Green Bean Bundles

Wrapped with a strip of bacon, these green bean bundles add an elegant touch to the Festive table. To get a head start, you can trim and blanch the beans a day in advance, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Green Bean Bundles

Ingredients
8 thick bacon slices
6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. roasted garlic powder
1 1/2 lb. green beans, trimmed and blanched
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
Directions
Preheat an oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

In a large nonstick fry pan over medium heat, cook the bacon in batches until the slices are just beginning to brown along the edges but are still very underdone and pliable, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool, then cut each slice in half crosswise.

In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, salt and garlic powder.

Divide the green beans into 16 equal portions, about 6 beans each. Gather each portion into a neat bunch and wrap a half slice of bacon around the center to hold the beans together. Place the bundles on the prepared baking sheet with the loose ends of the bacon underneath. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the bundles and drizzle with the butter mixture.

Roast until the bacon is cooked through and browned, 20 to 25 minutes. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the green bean bundles to a warmed platter and serve immediately. Serves 8 to 10.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Stained Glass Windows

12 ounces bitter-or semi-sweet chocolate chips
 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
 1 package (10.5 ounces) mini marshmallows *(see note below)
 1 cup toasted chopped pecans

*Can make these with colored marshmallows, which can be hard to find. Can use a half bag of the red star and green tree holiday marshmallows that we "cut in half" and mixed with a half bag of the white mini marshmallows.

 Melt the chocolate and butter in a large bowl over simmering water until butter is almost melted. Continue to whisk until butter completely melts; stir in nuts. When mixture is cool enough not to melt the marshmallows, stir them in. Scrape half the mixture onto a large piece of waxed or parchment paper and remaining half onto a second sheet. Form each into a tight 12-inch logs. Refrigerate until set. Slice into ½ inch slices and
serve.

Remember Fingerhut?

ONLY DAYS UNTIL HALLOWEEN 2012

http://4pkruger.com/halloween/Halloween.html

CARAMEL APPLE PIE

6-8 med. sized apples
3/4 bag Kraft caramels or one pkg. caramel wraps
2 heaping TBLs. Bisquick
3 heaping TBLS. Brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste
Caramel ice cream topping
2 (9 inch) deep-dish pie crusts

If using Kraft caramels, melt caramels according to directions on bag. Spread a thin layer of melted caramel or lay one and a half caramel wrap sheets on pie crust bottom. Slice half of your peeled apples into pie crust that has had a layer of caramel applied. Sprinkle layer of apple with cinnamon to taste. (Don't be afraid to sprinkle generously.) Sprinkle 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of Bisquick over cinnamon apple layer. Next, sprinkle 3 heaping tablespoonfuls of brown sugar.

Continue with "building" the pie by starting with another layer of caramel and continuing as above. Top pie with a layer of caramel, two sheets of caramel wraps if using this product, so you end up with a finished pie containing 3 layers of caramel and 2 layers of apple with dried ingredients.

Cover pie with top crust and slit top to allow steam to escape while baking. Spread caramel ice cream topping over top crust for your glaze and bake on cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes (or until golden brown). Let pie cool before serving as filling will be hot.

Ben & Jerry's Hot Fudge Sauce

What you'll need
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
How to make it
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter, stirring frequently. Add the cocoa and whisk until it dissolves. Using a slotted spoon, gradually stir in the sugar (the mixture should be the consistency of wet sand.) Cook over the simmering water, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Gradually stir in the milk and cream. Continue cooking and stirring for one hour, checking the water level in the double boiler and replenishing it when necessary. When the fudge is completely smooth and the sugar is dissolved, the sauce is ready. Makes one generous quart.generous quart.

The recipe comes from the "Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream & Dessert Book"--a cookbook no serious sundae lover should be without

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Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers

Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, When 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.

They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.

The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the

golf balls.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar.

Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full?

The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand.

The students laughed!

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car..

The sand is everything else---the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Spend time with your children.

Spend time with your parents.

Visit with grandparents.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18 holes of golf.

There will always be time to clean the house, fix the disposal or deal with things from your job.

Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter.

Set your priorities.

The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.

The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers with a friend.

Unwrap your smile today. But remember your fruits and veggies can make you shine too.....

How twins are made

 How twins are made

Francis of Assisi Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, 
Where there is hatred, let me sow love; 
where there is injury, pardon; 
where there is doubt, faith; 
where there is despair, hope; 
where there is darkness, light; 
where there is sadness, joy.

Life is Good. Smile and be happy.

