New Years Eve

Well Happy New Years Eve

It is our 13th anniversary  :) Sam works today and we are both off tomorrow. I'm not sure but thing about doing a pork roast and black eyed peas lol The weather is cold but  no snow at least. Deanna came down for the day and we shopped and she got her nails done and  we had a great day !!!  Love my BFF!!

Merry CHRITmas Eve

Well we woke up to this !!!

Sam had to work today  and I'm cooking ribs and greens :) with sweet potatoes and rolls.

The Eve before Christmas Eve

I found a standing Rib Roast for Christmas diner :) I'm so happy.  I have a meat thermometer too..
Sam wants my cranberry jello salad  and other then that he don't care what we have. I hope Mom and Dad have a safe and fun time at Flamingo. I hope they get a ton of fish too... I Tues and Thursday. Maybe I will get a chance to play with my new camera. I went to the Chiro this morning and I sure feel better.

WORLD'S MOST SCRUMPTIOUS ENGLISH TOFFEE WITH MILK CHOCOLATE & TOASTED PECANS!!!!

Lazy day today. Sam is off today too and  we are just watching Arrow lol
this is what I got Sam for Christmas

Roku1

http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/roku-lt-2013/4505-6739_7-35828125.html

I'm going to go get a bucket of chicken for diner and call it a night :)

WORLD'S MOST SCRUMPTIOUS ENGLISH TOFFEE WITH MILK CHOCOLATE & TOASTED PECANS!!!!

Ingredients
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (8 minutes at 350º)
2 sticks butter
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons light corn syrup
                
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla
                
8-12 ounces milk chocolate, chopped (I used the huge Hershey bars, closer to 8 ounces)

Instructions

Cover baking sheet with silpat or lightly grease with Pam. (I used silpat to be safe)
Cut butter into pieces and mix with sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to boil over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Insert candy thermometer and allow to boil, stirring occasionally, until liquid turns amber and temperature reaches 290º. Remove from heat immediately and add vanilla. Stir to combine and pour onto prepared sheet. Spread a bit.
Allow to cool about a minute, then sprinkle with chocolate. Allow heat to melt chocolate, then smooth out with spatula. Sprinkle with nuts and gently pat down so nuts adhere to chocolate. Chill for 2 hours, then break into small pieces. Store in refrigerator.

One more day !!

I have to work tomorrow but then I'm off tell Thursday !!! I'm really glad too I'm so tired and sore..  hope to have some time to chat soon.

Back to work

I went back to work today
I'm doing much better driving back and forth in the dark and glad it is just colder then shit and dry this week. Later this week we will have rain but  today and tomorrow is dry and I'm thank full. I came home and Had a pot roast and salad and it was good... I'm having a glass of wine and trying to relax for a bit. :)  have a good nite all.

I want to make me some Biscotti's

Well I got the tree done and some decorating done. I think I will try to take some photos now and  cook some diner. I have to wok the rest of the week so don't count on me posting to much I will try but cant promise.

 

 I found a new blog and this is what I'm going to make this weekend !!!!!

Almond Citrus Biscotti

Biscotti are the perfect cookie.  They are not too sweet, perfect for dunking, and basically can't go stale! Somehow I usually forget about them until this time of year.  I need to work on that because I really enjoy them! This recipe for almond citrus biscotti is a recipe that I have been making for the past few years.  I love it so much I really haven't tried many other flavors: the almond and orange combination is the so delicious and I have yet to meet someone who doesn't absolutely love them.

These biscotti are made with coconut oil instead of butter.  You can use your favorite vegan butter (or regular), but I really love the the way these cookies come out using coconut oil.  I'm just crazy for coconuts!  In all seriousness coconut oil adds a slight sweetness and enhances the orange flavor. Butter, in my humble opinion, cannot compete.  With whole wheat flour, chopped almonds, fresh orange zest, and anise extract there is nothing but amazing flavor with every bite.

