tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4495298377763225312024-03-12T22:30:51.079-04:00More than a Pair of Chutesgracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.comBlogger159125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-84783219105023394262013-03-17T21:16:00.001-04:002013-03-19T21:18:51.443-04:00Eggs for my friends - Yay for bloom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmO8n6grrT4/UUZqHODyxkI/AAAAAAAAA-U/CmfT8BPvSRU/s1600/576565_10151454370741056_57316574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dmO8n6grrT4/UUZqHODyxkI/AAAAAAAAA-U/CmfT8BPvSRU/s320/576565_10151454370741056_57316574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I took this picture last night as I was washing eggs for a friend at church. She caught sight of the blue and green eggs I gave someone recently and came straight to me to ask for some. My friend bragged to her girlfriends about them and they didn't believe her. So, I promised to bring her proof.<br />
<br />
I really like my colorful egg basket. They range from brown with dark flecks, light brown, cream, white, olive to blue. All from different chickens. I can tell which girl laid which egg.<br />
<br />
I don't usually wash eggs. Why? They're covered in a "bloom" that protects them from bacteria. Egg shells are porous, and the bloom keeps the bad stuff from getting into those pores. Eggs you buy in the store have been washed so they don't have the bloom any longer. They go bad much faster than my farm fresh eggs. Mine may last 6, 7, 8 weeks or longer.<br />
<br />
There you have it, that's why the eggs from the farmers market have a little mud on them. Be grateful for it.<br />
<br />
Yay for bloom!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I linked this to... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deborah Jean's Dandelion house</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/03/the-creative-homeacre-hop-7.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> The Self Sufficient Home Acre</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2013/03/homestead-barn-hop-103.html" target="_blank">The Homestead Barn Hop</a></span>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-10942222646683996892012-11-19T20:47:00.003-05:002012-11-19T20:48:38.964-05:00A Recipe: Chocolate Covered Potato ChipsMy mom grew up in Florida and every so often we like to go back down, stay in her childhood home and hit the beach. We just did that a couple of weeks ago and took the girls to visit the chocolate factory one afternoon. They were making a line full of these babies - and selling them for about $9 per 1/4 pound! I sure couldn't afford that, so I decided to make them on my own.<br />
<br />
They are so simple, I didn't even take pics of the process.<br />
<br />
Ghiradelli make a new product they call a "Candy Making and Dipping Bar". I found mine at Sam's Club. They make it in dark and white.<br />
<br />
Get a box of the dark.<br />
Get a bag of ridged potato chips.<br />
<br />
Melt the chocolate per the instructions. Basically, chop it up, put it in a microwave safe dish and microwave it in increments of 30 seconds, stirring after each time, until it's smooth.<br />
<br />
Select whole chips and dip each one at a time into the chocolate. Using a fork, lift them and tap them until you can see the ridges nicely.<br />
<br />
Place them onto wax paper to cool.<br />
<br />
Try not to eat them all in one day. Sharing is always good, your friends will love you even more than before if you do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUF0wL54w7Y/UKrg3Lev7HI/AAAAAAAAA9M/p77kCWCRUKQ/s1600/chip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUF0wL54w7Y/UKrg3Lev7HI/AAAAAAAAA9M/p77kCWCRUKQ/s320/chip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(sorry the picture is so bad. I snapped it with my phone and didn't plan to share it, but they were so yummy!)</div>
<br />gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-45365726203079519922012-11-06T08:52:00.000-05:002012-11-06T08:52:00.563-05:00Chocolate Chip Creme PiesI made these the other day to take to our friend's bonfire. I had seen a couple of ideas on Pinterest and combined a few to come up with these. Actually, I made one I found but my husband didn't like it and asked me to change it. He has an exceptional palate, so I did.<br />
<br />
Please, try these. They're simple. You'll be glad you did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi8kFkJqAO8/UJh8IU6W9iI/AAAAAAAAA80/vLHu2nyPvyE/s1600/cc+creme+pies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yi8kFkJqAO8/UJh8IU6W9iI/AAAAAAAAA80/vLHu2nyPvyE/s320/cc+creme+pies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><u>Chocolate Chip Creme Pies</u></span></b></i><br />
<br />
<b><u>Cookies</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
1 cup of butter, softened<br />
3/4 cup sugar<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar<br />
2 large eggs, room temperature<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla<br />
2-1/4 cups flour<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
2 cups chocolate chips<br />
1 cup toffee bits<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
Heat the oven to 375*F.<br />
<br />
Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a small bowl. Set it aside.<br />
<br />
In your mixer, combine the butter and sugars. Mix them until they're fluffy. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing them well after each one. Add the vanilla. Add the dry ingredients, just mixing until they're combined.<br />
Add the chocolate chips and toffee bits and mix them in well. <br />
<br />
Scoop them into scant teaspoon sizes onto a cookie sheet covered with a silpat or parchment paper. Bake them for about 8 minutes or until they're brown on the edges.<br />
<br />
Remove them from the oven, let them sit on the cookie sheet for about a minute, then transfer to a cooling rack.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Creme Filling</u></b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients:</i><br />
1 cup of butter, softened<br />
2 cups of powdered sugar<br />
1 jar of marshmallow creme<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
<i>Directions:</i><br />
Combine the butter and powdered sugar in your mixer. Beat them until combined. Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla. Taste it, adding more sugar or vanilla if you need to.<br />
<br />
Take one of your cookies, spread it with the creme and top it with another cookie. <br />
<br />
They store best in the refrigerator, but taste best at room temperature.<br />
<br />
Seriously, make these. Take them somewhere to share. Prepare to be loved for your yummy treats.<br />
<br />gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-25652133678627684992012-10-09T16:30:00.000-04:002012-11-19T20:49:09.067-05:00Pumpkin Sweet Potato ChiliI'm still here - don't worry. I'm just enjoying my life.<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't have a lot of time. Especially on Wednesdays. I teach at my girls' school all day, then we have soccer practice. We usually get home around 6pm.<br />
<br />
I love cooking healthy for my family. I don't have time when we get home on Wednesdays to cook a meal. I hate having to pick up pizza on the way home.<br />
<br />
I decided to start using my crock pot again.<br />
<br />
But, what to make in it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I am well known for my regular chili. Although it's never the same way twice, it's still good each time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
I recently came across a couple of recipes that convinced me to try to change my recipe. And, it turned out so good that I decided it was time to blow the dust off the old blog and share it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h4ExVlQUMI/UHR73sHV2_I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/FTGrih3UTPw/s1600/chili+start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h4ExVlQUMI/UHR73sHV2_I/AAAAAAAAA8Y/FTGrih3UTPw/s320/chili+start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chili</u><br />
1/2 Sweet Yellow Onion, chopped<br />
2 Tbs. Coconut Oil, (or you can use Olive Oil)<br />
1 Green Pepper, chopped<br />
2 Stalks of Celery, chopped<br />
2 Carrots, diced<br />
3 Cloves of Garlic, minced<br />
1 Sweet Potato, peeled and diced<br />
4 cups of Chicken Broth<br />
2 Large cans of Black Beans, rinsed and drained<br />
2 cooked and cubed Chicken Breasts<br />
1 15oz can Pumpkin Puree, (not pumpkin pie filling)<br />
1 large can of Diced Tomatoes, (I LOVE fire roasted ones)<br />
1 pkg. Chili Seasoning mix, (yes, I cheat)<br />
1 Tbs. Dried Oregano<br />
<br />
In a skillet, melt the coconut oil, add the onions, green pepper, celery and carrots and cook them over low heat until soft. Add the garlic and cook another minute. Add this mixture to your crock pot.<br />
Cook the sweet potatoes in a small pot of boiling water for 8-10 minutes until slightly soft. Drain and add to the crock pot.<br />
Add the chicken broth, black beans, chicken breast, pumpkin puree, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning and dried oregano to the crock pot. Cook on low for at least 6 hours.<br />
<br />
Check seasoning and see if it needs more spices or salt. You can season it with chili powder or cumin, those are common ingredients in a pkt of chili seasoning. Red pepper flakes and more oregano are also nice.<br />
<br />
Serve with your choice of toppings. We like an assortment of plain greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, minced onion, oyster crackers or corn chips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdPZnTRrUFQ/UHR775BSdiI/AAAAAAAAA8g/8WyhANUxH4E/s1600/chili+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdPZnTRrUFQ/UHR775BSdiI/AAAAAAAAA8g/8WyhANUxH4E/s320/chili+done.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-47163186764293315692012-05-21T22:09:00.000-04:002012-05-21T22:09:51.192-04:00Unidentified ChicksIs anyone a chicken expert?<br />
<br />
I ordered 38 chicks this spring. 12 Ameraucana, 8 Blue Laced Red Wyandottes and 8 Seramas.<br />
<br />
