, don't worry.....garlic powder works too....I just happen to like the taste of the REAL STUFF.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mix the rice into the ground beef mixture. Add sauce (recipe to follow) a little at a time until it's the consistency you like. (probably about 1 cup??) Add the DASH of cinnamon. </span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Line the peppers up in a glass baking dish. Fill each pepper with the mixture. Top off with a little sauce (and the cheese, if you like it). Put about 1 cup of sauce and 1 cup of water in the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and cook until peppers are tender (about 45 min) on 350.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**Add anything you'd like to this recipe....it's yours to "fix" the way you like it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sauce</b></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">2 Large Cans of crushed tomatoes </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">2 tsp Dry parsley</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Salt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Pepper</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Sugar (about 2 tbsp)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Grated onion (or chopped up small)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Garlic, at least 2 cloves</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;">Olive oil, not much, just enough. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">White wine....or whatever you have on the counter....red.....pinot.....ANYTHING. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Start by sauteing the onion and garlic in a little olive oil. Add the cans of sauce and about 3 tsps of dry parsley and the wine. Salt, pepper and sugar. Let cook on SIMMER ALL DAY....or at least an hour. </span></div>
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Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-669955341645533262013-04-05T08:10:00.000-04:002013-04-05T08:19:47.441-04:00Potato Salad.....best when served shared. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJfzAGpJ0kbobI5tXYK0ddWNBDwm8e6sJUwO9BPERpkGjo5U-7FdmCej_KdMqTYZ0Yc3dVwxi3rS4gshSL4bzquyqfL3JTBvSHiPhnbEUmI5idzqYxxvDrlHCo0zJ7NKloafkyD1IEg/s1600/potatosalad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJfzAGpJ0kbobI5tXYK0ddWNBDwm8e6sJUwO9BPERpkGjo5U-7FdmCej_KdMqTYZ0Yc3dVwxi3rS4gshSL4bzquyqfL3JTBvSHiPhnbEUmI5idzqYxxvDrlHCo0zJ7NKloafkyD1IEg/s1600/potatosalad.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Miss Valerie's Potato Salad (a friend of mine from New Orleans!)</span></b></blockquote>
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You'll need:</blockquote>
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5 lbs of potatoes (I use Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, but ANY kind will do!!)</blockquote>
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8 eggs - hard boiled - chopped (if you like it egg-y, 6 eggs if you don't!) </blockquote>
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Hellman's mayonnaise - enough to make it the RIGHT consistency....that's an italian measurement.</blockquote>
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2 tbsp Yellow Mustard</blockquote>
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1/4 cup "Sandwich Spread" - found in the mayonnaise aisle (Blue Plate is the best - but we only have Cains in BOSTON!)</blockquote>
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1/2 bunch Green Onion (just the green part, chopped finely)</blockquote>
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Salt and Pepper (and sometimes I use a little PAPRIKA! no flavor, but a nice touch)</blockquote>
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3 tbsp Sweet Pickle Relish (said with a southern accent) </blockquote>
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Boil the potatoes until soft with the skins on! I'm not sure why it makes it better, it just does. As soon as they are done, drain the water and peel them as soon as you can. (they are hot, so be careful) After you peel them, chop them up in the bowl (i start to chop them in my hand). They almost appear to be mashed....but that's ok!</blockquote>
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Mix everything together. Cover and put in the fridge.</blockquote>
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Before you serve it, you may have to add a little more mayo.</blockquote>
Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-78550533013284878382013-03-28T19:17:00.001-04:002013-03-28T19:17:37.008-04:00Is the house ever really "finished"? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I pick the trash. I go to thrift stores. I love yard sales. Wanna know why? </div>
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WOODEN FURNITURE!! </div>
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This fab find was $10 - Salvation Army 1/2 price day!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwloqOiZt8WSsjEDLiyIR23b5iSCGxF1poHZOJUmpRjkfe3Jtrp1GRqADAosGdOE3i-pOTIOue3qIYtv10dO8yPaSUhcMggH35b4F_GoZb82NaioCdR_Q5h98hJhIK4rWj2xnxrtZhceU/s1600/11blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwloqOiZt8WSsjEDLiyIR23b5iSCGxF1poHZOJUmpRjkfe3Jtrp1GRqADAosGdOE3i-pOTIOue3qIYtv10dO8yPaSUhcMggH35b4F_GoZb82NaioCdR_Q5h98hJhIK4rWj2xnxrtZhceU/s320/11blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One coat of black spray paint starts it off......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqKeaTWeqAIuJx_9u3TE-DjhKTeOSZgLJBkuAvTZWD3ADzUkHwKptOeWp4bdVYIJ4RIhdTbIfvaDBuRvHrOX8ZPAn-HWBecsZ4uiP3qTI2OeK7jkIo_oFvlxN9HIhmLEWOoT5_QqzLLY/s1600/12blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxqKeaTWeqAIuJx_9u3TE-DjhKTeOSZgLJBkuAvTZWD3ADzUkHwKptOeWp4bdVYIJ4RIhdTbIfvaDBuRvHrOX8ZPAn-HWBecsZ4uiP3qTI2OeK7jkIo_oFvlxN9HIhmLEWOoT5_QqzLLY/s320/12blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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AND AFTER A SECOND COAT.....THIS! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BnaHiSWHp7kRlp_a75Hnnmygrm2TgauIzTYY1C5wbYcXKihEifNF4oiwVk8RGMFz21Foz1PZhyKviBJ1u_0sJ9YdwWP48PncWHJpLyjm7wxR0EtLO0fgL8UZj6QFGNCX40ytKc-n7j4/s1600/13blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3BnaHiSWHp7kRlp_a75Hnnmygrm2TgauIzTYY1C5wbYcXKihEifNF4oiwVk8RGMFz21Foz1PZhyKviBJ1u_0sJ9YdwWP48PncWHJpLyjm7wxR0EtLO0fgL8UZj6QFGNCX40ytKc-n7j4/s320/13blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I found this at a store called "The Yard Sale Store". </div>
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$45</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VkSn89sS9qS6XgHNxUC2l6U40wvDabS1apbTnnhzCmZi5pIma0jLbhX7TbFLWNaZHZEgllYQiVjfp6kTta58njbsIaaTWS0OPvjgbmWJAxtA9ZjB5gJuEYb98qmQD_C6cSP63qHw6h8/s1600/1blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6VkSn89sS9qS6XgHNxUC2l6U40wvDabS1apbTnnhzCmZi5pIma0jLbhX7TbFLWNaZHZEgllYQiVjfp6kTta58njbsIaaTWS0OPvjgbmWJAxtA9ZjB5gJuEYb98qmQD_C6cSP63qHw6h8/s320/1blog.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Removed the handles and spray primed it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlJ0ww0CRRtQ2LPmEAvszG3LFzfUQIVKbFbTaufAOOVKTUiIO9aNJ8YDT3lNLUMiJ3XAHfJGs4SNgot45KJTq7fFhau37RaTlOslJHSrsQdoB_HnfZN-UN1-6B2nMjpZnXmo5EKMDQWU/s1600/2blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAlJ0ww0CRRtQ2LPmEAvszG3LFzfUQIVKbFbTaufAOOVKTUiIO9aNJ8YDT3lNLUMiJ3XAHfJGs4SNgot45KJTq7fFhau37RaTlOslJHSrsQdoB_HnfZN-UN1-6B2nMjpZnXmo5EKMDQWU/s320/2blog.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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The a few coats of black spray paint....and one coat of black satin finish latex brushed on.....</div>
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AND YOU HAVE THIS! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwusKn_nqan-BCb43QGIIroUlAkDlTvmAZHBnnYD4DKrxaDHeiIJ80Sd2XlSAWfO43HE6TKgZFx4YtUe2SwKJslpojHbSXjgQ6IZYlTT98bJhasT0Kd3viFDJl0ldVDywDelCtAHcDno0/s1600/3blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwusKn_nqan-BCb43QGIIroUlAkDlTvmAZHBnnYD4DKrxaDHeiIJ80Sd2XlSAWfO43HE6TKgZFx4YtUe2SwKJslpojHbSXjgQ6IZYlTT98bJhasT0Kd3viFDJl0ldVDywDelCtAHcDno0/s320/3blog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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$20 at the Thrift Store! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioD96QpGd9vJNSXjpam4COArPskXOAQv8wxb5QWbUHBS-dsnjFjR3lTncamWdr2ltyr1dGW_qL9iZF2mRV9R9yBmRXnGhaN9OQm5SIqUSNLtisW8lMwLZ1ZC3mt6Orwz3gKU_ISr_qI4/s1600/4blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioD96QpGd9vJNSXjpam4COArPskXOAQv8wxb5QWbUHBS-dsnjFjR3lTncamWdr2ltyr1dGW_qL9iZF2mRV9R9yBmRXnGhaN9OQm5SIqUSNLtisW8lMwLZ1ZC3mt6Orwz3gKU_ISr_qI4/s320/4blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One coat of red paint sprayed on (I LOVE spray paint) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO8GyCcS4XMOCXArBxSjfiKOzKwbWdonfQJjtV8t8QmIm_qanvgua5mM3ppmasudI8Bs11zfAVBPEjlZ5-ElC1Mr6z9isAuGP8feyCsA-EFJ8nTnGOB70LUntfY6hvJLY-TI7znDpdn8/s1600/5blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO8GyCcS4XMOCXArBxSjfiKOzKwbWdonfQJjtV8t8QmIm_qanvgua5mM3ppmasudI8Bs11zfAVBPEjlZ5-ElC1Mr6z9isAuGP8feyCsA-EFJ8nTnGOB70LUntfY6hvJLY-TI7znDpdn8/s320/5blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A a coat of satin varnish brushed on! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX-PzR0jEIel4UdaW_i803PHdLebT_6RK3fnT0JUdyiH7rJSGvGQL132hiVVas50rpinNFwmDz3u3cXHHD3fQQeJ-xTG3VYZis8oZD-Z8xne1mqbLa2xi-OM9f3mPA3PdZSSJMUEbVqw/s1600/6blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaX-PzR0jEIel4UdaW_i803PHdLebT_6RK3fnT0JUdyiH7rJSGvGQL132hiVVas50rpinNFwmDz3u3cXHHD3fQQeJ-xTG3VYZis8oZD-Z8xne1mqbLa2xi-OM9f3mPA3PdZSSJMUEbVqw/s320/6blog.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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NOW, I have to start on rooms! </div>
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First up, the 1/2 bath. </div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-29829911322696670432013-01-07T20:12:00.001-05:002013-01-08T16:56:27.777-05:00To food....or not to food. Shouldn't everything be about food? <br />
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Everything I do....everything I plan.....everything I think about planning....every show I watch on TV (well, except for the Christmas movies) revolves around the food. Isn't that how real life is? <br />
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Maybe it's just an Italian thing. <br />
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I thought about having a food blog to share recipes....collect recipes.....tweek recipes.....you get the picture.....all about recipes....and then I thought "well, you can't have a blog about simple stuff....." BUT LOW AND BEHOLD TRISHA YEARWOOD DOES! Not a blog....but an ENTIRE SHOW ON THE FOOD NETWORK. She stole one of Paula Dean's recipes....renamed it....and tried to pass it off as her own. She made my sister's "saltine candy". She knows my SISTER?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph4FaKD8PI5lIP2L0_AnK0smVUBjp-sYVrPOHi4RtJSjjKFXxyanuC7sM_cYuiTRMxdxcIxMz6plHGGgg-E_2jL3puvXIMUSD7fHC6laCjUw_QfxC1AQWSwxioqdxSsLMD0rQY184Ydk/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiph4FaKD8PI5lIP2L0_AnK0smVUBjp-sYVrPOHi4RtJSjjKFXxyanuC7sM_cYuiTRMxdxcIxMz6plHGGgg-E_2jL3puvXIMUSD7fHC6laCjUw_QfxC1AQWSwxioqdxSsLMD0rQY184Ydk/s320/blog3.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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Nothing to do with ANYTHING, but how cute is this bum? (Greg) In undies? Watering my plants?? </div>
