Category: HOMEMAKING TIPS

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY with a RANT OF IMPROPRIETY LACK OF COMMON SENSE for why I will no longer eat at MCDonalds or shop at Walmart – EVER

www.familycorner.blogspot.com

Good Morning! I had a productive weekend as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week especially as I get closer and closer to the BIG move.

It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

ON THE BREAKFAST MENU:

  • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins. 

TODAY’S TO DO LIST:

  • Laundry
  • Packing
  • Errands
  • Paperwork
  • Phone Calls

CURRENTLY READING:

TV SHOWS THIS WEEK:

Now that the FALL schedule has started there so many new shows and we are STILL trying to work out our new fall choices.

WEATHER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

Still really warm here during the day despite the 10-15 degree drop in temperatures during the day, but evenings are feeling fantastic with a slight breeze also.  I keep reminding myself that it’s only for a very short time more as I really look forward to the much cooler temperatures and rain.

 
ON THE MENU:
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST
DINNER
MONDAY 10/6 OATMEAL
Tuna Melts
TUESDAY 10/7 YOGURT
out
WEDNESDAY 10/8 OATMEAL
out
THURSDAY 10/9 YOGURT
Cheesy BLT Bites
FRIDAY 10/10 CHEERIOS
Grumpy Guy Salad 
SATURDAY 10/11 Luau Benedicts
Mexican Cobb Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
SUNDAY 10/12 Hash Brown Ham and Cheese Quiche
Redneck BBQ Chicken Chile Cornbread Muffins

PLAY TIME (if I can find any ~ yeah right)

As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

NEW RECIPES TO TRY:

Not trying anything new the next couple of weeks since I’m on the countdown clean out so we don’t move any food!

IN THE YARD & GARDEN

 

NOT A THING.

FAVORITE PHOTO OF THE WEEK:
 
A friend came to visit for a few days and we did a tour of some local landmarks ~ still working on the post to go up, but love this picture!

HOMEMAKING TIP OF THE WEEK:

 

Periodically use a toothbrush in your window tracks to loosen settled dust and then vacuum it all up easily.

 
EYE CATCHING BLOGS WORTHY OF A DEEPER LOOK:

 

Still trying to get organized for the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better after the move.

ON MY MIND LATELY:
 
Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness?  And let me tell you why – The local Walmart has a McDonald’s “restaurant” in it.  I often pop in for a large ice tea before doing my shopping since it has been so hot the past few months.

Multiple times there are people having a meal in there and they have their Chihuahua with them – this dog has been riding in the child seat of the cart and is now in the booth with its paws up on the table top eating food from the table top.  
  • Forget that common sense tells you to leave your dog home and the fact that you are supposed to have service animals in vests and carry their certificates with you in case you are asked to provide proof.
  • Forget that they sell food both in Walmart and in McDonald’s and that they have been toting this dog all around the store in the “CHILD” seat of the cart.
  • Forget that they are not the only family doing this. 
  • Forget that the county when called will tell you that the establishment whoever they may be has the right to refuse service if the certificate cannot be produced.
I’d finally had enough and went to speak with the Store Manager (multiple times) for Walmart about my concerns for the health and safety of everyone since these dogs are being taken through food areas and their owners are touching the produce and such and the animals are sitting and licking carts in places that while not always clean are used by adults and young children and their official stance is that if they ask the people if they are service animals and they say yes, then it is a moot point.  They are not “allowed” to go the step further asking for the certificate of proof.  The manager suggested I also speak with the McDonald’s manager which I did.

Are you ready for the real kicker here?  It was bad enough that Walmart would not deal with this issue, but the McDonald’s Manager though sympathetic told me his hands were tied.  McDonald’s official stance is that it is a violation of their “civil rights” to ask them to comply. 
 
WTH?????? WHAT ABOUT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF EVERYONE ELSE TO SHOP AND EAT IN A SANITARY ENVIRONMENT????? THESE RULES EXIST FOR A REAL REASON!!

PRAYING FOR:

COMMON SENSE and LOGIC as well as society and today’s parents as they raise tomorrow’s adults. From what I’ve seen this weekend alone, SOCIETY IS DOOMED if we don’t make some changes AND MAKE THEM SOON!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE:

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

www.familycorner.blogspot.com

Good Morning! I had a productive weekend as well as watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week especially now that it’s my favorite season – FALL is here Y’ALL!.

It’s Monday morning so be sure to join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Go check it out to see what it’s all about!

  • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins.
  • Pool Time
  • Laundry
  • Oil Deck, clean railings and wash outside windows from the dust left in the last windstorm.
  • Errands
  • Paperwork
  • Phone Calls

Now that the FALL schedule has started there so many new shows and we are trying to work out our new fall choices.

Still really warm here during the day despite the 10 degree drop in temperatures, but evenings are feeling glorious with a slight breeze also.  I just keep reminding myself that it’s only for a short time more as I really look forward to the much cooler temperatures and rain.

 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST
DINNER
MONDAY 9/29 YOGURT
leftovers Pizza in a Pot 
TUESDAY 9/30 BAGEL& FRUIT
HOBO Foil Stews
WEDNESDAY 10/1 OATMEAL
 YANKEE DOODLE CHICKEN NOODLE
THURSDAY 10/2 FRUIT
Peanutty Pork Noodle Salad
FRIDAY 10/3 CEREAL
CADILLACS – Parmesan Roast Beef
SATURDAY 10/4   S#*% on a Shingle
Monte Cristo Sandwiches
SUNDAY 10/5 OUT
Pepperoni Garlic Stromboli

As always do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

Probably not trying anything new this week since I’m on the countdown clean out so we don’t move any food.  Did try Sandra’s Pizza in a Pot Last Week and loved it!

Cleaned the spider webs off the bushes (the drought has made the overhead watering less since we installed the bubblers and the spiders seem to really like that) and pruned the Lantanas back a bit.

Trying to tame a feral kitten for an elderly neighbor who wants a cat.  It’s going pretty well as “Scampy” is beginning to warm up to me.  I sat yesterday on the neighbor’s stairs waiting for Scampy to trust me enough to try the food I brought for her.
I think she really likes this food.

Roll your citrus fruit on the counter top with your palm before cutting, slicing or juicing to loosen the pulp and juice.

Still trying to get organized for the move so have not done as much blog hopping as I’d like.  I promise I will be so much better after the move.

Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness?  

Society and today’s parents as they raise tomorrow’s adults. From what I saw this weekend, society is doomed.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

www.familycorner.blogspot.com

Good Morning! I had a no so quiet weekend due to a knee injury so just read and watched the race and football, but now I am ready for a great new week especially now that it’s my favorite season – FALL is here Y’ALL!.  It’s Monday morning so join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom  for Happy Homemaker Monday.  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

  • A big cup of coffee and apple maple cinnamon oatmeal with golden raisins.
  • Pool Time
  • Laundry
  • Groceries
  • Errands
  • Paperwork
  • Phone Calls

The FALL schedule starts so many new shows to try before working out our new fall routine.

Still really warm here, but supposedly we will drop down to double digits later this week.  I just keep reminding myself that it’s only for a short time more.

 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


 DATE BREAKFAST DINNER
MONDAY 9/22 YOGURT Bacon Burger Melts
TUESDAY 9/23 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE Creamy Pea Soup with Parmesan Crisps
WEDNESDAY 9/24 YOGURT Chicken Delight Sliders
THURSDAY 9/25 FRUIT Rueben Cubans
FRIDAY 9/26 CEREAL Stuffed Artichokes with Italian Sausage & Sweet Red Pepper
SATURDAY 9/27 Waffled French Toast  Piquant Chicken with Charred Tomato Sauce
SUNDAY 9/28 Shirred Eggs Salami Pasta with Fennel

Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

I have a list of tons of recipes I want to try, but this week I think I’ll try one I found in my box of tricks for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies as well as the 5 new ones above for dinners.

Garden is looking good and in need of just a little pruning this week.

I tend to eyeball some measurements because that’s the way I was taught, but often, especially with a new recipe I’m exact.

There are 2 different types (many people don’t realize this) – dry and wet measure.

Liquid measure tend to be glass or plastic with a pour spout.

Dry measures are your nested cups and spoons.

basic MEASURE EQUIVALENTS to get you started – I’ll let you do the rest of the math
1 cup = 8 ounces liquid or 16 tablespoons dry
1 tablespoon = 1/2 ounce liquid or 3 teaspoons dry

Been a busy week with my knee, emergency vet and such so I really haven’t done any blog hopping to see what’s going on out there.

Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness?  

