Wednesday, 08 July 2009

Tuesday, 07 July 2009

  • Tasty Tuesday - Root Beer Cookies



    Root Beer.... it makes my heart sing w/ memories, pulling up in our station wagon at the A&W as a kid, hitting the button to order, and watching the lady roller skate out w/ those thick, frosty mugs of root beer.  Maybe its because the delicious flavor is laced w/ memories, but A&W root beer is the best.

    When I saw the recipe for Root Beer Cookies my head kind of tweaked to the side and I had to think about it for a second, root beer cookies?  I figured it was either going to be very, very good, or very, very wrong - with nothing in between.

    Who knew finding root been concentrate was going to be so hard?  I hunted it down at Winco Foods (if you are in the Pacific NW, this is the ONLY local market I could find it in... the outlet mall & 6 other stores I checked... believe me, Winco is it!). 

    My family thought they were incredible!  (And they said the root beer I made *recipe on the box of concentrate* was really good too.)

    As always, the written recipe is in black and my two-cents worth is in red.

    Without further ado - the goodness.

    Root Beer Cookies

    • 1 cup unsalted butter (although I totally agree that butter is best, I didn't have any on hand & used marg *gasp*)
    • 2 cups dark brown sugar
    • 2 eggs
    • 2 tsp. root beer extract
    • 3 1/2 cups flour
    • 1 tsp. baking soda
    • 1 tsp. salt
    • 1/4 cup water (optional–only use if dough is too dry) (I didn't use)
    • Root Beer frosting (recipe below)
    Cream butter and dark brown sugar until very light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the root beer extract. Whisk dry ingredients together. Add a little at a time to the creamed mixture. (at this point the dough will be mega sticky - its suppose to be.)

    Chill for at least an hour.

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Lightly grease several baking sheets, or line them with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.  Roll into small balls (about 1″ diameter). I like to use a mini-ice cream scoop so that the cookies end up evenly sized.  (I used the smallest scoop like they said, and I could have made close to 60 out of this recipe... I think if you want to get the 40, use your med scoop).

    Place them on the pan, leaving a bit of space between the cookies. Gently press the tops of the dough.  (If you leave out the water, sometimes the cookies don’t spread very much.) Bake for 6-8 minutes, rotating cookie sheet halfway through. (I baked them for 10-12 min because they were goo at 6 & 8 - take into consideration I am baking on baking stones)

    Frosting Recipe:

    • 1 cup butter
    • 3 cups powdered sugar (I prob ended up using 4-6 cups as the frosting was oozing at 3 cups, you might have to add some after the 3 cups... add slowly & only what you need to obtain the consistency you desire.)
    • 2 tsp. root beer extract
    • a few tablespoons hot water (I didn't use)

    Beat butter on high with an electric mixer until it is fluffy.  Add a little powdered sugar and the root beer extract.  Beat until smooth.  Add remaining powdered sugar alternately with a little hot water until a nice spreading consistency has been reached.

    Frost the cooled cookies and let stand for a few minutes to let the frosting set up.  (It should dry a bit on the top.) You can leave out the root beer extract and you’ll have a tasty, soft brown sugar cookie.



    (This picture is what came w/ the recipe - I didn't add quite that much frosting, but they looked the same. If you want to have enough frosting for the cookies, you might consider making a double batch, seriously.)

    ______________________________

    Outside of the Blog

    Shirl -  I have seen some cute (and horrendous seashell crafts).  I am not sure if you are looking to decorate or craft w/ them. 

    I am thinking you want to display them, and that you do not want something like this -  ( I was in shock that this hideousness could be found on Better Homes and Gardens' site!  GAG-O-LA!)


     





    Here is what I have done (w/ a rainbow photo I snapped on the road to Hana over in Maui)



    My original idea was something like this photo - to put the shells, w/ sand (which I forgot to bag up while I was on vacation) and put them in a vase (or apothecary jar) but the opening I had was too small for my starfish.

    I have a deep seated love for glass storage containers, and apothecary jars.  It made me sad that I couldn't use what I had, so...






    Instead of a jar  I bought one of these frames from Ikea (this one is huge, but they have smaller ones) and put the shells and such into the frame.   I love the way it looks.

    Shirl - I hope one of these ideas 'does it for ya'.  I'm looking forward to seeing what you do!
     
     


Monday, 06 July 2009

  • Happy Homemaker Monday - July 6


    ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE: A dirty soup cup (I was too lazy to take it to the kitchen before I fell asleep).

    ON MY TV: The Count of Monte Cristo (ahhh, I love that movie).

    ON THE MENU FOR TONIGHT: Linda's chicken casserole

    ON MY TO DO LIST: Clean up said cup and do my 'Monday' chores.

    NEW RECIPE I TRIED LAST WEEK: Root Beer Cookies - they were a HIT! (recipe tomorrow).

    IN THE CRAFT BASKET: Nada.

