Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME – Page 136 – Chasing MY Life WHEREVER it Leads ME

PUMPKIN PINEAPPLE CRUNCH CAKE aka HARVEST DUMP CAKE

Once upon a time this would have been called a DUMP cake, but when I saw a version of it on FaceBook from My Baking Addiction where they called it a Pumpkin Crunch Cake I knew I had to make my own version. This cake epitomizes fall flavors and is wonderful cold or even at room temperature! Don’t forget a dollop of whip cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I made some other modifications for taste and we now call it Pumpkin Pineapple Crunch Cake aKa modified HARVEST DUMP CAKE.

Pumpkin Pineapple Crunch Cake aKa modified HARVEST DUMP CAKE Serves 12-18

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Chill Time: 3 hours Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained WELL)
4 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons PURE vanilla extract
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (apple pie spice works well too)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup golden raisins or currants (currants are my favorite)
1 box yellow or white cake mix
1 cup chopped walnuts divided 3/4 cup + 1/4 cup
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
cinnamon sprinkle

Preheat oven to 350°.
Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugars, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice and salt and well combined and smooth.
Fold in crushed pineapple and raisins.
Pour mixture into prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture, followed by the 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts and use you hands to gently press it into the pumpkin batter.
Evenly drizzle the melted butter over the entire cake.
Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Check your cake. If the top is becoming too brown, cover the cake with a piece of foil for the remaining bake time. Continue baking an additional 15-20 minutes or until set.
Remove pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chill for a few hours before serving.
If desired, top with whipped cream, remaining chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

NOTES:

Even if serving at room temperature be sure to chill the cake first!
If you don’t have any evaporated milk you can substitute 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream.

NaBloPoMo ~ PROMPT CATCH UP DAYS 5-10

Day 5: What kinds of situations do I avoid? This is an easy prompt for me and especially right now with the whole world so worked up by COVID and/or the US election. I AVOID confrontation! I’m a VERY optimistic person and can usually see both sides pretty well. I can find positive even in the worst situations because I believe there is always something to be thankful for.

Day 6: What is my worst fear? Based on the question above, my worst fear is being put in a confrontational position. As I said I avoid those types of situations and I’m pretty easy going, but once I blow – WATCH OUT!

Day 7: How would I want to be encouraged right now? Right now, before and always I like to be encouraged by having those around me acknowledge strengths and accomplishments. I believe in starting any conversation with a positive. My dad taught me years ago that setting the tone for a conversation goes a long way. Even when you have something to complain about, starting positively makes the other person listen to you better. And doing it in a normal voice without arguing and yelling is even better!

Day 8: Why am I doing the things I am doing right now? This question is too open ended to even come up with an answer 😀

Day 9: What gives me great joy? Making others happy, spending time with friends and family, cooking, baking, organizing, quilting, beautiful sunsets, nature…Some of those work even better when done together.

Day 10: What are my most important values? Family, Freedom, Love, Loyalty, Humanity, Kindness, Patience, Integrity…

SPIKED LEMONADE CHICKEN

I adapted this recipe from a postcard I picked up at a farmer’s market. The original recipe called for their Jalapeno wine which is super expensive and only available by mail since I was traveling and a day and a half from home, hence the adaptation. 😀

The recipe originally called for using the grill, but I also adapted it to the oven and we’re quite happy with it.

SPIKED LEMONADE CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied
12 ounce frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
4 ounce can chopped green chilies, DRAINED juice reserved
12 ounces crisp white wine
8-10 strips bacon
1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper

Combine the thawed lemonade concentrate, wine and juice from green chilies in a large ziploc bag.
Add chicken pieces and turn to coat. Marinate 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 375°.
In a large skillet cook bacon 3-5 minutes to render off most of the fat, but so that bacon slices are still soft and pliable. Cool several minutes until cool to the touch.
Line baking pan with silicone mat or foil sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
Drain off marinade.
Lay chicken pieces out and generously season with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
Arrange shredded cheese and green chilies evenly on chicken breasts.
Fold close and wrap each chicken breast tightly with 2 pieces of bacon and secure closed with toothpicks.
Arrange chicken pieces on baking sheet.
Bake 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crisp.
Remove from oven and cover with foil to rest for 8-10 minutes.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 46 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a GREAT week. It seemed long to me, but I know it had to do with the change back to “normal” time. I was able to get the majority of my Christmas shopping done and even wrapped and ready for shipping! What’s left for me to do is all handmade and/or quilted – hoping to get it all done in time.

