Tasty Tuesday

Peppermint Bark

1 lb. White Chocolate Bark
1 c. crushed peppermints
1-2 drops red food coloring

Piece chocolate in 4 c. measure and cook 1-2 minutes or until melted. Stir in mints and add food coloring. Mix well & spread on cookie sheet, making thin covering. Place in freezer 15-20 minutes. Break apart.

Tasty Tuesday

I usually always make bon-bons during the holidays. I used to make these all the time:

Peanut Butter Balls

1/2 lb. butter, melted
24 oz. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 bar parafin

Put peanut butter in mixing bowl. Pour butter over and mix well. Add powderes guar and mix well. Shape into balls on wax paper. Place in fridge and chill 1 hr. Melt chips and parafin in double broiler. Put toothpicks in balls and dip in chocolate. (Keep the chocolate warm & stir at all times. Turn it down really low.) Place on wax paper and chill.

They are delicious! But then I found this next recipe, they are a lot simpler and still really tasty:

Nutter Butter Balls

1 pkg. Nutter Butters, crushed into sand-like consistancy
8 oz cream cheese, softened

Mix together. Roll into balls. Freeze for 15 minutes. In microwave safe bowl, put Chocolate Almond Bark and Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Cook 30 seconds and stir, continue until melted. Dip balls into chocolate.

I always make those, and some with Oreo's. They're also delicious with a Red Velvet Cake, baked according to package directions, crumbled, then mixed with cream cheese. I like them dipped in white chocolate. Have fun with this recipe! I'm sure the possibilities are almost endless!

Tasty Tuesday

Pumpkin Roll

3 eggs
3/4 c. flour
1/2 t. nutmeg
1 c. sugar
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2/3 c. pumpkin
2 t. cinnamon
1 t. lemon juice
1 t. ginger

Beat eggs high speed 5 minutes. Gradually add sugar to eggs. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Fold dry mix. Pour into well greased cookie sheet. Bake 350* 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and turn out on paper towels covered with powdered sugar. Roll cake and paper towels like newspaper and set aside to cool.

1 c. powdered sugar
6 oz cream cheese
4 T butter,softened
1/2 t. vanilla
1 c. walnuts

Mix together, except nuts. Unroll cake & remove towel. Spread filling on cake & sprinkle nuts on top. Roll up and wrap in foil. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tasty Tuesday

Puppy Chow

1 c. chocolate chips
1/4 c. peanut butter
1 c. dry roasted peanuts
6 c. Crispix cereal
1 c. powdered sugar

In large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate at high 1 minute. Stir and heat 30 sec at high, until melted. Stir in peanut butter & peanuts. Gently stir in cereal until well coated. Put powdered sugar in 2 - gallon size storage bag. Toss until well coated. Store in fridge in airtight container.

Tasty Tuesday

Creamy Pumpkin Pie

15 oz. can pumpkin
1 c. canned milk
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. Nutmeg
1/4 t. ginger

Mix all ingredients together with mixter. Pour into un-cooked pie crust.

Bake 375* 50-55 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Manicotti

14 manicotti pieces, un-cooked
15 oz. Ricotta cheese
8 oz mozzarella cheese
1 lb. hamburger, browned
2 T. chopped parsley
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
30 oz. spaghetti sauce

Cook pasta according to pkg. directions, drain. Lay flat on foil to cool. In large bowl, stir together cheeses, hamburger, parsley, salt & pepper. Spoon into cooled pasta tubes. Spread thin layer sauce on bottom 13x9" glass baking dish; arrange filled pasta in single layer over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over pasta. Bake 350* covered 40 minutes, uncover & bake 15 minutes longer.

Will likes for me to make this for company!

Tasty Tuesday

Classic Pecan Pie

3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 c. sugar
1 c. Karo syrup
1 T butter, melted
1 t. vanilla
1 1/4 c. pecans (I like the crushed up pieces best)

In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into pie crust. Bake pie on cookie sheet at 350* 50-55 minutes or until knife inserted 1/2 way between center and edge comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

My Father-in-Law's favorite!

Tasty Tuesday

Taco Salad

1 lb. ground beef, 1 pkg. taco seasoning - brown & season according to pkg. directions.
lettuce, shredded
tomato, diced
4 c. shredded cheese
1 bag Nacho flavored Dorito's
1 lg. bottle catalina dressing


Mix all ingredients and serve immediately.