Common Sense to prevail with some medical issues and the imbeciles, idiots, ignorant, clueless people handling the paperwork and appointments dealing with it.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

GOOD MORNING! I had a great weekend and today is my birthday so I’m feeling pretty good – not that I really celebrate anymore, but it does feel like an accomplishment!  
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY 
is hosted BY SANDRA at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom .  
Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

BREAKFAST TIME & MAKING MY TO DO LIST

  • A big cup of coffee and then out to breakfast – no gym today – my birthday present to myself, but I will do the pool and some water aerobics.  
  • DOING WHATEVER I WANT TODAY! Probably going to lunch and bowling and then BBQing.
CURRENTLY READING

TV SHOWS THIS WEEK
A few new TV shows start this week, but it will mainly be whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts for real though Haven did begin this past week and the fall season is getting close enough I should start programing the DVR.

WEATHER OUTSIDE MY WINDOW
Hot as usual! New hurricane warnings for Mexico and it is still monsoon season so the humidity is really high and making it miserable as we wait for the next round of thunder storms. COME ON FALL! COME ON MOVE to cooler climate!

ON THE MENU
Hubby is taking me on a little getaway next month for my birthday.  Yeah, I know today is my birthday, but I really didn’t want to go while the weather was still so warm, so we compromised on October.  Now in the meantime he wanted to take me out for dinner tonight, but it’s football!  He’d skip football, but I don’t want to and am really looking to grilling at home and watching the game.  He thinks it’s silly for me to be cooking, but like I told him, at least I’ll be able to get EXACTLY what I want.  I’m tried a new recipe for a carrot cheesecake too that so far looks great and smelled amazing as it was baking – can’t wait to cut into it.  So here’s a sneak peek at tomorrow’s dinner.

I made the marinade yesterday so all the flavors would meld together.  This is one of our favorite grill meals.  I’ll share the recipe tomorrow.

 
 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

 DATE BREAKFAST

DINNER
MONDAY 9/15 YOGURT
SEX on a Stick revised
 and Carrot Cake Cheesecake
(recipes to follow)
TUESDAY 9/16 TOAST
Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs 
WEDNESDAY 9/17 YOGURT
Chicken Fried Chicken
THURSDAY 9/18 FRUIT
Fritos Nachos
FRIDAY 9/19 CEREAL
Hot Chicken Salad
SATURDAY 9/20 Shirred Eggs
Macho Chicken Rojo
SUNDAY 9/21 S#*% on a Shingle
Chile Verde Carnitas Fries

 PLAY TIME (if I can find any)
I’m hoping to do a little photography this week to get caught up with some Instagrams and do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

NEW RECIPES TO TRY 
As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.  This week is Red Neck Tacos – Corn Pancakes topped with Pulled pork, tangy crispy coleslaw topped with Dixie BBQ sauce.

In the meantime I’m trying to concentrate on some football food for tailgating time which starts on Thursday.  Be sure and stop by to link up.

 Links are open!

IN THE GARDEN
Absolutely nothing until the end of the month!

FAVORITE PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
Beautiful clouds this past week after the round horrendous thunder storms.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR FRUITS & VEGETABLES

  • Never store carrots and apples together. Apples release a gas that gives carrots a bitter taste.

  • Don’t slice onions for soup. Peel and put onion in whole to make a sweeter soup.

  • Always slice tomatoes vertically so they retain their shape and keeping the pulp together.

  • Add a potato to soups or stews to reduce saltiness.

  • To get more juice from your lemons (or any citrus) roll the fruit between your palm and the counter top to soften before cutting to squeeze.

  • To clean fresh mushrooms just add 3-4 tablespoons flour to a medium bowl of cold water.  Wash the mushrooms in the water and the dirt will adhere to the flour particles.  The mushrooms will come out clean.

I’m finding that more and more of my favorite blogs are posting less and less, if at all, but I have found a few new ones that I’ve added to my feed.  Check out A Beautiful Mess.  They have some great food photography, everyday life, interesting crafts and recipes.


ON MY MIND LATELY
What I can do to make a real difference in the world.  I’m looking for new volunteer opportunities.

Continued guidance as we work on the research on our new adventure and home search.  We are having so much fun just researching via the internet and can’t wait until we do it in person.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

GOOD MORNING! I had a great weekend!  I am so glad it is finally September and my favorite time of year is quickly approaching! 
I LOVE FALL!
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY IS HOSTED BY SANDRA 
Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!


  • A big cup of coffee and then a homemade fruit smoothie (banana, pineapple, strawberry and cherries) before I go to the gym. 
  • Dr. appointments

  • Errands

Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts for real.

