1. Use either an envelope, or a piece of computer paper folded over and attached together with a paper clip. This way you can write (or print out on the computer) the list, and have your coupons handy inside.
2. Think about how your favorite grocery store is organized. Which aisles do you go down first? Write the list in order of how you go through the store, to make it easy to get everything you need without backtracking. You can include brief headings, such as Produce, Meats/Deli, to keep the list more organized.
3. If an item on your list has a coupon inside, I like to highlight that item on my list, so I can easily remember which food item has an accompanying coupon.
4. To make a great grocery list, you'll need to make a menu/meal plan for the week! This is a great habit to get into, because not only will you have all the food you need on hand to create a weeks' worth of meals, but you'll end up saving a lot of time and money too.
5. As if often mentioned, don't shop on an empty stomach! :) Have at least a snack before you go grocery shopping, which will make it so much easier to stick to the items on your list!
6. Finally - keep your grocery list attached to the fridge with a magnet. This makes it easy to add items to your list as you run out of them.

This article written by Christina Spence, of http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net. Please feel free to re-print this article on your blog, website, or to groups. But, please keep this byline attached. Thanks!

Posted by HappySlob :: 11:01 AM :: 0 comments

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Acidophilus for a Healthier, Happier Stomach and Digestion

I had to share this tip with you from my own experience. :) For about a month or two now I've been taking all natural Acidophilus pills every day. I've struggled with digestion and stomach problems for years, but these pills are really helping!

I've also read that they're an excellent choice for anyone struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, chronic yeast infections, or even lactose intolerance. Have any of you tried Acidophilus? Have you had good results too? If so, please email me at christinam@nucleus.com and share your experience and I'll gladly post it here on the blog!

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:54 AM :: 0 comments

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Craft Idea for Kids: Cotton Ball Creations

Thanks to Shannon for this fun craft idea for kids!
For more craft ideas, visit: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/crafts.html

What you'll need:


Plenty of cotton balls
Flour
Water
Food coloring
Cookie sheet sprayed with Pam or other no-stick cooking spray

Mix 1 cup of flour with enough water to be a thick cake batter
consistency. Add a food coloring of your choice, adding enough to
get the desired color. It will dry darker.

Do this for as many colors as you'd like. We usually have at least 5
or 6 different colors.

Dip cotton ball in flour mixture then place on sprayed cookie sheet.
You can make any shape you'd like. You can make rainbows, flowers,
snakes, animals, or whatever. You can use a cookie sheet for one
design if you want a really big one.

For animals, if you want eyes or some other small feature, cut a
cotton ball in half or fourths.

If you plan on hanging your design on a nail or hook, make sure you
poke a large enough hole in the top cotton ball. Since they puff up
when you bake them, make it a bit larger than you really need.

Once you have your design on the cookie sheet, place it in the oven
on 300 degrees and bake until your design is hard. Since oven temps
vary, check it periodically to make sure it isn't burning. You may
need to turn your oven up or down, depending on how well it's
cooking.

Once it's done, remove from oven and let it cool for about 10
minutes. Using a metal spatula, remove from cookie sheet and place
on a cooling rack to finish cooling. These will be extremely hot, so
be careful!! Make sure you are involved in this step if your kids
are doing the rest of it by themselves.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:46 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, August 28, 2006 Recipe Request: Homemade Wheat Bisquick

Sharon recently wrote me this email:

"I am looking for a recipe to make a homemade wheat version of Bisquick.
Can anyone help? "

Sharon, I wasn't sure if you meant whole wheat, or just a wheat version. :) I have a variety of Copycat Bisquick Recipes on the website. You can use one of those and substitute some of it for whole wheat flour and rest with whole wheat pastry flour, which is a finer texture and nearly the same as plain old all-purpose flour!

Hope this helps!
Christina

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:57 PM :: 0 comments

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Summertime Refresher: Sparkling Pineapple Lemonade Recipe

Big thanks to Debbie, who sent this in, along with the comments.


I made this Friday and I put just a little more sugar in it. Very refreshing

Sparkling Pineapple Lemonade

1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 1/2 cups water
3 1/2 cups pineapple juice
3 1/2 cups club soda
Lemon slices for serving

Directions:
Combine sugar, lemon juice and water in a large pitcher; stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in pineapple juice and club soda. Serve over ice with lemon slices.


Looking for lots of COFFEE recipes?

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:55 PM :: 0 comments

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Whole Grain Cheese Sticks Recipe - No White Flour Recipes

WHOLE GRAIN CHEESE STICKS
Thanks to Dorina

Mix together: 2/3 c. wheat flour
1/3 c. rye flour
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. grated cheese
3 tbsp. cold milk

Mix together above. Roll out as for pie crust. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Cut in strips of 1 x 3 inches. Place on cookie sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:54 PM :: 0 comments

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Gluten-Free Pancake Recipe - Celiac Disease - Flour Free

Gluten-Free Pancakes
Submitted by Dorina

1 large Egg
1/2 cup Plain Nonfat Yogurt
or 1/3 cup Nonfat Milk (cow, rice, soy or nut)
1/4 cup Gluten Free Garbanzo and Fava Flour
2 Tb Potato Starch
2 Tb Tapioca Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Sea Salt
1 tsp Vanilla
1 Tb Vegetable Oil

Blend egg and yogurt (or milk) in blender or whisk vigorously in bowl. Add remaining ingredients and blend, just until mixed.Over medium heat, place large, nonstick skillet that has been lightly coated with nonstick spray. Pour batter into skillet and cook until tops are bubbly (3-5 minutes); turn and cook until golden brown (2-3 minutes).This recipe can be doubled.Yield: About eight 4” pancakes

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:51 PM :: 0 comments

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KCnM Cookbook of the Day: Crazy About Cupcakes

The KCnM Cookbook of the Day is: 500 Cupcakes

There's just something about cupcakes. It's so comforting to indulge in one of these miniscules delights - it reminds us of the simplicities of childhood, all the while satisfying our grown-up sweet tooth.



Today's cookbook pick will provide you with all the inspiration you'll ever need to enjoy making, designing, decorating and (of course) EATING cupcakes! :) I'm thrilled that these are so trendy right now, since it's always a good time to enjoy a cupcake. Or four. ;)

With 500 Cupcakes on your shelf you'll never run out of delicious inspiration.

P.S. This book also features over 200 astoundingly yummy pictures - just more inspiration for the baker in your family.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:41 PM :: 0 comments

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The Benefits of Soy Candles vs. Traditional Wax Candles

Here are some great reasons to try soy candles, a more natural alternative:

• Soy candles last on average 50% longer than traditional candles
• Soy candles burn slower and cooler, allowing a better distribution of the scents
• Soy candles are an environmentally friendlier option - they are made from soy beans, a renewable resource. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum products - a non-renewable resource.
• Soy candles are better for anyone with allergies - they tend to cause fewer allergic reactions
• Soy candles are a cleaner burning candle - they don't create as much soot

If a candle doesn't specifically have a soy label, then assume it's a paraffin candle. If you're looking for some wonderful, high-quality soy candles to try, I recommend:

Banana Nut Bread Scented Soy Candle
Smells as delicious as home baking - a great big 18 oz candle in a cute jar.


WholeMade Natural Handpoured Soy Candles
Beautiful, pure candles that are handpoured. Made of 100% biodegradable soy and vegetable waxes. A soothing Patchouli fragrance - lovely.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:28 PM :: 0 comments

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Choosing Linens You'll Love - Bed Sheets, Sheet Counts, etc

Nothing is better at the end of a long day than crawling into bed with cozy sheets. Whether you prefer luxurious satin, or cozy flannel wrapped around you - it all equals comfort.

Here are a few tips for choosing great sheets:

• Try a color scheme with slightly different variations of a color you love - let's say green. It adds extra interest to have different colored sheets all within the same range of color.
• Check with your favorite department stores (also online) to see when they have their annual white sales - which means selling off sheets and linens, definitely not all white! :)
• Try the new t-shirt jersey knit sheets. They are just as comfy as your favorite t-shirt!
• Just what is a thread count anyway? A thread count simply refers to the softness of the end product - usually. But, don't trust a thread count alone- those fun t-shirt sheets I talked about in the last point have a very low thread count, and yet are incredibly soft and comfortable.
• A recent report by Consumer Reports states that an average thread count of between 180 to 200 provides both adequate softness and comfort AND great durability.
• Sheets are great accents in other ways around your home - window coverings, or as a way to cover up old sofas or chairs that aren't terribly fashionable anymore.

