Cranberry Crunch...YUMMMMMM!!!!

As promised from last year I am posting this recipe from our Thanksgiving meal.  It was delicious.  Everyone.....except my dear husband loved it.   G.G.  loves the traditional cranberry sauce.  He prefers it straight from the can with the lines and all.......  YUCK.

Cranberry Crunch

1 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup flour
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

Mix everything together except the sauce.  Spread half of the oatmeal stuff in a pie plate.  Spread the Sauce.  Crumble the rest on top.

Bake at 350* for about 35 minutes.

This was taken before baking.

I found this recipe over at the Southern Plate.  She has some great pictures of the finished product too.  She has even topped it with vanilla ice cream.   If you have never been to the Southern Plate blog.....go check out Miss Christy.  While I don't know her personally......I consider her my friend.

http://www.southernplate.com/2011/11/cranberry-crunch-and-ghosts-of-thanksgiving-past.html

Yes, that is a disco ball.  Tramp loves to chase the sparkles across the yard.

This is about as fall as it gets here at our house.  Happy Fall Friends!

Redneck or Cajun Sushi... you decide.

This one goes out to my buddy, R.B.   She's my in-bred Cajun friend.  I'm her in-bred RedNeck Gal.   Us white-trash folks like to stick together.  It's like Thelma & Louise...except we've never committed murder nor do we have plans to drive off the side of the Grand Canyon.  I don't get to see her often but when I do...it seems like old times.   Good times!   Now, there are some people in life that you meet that just mesh into your world.  That is R.B.  I honestly haven't known her for that long.  It isn't like she is a high-school or college friend. She was my first friend that I met & liked...when we moved here to the big D.  Sometimes friends come along that just feel right.  She is one of them.  She is the CAJUN.  She moved.  (I am still upset with her about that.)  She is smarter than me and her hubby is my go-to computer geek.  It is nice to have one of those types listed on your contact list isn't it?!!   (Well, I like to let her think she is smarter...)  R.B. needs a boost every now & then...after all, she is married to "The Computer Geek of LaFayette."  Now...enough with the mush.

So here goes what  I have made in honor of her...  Sushi.   Now, everybody knows rednecks & cajuns just don't eat raw fish.  That just ain't right.  Something just ain't natural 'bout that. We hunt, fish, fry, trap, bait, smoke, broil, & boil.  I think that 'bout covers it for us.  I texted her about this post and she snarled and gagged.  Her response alone left me slightly disturbed.  If she ever reads this post.....I might be off her christmas card list.    I am laughing now at the thought of what she will say.  She loves me....  Her children love me.  I will bribe them with ice-cream & cookies someday soon.

This is super easy...that's how us in-bred folks like it.  EASY.

Go grab yo'self a jar of dill pickles.  I bought da ones dat were medium sized.  

Buy yo'self a package of thin sliced ham and a carton of spreadable cream cheese.

Soften the cream cheese up a bit...trust me here.

Spread some on 2 or three slices of ham and roll 'em around the pickle.

Chill'em for a while and then slice'em.

That's it folks!

ps....please read this blog post in your best southern-redneck-drawl.  It just sounds better that way.

* 7/10/12   I made this tonight again and added a layer of spinach leaves between the ham & cream cheese.   Love it!!!

Strawberry Pie...oh my.....

Did I mention STRAWBERRY PIE?  Fresh STRAWBERRY PIE!!

My husband wanted this for his birthday dinner  this year.  Usually, he asks for carrot cake.  It is always a good choice.  This year, the big guy changed his mind!!!   Can I get an AMEN now?? 

This pie is one step above amazing.  This is the stuff dreams are made of.  Are you drooling yet??  Trust me here!!!   I am drooling!   I am also kinda sad because there wasn't any left this morning after the kids finished it off.   Grrr.....

First you have to make this crust...don't worry!  It is super easy and totally looks like it was difficult.  It will impress all around you!!!  

Super Easy Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt..   (I have been using kosher salt.)

