Cooking For A Billy

Winebottle to Pumpkin

2011-09-27T09:08:00.001-04:00

It's amazing what my neighbor can make from a wine bottle. This was her latest creation she gave me last Halloween. Pretty clever huh?

Looks like she took a green wine bottle, spray painted the body orange and left the top green. Added some black paint for the eyes and mouth and added a raffia bow. Why didn't I think of that????

Beef and Black Bean Chili

2011-07-07T09:29:00.000-04:00

I went to yard sales this past weekend and have to admit it was the worst day ever for finding junk. I had my $20 yard sale cash in my pocket and was ready to bargain shop and after wasting a half a tank of gas I came home with a small wicker table, a white pitcher from Pier 1 and last but not least..... 2 COOKBOOKS! For those of you who know me know I am cookbook obsessed. Turns out one of them actually had a recipe I found interesting and decided to give it a try Saturday night. My quarter was well spent.

(Adapted from Prevention's Quick and Healthy Low-Fat Cooking Cookbook)

Beef and Black Bean Chili

Chili Puree
1 chipotle pepper (I used the canned ones with adobo sauce)
1 cup beef stock
1/2 cup diced sweet red peppers
1/4 cup diced onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds ( I used ground cumin and you may want to use less and add more later if needed)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Beef and Black Bean Chili
1 teaspoon olive oil
12 oz beef tenderloin, cubed ( I used sirloin fillet)

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 cup diced onions
1 cup diced tomatoes ( I used canned tomatoes)
1 cup beef stock
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

To make the chili puree: In a food processor combine the chipotle pepper, stock, red peppers, onions, garlic, oregano, oil, cumin and cinnamon. Puree and set aside.

To make the beef and black bean chili: In a Dutch oven over medium high heat, heat the oil for 2 minutes and then add the beef. Cook until no longer raw looking, about 3 minutes. Season with the popper and removed the meat from the pan. Add the onions and tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes. Add the stock, beans and chili puree. Mix well and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the reserved beef and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more.

** The original recipe called for 2 chipotle peppers and that is what I added but it was a tad spicy even for me so I added sour cream to mine and it cooled it down and tasted great. Enjoy!

Thrifty finds

2011-06-14T13:22:00.000-04:00

I love summer and summer activities.... like yard sales and thrift store shopping. I took Friday off this week and my intent was to clean my house for a cookout on Saturday but I got side tracked and I spent the day hopping from the thrift stores to the consignment stores to the Goodwill stores. What a fun day and I found some really neat and cheap items. Take a peek.

I can't believe I found this. I had just looked at one at Amazon and was seriously considering buying it but the $42 price tag said hold off.... and I'm so glad I did cause this little gem was only $7.98 at the consignment store. Yay me!

I found this at a yard sale on Saturday morning.... It just screamed BUY ME! So I did. The girl having this sale had at least 35 designer purses and all of them were $35 or less. She had Dooney and Burkes, a small Coach bag, and Kenneth Cole ones. I think she was purse obsessed but I don't care... I made out.

Stir-Fried Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables

2011-02-23T10:55:00.000-05:00

I am always looking for recipes for left over pork and this one was a keeper.

1 cup diced cooked pork tenderloin
6 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp. cornstarch
2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp minced fresh gingerroot
3 tbsp canola oil
1 small onion, diced
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
1 pkg. frozen stir fry vegetables ( you can also use fresh veggies like broccoli and snow peas)
1 tbsp water

Stir Fry Sauce- In a small mixing bowl combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, sugar and gingerroot. Set aside.

In a cast iron skillet or wok over high heat, add 3 tablespoons canola oil and cook onion, mushrooms, carrot and frozen stir fry veggies. Stir quickly and frequently until vegetables are coated with oil. Add water and stir fry till vegetables are tender-crisp. Add diced pork and continue to stir. Pour stir fry sauce over vegetables and stir well for a couple minutes.

Serve over cooked linguine.

Fabulous Fajitas

2011-01-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

I don't know why but when the weather turns cold and everything is brown and gray outside, I loose the desire to cook. I think it is probably due to the fact going to the grocery store is like a trip to the artic. Last Saturday when I went grocery shopping it was actually warmer outside than in the store. The poor cashiers and stockers were bundled up in coats and scarfs and gloves. Geesshhh. I don't know about you but I can't think when I'm cold. Hubbie and I made it thru half the store when he finally said, I'm freezing. So I knew it was cold if he was cold. I did manage to grab a package of skinless chicken breasts while in the store. Not wanting to brave the elements and the cold store again, I decided to try to find a recipe for chicken that I could make with what was in the pantry.
What a great idea that turned out to be. Liquid Smoke is a MUST!

(Recipe adapted from www.ourbestbites.com)

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
2 green or red bell peppers, julienned
1 large onion, sliced thin

Marinade
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 clove garlic, minced
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Place meat in a zip-lock bag, place veggies in another. In a medium bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and whisk well. Reserve 3-4 Tablespoons of marinade for later use. With remaining marinade add a splash to the vegetables (enough for a light coating) and the remaining to the meat. Marinate for a couple hours.

Preheat skillet (Highly recommend a cast iron skillet and I added a little canola oil) Cook chicken for a few minutes on each side until cooked through and remove from pan. Cover with foil and keep warm. Add vegetables and cook until crisp tender. (You may need to add a little oil to keep from sticking). Add chicken to vegetables and continue to cook for a couple minutes. Add reserved marinade. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite fixings.

Cheesy Spicy Rice

2010-07-09T14:36:00.000-04:00

I love rice. I think I love it best as a main course which is probably why when I fix this I eat the whole pan.

1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (15 oz ) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 to 3 dashes hot sauce
1 regular size boil n bag rice- cooked
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese to taste

Saute green pepper and onion in 1 tablespoon olive oil until tender, add tomatoes and next 5 ingredients. Let simmer for 5 minutes. Add rice and mix well. Let simmer for about a minute. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Note: Play around with the spices. You may find that more is better. Also I sometimes add a few shakes of red pepper flakes.

Heinz 57 Casserole

2010-06-29T08:47:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe years ago in a magazine or on the bottle of Heinz 57 Sauce. I used to make it on a regular basis but then as things happen....time went by and I forgot how to make it. So I thought surely I could find the recipe online but after hours of searching for it I gave up. One day about a year ago I was browsing thru one of my few cookbooks ( please sense sarcasm here) and there it was. YAY!

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
! Tbsp. oil
2 cups hot water
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1/4 cup Heinz 57 Sauce
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
dash pepper
4 oz. uncooked elbow macaroni, (about 1 cup)

Brown ground beef and onion in oil. Drain off excess fat. Stir in water and next 5 ingredients. Add macaroni, mix well. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until macaroni is tender.