Have a tip on buying sheets? Send it in to me at christinam@nucleus.com OR christina@happyslob.com

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:20 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, August 27, 2006 Cherry Tortilla Cobbler Recipe = Easy Dessert Recipes

CHERRY TORTILLA COBBLER
Submitted by Granny Pat


Ingredients:
1 can cherry pie filling
12 flour tortillas (approx. 6")
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 stick butter
1-1/2 cups water
Red Food Coloring
12x7 or 9x13 inch pan
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
1. Put 3 teaspoons pie filling on each tortilla.
2. Roll up and place seam side down in 12x7 or 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Boil water, sugar and butter.
4. Add food coloring and any left over pie filling.
5. Pour over tortillas and let set 40 minutes.
6. Bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees.
People who like cobbler crust will love this one!!!

Posted by HappySlob :: 12:21 PM :: 0 comments

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Crockpot Dessert Recipes: Apple Pecan Bread Pudding

What a great idea - an old-fashioned bread pudding recipe, made extra special with additions of pecans and chopped apples - and it bakes slowly but surely in the crockpot while you get on with dinner! Yummm

1 cup Pecans -- coarsely chop
3 Eggs
8 slices Raisin bread -- diced
2 cups Half & Half or milk
2 medium Apples, green
1/4 cup Bourbon or brandy
1 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Butter or margarine -- melted
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
Vanilla ice cream (opt.)
1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350~. Spread pecans in a shallow baking pan and bake until golden,
about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, place bread cubes in a
greased 3 qt. or larger slow cooker. Peel, core and thinly slice the apples.
Mix lightly together the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, add eggs and mix well.
Blend in half and half or milkand then stir in bourbon or brandy.
Lightly mix pecans with bread and apples. Pour egg mixture over bread. Drizzle with butter.
Cover and cook on low until apples are tender when pierced and custard is set;
about 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours. Let pudding stand, covered, for about 15 minutes.
Serve warm with ice cream, if desired.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:36 AM :: 0 comments

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Knit Your Own Swiffer Dusting/Sweeping Cloths - Practical Project

Kansas sent me in this great project - to knit or crochet your own Swiffer covers! No more expensive replacement cloths to buy. I love this - clever Kansas for coming up with this great pattern, too:
Knitted Swiffer Cleaning Cloths

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:27 AM :: 0 comments

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Another Tip for Cleaning Rusty Crochet Hooks

Just sent in to me by an unnamed reader:

"I would think that some WD-40 would remove the rust for you and then if the metal is still a little rough I would try a light buffing with a nail buffer or a very light sanding with an emery board.
I have found that rubbing a little sewing machine oil over netal hooks when storing them keeps the rust away. This works well with all metal needles. Just remember to wipe them off before you use them."

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:25 AM :: 0 comments

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6 New Pie Recipes Added Today - Great Dessert Ideas

On the always updated Pie Recipes Blog I posted 6 fantastic new recipes. :) Thanks to those of you who submitted a recipe! I'm always glad to get recipes for any of my blogs - which you can send to me at christina@happyslob.com.

The 6 New Pie Recipes today are:

• Weight Watchers Sweet Potato Pie Recipe (4 pts)
• Fideriser Torte Recipe
• Applesauce Raisin Crumb Pie Recipe
• Topsy Turvy Apple Pie Recipe
• Apricot Pineapple Pie Recipe
• Cappuccino Cream Pie with Macadmia Graham Crust

Enjoy! Any one of these would make a fabulous Sunday night dessert. :)

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:21 AM :: 0 comments

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Saturday, August 26, 2006 Recipe Request: Macaroni Grill's Spaghetti Sauce (with Meat)

Helen wrote:

"I am looking for the "copy cat" recipe for Macaroni Grill's Spaghetti & Meat Sauce. It is so good but I would like to make it myself. "

If anyone has this recipe, please send it to me at christina @ happyslob.com and I'll post it here on the blog or on the website! :)

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:16 AM :: 0 comments

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Candy Recipes: Fudge, Rock Candy, and more

Looking for delicious candy recipes to try this weekend? :) Sweet tooths will find whatever they need at the Candy Recipes Blog where current recipes include goodies like:

• English Cream Toffees (w/real cream and butter of course)
• Quick and Easy Turtle Candies (w/pretzel bases)
• Red Rock Hard Candy Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
• Cream Caramels

Yum is all I have to say! :)

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:09 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipes Found: Strawberry Salad Recipes (3 different types)

Here are some recipes found from a recent request for Strawberry Salad. Debby found these
four - big thanks to her for sharing them. :)


STRAWBERRY SALAD
2 bags (10 oz. each) torn romaine lettuce2 cans (15 oz. each) mandarin orange segments, drained4 cups sliced strawberries1 medium red onion, sliced1 cup Caramelized Almonds1 cup Poppy Seed DressingTOSS lettuce with oranges, strawberries and onion in large bowl.SPRINKLE with Caramelized Almonds. ADD Poppy Seed Dressing; mix lightly. Serve immediately.


STRAWBERRY SALAD
Ingredients - 2 quarts mixed salad greens - 1 cup strawberries, very ripe -
1/2 cup feta cheese (optional) - 1/3 cup canola or other mild flavored oil -
2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 clove garlic (optional) -
1 tablespoon water salt and pepper
Container: Large salad bowlPrep Time: 15 minutesDirections
Wash and dry the greens.
Wash, stem and dice the strawberries, reseving a few whole berries for garnish.
Make a vinagrette: mix together 1/3rd cup of canola or other mild-flavored vegetable oil, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp water, 1 pressed or mashed garlic clove (optional) and salt and pepper to taste.
With a fork, mash half the diced berries and add to the vinagrette. Stir or shake well.
In a large salad bowl, toss the greens with the dressing, the remaining diced berries, the crumbled feta cheese (if using) and garnish with the whole berries. Serve immediately


STRAWBERRY SALAD
Ingredients:
2 oz Strawberry Puree1 oz Apple Juice1 oz Papaya Juice1 oz Pineapple Juice2 oz Soda Water
Directions:
Shake all ingredients (except soda water) and strain into a pina colada glass filled with broken ice. Add the soda, garnish with fruit, add straws and serve.

Strawberry Salad
1 pint strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced1/4 cup fresh orange juice, divided1 tablespoon sugarsalad greens1 pound cottage cheese (mild, not tangy)1 teaspoon grated fresh orange rind1/2 cup granola cereal
Combine in electric blender container 1 cup sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons orange juice and sugar. Cover and process until pureed. Mix cottage cheese with remaining 2 tablespoons orange juice, orange rind and granola cereal. Arrange salad greens on 4 individual serving plates, topping each with 1/2 cup cottage cheese mixture and remaining sliced strawberries. Serve with pureed strawberry sauce, and sprinkle with additional granola cereal, if desired.Makes 4 servings.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:06 AM :: 0 comments

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Iced Apple Cookies: Cookie Recipes

Iced apple Cookies
Thanks to Dorina for this recipe~
Makes 15 four-inch cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup finely chopped and peeled apple (red delicious)
1 cup raisins
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons apple cider
3 cups confectioner’ sugar

Batter:
Preheat oven to 350F. Combine the flower, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves,, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Cream the sugar and ¾ cup butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Gradually add the flour mixture and beat until combined. Stir in the pecans, raisins, apples and ¼ cup apple cider.

Bake:
Drop by heaping tablespoon, 2 inches apart, onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Flatten each mound slightly and bake – 18 – 22 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, remaining cider and butter until smooth. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of icing over each cookie. Store in airtight container for up to four days.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:02 AM :: 0 comments

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Whole Grain Recipes: Chewy Wheat Germ Brownies Recipe

CHEWY WHEAT GERM BROWNIES
Thanks again to Collette. While this recipe DOES call for 1 1/4 cups of regular flour, you could easily substitute whole wheat pastry flour instead. :) It would work great! And then the brownies would be truly whole grain, with no white flour at all.

4 squares unsweetened chocolate
3/4 c. butter
1 1/4 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 c. wheat germ
2 c. sugar
3 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped walnuts

In small saucepan melt chocolate and butter; set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, wheat germ and sugar, mixing well. Stir in melted chocolate butter mixture; add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Fold in nuts and spread in greased 9"x13" pan. Bake at 350 degrees about 30 minutes. Cool and cut in squares. Yield: 24 to 30 brownies. Keeps well if stored air tight or frozen.

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:58 AM :: 0 comments

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Whole Grain Recipes: Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies (with Peanut Butter)

WHOLE - WHEAT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES
Thanks to Collette!