1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

2 Tablespoons milk

1/2 cup cooking oil

Combine the dry stuff in the pie pan.  Slowly add in the milk & oil.  It looks really disgusting before it is all mixed together.  Just don't look at it too closely.  Mix it together with a fork and mash it all together to fit the pan.  Bake at 350* until browned...which should be between 10 and 15 minutes.  Let this cool before you add the pie stuff.

Strawberry Pie

1 cup sugar

3 heaping Tablespoons of cornstarch

3 Tablespoons of strawberry jello mix

1 cup water

1 pint of strawberries,  hulled and halved

In a medium saucepan, combine everything except the berries.

Stir well and cook over medium heat until the get stuff is thick and clear.  Stir this constantly to prevent scorching.  Set it aside until cooled down.

Arrange the berries in the pre-cooked pie crust.  

Pour the strawberry gel stuff over the berries and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Top with whipped cream if you like.   I will pass on that.  I'm a purist.

PLEASE INVITE ME OVER FOR DESSERT NOW!

I can't claim fame to these recipes.  They came from my new favorite book.  

The Southern Plate by Christy Jordan.

This is the link to her website.  She is the girl who gave me the recipe for her peanut butter frosting.  Yes, I like to think that we are BFF's.  Someday, Christy, Ree & I will get together and drink ice tea on the deck at the ranch.  After that, we will contemplate the meaning of life & donuts.

http://www.southernplate.com/

Chicken & Veggie Marinade

I found this recipe in a magazine a few summers ago.  I am not sure what kind of magazine it was.  But I know it wasn't one of those subscriptions I pay for yearly.
This recipe just does something incredible to grilled chicken.....

1/3 cup grapefruit juice... (Orange juice can be subbed here.)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 package of good seasons dry italian dressing mix ( It comes in a box with 4 packages.)

Combine all that together and let the chicken marinade in this for an hour or two.  I just throw it all in a large ziploc and rotate around every so often.   (This can also be thrown all in a bag and frozen for up to 3 months.)
.....or just brush on veggies and grill.

If you are familiar with SaltGrass steakhouse....  This tastes like the marinade they use on their poultry & vegetables.  Try it and tell me what you think!

I didn't brush it on the pineapples here.  I just cut it up and threw on the grill.  Grilled pineapple is amazing.  Try it.  You can use either a fresh one or just buy a can of rings.  Either way, it is good!


I always grill extra chicken.  It makes a great chicken salad.  Chop it all up with one of the pineapple slices.  Add some mayo and toasted pecans and whatever else you want in your salad...Amazing Stuff there.

RIce Krispie Treats...or Cooking 101 with CG.

Well, it is like this........... My baby girl, Miss C.G. is growing up fast, too fast.  I often think I have failed as her mother.  That child can barely make toast.  Well, actually the toaster is her preferred cooking appliance.  She can make waffles and toaster strudel.   Gourmet to her is spreading peanut butter on  toast.  I can't judge on that.  I like PB on just about anything too.   I think I taught her this trick.  My baby girl can read though.......I harbor thoughts that someday she will be able to make ramen noodles.  Isn't there a recipe on the package?

yes....unknowingly she posed for this!

Off of that subject for a minute.....

Now that I have your attention....Lets make Rice Krispie Treats.  Seriously, these are so much better that the pre-packaged ones.  Warning though......SERIOUSLY ADDICTING!  In their defense.....these are so much better than they are in a bowl with milk.  This recipe isn't on the box of cereal or the bag of marshmallows.  These are better.  I promise!!!  And there isn't any measuring involved!!!  SCORE!

Ok...baby girl.  This is super easy.........  You will need all of the stuff you see in this picture.  (I usually use the store brand marshmallow creme.  The store was out of it the day I went shopping.)

Open the butter and the marshmallows and the creme.  Put it all in a really large pan.  Heat it to melting on LOW.  You will need to stir  often here.   You really don't want this to scorch and burn.