Winnie's Chicken Cacciatore

2010-06-21T11:20:00.000-04:00

Billy Head helped a friend move some furniture last week and they thanked him by fixing dinner for him. He came home and said "You're Italian, right"? I said, "yeah....so" and he said..."then you know how to fix Chicken Cacciatore, right"? "Huh" I uttered. Well, Italian blood is in my veins but I must confess that during my 48 years I have never made Chicken Cacciatore. Thanks to Winnie Schamerhorn and her family recipe.... I have now scored brownie points with my husband and have made him Chicken Cacciatore. Here's the recipe plus my notes:

6 lbs chicken, cut up ( I used a package of breast tenderloins)
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 medium onions, chopped (I used 1 onion- only b/c that's all I had, but 2 would be great)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup oil
2 cups water
1 can (16 oz) tomato sauce
6 tablespoons vinegar
6 tablespoons sugar (this sounded like a lot of sugar for me, so I started with approx 2 and I would add from there, if you like things sweet, keep adding until you get it the way you like it)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

Dredge chicken in flour, salt and pepper and paprika. Saute onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon oil, remove and set aside. Brown chicken in the remaining oil, using as little as possible, until all pieces are browned. Remove and set aside.

Place tomato sauce and remaining ingredients in pan and blend well. Bring to a boil and add onions and chicken. Simmer 40 minutes to 1 hour covered. Serve over pasta. (I used linguine).

Note: Use red wine vinegar instead of cider for a better taste.

Some good ole baked beans

2010-06-21T10:52:00.000-04:00

I've never really followed a recipe when I make baked beans, I just open a can of pork and beans and add a little of this and a little of that.... and they are never anything to write home about. So, I thought outside the box and found a recipe..... what a difference a written recipe makes. (Recipe courtesy of The Shiloh United Methodist Church's Country Cookbook)

Hearty Baked Beans

1 cup chopped onion
1 Tbsp. mustard
1/4 tsp. salt
2 (No. 2) cans pork and beans
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup drained tomatoes (I used the petite diced tomatoes)
3 to 6 slices bacon

Mix all ingredients, pour into a greased casserole. Bake in 300 degree oven for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

And you know the rest..... beans, beans, good for the heart..... beans, beans...... lol

Asian Salmon

2010-04-23T10:43:00.000-04:00

My sister gave me this recipe a long time ago and it is one of the best salmon recipes I have tasted. And to make it even better it's an easy recipe for seafood novices like me.

Enjoy!

2 lbs. salmon filets, with skin
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
pinch of black pepper
2 tbsp. minced onion
1 tbsp. sesame oil

Make several shallow slits in the skinless side of the salmon filets. Place filets skin side down in a glass baking dish.
In a medium bowl. whisk together the olive oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, pepper, onion and sesame oil. Pour the liquid over the salmon, cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove cover from salmon and bake in the marinating dish for about 30 minutes or until the fish can be flaked with a fork.

Desperate Housewives cook?

2010-04-22T10:48:00.000-04:00

I guess the answer is yes.... since I found their cookbook at a yard sale and hopefully it will be worth the 2 bucks I paid for it. Let's see what the gals on Wisteria Lane eat. Hmmmm....Shopping Bag Chicken sounds interesting. Maybe it will make it to my table on Woodlawn Circle this weekend. (Just make sure you use a paper bag, not plastic)

4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and cut into quarters (about 3/4 lb)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 links sweet or hot Italian sausage, cut into 1 1/2 inch lengths
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
one whole chicken, cut into pieces
3 small zucchini, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch rounds

1. Preheat oven to 425, Toss the potatoes together with the olive oil in a large roasting pan. Season with salt and pepper and toss again. Mix in the sausage pieces and scrape the potatoes and sausage toward the center of the pan.

2. Put the thyme, oregano, paprika and 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into a brown paper bag, Stir the spices and spread them out in a more or less even layer over the bottom of the bag. Trim any excess fat from the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Add them to the bag, crimp the top to seal it tightly and shake the bag to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. Arrange the season chicken pieces skin-side up around the edges of the pan. Roast 15 minutes.

3. Add the zucchini to the center of the pan and stir to mix with the sausage and potatoes. Be as fussy (or not) as you like now and the next time you stir the vegetables. Turn them one by one to brown each piece evenly or just give them a big stir. Roast 15 minutes.

4. Stir (or turn) the vegetables and sausage one more time, keeping them in the center of the pan. Roast till no trace of pink remains at the thickest part of the chicken, about 20 minutes.

5. Remove the chicken to a serving platter and scatter the vegetables and sausages around it. Depending on the chicken and sausage, you may want to make a brief pit stop on a paper towel lined baking sheet to drain the meats and vegetables before putting them on the platter.

My almost "REDNECK" wedding

2010-04-20T09:12:00.000-04:00

People who know me well know that my neck turns red when I'm A) mad, B) excited or C) nervous. It's one of those things that just happens and as hard as I try I have no control over it. Dealing with this for as long as I can remember, I certainly expected to have a "REDNECK" (beside Alan) at my wedding last Sunday. Needless to say, I was definitely items B and C.

Maybe love does cure all that ails you...cause guess what... I had no redneck. See...

not before...

Not during....

And not after...

Champagne Salad

2010-03-22T09:11:00.001-04:00

My neighbor across the street is a very talented lady. She keeps her yard nicely manicured, she decorates for every season, she makes the neatest crafts and come to find out, she is a great cook too. She came over yesterday to check on our bathroom repair that her husband is helping us do and she mentioned that she was trying a new recipe called "Champagne Salad". Well with a name like that... I had to know more. "What's that?" I asked. So she told me all the good stuff that went in it and all the time I was thinking I need that recipe. The men were at a stopping point and decided to take a break to let the adhesive dry. So she and her husband went home for most of the afternoon. When he returned I asked him if his wife had made the salad yet and his eyes widened and a smile lit up his face and he said, Yeah, it is really good. Hmmm... just what I needed to hear. Now I knew I needed that recipe and I told him so. A couple hours later my phone rang and it was my salad making neighbor asking me to come over and get the recipe and some salad to boot. Yipeee. And he was right... this stuff is GOOD. Try some.

Champagne Salad

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
1 (15 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (10 ounce) package frozen strawberries with juice, thawed
3 bananas, sliced (cover with pineapple juice till ready to use)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Add the pineapple, whipped topping and strawberries and mix well with a mixer. Stir in bananas and walnuts with a spoon.
Pour into a 9x13 dish. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours or overnight. Cut into squares to serve. Return unused portion to freezer.

Pimiento Cheese

2010-02-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

I love just about anything with cheese and years ago I was blessed with tasting REAL homemade pimiento cheese. Mrs. Marsh was the Pimiento Cheese Queen and used to bring the staff of Perry Pools the best DARN pimiento cheese ever. I have tried several times to make it myself with no luck but a couple of weeks ago I gave it another shot and do believe I've come up with a close contender.

Grandma Knowlton's Pimiento Cheese

1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 6 oz)
1 1/2 cups (packed) finely grated extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (about 6 oz)
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup diced, drained pimiento peppers from a jar, roasted red peppers or piquillo peppers (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Mash with fork to blend well. Season with salt and pepper. Cover; chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 3 days.

I have discovered the secret to good pimiento cheese- DUKES Mayonnaise- It really does make a difference. So splurge and get some.