1 c. butter
1/4 c. peanut butter
1 c. honey
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. whole-wheat flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. rolled oats
1 to 2 c. chocolate chips
1 c. nuts, chopped

Cream together first 4 ingredients. Add next 6 ingredients and mix well. Add enough flour for stiff dough. Drop by teaspoon on cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:56 AM :: 0 comments

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Whole Grain Recipes: Spicy Whole Wheat Banana Bread

WHOLE WHEAT SPICY BANANA BREAD

1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 c. mashed ripe bananas (about 3)
1 c. all-purpose flour, unsifted
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
1 c. whole wheat flour, unsifted
1/3 c. hot water
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
3/4 c. chopped walnuts

Melt butter and blend in sugar. Mix in beaten eggs and mashed banana, blending until smooth. In a bowl, stir together all-purpose flour, salt, soda and whole wheat flour until thoroughly blended. Add dry ingredients alternately with hot water. Stir in chopped nuts and spices. Spoon batter into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
Bake in a 325 degree oven for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, until bread begins to pull away from sides of pan and a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes; then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

Makes 1 loaf.

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:55 AM :: 0 comments

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Sea Salt Body Scrub - Spa Treats at Home (made in the kitchen)

Do you need a pampering spa-like treat today? Try our Pampering Sea Salt Scrub which uses ingredients you can find right in the grocery store!

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:53 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, August 25, 2006 Make Your Own: Homemade Maple Flavored Syrup

A great recipe to bookmark and keep on hand for when you run out of maple syrup, or just for when you want to spend less on syrup for your pancakes and waffles!

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring or extract

Combine granulated and brown sugar in a saucepan. Add salt and water. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat. Add maple flavoring or extract. Cool and serve.

NOTE: Use any combination of granulated and/or brown sugar as long as it is two parts sugar to one part water.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:14 PM :: 0 comments

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Crafts/Gift Ideas: Make a Mason Jar Oil Lamp

Mason Jar Oil Lamp

Pint canning jar and lid
Lamp oil
Candle wick
Pre-assembled wick and ball
Potpourri
Ribbon
Punch or screwdriver

Punch hole in center of lid. Bring wick up through hole. Secure wick with washer on underside of lid.

Fill jar with potpourri. Add lamp oil. Tie a ribbon bow around neck of jar. Cut the ribbon very short so it is not near the flame.

For more craft ideas, visit Crafts

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 23, 2006 Dinner Recipe: Taco Chicken in the Crockpot

Taco Chicken in the Crockpot
Submitted by Christi

1 package taco seasoning (or approximately 1.5-2 tbsp homemade mix)
4-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup water
flour or corn tortillas or taco shells
usual taco condiments: tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, onions, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Mix taco seasoning with water. Place chicken in Crockpot and pour seasoning over top. Toss together to coat well. Turn Crockpot on low and let cook for 6-8 hours. When done, the chicken will fall apart easily when trying to shred. At this point, shred chicken (two forks work well for this work and can be done right inside the pot) and let cook another 20-30 minutes to absorb some of the juice in the pan. Serve as you would any tacos. This dish also freezes quite well. Just make up the chicken as directed and place in freezer bags. To reheat, just pop in the microwave and you're done.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:27 AM :: 0 comments

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Weight Watchers Recipe: Grilled Veggie Pitas Recipe

Grilled Veggie Pitas (Vegetarian)
Serves 4

4 portobello mushrooms
1 medium zucchini -- thinly sliced lengthwise
1 red onion -- thickly sliced
4 teaspoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon thyme -- minced
1 clove garlic -- crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large whole wheat pita bread -- halved
8 large basil leaves

Spray the broiler or grill rack with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.Preheat the broiler or prepare the grill. In a large bowl, toss themushrooms, zucchini and onion with the oil. Broil or grill thevegetables until just softened, 2-3 mins on each side.In a small bowl,combine the vinegar, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. To assemble the sandwiches, line each pita half with the basil leavesand add the vegetables; pour in the vinegar sauce. Description: Grilled vegetables are so hearty and flavorful that theymake the perfect sandwich. Grill the veggies ahead of time, but make thesandwiches just before servingPer Serving: 189 Cals; 6g Fat (26.6% cals from fat); 8g Protein; 31gCarb; 6g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Chol; 446mg SodExchanges: 1 Grain(Starch); 2 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 1 Fat. NOTES : Recipe from Weight Watchers Versatile

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:24 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Found: Easy Microwave Fudge Recipe

For the fudge loving member who wants an easy microwave way to make Fudge.

Microwave Fudge
Submitted by Gerry D.

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 lb. confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup margarine or butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Mix cocoa powder and confectioners sugar in microwave pan. Slice margarine on top. Pour on milk but do not mix. Cover and cook for 2
minutes at full power. Add vanilla and nuts; stir to mix well. Pour into
greased 8 x 8 x 2 inch pan. Chill one hour. Cut into squares.
Makes 64 pieces.

Hope this is satisfactory to all the sweet tooths out there.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:23 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Found: Upside-Down Strawberry Rhubarb Cake

RHUBARB-STRAWBERRY UPSIDE DOWN CAKE
Submitted by Jeannie V.

3-4 c. sliced rhubarb
1 c. sugar
2 c. strawberries
1 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. milk

Mix together rhubarb, sugar and strawberries. Pour into buttered 2 x 8 x 2 inch Pyrex dish. Set aside.

Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder. Cream butter and sugar; beat in egg. Add dry ingredients along with milk and vanilla. Blend until smooth. Pour cake batter over fruit. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool about 10 minutes and turn onto plate.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:22 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Found: Spongata Cakes Recipe

Hi Christina,

I was looking through request a recipe. A woman by the name of Diane was looking for Spongata Cake recipe....dont know if you have it or not---so here it is.

Collette


Ingredients
Pastry
230g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
100g caster sugar
2 medium eggs
2 tbsp white wine
1 tsp vanilla extract
500g plain flour
½ tsp salt

Filling
80g raisins, chopped
80g pine nuts, chopped
200g toasted walnuts, chopped
150g chopped candied peel
½ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
2 tbsp toasted breadcrumbs
250g clear honey
1 medium egg, lightly beaten

Instructions
Make the pastry: cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, wine and vanilla. Mix well.
Fold in the flour and salt then bring together with your hands into a dough. Wrap and chill.
Preheat the oven to 200°C, gas mark 6. Butter a deep 25cm, springform tin.
Mix the raisins, nuts, peel, spices and breadcrumbs. Heat the honey in a bowl over a pan of boiling water, then stir into the nut mixture. Set aside.

Divide the pastry in 2 pieces (2/3 and 1/3). Roll out the larger piece in to a disc to line the base and sides of the tin with 2cm extra at the edge. Put in the tin. Add the filling mixture. Bring the edges of the dough over the filling. Roll out the small piece and trim to fit the top of the tin. Brush the dough with water. Put the top on the filling. Press the edges firmly. Brush with beaten egg and pierce with a skewer. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to 180°C, gas mark 4 and bake for 15 minutes. Cool in the tin (and decorate with the baked peel of unwaxed oranges and
lemons if desired) then serve in slices.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:13 AM :: 0 comments

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Another Recipe Request: Vitalicious Bran Muffin Tops

Hi Christina,
I have a request for a "copycat" recipe or "tried" recipe for
Vitalicious bran muffin tops.
Also, I wanted to let you know that I love the new format of the
newsletter. Hope you are having fun in your new job.

Mel

==============

If anyone has this recipe, please send it to me at christina @ happyslob.com. :) Thanks!

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:11 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Request: Strawberry Salad

Here's a recent recipe request sent in by Patty. If you have a recipe like this, please send it to me at christina @ happyslob.com and I'll post it here or on our KCnM Website


Hello,
I Was Wondering If You Still Had A Recipe That I Sent In, Seems I Can't Find It Anywhere And I Really Need To Make This. It Was Called Strawberry Salad.

If You Find It Will You Please Send It Back To Me?

