Sina's Good Eats

Best Cocoa Mix Ever!

2011-09-24T17:01:00.002-06:00

This is the very best Hot Cocoa recipe out there. Nuff said. Don't argue with me over this. Just trust me. (This makes a lot, but once you try it, it won't be enough!)

HOT COCOA

10 2/3 cups instant nonfat dry milk
6 ounce jar powdered non dairy creamer
2 cups powdered sugar
16 ounce can instant chocolate drink mix

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Put in airtight container. Store in cool dry place for up to 6 months.

Roasted Ranch Potatoes

2011-09-12T17:51:00.000-06:00

8-10 average sized red potatoes, washed and quartered
2 packets Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
2-3 TBSP olive oil

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap a cookie sheet in tin foil. Arrange the sliced potatoes on the pan so that they are all lying down flat. Mix the dressing mix and olive oil together in a separate bowl. With a pastry brush, generously coat the potatoes with the mixture, until all the potatoes are coated. Baked in the oven for about an hour until the potatoes are tender all the way through and the outsides are golden brown. Serve hot!!!

Homemade Applesauce!

2011-08-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

Start with approximately 20 pounds of fresh apples free of blemishes and bruises. Minor blemishing can be cut out but always make sure you are using high quality fruit.
Have ready a large water bath canning kettle, pint sized canning jars with brand new lids. You will also want a canning jar lifter and a candy thermometer.

Peel and core the apples. Because it will take a while to get all the apples peeled have a large pan with about 1 gallon of water with 3/4 cup lemon juice in it. Put the apple slices in the lemon water as you work to prevent browning of the fruit. After peeling, slice the apples.

Once all fruit is peeled and sliced drain it from the lemon water and add it to a large stock pot and heat on the stove over medium heat. Cover the stock pot, but check frequently to make sure that the fruit is not scorching on the bottom. Water will soon start cooking out of the fruit and this will protect against scorching after the first few minutes. Keep the pot covered so that the fruit simmers and steams. Check every couple minutes and stir the fruit. Depending on the firmness of the apple variety you selected, the apples should become noticeably softened in about 20 or 30 minutes. Once apples are softened and beginning to break apart when stirred, start mashing them with a potato masher. This speeds the saucing process. You can make the apples as smooth or as chunky as you want. Keep the applesauce cooking after you mash to cook out more liquid. You don't want the applesauce runny. Cook out the water until a thick sauce forms. During this time, you may add sugar and spice if you want.

Add, if desired:

2 cups white sugar

1/2 cup cinnamon

2 tablespoons cloves

1 tablespoon nutmeg

dash of salt

While you are cooking the apples, get the water bath canner and the jars ready. Wash your jars, and bands and fill the canner. Heat the water in the canner to at least 180 degrees F but less than boiling and submerge the jars completely. Use the candy thermometer to monitor water temperature. After the jars have been sterilizing for a couple minutes, shut off the heat to the canner and cover it. The water and jars will stay hot while you're finishing the applesauce.

Once the applesauce achieves a thick consistency without any puddles of excess liquid, remove from heat. Take the sterilized jars and lids out of the water and fill with applesauce. Leave 1/2 inch headspace in jars. Carefully clean and wipe dry the rims of the jars and put on the lids. Secure the lids with the jar bands and screw tight with your hand. You don't have to make it really tight. Just screw it on without forcing it.

Bring the water in the canner to a full boil and carefully add the filled jars with the jar lifter. Make sure at least 1 or 2 inches of water are above the tops of the jars. Keeping the water at a boil, process the pints for 25 minutes.

When processing time has elapsed, remove jars from water and place on a towel in a draft-free location. Do not disturb the jars for 12 to 24 hours while the seals cool and tighten. You may hear the lids pop down and make a seal within the first few minutes, but do not touch them.

The next day, remove the bands, wipe the jars and lids clean and store in a cool dark place for up to one year.

Apple Bread

2011-08-14T09:18:00.000-06:00

2 cups homemade cinnamon applesauce
1 pkg spice cake mix
4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine ingredients together, mix well. Pour into greased loaf pans. Bake 30-40 minutes, or until springy in the center. Pop out of loaf pans and cool. Serve with butter and enjoy!!!

Spinach Artichoke Dip

2011-07-31T17:10:00.000-06:00

2 14-oz cans artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
5 packages of cream cheese
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
1 tsp thyme leaves
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
3-4 garlic clove, minced
10 green onions, finely chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 10-oz pack frozen chopped spinach, thawed

Mix all ingredients together in your crock pot. Turn crock pot on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until bubbling and center is hot. Serve hot with baguette slices or your favorite crackers. This recipe make a lot of dip, which is great for tail-gate parties, family get-togethers and so on!

Fried Green Maters

2011-07-10T18:11:00.000-06:00

I love tomatoes! As I am patiently waiting for my tomatoes to turn red in my garden, I've decided to pluck a few and fry some up!

4-6 tomatoes
Cornmeal
Salt and Pepper
Vegetable Oil

Heat Oil in a frying pan. Slice washed tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices. Salt and Pepper to taste. Cover tomato slices in cornmeal. Once your oil is ready, fry each slice of tomato for about 3 minutes on the first side and gently turn over and fry for an additional 3 minutes or until a nice golden brown. Serve hot and Enjoy!

Fruit Pizza

2011-06-21T19:53:00.002-06:00

1 cup flour
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1 (8oz) package cream cheese
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced
1 cup assorted berries (raspberries, blackberries etc)
1 package Junket Strawberry Danish Dessert Mix
water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, mix together
the flour and confectioner's sugar. Stir in melted butter.
Press the mixture evenly into a 12 inch pizza pan. Bake in
oven for 15 minutes. Let cool. In a small bowl, beat together
the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled
crust. Arrange strawberries over cream cheese layer. Combine
the danish mix and water accoring to directions in a small saucepan. Bring to a
boil, stirring frequently. Boil and stir 1 minute. Pour
mixture over fruit layer. Chill before serving.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

2011-06-20T16:59:00.003-06:00

3 TBSP egg replacer with 1 cup water(Ener-G)
1 cup rich, dark cocoa (16% cocoa or more)
1/2 cup margerine, melted and cooled slightly
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Mix egg substitute, until thouroghly mixed. Melt the butter and measure the other ingredients. Measure the cocoa by spooning cocoa into a cup—do not compress the cocoa. Add the sugar and cocoa and beat in. Slowly add in the melted margerine while still mixing ingreients. Continue beating until mixed. Scrape the batter into the pan.

Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or an insta-read thermometer registers 165 to 170 degrees when inserted into the center of the cake. Cool on a wire rack and then place in the refrigerator to chill. The cake will become dense as it cools. Top with raspberry sauce, or even just sprinkle with powered sugar.

Strawberry Time!

2011-04-04T15:04:00.002-06:00

Here's my favorite strawberry recipe! This goes great with vanilla ice cream, angel food cake or even a nice twist on strawberry shortcake! Just remember, these berries need to chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. I prefer over night, but 20 minutes will work in a pinch!

Balsamic Strawberries

1 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into quarters
2 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 Splenda or Agave Nectar

Mix vinegar and sugar together. Toss in strawberries. Cover and place in refrigerator for at least 20 minutes or longer. Serve and Enjoy!

Lime Cheesecake

2011-03-19T19:22:00.002-06:00

I'm waiting for summer. I can't wait! This winter has been long and cold. Welcome to Idaho I guess! I've enjoyed having a real winter again, but it has been long! I've been thinking of summer, sitting on the back porch, smelling fresh cut grass, hearing the kids playing and drinking a nice cold lime-aide or a lime rickey. Better yet knoshing on a smooth slice of Lime Cheesecake! There's something about limes that just say summer! So Summer, I'm waiting!

1 1/4 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 packages Philadelphia Light Brick Cream Cheese Spread, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 limes, zested and juiced
3 eggs
3/4 cup thawed cool whip Light Whipped Topping

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix graham crumbs and butter; press onto bottom of 9 inch springform pan. Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add lime peel and juice; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until centre is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped topping just before serving. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Chocolate Caramel Pie

2011-02-20T17:44:00.003-07:00

I have discovered a new, wonderful, decadent dessert this weekend. My wonderful Mother-In-Law introduced me to the fine points of Chocolate Caramel Pie. Oh the Bliss!!! Warning, this recipe is not for the calorie watchers!

Caramel Pie

2 cans Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups Milk Chocolate Chips
1 9" graham cracker crust
1 container thawed Cool Whip

In a large pot, place the cans of sweetened condensed milk with the label taken off, in the pot and cover with water. Cook on high until water comes to a boil, then turn on medium/high for 4 hours, only adding water to keep the cans covered.
Pour Chocolate chips into the bottom of the pie crust. Once the milk is ready, carefully open cans and pour into pie shell. Cool pie in refrigerator. When completely cooled, top with frozen whipped topping. Serve and Enjoy!

"La Brea Tar Pit" Chicken Wings

2011-02-04T17:41:00.002-07:00

So we've survived the epic move. One week of packing, moving in with my aunt for a week, and then moving into an apartment a week later. All I have to say is wow. But we made it and we're settled in somewhat until we find our forever house. Here's one of my favorite chicken wing recipes, just in time for Super Bowl Sunday! Go Green Bay!

4 pounds chicken wings, split at joint and wing tips discarded
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup dry red wine
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• Put a rack in middle of oven and preheat oven to 400°F.
• Arrange wings in one layer in a large roasting pan.
• Combine remaining ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over moderately low heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved. Pour evenly over wings.
• Bake for 45 minutes. Turn wings over and bake until sauce is thick and sticky, 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Transfer wings to a platter and serve with ranch or bleu cheese dressing.

I Hate Packing!

2011-01-16T15:37:00.003-07:00

Due to circumstances out of our control, we are moving sooner than expected. This is a good move, but I do have to say, I hate packing. We have one week to pack and move out of this place in Rigby. Thank goodness we have a place to live until we find and close on a house. I've loved this apartment that we've been living in since May. But, I must keep reminding myself, this is OK, after we find our house, it'll be the last move for a really long time. Then I'll be able to have a home again. I guess I just feel like I'm in limbo at the moment and maybe just a little bit of stress and pressure.
I'm also reminded that this is not so bad. Yeah there are some unknown factors, but not as bad as my pioneer ancestors. Moving to a new land, settling a wild place and not knowing what lay over the horizon. Packing all their possessions into a wagon or a handcart. Starting from scratch, literally. They faced a lot of unknowns from every side it seemed. But somehow, a lot of them made it work.
In packing up my recipe books today, I found one of my favorites, called "Cooking in Wyoming." this recipe book has a collection of recipes used by the women who help settle the state of Wyoming. Included are recipes like Wild Buffalo Berry Catsup, Head Cheese, Suet Pudding, Home Cured Pork, Bear Steak,Deviled Deer Burgers and Mulligatawny Soup. There is one recipe that cracks me up every time that I'd like to share with you.