Tasty Tuesday

Zuppa Toscana

1 lb. Italian Sausage
1 large onion, chopped
2 large potatoes, diced
2 cans chicken broth
4 c. water
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt & pepper to taste
1 can real bacon bits
2 c. Kale, chopped
2 c. heavy cream

Cook sausage in 300* oven 30 minutes. Drain on paper towels, then cut into slices. (Or brown in skillet, if preferred) Boil onions and potatoes in water and broth until tender. Add rest of ingredients and simmer until heated through.

Family Favorite! Serve with Garlic Bread Sticks - Yummy!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Sugar & Spice Pecans

1 egg white
1 T. water
1 c. sugar
3/4 t. salt
1 T cinnamon (heaping)
1/4 t. (little less) ground cloves
1/4 t. ground ginger
1 lb. pecan halves
brown sugar

Beat egg white until frothy, but not stiff. Stir in all spices & sugars, except brown sugar. Stir in pecans until well coated. Line large baking sheet with foil. Pour pecans and mixture. Spread evenly on sheet. Bake 275* 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes. Last  minutes, sprinkle evenly with brown sugar. Stir once again after removing from oven. Allow to cool completely.

Tasty Tuesday

Chocolate Drop Cookies/No Bake Cookies

Melt 1 stick butter in skillet

Add 1/2 c. milk, 2 c. sugar, 2 heaping T. cocoa

Let come to rolling boil. ALL OVER! NO DRY SPOTS! Time for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Add 3 T. peanut butter, 3 c. quick oats

Drop by Tablespoons onto wax paper or foil.

The Adopt Shoppe

Our friend, Kate, owns this AWESOME online store with amazing things! I have 3 of the scrabble tile necklaces, one of her Uganda necklaces, and I've got my eye on a birdsnest bracelet...Yep, I'm hooked! :) The best thing about it....all proceeds go towards their adoption. Christmas is just around the corner, and what a perfect gift for your loved ones....a gift that gives twice (to your loved one, AND to the precious baby who will soon be with his/her forever family!) or three times (in the case of the Uganda beads) WONDERFUL!

Well, how great does this sound so far??? Would you be even more interested if I told you she's having a giveaway for $15 to her shop right now!? Kate's birthday is this Sunday, and in honor of her birthday, she's giving one of her shop fans just that!!!!

Ok, so how do I find this? I know you are asking....Well, she is on Facebook as well as Etsy!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Broccoli & Rice Casserole

1 c. rice
10 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1 small jar cheese whiz
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/2 stick butter
1 pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli

Cook rice according to pkg. direction, Set aside. Mix soup and cheese whiz. Melt together. Saute onion and celery in butter. Thaw broccoli in microwave. Add broccoli and rice together, then soup and cheese mixture & sauteed vegetables. Mix well. Put in casserole dish (8x8") Bake 325* until hot

Tasty Tuesday

Southern Apple Crisp

Filling:
3 large apples, peeled & coarsley chopped (about 3 cups)
1/2 c. sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1-2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. cold butter or margarine, cut into small pieces

Topping:
1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1/2 c. butter or margarine, melted
1/2 c. chopped pecans

1) Heat oven to 300*. Spray bottom and sides of 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. In large bowl, toss filling ingredients. Spread mixture in dish.

2) In same large bowl, stir cookie mixture and melted butter until crumbly. Spread over filling.

3) Bake 40 minutes. Remove from oven. Sprinkle with pecans. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until topping is golden-brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Definitely a favorite in our household! I love it hot with a big scoop of Vanilla ice cream. Yum-Yum!

Holly's Hobby

So...one of my dearest friends has started her own business online! She sells beautiful braided key fobs and bracelets...all dedicated to YOUR favorite sports team! Whether it's your child's team, or your favorite college team, Holly will custom make the perfect item for you to cheer your team on! If you aren't into sports, that's ok! She can work with you to create the perfect item for YOU!

Key Fob

Bracelets!

Tennessee Volunteers!