Spaghetti Salad

2010-01-06T14:33:00.000-05:00

I first tried this stuff years ago when I worked at another job. A co-worker brought it to a company holiday lunch we had. It was so good, I couldn't quit eating it. I asked her for the recipe and she said to buy McCormick's Salad Supreme and the recipe was on the back of the bottle. I did and I make this stuff often. It's so good.

Spaghetti Salad

1 16 oz box thin spaghetti
1 16 oz bottle Italian Dressing
1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
1 small red onion, diced (I usually use white)
1/2 to 1 cup green or red pepper, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
2 small tomatoes, diced
4 tablespoons McCormick Salad Supreme

Cook spaghetti in salted water according to directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Chop veggies and place in a large bowl.

Add the Salad Supreme and cooked spaghetti. Mix to combine. Add the Italian Dressing and mix well. Refrigerate for a couple hours and then devour.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T14:05:00.000-05:00

Well it's out with the old and in with the new. Hello 2010 and welcome. Anybody make any really good New Year's Resolutions? Me, well I have a few I'd like to stick with but as the year gets going my good intentions get going too, right out the window. Speaking of window... looking outside makes me want some good HOT soup. Here's my take on a classic. Enjoy!

Potato Soup

5 strips of bacon
4 medium potatoes, washed, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup water
1 15 oz can chicken broth
1 can Cream of Celery Soup
1 cup milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

In a dutch oven, cook bacon strips until crisp. Remove from pan and drain on paper towels. Saute diced onion in reserved bacon grease. Cook till tender. Add chicken broth, 1 cup water and potatoes. Cook till potatoes are tender. Add Cream of Celery soup and 1 cup milk. Continue cooking till heated through. Add cheese and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Laddle into soup bowls and top with crumbled bacon. Perfect for a cold winter night.

Ropa Veija

2009-11-10T12:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday tends to be a busy day around our house. The grandkids and my parents usually come visit. Dinner is often times not thought about till late in the day when I'm tired but NOT last weekend. I was on top of things. I managed to fix Chicken Tettrazini for lunch for the masses at my house and I also filled the crockpot with some dinner fix'ns for Billy Head and I. Of course when I said it was a new recipe, Billy Head automatically turned up his nose. SNOB! But to his antics.... I say HA! It turned out to be really good. Give it a try.

Ropa Veija

3 pounds chuck roast- ( I used a package of stew meat)
1 small or 1/2 large onion, chopped (red or yellow onion)
1 cup chopped celery (or more)
2 medium green peppers, chopped
2 medium red peppers, chopped ( I didn't have any of these so I didn't put them in)
1 package sliced mushrooms (this was my addition, recipe didn't call for it.)
1 can chopped tomatoes (15 oz)
1 small can tomato paste (6 oz)
2 bay leaves ( I only used 1)
2 Tbsp chili powder ( I only used 1 Tbsp)
1 tsp oregano
3 boullion cubes ( I only used 1)
salt and pepper

Preparation:

1) Salt and pepper the meat, and brown it (** I skipped this step)

2) Layer onion and celery on bottom of crock pot (slow cooker).

3) Put meat on top.

4) Drain the tomatoes and save juice. Layer tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms over the meat, along with the bay leaves.

5) Mix the rest of the ingredients together (including the reserved tomato liquid) and pour over the rest of the food. ( ** I thought the the mixture looked rather thick so I added about 1/2 cup water. )

Cook 2 to 3 hours on high, or 5 to 7 hours on low.

I served it over penne pasta or it would be good over rice or shred the meat and fill a tortilla with the mixture.

Stew Season

2009-11-04T10:47:00.001-05:00

The best part of our little hometown is the Brunswick Stew sold at the annual RailRoad Festival. Every year my sister and I make a hurried trip downtown to the vendors selling the "Golden" stuff. We usually wind up buying at least 4 to 5 quarts. After hearing my little grandson ask... "what's in this stuff that makes it so yummy, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

So here we go.... Yummy style Brunswick Stew

Place a small pork roast in the crockpot. Cover with water, add a small sliced onion and about 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce. Cook on high for about 4 hours. Remove meat and shred.

Boil a whole chicken till tender. Add enough water to cover it. Remove the chicken and shred the meat. Leave water in pan. (You may need to add a little more if it evaporates while cooking). Add 1 chopped onion, 3 medium potatoes, diced, and 1/4 cup diced celery. Cook till veggies are tender. Add 1 bag of frozen white corn (I used Private Selection brand from Kroger), 1 cup baby lima beans. Cook for about 10 to 15 min. Add the shredded chicken and pork and two cans diced tomatoes.

Recipe called for a whole bottle of ketchup but I only added about 1/2 cup. I added tomato juice. I just kept adding it and letting it cook down till it got the consistency I wanted. I also added about 4 to 5 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, about 1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce, 2 to 3 drops Liquid Smoke. I also added a pinch of sugar, some salt, pepper, Texas Pete and cayenne pepper to taste. That's about it. You really just have to play around with the spices and tomato juice to get it the way you like it. But according to my daughter and her kids.... It was YUMMY!

Move over Rachel Ray

2009-11-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Last night when I got home from work and took on that nightly question of what's for dinner, I opened the fridge to find smoked sausage calling my name. Now please understand this is NOT my meat of choice and I only buy it to satisfy Billy Head's craving for meat. Okay, now what? What to do with smoked sausage. And grilling was out of the question since it was cold out and I didn't feel like braving the elements. This is where the "Move over Rachel Ray" part comes in.... I grabbed that hunk of sausage, some potatoes, onions and whatever else jumped out at me and I began... my own RECIPE. Yeah, I don't have many original recipes in my arsenal but I guess you have to start somewhere, right?

1 package smoked sausage, cut into bite size pieces
2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 green pepper, cut into strips
1 package grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash or grill seasoning
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste
olive oil
Balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place sausage and veggies into a baking dish. Sprinkle with seasonings. Drizzle with olive oil (enough to coat veggies). Cook at 400 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add a splash of Balsamic vinegar and return to oven for another 5 to 10 minutes.

I wound up broiling the dish for a few minutes to get the sausage crispy. Billy Head likes his meat crispy or sometimes burnt. No problem for me. I like to burn things. He commented that this was very good. Next time I may add some cabbage wedges to the mix.

Halloween Crafts with Nana

2009-10-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

I must be getting old.....cause for some strange reason this year I am actually looking forward to Halloween. I even decided to do Halloween crafts with the grandkids. Just so happened that Saturday Greta was not feeling well so I had the kids with me most of the day. To keep them entertained we made ghosts.

See!
Carson wanted hers to have eyelashes.....I guess those are the Girly Girl Ghosts.

And I don't know what Hunter's were.... He just wanted to mark on my place mats.

And this little gobblin, well he just wanted to eat the lollipops. What a sticky mess!!!

With the remaining lollipops we were able to make these.....

Halloween Ghosts

These are super easy to make.

