Author: QuiltLady

CHICKEN PARMESAN LASAGNA

CHICKEN PARMESAN LASAGNA

3 chicken breasts
2 cups Italian bread crumbs
5 eggs
1 cup flour
24 ounces marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta
Barilla oven bake lasagna noodles
2 cups mozzarella
2 cups parmesan
Avocado oil
Basil

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Cut chicken breasts in half width wise, pound to 1/4 inch thick and season with salt and pepper.
  • Dredge chicken in flour, beaten egg and then in bread crumbs.
  • Heat oil in a cast iron skillet and fry the chicken on both sides until golden, 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, whisk one egg into the ricotta, then set aside.
  • In a casserole dish, spread ⅓ of the marinara on the bottom, top with lasagna noodles overlapping with each other.
  • Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top of the noodles and layer with chicken pieces.
  • Top the chicken with ½ cup of mozzarella and ½ cup of parmesan.
  • Continue layering in the same order and top with remaining cheeses.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 45-60 minutes uncovering the lasagna for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil and enjoy!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER and MENU PLAN MONDAY week 6 of 2017

It’s Monday, AGAIN and ALREADY! Seems like the weeks are flying by. Didn’t we just have Christmas? I hope you had a great weekend and fun with the SuperBowl.  Being so close to the actual event, we didn’t leave the house for several days before.  The last time I was out was Friday morning and there were ALREADY some WILD and LARGE tailgating parties going on making traffic a nightmare. We went to a specific bakery last Wednesday and ended up in HUGE traffic.  Little did we know the FALCONS were staying in the Westin Hotel around the corner. That was when we decided to stay home for a few days!

My team made it to, but not through the playoffs so the Falcons are who I was rooting for this year, unfortunately they failed in overtime – so many records set and broken this year! We grilled some hamburgers, made a salad and snuggled in for the game. I did not know that Luke Bryan was going to open with the National Anthem, but was glad since he’s one of my favorites.

I watch the SuperBowl as much for the commercials as the game most years.  I actually kept track yesterday of my “new” commercial favorites:

I also thought Lady GAGA did a great interesting performance during Pepsi’s halftime performance. Loved the round keyboard. I also loved her hello to her mom and dad.

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE
It has been gray and dreary the past few days, but at least we got a little rain yesterday and this morning.  I don’t seem to mind gray and dreary when it’s accompanied by rain.  We are supposed to warm up during the daytime this week too.
ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I haven’t been a breakfast eater for most my life even though I know better.  I’ve been trying to get better about it so today I’m having coffee and a scrambled egg with toast.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

I’m happy with almost all of it.  We did have a MAJOR problem with the contractor hired to refinish the master shower with porcelain tile paint last Friday and Saturday.  It was supposed to be a 1 day job, that he turned into 2 and then didn’t even finish because of a miscommunication on HIS part despite the exact verbiage HE used on HIS estimate. He now claims that “Refinish Tile walls” means to clean up after he removed the old finish. Now we’re trying to get a “REAL” tile guy in to finish the job.  Don’t know yet, but figure it will end up costing us double in the end.  The estimate/contract are specific enough that we could win a case against him, but it isn’t worth the time to fight and in the end the work still needs to be completed. So far every CONTRACTOR we’ve experienced here is like your worst nightmare from the TV commercials.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

MONDAY 2/6

  • some phone calls and appointments.
  • Vacuuming
  • Mopping
  • Laundry

TUESDAY 2/7

  • finally get the sand ordered for leveling the backyard. Hoping to have it delivered on Friday so we can get it accomplished over the weekend.
  • work on the Studio has been SLOW, just not enough space to work in since I had give up the closet to storage and some of the wall space to furniture from the spare bedroom so I get frustrated and walk away.  Eventually, LOL probably the next house, though I will keep plugging away and I will get it handled.
  • EBAY

WEDNESDAY 2/8

  • Re-take on last week’s celebratory lunch.  Last week’s try was just plain awful.  It started with showing up at one of our favorite restaurants to find it was completely gutted and gone and then the whole day went downhill from there so we’re going to try again this week. We’re thinking of maybe going to the zoo while the weather is nice or the Natural History Museum if it’s raining.

