Treat Recipes
Julie is hosting an online cookie-exchange so I thought that I would play along and post my cookie recipe. I got it from my mom, and it is excellent. It tastes just like those big pink-frosted cookies that you can buy in gas stations.
The Best Rolled Sugar Cookies
1 1/2 cup softened butter
2 cups white sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
5 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
In a large bowl cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Sitr in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and chill overnight. Roll and cut cookies. Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes. Makes about 40 cookies.
Behka asked me for my easy caramel recipe so I thought I would post that at the same time. First, if you want to start making candies you need to buy this book. It has so many good recipes and tips in it . I pull it out every year when I am making chocolates.
30 Minute Caramels
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 tsp salt
Butter a 9″ square baking pan and set aside. In a heavy 4 qt saucepan, combine milk, corn syrup, sugars, butter and salt. Place over medium heat and stir with a wooden spoon until mixture comes to a boil.
Clip on candy thermometer. Stir constantly to prevent scorching, cook to 240F or soft-ball stage. Pour into prepared pan. Cool until firm. Cut into 1 inch square. Makes 81 pieces.
Tips: Use a HEAVY knife to cut the caramels. Place an ice pack underneath to keep them cool while cutting. Waiting 24 hours will help make cutting them easier.
Tradition, Tradition
December 11, 2007 
My good friend, Behka, who is new to the blogging world, asked this question on her blog and here are my answers. What are your favorite Christmas traditions? What do you make sure you do each year? What do you love about the holiday season?
*A favorite tradition for me has always been cutting down the Christmas tree. It was always so much fun growing up and it is so much to go out with my own kids and see the excitement in their faces too.
*I love sending out and receiving Christmas cards, too. I almost always make them (for the last 6-7 years anyway) and normally I have them made, addressed and stamped by Nov. 15. And there they wait until after Thanksgiving when I mail them out, but it was Dec. 7 before I had my cards out this year. And I still have a stack I need to finish. Augh!
*I love making the goodies for Christmas. My mom always made homemade chocolates, just like her mom, and now I do too. I love to make sugar cookies and decorate them with the kids and last year I started making caramels as well. And the caramel recipe is super easy.
*Christmas Eve was always the best at my parents house. We would start the festivities with an odd assortment of food for dinner – cheese fondue, li’l smokies, veggies, cheese ball and crackers, chips and dip, turkey and rolls for sandwiches, etc. There was always a Christmas puzzle up to work on during spare time. We play our home-made Christmas bingo until everyone had won a prize or two. We use M&M’s as place markers and try not to eat them all before the game is done. We read the story out of the bible, although now we read it from this book. It is a beautiful book, and it quotes the King James version of the bible. And we always get to open a gift on Christmas Eve. It is always pajamas. Growing up, my mom made the pajamas for everyone. As a married woman, my mother-in-law does it for the grandkids but she didn’t this year, so they will open the pajamas that I got at Wal-mart for $5 on “black Friday.” After that we put out chocolate milk and home made chocolates for Santa and try to go to sleep.
*Each year my mother-in-law buys an advent calendar for the kids that has a chocolate for each day leading up to Christmas, and my kids look forward to this every year. When Oldest commented that his cousin was lucky (being the only child) because he didn’t have to share his chocolates with a brother and a sister, we talked about how he doesn’t have to share but he also doesn’t have a someone always there to play with.
*Christmas music. Growing up my mom always played a lot of great music at the Christmas time and I do as well. I have probably 12 cds that I just love to listen to so we listen to Christmas music non-stop from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years.
*A few years ago our Bishopric gave all the families in the ward these beautiful little white felt stockings, with a poem inside. Each year we put a personal goal, and family goals in the stocking as our “gifts” to Christ. The following Christmas Eve we pull out last years “gifts” and start again. My kids are getting old enough to do this now too and I can’t wait.
Your turn. Tell me about your favorite Christmas traditions in the comments or on your own blog.
Our holiday
Last week we played games: Skip-bo; Yahtzee; Blurt!; Imaginiff (so much fun!); Speed; Oh, Heck; Carolina Rummy (a personal favorite); Boom-O; and Freeze Tag
Watched movies: The Santa Claus 3, Hairspray (soo good) and Enchanted (very cute)
Assembled Puzzles: Eric Dowdle’s Portland puzzle (1000 pieces…took forever!) and a Christmas Santa one
Went shopping: Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and black Friday shopping at Wal-Mart and Target (up at 4 for this!- it was worth it though!) We stopped at K-Mart but ended up not going in.