Thank You
Patty

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:08 AM :: 1 comments

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Tuesday, August 22, 2006 Canning/Preserving Recipe: Plum Jam Recipe

Plum Jam
Submitted by Christi

Yields: 4 pints

3 pounds firm plums, cut into eighths and seeds discarded
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
7 1/2 cups sugar
1 (3-ounce) package commercial pectin

In large non-aluminum kettle, combine plums, water, and lemon juice. Bring mixture to boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until soft, stirring occasionally. Mixture should have reduced to about 4 1/2 cups. Add sugar and heat mixture to full, rapid boiling over high heat, stirring constantly. Stir in pectin; return to full, rapid boiling and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Set aside 1 minute and skim off any foam that has formed. Meanwhile, sterilize 8 half-pint jars or jelly glasses and the necessary lids, and bands, according to manufacturer's directions. Divide jam among sterilized jars, leaving 1/8-inch space at top of jar. Wipe rims of jars to remove any jam and seal with lids and bands. Process jars in boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove jars, label, and store in cool, dry place.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:30 AM :: 0 comments

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Canning/Preserving Recipes: Habanero Pepper Jelly Recipe

Habanero Jelly
Submitted by Christi
Yields: 7 half-pint jars

3 large fleshy orange bell peppers
5 to 10 ripe habanero peppers
1 1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
7 cups sugar
9 fl oz liquid fruit pectin (Certo or equivalent)

Remove stems, seeds and membranes from all peppers (use gloves when handling the habaneros...yes... seriously... USE GLOVES!). Put peppers and the vinegar in a blender and process until smooth. Combine pepper-vinegar puree and all the sugar in a non-corrosive pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for twenty (20) minutes. Remove from heat and strain through cheesecloth into another pan. Add pectin and bring to a full rolling boil while stirring. Boil about one minute, remove from heat and ladle into sterile jars.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:29 AM :: 0 comments

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Canning/Preserving Recipes: Dandelion Jelly

Dandelion Jelly
Submitted by Christi

4 cups yellow parts of dandelion blossoms
3 cups boiling water
4 1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pkg powdered pectin

Pull the yellow blossoms apart from the green parts. Get lots and lots of blossoms.. While you are collecting them, you can freeze what you already have. Make sure there are no green parts since the green parts have a bitter flavor. I pack the blossoms into a 4 cup measure. More blossoms mean more flavor for the jelly. Bring the water to a boil and fill the water with dandelion blossom shreds.Simmer over very gentle heat about 10 minutes. Pour the water and blossoms through a strainer. Press the blossoms as dry as possible to extract the maximum amount of water. Add more blossoms to the strained water and simmer for about 10 minutes. Continue simmering and straining until all the blossoms are used up. Add more water to make up 3 cups. You lose some water because it is caught in the blossoms. Strain the water very well. (Use a coffee filter). Combine water with lemon juice, sugar and pectin. Bring to roiling boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Boil hard for one minute. Skim. Pour into hot jars and seal. There is no food coloring used in this recipe, but when you lightly tint this jelly, it looks prettier.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:26 AM :: 0 comments

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Copycat Recipe: Goo Goo Clusters Candy

Goo Goo Clusters
1 large bag miniature marshmallows
1 bag chocolate chips
2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 can Eagle Brand milk
2 tsp. butter

Melt chocolate chips in pan with Eagle Brand milk.While this is heating, mix marshmallows and peanuts in a largebowl. Pour melted mixture over nuts and marshmallows. Mixtogether. Pour in buttered pan. Chill 2 hours and cut.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:24 AM :: 0 comments

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Fun Crafts for a Rainy (or Any!) Day: Bath Salts

Looking for a fun craft on a rainy (or any other) day? Making bath salts is simple, fun and it's a great craft to make ahead and store for Anyday Gifts.

Here's one recipe to get you started, and then I'll list where I have even MORE recipes for you to try!

Citrus Mint Bath Salts - Luxurious Bath Salts Recipe

1 cup sea salt
1 cup coarse (kosher) salt
Mix two salts together, and then add:

About 2 teaspoons of orange essential oil. Mix with a fork until combined throughout the salts. The fork will also help break up any clumps. You can then add to the mix: a few tablespoons of dried citrus peels (lemon, lime or orange will all work great) and a tablespoon or so of dried mint leaves. Store in sealed containers, add a gift tag and voila! Instant, fantastic gift!

For more bath recipes, visit my Bath Recipes Blog at http://bath-recipes.blogspot.com
or
On the Kitchen Crafts 'n' More website: http://www.kitchencraftsnmore.net/bath

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:53 AM :: 0 comments

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Monday, August 21, 2006 Baby and Kids Tips: Easy Homemade Detangler for Hair

All you parents, grandparents and childcare givers out there will love this handy tip! Instead of paying for commercial hair detanglers, a simple solution is to create your own by diluting regular conditioner. You may need to experiment a little bit, but a general rule of thumb for homemade detangling solution is:

• 1 part conditioner to 10 parts regular tap water

Mix this together in a clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting. Spray onto your child's hair and use a wide-tooth comb to gently ease out those painful hair tangles!

Posted by HappySlob :: 2:01 PM :: 0 comments

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Bahamian Coconut Tart Recipe - Tropical Desserts

Bahamian Coconut Tart
Just sent in by Christi - doesn't it sound delicious??
For more pie recipes than you can shake a stick at (if you really WANTED to shake a stick at pie recipes) visit: My Ever-Growing Pie Recipe Collection

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking powder
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup milk
1 egg, well beaten

Filling:
3 cups grated coconut
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. freshly ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar and
salt; cut in the shortening with a pastry cutter (or use two knives)
until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and mix
in the milk and egg until a firm dough is formed. Roll out 3/4 of the
dough into a rectangular shape on a floured surface until it is 1/4-inch
thick. Transfer the dough to a greased 9x13-inch pan. Roll out the
remaining dough to the same thickness and cut into strips to use as
lattice top; set aside for now.

In a saucepan, combine the filling ingredients and cook over medium-high
heat until water dissolves, stirring frequently. Cool.

Spoon the coconut filling onto the crust and top with strips of dough to
form a lattice top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, or until
crust is golden brown. Serve warm or cool.

Posted by HappySlob :: 2:00 PM :: 0 comments

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5 Ways to Make Your BBQ A Memorable Family Event

5 Ways to Make Your BBQ a Memorable Family Event
By Moriah Shemer


Since Americans in the South began roasting pigs publicly, Barbecues have been a staple of North American living. For many, grilling becomes a routine mealtime activity, while for the most devoted grillers, summer is ruled by massive barbecue parties. But grillers do not have to choose between boring repetition and outrageous get-togethers: every barbecue can and should be an exciting family event. Here are 5 ways to make your routine evening barbecue a more unique experience:

1) Who said you have to stick to meat? Much can be done with bread and fruits over an open flame. To make this into a fun activity with your kids, use cookie cutters to make the bread and fruit into shapes. You can decide on themes like "animals" and "letters" or ask that each shape be different from the others! Then, let your kids decide which toppings they would like to put on. Add cheese, onion and various spices to bread and cinnamon and honey to fruit.

2) Try foil-wrapped surprise meals. Place different combinations of chicken, fish and vegetables with sauces and spices in foil packets. These cook in less than 20 minutes and lead to no-mess, lip-smacking results. Children will love the surprise element and can easily switch packets. You can even ask your family for combo suggestions before the barbecue, or draw ingredient names out of a hat to create new meal ideas.

3) A little variety goes a long way. If you tend to stick to the same old beef burgers and pork wieners, why not try grilled pizza or salmon steaks? Similarly, try to mix it up with condiments and seasoning. Sick of ketchup? Try salsa instead. Look online where you'll find hundreds of easy recipes for barbecue rubs. These give your food that extra pizzazz and prevent the mess and drip that comes with barbecue sauces.

4) Barbecues don't have to be rushed. In fact, barbecue devotees will tell you that today's quick broiling is an insult to the term, which should represent a process of slow cooking on low heat. You can find many slow cooker recipes online, and the wait is a great opportunity to pass some quality time with your family and friends. Entertaining backyard activities include creating an outdoor canvas to paint on or playing backyard bowling with household items.

5) Mom said not to play with your food, but there's always an exception! Barbecue games are great fun and tasty at the same time. In the game Glutton, each player gets a certain amount of mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or any other side dish. Various kitchen utensils are put in a box and the players blindly pick a few. On the go, they begin to eat their dish with the items that they took out. The first to finish his or her food wins the prize!

Finally, don't fret! Far too many people get lost in the details of planning the perfect barbecue party and forget to enjoy the social atmosphere and delicious food. So kick back, bask in the relaxing sun and prepare for a summer of unforgettable barbecues!

Moriah Shemer works for Chris & Tal's Better Foods, a food innovation company focused on crafting no compromise, guilt-free versions of your favorite foods. Our top product is the Bet·ter Burger, made of a blend of lean meat and high-grade textured soy protein. The result? The delicious beef taste you love with half the fat, calories and cholesterol. For store availability visit http://www.betterfoods.ca

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:56 PM :: 0 comments

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Spa Pampering Beauty Recipes for Hair: Banana Hair Mask Recipe

Banana Hair Mask
Thanks to Dorina for submitting this pampering spa recipe

1 banana
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Mash the banana in a small bowl until completely smooth. Add mayonnaise and oil and blend until creamy. Use immediately.
Apply mask to hair, cover your head with plastic wrap -- relax for 15-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and shampoo as usual.