Right now she's doing a giveaway to win a key fob! She gives the winner a choice of 5 key fobs! Who wouldn't want to win!? So go check out it out here and leave a comment saying that I sent you! :)

Tasty Tuesday

Irish Potato Casserole

10 medium potatoes, mashed
6 oz. cream cheese, whipped
8 oz sour cream
1/4 c. green onion tips
2 T salt
1 stick butter, melted
1 garlic clove, minced

Whip together. Grease large heavy casserole dish. Pour in mixture. Sprinkle with Paprika

Bake 350* 30-40 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Cake Mix Cookies

1 chocolate cake mix
1/2 c. peanut butter
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 egg

Mix together. Roll into balls. Press down with fork. Bake 375* 8 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

This recipe was from my Nannie. I love it with Tortilla Chips!

Spanish Casserole

1 lb. hamburger
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
15 oz. can spanish rice
2 15 oz. cans chili beans
4 oz green chilies
1 c. grated cheese

Brown beef & drain. Stir in seasonings. Add rice, beans & chilies. Cover & simmer until heated through. Top with cheese & cover. Turn off burner and allow cheese to melt.

Tasty Tuesday

Butterfinger Cake

Yellow Cake Mix
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 jar caramel topping
3-4 Butterfingers
Cool Whip

Bake cake according to pkg. directions. While hot, poke holes all over it. Mix together: sweetened condensed milk and caramel. Pour over cake. Crush up Butterfingers and spread over top. Allow to cool & refrigerate. Once completely cool, top with cool whip.

Tasty Tuesday

Breakfast Quiche Cups

2 eggs & 1/4 c. milk, beaten together
3/4 c. shredded cheddar cheese
any veggies
canadian bacon, diced

Line 12 cup muffin pans with foil baking cups. Spray cups with no-stick cooking spray. Combine ingredients & mix well. Divide evenly among muffin cups. Bake 350* 20 minutes until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

Freezes Well & can be re-heated in microwave.

Tasty Tuesday

Apple Dumplings

1 pkg. cinnamon rolls
1 stick butter
1 can apple pie filling
2-3 T. brown sugar

Cut cinnamon rolls into bite sized pieces. Place in baking dish. Dollop butter on top. Mix pie filling & brown sugar. Pour on top. Bake 350* 40-45 minutes.

Pampered Chef

I am sure most of my readers know by now, but I am proud to announce that I am a 2 1/2 month old Pampered Chef Consultant!!! I'm always looking for opportunities to help my friends and family get free and half price items by hosting a cooking or catalog show! If you're interested, please e-mail me at NEReeves@yahoo.com I have a website now, and I'll put your show on there to make it super easy for you to get as many orders as possible - so you can get tons of free stuff!

Tasty Tuesday

Green Bean Bundles

3 cans whole green beans
1 pkg. Bacon
1 stick butter
1 c. brown sugar
1 t. garlic powder

Wrap a handfull of green beans in bacon. That makes 1 bundle. Keep making bundles until you run out of beans and bacon. Melt butter, stir in brown sugar & garlic powder. Blob over bundles. Bake 350* 30 minutes, then under broiler 5 minutes right at end.

Tasty Tuesday

Stuffed Mushrooms

1 1/2 lb. mushrooms
1/2 lb sausage
1/4 c. dry bread crumbs
1/4 c. green onions, chopped
1/4 c. green peppers, chopped
1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Brown sausage & drain. In 2 T sausage drippings, cook chopped mushroom stems, onions and peppers until tender. Combine with sausage, cheese & bread crumbs. Fill mushrooms.

Bake 375* 15 minutes

One of my all time favorites!!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Potato Dish

2 lb. package frozen hashbrowns, slightly thawed
1 stick butter, melted
1 pint sour cream
2 c. grated cheese
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 c. corn flakes, crushed, for topping

Mix potatoes with butter. Add rest of ingredients. Pour in to well greased baking dish. Top with corn flakes.

Bake 375* 45-60 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Ugly Cake

1 butter cake mix
2 eggs
1/4 c. water
1 stick butter, melted

Mix together. Put in greased and floured pan.

Mix:
1 box powdered sugar
1 stick butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese

Glob over cake.

Bake 375* 45 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Hawaiian Cheesy Loaf

1 King Hawaiian bread loaf
8 oz. shredded Colby-Jack cheese
1 c. mayonnaise
1 t. garlic
2 t. sauteed onions
6 bacon strips
1 c. parmesan cheese.

Mix all together, put inside bread loaf.

