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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Autumn, Harvest Time & Comfort Food

by Donna Jean

Maureen's Blog on Saturday got me to thinking of all the wonderful recipes that I know each and every one of us have hidden either in the back of our minds, or in our recipe books, binders, small 5X8 plastic recipe card holders, or stuffed like mine are, cut out from newspapers, magazines etc, into zip lock bags!

I think that it would be fun for each of us to contribute a favorite Fall/Winter recipe. It could be one of our own very "secret" recipes, or maybe Mother's, Grandmother's, Aunt's/ Uncle's ( trying to be politically correct) or even one that we found in Family Circle or Good Housekeeping!

I love to cook. During Summer I don't have the time, or I am too tired, hot, or just don't feel like cooking, but Fall and Winter is different. My kitchen is in constant use, from soups and stews simmering on the stove, to casseroles and roasts in the oven.

So, I will share one of my favorite Fall/Winter Recipes, and hope you all will try it and enjoy, and will share your favorite for all of us Owls to try!

This recipe is for my very favortite GingerSnap Cookies. Actually my daughters renamed them as "GingerBends", because we like them chewy instead of crunchy!

GINGER BEND COOKIES

3/4 cup shortening*
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark molasses
1 large egg
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon**
1/2 tsp ground cloves**
1/2 tsp ground ginger**
1/2 cup sugar for dusting

1. In medium bowl, mix together melted shortening, 1 cup sugar, and egg until smooth. Stir in molasses. Set aside. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Blend into the molasses mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour (overnight works too)

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll dough into walnut size balls, and then roll them in remaining sugar. (I shake them carefully in a clean brown lunch bag) Place them on ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. ( I also like to use parchment paper on the cookie sheets, easy cleanup and they slide right off)

3. Bake for 8-10 minutes until tops are cracked. Cool on wire racks. Make sure you don't over-bake or they become too crunchy.
ENJOY WITH ICE COLD MILK!!!!!!!

* I use the Crisco that comes in pre-measured cubes. Much easier for measuring.
* * I always adjust the spices. I like lots more cinnamon and ginger. Just see what you prefer!



OK, I started with Dessert, but like the saying goes " Life is short, eat Dessert first"!

I am anxious to see and try all the different and delicious recipes and concoctions that I know you are all secretly cooking and not revealing to us!

As one of my favorite Cooks (Julia Child) always said, "Add more butter", and her most famous, " Bon App'etite"



*********************************
This is Donna Jean's first blog
and she did a terrific job
Congrats Donna Jean
and enjoy your blog day!


81 comments:

Birdee said...

Good Morning Everyone!!!!

Donna, Congrats on your First blog!
Love it!


I hope you all have a great day!♥♥

hartldo said...

Congrats on first birdee!

Congrats on your first blog Donna Jean! It made me hungry. I'm really in the mood for comfort food today. It's rainy & chilly here, and it's that time of the month for me. I'm feeling sort of blah. (Sorry, TMI)

MEK in AZ said...

Happy Tuesday!!

YEAH - i am NOT first!!!!

Good Morning....

Birdee - congrats on first!!!

hart - good morning..

Donna Jean - congrats on your first blog - (now, I will go read it!!!)

Hope everyone has an excellent day!!
:-)

MEK in AZ said...

FORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

hartldo said...

Perfect that you were "FORE" MEK! :)

MEK in AZ said...

hart - sorry you aren't feeling well and it doesn help when the weather is crappy also...

Donna jean - Comfort food - oh my, I LOVE chocolate!!!

and, as Just Lin mentioned the other night - Autumn just makes ya want to make a nice casserole or a pot roast!!

We are still having 95 degree and higher weather - so we have a while for Autumn to set in..

OH - and also -

Zona had a good point - down here in the desert - we hibernate during the summer and you don't see anyone until around Halloween!!

well - I better get a move on - I've got another very busy day ahead of me.....

goldie said...

Good Morning Hooters!!

Congrats birdee on #1- I trust you won't be adding any chicken recipes to the mix....baaaahaaahaaa

Hi Hart- hope you feel better and hit MEK!!

DJ- perfect blog and way to go on your first one! I am really looking forward to more recipes from my owl buddies. Last time we got some great ones when some asked~

I will have to get back to you on this- I am at work and can't come up with a single dang thing off the top of my head. I do have many that I make that has no recipe per say- so need to think about it.

goldie said...

OMG- I Just read my post!! LMAO

Hart- Please DO NOT hit MEK! That was supposed to say "HI" MEK!!!!!

scirish said...

Good Morning All!

Great blog Donna Jean! I'll try to come back later with some recipes..Right now I don't feel good at all..I think I'll go lay down some more.

My back is all swollen and sore and my tummy feels yucky. Are the back shots supposed to make you feel like puking?