Hot as usual! It’s only supposed to be in the 90’s with thunderstorms today but with monsoon season and the thunderstorms the humidity is really high and making it miserable.


 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

 DATE BREAKFAST

DINNER
MONDAY 9/8 YOGURT
Cheesy BLT Bites
TUESDAY 9/9 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE
Pastrami Burgers
WEDNESDAY 9/10 YOGURT
Neapolitan Chicken
THURSDAY 9/11 FRUIT
Kiwi Orange Glazed Chicken
FRIDAY 9/12 CEREAL
Hot Chicken Salad
SATURDAY 9/13 Farmer’s Breakfast
Boeuf Flamande aka Beef in Dark Beer
SUNDAY 9/14 Roasted Red Pepper and Ham Stratas
Redneck BBQ Chicken Chile Cornbread Muffins

 

I’m hoping to do a little photography this week to get caught up with some Instagrams and do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.  This week was Pepperoni Pizza Dip.

In the meantime I’m trying to concentrate on some football food for tailgating time which starts on Thursday.  Be sure and stop by to link up.

 Links are open!


Absolutely nothing!

 
Fed the local bunny my wilted lettuce.

And found this great corrugated tin dog.


Want to get a jump on holiday baking?  Make your drop cookie dough now.  Use a small ice cream scoop to form your balls of dough.  Place them on a cookie sheet and freeze for 30 minutes or so.  When dough is frozen Place the individual balls in a freezer bag.  Just thaw and bake when you’re ready.

I’m finding that more and more of my favorite blogs are posting less and less, if at all, but I have found a few new ones that I’ve added to my feed.  Check out This Silly Girls Life.  They have some really beautiful food photography and interesting crafts and recipes.

Why do parents today not realize that they are raising the adults of tomorrow?  I was at out local discount store recently and 2 things really bothered me. 1) Why do they have to bring ALL the children shopping with them?  And 2) if they are going to bring them, why don’t they pay attention and discipline them.  Many had been just turned loose to run rampant through the store. I spent the day being run into by kids pushing carts, throwing balls and running mindlessly.


Guidance as we work on the research on our new adventure and home search.  We are having so much fun just researching via the internet and can’t wait until we do it in person.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER AND MENU PLAN MONDAY

GOOD MORNING! I had a great weekend so far – love these holiday weekends!  I am so glad it is finally September and my favorite time of year is quickly approaching! 
I LOVE FALL!
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY IS HOSTED BY SANDRA at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom .  
Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

  • A big cup of coffee and then a homemade fruit smoothie (banana, pineapple, strawberry and cherries) before I go to the gym. 

  • Cleaning & Laundry.

  • Groceries & Errands.

Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts.

Sunny and hot as usual! It’s only supposed to be 109 today but it’s now officially monsoon season so the humidity is really unpredictable so we will see how the day shapes up.

 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY 9/1 YOGURT
Tuna Cakes with
Lime Remoulade
TUESDAY 9/2 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE
Cry Baby Burgers
WEDNESDAY 9/3 YOGURT
Marry Me Champagne Chicken
THURSDAY 9/4 FRUIT
Hot Wings for football
FRIDAY 9/5 CEREAL
Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Apricot Rum Glaze
SATURDAY 9/6 Breakfast Casserole
Redneck BBQ Chicken Chile Cornbread Muffins
SUNDAY 9/7 S#*% on a Shingle
Enchiladas Rancheras Lasagna
 

Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.

In the meantime I’m trying to concentrate on some football food for tailgating time which starts on Thursday.  Be sure and stop by to link up.

 Links open at midnight September 4th!

Nothing really – too hot to do much!  Though I am thinking of making one of these this week:

 
Whiskey wearing my slippers 😀

Or Whiskey and Gunner napping on a really hot day.

Produce Codes and their meanings:
4 digits = conventional
5 digits beginning with an 8 = GMO (genetically modified)
5 digits beginning with a 9 = organic or non GMO

YAY! Martha from SEASIDE SIMPLICITY is back to blogging just in time for tailgating time which we host each year for the football season.  Go by and say hello.

Wondering why people do not read labels and pay more attention to what they are putting in their shopping carts for their families to eat.

Guidance as we start the research on our new adventure and home search.