THURSDAY 2/9

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Some more EBAY

FRIDAY 2/10

  • COOKING & BAKING a few new recipes

SATURDAY 2/11

  • Work on backyard

SUNDAY 2/12

  • BBQ and movies

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY                                      *NCIS, NCIS LA, NCIS NEW ORLEANS
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE                           * PURE GENIUS
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART                         * GRIMM
  • BLUE BLOODS                                                * BONES
  • THIS IS US                                                        * SCORPION
  • THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE             * GOLIATH
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR                           * BULL
  • MADAM SECRETARY                                   * Z-NATION

ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few… Thank goodness for DVR’s!

I’m starting to go through the bookcase and pack a few things up, but I’m saving out some favorites with bookmarked recipes for making soon as well as a few new reads.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
BREAKFAST
YOGURT & FRUIT
SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE
FRUIT SMOOTHIE
YOGURT & FRUIT
MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS
OUT
CARAMEL CINNAMON APPLE FRENCH TOAST
LUNCH
FRUIT & CHEESE
SOUP & CRACKERS
SANDWICH
OUT
MEAT & CHEESE
LEFTOVERS
SANDWICHES
DINNER
C.O.R.N.
DESSERT
  CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

RECIPE FINDS TO TRY LATER – I’m also going through and taking new pictures as I merge the old blog with the new website.

  • Peach Crisp ~ Country Style                                              *Steak Tips with Red Wine Pan Sauce
  • Salted Caramel Bars                                                            *Slow Cooker BBQ Steak Tips
  • Cherry Pineapple Upside Down Cake                              *Asian Braised Short Ribs – Slow Cooker
  • Butter Caramel Dip                                                              *Roasted Lemon Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Green Beans                                                  *Chicken Imperial
  • Bacon Wrapped Apple Chicken                                        *Salmon with Pineapple Salsa
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie                                             *French Onion Soup for Two
  • Beef, Barley Mushroom soup                                            *Country Pork Stew
  • Apricot Pork Tenderloin                                                     *Brussels Sprouts Salads
  • Butterscotch Fruit Dip                                                        *Chocolate Martinis
  • Red, White and Blue Meatballs                                         *Pink Velvet Cake
  • Cheesy Bacon Dip                                                                *Cream of Chicken Soup
  • BBQ Peach Chicken Wings                                                *Cheesy Hash Browns
  • Ham and Egg Grits

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA – NOT THIS WEEK

This is what the contractor left us with claiming the job was done. Thank goodness we have a second shower until we can get a new contractor in to do the job properly.INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES

These luscious chocolate truffles are perfect for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate definitely stirs deep emotions and has inspired many a story.  In the movie “Chocolat” the mystical heroine, Juliette Binoche, uses chocolate alchemy in her truffles to stir the long dormant desires of neglectful husbands and gently coaxes shy and reticent lovers together. 

I can’t promise these truffles will do the same thing for you, but I do promise they’ll melt in your mouth and leave you craving another.
CHOCOLATE CHERRY TRUFFLES

11 ounces QUALITY white chocolate, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cherry Jell-o**
CandiQuick or Melting Wafers for decorating
Sprinkles for decorating

  • In a small saucepan, heat whipping cream until warm.
  • Add butter, stirring until melted.
  • Stir in Jell-o.
  • Add in chocolate pieces, stirring quickly and constantly until smooth.
  • Refrigerate for at least an hour until it begins to harden.
  • When hard, scoop into balls on parchment paper lined baking sheet that fits in your freezer and freeze for about 30 minutes until VERY firm.
  • Once firm, melt chocolate until smooth and creamy – about 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds using the microwave.
  • Use a small flat spatula or spoon to dip each ball in chocolate and place on wax paper to dry.
  • Sprinkle with decorations immediately while chocolate is still wet.
  • Keep refrigerated.