Of the 38, only 20 were shipped. Of the 20, only 15 made it alive. Of the 15, only 13 made it past the first day.<br />
<br />
Of the 13, only 2 are the breed I ordered.<br />
2 Seramas.<br />
<br />
I mostly wanted the Ameraucanas. They're the breed I want to build my flock with. But, sadly, their Ameraucanas went broody, (that means they want to sit on eggs and hatch them), when it came time for them to collect for my order.<br />
<br />
They substituted the Ameraucanas with Olive Egger chicks. That means they bred either their Ameraucana rooster or hen with a dark egg layer, probably a Maran.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUOZIHXk1oM/T7rycqWxtRI/AAAAAAAAA60/nbNb_zXazuE/s1600/black+OG+3w3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zUOZIHXk1oM/T7rycqWxtRI/AAAAAAAAA60/nbNb_zXazuE/s320/black+OG+3w3d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I received one Wyandotte, but it's black laced red. This is the second time I've tried to raise BLRW and failed. boo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23lfIYiqpOM/T7rymeeZkvI/AAAAAAAAA68/w9biY495GiY/s1600/blrw+3w3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-23lfIYiqpOM/T7rymeeZkvI/AAAAAAAAA68/w9biY495GiY/s320/blrw+3w3d.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I have 13 chicks. I know for sure what the Seramas are. I know what they Wyandotte is.<br />
<br />
What are the other 10?<br />
<br />
5 of them look similar, and of those 5, 3 are roos and 2 pullets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CzpPYnMFA0/T7ryxMZWo8I/AAAAAAAAA7E/E9M44XIJwzI/s1600/cream+gray+3w3d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3CzpPYnMFA0/T7ryxMZWo8I/AAAAAAAAA7E/E9M44XIJwzI/s320/cream+gray+3w3d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpEsV3cOt28/T7ry1ooeZjI/AAAAAAAAA7M/o9JmVV2_Ycg/s1600/light+3w3d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpEsV3cOt28/T7ry1ooeZjI/AAAAAAAAA7M/o9JmVV2_Ycg/s320/light+3w3d2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The others, I can't figure out.<br />
<br />
One has a mohawk. I call him Rod Stewart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTmw_eV-6-E/T7rzR7QSpJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/6akyaIBsmgc/s1600/20120521_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aTmw_eV-6-E/T7rzR7QSpJI/AAAAAAAAA7c/6akyaIBsmgc/s320/20120521_0748.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
You can't really see him, he's hiding in the back. <br />
<br />
I guess it will be interesting to see what these chicks grow into. In the meantime, I think I'll get an incubator and purchase some Ameraucana eggs and hatch them on my own...<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I shared this post at <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Barnyard Hop</a></span><br />
<br />gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-37837883582577816942012-03-01T23:35:00.002-05:002012-03-05T14:35:43.124-05:00of seeds and chickensI've been away. Far, far away. From an easy life.<br />
<br />
There have been a ton of things go wrong in my life lately. My best friend's mother passed away. She was way too young. We are way to young to experience this.<br />
<br />
But, it gave her an excuse to come back home for a week. She and her family stayed with us. Her boys are just older than my girls, and they had a blast together. I wish it were easier to travel long distances faster.<br />
<br />
My inlaws are getting ready to be between jobs soon, and they came for a week to work on their house. They brought my sister in law and her family. It was wonderful to have them here to visit, they haven't been here since our wedding.<br />
<br />
After those two weeks, we needed a vacation. So, we packed the girls up, drove to Williamsburg, and got the stomach bug. For the whole time. Plus, 2 ear infections, 1 sinus infection and another unknown infection. Came back home and uncovered a UTI also. Ugh.<br />
<br />
But, today, it was a beautiful day. The sun was out. The weather was warm.<br />
<br />
I started a flat of seeds today. I plan to hold back on my planting this year, only a couple of each variety. So, that means only 9 tomatoes, 9 peppers, 3 lavenders, etc. I am being much more intentional about my garden. Yay!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya3t6mFdH14/T1BEK6s7iOI/AAAAAAAAA6M/N56uBMXGNFs/s1600/planting+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ya3t6mFdH14/T1BEK6s7iOI/AAAAAAAAA6M/N56uBMXGNFs/s320/planting+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw9tqi_Q_QE/T1BEQaKOMiI/AAAAAAAAA6U/KzUxRMk92Yw/s1600/planting+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw9tqi_Q_QE/T1BEQaKOMiI/AAAAAAAAA6U/KzUxRMk92Yw/s320/planting+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The chickens were happy today. Brady is getting ready to move out - the upcoming Spring is making him very mean. And, I discovered 2 cracked eggs in the nest boxes. I hope it's because of the curious new leghorn who laid her first egg today getting nosy, not because I have an egg eater.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0zCCM0Lt2E/T1BEip2l-mI/AAAAAAAAA6c/OFHI4eGTrz4/s1600/Maddie+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T0zCCM0Lt2E/T1BEip2l-mI/AAAAAAAAA6c/OFHI4eGTrz4/s320/Maddie+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjrfOJZgngE/T1BEyTH05qI/AAAAAAAAA6s/9a2Yp4TQtXk/s1600/ll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MjrfOJZgngE/T1BEyTH05qI/AAAAAAAAA6s/9a2Yp4TQtXk/s320/ll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FmlWf3zKDo/T1BEq49sTYI/AAAAAAAAA6k/VxsVum0KuNo/s1600/longie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0FmlWf3zKDo/T1BEq49sTYI/AAAAAAAAA6k/VxsVum0KuNo/s320/longie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sorry I've been gone. I promise a few recipes soon, I'm working on some now.<br />
<br />
linked to: <a 0"="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20border=" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6767202883_a67c982368_o.jpg" /></a> & <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2012/03/01/simple-lives-thursday-85/">Simple Lives Thursday</a> & <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2012/03/barn-hop-52.html">Homestead Barn Hop</a>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-51101746350837581522012-01-31T19:21:00.000-05:002012-01-31T19:21:47.807-05:0030 Minute Yeast RollsToday was a beautiful day. 65*. In January. What?<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>So, I didn't spend much time in the kitchen. I spent it outside. I cleaned out the front garden, pruned the lavendar, pulled out the old flower stems, swept the mulch back into the beds that the chickens had scratched out.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We went to the science fair at school. The children had the most creative experiments. I was really impressed. I mean, who comes up with the idea to see which color m&m melts fastest in the microwave?</div><div><br />
</div><div>When it came time to plan dinner, I wanted something fast. We picked up some tilapia, planned it with rice, asparagus and corn. I wanted bread, but didn't decide this until after 4pm. Even my fastest breads take a couple of hours to rise. I didn't want to settle for cornbread or biscuits, so I hit Google and found a <a href="http://www.honeyandbutter.com/bread/30-minute-dinner-rolls">recipe</a> for 30 minute rolls. I couldn't believe it was true. but, was it???</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFli1GpyFQ/TyiFbZQsirI/AAAAAAAAA6E/3PCNpxY1cqI/s1600/rolls+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOFli1GpyFQ/TyiFbZQsirI/AAAAAAAAA6E/3PCNpxY1cqI/s320/rolls+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>Yep, it was. Here they are. So yummy. I will adjust the recipe next time, and I've adjusted for my adjustments below. I'm considering adding some honey, too, but that's an experiment for another day.</div><div><br />
</div><div>30 Minute Yeast Rolls</div><div><br />
</div><div>ingredients:</div><div>1 cup + 2 T. warm water</div><div>1/3 cup vegetable oil (I may try coconut oil next time)</div><div>2 T yeast</div><div>1/4 cup sugar (I'm going to add 1/4 c honey, too, next time)</div><div><br />
</div><div>3/4 tsp. salt (this I adjusted. It may even need more.)</div><div>1 egg, slightly beaten</div><div>3 1/2 cups flour</div><div><br />
</div><div>Mix the first 4 ingredients and let them sit for a few minutes, until the yeast begins to bubble.</div><div>Add the salt and egg, begin beating. A stand mixer is best, of course, but you can do this by hand with a wooden spoon.</div><div>Add the flour and mix it until the gluten makes it smooth. Form it into 12 balls and put them on a silpat or parchment paper on a cookie sheet. Let them raise for about 15 minutes.</div><div>Bake in a preheated 400* oven for about 15 minutes. Brush the tops with butter as soon as you take them out of the oven.</div><div>Serve with butter and your favorite roll topping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRVujIZ8B7g/TyiFQJ9DCvI/AAAAAAAAA58/LjzLRl1K6Hk/s1600/rolls+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YRVujIZ8B7g/TyiFQJ9DCvI/AAAAAAAAA58/LjzLRl1K6Hk/s320/rolls+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Tomorrow promises to be an even nicer day. I can't wait!</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-42314123808884718972012-01-20T23:46:00.000-05:002012-01-20T23:46:06.814-05:00Artisan Bread - Detailed InstructionsI have been making bread made famous by some New York bakers called 5-Minute a day bread. Their recipe, although beautiful and seemingly simple for so many people to make, had very complex, (and messy), steps. I have simplified it over my years, worked out some kinks, and got it nearly down pat. I say nearly, because there are so many variables, you never know what's golf to happen. Just today, both of my loaves managed to stick to the pot. I think I know why, but that doesn't change the fact that I managed to make this mistake. Frustrating. But, that's how bread making goes in my world. <br />
<br />