TURKEY PREP & BUTTERFINGER COOKIES GO HAND IN HAND

When I make my turkey I start with a roaster full of chopped carrots, celery and onions as a cushion under the bird. Then I throw in a bag of cranberries, the heart, liver, gizzard and a stick of butter that has been cut into several pieces. To that I add 3 cups of homemade chicken broth. I stick another stick of butter in the bird’s cavity, salt and pepper the bird really well and tent foil it. I don’t uncover it again until 20-30 minutes before it should be done. I baste it every 10 minutes until crisp. The result is the juiciest and tastiest turkey you ever did eat.

Now while hubby is carving the turkey, I start the gravy. By the time the turkey is done the vegetables have turned to mush which is fine by me. If they haven’t, I puree them in the food processor until they are. The cranberries add a bit of tart to the gravy that we like. This makes enough gravy for hubby and I for several days as well as 4-4 cup portions for the freezer.

Eventually I have nothing left but the carcass and crisp skin and start the broth process. I use a large stock pot and cover the carcass with water. I let it boil for about an hour and it creates the tastiest broth. I strain the broth in batches. This year I ended up with 9-4 cup portions of broth for the freezer. YAY! We have lots of soup base! All in all my $25 turkey has provided us with the basis for about 15 meals bringing me in way under budget!

TIP: If you ever have the opportunity to get these Tupperware labels, they are awesome. They stick in the freezer, peel off easily and are inexpensive. They are a great way to keep the “freezer mystery surprise” out of your freezer and stay organized too.

While the broth was boiling I made these awesome and SUPER EASY Butterfinger cookies and some strawberry ones too.

BUTTERFINGER COOKIES
Ritz crackers
creamy peanut butter
almond bark
sprinkles

  • Spread peanut butter on ritz crackers and top with another cracker.
  • Melt almond bark in the microwave.
  • Dip each cookie in the almond bark and set onto wax paper to harden.
  • If you’re using sprinkles do so before the almond bark hardens.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

GOOD MORNING! I had a great weekend and am looking forward to the last week of August.  If I had to pick a month I hated, it would be August!  Other than our anniversary being in August (which only happened because so much of the family had conflicts with the first date we picked) August has always been a stifling month to me – always too hot, too humid and downright miserable.  So, I am really glad it is on its way out and my favorite time of year is quickly approaching.   
I LOVE FALL!
HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY IS HOSTED BY SANDRA at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom .  
Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

  • A big cup of coffee and then a homemade fruit smoothie (banana, pineapple, strawberry and cherries) before I go to the gym. 
  • Pool in time and then the gym to avoid the warmer water from the humidity of the recent storms.
  • Laundry
  • Groceries & Errands.

Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts.

Hot as usual! It’s only supposed to be 100 today but it’s now officially monsoon season so the humidity is really unpredictable.

 Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie

 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
MONDAY 8/25 YOGURT
Peanutty Pork Noodle Salad
TUESDAY 8/26 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE
Mandarin Chicken and Noodles
WEDNESDAY 8/27 YOGURT
Chicken Fried Chicken
THURSDAY 8/28 FRUIT
Mexican Cobb Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
FRIDAY 8/29 CEREAL
Snapper Wrappers
SATURDAY 8/30 Oven Omeletes
Sweet and Sour BBQ Pulled Pork
SUNDAY 8/31 German Pancake
Pot Roast – Savory style

 Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

I have a list of tons of recipes I want to try.  Stay posted for the results.

As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.

WONDERING who stole my mosaic memorial lights for Dicken’s grave and better yet WHY?

On a positive note though I really want to make one of these:

 
On the way home from our anniversary getaway we stopped by the Salton Sea.  If you don’t know about it, you can read about it here.  It’s pretty interesting.   On Friday they issued an ODOR WARNING – not at all uncommon for this time of year in Monsoon Season.

I’m finding that more and more of my favorite blogs are posting less and less, if at all, but I found that one of my baking blogs is still around.  LICK THAT SPOON is still around.  She has some really beautiful food photography and interesting recipes.

I’m still looking for that perfect coffee as I must start my day with coffee and then more coffee, but for now this is my signature blend.

I open all 3 and pour all of the Dunkin’ donuts original blend and Folgers Morning Cafe in. Then I add 1/2 of the Millstone caramel truffle! YUM! Do you have a favorite coffee?

Guidance as we start the research on our new adventure and home search.

DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN & HELPFUL HINTS PLUS BONUS FRIED CHICKEN ALTERNATIVES

In an effort to clean out my magazines and cookbooklets, I joined Magazine Mondays hosted by Cream Puffs in Venice many years ago. What I really like is that she isn’t strict about when you post so I can publish these yummy results as I find them. I have this horrible habit of cutting recipes out and throwing them into a box and then I have no idea where the original recipe came from. To be honest it didn’t help me eliminate recipes, but I enjoy it anyway.  I’ve ended up with multiple recipes and they are ALL good so just pick your favorite from this bunch! Both of these recipes make a chicken where the crust doesn’t break apart on the first bite.

DELICIOUS FRIED CHICKEN
Cut up chicken pieces
1/4 cup beer or ginger ale
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
Oil for frying

  • Bring oil to frying temperature in a cast iron skillet.
  • Wash chicken pieces, dry and sprinkle with salt.
  • Whisk together the beer, baking soda and salt.
  • Dip each piece of chicken in beer mixture and then fry.
  • Drain on paper towels.

BUTTERMILK BRINED FRIED CHICKEN
3 pounds of your favorite chicken pieces
3 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup kosher salt
3 tablespoons sugar
2 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 tespoon paprika
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 jumbo eggs

  • In a very LARGE bowl combine the 3 cups buttermilk, kosher salt and sugar, stirring to dissolve.
  • Add ALL the chicken pieces, turning to make sure each piece is coated in brine. and seal tightly.
  • Chill 3-4 hours, turning occasionally to make sure chicken pieces are well coated in brine.
  • Remove from brine and dry on paper towels. Discard brine. 
  • Heat large skillet with 1 1/2 inches of oil to 350 degrees. OIL WILL BE HOT!!! USE CARE!!
  • Whisk together the eggs and 1/2 cup buttermilk into a shallow dish.
  •  Combine flour, sea salt, white pepper and paprika in a large Ziploc bag. Divide into 2 shallow dishes.
  • Dip each chicken piece in the first flour dish, then the egg dish and then the 2nd flour dish.
  • Add chicken pieces, adjusting as necessary to maintain heat. 
  • Cook 12-15 minutes until golden brown turning only once when you see blood as grams would say.

NOTE:  LET YOUR USED OIL COOL AND THE STRAIN IT INTO A GLASS MASON JAR.  REFRIGERATE AND IT CAN BE USED 2-3 MORE TIME IN THE THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS.  BE SURE TO STRAIN IT EACH AND EVERY TIME!

HELPFUL HINTS FOR FRYING CHICKEN:

  • SIZE DOES MATTER. Try to cook pieces similar in size at the same time.
  • DO NOT CROWD YOU PAN.  Cook in batches allowing plenty of room for the oil to make your crust crisp.
  • BUTTERMILK BRINE:  Buttermilk brine on chicken as well as beef acts like an enzyme to break down muscle fibers and fat allowing more flavor to be tasted in the finished product.
  • ROOM TEMPERATURE! Bringing your pieces to room temperature before the wash and dredge does 2 helpful things – 1) your oil will not cool as much or as fast giving you an even cooking and 2) your wash and dredge will stay put better making a crispier chicken.

    HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

    www.familycorner.blogspot.com

    Good Morning! We had a lazy weekend and today is our anniversary so I am ready for an even greater new week.  

    It’s Monday morning and I’m really enjoying getting back into a regular routine here at my new and improved blog. Right now I’m still in the process of bringing posts over and organizing recipe lists, but soon – VERY soon I’ll be back to just every day life and blogging about it.

    I join in with Sandra who host Happy Homemaker Monday at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

    • Breakfast out!
      • Play day with hubby for our anniversary – a little antiquing, eating out and just having fun.

        Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts.

        HOT & HUMID! YUCK!! But, we’re heading over the mountain towards the coast and 20 degree cooler weather.

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


        		 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
        MONDAY 8/18 OUT OUT OUT
        TUESDAY 8/19 CEREAL ?? Roasted Stuffed Peppers
        WEDNESDAY 8/20 YOGURT ?? Chicken & Green Chile Flautas
        THURSDAY 8/21 FRUIT ?? CADILLACS – Parmesan Roast Beef
        FRIDAY 8/22 ?? ?? Pan Fried Snapper with White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce
        SATURDAY 8/23 Buttermilk Waffles  ?? Caribbean Pork Steaks 
        SUNDAY 8/24 Quiche Lorraine ?? BBQ Salami Roast Chicken

        Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

        I have a list of tons of recipes I want to try, but I’m trying to go with the most unusual first.  So this week it is PB&J Pancakes & Krabby Chicken Casserole.  Stay posted for the results. I did rework an old recipe this weekend for a fun new recipe of Apricot Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes.