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(My Christmas clock just chimed....which is the only source of CHRISTMAS music left in my house since CABLE so selfishly cut off the channel that plays it from November until yesterday....and XM cut off BOTH Christmas stations on NYE! Now, back to the issue at hand....food)<br />
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Growing up, Sunday dinner was started on Saturday. Gram Farulla would get out the semolina flour, make the well.....add the eggs......and then we would hand crank it through the pasta maker. (All Italians should have skinny arms due to the excessive CRANKING of the pasta machine....but then they came out with ELECTRIC ONES). THEN, we'd spread it out on the dining room table on a cotton cloth and let it dry over night. My mother (very Irish) would joke that Gram Farulla would give a different recipe to different people. She'd say "I just heard your grandmother give your Aunt Barbara a different meatball recipe". (we were so lucky to have Gram live IN the same house, but the downfall was that you could hear her giving out the recipes.....well, catch her lying, really) But in her defense, Italian's don't USE recipes. Nothing is written down. Everything is "half a glass of this"......"a pinch of that".I taught my kids at a very young age that their hands were "Italian measuring spoons". And they are! ALSO, there are no set ingredients.....it's whatever you have in the fridge. Although, we did seem to ALWAYS be going to the market. Something I do myself.....6 out of 7 days a week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIjYQgzRMqmUHLw9d9uiXuYI6gixGcKGwj7wDZIqvtii1_cSmhFjvJAt3y3hf_8etmBauYLlnOWa8HbfigXvhYS4QqVCWJtOei6aVkJcN8ppgDbVr7syrv_Z-NmZhOrr0xxbd37wTfgA/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIjYQgzRMqmUHLw9d9uiXuYI6gixGcKGwj7wDZIqvtii1_cSmhFjvJAt3y3hf_8etmBauYLlnOWa8HbfigXvhYS4QqVCWJtOei6aVkJcN8ppgDbVr7syrv_Z-NmZhOrr0xxbd37wTfgA/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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These two look just like Gram. Well, she had less hair. </div>
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Gram also taught me how to whistle. She didn't KNOW she was teaching me. She would breathe in and out of her mouth while she was making the bed. She would make this little "whistling" sound and I would MIMIC her. I was the baby of the family....I could do NO wrong. Which is why she also put up with me hiding around corners and jumping out and scaring her.....with a heart condition that I paid NO mind to. The memories of Gram are ENDLESS. She had a friend Maria Viola that would call her and TALK NON STOP for an hour. No breaks. Gram would put the phone down on the couch cushion and crochet. Every few minutes, she'd pick the receiver up and say "aya....aya...aya". If she had to get up to do something, we would do it for her. No harm. No foul. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY-vl9lx_phzpGAT4mpVk259BIS_EJCvHmxU1Eoa0pI4bpvXXH0t-MaNupbRc0aP3srkSZKErSydKAR_CemxyefUuDE5reBaKLR9aztJgHlhvibR6NkczN_ZTnoPSAatVwYxt8KbQlOI/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgY-vl9lx_phzpGAT4mpVk259BIS_EJCvHmxU1Eoa0pI4bpvXXH0t-MaNupbRc0aP3srkSZKErSydKAR_CemxyefUuDE5reBaKLR9aztJgHlhvibR6NkczN_ZTnoPSAatVwYxt8KbQlOI/s320/blog2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My Officer Baby with Miss USA and Miss Universe! </div>
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So, Gram would make her "well" with the flour, add the eggs in the middle, a little water.....a little olive oil...a little salt....and then mix...."yeazy, yeazy" she'd tell me.....and that's the recipe! See? Simple. <br />
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Want it in recipe form? Here you go:<br />
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Grandma Farulla's Pasta<br />
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"Make-a the well with the semolina" about 4 cups<br />
Add eggs....about 6<br />
A little oil<br />
A little water<br />
A pinch of salt<br />
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Better? <br />
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Here's what I grew up looking at</div>
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If it didn't go THROUGH the pasta machine...........</div>
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IT GOT ROLLED BY HAND! Into LITTLE TINY PIECES....call Gnocchi. </div>
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We loved every minute of that...and I miss it so much. I sometimes wish my kids could have experienced "the Italian" kitchen on a Saturday morning....but they get my version of it. I don't "hand cut" ravioli......or make my own sausage......or roll and deep fry my own CANOLI shells.....but I do love to have a pot of sauce on....the smells of the garlic and onion bring the memories rushing back in. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCiwSVn2ZbrKvxS5doERnpjleQLY_JpvE8pf3zEJF0InHd7fO29dY06ngma0WyqEn8dhvK-GKAOvHT7R0urCu834hm3rkJTtTPBzh6-Q3HbXPN6xE8gahI0xa8mtAnjstS5qjbVYKQ8A/s1600/blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCiwSVn2ZbrKvxS5doERnpjleQLY_JpvE8pf3zEJF0InHd7fO29dY06ngma0WyqEn8dhvK-GKAOvHT7R0urCu834hm3rkJTtTPBzh6-Q3HbXPN6xE8gahI0xa8mtAnjstS5qjbVYKQ8A/s320/blog7.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
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He shares my love of food....and this is probably when the WEIGHT problem started! </div>
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When my kids were little they thought I slept in the kitchen. It was the LAST place they saw me before they went to bed, and the first place they saw me when they woke up. I'm happiest in the kitchen. It's where I belong. It's where I do my "thing". It's the heart of my home.....because FOOD is what makes me....me! </div>
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Again, nothing to do with the blog....but he FELL ASLEEP STANDING UP! </div>
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He probably ate too much. </div>
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(Greg, again!) </div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-76507993134703447172012-09-30T10:43:00.001-04:002012-09-30T10:43:43.899-04:00INTRODUCING..my new dutch oven!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Isn't she beautiful? I had to chose between round or oval; red, orange or green; black or colored handle......sigh.....I went with the red. Of course. It's a firefighter's wife's curse. IT ALL MUST BE RED! I bought the largest one they sold, because, after making the bread, I'm going to make </div>
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BBQ BRAISED BEEF FOR DINNER!!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74Ft1S9-YPaeAGRHfbf5VwnuPdkU_Lr1sZQwgY567J_7D9Vfu-MZmttvGS1IudJYd7luSYB0AO-JmgeDRYR3MWx-ifBXA4BpsnAkfN4ensYh2mfFBZaCArEN8whBEz7EWDxo3AJPWxxw/s1600/IMG_6798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74Ft1S9-YPaeAGRHfbf5VwnuPdkU_Lr1sZQwgY567J_7D9Vfu-MZmttvGS1IudJYd7luSYB0AO-JmgeDRYR3MWx-ifBXA4BpsnAkfN4ensYh2mfFBZaCArEN8whBEz7EWDxo3AJPWxxw/s320/IMG_6798.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Along with a good pot, you'll need a bowl. I am addicted to buying beautiful bowls. Wanna know why? Because they are ONE SIZE FITS ALL. The kitchen store is a wonderful place. No dressing rooms. No skinny clerks asking if they can "get you one size up". "No thanks." (I'll just buy these and tell myself I'm going to lose the 20 lbs I need to fit into them.)</div>
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Notice, my fantastic orange ceramic bowl is MADE IN ITALY!! I wonder if one of my relatives over there made this bowl? I wonder if there's a recipe for clay?? Probably NOT in ITALY!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0BKhIq3_MyzS_MaU_vQaWrcSVG8Xczs0OGjMwK626urgAuVSNowFDQ-1uqSl73LaMkmoRsUVvdznVctxC92kQWRRqvXxq54wFQnVgOV9nZupLsQiabDDAuoTNHF7UbxtpuL3u67MLwQ/s1600/IMG_6880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0BKhIq3_MyzS_MaU_vQaWrcSVG8Xczs0OGjMwK626urgAuVSNowFDQ-1uqSl73LaMkmoRsUVvdznVctxC92kQWRRqvXxq54wFQnVgOV9nZupLsQiabDDAuoTNHF7UbxtpuL3u67MLwQ/s320/IMG_6880.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love fresh rosemary. And fresh basil and thyme. I found a WONDERFUL garden shop in Stoughton, MA - run by a little Italian man - "Central Florist". I'll never go anywhere else. He has the best of EVERYTHING. And if he doesn't have what you want, he'll order it for you when "His guy comes from NJ with the delivery". That was good enough for me. No need to ask any questions. </div>
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Crusty Bread: </div>
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3 cups flour</div>
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1/2 tsp yeast (I used the instant, the no need to dissolve kind)</div>
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1 1/2 tsp salt </div>
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ABOUT a cup of cheddar cheese</div>
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ABOUT a tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-204LF-EYUEwdotX5lQdempsYF2sZIOmy5NbKZ96iSeRxFOGNu44cMx2PhQhd9LJ6JcIUiIc0777qQXz6qeguUylkmyEEtJtyN2aM7XjQagIs5EZJkPLghj6QIcPhf1mA3ZVsO-Xd7I/s1600/IMG_6847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-204LF-EYUEwdotX5lQdempsYF2sZIOmy5NbKZ96iSeRxFOGNu44cMx2PhQhd9LJ6JcIUiIc0777qQXz6qeguUylkmyEEtJtyN2aM7XjQagIs5EZJkPLghj6QIcPhf1mA3ZVsO-Xd7I/s320/IMG_6847.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I added to that:</div>
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1 1/2 cups of room temp water. </div>
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After I added the water, it seemed too dry, so I added a little more (like 1/4 cup)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtPFqfNTxd-2iWPG7FKudxm7u4YqZ_pSrY0TbWoOHcFal5Ro-B7Vcg_mDKzlBiPGUnCPa2YT6Z0d-7jv-qT1m2Ples2kaLfHDYfc56fL6E2NBX6x8nFTRAc_ZnlKEGj9gL4HLEuI2Zpw/s1600/IMG_6850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtPFqfNTxd-2iWPG7FKudxm7u4YqZ_pSrY0TbWoOHcFal5Ro-B7Vcg_mDKzlBiPGUnCPa2YT6Z0d-7jv-qT1m2Ples2kaLfHDYfc56fL6E2NBX6x8nFTRAc_ZnlKEGj9gL4HLEuI2Zpw/s320/IMG_6850.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I covered it in plastic wrap, and started making dinner. </div>
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Meat sauce. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaJOUrtSNjb8AnCSNfPzVlfJ_CXu3nVIDn60P1uLG481Pq3J-48jtrTWReNAPgHWjN9uo0sU9wGMaJpQ7c1Xgwy72Gh8lnukml7NsIrYejQDneKWTDBjyQSjBPnZtqZVpOA6X4dEaFAA/s1600/IMG_6852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNaJOUrtSNjb8AnCSNfPzVlfJ_CXu3nVIDn60P1uLG481Pq3J-48jtrTWReNAPgHWjN9uo0sU9wGMaJpQ7c1Xgwy72Gh8lnukml7NsIrYejQDneKWTDBjyQSjBPnZtqZVpOA6X4dEaFAA/s320/IMG_6852.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's very important to TIME YOUR BREAD ACCORDING TO YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE.</div>