Sunshine Cake

 
Sunshine Cake
1 (8.25-ounce) package yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 (11-ounce) can Mandarin oranges with juice
Topping for cooled cake:
1 (16-ounce) container non-dairy whipped topping
1 (5.25-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding
1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
Preheat oven to 350*F (160*C).(glass dish 325*F )  Grease and flour 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan. Set aside.
Combine cake mix, eggs, oil and mandarin oranges with juice and beat for 2 minutes with electric mixer. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
While cake is baking, prepare the frosting by mixing together whipped topping, pudding mix and crushed pineapple with juices. Chill in refrigerator to set. Frost when cake has cooled.
Makes 12 servings.
printable recipe here  (opens in new window)

BAM BURGERS

Ineresting Fact:

Men embraced burgers because buns reminded them of the maternal bosom.
Americans glommed on to hamburgers because, during our nation's formative years,
we were largely a bachelor workforce, lacking female companions and cooks.
Women have historically braised meat, they tend to cook roasts slowly in simmering liquid.
Men typically cook meats with dry heat, by broiling and grilling and griddling.

Bamburgers

Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 pound ground sirloin beef
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 slices Havarti cheese (about 2 ounces each)
4 onion or Kaiser rolls, split in half
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Your favorite burger condiments, such as mayonnaise, mustard, sliced red onions, and ketchup
Directions:
Preheat the Lodge Logic Grill Pan over medium-high heat.

Combine the beef, horseradish, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and mix gently but thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, form into balls, and flatten slightly to form 3/4-inch-thick patties.

Grill the burgers on the grill pan for 2 minutes. Flip the patties over and place 1 slice of cheese on each patty. Cook for 2 minutes more for medium-rare burgers, or longer if you wish. Transfer to a platter.

Spread the cut sides of each roll with the butter. Toast them on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds. Put the burgers on the buns and serve immediately, with the condiments.
Note:
Havarti cheese is a smooth, buttery, semi-soft cheese.
(Meijers carries it)

The Hunger Games Cover

The cover of The Hunger Games is black, featuring a gold mockingjay —a crossbreed born from genetically engineered male jabberjays, and female mockingbirds— with an arrow inscribed in a circle. This is an image of the pin given to Katniss by the District 12 mayor's daughter, Madge Undersee, which Katniss wears in the arena. The image matches the description of the pin that is given in the book, except for the arrow: "It's as if someone fashioned a small golden bird and then attached a ring around it. The bird is connected to the ring only by its wing tips  The Hunger Games WIKI Site

Kindle Fire Lightweight MicroShell Folio Cover by Marware, Black

It's About Thyme!

Do you have thyme on your hands?  Well okay then, Lets learn more about thyme. Thyme is often used to flavour meats, soups and stews. It has a particular affinity to and is often used as a primary flavour with lamb, tomatoes and eggs. Thyme, while flavourful, does not overpower and blends well with other herbs and spices.
I had it on a fried egg this morning, loved it! A sprinkle of thyme no salt and a bit of black pepper. I add thyme to my soups and stews. I've used parsley, basil, oregano all these years but it was about time I tried thyme. Many recipes call for it but it was just one spice I kept passing up. Why I don't know but the thyme was right to finally get some. I will be looking for fresh thyme this summer too. Maybe I should plant some.
Thyme has many uses and has been used for centuries, what took me so long! I guess for some people, like me,  it just just takes thyme to sync in. LOL
If you have the thyme just check out the info on it at Wikipedia. If you don't have thyme right now, oh well. All I have these days is, THYME!  :-)

Happy Green Days of Summer to You!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyme

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He Has Risen

I am the Resurection and the Life....whoever lives

and believes in me shall never die,

John 11:25-26

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because he lives, all fear is gone,

Because I know He holds the future

And life is worth living

Just because he lives....

He is risen java applet. Click Here

Must have Java installed. It may ask to update you can choose to "Run this time"  To view the applet.

Souper Tuna Medley

  Fast meal for Friday of Lent. Quick and easy

 

• 1/2 cup celery
• 1/4 tsp. thyme leaves, crushed
• 2 TBLs. butter or margarine
• 1 can Golden mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 2 cups already ‘cooked’  noodles
• 1 can (about 7 ounces) drained and flaked
• 1 cup or can or frozen of mixed vegetables
• dash of pepper

In a saucepan. cook celery with thyme in the butter until tender.  Add remaining ingredients.  Heat. Stir occasionally.  Makes about 4 cups.

Michigan Links

Dairy free whipping cream

For those with dairy alergy or just anyone on low sugar or fat diets.

A dairy free alternative to whipping cream. It has the same texture and mouth feel as real whipped cream!

1 cup almond milk
3 Tbsp rice flour
½ cup white shortening (eg. Crisco)
½ cup butter or margarine
1 cup icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla

Directions: Cook almond milk & rice flour in a large bowl in a saucepan over med-high heat, stirring often, until very thick (once mixture comes to a boil it should be thick enough) - about 3-5 minutes, then let cool.

Using an electric mixer, cream shortening and margarine, then add vanilla and sugar. Beat until smooth. Then add cooled rice flour mixture and beat until very fluffy.

For a really nice presentation, put the whipped cream in a piping bag and squeeze onto your desserts.