Blow Pop lollipops ( or the big Tootsie Roll Pops)

1 box of tissues (2 for each ghost)

Black, orange and white curling ribbon

A black marker

Take 2 tissues and cover the lollipop, tie the curling ribbon around the neck part of the ghost. Draw a face on the ghost. I purchased some witches pots at Factory Card Outlet and put some green floral foam in the bottom. Then I placed the stick of the ghost into it and filled around the ghosts with some shiney package stuff from the dollar store.

Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas

2009-10-29T09:25:00.000-04:00

I was rushing out of the house this morning and I decided to grab a stack of recipes I had laying on the desk. In that stack was this.... and I think it will make it to my "can't wait to try" list for this weekend.

12 chicken breast halves, skinned
1 teaspoon salt
2 (10 oz) packages frozen chopped spinach
1 cup diced onion
1 Tablespoon butter, melted
1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
3/4 cup milk
3 (4 oz) cans diced green chilies, drained
3 (8 oz) cartons sour cream
3 cups (12 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
16 flour tortillas

Place chicken in a Dutch oven; add salt and water to cover. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 40 minutes or until tender. Remove chicken and let it cool slightly, Bone chicken; dice and set aside.

Cook spinach according to directions; drain well, and reserve 1 cup spinach broth. Set aside.

Saute onion in butter in Dutch oven until tender. Stir in spinach and chicken, set aside.

Combine soup, reserved spinach broth, milk, green chilies, sour cream and half of the cheese in a bowl; mix well. Stir half of the sauce mixture into chicken mixture. Reserve remaining sauce.

Spoon chicken mixture evenly down center of each tortilla; roll up tortillas and place seam side down into 2 lightly greased 13x9x2 inch baking dishes. Spoon remaining sauce over tortillas. Bake uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, bake an additional 5 minutes.

The Finished Kitchen

2009-10-23T08:41:00.000-04:00

Whew.... it's finally done. Well as done as it's gonna get for now. I still have to paint the ceiling. I know, I should've painted that first but I sort of have a reputation for doing things a little backwards. Just ask Billy Head. I'm sure he would be glad to fill you in on my defects.

Moving right along, this is the view which shows the new open wall plus the new position of the refrigerator. We pushed it back about 18 inches and moved the wall into the living room that much too.
This is the new living room. Almost complete. Still need to get some art work for the walls. And I need to take a picture of the new ceiling fan that Billy Head and his friend finally installed.

This is the view of the eating area. We installed new windows, floors, light fixtures, granite counters, new cabinet hardware and painted the walls and cabinets.

Oh, I forgot to mention we did a new backsplash...but maybe that's a good thing. Long story but I'll say this..... I'm NOT a Happy Camper!!! Maybe one day when my boat comes in, I'll get it redone. But for now it will have to do. I try not to look at it when I'm cooking, that way the rest of the remodel makes me smile.

All ready for dinner.... anybody want to join me? And please bring take out.... I don't want to mess up this clean kitchen.

Meatballs

2009-10-20T11:42:00.000-04:00

I must admit, I admire people who take their blogs seriously and post something everyday. I wish I had that in me... but it seems I have commitment issues. Did I just say that.... that sounds more like something Billy Head should say. I won't go there today....instead I'll stick to the subject at hand...MEATBALLS and a new recipe. I can't remember the last time I made or ate meatballs. In fact, I don't recall ever making meatballs so I guess that's why I'm excited to post this recipe.

A co-worker loaned me a cookbook a few weeks back and this is one that jumped out at me.

Oven Porcupines

1 lb. ground beef
1/2 cup uncooked regular rice
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup A-1 steak sauce
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. celery salt
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/3 cup water
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix meat, rice and water, A-1 sauce, onion, salts, garlic powder and pepper. Shape mixture by rounded tablespoons into balls. Place meatballs in an ungreased baking dish 8x8x2 inches. Stir together remaining ingredients, pour over meatballs. Cover with foil, bake 45 minutes. Uncover, bake 15 minutes longer.

You could also add some grated cheddar cheese to the meat mixture if you wish. These are good served with mashed potatoes.

P.S. Billy Head declared this a keeper.

Turning Six

2009-09-28T11:34:00.000-04:00

Carson Elizabeth Williams is my first-born grandbaby. She arrived in September 2003 and she is my NINE baby. Her actual birthday is 9/9 and this year she added a nine.... 9/9/09 and to top it off..... she was born at 9:09. She knew her Nana needed all the help she could get.... cause as Billy Head is quick to point out..... my rememberer is BROKE!

That's okay though.... I have it all under control. At least for now.

The following are pictures from her little party. And make sure you see the cute little guy named J.T..... that's her BOYFRIEND.

Papa Grey enjoying some birthday cake!

Baby brother Caden enjoying some cake (or should I say wearing some cake)

J.T. is the one in the red shirt with the white hat on.

Carson opening her present from Nana which she just knew was a movie. But little girls don't know it all.... they just think they do. Seems it was a Wii game instead.

Mom and Caden laughing at the birthday girl.

Nanny Grey, the birthday girl and me.

The boys.... J.T., Campbell and Hunter.

Carson waiting to blow out the candle.

Caden...... being Caden.

A very hungry Hunter. The first time he had BBQ. He must've liked it cause he asked his mom could he have another one of those things he ate at the party for dinner.

Caden and pepsi..... not a good combination.

Neighbors Laurie and Grayson

Getting things ready for the party.

Chicken Pockets

2009-09-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago a co-worker shared with me a Church Cookbook from her sister's church in Idaho. In it was this recipe for Chicken Pockets. I copied it down and put it aside with my kazillion others I have at home. This past weekend I was in dire need of something new for dinner and decided to give these a try.... of course I had to play around with it and as it turned out... they were pretty darn good.

3 to 4 chicken breasts, cooked and diced or shredded
4 oz. Cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. chopped onion (Or grate it if you wish)
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ tsp. onion powder
½ tsp. garlic powder
2 cans Pillsbury refrigerated crescent rolls
¼ cup butter, melted

Soften cream cheese in a medium bowl, combine with cooked chicken, onion, cheese and seasoning. Open cans of crescents, pinch perforated edges together to seal the dough. In the center of each rectangle, spoon about 1/8 of chicken mixture. Fold over each side of the dough rectangle to form a pillow shape. Pinch both ends closed. Brush melted butter over each chicken pocket. Place on baking sheet. Bake 375 for 11 to 13 minutes.

Hunter turns 4

2009-08-07T15:39:00.000-04:00

What does turning 4 mean? To a 4 year old it means you're not a baby anymore. As you can see this 4 year old is a BIG BOY. He told his mom she needed to put on her crying tears because he wasn't her baby anymore.

Turning 4 in the middle of July also means a outdoor party with lots of sun, water, sand, kids and pizza. What a good combination. Just take a look at his fun filled party.

Hunter arriving at the party looking so handsome and preppy. That didn't last long because something caught his eye.

And then there were two. (Little brother wanted to play too.)

Until he saw Mom fixing the goodies.

And discovered there was pizza to be eaten.

But Hunter said no pizza for me.....there's too much to do to stop and eat.

And too many presents to open.

But I managed to sqeeze in a hug.