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It must be left ON THE COUNTER for at least 12 hours, up to 18 hours. I made mine at 1pm on Saturday, so that at 8 am on Sunday, it would be ready for the oven. </div>
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I set the oven at 450. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvnnLaIt0KBKIODO3pG1EXt-LOFHoTkieWpcMvkJcvG30xqMXMjv11YVI76quslLwp2PJ0fySIl0SjdY-GsuW9ZEl0gp7emm2ITrV8KK8eanpJjT5rrQOWtSxZTLHKQjoIGr5Cz2BIs/s1600/IMG_6861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6WvnnLaIt0KBKIODO3pG1EXt-LOFHoTkieWpcMvkJcvG30xqMXMjv11YVI76quslLwp2PJ0fySIl0SjdY-GsuW9ZEl0gp7emm2ITrV8KK8eanpJjT5rrQOWtSxZTLHKQjoIGr5Cz2BIs/s320/IMG_6861.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I put the covered pot in the oven EMPTY. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uyEoLk5YGiRYhiifp_FtJgoLO-r66SC_lulFYvRJs_23qKzgrDe-ShUz9hgqryI-iktt52aaGqsLAsLP-1SqxRb0aKRopOuFi_ZyP3cDQypgkbJ9xflkC5YhiWu8yHx8qhz_P9OF0S0/s1600/IMG_6853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5uyEoLk5YGiRYhiifp_FtJgoLO-r66SC_lulFYvRJs_23qKzgrDe-ShUz9hgqryI-iktt52aaGqsLAsLP-1SqxRb0aKRopOuFi_ZyP3cDQypgkbJ9xflkC5YhiWu8yHx8qhz_P9OF0S0/s320/IMG_6853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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While that was heating (you have to let it heat for 30 minutes) I got the bread out of the bowl. </div>
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STICKY STICKY!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGUDBWCZg5tQkfHS6xVsUjWozRVojIUjG6gmoblMBtD-4mpPCIa0nEcsWasbI8EsF-SL5K7bBcZzMf_tV24T2hgj_3-SXW0DGFdObA3cFIMhQcZ2HHJ-N9nn9YSPEitCkAyvS7LBAP-w/s1600/IMG_6855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGUDBWCZg5tQkfHS6xVsUjWozRVojIUjG6gmoblMBtD-4mpPCIa0nEcsWasbI8EsF-SL5K7bBcZzMf_tV24T2hgj_3-SXW0DGFdObA3cFIMhQcZ2HHJ-N9nn9YSPEitCkAyvS7LBAP-w/s320/IMG_6855.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Put flour on the surface you're going to flip the bread onto. I overdid the flour a little. But, flour is cheap. </div>
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I molded the dough into a ball and let it set. </div>
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Use the plastic wrap from the "sleepover" to cover it and let it sit for the 1/2 hour while you wait for the pan to heat up!! </div>
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Rainy, cold....covered pool....bletch. I love to bake in the fall...but I'd rather a cold, sunny day.....</div>
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......no rain. </div>
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"Dear Mother Nature, enough with the rain. We're good."</div>
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Take advantage of the time you are waiting to update your Words with Friends games. </div>
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I have 20 games going right now. It's become more like a part time job. </div>
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When the timer goes off, plop the bread into the pot. Recover, and bake for at LEAST 30 min. Make sure the bread is DARK GOLDEN BROWN. </div>
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Remember, at LEAST 30 min. </div>
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"Mom, I'd be happy to clean up ANY MESS you have"</div>
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This was too light, so I popped it back in for another 10 min. </div>
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The smell of the rosemary is so nice. I use rosemary any time that I can. It's VERY GOOD when you cook SPARE RIBS on top of a few stalks of it. Oh. My. Goodness. (that'll be another day. I have to dig out from under all of my dirty dishes before I can make ONE MORE THING in this kitchen!!)</div>
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Joe thoroughly enjoyed the bread, hot out of the oven with a smidge of butter.</div>
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<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-15156728586528012802012-09-29T19:26:00.001-04:002012-09-29T19:26:56.911-04:00There's a bun in the oven! <br />
No buns in the oven....relax....it's just APPLE PIES!!! <br />
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Lately, I have seen so many people pinning things with PINTEREST. I really don't GET IT.....pinning....repinning.....whatever......I just like seeing the stuff! I mean, really, who thought of making a sleeping bag out of pillowcases sewn together? It's GENIUS!! My idea of "sewing" involves fabric glue and a staple gun. It works. <br />
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Back to baking......I saw these "Apple Pie in an Apple" desserts and HAD to make them. TALK ABOUT LABOR INTENSIVE!!! I got up early, and started in. My bastards kept asking me throughout the morning, "Why are you taking pictures of all of this?" <br />
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"BECAUSE I AM DOCUMENTING MY ADVENTURE IN COOKING, THAT'S WHY!!"<br />
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And here we go:<br />
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I started with red empire apples and ginger gold (which are green) apples. I also have some bananas that are ready for their transformation into DELICIOUS BREAD! That's for tomorrow.</div>
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(Pay no mind to the mixer. It wasn't needed. I think it just got jealous and squeezed it's way into the shot.)</div>
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I'm getting ready for FALL!! The mantel has been started. </div>
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My zinnia harvest!! I'll have ZILLIONS of zinnias next year!! </div>
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Now, back to the baking.</div>
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As I scooped out the apples, I put a few drops of lemon juice in and sort of swished it around the apple. (so they wouldn't turn brown)</div>
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I used a cookie scoop to take the insides out! BUT, you have to be VERY careful.......</div>
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Or THIS will happen! I got a little too close to the edge.....and the scoop POKED right through! </div>
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Who knew that Rocco would love apples so much! </div>
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Daisy was so good....she waited patiently for hers. </div>
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For some reason I forgot to take a picture of the seasoning mixture!! I mixed together about a 1/2 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar and a 1/2 cup of brown sugar. I added in about 2 tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of nutmeg and some allspice. These measurements are all APPROXIMATE. I'm ITALIAN. I really don't measure. <br />
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Because I was making 13 apples, and the recipes I was trying to follow were all for 4-6 apples, I had to improvise. SO, I took a few of the apples, sprinkled on the sugar mixture and cooked them in a pot on the stove. I added in ABOUT (that is a true measurement in Italy) a tbsp of butter. It was delicious.<br />
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So, here is what the rest of the chopped up apple looked like. Now, AFTER I cored all of the apples, it didn't look like there was going to be enough filling. SO, I used a few extra apples JUST IN CASE. <br />
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I mixed MOST of the mixture of sugar/flour into the apples, but saved a little out.<br />
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AND THIS IS WHY! I put a little in the bottom of each apple. I'm not sure why. I just did. (I also sprayed the pan with PAM)<br />
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Then I filled them to the top. I didn't OVERFILL them. I was on the fence about this. I knew that the apples would shrink, but i was afraid of them overflowing. They turned out FINE. <br />
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Of course, everything is better with butter. A little pat of butter on top of each apple.....a smidge.....a tiny bit. A hint. <br />
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ALL LINED UP AND READY FOR A PIE CRUST!! </div>
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Now, as you can see, I opted for the READY MADE CRUST. I always do. Why try to recreate a recipe that Pillsbury has spent MILLIONS OF DOLLARS PERFECTING!!! </div>
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I used a biscuit cutter to make the little lids. If you have an extra 4 hours to make a lattice top, have at it. After spending 2 hours coring the apples, the solid top was FINE WITH ME. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn25PnWBuFYl4nq_LuR4EINIDXYS7qC-6u_4XyN3qCxO70T3tFU4DR6fnZfPBPYXnAx9M8TdLHBy-dy0d_MN0ONA_slfNwaiaeXuteD1kO4hyS1VKroHMVuUzVYfw8ZbG6E3dZZvqERM/s1600/IMG_6829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn25PnWBuFYl4nq_LuR4EINIDXYS7qC-6u_4XyN3qCxO70T3tFU4DR6fnZfPBPYXnAx9M8TdLHBy-dy0d_MN0ONA_slfNwaiaeXuteD1kO4hyS1VKroHMVuUzVYfw8ZbG6E3dZZvqERM/s320/IMG_6829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then took the scraps and made little apple leaves. I hate to waste.....NO I DON'T!! I've thrown out 8 batches of Italian Cream in the last two weeks!! I just thought the leaves would be cute. I was right. They were.<br />
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I made little steam holes in the tops. (they kind of look like the little apple seeds, don't they?) </div>
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I then put a leaf on each one. Voila. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLmLs1avTJ0zSMoLdkkZb97uZeGi1CxEdDbbgsGDhj3BgHUJwapJ6pTxT-G6vj265-M3CTzflfT5OAoRrU6HkThQGf5UcAF4XCOp66kFTSG-xdp77jaVnyTK1tH-9KYBOmU7k7Vm2A78/s1600/IMG_6833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLmLs1avTJ0zSMoLdkkZb97uZeGi1CxEdDbbgsGDhj3BgHUJwapJ6pTxT-G6vj265-M3CTzflfT5OAoRrU6HkThQGf5UcAF4XCOp66kFTSG-xdp77jaVnyTK1tH-9KYBOmU7k7Vm2A78/s320/IMG_6833.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Remember how I thought I wouldn't have enough filling? Well, I had plenty. BUT IT'S BETTER TO HAVE TOO MUCH THAN NOT ENOUGH!! I put the excess in this little casserole dish and made a crumb topping for it. You'll just have to trust me on that one....since i was interrupted during the making of it by a phone call requesting an EMERGENCY TRIP TO THE BANK to transfer money for the Navy Boy to secure his new pad in VA!! </div>
