Chicken Taco Casserole

This is one outstanding Casserole….We needed something quick for dinner tonight and this one fit the bill.   It went together nicely topped with Grape Cherry Tomatoes and Avocadoes.   It is definitely a keeper for the recipe file!

Chicken Taco Casserole

Chicken Taco Casserole
12 corn tortillas
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 can diced tomatoes, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
½ packet taco seasoning
3 cup cooked, chopped chicken
2 cups Mexican blend cheese

· Top with 1/2cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

· An avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped

· Fresh cilantro leaves

Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken soup, sour cream, Rotel, black beans, taco seasoning and chicken. Set aside.

Tear 6 corn tortillas and put them in the bottom of the pan.  Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.  Top with 1 cup of cheese. 

Repeat layers.
Bake 30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is starting to brown.

Top with toppings as desired

Hot Buttered Fluffy Pretzels

Yield: 8 pretzels

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 12.5 oz all purpose flour (2.5 cups)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2.25 tsp instant quick rise yeast
• 1 cup warm water (110 degrees F)

  For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp baking soda
• vegetable oil for greasing the sheet pan
• coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Combine all the dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer, and mix with the paddle attachment until somewhat combined (or just mix by hand with a wooden spoon). Change to the dough hook and knead on medium low for 5 minutes. The dough should feel soft and smooth, not sticky to the touch.
2. Lightly dust the dough with flour, then place in a ziploc bag and let the dough rise for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F, and lightly grease a baking sheet with vegetable oil. You could also do parchment paper if you can find one that's rated high enough (most parchment papers I've seen only go up to 420 degrees F).
4. Remove the dough from the bag and place onto a lightly oiled countertop. Divide the dough into 8 pieces (just cut it with a knife).
5. Whisk to combine the warm water and baking soda and cook in the microwave for 1 minute. FYI it's not going to dissolve completely, and that's okay.
6. Roll each of the eight pieces into a long rope, and shape each one into a pretzel 
7. Dip each pretzel into the soda wash and place onto the greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, then let them rest for 10 minutes.
8. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the pretzels are golden brown. Brush the pretzels with the melted butter while they are hot out of the oven, so the bread can soak up all the buttery goodness.
9. Enjoy while they are hot, and keep in mind these don't taste as amazing the next day. So this pretty much means that you're allowed to eat all of them now ….Enjoy!

Really?????

WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person.

Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.

Raw  local honey has all of the enzymes that are suppose to make the weight loss effect happen.

Here are the directions...

First you boil 1 cup of water, then you add 1 part cinnamon into a cup with the hot water, and let it steep. In other words, you leave it there to cool down.

DO NOT ADD THE HONEY TO THE HOT WATER…. just like the effect a microwave has on breast milk, hot or boiling water will kill the enzymes in the honey. Once the water is at room temp, you add twice as much honey as you did cinnamon (i.e.1/2 tsp cinn with 1 tsp honey)

You should  drink half before going to bed and store the other half in the fridge. In the morning, drink the second half and wait a half hour before eating.

The enzymes in the honey  remove fungus and bacteria in your digestive tract. It also states that you should see inches lost before weight loss. But, you might hit a plateau stage after awhile. I have also read that continuing to eat it, the mixture will help to to stop fat from being stored in the body.

this moment in time….

 

A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Chicken Taco Casserole

12 corn tortillas 1 onion chopped and sauted
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 can Rotel, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
½ packet taco seasoning
3 cup cooked, chopped chicken
2 cups Mexican blend cheese

· Top with 1/2cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

· An avocado, pitted, peeled, and chopped

· Fresh cilantro leaves

Preheat oven to 350.  Lightly grease a 9x13-inch pan.
In a large bowl, combine the chicken soup, sour cream, Rotel, black beans, taco seasoning and chicken. Set aside. Chop and sauté onion, combine into the chicken mixture.
Tear 6 corn tortillas and put them in the bottom of the pan.  Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas.  Top with 1 cup of cheese.  Repeat layers.
Bake 30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is starting to brown.

Top with toppings as desired

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

I know it is not fall, but I just had a craving for this wonderful muffin this morning….They take some time to prepare but they are so worth every minute of it!