Wood Chuck Pot Pie

The animal should be 1/2 to 3/4 grown. Disjoint meant and soak an hour in cold water containing 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon soda. Salt and Pepper the pieces, roll them in flour and put into hot fat in which you have previously browned a small clove of garlic. When meat is browned on both sides put cover on heavy skillet or Dutch oven and simmer until tender. Add a little water as needed. Just before serving, season with Worcestershire sauce and chunks of butter.

This wild game recipe was submitted to a local Wyoming paper by Mrs. Sam Young.

:)

What to do?

2011-01-09T18:02:00.002-07:00

We had a beautiful ham for Sunday dinner today. I glazed the ham with a spicy mustard and honey glaze and it turn out way scrumptious. But my tiny dilemma is what to do with the left overs besides ham sandwiches for the rest of the week? And then an idea came to me.... why not do a Chicken Cordon Bleu type casserole???? I found a base recipe on www.allrecipes.com and then I tweaked it.

4 cups Panko crumbs (or cornflakes)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh)
1/4 cup butter, melted
10 cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, chunked
salt and ground black pepper to taste
6 cups cubed Havarti cheese (You could use Swiss)
1 pound cooked ham, chunked
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 bunch green onions, sliced
2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the Panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup melted butter in a large bowl, then spread about 2/3 of the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer half the chicken breast chunks over the crumb base, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Cover with half the Havarti cheese, then a layer of ham, followed by layers of mushrooms and green onions. Mix the cream of chicken soup and sour cream together in a bowl, and spread the mixture over the green onion layer. Place the rest of the chicken chunks onto the soup layer, followed by the rest of the Havarti cheese. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/3 of the crumb mixture. Drizzle with 2 more tablespoons of melted butter if desired. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes; remove the foil and bake until the casserole is bubbling, the cheese has melted, and the crumb topping is brown, an additional 15 minutes.

So this casserole looks really good and smells pretty good while combining everything. I'm putting it in the fridge overnight and we'll feast upon it tomorrow. I think we might have a new family dinner!

Grilling Time!

2011-01-06T17:29:00.002-07:00

Something grilled sounds so good right now! I enjoy so many foods cooked on the grill, so I think I should share one of my favorite recipes with you!

GRILLED FRIES

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1-teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1-tablespoon olive oil
• 2 baking potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 2 yams (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• Cooking spray

Combine all ingredients except oil and potatoes in large zip bag. Toss to mix well. Cut each potato into 12 wedges and toss with olive oil. Place into bag with ingredients and toss well. Preheat grill to medium. Spray grill to prevent sticking and reduce heat to low. Place potatoes on grill and close lid. Turn every 5 minutes to avoid burning. Cook until tender about 30 minutes.

What I'm reading...

2011-01-05T11:07:00.002-07:00

One of my all time passions is reading. It doesn't matter, non-fiction or fiction, romance or biography, I love a good book! I would spend hours in a bookstore if I could, but I never have that much time on hand.
I have many favorite authors, and when asked to share favorite books, I have to list authors. James Rollins is on of my top 10 favorite authors. His books keep a strong hold on the imagination and keep you wondering what's next!?! I picked up his book Altar of Eden the other day and started reading it yesterday. I became so immersed in the book, I forgot to blog about it. All I have to say, if you're looking for a good read, pick up any one of his books. Adventure, mystery, face-paced and so interesting! By far better than Dan Brown, who tends to devote several too many pages to the word "apple." His Sigma Force novels are some of my favorite our of all of his books, with my all time favorite being Map of Bones. It's not too often I gush about an author, but this guy deserves it! Thank you James Rollins for being more than just a veterinarian!
I'm going to go curl up by my fire and finish up this book. I'll let you know!

So much for last year!

2011-01-03T15:36:00.002-07:00

So last year, I made several resolutions that I failed miserably at. . . . for the most part. Oh well, I'm not going to feel guilty about it. Instead of setting resolutions to change everything this year, I'm just going to strive for a few goals, nothing huge and out there, just something simple that I'd like to reach and implement into my daily life each day.

#1 - Become closer to God and strive to be a better person day by day.

#2 - Become a more balanced person, not super mom who thinks I have to do everything in order to make up for being a working mom.

#3 - Find time each day to pursue one of my hobbies, and share with you!

That's it. Nothing else major. So in light of those goals, here's one of my favorite recipes that I tweaked just a tad. I love collecting recipes! I think this all started with my Gram. She collected cook books and loved to read them. She really never tried the recipes out of them, with her family being a pretty staunch meat and potatoes kinda of family. But she still loved her cook books. I used to spend hours reading through them with her. I so miss spending time with my Gram, she passed away in June of 2002. When Gram's twin sister passed away in 2003, her daughter and my dear cousin Julie gave me Aunt Carreen's cook books. I didn't know she was a cook book collector too! I crack up over some of the recipes I find!

GREEN CHILE CHICKEN SOUP

• ½ Cup Butter
• ¾ Cup Flour
• 2 Cups Milk
• 3 Cups Chicken Broth
• 2 Cups Cubed Chicken Breast, Cooked
• ½ Cup Chopped Green Chilies
• Salt & Pepper
• 4-6 Cloves Crushed Garlic
• 1 Small Onion, Diced

Melt Butter in a Saute Pan over medium heat. Add Onion and Saute until onion is tender and translucent. Slowly add flour to create a paste. Add milk and chicken broth and whip together until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Note: If you want something with more of a kick, ad in some fresh diced jalapenos, or even serrano peppers. Serves 6

Easy Tiramisu Pie

2010-12-30T17:57:00.003-07:00

I love Tiramisu! But I never have the time to make it the real way. I found this easy yummy recipe at www.kraftrecipes.com. They have a ton of fun recipes that are super easy! So it's not a completely real tiramisu, but it's dang close and less expensive! I also added strawberry slices to the top of mine for a pretty garnish.

48 NILLA Wafers, divided
1/4 cup brewed Coffee, cooled, divided ( I use Pero, a coffee substitute)
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1-1/2 cups cold milk
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1 tub thawed COOL WHIP Season’s Delight French Vanilla Whipped Topping
1 square BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, grated

Arrange 36 wafers on bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. coffee. Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; beat 1 min. Gently stir in 2 cups COOL WHIP. Layer half each of the pudding mixture and grated chocolate in crust; cover with remaining wafers. Drizzle with remaining coffee. Repeat layers of pudding and chocolate. Top with remaining COOL WHIP. Refrigerate 3 hours.

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

2010-12-09T17:48:00.002-07:00

1 cup butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup sour cream
5 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
dash of salt

Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well to blend after each addition. Add in the vanilla. Blend in the sour cream. In a separate bowl, sift together the dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the dough and mix until just blended. This recipe makes a lot of dough, so don't over mix. Working in batches, roll the dough out onto a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, until evenly distributed. Also flour your cookie cutters before cutting into shapes. Cut dough into desired shapes. Bake at 325 degrees F for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden. Do not over cook, or else you'll get hockey pucks. Cool and frost with a butter cream frosting. Makes 48-50 cookies.

Sugar Plum Pudding

2010-12-06T18:50:00.001-07:00

Pudding:
2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 Tablespoon allspice 1 Tablespoon allspice
3/4 cup Wesson oil
1 cup milk
1 cup of cooked, pitted prunes
1 cup of chopped nuts

Icing:
1 stick of butter
1 Tablespoon of vanilla flavoring
1 Tablespoon of Karo syrup

For pudding: mix all ingredients and cook on 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. For icing: cook over medium heat or until boils for about one minute. Pour over cakes.

Berry Gingerbread Waffles

2010-11-30T15:43:00.001-07:00

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• 3 eggs
• 4 TBSP butter, melted
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 TBSP molasses
• ½ cup berries – blackberries, blueberries or raspberries

Preheat waffle iron. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder and ginger together. In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, butter, buttermilk and molasses. Stir egg mixture into the flour mixture and mix until moistened. Fold in berries. Spray waffle iron with a non stick cooking spray. Pour mixture onto waffle iron and cook until steam no longer rises.

Cranberry Chutney

2010-11-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

• 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large cooking apple, chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

In a saucepan, combine all ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat; simmer for 15-20 minutes or until apple is tender and mixture thickens. Cool completely. Store in the refrigerator. Serve over cream cheese with crackers or as a condiment with turkey, pork, ham or chicken.

Dulce De Leche Bars

2010-11-28T18:44:00.003-07:00

• 2 (16.5 ounce) rolls of refrigerated sugar cookies,at room temperature
• 1-3/4 cups quick cooking oats
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons caramel topping and 3 tablespoons chocolate topping

Heat oven to 350°. In large bowl stir together 1 roll of cookie dough, ¾ cup oats 1/3-cup brown sugar and 1-teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Press mixture evenly into bottom of ungreased 13X9-inch pan to form crust. Bake 15 minutes or until golden. Meanwhile, in same bowl add remaining roll of cookie dough, 1-cup oats, 1/3-cup brown sugar and 1-teaspoon vanilla until well blended. Set aside. In large saucepan add butter, milk and caramels. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until caramels are melted and mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread over cooked cookie crust. Crumble remaining dough mixture evenly over caramel. Bake additional 20 to 25 minutes. Cool 1 hour then refrigerate 1 hour. Cut into bars and drizzle with caramel and chocolate toppings before serving.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-11-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

FRENCH ONION SOUP

¼ cup Butter
2 lbs Onions, thinly sliced
1 TBSP Sugar
7 TBSP All-purpose flour
3 (14.5 ounce) cans beef broth
2 cups Water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Dried minced onion
1 tsp Beef bouillon granules
¼ tsp Garlic salt
¼ tsp Ground black pepper
8 slices French bread, toasted
2 cups Swiss Cheese, shredded

Melt butter over low heat. When butter is melted, saute onions and sugar until tender. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir until blended. Gradually stir in broth. Add water, salt, dried onion, bouillon, garlic and pepper. Bring to a boil, boil and stir for 2 minutes. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes. Ladle soup into single serving size ovenproof bowls. Top with a slice of toasted bread, sprinkle generously with cheese. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve while hot!

Blueberry Cinnamon Doughnuts

2010-11-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 4 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 TBSP melted butter
• ½ cup rinsed blueberries
• Vegetable oil for frying

Beat together the eggs, 1 cup of sugar, and the buttermilk. Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, nutmeg and 2 tsp of cinnamon. Stir into egg mixture, add butter and fold in blueberries. Roll or pat out dough on a floured board to ½” thick. Using a well floured cutter, cut shapes and allow them to rest for five minutes on a floured surface. Heat enough oil to fill 3 inches of a frying kettle. When oil is 365 degrees F on a deep-fat thermometer, drop in 2 or 4 doughnuts. As soon as they float to the surface, turn them over. Fry until golden on both sides, about 3 minutes. Drain on a paper towel. Combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle on doughnuts while warm. Yields about 30 doughnuts.