There is one thing you can do that I don't. I don't have room in my itsy bitsy fridge to do this, but I used to when I had a second fridge. If you want to triple my recipe, you can keep half of it in your fridge and always be ankle to pull some out for a loaf in minutes. That's how the NY boys do it. The dough seems to develop a really good sourdough flavor this way. <br />
<br />
Okay. I'll stop rambling. Here, to honor PW, is the cast:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6SNM5xCexM/Txo-pbw-kwI/AAAAAAAAA4M/8ldBl0ZdPNA/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H6SNM5xCexM/Txo-pbw-kwI/AAAAAAAAA4M/8ldBl0ZdPNA/s320/ingredients.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups warm water. I use the hottest that comes from my faucet. I think the industry's standard is around 120*F<br />
3/4 T kosher salt<br />
3/4 T yeast<br />
3 1/4 c all purpose flour. If you want to make your bread whole wheat, sub no more than half wheat flour. I use 1 part wheat to 2 parts all purpose. <br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Pour the hot water into a medium size bowl. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlA5OltV6c0/Txo-_d91XBI/AAAAAAAAA4U/dUINpZLJJg4/s1600/salt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VlA5OltV6c0/Txo-_d91XBI/AAAAAAAAA4U/dUINpZLJJg4/s320/salt.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
Add the salt and mix it until its dissolved. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRPP-rVXXZo/Txo_KRy1gzI/AAAAAAAAA4c/-ZxiuYxYpnE/s1600/yeast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRPP-rVXXZo/Txo_KRy1gzI/AAAAAAAAA4c/-ZxiuYxYpnE/s320/yeast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add the yeast onto the top. Sprinkle it on and let it sit. As it sits, it should begin to bubble and grow. If not, either your yeast is dead or your water is too hot or cold. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfrIoRE8hU/Txo_X7baNZI/AAAAAAAAA4k/ZzCIC3yI6T8/s1600/yeast+in+bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfrIoRE8hU/Txo_X7baNZI/AAAAAAAAA4k/ZzCIC3yI6T8/s320/yeast+in+bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Add the flour. You may need to add less or more, depending on how exact your water measurement was and what your weather is like. Do you know how to measure flour? Fluff it, scoop it into your measuring cup, level it off. Don't dig into the bag. You'll get a really heavy mix that won't work. I usually use 3 cups of flour in the winter. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6ek6NFSoio/TxpAmWaa8HI/AAAAAAAAA5E/md815Se1loA/s1600/bubbly+yeast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6ek6NFSoio/TxpAmWaa8HI/AAAAAAAAA5E/md815Se1loA/s320/bubbly+yeast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnMPaBl8FU/Txo_6L-J-eI/AAAAAAAAA4s/X-vUWRFDCyQ/s1600/tacky+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hnMPaBl8FU/Txo_6L-J-eI/AAAAAAAAA4s/X-vUWRFDCyQ/s320/tacky+dough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
See how tacky the dough is? This is what you want. You can't knead this bread. Remember, it's called "no knead bread"?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAmknNrACFE/TxpAa5G5RbI/AAAAAAAAA48/zoZbcTn-dzU/s1600/covered+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAmknNrACFE/TxpAa5G5RbI/AAAAAAAAA48/zoZbcTn-dzU/s320/covered+dough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Cover the bread. Just a damp towel will work. Set it on the counter and walk away. Let it rise. It happens fast, there is a lot of yeast in this stuff. <br />
Let it raise for about 2.5 hours.<br />
<br />
After its done raising, turn your oven on as high as you feel comfortable. I usually set mine at 450*F.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yx4JFbgLtQ/TxpA9wy4mmI/AAAAAAAAA5M/ilq1EoLtXps/s1600/450f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Yx4JFbgLtQ/TxpA9wy4mmI/AAAAAAAAA5M/ilq1EoLtXps/s320/450f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As its heating, put a heavy pot into it. I use a Le Crueset pot. It's cast iron coated in porcelain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvsMCCt1S64/TxpB0eLSceI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PmfLRuPkaR4/s1600/lecrueset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IvsMCCt1S64/TxpB0eLSceI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PmfLRuPkaR4/s320/lecrueset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You could use a cast iron uncoated pot, or a stone pot. If you don't have one and want to buy one, there are a few options. Mine is a fairly expensive brand, but I found it at a discount store for half price. Cuisinart also makes some really nice ones, and I've seen Martha Stewart brand ones at Macy's. It's an investment that I believe is well worth it. <br />
<br />
Once your oven is nice and hot, (usually about half an hour), get your dough ready. This is honestly the hardest part of the whole process. Here's what to do:<br />
<br />
Sprinkle the top of the dough with flour. Scrape the edges down to round the dough into a loaf shape. Scrape all the edges, then begin scraping towards the bottom. Continue until you have the whole ball of dough shaped into a - ball. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XysomwUeGUQ/TxpBK4Dd4-I/AAAAAAAAA5U/2MhMF23ByxU/s1600/balled+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XysomwUeGUQ/TxpBK4Dd4-I/AAAAAAAAA5U/2MhMF23ByxU/s320/balled+dough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Pull the hot pan out of the oven and dump the dough into it. Cover it and put it back into the oven for 25 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6-4I7Cik20/TxpBXjA0X4I/AAAAAAAAA5c/wHqnlYCPazw/s1600/dough+in+pan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6-4I7Cik20/TxpBXjA0X4I/AAAAAAAAA5c/wHqnlYCPazw/s320/dough+in+pan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After 25 minutes, take the lid off, lower the heat to 200*F and continue cooking for another 10 minutes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfQ84Zi4GIE/TxpCYlOuy8I/AAAAAAAAA5s/SwiuDdA5Tg4/s1600/200f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hfQ84Zi4GIE/TxpCYlOuy8I/AAAAAAAAA5s/SwiuDdA5Tg4/s320/200f.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
This is really just to brown the top and dry out the loaf, the rest of the loaf should have been cooked through at the higher heat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr0tnL1KEkc/TxpCxZT0vMI/AAAAAAAAA50/NYQs6Gmu0JE/s1600/finished+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr0tnL1KEkc/TxpCxZT0vMI/AAAAAAAAA50/NYQs6Gmu0JE/s320/finished+bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
After the 10 minutes, take the pan out, take the bread out of the pan, slice and enjoy. It's best straight from the oven, as soon as it's cool enough to handle, but it will keep for a few hours to overnight.gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-42618804940395774912011-12-31T17:15:00.000-05:002011-12-31T17:15:58.215-05:00Sopapilla CheesecakeI posted this in 2009 on my old blog, but thought I would re-post it, cause it's so good. The topping is the absolute best!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">I tried it this week, and it makes a delicious, simple cheesecake. It’s best refrigerated, keeps the cinnamon/sugar topping crunchy!</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;"><strong>SOPAPILLA CHEESECAKE</strong></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">1 1/2c Sugar</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">1 tsp. Cinnamon</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">1 stick butter</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">1 tsp. vanilla</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">3 (8 oz pkgs) softened cream cheese</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">2 cans crescent rolls</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;">Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping. Mix cream cheese, vanilla and remaining sugar mixture together. Place one can of crescent rolls on bottom of large pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over top. Then place the second can of crescent rolls on top. Melt the butter and pour on top of the rolls. Sprinkle the rest of the sugar mixture on top.<br />
Bake at 350*F for 30 minutes. For variation, layer can of apple pie filling over bottom crust before spreading on cream cheese.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Tahoma, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1.2em;"><img alt="007" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-214" height="225" src="http://morethanapairofchutes.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/007.jpg?w=300&h=225" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="007" width="300" /></div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-24776048858929100532011-12-30T10:45:00.001-05:002011-12-30T10:45:01.394-05:00Homemade Spaghetti Sauce RecipeI've been making this for years, and now cringe when I have to use canned pasta sauce. I usually make a big batch and either freeze half or use the leftovers for a baked pasta dish the next day.<br />
I manage to cram a ton of veggies in, even my veggie hating husband can't complain, though.<br />
Please, give this recipe a try.<br />
<br />
(I am not a measurer, so my ingredients list may be a bit vague. Edit it to fit your tastes.)<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 lb. Ground Deer, or Beef<br />
2 Tbsp. Olive Oil<br />
1 Medium Sweet Yellow Onion, chopped<br />
3-4 Carrots, minced<br />
1 Green Pepper, chopped<br />
2-3 Cloves of Garlic, Minced<br />
2 Cans of Crushed Tomatoes<br />
1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano<br />
1 Tbsp. Dried Basil, or 2 Tbsp Fresh<br />
A Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes<br />
1 Tsp. Salt<br />
<br />
<br />
*Brown the ground deer/beef in a medium size saucepan. Drain and set aside.<br />
*Heat the olive oil in the same pan. Slowly cook the onions, carrots and peppers until they're soft. Add the garlic, stirring it so it doesn't burn. Add the oregano, basil and red pepper, stirring for a minute. Then add the tomatoes. Add salt to taste.<br />