Makes 24 muffins

Ingredients:
For the filling:
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

For the muffins:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 large eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin puree (see Note)
1¼ cups vegetable oil

For the topping:
½ cup sugar
5 tablespoons flour
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Note: A standard sized can of pumpkin is 15 ounces, just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces). You could open another can if you want and freeze the extra or just use one can which is what I did. The amount is so little I don’t think it makes a difference in the final product.

Instructions:
To prepare the filling, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a medium bowl and mix well until blended and smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap and shape into a log about 1½-inches in diameter. Smooth the plastic wrap tightly around the log, and reinforce with a piece of foil. Transfer to the freezer and chill until at least slightly firm, at least 2 hours. The mixture will still be somewhat soft but firmer.

To make the muffins, preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line muffin pans with paper liners. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda; whisk to blend. In the bowl of an electric mixer combine the eggs, sugar, pumpkin puree and oil. Mix on medium-low speed until blended. With the mixer on low speed, add in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.

To make the topping, combine the sugar, flour and cinnamon in a small bowl; whisk to blend. Add in the butter pieces and cut into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is coarse and crumbly. I always get inpatient here and mix it together with my hands so that it looks like the texture of wet sand. I know you aren’t supposed to do it this way but I’m impatient. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill until ready to use.

To assemble the muffins, fill each muffin well with a small amount of batter, just enough to cover the bottom of the liner (1-2 tablespoons). Slice the log of cream cheese filling into 24 equal pieces. Place a slice of the cream cheese mixture into each muffin well. You want to put the cream cheese lower than you think because it will rise a lot during the baking process. Divide the remaining batter among the muffin cups, placing on top of the cream cheese to cover completely. Sprinkle a small amount of the topping mixture over each of the muffin wells.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving. I like them warm, cold, and room temperature.

Anxious – Nervous – Stressed

 

Between 18-20% off all adults have some sort of anxiety disorder each year. It has been estimated that two-thirds of all visits to physicians are for anxiety and stress-related problems. Recent evidence indicates that the physical changes associated with anxiety and stress may contribute to several health related issues.

There are many people who have successfully got off their anxiety meds with essential oils. Some people use a single oil or a mixture of several oils or rotate the oils they use. Find what works best for you!

You can use any of the following oils to help with Anxiety and Stress:

2-5 drops of Lavender, Serenity, Balance, Citrus Bliss, Wild Orange or Ylang Ylang (my personal favorite is Balance)

--Rub on back of neck and shoulders, or over heart, or on wrists or you can put a few drops in your hand and then cup hand over mouth and breathe in oils.

--You can also add a few drops to a warm bath.

--Add a few drops to a diffuser

--Add a few drops in a pot of boiling water on the stove

Other symptoms associated with Anxiety:

For rapid breathing---heart pains etc due to anxiety, rub 2-5 drops of serenity, balance, lavender or ylang ylang over heart.

For headaches: Use 2-5 drops of peppermint or lavender (or both) and rub on temples, forehead and back of neck (some people love balance)

For Nausea or upset stomach rub a few drops of peppermint on tummy, behind ears or add 1 drop to a glass of water and sip.

Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt

 

Ingredients

• ½ cups Unsalted Butter, Softened
• ½ cups Packed Dark Brown Sugar
• ¼ cups Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup All-purpose Flour
• ¼ teaspoons Baking Soda
• ¼ teaspoons Salt
• ¾ cups Mini Chocolate Chips Or Chunks
• 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt

Preparation Instructions

In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat until combined.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, soda and salt. Add the chocolate chips or chunks and stir.

Add the flour and chocolate mixture to butter mixture and fold in gently. Add yogurt and stir again.

Place in a container and cover with lid. Freeze until set, preferably overnight.

Cookie dough recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Bridal Edition Cookbook.

Makes about 2 cups.

Baked Chicken Dinner – All in One

• 4-6 raw chicken breasts

•new potatoes

• green beans (fresh or canned-really any green veggie would work)

Arrange in 9x13 dish.

