Category: MEMES & LINK PARTIES

MEXICAN STREET CORN LOADED TOTS ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #13

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Dear God, Thank you for dinner time when we pause and reflect on our day. Teach usto love You more, follow You more closely, and be a reflection of You to others. Thank you for our food and all the ways You bless us. Amen.

MEXICAN STREET CORN LOADED TOTS

PICKLED RED ONIONS
1 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 large red onion, sliced thinly

  • Heat the vinegar, sugar, salt and 1 cup water in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.
  • Pour over the onions in a small jar.
  • Let cool completely, then refrigerate.

CHILI LIME CREAM
2/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish 
FRESH ground sea salt, to taste
Zest of 1 lime 

  • Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chili powder, salt and lime zest. Set aside.

LOADED TOTS
One 1 3/4-pound bag frozen tater tots
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
1 pound ground chuck
1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels or FRESH 2 ears corn, kernels removed
1 can rotel tomatoes, drained
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
6 ounces crumbled queso fresco
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped 
1/2 bunch green onions, sliced 
Pickled Red Onions
Lime wedges, for garnish 

  • Preheat the oven to 450°.
  • Place the tots on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Bake until golden and crispy, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile brown ground beef until crumbly and just about cooked through. Drain of excess grease.
  • Add most of the green onions, reserving a few for garnish, and saute’ a minute more.
  • Add rotel tomatoes and corn, stirring to combine well.
  • Remove the tots from the oven and sprinkle evenly with browned beef mixture, all of the mozzarella and half of the queso fresco to cover.
  • Bake until melty, 3 to 5 minutes.

ASSEMBLY

  • Sprinkle with remaining queso fresco and add big dollops of the lime cream.
  • Garnish with the chopped cilantro, green onions, Pickled Red Onions, a dash of chili powder and salt.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice on top and enjoy!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 34 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

With the craziness of the world around us we did cancel our BIG trip that was supposed to begin this week. Our BIG anniver sary will still happen this week though so we were able to find lodging at the coast this week that is reasonably priced, will allow us to be beach bums for a few days while still avoiding crowds and enjoying the surf, sun, cooler temperatures and lack of the heavy smoke in the air that we have been tortured with the last couple weeks. I stocked up on snacks and such so we can be self sufficient. 😀

We weren’t sure yet on Friday if we were going to be able to go though. On Thursday afternoon while I was running errands I stopped at one place, turned off the car and removed the key. Attached to the key was the ENTIRE ignition switch! I was able to put it back in and start the car (SURPRISINGLY). When we went to the mechanic Friday morning (thankfully he was able to fit us in) the part wasn’t available 🙁 He eventually found it and told us to come back around 4PM. By 530PM we were on our way thankfully. $300 poorer, but on our way.

It’s already warmer here right this minutes than it is going to be at the beach all week! I’m going to be in heaven. We’re so looking forward to this trip. 😀 The lows are in line with each other, but the highs will be heavenly at the beach!

Hot water and apricot carrot pineapple baby food squeeze

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING all on hold this week – it will all be here when we get home 😀
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS all on hold this week – it will all be here when we get home 😀
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS all on hold this week – it will all be here when we get home 😀
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING all on hold this week – it will all be here when we get home 😀

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • IT WILL ALL BE THERE WHEN WE GET HOME:D

I have several books loaded and hope to get a lot of reading done this week.

I did get quite a few #RailArt pictures of the #LumberTrain this week, but have yet to finish editing them. I did especially like this #CherryBomb one
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
OUT OF TOWN
OUT OF TOWN
OUT OF TOWN
OUT OF TOWN
OUT OF TOWN
??
??
DESSERT

  • PRETZEL CRUSTED CHICKEN & BEER CHEESE SAUCE
  • LOADED MEXICAN STREET CORN TOTS
  • MAGIC COBBLER aka FLOATING FRUIT CAKE 

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with GRIDDLE POTATO LATKE and GREEN CHILE GRAVY ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #12

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Thank You Lord, for good things to eat, for refreshing things to drink, for the love and laughter we share, for the blessings. You pour on us each day. We love You! Amen.

CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN with GRIDDLE POTATO LATKE and GREEN CHILE GRAVY
CHICKEN
2 LARGE boneless chicken breasts
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup Wondra
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup Panko crumbs
2-4 tablespoons butter (enough to keep chicken from burning~add as necessary)

  • Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts.
  • In a shallow glass pan, pour buttermilk over chicken 1-2 hours prior to cooking.
  • Make sure to coat chicken well and turn at least once during soaking.
  • Drain, but do NOT rinse the buttermilk off.
  • In a medium sized fry pan melt the butter over medium heat. As butter melts and begins to very slightly sizzle, prepare breasts.
  • In a shallow pan mix together the flour, salt and pepper.
  • In another shallow pan whisk eggs until well blended.
  • In another shallow pan add Panko crumbs.
  • One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in flour mixture, then egg mixture and then Panko crumbs.
  • Add to sizzling butter.
  • Cook 4-6 minutes each side depending on plumpness.
  • Keep chicken warm.

POTATO LATKE
2 pounds russett potatoes
1 SMALL bunch green onions
several sprigs FRESH thyme
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
2 LARGE eggs, lightly beaten
3-4 slices crumbled bacon pieces

  • Drape a clean cheesecloth over a colander.
  • Grate the potatoes and onion and place inside the lined colander.
  • Sprinkle with salt, toss and let drain in the sink for 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the potato-onion mixture.
  • Combine with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, beaten eggs, bacon pieces and panko and in a medium bowl and mix to form a pasty mixture.
  • Fold the thyme into the mix.
  • Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on medium heat and allow to heat for 5 minutes.
  • Also, preheat the oven to 350°.
  • Add 4 tablespoons of the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
  • When oil is hot add potato mixture and gently press with spatula to flatten the mixture so it evenly covers the bottom of the pan.
  • Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to oven and bake for 10 minutes. By this time, the latke should be firm enough to flip without falling apart. Transfer the pan to the stove.
  • Place a plate over the pan and carefully invert to flip the latke.
  • Slide it back into the pan and bake for another 10 minutes.

TOPPING
WHOLE milk ricotta cheese
1 green onion, FINELY minced
Juice of LARGE lime
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

  • Whisk everything together until smooth and chill until needed.

GREEN CHILE GRAVY
1 LARGE can chopped green chiles
1 bunch green onions, chopped
Handful FRESH Italian Parsley
couple sprigs FRESH thyme
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons WONDRA flour
2 cups homemade chicken bone broth
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste

  • In a food processor combine green chiles, green onions, Parsley and thyme.
  • Pulse until smooth.
  • In a large sauce pan melt butter over medium high heat.
  • When butter is sizzling sprinkle with flour and whisk until golden.
  • Whisk in green chile mixture and bone broth.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil, reduce heat and simmer until reduced and beginning to thicken,
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 33 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I can’t believe it’s another Monday already. Where did last week go? It was a great week – very productive in many ways. I hope it was a great week for you too!

Besides my normal list I cleaned out and sorted several desk drawers of small bits and pieces and a bedroom closet while looking for something, so it was time consuming, but productive 😀

Due to the current “climate” in the country due to COVID, wild fires etc… AND the sky rocketing gasoline and lodging prices we’re rethinking our trip for this month and instead opted for a few days at the coast to recharge and refresh in cooler temperatures for our BIG anniversary. We’ll take the other trip in September or October.

I’m jumping right in this week in hopes of this week being as productive as last.


The weekend weather wasn’t bad at all, Sunday was especially nice, but we’re inching back into triple digits this week with a little higher humidity and still have smoke in the air. 🙁

Hot water and peach yogurt

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Washer is still down so will make a trip to the laundromat later in the week. Hopefully Whirlpool will have better news this week – we are at their mercy due to the warranty.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS We are rethinking the trip and may do something more local for our anniversary and for just a few days, but I’ll wait until we get back to do any serious grocery shopping. I do have a hair appointment tomorrow.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I still have a list to accomplish.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m working on September now.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX I found a new series, OUTER BANKS, that I’m enjoying.
  • PRIME Hubby found a new series to try, DOOM PATROL about a group of super hero misfits that we’ll try when the price becomes more reasonable.
  • DISNEY+ Turner and Hooch season 1
  • RED BOX We rented the new Billy Crystal movie, Here Today and Angelina Jolie’s, Those Who Wish Me Dead and they were both good.
  • CABLE Finished up the Olympics, Buddy VS Duff, Master Chef. Guy’s Grocery Games, Svengoolie, Nascar, BBQ Brawl 

I started Heather Webber’s The Lights of Sugar Berry Cove

We went to the local county fair last Friday – not bad for being thrown together last minute (they just weren’t sure they were going to do it right up until the last minute this year).

