COOKING THURSDAY – Page 3 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

BLOG 365.33 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY week 5 of 2026 ~ RECIPE LINKS & MENUS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

GOOD MORNING friends. I can’t believe we’re ALREADY into February!!! The 5th week of 2026 already!! It sure seems like time is flying by faster and faster. PLEASE, SLOW down this merry go round!!!!!!!

It was a SUPER busy week trying to tie up loose ends with all my duties at the Eagles before we leave on our coast trip tomorrow. I also got caught up on laundry, cleaning, some sorting and organizing for putting together a St. Vinnie’s donation that I was planning on dropping off this morning, but they’re closed on Mondays so that will wait until next week. At least it’s ready to go 🙂 I’m hoping for enough downtime of the evenings to get all my blog visiting caught up this week. More than anything I’m looking forward to some serious relaxation time.

I also got a bunch of books, paperwork and recipes handled. And I’m packed and ready to go right after tacos tomorrow. No reason to get up too early since we’re only going a couple hours away and can’t check in before 4PM.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The weather is supposed to be beautiful and somewhat sunny here at home and also at the coast through Friday when a storm is supposed to set in. Highs will be in the 40’s and 50’s with lows in the 30’s. BUT, Punxsutawney Phil IS predicting 6 more weeks of winter which is no surprise to me. When we have had a mild December and January here in the past it usually means a roaring February and March!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING YAY, all done until after our trip.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS YAY, all done until after our trip.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS No projects, but hoping for lots of fun and picture taking along the Oregon coast.
ON MY MIND Same old, same old stuff, but getting closer to some resolutions.
WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY wind in my face as I walk along the beach… and my toes in the sand when it’s warm… spending time with friends and laughing… traveling and seeing new places… antiquing… discovering old, but new to me recipes…

READING TIME

I’m waiting for book club to make a decision so I started an older Heather Webber book for now. I’m reading A HOE LOT OF TROUBLE, A NINA QUINN MYSTERY #1.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	2/2 MONDAY	2/3 TUESDAY	2/4 WEDNESDAY	2/5 THURSDAY	2/6 FRIDAY	2/7 SATURDAY	2/8 SUNDAY
DINNER	clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	taco Tuesday with friends and then leave on trip	OUT OF TOWN	OUT OF TOWN	OUT OF TOWN	SUN DRIED TOMATO CHICKEN & PASTA	BROWN BUTTER LEMON CHICKEN
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

LOL This was the most exciting picture I took this week LOL

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY STEAK & POTATO SOUP
ASIAN CHICKEN POT PIE with SCALLION PANCAKE CRUST
SLOW COOKER CANDY, HAYSTACKS & CRANBERRY ALMOND MACAROONS

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHICKEN BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP ~ 2026 BLOG 365.29C

A silky, creamy, cheesy soup that’s delicious, but more importantly VERY quick and easy to make. Even with the scratch prep, this soup is on the table in under 45 minutes. Prep all ingredients first and the recipe moves along quickly.

CHICKEN BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 LARGE Vidalia onion, FINELY chopped
2 medium carrots, julienned into matchsticks
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
3 tablespoons AP flour
3 cups chicken broth
4 cups broccoli florets cut into ½-inch pieces or smaller, to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup WHOLE milk
8 ounces (2 cups) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces (1 cup) American cheese, diced into cubes
4 ounces cream cheese, diced into cubes
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin, garnish
shredded cheddar cheese, garnish

In a large Dutch oven combine the butter and oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted.
Add the diced Vidalia onion, carrots, salt and pepper.
Cook 4-5 minutes until the onions are just starting to soften.
Sprinkle with the flour and stir to coat the vegetables, cooking and stirring until the flour is golden.
Gradually add the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Add the broccoli and bring to a SLOW simmer.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Whisk together the milk and heavy cream.
Stir in the milk mixture and cheeses, cooking and stirring frequently until the cheese is completely melted.
Fold in the chicken, cover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through.
Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Garnish each bowl with shredded cheddar, green onion slices and fresh cracked black pepper.
Serve with crusty bread.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ GREEN ONION & CHEDDAR CORN BREAD ~ 2026 BLOG 365.29B

This super moist, sweet and flavorful cornbread is the perfect side for all your favorite soups, stews and chili recipes.