Visited with DH’s mother, brother and sister and their families. Visited with friends. Played with my old volleyball team for a night (oh, how I miss it!)
Did haircuts – 11 of them!, plus I had my own hair cut and colored – love it!
Prepared food: I did the rolls, veggie tray, pumpkin pies, dip.
Enjoyed food: rolls, mashed potatoes, turkey, pie (way to much of this), veggies, eggs and more
Went on walks: to lunch one day and along the river by my folk’s house
Visited restaurants: Cracker Barrel, Panda Express, and Subway.
No wonder I am so tired! Although, I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I had a hard time saying goodbye and coming home. I loved being with my family and seeing some of my old friends. I could hardly stay awake on the way home, and now I can see why! It was busy, busy, but it was oh so good. We drove the 13+ hour drive in one day both ways. My kids did so good and I am so glad for this (thanks goodness for the dollar aisle at Target and portable DVD players.) We will spend the next few days getting back on a normal schedule, getting the house decorated for Christmas and cleaning out the car. It is covered in trash (despite my cleaning it out along the way), slinkies, books on tape, cds, movies, jackets, blankets, pillows and everything else that kids bring into the car, but don’t take it out.
Or maybe instead of doing any of this stuff, I will spend my time catching up on blogs.
Hey, I know what is important right?
Thanksgiving
Today we are with family in Utah, and we are having such a good time. I can’t imagine heading home and going back to the daily grind. I haven’t really had a chance to sit down and think about what I am thankful for until now, so here is my top five:
1. Hairspray on DVD. This movie just makes me happy.
2. Health – myself, my husband and my kids.
3. Family – I had no idea how much I would miss my parents and siblings when we moved…and I have three great kids and the best husband ever.
4. Mashed potatoes and my mom’s rolls. Really, need I say more?
5. Quiet. I just put A in bed, and he has entered a screaming/yelling phase and I might go crazy before it ends.
I hope that everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving day with family and friends. What are you thankful for today?
Disappointed & Pleased
When I weighed in Monday, I was disappointed to see that I had gained. I am trying to take comfort in Mahina’s comment from here. Because, really, I do feel different. I feel better. It will get there, right?!
I haven’t got near as much done before my mom arrives as I had hoped, but that is okay. I will spend the morning getting the house cleaned and clean sheets on the beds. I have clothes to fold and a stop at the grocery store to make. I’m planning on sloppy joes, baked beans and veggies for dinner tonight with my family, mom, brother and sister. Love the idea that Stie has over at her site right now. Share your recipes and maybe win! And, if you want, share your recipes with me too! I’m always on the prowl for new recipes…
I tried a new one last night and it was pretty good, I was pleased with it. It is from the Kraft magazine. It was for Speedy Chicken Stir-Fry. Here it is:
Cook 8 oz angel hair pasta (I used spaghetti and it was fine) according to directions. Add 2 cups chopped broccoli for the last three minutes. (I used a broccoli, cauliflower, carrot frozen veggie mix).
Cook sliced chicken breast in a pan on the stove over med-high heat (spray with Pam first) for 6-8 minutes, add 1/2 cup Light Asian Toasted Sesame dressing, 2 TBSP soy sauce, 1/4 tsp each of garlic powder, ground ginger and crushed red pepper (I left this out); cook for 1 minute. Drain pasta and mix with chicken mixture and serve. Very good.
Thoughts from last week
October 29, 2007
Filed under Chatter, Children, Food, LDS Church, Motherhood, Movies to see
Don’t doubt that thought to not get the “cool” cart at Safeway. When you fall for your children’s pleas and get the car cart you will end up with the loudest, most off balance cart ever. Your elbows will be sore when you are done shopping.
Going into the store for milk, and milk alone, is impossible. You will come out with tortillas, rice-a-roni, chips and raisins. And wheat thins. (And $60 later)
Don’t put son’s comforter and comforter cover back on his bed after you wash it. You will have to re-wash it the next day and try to get the cover back on. Again.
Don’t think that you will never say: “Don’t jump on the couch. Especially with a hammer in your mouth.” You will.
Don’t think that all the laundry will be done in one day. With the dryer needing to run everything for two 70 minute cycles (why is it doing this?!), it will take at least 3 days to get the laundry done. And then there will 3 more days worth of clothes to wash, dry, fold, and put away.