Tinkatia said...

Good Morning Birdee, (Congrats on being first), Donna Jean
(Congrats on your first blog. It's great), Donna, Mek, Goldie, and Scirish.

Scirish _ I hope your back is better soon.

I'd like to thank all of the wonderful owls again for their kind thoughts. It is taking me a little longer than I thought to be able to answer them.
Hugs to all who need them today.
Love, Tinka

whabbear said...

Good morning, Owls! Hello, birdee, Hart, Goldie, and scirish!

LOL@MEK being "fore"!!

OK, back to lurking... the craziness has NOT let up...

hartldo said...

LOL @ goldie! I was wondering why I was supposed to hit mek. I thought maybe you thought that would make me feel better.

Some good news....The sun has come out! YAY!!! That always helps my mood.

I didn't get much sleep last night, so that's part of my problem. I think I'll go get a nap before heading into work at 3pm. Our after-school program is getting inspected this afternoon, so I better be on my toes!

Hope you feel better soon scirish!

Good to see you posting Tinka!

Lynn D said...

Morning Glories!

Birdee first again! You were so early did you catch any worms?

DonnaJean good job on your first blog! You are now no longer a blog writing virgin! Wahoo

Here is a receipe I got years ago and have made a couple of times and it is pretty good.

KFC Chicken

3 C. Self Rising Flour
2 packages Knorr's Beefy Tomato Soup
2 Small packages of Good Seasons Italian Dressing
1 tsp of Season Salt
1 Fryer chicken
1/4 lb. butter or margarine
1 Tblspn Paprika


Mix all dry ingredients in sturdy bag. Drege chicken in water and then shake in dry mixture. Put on Cookie sheet or baking pan, brush on butter, turn every 15 minutes and baste with juices. 350 degrees for one hour.

Lynn D said...

My comfort of choice right now:

Trickle Down Toddy

1 jigger Irish Whiskey (the best you can afford)

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup hot coffee

2 tblspoons whipped cream (the real stuff)

Put Irish Whiskey in the bottom of your mug. Stir in sugar and add hot strong coffee. Top with whipped cream. Drink immediately

PS also good with a little Hershey's syrup added. I prefer mine with the Hershey's.

If you cannot wait for the trickle down effect. Set all of that aside and fill a jelly jar with the whiskey and pound it down.

Voila! All worries gone and if lucky, you will wake up after the crisis has passed.

(yes I know this is an Irish coffee) wink wink.

goldie said...

lol@ lynn- pass it over baby!!!

grandma moses said...

Great job on first blog, Donna Jean!

Congrats on 1st, birdee!

hart, hope you get over the blahs soon. Comfort food will definitely help! Good luck with the inspection.

Hi mek, soon to be out of hibernation!

scirish, maybe call the doctor to see if those are side effects ~ feel better!

lynnd, hi and ty for the toddy recipe. The chicken sounds fab too, but I don't like tomato soup ~ could I leave it out or substitute something else?

Hi goldie, tinka, and whabbear!

Have a great day!

Lynn D said...

Passing out jelly jars! Here you go goldie!

GM: I always do the receipe's as written because I am the crappiest cook in the world! But hey I say do it your way! Bet it will be great! Here is your jelly jar!

Fixings for a regular Trickle Down Toddy on the table, just mix your own.

DreamaTexas said...

Good morning everyone and congrats Donna Jean on your first blog.
I am still at home sick with a cold and a sore throat that I picked up from my Dad who said he only had allergies. :(
I quit cooking and baking and threw away all of my cookbooks years ago after my divorce.
I'm going to grab up a toddy and run back to my pillows and remote.

Caryn said...

Good morning all!

Terrific blog Donna Jean! I have a recipe for Shoo Fly Pie at home that my grandmother used to make. I treasure the recipe card b/c it's in her handwriting. Maybe I'll find time to share after our WW meeting tonight.

Birdee, congrats on first!

Hart & Scirish, ss you guys are feeling cruddy (me too), hope you feel better soon (me too)!

Howdy MEK! I'd like to trade a couple of our foggy summer days for your sunny ones...just a couple though. We are kind of allergic to heat around here, lol!

Goldie, LMAO @ "hit MEK" -- I was wondering why you would say that! Thanks for the clarification!

Tink, so glad to see you here today. Please take care of yourself because we all love you!

Hi Whabby, thanks for the fly-by!

Lynn D, thanks for the chicken & toddy recipes and the jelly jar ... keep 'em coming!

Good morning Grandma Moses!

I have a crazy day ahead and feel crappy but gotta be here cuz it's the end of the quarter and the buttons I push on the computer = money on the books. Happy day to all who drop by later and hugs to those who need it!

Caryn said...

