My Guess As to How Seamus Colored Our Cool Whip Without Opening It

Last week, Seamus the Leprechaun came to pay us a visit for St. Patrick's Day.  I have had a few people who wanted me to theorize how in the world Seamus did his little trick with our Cool Whip.  So, here's where I take my guess.

Well, first, in case you didn't read about it, we got our totally sealed package of Cool Whip out of the refrigerator after being told by Seamus in a note that he left us a trick in our Cool Whip.  (Seamus is lucky we had Cool Whip, as I never buy it.)  We cut open the seal and opened it to find regular Cool Whip.  Just in case a trick was hiding, we got a spoon and stirred it around to see if anything was hidden inside.  Imagine our surprise when our Cool Whip started turning green!  How crazy!

So, while I totally think that Seamus is just a prankster, I do have a guess on how he might have been so tricky, just in case you ever wanted to see if you could reproduce what he did for another holiday or April Fools Day.  (For the record, I don't like April Fools Day pranks, but this would be pretty harmless, so I'm all for it.)

My guess on this step by step process:

1.  We already had the Cool Whip in our refrigerator.  If we hadn't, I'm sure Seamus would have had to have allowed it to thaw first.

2. I bet he might have turned over the sealed Cool Whip container and used a steak knife to cut a long slit along the bottom.

3. From there, I imagine he would have taken a gel food coloring and stuck the tip of the green right inside the slit on the bottom of the Cool Whip.  I suspect he just went a little crazy putting a bunch in.

4. He would have had to have fit the opening back together, and wiped off any mess that got out (being careful to throw away paper towel that got food coloring on it).

5. Then, maybe he used packing tape to seal it all up on the bottom very well.  He probably would have known that my kids wouldn't have inspected the packaging.  But, if kids were apt to do that, I wonder if he might have put some white paper over the opening before sealing it up.

6. Just because Seamus cares about the chance of leaks in our refrigerator, I bet he would have finished up by casually setting the container on a plate in our refrigerator.  He may be a prankster, but I bet he would be nice enough to not want to take the chance of getting food coloring on my shelf.  (For the record, he wouldn't have needed the plate, but better safe than sorry.)

This is all just my guesses, of course.  Maybe you have a better guess than I do, or you might want to try a different guess for just certain steps. 

Have fun!

7 Quick Takes: March 19, 2010 (Vol. 34)

~ 1 ~

I decided on Sunday that I was going to go to reconciliation (confession) on Wednesday evening.  I then spent a ton of time during those days dreading going to confession.  I dreaded it more than I have since the first time I went (on Palm Sunday in 2007).

When I went though, it was wonderful.  It was probably one of my best times in the confessional ever.  It was exactly what I needed.  The advice was wonderful and just what I needed to hear.  Now I'm just praying hard for the strength to do the things that I need to do.

~ 2 ~

Daylight savings time has been kicking my hiney this week.  I have been staying up too late and have had a really difficult time getting out of bed in the morning.  I've begun to think that I might never readjust to the time. 

When you throw in my natural sleep issues (delayed sleep phase syndrome, which I have self-diagnosed due to my extensive medical training -- years of things like ER and Grey's Anatomy), it has been a little, well, tiring this week.s

~ 3 ~

Holy Moly!  I got to try the new Almond Joy Pieces candy the other day and I couldn't stop eating them.  Thankfully, they belonged to my Mom, so I couldn't really eat them all.  Otherwise, I think I would have eaten them all. 

If you like Almond Joy candy bars and don't want to eat a ton of the Almond Joy Pieces, just don't try them, okay?  Trust me on that one.

~ 4 ~

It's been a long time since I talked about our weight loss journey.  We aren't making fast progress, but since January 1st, I have lost around 11 pounds and Eric has lost around 15 pounds. 

We both could have lost a lot more, but we haven't made a crazy amount of changes in our eating (though we have made quite a few, and are taking the time to count calories and watch fat content) and we have sometimes forgotten about exercising.  So, all that considered, I feel like it's going really well.

Then again, if I could kick it into higher gear, that would probably be a really great thing.

~ 5 ~

Speaking of kicking things into high gear, I am proud to say that on Tuesday, I managed to have whole grains at every meal!  Who knows if that will ever happen again, but I can hope.

For breakfast, I had a 100% whole wheat English muffin with a couple of teaspoons of peanut butter.  For lunch, I had a sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread while we were busy driving around to some appointments.  For dinner, we had homemade pizza.  I made the crust with -- yeah, you guessed it -- whole wheat flour. 