*Simmer until the flavors meld, at least 45 minutes. Up to a few hours. The longer it cooks, the thicker the sauce will get. You can thin it with more crushed or chopped tomatoes.<br />
*Serve over whole wheat noodles with parmesan cheese. <br />
<br />
I would show you a picture of the sauce over noodles, but it didn't last long enough on anyone's plate to take one. So, here's one in the pan, simmering.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BnaL-fEpu8/Tv0o0yk3pjI/AAAAAAAAA4E/DFg3hEM-wo4/s1600/spag+sauce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BnaL-fEpu8/Tv0o0yk3pjI/AAAAAAAAA4E/DFg3hEM-wo4/s320/spag+sauce.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I know you are all going to try this soon - let me know what you think of it.gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-5002019606031637302011-12-29T17:59:00.000-05:002011-12-29T17:59:14.366-05:00An Eco-Friendly Sink CleanerI was watching HGTV the other day and Sabrina Soto taught me a new way to clean my sink.<br />
<br />
I have a white, porcelain sink. I really wanted stainless steel, but my husband insisted on a white, farmhouse sink. It's beautiful, and large, really fun to use, but awful to keep clean.<br />
I usually use Barkeeper's friend. I'm a fan.<br />
<br />
But, I decided to give this new way a try.<br />
We're always trying to do things healthier, safer for the family.<br />
<br />
Here are the ingredients:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02jBQozVJlM/TvzvZYjPXUI/AAAAAAAAA28/ABVUjmDBpaM/s1600/sink+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02jBQozVJlM/TvzvZYjPXUI/AAAAAAAAA28/ABVUjmDBpaM/s320/sink+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
3 parts Baking Soda<br />
1 Part Hydrogen Peroxide<br />
1 Lemon<br />
<br />
Mix the Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide to make a paste. Drop a spoonful into your sink and rub it around with a soft, wet cloth. After you've scrubbed the stains off, rub half a lemon over it. Enjoy the yummy smelling fizz. Rinse with hot water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTMgnalSzSw/Tvzv-MQXGcI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ZinwlYlZL9Q/s1600/sink+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTMgnalSzSw/Tvzv-MQXGcI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/ZinwlYlZL9Q/s320/sink+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It worked so good! And, although it did leave my hands a touch slimy, it was way better than the gritty, sharp stuff BKF leaves behind.<br />
<br />
Here are the pics of it's beautifulness<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After and Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6y4uH_RhHL4/TvzwJfEm1uI/AAAAAAAAA3k/bCjkZX9YdLQ/s1600/sink+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6y4uH_RhHL4/TvzwJfEm1uI/AAAAAAAAA3k/bCjkZX9YdLQ/s320/sink+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I had a REALLY dirty sink, I know)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The whole sink the next day, in the sunlight</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nocy9zMIiMw/TvzwfK03K6I/AAAAAAAAA34/rBGBAwlGBMk/s1600/sink+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nocy9zMIiMw/TvzwfK03K6I/AAAAAAAAA34/rBGBAwlGBMk/s320/sink+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-76175241026181516732011-12-11T16:11:00.000-05:002011-12-11T16:11:41.095-05:002011 Christmas Cake Pops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xXWI9M4jwM/TuUYyCcJuLI/AAAAAAAAA1U/77RDNWxT8fE/s1600/santa+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xXWI9M4jwM/TuUYyCcJuLI/AAAAAAAAA1U/77RDNWxT8fE/s320/santa+hat.jpg" width="233" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Every year, I make goodies to send to my husband's office. This year, I sent out 7 boxes to his office and other people he works with. I think I made 5 cakes with of pops. I also sent peppermint bark, but that's not picture-worthy.<br />
<br />
I made Red Velvet Santa Hat pops. I used a mini marshmallow for the top. The Christmas Pudding balls were also red velvet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm0aXA6nyJ0/TuUY9Q3A83I/AAAAAAAAA10/aLzeeVBy8uw/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cm0aXA6nyJ0/TuUY9Q3A83I/AAAAAAAAA10/aLzeeVBy8uw/s320/red.jpg" width="302" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The trees were yellow cake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovwqWtGDlVU/TuUY05WIGmI/AAAAAAAAA1c/SgJ6CW9gZY8/s1600/christmas+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovwqWtGDlVU/TuUY05WIGmI/AAAAAAAAA1c/SgJ6CW9gZY8/s320/christmas+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I used chocolate for the blue, with blue sanding sugar.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwbFvyEn1e4/TuUY4FVPqJI/AAAAAAAAA1k/xqySoOvT5ck/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zwbFvyEn1e4/TuUY4FVPqJI/AAAAAAAAA1k/xqySoOvT5ck/s320/blue.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also made white with white sanding sugar, but didn't get pics of them. It was 1:30 am when I was finishing them and all I wanted to do was go to sleep, not take pictures.<br />
<br />
The peppermint topped balls were also white cake. They were our favorite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWaSm_rf_Ds/TuUZALSf8mI/AAAAAAAAA18/KexmxbYnVRo/s1600/peppermint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aWaSm_rf_Ds/TuUZALSf8mI/AAAAAAAAA18/KexmxbYnVRo/s320/peppermint.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
This is what can happen if you aren't paying attention. I think these were hard to do right because I added too much frosting. The recipe says to use 3/4 of a can, but I never even use 1/2 a can. I usually use about 2 rounded serving spoons full.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knvA5m7zsdY/TuUY7nlSTHI/AAAAAAAAA1s/AoyPZOkWFa0/s1600/oops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knvA5m7zsdY/TuUY7nlSTHI/AAAAAAAAA1s/AoyPZOkWFa0/s320/oops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(yes, it was tasty.)</div><br />
Here they are all boxed up and ready to pack. I am getting good at packing them to ship. I pack each pop surrounded by tissue paper and bubble wrap, then place them in a bakery box. I put a couple of layers of large bubble wrap on the bottom of the shipping box, then some tissue paper or shredded craft paper. Next the box of cake pops, then bubble wrap around and over it all. Tape it up good, label and ship.<br />
<br />
This time, the boxes I got to ship in were HUGE and ended up being so expensive. Oh well, everyone loved them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8kGMbCQlv8/TuUZB1Jc_CI/AAAAAAAAA2E/3Y4yqhh3F5E/s1600/Boxed+Pops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B8kGMbCQlv8/TuUZB1Jc_CI/AAAAAAAAA2E/3Y4yqhh3F5E/s320/Boxed+Pops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>If you're reading this and don't know how to make Cake Pops, here is my tutorial on them:<br />
<a href="http://morethanapairofchutes.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-cake-pops-more-detailed-pop.html">Cake Pop Tutorial</a><br />
<br />
Hope you enjoyed my pictures!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Linked to <a href="http://www.wellseasonedlife.com/2011/12/sweet-indulgences-sunday-34.html">A Well-Seasoned Life, Sweet Indulgences Sunday</a></i></span>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-73765060229292517012011-10-21T23:28:00.002-04:002011-10-22T13:54:29.808-04:00Pumpkin Cake Pops - A more detailed Pop TutorialI'm not so good at making cupcakes. I'm pretty good at making them taste yummy, but not so good at decorating. I don't think I'm patient enough nor artsy enough to create something so intricate. Guess I could make them and stick Oreos or peanut butter cups on them. I've stuck strawberries on them before. Or mint. I'm real earthy like that.<br />
<br />
Cakes, those I'm even worse at. I used to live near a friend who is wonderful at cake art. She and I would create masterpieces. Beautiful towers of fondant and buttercream. Then, she moved away and suddenly, those towers didn't look so nice. I've pretty much retired my tips and bags, shhh, don't tell on me.<br />
<br />
Now, when I make cupcakes, I end up with a nice, moist cake, something yummy shoved inside, and delishiousness slopped on top. And they're gobbled up. <br />
<br />
I don't know how these pastry shops do it. Make those beautiful smoothly swirled icing hats. Someone want to tell me how?<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I make cake pops. They're just as much work, maybe more. But, they're such tiny bites of sweet mush, no one can resist.<br />
<br />
This week, I made pumpkin cake pops. They were supposed to be Jack-O-Lanterns, but I can't seem to figure out how to make those really expensive edible markers work on the chocolate. I get frustrated and throw them out. Yep, there went $8 in the garbage last night. Ugh.<br />
<br />
Do you remember how to make cake balls? I'll tell you again, maybe with a few more good tips than the last time.<br />
<br />
1. Bake a boxed cake mix in a 9x13" pan. I used a Spice cake this time. Let it cool.<br />
2. Take it from the pan. Break off any hard edges, and crumble the rest into a large bowl.<br />
3. Add some canned frosting. About 1/3 cup worth. I like to use cream cheese flavored frosting. Some recipes say to use more frosting. I've found that if I do, or if I use homemade frosting, the balls are too soft and fall off the sticks.<br />
4. Shape the mix into balls. I make them small enough to fit into my cupped hands easily. Smash the mix a lot until it's not crumbly any more, then form it into a ball. Or whatever shape you're going to make.<br />
5. Refrigerate said balls overnight.<br />
6. Melt some candy disks. I use the microwave. You can use the microwave, too. Or a double boiler. My double boiler's in the attic.<br />
7. Dip your sticks into the chocolate, then insert them half-way into a ball. Let it set up for about an hour, preferably in the fridge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzGlwLv_aLU/TqI3HNlJ5hI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/knBK3JjI1kU/s1600/pops+and+sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TzGlwLv_aLU/TqI3HNlJ5hI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/knBK3JjI1kU/s320/pops+and+sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