Hi Dreama, you were posting as I was typing so I want to include you in the "FEEL BETTER" I'm putting out there for everyone in the nest!

Jodi said...

DONNA JEAN - Congrats on your first blog!!! I love to cook, but at this time of year, I especially love to bake!!! This is my Mom's apple crisp recipe.

JANET'S APPLE CRISP
Line greased baking dish w/ 5 or 6 C apples (peeled and sliced)

Mix together:
1 C flour
1/2 to 1 C sugar
3/4 t salt
1 t baking powder
Add 1 unbeaten egg and mix w/ dry ingredients until flaky.

Sprinkle over apples.

Melt 1/3 to 1/2 C butter and pour over topping mixture and sprinkle w/ cinnamon.

Bake @ 375* for 45 min.
*this makes a small square pan, but I double it for a 9x13 cake pan. I also usually make more of the topping!!!

Jodi said...

GOLDIE - LOL @ hit MEK!!! Have you been hitting LYNN D'S toddy recipe already?!!?

LYNN D - pass a jar this way!!! And your chicken recipe sounds delish!!! Always looking for a good chicken recipe. :D

BIRDEE - Congrats on first!!! So great to see your chickenowl butt here today. :D

hartldo said...

Healing, good thoughts to scirish, Dreama & outatuune.

hartldo said...

Jodi: Mmmm...Apple Crisp! One of my favorite things in the world!!!

goldie said...

Well thank the heavens that Jodi is willing to part with a recipe without DYING first!! LOL

Sounds yummy and I am going to have it for dessert when I make lynnn's chicken. If I can still cook after all the toddy's I expect to drink!!

Mary/MI said...

Good afternoon everyone. Today it is cloudy,cold and rainy. I decided to stay home and catch up on my chores.
I have missed being in the nest. I have been to so many get-to-gethers, luncheons,meetings,birthday parties,reunions, etc. Mr Mary said he almost forgot what I looked like lol! When I wasn't out and about I was buried in my home office doing VFW paper work.

DonnaJ, here is my favorite sugar cookie recipe. It is the good old fashion kind that I use for Halloween & Christmas cookies.

Sugar Cookie Recipe

1 1/2 cups powered sugar
1 cup soft marjarine or butter
1 1/2 tsp.vanilla extract
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tarter

1. In large bowl,beat powdered sugar & marj. until smooth.
2. beat egg into a small bowl & beat slightly with fork.
3.Add egg to sugar mixture & stir in vanilla extract.
4. Stir in flour,baking soda,and cream of tarter.
5. For best results,cover the dough and refrigerate for about 2 hrs.
6. Preheat oven to 375*F
7. Lightly flour counter or use a dough board. Place half of the dough on surface and form a ball. Rub some flour on the rolling pin and roll dough to about 1/8" thickness.
8. Use cookie cutter and place on ungreased cookie sheet about 2" apart.

Depending on your oven, cookies should be done in about 12 minutes or until you see a little brown around cookie's edges.

I frost cookies with a basic buttercream frosting. Let me know if you would like the recipe.

Caryn said...

Yummmmmm, Jodi & Mary/MI!

...drooling as I reach for another helping of apple crisp and a handful of sugar cookies with buttercream frosting and thankful that these virtual goodies won't affect my weigh-in tonight!

Jodi said...

MARY/MI!!! yeah....so good to see you here!! That sugar cookie recipe is very close to the one that I make at Christmas, but I don't make cut-outs, just dip a juice glass in colored sugar and press down. Super easy and yummy!!!

GOLDIE - lol @ a recipe that I don't have to die for. :D

Donna Jean said...

Happy Tuesday Afternoon Everyone!

Oh my, this is a long one, please bear with me!!!

Thank you all for all your kind words concerning my first Blog. (No longer a Blog Virgin, I guess)!

I was hungry when I wrote it, and just thought about all you wonderful cooks and chefs out there, and thought it would be fun to share again some of our favorites, and you have not let me down!

We do have quite a bit of the yummy desserts, I can sure tell we are one "Sweet" Parliament!!!

I have a CrockPot, which I hardly ever use, because I don't do so well with any of the recipes I have tried.

Do any of you CrockPot cook? and do you have any secrets to share? Everytime I use it, I find the food either isn't cooked enough, or it doesn't have much flavor. HELP ME PLEASE!!!

BIRDEE~ Congrats on #1

DONNA JO~ I hope you are feeling better, I always found a heating pad helps, and of course Lynn D's Trickle Down Toddy would work wonders!

MEK~ How about an ice cold Watermelon Margarita today? Or maybe just a frozen shot of Patron? Sorry it is still so hot in AZ!

GOLDIE~ Thanks! I agree, we sure do have some great cooks on the nest, with delicious recipes!