~ 6 ~

As a follow up to our visit from Seamus the Leprechaun, I must share that I told our priest friend that my kids were sure that Seamus had come to give me "payback" (as they said" for having toilet papered his (our priest friend's) office. 

Imagine my kids' delight when we got a message back from the priest.  He let the kids know that, indeed, he had met Seamus at his new parish (after he was transferred from ours) which is named...wait for it...St. Patrick's (yep -- it's true!), and knew that Seamus loved pulling pranks.  So, he had given Seamus the names of some families to "visit."

The kids went insane after this message.  They were laughing and carrying on.  They were also pleased to finally understand one thing that had bothered them all day -- Why had this been our first visit from a leprechaun.  Now they knew it was because Seamus had never been told to visit us.

While the kids plotted their own payback, I thanked God for all of the wonderful priests that we know. 

~ 7 ~

While discussing leprechauns this week, Molly at one point was excitedly talking about when the "Decepticon" had come and pulled pranks in our house.

"Leprechaun," she had to be reminded.  Although I had to wonder what kinds of pranks a Transformer might decide to pull on St. Patrick's Day.











 This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday and Weekly Wrap Up.

photos by:  confessional - elmada / sleeping doll - :: Hello Mizu ::

Apple Nut Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1 1/3 cups applesauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
•  1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine carrots, applesauce, oil, and vanilla. 

3. Add in eggs and sugar to carrot mixture and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the rest of the dry ingredients together.

5. Stir dry ingredients into carrot mixture until blended.  Do not over mix.

6. Put mixture into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45 - 55 minutes (or until done).*

7. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

(*The recipe I got from my MOPS group said to put it into two loaf pans, but I just didn't have enough to put into two loaf pans.  Either I did it wrong or they made an error in the directions.  Or, they wanted it in really small loaf pans.  If you put it in two loaf pans, be prepared to cut the baking time.) 





 


This post is linked to:  Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes

When we used to have Schwan's Delivery, I used to get these little chocolate cakes where chocolate oozes out of the inside when you heat them up.  These are desserts that they have at a lot of restaurants and in the grocery freezer case.  I have been craving one for a long time, but refused to pay the grocery store prices for them.

Not too long ago, I found a recipe that I had long ago filed away to make these goodies. I think I never made them because I was worried that it would be difficult.  Well, as you may have noticed, if I post a recipe here, that means it is not difficult.  That's just how I roll.

Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes
Yield: 4 cakes (These can be shared between two people, unless you have a big sweet tooth) 

Ingredients:

•  4 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolates
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons flour (I used half white/half whole wheat)
• Whipped Cream (my favorite is ReddiWhip)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Butter (or spray) four custard cups (3/4 cup) or souffle dishes.  Put these cups/dishes on a cookie sheet.

2. Microwave your chocolate and butter in a large bowl for one minute (on high), or until your butter is completely melted.  Stir this mixture with a wire wisk until the chocolate is completely melted.

3. Stir in sugar until well blended.

4. Wisk in eggs and egg yolks.

5. Stir in flour.

6. Divide batter between your four cups/dishes.

7. Bake for 13 - 14 minutes.  You'll want the sides of the cakes to be firm, but the centers to be soft.  After taking them out of the oven, let them stand for one minute.

8. Carefully run a thin knife around the cakes to loosen them from the cups.

9. Invert the cakes onto dessert plates, and serve immediately (topped with whip cream).

I went to take a picture of my finished product, because I was so proud that I had made the cakes that I had been longing for.  I placed one on a beautiful plate for photographing it.  It promptly broke open and deflated.  I took a few pictures anyway, but they were ugly.  (Even though the cake was delicious!)

I then plopped out one out on a Blue's Clues plate, not as worried, since I wouldn't be taking a picture of it.  It, of course, came out beautifully.  So, here it is.  My beautiful Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, on a Blue's Clues plate:

These were delicious!  They were very rich and chocolately though.  So, like I said earlier, these can easily be shared, unless you have an especially sweet tooth.

Also, be sure to warn those that you're serving that they are very hot when served. 

This post is linked to:  Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Cheaper Solutions for Lunch on the Go

We have to eat our lunches in the van sometimes.  I like to think that's not uncommon for families, especially those who decide to homeschool. 

Although there is always the temptation to fill that lunch with burgers and nuggets (which we honestly do sometimes, I won't lie), I also sometimes bring lunch along with us.  When I first started doing that, I used Ziploc baggies, though I hated seeing so much waste, when each of the three children (plus myself) were using a few bags for various food items.