It will look like this picture you see here......all melted and yummy.  

I don't want to mess you up too much here....but this is the time you can add a capful of vanilla.  It is the stuff in the bottle in the above picture.  Stir it all around with the melted marshmallows.

After you stir it for a second or two.....it is time to open the rice krispies and dump the entire box into the marshmallow stuff.   (If you were measuring now...it would be about 8 cups.)   Stir really well and if you want to get a little CRAZY...then pour in some sprinkles.  Your friends will be amazed at your creativity now!!!!

Now, spray a GLASS baking dish with cooking spray and butter up your fingers.  Spread the stuff all around in the dish and mush it together.  You can eat it when it is cooled.

NOW go and impress your friends.   Good Job Miss C.G.!!!  Mommy is proud of you!!

Seriously, use a glass  casserole dish.  If you use a metal cake pan then the treats will taste like metal.  YUCK!


p.s....there are no knives involved with making these treats.  You should be good here.  Ask someone else to cut them from the pan please.


p.p.s.....Another fun option for these include a handful of mini chocolate chips mixed in with the cereal.

Seriously Good Banana Pudding.......

Hungry Yet????

Well you should be needing a snack about now if you are checking out my little blog and seeing this picture.  

My husband has a fondness for banana pudding.  You know...the good stuff made with a recipe and with a layer of meringue sitting on top.  If you are thinking that it seems too time consuming for you to do, wait, here is my little secret.............I now give the recipe to my daughter and tell her to get busy!!!   And yes, her reward includes washing the dishes too.  Seriously...isn't it my job as the parent to teach her some life skills?    He wants pudding.  She wants to bake......and I don't want to do the dishes.  It is a win-win for all at our house.

I didn't create this recipe.  I found it in a Southern Living Magazine several years ago.  I did add one tiny tweak to the recipe.  Please make this!  Please make this when you have family in town and want to impress them with your culinary skills.  

Banana Pudding

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for you non-cinnamon people)

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

2 1/2 cups milk

4 large eggs, separated and at room temperature

2 T. Vanilla

1 box of vanilla wafers

3 large ripe bananas

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Combine the first 3 ingredients.  Stir together the milks and egg yolks.  Whisk into the dry stuff.  Cook over medium heat until it is smooth and thickened.  Please whisk constantly!  (I have one of those silicone gravy whisks from pampered chef.  It really does a good job with this task...again, I make the girl child do this.)  Remove from heat when thickened and add the vanilla.

Arrange wafers in the bottom of a glass baking dish.  Slice about 3 bananas on top.  I like them kinda thin.  Pour the pudding over this.  

Arrange more wafers along the sides of the dish.  You can add another layer of wafers on top of the pudding if you wish.  

Beat the egg whites until foamy.  Add 1/3 cup of sugar, slowly.  Beat until stiff and fold in the rest of the vanilla.  Gently spread it on top and try to spread it around until it touches the sides of the wafers.

(You could sprinkle a little crystal turbino sugar on top here and get some bling!)

Bake @ 325 for about 25 minutes or until golden.

*Sometimes I add an extra egg white.  It all depends on the size of the eggs I have.

Enjoy!  

Is it worth both my time & money to find & do this?

Those are questions that haunt me.  I am constantly thinking.....can I do this cheaper at home?  Will it be worth the effort?  I enjoy the comforts of home.   I enjoy being home with the kids.  I detest going to the grocery store.  I don't mind walking the aisles browsing.  I usually find someone  to chat with for a few minutes.  I enjoy looking around to see what is new on the shelves.  I hate the check-out line.  I hate waiting to pay.  I hate paying.  I always think...this is ridiculous.  Why didn't I find more coupons?  Could this be on sale elsewhere?  Maybe I should have price-matched more?  I also hate getting it all out of the car and sorting into the pantry and refrigerator.