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

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW & THE WEATHER OUTSIDE, WHAT I’M WEARING & HOW I’M FEELING THIS MORNING BRRRR it’s cold this week. Last night was 26! It looks like the whole week will have highs around 50, lows in the 30’s and 40’s with a serious chance of rain ALL week, making a bone chilling type of cold. I much prefer a “DRY” cold.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

THIS WEEK’S TO DO LIST, PROJECTS & APPOINTMENTS

LAUNDRY & CLEANING
GROCERIES, ERRANDS & finish CHRISTMAS shopping
WORK ON CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HOOKS
PAPERWORK & PHONE CALLS
GET TIRES ROTATED AND 1 LOW PRESSURE VALVE REPLACED – turns out those vale don’t last as long as people think and fail regularly on my car which is unfortunate because they are expensive too!
FUTURE RECIPE RESEARCH & MENU PLANNING
DROP OFF SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREE GIFTS I chose 2-9 year old girls this year and had so much fun choosing gifts and stocking stuffers for them both. 😀 They each requested sheets, but what fun is something so practical for a 9 year old girl? One requested a coat and the other shoes. So I did get the sheets, coat and shoes, but then I color coordinated one in pink and the other in purple. For the stocking stuffers I found some cute ski hats and matching glove sets with 3 different colors of gloves, sets of 4 scrunchies, bath bombs, a Hallmark Christmas ornament, some lip gloss and a brush and compact set.

WHAT’S ON THE DVR/TV

NETFLIX – We started the series Travelers and are a e episodes in.
HULU – Re-watching REBA late nights to go to sleep by – hubby has to end the day on comedy.
CABLE -Baking Championships, Young Sheldon, Amazing Race as well as several prime time shows that are starting again this week. And of course there are MANY recorded Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies to choose from. 😀

I’M READING

SHADOWS & SPELLS Bayou Magic series 1 & 2 by Kristen Proby

FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE CAMERA I’ve been working on some ornament “hooks” that I will be permanently attaching to our favorite ornaments that will make it easier to place the ornaments on the tree by just wrapping the chain around a branch to secure it better. They are also more blingy and will hopefully reflect off the lights for some extra sparkle. This is a thought and work in progress 😀

FUNNY I don’t know about you, but I’m ALWAYS ready for the Christmas spirit!

INSPIRATIONAL

LIFE TIP

HOMEMAKING/COOKING TIP

MENU PLANS FOR THE WEEK

	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
DINNER	Y.O.Y.O. you’re on your own	CHEESY BURRITO CASSEROLE	CREAMY ARTICHOKE SOUP & MILK COFFEE BUNS	APRICOT WHISKEY WINGS & SALAD	CITRUS CHICKEN FRICASSEE & SALAD	REFRIED BEANS BOWLS with HOMEMADE TORTILLAS	C.O.R.N.
DESSERT		PEANUT BUTTER BROWNIES

SUCCESSFUL RECIPE LINKS FROM LAST WEEK

FEATURED PARTY LINKS FOR THIS WEEK

RECIPES TO LOOK FOR THIS NEXT WEEK OR SO

SPIKED LEMONADE CHICKEN
PUMPKIN PINEAPPLE CRUNCH CAKE
updated CHICKEN CONTINENTAL
VINEGAR CHICKEN
BAKED SOUR CREAM CHICKEN

CANDIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

CANDIED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
2 medium acorn squash
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

Cut squash lengthwise into quarters.
Remove and discard seeds.
Cut each quarter into 1/2 inch slices
Arrange squash on shallow baking pan lined with foil.
Cover pan with foil and bake 35-40 minutes until tender.
Combine brown sugar and butter.
Spread over squash pieces.
Return pan to oven and bake another 15-20 minutes, basting occasionally.