Sited from  http://www.glutenfreeclub.com/

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Happy Valentines Day 2012

Source: en.wikipedia.org via Paulette on Pinterest









Antique Valentine Card 1909

Buffalo Chicken Wings

The original chicken wings were first served in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. In Buffalo, chicken wings are always served with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.

 

12 chicken wings (about 2 pounds)

2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted

1/2 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 cup barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon red pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1 bottle (8 ounces) blue cheese dressing, if desired

Celery, carrot and zucchini sticks

1. Cut each chicken wing at joints to make 3 pieces; discard tip. Cut off excess skin; discard.
2. Heat oven to 425º. Melt margarine in rectangular pan, 13x9x2 inches, in oven. Mix flour, salt and pepper in large heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Add chicken; seal bag tightly. Shake until chicken is completely coated with flour mixture. Place in pan.
3. Bake uncovered 20 minutes; turn chicken. Mix barbecue sauce, pepper sauce, Cajun seasoning and cumin in medium bowl. Pour over chicken; toss until evenly coated with sauce. Bake uncovered 10 to 12 minutes longer or until light golden brown on outside and juice is no longer pink when centers of thickest pieces are cut.
4. Serve with dressing and celery sticks.

Makes 24 appetizers

From Betty Crocker Recipes

Monkey's are cute but.....

Don't Monkey See Monkey Do!

Winter Snow

See the pretty snowflakes Falling from the sky; On the wall and housetops Soft and thick they lie.

On the window ledges, On the branches bare; Now how fast they gather, Filling all the air.

Look into the garden, Where the grass was green; Covered by the snowflakes, Not a blade is seen.

Now the bare black bushes All look soft and white, Every twig is laden, What a pretty sight!

THE WINDOW FROM WHICH WE LOOK

A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, The young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap."

Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, The young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a Nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:

"Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this."

The husband said, "I got up early this morning and Cleaned our windows."

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others Depends on the purity of the window through which we look!

Life without God is like having an unsharpened pencil..........It has no point!!

LOL

I just got off the phone with a friend living near the North Dakota and
the Canadian border. She said that since early this morning the snow has
gotten nearly waist high and is still falling. The temperature is dropping way
below zero and the north wind is increasing to near gale force. Her husband
has done nothing but look through the kitchen window and just stare. She says
that if it gets much worse, she may have to let him in.  LOL

My Daughter with her Granddaughter

So now what does that make me. haha Don’t get me wrong I really don’t mind being a great grandmother, but who thought that day would be now!  I still have one more grandchild on the way, too, but guessing that will be the last grandchild.
So now on to great-grandma time and hopefully all the new little ones to come are as precious as this little gal, Kamille, it will be grand, great, and wonderful. Maybe I can teach them some computer skills like I did with their mommy’s and daddy’s LOL  But hey so much technology is changing around us, now, they no doubt will be showing me new things. I think they come from the womb, these days, with all this knowledge. LOL Gee wiz, I had to learn from scratch.(would not give up a minute of that though)  I love to learn and try new things.  I’m still a Techy grandma, but it gets harder and harder to remember what I learned I’m bullheaded enough to keep trying. At least it keeps some parts of my brain alive!  LOL

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Dear Daughter

  Dear Daughter: It may seem strange for a mother to write a letter to a four-year-old child asleep in the next room. This letter won't mean anything to you now, but perhaps it will mean something later when you have a child of your own.
  When you were an infant and the newness wore off, I couldn't wait until you grew up. At first I found myself wishing, "If only she'd start walking" - and then "If only she'd start talking ... ....One day I realized you were out
of diapers. You were walking and talking, and pretty soon you'd be going off to school.
  I remember the morning your father and I brought your baby brother home from the hospital. You and I had been apart six days. When the door opened I saw you standing there, with your angel smile. You seemed so big compared to the baby I was holding in my arms.  It was hard to imagine that you were once that small. I suddenly realized how much of your babyhood I had wished away, it made me ashamed.  My heart almost broke.
  I cannot relive those first-four years, but I have been trying to make them up to you, and to myself.  I hope and pray that when your first child is born you will be more mature than I was.
I hope you will enjoy every phase of your child's growing up and not wish they would hurry and pass.
You and I will have our share of heated words and angry battles in the years to come, there  will be days when we just can't please each other. I will wish you were through with high school so I could send you to college and be rid of you, and then think back to that dear little face in the doorway and my anger will melt.  I will realize you never again will be as young as you are at this particular moment.
  Life rushes by too rapidly, my darling daughter, especially the lovely days and the beautiful times.
Be wiser than I.  Don't let a single moment skip away un-savored or unappreciated.

All my love- Mom

Happy New Year 2012

New Year Quotes:

 

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in.  A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.  ~Bill Vaughan

Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve.  Middle age is when you're forced to.  ~Bill Vaughn

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man.  ~Benjamin Franklin

Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.  ~Hal Borland

Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice as onerous a duty.  ~John Selden

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.  ~Oprah Winfrey
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850