GREEN ONION & CHEDDAR CORN BREAD

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Rest Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

1 cup AP flour
3/4 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon FRESH ground sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup WHOLE milk
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
1 LARGE egg
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced green onions

Preheat oven to 400°.
Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
Whisk together flour, cornmeal, brown sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda in a large bowl. Make a well in the center.
 In another bowl whisk together milk, vinegar, melted butter, egg and honey.
Add to the well in the flour mixture and gently stir together JUST until combined. DO NOT OVER MIX! 
Fold in 1 1/4 cup of the cheese and most of the green onions, reserving some of the dark green slices.
Spread batter in prepared pan.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and the reserved green onions on top.
 Bake 25 minutes until edges of cornbread are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in pan at least 15 minutes before cutting.
Serve warm with FRESH whipped butter and your favorite soup, stew or chili.

BLOG 365.26 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 4 of 2026 ~ RECIPE LINKS & MENUS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Last week was a bit of a blur. I can’t believe we’re into the 4th week already!! I’m still working on some organizing and downsizing, but some of it will have to wait until it gets warmer!!!! I just don’t seem to get as much done when my toes are cold!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

BRRRR it’s cold here, but no complaints from me as I know first hand just what going through a “SNOWMAGGEDON” is like. So, I’ll just keep layering and layering the hoodies, flannels, UGG’s and warm socks 🙂 until I’m warm. Highs this week were only in the 30’s, but it looks like they will be in the 40’s this week and the lows were in the 20’s aka “let the faucet drip” phase this past week, but look like they’ll bump up to the 30’s this week. The freezing fog is always an issue at this time of the year as are the deer and animals on our country roads.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS, ON MY MIND & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING I just have bedding and towels to do. I was able to get the rest all done on Saturday. Seems like we use so many more clothes in the winter.
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have just a few things to pick up this week for us. My friend and I will be going on Wednesday to have lunch and do some shopping for her and then the business shopping.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’re taking a small trip to the coast next week, but will hold off until spring for any major trips.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING nothing new here except I have been printing my favorite recipes out to do an actual recipe book. I thought that would be an easy way for the kitchen, but I LOL didn’t realize how many favorite recipes we have and I’m now on the 3rd large binder. 😂
ON MY MIND As always I’m pondering what to do about my duties at the Eagles. My girlfriend yesterday pointed out that it probably isn’t going to change and encouraged me to back away. Sad, but I’m thinking she’s right 🙁
DVR/TV We’re still catching up on the DVR from the holidays. We just finished binging LUCIFER and are looking for a new show to watch of an evening. Any suggestions?

READING TIME

I’m currently reading the FORGET-ME-NOT LIBRARY by Heather Webber. I really like her stories. They are just short of fantasy while still living in the real world.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	1/26 MONDAY	1/27 TUESDAY	1/28 WEDNESDAY	1/29 THURSDAY	1/30 FRIDAY	1/31 SATURDAY	2/1 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA & MEETING NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	LEMON CHICKEN & GREEN PEA CASSEROLE	TRIVIA & MEETING NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	SWISS STEAK & COWBOY POTATOES	CHICKEN & POTATOES	HUNGARIAN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP	SLOW COOKED PEPPER STEAK
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Like I said above, I won’t complain because we could live anywhere else in the country this week and be much worse off, but pictures this week of the freezing fog and the frozen spider webs on the hose bib were telling of just how cold I am! We haven’t seen any snow to speak of this year either so I don’t mind at all that the rest of the country stole our “SNOWMAGGEDON” tag line 🙂

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CHRISTMAS MORNING WIFE SAVER
CHICKEN BROCCOLI CHEDDAR SOUP
PEANUT BUTTER MOLASSES COOKIES
GREEN ONION CHEDDAR CORN BREAD

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

COOKING THURSDAY ~ TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD ~ BLOG 365.22C

TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
PERFECT for potlucks, BBQ’s and church socials.