One day, I realized that I had three reusable containers that were all the same size.  And, that size was perfect for putting in a sandwich, something like Goldfish crackers, and a small treat.  Plus, they made a great "tray" for the kids to just hold on their laps.

Easier to maneuver than several plastic baggies, no baggies to just throw away afterward, and saving money on buying food from out -- it is a perfect solution for our family when lunch has to be on the go.

Do you have to take meals on the go?  We seem to do a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches -- do you have any great on the go lunch ideas?







This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday.

Easy Make Ahead Crab Dip

One of my favorite things about having parties or get-togethers that my Mom goes to with me is that I can ask her to make crab dip for it.  I love that crab dip.  I crazy love it.

I recently needed to take an appetizer to a dinner and I had my mind on crab dip.  It has not been unusual for me to just buy things to make the crab dip and then give them to my Mom, who would make it up for me.  Yeah, I know.  That sounds bad.  Don't judge me -- let's call it learned helplessness instead.  So, back to my need for this crab dip.  My Mom was out of town, and I was on my own.  But, do you know what that means?  That means that I now know how easy it is to make, and I will never again have to sadly wait for a party to have some.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds imitation crab
• 16 oz reduced-fat sour cream
• 1 package green onions, diced (use as many as is your preference)
• Dill weed (again, this is to taste, but use it liberally)

Directions:

1. Cut up imitation crab. 

2. Add sour cream into crab and stir to combine.

3. Add diced green onions and dill weed to crab mixture.

4. Refrigerate.  (It is best if this can be refrigerated overnight, or at least for several hours.)

We normally serve this with crackers, though you could have it on salads or in a sandwich, if desired.

On a side note: Sorry, Mom, for always having to share your recipes.  Although you said the other day that I was turning in to Martha Stewart (which I thought was wildly hilarious, though you meant it sincerely), any domestic things I know are thanks to you.  I don't have any desire to be a Martha Stewart if there is a chance that I can be more like you instead.








This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Mixing Flours as a Healthier Choice

 

I promise to post later this week about my Blissdom Conference experiences, but for right now, I wanted to share a quick kitchen tip that has definitely been working for us.

I had been wanting to switch to whole wheat flour, instead of the unbleached white that I usually use.  But, I was afraid of what everyone's reaction might be in the house (and even my own).  So, I decided to start by just mixing half white flour and half whole wheat flour in my flour container.  

I have now been doing this for over six months, and nothing tastes different.  Every so often, if the thing I'm making is very light colored, the whole wheat flour changes its color just a little bit, but even that is not a big deal.  Nobody is noticing any differences, and I'm thrilled that I'm moving us toward a healthier flour option.  (Of course, full whole wheat would be better, but 50/50 is better than all white flour.)  I'm starting to think we might move to a little more wheat flour and a little less white in the mixture soon.  Wish us luck!

Do you have any other tips for little ways to change to healthier options in foods?

This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

Photo by The Stakhanovite Twins

Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake Recipe

 

I have actually only made this cake once, but I've had it many times, since it is my Mom's favorite cake.  Oh man -- it is good.  Crazy good.

I made this last week for the first time when we were having dinner over at our friends Amanda and Keith's house with a priest friend of ours.  So, knowing that I was making dessert for 14 people (there were nine kids), I wanted something that could go a long way.  (Incidentally, I made Rice Krispie Treats too, just because I can't help myself.)

I like that this recipe gets better as time goes on.  So, since we were having dinner on Friday night, I actually made the cake on Thursday.  (When we worked on the last of the leftover cake on Sunday night, it was even better!)  My Mom has also had great success with cutting this into pieces and freezing individual pieces.

Ingredients for Cake:

- 1 cup Coca Cola

- 1/2 cup oil

- 1 stick butter

- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

- 2 cups sugar (white)

- 2 cups flour (I used half unbleached white & half whole wheat, though you can use whatever your preference is at your house)

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 2 eggs

- 1/2 cup buttermilk 

- 1 teaspoon baking soda (careful - this is not added in with the other dry ingredients)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions for Cake:

1. In a sauce pan, bring oil, butter and cocoa powder to a boil.

2. Move to a mixing bowl after items in step one have come to a boil.

3. Mix the sugar, flour, and salt.  Pour them into the mixture that you just put in the bowl.  Beat well.

4. Add in Coca Cola.  Blend well.

5. Add eggs, buttermilk, baking soda, and vanilla.  Beat well.

6. Pour into a greased and floured sheet cake pan.  (I used a 16-inch cookie sheet that had one inch sides.  A jelly roll pan is also a great option.)

7. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 -  25 minutes.  (My Mom specifically says 22 minutes though, and that did work for me.)

Ingredients for Frosting (start making this when the cake has about four or  five minutes left to bake -- you'll be frosting this cake while it's still hot!):

- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter

- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

- 6 tablespoons cream or milk (honestly -- I used skim milk.  I used it to make the buttermilk too.)

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1/2 - 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional - I don't use them)

- 3 3/4 cups (3.75 cups) confectioners (powdered) sugar

Directions for Frosting:

1. In a saucepan, combine the butter, cocoa powder, and milk.  Heat until butter melts.

 

2. Beat in the remaining ingredients, and spread on the hot cake.

3. Cool cake before cutting.

The yield on this recipe all depends on how big of pieces you are cutting.  I would imagine you could make large pieces and cut 30 pieces.  I cut it so that I got around 40 pieces of cake from the pan.

Enjoy!

 

This post is linked to Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

7 Quick Takes: January 29, 2010 (Vol. 28)

~ 1 ~

I have been totally digging being able to read all of the results that have been coming in from the Many Little Blessings Reader Survey.  If you are a reader, you can still take the survey (and get entered into a drawing).  I promise to share some of the results later.  Fun stuff.

If you are a blogger and you haven't done a reader survey yet, I would recommend it.  I'm learning all kinds of things about the people who read the blog.

~ 2 ~

I started using Simple Mom's Daily Docket this week.  I really love it!  It's a free download, so go check it out!  (She actually has several free downloads that might be of interest.) Maybe the daily docket won't be what you are looking for, but it has really helped me to prioritize what I want to get done each day.

~ 3 ~

This week, I made (for the first time) Double Fudge Coca Cola Cake.  Yes, it does taste as good as it sounds like it would.  My Mom makes it, but I never had.  I'm pleased to say that it came out just as tasty as I remembered.  (I'll post the recipe in the next week or two.) 

Here's the thing -- I had a Hanukkah Miracle (or maybe Loaves of Bread and Fishes), of sorts, with this recipe.  I saw that the recipe called for three tablespoons of cocoa powder.  I freaked out when I opened the familiar chocolate brown Hershey's container because, at best, there were two tablespoons worth.  Luckily, I just squeaked by with enough.

Then, I went to make the frosting (which has to be put on the cake when it's still warm) and saw that it also needed three tablespoons of cocoa powder.  When it's 1 a.m. and your cake is coming out in about 20 minutes, this is not a good thing.

It was trivial, I know it was, but I prayed, "Please God, Please.  Just let me come close to three tablespoons."  Well, wouldn't you know it that out of what looked like nothing, I managed to get three tablespoons and still had some to spare!

~ 4 ~

Speaking of stressful things, I was so disappointed when I found out that Harry Connick Jr. will be playing at the Super Bowl (since the Saints, his hometown team, made it in).  Why is this?  Well, it meant that even though he was supposed to play at Blissdom on Saturday night, now he would be doing it on Friday night - at exactly the same time as the Savvy Blogging Round Table Discussion and Dinner.  Boo!

It was time for a tough choice, and I was none too happy to have to make it.  So, sadly, next time I see Harry will be on the TV during the Super Bowl.  I just couldn't pass up attending such a wonderful event (Savvy Blogging).   Maybe next time, Harry.

~ 5 ~

Because of number 4, I already want the Colts to win, but now this will give me a little more gusto with my cheering them on.

~ 6 ~

It is almost three o'clock in the afternoon, and I'm still wearing pajamas.  (But, I need to pick up the pace and get a couple of things done post haste, so I'll skip out on pictures for my post this week.  Sorry!)

~ 7 ~

I can't believe next week at this time, I'll be at Blissdom.  Let's just hope that I manage to actually pass out the cute business cards I put together and also manage not to do anything that will make everyone tweet, "Did you see what Angie from Many Little Blessings did?  *GASP*" 

 




 

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes and Weekly Wrap Up.

Looking for Great Low Calorie Meals

The first Wednesday of the month is always a themed edition of Works for Me Wednesday.  This month's theme is the backwards theme, which means that we can ask a question instead of saying what works for us.

Eric and I are both trying to eat better now, as well as adding exercise in everyday.  But, we'd love some great ideas (especially for lunch and dinner) for some great tasting, lower calorie options other than salad and water.  (Oh, okay.  You can add salad -- maybe give us a great idea for a fabulous salad.)  If you don't have one really great recipe, you could also share information about a particularly great cookbook.