PORK GREEN CHILI ala CROCK POT

PORK GREEN CHILI ala CROCK POT
1 tablespoon avocado oil
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
2 pound pork loin, cut into large chunks
3-4 LARGE garlic cloves, minced
1 large yellow onion, diced
8 ounces taco sauce
8 ounce chopped green chilies
1 can ROTEL original fire roasted tomatoes with green chiles
2 teaspoons cumin
1 bunch green onions, chopped or sliced thin (reserve some for garnish)
1 can Bush’s black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can S&W Cattle beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup FRESH chopped Cilantro + a few sprigs for garnish
sour cream, for garnish
shredded cheese, for garnish
GRANDMA Ware’s skillet corn bread

Heat oil in skillet.
Generously season pork roast with FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper.
Add pork pieces to skillet and sear on all sides.
Transfer pork pieces to slow cooker.
Add onions to skillet and saute’ until softened.
Add garlic, green chiles, taco sauce, cumin, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, ROTEL tomatoes and most of the green onions to the skillet, blending well and cooking until fragrant. Add to slow cooker and stir well with pork pieces.
Cook on HIGH 90 minutes.
Lower to LOW and cook 6 hours more until pork is tender.
Add beans and cook another 30 minutes.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, chopped green onions and shredded cheese PLUS your favorite corn bread!

PARMESAN POTATO BAKE

PARMESAN POTATO BAKE
6 LARGE red potatoes
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoons FINELY minced Italian parsley
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoons avocado oil
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 450°.
Slice potatoes with a mandolin on a medium thin blade.
Toss potatoes with melted butter, grated Parmesan, parsley and FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper until well coated.
In a 10 inch cast iron skillet heat avocado oil and make sure the entire skillet is coated with the oil.
Layer potatoes and shredded Parmesan cheese 3 times.
Transfer pan to oven for 30 minutes.
Turn off oven and cover with foil, leaving pan in oven for another 30 minutes.
When ready to serve, invert onto serving plate and cut into wedges.

CARAMELIZED CABBAGE

CARAMELIZED CABBAGE
1 small head green cabbage
1/4 cup butter
FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
8 ounces plain Greek yogurt
4 + 1 tablespoons Italian tomato paste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 350°.
Whisk together the yogurt, 4 tablespoons tomato paste, red pepper flakes and garlic. Set aside.
Cut cabbage in half through the core. Cut each half into 4 quarters.
Melt butter in cast iron pan.
Place cabbage quarters in hot butter and season with FRESH ground salt and pepper.
Sear well on each cut side.
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1/2 cup water.
Add tomato water mixture to pan.
Place pan in oven and bake 30 minutes.
Remove pan and spread a layer of tomato mixture over cabbage pieces.
Return pan to oven for 10-15 minutes more until cabbage is tender.

NaBloPoMo Prompt CATCH UP for days 1-4

I got a bit of a late start so am jumping in here doing 4 days at once. These prompts are from PINARTWORK. I have several things that I will be posting over the next several days so will probably do the prompts several days at a time.

Day 1: If I didn’t feel shame or fear, what would I do now?

This is a difficult prompt for me. I tend to be a sensitive and empathetic type with a conscientious so can’t even imagine any scenario where shame and fear didn’t exist so cannot even fathom an answer to this question.

Day 2: If this was my last day, would I be satisfied with my life?

I would be satisfied that I’ve always tried my best, but as I think most would agree at my age there are always still many things I’d like to accomplish in this life. Having dreams and goals is what keeps me moving forward.

Day 3: How would I like people to remember me when I am no longer here?

I would LOVE to know that I was remembered for being someone who inspired others to do there best and be better people than they were before they met me. My niece Amber sends me the sweetest messages, usually when I need to hear them the most, that remind me that I was there for her when she needed it. My connection with her is beyond special and VERY precious to me.

Day 4: What if everything is as it should be? How would that make me feel?