Mint Truffles

2010-11-21T14:28:00.002-07:00

1 10 ounce package mint chocolate chips
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup butter
1 3.5 ounce container chocolate sprinkles

Line a baking sheet with wax paper, set aside. Melt mint chips with cream and butter in a heavy sauce pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted. Pour onto prepared pan and refrigerate until semi-firm, about 1-2 hours. Shape 1 tbsp of mixture into 1 1/4 inch balls. Place sprinkles in a shallow bowl and roll chocolate mint balls in the sprinkles until entire surface is covered in sprinkles. Place is fluted candy cups. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve or gift!

Happy Autumn!

2010-09-22T16:20:00.003-06:00

It's official everyone! Autumn is finally here! I love fall time, the colors, foods, the smells and the crispiness in the air. Well, I love fall! Along with loving fall, it's officially the start of soup season! I eat soup anytime of the year, but fall and winter make soup that much better! Here's one of my faves, my kinda spin off from a certain Italian restaurant...

ZUPPA TOSCANA

• 1 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 (13.75 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 6 potato, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 bunch fresh spinach or kale, tough stems removed

Cook the Italian sausage and red pepper flakes in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until crumbly, browned, and no longer pink, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside. Cook the bacon in the same Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, about 10 minutes. Drain, leaving a few tablespoons of drippings with the bacon in the bottom of the Dutch oven. Stir in the onions and garlic; cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour the chicken broth into the Dutch oven with the bacon and onion mixture; bring to a boil over high heat. Add the potatoes, and boil until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream and the cooked sausage; heat through. Mix the spinach into the soup just before serving.

It Is Time....

2010-09-19T15:06:00.001-06:00

APPLE FRITTERS

• 1 1/4 cups sifted all purpose flour
• 1 cup beer
• 1 TBSP vegetable oil
• 1 TBSP sugar
• 2 eggs, separated
• 5 large apples
• 2-4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• Confectioner’s sugar

Combine the flour, beer 1 TBSP vegetable oil, sugar and egg yolks in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Cover and leave at room temperature for at least one hour. Core and slice apples in to ½ inch rings. Pour at least 2 inches of oil into a large skillet and heat to 375 degrees F. Beat the egg whites in a large bowl, until stiff. Stir the batter and fold in the egg whites. Dip the apple rings first in ¼ cup flour to coat both sides, then in the batter. Fry a few at a time in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel. Serve immediately with Apple-Maple Sauce.

APPLE-MAPLE SAUCE

• 2 cups applesauce
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Blend together all ingredients until mixed well. Serve with Apple Fritters.

Favorite Summer Salad

2010-08-18T07:34:00.003-06:00

Ranch Tortellini Salad

1 9oz package Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini
1 package grape tomatoes or 2 large tomatoes diced
1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped finely
1 avocado, peeled and diced
2 tsp lemon juice
1 cup BYU Ranch dressing

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well and place into a medium bowl. Add in veggies and toss lightly. Add in lemon juice and then ranch and toss until everything is covered in ranch dressing. Cover and refrigerate for an hour or until chilled. Serve and Enjoy!

Hey Hey Hey Yogi

2010-06-27T15:12:00.004-06:00

The kids and I went to Yellowstone National Park this weekend. We went through the West Yellowstone entrance. After we barely drove into the park, a nice little herd of Bison had traffic stopped as they meandered down the road. We also saw some elk too, but the bison are pretty neat to see so close!
Our first stop was at Fountain Freight Trail and we walked a little ways in to see the Ojo Caliente Spring. John's first comment was why does it smell like breakfast? The Ojo Caliente Spring runs right down into the river and it was a really deep blue color. Next we stopped at the Fountain Paint Pots and walked around there and saw a mud pot glurping, and also the Red Spouter Pot, and the Fountain Geyser also. Carol really liked the color of Silex Spring. We then drove into Firehole Lake and saw Surprise Pool, White Dome Geyser and Firehole Lake.
After FireHole Lake, we finally made it to Old Faithful! This was the one the kids wanted to see the most! We waited forever, but it was worth it! The kids got to help a Ranger with his demonstration about Old Faithful. then Old Faithful exploded!!! It was so awesome, like always and Carol and John both loved it! It was so extremely busy at Old Faithful. The kids and I then went into Old Faithful Inn and saw the interior of the old lodge. We then loaded back up into the car and had lunch while we drove to Upper Falls.
As we drove to Upper Falls, we saw Yellowstone Lake, Fishing Bridge, Sulphur Cauldron, trees, bison, a lot of tourist and finally made it to Upper Falls. What beauty! I've been past Upper Falls before, but never took the time to stop and look. The noise the falls made was amazing!
We turned back around after seeing Upper Falls and as we drove back down towards West Thumb, we happened to see a BEAR! So lucky for us! It was right by Elk Antler Creek and was so amazing to stop and watch. There weren't too many tourists there yet and the Bear had just woken up from a nap. I've seen bears before, but this was the first time that I have seen a bear in Yellowstone Park. It was just a small Grizzly, but still a Grizzly! We watched him wander around for a little bit until he went over a ridge and disappeared from sight. So Amazing and Awesome! Definitely one of the major high lights of the trip!
Along with driving around Yellowstone, we met up with my parents at Flagg Ranch and camped for the night! It's pretty cool camping in Papa's big tent with Papa and Gram. We had fun burning hot dogs and marshmallows on the campfire while Papa cooked edible hamburgers on the Coleman grill. The kids went for a walk with Papa to the Flagg Ranch store and came back with ice cream for everyone! The mosquitoes about ate us alive! I finally gave up and went and hid in the tent behind the mosquito net. Poor John and Carol have at least 20 bites, even though they were doused in spray.
Super early Saturday morning we went fishing on Lewis Lake with Papa and Gram. Talk about cold and wet weather! Even though we felt like drowned rats we enjoyed the good fishing on the lake. I caught several lake trout, my Mom caught several, including a huge one that broke the line once it got too close to the boat and the kids each caught a few fish. Papa was the fishing guide and kept our hooks loaded and the boat trolling. At one point we watched the mist come in on the lake and then move off.
After fishing we stopped at Crawdad Creek and caught crawdads! At first the kids where extremely freaked out over the crawdads since my Dad had told them that if the crawdad pinches you you will go blind from the poison. Of course my kids believe anything that Papa tells them, so when Dad caught a crawdad and went to go put his fingers in the pincher, John jerked Papa's hand away and shouted "Don't Papa!" We laughed over that! Both the kids finally got brave and held the crawdads.
Driving home was pretty nice, we drove home through Jackson Hole. I had to stop and get a New York Sub Shop sub. Yum! We also drove by my old schools, including my now non-existence High School. The new high school looks really nice and they've built a new elementary school where my high school used to be. We also drove on Martin Lane and the kids got a good giggle about that. We stopped at my old childhood home on KDC Lane and I showed them where Momma used to live and play. The kids liked that and liked seeing Munger Mountain.
All in all, it was a really fun trip, but we are very glad to be home and showered!

Camping

2010-06-23T19:17:00.005-06:00

We went camp last night in the Targhee National Forest and had so much fun! Note for future camping trips:

Don't forget toilet paper

Flame Broiled Bacon isn't too Bad

John is a Maniac

A cheap griddle doesn't work so great, it melts

Carol becomes a total Daddy's Girl

Don't forget to charge the lantern battery

Thomas and John revert back to their primal selfs

A knife, hot pad and hot chocolate mix would be nice to bring along

All in all, we had a riot! Even though we forgot a few key items, it turned out wonderful anyways! It's always so relaxing to listen to the wildlife, watch the flames and just chill! Watch out National Forests here we come!!!

Kinda Big Update

2010-06-21T17:13:00.002-06:00

Lots has happened in the past months, and I guess I better get this darn blog updated!
Our biggest news, we've moved from Orem, Utah to Small Town Idaho! We absolutely love it up here! Thomas transferred his job to up here and we were able to move into a bigger place which is really really nice! There's a field right behind us, and plenty of room to play! Thomas is home from work most nights by 6pm instead of 8 or 9pm.
Another note of joy, I'm a stay at home mom for the summer! I do miss working sometimes, but I'm really enjoying this Mom gig! I find that I have a lot more time to focus on what I need to focus on and it's really working for us right now! The kids and I have been having a riot exploring! We've gone to a museum, to parks, visited family, and we are trying to learn the different birds that are coming into our bird feeders! We've been down to the farm in Bear Lake with Papa and Gramma Kunz and we are going to Yellowstone this weekend to fish with Papa and Gram Martin!
Yesterday being Father's Day, we went for a drive with Thomas up to Kelly's Canyon and found the perfect camping spot! I'm used to the mountains being so busy in Utah it was really nice to be in the mountains up here in Idaho and not see very many people! We saw this beautiful bird, with a red head, yellow body and black back and wings. It's was amazing! We are going to be hiking a bunch this summer in search of the elusive huckleberry patches. Oh, we are addicted to huckleberries right now! Yum!
I've enjoyed being closer to my sister and her husband and son! I've missed being around my sis, and even though we haven't had much time to get into trouble, I'm sure it's coming! We have huge plans for the holidays! It's also very nice to be close to some of my Aunts and cousins, they are all a riot! I do miss Mom and Dad, a lot.
In my spare time from unpacking and exploring and being Mom, I've found all my recipes again and I'm in the process of tweaking a few, including a mozzarella cheese stick recipe! Yum! OK, so I think I've typed enough for now! Enjoy!

Easy Easy Fruit Dip

2010-06-21T13:02:00.001-06:00

Here's a really easy fruit dip recipe that I just love!

EASY FRUIT DIP

• 1 part Cool Whip
• 2 parts strawberry yogurt (or any other berry flavor)

Whip ingredients together and chill before serving.

Poached Salmon Salad

2010-04-25T19:01:00.002-06:00

4 salmon fillets
1 bay leaf
½ cup chopped celery
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped carrot
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
½ cup white wine
2 teaspoons fresh dill weed, roughly chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In baking dish place all ingredients including the salmon. Add water to cover half way up. Cover with parchment paper and poach for 15 minutes in oven or until temperature of salmon reaches 145 degrees. Cool salmon at least one hour.