**NOTE: for non-Valentine holidays change up the cherry flavor for some variety.  Also good with peach, raspberry and pineapple or any combo you can come up with I’m sure.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES

I have made these using Nestle’s chocolate and also using QUALITY chocolate.  While the quality chocolate does cost a bit more, you can SERIOUSLY taste the difference. Do yourself a favor and splurge for this decadent dessert. They also work with Nutella instead of peanut butter.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER VOLCANO CAKES
14 ounces QUALITY semi-sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup sugar
4 Large eggs
4 Large egg yolks*
1/2 cup flour
1 heaping cup of peanut butter, chilled
powdered sugar

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Butter muffin tin REALLY well and sprinkled with sugar.**
  • Using a double boiler melt butter and chocolate pieces together until smooth.  Stir constantly.***
  • When smooth, turn off the heat, remove from burner and let cool a bit.
  • In a large mixing bowl whisk together the 4 eggs and 4 egg yolks until well blended.
  • Add sugar and then flour, whisking until smooth.
  • Whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture.
  • Fill each muffin tin halfway.
  • Add about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the chilled peanut butter to each muffin cup.
  • Evenly top each muffin cup with remaining chocolate mixture. DO NOT OVERFILL.
  • Bake 14 minutes or until top center crust bounces back when gently pressed.
  • Carefully pop cakes out and garnish with powdered sugar.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for complete decadence.
  • *NOTE: I save the whites for omelettes or to add into the dog’s food
  • **NOTE: I like to use my mini cheesecake pan that you just push up the bottoms for the individual cakes.  It makes it much easier to get the cakes out without breaking them open.
  • ***HINT: Make sure the water level in the pan is NOT touching the double boiler.  If it does it could scorch your chocolate mixture.

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CHIPOTLE DR PEPPER SHREDDED PORK

CHIPOTLE DR. PEPPER SHREDDED PORK

Prep Time:  5 Minutes
Difficulty:     REALLY Easy
Cook Time: 6+ Hours
Servings:    18-20 Servings

1 Large Vidalia Onion
5-7 pound Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt
Freshly ground Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
11 ounce Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce
2 cans Dr. Pepper
1/3 cup packed Brown Sugar
1 batch Sauce Recipe below **

  • Preheat oven to 300˚.
  • Peel the onion and cut it into wedges. Lay onion wedges in the bottom of a large dutch oven.
  • Generously salt and pepper the pork roast, then set it on top of the onions in the pan fat side up.
  • Puree the peppers and the juice.
  • Strain the peppers to remove the seeds and skins.
  • Mix together the pureed peppers and  brown sugar.
  • Pour over top of the roast then pour the  Dr. Pepper over it all.
  • Cover and place in oven.
  • Cook for at least six hours, undistrubed.
  • Check meat; it should be absolutely falling apart (use two forks to test.) If it’s not  falling apart, return to the oven for another hour or until it is.
  • Remove meat from pot and place on a cutting board or other work surface. Use two forks to shred meat, discarding large pieces of fat.
  • Drain the meat in a colander and discard all but 1 cup of the liquid.
  • Add warm sauce (recipe below) to meat and coat well. If necessary use the 1 cup of liquid to keep the meat moist and juicy.
  • Keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Serve on warm flour tortillas topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, avocado slices, salsa, and whatever else you’d like.NOTE: You can also refrigerate the meat and liquid separately, then remove hardened fat once it’s cold.  Then heat up the liquid on the stove top and return the meat to the liquid to warm up.

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**BBQ SAUCE
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup Smucker’s apricot pineapple jam
1 tablespoon Bragg’s Aminos
3/4 cup Tabasco Jalapeno ketchup
Fresh ground salt and black pepper

  • In a large sauce pan whisk together all the ingredients and bring to a SLOW boil, stirring frequently.
  • Reduce heat to as low as possible and simmer while the ribs bake.
  • Sauce will thicken during this simmering so stir frequently.

**NOTE:  If you prefer, a bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce will work just as well.

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BROWN SUGAR PORK CHOPS

BROWN SUGAR PORK CHOPS

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
4 boneless pork rib or loin chops, 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

  • In a large skillet heat oil over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle chops with black pepper.
  • Cook pork chops in hot oil for 6 to 8 minutes, until brown on outside and slightly pink in center, turning once halfway through cooking.
  • Remove chops from skillet; cover and keep warm.
  • In the same skillet cook and stir onion over medium heat for 3 minutes or until tender.
  • Push onions around the edges.
  • Lower heat to low and add orange juice, red pepper and brown sugar, stirring for 1 minute or until sugar is completely dissolved and heated through.
  • Stir onions into sauce.
  • Spoon sauce over chops.