        As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.

        Nothing special as it is monsoon season and unbearable to be outside except to go to the pool.

        I got a great photo of the sunset this weekend.
        I found this in my box of recipes – would love to tell you what publication it came from, but I just don’t know.  I did think it was a handy thing to remember.

        So what will you be making with this new knowledge?

        I’ve been trying to clean out my feedly and so many of my favorite blogs are just gone – so sad.  But I ran across Cooking Classy that used to be one of my favorites and found she’s still cooking up a storm. I just love the layout of her blog and the clean fresh look.

        Still wondering why Acronyms and Avatars have taken over the world! People no longer speak (or write) in whole sentences and are obsessed with images of themselves!

        Guidance as we move forward and start again in a home search. While we are sad that the home we had our heart set on is not not going to happen we are elated that we are realizing the signs are pointing (and have been we were just to dense to see) that we were meant to go in a different direction entirely.

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        www.familycorner.blogspot.com

        Good Morning! I had a great weekend and am ready for an even greater new week.  It’s Monday morning and I’m really enjoying getting back into a regular routine here at my new and improved blog. I join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

        • A big cup of coffee, fresh fruit (pineapple, apricots and grapes) and toast.
        • Pool first to avoid the warmer water from the humidity of the recent storms and then the gym.
        • Fix the washing machine.
        • Chores, shopping and doctor appointment.

        Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts.

        Hot as usual! And humid to boot.

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


        		 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
        MONDAY 8/11 YOGURT Black Bean Chicken Nachos
        TUESDAY 8/12 CEREAL Pink Lemon Chicken
        WEDNESDAY 8/13 YOGURT Chicken & Tomato Spinach Salad 
        THURSDAY 8/14 FRUIT Kentucky Hot Brown
        FRIDAY 8/15 Buttermilk Waffles   Baked White Fish
        SATURDAY 8/16 Buttermilk Cinnamon Pancakes Twisted Pepper Steak
        SUNDAY 8/17 Shirred Eggs Enchiladas Rancheras Lasagna

        Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

        I have a list of tons of recipes I want to try, but I’m trying to go with the most unusual first.  So this week it is MOINK balls.  Stay posted for the results.

        As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.

        The garden is finally finished! Rock terrain with heat resistant and drought resistant plants and a special corner for Dickens.

        Now for something fun and easy – cleaning the silver. Yep, you heard me right, cleaning the silver. FIL wanted the silver polished. I have news for you, I don’t polish silver! I even sold my own and replaced it with gorgeous stainless, but I found this quick, easy AND super inexpensive recipe for cleaning silver! Here is the before picture:

        Hubby helped as I have been a bit busy. He is trying to show you the instantaneous results he achieved with this formula below.

        After


        SILVER CLEANER
        per large piece or place setting you will need:
        1/2 cup baking soda
        1 tablespoon salt
        1 large piece aluminum foil
        1 non-metal sink or wash tub
        hot water

        • Lay large piece of foil along the bottom of the sink.
        • Fill the sink with VERY HOT water.
        • Swirl in the baking soda and salt until well dissolved.
        • Add silver or silverplate piece.
        • Watch the magic. Allow it to sit a few minutes. The chemical reaction of the salt and baking soda transfers the tarnish to the piece of foil leaving you with a pretty silver piece.
        • Rinse and dry!
        For heavily tarnished pieces you might have to repeat the process. Hubby also found the reaction was quicker if you wrapped the foil around the pieces.


        CHALLENGE: Is your guest area ready for guests?

        I’ve been trying to clean out my feedly and so many of my favorite blogs are just gone – so sad.  But I ran across Dorothy at Crazy for Crust that used to be one of my favorites and found she’s still cooking up a storm.

        Wondering why Acronyms and Avatars have taken over the world!

        Guidance as we move forward and start again in a home search. While we are sad that the home we had our heart set on is not not going to happen we are elated that we are realizing the signs are pointing (and have been we were just to dense to see) that we were meant to go in a different direction entirely.

        2013 Dickens takes a Stand
        2012 RUM RAISIN CARROT CAKE with CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
        2011 COFFEE, COFFEE, I MUST HAVE MY COFFEE

        2010 POSITIVE THOUGHT
        2009 The Revival of Common Courtesy & Personal Service
        2008 Fun Trivia ~ 500 year old facts ~ the 1500’s
        2007 The Domino Effect

        HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY & MENU PLAN MONDAY

        www.familycorner.blogspot.com

        Good Morning! I had a no so great  weekend and am ready for a great new week.  It’s Monday morning and I’m really getting back into a regular routine here at my blog. I join in with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom .  Be sure and stop by to see what it’s all about!