Recently, I started buying instant oatmeal for my children again.  I use the word "children" loosely here.  They are teenagers and they love the Quaker Dinosaur Egg Oatmeal.   They will eat it at every meal if given the option.  The average price for a box  is approximately $2.50.  That was the sale price back in December at Tom Thumb.  Santa Claus left them a box in their stockings this year!!!!  It can be difficult to find.  It is never EVER at Wal-Mart or Target.  I have wasted all kinds of time driving across town trying to find it. When I do find the stuff I always purchase at least 3 boxes.

I tried making this over the weekend.  Over-all, it isn't too bad.   I liked it.  Isn't that enough?   I would like to find a way to make the tiny dinosaur candy eggs.  That would make me both awesome...and amazing.  (There might be some tiny dinosaurs at the mall candy store??) That idea needs to be googled.

would these work?

INSTANT OATMEAL MIX
6 cups oatmeal....    (I think I will pre-toast this stuff on broil the next time I make it.)
1 1/3 cup dry milk
1 cup dried apples, chop them into tiny pieces..(or any type of dried fruit.)
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or  cloves

Combine all that and store in a dry container.

To serve:  ReShake the container

1/2 cup mix & 1/2 cup water.....microwave 45 seconds.  Stir.  Eat.
or boil the water on stove...add the oatmeal and cook for a minute.  You decide what it best here.
It was kinda thick in the microwave.  The boy-child didn't like the texture.  (He is THAT kind of kid.)
But again, I liked it.    I think a little bit of extra water might be good for the microwave...maybe a Tablespoon or two.

*Rinse the bowl out well.  The bowl residue really becomes glue-like if left waiting on the dish-washer to arrive and do chores.  (yes, learn from my mistakes.....the maid doesn't work here anymore.)

*note...I didn't have the quick cooking oatmeal.  I had the other kind.  I just ran it through the micro-chopper for a few seconds.    I also didn't add the dried fruit.  I am going to add that  after I cook it.

This made a ton.  It was way cheaper than the box stuff.  I liked it and I didn't have to leave the house to find any ingredients.   Score!  Or maybe I am "WINNING!" ??????

Edna Mae is in the house.

In a previous post, I mentioned that Ree Drummond should be my bff.  She inspires me daily....despite the fact that we have never met.  OK, she is on my bucket list.  Someday, I will meet her and we will hang out on her porch, drink iced coffee and watch the sunset. We will play with our cameras and catch up on local gossip.   I will also bring my daughter, M.G.  She will want to ride the horses.  My husband & the Marlbaro Man will build fences and drive cattle somewhere.  At the end of the day.......we will sleep at the lodge and make plans for Thanksgiving.  The other kids will play, ride and act like goof-balls.    


Ree introduced me to Edna Mae this past Christmas.  We love her....immensely. Unfortunately, I can't cross Ree off my list yet....  Santa just brought me her book.

Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes
1cup sour cream
7 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
a smidge of cinnamon


Mix that all together and cook on a buttered griddle.  Be prepared to mix up another batch. These won't last long.  They kind of taste like a funnel cake.   BTW.....  get out the maple syrup for these.  Save the Jemima for Jack!!!!  (Hungry Jack)

(isn't this guy cute.....  that little freckle on his cheek makes him pinchable!)

C.G. is my syrup-snob.  His sister bought him maple syrup for Christmas.

Maybe I should make him more pancakes now???

Friday the 13th.....I rambled.

Today was a big day at our house.  (The End.)  Yes, that sounds cryptic, mysterious and intriguing....but that is all I want to say.  Text or call me for more details if you are a curious friend or just curious.  The number is 867-5309.

As I entered into this day, I knew I needed something to kick my mind into thinking and doing.  Therefore, I blogged.  I needed to make some kind of treat for the teens at our church and I really didn't want to run to the grocery store in search of anything.  I don't want to get dressed and wear anything but the flannels until 3:30 this afternoon.....thus I cleaned out the pantry and googled.  I found a box of "confetti cake mix".  (My husband hates cake.  I am still wondering why I bought this box.  Most likely, it was on sale.)