Tasty Tuesday

Poppy Seed Bread

2 1/4 c. sugar
1 1/8 c. oil
3 eggs
1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1 1/2 t. almond extract
1 1/2 t. butter extract
2 T. Poppy Seeds
3 c. flour
1 1/2 t. salt
1 1/2 t. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk

Combine sugar & oil in large boil. Beat until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each one. Add flavorings and poppyseeds. Set aside. In another bowl, combine dry ingredients. Add cream mixture, alternating with milk. Pour into loaf pans.  Bake 350* 50-60 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Calzones

11 oz. Refrigerated French Bread Dough
1 jar pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese
Your favorite pizza toppings

Cook any meats (sausage, hamburger, etc,), drain if necessary. Chop any other toppings really small. Unroll dough, cut into 4 squares. In 1 corner, put shredded cheese, then meats/toppings, then sauce. *very important to go in that order, or the crust will be soggy. Fold over into a triangle.

Bake 350* 20 minutes.

*Note* Make the calzones on a greased cookie sheet. Once they are made, you can NOT move them.

Tasty Tuesday

Banana Nut Bread

1 c. butter
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
pinch of salt
3 c. flour
1 t. baking powder
2 t. soda
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 t. vanilla
4 medium, well ripened bananas, mashed
1 c. chopped nuts

Grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and salt, continue to cream. Combine flour, baking powder & soda. Add to creamed mixture. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Beat well. Stir in bananas & nuts. Bake 325* 55-60 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

My Grandma S. has always made these cookies...they are wonderful!!!

Sorghum Cookies

1 c. shortening & 1 3/4 c. sugar, stir to form cream
1 1/2 c. Grandma's Molasses
2 T. soda, dissolved in buttermilk
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. ginger
6-8 c. flour

Add flour to make stiff dough. The dough should be fairly dry - not sticky. Let stand in refrigerator overnight. Roll out flat, about 1/4 inch thick. Cut with biscuit cutter & sprinkle with sugar.

Bake quickly 350*

Tasty Tuesday

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sift together:
2 1/4 c. flour
1 t. soda
1 t. salt

Mix:
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. brown sugar
1 c. Crisco
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. water
2 eggs

Add flour mixture to cream mixture. Mix well. Add 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips

Bake 375* 10 mins.

*Also great with White Chocolate Chips and Macadamia Nuts

Tasty Tuesday

Corn Relish Dip

1 jar salsa
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can black beans
1 can green chilies

Stir together. Chill. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tasty Tuesday

Peanut Butter Cookies

1 box yellow cake mix
1 c. peanut butter, softened
1 egg
1/3 c. water

Mix. Roll into 1" balls, flatten with fork.

Bake 375* 8-10 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Meat Marinade

1/4 c. red wine vinegar
2 T. ketchup
2 T. soy sauce
2 T. vegetable oil
1/4 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic salt
1/4 t. black pepper

I LOVE this marinade for steak and chicken ka-bob's.

Tasty Tuesday

Easy 5 minute Salsa

14.5 oz. can whole tomatoes
Fresh juice of 1/2 a lime
1 t. cumin
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1 can Rotel

Blend together in blender.

Tasty Tuesday

Dirt Cake

1 pkg. Oreos, crushed
1/2 stick butter
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 c. powdered sugar
3 1/2 c. milk
2 small instant pudding mix
12 oz. cool whip

Mix together well, except Oreo's. Put Oreo's on top.

Center Piece Idea:
Place in flower pot with artificial flowers and/or gummy worms

Tasty Tuesday

Snickerdoodles

1/2 c. butter
1/2 c. crisco
1 egg, well beaten
1 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. soda
1/2 t. vanilla

Sift together salt, soda and flour. Mix in remaining ingredients. Roll into balls, then roll into cinnamon/sugar mixture. Place on greased cookie sheet. Bake 325* 10-12 minutes.

Tasty Tuesday

Peanut Butter Pie

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. plus 1 T. creamy peanut butter
1 c. milk
3/4 oz Vanilla instant pudding
2 1/2 c. cool whip, divided
1 oreo pie crust
3 squares Baker's semi-sweet chocolate

1) Beat cream cheese and 1/2 c. peanut butter until well blended. Add milk and pudding mixture. Beat 2 minutes. Whisk in 1 c. cool whip. Spoon into crust. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2) Meanwhile, microwave remaining cool whip and chocolate on high 1 1/2 -2 minutes or until chocolate is completely melted and all is well blended. Stir after each minute. Allow to cool completely.