    LOOKING FORWARD TO:  A 4-day weekend w/ my man coming up.

    HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK: Headboards are not dishwashers - don't be lazy.  :)

    FAVORITE BLOGSPOT OF THE WEEK: Happy Homebody

    FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK: 



     

    LESSON LEARNED FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS:  We will have dragonflies in the pond soon.  :)

    ON MY PRAYER LIST:  For all things to work together for good...

    DEVOTIONS, SCRIPTURES, KEY VERSES: Whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, think on these things.  Phil 4:8.

    Til tomorrow, have a great day!!!~G

Saturday, 04 July 2009

Thursday, 02 July 2009

  • I Have a Plan

    I am known as the Mom who cooks, or the lady that cooks well, and am asked (quite often) why I don't have a cute little cafe or tea parlor. But I can't function without a menu.  If I don't have a menu... I flail.  Literally. I have come to terms with my limitations and I work within my boundaries - and I am ok with that. 

    I have done Menu Plan Mondays for some time... hit and miss on my blog, but I have my menu, sometimes in triplicate (hard copy on the frig, a copy on my hd, and another in my phone / pda / life).  But its never for long, a week at best.  The other day I was racking my brain to come up w/ a mega list of foods to choose my menu from (because my lovelies have packed away all but 3 of my rather useless cookbooks) and I came up with enough for the month.  Yes, the month! 

    I've never menu planned for the month.  I don't know how well it will work... seeing as I don't have foresight to know what is going to be happening every day - but I have my list and I am going to do my best to stick to it.  I'll let you know how it goes.

    Without further ado - here's what I have planned:

    July Menu

    W - 7/1: Nachos
    Th - 7/2: Funky chicken w/ sesame noodles, broccoli
    F - 7/3: Fire-pit hot dogs, potato salad
    S - 7/4: Lasagna, salad
    S - 7/5: Red beans & rice, green beans
    M - 7/6: Linda's chicken casserole
    T - 7/7: Breakfast dinner ('steak' & eggs)
    W - 7/8: Baked potato bar, jello salad
    Th - 7/9: Tuna casserole
    F - 7/10: Pulled pork sandwiches, macaroni salad
    S - 7/11: Creamy garlic penne, broccoli
    S - 7/12: Lemongrass chicken, rice
    M - 7/13: Dirty rice
    T - 7/14: Breakfast dinner (waffles, hard boiled eggs, juice)
    W - 7/15: Chili, cornbread
    Th - 7/16: Seasame chicken strips, mashed potatoes, veggies
    F - 7/17: Weiner wraps, jojo potatoes, veggies w/ ranch
    S - 7/18: Pizza, salad
    S - 7/19: Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, green beans
    M - 7/20: Sweet & sour meatballs, rice
    T - 7/21: Breakfast dinner (french toast, fruit salad)
    W - 7/22: Thai cucumber salad w/ chicken
    Th - 7/23: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, veggies
    F - 7/24: Taco salad
    S - 7/25: Chicken cheese enchiladas, green salad, fruit
    S - 7/26: BLT sandwiches, soup
    M - 7/27: Ravioli (the only store-bought item on this menu), broccoli
    T - 7/28: Breakfast dinner (ham & scrambled egg medley)
    W - 7/29: Tuna patties, green beans
    Th - 7/30: Chicken royale
    F - 7/31: Turkey burgers, potato salad, jello

    Before the man got his job up North - we had leftover's night 1x a week, but now, with him gone (and I pack the week's food for him to take 'home') and the kids home for summer - we use leftovers for lunches (thus no leftover's nights).

    __________________________________

    Outside of the Blog

    I am in love!  Due to the price tags on these items and the fact that we have 2 households we have to fund (until our house sells) - any purchases are at a stand-still and I am just dreaming.

    Both are linked for your enjoyment (there are so many yummy things at the store w/ the laundry basket!!!)

    Have a great day!~G






Wednesday, 01 July 2009

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

  • Tasty Tuesday - Dirty Rice



    I found this recipe on Hillbilly Housewife while searching out Depression Meals.  No, not meals to eat if you are depressed, but meals that were staples in the Great Depression.  I found, and fell in love w/ Clara... maybe you have seen her and her the videos.  She is a lady that grew up during the Great Depression and has shared some recipes and stories of her family and how life was in those years.  She is in her 90s now and a true joy.  Check out all of her Depression Cooking meals here on YouTube.

    I made the recipe for Dirty Rice because 1) I had the ingredients (or thought I had all of them) and 2) it looked like something my family would like.  In the end they rated this 7.5 out of 10, which is a keeper.  Next time, when I have all the ingredients, perhaps it will have a better rating.  (as always the written recipe is in black, my modifications or tid-bits are in red.)  