Thanks -- I can't wait to hear some ideas!






This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday.

photo by size8jeans

Homebaked Christmas Goodies (2009 Edition)

I have spent the last few days busily working away in the kitchen.  While it has been a lot of work (especially all of the clean up), I have enjoyed it because I was working on my annual goodies for CCD teachers, church staff, some of the people at Eric's work (his boss, the employees that report to Eric, and one communal one for the other managers), and whomever else is in our life in any given year who seems to fit into the group of people that we give this type of gift to.  For instance, this year also included our tap/ballet teacher.

We had such a good time delivering all of the goodies today!  I love knowing that I am giving items that I took the time to make myself, and I like knowing that I was often thinking of those who would be receiving them while I was working on all the baking.  (I have to admit, during the longest stretch of working, it was also made a little easier with my iPod and the Relient K Christmas album.)

This year, I packaged everything in 8x8 foil baking tins that came with covers.  The contents this year included:

- Spritz cookies that were in the shapes of flowers/stars (take your pick) and Christmas trees (I used a cookie press on these)

- Cherry chip cake balls

- Chocolate truffles (I rolled each of these in either nonpareils, rainbow sprinkles, coarse blue sugar, or red sanding sugar)

- Peppermint Bark

- Fudge with walnuts

- Pine Bark (aka Cracker Candy)

- A baggie full of Holiday Snack Mix

I just love picking out the variety of things that I will pack up in the goodie baskets each year, and I really love the joy of delivering them!  To me, giving home baked goodies are not only a finer thing, but they're a frugal option when you need to give out many gifts.

The Art of Egg Arranging

Do you ever do something that makes perfect sense to you only to have someone else think that it's odd?  

I suppose I should have had a clue that my egg arranging was not necessarily the norm when I had to coach Eric about what pattern to use eggs in the carton.  You see, I'm all about there being a nice even weight distribution in the egg carton.  So, if I have to grab out two eggs, I'll grab out one from somewhere in the carton, but then the second one needs to come from the opposite side of the carton from whichever spot will balance out the other empty spot.

I suspect I need diagrams here, huh?  Sorry -- I don't have them.

When one of my sisters was using eggs at my house, I later got out the carton and then said, "You used some eggs, didn't you?"  She asked how I knew, and I said it was because the eggs were out of order.  She laughed at me, and later had to tell some people about what a crazy thing I did with the eggs.  I was relieved when at least a couple of other people said they do the same thing.

With holiday baking coming up this week, I think I'm going to be doing a lot of egg re-arranging.  (Oh, and then a little bit of annoyance each time I can't balance it out exactly.)

Do you have any kitchen quirks that you don't actually think are all that quirky?  









photo by Undeleterious

7 Quick Takes: December 4, 2009 (Volume 23)

~ 1 ~

I. must. clean.

In just a few days, I will be hosting a baby shower for my sister-in-law at my home.  Nothing like a party to force you into really a nice deep cleaning around the house, I suppose.  I actually have a bunch of things to do before the shower, but it should be a nice afternoon.

~ 2 ~

We are gearing up for St. Nicholas Day this weekend.  My kids are very excited, just like I always was when I was a kid.  Although we only do one small gift (between the three kids, the gifts averaged at right about $5/kiddo), they are eager to see what will await them.

On the topic of small gifts though, what are some of your favorite stocking stuffers for kids?

~ 3 ~

We just got our paperwork for Eric's health insurance for next year.  We have just a few days to make decisions and get it all turned back in.  I'm not sure why it has to be that way every year, but it is.

More importantly, I don't understand why we have to pay more for our monthly premiums each year, yet we also get an increase in our copays and introducing this year -- a deductible as well.  Oh well, I guess I can understand the increase in price, because they are cutting some of what they cover and making us financially responsible for more of it.

Yeah, it makes perfect sense.

~ 4 ~

I know that a lot of people around the U.S. right now are probably at the point where they are tired of coming up with creative ways to use leftover turkey.  But do you know what?  I only got to have turkey on Thanksgiving and then a few rolls with some turkey on them on the drive home the next day (from my grandparents house).  So, darn it -- I'm in the mood for turkey.

Good thing I went to Aldi's for the first time ever and picked up a Butterball turkey at a great price.  I have to decide when to make it (so I know when to start thawing it), but then I'm all psyched to have some turkey at home.