CUCUMBER SAUCE
1 cup cucumber, peeled, cored and diced to ¼”
¾ cup sour cream
2-teaspoons fresh dill weed
1-tablespoon fresh lemon juice
4 mint leaves, chopped
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons capers
2 teaspoons lemon zest
sea salt to taste
8 cups assorted lettuce leaves, roughly chopped

Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a spatula. Arrange lettuce on four plates. Top with chilled salmon fillet and then top with dill sauce to taste. Serve immediately.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

2010-03-21T19:27:00.002-06:00

Here's a great easy recipe from work, if you want add some pineapple salsa for a finishing touch!

GRILLED TERIYAKI CHICKEN

· 4 Harmons Recipe Ready Whole Chicken Legs

· 1-cup teriyaki sauce

· ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

· 2 teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Place all ingredients in a gallon zip block bag. Seal well and shake to coat. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours, turning every so often. Preheat grill to medium. Lightly oil the grate. Remove legs from bag, discarding and remaining marinade. Place legs on grill and cover, reducing heat to low. Grill about 20 to 30 minutes, turning twice. Cook to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

Also, for anyone interested, I'm making, my own cook book, starting at $25 each. They are full of recipes I've collected, tried out and tweeked, with room to add your own recipes and tweeks! Let me know if you're interested!

Avocados!

2010-01-31T18:37:00.002-07:00

Yum! Avocados are one of my favorite fruits ever! Most people think that they are bad for you, but they are not! Woot! Hass avocados are extremely healthy, full of fiber and other good stuff. It's recommenced to only eat about 1/2 cup as a serving at a time. one of my favorite recipes with avocados are as follows:

1 grilled chicken breast
2 pieces of multi grain bread, toasted
3 tomato slices
some green leaf lettuce
a small smear of mayo
3-4 slices avocado

Put together and enjoy a wonderful sandwich!!!

Curried Carrot Bisque

2010-01-16T10:00:00.003-07:00

1 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup butter, cubed
4 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 large potato, peeled and cubed
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth - low sodium
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
1 cup half and half
1 cup milk
2 TBSP freshly chopped chives, or more if you like chives
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

In a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter until tender. Add carrots, potato, broth and ginger. Cover and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Cool for 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender or food processor in small batches; cover and process until smooth. Return all to the pan; stir in the milk and half and half, curry powder, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until heated through. When serving, garnish each bowl with chives. You may omit the milk and half and half and just add a bit more broth to make the texture smoother if you want to cut out the extra calories.

Citrus is the Bomb!

2010-01-06T12:29:00.002-07:00

I found this great recipe on www.allrecipes.com for a citrus salad! I added some grilled chicken, subtracted the black olives (yuck) and also added in some sections of clementines and moro blood oranges! What a nice refreshing salad, especially with citrus being in season! Yummy!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Arugula-Fennel-and-Orange-Salad-2/Detail.aspx

My Favorite Snack

2010-01-03T16:48:00.002-07:00

Ok, so maybe it's not my very most favorite snack, that being chocolate, but I am trying to be good, so this one is my favorite being good snack:

Yogurt and Granola

1 serving strawberry yogurt
1 serving favorite granola
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1/2 c strawberries, cored and quartered

Place yogurt in bowl, then layer fruit on top of yogurt and sprinkle granola on top! Simple, easy and very satisfying! I also like to do this with vanilla yogurt, granola, and tangerines and oranges. Very easy to mix it up, just make sure you keep your serving sizes in the right range!

Healthy Philly CheeseSteak

2009-12-28T16:58:00.002-07:00

Serves 2, Ready to Serve in 20 minutes, tops!

1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 small sweet onion, thinly sliced
6 white mushrooms, thinly sliced
6 oz lean roast beef, shaved
2 whole wheat buns
1/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saute the peppers and onions until they soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the roast beef and saute for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Place 1/2 of the roast beef mixture on each bun. Place in the prepared baking dish. Top each bun with 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted, 2 to 4 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a baking pan with cooking spray. Spray a frying pan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saute the peppers and onions until they soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the roast beef and saute for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Place 1/2 of the roast beef mixture on each bun. Place in the prepared baking dish. Top each bun with 2 tablespoons of the cheese. Bake until the cheese has melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

All Righty Peeps

2009-12-26T16:58:00.002-07:00

So the New Year is coming and I need to make some resolutions and keep them this year and make them into forever lifestyle changes! I know I'm a few days early with my resolutions, but oh well. So here goes:

1. Walk for at least 20 minutes at a steady pace daily.
2. Try a new healthy recipe once a week! (I'm excited about this one!)
3. Have a date night once a week with the husband
4. Start building my food storage up
5. Try pilates out
6. Read a random scripture every day
7. Stop swearing and put a dollar in a jar for every swear word - proceeds to go to a cruise
8. Keep to a budget and save lots of $$$$ by the end of the year
9. Have family home evening every week
10. Remember birthdays and get cards out on time
11. Have a family outing at least once a month
12. Go riding more with my Dad

I'll share the healthy recipes with you if they are any good. My family might not like me on new recipe night. So there it is, I hope I'll be able to do this!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:22:00.001-07:00

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

I love the verse from Silent Night! It fits what I want to say and what I feel about Christmas! Merry Christmas to all of you and may you find peace and happiness with our Lord today! God Bless You!

Sufganiot - Hanukkah Doughnuts

2009-12-15T15:16:00.003-07:00

Happy Hanukkah! Thanks sis for the great email about Hanukkah, it reminded me of this great recipe I had for a traditional Hanukkah food item!
Sufganiot are deep-fried jelly doughnuts that are traditionally eaten during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Sufganiot are especially popular in Israel. The oil used to fry the doughnuts are reminiscent of the oil that miraculously burned, according to the Hanukkah story, in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Ingredients:

1 ounce yeast
1 TBSP sugar
1 TBSP water
1 TBSP flour
3 cups flour
1/4 cup margarine, melted
dash of salt
3 TBSP sugar
2 egg yolks
1 1/4 cups water at room temperature
jelly
oil for frying
powdered sugar

To make the dough: Combine the first four ingredients in a bowl. Mix well, cover, and wait until it rises. In another bowl, mix 3 cups of flour with the melted margarine, salt, sugar and egg yolks. Combine the yeast mixture with the flour mixture. Slowly add water while stirring. When batter is smooth, cover the bowl with a towel and let it sit and rise.
To make the doughnuts: After the batter has risen, pour it onto a floured surface and roll it out. Use a glass with a small opening to cut out circles of the dough. Place a drop of jelly in the middle of each circle, and then cover with another circle of dough. Make sure that 2 circles attach well to form a closed ball with jelly in the middle. Cover the doughnuts with a towel and let rise.
To fry the doughnuts: Heat oil in a deep pot until very hot. Drop the doughnuts into the oil and fry on both sides until brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
These sufganiot are only good fresh. After you make the dough, only fry a few at a time. Store the rest of the dough in the refrigerator.

Christmas Rice Pudding

2009-12-13T21:53:00.001-07:00

This is a fun recipe to make with your little ones after watching the Grinch!

2/3 cup long-grain rice (not converted)
3 cups milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
1/8 cup of red and green M&M's

With the help of an adult combine rice and milk in top of double boiler. Cover and cook over simmering water for 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Beat egg yolks with a wire whisk until frothy. Stir sugar, vanilla, butter, salt, and egg yolks into warm rice mixture. Mix well. Grease shallow baking dish. Pour in pudding. Bake 35-40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours. Top with red and green M&M's before serving.

2009-12-05T16:33:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Snowman Poop

2009-11-30T15:23:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

9 cups of Rice Chex
1/2 package Hershey's Milk Chocolate Chips
2 cups powdered sugar

Directions

Put Hershey's chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until smooth. While the chips are melting, gently put the Rice Chex into a separate bowl. Gently pour the melted chocolate over the Rice Chex. Gently stir the chocolate and Rice Chex together until all the Rice Chex are covered. Put 1/4 of the mixture into a zip lock bag with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and shake gently until Rice Chex are covered with sugar. Pour into a storing dish. Cover the remainder of the Rice Chex with powdered sugar in the same manner.

Gingerbread Guys

2009-11-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

I'm making some of these to put on my tree this year! They are smelling so yummy!

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vinegar
2 eggs, beaten
5 cups flour, sifted
1 teaspoon soda

Directions

Mix sugar, butter, spices and molasses. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cool to lukewarm. Add vinegar and eggs. Mix well. Add sifted flour and soda blending to a smooth dough. Chill. Roll out on floured board and cut with a 4 or 6 inch cookie cutter. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Decorate and eat or hang on your tree!

Tis the Season!

2009-11-27T12:09:00.002-07:00

Hi Everyone! I'm so excited for the Christmas season this year! To start the season off, here's a wonderful recipe to enjoy with your friends and families! Perfect for snacking on while you trim that tree and blast Christmas music! By the way, one of the reasons I love this time of year is the creating of so many special goodies!!!

Ingredients

5 quarts air popped corn (1 1/2 cups unpopped)
1 cup white sugar
1 stick oleo
1/4 cup white corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup red hot candies
1/4 teaspoon soda

Directions

Mix all ingredients except corn and soda in microwave safe bowl. Cook on high in microwave 1 1/2 minutes. Stir with wooden spoon. Cook in microwave again until red hots melt. Add soda and pour onto popcorn that has been place in brown paper bag. Stir until mixed well. Place bag in microwave and cook on high 1 1/2 minutes. Stir. Repeat twice more. Pour out on counter and spread out to cool. When cool place in air tight container.

Butternut Squash Bisque

2009-11-17T15:16:00.002-07:00

So I know I've blogged about my bisque before, sometime last year I believe. Well the other day I was called by a person from the Daily Herald an asked for a great harvest recipe and an interview. Today it came out in the paper!!! I'm so excited about it! It's such a wonderfully savory recipe and I'm just thrilled to share it! Here's the link and article also:

http://www.heraldextra.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/recipes/article_c92ae68e-70ca-5c04-a24a-1b455d46d10a.html?mode=story

Butternut bisque busters

Karen Hoag - The Daily Herald | Posted: Tuesday, November 17, 2009 12:05 am

Visit the Harmons grocery store in Orem and you'll likely find Sina Kunz slicing, dicing and chopping fresh fruits and vegetables. As lead produce sous chef, Sina, 29, loves the freshness offered daily at Harmons.

"Not only is fresh produce packed with essential vitamins and minerals, fresh produce adds such amazing flavors, textures and colors to every meal!" she says. Phytochemicals, naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants, work together with vitamins and nutrients and may provide disease protection, Sina adds.

Sina and her husband, Thomas, live in Orem and have two children. Her full name is Sinalei, which in Samoan means Lei of Flowers. "My dad served an LDS mission to Western Samoa and named his daughters with Samoan names," she says. Her sister's name is Tiana, meaning Little Grain of Sand.

Sina loves riding horses and team roping with her dad. "I grew up in Jackson, Wyo., around horses and cattle," she says. "My family is a rodeo family." While growing up, Sina focused on barrel racing. Now she's learning team roping with her dad.