And then there were those that tried to find shade and take it all in.

while little brother Caden was out making friends.

And STREAKING???? WHAT???? (He fell down in the sand, and I told him to "Shake it off" but I guess he thought I said "take it off" which he did without hesitation and loved every minute of it.

And when you're naked and someone is trying to catch you .... of course you run to the play house to hide....right???

And in the meantime, Big Sis Carson was becoming a daredevil on the trampoline. Leaving her clothes on. She's a good girl!

But the main attraction was....

THE SLIP n SLIDE.

which grew....
and then grew some more.

Let the slipping and sliding begin...

Uh Oh....what's a slip n slide without a pile up.

or two?

Sometimes it just sucks being the "Little Kid" when the big kids won't let you play. Don't worry Caden. You'll be big soon and then you can show them.

Oh to be a kid again and have a summer birthday. I'm JEALOUS!! Happy Birthday my sweet BIG BOY HUNTER!

And then there was SPACE

2009-06-12T08:39:00.000-04:00

We've been in our house now almost 10 years and from day one I have tried to find ways to move this and that and make room to accomodate our need for more space. One small thing always stood in the way of my great ideas.... MONEY! Taking out windows and adding French doors.... taking out a bedroom closet and adding a master bath...tearing down walls and opening up the living space. Well all these were and still are great ideas in my mind but my wallet says.... WHOA Cowgirl! As it turns out one of my ideas actually came to fruition or at least will soon. Billy Head and I agreed it was time to open up the kitchen for more space and give the room we live in the most a more modern look.

This is before...

Green cabinets and black appliances and a very dated and beat up countertop to match a very dated and beat up vinyl floor.

And when the family comes to visit...things are just a little cramped.

So we hired a great contractor named Mike Walker and the project began. It started something like this:

and now it sort of looks like this:

and moving right along....it now looks like this:

Hopefully I will have some more photos to post soon. Right now we're at a stand still because I don't have time to finish painting. Who knows, hopefully this weekend I will get a few hours to get busy. Have a great weekend.

Strawberry Pie

2009-06-12T08:29:00.000-04:00

I made this about a month ago and I've just been to dadgum lazy to post this recipe. So, I've decided to turn over a new leaf today and actually post some things on my blog. This is worth trying if you love strawberries. (Let it be noted that Billy Head turned his nose up at the thought of Strawberry Pie..... but once he tasted it.... well.....let's just say it didn't last long....What a Billy Head!!! He hasn't quite learned not to judge a pie by it's name)

1 unbaked pastry shell (9 inches)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
1 package (3 ounces) strawberry gelatin
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Directions: Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy-duty foil. Bake at 450° for 8 minutes. Remove foil; bake 5 minutes longer. Cool on a wire rack. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until slightly cooled. Meanwhile, arrange strawberries in the crust. Pour gelatin mixture over berries. Refrigerate until set.

Easter 2009 at Nanny Grey's

2009-04-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

Nanny Grey and two of her great-grandkids, Carson and Hunter.

This year my mom volunteered to host Easter Dinner and an egg hunt. I was more than happy to be the invitee instead of the invitor. For some odd reason I have a case of laziness that has lasted all winter and now is hanging around for the spring too.

Mom was a good little Betty Crocker. She had the table set when we got there. She even had a kids table set up. The food was waiting to be eaten and most of the eggs had been hidden by Papa Grey. My only duty was to hide a few additional eggs. I guess that was not too much to ask.

Dinner was really good. She had turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, squash, corn, rolls and banana pudding for dessert. Yummm..... the best meal I had all week. Especially since Billy Head had the stomach bug all week and food had not been a priority at our house.

The Kids Table

Ready, Set, Go...........

The Hunt begins...

The friendly neighbor and Papa Grey

The Spectators

The Final Count

When it comes to Nanny's Easter Egg Hunts... everyone is a winner. All the eggs had money or candy in them. Things sure have changed.....back in the day the Easter Bunny was cheap. (Just kidding Mom)

What beautiful Easter memories.

Random Things About Me- #6

2009-04-01T11:10:00.000-04:00

After some deep thought, I've decided to share this with you.....

Spaghetti is my ALL TIME favorite food!

Over the years some other foods have made their way to my list of favorites and have included Swiss Cheese, Steak, Fried Mushrooms, shrimp, homegrown tomatoes and crab legs. But the one food that remains constant and has topped my list since childhood is good ole homemade SPAGHETTI. I guess it must be that Italian blood that runs thru my veins. Nothing like a plate of slippery noodles covered with tomato sauce.....Speaking of slippery noodles this story just popped in my head.
When I was a child around 9 or 10, my parents had just bought new furniture for our family room and we were not allowed to eat in there. So I begged mom to please let me eat on the new furniture so I could watch TV while I ate. I promised I would be careful and not spill anything, especially not the plate of spaghetti I was about to devour. She finally conceded and told me I better not get anything on the furniture. Famous last words..... can you guess what happened and where that plate of SLIPPERY NOODLES wound up? I'll let your imagination finish the story. I'll add this..... I was in BIG BIG TROUBLE!!!

Random Things About Me- #5

2009-03-31T13:33:00.000-04:00

This is appropriate for today.....

Tuesday's are my least favorite day of the week.

I really couldn't tell you why. But it seems my mood is always a little down on Tuesday. I guess too that on Monday I am ready to face the week all bright eyed and bushy tailed.. (Boy that doesn't sound too flattering does it) and then Tuesday rolls around and what can you say... it's just Tuesday, the day before hump day, the day after Monday..... hmmmm.... what is special about a Tuesday.... Nothing!!! But this Tuesday is almost over. Yippppeeeee. And then it's HUMP DAY. Another day.... another chance for a random reveal.

Random Things About Me- #4

2009-03-30T09:03:00.000-04:00

Monday, Monday. My first day back to work after a much needed five day break. Today I've decided to fill you in on this about me.

I will not use drive-thru windows.

Another sad but true reveal. I have no desire to talk to a box so I go in and place my order or handle my transactions. I have had one teller at the bank ask why I don't use the window and I just laughed and tried to explain my silly (or sick) way of thinking. She just shook her head and laughed too. I also used to only buy gas at stations that would pump it if I happened to be alone and had nobody else to do my dirty work. I used to joke with my son and tell him the reason I had a boy was to pump my gas. Somewhere along the way (probably out of necessity) as my son is now grown and out on his own and full service stations are a thing of the past, I learned how to pump my own gas. YEAH me!!!

CrEASY Rider

2009-03-24T10:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know if these pictures need any words... They speak for themselves!

All I can add is Lord Help Us if he ever gets one of his own.

Random Things About Me- #3

2009-03-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

I really did not know what I was going to reveal today as I started typing this but when I looked down at my hands on the keyboard.... there is was, today's little bit of useless information about me. My hands are chapped and bleeding which leads me to explain this about myself...

I HATE (AND I MEAN HATE) TO THROW UP!