There were certainly fewer of everything – exhibits, animals, vendors…, but what was there was quite good.

One of my favorites was this 4 Her and Future Farmer of America, Sylvia and her twin goats, Kandy Korn and Kettle Korn – she’s holding Kettle Korn. Kandy Korn is brown with black markings and wouldn’t stand still enough for a good picture.

The baby goats were probably my all time favorites. This little guy who decided the food bowl was the best place to sleep was adorable.

But, the cows, horses and pigs were pretty cute too!

I also finished one of my paintings from last week, but think I used too much sparkle in the sand so am rethinking it a little bit and will do some muted touch ups.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SPINACH ARTICHOKE CHICKEN & SALAD
HAM STEAKS, FRENCH FRIES & SALAD
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR OR YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN NIGHT
ENCHILACOS
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR OR YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN NIGHT
CHICKEN DIVINE & SALAD
CHICKEN YAKITORI
DESSERT
MAGIC LEMON CHERRY COBBLER

  • HONEY BOURBON PECAN CHICKEN
  • HASH BROWN TOPPED MEATLOAF
  • PEANUT CHICKEN RAMEN
  • GREEN CHILE GRAVY
  • MAGIC COBBLER – updated FLOATING FRUIT CAKE
  • CHICKEN YAKITORI

CRUST LESS APPLE PIE ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #11

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Fo.r life and love, for rest and food, we thank you Lord, for You are good. We praise  Your name for all You do, for daily help and blessings too. Amen

CRUST LESS APPLE PIE slightly adapted from Ree Drummond

SPICES
2 tablespoons QUALITY ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, but delicious)

  • Whisk together the cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cardamom in a small bowl.

APPLES
3 LARGE Honeycrisp apples, peeled, halved vertically and cored (Granny Smith work well too)
4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 HEAPING tablespoons brown sugar
1 orange, zested and juiced (about 3 tablespoons juice and 2 teaspoons zest)
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup chopped walnut pieces
1/3 cup currants or golden raisins
Pinch kosher salt
QUALITY Honey, for serving
“Vanilla” ice cream, for serving (see notes)

  • Preheat the oven to 400°.
  • Place the apple halves core-side down on a flat surface. Before slicing, place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of them to make sure you don’t cut all the way through.
  • Slice almost all the way to the bottom of each apple half at 1/4-inch intervals, then place them on a sheet pan.
  • Whisk together 2 tablespoons of the butter, 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of the apple pie spice and the orange juice in a mixing cup.
  • Drizzle over the apples, making sure they are well coated and the drizzle goes into the slits.
  • Bake until they are just starting to get tender, about 15-20 minutes.

 

  • Meanwhile, mix together the oats, walnuts, salt, remaining melted butter, remaining brown sugar, orange zest, raisins or currants and remaining apple pie spice.
  • Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples, making sure to get some between the slices without breaking the apples.
  • Bake until the topping is slightly crisp and golden, another 10-15 minutes.
  • Drizzle with honey and serve with ice cream.

NOTES: A local ice cream company makes an absolutely WONDERFUL lemon bar ice cream that is just completely decadent and absolutely perfect for this dish. We actually had this on July 18th (third Sunday in July), National Ice Cream Day!

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 32 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend. Ours was good and quiet. With the excessive heat we have been staying in doors a bit more and watching movies, catching up on some reading and even beginning a couple new paintings. They both need a lot of finishing, beach grass for the beach scene and big sunflowers in front of the barn, small weedy flowers around the barn and the woodwork on the barn itself, but at least the basics are on the canvases. I was hoping to finish one of them last night, but a reaction stole my time. Have I mentioned how much I hate having reactions?