"The header catches the horns of a steer with a rope and a heeler catches the hind feet of a steer with a rope," she says. Sina takes the heeling end, while her dad works on heading. Of course, they try for the fastest time -- all the while on the backs of their horses. "I'm still learning ... but loving it," she says.

Sina's love of food began with her mom and grandma, who both taught her how to cook. She collects cookbooks and enjoys tweaking recipes "for just the right appeal."

Her favorite harvest produce is winter squash. She shares a bisque made from it. "You can serve the bisque in a bread bowl with a sprinkle of Asiago cheese, or as one of your courses during Thanksgiving dinner," Sina says.

Butternut Squash Bisque

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 3 medium carrots, chopped

• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed

• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning or to taste

• salt and pepper to taste

• 32 ounces chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 cup half and half, whipping cream or broth

In a large pot, melt butter. Saute vegetables in the butter 5 minutes. Add seasonings. Cover vegetables with broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 40 minutes or until everything is very tender, stirring occasionally.

Transfer all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot, bring to a simmer and add half and half to obtain desired consistency.

Cook's notes: This recipe freezes very well for up to 6 months. Don't add cream. Package in freezer-safe containers. When you are ready to use, thaw, heat up and then add cream.

Pumpkin!

2009-11-10T07:20:00.002-07:00

I love fall as you all know. The colors, the smells, the crispness in the air, everything! In celebration of Autumn, I'm going to share with you a very easy, very yummy recipe! Yum Yum!

What you need:
1 package spice cake mix
1 (15 oz) can Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix
1 egg
2 cups milk chocolate chips
Cream Cheese frosting

What to Do:
Combine all the ingredients together, except chocolate chips. Once the batter is mixed thoroughly, add in the chocolate chips. Now here's the fun part. You can either spoon the batter into muffin tins, put dollops on a cookie sheet or fill up bread loaf pans with the batter. The sky is the limit! Bake in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes for cookies, about 20-25 minutes for muffins and about 30-35 minutes for a loaf pan. A sure way to check that the pumpkin mix is done, insert a tooth pick into the center and if it comes out clean it done! Let what ever you've made cool for a few minutes and remove from the cookie sheet, muffin pan or loaf pan. Top with cream cheese frosting and ENJOY!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

2009-10-18T20:17:00.005-06:00

So my darling Carol-Anne turned 7 on Saturday. We celebrated her birthday on the 10th with my family and also had our great pumpkin harvest. It was so much fun!!! Here's some pics:

Scentsy Party!!!!

2009-10-02T19:52:00.002-06:00

Hi Everyone!

I have a Scentsy Party open until October 10th if anyone is interested in ordering new scents (which are amazing!!!) or new warmers to replace the ones that husbands might have broke or just because you need one! Scentsy has a wonder new assortment of warmers and smells, just right for the fall and winter season! Click the link below to browse their website and catalog. Drop me an email or leave me a comment if you'd like me to bring the sample scents over to your house or you can come over to mine. Or just visit me at work if you're one of my wonderful coworkers!!! My email is sinackunz04@hotmail.com

http://www.scentsy.net/

Apple Muffins

2009-09-12T17:53:00.002-06:00

The leaves on the trees on Mt. Timp are changing! Beautiful reds, yellows and oranges! It's really put me in the mood for some Apple Muffins!!!

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups diced Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

My folders:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups. In a large bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until sugar has dissolved. Pour into the flour mixture and sprinkle the diced apple into the bowl as well. Stir just until everything is blended. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin, filling the cups to the top. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour and cinnamon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter while tossing with a fork until well blended. Sprinkle this over the tops of the muffins. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed.

Oh my heavens, yum! Maybe I'll take some of these with the kids and I on a little walk to see what else is changing! Enjoy!

Is It Autumn Yet?

2009-09-09T19:52:00.003-06:00

I'm so wishing for autumn! I just can't wait! It's my favorite time of year with Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday! While up in the mountains on Sunday, we noticed a few trees changing their leaves and it was just so beautiful! Here's a recipe to get you in the mood for Autumn!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Zucchini-Bread-IV/Detail.aspx

It's a wonderful recipe and makes the house smell just glorious! Nothing like a nice slice of warm zucchini bread to make your day! Wish for Autumn!

Summertime Recap

2009-09-02T18:14:00.005-06:00

It's been such a fun, very short summer! The family and I have had so much fun! Summer started off very cold and rainy, and came down with a case of severe cabin fever. So off we went to the Natural History Museum in SLC. What a fun time we had! The kids are into the movie series "Night at the Museum," so this was loads of fun. Dinosaur skeletons, rocks, frogs and bugs! After the Natural history museum, we went to Hoogle Zoo with my Mom, sister, sister in law and niece and nephew! We had pretty good luck with the animals, and our favorites cooperated and let us see them! So much for June!

In July the kids went up to Idaho for about 10 days to spend some time with Grandma and Papa Kunz. Before the picked up Jaz from the airport they were able to go to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house with Grandma and Papa Kunz. Both kids just loved that! My sister in law Jaz made it into town with her husband, and we were all able to get together on July 4th for a little mini reunion. Loads of fun camping at Bear Lake with lots of tubing and boating! We then had a nice family dinner on Sunday the 5th and took some very nice family photos, photos which I'm still waiting for someone to send me a copy of. Someday right? After Bear Lake I took the kids with my Mom to Lagoon for Harmon's Lagoon Days. We had so much fun! My daughter is a little evil kenevil, loving the crazy rides! John he prefers the more tame rides, but loves the Haunted Houses! It was a great day with the Gram and the kids! We also visited the Farmer's Market in SLC, and thought that was great fun, after walking around the Farmer's Market, we went to Boondocks to play mini golf, ride the bumper boats and play arcade games. It was great fun, especially the golfing features that shot out flames! Also during July, we spent a lot of time riding horses out at my parents' house, practicing for a horse show in August!

The kids went camping again with their Kunz grandparents, up on Palisades Reservoir. They had a good time. John was able to get his mandatory ride in Papa's John Deere Tractor while up there. After their little camping trip they came home for a night and then I got to go on vacation with them up to Idaho Falls! It was my first paid vacation ever and we had such a wonderful time! It was cold and chilly up in Idaho Falls, my type of weather even in August! We visited with my Sister and her family, my two wonderful Aunts, a handful of cousins and had a blast! I took the kids and my sister and nephew to Bear World and oh my gosh the bears were right there! John was a little unsure at first, but then really got into it! We followed right behind a feeding truck and really got close to the bears. Good thing they liked their food better than my car! The day after Bear World, my Aunt Char, my kids, Clint and I took a day trip over to Jackson Wyoming and played tourist around the town square. So much has changed, but yet a lot is still the same. It was cold and rainy, and just wonderful! I miss being up in Jackson sometimes.

Once home from Idaho, we really had to start working hard and practicing lots for the Utah County Fair Horse Show. Carol once again showed Butterbum, with Gram in the arena to help in the Lead Line Showmanship. They looked so sharp and beautiful! Carol really worked her stuff, being in the right position at the right time and everything! She won FIRST PLACE and brought home a huge trophy! So proud of my girl! She giggled all the way over to accepting her trophy, it was just so awesome!

John is not much into horses, so Papa Martin decided that the grandkids needed a little 4-wheeler to play with. John thinks this is right up his alley! He's still a little nervous about it, has had his first crash and just loves wearing a helmet! He says he's going to practice lots and be a good driver now! After the horse show, my Aunty Pam and her three kids came in from Oklahoma and my sister came down from Idaho for a wonderful visit! All of my siblings and their spouses came down to my parent's home and we had a wonderful family dinner. Oupa and Granny even made it! After all of this, school started for Carol on August 20th, and John started school August 27th. What a whirlwind of a summer!

Fried Green Tomatoes!!!

2009-08-28T15:06:00.002-06:00

1/2 cup bacon grease
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 egg
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 green tomato, cut into 1/4 inch slices

Heat the bacon grease in a large skillet over medium heat. In one small bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal and pepper. In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk using a fork. Dip the tomato slices into the egg and milk, then coat with the dry mixture. Place the breaded tomato slices in the hot bacon grease. Cook until browned on each side, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Bacon grease burns easily, so adjust your heat if you need to.

Dad

2009-07-15T11:14:00.002-06:00

Ok, so my Dad is THE most impossible man to shop for. What to get this man for his birthday? He buys whatever he wants, never mind the expensive tastes. He has an ecclectic choice in hobbies and past times from horses to rc airplanes, fishing to reading. I love my Dad, but geeez, I never know what to get him! What to do!!! Help! Anyone with any ideas???

Good Cafe Rioish Chicken

2009-06-08T22:20:00.002-06:00

Thanks Sami for this recipe! Its our new fave at home!

6 chicken breasts, boiled and shredded
1 can of green enchilada sauce
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 small can green chilies
1 can of Coke

Combine all the ingredients in your crock pot and stir together. Set crock pot on high and let cook for about 4 hours. Serve with tortillas and favorite Mexican food toppings or on a taco salad!

Happy Birthday John

2009-05-24T22:02:00.003-06:00

So here's a video of John blowing out the candles of his birthday cake. I'm an evil mom and tricked him with trick candles. We did give him the slice of cake with the candles on it. We didn't want watered down cake. Enjoy

Mother's Day

2009-05-07T18:08:00.002-06:00

Know a special mom? Um you all should know a special mom!!!! This special mom doesn't necessarily have to be you biological mother, just some female that you feel a maternal bond towards or a friend of yours that is special who happens to be a mom. Mother's Day is on Sunday. Make her this on Saturday for Sunday morning:

(Trust me)

12 crepes - if you don't know how to make them, buy them pre-made
2 lbs fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 container blackberries
1 container raspberries
1 container Philadelphia Cheesecake cream cheese
1 container Philadelphia Raspberry cream cheese
Raspberry dessert sauce
white chocolate chips

Whip the two cream cheeses together. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on a crepe. Place 3-4 Strawberry halves in the middle of the crepe in a straight line. Roll up the crepe carefully until you have a nice little burrito looking thing. Place on a nice platter or baking sheet. Continue with the rest of the crepes. Once you have all your crepes rolled up, zigzag the raspberry dessert sauce over the crepes. Sprinkle the chocolate chips, blackberries, raspberries and remaining strawberries over the crepes. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve or to take to you special mom's home! ~Enjoy

Grilled Veggies

2009-05-01T21:49:00.003-06:00

It's almost summer time! My newest fave on the grill, veggies!

Chop of some some of the following in nice big chunks:

Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Red and Green Bell Peppers
Portabello Mushrooms
Red Onion
Sweet Yellow onion

Toss the veggies in olive oil and some Mrs. Dash's seasoning.