Sprinkle with a packet of Italian dressing mix and then top with a melted stick of butter.

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Enjoy!

Natural Anti-Bacterial Spray

The power of essential oils is used to make this all-natural anti-bacterial spray for countertops and other surfaces.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water, distilled or filtered
• 5 drops wild orange essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• 2 drops melaleuca essential oil

Instruction

1. Add all ingredients to a spray bottle.
2. Shake well before use.
3. Spray on countertops and other hard surfaces and let air-dry.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.

Wimbush Family Pita Bread

1 tablespoon yeast
1 ¼ cup warm water
1 teaspoon salt
3- 3 ½ cups flour

Dissolve yeast in water for about 5 minutes in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add salt and 1 ½ cups flour and with the dough hook, beat to make a batter. Add additional flour until a rough, shaggy mass is formed. Knead 8 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if it is too sticky.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into six pieces for large pitas or ten for smaller. I make all sorts of sizes to suit different snacks and meals. Form dough into balls, then flatten with a rolling pin into ¼ inch thick discs. Try and keep an even thickness as this is what helps them ‘puff’.

Let rest on the floured surface 30-40 minutes until slightly puffed.

Preheat oven to 425F.
With a large spatula, flip the rounds of dough upside down on to a baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes until light golden. Stick around for the first five minutes of baking when the pitas perform their magic and puff up from flat pancakes to proud, four inch high pitas.

These store for up to two days well wrapped or frozen for three weeks.

Essential Oil and A Toilet Paper

Fill your bathroom with an everlasting, fresh aroma! Simply place a few drops of essential oil (I use Citrus Bliss scent) onto the cardboard tube of your toilet paper roll…..Oh the bathroom smells so amazing until the entire roll is complete and then you just begin again!  

Skillet Lasagna

 

Are you ready for dinner?   This week I started craving something warm and homey and HOT.  With cheese. Problem was… I still didn’t want to stand over the stove all day when it came time for dinner to begin.   I just want to take naps, watch some basketball and enjoy the warm cozy fireplace.  It’s winter and I think I should hibernate. SO here is what we came up with to warm our tummies tonight.  Quick, easy, and delish!!!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 onion 
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper
• 1 (14.5-ounce) crushed tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil
• 2 Tablespoons fresh flat parsley
• 1 large ball fresh mozzarella
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saute pan (that is oven proof) heat the olive oil over medium-high hear. Cook sausage until brown.
2. Add the pepper and onions, cook for a few minutes until they get soft.
3. Add the oregano and garlic. Cook for another minute. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Add some basil and parsley. I reserve a little for garnish.
5. Toss in the bowtie pasta.
6. Add dollops of ricotta cheese.
7. Layer the mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
9. Put the skillet into a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish with the remaining basil and parsley.

Sunday Dinner Pot Roast

 

Ingredients

• 1 (4-5) Pound Roast, any kind…I like Chuck Roast
• 1 Package Brown gravy mix, dry
• 1 Package Italian salad dressing mix, dry
• 1 Package Ranch dressing mix, dry
• 1 to 1 1/2 Cup Water

 

Directions

1. Step One…..If you wanted carrots and potatoes in your Crock Pot, cut them to your liking and put in the bottom of your Crock Pot.

   Place beef roast on top of the vegetables in crock pot.
   

2. Step Two

   Mix the dried mixes together and sprinkle over the roast
   

3. Step Three

   Pour the water around the roast
   

4. Step Four

   Cook on low for 7-9 hours

SF Senior Cookies….Yummy

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups oats, uncooked (not instant)
1 1/2 cups raisins
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray. Position oven rack in the center.

Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder and kosher salt. Set aside.

Using a hand mixer on low, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract. Increase speed to high and beat until fluffy and the color lightens.

Stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture until no flour is visible. (Over-mixing develops the gluten, making a tough cookie.)

Stir in oats and raisins.

Fill a #40 cookie scoop, which measures 2 tablespoons of dough, pressing against the side of the bowl, then pulling up to level the dough. Drop 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until golden, but still moist beneath cracks on top. Remove from oven; let cookies sit on baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Today I used ¾ craisins and ¾ cup chocolate chips in place of raisins!