Okay, so I guess you wonder what does bleeding hands have to do with throwing up. Well, all it takes is the mere utter of the words "Stomach Bug" and I start obsessing to the point of making myself sick. Recently we have had several people at work catch that nasty stuff and I have become germaphobic. Everytime I touch something that is germ infested I wash my hands. This can lead to at least 20 to 30 handwashing a day.

Now does it make sense? The more I wash my hands the more chapped they get and the more they bleed. But, in my mind.... better to have bleeding hands than to have the stomach bug. I will be glad when summer comes and my germ obsession subsides a little.

My lovely chapped, cracked and bleeding hands. Beautiful huh?

Random Things About Me- #2

2009-03-23T10:31:00.000-04:00

Today's random thing about me is...

I HAVE A HARD TIME MAKING DECISIONS.

I mention this little tidbit today because I am trying to decide on colors and countertops and cabinets and lights and design for our new kitchen and needless to say it is overwhelming. I am stressing. I went to Home Depot yesterday and got two granite samples. The sales associate was very helpful and handed me 4 idea books to take home and browse thru. I did just that. I spent Sunday afternoon looking at every page and every design.... now I am just as confused as when I started. Billy Head says I complicate the heck out of things. He just doesn't get it. Major decisions require major thought, Right? Although, simple decisions require major thought too. Deciding what's for lunch is an everyday decision but I start thinking about it at 9:00 am so by 12:00 I'm sure I know what I want. Doesn't everybody do that?
Back to my kitchen....What do you think, green/gray or orange/brown granite?

Random Things About Me- #1

2009-03-20T08:46:00.000-04:00

Facebook has certainly made one young man very rich and to think he was just a college kid with an idea to connect with some of this college buddies.... Why didn't I think of that? I guess maybe because my college years were very short lived... one to be exact and most of my friends were imaginary. Anyway, one of the neatest things I've discovered about Facebook is "25 Random Things About Me" Lists. In case you have no idea what I'm rambling about, it works like this. A friend will send you their list of things about them. Once you've received it, you've been tagged. You are then supposed to make a list of 25 random things about yourself and share it with 25 friends. The list can be complex and deep or simple and even stupid. It's fun to make the list but what's even better is reading other's list.

So why am I writing about this.... well, as you can see. I haven't exactly been committed to my blog lately and I really don't have anything life altering to write about so I've decided to reveal myself to you. One day at a time, one random thing at a time. And, I'll make it real simple and call it "Random Things About Me". How creative is that? For 9:15 am on a Friday, hey, what'd ya expect.

So, my first random reveal is...

I love to get mail.

My favorite part of the day is checking the mail box. I know, a little odd but I love getting what I call "Good Mail", you know, checks, rebates, coupons, sales ads, letters from friends, invitations. Bills I consider "Bad Mail" and nothing is more disappointing than opening my beloved mail box and finding BILLS.

When I moved in my house 9 years ago we must have been at the top of our mailman's route because our mail always arrived by 12:00 pm at the latest. Now, for some unknown reason, our mail arrives between 4:00 and 5:30 pm. I have even witnessed my mail being delivered after dark. For someone who is mail obsessed, this is a major problem. And, another not so agreeable kink in my mail routine, Billy Head's work hours changed a couple of months ago so now he gets home 30 minutes before me. No biggy except that means he gets to the mail box before me. URRRGGGGHHHH. If he only knew the agony this causes me. Then again good thing he doesn't or he'd have me attend meetings of "Mail Lovers" anonymous.

Have a great day and I hope you get some "Good Mail" today.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-03-03T12:26:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today my dad turns 73.

In honor of his special day I'd like to share him with you.

Dad is a family man. Here he and mom are at one of the great-grandkids birthday parties.

This was taken on Thanksgiving Day 2008 at my house.

And this is Dad and Hunter at Hunter's 2nd Birthday Party. When the first great-grandchild was able to talk Mom became known as Nanny Grey (because her middle name is Grey) so of course Papa had to be Grey too. So they call him Papa Grey. It makes it a little easier to keep straight since they have more than one Papa.

Dad at Jamerson and Charity's wedding.

Dad at Greta's wedding with his two grandsons, Jamerson and Seth.

This is Papa Grey and the youngest grandbaby Caden.

And here are two Billy's on a couch. Dad and Billy Head.

Hunter and Dad playing trucks.

This is Dad and Greta at her High School Graduation in 2001.

And last but not least, a blast from the past. This is dad, his parents and siblings. Can you guess which one is him?

Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you!!!

Sausage and Bean Soup

2009-03-03T08:47:00.000-05:00

I have prayed all winter for a big snow storm and my prayer was answered on Sunday. Our little city was long overdue a big snow as we had been without the white stuff for years and years. I guess it goes without saying, I LOVE SNOW. And I love it best when it means I get to stay home from work. That's exactly what happened on Monday morning. I got up at my usual 5:30 a.m. to check the news and by golly what did I see..... Lynchburg Sheltered Industries- CLOSED. YIPPEE!!!! I know, I sound like a kid waiting to see if school is closed. Some of us never grow up completely.

So what do people do on a snow day? I'm sure most played in the snow but it was way too cold for that and freezing my buttocks off wasn't what I wanted to do with my day. In my opinion snow is best observed from the inside where it is warm and toasty. See, this picture was taken from my front door. Isn't it lovely?

And I guess some people clean off cars and shovel the walks but not me. That is Billy Head's department. We made a pact when we first starting dating that he would take care of anything outside and maintain the vehicles and my duties were limited to inside chores. Don't let on, but I got the better end of the deal. I get to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I'm not much on fighting the elements. DON'T look too closely at this picture, or you will see my neighbor out shoveling snow. She puts me to shame and gives my inside chore pact a bad rep. Note to self: I need to have a talk with her.

So while Billy Head was out shoveling the sidewalk and dusting off my vehicle ( which as you can see was in desperate need- the sidewalk is buried between the two shrubs)

I was inside thinking of things to do. I came up with a project for Billy Head--Installing our new ceiling fan. Since he was stuck indoors with me all day and rather than listen to me beg and plead for hours on end. He decided to shut me up and install our new fan. Yeah ME!!!

As a gesture of fairness I fixed him a working man's lunch. I was in the mood to cook and decided to create a new soup recipe. Billy Head enjoyed my little creation so much he said..."write this down so you can remember how you made this" I can't image why he would have said this ;) but anyway here goes:

**Let me add, I had cooked a crockpot full of navy beans on Saturday and had some leftover which was the inspiration for my creation.

Sausage and Bean Soup

1 package smoked sausage, thinly sliced

1 small onion, chopped

2 cans beef broth

1 cup frozen corn

1 cup carrots, sliced

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 1/2 cups navy beans (or 1-15 oz can)

In large saucepan, brown smoked sausage in a little olive oil, cook about 8 minutes. Add onion and cook till onion is translucent. Add beef broth, carrots, corn and tomatoes. Cover and simmer about 12-15 minutes. Add cabbage and cook another 10-12 minutes. Add beans and simmer till hot throughout. Season with salt and pepper and a dash of garlic salt. Also if soup is too thick, add a little water to thin.