Currently, I am calling this "Cake Mix Brownies".  Yep, that is boring.  If it is any good.....I will consider changing the name.  How does "Party in a Pan" sound?

My puppy licked the egg shells. (Maybe I shouldn't be publicly admitting this???)  Would the health department need to know this?  Oh dear, didn't I send these to church?  It is a good thing that prayer covers all kinds of mistakes.  Will they ever forgive me for letting the dog lick the eggs?  Wait, I should be more concerned about the Lord forgiving me for this mistake.   Oops.....I should stop rambling now.

My cast of characters for the morning event included..............

This was super easy..... melt a stick of butter.  Add it and 2 eggs to the dry cake mix.  

Mash it into a brownie pan.  Mix up the cream cheese & 2 cups of powdered sugar.

Spread that on top.  Bake it for about 30 minutes at 350*.  Cool and Cut.

This stuff was easy.  I think the teens will like it.

I cleaned out my pantry.  It was decent.  It was edible.  It looked pretty.  BAM.  

It might be better with a chocolate mix...What about flavored cream cheese??

p.s...   I found this recipe on the Duncan Hines web page.  

It worked!! Amazingly Easy Caramels.

Like the majority of stay at home moms these days......  I have been spending a small portion my day wasting time on Pinterest.  Yes, I am willing to admit that it is "kinda-sorta" a big waste of my day.   But, it has more potential for doing good around the house than Facebook does!!!   I love to peruse the outfits that are put together and dream of wearing them and, of course,  I always look amazing.  (Don't forget this is my day-dream.)   I love to look at all of the projects I could make and pictures I could take.  Who doesn't right??  And don't let me forget all of the decorating ideas that I pinned on my Holiday board.  This brings me to all the cooking ideas.......WOW!   This place really lets me channel my inner Martha Stewart.....just without all of the embezzling.    Now Bedazzling........  that is a whole other story.  BRING ON THE GLITTER BABY!!!!!


Let me get back to that cooking stuff.  I found this recipe for making caramels in the microwave.  I needed to justify my love for Pinterest.  I had about 6 minutes to spare and all the necessary ingredients.  This stuff blew me away with the easy factor.   It might be amazing to layer it in some brownies or  bar cookie.   Maybe some apple pie????   The yum factor here is above a 10!!!   I might be giving this stuff as gifts to teachers and friends.  


Here goes....


1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Combine that together in a microwavable dish.  (I used a large batter bowl.)
Heat for 6 minutes and stir every 2 minutes.

Stir again and pour into a lightly greased dish.

Let cool and cut into pieces and wrap individually into wax paper squares.  I wonder if parchment paper would be better?

Enjoy......  Merry Christmas!  From me and Pinterest.

A Thanksgiving Classic............

A year or so on facebook...the lovely Julie H. commented on a post of mine about making Thanksgiving dinner.   I mentioned that this stuff was a staple at our house.  I like it just because I can forget about it and worry about something else that needs to be baking.  I found the recipe in a Southern Living magazine and adopted it as mine.  Some might call it plagairism.  I call it MINE.  You decide..............




CROCK POT DRESSING...
Ona’s Slowcooker Cornbread Dressing

4 ½ cups cornbread crumbs (I typically make cornbread the day before.)
1 (16 oz) pkg herb stuffing mix (Pepperidge Farm)
2 (10 3/4) oz cans cream of chicken soup
2 (14 oz) cans low sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup celery, chopped
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon rubbed sage  (sometimes I forget to buy this stuff..)
½ teaspoon salt – (I always use kosher sea salt)
½ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, cut up

Stir everything together in a LARGE bowl. Pour it into a large lightly greased crockpot & dot it with the butter.
Cook, covered, on low for about 4 hours or until cooked through & set.



so easy...so yummy...and it totally leaves the oven ready for something else!!!!!     Don't forget the slow-cooker liner and you will avoid clean-up too!!!!!   Oh yeah!