3) Spread chocolate mixture over pudding layer in crust. Microwave remaining peanut butter 30 seconds. Drizzle over pie. Refrigerate 4 hours, or until firm.

Life...

Life has been very crazy and interesting! Between the twins (who are now getting too close to 3 to suit my fancy!) getting into mischief, spending time with our church family, doing a bit of travelling, and keeping the house clean for showings...it's been crazy around here!

Weekend before last, we went to my parents on Thursday night. Friday, Mom, the kids and I just hung around the house. While Dad and Will went fishing and Lindsay and Samuel went to their marriage finance class. Then Friday night, we left Daddy and Uncle Samuel in charge of the twins, while Papa, Nana, Sissy and I went to see Kings of Leon in concert! It was so fun! The concert was great, they really put on a good show! I was appalled at the people there though. Women dressed so immodestly...they couldn't even walk without having to hold their skirt down! Men were spouting off more cursing than I've ever heard in my life! I don't know if I'm just old in a young person's body or what...but I was embarrassed by their actions. But I just tried to ignore them (as best as I could), enjoy the show and time with my family. Saturday, Lindsay had to work and Samuel had some guy time planned with his buddies, so the rest of us went to a company picnic that Dad's work was having. It was fun! Then Saturday night, River came over and Daddy fixed us a birthday dinner (My birthday is the 31st of March and her's is the 4th of April) Sunday, we got up early and went to meet with the Harrison congregation. It was so much fun to see them and spend a little time with them! We had services, ate lunch, then took the kids to plat at the park while we visited.

I've had a lot of people ask me how I'm doing after my miscarriage. It's hard still. I have a hard time when I find out anyone is pregnant, or having a baby. I just don't look at the pictures they put on Facebook...it's too hard. I am happy for people, but it just reminds me of what I lost. I'm just ready to have another baby....and terrified at the same time! I know when/if I find out I'm expecting again, it will be hard. I'm excited about it, but since I've been through it twice now, I'm scared silly!!! Please continue to pray for us!

This past Saturday, I attended my first Weight Watcher's meeting. I'm tired of feeling like a fat blob, so I decided to do something about it! All in all, I have about 21 lbs I want to lose. It's been great so far. Pretty easy to figure out the points for things, and stick with it. Of course, Saturday and Sundays are hard days...why does everyone bring such good food to Sunday potluck? ha! So I went over my daily points and had to use a few of my weekly extras. But yesterday, I did perfectly! I ate exactly the 29 points I was supposed to, and felt full! I weighed myself yesterday, and I've already lost a pound! So just 20 more to go!

This morning, while the kids and I were having our morning cuddles, Meredith suddenly jumped up and said, "Let's dance, Momma!" Then asked me to sing the "lalala" song (aka. Smurf theme song) So there I was singing "lalala" while she was skipping & dancing around the living room.

Seth enjoys "swimming" around the house...scooting himself on his tummy. lol  My kids know just how to make me laugh!

They continue to be the CUTEST and most HILARIOUS kids on earth! I'm so thankful that God placed them in my arms! :)

I guess that's about it...the kids are asking for some "pink" and "chLOClate" milk...lol (aka...strawberry and chocolate.) So I better go get that fixed for them!

Tasty Tuesday

Spinach Lasagna

9 lasagna noodles
1 c. onion, chopped
1 c. sliced, fresh mushrooms
4 cloves minced garlic
2 T. butter
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
15 oz. Ricotta cheese
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. grated parmesan
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 t. oregano
1 t. dry basil, crushed
30.5 oz jar meatless spaghetti sauce
1/4 c. grated parmesan

Cook noodles 10-12 minutes, until tender, but still firm. Drain. Rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, in large skillet, cook onion, mushroom & garlic in butter until tender, but not brown. Set aside. Pat spinach dry with paper towels. In medium bow, stir together spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, 1/2 c. parmesan, eggs, basil, oregano & 1/4 t. pepper. Stir in onion, garlic and mushroom mix with spinach mix. Spread 1/2 c. spaghetti sauce, evenly into 9x13" baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over top. Then spinach mixture. Repeat layers, ending with noodles. Spoon remaining spaghetti sauce over top. Sprinkle with 1/4 c. parmesan. Bake, covered 375* 20 minutes until well heated. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Tasty Tuesday

Chicken Goop & Corn Muffins

1/3 c. butter
1/2 c. chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1/3 c. flour
2 c. broth
3/4 c. milk
1/4 t. thyme
1/4 t. worchestershire
2 c. chopped cooked chicken

Cook onion & celery in butter. Add flour and cook until smooth. Add broth, milk and seasoning. Add chicken when sauce is thick. Reduce heat and keep warm.