SCIRISH~ What kind of back shots did you have? If you had a cortisone shot, (I have had several), I don't usually get sick from them, but I once got a terrible headache a few hours later and had to go to the ER! Maybe you should call your Dr and find out. You may be allergic to the medication. Hope you are better real soon!

TINKA~ I hope today brings you some joy & happiness. Many hugs for you my Sweet Tink!

LYNN D~ Oh, thank you for the KFC chicken recipe! I am definitely going to try that one, and regarding your Toddy recipe, I sure did drink alot of those on my Alaska Cruise! Especially while we were viewing Hubbard Glacier, the waiters would come around with them already in Thermos Cups for us all! YUM!

GRANDMA MOSES~ Thanks for the kind words!

DREAMA~ Well, since you don't cook anymore, how about some of your favorite "Take-Out" places???

OUTATUNE~ I have heard of Shoo Fly Pie all my life, but I have never tried it, I would LOVE the recipe. And, as for YH's Baked Beans, WOW, I have made them twice already since the BBQ!

JODI~The weather here is just perfect for your Apple Crisp! In fact, the local apples from Sebastopol are just starting to arrive! And, I promise not to ask any more for your Potato Salad Recipe!!!

MARY/MI~ Sugar Cookies are one of my favorite to make. The grandkids love decorating them, and creating their own special masterpieces!

And FINALLY:

Just for WHABBEAR & HUZ, in honor of their upcoming Nuptials, here is another favorite of mine:

MEXICAN WEDDING CAKES

1 cup nuts, (either walnuts or pecans) ground fine (you can use a coffee grinder or blender)
2 cups sifted flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp REAL vanilla
Powdered Sugar (for dusting the cookies)

Add ground nuts to flour, add salt, set aside

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla in large bowl

Add flour and nuts to the butter mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. (overnight works, too)

Shape into small walnut size balls, or crescent shapes and bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees. COMPLETELY cool them.

Pour powdered sugar into clean brown paper sack, or plastic zip lock bag. Add cookies, a few at a time, and shake.

Finally, EAT & ENJOY!!!
Congratulations to Bear and Huz!

Happy Eating Everyone!
Donna Jean

Caryn said...

DJ, I LOVE Mexican Wedding Cakes!! I will def share the Shoo Fly Pie recipe but if I forget, keep reminding me. BTW, SSL said YH's baked beans do just fine in the crock pot!

Whabbear and Huz, we're wishing for beautiful weather for your wedding day even though we know the event will be awesome wherever you are and no matter what it's like outside!

My calendar for the next 4 weeks before our cruise is filling up rapidly. We have snorkel lessons this week and YH signed us up fir dance lessons just because I asked if he will dance to Sinatra with me on my bday....ain't he a sweetie? When the instructor called to ask why type of dances we want to learn (they teach ballroom, salsa, ballet, etc) he said anything that will help him find his right foot, LOL!

East Bay J said...

Hi everyone!

Congrats on your first blog DJ!

I have a really good chocolate cake recipe that I will try post later. I need to find it!

DJ I have also made the YH baked beans in the crock pot. I served them a couple weeks ago for a big group we had over for a bbq, and there were no left-overs!

One of my favorite comfort food is sheperd's pie. YUM! I make it with garlic mashed potatoes on top, it is sooo good.

Tinka glad to see you back. I will message you on MS.

Outatuune that was very sweet of YH to sign you up for dance lessons!

Is Whab's wedding this weekend?

Hope those who are sick feel better soon :) There have been lots of people coming into our clinic with strep throat, and stomach viruses lately.

Bebbilane said...

Donna Jean! Awesome first blog. I want a cookie!!!! MMmmmmMMmmMMMmmm I will have to make them. I love the Ginger BEND..that is so cute.

Congrats on first Birdee

night.owls.sb said...

Birdee:
Congrats on First!

Donna Jean:
Congrats on your first blog, You did a great job, thanks for taking the time to write it and send it off to me, I appreciate it so...

Just_Lin said...

Good afternoon, Owls!

Congrats on being #1 today, Birdee!

scirish, Hart, Dreama Sorry you all are feeling crappy today.

Goldie LOL @ hitting MEK.

MEK I'm sure Goldie didn't mean it, really! LOL

DonnaJean Thank you for writing you very first blog. Great job! I love chewy ginger snaps, too. I love all the recipes and will be trying each and every one of them.

DreamaTexas said...

I came up with something!

Grandma's Baked beans...
(in memory of my grandma)

2 cans of pork n beans
2 tb ketchup
2ts mustard
1/2 c brown sugar
2 ts diced onion
2 ts diced bell pepper
5 slices uncooked bacon
Stir the first 6 ingredients in a caserole dish. Layer bacon on top. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.
You can garnish the top with bell pepper slices for color.