Wrap up in tin foil, or if you have one of those cool grilling baskets, use that.

Place on the preheat grill and grill tender crisp! Yummo!

Scentsy Party

2009-04-04T21:21:00.002-06:00

Just to let everyone know, I'll be having a week long Scentsy party April 13th - April 18th. Perfect for Mothers Day gifts, or to just stock up on summer time scents. Oh man, they have some really yummy news ones too, Twilight being one of them. Yummo. So leave me a post, email me or call me if you'd like to set up a time to come over to my place, or me come to yours so that you can smell the smells and place an order for this wonderful product!

Jack O Lantern Anyone?

2009-03-30T18:36:00.002-06:00

So here's my girl, with the funniest grin ever! My question is - How is she going to eat her favorite summertime food, Utah Corn on the Cob?

Strawberry Jam

2009-03-24T18:56:00.002-06:00

Now is the time to be picking up flats of strawberries for killer deals and making strawberry freezer jam. Strawberries are in season!!! Spring is on it's way! Sounds hard and time consuming? Not at all! You can find great freezer jam recipes in with the pectin packets! It's so worth it and easy to do! My kids love strawberry jam on anything from ice cream to pancakes, and of course sandwiches! Your local grocer should carry all that you need strawberries, pectin, lemon juice and cute little Tupperware freezer containers! Have fun and enjoy!

Gone to the Dogs

2009-03-09T09:56:00.002-06:00

You know, I find our news reports and reporters getting stupider every day. Take for instance this morning on several web sites part of the news is that Martha Stewart's puppy dies in a propane blast. Ok, you all know me, I love animals and get upset when an animal that is close to me dies. But I don't go calling the AP and have the news pasted all over the world. Why is it that a celebrities pet qualifies as news? Did that animal do something good? Bad? Amazing? Something news worthy? All that pet ever was was a private companion and a source of enjoyment of the owner. Not that that isn't nice, it's just not considered news worthy. Why not report something good to uplift souls instead of a death of some one's pet? Give the world something positive to think about instead of wasting space by reporting the latest celebrity mishap or whoops. Who really cares about whose dog died and who flashed their crotch to the world. Take back our news and request to be informed on important facts not trivial matters! Ask for something positive and uplifting. I know there's not much out there positive, but once you start looking it might amaze everyone.

Roasted Asparagus

2009-02-20T17:09:00.001-07:00

2 lbs fresh asparagus, washed with 1/3 of stem removed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Preheat Oven to 450 degrees. Toss the asparagus in the oil and seasonings. Arrange on a cookie sheet so all the steams are flat. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the asparagus is tender crisp. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.

My Latest Sin

2009-01-25T12:25:00.002-07:00

So I know avocados are load full of good fats, but it's still fats right. Right. But a little bit is just fine in my book. Right now Chilean Haas Avocados are in season and oh my, they are the best! On eof my coworkers, DeeDee, makes the best guacamole ever with them! Here's the recipe:

3-4 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
16 oz Harmons fresh salsa - Spicy is my fave
1 large ziplock plastic bag

Place all the ingredients in the ziplock back and seal. Give to one of your children to smoosh and squeeze or do it yourself. Once everything is all mixed, snip a corner off the bag and squeeze the guacamole out into a bowl. Add an extra dash of sea salt and a splash of lime juice and Voila! Guacamole!

Busy Days

2009-01-21T15:42:00.003-07:00

So I know I said that I'd try to blog more often with healthy recipes, but I just haven't found the time. I've been working on myself lately, and it's paid off! 10 lbs gone and down the toilet! WOOT WOOT!!! My trick - eating! I eat 6 times a day, not big things, usually about 150-200 calories. Lots of lettuce, tomatoes, and such and watch how many carbs, proteins and fats. It's working!!! I'm slightly excited. So my goal for June, is to be under 200lbs. That's right. Still a lot to go, but I'm going to do it! I'll find a recipe later, and keep you all posted on this!

Tortilla Soup

2009-01-01T17:44:00.004-07:00

9 cups low sodium chicken broth
6 cloves roasted garlic
1 bunch cilantro, finely minced
2 red bell peppers, roasted and diced
1/2 cup freshly chopped tomatoes
1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 sweet onion, sliced
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 lime juiced
6 (6 inch) corn tortillas, cut into thin strips and toasted for garnish

In a heavy pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add garlic, tomatoes, chopped onion, oregano to the broth. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Broil the sliced onions until soft and a little brown. Ass broiled onions, red bell pepper, chicken, lime juice to soup until chicken is heated. Place toasted tortilla strips in each bowl and pour soup over strips. Garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro. Thanks to Joelene Craver's tortilla soup recipe for the base recipe!

This is the End . . . .

2008-12-31T05:05:00.002-07:00

Of 2008!

I can't believe how fast 2005 has gone by! WOW! It's been fast paced with lots of changes and surprises! So, here's to ending the old year and starting the new year with a bang! For the month of January, I want to focus more on my eating habits. Not a diet, or following a set plan, but changing my bad to good! I'm thinking I'm going to have the kids go along for the ride and see how long we can make it last! So for the month of January, I'm going to be posting healthy recipes that I find and tweak to fit my cooking needs which fall into the category quick and easy to make! So long 2008 and hello 2009!

I Have a Problem

2008-12-17T16:31:00.003-07:00

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

I've been making cinnamon rolls today.

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

I might have to not ever bake them again.

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

The smell so heavenly.

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

The taste so good.

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

Here's the recipe:

Dough:
1/2 cup warm water
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 TBSP yeast
2 cups warm evaporated milk
3 TBSP white sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
8 1/2 cups of flour
1 instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
2 eggs

Filling:

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups brown sugar
6 TBSP ground cinnamon
nuts and raisins optional

Frosting:
2 containers of your favorite cream cheese frosting

Combine all the dough ingredients in either your bread maker or bosch. Set the bread maker to the dough cycle and let it do it's thing. If your using a bosch, let the ingredients mix for about 15 minutes. Let rise for about 45 minutes in a warm place. Punch down and let rise again for about 30 minutes.

While the dough is on it's final rise, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl. Set aside for later.

Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a lightly floured flat surface. Roll it out into a big rectangle, about a 1/4 inch thick throughout. Spread the butter on the surface, until evenly coated. Sprinkle the brown sugar/cinnamon mix over the butter. Roll the dough, starting on the long side. Slice the roll into inch thick slices with a very sharp knife and arrange on a well greased pan. Let rise until doubled in height.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until the tops are a light golden brown. DO NOT OVERCOOK!!!

Remove from the oven and smear the cream cheese frosting over the tops. Enjoy hot or let cool for awhile!

Seriously. Bad. Huge. Mistake.

Divinity

2008-12-10T20:08:00.002-07:00

Ok, I know this sounds complicated. But it's really simple, as long as you have a candy thermometer. A candy thermometer is way different than a regular thermometer, so make sure it's really a candy thermometer!

2 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cups broken pecans - optional

Stir sugar, corn syrup and water over low heat until sugar dissolves. Cook without stirring, to 260 degrees on candy thermometer or until small amount of mixture dropped into very cold water forms a hard ball. In mixer bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Continue beating while pouring hot syrup in a thin stream into egg whites. Add vanilla, beat until mixture holds its shape and becomes slightly dull. Mixture may become too stiff for mixer. Fold in nuts. Drop mixture from tip of buttered spoon onto wax paper.

Easiest Fudge Ever

2008-12-05T19:11:00.003-07:00

OK, so it's that wonderful time of the year! Time to bring out my inner kitchen diva! YeeeeHaaaaawwww! Christmas Goodies Galore!!!! Yum Yum! Here's my favorite fudge recipe:

3 cups milk chocolate chips
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup butter

Line an 8x8 pan with tin foil, leaving plenty of over lap. Place all the ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl. Zap for 3-5 minutes until the chips are melted, stirring ever minute. Give it a final stir before pouring into the pan. Refrigerate until set. Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan with the tin foil, much easier to cut and serve this way!

My Sister's Hot Cocoa

2008-12-01T20:48:00.003-07:00

Hahahahaha

2008-12-01T20:36:00.002-07:00

So, I really haven't finished posting my thanksgivings for the month of November. Lets just say I was beat after the Thanksgiving rush. So to finish things out, here goes:
My family. Mom, Dad, siblings niece, nephew, all of my family. I had such a blast with Breezey and Jack Bug. They are just so cute! And I had a blast with my Mom and sisters just chillin. I'm so thankful for the chance to hang out together and just be a family. I'm also thankful for naps! Without them I don't know how I would have survived! I'm also thankful Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas season is finally here! I'm so excited and my kids are so very very excited! We have our Christmas tree up and decorated and new christmas clingons on the window and our stockings hung with care. I love this season and watching the excitement build in my children! It's the best! We opened our 1st day on our chocolate advent calendars today! Chocolate trains wooohooo! I know that only my sister will understand much of this, but oh well! Christmas music I am now allowed to offically blast for the next 24 days! Hot chocolate! I love this time if year! I'm so thankful for my many blessings and thank you for being patient enough to read my ramblings! So here's to a great thanksgiving season and looking forward to an awesome Christmas season!

Gram's Stuffing

2008-11-27T05:14:00.002-07:00

This is all for you Ellyn! Please note, I have not measured out this recipe, it's one of those just add a little bit of this until it tastes good. My Gram taught this to me, and it's my favorite dressing in the whole world!

1 bag dried bread
1 package jimmy dean sage sausage
butter
2% milk
salt and pepper
sage
poultry seasoning
some celery and diced onions
some thyme

Crumble and cook the sausage until no longer pink. Drain off fat and rinse in warm water to get more fat off of it. While the sausage is cooking, simmer your diced onions and chopped celery in water until tender. In a Large bowl, Pour in your bread and seasonings and dry toss. Add in the cooked sausage and veggies. Mix well. Place in a large casserole dish and evenly distribute. Cover the bread in milk and add several generous butter pats all over the top of the bread mixture. Taste the mixture. Add more seasonings if desired. Bake in the over at 350 degrees until edges are brown. About halfway through add some more milk and more sage and poultry seasoning. I'm sorry if this is a really confusing recipe, but that's how Gram did it!

Roasting Chestnuts

2008-11-24T06:58:00.002-07:00

Even though I can't have chestnuts, my boss has asked my to come up with a recipe for Roasting Chestnuts! You can do this on an open fire with Jack Frost nippin at you nose, but the oven works just as well!

First, rinse off the chestnuts that you buy from the store. Most grocery stores at this time of year have an open bin of them in produce. Try to buy those instead of the ones that come prepackaged in a plastic bag. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Next place one chestnut on a padded surface, like a clean kitchen towel, just so the nut is stationary and won't move. Then cut a cross into it's surface.