1 c milk
1 egg
1 c. cornmeal
1 c. flour
1/4 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
1 t. poultry seasoning
4 t. baking powder
1/4 c. melted shortening

Mix in order given. Beat 1 minute. Bake at 400* until done.

Another Free Giveaway from Making Footprints!!!

Look at this BEAUTIFUL necklace and earrings set:

My friends at Making Footprints are doing an awesome giveaway on this super cute set! All you have to do is "like" their Facebook page and spread the word about their giveaway! Post it on Facebook and/or do a blogpost.

Remember to check out their other stuff for sale, all proceeds go to help with adoptions (the family that does this has adoped 2 beautiful babies!), as well as mission work in places like Costa Rica. They've got some great jewlery, and key fobs...all for a great cause!

Tasty Tuesday

Chicken Pot Pies

2 frozen, deep dish pie crusts, thawed
2 ready pie crusts (the kind you roll out) for top
1 whole chicken, cooked & diced
1 can mixed veggies, drained
1 can chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup

Mix chicken, soups and veggies. Pour into deep dish crusts. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Top with ready pie crusts. Trim edges, if necessary. Cut slits in top. Bake 50* 45 minutes.

I usually make this, we eat one and freeze the other for later. :)

"Blessings"

As I have blogged about before, I have just gone through my 2nd miscarriage. It's been hard. But these couple of songs have really helped. I hope they help you in your trials and tribulations that you are going through. This first song, "Blessings" by Laura Story has especially helped me.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

(Chorus)
'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Chorus

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home

Chorus

What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Weak and wounded sinner,
Lost and left to die,
O, raise your head for Love is passing by

Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus,
Come to Jesus and live

Now your burden's lifted,
And carried far away,
And precious blood has washed away the stain... so

Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus ,
Sing to Jesus and live

And like a newborn baby,
Don't be afraid to crawl,
And remember when you walk sometimes we fall... so

Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus,
Fall on Jesus and live

Sometimes the way is lonely,
And steep and filled with pain,
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain... then

Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus,
Cry to Jesus and live

O, and when the love splills over,
And music fills the night,
And when you can't contain you joy inside... then

Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus,
Dance for Jesus and live

And with your final heartbeat,
Kiss the world goodbye,
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side... and

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live

Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus,
Fly to Jesus and live

If you haven't read this book, be sure to check it out. I just started it...I'm in the middle of the 3rd chapter. I'm already feeling blessed because of this book. I am excited to finish the book, and plan on blogging more about the it.

I'm amazed at how God takes care of things...I've been so down and depressed. But because of some studies with some of my good friends, I've quit listening to some of the music I did before. Now, I listen to pretty much only Christian music. K-Love is my favorite!!! And about the time I start listening to it, Laura Story comes out with that BEAUTIFUL song, Blessings. I think I see God's finger prints! I find myself moved to tears on many occasions by amazing lyrics to beautiful songs, by the stories people share, and by the love that the DJ's have for their work.

Do you feel God working in your life? Do you feel Him trying to tell you that you need to change something? I'm feeling him constantly in my life right now. My faith is so weak. But I'm trying my hardest to just "Let Go and Let God." I encourage you to do the same!!!

God bless you.

Homestead Revival

I've started following a really cool blog called Homestead Revival. They're doing an awesome giveaway right now!!! Click here to check it out!!!

Will and I are planning on homeschooling the twins, and I'd love to "get back to our roots" and learn how to do stuff like this. We take so many things for granted. If I'm out of butter, yogurt, etc., I just run to the grocery store and buy those things. I've been studying in Proverbs 31, and I want to teach my daughter how to be more like Her, and teach my son how to be prepared and deserving of a wife like that. What a great way to bring Her more to life than to learn to make our own dairy products!