When making the dough, you can optionally use a liquid sweetener such as my favorite, maple syrup, in place of sugar.   If you choose to use a liquid sweetener, you will not need to add almond milk. I usually make these biscotti with regular sugar when giving them away as gifts to make sure they are sweet enough for everyone receiving them, and reserve making them with maple syrup for myself.  To make them extra fancy, I dip them in melted dark chocolate. Anything and chocolate is amazing, and this is no exception.  They also look extra gourmet when dipped in chocolate!

Spread the love this holiday season and add these biscotti to your holiday cookie menu.  Or, make these any time of year and enjoy with a delicious cup of coffee.

Almond Citrus Biscotti
vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free (makes 24 three inch biscotti)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup coconut oil, softened but not melted (or one stick of butter)
1 tsp anise extract
1 1/2 Tbsps orange zest
3/4 cup sugar (liquid sweeteners such as maple syrup work here as well)
2 Tbsps ground flaxseed + 6 Tbsp water (or substitute flaxseed and water for two eggs)
1-2 Tbsps almond milk, as needed

3/4 cup almonds, chopped

1 cup dark chocolate chips, or chopped chocolate (make sure the chocolate is dairy free)
1-2 tsp coconut oil

Notes:

• If you use a liquid sweetener, you will not have to add as much almond milk.  
• You can use slivered almonds instead of chopped. 
• In the pictures of making the biscotti, I was making a double batch.

Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 325 F.  Line a baking pan with parchment paper.  Whisk together ground flaxseed and water and set aside.

2.  Cream coconut oil for 3-5 minutes in a base of a kitchen aid, or with electric hand beaters.  Add sugar, beat for another minute.  Add flax-eggs, orange zest, and anise.  Beat another minute.

3.  In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.  Slowly add dry ingredients to wet.  When almost combined, add chopped almonds and mix until just incorporated.  If dough is not sticking together, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time.  Your dough should look like the picture below when done.

4.  Mold dough into two logs, each about 2 inches wide and 1 inch thick.  Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes (don't turn off the oven when you take the logs out!).  Cool for 5-10 minutes.

5. Cut the end off each dough log, diagonally. Proceed to cut each log into 1/2 inch slices, following the first diagonal cut.  Lay the biscotti on a the parchment lined sheet and bake at 325 for 10-15 minutes.  Flip them over and bake another 10-25 minutes.  Let cool completely on a wire rack.

6.  If dipping biscotti in chocolate, melt chocolate and coconut oil together.  Dip up to 1/2 of each biscotti in melted chocolate and lay on wax paper.  Allow to sit for up to an hour to harden, or put in the fridge to speed up the process.

Time to get in the Christmas spirit

I have today off and have got a lot done already.  I went to the Chiropractor this morning and then grocery shopping. Stopped at Michale's and  got some flowers to do my wreath for the door. Went to the $ store and got some cards and then to UPS and shipped out a package  and  1/2 my Christmas cards. I got home and  Fried up Sams bacon for the week and cook a big pot of fresh greens and finished my writhe. I have the tree out and  setting here with the lights plugged in but thats as far as I have got lol .
Here are some photos I was playing with my new camera

Well today was COLD !!!  we stayed in all day and watched movies and  I opened my Christmas box... LOL just to make sure it was all there. I took a few photos with it to make sure it worked too  lol. We are watching Bonnie and Clyde and then going to bed . I dont have to go to work tell Wed. and glad but I do like the job

I'm going to try these tomorrow I hope

Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprints

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten free oat flour
• 1/2 cup sucanat or unrefined sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 2 tsp vanilla beans or vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 2 T maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 T coconut oil
• 1 dark chocolate bar
• 
  

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
• In a saucepan, on medium heat, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil and milk.
• Stir until well combined
• Add peanut butter mixture to a mixing bowl.
• Slowly add in the dry ingredients while mixing. You may need to add bit more milk if the dough looks dry.
• Roll dough into balls and place them onto a lined baking sheet.
• Using your palm, press each cookie flat.
• Using your thumb, press a little hole in the center of each cookie.
• Cut chocolate bar into small squares and press a piece of chocolate into the center of each cookie.
• Bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes.