        • A big cup of coffee and then a homemade fruit smoothie (banana, pineapple, strawberry and cherries) before I go to the gym. 
        • Pool in time and then the gym to avoid the warmer water from the humidity of the recent storms.
        • Laundry

        Whatever strikes our fancy off the DVR.  I try not to plan this in advance and just go with the flow at least until the NEW Fall schedule starts.

        Hot as usual! It’s only supposed to be 100 today but it’s now officially monsoon season so the humidity is really unpredictable.

         Menu Plan Monday hosted by Laura at I’m an Organizing Junkie


        		 DATE BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
        MONDAY 8/4 YOGURT C.O.R.D. Orange Honey Chicken 
        TUESDAY 8/5 BAGEL & CREAM CHEESE C.O.R.D. Bohemian Pork Chops aka Pork Chops in Beer Gravy
        WEDNESDAY 8/6 YOGURT C.O.R.D. Champagne Salad
        THURSDAY 8/7 FRUIT C.O.R.D. Chicken Empanadas
        FRIDAY 8/8 CEREAL C.O.R.D. Slow Cooked Pork Tenderloin with Sauerkraut
        SATURDAY 8/9 C.O.R.D. C.O.R.D. Baked White Fish
        SUNDAY 8/10 Shirred Eggs C.O.R.D. Chicken Chile Corn Custards

        Do a little quilting and finish a few older projects though I have yet to have a few minutes to myself LOL like that’s going to happen.

        I have a list of tons of recipes I want to try, but I’m trying to go with the most unusual first.  So this week it is MOINK balls.  Stay posted for the results.

        As I combine all my old blogs into this new one I’m also keeping a list of those recipes that I cannot in good conscience bring over until I remake them and take some decent pictures LOL.

        We were forced to start the work on the garden this week when we dug the grave for our cat.  Hubs sterilized the ground and we’re giving it a week or so before we begin reconstructing.

        It’s never easy, even when you know it’s inevitable, but when a pet dies you lose a a piece of the family.  We will miss her, but are glad she went with very little pain. She died in my arms, so sad, but she was surrounded by love. She lived a very long life (97 in cat years)  and was always so sweet. I purchased a couple garden stones that were unimpressive as they were, but have painted them a nice hammered copper to mark her spot.

        Whiskey’s birthday was a bit overshadowed by the death of our cat on the same day so I forgot to wish her a happy birthday.  She is honestly the best fur child I have ever had – she was born speaking English, loving, compassionate and just sooooooo sweet.

        Berries are delicious, but they’re also kind of delicate. Raspberries in particular seem like they can mold before you even get them home from the market.  There’s nothing more tragic than paying $4 for a pint of local raspberries, only to look in the fridge the next day and find that fuzzy mold growing on their insides.

        Well, with fresh berries just starting to hit farmers markets, we can tell you that how to keep them fresh!  Here’s a tip I’m sharing on how to prevent them from getting there in the first place:  Wash them with vinegar.

        When you get your berries home, prepare a mixture of one part vinegar (white or apple cider probably work best) and ten parts water. Dump the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse if you want (though the mixture is so diluted you can’t taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge.  The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila!  Raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and soft.  So go forth and stock up on those pricey little gems, knowing they’ll stay fresh as long as it takes you to eat them.

        Nibble Me This – Chris is my go to blog for BBQ advice

        Terra Photographica – I’m a little biased here, but my brother is an amazing photographer – go check out his galleries.

        Just seriously wondering when so much of the world lost its common sense and kindness? The world has changed and is in a constant state of change, but let’s all agree it isn’t always for the better. Case in point, read this post. I’ve been thinking about reviving this meme for quite some time now, but reading this solidified my decision. I have moved over the posts I had previously done and you can find them on my sidebar under COMMON COURTESY.  I’ll do new ones as the issues arise.

        STILL PRAYING FOR Guidance and patience with the woman handling the house sale – she has no follow through, common sense or common courtesy and I pray that she receives help in ALL of those areas. And believing that if it doesn’t work out the way we want it’s because we were meant to be elsewhere.  Hence my Inspirational quote for today.