We’re still in the mid 90’s and have been having less wind and higher humidity – both of which are good for the firefighters, but lousy for the rest of us.

I’ve been having way too many reactions and setbacks with the stomach /sugar issues. I’m still hopeful that they regulate themselves, but also realistic that it may never happen 🙁

So, once again it’s hot water and yogurt.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING Washer quit a few weeks ago and it took us a week to get a repairman out to do the warranty work. There are NO repairmen available locally (gotta love small towns during a pandemic) for warranty work so it is always a hassle! The repairman said the motherboard is fried and that there are no replacement parts available. Despite that, WHIRLPOOL has 21 business days (so until August 27th) per the legal ease of the warranty to either find a part somewhere or then decide to replace the machine with a new one. Chances are the part is sitting in a cargo container somewhere just waiting to be unloaded 🙁 Thank you COVID and global supply chain breakdown. So, we went to the laundromat and WOW, just WOW have they gotten expensive!!!!!! I had a week’s worth of laundry to do when it broke down plus 2 more weeks after that!
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m trying to work the menus around the freezer and pantry on hand before we leave on our trip, but still need a few things. There are a couple appointments for hubby also.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I have several of each to do this week.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING Most of the menu and planning is done for before we leave on our trip.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX HOMEFRONT
  • STARZ JERICHO, RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL
  • PEACOCK 100° BELOW ZERO, THE RUN DOWN, JAWS (1975 original)
  • PRIME BRIDGE OF SPIES
  • DISNEY+ TURNER & HOOCH
  • CABLE OLYMPICS, BUDDY vs. DUFF, BBQ BRAWL, BEAT BOBBY FLAY, G3 GUY’S GROCERY GAMES, SVENGOOLIE, a couple HALLMARK CHRISTMAS MOVIES

I started Heather Webber’s The Lights of Sugar Berry Cove

We walked around the pond the other day while it was still early and not too horribly hot yet. There was plenty of wildlife despite the pond level being seriously depleted by the drought 🙁 The geese were amazing though giving me a great show.

We encountered this guy, who I named Wilbur, that for some reason was a couple hundred feet from where he should be and headed away from the water. Not sure how he ended up there, but he had a boo boo on his back and was stuck in the brush so hubby picked him up and got him back near the pond. Wilbur was so thrilled to be back in the water!
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CHICKEN & NOODLES over MASHED POTATOES like grandma used to make
CHICKEN & WILD RICE with HERB SAUCE and GREEN BEANS
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT/ YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
CHICKEN DIVINE & SALAD
SLOPPY JOE POCKETS & CORN ON THE COB
BBQ RIBS & SALAD
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT/ YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
DESSERT
FLOATING FRUIT CAKE

  • CRUSTLESS APPLE PIE
  • BARNYARD PIE
  • BLUEBERRY LEMON or LIME CURD MUFFINS
  • PINEAPPLE CHERRY CRUMBLE

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD – FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #10

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Our Heavenly Father, kind and good, We thank Thee for our daily food. We thank Thee for Thy love and care. Be with us Lord, and hear our prayer. Amen.

SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD
2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin
1 tablespoon KOSHER salt
4 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
2 LARGE shallots, sliced thin
1 stalk celery, FINELY diced
1 Fresno chile, halved seeded and thinly sliced
3/4 cup sour cream
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste 
1/4 cup FRESH chopped parsley (optional)

  • Add cucumbers to a LARGE colander and sprinkle with KOSHER salt. Allow to drain 15-20 minutes.
  • Whisk together the sugar and vinegar into a large mixing bowl until sugar is dissolved.
  • Fold in chilies and green onions. Set aside.
  • Rinse cucumbers and pat dry.
  • Whisk sour cream into vinegar mixture.
  • Fold cucumbers into sour cream mixture tossing to coat well.
  • Season to taste with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour until ready to serve.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 31 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend full of sun and family fun.

Ours was fairly quiet. My main activity was when I spent a few hours Friday making 36 mini pineapple upside down cakes as a dessert for an Eagles Auxiliary dinner on Friday night. My friend made the most wonderful Cobb Salads with grilled chicken. The original plan was for 30 dinners, but the city started their music in the park program that day and we ended up selling 44 salads (many of them to go for the park) so we obviously ran out of dessert. Next time I’ll make a significant amount of extras. I’m sure they won’t go to waste 😀

We did go out for lunch on Saturday after hubby weed whacked the back hill that backs down to the highway as some added safety towards fire season.