8. Melt more candy disks. You want this portion to be a bit thinner than the previous. You can achieve this by adding some shortening to the disks. I usually add about 1-2 teaspoons per bag of melts. If you add too much, your chocolate won't harden. Trust me, I am speaking from experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfLHnCp8PxI/TqI27fbs6NI/AAAAAAAAAzg/cncrMA_zuek/s1600/crisco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NfLHnCp8PxI/TqI27fbs6NI/AAAAAAAAAzg/cncrMA_zuek/s320/crisco.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
9. Take a few of the balls on sticks out of the fridge. 3-4 at a time. Dip your cake ball into the chocolate. Lift it up and tap it gently on the side of the bowl to shake off excess. Turn it a little as you go so you evenly distribute the chocolate. Be careful, if you haven't inserted your stick far enough, or if your chocolate is too thick, this could happen...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mInd8TbphqU/TqI3FY7CQcI/AAAAAAAAA0I/H6mZiHt9mJE/s1600/oops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mInd8TbphqU/TqI3FY7CQcI/AAAAAAAAA0I/H6mZiHt9mJE/s320/oops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Yep, the ball falls off the stick. Then, you've got trouble. Yummy trouble!<br />
So, back to the right way, dip, tap.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z7oZyHNsaQ/TqI29EmNmII/AAAAAAAAAzo/ux2ac_daekY/s1600/dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z7oZyHNsaQ/TqI29EmNmII/AAAAAAAAAzo/ux2ac_daekY/s320/dip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUO8OkYB8_I/TqI3B9dym4I/AAAAAAAAAz4/iiDP7rJN2pg/s1600/drop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fUO8OkYB8_I/TqI3B9dym4I/AAAAAAAAAz4/iiDP7rJN2pg/s320/drop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQsOz1ARxhw/TqI3Dn1mHgI/AAAAAAAAA0A/Gzon6MNWl1g/s1600/extra+choco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQsOz1ARxhw/TqI3Dn1mHgI/AAAAAAAAA0A/Gzon6MNWl1g/s320/extra+choco.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
10. Insert the stick into a chunk of styrofoam until the candy is dry. Then, once it's dry, you can decorate it or just wrap it up. I like to wrap mine in nice cello bags.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp7dx3lZSco/TqI2_5uJ1wI/AAAAAAAAAzw/bnQxQ48sNfA/s1600/done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sp7dx3lZSco/TqI2_5uJ1wI/AAAAAAAAAzw/bnQxQ48sNfA/s320/done.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I used spice flavored cake, orange candy melts and green tic tacs for these. If you can figure out how to make those pens work, let me know?<br />
(I also tried a squeeze bottle of black icing. That was a really gross disaster.)<br />
<br />
I sold these at my daughter's soccer game as a donation to the program. I've had requests for more before the season's over. I've got a red velvet plan in the works...<br />
<br />
<i>I linked this recipe to</i><br />
<a href="http://sweet-as-sugar-cookies.blogspot.com/2011/10/sweets-for-saturday-40.html">Sweets for a Saturday by Sweet as Sugar</a><br />
<a href="http://sugarbananas.blogspot.com/2011/10/sweets-this-week-link-party_21.html">Sugar Bananas Sweets This Week</a><br />
<a href="http://www.wellseasonedlife.com/2011/10/sweet-indulgences-sunday-27.html">A Well Seasoned Life Sweet Indulgences Sunday</a>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-62372241903423801322011-10-17T14:06:00.001-04:002011-10-17T14:11:52.880-04:00Raising Meat Chickens, Week 4This week the meat chickens are 4 weeks old. We estimate that they weigh over a pound already. They're huge, compared to my pullet peeps who are only 3 days younger. I'll have to take a picture of them next to each other, that would be interesting.<br />
<br />
They are doing well out in their tractor. It's holding up well, such a simple design but sturdy. I'll have to come up with a new idea for a roof, the plywood we're using is already warping a little bit. I would love to find a sheet of metal roofing to fit.<br />
<br />
They are eating 12 hours on, 12 off now. 24% protein food. Drinking 3 gallons of water a day. I still add the chicken vitamins to their water.<br />
<br />
They love sunning themselves after they stuff themselves. The roos are beginning to develop their combs and wattles. There isn't a huge size difference between them and the girls, yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlKkUbKPKN0/TpxtRr0nKSI/AAAAAAAAAyM/mE2rRSrdhEo/s1600/photo-32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QlKkUbKPKN0/TpxtRr0nKSI/AAAAAAAAAyM/mE2rRSrdhEo/s1600/photo-32.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpwUVXPYOjE/TpxtSlJzUAI/AAAAAAAAAyU/ateIW9iIfXw/s1600/photo-33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpwUVXPYOjE/TpxtSlJzUAI/AAAAAAAAAyU/ateIW9iIfXw/s1600/photo-33.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlMV2YEoesc/TpxtU6F8M9I/AAAAAAAAAyc/CqBtn1EFXOU/s1600/photo-34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlMV2YEoesc/TpxtU6F8M9I/AAAAAAAAAyc/CqBtn1EFXOU/s1600/photo-34.JPG" /></a></div><br />
In case you can't tell, they're poopy chickens. They poop, a lot. They should probably be moved more than once a day to fresh grass. But, they thenselves stay surprisingly clean.<br />
<br />
In other news, I have a ringleader for my escapees. This Barred Rock has taught at least 4 of her sisters to jump the fence and free range. I love to let them free range, but while we're dealing with naughty Brady, I'm trying to keep them confined. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cHcMonDY_s/TpxsOu3pO6I/AAAAAAAAAx8/aCJbBPWV37E/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3cHcMonDY_s/TpxsOu3pO6I/AAAAAAAAAx8/aCJbBPWV37E/s1600/photo-30.JPG" /></a></div>It's so nice to have friendly chickens wandering around...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aG4T_jklRpU/TpxtZvWUvvI/AAAAAAAAAys/bPnorj8ZKXw/s1600/photo-36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aG4T_jklRpU/TpxtZvWUvvI/AAAAAAAAAys/bPnorj8ZKXw/s1600/photo-36.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyAHaEAmLF4/TpxtYI9HmaI/AAAAAAAAAyk/GDP8-K0rXLo/s1600/photo-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyAHaEAmLF4/TpxtYI9HmaI/AAAAAAAAAyk/GDP8-K0rXLo/s1600/photo-35.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This post linked to: <a href="http://homesteadrevival.blogspot.com/2011/10/barn-hop-32.html">Homestead Barn Hop</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RVolIirOKE/TpxvIDGoUqI/AAAAAAAAAy0/hSjfjoiutls/s1600/Barn-Hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RVolIirOKE/TpxvIDGoUqI/AAAAAAAAAy0/hSjfjoiutls/s200/Barn-Hop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-15456095378585140462011-10-17T08:27:00.000-04:002011-10-17T08:27:13.286-04:00Juliana Rancic is echoing my past, (Or, A Blessing in Disguise)She has been trying to get pregnant for a few years. She's tried IVF and it hasn't worked. This last time, her doctor sent her to have further testing and they discovered she has breast cancer. She has to have surgery and chemotherapy. Then, she can try IVF again.<br />
<br />
It's like my life 7 years ago. I couldn't get pregnant. My doctor sent me for further testing. They found atypical cancerous cells. I had a year of treatment. Then, after IVF I got pregnant.<br />
<br />
She said what I've been saying for years.<br />
<br />
I love my babies. If I didn't have infertility which led to the testing, who knows how sick I would be now? <i><b>I believe my babies saved my life.</b></i>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-38716013286918810712011-10-06T20:59:00.000-04:002011-10-06T20:59:41.577-04:00Raising Meat Chickens - 3 Weeks oldThe meaties are 3 weeks old this week, their birthday was yesterday. They've done well transitioning to the tractor outside, even though it's been dropping into the 40's at night. They have their heat lamp in the covered portion of the tractor and they huddle together under it at night.<br />
<br />
During the day, they love to run around and forage a little bit in the grass. I feed them 12 hours on mostly, now. Really, I just feed them in the morning and make sure they have food throughout the day. Then, when I tell them goodnight, I make sure they are out of food for the night.<br />
<br />
We did lose one the first night out, or the second. I think it just got too cold for her? Maybe she ate too much.<br />
<br />
They're feathering out nicely. They come running when they see me, and attack my hand when I put their food trays in the tractor. We are steadily moving them closer to the garden, where they'll spend their older days creating lovely compost for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xqudTGfzvw/To5LpMqCH1I/AAAAAAAAAxo/cJ0YFx4UoBM/s1600/20111006_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xqudTGfzvw/To5LpMqCH1I/AAAAAAAAAxo/cJ0YFx4UoBM/s320/20111006_0525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esXTlhcgNMQ/To5LwyOp9TI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ADgcoLiaFk4/s1600/20111006_0529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esXTlhcgNMQ/To5LwyOp9TI/AAAAAAAAAxs/ADgcoLiaFk4/s320/20111006_0529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qsvv15GKqA/To5L4R51i4I/AAAAAAAAAxw/tEevIG9OBK8/s1600/20111006_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5qsvv15GKqA/To5L4R51i4I/AAAAAAAAAxw/tEevIG9OBK8/s320/20111006_0528.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4j13R5N8yxI/To5L_ReV1NI/AAAAAAAAAx0/jtXc6dPHPFk/s1600/20111006_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4j13R5N8yxI/To5L_ReV1NI/AAAAAAAAAx0/jtXc6dPHPFk/s320/20111006_0531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We had an escapee. My run isn't covered, but has 5-6' sides. She took a running start and leaped the fence. I let her wander alone for a couple of hours. Some of the others tried to copy her, and Brady tried to go right through the fence, but no one else succeeded.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bo0KWoeqvJs/To5Mgmqr4QI/AAAAAAAAAx4/NlWmlobHrqU/s1600/br+escapee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bo0KWoeqvJs/To5Mgmqr4QI/AAAAAAAAAx4/NlWmlobHrqU/s320/br+escapee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>This post is linked to <a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2011/10/06/simple-lives-thursday-64/">Simple Lives Thursday Blog Hop</a>.</i></div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-47461947670817603362011-09-25T21:23:00.001-04:002011-09-26T22:38:04.288-04:00Raising Meat Chickens Post 1<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IAWP13bPMF8/TWrjMMbWXEI/AAAAAAAAASo/D1bdGvH3uEM/s1600/Barn-Hop.jpg"></a>I have laying hens. They're wonderful, I love having them. I raised them from a day old. They lived in my kitchen for a few weeks, then the garage until they were about 5 weeks old, then moved outside to their coop.<br />