More Natural Hair Care Recipes HERE

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:54 PM :: 0 comments

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Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Squares - Summer Dessert Recipe

Frozen Strawberry Shortcake Squares
Thanks to Debby in Wyoming for this summertime recipe

1 tub (8 oz.) COOL WHIP LITE Whipped Topping, thawed
1 pt. (2 cups) strawberry frozen nonfat yogurt, softened
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Brand Strawberry Flavor Sugar Free Low Calorie Gelatin
4 cups (13.6 oz.) cubed fat free pound cake

Stir whipped topping, yogurt and gelatin in large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cake cubes. Spoon into 8-inch square pan.

Freeze 3 hours or until firm. Cut into squares. Store leftover dessert
in freezer.

Nutrition Bonus:
Low in fat and easy to make!

Diet Exchange:
2 Carbohydrate

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:52 PM :: 0 comments

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Sunday, August 20, 2006 English Tea Time Recipes: Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe

Here's another traditional tea time favorite recipe - again, thanks to Jeannie for this recipe. It's a gorgeous light cake with a creamy filling that is made extra special with spoonfuls of jam added to the cream. Delightful!


Victoria Sponge
The Cake:1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (melted)3 large eggs, room temperature1 tablespoon milk, room temperature2/3 cup sugar1 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powderSaltConfectioner's sugar

The Filling:1 cup heavy cream5 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam

In a medium bowl, beat together eggs and milk. Add sugar and beat hard until thoroughly combined. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, then fold gently into egg mixture. Stir in melted butter and mix well with a wooden spoon just until the butter is thoroughly incorporated into the batter.Divide batter between the 2 greased 7-icnh round pans. Bake at 375L 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cakes have risen and turned golden. They should spring back when pressed lightly with a finger.Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely before filling. Whip the cream until stiff. Spread top of bottom cake layer with jam. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of jam. Place second cake flat side down on top of filling.To decorate, place a 7-inch doily on cake top and lightly sift confectioner's sugar over it. Carefully remove doily, leaving a lacy pattern on cake. If strawberries are available, an alternative decoration is to pipe a ring of whipped cream rosettes around cake, setting a single lush strawberry in the center of each rosette.

Posted by HappySlob :: 3:13 PM :: 0 comments

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Mock Devonshire Cream Recipe - Tea Time (English) Recipes

Mock Devonshire Cream
A fantastic alternative for a proper English tea, if you just can't find the real thing. Thanks to Jeannie for the recipe - enjoy tea lovers!

½ cup heavy cream or 8 oz. softened cream cheese
2-tablespoons confectioners' sugar
½ cup sour cream

In a chilled bowl, beat cream until medium-stiff peaks form, adding sugar during the last few minutes of beating. (If you are using cream cheese, just stir together with sugar.) Fold in sour cream and blend.

Posted by HappySlob :: 3:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Cashew and Caramel Squares - Baking Squares Bars Recipes

From my Aunt Diane - who's an AMAZING BAKER! :)

these are yummy!!!! they need to be kept cold though or they get awfully gooey. They are kind of fiddly but not too bad.
2 1/2 c. icing sugar
7 oz. jar Fluff
1/2 c. crushed Oreos
1/2 c. salted cashew pieces
1/3 c. melted butter
36 caramels
3T cream (I used milk)
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 c. peanut butter
Combine icing sugar and Fluff. Mix (use your hands) and then knead until smooth. Roll out to 8" square. Wrap in plastic wrap and set aside.
Line 8" square pan with foil. In small bowl combine cookie crumbs 1/2 c. cashews and melted butter. Blend well. Press into pan and bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes. Immediately unwrap Fluff mixture and place on hot crust. Combine caramels and cream in medium bowl & microwave on med. 4-6 minutes. Stir twice during cooking. blend until smooth. Add 1 c. cashews & mix. Spread over Fluff layer.
In small bowl combine choc. chips and peanut butter. Melt in microwave on med. 2 minutes. Stir. Pour over caramel layer.
Refrigerate.

Posted by HappySlob :: 3:09 PM :: 0 comments

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Two Solutions for Rusty Crochet Hooks - Helpful Household/Crafting Hints

Susan H. says: "Just use a little steel wool lightly rubbed on the crochet hooks."

and

another reader wrote: " Coca-Cola was used to clean rust off of steel car bumpers, back in the day. then fine sand paper. After you could paint clear coat on them. "

Posted by HappySlob :: 3:08 PM :: 0 comments

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Knit a Dishcloth - Easy Knitting Patterns and Ideas

Lynn wrote this:

Try knittingknonsense.com. Great dishcloth patterns

If anyone wants to try a simple knitting pattern to make a great little dishcloth, I suggest that site highly! :) It's a simple project that even knitting newbies will enjoy. And knitted dishcloths are some of my favorites!

If any of you have a knitting or crochet pattern or idea that you'd like me to post here on the blog or on the website at KitchenCraftsnmore.net then just send it on in!

Posted by HappySlob :: 3:05 PM :: 0 comments

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Friday, August 18, 2006 Recipe Request: Friendship Fruit Cake

Hello Christina,
I'm hoping somewhere out there there is a recipe similar to one that I received just recently The recipe I have is for a "friendship fruit cake" made from an assortment of canned fruits (peaches, pineapple, apricots, maraschino cherries) that are "fermented" in the same way that friendship cake starter typically is. This recipe calls for brandy in the mixture as well, and I'd like to try to find a similar recipe that does not require alcohol. Can you or your readers help?
Thanks!
Karen

Hi Karen,

:) Sounds delish! But then again, I never met a cake that I didn't bond with. Our team of recipe researchers has come up with a recipe that should help you. Enjoy!

Christina

==============
Amish Friendship Fruit Starter
Found by Recipe Researcher DEB

3/4 cup canned sliced peaches with syrup
3/4 cup canned pineapple chunks with syrup
4 ounces red maraschino cherries, drained, halved
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast (some recipes willsubstitute 2 tablespoon brandy)
For later addition
1/2 cup canned sliced peaches with syrup
1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks with syrup

To Replenish Starter
DAY 1
1 1/2 cups starter juice2 1/2 cups granulated sugar1 (32 ounce) can sliced peaches with syrup
DAY 10
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar1 (32 ounce) can pineapple chunks with juice or 1 (16 ounce)can pineapple chunks and 1 (16 ounce) can fruit cocktail
DAY 20
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar2 (4 ounce) jars maraschino cherries, drained and halved(You can use 1 jar of red and one jar of green for color,or use 1 (10 ounce jar)
In a 1-gallon glass jar with wide mouth and lid, combine the peaches, pineapple, maraschino cherries, sugar and yeast (make sure the yeast is well mixed with syrup). Stir two times the first day. Stir once a day afterwards. Do not refrigerate this mixture. Keep loosely covered.
Two weeks after starting the starter, add 1/2 cup peaches and 1/2 cup pineapple with syrup.
Wait several days, stirring daily, then drain 2 cups of mixed fruit and use to make cake as directed in the cake recipe. Reserve 1 1/2 cups starter juice and leave in glass gallon jar. Count this as Day One, and begin the process for renewing starter and making cake.

DAY 1: To reserved 1 1/2 cups starter juice (or to starter juice given you by a friend), add 2 1/2 cups sugar and a 32 ounce can of peaches with syrup. Stir daily. Keep loosely covered. Do not refrigerate.
DAY 10: Add 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar and pineapple chunks with juice. Stir daily. Keep loosely covered. Do not refrigerate.
DAY 20: Add 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar and drained and halved maraschino cherries. Stir daily. Keep loosely covered. Do not refrigerate.
DAY 30: Drain fruit, reserving 1 1/2 cups juice for renewing starter. Use drained fruit to make 3 Amish Friendship Fruit Cakes, give excess starter juice to friends, and start a new batch of fruit (repeat aforementioned process).

NOTE: At the end of 30 days, you will have enough excess starter juice to give to about four friends. Be sure to keep enough juice (1 1/2 cups) for your own starter. At the end of 30 days, there will be enough fruit to use 1 3/4 cups fruit in each cake, which makes the cake better and doesn't waste the fruit.
The cakes can be frozen. It is not necessary to bake all three cakes the same day, but stir the remaining fruit mixture every day until it is used (this fruit mixture can be refrigerated until used). The drained fruit can be frozen until you are ready to bake the cakes.