We grilled some burgers on Sunday with some FRESH yummy pasta salad, played some Mexican train dominoes, watched some of the Olympics, a few movies and stayed out of the heat (yesterday hit a pretty still 94 degrees) for the most part. There was a nice breeze most of the day EXCEPT in the middle hottest part of the day.

We’re supposed to be under a new “Heat Dome” this week into next. The drought and fires are bad here and getting worse so that’s NOT good news 🙁 We received a notice this week that watering anything besides a food garden is strictly forbidden. We NEED rain desperately! We had a drier than normal winter and spring and now summer has been completely rain free. The creeks, rivers and ponds are sooooooo much lower than normal. Ironically we did have a sprinkler leak that we just fixed and now is obsolete as the system is turned off.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING The washer stopped working on Friday (fortunately it’s under warranty – unfortunately they can’t come until Tuesday 🙁 ) so there will be lots of laundry to do. I need to do a bit of vacuuming and de-cluttering.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I have an early morning appointment this morning with my primary doctor to get the “necessary” by insurance referral to see my ophthalmologist for an eye infection – which really ticks me off because it’s really just a way to generate an office visit for money. Tuesday is supposed to be a pedicure that I’m going to cancel because of the washer repairman. Wednesday is an early morning appointment with the ophthalmologist and then I’ll do the groceries. I also signed up for BUNCO on Wednesday night at the Eagles. Thursday is a POWER RED blood donation for hubby. Since I can’t donate, he donates all that he can for the both of us.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I’m hoping to finish sorting and de-cluttering a pile on my desk and finishing up our reservations for our trip next month.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m going to do a freezer and pantry inventory to work from before our trip. I’ll also do a menu based on what I have on hand.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

I keep falling asleep almost immediately so I’m still reading Jana DeLeon’s newest book, Backrush

But, I’m hoping to finish this week so I can start Heather Webber’s The Lights of Sugar Berry Cove

I’ve been keeping an eye on the neighbors garden while they have been away the past 5 weeks. The flowers are still looking good, but the grapes are beginning to suffer.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
CHICKEN & WILD RICE CASSEROLE & SALAD
ROAST FENNEL CHICKEN & HARISSA CARROTS
COBB SALAD
CORN/YOYO  CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT ~ YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
grilled HAMBURGERS & PASTA SALAD
UNSTUFFED PEPPERS & SALAD
CORN/YOYO  CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT ~ YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
DESSERT
APPLE PIE BARS Molly Yeh

  • CRISPY HOT HONEY WINGS
  • DR. PEPPER CARAMEL BBQ CHICKEN
  • MACARONI POTATO SALAD
  • CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRINKLES

  • BROKEN aka SKILLET C.O.R.N. LASAGNA
  • SPICY CUCUMBER SALAD
  • GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS

ANTIPASTO SALAD ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #9

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER:

Oh, the Lord is good to me. And so I thank the Lord for giving me the things I need. The sun and the rain and the apple seed. The Lord is good to me. Amen.

ANTIPASTO SALAD adapted from Valerie Bertinelli

VINAIGRETTE
2 tablespoons QUALITY red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard  (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chile paste, crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha 
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 
1/2 small shallot, minced 
FRESH ground sea salt and tri-color pepper
3 tablespoons avocado oil 

  • Whisk the vinegar, mustard if using, chile paste, Italian seasoning, shallot and 1/4 teaspoon salt together in a small bowl.
  • Gradually whisk in the avocado oil.
  • Pour into a cruet and shake.

SALAD
4 radishes, thinly sliced (watermelon OR yellow radishes if you can find them)
2 celery heart ribs, thinly sliced 
1 romaine heart, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips 
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips 
1/4 pound provolone, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 
1/4 pound mozzarella balls
1/4 pound Genoa salami, cut into 1/4-inch cubes 
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 
3 tablespoons sliced pickled pepperoncinis
3 tablespoons sliced pickled cherry peppers

  • Combine the radishes, celery, romaine, iceberg, provolone, salami, tomatoes, pepperoncinis and cherry peppers in a large salad bowl.
  • Toss with the vinaigrette and serve immediately.