A visit with Lexi

2009-02-10T10:12:00.000-05:00

Saturday Billy Head and I drove to Virginia Beach to see Jamerson, Lexi and Charity. We couldn't have picked a more beautiful day for a drive. The weather was in the upper 60's. The ride was nice and I didn't even get car sick. Billy Head was pleasantly surprised and impressed. He has come to know when my window goes down, I'm not feeling to swift. Anyhoo, when we got to the house, Lexi was awake and I was surprised she warmed up to us right away. We hadn't seen her since October. She had grown so much and was talking up a storm.

Virginia Beach is full of wonderful places to eat but I had my heart set on some Max and Erma's tortilla soup. So guess where we ate lunch?

Lexi decided an appetizer was in order.... and took one bite....

I am so thankful for my new camera. This was priceless.

She quickly decided to wait for her mac and cheese.

Which she devoured. Plus a bowl of applesauce. She's a good eater.

Leaving Max and Erma's we decided to take a ride to see my sister's new house.

Wouldn't you know I completely forgot to take any pictures but you can see it on her blog http://be4andafter.blogspot.com/ It is beautiful. And I am so happy for her. She is so talented and will have it looking like a show place when she is finished.

After our little sight seeing tour we headed back to Jamerson's house. It was time to give Lexi her belated Christmas and birthday presents. She was so funny when she saw presents. I'm not sure what she was saying but I'm sure she knew what was coming.

She started opening the big one first. She tore one little piece of paper off and handed it to me and said, "Trash", then another little piece..... then another and then she saw the doll inside and off came bigger pieces.

After the doll was out the box nothing else mattered, including the other presents she had to open.

In fact, she took a card and the contents and threw it on the floor. You know, the heck with a card, I have a new baby doll now.

After all the presents were finally opened it was time for daddy to put together the baby doll stroller

with some help from Pappy too.

Sort of reminds me of a joke about pollocks and a light bulb.

With baby stroller assembled it is time for a dance recital. Of course, Lexi is the star dancer and singer too. You should hear her version of the theme song to Two and a Half Men.

All that singing and dancing can make a girl tired and ready for bed.

What a wonderful day!!!

Sweets for my "Sweetie"

2009-01-21T14:07:00.000-05:00

I have no excuse why I haven't posted anything lately. I blame it on pure laziness and maybe a little blame goes to Facebook. My new addiction. It's the best thing since homemade soap. I am amazed that there are only 10 or 11 people from my graduating class listed. C'mon people, get with it! You don't know what you are missing. It's so fun finding out what people have been up to for the past 28 years. Especially if they are like me and stay clear of class reunions. Now, back to my blog, my poor neglected blog.

Billy Head is the type of eater that can eat a full course meal and as he settles in for the night in front of the T.V asks "What do we have sweet?". Well, I try, really I do, when I grocery shop to find something sweet for him. But none of that pre-packaged stuff looks good to me at the store. So I asked him, "what do you eat from the store that is sweet?" His reply, "Mike and Ikes, Hot Tamales, and Almond Joys" Okay, say it with me..... YUCK!

I have decided to cater to my little "Love Muffin" and bake him some real sweets this weekend. On my agenda are the following:

German Chocolate Upside Down Cake

1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
1 package German chocolate cake mix
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup butter or margarine, room temperature
1 lb. box confectioners’ sugar

Grease and flour a 9x13x2” baking pan. Put coconut and pecans in the bottom of the pan. Prepare cake mix according to directions on box. Pour over nuts and coconut. Combine cream cheese, butter and confectioners’ sugar; drop by spoonfuls on top of cake. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.

And if he's nice to me, I may make some Lemon Bars- Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.

The Best Lemon Bars

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 lemons, juiced (or about 6 tablespoons)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium bowl, blend together softened butter, 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm and golden. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1/4 cup flour. Whisk in the eggs and lemon juice. Pour over the baked crust.

Bake for an additional 20 minutes in the preheated oven. The bars will firm up as they cool.

For a festive tray, make another pan using limes instead of lemons and adding a drop of green food coloring to give a very pale green. After both pans have cooled, cut into uniform 2 inch squares and arrange in a check board fashion.

In the kitchen with Nana

2009-01-07T09:08:00.000-05:00

This is my helper. I would say my little helper but he gets defensive if you call him little. He is a BIG BOY after all. He stayed with me a couple days before Christmas while his mom did some shopping. So we decided to stay home work puzzles and bake. We made Sour Cream Banana Bars.

Look at my messy kitchen. I developed this habit when my kids were infants of leaving cabinets open. Silly I know but if you had one that never slept, you'd do anything in your power not to wake him up if he decided to take a nap. And that included not making noise shutting cabinet doors. I guess I should be over that now since that infant is now 24. Okay, if the truth be known, maybe I'm a little on the lazy side too. Anyway, nobody sees my open cabinets but me and now you if you're reading this.

I guess there is no better way to end a baking session than eating. Usually you eat what you bake but he's not a sweet eater. His choice, Campbell's Chicken Noodle soup. Um Um good. That's my little billy.

In Loving Memory

2009-01-06T11:37:00.001-05:00

Jewel Delores Carden Womack

Sunrise

May 21, 1931

Sunset

December 29, 2008

Billy Head and I are experiencing the saddest part of life, the loss of a parent. His precious mother went home to her Heavenly Father last Monday and there are no words to describe the loss.

At her memorial service, Billy Head read the following which I would like to share:

"It would be impossible to describe my mother and all she means to me in these few short minutes we are gathered this afternoon." So I will say this about my mom....

She was a Jewel..... my Jewel. She was a precious gift to our family. She was full of love, acceptance, kindess and most importantly faith. She endured much pain and loss in her life and through it all, she kept her faith. She was my Holy Poly Rolly.

Mom had a kind and gentle spirit which made her a likable little soul. She knew how to laugh and have fun. After all, she had me for a son. I often showed her my love and affection by picking on her. She would just laugh and play along. Don't get me wrong.... she had her limits. When I heard "Alan Dean" I knew exactly what that meant. It was time for me to stop but I would just laugh and keep it coming.

One of mom's favorite things was riding in the car and listening to music. She was the perfect date. She never got car sick, she never said "turn the music down", she never wanted to know where we were going and she never uttered the words "Are we there yet?" If you rode with us you would either gasp or laugh at some of the music I tortured her with. She was a good sport and never complained. Occasionally she would ask if she could hear some of her beloved Elvis.

I am grateful for the time I had to be available with her. I miss and love her deeply."

Visiting Granny and a look back

2009-01-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

My dad and I went to visit his mom, my granny or "Old Granny" as we affectionately call her. It tugs on your heart to visit her. She is 94 and her body shows the frailness that comes from living 94 years. She is not very alert and she mainly eats and sleeps. We visited just after lunch hoping to catch her awake for a few minutes.

She looks so uncomfortable in her chair but I think she knew we were there. At one point she just stared at me.

My dad tried to wake her long enough to open her present. She wasn't impressed with the paper and bow but after she saw it was a box of chocolates her eyes widened a little.....