DreamaTexas said...

Thanks Just Lin! It's not fun feeling crappy!

Just_Lin said...

I never liked tuna casserole until I came across this recipe. It was my husband's favorite comfort food. I made it for him quite often during the last two years of his life. I stopped reading the recipe years ago so I will just write it the way I really make it.

TUNA CASSEROLE

1 - 6 oz can of tuna (I use albacore in oil, more flavor)

6 oz of extra wide egg noodles

2 slices of American cheese, grated

1 can condensed Cream of Celery soup

1/2 soup can of milk (I use 2% milk)

8 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise (I use soup spoons, actually)

Salt

Progresso Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs


Preheat oven to 425. Boil large pot of salted water and cook noodles according to package directions.

While noodles cook, place condensed soup and 1/2 can milk into sauce pan. Add grated cheese, heating on low until cheese melts, stirring occasionally.

When noodles are done, drain in collander then return noodles to the large pan. Pour heated soup mixture onto noodles. Add the mayonnaise. Drain and discard oil from tuna then flake tuna into noodle mixture. Open spout of salt box and lightly fling salt all over top of noodles. Stir mixture until well blended.

Pour noodles into 2 qt casserole dish. Liberally sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs (or your other choice of toppng) over entire casserole. Bake in 425 oven for 20 minutes.

It's really yummy, I promise.

Just_Lin said...

EBJ I would love a good sheperd's pie recipe. I hope you plan on posting it. :)

I've been procrastinating about working. I'm supposed to be writing letters to the people who have not paid their vet bills. I better get to it but I will check back in later.

iteach said...

DonnaJean what a wonderful blog!

I have so much to say (as always).

However, I'm leaving for the Beauty School right to get the grey out plus a cut!

I will be back later!

goldie said...

This is an easy throw together and forget dish:

Oven Baked Stew

1 can diced tomato's
2 lbs. cubed stew meat
3 Tablespoons of tapico
1 chopped onion
6 sliced carrots
1 cup diced celery
2 Tablespoons brown sugar
5 medium potatoes, chunked
salt/pepper/worchestershire to taste.

mix all- put in large roasting pan, cover with foil and bake at 275 for 5 hours.

I would love the Shepard's pie recipe EBJ!

DreamaTexas said...

Have a great evening everyone.
I'm going back to my Kleenex and throat lozenges..oh and another toddy to soothe this cough. :)

Just_Lin said...

Goldie I have no idea what tapico is. Help! OK, I really have to start typing these letters. :(

Jodi said...

GOLDIE - Could that be TAPIOCA?!!? I have a very simular recipe....adn it's great!!!

Other ideas for the crock pot: Chili, roast beef, country style ribs. I use my crock pot at least once a week in the winter!!!

goldie said...

Geez people- cant you read what I meant to say??? LOL

tapico is TAPIOCA in blondanise :)

Lynn D said...

Hey guys flying through.

Was grandma in charge today and have not been on the computer much.

I am writing all of these receipes down so Mr. Lynn D can cook them. :)

Hope everyone is hanging in there today!

Dianne/Denver said...

Good Early Evening Everyone. DONNA JEAN, great blog and first time too. I still haven't ventured into writing a blog although, I do think about it. I love your topic too. I am going to be sending you my address for these cookies (already made):) OWLS: I think I'll do a progressive dinner to each one of your homes.

I really used to cook when I had kids home and sometimes do now. EBJ, I too would love your shepards pie recipe..I love shepards pie.

I also really love soup so if any of you have any easy yummy recipes for soup..send them out, please.

DONNAJEAN: A very simple crock pot is just to put a whole chicken or pieces of chicken in the crock pot and put a can of cream of mushroom soup over it. You can then use the chicken for whatever you want it for..just to eat, sometimes I use it for mexican food..it is easy and good.

ZONA: I am waiting for your famous recipe of chicken fingers!

Sending good thoughts to those who need them or just want them today.

HELP..Could someone tell me who was voted off DWTS on the second night last week? My DVR didn't record the whole thing and I can't figure out who was missing last night. Thanks...

East Bay J said...

30 Minute Chocolate Cake

Bring to a boil:
1 stick butter or margarine
1/2 c. Crisco (I use butter instead of Crisco)

Stir in a bowl:
2 c. flour
2 c. sugar

Pour hot mixture over flour and sugar. Add 2 eggs, 1 at a time and mix well.

Add:
1 T. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
1 t. vanilla

Pour into greased and floured cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 30 min.

Frosting:

Boil 1 stick butter or margarine
4 T. cocoa
6 T. milk

Remove from heat and add:
1 box powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts

Pour over cake

I like to cut it into squares and serve like brownies! It's super easy, and delicious.

Just_Lin said...