Amish Friendship Fruit Cake
1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix withpudding in the mix1/3 cup vegetable oil4 eggs1 3/4 cup Amish Friendship Fruit Starter1 cup chopped pecansConfectioners' sugar (if desired)Cream cheese frosting (if desired)
Line the bottom of a springform angel food cake pan with wax paper; grease well, then flour.
In large mixing bowl of electric mixer, combine dry cake mix and oil. Beat in eggs, one at a time, beating well. Add fruit; mix well. Fold in nuts. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes, then reduce heat to 300 degrees F and bake 35 to 40 minutes more, or until cake tests done.
Shake pan to loosen cake from sides and let sit 10 minutes.
Lift the center of the pan out and turn cake onto cake plate. Turn cake right-side up before serving. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if desired, or top with cream cheese frosting. This cake tastes better when cold.
NOTE: You will use from 1 1/2 to 2 cups drained fruit per cake.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:12 AM :: 0 comments

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Tips for Making Crunchy Chicken Tenders (Homemade Chicken Nuggets)

Recently, one reader asked for advice on easy ways to create crunchy chicken nugget coating for homemade chicken tenders/chicken nuggets. :) Here are some great tips and hints from readers:

• Have you tried using seasoned bread crumbs? That's what I use for making "Chicken fillets" . tredge you tenders in melted butter/or whipped egg and then in the bread crumbs-bake as for "fried chicken"
• Japanese bread crumbs are chunkier and work great for crunchy nuggets coating

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:07 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 16, 2006 Pretzel Initials Recipe for Kids - Fun Kids Crafts & Cooking

Pretzel Initials
~Submitted by Shannon~

Some children learn easier by touch and this project just helps to
reinforce the shapes of the initial or letters of their name)

1 envelope dry yeast
1-1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
4 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
Glaze: 1 beaten egg and a little salt
Soften the yeast in water, add remaining ingredients and knead until
pliable. Give each child a ball of dough and let them roll it
out "like a snake" and help them form the letter (or letters) of
their first initial, name, etc. Place formed dough on a greased
baking sheet, brush with glaze and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425
degrees for 12-15 minutes.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:33 AM :: 0 comments

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Cleaning your Kitchen Cabinets with Orange Oil

Here's a little article I wrote about Cleaning the Kitchen Cabinets with Orange Oil that I thought you'd enjoy. :) A natural cleaner that really gets the kitchen clean - even those hard-to-clean cabinets.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:32 AM :: 0 comments

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Caring for Wicker Furniture Inside and Out

- To keep your wicker furniture from yellowing, wash with a warm mix of salt water
- Occasionally use a furniture oil to add lustre and to keep the wicker from drying out and cracking

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:28 AM :: 0 comments

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Heavenly Cream Cake Recipe (from Shannon) Desserts Recipes

This cake is a bit long, but you can have all the steps done while
the cake is baking. And the end results are WELL worth the extra
effort. It was truly an amazing site to see. My mom took pics of
it, but then forgot to save them. We had already cut into it when
she realized what she did. :-(

Also, before you bake this, read my notes at the bottom for a couple
of different ideas/suggestions.

White Cake Mix

1 1/4 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites

Cream Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cps powdered sugar
4 teaspoon lemon juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Vanilla Crumb Topping

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cold butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (not imitation)

Garnish

Powered sugar

Make white cake following the directions on the box. Pour batter
into a greased 10" cake pan or spring form pan, and bake at 350
degrees for 40-45 minutes. Allow cake to cool completely when it
comes out of the oven.


Make cream filling by mixing cream cheese and powdered sugar in a
medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Mix in lemon juice.


Whip cream in a large bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until
it forms stiff peaks. Combine cream cheese mixture with whipped
cream. Stir by hand until well blended. Place in refrigerator until
ready to use.

Make crumb topping by combining flour and powdered sugar in a medium
bowl. Add butter and dribble in the vanilla extract. Use your hands
to mix cold butter into flour and sugar. Break butter into smaller
pieces as you incorporate it into the dry ingredients. Be sure not
to press the mixture together. You want to end up with a very
crumbly consistency with pieces no bigger than a pea. (If you have
trouble making small crumbs, pop the bowl in the fridge for a few
minutes.) Chill the crumb topping until you are ready to use it.

When the cake is COMPLETELY cool, slice it in half through the middle
and remove the top. Spread all but 1/2 cup of the lemon cream
mixture onto the bottom half of the cake, then carefully replace the
top half of the cake.

Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of cream filling over the top and sides
of the cake. Sprinkle the crumb topping on top of the cake and press
it onto the sides all the way around the cake.

Now chill the cake for at least 3 hours before you serve it. When
you are ready to dig in, slice the cake into 12 slices. Serve each
slice toped with powdered sugar tapped through a strainer.

BIG SUGGESTION:
I felt like the cake was just too vanilla-y, even though it was
called a Lemon Cream Cake, so I changed the name to Heavenly Cream
Cake. It's far more fitting.

Also, because I was really wanting something lemony, for a real show
stopper, I baked one white cake and one Lemon Supreme cake. Then I
alternated the layers. I doubled the recipe on everything else, and
then didn't use quite as much in the middle layers, which gave me
leftovers, but it was so worth it to use as a fruit dip later!! I
think I gained 20 pounds from that alone! LOL.

Anyway, once you have the two cakes baked and split in half. Just
follow the directions above. Split the cream filling in half. Take
one of the halves and spread it between the two middle layers of cake
(if you don't want leftovers for some fruit dip or something else).
Assemble the layers. Take the other half of the cream filling and
spread it over the top and sides of the 4 layer cake.

Using your hands, press the doubled up recipe of crumb topping all
over the cake. To make it easier to put the crumbs on the cake, I
put the "frosted" cake in the fridge for about a half hour just to
get the cream filling to set up a bit. That way it doesn't stick to
your hands so bad when you're putting the crumb topping on it.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Once you're ready to serve it, for decoration on top, just get one
very, very thin slice of lemon, twist it, and place that, along with
a few washed (make sure you dry them off) lemon leaves on the top.
Very pretty!! Also, as the cake sits out, the frosting will get soft
again. When you pop it back in the fridge, it will stiffen up
again. This is completely fine.

This recipe, along with the optional glaze below, was my dessert at
our mother's day brunch. It was absolutely beautiful, and because it
is SO rich, the slices were very small.

*optional...as a lemon glaze, I mixed lemon juice and powdered sugar
together and drizzled it over each slice of cake, then dusted with
powdered sugar. I left the lemon glaze just slightly tart, and
drizzled it generously. There's another 20 pounds!

Have loads of milk or coffee on hand. It's super rich, and you'll
want it!

And if you bake my show stopper version, you'll be amazed at how
beautiful this 4 layer cake looks.

You can vary this in any way you want. One vanilla cake and
one "whatever flavor" cake will do wonderfully. Just change the
decoration on top, or leave it off. It's just as pretty without. I
just wanted a little extra color.

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:27 AM :: 0 comments

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Cinnamon Scones Recipe - Great with a Cup of Tea or Coffee

Cinnamon Scones
2 cups white flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbs baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 400F. Blend together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Cut in butter. Mix milk, egg and vanilla in another mixing bowl. Add to the flour mixture, and stir until just moist. Shape dough into an 8-inch round loaf. cut into 8 wedges and separate slightly. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
Makes 8

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:25 AM :: 0 comments

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A Couple of Helpful Houseplants Tips

• Soak clay pots in water for a few minutes before using, so that they will not absorb moisture from the potting soil.
• Cut flowers will last longer if you add a teaspoon of white sugar to the water

And...for a funny piece on how easily I can KILL houseplants (and a fabulous list sent in by readers on practically UN-killable houseplants) visit Houseplants that Even I Can't Kill

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:18 AM :: 0 comments

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Tuesday, August 15, 2006 Two Delicious Coffee Creations

Coffee lovers - try something new. How about this unbelievably scrumptious Coffee Fudge Recipe ? OR...try making a gourmet coffee creamer at home with this Amaretto Cinnamon Coffee Creamer Recipe Enjoy!

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:59 AM :: 0 comments

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More Pie Recipes to Share: Cheesecake Pie & Rhubarb Pie

Today's PIE RECIPES du Jour include:

- Fresh Rhubarb Pie
- Raspberry Peach Pie
- Cranberry Cheesecake Pie (which makes me drool to even think about!)

Head on over to our Pie Recipes Blog for these and dozens of other delicious pie recipes!