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Before placing the OH-SO-ADORABLE apples in the oven, take the extra minute to give them a little egg wash. I just beat an egg.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qq-92XfsXCXIim2NmeBSQn3pm0hhz8Zl09_RhvXT7vxNs0sNC12U1ja1w_QdtvxjYKbPCJDn0zCTf7OJ2s6HMxoarhGCxhZZ7T32ZronscQXa-57BMPWla6bDWRMpXEwiml8Bkwg1oM/s1600/IMG_6836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qq-92XfsXCXIim2NmeBSQn3pm0hhz8Zl09_RhvXT7vxNs0sNC12U1ja1w_QdtvxjYKbPCJDn0zCTf7OJ2s6HMxoarhGCxhZZ7T32ZronscQXa-57BMPWla6bDWRMpXEwiml8Bkwg1oM/s320/IMG_6836.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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....AND brushed it on. It's that simple. No milk. No "just egg whites". Just an egg. Beaten. Brushed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-2IS941OIO27GbvpH545yU7ecRnUPl3QiUvV91GFaqzVii_FCmXdBKxn_krAhVYuqV8mhBDWOBz-2inSrvGREtMNmuc_TCrIlvHZwMRdLoXrvOJUSbxgPgTVm2bg7siaiVUaaGDhz10/s1600/IMG_6837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-2IS941OIO27GbvpH545yU7ecRnUPl3QiUvV91GFaqzVii_FCmXdBKxn_krAhVYuqV8mhBDWOBz-2inSrvGREtMNmuc_TCrIlvHZwMRdLoXrvOJUSbxgPgTVm2bg7siaiVUaaGDhz10/s320/IMG_6837.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And, in the oven they went. After I had the baking dishes in the oven, I put a little water in the bottom of each dish. (like, an 1/8th of an inch) I cooked them at 350 for 20 min then covered them with foil and cooked them for another 20 minutes. </div>
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This is how they came out!! AND my house smelled TERRIFIC. Of course, that could also be thanks to the 500 pumpkin scented candles I have burning and the apple spice plug ins. You can never have "TOO MUCH FALL". </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmEpk-_O1IkhglnHC8QT5wY-aKzJdp84-xV0GXLEFR0HNRTHWGVBSlGkn_IROh24vAzW0gKd7vH3S3TtIPSVskksUU7GzfCfYl_w9qFoaTkeTi3WoQAXULCyitCRcXPNkT6bJY7r_zP8/s1600/IMG_6845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmEpk-_O1IkhglnHC8QT5wY-aKzJdp84-xV0GXLEFR0HNRTHWGVBSlGkn_IROh24vAzW0gKd7vH3S3TtIPSVskksUU7GzfCfYl_w9qFoaTkeTi3WoQAXULCyitCRcXPNkT6bJY7r_zP8/s320/IMG_6845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is how the SECOND pan came out. The only thing I can think of is that my top oven has been a little WONKY lately. I have to fool around with the temperature. Maybe it doesn't hold a steady temp. Maybe it was that the lower oven made the upper oven too hot. Either way, these went RIGHT INTO THE TRASH to be united with the 8 batches of Italian Cream. <br />
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The pies were terrific. I'm not sure I'd do it again.....unless I can get some poor sucker to core all the apples for me. Big Daddy was at the station today.....so I had to do it ALL MYSELF!! </div>
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THIS is a preview of the BREAD THAT IS BEING MADE TOMORROW!!! WOO HOOO!!</div>
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AND JUST WAIT.....til you see the BEAUTIFUL pot I bought to bake it in!! </div>
<br />Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-18015729788387430572011-12-18T16:40:00.000-05:002011-12-20T06:16:02.080-05:00$350 later....we have a Gingerbread House!Every year I promise myself that I'm going to make a super duper fantastic gingerbread MASTERPIECE. Every year, I buy the candy and we make the store bought one....and add the $100 worth of candy I've picked up at the store...every week.....because you just never know when you'll need 4 bags of gumdrops to make the GGB "just right". Well, honestly, you DON'T - know so why not be prepared? Me and the boy scouts - we are ready for ANY baking emergency. <br />
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This year - I kept my promise to myself (and I bought $300 worth of candy - not really but can someone please say that to BD if you see him? That way, when he finds out that I really only spent $150, it won't be such a shock) <br />
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I needed to start with a template:<br />
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(thankfully, the UPS man has brought me many useful boxes this Christmas season!)</div>
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And the Dough! (the best recipe I've found which I will put at the bottom of the blog!)<br />
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I cut and cooked the pieces. THEN, when I was all cleaned up and ready to go to bed at midnight, I realized that I had made the sides WRONG. </div>
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Doesn't everyone have the Lego Advent Calendar on their counter?? </div>
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(this made me very happy when I had realized my mistake about the sides!!)</div>
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SO, I got up this morning at 6 and made new sides. It is very important to make sure to trim the edges of each piece as SOON as it comes out of the oven. STRAIGHT SIDES!! STRAIGHT SIDES!!</div>
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I used a pizza cutter to not only cut the original pieces before baking, but also to trim the edges of the cooked pieces. </div>
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BD and Greg were also VERY VERY busy. </div>
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Rocco was AT THE READY.....</div>
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Every time I turned around, he was RIGHT behind me. </div>
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"Mom, do we need help BD with the FIRE?"</div>
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Joe loves to do stuff like this with me. (he was multi-tasking and doing his part time job at Cafe World at the same time)</div>
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I read somewhere that it's a good idea to decorate the sides before assembling. (Royal Icing Recipe at the bottom...under the GINGERBREAD receipe!)</div>
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I did it. I loved it. I'll never do it any other way.</div>
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You have to let them dry COMPLETELY. I covered the roof in LIFE cereal. </div>
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Greg was very busy emailing his Christmas list to Auntie Jeanne. </div>
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(At least he got off the couch.)</div>
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Joe's Blue House (in Massachusetts and RI) - or Chanukah House! (everywhere else)<br />
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The Pink Lady, Holiday House and Peppermint Palace. (we loved Peppermint Palace so much, we're making a regular size one of it this weekend)<br />
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The Cheez-its box was the PERFECT SIZE for support. This can be the step that "breaks the camel's back" if you're not patient. Hold the pieces together for a minute by hand. THEN, find something that they can lean on. Sort of like your kids. Hold their hands for a while, then offer support. BACK TO GINGERBREAD. </div>
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I got all the pieces together....and thought...um, the roof is going to be a little small. </div>
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Let this step dry for a LONG TIME. If your husband happens to have a ROARING FIRE going and the house is 105 degrees, this helps. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KqRXGVtDed1NETPAVffuQQnAAlZSri3QPXYFUZ7ZunxE1k4GgVi2UDzbJeKoFJqxySTtc8t7hMKSGafH212SAIvhGs7gWEjFscHRW2J0nLOoLKvB-av4KXYxVwzg56b0KOsAS_21jU/s1600/DSCN0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0KqRXGVtDed1NETPAVffuQQnAAlZSri3QPXYFUZ7ZunxE1k4GgVi2UDzbJeKoFJqxySTtc8t7hMKSGafH212SAIvhGs7gWEjFscHRW2J0nLOoLKvB-av4KXYxVwzg56b0KOsAS_21jU/s320/DSCN0258.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Joe does a "more is more" style of decorating. He had more candy on his mini village than I had on my mansion. He adds a little, adds a little, adds a little.....</div>
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.....and it came out GREAT. <br />
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I was right. The roof was too small. SO, I filled in the sides with candy canes. They kind of reminded me of handlebar mustaches - and later my friend said they were "peppermint gutters". </div>
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I put lights inside - and it's supposed to make the house smell great!! It didn't. But what it did do was make the walls super dry and some of the decorations fall off. BUT WHO CARES??? At least I got pictures!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpkwXGwzcE-J9Yl1tJ_zVdExDFDVXx9hH7uBRQSE8oe-E_IfXAeGdz2rqSHbjblHjh6kdaMkNWiodD1dJ5OIWM8I9KIY030USohsTZbyRRX0SjmFMVLyRQz4JGmRWpc9Z-Fsf4bjC6FE/s1600/DSCN0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnpkwXGwzcE-J9Yl1tJ_zVdExDFDVXx9hH7uBRQSE8oe-E_IfXAeGdz2rqSHbjblHjh6kdaMkNWiodD1dJ5OIWM8I9KIY030USohsTZbyRRX0SjmFMVLyRQz4JGmRWpc9Z-Fsf4bjC6FE/s320/DSCN0279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next year......I'm going to put FURNITURE INSIDE!! And a TREE!! AND MUSIC! </div>
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I hope this house lasts more than a week....maybe the dogs don't like GINGERBREAD...and prefer to just eat all of my furniture and stairs instead....and cushions....and their dog beds.....and any writing utensil that hits the floor........</div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!</div>
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GINGERBREAD RECIPE</div>
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1 c. shortening</div>
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1 c. brown sugar</div>
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1 c. molasses</div>
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1/2 c. water (you might need a little more - go by consistency - it should be like COOKIE DOUGH!</div>
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2 tsp baking soda</div>
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(**Cream all of the above together)</div>
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8 c. flour</div>
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2 tsp ginger</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1/2 tsp allspice (I used ground clove)</div>
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1/2 tsp salt</div>
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Roll out to about 1/8" thickness and cut your pieces (I used a pizza cutter). I suggest rolling the dough on a silpat while it is ON the pan you are going to bake it on. When it comes out of the oven. pull the silpat off of the pan and onto the counter (to ensure the pieces are absolutely flat) and then let the pan cool before rolling out another one. (you can also use parchment paper....Christmas Tree Shop $1.99 a roll!!). Bake the pieces at 350 for about 8-10 minutes. I cooked them a little longer...til they were almost burnt!! I even put one of the pieces BACK in to cook it a little longer after it was already cooled. (it just felt too soft when I tried to pick it up) **Reminder** trim the pieces when they come out of the oven. I used a pizza cutter!! </div>