SALAD 

16 ounces bowtie pasta (or favorite style), cooked al dente and COLD rinsed
1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained well
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 1/2 cups chopped rotisserie chicken
1 SMALL red bell pepper, diced small
1 SMALL can sliced olives, OPTIONAL
1 SMALL jar artichoke hearts, chopped
1 cup BABY spinach, torn
1 cup romaine lettuce, torn
¼ cup FRESH chopped basil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a large bowl toss together prepared pasta, drained sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, chopped red onion, chicken pieces, diced red bell pepper, sliced olives, torn spinach, basil, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

DRESSING
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons white wine
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon FRESH, FINELY chopped oregano
1 tablespoon FRESH, FINELY chopped basil
1-2 cloves FINELY minced garlic
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste 

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, white wine, sugar, oregano, basil, minced garlic, sea salt and black pepper to taste.

ASSEMBLY

Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until coated in the dressing.
Serve immediately.

NOTE: If I’m not serving it all at once, I don’t add the spinach. Instead I spoon the the pasta salad over torn spinach when I do serve it and let each person do their own tossing.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE ~ 2026 BLOG 365.22A

A deliciously rich chocolate cake paired with a moist carrot cake with drunken raisins and a creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven, especially when topped with crunchy walnuts. This is the best moist chocolate carrot cake! This is a flavor combo I may never have tried without a strange conversation debating cake flavors, but wish I tried sooner!!

CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE Yield:12 servings

3 cups FINELY shredded carrots
1 small can crushed pineapple, drained REALLY well
1 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup Malibu Rum
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1-1/4 cups neutral oil (I use avocado)
4 LARGE eggs, room temperature
2 cups AP flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350°.
In a small bowl pour rum over raisins and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
Line two 9-in. round baking pans or a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper; grease and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended.
Drain raisins of excess rum.
Fold pineapple and raisins into cake batter.
Pour into prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

FROSTING
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3-3/4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup baking cocoa
3 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, as needed
1/4 cup FINELY chopped walnuts
1/4 cup semisweet MINI chocolate chips (optional)

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
Beat in the powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth and WELL blended, light and fluffy.
Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the frosting.
Repeat with remaining cake layer.
Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips.

NOTE: If the frosting is too thick, mix in milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thin, you can either mix in more powdered sugar or place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up slightly. 

BLOG 365.19 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 3 of 2026 ~ MENUS & RECIPE LINKS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Once again the year seems to be speeding by! We’re already in the third week and I haven’t completely cleaned up from Christmas! I have a super busy day starting early this morning so will jump right in!APPOINTMENTS

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

The past week has been clear of an evening making for some REALLY COLD nights and mornings with freezing fog! This is supposed to continue until Friday when the rain returns and will warm it up slightly! Not enough to change how I dress in layers and UGG’s!

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

APPOINTMENTS I have a pedicure this morning with a couple small errands after and then lunch with a girlfriend going through a tough divorce and she needs an outing. I also have an afternoon appointment to deal with the kitchen new menu in the Eagle’s kitchen and the procedures to make it run smoother.
LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did a deep clean on Saturday and got the mattress turned as well as 6 loads of laundry. The problem with winter is that we wear so many more clothes to begin with which creates so much more laundry!
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be doing the grocery shopping and Costco shopping for us, the Eagles and the Offyce on Wednesday.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS I need to make the reservations today for upcoming coast trip.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I spent the whole weekend scanning bookmarks in 3 separate cookbooks while watching football to get a plan together through mid-March. 🙂
DVR/TV There are a couple new shows we’re trying, but I’m really still trying to clean out the DVR from the holidays.
WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY the aroma of the slow cooker being almost done with a favorite recipe… the sound of laughter when the joke is so stupid the other person just can’t stop laughing… the morning silence while I drink my coffee and listen to the birds…