CHAOS ---Be Gone

The Pantry…………..

The Bathroom Cabinet………

 

The Medicine Cabinet…………

 

 

 

Keep the Smiles – Forget the Tears…..it’s a brand New Year!

Christmas Countdown #11 - Handprints

 Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
I always leave my handprints
On the furniture and walls

But everyday I'm growing big
And soon I'll be very tall
Then all my little handprints
Will be so hard to recall

So here's a special gift
Just so that you can say
This is how my hands looked
On 2012 Christmas day!

Christmas Countdown #10 – Wish Lists

At this time of year when people are making out their Christmas “wish lists” it is easy to forget everything we already have. There are many blessings in disguise that aren’t always apparent to us, and many of these blessings are afforded to us simply for being alive!
Like this little amazing blessing that puts a smile on my face each and every day! I love you Kendry!

All I want for Christmas I already have! 

Love you to the moon and back,
Mommy

Christmas Countdown #9 – Christmas Spirit

Where do I find the Christmas Spirit.

It’s in your heart, my friend.  It feels warm and shimmery, like a mother’s love for her child.

 

You can’t buy it at any store and you can’t get it from anybody else. It dwells there the whole year through, with faith, hope, and charity. 

It lives next to Forgiveness, Love, and Friendship.  The Spirit of Christmas is Time spent with friends and family sharing all those wonderful traditions.

Even though everyone is busy with Doing Christmas…this year Kendry and I will focus on being Christmas.

Compassionate

Charitable

Faithful

Forgiving

I believe the real Christmas spirit is a deep-seated lingering joy in knowing that the story of the first Christmas is true!

The little child born in the town of Bethlehem was God himself, come to Earth to save the ones he loves. The baby in the manger was real and all of the things the Bible says about him are true. You can know the peace that comes from knowing that you are loved, that you are forgiven and that there is a God who not only exists, but knows that you exist too and believes in you as well.

Christmas Countdown #8 – Santa Time

Slightly concerned?  Sure. Who wouldn’t be concerned when placed on a stranger’s lap. 

At least I’m not crying…but I’m thinking about jumping down and getting away from whoever

this Jolly Old Man is!!!

Christmas Countdown #7 - TIME

When you have a handsome, beautiful, and delightful son like Kendry things like lots of presents and toys don't seem important.  I don't want to spend my time running around like crazy buying toys and presents for him when soon they just end up as clutter and junk in the landfills. 

What I do want is to spend time with the people I love the most.  That is what Christmas is all about to me.  Making memories, laughing, loving and sharing time with those you love.

The gift of time is to give our loved ones the time they deserve. Because nothing is more important in life than FAMILY... and they shouldn't be put off until "SOME OTHER TIME.”

Before you know it he will really be doing this…Because TIME goes by so quickly!

So if you love me and Kendry what we really want is your time!

All I Want For Christmas is Homemade Wind chimes

 

1.) Gather Materials

Round up at least 5 feet of Type M ¾-inch copper tubing, seven eye screws, five No. 6 1-inch machine screws and nuts, nylon twine, and 1 x 6 lumber.

2.) Map Pipe Mounts

Center a 4½-inch-diameter circle in a 5½-inch-square cut of lumber. Mark the circle at five equidistant points. Insert eye screws at the circle's center and at all five points.

3.) Cut Pythagoras

Cut five pieces of tubing to the lengths in the table below and deburr. The chime's five notes, which correspond to a piano's black keys, make up the minor pentatonic scale. The notes are pleasing in any order. The ancient Greeks such as Pythagoras were the first to study the link between the length of a vibrating body and the notes of a musical scale.

4.) Tie With Twine

Drill a 5/32-inch hole through each pipe as listed in the table. These hanging points produce the best chime resonance. Insert a machine screw through the hole and fit a nut onto the screw shank. Tie a 7-inch length of twine from the circle of eye screws to the screw shank in each pipe.