NOTE:

  • I like to add a generous drizzle of a QUALITY balsamic glaze.
  • I also like to refer to this as a kitchen sink salad because I use up whatever is in my crisper bins and deli drawer 😀

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 30 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Ours was productive and quiet and I can’t say that upsets me. An “unplugged” and “down” day soothes me A LOT lately.

Friday and Saturday were super productive with errands and lunch out, planning our route for the trip next month, laundry and cleaning so I got caught up on the DVR on Sunday, did some reading and we grilled dinner and virtually nothing else.

For summer, the weather hasn’t been half bad. Unfortunately we are pretty far behind in rain this year and there are way too many fires going in our state.  The Bootleg fire is a couple hours away from us. I read that it is growing 1,000 acres per hour!!!! A friend with the National Guard said his unit is being sent to help along with many others – unfortunately with the drought on top of it and lack of jet fuel they aren’t able to fight these fires like they normally do with aircraft and such 🙁

So the breeze is awesome for us against the heat, but horrible for the fire fighters. 🙁

Hot water and baby food squeeze, Apple, Carrot, Pineapple.

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I was able to get the cleaning and laundry done on Saturday, but there is still some sorting and de-cluttering I’m working on.
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’ll be heading into town for a few errands and groceries today and then I have a haircut on Thursday. Hubby has a doctor appointment Wednesday and I have a painting class Thursday night. I’m also making the dessert for an Eagles dinner night on Friday.
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I have a few things to handle this week and a couple phone calls to catch up on. I also need to make the room reservations for our trip.
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I have the menus made until we leave on our trip next month, but still need to do a bit of research and reworks to do on several of them.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX Virgin River
  • DISNEY+ Finished season 1 LOKI
  • MOVIES Monster Hunter, The Mummy (1959)
  • CABLE The Good Witch, Guy’s Grocery Games, Buddy VS. Duff, BBQ Brawl, NASCAR, Girl Meets Farm, Bobby Flay, Master Chef, Big Bang and Night Court Reruns

I started Jana DeLeon’s newest book, Backrush

My mom’s house backs up to a highway and has a real “dead” spot in the back that is easily accessible because of the way her fence is. So, hubby made her this cute little “Kilroy” was here type sign, just for fun and hopefully scare someone that happens upon it.

Her friend saw it and really liked it, so he made one for her too. We went and installed it on her fence the other day. Her son came home late that evening and went out on the patio for a phone call and just about jumped out of his skin thinking that someone was looking over the fence.

All I have to say is 😀 JOB well done!

I’ve been working on cleaning out my recipe stash and making as many new receips as I can to eliminate the clutter of paper scraps. And our CORN AND YOYO nights have been moved to Fridays and Sundays to accommodate a couple of our schedule changes.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
BAKED GENERAL TSO CHICKEN, RICE & SALAD (REE)
CHICKEN & WILD RICE CASSEROLE (MOLLY)
GRILLED BROCCOLI, GRAPE & CHICKEN SALAD (MOLLY)
LOADED MEXICAN STREET CORN TATER TOTS (MOLLY)
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT/YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
UNSTUFFED PEPPERS & SALAD
CORN/YOYO CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT/YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN
DESSERT
NO CRUST APPLE PIES

  • DR. PEPPER BBQ CHICKEN & POPPY SEED DRESSING
  • GRILLED SPICY LIME PORK CHOPS
  • CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CRINKLES
  • ANTIPASTO SALAD

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN ~ FAITH & FOOD FRIDAY #8

I’m still featuring my Mary & Martha GRACE meal prayer box on Faith and Food Friday, hosted by Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.

THIS WEEK’S PRAYER: Thank you, God, for today I had fun when I (fill in the blank). Thank you for the (fill in the blank) food. thanks you for (fill in the blank). Please help me (fill in the blank). Thank You that You love me SOOOOO much! Amen.