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ROYAL ICING</div>
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1 box of confectioners sugar</div>
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3 tbsp meringue powder</div>
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6 tbsp water</div>
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Mix together in the mixer on low speed. Increase the speed to a little above med and beat for 5 - 6 minutes. You MIGHT have to add a little more water. The icing should be shiny and not too stiff. BUT, each time to add water, you have to REBEAT it for 5 - 6 minutes. SO, add the water in the very beginning! </div>
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After filling the piping bags, keep them wrapped in a damp cloth (and keep returning them to the damp cloth while you are decorating to keep the tips from drying out). If there is any icing left in the bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (not on the rim of the bowl, but right ON the icing itself!)</div>
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HAPPY DECORATING!!! </div>
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<br /></div>Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-88604041071503415742011-10-02T19:50:00.000-04:002011-10-02T19:50:46.090-04:00How old is TOO old?No no no. Not me. I'll never be too old....for anything. But I asked BD if he thought the kids were too old to Trick-or-treat this year. <br />
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WITHOUT HESITATION....he answered. "Yes. But I don't dare say it to YOU!". <br />
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I was completely offended!!! I AM A REASONABLE WOMAN!!! I would NOT go on the ATTACK. But back to the problem at hand.<br />
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I'm talking about this:<br />
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Candy hustling. Ringing bells, begging for chocolate - in drag. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMjo2Aw1ZGT4QThzj8K7y1R7CtIvbt8_DChySpN1DAOkvBl7r5ZaVnV3KqVUgkCWOGlz4BWA2PSczROewLnNgxX56RgvQDo0AdW3oWFYAoc2TJs59UXHC8gnEnp6zT7kAACcjcErLKkw/s1600/halloween1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMjo2Aw1ZGT4QThzj8K7y1R7CtIvbt8_DChySpN1DAOkvBl7r5ZaVnV3KqVUgkCWOGlz4BWA2PSczROewLnNgxX56RgvQDo0AdW3oWFYAoc2TJs59UXHC8gnEnp6zT7kAACcjcErLKkw/s320/halloween1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even the homeowners are in drag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l6tLNyKiQ2VNO0bVwikiMrihQBcgtpta7hWCMXi-A3MrOTasqIPXZY6nTa9hlzj3ZAZUc13qwHjTPmFDSPUgMEtn8LmGGbX9x2233YyMs-ddkI8A8N8zOb9m2a4_ot1C21sM2T8hz6M/s1600/halloween2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9l6tLNyKiQ2VNO0bVwikiMrihQBcgtpta7hWCMXi-A3MrOTasqIPXZY6nTa9hlzj3ZAZUc13qwHjTPmFDSPUgMEtn8LmGGbX9x2233YyMs-ddkI8A8N8zOb9m2a4_ot1C21sM2T8hz6M/s320/halloween2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phil got all dressed up....and stayed home. He knows that I buy the BEST candy....enough for 200 kids....and we get 6. I always say "next year I'll buy less". BUT, every year....I buy enough candy for 200 kids.....blah blah blah....and you know the rest of the story. BD used to yell at me......but after all these years, he finally figured it out. I'm Italian. I cook for 40 when I am feeding 7. It has cost him so much MORE every time he bitched about my spending that he finally stopped BITCHING ABOUT MY SPENDING.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kdBV1ZopD7Mz0maoJw4hYpr-a5gJRDicF8UO3tPLtH4QTxAY9NU5MkOojN6hDreOAPnCl9ZkeJnYOXLXgPyf1CRts2MUmN93Zkv2IyClVtS6056I1-iKDNERxSpAo7wBKummJfM9Bj8/s1600/halloween3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kdBV1ZopD7Mz0maoJw4hYpr-a5gJRDicF8UO3tPLtH4QTxAY9NU5MkOojN6hDreOAPnCl9ZkeJnYOXLXgPyf1CRts2MUmN93Zkv2IyClVtS6056I1-iKDNERxSpAo7wBKummJfM9Bj8/s320/halloween3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was one of my favorite years. FREDDY got all dressed up...and stayed home and gave out the candy. Joe went as Pink ranger. Dave was a cross between Rue Paul and Marge Simpson. Greg is in Red. Phil, in blue. (P.S. That was my favorite wallpaper in the dining room EVER - and if the 90's style ever comes back, I'm going to bring that paper back as well!) </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My rock star and Tommy the green ranger. This was the halloween parade at the school. Two years later, Foof was in 1st grade.....and his mask went in front of his eyes (he always had a costume that needed a MASK!) while we were trick-or-treating and he ran SMACK into a tree. That was the LAST time he ever went out. Dave carried a bag around for him every year and said "can I have a piece for my brother at home?" I was shocked at how much he got!! I would have been a little suspicious. Maybe I AM a bitch! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember when we were young, some people gave out pennies. Not bad. Some gave out fruit. (we all knew that there would be RAZORS in the fruit so we ditched it!) Then there was always that ONE neighbor that couldn't be home....left the big bowl of candy out.....and the first PUNK that got to it GOT IT ALL! (we would NEVER do that....since we were under the watchful eye of my mother who even when not with us, was "with" us in our head!! "Don't take more than one!")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, here we are in October. Halloween is JUST around the corner. It's one of my favorite times of year. However, once Halloween passes....the rest of the year goes by in a flash. ZOOM. Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to happen in the span of a week. The week before is for shopping and cooking....and more shopping. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am going to try to enjoy myself this year. I am going to let the KIDS decide if they want to go door to door begging for candy that will sit in it's bag for a year and the enjoy the company of the Easter candy once it gets added. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Why don't they just eat the candy? BECAUSE I BUY THE BEST CANDY!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Full size bars baby. FULL SIZE BARS!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div>Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-46416327972892192042011-07-17T07:23:00.000-04:002011-07-17T07:23:18.194-04:00Where did all of this stuff COME FROM??Cleaning is not fun. Cleaning and having to toss away (or put on a table for sale) memories makes cleaning 2,000x worse! But, as I said in my last post, it's not the item that matters it's the memory that was created. Otherwise they wouldn't be called memories - since we'd always have the item. They would be "Items that are significant in our lives that would be a memory if we could ever get rid of them". I think I need more sleep.<br />
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Friday, we spent 15 hours hauling crap out of the basement, out of the dining room, out of the shed, out of the attic - after two weeks of preparing....SUCCESS! We put an ad in the paper "Yard Sale, 9-2, no early birds". We put it on Craigslist...."Yard Sale, 9-2, NO EARLY BIRDS". We had SIGNS!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v7a4lutLoHzCiCeqeL4DZJZ8OquEI1tFGsHcLXfCBgPM0Jlr7YCgYfWSSthaxIv_KCQaNDOg4UOZLOiBkt_n48gJsjOEoklWnXWzV8qTnEtrEdBNhLt-xiE-nMjSl_q91T8nqN5M_cE/s1600/IMG_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_v7a4lutLoHzCiCeqeL4DZJZ8OquEI1tFGsHcLXfCBgPM0Jlr7YCgYfWSSthaxIv_KCQaNDOg4UOZLOiBkt_n48gJsjOEoklWnXWzV8qTnEtrEdBNhLt-xiE-nMjSl_q91T8nqN5M_cE/s320/IMG_2960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't seen my DR table in two weeks!</div><br />
The FIRST of the "no early birds" showed up at 5:30 am. I was just coming down to make coffee. Are you SERIOUS?? My crap is GOOD.....but it's not 5:30am GOOD! It was a continuos stream of "no early birds" after that. They are a funny bunch! Maybe they are Roosters? And they can't help but be early...and loud. The first woman (Miss 5:30am) just kept creeping slowly by my house. Then she'd back up. Then she'd creep forward again. I'm not sure why. Everything was still covered in plastic! Maybe she was trying to create a breeze to blow the plastic off. After I peered "lovingly" out the window at her, she left. <br />
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</div>(Then I had to make sandwiches and pack a cooler for BD and the Bastards - AND GABI to go to Canobie Lake Park for the day!)<br />
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Then it was back to business. And back to the early birds. The next few cars drove up - saw Teri saying "NO NO NO - 9 o'clock!", put it in park, walked over and had to hear it again. One couple used the ol' "We've come a long way and we can't come back later". OMG! They drove from MICHIGAN FOR MY YARD SALE!!! I would do that. Anything for a good sale. BUT, they didn't get by the "GATE KEEPER MORALES". She simply said "sorry" and off they sped....FURIOUS! Maybe they can't read!? There were a few more, which Teri recognized as dealers from her "job" at the thrift store racks - and they too were told to "keep on keepin' on". One guy, a classy guy (from Little Richie's Antiques), when told "9:00 - no early birds" said "You two must be soft as grapes!". Why didn't he SAY that he knew us???!?! We would have let a friend shop early! Jeesh.<br />
<br />
<br />
In fact, we did. A nice firefighter, Russ, stopped by for a little dabblin' at the yard sale. He was allowed to shop early - in fact, he got the "family discount"....and a free "peep show". (Note to Teri: Tie the BIKINI STRINGS after putting it on.) <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs-x7snqnJ-RgbIBBEIZ1Nl6oZ0ZpYXFE8p4nApmtz0-ismzy0QfSa9b3pZpzt-yyJ60740wjJUpw87ZQJRoZSmqCL8C_EH7G8KOuPzOVG8BTP9Kvkld2aZaKE3KF515fmnYIVQJsAnY/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqs-x7snqnJ-RgbIBBEIZ1Nl6oZ0ZpYXFE8p4nApmtz0-ismzy0QfSa9b3pZpzt-yyJ60740wjJUpw87ZQJRoZSmqCL8C_EH7G8KOuPzOVG8BTP9Kvkld2aZaKE3KF515fmnYIVQJsAnY/s320/IMG_2993.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">BD and Teri, doing what BD and Teri do best.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When I go to yard sales, I pay what the tag says. I'm already getting it for 95% off retail value. Why haggle? I think I'm the only one. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijzSGhGXkrPgfJS-7emIWcaZ_Q3Dz8YNtGwj0YAhMdAuetxhh7kaTcMylm-nh0kB8mnJRhc0wp7dDgQJOzyn9to-A8ScdSpyRBaoBqCdjhI4DQcIK8wSxceP7adrNhHWhMt3wrKs8Yf8/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijzSGhGXkrPgfJS-7emIWcaZ_Q3Dz8YNtGwj0YAhMdAuetxhh7kaTcMylm-nh0kB8mnJRhc0wp7dDgQJOzyn9to-A8ScdSpyRBaoBqCdjhI4DQcIK8wSxceP7adrNhHWhMt3wrKs8Yf8/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
"How much for these 125 items of clothing, housewares and toys?"<br />
<br />
"Well, it would be $65 but you can have it all for $45".<br />
<br />
"You'll take $40".<br />
<br />
"No, it's $45"<br />
<br />
"Well, I'm not sure I even want all of these clothes".<br />
<br />