In preparation for when we get tired of turkey though, anyone have any great leftover turkey ideas?

~ 5 ~

I was excited to get to change my ringback tone on my cell phone to "Carol of the Bells" by Straight No Chaser just after Thanksgiving.  It was apparently a whole family event, because the kids had to call my phone and then so did my Mom.  Then the kids made me play the song on my iPod several times.  I didn't know it, but it is apparently Noah's favorite Christmas song.

~ 6 ~

I recently searched around town and the Internet for this Pastry Chef set from Step 2 for Molly for Christmas.  I just thought it looked so cute after reading about it in the most recent issue of Family Fun Magazine.

Much to my displeasure, what I thought was going to be a single click on Amazon.com actually ended up being an all-out search.  I have not linked you to Amazon, as a matter of fact, because they are out and there are third party sellers trying to get almost $60 for the set right now (which should be around $25).

I was thrilled to then find that Step 2 sells them on their website!  But, the catch is that they only sell a two pack of this toy on their site.  Get this though -- it was on sale for $29.99 for the two pack!  (Right now, it's up to $49.98 for the set of two, but that is what retail price would be for two.)

So, not only did I manage to get a toy that I wanted, but now we have another gift just waiting to be given to someone else!  WooHoo!

~ 7 ~

I recently heard this passage from Matthew's Gospel (when my friend Amanda put it on a mixed media painting) and I realized that I need to think of it a lot more often than I do:

Learn from the wildflowers in the field, and behold the birds in the sky.  Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will wear.  Your Heavenly Father knows what you need before you even ask Him.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday.

Photos by: cleaning by The Shopping Sherpa / turkey by Another Pint Please... / flowers by Martin_Heigan

7 Quick Takes: October 30, 2009 (Vol. 20)

~ 1 ~

I have been working on trying to find time to exercise every day lately.  It's funny though, I feel like I am wasting time when I am doing it.  It's like time exercising is akin to time spent reading Facebook to me.  I seriously need to adjust that thinking.  If I could manage to exercise as often as I was on Facebook, I would be a size 2 now.

~ 2 ~

Speaking of that exercising, I have noticed an interesting thing about Wii Fit Plus
(which I really, really like by the way, and think it's a great addition to your existing Wii Fit).  You see, when I used to do it once every couple of weeks, they would say things like, "It's nice to see you again, Angie."

Not anymore.

Now, I skipped one day, and they said to me today, "Too busy to exercise yesterday, Angie?"  Well, yes, yes, I was.  Thank you animated Balance Board for your concern.

~ 3 ~

I'm super excited to share that I have purchased my ticket for Blissdom 2010, and even have my hotel room reserved!  I kept thinking that it was a long way away, but then realized that it's actually only three months away.  Wow!  I think I need to start saving my pennies, using the Wii Fit a little more (or a lot more), and get some business cards printed up!

Anyone else going?

~ 4 ~

This week, I was delighted to do something for the first time.  I actually spoke on the phone (at length) to one of my blogging friends.  Of course, I have spoken to friends who blog on the phone before, but never anyone that I only knew because of blogging.

I had a delightful conversation with you, Brenda. Can't wait to talk (and email) more!

~ 5 ~

Do you know what else I enjoy?


 Cottage cheese.

In fact, I just had some as a late night snack.  (Don't tell the Wii Fit Plus Balance Board though, okay?  They keep talking to me about my late night snacking.)  Here's the funny thing though -- I have got to use a fork when I eat it.   The idea of using a spoon to eat cottage cheese literally gives me a chill up my spine that I can't explain.

Very odd.

~ 6 ~

I would love to post a little bit about my beloved local homeschooling group.  We had a meeting about restructuring our group this week.  I was excited about the idea, but it appeared that there were two distinct view points on what our group should look like, and a lot of people left still charged with emotions.


I expected the meeting to go like that, but I guess it really surprised some people.  And then, after having to talk to many people on the phone about it the next day (the other former co-coordinator and I got an awful lot of phone calls), I wondered if things could be healed.

And, then the funny thing is -- just 48 hours after such a meeting that left a lot of people feeling miserable the next day, it already seems like there is a lot of healing, and I'm so encouraged by it.  I just pray that everyone will continue with this new spirit of trying out some new ideas.

Do you know what my favorite thing about it all might be though?

I got to meet someone that goes to my very own parish that I had never met before, and I think she is just delightful.  I am so excited to have gotten to know her just a tiny bit, and I can't wait to get to know her better.  Life is funny like that, isn't it?