Store cookies in the fridge so they last longer. They can also be frozen.

The weather sucked today

Well  I got to work and  I still like  my new job.  I only worked tell 4 today and it too me tell 5:15 to get home. When I left there was ice all over my car and all the trees and it was still pouring rain. It took for ever to get to I 75 and there were so many wrecks..  I was so glad I left when I did too.  I'm off tell Wed. as far as I know. lol  I'm tired and my back is sore but not as bad as I though I would be. 
 hope every one is safe traveling out there..

1st day of work

Well I'm a Amazonian LOL.  I worked 10 hours today and the worce part ir driving there and back in the dark !!! :(   They have my schedule  messed up and have me working on Sundays so not sure if I will stay or not but I'm going to give it a try. I like the work and think I can be happy doing it tell the Union calls.  I'm tired and gong to bed  see you all tomorrow. BTW Sam is felling better and I'm trying to get him to quit smoking :(  do not think it will work but I will try. 

Sam Went to the Dr.

Well I guess he is feeling better.  We went to the Dr and his B.P. was 102 over 65 and  his oxygen was 83 .
they gave him 2 breathing treatments and then some antibiotics and steroids and a script for a home Nebulizer. I took the script to the home health place and then got sam home.  He took the pills and has been in bed every sense. I guess he can now get some rest. I hope he is not up all night though. That was pretty much my whole day. I have watched a few Christmas movies and ready to go to bed too now.

 Sam is still sick and still will not go to the ER or a walk in clinic. He is better today I guess but still not good. I'm making some Quinao and black bean stuff lol . I made this beef and broccoli last night and it is easy and good !!!! I really hope I find my holiday spirit soon because right now I'm just not feeling it.  I have absolutely no interest in decorating the house or getting a tree up. I hope my mood changes soon so I don't Scrooge out the holiday for the rest of my family. Feeling very bah humbug right now.

 Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is better (and better-for-you) than takeout!

Ingredients

1 lb round steak, sliced in thin strips
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 can beef broth
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground ginger
4 cups broccoli florets
4 cups cooked rice

Directions

Coat skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat for one minute.
Add beef, onion and minced garlic; stir fry until brown. Remove the beef to a plate and keep warm.
Add half the broth and broccoli to pan. Cover and smimmer until broccoli is tender crisp.
Mix cornstarch, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger and soy sauce with remaining broth until smooth; add to the pan. Cook until mixture begins thicken, stirring constantly. Return beef to mixture, stir and serve over rice

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope every one had a good thanksgiving. Mine was ok I had a hard time holding back the tears this year.  Not sure why it was so hard but it was, just thinking of family and loved ones I miss I guess.Being around a group of people who do not even like you is hard. They all were nice but I know.  As we sat down to eat Sam took one bite and got the hard hick-ups and went to the bath room and did not even eat so that did not help at all. There I sat eating  and trying to keep the tears back.  Most though I was just upset about Sam. I fixed him a plate to bring  home and we were the last ones to leave. We got back to the Apt. about 4 P.M.  and Sam still was not feeling so good and we figured out he had not taken his pills. I guess I just have had to much on my mind. :(  and  now I know he is also getting sick...... He ate the plate I fixed at Kelly's and took some nite quill and went to bed at 7 P.M.
       Well today  he still is sick and cant breath...  I called his Dr, and he called in a inhaler so I went and got it and mad him some chicken noodle soup. He ate maybe a 1/2 a cup and went back to bed. he has sleep off and on all day and I keep trying to get him to go to the walk in clinics or the ER but he will not go :(  He can breath so I guess I will not sleep.   LOL I know he is sick when he takes any thing I say, he took some nite quill and a aleve  and  I hope to get some sleep.   Good note all .....