Goldie I suspected it was tapioca but then I thought maybe it was some exotic spice I had never heard of before. Julia Childs, I'm not. LOL

East Bay J said...

I don't have a specific recipe for shepherd's pie, but I'll just list and approximate what I add. It's easy and you can use whatever left-over vegetables you have

2-3 c. corn, peas, green beans, etc
2 c. brown gravy
mushrooms
chopped onions
garlic
seasoning
1 lb. or so cooked, seasoned hamburger, beef chunks, etc (I make mine without meat)

Stir together and put in an oblong baking pan.

Cover with mashed potatoes (I make my own garlic mashed taters, but also sometimes use the Trader Joe's brand, they are really good).

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or til bubbly

You can top with grated cheese after it comes out of the oven.

I make this ahead and pop it in the oven. MR. EBJ loves to take the leftovers for lunch, it tastes better the next day!

Jodi said...

GOLDIE - Have a good trip!!! And remember....we want pictures of you working that pole in your longies!!! :P

goldie said...

j/l -- if i just read my posts before hitting the button I would actually catch my mistakes! But then I would't be "Goldie" now would I??? Julia Child I am not either- nor the galloping gourmet- more like betty crocker meets Peg Bundy!

'Blondanise' is the language Mr. Goldie asks me if I am speaking when he can't make sense of something I say.

goldie said...

Thank you JODI! I am leaving at 2:00 tomorrow- home a week from tomorrow. Taking the 'puter, but no promises that I will get on it.

I promise to take pics of my pole dancing!!!!!!

East Bay J said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
East Bay J said...

Dianne, I think it was Ted McInley who went home on night 2 last week!

MEK in AZ said...

Good evening.. wow, I have bruises all over me today!!! LOL...

Goldie - love ya..(I know you didn't mean to hit me!!!) all i could think of was DUCK cuz of the FORE!!!!.... have a BLAST at the wedding!!

only have a minute before I have to "get back" - tuesday nite is just TOO full of good tv!!!

Hopefully, I can get back on later..

iteach said...

The wannabe beautician was not at the beauty school, because she ran over her dog.

So I'm going tomorrow night.

All the other wannabes have rainbow colored hair, so I bypassed on all of them.

iteach said...

One of the children just escaped from the barn, I'll be back later.

Donna Jean said...

Oh, so MANY Fabulous recipes!!! Keep going gang, we have all night!!!

Maybe we could have a Cyber-Progressive Dinner this weekend when Bear and Huz get married, just to help them celebrate!!!

If I remember correctly, Bear told me at the BBQ that the date was Oct 4th, Saturday, and that it was pretty casual, with both Bear and Huz wearing Hawaiian shirts.

We just need appetizers (I have a weird recipe for "Wiki-Wiki Hot Dogs", which sounds very appropo)!! Actually I got that recipe from Family Circle back in the 70's, and as a newlywed, I made it almost once a week, and my own Yummy Hubby loved it!!! All that's left are more Appetizers, Salads, Entree's, Breads, and Desserts!
Anyone game???

OUTATUNE~ What a romantic your Yummy Hubby is! Which Sinatra song will you request? I could definitely see how much in love the two of you are at the BBQ. Nothing specific, no overt PDA, LOL, just the way you both looked at each other, told your stories, and almost finished each other's sentences! I can't wait for the pictures from the Cruise!

J/L~ Thank you for adding your Tuna Casserole recipe. I still have it written down from when you sent to me on email, and have made it twice!!! Absolutely delicious and a perfect comfort food!

EBJ~ I also make a similar Shepherd's Pie. I usually make it after a big Turkey dinner. I use all the leftover turkey meat, and gravy, and basically do what you said! The only difference, is before the mashed potatoes, I add a layer of stuffing/dressing to the top, and then the mashed potatoes. If all the family is over that day, I never have leftovers.
BTW, I haven't seen any mashed potatoes at Trader Joe's, where exactly are they located?

And your 30 minute Chocolate Cake, sounds decadent, and one I will make for sure! Almost like a Molten Lava Cake, right?

GOLDIE~ Your "Oven Baked Stew" made my mouth water! and so easy! Definitely one to try this winter!

OK I am way too hungry now to continue! I have to go eat!!!

Love ya all!
Donna Jean

***********************************

PS: Here is the "Wiki-Wiki Hot Dog" recipe, courtesy of a 1973 Family Circle. Believe me, you had to be around then to understand this!!!

1 package Hot Dogs (Kosher, of course)
Large can of Dole Pineapple Chunks
Your favorite BBQ Sauce
Toothpicks ( ESSENTIAL)

Slice Hot Dogs lengthwise

Drain Pineapple chunks

Using toothpicks, place Pineapple chunks between sliced Hot Dogs.