At any given moment I choose to believe that everything happens for a reason AND is as it should be. These thoughts of course assume that I’ve made the right decisions on any given day and listened to my instincts.

WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

How do you define peace?

I define peace by the absence of conflict, drama and or too much to do 😀

November 3rd is Election Day in the US of A, but did you know it’s also National Sandwich Day? Let’s vote, shall we? egg salad or tuna salad? chicken salad or grilled chicken on a bun? peanut butter and jelly or a bagel with cream cheese? turkey and swiss or ham and cheddar? grilled cheese or pimento cheese? roast beef-corned beef-or make mine veggie?

This is a wide open category that depends on the day, where I’m eating and my mood as well as appetite level. From those choices though I pick tuna salad, grilled chicken on a bun, PB&J, grilled cheese and veggie 😀

When did you last say (or feel) ‘no rest for the weary’?

4 years ago while working on the rehab of my grandparent’s place, the House From Hell. The same place that created a HUGE rift with my uncle after he swindled us out of about 75,000 dollars, my health, 3 years of our time and quite a bit of faith in family.

This time last year, where were you?

Same day, same time, Same bat channel!

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE SONG, VERSE OR QUOTE FEATURING THE WORD PEACE – This is not necessarily a favorite, but most recently heard.

P E A C E

(Taylor Swift from Hillsong Young and Free Folk Lore Album)
You will stay true
Even when the lies come
Your word remains truth
Even when my thoughts don’t line up
I will stand tall
On each promise You made
Let the rest fade away
There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
Dare anxiety come, I’ll remember that peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep
You will stay true
Even in the chaos
Your word remains truth
Even when my mind wreaks havoc
I will be still
For I’ve known all along
My Jehovah Shalom
There’s a peace far beyond all understanding
May it ever set my heart at ease
What anxiety fails to remember is peace is a promise You keep
Peace is a promise You keep
You are peace to a restless soul
Peace when my thoughts wage war
Peace to the anxious heart
That’s who You are,…
I’ve found peace far beyond all understanding
Let it flow when my mind’s under siege
All anxiety bows in the presence of Jesus the Keeper of Peace
And peace is a promise He keeps

TUESDAY 4 ~ SCHOOL DAYS & PERSONALITY

Welcome to Tuesday 4 which we keep up in memory of Toni Taddeo.

School days help to shape our future personality.

Share a story of your school days that you think may have helped shape who you are today. ALL of grade school helped shape who I am today. I had an incredible small class (I’m still friends with a few kids from then) setting with the same kids in my class for the first 6 years in a rural suburb at a time when teachers were truly respected and believed their success was based on their students abilities to succeed themselves. Rules were followed, discipline was expected and rewards were abundant for success.
Did you have a favorite teacher and what made them special to you? I had several favorites! Miss Suleski and Mrs. Ault were two of my favorites though. I can still remember all their names, even the princpals. 😀
Did you enjoy the rituals of school… new clothing, pencils, notebooks, etc.? Absolutely! Still today ALL office supplies call my name during back to school time. And getting new shoes and clothes in the fall were a special memory.
Did you walk to school or ride the bus? Mainly walked, but there was no school yet in our neighborhood when I started school so we were bused to kindergarten and then in first grade our new grade school opened and we walked from then on. Jr. High and High School were located a couple miles away and we walked mostly, but the bus was available and I used it during inclement weather time.

HAPPY HOMEMAKER & MENU PLAN MONDAY week 45 of 2020

GOOD MORNING I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL week and a good Halloween despite the surreal nature of it during a pandemic. We toyed with the idea of going “dark”, but in the end treated Halloween with care, wearing masks to open the door and serving full size candy and cookies to the 17 trick or treaters we saw. One friend had the Halloween Bat hide special little candy bags in her house and the search was conducted in the dark using flashlights. Another rented a bounce house for her kids and had candy hunt too. Our next BIG challenge as a society will be Thanksgiving.

Personally, I can’t wait for Tuesday to be over and pray we can return to some semblance of normal with a renewed faith in our fellow humans and a respect for each other that not everyone has had during this horrific campaign. Here’s a couple funnies to help lighten the mood.