READING TIME

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

	1/19 MONDAY	1/20 TUESDAY	1/21 WEDNESDAY	1/22 THURSDAY	1/23 FRIDAY	1/24 SATURDAY	1/25 SUNDAY
DINNER	TRIVIA NIGHT CORN/YOYO clean out fridge night or you’re on your own	TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD	PEANUT BUTTER BURGERS with GRILLED ONIONS	PORK CHOPS & STUFFING	COOKING @ EAGLES SO CORN/YOYO clean out fridge night or you’re on your own	CHICKEN ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE	CAESAR SALAD PARMESAN CUPS
DESSERT			S’MORES MONKEY BREAD MUFFINS

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

The strawberry Hummingbird cake was a HUGE hit on Friday night and the FREEZING FOG was beautiful on Thursday, though it delayed many a flight and made the roads a bit treacherous in the early morning. This picture was taken late morning as it was burning off.

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE
BROWNED BUTTER TOASTED COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

COOKING THURSDAY ~ COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING ~ 2026 BLOG 365.15A

The best part of APPLEBEE”S oriental chicken salad is dressing! The salad components can be changed up to anyone’s liking, but are second to the tasty dressing. This is my version of their tasty dressing. I reserev the right to keep tweaking it to perfection 🙂

COPYCAT APPLEBEE’S ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING ~ serves 4 ~ adapted from Sweet Basil

CHICKEN
4 Frozen Chicken Strips, baked **

Cook the chicken according to taste. 4 Frozen Chicken Strips
Set aside.

DRESSING
1/4 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
2 tablespoons QUALITY apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons QUALITY honey
1-2 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
scant 1/8 teaspoon sesame oil
Pinch ground ginger
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

In a blender, add all ingredients and blending until smooth.
Store in a mason jar Store in the refrigerator until serving.

SALAD
2 cups rotisserie chicken pieces or fried chicken pieces
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup chopped iceburg lettuce
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
1 cup chopped Napa cabbage
1 cup chopped red cabbage
1 small bunch green onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Sliced Almonds
1/4 cup Chow Mein Noodles, optional

ASSEMBLY

In a large bowl, toss the lettuces, cabbages, onions and carrots. 
Slice chicken into thin strips.
Top with almonds and chow mein noodles, then the chicken pieces.
Drizzle with dressing.
Serve immediately.

NOTES: **OR scratch made fried chicken strips or grilled chicken strips

BLOG 365.12 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 2 of 2026 ~ with MENUS & RECIPE LINKS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

The first part of the week was full of errands and trying to get back on track with a routine. My girlfriend and I ventured to the BIG (ha 😂 ha) city on Wednesday to go shopping at the mall and have a nice lunch. Then we stopped at the Chef’s store (Cash & Carry, Smart & Final) to get the food for our Friday dinner and the rest of the month’s shopping for the Eagle’s kitchen. YAY my last time shopping for the kitchen, but at least I was able to set them up for success, now it’s on them to find the wherewithal to follow thru and keep it going “correctly” without getting lazy and short cutting everything which unfortunately is the tendancy. Thursday was the shopping for the Eagle’s bar, my girlfriend’s bar & grill and some food prep for Friday’s meal.

I cannot believe the first full week of January flew by that quickly! I NEED things to slow down a bit so I can catch up!