"WELL, it's too late now since you TOOK THEM ALL OFF OF THE HANGERS!"<br />
<br />
She was awful. But, after loading all of that in her car, she came back to get more stuff. I'm sure she'll make a KILLING off of it at her "Flea Market Table". (but at least it's all out of MY HOUSE!)<br />
<br />
Then there are the people that KNOW when the sale is ending, and come by to pick the trash. HA! We fooled them. We were TOO tired to pack any of the crap up, so we were still sitting out there at 4:30. BAM! One guy said "I don't have $10 to spend" (when he asked about an antique radio). (Um, then why are you at a YARD SALE??) See, we're not soft as grapes! We have these people ALL FIGURED OUT. <br />
<br />
Derek made a boat load of cash selling Lemonade. (part of his strategy is not giving change for a $1 - and the lemonade was .25) Whatever works D-REX! I'm not sure exactly HOW much he made, but at the 23rd counting of his loot, I think I heard him say $58. Next time, I'm skipping the CRAP and just selling LEMONADE!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieZCOgMOU4rKkXHqTzhKnIwMhQHvWB_YNJnem6zPh5RyU37uRjre55gYHFMMoNkOs-BuHsIajfBrir07jksnofzr2_zLI0pXVbKIvfgHJCIB_HIIAMCwUqPyza8bOy5STrVzL1cwqve0/s1600/IMG_2995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhieZCOgMOU4rKkXHqTzhKnIwMhQHvWB_YNJnem6zPh5RyU37uRjre55gYHFMMoNkOs-BuHsIajfBrir07jksnofzr2_zLI0pXVbKIvfgHJCIB_HIIAMCwUqPyza8bOy5STrVzL1cwqve0/s320/IMG_2995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the LEFTOVER stuff. Come and TAKE IT! Please?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
We got everything under plastic, put another ad on Craigslist "Take it all away" and came in for some sushi and ICE COLD WATER. Out feet felt like CEMENT BLOCKS. We showered and hit the hay. And today, I have to deal with the GIANT PILE OF LEFTOVERS UNDER THE TARP! <br />
<br />
In the end, it was a WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL YARDSALE.......and WE'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN! Ever. Never. Not a chance.Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-55839946307745615052011-07-05T19:25:00.001-04:002011-07-05T19:29:27.156-04:00It's a NEW YEAR!! Wait....no it isn't.....BUT I FEEL LIKE IT IS!! I decided that I am TIRED of living AMONGST the clutter. I need to GET RID OF EVERYTHING. Well, almost everything. Why do we hold on to so much stuff? Do we need the ITEM to keep the memory? Isn't it just enough that we enjoyed it at the time? WHY IS THERE SO MUCH GUILT ATTACHED TO TOSSING STUFF OUT??? <br />
<br />
<br />
I called in the PROFESSIONAL (not A professional, THE professional). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0w_zQmoomlb3KPrwtKFOz03qP2Kb5TD6Y3DC1u40xW8KsYiNrqfMYRt8g-ld6ohhzv-TeA_57l961mosMF3NsVyKiE6yPrs0fNYZp0Zbec35s-dXY9NQkCv_hL3n4Im6GoeuH3RZa1E/s1600/62793_127200723998718_100001263726582_162921_3782265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0w_zQmoomlb3KPrwtKFOz03qP2Kb5TD6Y3DC1u40xW8KsYiNrqfMYRt8g-ld6ohhzv-TeA_57l961mosMF3NsVyKiE6yPrs0fNYZp0Zbec35s-dXY9NQkCv_hL3n4Im6GoeuH3RZa1E/s320/62793_127200723998718_100001263726582_162921_3782265_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeanne Farulla, Organizer and Thrower-awayer. </div><br />
She's the best and the worst all at the same time. (and thankfully she's my sister so she gave me a reasonable rate....free!) "Have you worn it in the last 6 months? No?? Then throw it away!". Ok, summer has just arrived. I haven't had a chance to wear everything yet. Jeesh. But she is right. I am surrounded by things I don't need. BUT WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS IT?? I have piles everywhere of things that are for other people. COME AND GET YOUR STUFF PEOPLE! IT'S HALFWAY TO THE CURB!!! (Oh, you don't know it's here?? Well, call me. I might have something for you.)<br />
<br />
My house is full of "what ifs", "maybes" and "somedays".<br />
<br />
I had a bin of summer clothing....all plaid....that I love. I haven't worn a STITCH of it in 3 years. I didn't even look in the bin...I just slid it to the "yard sale" pile. Mountain. Sorry, it's a mountain. I have 30 summer dresses. 30. Most of them look the same but just a LITTLE different. Each of them has at least TWO pairs of matching flip flops to choose from. (dresses can be very finicky)<br />
<br />
What happened to the days of simple living? I think they ran away with the kids that used to play outside until the streetlights came on. They are probably very happy somewhere by a pond, fishing with sticks and strings and eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that are warm from being in the sun all day. (almost as good as eating grapes with a little sand on them at the beach). I want that life back....but I can't seem to dig myself out of this life in order to get there. Is there even a shovel BIG enough for that job? I'm not sure.<br />
<br />
BUT TODAY WAS A START!!! <br />
<br />
I'm getting rid of FURNITURE, CLOTHING, LINENS, TOYS, HUSBAND, KITCHEN STUFF, BAKING DISHES, POCKETBOOKS, BOOKS, ....you name it, it's going to be OUT THERE!!! <br />
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EVERYTHING MUST GO! EVERYTHING! <br />
<br />
This is going to be a YARD SALE to BEAT ALL YARD SALES!!<br />
<br />
Does anyone have the sale flyers for next weekend? I might have a little extra spending cash......that just might be burning a hole in the pocket of one of my summer dresses.......<br />
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STOP ME! SOMEBODY STOP ME!!Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-55544704356863484812011-07-03T16:33:00.002-04:002011-07-03T19:36:57.802-04:00Summer vacation.....I wish it was longer...and it's just begun!I love summer vacation. I love that the kids have NO WORRIES....NO HOMEWORK.....NO SCHEDULE! I love having them home.....even when they drive me crazy. There are a few quirks, however, that I need to work out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45v-8OJDBE08CSbSI7DQ2Hk3uefdh4RoaBkcdIX1F9DiHKjVpDcUAC_WPJFsNl_zXtR3-imSPY9NIVVBcpVXfyTvoOa6Poc47q8CEyDbZ2pSJQsnvyHY8-TcTHlSt90dxQct2JArHlkQ/s1600/pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45v-8OJDBE08CSbSI7DQ2Hk3uefdh4RoaBkcdIX1F9DiHKjVpDcUAC_WPJFsNl_zXtR3-imSPY9NIVVBcpVXfyTvoOa6Poc47q8CEyDbZ2pSJQsnvyHY8-TcTHlSt90dxQct2JArHlkQ/s320/pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An oldie, but a goodie!</div><br />
For instance, when it's 95 degrees outside....but 62 inside....they say it's too cold to go swimming. I turn off the AC, and then I SUFFER! (but at least they are in the pool) <br />
<br />
OR, my second favorite "when was the last time you brushed your teeth??". Isn't that just gross? It's the first thing I do every day....how can the go two days with YUK MOUTH? <br />
<br />
Third....."showers?" (but if they go in the pool they consider that a BLEACH bath - so I have to agree - it's just easier)<br />
<br />
My mother used to say "If I were queen of the school....summer would be 8 months long...and school would be 4 months long". I have to agree. Maybe I'll run for "Queen of the Schools". <br />
<br />
I've had a horrifying couple of days at work....both works.....and my light at the end of the WORK tunnel is always my kids.....and today I came home and the house was empty. I'm very sad. I think 3 are only at the movies with Big Daddy (no note left, may I add), one is working, and one is TOO FAR AWAY TO BE HOME ALL THE TIME....but I really wanted to see them. The "little" ones will be home in an hour, the medium one will be home before 5 and the large one.....should come home next weekend if he really loved his mother.....no pressure. <br />
<br />
Only 8 more weeks of summer. I'm sad already. I asked BD "when are we going to visit our baby in VB?". He said "we're NOT. We've already been three times this year!!". I said "ok. I'll just pick a weekend and let you know when it is". BAM! That's how you have to do it with CHEAPO's. The cheaper he gets, the more I spend. Will he ever learn? I think I feel a "Dear Big Daddy" note coming on.....UH OH!<br />
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HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Come for a burger...and a cold beer!Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-77755492545848914732011-05-30T21:35:00.000-04:002011-05-30T21:35:47.242-04:00WALK WITH POOPSIE!! (Aids Walk Boston June 5th)Every year, my Poopsie would do the Aids Walk. In the beginning, there was a group of his friends that did it together. Maybe 12....men and women....and my David. He was so little when he started walking with him! Then, one year Freddy did it with him! (and now he won't even do it with us!!) Every year, they would come home with a BAG full of stuff.....snacks, waters, ICE CREAMS THAT HAD MELTED....anything that they could get for free along the way. <br />
<br />
Three years ago, I decided that we would ALL walk with him as a family. It was down to just him and his best friend, Uncle Shakey (nicknamed that because he would often wake up with the SHAKES). I made shirts....we raised money....and off we went. <br />
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Here's the RAINBOW LINE UP! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuE2Y5a4xS7JfILsFRg5BEJ9JefoWjGX-x4ZPYifwaQe7v7dvK9U0wX7KVorsTOVI1BbkIsqIFuOkBsZ-10G0VsUfEDkj_kIZIXkxHSpwRklfhw7ofEqttI2r9s-krA0mdFW5vg9gffQ/s1600/aidswalk2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuE2Y5a4xS7JfILsFRg5BEJ9JefoWjGX-x4ZPYifwaQe7v7dvK9U0wX7KVorsTOVI1BbkIsqIFuOkBsZ-10G0VsUfEDkj_kIZIXkxHSpwRklfhw7ofEqttI2r9s-krA0mdFW5vg9gffQ/s400/aidswalk2009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
We had a BLAST!!! There was a lot of love that day.....AND GREAT SHIRTS!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsZZi8uTBuxGVJhypM3lfsZkwLKUln3FiqqmRxgf_EYbySLY9IK8yRLgQsbAHEP-8ebemLQvtNrGu-r49OyOc7iI3eUvTgpcIMjIgcUBP8TXwoTityQMrYMmhevQF4VW4wGwVNg0qjv4/s1600/shakey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsZZi8uTBuxGVJhypM3lfsZkwLKUln3FiqqmRxgf_EYbySLY9IK8yRLgQsbAHEP-8ebemLQvtNrGu-r49OyOc7iI3eUvTgpcIMjIgcUBP8TXwoTityQMrYMmhevQF4VW4wGwVNg0qjv4/s400/shakey.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Well, just 6 short months later, we lost Pops. (not as in "no one can find Pops" which SOMETIMES DID HAPPEN, as in he left us to go live with his friends that had gone before their time also). That June, we did the walk again....but missing one team member. It was so sad. Pops had a way of making fun of everyone that we passed, and that we DIDN'T pass since we came in ABSOLUTE LAST out of the 11,000 people that walked. He made fun of me, himself, BD.....no one was safe. And he didn't hide it. He did it to YOUR FACE. It's just the way he was. He'd say "If you're coming to see me, come anytime. If you're coming to see my house, call and make an appointment". He had no use for fakes....frauds.....liars. And he let you know. And it was funny. <br />