~ 7 ~

Speaking of life being funny (and apparently the staying power of Post It notes), those Post It Notes I mentioned last week that I let the kids stick all over the walls -- a couple have fallen, but otherwise, they are all still there.  I have considered taking them down, but then I look at them and smile.  So, I leave them there.

This post is linked to 7 Quick Takes Friday and Weekly Wrap Up.



photos by: carbonated (cottage cheese) / google images (post it notes)  /  JaviC (Wii Fit)

Flash Freezing Fruit to Save Money and the Environment

Forgive me, but I should have posted about flash freezing before our weather went to flash freezing in the blink of an eye.  However, I got to think about it while cleaning out my freezer and coming across cherries and blueberries.  So, I decided to go ahead and post about it right now anyway.

Why flash freeze?

By flash freezing locally grown fruit (or vegetables, like chopped peppers, for instance), you can not only save money, but you are also helping the environment.  For instance, because my family enjoyed blueberry muffins this summer when I made them, then I bought several pints when the prices were very low this summer at the grocery store.  I saved quite a bit of money, and the blueberries all came from the next state over from ours, rather than buying them during the winter and heaven only knows where they would have to ship them from (that's where the helping the environment comes in).

I didn't purposefully set out to flash freeze cherries though.  But, I bought some and we ate through them like crazy.  So, I bought more, and we didn't really touch them.  So, instead of letting them go to waste, I flash froze them instead.  I did this with bell peppers from our garden too.  Rather than let them go bad, I chopped them and flash froze the pieces.

To flash freeze produce (such as the cherries that I have pictures of), I washed them all first.  (For cherries, leave the stems intact.)

Then, I made sure that everything was very dry.  I both dried them myself, and also allowed them some time to air dry.  If you leave water on them before putting them in the freezer, of course, they will get very icy.

Spread whatever you are freezing out on a cookie sheet or whatever type of pan you can fit in your freezer.  Make sure to leave space in between items, or they might stick together as they freeze.

I let these freeze for around 30 - 45 minutes, or until they were cold and solidly frozen.  Then, I just bagged them into freezer bags in small portions, and put those smaller bags into a larger freezer bag that I put the name of the contents and date on the outside of.

This is a fun and frugal way to enjoy locally grown goodies in the middle of winter, as well as to avoid possible waste around your home.








This post is linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, and Frugal Fridays.

Light and Airy Homemade Vanilla Frosting

Do you know what makes me happy?  Well, lots of things.  But, the one that I have in mind right now is my children's great love for the frosting I make.  Jack, in particular, will sometimes say (just out of the blue), "Mom -- you make the best frosting I've ever had.  It's so much better than frosting from the store."

Love that kid.

This recipe is simple, and you probably have everything in your house right this moment to make it.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar (aka confectioners' sugar)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter, soft and at room temperature (this is important -- so try to remember to set it out before you want to use it)
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla (sometimes I put in a tiny bit more)
• 3 tablespoons of milk (although I always end up adding a bit more than that -- if you want very thick frosting though, you can even go less than 3 tablespoons)

Put the butter in a bowl first.  Since I have a handy dandy Kitchen Aid mixer, I beat the butter pretty well after adding it to the bowl.  You can do this with a hand mixer as well, of course.  But, you know what?  I'm pretty spoiled by my Kitchen Aid.

Add the powdered sugar a bit at a time to the butter, and cream them together. 

Stir in the vanilla and milk.  Then, beat the mixture well.  If it is not thick enough, add in some more powdered sugar.  But, if you're like me, you are always apt to add in just a bit more milk to make it slightly thinner.

If you want to add in food coloring, this is the time to do it!

So, at this point, I beat the frosting for several minutes.  I didn't always do that though.  However, one time, I was trying to make the frosting orange, and I had a horrible time making it happen.  I just kept having to add more yellow, then more red, then more yellow, then more red, and so on.  All that time, of course, I was mixing it in my Kitchen Aid.  I was then rewarded with not only orange frosting, but light, airy, and delicious orange frosting.  I got so many compliments, and people even asked how it was so light.

Perhaps you don't want to make orange cupcakes though.  Just keep in mind, there's always blue cupcakes with monkeys instead.

Thanks to Party Cupcake Ideas for the Barrel Full of Monkeys cupcake idea.  I sent them in to Eric's work, and everyone loved them.  (Plus, as a bonus, I filled the barrel they came in with extra frosting and sent in graham crackers.  Yum!)







This post is linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Tempt My Tummy Tuesday, Works for Me Wednesday, and Finer Things Friday. 