We’re NOT really college football watchers other than the Rose Bowl, but we live in a small town only an hour or so away from the Oregon University Ducks, so they are a BIG deal around here. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, they played Friday evening during the Auxiliary charity dinner that my girl friend and I were preparing so we ended up twice as busy as we’ve been in recent months. The unfortunate part is that we didn’t plan for that many people, but, the fortunate part is that we SOLD OUT and didn’t have leftovers 🙂

Saturday I was finally able to get my own shopping and errands accomplished and picked up some fried chicken for lunch on the way back so hubby and I could watch WILD CARD NFL games. 4 of the 5 times we rooted for won 🙂 Sunday was more football with friends and then some relaxing before the week started all over again. I did get some meal planning done and a few odd organizational tasks accomplished.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

Last Friday we finally woke to the first snow of the winter, NOT on the valley floor, but absolutely beautiful none the less on the hills around us. Our rain is gone for the next week or so, but it’s not full sun either. All week should be highs in the 40’s with lows in the low 30’s. Lots of layering still going on here.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, APPOINTMENTS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING Laundry is done and I’m hoping to finish the holiday clean-up today 🙂
GROCERIES & ERRANDS Up to date on my personal shopping. I just have the business shopping to do. I have 2 meetings today, but may skip them both under the current political climate. I was going to skip the 2nd one anyway to go and support my friend’s new “Trivia Night” at the bar and grill she manages. But… ??????
PROJECTS & TRAVELS Need to make reservations for the trip next month.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on a couple of new and unusual recipes to combat winter doldrums of the same old soup and stew flavor profile.
DVR/TV We watched BEST MEDICINE last week and will give it another try this week, but so far it isn’t as good as the original, DOC MARTIN. Also have a few cooking shows to catch up on as well as the regular season shows that have started again.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY A rainy Sunday in yoga pants, fuzzy socks and Football… brunch with good friends and Football… puppy kisses… clean sheets and cozy quilt…
ON MY MIND I’m not technically an officer at the Eagles, but I do have many responsibilities and am the “back up” secretary for my friend. She asked me to go to the officer’s meeting today in her place and I’m a bit concerned about saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. From a business standpoint there are some really poor choices being made and as the saying goes, you can read the writing on the wall if they follow down this path. But, as the other saying goes, you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink…Que sera…

READING TIME

Book club was kind of a wash I guess and they haven’t picked a new book ::SIGH:: so I’ve just bee reading whatever strikes my fancy. Right now I’m reading WHY I HOLD YOUR HAND by Augusta Reily.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	1/12 MONDAY	1/13 TUESDAY	1/14 WEDNESDAY	1/15 THURSDAY	1/16 FRIDAY	1/17 SATURDAY	1/18 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO	BEST MEATBALLS and PASTA	MARRY ME CHICKEN & NOODLES	ASIAN POT PIE and SALAD	CORN/YOYO	CHICKEN FETTUCCINE CARBONARA	ORICIETTE with BROWN BUTTER WALNUT SAUCE
DESSERT			PUMPKIN APPLE POKE CAKE

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

Incredible sunsets over the pond again this past weekend!!!

INSPIRATIONS

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING / COOKING TIP

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPES COMING UP THIS WEEK

CREAMY TUSCAN TORTELLINI SOUP
APPLEBEE’S COPY CAT ORIENTAL CHICKEN SALAD DRESSING

COOKING THURSDAY RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

WEEKLY FEATURED PARTY LINKS

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CRANBERRY COFFEE CAKE aka NANTUCKET PIE meets BOSTON CREAM PIE for a CRANBERRY UPSIDE DOWN CAKE ~ 2026 BLOG 365.8B

From the crunch of the sugar crust on the bottom to the juicy cranberries to the flaky cake layer on top; Nantucket Christmas Cranberry Pie is cranberry dessert heaven.

This sweet and lip puckering tart combination is completely irresistible! My whole family LOVES this coffeecake as a Christmas morning treat. If you can’t decide whether to make cake or pie for your holiday celebration, this recipe right here is your answer!

I originally heard about Nantucket Pie on PINTEREST and then it kept appearing on Facebook, so I finally broke down and made some. The first batch was horrible – too dry and chalky! I then altered the recipe to keep the cranberry layer from the original recipe, but used the cake recipe of a Boston Cream Pie for the cake portion.