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Here we are in 2010........<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gVTZjDChsgsHSQ7JVs291XFIzGQxQjNz9Y6gumC_UYIekxllx43R3LueLUvr0nHNFtCGCK9NdNPOLB0mVXtAye7tqt-5re3q5y15ewmwzcXKrLxN_eMNkp8I0fGPO62BHRq5jzSVjrQ/s1600/aids2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6gVTZjDChsgsHSQ7JVs291XFIzGQxQjNz9Y6gumC_UYIekxllx43R3LueLUvr0nHNFtCGCK9NdNPOLB0mVXtAye7tqt-5re3q5y15ewmwzcXKrLxN_eMNkp8I0fGPO62BHRq5jzSVjrQ/s400/aids2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Everyone on the walk was VERY WELL BEHAVED in Pop's memory....except ONE.....<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTunjghuwASPhvmQVAlqNVsElbJmxHZ0tnEFV2MxIedxnceBowgkZ1KWquNmszcBXi5L6cW_KrJ7ldCW26S9ZR0RY_n-eZq_LPoJ4Buu3XLJLV0gwnnJ_TDBYXaExPii3f4W7PQDVahMU/s1600/carolnaked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTunjghuwASPhvmQVAlqNVsElbJmxHZ0tnEFV2MxIedxnceBowgkZ1KWquNmszcBXi5L6cW_KrJ7ldCW26S9ZR0RY_n-eZq_LPoJ4Buu3XLJLV0gwnnJ_TDBYXaExPii3f4W7PQDVahMU/s400/carolnaked.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>(you can take the girl out of Quincy, but you can't take Quincy out of the girl. Just ask Jim.)<br />
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I have two great albums on my FB of 2009 and 2010...and soon 2011! If you'd like to donate, please feel free to do so through my FB page...or you can mail me a check....or stop in with cash. (I believe BD has a Credit Card machine in that brief case of his....or maybe it's a CREDIT CARD SHREDDER??). <br />
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Here are the links to the albums:<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1163381848418.2025208.1344003753">Aids Walk 2009 FB photo album</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1481109591413.2064056.1344003753">Aids Walk 2010 FB photo album</a><br />
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I hope they work!!<br />
<br />
This MIGHT work as a link to my AAC fundraising page! Please let me know if it doesn't!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.aac.org/site/TR/Events/AWB08?team_id=24800&pg=team&fr_id=1110">DONATE HERE!! For my AIDS WALK...or join our team!!</a>Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-38567817499610625582011-05-19T20:25:00.000-04:002011-05-19T20:25:27.317-04:00Ask a busy person....they always have time.I can't remember a day in the last month that I truly had NOTHING to do. I joke and say "finally a day with nothing to do"....but that lasts about 10 minutes. There's always SOMETHING. Always.<br />
<br />
Last night I worked my first "night shift". I'm not really "on my own" so it wasn't bad at all! I actually enjoyed it. I slept for about 3 hours before I went in at 11, worked til about 7:30 then got home slept until about 11 (until the guy across the street decided to mow his lawn with a mower that sounds like it is STRUGGLING to stay on). DOESN'T HE REALIZE I WAS SLEEPING??? This is the SAME guy that thought it was ok to shove ALL of his leaves down the sewer last fall. (I wonder how his basement is doing after 10 days of RAIN??)I got up and went in to help out the school nurse for a while. I love those kids.<br />
<br />
So, while working last night, I saw so many people that depended on someone else for the most basic things. Help to use the bathroom at 3am. Help moving in bed at 4am. Help putting on socks at 5 am. I decided right then to try to NEVER BE TOO BUSY. Try. AND MAYBE, JUST MAYBE, a little of that will rub off on those that believe they ARE too busy to stop and help....and they will in turn not make someone wait....that they'll stop and think "that might be ME one day".<br />
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(As part of my "dedication to always having time", I made a little photo album....dedicated to my tallest friend...from the pill. Please enjoy it on my FB page!)Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-41467299092306763482011-05-03T19:04:00.000-04:002011-05-03T19:04:12.065-04:00"Oh, Mom, by the way....."How many times have we heard THIS? "Oh, Mom, by the way, I need 3 dozen brownies for school.....today". This statement comes in so many variations. Each time, eliciting the same reaction....clenched teeth and white knuckles on the steering wheel.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvmGT4AzfHYhaGZnxxhpdkQZGb8kDkNcfJL8o3ONiJivSHlVJykCGRoGl0Dvi3ZJiAxiEcG7AFOo2AZ1ngDuZVaoWIc4kkiKMsMXxLlREE58K7WOIrXfqhs-ie3GFYw5CqtmgA0o2kqE/s1600/brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvmGT4AzfHYhaGZnxxhpdkQZGb8kDkNcfJL8o3ONiJivSHlVJykCGRoGl0Dvi3ZJiAxiEcG7AFOo2AZ1ngDuZVaoWIc4kkiKMsMXxLlREE58K7WOIrXfqhs-ie3GFYw5CqtmgA0o2kqE/s320/brownies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
David got the role of Julius Caesar in the annual Shakespeare play at Charter. I kept asking "Do you NEED anything for a costume??" The answer was always the same. "Mom, don't worry about it. No. I don't need anything". I'd say "Can you ASK?". <br />
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The night before the play, at 10pm, "Oh, um, Mom? I need a white sheet.......for tomorrow......well, I actually need TWO white sheets....since I get killed in the school performance.....then there's a second show at night". Beautiful.<br />
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(Ok, NOTHING to do with the story, but Freddy just said to me "Mom, I'm thinking of buying protein shakes to help me gain weight". I said "Well, you could just EAT what I cook.....look at the size of your BROTHERS". Of course, this started a HUGE conversation about how he does eat everything I cook, I just don't SEE him eat it....and he is a size 5 girls pants....because he eats everything I cook?)<br />
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I found two sheets. The play went off without a hitch. But do they EVER learn from their mistakes?? No. A BIG FAT NO.<br />
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I was driving the bastards to school the other day and the OGO said "Remember how you offered to buy the dum dum pops for my presentation in school? Well, it's today. BUT, the good news is that I don't need them until 1:00!!" Good news??!?!?!<br />
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Then there is "Joe I-just-don't-know Frederick". Joe is FAMOUS for this school projects. He does always seem to wait until the last minute. He was doing a lego sculpture of a cell. (shouldn't EVERYTHING be built our of LEGOS?) BUT, it's JOE. So, the legos needed to be "glammed up" a bit. Here's a warning....paint and glitter make a mess when applied to legos. I got in from work at 10pm....and saw the tears.....and together, we redid the lego sculpture....scraped all the paint and glitter off....and reapplied it after sandpapering each lego. Each and every project since then......has been done....at the last minute. (because as noted above, they never do learn)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVQikzAjFxfZJJ2v_ZLaW6HXYsyK6YkCXQ8Ct_CMc9tmNw5W-V3BlOHydsBhvDa6SM_Nkww3YCFHQBP4dvSBz-7eo42G9zUiYjK0EVweLtgjjYGrcPdJZZ9tj4A6h2x12PiRoxqyNlo4/s1600/SAM_3336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVQikzAjFxfZJJ2v_ZLaW6HXYsyK6YkCXQ8Ct_CMc9tmNw5W-V3BlOHydsBhvDa6SM_Nkww3YCFHQBP4dvSBz-7eo42G9zUiYjK0EVweLtgjjYGrcPdJZZ9tj4A6h2x12PiRoxqyNlo4/s320/SAM_3336.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(from Joe's campaign for PRESIDENT!)</div><br />
Teri and I were laughing about all the times we've heard "Oh, mom, by the way...." and we discovered that although our reactions and solutions are very different....the outcome is still the same. THE SHIT GETS DONE. Period.Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-53571154845209749762011-04-27T19:33:00.001-04:002011-04-28T06:17:57.298-04:0040 years later...the road trips are the same.I remember back in the early 70's, we took a family road trip to Louisiana. We hit the road in the WHITE STATION WAGON with the third row backwards riding seat. My father was driving along the Mass Pike and I was in the back seat, without a seatbelt of course, with the Atlas in my lap. He said I would look at the map, look up at the signs, look at the map, look up at the signs. I then asked "are we in Georgia yet?". At that point, he knew it was going to be a long trip. We stopped when we got tired, found a hotel, swam and ate. We'd get up the next morning at 7am, swim (because to kids, the swimming in hotel pools is the BEST part of any trip) and would hit the road again. I'm not sure how long we were actually ON the road, but I do remember one stop in particular. We had stopped for dinner and when we were leaving the restaurant, I kept pulling on my father's sleeve...."dad, dad, dad, dad, dad....". He said "wait until we get in the car". So I did. We were silent in the car.....so I'm SURE my parents were just enjoying the PEACE AND QUIET. (which is what my mother used to say to us in church when we were supposed to "offer each other the sign of peace". She would squeeze our hand and say peace....AND QUIET) About 40 minutes later, my father said "Kitty Cat....what did you want to tell me". INNOCENTLY, (some things never change) I said "we left our jackets hanging up on the rack in that restaurant". <br />
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Flash forward to Wednesday at 4:30 am. We left the house, fully packed....coolers, SKILLET, atlas, etc. The OGO (only good one, Greg) started about 10 min later "how long until we get there". Luckily, we had the DVD player and a stack of DVD's. What did we do when we were kids?? We had to ENTERTAIN OURSELVES. I remember my sister, Jeanne, sitting in the "way back". Trish and I had a stick with a string attached to it. We would toss it over the seat and Jeanne would attach a surprise to it. We were "car fishing". This entertained us for HOURS. (but so did building a card house at the cottage because there was no watching of the one and only TV allowed....my uncle got the TV.....and there were only 3 stations anyways!) We would actually LISTEN to Superman on the RADIO! Imagine that?? No VIDEO. Just AUDIO. Using our IMAGINATIONS!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPsKcEj3f60w3YhyphenhyphenIB_LjTNsIJvUNREI0f3Dortnt6MiySvLUT5XP4shyphenhyphen7W6yoSdn6UHehxNXsXKimo72H3WNXW0-CGIbIfImJ10H5Uo4ICgo11C8BvxoQR5y6IEJJXNA6VXj2zvvgmc/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPsKcEj3f60w3YhyphenhyphenIB_LjTNsIJvUNREI0f3Dortnt6MiySvLUT5XP4shyphenhyphen7W6yoSdn6UHehxNXsXKimo72H3WNXW0-CGIbIfImJ10H5Uo4ICgo11C8BvxoQR5y6IEJJXNA6VXj2zvvgmc/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Greg, in silent mode)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>This trip was fantastic. It brings back so many memories of other car trips I've taken with BD and the bastards. My favorite was when we were heading to Myrtle Beach and were someplace in VA. David thought it would be funny to put a diaper wipe in Joseph's mouth. This made him GAG and puke....in Freddy's shoes. BD whipped the beast (the Suburban) into a parking lot, threw it into park and barked "ALL OUT!" The pavement in the parking lot was about 115 degrees. Everyone scrambled to put their shoes on, however, FREDDY DIDN'T HAVE ANY. Sigh. We looked so "Beverly Hillbillies" at times. Mostly, we look back and laugh.