Place all the chestnuts you and your guests want to eat cross side up on a cookie sheet and sprinkle them with water.

Pu them in the oven uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until the skins start peeling back from the nut. While they are roasting, line a bowl with a clean towel.

Once the nuts are roasted, place them in the towel lined bowl and wrap them within the towel for about 5 minutes.

Serve while still warm, the skins peel easier that way. Peel and sprinkle with some salt or a cinnamon sugar mixture. Or just enjoy them plain! If the nuts get cold while you're still eating them, place them back in the oven to heat them back up!

Thanksgivings Day 23 & 24

2008-11-24T06:39:00.002-07:00

Here I am slacking off again. Oh well. One of these days I'll get better at blogging.

Day 23 - I'm thankful for super glue. As most of you know right now, it's my super busy time at work and that I work with my hands. With the air being dry here and my hands always in and out of water, my skin cracks on my hands. And of course I get the occasional nick on my hands also. No matter how much lotion I use, they are always getting really sore and splitting. I know duct tape works the best on my cracked fingers, but I can't do that while I'm handling food. So I've resorted to super glue! Yup, that's right, super glue to keep my war wounds all sealed up while I go on my merry way! Also the super glue lasts a lot longer than a band-aide and helps keep the cracks from cracking more! So yes I'm very thankful for super glue!

Day 24- I'm thankful for my quiet time in the morning before I wake the kids up. It's become my time of the day where I read my scriptures, have a nice glass of OJ and just prepare myself for the day. Even though I only read for about a half an hour, it still starts my day off on the right foot with uplifting thoughts and peace in my soul. Lately I've been using the topical guide and looking up scriptures that pertain to certain words. Today I looked up the word thankful and was directed to Psalms 100. It's a good read, look it up! Let's just say I'm pretty uplifted today! So not only am I thankful for my quiet time, I'm thankful very much for my scriptures too!

Thanksgivings Days 21 & 22

2008-11-22T20:54:00.002-07:00

Here we go again, I'm slacking in my thankfulness. Argh.

Day 21 - I'm thankful I can identify different species of animals accurately. It amazes me how many people get deer, elk and moose all confused. Someone I know was showing me a picture of a huge moose that she saw on her vacation. I couldn't help but laugh. I said,"Hun, that's not a moose, but a mule deer, a tiny one at that!" I guess I take for granted sometimes for the beautiful place I was raised with all sorts of wildlife running around. But I must say, please, before you go braggin about the HUGE Moose you saw in your camp site; make sure it was really a moose!!!

Day 22 - I'm thankful for Harmons. I know I've blogged about the people I work with, but I'm thankful for the company as a whole. It is an awesome place to work for. They actually care about the little people. They've provided me a great place to earn a paycheck with cool perks. To name a few, tickets to Lagoon, Christmas turkey or ham, Chirstmas Day completeley off, vacation time, sick pay, wellness programs, employee rewards and so on. Today was interesting at work, to say the least. It just seemed like nothing was getting done, not for lack of trying might I add! We were crazy busy and I was starting to feel panicy about the up coming holiday and so on. So the gals and are busy doing our thing when they page all department managers up to the front end. No big deal, whatever. Then Glenn (my boss) calls our phone and asks Ellyn to tell me to go up front to help Glenn set up a display over by the deli and just meet him at the booth. Something was up. We weren't going to have a display over by the deli. So I go walking over to the booth from back in prodce and I see ALL the stores department managers and our store director waiting up from with Glenn grinning like a Cheshire cat and waving me over. My face starts burning up and I almost cried. I was nominated Employee of the Month for all my hard work, great customer service and so on. Part of my reward for this is a cake (Yum), ballons (the kids love them), a pin to go on my uniform, and a $50 gift card of my choice. I'm pretty stoked about this even though I was mortally embarrassed to be put in the spotlight like that while the front end was pack with customers and produce associates and other department managers! The whole store was full of hollering and clapping! All in all, it was a good day. So yeah, I'm thankful for my job and that I won't have a chance to be Employee of the Month for a long time again!!!!

Thanksgivings Days 18, 19 & 20

2008-11-20T19:11:00.003-07:00

I'm getting so busy at work that by the time I get home, I'm just exhausted! So that's why I haven't been as diligent in my blogging the past little while. Sorry!

Day 18 - I'm thankful for friends and friendships! I'm so glad I have friends and great friendships with them! Some people say they don't need friends, but I think that's why they are really lonely! I so enjoy having someone to talk to, to be with and to have fun with! So thank you to all of my friends!

Day 19 - I'm thankful for my day off today. This will be my last day off until after Thanksgiving. Nine days straight of working. It'll be rough, but well worth it! So I'm going to relax and de-stress and not worry about veggie trays!

Day 20 - I'm so very thankful for my husband! Not only is he my husband, he's my best friend! I just got home from work a little bit ago and I walked into a super clean house, dinner cooking and happy kids! He seems to know what I need most when I need it! Without him I'd be so lost! And Thomas, even though your are a butt sometimes, I do love you and appreciate every thing you do for the kids and I! Thank you!

Thanksgivings Day 17

2008-11-18T07:23:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I was thankful for chocolate. I know that sounds incredibly selfish, but there you go. There's just something about chocolate that gives you a nice, sweet little pick up saying everything is good at this moment. Chocolate is kinda like a band-aid for the soul. Yum!

Thanksgivings Day 16

2008-11-16T19:22:00.001-07:00

Today I'm thankful for time spent together as a family. We had a wonderful day today just being together as a family. We went to breakfast and a Christmas show and had a ball! We saw Santa, talked about all sorts things and just enjoyed each others company! I am so thankful for my little family, they make my day brighter and life such a good place!

Thanksgivings Days 13, 14, 15

2008-11-16T19:08:00.002-07:00

I'm such a slacker!!!!! Argh!!!! So my bad, that I've not been posting my thanks. Life has been busy, but that shouldn't be an excuse! So here goes for the past three days:

Day 13: My electric knife sharpener at work! Yes I do know how to sharpen my own knifes with a steel, but heck that takes a half an hour per knife! Time I do not have!!!! So with my nice nifty knife sharpener, my knifes go fro sadly dull to wickedly sharp in no time! It makes chopping veggies and fruits so very much easier!!!

Day 14: My daycare provider. Daisy and her daughters are absolutely awesome! They are the best caregivers I have had for my children so far! They teach the same principles to my children that I teach them, watch over them like hawks, make sure they are safe and are just so wonderful with my kiddos! I can't tell them thank you enough!!!

Day 15: Policemen. So I was driving down state street Saturday morning and one of those stupid bullet bikes came up behind me from the rear, rode my rear super close (I could see that the guys eyes were blue!) and then gunned it past me, in between me and another car and then proceeded to cut me off so I had to slam on the brakes. Right after I slammed on my brakes, the cop I didn't notice behind me flashes on his lights. So I'm thinking crap this is not going to be a good day. But instead of pulling me over, he pulled over the idiot on the bullet bike instead! Finally! So thank you to all the law enforcement officers out there that protect us and pull over those stupid bullet bike people!

Thanksgivings Day 12

2008-11-12T18:29:00.002-07:00

Today I'm thankful for my kids' school teachers. The are such wonderful, amazing people with such dedication to children! My kids love going to school, love their teachers and love learning! I'm so glad that and grateful for such good teachers! John has really come out of his shell, and Carol has really blossomed! They are both actually disappointed when it's the weekend or a holiday! So thank-you to all teachers out there who make learning fun and enjoyable and for teaching children because you truly care about children!

Thanksgivings Day 11

2008-11-12T18:24:00.002-07:00

Ok, ok, ok, I know, I missed yesterday's post. Yesterday was my day off, and boy, was I busy! I went up to Clinton to see my sister Stacy and her daughter Breezy and took John with me. Lets just say I'm thankful for who ever thought to put a dvd player in a car!!! John loved watching his cartoons while I drove up there and back. It's so nice to have something to entertain him while I drive!

Thanksgivings Day 10

2008-11-10T20:10:00.002-07:00

I am thankful today for the people I work with. My manager Glenn is a an awesome person to work for. We have loads of fun and great times while we work hard to keep produce looking good. My fellow teammates Ellyn and Dee Dee keep me very well entertained and help make the day pass by faster! The other guys on the crew are so much fun also. I don't think I would enjoy work so much if I didn't work with such stellar people! Produce is definitely the best place to work! I'm very thankful for the best work environment out there! Kudos!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

2008-11-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

8 ounces egg noodles, uncooked, medium size
1/3 cup flour
2 cups skim milk
1 1/2 cups Appenzellar cheese, shredded
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
2 tbsp brown mustard
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup cooked ham, diced
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While the noodles cook, lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Combine flour and 1/3 cup milk in a saucepan, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Place the pan over medium heat, whisk in the rest of the milk and mustard. Cook 6 minutes or until mixture begins to thicken, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low. Add the cheese, stirring until melted. Stir in the chicken, peas, ham and black pepper and serve hot over the drained noodles. The Appenzellar cheese can be substituted with a Swiss or Jarlsberg cheese.

Thankgivings Day 9

2008-11-09T18:01:00.002-07:00

Sunday. There are so many things I am thankful for on Sundays. I was thinking in church today about what I could write and it hit me, I'm thankful for my freedom of religion. I know I wrote earlier this week about my freedom to vote, but this freedom is much greater in my eyes. Our great country was founded by people who wished to get out from under the tyrannical thumb of the King of England so they could have the freedom to worship their beliefs that they choose, not the King. Without these peoples desire to be free, this county would not have been created and set up for the Restoration of the Gospel. I am very thankful that I could sit in church today and worship freely, pray openly, sing hymns, and enjoy the blessings of the sacrament. Yes, today I am very thankful for my freedom of religion.

Thankgivings Day 8

2008-11-08T18:16:00.002-07:00

Today's the 8th of November, and I'm thankful college football season will be over soon! I really don't mind it that much, I'm just not a huge fan! I'd rather be watching a movie and snuggling with my husband than sitting here on the computer blogging and listening to college ball. I know way more than I ever wanted to know about football. Why do I need to know that Utah played their blackout game against the Horned Frogs I don't know!!! Or that BYU has only lost one game this season but yet they rank only 17th. Huh. I don't get it. I don't want to get it either. But in order to have a conversation with my husband while he's watching the games intently, I come up with these questions. I am glad that he's not much into the NFL this year and that college fb is almost over. The final games are coming and then I'll only have to deal with he bowl games. WhoooHoooo!