You just simply pour the cranberry filling into a pie pan and top it with the batter. The magic happens when you invert it after baking. And don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or FRESH whipped cream.

CHRISTMAS CRANBERRY COFFEECAKE aka NANTUCKET PIE serves 6-8
This recipe yields enough batter for a layered 8 or 9 inch layer cake, 24 cupcakes or a 9 x 13 inch cake. Recipe can be easily halved.

Prep time 20 minutes
Cooking time 25 minutes
= Total time 45 minutes

FILLING
2 cups FRESH cranberries
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon dried orange peel
 ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

Preheat the oven to 350°.
Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pan. Set aside.
Combine the filling ingredients and stir to combine making sure cranberries are well coated in sugar.
Pour into two generously buttered 9 or 10 inch cake pans.

3 cups sited AP purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup neutral oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 LARGE eggs
3 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1 cup WHOLE milk

In a bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt until well combined.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla and sugar, whisking for 1-2 minutes on medium speed until the mixture has slightly thickened and lightened in color.
Whisk in the oil.
Add the flour mix and milk to the eggs and sugar mix in alternating batches, starting and ending with flour mix. DO NOT over mix.
Divide batter evenly between cake pans over the cranberries and bake at for 25 – 28 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. DO NOT over bake.
Cool completely in an airtight container.
Serve warm with FRESH whipped cream, vanilla ice cream and/or a dollop of FRESH cranberry sauce.
Enjoy!

NOTES:
FRESH cranberries are best, but frozen work also.
If you do not have a 10″ pan, a 9″ pan will work, but it will need to bake 5-10 minutes more.

COOKING THURSDAY ~ CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE ~ 2026 BLOG 365.8A

CHOCOLATE CARROT CAKE Yield:12 servings

In a small bowl pour rum over raisins and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
Line two 9-in. round baking pans or 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper; grease and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the carrots, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended.
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into carrot mixture until blended.
Drain raisins of excess rum.
Fold pineapple and raisins into cake batter.
Pour into prepared pans.
Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
Beat in the powdered sugar, cocoa and vanilla until smooth and WELL blended, light and fluffy.
Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with half of the frosting.
Repeat with remaining cake layer.
Sprinkle with nuts and chocolate chips.

NOTE: If the frosting is too thick, mix in milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a spreadable consistency. If the frosting is too thin, you can either mix in more powdered sugar or place in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up slightly. 

BLOG 365.5 ~ HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY ~ week 1 of 2026 ~ MENUS & RECIPE LINKS

Be sure to join Happy Homemaker Monday with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

LAST WEEK RECAPPED

Happy New Year! Here we are again starting a fresh new year, yet it’s really just another Monday. I always get a bit turned around with what day is what when the holidays fall in the middle of the week, but I’m looking forward to getting back on track this week.

I ordered new footlocker totes with wheels to reorganize some Christmas decorations into and they arrived early, but I’m just not ready to take down the tree, so they sit here empty for now, at least until Wednesday or so.

I’m not one for making resolutions, but I am one for being organized and have plans in place. I’m going to once again do BLOG 365. It will be year 4 for me 🙂 I’m also planning on an even more organized approach to this year. Of course I’ll do Happy Homemaker Monday like always since it’s my cornerstone for being grounded to the week ahead, but in order to stay on track for the WHOLE year, I am going to assign different tasks to specific days, similar to what I did last year, but even more organized. All my recipes will post on Thursdays for Cooking Thursday, Sundays will continue to be for inspirational thoughts, Wednesdays will be funnies or wordless pictures and Tuesdays will be my day for some tutorial ideas, etc… The beauty of this method is that when I have some down time, like rainy or snowy days, I can pre-schedule multiple posts like recipes and such that don’t require same day thoughts. And my word for this year? PROGRESS. In everY possible aspect of my life and world; tangibly, spiritually, physically, psychologically, emotionally, technologically etc… I need to make progress. And I have the faith and belief that 2026 is just that year to make it happen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

THE WEATHER OUTSIDE

We’re still waiting for the other shoe to drop around here and announce that winter has arrived. The last time we got too complacent with a mild winter, Mother Nature walloped us with SNOWMAGGEDON, so we’re careful what we wish for since then. This week will be somewhat wet with highs in the high 40’s to low 50’s and lows not too far off in the high 30’s. That said, it’s still layer weather.