CANCERVERSARY Year 6 and Counting

Six years ago today my life was forever changed when I woke up after my “Cancer” surgery. I will NEVER forget that day or all the support and love that my family and friends provided during my journey. The doctors, nurses and fellow cancer patients I met and have bonded with has been an amazing gift. I will always worry about my cancer coming back but right now I am so thankful and blessed to be here today. Thank you everyone for your love and support!!!
2192 days ago they told me they got it all.  Well to be honest I was out of it for the first 3 days after a being cut open from stem to stern and a lengthy surgery so I didn’t hear them until 2189 days ago.  But, my family knew and was relieved.   I am always waiting for the other shoe to fall and the elephant is ALWAYS in the room.  They learn new nuances about cancer every day, but no one knows for sure why one person gets cancer and another doesn’t when there is no direct link nor when or if it will come back.

Every bite of food I take, every prescription, every breath of air, every time I’m around fertilizer, clean the bathroom or use kitchen spray cleaner remind me that I don’t know how I got this horrible cancer and that there is is still the risk of it repeating itself.  My oncologist tells me that having Systemic Lupus may have saved my life because it changed my lifestyle all those years ago forcing me to eat “cleaner” with no boxed or canned products for the most part, give up “regular” junk food and just be more aware and vigilant in day to day life.

After surgery I was poked, prodded and put through every possible test to double check their findings because they couldn’t believe they got it all.  The tumor was large (volleyball size) but contained – unheard of for this type of cancer so I got a new label – rare and uncommon gynecological tumor which sparked a new round of tests. Even with complete vigilance I ended up with a secondary condition, Lymphedema, that requires daily maintenance.

I dread the waiting between check-ups, but the dread is lessening with every passing check up, but NOT the vigilance!  I’m always afraid that I might not get a clean bill of health with every blood test or check up.  While I can now claim complete remission and have been moved to the “survivor’s clinic”, but even then there are no guarantees.  While I know I am one really lucky girl, I am always vigilant.

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KENTUCKY HOT BROWN

Previously I had made the HOT BROWN from THE BROWN HOTEL from OFF THE EATEN PATH by Morgan Murphy from Southern Living.  I had made a couple of small substitutions but we loved it and cannot even think about changing the substitution back.

THE HOT BROWN serves 4
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup flour
4 cups heavy cream
10 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese, divided**
salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound thinly sliced turkey (I used Costco sliced and it was perfect)
4 Texas toast slices (I used thick Sourdough)
4 plum tomatoes, sliced lengthwise (I used grape tomatoes halved and scattered)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
8 cooked bacon slices
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

*Preheat broiler with rack 4 inches from heat.
*Melt butter in a heavy 2 quart saucepan over medium low heat.
*Whisk in the flour until smooth and golden.
*Gradually whisk in cream over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick and bubbly.
*Stir in 1/2 cup cheese, salt and pepper, stirring to blend.
*Place toast slice in the bottom of a lightly greased casserole dish or make them all at once in a foil lined cookie sheet.
*Top with turkey slices.
*Top with tomatoes.
*Spoon cheese sauce over tomatoes.
*Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
*Broil 5 minutes or until cheese begins to brown.
*Sprinkle with paprika.
*Top with bacon pieces (Next time I will crumble the bacon over top to make them easier to eat.
*Sprinkle with parsley.
*Enjoy.

**I didn’t realize I was out, but I was, so I substituted extra sharp cheddar and it was lick the plate clean good.

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HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 5 of 2017

I hope everyone had a wonderful week. I’m still a bit under the weather, but trying my best to get life back on track!  Making a plan for the week seems to help.
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather has been beautiful and crisp the past week.  We really needed that so the roof had time to dry out from that horrible leak we had the day we received 5 inches in 3 hours.  The roofer was here last Saturday and believes he fixed the problem, but only the next rain storm will tell.  The weather this week is supposed to be about 5 degrees warmer, but just as beautiful.  I hope it lasts as we are still waiting on the masonry guy to come fix the bricks on the back of the house.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

Coffee and toast is all that seems appealing this morning.