    Dirty Rice
    • 1/2 to 1 pound ground beef or turkey (I used 2 # gr. turkey)
    • 1 onion, chopped (sweet onion - its all I ever get)
    • 1 green pepper, chopped (only had 3/4 of a red or orange pepper)
    • 2 stalks of celery, chopped (didn't have, so I cooked the meat w/ 1/2 - 1 tsp celery salt)
    • 3 cloves of garlic, minced (used powder)
    • 1 cup long grain white rice (a cup or two, give or take)
    • 4 beef flavored bouillon cubes (I used 1 - 2 T of beef base paste)
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (I used chili paste instead)
    • 3 to 4 cups tap water
    • 1-1/2 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium version)

    I like to make this in a 12″ skillet because the rice expands a lot. You could use a 3-quart or larger saucepan, if you don’t have a skillet that’s big enough. Fry up your meat until it is all broken up and brown. Drain off the fat if necessary. Add the vegetables and garlic and saute until the onions are tender and fragrant. Add the rice, bouillon, paprika, red pepper flakes, 3 cups of tap water and the soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low and put a good lid on the skillet or saucepan. Simmer for about 30 minutes. If you think you need it, then add more water while it cooks, to keep things moist. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Serve hot with fresh or canned fruit on the side.  (Apparently I got the paprika and water measured out, and that's iffy... its a forgiving recipe and the family liked it.  If your family doesn't like spicy omit the pepper flakes or just add smidge to the plate of the person that likes a bit of kick.  Enjoy!)


    Some don't know about base paste, I get it at Costco, I use it in place of boullion - it has real meat in it and has to be kept in the frig.  This is what a chicken version looks like...


    If you make the recipe, let me know how you liked it.

    Til tomorrow.~G

    ________________________________

    Outside of the Blog -

    Arby's Wednesday Deals

    If you are in any of these locations (apparently Arby's isn't these deals nationwide any longer)  -

    Texas: Dallas & Houston
    Utah: Salt Lake City
    Washington    : Seattle
    Oregon: Portland
    California: Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Diego

    Tomorrow you can get a free regular Beef and Cheddar for the price of a small soft drink or an Orange Cream Swirl Shake if you purchase any sandwich.

Monday, 29 June 2009


  • ON MY BEDSIDE TABLE: Wicked.  I bought it at a yard sale for .25.  :)

    ON MY TV: In Good Company (Its been there for close to 2 weeks, I put it in, fall asleep, repeat the next day...)

    ON THE MENU FOR TONIGHT: Nachos.

    ON MY TO DO LIST:  Sweeping, mopping, and general cracking of the mom-whip.

    NEW RECIPE I TRIED LAST WEEK:  Dirty Rice.  Sounds bad, looks great, and the family rating is 7.5.  Its a keeper.  More tomorrow.

    IN THE CRAFT BASKET:    I've made a few hats this past week.  I really need to get my Etsy  back up and running...

    LOOKING FORWARD TO:  Another house showing. (Had 1 totally impromptu showing this week.  Someone is to call for another in the next couple days.)

    HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK:  Many hands make light work.

    FAVORITE BLOGSPOT OF THE WEEK: Amanda's Cookin' OH MY WORD.  Good stuff here.

    FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

     

    Meet Spaz.  Dylan says his name is Plum, but I can't bring myself to call this little ball of energy anything but Spaz.

    LESSON LEARNED FROM THE PAST FEW DAYS:  Babies never sleep on schedule. (see photo above for said baby).

    ON MY PRAYER LIST: House to sell.

    DEVOTIONS, SCRIPTURES, KEY VERSES (OR QUOTES): 

    Make the most of yourself, for it is all there is of you.  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Tuesday, 23 June 2009

  • Tasty Tuesday - Super Simple Pumpkin Muffins


    There has been a battle in my house - pumpkin pie or no.  Some of us don't like the gelatinous concoction that rears its ugly head each fall, but love the flavor of pumpkin.  Bars, cookies, breads, but pie - gag me w/ a spoon!

    When I was shopping at one of my favorite stores in PDX recently, they had the large cans of pumpkin on sale for .25 a can!  I stocked up, big time baby!  Ever since then, I have been trying to come up w/ a new recipe that is fast and tasty to use some of my stock.  And have I ever found a recipe!  So fast it should be criminal and the family loved it (rating these muffins 8 out of 10)!

    If you try them out - let me know!  I would love to hear how your crew rated them.~G

    Super Simple Pumpkin Muffins

    • 1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix (I used 2 butter mixes - I don't buy yellow)
    • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (my can was 29 oz, thus 2 cake mixes)
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (if you haven't ever bought fresh, I would highly encourage you - it lasts forever and is better than any pre-ground, ever)
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper liners.
    2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves until smooth. Spoon equal amounts of batter into the prepared muffin cups.
    3. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted in the center of one comes out clean. 

    Truly that is the ENTIRE recipe - no eggs, no oil... just believe me - it works. 




CraftTeaLady

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