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoHxE_PtN_uQllBogu_azcp0yeMbHpb7TDms-L9DYDn84ynF8qLxRVNcUB0UWdN7Njjev69dtoKfZua-E0ChS8lnYCGpuQaStZbbi39bSuKrm8lydGEQ0aBZLFxVm-oUrGJrssf17Kp8/s1600/IMG_0343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoHxE_PtN_uQllBogu_azcp0yeMbHpb7TDms-L9DYDn84ynF8qLxRVNcUB0UWdN7Njjev69dtoKfZua-E0ChS8lnYCGpuQaStZbbi39bSuKrm8lydGEQ0aBZLFxVm-oUrGJrssf17Kp8/s320/IMG_0343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I had planned one super duper trip through Pennsylvania.......first stop was in Philly for Sesame Street and the Crayola Factory, and a Mule Pulled Boat Ride down the canal at Twin Rivers landing (and of course, to see Auntie Laura) and then on to Pittsburgh to go to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. For the Pittsburgh portion of the trip, I found this HISTORIC train ride that had folk singers! The hotel we were staying at.....well, if you can call it a hotel, had shag carpeting and various types of beds in the rooms. One room had a king bed, a day bed and a love seat....all done in 80's decor. The other room had two queen beds and a futon (and a FAKE fireplace!!) There was absolutely NOTHING around. NOTHING. BUT, the other people at the "hotel" seem to be living there....or thought this was a FANTASTIC PLACE TO SPEND THE SUMMER......clothes hung on the line, lawn furniture, NEIGHBORS that seemed to know each other?? It was awful. My kids LOVED IT!! Joe Joe said "this is the BEST hotel we've ever stayed at!!" This was the trip with the infamous gas expulsion by Joe.....and Dave from that point forward would ask "are you wearing your 'thunderwear'? We all laughed until we cried. I believe this is also the trip that Joe drew blood on Dave. Hey, you win some, you lose some. The joke was worth it though. The next day, we got on the train, no one would sit in the "song car" so we all sat in the open air car with all the young couples in love. But, see? A great memory is a great memory. Who cares that it didn't all work out as planned....we'll never forget it. (THUNDERWEAR!)<br />
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Our most recent trip didn't have any tears, no thunderwear, no planned train rides....but it had plenty of laughs, great food (thanks to my SKILLET) and was RICH IN LOVE. (my kids would ask me when they were little "are we rich"? And I would respond "we are RICH IN LOVE".)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-FhaXaSnCwH-9_nJif4AESAVw4WZ_QYev7F3EkZ5LMnZWDIsLCAgewj188QWkp1PCMfICFAp3GhKK_TaT1spuASmlylIa72n5BOeRs_VMAH4L684LjKS3wvGoEEMZIM_9qLwp2xH9_c/s1600/IMG_0484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-FhaXaSnCwH-9_nJif4AESAVw4WZ_QYev7F3EkZ5LMnZWDIsLCAgewj188QWkp1PCMfICFAp3GhKK_TaT1spuASmlylIa72n5BOeRs_VMAH4L684LjKS3wvGoEEMZIM_9qLwp2xH9_c/s320/IMG_0484.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the Aquarium!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(look at how HAPPY Phil is. His expression just SCREAMS FUN!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again, the PRINCE was not with us on this trip. He stayed home to "take care of the dogs". By Sunday, he was throwing out the living room carpet. WHO KNEW DOGS HAD TO GO OUT BEFORE NOON?? Obviously, not him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sometimes I wish I had all that time back when they were little. All the trips, the fights about "seats", the tossing of the 3 ft drink bottle (that cost $10 at a truck stop) into the woods someplace in North Carolina. But, then, I stop myself. It just makes me sad....plus, I love all of THESE days too. I love watching them grow up, nice young men (ahem ahem) and I love making different memories on road trips. I love that they still love to travel in the car....swim in the hotel pools.....and pose for all of my NEVER ENDING PICTURES! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNiSV5zc449YYQa2d1py5sN57TrJgTwYRberKhuj29QJDhhYT-owUot9_MFO_lsYp16IqPYEDyYKiy51hCC-pjkMGs5o1G6JnOquGLuV7eKHH7jYWN5FC8j74Qt9WvgptMjvBdgFiSq4/s1600/IMG_0368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNiSV5zc449YYQa2d1py5sN57TrJgTwYRberKhuj29QJDhhYT-owUot9_MFO_lsYp16IqPYEDyYKiy51hCC-pjkMGs5o1G6JnOquGLuV7eKHH7jYWN5FC8j74Qt9WvgptMjvBdgFiSq4/s320/IMG_0368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pool was JUST big enough for a GIANT "whipping of the tennis ball" game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-5094586462748693282011-04-19T08:06:00.000-04:002011-04-19T08:34:20.577-04:00Hittin' the Road!We are getting ready for yet ANOTHER road trip! We are off to see "number one son". Number TWO son, "The Prince", will NOT be joining us. He limits his public exposure with us (and sometimes rightfully so). Numbers 3, 4, and 5 don't have a choice, although 3 has been BEGGING us to let him stay home....so he can "work" his part time job - XBOX! Um, let's see....NO.<br />
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I love to look at old pictures of all of our little trips. The first time we "hit the road" Dave and Foof were 4 and 2. We drove to SC to see BD's sister graduate high school. I'm old. We stopped in Philly to spend the night and Laura (my friend from way back when at Tulane) suggested we stay at her house! Foof cried ALL NIGHT. ALLLLL NIGHT!! Her mother was so nice - she said "that's happened to me before, no worries!" BD, from that point forward, referred to her as a cross between June Cleaver and Carol Brady. He was RIGHT!<br />
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We knew NOTHING when we took that trip. NOTHING! I didn't even have a COOLER PACKED....no RUBBERMAID FULL OF DRY GOODS!! WHAT WAS I THINKING!!! I was so unprepared. <br />
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But, that all changed......3 years later when we hit the road again.......with Dave and Foof (the prince), Phil and Joe....and the OGO (Only Good One, Greg) "on the way". We went "Beverly Hill Billies Style". Double Stroller, two pack and plays, toys, FOOD, coolers.....ahhh.....I was learning. <br />
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The next year, we did it all again, but now the OGO was a new baby - so a triple stroller and three pack and plays....more food....and 20 matching outfits! YES! Matching outfits...and I have PICTURES TO PROVE IT! (this picture was taken the NEXT year when the OGO was 18 months)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTBS0lyKEuGGfIPS0osunw1279RgvHYokVTUWKxiu1obFDodH9t3OuA54WFOEEoWFeeSjdDylSLpCpf9RewJwNiqhppz7zg_MvbyHpx42-ZvXNq36nHJA1dQb42MRmBWn4wInIRyCXvU/s1600/matching+outfits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTBS0lyKEuGGfIPS0osunw1279RgvHYokVTUWKxiu1obFDodH9t3OuA54WFOEEoWFeeSjdDylSLpCpf9RewJwNiqhppz7zg_MvbyHpx42-ZvXNq36nHJA1dQb42MRmBWn4wInIRyCXvU/s320/matching+outfits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The woman is my MIL, Pat. Vin, my nephew, is in BLACK. SHOCKING!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's how it ALL started. Matching outfits all the time. I AM THE ORIGINAL KATE GOSLIN. (whom I LOVE - really, she is me). This went on for YEARS until Dave finally said "Mom, please. No more matching outfits on vacation. I feel like people think we are from the YMCA summer camp." Let me tell you...I always knew which kids were mine on the beach.....and I was HORRIBLE on the beach. "Get back here....you are out too deep......the waves will take you away". The kids would stand up, and the water would be at their belly buttons. It APPEARED that they were out too deep....and YOU CAN NEVER BE TOO CAREFUL AT THE OCEAN. And wait an hour to swim after you eat or you will get a cramp and die in the water. It HAS to be true. Every adult from my childhood told me this on Brant Rock beach. (and we could only go out as far as our belly buttons and I turned out FINE)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As usual, for this trip I am traveling with my rubbermaid full of dry goods, my TWO coolers, my ELECTRIC SKILLET and with LOTS OF LOVE AND ANTICIPATION OF ANOTHER GREAT ROAD TRIP WITH THE BOYS!! (and this time with the GIRLS - Jeanne and Gabi are coming too!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to add one more picture! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJI1bqeH-oxn5mRpiuNk077_W8cZaX_mestevjVUIJqwV8ptsLikI-mrFEPIUb_PqHjY41DgBEb0zI3vTqYx-fEdr090CKTPex-Vht9OvTYdSj7FQYVmDy2gLJnw-GFwvT87DiGr9Ejo/s1600/red+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJI1bqeH-oxn5mRpiuNk077_W8cZaX_mestevjVUIJqwV8ptsLikI-mrFEPIUb_PqHjY41DgBEb0zI3vTqYx-fEdr090CKTPex-Vht9OvTYdSj7FQYVmDy2gLJnw-GFwvT87DiGr9Ejo/s320/red+day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Red Day! See, even when they went on the ALL FATHERS, NO MOTHERS ALLOWED camping trips with the FF's and Police, I had them match. (KATE GOSLIN!) I would pack their clothes in 5 different bags. One for each day. I MADE BD'S LIFE SO EASY! (and still do....just don't ask him)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One more.......and then I'm going to finish packing......(Myrtle Beach with their cousin CJ)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VVa9HDjLCO5bYShvuWZcCWxQyJJPpNIhDNqD9gbBPhjAnzVGjiIX3LdfIkqsrKnCvl2sTPpp1WAppG8u6W2ge6Aiqch9AT65S4EUnDEZzOeL2EIn6gChbKjT8nvF_BuTmKEVtTPYNtw/s1600/yellowday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VVa9HDjLCO5bYShvuWZcCWxQyJJPpNIhDNqD9gbBPhjAnzVGjiIX3LdfIkqsrKnCvl2sTPpp1WAppG8u6W2ge6Aiqch9AT65S4EUnDEZzOeL2EIn6gChbKjT8nvF_BuTmKEVtTPYNtw/s320/yellowday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> And now, I pack.</div>Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6744942747740610177.post-79385270666609684432011-04-18T09:51:00.000-04:002011-04-18T09:51:10.271-04:00Lucky!How lucky is THIS! I never wanted kids when I was in school (uh, in school the FIRST TIME). I said "I'll buy fancy cars and live in NYC". Now, I buy Suburbans and live in the suburbs with the Fab 5 and BD. BIG DADDY never wanted to get married OR have any KIDS. Hmmmmmm?? Match made in heaven? Maybe. Maybe not. <br />
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There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for everything I have. HOWEVER, some days I just want to give it all back and stay in bed. But that doesn't last long. THERE IS NO TIME TO STAY IN BED. <br />
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KIDS....DOGS.....COUPONS......BD......WORK.....MORE WORK.....there is just SO MUCH TO DO! <br />
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I used to lie in bed at 6 am....when the kids were all little....and think to myself....."only 13 hours til bedtime. How will I get through the day?" Now, I'm in bed before them and I wake up before them just so I can have that HOT CUP OF COFFEE and make their lunches....and hot breakfast. Then, I can't wait for them to wake up. It wasn't always like that. <br />
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When I think back it makes me so sad....and happy all at the same time. I tried to enjoy every day. Tried. I had to stop myself and think "they didn't ASK to be here. I wanted them to be here." It worked. The payoff is that they are the BEST BOYS EVER (not always)....except for the big boy......he can be a sweet PIMA. (more on that LATER).Cathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11105846867672589100noreply@blogger.com1