AS I LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE

The house doesn’t actually look bad, but does look like I’ve been under the weather.  It has that lived in look that needs sprucing up which is exactly where I will start the week before I run out of energy.

WEEKLY TO DO LIST & HOUSE PROJECTS

1/30 MONDAY

  • Phone Calls
  • Paperwork
  • Errands
  • Laundry
  • Cleaning
  • Vacuuming

1/31 TUESDAY

  • Start prep on Master Shower for contractor to refinish – we’re saving a ton of money ($350) by doing the prep work ourselves.
  • Caulk Atrium windows

2/1 WEDNESDAY

  • Pest Control to get started on the Spring regime
  • Order sand for delivery
  • Central Market for hubby’s favorite pepperoncinis and a few favorite cooking oils and spices.

2/2 THURSDAY

  • 6 year cancerversary celebratory lunch trying a new restaurant
  • IKEA for a small spice cabinet to match the one I already have as I have finished combining, sorting and purging the spices.

2/3 FRIDAY

  • Contractor here to refinish shower so I have to be somewhere, anywhere else as I can’t be around the toxic fumes due to my compromised respiratory system.

2/4 SATURDAY

  • Studio!!!!!!!!!!

2/5 SUNDAY

  • SUPERBOWL LI – FALCONS vs. PATRIOTS

CURRENTLY READING & TELEVISION / DVR

  • BIG BANG THEORY
  • WHEN CALLS THE HEART
  • PURE GENIUS
  • NCIS
  • BLUE BLOODS
  • THIS IS US
  • GRIMM
  • THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE
  • GOLIATH
  • BULL
  • SCORPION
  • SUPERGIRL
  • CHICAGO MED, PD, FIRE
  • HEARTLAND
  • HEART OF DIXIE
  • STRANGER THINGS
  • Z-NATION
  • DESIGNATED SURVIVOR
  • MADAM SECRETARY
  • ONCE UPON A TIME
  • CHESAPEAKE SHORES
  • ICE PILOTS
  • ETC……. I’m sure I forgot a few…

READING
Secrets and Lies ~ THE OKLAHOMA BRANDS #3 by Maggie Shayne 

CRAFTS & PROJECTS

I’m working my way towards the corner of the studio so I can finish a small sampler quilt (all it needs is binding) that matches the large quilt in the living room and will hang on the new quilt bar my mom got me for Christmas.

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

BREAKFAST

YOGURT & FRUIT

SCRAMBLED EGGS & CHEESE

FRUIT SMOOTHIE

YOGURT & FRUIT

MAPLE OATMEAL & RAISINS

PANCAKE LASAGNA

BACON & EGGS

LUNCH

FRUIT & CHEESE

SOUP & CRACKERS

SANDWICH

OUT

MEAT & CHEESE

LEFTOVERS

SANDWICHES

DINNER

C.O.R.N.

BEEF STROGANOFF

DESSERT

SUCCESSFUL RECIPES and their links FROM LAST WEEK

HEALTH & BEAUTY TIPS

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

ON MY MIND

I am so tired of all the political “screaming” and protesting.  I have been trying to find positive things to latch onto instead.  I ran across a historical woman the other day that really spoke to me about courage.  Nancy Wake, ever heard of her?  Me either and I have a Women’s Studies minor. She was a woman of conviction who made a major effort to WWII.  Here is the link to Nancy Wake and well worth the read.  Another woman worth your time was Septima Clark. Septima Clark made a major difference in the South by teaching blacks to read so they could gain their voting rights.