HAWAIIAN CHICKEN
1 LARGE can sliced pineapple
1/2 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 chicken bouillon cube
1 drop red food coloring (optional)
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper
several red, yellow and orange mini peppers, sliced
Asparagus spears, sliced on the diagonal
1/3 cup flour
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons butter
Jasmine rice, prepared

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Drain pineapple, reserving juice and adding enough water to make 1 1/4 cups of liquid.
  • In a medium sauce pan whisk together the pineapple juice mixture, sugar, cornstarch vinegar, liquid aminos, ginger and bouillon cube.
  • Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Boil 2 minutes, whisking constantly.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally.
  • Heat butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Generously season the chicken breasts with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
  • Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
  • Sear chicken breasts on each side 3-4 minutes until JUST cooked through. Keep warm in oven.
  • Add pineapple rings and asparagus tips, peppers to skillet and saute until cooked through.
  • Plate chicken, peppers, pineapple rings and rice.
  • Ladle sauce over top and serve immediately.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 29 of 2021

Be sure to join us for Happy Homemaker Monday and link up
with our host, Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

I hope your weekend was as good as mine was. Mine was very relaxing. We slept in a bit on Saturday, but then had a nice morning at the Car and Quilt show. It was cancelled last year due to COVID, but was back this year. It’s held at a local River Park (the same one that does that amazing light show at Christmas time) so it was beautiful with the cool breeze, grassy area and the river flowing by. There weren’t quite as many cars or quilts as in years past, but you gotta start somewhere.

Sunday was spent watching the NASCAR races and catching up on some older television shows. We grilled some steaks and I made some pineapple upside down cake for dessert. It was so nice that we spent some time just relaxing on the patio and I was able to get quite a bit of reading done. 😀 It felt good to just relax a bit.

We have cooled down considerably and have had an almost regular strong ocean breeze that makes it seem even nicer than it is during the day and we’re cooling down well at night. It’s summer so it’s okay by me. I love having season changes. Unfortunately we also have several fires burning early in the season 🙁

Issues, issues, issues again 🙁 hot water and baby food squeezes are my friend

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS
  • LAUNDRY & CLEANING I did the laundry yesterday, but need to vacuum
  • GROCERIES & ERRANDS I’m working out of the freezer and pantry this week, but do have a few other errands to do in town
  • PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS I’m working my way through the pile of sorting ad filing as well as phone calls
  • RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING I’m good though July and am starting on the first 2 weeks of August. We’re planning on being gone the last 2 weeks of August so I’m not stressing too much on any one recipe.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV
  • NETFLIX Virgin River
  • CABLE Nascar, BBQ Brawl, Guy’s Grocery Games, The Good Witch, Hallmark’s Crashing Through the Snow, The Food Truck Race, Girl Meets Farm, Valerie’s Home Cooking

I just finished A Fire Sparkling by Julianne Maclean and I LOVED it! Just when you thought you had it all figured out she’d toss in a subtle plot change that made so much sense I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought about it before. For some reason I’m drawn to WWII stories that play out in our time.

A Fire Sparkling by [Julianne MacLean]

Now I’m about two thirds through The First Wife’s Secret by Claire Amarti and while they are entirely different stories I’m enjoying it just as much.

I’m still editing the pictures from the car and quilt show we went to over the weekend, but here is one of my favorites. It transported me back to watching the movie Grease. I could just see them racing for pink slips in a car just like this 😀

Since we are in the last half of 2021 – yep, you read that right, I’ve started a Christmas wall hanging using a quilt technique, quilting each square as you go, that I have personally never done before.

And just to punctuate the point:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
DINNER
SALAD with GRILLED STEAK TIPS & LEMON ANCHOVIE VINAIGRETE
CHICKEN FRIED CHICKEN & SKILLET LATKE & GREEN CHILE GRAVY
HONEY HOT WINGS & POTATO SALAD
C.O.R.N. CLEAN OUT REFRIGERATOR NIGHT
ROAST CHICKEN with FRIED POTATOES
BAKED GENERAL TSO CHICKEN with RICE & SALAD with POPPY SEED DRESSING
????? something on the grill
DESSERT
PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE & CHERRY PINEAPPLE CRUMBLE

  • CHICKEN THIGH FRICASSEE
  • PEA & BACON SALAD with FRENCH DRESSING
  • HAWAIIAN CHICKEN