It might have been nicer if that picture of my crock pot showed the actual dressing.  I think I was just bored with a camera last year........  I  also think I should have washed the outside a little bit better.

• 

**** 11/27/2014 edit   This year I altered it just a bit and made the stuffing even more amazing.  I cooked a tube of Jimmy Dean sausage and added it to the stuffing along with about a half can of chicken broth.   No words can describe how remarkably amazing the stuffing is with this small change of BIG FLAVOR.

Would someone please make this for me?

Ok,  last week on GMT they had a girl on there making appetizers.  She made this and all the teens in the audience were going crazy for this stuff.  This stuff is all I have been thinking of when I am in the kitchen or grocery store.  I am avoiding it.  I think it might be amazing and I am afraid to go there.  Anything with BACON!!!!!

Here goes............

Get a brownie pan and layer this stuff in it.

1 brick of cream cheese....softened and spread out.
1 jar of pumpkin butter
crumbled bacon
green onions
toasted pecans

I saw a bag of "Stacy's Pita Chips" at Sams yesterday.  They were gingerbread flavored.  Would that work?
Wheat thins might also be a good one to dip into it.

Someone?  Please?  Make this and let me know!!



11/29/11....... Here is the official picture of that madness.  It was awesome.  It was different.

Cinnamon Roll Birthday Pancakes!!

 

Can you say "YUMMO!!"  This past week little Mr. C.G. had his 12th birthday.  We were so overwhelmed with school, band, baseball games, homework and the world series that he didn't get to open presents until 2 days after the fact.  What does this say about our lifestyle?   Obviously, We need to hire a live-in housekeeper and chef.  I will find an "Alice" immediately!   (Brady Bunch reference there..)  Now taking applications.......

This morning, C.G. and his sister woke up and begged for Cinnamon Roll pancakes.  Beware of these babies.  They will cost you some major calories.  The good news is you will get major bonus points in the cool mom category.   We all know that those points don't come too easily.   These little babies are amazing.  These little babies are the next best thing to the cinnamon rolls I made last month.  Too many of these babies and you get to shop for new clothes in a bigger size........

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes........
1 1/2 c flour
3 T. sugar
1/2 t. salt
4 t. baking powder
1 T. cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk
1 T. corn syrup
1/4 c. butter, melted
1 T. vanilla

Mix all that together and cook like pancakes on a griddle.  (someday, I might try these in the waffle press..... ???)

Combine this stuff and drizzle.....
butter, softened 1/4 cup
powder sugar, 1 cup
maple syrup, 1 T.
Milk   1/4 cup

Because lil C.G. is a syrup snob;  He won't use Aunt Jemima on his pancakes anymore.  He prefers the good stuff on top............  MAPLE SYRUP.  He drizzles some of that too.  Heaven Help Me NOW..... I have created a little monster.   Please forgive me future wife of his.  :)  He is pretty darn cute, tho!!!!!!

HAPPY HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY C.G. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(P.S.   Tiger loves you too. )

Today starts with Granola............

 Yep, you can call me a hippie.  Yep, you can say it sounds a little too healthy for your taste buds.  BUT, that is most likely not going to be my problem of the day.  IT is  healthier than the bag of M n M's I am wanting to devour.  Maybe I should mix those delicious little candies into the granola???  Talk about a match made in heaven....

Here goes.......  "Grooving with Granola Goodness"


Preheat oven to 350.
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
mix these together and microwave together about 3 minutes.  Whisk together until it is all dissolved together.
6 cups oatmeal, raw
2 cups chopped nuts....  I typically use a combination of pecans & almonds
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup shredded coconut
2 teaspoons cinnamon
mix all of that together and toss it with the syrup stuff.  Bake it for about 20 minutes.....stirring halfway.
1 cup raisins
1 cup craisins or dried cherries
or skip the dried fruits  and use chopped up chocolate chips or toffee pieces.


stir in the dried fruits and cool completely. 


Serve with vanilla yogurt and fresh blueberries.  OR just eat it out of a cup....... YUM!!!