5.) Hang the Chime

Use a 2½-inch holesaw to cut a clapper from a 1x scrap. Use more 1x waste to make a V-shaped, 3-inch-long wind scoop. Hang each from the center eye screw. Cut and glue two smaller 1x squares to the top of the first square. Top-center-mount an eye screw in the smallest square. Hang the chime in the breeze and enjoy

Quote of the Day

Christmas Countdown #6 – Eyes All A Glow

 

Our streets begin to twinkle and the neighborhood becomes winter wonderlands. It doesn’t take much effort or money to enjoy these glittering displays and start a fun Christmas tradition. 

Every year we load everyone that wants to go in the car, tune into the Christmas music radio station, and drive around our area ooo-ing and aahh-ing at all the sparkly Christmas lights.

There is something about the sparkling displays that’s just magical. Every blinking light just makes Little Man grin and smile.

 

There are always a few dozen neighborhoods in our area that transform to streets of glittering gingerbread houses each year and bring smiles and laughter to each of us. Our Christmas just wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t venture out as a family to admire all the glittering houses.

This year we have been to Thanksgiving Point, Ogden and Layton Parks.  

Christmas Countdown #5 - Nativity

Several years ago I found an awesome plush nativity set that has been a favorite with Halie and Brevin. We are sure hoping that Kendry will have just as much fun with it as they did.   It came in a fabric storage bag with the Christmas Story printed on it and tonight Kendry spent some time doing what Kendry does best….. Looks like he loves it already…………

All over the floor……………..

A Kiss/Beso for the camel…………..

This is what it is suppose to look like…………………it will never stay like this!

Christmas Countdown #4 – Grandma…I NEED

Words spoken by a 2 year old…..Grandma (MAMA)  I need I-pad!

Dear Kendry

Today my sweet baby you are 2 1/2 years old and oh my goodness are you a handful. I adore you. You fill me with wonder every single day with how smart and strong you are. But the terrible two’s have come to our house for an extended visit.  It is a good thing your level of cuteness is equal to the level of trouble you can cause.  It never fails when we are out shopping, many people stop us to tell us how absolutely darling you are! Sometimes you like it….sometimes you don’t!

Let’s tell everyone just how much you are growing:
Weight: 27 lbs

Height: 36 inches

Teeth: 16

Shoe Size: 9 …you probably still wear some of your size 8’s, but we only buy 9’s now

Clothes:  Yes you can still wear size 2 …you are a little thing with big feet!

On to the things that keep us going every day!

First, we have an imaginary friend around these days: Her name is Brylie. Now this is a little confusing because we actually have a cousin named Brylie.   At first we thought you were just talking about her, but that is definitely not the case.   Brylie gets to play with some of your toys, but not all of them.  Brylie gets to eat with us and go for rides with us in the car.   She never has a last name and she often gets told “No, Brylie”!  You love imagery play and it is lots of fun for us as well, we are often brought a handful of something to eat from off the floor, the couch, or just pulled out of the air.   

How about the physical activity…you dance, climb, hop, skip and run….did I say run…oh that is an understatement! You’ve never really been the kind of kid to fall down much and you continue to be very coordinated. One of your favorite things to do is throw any kind of ball – you can't catch very well yet, but you love throwing anything.  The living room couches cushions have become our gym.  They are thrown on the floor every night for a dancing session!

You love to travel, be it by car, train or airplane.  Frontrunner is going to Utah County soon and Grandma will be taking you there often…I don’t know who is more excited you to ride the train again or Grandma!!!

Playtime is all about opening the garage door!  You enjoy it so much that you have over heated Mommy’s, Grandma & Grandpa's, and even Aunt Julie’s & Uncle Jason’s.  Not only the real garage door, but the fridge has a perfect door for opening and closing…hours on end!   Another one of your favorites is the paper airplane.   You will play with an airplane for days and days.   You probably love them so much because Grandpa makes them for you and he takes you to the airport often to see the real thing! 

Eating is a definite “I’ll do it when I’m ready!” You adore fruits of all kinds (especially raspberries right in the store)! Vegetables you love are corn and carrots.   During Thanksgiving dinner you loved to say I need more cado’s (That’s avocadoes)  Since Halloween we've been battling a new love for suckers (awful things) and not just one you need one for each hand.  I'm beginning to think there is a strong connection between unruly behavior and sugar! Not a problem to avoid candy for a 2 year old anyway, right??? Whoever said “Like taking candy from a baby!”….didn’t have a 2 year old!