Be sure to check out the giveaway...leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Tasty Tuesday

Chocolate Merigene Pie

Lightly brown crust.

Filling:
3/4 c. sugar
2 heaping T. flour
dash of salt
2 T. cocoa
1 1/2 c. milk - add enough to make paste
2 t. butter

Mix together. Add 2 egg yolks. Beat. Add remaining milk. Cook 3 minutes on high in microwave. Beat. Cook 1-2 minutes more. Add 1 tsp. vanilla when filling is thick. Pour into crust

Merigene:
2 egg whites, room temperature & 1/4 t. cream of tartar - beat until white & stiff. Add 4 T. sugar. Beat until fluffy. Put over chocolate mixture - use spoon to make peaks in merigene.

Bake 375* 10 minutes, until merigene is lightly brown.

Long time, No post...

I haven't posted in a while, simply because I haven't felt like it. A few weeks ago, on a Friday night (not long after I posted about being pregnant), I ended up in the ER for severe abdominal pain. Come to find out it was a cyst on my ovary. While we were there, they decided to do an ultrasound. The baby was only measuring 4 weeks, when I should have been 7. I was put on bedrest for the weekend. The following Monday, I went to see my Dr. He had them do another ultrasound and the baby hadn't grown at all. We knew then that the baby was dead. So it was a waiting game...every other day I would go in to get my hCG and progesterone levels checked. The day after, I would get the results that my levels were rising, just not high enough for a healthy pregnancy. It is an understatement to say it was a roller coaster ride.

Because my numbers kept rising, we were worried about an ectopic pregnancy. It's pretty rare to have a fetus in the uterus as well as in the tubes, but it can happen... Needless to say, I was a basket case. Finally, this past Saturday, the miscarriage process actually started. It was terrible!!! So incredibly painful!!! I went back to the Dr on Monday, but my numbers weren't dropping!? So yesterday we went back again. I was in bad pain and terrified at the thought of an ectopic pregnancy. So, besides getting my levels checked again yesterday, I talked to a Dr. All seemed well. Then I got home and had some problems...my pain got worse. I called the Dr again and he said that it was probably just from my body trying to finish the miscarriage. But to be on the safe side, for me to take it easy for a couple of days...rest and drink plenty of water. I'm feeling better now. Still in pain, but feeling some better.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the prayers, visits, food, and cards that I have received through this long last few weeks. :) You have been simply wonderful!!!

Tasty Tuesday

Quick Coffee Cake

Combine:
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 c. milk

Sift together & add to egg mixture:
3 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt

Pour into a greased 11x15x2" pan

Top with Streusel:
1 c. brown sugar
2 T. flour
3 t. cinnamon
3 T. melted butter.

Mix & sprinkle over batter.

Bake 375* 20 mins.

Tasty Tuesday

Mexican Chicken and Dorito's

Chicken - Cook in oil until done

Mix together:
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of musroom soup
1 jar salsa

Crush 1/2 bag Nacho Cheese Dorito's

Mix all together. Place in 9x 13" pan.

Crush rest of chips and put on top. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until hot.

Tasty Tuesday

Alfredo Sauce

1 pint heavy cream
1 stick butter
2 T. cream cheese
1/2 - 3/4 c. parmesan
1 t. garlic powder

Grilled Chicken, Shrimp or Crab
Fettuccini Noodles

In a saucepan, combine butter, cream & cream cheese. Simmer until all is melted and mixed well. Add parmesan, garlic powder & meat. Simmer 15-20 minutes on low. Season with salt and pepper.
*For best taste, let simmer as long as possible*
Serve over noodles

Tasty Tuesday

Italian Beef Sandwiches

1 (3-4 lb) boneless beef chunk roast, trimmed
3 T. dried basil
3 T. dried oregano
1 c. water
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
10-12 Italian Rolls (or sandwich buns)

Place roast in slow cooker. Combie basil, oregano and water. Pour over roast. Sprinkle with soup mix. Cover & cook onlow 7-8 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and shred with a fork and keep warm. Strain broth. Skim off fat. Serve meat on rolls. Use broth for dipping, if desired.

Another Free Giveaway from Making Footprints!!!

Making footprints is doing another free giveaway! Go check out their Facebook Page for how you can win these beautiful earrings! If YOU win and are referred by ME, I'll win a something too!