<br />
After many months of pondering, I took the plunge and ordered meat chickens. Cornish cross. I had many hesitations, the main one being, who's going to process them for me? I've never killed anything before, not even a fish while I've been fishing.<br />
<br />
I asked for some help on Craigslist and had a couple of offers to teach me and do the actual processing. So, that was what I needed to convince me to order them. <br />
<br />
I ordered 38, received 39. They came in a week ago this past Friday. I'm thinking they were hatched that Wednesday, so they are now 12 days old. I was shocked about their growth. They eat like they're starving whenever I put the food in their brooder. They climb over each other and stand on each other in order to eat. They sleep in the food dish.<br />
<br />
They are growing so fast. Here's what they look like today compared to my hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzZKArMastY/Tn_Pkoki_QI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hi8N1U5qeGw/s1600/20110925_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzZKArMastY/Tn_Pkoki_QI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hi8N1U5qeGw/s320/20110925_0498.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I am too grossed out by their dirtiness to pick them up and hold them, so I'm just putting my hand next to them. If any of you know chickens, you will realize that this is not typical for a 12 day old chick. These guys are huge! And hot. That's really why I can't hold them, without the typical feathers of a chick, I can feel their body heat. It's awful.<br />
<br />
Their legs are huge too, they have thunder thighs and really large feet. They're just all over giants.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to raise them humanely. I have them in a good sized brooder, they're not overcrowded nor do they have too much room to move around an hurt themselves. (being so large, they can injure their legs with their weight.) I'm feeding them starter/grower feed. They have water available to them constantly and I am adding vitamins to it. I have a heat lamp on the brooder, but I only turn it on at night and it's angled out the corner now, just to make sure they don't get chilled overnight.<br />
<br />
Speaking of heat...I made a bad discovery yesterday. It's been raining for a few days, and I didn't realize it, but the chicks tend to freak when it rains. They piled into a corner of the brooder and smashed some of them under the pile. They were fine one minute, then gone the next. I'm glad Troy was with me when I discovered them. He helped me with the "burial".<br />
<br />
So, now we are down to 30.<br />
<br />
I have plans to build their tractor early this week and get them outside permanently. They've been out a couple of times when I've been cleaning the brooder, but they don't seem to enjoy it like the other chicks. I hope once they're out all the time they'll have more fun.<br />
<br />
Here's a pic of them hanging out in the brooder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuMi95nVrHo/Tn_PSYXgrPI/AAAAAAAAAxU/0seV3-chUvs/s1600/20110925_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HuMi95nVrHo/Tn_PSYXgrPI/AAAAAAAAAxU/0seV3-chUvs/s320/20110925_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>You have to admit, they have the potential to be cute. See the little guy with the "toy" in his mouth. He's going to be my class clown, I think.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOQpWMuR2hY/Tn_ThH4W6CI/AAAAAAAAAxg/bvYUyP5tM-Q/s1600/20110925_0492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uOQpWMuR2hY/Tn_ThH4W6CI/AAAAAAAAAxg/bvYUyP5tM-Q/s320/20110925_0492.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Keep checking back for updates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>I shared this post at the <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2011/09/homestead-barn-hop-29.html">Homestead Barn Hop</a> on <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/">Prairie Homestead</a>.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IAWP13bPMF8/TWrjMMbWXEI/AAAAAAAAASo/D1bdGvH3uEM/s1600/Barn-Hop.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQ4Cbl8SM-k/ToE0qKKG55I/AAAAAAAAAxk/pUhNesUfvZo/s200/Barn-Hop.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-34546104114510348772011-09-12T22:20:00.000-04:002011-09-12T22:20:43.733-04:00How the chickens are faringIt's September. I have 5 hens who are 27 weeks old and 7 hens and a roo who are 22 weeks old. The 5 hens have been laying for almost 3 months now. Today, we got our first egg from the younger girls! I believe it was one of my Barred Rocks, she looks really red in the face.<br />
<br />
Here are a few pics of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is Brady, he's our roo. He only has one waddle, the girls think it's cute.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2w7GWbaOOQ/Tm68JhCqmJI/AAAAAAAAAxE/7Il46yBtiuw/s1600/20110912_0289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2w7GWbaOOQ/Tm68JhCqmJI/AAAAAAAAAxE/7Il46yBtiuw/s320/20110912_0289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My red stars are the girls who have been laying for a while now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy7FtWvlBCg/Tm68QH11K-I/AAAAAAAAAxI/SHbrnancaSE/s1600/20110912_0290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oy7FtWvlBCg/Tm68QH11K-I/AAAAAAAAAxI/SHbrnancaSE/s320/20110912_0290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 2 Eaaster Eggers, (one is sun bathing), one of the BR girls, and a Buff peeking out from under the tree. I don't think this is the BR who is laying, but, I have trouble telling them apart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khFD0R9ZA94/Tm68Xw4XBKI/AAAAAAAAAxM/iXon4qHDmKA/s1600/20110912_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khFD0R9ZA94/Tm68Xw4XBKI/AAAAAAAAAxM/iXon4qHDmKA/s320/20110912_0291.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And, my little helper. She loves to stick her fingers through the fence, until the hens get curious to see what treat she's offering and give her a peck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AABzqeY2LGs/Tm69l6ql9TI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/hrwkgeW5ZG8/s1600/20110912_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AABzqeY2LGs/Tm69l6ql9TI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/hrwkgeW5ZG8/s320/20110912_0296.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I have almost 40 meat chicks arriving later this week, and another 10 laying chicks next week. Then, we should be set for the winter, no brooding chicks when it's cold...gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-89932838419237036102011-08-28T23:04:00.000-04:002011-08-28T23:04:46.553-04:00After Hurricane IreneWe made it through with minimal damage. Some large tree limbs, and we are going to have to take down the rest of the tree. Some shingles. That's about it. No flood damage. No windows or siding. We didn't lose power. We sure were protected! Thank you, Jesus.gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-43972026745880580692011-08-26T22:40:00.000-04:002011-08-26T22:40:25.125-04:00Hurricane PreparednessSo, after I remodeled my kitchen, we had a catastrophe. No, not the earthquake, it didn't cause any damage. No, not the hurricane, yet. We had a bad leak, caused by one of my wonderful, new LG appliances. More on that later.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, pictures of the prep we are doing for Hurricane Irene. (we are supposed to get hit starting tomorrow at noon.)<br />
<br />
We started on the deck. Cleared off all the plants, the table and chairs, the grill and toys.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aluaRUBbm4Y/TlhWY6d9lpI/AAAAAAAAAxA/T_FV1-NQNzk/s1600/deck+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aluaRUBbm4Y/TlhWY6d9lpI/AAAAAAAAAxA/T_FV1-NQNzk/s320/deck+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Moved on to the hot tub. We have a strap system set up, attached to the stakes you see. We just took it apart so it can be used tonight before the storm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oilZEz-MGvI/TlhV_4LojqI/AAAAAAAAAwo/mdLG8PK9Mc0/s1600/hot+tub+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oilZEz-MGvI/TlhV_4LojqI/AAAAAAAAAwo/mdLG8PK9Mc0/s320/hot+tub+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">See all the stuff in the garage?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CI-iJ3xuoC0/TlhV7j04FCI/AAAAAAAAAwk/nDCPbhoDXBs/s1600/garage+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CI-iJ3xuoC0/TlhV7j04FCI/AAAAAAAAAwk/nDCPbhoDXBs/s320/garage+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We had to come up with a good plan for the chicken coop. It's just a shed set on cinder blocks, a flying kite. We didn't want to have to try to drag it and my chickens from the field on Sunday, so we anchored it. Steel cable and huge spikes. It's pretty strong, we hope.