Thanksgivings Day 7

2008-11-07T19:26:00.003-07:00

Today I am very thankful my husband is coming home! He's been gone to a Les Schwab Tire's brakes class that is required to promote up into a supervisor position. He left on Wednesday morning to drive to Prineville Oregon. The kids and I have missed him something fierce, but we are glad he's at his class. So he'll be home around 11:00pm tonight! It's funny how our home feels different when he's gone. the kids said they are going to try to stay awake to see their Dad, we'll see about that! Thank goodness tomorrow is Saturday and they don't have school! Thomas has the day off also, so they get to be with their Dad all day. Unfortunatly I do have to work, but I'll get all day Sunday with Thomas and the kids! I'm so excited he's coming home!!!

Thanksgivings Day 6

2008-11-06T22:15:00.003-07:00

Today I'm thankful for colored paper, scissors and glue. These three simple things are heaven sent. My darling children where absolutely insane tonight while I was getting dinner ready and the house picked up. But give a child three simple items and silence fills the house as they create princess crowns and monsters. Dinner didn't get burned, the floor vacuumed and the house is at peace. The kids are happy, Mama's happy and all is well. Now I wonder if someone has invented something to remove the mysterious blob of paper and glue from my tabletop?

Thanksgivings Day 5

2008-11-05T19:31:00.002-07:00

So today I'm very thankful for books. I love books, fiction, nonfiction and so on. I can't get enough! Without books, we'd only have the stories of others close to us to listen to. With books we can read about others' stories without having to leave our home! Last night, my daughter, Carol read her first book all by herself! It was just a really simple book, but she read it! I am so proud of her! She's loved reading with me, but now, she can start discovering a new world with every book she opens up and reads! I can't wait to share with her some of my childhood favorites! I am so lucky to live in a place where I can get as many books as I want from the local library and enjoy! So pick up a book tonight, and immerse yourself in a different world and enjoy!

November 4th Thanksgiving

2008-11-04T16:08:00.002-07:00

Today I am very thankful for my choice to vote. Not only is it my choice, but my right and my freedom! I have the freedom to choose who I will vote for, and have a chance to voice my opinion on who runs the government, what laws passes and so on. Without this freedom, I would not have a say on what happens in this country I live in. I could be stuck living under the iron fist of a dictatorship and have no voice at all. Here in the United States, we all have a voice, all have an opinion and all have a choice. So make you choice and let your voice be heard instead of complaining about something you could change! Voting is a major thing to be thankful for, and I'm proud of my chance and choice to vote!

Thanksgivings

2008-11-03T18:21:00.004-07:00

So, I've just read my sisters' blogs, Patty and Tiana, and I've been inspired to try to be more thankful this month, being Thanksgiving and all. I've had a pretty rough day today, but after reading their blogs, I feel uplifted and at peace, like this was what I was looking for today to help me get through everything. So, like Patty, I'm going to try to post something I'm thankful for every day this month. All three of my sisters have such beautiful testimonies and their words seemed to uplift today. Thank you for that! And since it's November 3rd today, I need to post three things I'm thankful for. So here goes . . . . .

#1 - I'm thankful for family. All of my family. Husband, kids, parents, brothers, sisters and so on. Without them, I'd be so lost. I love my family so very very much! I know we all annoy each other at times, but heck how boring would life be if we weren't all different? I enjoy spending time with all of them, and wish that I had spent more time with everyone before they all moved away! As for Thomas and the kids, wow, I can't love them enough! Thomas is such a solid rock for me and gives me such love and support! And the kiddos, they are the best!

#2 - I'm thankful for rain! For one, I just love rain. Secondly, rain brings so many wonderful things! Fresh smells & Life! I love being able to sit at home listening to the rain with my window cracked just a little bit to let in that wonderful smell! It's just so refreshing!

#3 - And finally, for today, I'm grateful for prayer. Without prayer, I don't know how I would have made it through today. Thomas was in a car wreck this morning and totaled his car. He's ok, he just has a gooseegg on his head and a scrape or two. I was so freaked out after he called, wondering how we'd make everything work out, towing bill, paying a ticket, paying for a new vehicle, how would Thomas get to work until finding a new car, what to do with the totaled car, and everything else. Stress upon stress, anxiety attack galore. Then I remembered one of those saying boards, "When life gets too hard to stand, Kneel." So I did. Afterwards I felt a little bit better, at least able to face the day. And throughout the day,as I went to work, then up to SLC to take care of the car, and so on, everything seems to be working out. My husband was ok, it could have been a lot worse. My boss worked with me, and I was able to go up to SLC to help Thomas with taking care of the car. Yes the car is totaled, but the towing company said that if we sign the title over to them, we wouldn't have to pay the towing bill or storage fee and they'd take care of the car. The damage on the other vehicle was minimal. Thank goodness for insurance. The driver of the other vehicle is ok, and very nice. Thomas's boss is letting him borrow a service truck until we find a different car. Thomas's parents have a small car that they'll let us buy. Thomas isn't badly hurt. As for the ticket, well, we'll just deal with it. But without prayer, I don't think my day would have gotten better, but worse. And after reading Patty's and Tiana's blogs, their words gave me a final bit of peace to where I can now see everything is really going to be ok and I have so much to be thankful for. Like it says in the scriptures:
"Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37: 36-37)

Butternut Squash Bisque

2008-10-26T19:44:00.002-06:00

This is a very yummy, warm your toes bisque! Great for fall weather and wintertime!

2 TBSP butter or olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped
32 oz chicken of vegetable squash
1/2 tsp poultry seasoning or to taste
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup Half and Half or Heavy whipping cream

In a large pot, melt butt or heat oil. Sautee veggies in oil for 5 minutes. Add seasonings. Cover veggies with broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes or until everything is very tender. Transfer all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Return to pot, bring to a simmer and add half and half to obtain desired consistency.

The Littlest Pumpkin

2008-10-13T21:42:00.003-06:00

Thanks to my sis for this new pic. I just could not resist!!!!!! Isn't he sooooo cute!!! The Gram has dubbed him the candy corn baby. I can't wait to go see him again!

Carol's Birthday Party

2008-10-11T21:33:00.003-06:00

Tonight, we celebrated Carol's 6th Birthday out at my parents house. What a fun time! Oupa and Granny, Aunt Debbie, RJ, Stacy and Kambree and my parents were all there out at my parent's home. For birthday dinner we had hot dogs and steak cooked on the campfire, cheetos, funeral potatoes, rolls, and green salad. Roll out the Pepto!!! Thomas was able to make it for dessert, which was a good thing. Carol was sooooo excited about her birthday cake. It was a cake built out of cupcakes to look like a cupcake! After trying to blow out the tricktsy candles, we opened presents!!! Carol was so excited! She got some Diamond Castle Barbies, clothes, a necklace kit, a stuffed puppy and all sorts of great stuff!!! It was such a good day!!!!

The Great Pumpkin

2008-10-11T21:11:00.004-06:00

Miss Breezy and her Daddy

John Picking Jack's Pumpkin

Carol and her Pumpkin

Kambree and the Candies

So every year we go out to my folk's place and get our pumpkins for Halloween. It was freezing cold this year!!!! We had snow flakes this morning, and the wind was blowing and it was just down righ cold!!! For some magical reason, Papa and Gram get the biggest and best pumpkins overnight. It must be Gram's special miracle grow or something. John picked out Jackbug's first pumpkin, Carol picked out Tiana's pumpkin, John picked Uncle Lew's pumpkin and Carol picked out Patty's pumpkin and so on. Miss Breezy was there too, and had a jolly time getting into Gram's treat bowl and entertaining all of us during dinner. It's was such a fun time, even though we missed Lew & Patty and Tiana, Dan and Jackbug.

My Sister's Taco Soup

2008-10-08T19:13:00.000-06:00

1 lb browned ground beef
1/2 onion
10 oz can Rotel tomatoes
15 oz can corn (do not drain)
15 oz can stewed tomatoes (do not drain)
15 oz can diced tomatos (do not drain)
15 oz can kidney beans (do not drain)
15 oz can pinto beans (do not drain)
5 oz can diced chiles
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg dry Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing mix

Combine in a crock pot for on low for 6 hours. Delicious when served with shredded cheese, sour cream, and scoop tortilla chips.

He's Here!!!!

2008-10-03T21:03:00.003-06:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm so excited! My nephew, Jack Charles Miller has arrived! He was Born October 1st, 2008 at 2:04 A.M. He is 5 pounds 15 ounces and 18 1/4 inches long and just too cute! I have not met this little guy in person yet, hopefully Sunday. But from the pictures I scalped from Dan, I'm in love with this little guy! Oh he's just adorable! He's got the cutest little pout! And what kissable cheeks! Sorry, I'm having an Aunty moment! Kinda excited here! My sister, Tiana is doing just fine, from what I hear she was very calm during labor and delivery! She's going to be such an awesome Mommy! I am also very proud to call Dan my brother in law. He didn't pass out or wuss out like my husband did during labor and delivery. Congrats to the new little family! Oooooooohhhhhhh he's just sooooooooo cute!!!!! :)

Sina's Good Eats

Best Cocoa Mix Ever!

Roasted Ranch Potatoes

Homemade Applesauce!

Apple Bread

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Fried Green Maters

Fruit Pizza

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Strawberry Time!

Lime Cheesecake

Chocolate Caramel Pie

"La Brea Tar Pit" Chicken Wings

I Hate Packing!

What to do?

Grilling Time!

What I'm reading...

So much for last year!

Easy Tiramisu Pie

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

Sugar Plum Pudding

Berry Gingerbread Waffles

Cranberry Chutney

Dulce De Leche Bars

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Blueberry Cinnamon Doughnuts

Mint Truffles

Happy Autumn!

It Is Time....

Favorite Summer Salad

Hey Hey Hey Yogi

Camping

Kinda Big Update

Easy Easy Fruit Dip

Poached Salmon Salad

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Avocados!

Curried Carrot Bisque

Citrus is the Bomb!

My Favorite Snack

Healthy Philly CheeseSteak

All Righty Peeps

Merry Christmas!

Silent night, holy night!Shepherds quake at the sightGlories stream from heaven afarHeavenly hosts sing Alleluia!Christ, the Saviour is bornChrist, the Saviour is born

Sufganiot - Hanukkah Doughnuts

Ingredients:

Christmas Rice Pudding

Snowman Poop

Gingerbread Guys

Ingredients

Directions

Tis the Season!

Ingredients

Directions

Butternut Squash Bisque

Butternut bisque busters

Pumpkin!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Scentsy Party!!!!

Apple Muffins

Is It Autumn Yet?

Summertime Recap

Fried Green Tomatoes!!!

Dad

Good Cafe Rioish Chicken

Happy Birthday John

Mother's Day

Grilled Veggies

Scentsy Party

Jack O Lantern Anyone?

Strawberry Jam

Gone to the Dogs

Roasted Asparagus

My Latest Sin

Busy Days

Tortilla Soup

This is the End . . . .

I Have a Problem

Divinity

Easiest Fudge Ever

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born