Place Hot Dogs with Pineapple Chunks on cookie sheet or broiler pan. Broil for just a few minutes until Hot Dogs swell and are fully cooked, turning carefully once.

On the final turn, brush with your favorite BBQ Sauce. Make sure the BBQ sauce does not burn.

Serve with extra warmed up BBQ Sauce for dipping.

I bet these would be absolutely Scrumptious with Yummy Hubby's Baked Beans!!!

And YES Whabbear, this is a REAL recipe, but it just cracks me up every time I try to describe it!!! Especially to you, my friend!

Happy Wedding!
DJ & LE

East Bay J said...

DJ, the stuffing on the shepherd's pie sounds delicious! I will have to try that next time!

The garlic mashed potatoes at TJ's are in the aisle where you find the pasta and rice.

In my store (haha MY store!!) they also have au gratin which I've bought but still haven't made.

They come in a box and there are 2 packages of potatoes and seasoning. They are delicious!

If your store doesn't have them, let me know and I'll mail you a couple boxes to try.

They are a good choice if you don't have time to make them from scratch!

I forgot to tell you congrats on first Birdee !! :)

East Bay J said...

Forgot to mention that I am loving all the recipes! I will print them out at work tomorrow so I can make them!

MR. EBJ loves tuna casserole and JL's sounds different and delicious from what I make.

I bought all the ingredients to make YH baked beans this coming weekend. I want to make some for just us!

I will make them in the crock pot again, they turned out really, really good when I did tried them in the crock a couple weeks ago. I got lots of compliments and requests for the recipe!

Maureen said...

Good evening feathered friends!

Just got home from the family, and I am as tired as if I worked tonight! The little ones are surely rambunctious and exhausting!

DONNA JEAN...great blog. I used to love to cook and did it a lot. But thru the summer, too hot to light the oven and not enough time, either!

GOLDIE...where is your brownie recipe????? LOL! Have a wonderful trip to the tundra, I mean Minnesoooota! Enjoy the wedding and be careful on the poll!

Sandie said...

Hey!

Donna Jean, great first blog! I'll share a recipe after this post. I'm guessing Laurie Elizabeth enjoys cooking with you!

Congrats on first, Birdee!

Donna, hope you're feeling better.

Gosh, MEK, it's still really hot there! We're in the 80's here in GA. It's been really nice.

Goldie, you are cracking me up today! At first I thought maybe you were mad at MEK since you wanted Donna to hit her! Have a great time at the wedding!!

Scirish, I hope your back feels better soon. Ouch!

Tinka, so happy to see you.

Whabbear, you must be getting excited!! I'm excited for you!!

Thanks for the toddy, LynnD! How's that adorable grandson?

Hi Grandma Moses!

Dreama, you'd better take care of yourself and get some rest.

Outatuune, your hubby is so sweet. Sounds like you'll have a great time.

Jodi, can't wait to try that apple crisp!

Mary/mi, I love sugar cookies! Glad to see you--you've been busy!!

EBJ, where's that chocolate cake recipe???? LOL

Hi Just_Lin!

Dianne, those already made cookies sound good to me, too.

iteach, it's not funny but you crack me up with those one liners--"the wannabe beautician wasn't there because she ran over her dog."

Hey Mo! My hubby is headed your way tomorrow to see his Mom. Wish I could go!

iteach said...

Pumpkin Cookies

1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, beaten
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 29-ounce can solid-pack pumpkin
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pre-heat oven to 350 F. Grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. Beat oil and sugar in mixing bowl. Add eggs, beating well. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt together. Add to sugar mixture alternately with pumpkin, beating well after each addition. Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack.

iteach said...

Ladies, I get all my recipes from Aunt Internet.

I thought the one above sounded easy.

iteach said...

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Serves about 36

2 cups brown sugar
1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin puree (about 2 cups)
1 cup light tasting olive oil
2/3 cup water
4 large eggs
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/8 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line muffin tins with papers. In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin, oil, water, and eggs until smooth. Mix all the dry ingredients together and then gradually blend that into the pumpkin mixture. Fold in chocolate chips (do not use mixer for this part). Fill muffin tins 3/4 full. Bake for 15-19 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire racks before removing.

iteach said...

I have no idea if the muffin one is easy, but it sounded like autumn!

Just_Lin said...

iteach The pumpkin recipes sound great!

Can someone share YH's bake bean recipe? :)

goldie said...

loving the recipes- keep them coming!

Congrats to Bear and Huz this weekend. I guess since it is also my son's wedding I will never forget your anniversary.

MEK- I luv you- would never actually tell someone to hit you...I would do it myself. tee hee

Pleasant dreams Hooters!!

Sandie said...

Here is my favorite Thanksgiving recipe. It's a side dish but I call it dessert! In fact, I have to double and sometimes triple the recipe because it goes so fast!