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:48 AM :: 0 comments

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Lavender Jelly Recipe - Preserving and Canning Recipes

Lavender Jelly
Big thanks to Christi for this wonderful recipe
(from May 1995 Veggie Life magazine)
cheesecloth
4 T. dried lavender flowers
4 T. powdered pectin
3 c. apple juice
2 T. lemon juice
3 c. sugar

Line a small sieve with a double thickness of cheesecloth. Cut a 5-inch square of cheesecloth, put lavender flowers in the center and tie up ends to form a small bag.In a 6-quart saucepan, combine pectin and apple juice, stirring until pectin is dissolved.Set pan over high heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in lemon juice and sugar and drop in lavender bag. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove bag. Strain through Cheesecloth lined sieve into sterilized jars. (To sterilize jars, place in gently boiling water for ten (minutes).Makes 3 8-oz. jars.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:44 AM :: 0 comments

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Fresh Tomato Biscuits

Fresh Tomato Biscuits
1 (7.5-ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Splenda Granular
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
5 tablespoons reduced-fat Parmesan-style grated topping (I would just use regular parmesan)
1 1/4 cups finely chopped fresh tomatoes

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large baking sheet with butter-flavoredcooking spray. Separate biscuits and evenly arrange on prepared bakingsheet. Slightly flatten each with a sturdy spoon. Bake for 5 minutes.Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Splenda, basil and blackpepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Lightly flatten biscuits again with asturdy spoon. Evenly spread about 1 tablespoon mayonnaise mixture over eachpartially baked biscuit. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes over top ofeach. Continue baking for 5 minutes or until mayonnaise mixture is hot andbubbly. Serve at once.Serves 5 (2 each). Per serving: 151 calories; 4 grams protein; 3 grams fat(17 percent of total calories); 27 grams carbohydrate; 1 gram fiber; 55milligrams cholesterol; and 568 milligrams sodium.Diabetic Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch.JoAnna Lund's Healthy Exchanges Newsletter - Date Unknown

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:39 AM :: 0 comments

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Quick Blueberry Jam Recipe (Canning and Preserving Recipes)

QUICK BLUEBERRY JAM

4 1/2 cups (1.1 litres) crushed blueberries
4 Tbsp. (60 mL) lemon juice
7 cups (1.75 litres) granulated sugar
2 pouches (each 3 oz./85 mL) liquid pectin

1. Prepare canner, jars and liquid according to basic canning tips. (See Perfect preserves sidebar, left.)

2. In a large, deep, stainless steel saucepan, combine blueberries, lemon juice and sugar. Over high heat, stirring constantly, bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir in pectin. Boil hard, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and skim off foam.

3. Ladle hot jam into hot jars, leaving 1/4 in. (0.5 cm) headspace. Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace again, if necessary, by adding hot jam. Wipe rim. Centre lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight.

4. Place jars in canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes, then remove jars, cool and store. Makes about eight 8-oz. (250-mL) jars.

Source: The Calgary Sun (Jul 23, 2006)

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:37 AM :: 0 comments

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Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe - Vegetarian Recipes

VEGETARIAN LASAGNA

Ingredients
8 dried lasagna noodles
1 10-ounce package frozen chopped broccoli
1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes
1 15-ounce can no salt added tomato sauce
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped green or red sweet pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons dried basil or oregano, crushed
2 bay leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
1 beaten egg
2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (4 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions
1. Cook noodles and broccoli separately according to their package directions; drain well. Set aside.
2. For sauce, in a large saucepan stir together tomato sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, celery, onion, sweet pepper, basil, bay leaves, garlic, and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is thick, stirring occasionally. Discard bay leaves.
3. Meanwhile, for filling, in a bowl stir together egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Stir in cooked broccoli.
4. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce in a 3-quart rectangular baking dish. Top with half of the noodles, half of the filling, and half of the remaining sauce. Repeat layers, ending with the sauce.
5. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 degree F. oven for 25 minutes; sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake about 5 minutes more or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:36 AM :: 0 comments

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Recipe Requests - Recipes Found - Butter Fudge Recipes

Thanks to Collette for sending in these two Butter Fudge Recipes, which were recently requested in an issue of Our NEWSLETTER

Butter Fudge
2 cups granulated sugar1 cup milk2 (1 ounce) squares chocolate, grated1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar1/2 cup butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup nut meats, chopped
Combine first four ingredients. Boil to soft ball stage (234 degrees F to 236 degrees F).
Add butter; cool to lukewarm. Add vanilla extract. Beat until thick, then add nut meats. Pour into buttered pan.

Butter Fudge II
6 cups granulated sugar 2 sticks (1 cup) butter (no substitutes) 1 large can evaporated milk 1 cup light corn syrupVanilla extract 1 cup nuts
In a large saucepan, cook all ingredients together (except vanilla extract and nuts) to soft ball. Remove from heat and let cool a little; then beat until mixture starts to thicken. Add vanilla extract and nuts. Fudge should be creamy but firm.
Variations: To make chocolate fudge, add 6 tablespoons cocoa to sugar, or add peanut butter if peanut butter fudge is desired.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:34 AM :: 0 comments

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Breakfast Brunch Recipes: Maple Sausage Biscuit Wraps

Dorina, who sent this recipe in, wrote:

"I love these! Had them without the apple though. And have made them with different types of sausage. Yum. "


Maple Sausage Biscuit Wrap
12 oz Jimmy Dean Maple Sausage
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped apple
2 12-oz cans refrigerated biscuits

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400F. In skillet, brown sausage, drain well. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and apple.

Separate dough into 20 biscuits and flatten each biscuit into a 5-inch circle. Spoon sausage mixture onto the center of each biscuit. Fold dough in half over filling, and press edges with fork to seal shut.

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 20 wraps.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:31 AM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 09, 2006 Diabetic Recipes: Applesauce Squares with Creamy Icing (Sugar-Free)

Applesauce Squares with Creamy Icing
1/2 c Butter; softened
1/2 tsp Baking soda
2 Eggs
1/4 tsp Salt
2/3 c Apple juice concentrate
1 lg Apple, peeled and chopped
1/2 c Applesauce
2 c flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon

Creamy Topping

1/2 c Cream heavy
1 tsp Vanilla
1/4 tsp Cinnamon, ground

Preheat oven to 375. Beat butter in large bowl until creamy. Blend in eggs, juice, and applesauce. Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in apples.

Spread batter evenly into greased 8" square baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes, until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack. Cut into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, with Creamy Topping if desired.

Creamy Topping: Beat cream in small bowl at high speed of electric mixer until soft peaks form. Beat in vanilla and cinnamon until stiff peaks form.

For MORE Diabetic Recipes

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:46 PM :: 0 comments

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Serving a Proper Afternoon (English) Tea

This is such a quaint idea! The next time you have some friends over, try this - and charm them all!

(Ideas sent in by a reader.)

While afternoon tea fare can be as simple as a wedge of cake or a couple of cookies, it usually consists of three courses. Here is the proper order of service:

Begin by pouring a cup of tea for each of your guests. This is the part where you get to say fun things like, "one lump or two?" and "would you care for any lemon?" Add whatever is desired, then place a teaspoon on the saucer and pass the tea to your guest. (She gets to stir her own tea.)

When everyone has a cup of tea, pass plates of sandwiches and savory foods such as mini-quiches or tiny mushroom turnovers. Don't be in a hurry to offer seconds, as you won't want your guests to fill up before dessert, but be sure to pour more tea as needed. Teacups are usually quite small, and most people are used to drinking out of deep mugs.

When plates are empty, progress to the "bread" course, which is usually scones, although you might choose to offer some type of muffin or a not-too-sweet tea bread. Scones are always served with jam. Strawberry preserves are traditional, and have the advantage of being universally liked. You might also offer very thick, unsweetened whipped cream, the American version of that British treat, clotted cream. (Many specialty markets carry small jars of "Devonshire" cream in their dairy cases. It's expensive, but delicious. Try it if you have the chance.)

Next comes dessert, which traditionally includes one showstopping cake or torte--on a pedestal server if you can manage it--and two or three small, delectable sweets.

And that's it. Simple.

Be sure to have everything set out when your guests arrive. Not only will your friends enjoy looking at the treats, but you won't be dashing back and forth to the kitchen for any reason except to make another pot of tea. (Be prepared to make several pots of tea. Your guests will linger.)

More Recipes:


Appetizer Recipes
Dozens of Bars and Squares Recipes
Cake Recipes
Cookie Recipes

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:42 PM :: 0 comments

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Monday, August 07, 2006 Sweet Red Pepper Relish - Preserving Recipes

SWEET RED PEPPER RELISH

12 green peppers, large
6 lg. onions
1/2 gallon boiling hot water
2 tsp. celery seed
12 red sweet peppers
3 sm. hot peppers
1/2 c. salt not iodized
2 1/2 c. sugar
Cider vinegar

Chop vegetables with food chopper, using coarse blade. Mix salt in. Pour hot water over and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain well. Add celery seed and sugar. Cover with vinegar. Cook 40 minutes. Put in sterile jars and seal.

