Rise and Swine

Schools done...dinner is simmering away in the crockpot...wet flakes are fallin'...kids are tucked snug in their beds...and aside from the whirl of the washer the house is silent.  I think I may take advantage of this awkward silence and tuck myself beneath the warm covers.  Sickness doesn't visit our household often but when it does it seems to hit everyone at once.  That's when it's time to break out the natural remedies so we can get back to enjoying life.  When someone is showing signs of sickness the first thing we do is eliminate ALL sugar and juice like crazy (although that didn't happen this time).  If that doesn't work, it's time to bring out the cold kicker.  As soon as that mysterious jar is pulled from the back of the fridge a miracle takes place. Suddenly, everyone is well and they all run quickly from the room!  I must admit:  It. Is.   NASTY. ...

Easter is right around the corner and it's time to make those plain white eggs into a creative masterpiece.  I love it!  Honestly, even when my kids leave I'll probably still be giddy about drawing on eggs with a crayon and dunkin' them into every color until they are the perfect shade. =) It's something we do every year, but I have often wondered what nasty things were hidden inside all of those color tablets.  After exploring the truth about artificial coloring I've decided I would like to keep my family away from it as much as I can.  I know it is near impossible to remove all harmful substances in the food they consume... but if I can... why would I choose not to?  This was an easy fix.  Now, instead of buying an egg coloring kit we hunt through our cupboards and make our own. There are many options, so experiment and most of all have fun!  I would post pictures but honestly we have some of the ugliest eggs ever this ye...

The sun was shining bright. Bees buzzin'. Birds busy with their young...and dreams of gardening danced through my head. Spring was here to stay...or so I thought. Then, I woke to snow.  Thankfully it only lasted for the day.  Still, I missed the warm happy days of Spring.   When I peeked out this morning and saw the gorgeous weather, I rushed out to take in as many rays as possible.  The joys of Spring are many but there are a few unwanted accompaniments.  Looking down, I was instantly reminded of those undesired visitors lurking within the blades of green.  You know, the ones that keep your lawn from looking like a rolling hill of velvet.  You guessed it, those pesky yellow 'flowers' that become love bouquets.  For years I have sprayed...dug...and screamed.  Still they always return.  I have decided to fight the battle no longer. So...we ate them.   Really.  ...

I don't know about you, but I am done with turkey.  The thought of another turkey sandwich makes my skin crawl...but we still have a lot left!  Anyone else feeling the same?  Well, the great thing about left-over turkey, is that it can be transformed into almost any recipe that calls for chicken and since it's already cooked it saves time.  I love anything that saves me time!  Here is the recipe that we'll be having for dinner tomorrow. Hope y'all enjoy! White Chicken Chili 1/2 of  a whole chicken, cooked, shredded 2 large onions, chopped fine 2 Tablespoons olive oil 2 (16 oz.) bags navy, or great northern beans 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans chicken broth (or homemade) 2 (4oz.) cans green chilies or 4 fresh roasted chilies 3 tsp. garlic powder 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. pepper 1 1/2 c. sour cream 1 c. 1/2 and 1/2 Rinse beans; cover with water and cook in crockpot (on low) overnight.  Continue cooking until s...

Hi y'all!  Valentine's Day is creepin' up so I thought I would share two of my favorite desserts for this time of year.  Chocolate.  Chocolate.  And more chocolate.  Mmmmmm...Delicious!!! Danish Torte 3 egg whites  1/2 teaspoon cream of tarter 3/4 cup sugar 3/4 cup finely ground pecans Cover two baking sheets with aluminum foil; draw an 8 inch circle in the center of each cookie sheet.  Beat egg whites with cream of tarter in large bowl until foamy.  Beat in sugar 1 tablespoon at a time on high speed; beat 2-3 minutes until stiff and glossy peaks form.  Fold in pecans.  Divide meringue onto cookie sheets; spread evenly smoothing tops and edges.  Bake in 275 degree preheated oven for 45 minutes.  Halfway through baking time, reverse position of baking sheets both horizontally and front to back.  Bake as close to the center of oven as possible.  After 45 minutes of baking time turn oven off....

Growing up I lived in good old California for a few years, and visiting San Fransisco was a weekend tradition.  I absolutely loved spending time there.  It is gorgeous!  And nothing beats their freshly baked sour dough!  Ever since moving back I have searched high and low for a recipe that would make my taste buds tingle with delight, but all failed in comparison.  Until now.  Alton Brown has ended my quest.  Finally!  I know.  I know what you're thinking...sour dough takes forever!  Yes, sour dough takes a bit of time but it's really easy and well worth the wait. 17 1/2 ounces of bread flour (all-purpose flour works too) 1/4 teaspoon yeast (room temperature)   2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 12 ounces very warm water (105 degrees) Mix dry ingredients well; add water.  Knead until flour is absorbed.  Leave in bowl and cover loosely with plastic wrap.  Set on counter or i...

Burrrrr.  It's cold outside! Since the winter months are upon us, I thought I would share a few of my favorite soup recipes to keep you nice and warm.  I love coming in out of the nippy weather and sittin' down to enjoy a bowl of soup.  It warms me all the way down to my tippy toes!  Sausage Green Bean 1 large yellow onion, chopped 4-6 potatoes, chopped Cooked Green Beans Polish Sausage or Bratwurst, cut into chunks Salt and Pepper to taste Enough beef broth to cover Saute onion in a bit of olive oil until softened.  Combine all ingredients into stockpot.  Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low.  Cover and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Before serving add 1/2 cup heavy cream.  Heat through and serve hot.  Top with cheese. 8-10 Servings Split Pea 1 pound dry split peas 8 cups water 1 ham bone 1 large onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 p...

Baking is my favorite...so lets get to it! Snicker pie 1 Oreo crust 6-8 large snicker bars 1/4 cup milk 1 tub cool whip On very low heat melt snicker bars and milk making sure to stir often.  Once fully melted add cool whip.  Stir well.  Pour into Oreo crust and chill for at least 4 hours.  Makes 8-10 servings Ginger and Pear Tart 30 gingersnap cookies 1/2 cup chopped pecans 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 cup sour cream 3/4 cup half-and-half 1 package (4-serving size) vanilla instant pudding mix 2 Tablespoons apricot brandy 4 ripe pears 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Preheat oven to 350F.  Combine cookies and pecans in food processor or blender.  Process until finely crushed.  Combine crumb mixture and butter.  Press firmly onto bottom and up side of 10 in quiche dish or 9-inch pie plate.  Bake 7 minutes; cool completely.  Combine sour cream and half-and-half.  Beat until smooth.  Whis...

It's time to roll up our sleeves and have some fun in the kitchen!  I can't wait for the scrumptious aroma of Thanksgiving dinner to travel through my home like a welcomed guest.  Mmmmm...yummy!  My mouth is waterin' just thinkin' about it. I get a lot of requests for recipes so here are a few that seem to earn a coveted spot on the menu year after year. Gingered Pumpkin-Pear Soup (Great Appetizer) 1/2 cup chopped sweet onion 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger 1Tbsp. butter 3 pears, peeled, cored, and sliced 1 15-oz. can pumpkin (fresh pumpkin is best) 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth 1 cup milk 1/4 cup sour cream 1/2 tsp. finely shredded lime peel 1 Tbsp. lime juice In a large saucepan cook onion and ginger in butter until onion is tender.  Stir in pears; cook 1 minute more.  Stir in pumpkin and broth; heat to boiling.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 5 minutes or until pears are tender.  Cool slightly.  In...