There is much life ahead for both of us and having you has changed everything within me, it has truly defined me.  I count myself as so much more than just blessed. I've only "peeked" into visions and dreams for your future, and already who you are and who you will grow into entirely blows me away. I love you so much, my Little Man and because of you my spirit is full of joy, continually overflowing….25/8….you see 24/7 just isn’t enough time for all the love I have for you!  Thank you for calling me Mommy, you are my everything!

I love you to the moon and back!

Mommy

12 Days of Christmas for Grandkids Teachers….my daugther in love is amazing!

For the 1st day Christmas,
something for you to use,
I’m giving you this clipboard,
so your papers you won’t lose!

Christmas Countdown #3 – Homemade Bread

So glad we were out of store bought bread this morning….I love Challah fresh from the oven!  Homemade baking just brings the spirit of Christmas sharing and giving.  AND Kendry is such a good helper!   Cooking is just one of those things we love to do around here!  Stop by and we’ll share the love with you! 

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 eggs – 1 is for the egg wash
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (Plus – my last loaf took 5-6 cups)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over barely warm water….let the yeast rest for 10 minutes.  Beat in honey, oil, 2 eggs , and salt. Add the flour one cup at a time, beating after each addition, graduating to kneading with hands as dough thickens. Knead until smooth and elastic and no longer sticky, adding flour as needed. Cover with a damp clean cloth and let rise for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until dough has doubled in bulk.

2. Punch down the risen dough and turn out onto floured board. Divide into thirds and roll into long snake about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Pinch the ends of the three snakes together firmly and braid from middle. Either leave as braid or form into a round braided loaf by bringing ends together, curving braid into a circle, pinch ends together. Grease baking tray and place finished braid or round on each. Cover with towel and let rise about one hour.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

4. Beat the remaining egg and brush a generous amount over each braid. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for about 40 minutes, watch closely it may not take this much time. Bread should have a nice hollow sound when thumped on the bottom. Cool on a rack for at least one hour before slicing.

We will be back tomorrow with another addition of Christmas Countdown! 

Christmas Countdown #2 Purpose

We need to remind ourselves, not only during this Christmas Season but everyday, that we are not here on Earth by accident; we were created in the image of God and our lives are filled with purpose. 

Not only does our purpose involve our own Happiness and Destiny, it also involves bringing good to the lives of others and adding value to the people around us. The way each of us live our lives matters! 

Crock-pot Shredded Beef Tacos

Tonight we enjoyed Shredded Beef Tacos….good bye ground beef!

There is a very special sauce that goes on the bottom of the flour/corn tortillas that makes this just burst with flavor.   Here’s what I did to make this delicious meal!

For the Shredded Beef:

2 large onions, cut in quarters

3 cloves of garlic

1/4 cup water

1 beef roast (whatever is your favorite cut..)

1 can rotel

Put the onions, garlic and 1/4 cup water in the crock pot and then lay the meat on top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 8 – 10 hours or until the roast is tender.

Take the beef out and shred it.  Dump the crock pot drippings out and put the shredded beef back in the crock pot with the rotel; mix well.

Cover crock pot and cook until warmed.

FOR THE TACOS:

Tortillas, either flour or corn

Shredded Cheese

Crumbed feta cheese  - gotta have it!

Chopped fresh cilantro

Diced Red Onion

Shredded lettuce

Anything else you love…avocados, tomatoes, etc

Salsa

and now for the amazing sauce:

CREAMY GARLIC SAUCE:

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. butter

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

Sauté garlic in butter over low heat until golden (about 5 minutes).   Add garlic/butter to 1 cup mayo and blend.  Add pepper and garlic powder.  Put on your Tortilla Shell first and LOVE IT!

 

TO SERVE:

Spread the Creamy Garlic Sauce on a hot tortilla, put some shredded beef in the tortilla and start adding your favorite toppings.