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRsprVO1WIw/TlhWQ7-p-bI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HRywOrRhA-k/s1600/coop+3+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRsprVO1WIw/TlhWQ7-p-bI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HRywOrRhA-k/s320/coop+3+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My husband is so smart, look at the system he designed to tighten the straps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geNvkCEXU8Y/TlhWLaIM5MI/AAAAAAAAAw0/BrtYa3D9DlY/s1600/coop+2+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-geNvkCEXU8Y/TlhWLaIM5MI/AAAAAAAAAw0/BrtYa3D9DlY/s320/coop+2+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE1kWESpi04/TlhWIEPRzHI/AAAAAAAAAww/6Paxiz_-1rs/s1600/coop+1+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iE1kWESpi04/TlhWIEPRzHI/AAAAAAAAAww/6Paxiz_-1rs/s320/coop+1+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">We cleaned the gutters, yucky. There were a few crepe myrtle branches hanging over the front, trimmed them off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRJYOb_ezW4/TlhWUsLRQ5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/l4jg2He0VVY/s1600/crepe+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRJYOb_ezW4/TlhWUsLRQ5I/AAAAAAAAAw8/l4jg2He0VVY/s320/crepe+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And, we removed all the hanging plants, potted plants, bird feeders and bird baths.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwIrYbPz80/TlhV31uVI9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/yaZVuc7ntuc/s1600/front+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwIrYbPz80/TlhV31uVI9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/yaZVuc7ntuc/s320/front+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I picked all the ripe tomatoes and hope to either can or freeze them tomorrow. And, I dug a few potatoes to have fried up for breakfast or something else delish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Yx5bZr0_g/TlhWC_vJFCI/AAAAAAAAAws/Ap8czzUelc0/s1600/potatoes+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z1Yx5bZr0_g/TlhWC_vJFCI/AAAAAAAAAws/Ap8czzUelc0/s320/potatoes+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwIrYbPz80/TlhV31uVI9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/yaZVuc7ntuc/s1600/front+h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmwIrYbPz80/TlhV31uVI9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/yaZVuc7ntuc/s320/front+h.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">So, we seem to be prepared. What I'm mostly concerned about is the chickens, never had to protect something living outside in a storm before. And, I'm pretty sure we will lose power. Not too bad, except it's hot and muggy and my family is spoiled by AC. And...I have a freezer full of stuff like blueberries, corn, venison and I would cry if it spoiled. I plan to plug it into the car periodically if I have to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">(Is it too hokey to say, "Come On, Irene"?)</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-47656234716649858602011-08-21T16:40:00.000-04:002011-08-21T16:40:10.772-04:00A Quick Kitchen RemodelWell, it happened quickly. But, I've been planning it for a couple of years now. Started back when we owned land and planned to build a house. I've been saving ideas in my red 3-ring binder for a long time. I finally got to put them all to use! <br />
<br />
Just a note, we are not done completely. We still need to add things like trim , cabinet backs, etc. But, it's functional and T needed to get back to work, so, it'll do for a little while.<br />
<br />
Here's the before pic.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZnZ6AOVWqw/TlFZwtnduLI/AAAAAAAAAvc/w-yU_aKezpY/s1600/kitchen+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RZnZ6AOVWqw/TlFZwtnduLI/AAAAAAAAAvc/w-yU_aKezpY/s320/kitchen+before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Our house is a pre-fab built in 1981. Pretty sure the kitchen hadn't seen any updating since then. except the removal of some pretty swell wallpaper and addition of some pretty awful laminate floor. (I despise laminate floor.) Please ignore the new white cabinets as you drool over my former kitchen.<br />
<br />
Day 1<br />
Tear out. Completed while I took the girls off to buy flooring, I think. I went somewhere, anyhow, and came home to see it all done. Whew. Although it's hard to tell, got the floor, walls and ceiling patched. Didn't get the popcorn down, that's a winter project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRrgCidBJ14/TlFg_L9Yz1I/AAAAAAAAAvg/PSnU_VYoc5I/s1600/KR1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRrgCidBJ14/TlFg_L9Yz1I/AAAAAAAAAvg/PSnU_VYoc5I/s320/KR1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Day 2<br />
Final coat of mud. Most of the flooring down, (just doing stick-down tiles for now. Couldn't make up my mind on what I wanted permanently, so we went for the cheap but nice in the meantime.) Plumbing and electrical also done. Mostly...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWgQ12HYq9M/TlFhC7BsrxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/QUgNPM7dPVM/s1600/KR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AWgQ12HYq9M/TlFhC7BsrxI/AAAAAAAAAvk/QUgNPM7dPVM/s320/KR2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Day 3<br />
Wall painted. We are tiling the window wall, so it's going to be ugly for a while. Wall cabinets hung. The others aren't attached, just set into place. Flooring nearly done, all except for under the fridge. More electrical done, had to move it quite a bit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPqLO2oSUFc/TlFhEAo3jGI/AAAAAAAAAvo/LPDGp3ggLig/s1600/KR3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KPqLO2oSUFc/TlFhEAo3jGI/AAAAAAAAAvo/LPDGp3ggLig/s320/KR3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Day 4<br />
Base cabinets attached. Floor finished. It took a long time for those base cabinets. Our house is really crooked. Yes, that's a level in the floor. I insist on perfection. Do you believe me?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCn180zTJgg/TlFhE9Qh_8I/AAAAAAAAAvs/qPb-EQPxV3A/s1600/KR4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCn180zTJgg/TlFhE9Qh_8I/AAAAAAAAAvs/qPb-EQPxV3A/s320/KR4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>Day 5<br />
This day, I had to make the trek to Ikea. All the cabinets, the sink and countertops are from there. But, the store is nearly 2.5 hours away. So, it truly does take a day. Especially when you have to stand in line for an hour for returns, then stand in line for an hour just to get started with kitchen designer who is necessary to use to purchase your cabinet products. Then, another hour or so with him turning down his up-sells. Oh, and 15 minutes waiting for the guy in product pick-up to acknowledge you and give you your cart of stuff. I'm so glad my friend went with me to help out!<br />
Anyway, gas was run today, so we have a stove! No oven, er, actually, no oven racks. So, if I want to bake, have to use one of the burner grates until we can find someone to fabricate a track for the racks. <a href="http://morethanapairofchutes.blogspot.com/search/label/Viking">This stove came all the way from Michigan</a>.<br />
Plumber hooked up the sink and dishwasher. Unfortunately, the drain line leaks, so we have to run it pulled out with a bucket underneath. LG is sending a new one. Seems this is a common problem.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G10fj4W-Bhc/TlFhF2pFFGI/AAAAAAAAAvw/7T_Xor49D-k/s1600/KR5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G10fj4W-Bhc/TlFhF2pFFGI/AAAAAAAAAvw/7T_Xor49D-k/s320/KR5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Day 6<br />
Nearly done. Have to add the sides and bottoms to the wall cabinets and the sides and back to the base cabinets. We have hung the sink light since this pic. Have to change the fan out for something else. Have to find a hood. Have to tile. Add kickplates. Probably going to do these things in the winter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0fkJOnDbsw/TlFh1rl4dOI/AAAAAAAAAv0/YNNYdVK1Y1g/s1600/KR6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z0fkJOnDbsw/TlFh1rl4dOI/AAAAAAAAAv0/YNNYdVK1Y1g/s320/KR6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So, there you have it. I'm using Ikea Akurum cabinets with Stat doors for the base and Lidi white doors for the walls. Pragel black stone effect countertops. My stove is a very old Viking 48" with 6 burners and a griddle, (which I love!). Sink is from Ikea, Domsjo farmhouse - very nice. The faucet is by Koehler.gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-59445476965474109702011-07-06T23:11:00.001-04:002011-07-06T23:12:33.085-04:00Watermelon Cake PopsMy sister pointed me in a new direction for cake pops. I have only made normal cake with pretty outsides, but she showed me an idea to make a surprise inside to my pops. So, I tried a watermelon! I just used a strawberry cake, added mini chocolate chips to the balls, dipped them into white chocolate and then green. They turned out so neat!<br />
<br />
I took them to church and shared them with our summer missionaries. They're a group of college students who give up their summers to come to OC and minister to the international student workers, vacationing families, life guards, beach patrols, etc for a summer. You can read more about them through this link on our church's web site... <a href="http://www.ocbaptist.org/#/ministries/calm">CALM</a> (Feel free to browse the web site, I helped set it up :)<br />
<br />
I love making cake pops. And, my family loves eating them. Unfortunately, this is the only picture I got of them before they were eaten up. I guess I'll just have to make some more again soon to take better pictures...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QT2jIX037A/ThUjy98nTzI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/RnAfI5QYGXo/s1600/watermelon-cake-pops1web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--QT2jIX037A/ThUjy98nTzI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/RnAfI5QYGXo/s320/watermelon-cake-pops1web.png" width="239" /></a></div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-49146367379362217342011-06-28T22:36:00.000-04:002011-06-28T22:36:06.481-04:00"The Little Couple" is making me cryEver watch this show? They're going through IVF, I think mostly due to their size causing fertility issues. They have done 4 IVF cycles, and had failures each time. I watched one where she ovulated on the way to retrieval. How defeating. But, in tonight's show, they made it to retrieval and got an egg - only one. And, it fertilized. I'm sitting here on the couch sobbing at how happy they are, how happy I remember us feeling when we got our fertilization report. How on edge we were waiting for thaw reports at each FET.<br />