Don’t be surprised when, after watching N put on pink from head to toe, and you tell her that she is a ‘pink girl’, she yells, “I am black! My skin is black!”
Don’t stand on one foot with other foot twisted around while you give your talk in sacrament meeting. You will wonder through out the talk if you are going to faint.
Don’t freak out when you realize the stake president is on the stand. And. You. Are. Speaking.
Don’t get too excited about the Bourne Ultimatum DVD release, just because the Bourne Supremacy is on tv. That doesn’t mean that it comes out soon. Internet searches will not tell you the date. Who knows when it comes out? (I can’t wait!) Continue waiting patiently for Ocean’s 13 and Hairspray to come out on DVD. Both in November.
Pray when you feel most unworthy.
Smile when A starts taking Lighting and Mater to bed with him. Along with Doggy, Pupper and his beloved Froggy blanket. Before long there wont be room for him in that bed.
Don’t send son to his room for timeout. He will think it is fun to play Legos. Instead make him sit on daughters bed. He will not enjoy sitting on the purple bedspread.
Resist the temptation to run out to the mailbox at 9:00 on Friday morning. Just because People comes on Friday here (I had to wait until Monday to get it in Utah) does not mean that the mail will arrive before 2:00pm. I wonder if the mailman could make this his first stop on Fridays?
Try not to laugh when, during your primary class, you ask what the kids have had to sacrifice for being a church member and 9 year old girl responds (very seriously) that she tore a piece of paper in half. Huh? I was thinking maybe you couldn’t play in a sports game or go to a birthday party or something.
Instructions from my life the last couple of weeks
September 29, 2007
Filed under Children, Food, LDS Church, Motherhood, Movies to see, Utah Sites
INSTRUCTIONS FROM MY LIFE:
Don’t start painting boys room the day before Super-Saturday. You wont get to it again until at least three days later. (Before and After photos to come.)
Listen to dear husband when he tells you not to push to hard when you are priming. Otherwise, you will have to do two coats.
Don’t tell 6-year-old son that he can pick the color for his new room unless you are going to be okay with the bright green that he chooses.
When you try to convince your 2-year-old that he is a ‘big boy’ and should start to use the potty, don’t be surprised when he yells “I A BABY!” and runs the other way.
Convincing said 2-year-old that he is a boy when is insists he is a “g-earl!” will make you laugh.
When the spirit is telling you over and over again to pick up the Book of Mormon and read, you will be pleasantly surprised by what you find. His love will surround you, and you will feel peace.
Do that second coat of paint, even if you don’t want to.
Don’t believe that the scotch painters tape comes off as easily in real life as it does on tv.
Just because you gave 4-year-old daughter an empty backpack does not mean that she wont take a chain out of it and swing it around at school.
Target does not have shoes in said 4-year-old’s size. What is up with that?
Finding a book on your porch with a sticker from the library on it but no bar code or call number will drive you crazy for days. Who left it? Why? Where did it come from?
Do not buy 2 giant sized Symphony bars just because they were buy 1 get 1 free. You will regret it.
When you go to the store to buy DH some Diet Pepsi, and see that the price for a 12-pack is $5.69 + deposit and the price for a 2 liter is $2.29 you will be glad that you have kicked the caffeine and carbonation habit.
Just because you work out 4 times does not mean that you will lose weight. It doesn’t mean give up, however.
Going to play games with a bunch of couples you don’t know will turn out to be the highlight of your week.
Agreeing to make 5 baby blankets for area humanitarian effort should not be done. You will inevitably sew it wrong, and when you turn it right side out the batting will be on the outside and you will have to unpick the whole thing. Luckily you will eventually figure it out and the other four wont be so hard. You will, however, wish that you didn’t have to give the one with the cute Eskimos on it back. It is too cute.
When you read that Utah county got snow today you will insanely jealous that you weren’t there.
The movie Last Holiday will make you smile every time you watch it.
Super Saturday – Part 1
At our stake (several local congregations from my church) Super Saturday (a craft and class event for the women in our church) I took a class on Freezer Cooking. The woman that taught the class had a lot of knowledge, and was fun to listen to. She and her two friends get together every few months to do giant batches of freezer cooking. They typically do around 30 meals a day but have done as many as 54. It takes them three days. One day to shop, one day to prep (grate cheese, cook meat, prepare vegetables, etc.) and one day to put together meals. I am not cut out for such things. I am all about making extra spaghetti mix, taco meat and lasagnas. Because really, it isn’t any harder to make two lasagnas when you are all ready making one. And if you are browning beef for tacos, you may as well brown an extra pound to freeze for another day.