Sweet Potato Souffle

3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/3 stick margarine
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix together and pour into greased 2 qt dish.

1/3 margarine
1 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix together and sprinkle on top of other mixture.

Bake on 300 for 35 minutes.

Sandie said...

Outatuune, I have a great WW recipe for you. Each muffin is 1 and 1/2 points. They are awesome!! My kids love them.

1 box spice cake mix
1 can pure pumpkin

Mix well (it's very hard to get all the lumps out). Pour into muffin tins.

Bake at 350 until inserted toothpick is clean.

Sandie said...

Dang! It's time for bed and now I'm hungry!

Anonymous said...

Hi Owls!

Life has been out of control lately so I haven't been on here for about a week. Things are back to normal and I am glad to be back! Thanks iteach and Zona for the queries and shoutouts in my absense.

Watching Biggest Loser and eating pizza. That is just wrong!!!!

Donna Jean...what a wonderful blog. Well done! Nothing better than comfort food. And especially in the fall! I love making a big pot of soup and having it warm the cockles of the heart! This is my favourite vegetarian soup to make at this time of year....

African Peanut and Sweet Potato Soup:

* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
* 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1 pinch ground cloves
* 3 medium tomatoes, chopped
* 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
* 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
* 4 1/2 cups water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup chopped, unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
* 1 pinch cayenne pepper
* 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
* 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Mix in the garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir in the tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrot, and continue to cook and stir about 5 minutes.
2. Pour water into the saucepan, and season the mixture with salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes.
3. Remove the soup mixture from heat. In a food processor or blender, blend the soup and peanuts until almost smooth. Season with cayenne pepper. Return to the saucepan. Whisk in the peanut butter, and cook until heated through. Serve warm topped with fresh cilantro.

Just_Lin said...

Hi VIG! Glad to see you back! Your soup sounds delicious.

Anonymous said...

Just_lin..Hi!! Thanks, yes, the soup is delish! How's things with you?

MEK in AZ said...

75

MEK in AZ said...

VIG - i thought about you while i watched "Biggest losers" eating chocolate hersey nuggets!!!!

raider fans - sorry to hear that mr. davis has fired another coach!!
Goodness..........

waving howdy to everyone...

I need to go to bed!!!

I hope everyone has an excellent Wednesday!!
:-)

Anonymous said...

MEK...good idea! I have had Cheetos, quiche and pizza while I watched BL! Next week it's time to move to chocolate!!! Sleep well!

Zona said...

Sorry to slide in so late. All the recipes sound so good...and I thought I'd add one to the list. My mom was a great cook, she made most everything without a recipe...and I made the mistake of never really paying attention when she was cooking. I did, however, ask her to try and put her chicken soup recipe down on paper. I remember her making this whenever anyone was sick...and it always seemed to work wonders. I wanted it for those times Mr Z or I got the flu or a cold. It may not be written like other recipes..since she was going from memory...but I've made it many times..and it's always delicious . I'm going to split this post and write it in the next.

DONNAJEAN...What a terrific first blog! Thank you!!

Zona said...

CHICKEN SOUP

6 Chicken Breasts
4 stalks celery
1 med to large onion
6 carrots
1/3 bunch of parsley
sm can of tomato sauce
can of cut up tomatos
3 lg tblspns Better than Bouillon Chicken
1/8 teas. cayenne pepper
salt to taste

Soak chicken in salt water for about half and hour

Remove chicken from salt water, put chicken in stock pot and cover with fresh water, add 1/2 tblspn of salt bring to boil

Skim off foam and discard

When water is relatively free of foam, remove chicken to collander..let cool slightly..turn water down to low..

Cut up veggies and snip parsley, and add to water (onion can be cut into quarters or eighths and added that way, as it will come apart on it's own)..Tear chicken into large chunks and add back in

Add can tomato sauce and can tomatoes

Add water to cover

Add Better than Boullion and cayenne pepper and mix

Simmer, covered, until all veggies are tender

Zona said...

WOW!! That took me forever to translate from my mom's notes..lol..if you try this soup and have any questions...call me..cuz it really is good!! :)

DIANNE: You can add more carrots if you want it to be more orange.. ;)

Caryn said...

Nanny's Shoo Fly Pie
Makes 4 small or 3 large pies - this recipe is for sharing!

Mix first:
3 cups flour
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup shortening
Mix to make crumbs

Next:
1 cup table molasses
1 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs unbeaten
2 cups hot water
1 Tbsp baking soda
Mix in large bowl

Divide liquid mixture into 3 large or 4 small unbaked pie shells. Divide crumbs and sprinke over top of liquid mixture.

Bake in 350-degree oven about 45 minutes or until brown on top. Cool to set.