<br />
Infertility, as I think so often, is so unfair. Why do we have to go through it? Why do we have to try for years, get so excited about one single fertilized egg?<br />
<br />
A friend posted the following status update today...<br />
<br />
<br />
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="line-height: 14px;">The prettiest smiles belong to those who have been through the hardest of tribulations...but still managed to make it through with a smile</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="color: black; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></h6><div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="line-height: 14px;">And that, that is what it's for. Gives us, not just the prettiest smiles, but the most appreciation for each tiny egg that turns into an embryo and goes on to join us in this world.</span></div><div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="line-height: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-63961127864660798622011-06-13T23:03:00.001-04:002011-09-25T20:52:32.500-04:00My laundry room is complete!I have had the same washer and dryer since I got married, 13 some years ago. Actually, we bought a used, pukey green pair from the Thrifty Nickel right after we were married. When my dad was visiting us, the dryer conked out and he surprised us with a new dryer delivered after her left. I treasured that dryer.<br />
<div>We bought a washer after a few months. So, I estimate the pair were 12 years at least.</div><div><br />
</div><div>My washer only wrung well with a large load. So, I spent a year hand wringing all my cloth diapers. And all my loads smaller than large.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The "before" picture...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5-EBU4_tPw/TfbPPCfuGNI/AAAAAAAAAvM/bwa3Rg_gEM8/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5-EBU4_tPw/TfbPPCfuGNI/AAAAAAAAAvM/bwa3Rg_gEM8/s320/before.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Troy and the girls surprised me with a washer and dryer for mothers day!</div><div><br />
</div><div>We spent the last month working on the closet laundry room. We painted the wooden panelling. We hung white shelves. We added some pretty baskets. And, the finished product...</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsG5yiNNGXo/TfbOLCNamRI/AAAAAAAAAvI/KyRAWLu4YoM/s1600/washer+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TsG5yiNNGXo/TfbOLCNamRI/AAAAAAAAAvI/KyRAWLu4YoM/s320/washer+finished.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div>The room is attached to my kitchen. It used to have bifold doors, but they won't fit over the machine doors. I don't mind, I love to see my pretty appliances ;)</div><div><br />
</div><div>(I just noticed I haven't cleaned all the goop from the double stick tape the store used on signs from the doors yet.)</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449529837776322531.post-27077410647924088102011-05-10T22:42:00.005-04:002011-05-16T22:24:06.251-04:00White Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Daiquiri Icing<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was husbandless for the last couple of days, Troy's travel is starting to pick up again. But, even without his help, I managed to get a lot of stuff done around the house. Tomatoes planted, peppers planted, the house cleaned and redecorated. And, a few loads of laundry done. I love doing laundry, now. I walk around the house looking for something to wash. Lame, I know. But true.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">All this to say, I also ended up with time to bake cupcakes today. Last week was my sister's birthday, and we were going to celebrate, but something came up. So, we went out tonight, a bunch of ladies from church and us. Her husband watched my two older girls. He was brave!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I thought it might be nice to take some cupcakes to celebrate with. I'm working on finding a good from-scratch cake batter recipe, but can't find one that isn't nasty after a day or so. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Means I have to use a cake mix.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The only mixes I had were Yellow or Red Velvet. I chose the yellow and added white chocolate pudding to it. Filled my cupcake liners and baked them.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I wanted to make a strawberry icing with some frozen berries I had left from last summer's picking. I got them thawed and blended, added them to my basic buttercream, and was highly disappointed with the blandness. So, I got creative.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I added a few extra ingredients and made...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyH-VKXySQM/Tcn2YMIXo9I/AAAAAAAAAu0/CZuUFOtPXGY/s1600/straw+ice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyH-VKXySQM/Tcn2YMIXo9I/AAAAAAAAAu0/CZuUFOtPXGY/s320/straw+ice+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">... Strawberry Daiquiri Icing.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Or, Strawberry Margarita, if you prefer.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm so happy with the results, the citrus I added gave the icing such a fresh flavor. I garnished them with mint, just to be pretty, but it infused an additional level of freshness to the icing.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will absolutely be making these again.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KY0wMV7nnWE/Tcn2bwkSy8I/AAAAAAAAAu4/5u3b-EmxdYM/s1600/straw+ice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KY0wMV7nnWE/Tcn2bwkSy8I/AAAAAAAAAu4/5u3b-EmxdYM/s320/straw+ice+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">RECIPE:</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">White Chocolate Cupcakes with Strawberry Daiquiri Icing</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 Yellow Cake Mix</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 small box of White Chocolate Pudding</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 sticks unsalted butter, slightly cooler than room temp.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 pounds of powdered sugar</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 teaspoon rum extract</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 cup of frozen strawberries</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">zest and juice of 1 lime</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">zest of 1 lemon, juice of 1/2 a lemon</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1/4 teaspoon kosher salt</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2-3 Tablespoons half & half</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Mix up the cake according to the directions, adding the box of pudding when you add the cake mix.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Fill 24-28 cupcake holes with liners. Fill each 2/3 full and bake at 350*F for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Transfer them to a cooling rack and cool completely.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the icing:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Puree the strawberries in a food processor. Strain them through a mesh sieve to remove most of the seeds. Place the puree and the butter in a stand mixer and begin mixing. Slowly add some of the powdered sugar.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add the vanilla, rum and salt. Continue beating, adding the remaining powdered sugar and half/half until they're incorporated.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Add the lemon and lime zests and juices. You may have to add more powdered sugar after those are mixed in if your icing is too thin.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">With a large round tip inserted into a pastry bag, ice the cupcakes. Garnish with a mint leaf.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyq0ygePIxo/Tcn2fZ4y4hI/AAAAAAAAAu8/zNow70dsqNQ/s1600/straw+ice+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oyq0ygePIxo/Tcn2fZ4y4hI/AAAAAAAAAu8/zNow70dsqNQ/s320/straw+ice+3.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">If you would like to try these and don't feel up to making them, just send me a SASE and I'll fill it for you.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5B8wHZdezg/Tcn2jVQ891I/AAAAAAAAAvA/qJM5tC2G4fQ/s1600/straw+ice+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B5B8wHZdezg/Tcn2jVQ891I/AAAAAAAAAvA/qJM5tC2G4fQ/s320/straw+ice+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Just kidding.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I think...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">I shared this at </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<a 0"="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20%20border=" target="_blank"><img src="http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz355/amandandouglas/Screenshot2011-04-22at14942PM-1.png" /></a><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://www.talkingdollarsandcents.net/caramel-pudding-muffins"><img alt="caramel-pudding-muffins.jpg" src="webkit-fake-url://28A99D2E-1E9A-45E3-9AD1-52660A8407F8/caramel-pudding-muffins.jpg" /> </a></span><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
<a a="" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ccenter%3E%3Ca%20title=" life"="" target="_blank" well-seasoned=""><img alt="Button" border="0" src="http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/j397/kmccallie/apples-1-1.jpg" /></a>">gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06494033681610130252noreply@blogger.com11