Makes 6 pints. May be processed in boiling water bath for 10 minutes if desired.
This is good one beans or as a relish for hot dogs and hamburgers.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:38 AM :: 0 comments

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Foil Baked Corn on the Cob - Summer Grilling Recipes

Bake it or pop it onto the grill - nothing tastes better than this amazingly good corn! :) Start with locally grown corn for the best results.


FOIL BAKED CORN ON THE COB

12 ears fresh corn

SEASONED BUTTER:
1/2 c. butter1/2 tsp. salt
Preheat oven to 450 degrees or prepare coals in grill.
Remove husks and silk from corn just before cooking; rinse ears. Spread seasoned butter on corn and place each ear on a piece of heavy aluminum foil. Wrap securely. Bake or grill 4-6 inches above glowing coals 20-25 minutes.

Other seasonings you may want to try for the seasoned butter are:
1/2 tsp. garlic salt to 1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon hickory-smoked salt to 1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon barbecue spice to 1/2 cup butter.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:36 AM :: 0 comments

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Friday, August 04, 2006 Today's Slices of Pie To Choose From...

Are:

- Ann Landers' All Time Best Lemon Pie and Meringue Recipe (how good does THAT sound???)
- Sour Cream and Raisin Pie
or
- Coconut Black Bottom Pie

Which will you choose? Select your favorite on our Pie Recipes Blog! Please post comments when you try any of our recipes.

Posted by HappySlob :: 10:09 AM :: 0 comments

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Inside Out Bacon Cheeseburgers Recipe - Grilling, BBQ

Inside-Out Bacon Cheeseburgers
~Submitted by Collette~

We put all the goodies on the inside, so every bite bursts with your favourite burger flavours.



Prep: 15 min
Ready In: 33 min
Serves: 4




Ingredients


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1 lb. extra lean ground beef


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3 Tbsp. KRAFT RANCHER'S CHOICE Dressing, divided


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1/4 cup OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits


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2 KRAFT SINGLES Process Cheese Product Slices, cut into quarters


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4 hamburger buns, split, lightly toasted


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4 lettuce leaves


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8 tomato slices



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Directions

1 PREHEAT grill to medium heat. Mix meat and 2 Tbsp. of the dressing. Shape into 8 thin patties. Mix remaining 1 Tbsp. dressing and the bacon bits. Spoon about 1 Tbsp. of the bacon mixture onto centre of each of 4 of the patties; top with 2 Singles quarters and second patty. Pinch edges of patties together to seal.


2 GRILL patties 7 to 9 min. on each side or until cooked through (160°F).


3 COVER bottom halves of rolls with burgers. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and top halves of rolls.






Substitute
If you prefer, use 1/3 cup Kraft Double Cheddar Shreds instead of the Singles slices

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:58 AM :: 0 comments

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Easy, Delicious Beer Can Chicken (Grilling, BBQ, Recipes)

Beer can chicken is a phenomenon around here! Everyone loves how moist and delicious it makes their chicken. You can purchase a specially made beer can chicken roaster (that holds a can of beer AND the chicken, all snugly together.) OR...you can cheat and create your own simple beer can chicken roaster. Here's my simple method to delicious, moist chicken that doesn't taste like beer at all!

You'll need:

- 1 can of beer (half poured out - or drink it!)
- 1 chicken
- Favorite grilling spice/rub
- garlic/onions
- roasting pan

Wash the inside and outside of the chicken thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels. Discard.

Pour out (or drink) half the beer. Pop in some fresh peeled garlic cloves and slivers of onions into the beer can. It just adds more flavor. You can add whatever flavor elements you love the most or leave the beer plain if you prefer. (It adds moisture to the chicken, not beer flavor.)

Rub the entire outside of the chicken with your favorite grill seasoning or rub. Settle the chicken onto the beer can - the beer can will fill much of the cavity.

Place the chicken into the roasting pan. Bake at 350 degrees until chicken is cooked through - be sure to use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. :) Enjoy!

MORE Chicken Recipes on Our Website

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:30 AM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, August 03, 2006 Summertime Cool Down Drink: Applebee's Bananaberry Freeze Recipe

Applebees Bananaberry Freeze - Copycat Recipe
~Submitted by Collette~

Ingredients:
10 ounces frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
1/3 cup pina colada mix
2 cups ice
2 ripe bananas
***Garnish***
whipped cream
2 fresh strawberries

Directions: Puree the thawed strawberries in a blender. Add 1/3 cup pina colada mix and 2 cups of ice. Slice the banana and reserve two slices. Place remaining slices in blender; process on high until drink is smooth. Pour into 2 glasses. Cut a slice into each strawberry and each reserved banana slice to fit them on the edge of the glass as garnish. Top drink with whipped cream and serve.

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:11 PM :: 0 comments

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Summertime Beverage Recipes: Choco-Banana Smoothie

Choco-Banana Smoothie
~Submitted by Collette~

Ingredients:
1 cup plain nonfat yogurt
2 teaspoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons chocolate syrup
1 frozen banana

Directions:Combine in a blender and mix until smooth.

Posted by HappySlob :: 1:09 PM :: 0 comments

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Wednesday, August 02, 2006 Pie Recipes Galore

Looking for pie recipes? Me too! :) So much so that I just started a new Pie Recipes Blog so that they all have a happy little home to live in.

Enjoy, pie and pastry lovers!

Posted by HappySlob :: 7:12 PM :: 0 comments

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Rainbow Jello for Kids - Fun Summertime Dessert Recipes

A multi-layer jello is fun for kids of ALL AGES! :) Get everyone involved in putting this fun recipe together. I posted the Rainbow Jello Recipe over on my Frugalites blog.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:06 AM :: 0 comments

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Southern Living Recipes: Fresh Blackberry Pie

FRESH BLACKBERRY PIE

Note: Though this pie should be assembled and served the same day, you can get a head start by combining the berries and sugar and chilling them the night before.

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups fresh blackberries, 1 1/4 cups sugar divided, 1/2 (15-ounce) package refreigerated pie crusts, 3 tbsp's. cornstarch, 1 1/4 cups water, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 (3-ounce) pkg. raspberry gelatin, 4 drops blue liquid food coloring, sweetened whipped cream (optional).

DIRECTIONS: Gently toss berries and 1/4 cup sugar in a large bowl. Cover and chill 8 hours then drain. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions. Fold edges under and crimp. Prick bottom and sides of pie crust with a fork. Bake at 450° for 7 to 9 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir together cornstarch and remaining 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Slowly whisk in 1 1/4 cups water and vanilla. Cook over medium heat whisking constantly for 7 to 8 minutes or until mixture thickens. Stir together raspberry gelatin and blue liquid food coloring in a small bowl. Whisk into the warm corn starch mixture. Spoon blackberries into the pie crust. Pour glaze evenly over berries pressing down gently with a spoon to be sure all the berries are coated. Chill 2 1/2 hours. Serve with whipped cream if desired.MAKES: 8 servings.

Posted by HappySlob :: 9:00 AM :: 0 comments

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Asian Coleslaw Recipe

Asian Cole Slaw Recipe

Thanks Dorina, for this one! :)

1/2 head cabbage, cored and shredded
1 Tbs (15 ml) salt

2 carrots, shredded
1 cup rice wine vinegar
2 Tbs finely chopped ginger
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp red pepper flakes

Toss the cabbage and salt together in a colander. Place a plate on top of the cabbage and weigh it down with a couple of cans.

Let drain at room temperature for at least 3 hours. Rinse and drain thoroughly. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine and dissolve the sugar.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Serves 4.

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:55 AM :: 0 comments

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Lime and Coconut Milk Bread - Recipe

Lime & Coconut Milk Bread
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Thanks to Darlene for this delightful sounding recipe! You make this in a standard bread machine.

3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons lime zest -- grated
1 1/2 tablespoons oil
3/4 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup coconut milk -- unsweetened
1 cup water
2 cups bread flour
1 1/4 cups whole-wheat flour
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cornmeal
2 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

Add all the ingredients in the order suggested by your manual. Process on basic white bread.

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:54 AM :: 0 comments

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Salt Scrub for Super Summertime Feet

Just posted a great Salt Scrub for Feet Recipe over on my Bath Stuff blog. :) Give it a try - it'll really soften your feet and make them look great for wearing sandals all summer long!

Posted by HappySlob :: 8:50 AM :: 0 comments

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