If any of you out there are cut out for this, I will share some of her tips. Here they are:
Make a master list of ingredients that you will need for every recipe and double, or triple check it. Make sure that you have enough ketchup and lemon juice, for example, because one recipe that calls for 2 tablespoons made 6 times means that you will need 12 tablespoons. You wont want to have to go to the store in the middle of mega-cooking day.
Don’t shop on cooking day. Plan on the shopping trip taking FOREVER. After all, you are shopping for enough meals for 2 months.
Make sure you buy yourself a treat. Halfway through cooking day you will want potato chips. If you have bought them all ready, you will be very glad to have them. If you did not, you will kick yourself. And probably pull a muscle or something.
Get a good nights sleep the day before. Wear comfy shoes. Start with a clean kitchen. Put a garbage can in the center of the room. Do all your meals with beef at the same time, then move on to chicken or pork. This will make life easier.
Now, if you are cut from the same cloth as me and this doesn’t sound like a good idea. Try these tips instead:
Try making a double batch of recipes you know and love. Wrap that extra lasagna or casserole tightly and freeze it for another night. This can be done with meatloaf, lasagna, and most casseroles and baked goods.
Make extra of certain things. For example, she makes 5-6 pounds of taco meat at a time and freezes it in meal size portions. That way, she can microwave the meat and have instant: tacos, taco salad, taco soup, burritos, etc. Try this with sloppy joes, spaghetti sauce and etc. It will save you time.
If you are going to freeze something, think about this: Is there bread or bread-type items that could get soggy? Maybe freeze them in different bags. Bread type items (tortillas, bread, etc.) should not be frozen with liquid-y stuff. It turns them to goo. Who wants to eat goo?
I do have a book about this that I will recommend. I got it from a Relief Society (a women’s group in my church) meeting a couple of years ago. It is called Dinner Is Ready by Deana Buxton and it has some FANTASTIC recipes in it. Enjoy!
Caffeine
Anyone that knows me very well knows that my favorite drink in the world is:
So good! However, in Oregon we have to pay a deposit on every can which makes each 12-pack of Pepsi 60 cents more than it was in Utah. And ALL groceries in Oregon are more expensive. Also, I haven’t been able to sleep at night for like a month. I blame the caffeine.
I had a can of Dt. Vanilla Pepsi with my lunch each day around noon, but it still affects my sleep. I think. It might be our bed….it is getting old. Of course, it might be what my dad says: “Too much sleep, not enough exercise.” Probably not the too much sleep part but possibly the ‘not enough exercise’ part.
Anyway, with the cost and lack of sleep I have decided to cut out caffeine. And carbonation. May as well cut out all soda while I am at it, right? I guess. I am going on:
9 days.
I have slept a little better, but now I am tired (due to the lack of an afternoon pick-me-up) and have a headache.
Snacks
Sometimes I feel like snacks are taking over. I will admit that I love to snack. Apparently, I am passing this on to my children. They also love to snack. I try to make sure that they are eating healthy snacks but….
We used to take snacks to church for the kids to eat. We had hopes that they would be quiet and entertained. But then it got to the point that if we stepped into a church building, they were begging for snacks. So, no more snacks for the older two. They still beg though…and it didn’t keep them quiet and entertained.
When I did weight watchers after A was born I would eat very points during breakfast and lunch and dinner so that I could eat “snacks” that weren’t good for me. If this is my attitude, I am not going to lose weight. Is this what I am passing down to my kids? Are they going to have my same snacking addiction? Are they going to have the same issues with their weight that I have?
Today, before I had finished lunch T was asking if he could have a pudding later. I just bought pudding yesterday for the first time in ages. I told him, “if you are still hungry go and eat some more sandwich. Have a banana. We aren’t thinking about snacks yet.” But, I have noticed that this is how my kids have been lately. After each meal they are calculating when they can ask for a snack and what they will have. If anyone is eating anything and A comes along then he is demanding that he “needs” some. I tell myself that he is a growing two year old but… who knows.
Am I being paranoid? Typically they can have a snack that is sweet and then they have to have something better for snack, say an apple or a slice of bread or a string cheese. I guess what I need to do is stop buying the crackers, and zingers and cookies and only buy the apples, string cheese, pretzels and other things.
BUT, then am I making it so they aren’t having it and will want it all the more?
Any thoughts, suggestions or advice?