Using Leftover Hamburger Buns to Make Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

I have talked about ideas before for using leftover hamburger buns.  One of my favorites, especially when the buns are starting to get a little on the not as soft side, is to make grilled cheese sandwiches with them.

I can't claim this ideas as my own.  One of my best friends, Amanda, used hamburger buns that they had gotten from family after a big cookout to make us all grilled cheese sandwiches.  I thought she was a genius, and knew I had to try it sometime too!  (Of course, I think she's a genius anyway, not just because of cheesy sandwiches.)

To make these great tasting grilled cheese sandwiches, you just open up the buns and put butter on the insides of the bun (both halves).  These will be used as the outside of the sandwich.  Then, you just put on whatever cheese you like best.  My kids like Velveeta.  Okay, I said cheese, but I apparently meant anything that is remotely like cheese.  You know, like Velveeta.  Personally, Eric and I like a little bit of white American and then some marble cheddar.  It's a really nice combination.

This summer, while trying to feed a houseful of people all kind of different leftovers, I made these sandwiches for a few people.  Everyone seemed a little leery of the idea, but then I got lots of compliments.

I love that they are not only tasty, but it also stops me from looking in the pantry only to find a science experiment on hamburger buns that I forgot were there.  Plus, it would be a fabulous thing to make when picking up marked down hamburger buns that are not so fresh anymore (in addition to several of the things on my leftover hamburger bun usage list).








This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday and Frugal Friday.

Homemade Cake Donuts

Although I last made these before Christmas, with Autumn starting today, it seemed perfect to post about cake donuts.  This recipe is one that my Mom used when we were growing up.

Before I post this recipe, please know this is from an old cookbook.  These are not low cal donuts.  Hang on, are there low cal donuts?  If so, please let me know!

To start, you'll mix up your dough.

1. Beat 2 whole eggs well.

2. Beat in 1 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons soft shortening.

3. Stir in 3/4 cup buttermilk.

4. Add the following ingredients together (before putting them into the mixture):

• 3 1/2 cups sifted flour (shhh...I didn't sift it)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

4. Stir in the #3 ingredients into your egg, sugar, shortening, buttermilk mix.

5. Chill dough for two hours.


Okay, so now you have the dough, let's get started on making the donuts.


Flour the kitchen surface of your choice.  They say a cloth, I did wax paper.  Either way -- flour it.

Roll out the dough to about 1/3" thick.  Then cut out the donuts with a donut cutter that has been floured.

While you're cutting your dough, make sure to start heating oil for frying.  It should be about 370 - 380 degrees when you are actually frying the donuts.  This is much more easily done in something where you can set the heat.  We ruined one thermometer (the one in the picture) and then had a difficult time with another.  This is because we were having a hard time controlling the heat. 

Next time I make these, I will definitely be using something where I can set the heat.  But, that's just because I enjoyed the hole whole process of making it, but got a big headache with the actual frying because I worried so much about the heat.

Using a special donut cutter, you can make donuts and donut holes at the same time.  Personally, we liked the donut holes best.  I don't know why -- we just did. 

Me admitting this apparently shocked the donuts.

Once the oil has reached the correct temperature, start setting the donuts into the oil using a spatula or something that allows you to place the donuts in and not worry about being splattered by hot oil.  Or, you know, to get drops of it on a black shirt that you really like, like I did.

Only put in as many donuts as you can easily get in to flip the donuts.

Turn the donuts as they rise to the surface and start to brown a bit.  You're going to fry them for about 3 minutes to brown them completely on both sides.  This is why oil temperature is important.  If it is too hot, the donuts will brown before they properly cook inside.  If it is too cool, they'll take longer to fry and soak up too much oil.

When the donuts are done, take them out of the oil and place on a plate with paper towel (or the like) to soak up excess oil.

Hello my little sweeties.

Donuts can be eaten plain or covered in sugar, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or some type of glaze.

We went with sugar.  So, we just put some hot donuts in a brown paper bag and shook them around in the sugar.

The recipe says this makes 24 donuts that are 3" in size.  Ours were slightly smaller, so they made even more.  When I make them again, it will definitely be before some kind of event or to send in to Eric's work, because there were just so many. 




 

This post is linked to: Tasty Tuesday, Kitchen Tip Tuesday, and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.  (I'm also posting it to Tackle It Tuesday, even though I didn't tackle it this week, it was something that I wanted to do for so long and then put off over and over.  So, it was a great tackle.  It just wasn't recent.)