Very Cold Monday

 OMG it was so cold this morning. When I left it was 19 !!!!  God I hate this weather !!!!  I was in Lexington at 8:15 am for orientation. I think I can do it LOL  even if I cant I will do it for 2 weeks just to prove a point !! I stopped at GFS and got some chips and veggies on the way home . when I got home I  got a call from JCP and have a interview at 11 in the morning so I hope it don't snow to much !! We worked on the turkey's today to.

My Recession Kitchen...and garden: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

My Recession Kitchen...and garden: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a staple on our Thanksgiving table, candied sweet potatoes to be exact.  But this year I wanted to try something diff...

Saterday News

I got up this morning and finished my Resume and  then went to Lexington. I applied to Amazon on line and go a call to come in so I did.  I passed the test up there and then  passed the drug test and  got hired.  I will start Dec. 4th if I do not find any thing closer or better before then. They have to get the background check back 1st.  I got home and Sam is in the bed he said he is not feeling good. Hmm 
   Well that's about it for me today I'm going to put in some more applications on line and  see what to cook for diner.

Crock Pot Apple Pumpkin Butter

 I got up early today and went to the Chiropractor, I love my Chiro. :)   then did some shoping and came hope to make some apple pumpkin butter I only made 1/2 the recipe but it sure smells good !!!! 

 Happy Birthday to my Dad Owen Wimpee !!!!!  Love ya dad !!!

 

 

Crock Pot Apple Pumpkin Butter

 

 

This is from Rachel (teacher-chef)

Makes. 4 pints

• 5 lb apples (about a dozen), cored and chopped into ½-inch dice OR peeled and chopped to avoid blending later
• ¼ cup apple juice
• 1 cup maple sugar (or natural cane sugar), divided
• 2 Tablespoons cinnamon, divided
• 15 oz can pureed pumpkin
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• juice of 1 lemon (1/2 teaspoon)
• pinch salt

Instructions

1. Place the apples in the slow cooker along with apple juice, ½ cup maple sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook on low for 8 hours until apples are extremely soft (you have apple sauce at this point)
2. If you did not peel your apples, place cooled apples into your food processor and process until smooth (in two batches). If you did peel your apples, then just mix well in the bowl of your Crock Pot to eliminate chunks At this point the apples can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days.
3. When ready to turn the applesauce into apple-pumpkin butter, put the applesauce back into the Crock Pot with the rest of your ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until well incorporated and mixed together.
4. Cook on high for 4-8 hours, stirring occasionally, until the butter is dark brown and reduced by about a quarter. At this point, taste the butter and if you feel that it needs to be a little sweeter, add up to ¼ cup more sugar until desired sweetness is achieved.
5. Transfer Apple-Pumpkin Butter to pint size glass jars and store in either fridge or freezer. Apple-Pumpkin Butter can store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks,

Old fashion dried apple sorghum stack cake or SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

I  mailed My dad a Birthday card today and a box to Jen ,Kylie and Alyssa and went to the store and then made some chicken and yellow rice. Now I'm just watching  Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel LOL

This is a OLD recipe  I have been trying to get from the ladies at home for a while


1 C sorghum, 1 C butter or margarine,1 C sugar, 4 C sifted all purpose flour, (I used self rising) 2 tsp. baking powders, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. soda, 1/2 tsp. cloves, 1/4 C. milk, 4 large eggs. Cream sorghum, butter & sugar until well blended. Combine milk & well beaten eggs. Sift dry ingredients together. Add to creamed mixture alternating with milk mixture. Stir only until smooth. Divide batter into 6 equal parts (about 1 cup of batter)Spread batter into a well greased 9inch cake pans.(used my iron skillets) Bake a 350 for 12 to 15 minutes. Stack layers with dried apple or applesauce on each layer. Cake is better if stored in tight container for a few days before using. Sweeten dried apples to your taste. I add cloves, allspice, cinnamon to my dried apples. May God bless each bit you eat.


   SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
6 cups sweet potaoes, 
3 eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk, undiluted
1/2 stick butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
Mix all together thoroughly with a mixer. Pour into a 9"x13" baking dish. (It will be about full.)
TOPPING 1 cup brown sugar
1/2 stick butter
1 cup chopped pecans
 1/2 cup flour.
Mix all togerther. Sprinkle on the top of the sweet potato mixture, and bake for about 20-30 minutes in a 350- degree oven.
The casserole is done when a kiife inserted in the middle comes out clean, and the topping is crunchy.

Race Day

Well today is the last race of the year. I hope Jimmy Johnson can win the 6th title this year. Billy is on the way to see the race in Homestead. I wish him a safe trip.
 Saturday I made a early Thanksgiving diner and it was great.  We are in for some bad storms today. Sam want to go to lunch in Winchester  and  then watch the race. Cameron cam back last night and that's about all  I  have to say today. 

Thursday Chill

I'm looking for a battery for my phone today and making some potato salad.  I make some banana pudding and hope to make some banana bread too this afternoon.

Butternut Soup

Just a quick post I do not have a recipe  but  posted  some photos lol this only makes a small amount becuse I know Sam will not eat it.

• One stalk celery
• half onion 
• One carrot 
• Two minced garlic
• about two cups butternut squash 
• I used sage but what every  spice  you want and some  salt and pepper to taste  
• about 3 cups vegie stock or you could use beef or chicken too if you want

I Sauteed the veggies 1st in some olive oil then added the  stock.

Yum !! and that's whats for diner tonight. I also cooked Sam a ham and sweet potatoes. It is still so cold and the snow has not milted yet but tomorrow it is to get to 50 !  lol  The house smells so good. 

I had a great Monday

Yesterday was a great day well for a Monday!!  Little things can make me so happy lol
 I have been looking for a  large skillet for a while.  I have a set of nice pans but I bought a very large  skillet for making bacon and other things but  you all know I cook lots of bacon. lol I thought about a griddle  but do not have storage space here.  This is what I got Click here and take a look -------->  LODGE GRIDDLE and Sam is tickled to it is made in the USA too.  I love it and it will not take up to much room. I got it at J.C. Penny's  and had a $10.00 off coupon too so I paid $21.00 with tax !!!!   Then I went to Myers and a VERY nice lady said she did not need the coupons and gave me her 2  $20.00 prescription ones !!!!  what a great day I was having !   I  finished my shopping in a good mood and was blessed with 2 MORE $20.00  coupons !!!  lol   It all came to a end when I got home and  my flowers had been blown off the porch so when I put the stuff away I wen out and got them and  picked up the plant and  then turned around to get the flower and put it in the pot and look what was in it !!!  OMG I about lost it !!!!!!

Of coerce I did not see it tell I had already moved it and had my hand in the dirt next to it! I was freaked out all night ! We had a good nite we watched The Voice and then most of Black list too. i woke up to this  :(

The pot is still there but I bet the snake is gone !!  Have a great day. I think I will make White Chicken Chile but not sure yet! 

Debbie ckeck  these out you might find some for Bob here :)

Thanksgiving Recipe Round-up is now LIVE on Tasty Yummies. I hope you enjoy.

Please share this around, pin it, etc. There are sooo many great recipes shared in here, sure to please everyone at your celebration!

Get the recipes here ----->  click photo  And Mom just because they are Gluten free does not make them yucky lol

First Call for Snow...

Well Jimmy Neil says we are going to have some snow  tomarrow and maybe Wen. I hate it but I guess I am ready for it now.

 Sam and I went to Diner Sunday and I got some nice shots and He took me to get my jacket I have been wanting too :)  I love it !! what do you think ? It is wind and water proof too.

 here are some of the photos from Sunday.