TO DO, APPOINTMENTS, DVR/TV & PROJECTS

THIS WEEK’S

TO DO LIST, PROJECTS, TRAVEL, APPOINTMENTS, MENUS & DVR/TV

LAUNDRY & CLEANING My friend posted this funny for New Years and I have to admit it made me laugh A LOT 🙂 and fortunately I did NOT do laundry that day!
GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be heading into town in a bit to get groceries and errands accomplished for the week.
PROJECTS & TRAVELS We’ve finally decided on a trip. February 1st is the anniversary of my cancer surgery and we’re going to go to the coast for my 15th anniversary of being cancer free. We’re actually hoping for stormy nights and clear days to explore the beaches and shops. All our friends have given us suggestions on where to stay, eat and play.
RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m still contemplating this category for the month of February.
DVR/TV We’re still cleaning out the DVR and so many new shows will start this week.
ON MY MIND We’ve been planning a trip in the spring to explore some new far away neighborhoods to relocate to. We have an entire list of reasons why we’re doing this as well as an entire list of criteria for what a new location must have. Once again medical and health care have moved to the top of the list. The area where we currently live has some of the worst health care and longest wait times. Hubby’s primary doctor was replaced last fall by a PA when the primary that he loved decided to retire. This in turn required rescheduling his annual appointment. When that appointment date came around, we received a phone call that the PA was out that day and they needed to reschedule AGAIN! which moved it out another 2 months. The 1st appointment was in early October, the rescheduled 2nd appointment was to be in December and the 3rd once again rescheduled appointment was supposed to be next week, but we received yet another call last Friday saying that the PA has left the practice and we would get a call when they have found yet another replacement ::SIGH:: So an appointment from 3 months ago is yet to be determined. I’m certainly happy it’s not a dire situation. This is truly par for the course with the horrible shortage of decent medical care in this area… Needless to say, we’re anxious to figure this all out.
THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY Snuggling my toes deep into a plush blanket to warm them up, holding my favorite mug full of warm coffee to warm up my fingers, snuggling under a favorite quilt when I wake up in the middle of the night to read a little more…the smell of fresh French toast with REAL maple syrup…

READING TIME

Book club was last Saturday and we FINALLY had a great discussion (so I hear) about a very complicated book, GONE BEFORE GOODBYE by Reese Witherspoon and Harlen Coben. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it 🙂 Not sure if they chose a new book, but I still need to finish the new mystery thriller I started, FORGET ME NOT by Stacy Willingham while waiting on book club to decide.

FUNNIES

MENU PLANS

BREAKFAST is always a work in progress for me – it will generally be hot water and a fruit yogurt 😀

	1/5 MONDAY	1/6 TUESDAY	1/7 WEDNESDAY	1/8 THURSDAY	1/9 FRIDAY	1/10 SATURDAY	1/11 SUNDAY
DINNER	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	BAKED HAM & BEANS	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	CLAM CHOWDER & CRUSTY BREAD	CORN/YOYO clean out refrigerator night or you’re on your own	ASIAN POT PIE with SCALLION PANCAKE TOPPING	HAM & CHEESE QUICHE
DESSERT

FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE CAMERA

I just fell in love with this absolutely gorgeous original “fire painted” copper art piece that my friend bought for her daughter. The picture just doesn’t do it justice. My mom knew we didn’t really “need” anything so she made this fun little money tree for us for Christmas which will help with that trip next month.