On another note, so many iconic actors and actresses have passed away recently.  Mary Tyler Moore is affecting me the most for so many reasons and so many shows from my early years, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda and the old black & white Dick Van Dyke Shows, but one movie which wasn’t her best, but resonates with me right now because of the content is Finnegan Begin Again which starred her, Robert Preston and Sam Waterston. It was about a man (Robert Preston) who is retired and taking care of his senile wife. He can’t get her to allow him to throw anything out and their house has become unmanageable. He meets a woman, Mary Tyler Moore who is dating a man, Sam Waterston with whom she is hopelessly mismatched. They become confidants and each allows the other to share their life and experiences with them. The movie was cute, but the scenes where Mary and Robert rig up a trash chute from the second story to get rid of his wife’s pack rat items is what really resonates with me.  And because she was senile they had to go through EVERYTHING before tossing it because she hid things inside of things which is what really reminds me of this place!

THINGS THAT ARE MAKING ME HAPPY

  • Organization!
  • ELIMINATING things from my life!

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA

INSPIRATION

Be sure to link up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for Happy homemaker Monday and with Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

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CHICKEN CHILI ala SLOW COOKER

QUICK & EASY CHICKEN CHILI
3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, frozen
2 cups homemade chicken broth, frozen
1 can cream of potato soup
1 jar dried beef, chopped
1 Williams chili mix package
1 can chopped green chilies
  • Place frozen chicken breasts on the bottom.
  • Pour green chilies over chicken pieces.
  • Top with cream of potato soup.
  • Top with frozen broth.
  • Sprinkle chili seasoning mix on top of chicken broth.
  • Top with beef pieces.
  • Slow cook on high for 2 hours. Reduce to low for 6 hours. Or cook on low 10 hours.
As the slow cooker heats up, the broth will melt absorbing the chili seasoning mix which will then be absorbed by the potato soup and by the end of the day you have a huge bowl of wonderful yummy goodness perfect for a crisp fall evening. Serve with cheddar cheese biscuits.

HOUSE FROM HELL day 458 update

I’m still under the weather, but trying to get some things done none the less so I try to pick an inside project each day that I can come close to accomplishing.  Unfortunately I’ve entered the “Full Flare” phase of Systemic Lupus and Fibromyalgia.  These are two really horrible diseases to have to begin with, but together they equal complete misery – every joint and nerve ending are on fire between shooting pains.  The SLE makes you beg for death some days with aching joints and the shooting pain and at the very least think about staying in or going back to bed.  Then the Fibro has you crawling the walls with pain, but ironically that pain feels better if you get up and move.  My motto since I was diagnosed all those years ago has been “GET UP & GET GOING” no matter what!  Eventually I feel better as the day goes on even I do crash by 8PM. I’m doing pretty well for someone who is supposed to be living a stress free life and still dealing with this house the past 14 months.

Last year I did the “turn your hangers around and anything not worn during the year you donate” challenge.  Well, I used to have an office job – the kind that actually required nice dresses and heels. I’ve moved those clothes around with us the last several years thinking they’d be good for church and nice nights out, BUT I don’t need so many of them.  So, I went through them all today (my project for the day) as well as my skirts, blouses and slacks and was able to seriously clean out my closet by 52 gallons, four 13 gallon bags full to be exact. Since I’m continuing the minimizing challenge this year, logging everything has helped A LOT!

Tomorrow I’m thinking about doing the spice cabinet or the desk.

Hubby on the other hand worked outside and  has taken over my digging on the stump trying to get all the small roots out of the way.  It took him several hours, but he made good headway today.

We’re still looking for someone to at least chainsaw off as much as possible though we’d prefer to find someone to grind it out!

 

COFFEE BREAK MUFFINS

COFFEE BREAK MUFFINS from Dorie Greenspan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 cup strong coffee, cooled
1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • Center a rack in the oven and preheat  the oven to 400.
  • Butter or spray the 12 molds in a regular-sized muffin tin or fit the molds with paper muffin cups.
  • Place the muffin pan on a baking sheet.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour sugar espresso powder, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
  • Stir in the brown sugar, making sure there are no lumps.
  • In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk the coffee, melted butter, egg and vanilla extract together until well combined.
  • Pour the liquid ingredients over the dry ingredients and, with the whisk or a rubber spatula, gently but quickly stir to blend.  Don’t worry about being thorough – a few lumps are better than over mixing the batter.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a think knife inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
  • Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing each muffin from its mold.