And she made her choice of not one but two pieces of candy. I knew after two pieces of chocolate she was more than likely very thirsty so we pushed her back to her room for some water and some rest. It is the worst feeling a child or grandchild can imagine watching your loved one age. I think she knew we were leaving as she wouldn't look at either of us when we tried to say good-bye. Talk about heart breaking. I hugged her tight and told her I loved her....knowing this would probably be the last Christmas we have her.

I miss the days when we all gathered at her house for Christmas. Some years there were as many as forty people at her house for Christmas lunch. Those days were so much easier. As a child you don't think about getting older and holiday traditions never changed. Families were together in one place... These pictures are just some of the wonderful memories I have of Christmas' past.

And the best part was having Old Pa with us. He loved Christmas and watching him open his presents was what I loved the most. He didn't care what he received, he just loved opening his presents. He was a good Papa and I miss him dearly. He liked calling the grandkids "Boots". I remember him saying Danny Boots, Patty Boots, Connie Boots and Tony Boots and if your name didn't sound right with "Boots" after it, then you were just "Boots".

I don't remember the taking of this picture but my aunt gave it to me a few years ago when I was making a family cook book. She told me that I received a "Tubsy" doll for Christmas that year which I was proudly showing off. My aunt also informed me that my cousin (standing beside me) was very upset that she didn't get a "Tubsy" too. Funny the things you find out 40 years later. I remember the doll but I had no idea my cuz was a tad bit jealous. I'm sure I was a selfish little brat and didn't let her play with it.

This is the reason I love photos...... MEMORIES.

Santa Billy

2008-12-19T08:16:00.001-05:00

Part time Santa- Full time Billy

And his trusty sidekick.

Settling in for a warm winter's eve.

What a lazy bunch of billy's.

Didn't your mother tell you not to make faces like that.... they might stick.

Whew... it didn't stick.

and this one... well where is his face???

Happy Holidays from my Billy's to yours.

Szechuan Style Green Beans

2008-12-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

I bought green beans last night and came home to fix them using my usual recipe but I couldn't find my recipe (imagine that). And I was too lazy to get online and look it up here on my blog so I quickly glanced in a recipe notebook I have and I found this recipe. It will now replace my old chinese green bean recipe. These are awesome. Try them, I bet you'll love them too.

1 lb. fresh green beans, rinsed, drained and stem end trimmed off

2 Tablespoons soy sauce

1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar

2 teaspoons seasame oil

2 teaspoons sugar

1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot chili flakes

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1 Tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, minced (I used powdered ginger)

1/4 cup onions or shallots, sliced

Balsamic vinegar

Cut beans into 2 to 3 inch lengths. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, seasame oil, sugar, chili flakes and pepper. Place a large skillet over high heat, when the skillet is hot add the beans and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring once, until beans are bright green and slightly crunchy to the bite. This will take 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover and cook until all the liquid is gone.

Add the olive oil, garlic and onions or shallots to the skillet, stir until the beans and garlic are slightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add soy sauce mixture to the skillet, bring to a boil and stir until most of the liquid is evaporated and the sauce thickens and coats the beans, At this point, I add a few splashes of balsamic vinegar. Simmer 2 to 3 more minutes. Pour into a serving dish and serve hot or cool.

Don't count on having leftovers.

Cute as cute can be

2008-12-10T10:55:00.000-05:00

Doesn't this just make your day? It sure made mine. The only thing better would be to see her in person and that's going to happen in the next couple of weeks. I can't wait. For now though, I'm grateful for camera phones and all my little Billy's, near and far.

The taking of the Christmas picture

2008-12-08T10:08:00.000-05:00

Call me an crazy but I had this idea that three little Billy's could sit still and pose for just ONE, I say just ONE Christmas picture.

Oh well, maybe perfection is overrated.

Orzo with Asparagus

2008-12-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

I don't really have a name for this recipe since it was given to me by my sister and we just refer to it as the asparagus stuff. Orzo with Asparagus sums it up pretty good. And I might add, I have not fixed this in eons but I keep thinking about making it soon. I have a package of orzo in my cabinet that stares at me every time I open the door. And I think Orzo with Asparagus..... ooohhhh that sounds good and then I close the door and the thought vanishes. But, alas.... I am making progress. I found the recipe my sister gave me, now all I have to do is buy some asparagus and I will be fixing this very soon.

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 lb. fresh asparagus, (tough ends trimmed away and cut into 1 inch pieces)
1/2 cup orzo
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff)

Saute onion in olive oil, add asparagus and saute for about 5 to 7 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of orzo and toss around with veggies. Add 1 cup chicken broth. Simmer on low or medium low til liquid is absorbed. (You may need to add more broth or water if the orzo is not tender enough). Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

You can also adjust this to serve more by using 3/4 cup orzo and 1 1/2 cups broth.

Over the river and thru the woods.....

2008-12-01T12:59:00.000-05:00

To Nana's house we go.....

Well actually it's up the street and thru the light to Nana's house we go. But who cares, my little billy's find their way to my house. Seems they like sitting around my table gobbling up some vittles.

With belly's full and some to spare, it's home again home again jiggity jog.

An Early Christmas Tradition

2008-11-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

Did you miss me? I didn't think so. I've been busy doing holiday stuff and taking care of a sick Billy Head. Anyhoo, I made time last night to visit the little billy's.

I started a tradition when the first little billy came along of giving them an ornament each year. I've tried to get ones that I can have engraved but that hasn't always worked out. Like this year, I only have about twenty hundred things to get done and shopping hasn't topped the priority list yet. So having explained that, some of the little billy's got Hallmark ornaments this year. Little B #1 got Puppy Love, Little B#2 got a John Deere tractor, and Little B #4 got a choo choo train which I ordered and managed to get engraved. Chalk one up for me. And Little B #3- I have hers ready to give her but I probably won't see them till Christmas.

In case you've noticed there are only two little billy's in the pictures, the third one was all tucked in for the night and I wasn't about to wake him up. Seems the little monkey had quite a day, playing, eating, playing and eating some more..... And oh did I mention, turning over the Christmas tree. Something told me that was going to happen. It's way too much temptation to just look and not touch. Anyhoo, he's fine and tree is back to it's upright position and his ornament is waiting for him to hang in the morning if his mom let's him within 15 feet of the tree. Ahhhhh the joys of little ones.

From across the miles

2008-11-19T09:34:00.000-05:00

Comes more cute pictures of my little grandbaby Lexi (Little Billy #3). Since I don't get to see her very often pictures are the next best thing. These were taken at a Fall festival in Virginia Beach.

I can't wait for the holidays so I can see her in person and take some pictures of my own-with you guessed it.... MY NEW CAMERA!!!

Merry Christmas to ME!

2008-11-14T10:18:00.000-05:00

Each year I start early telling Billy Head what I want for Christmas and by December he's 1) sick of listening to me and 2) can't remember a thing I've named. And I've named so many things I can't remember either. Don't get me wrong, Billy Head has always come through on Christmas morning and had me nice gifts and sometimes they have actually been things on my list. Last year he gave me Dolce and Gabbana perfume which was very nice and there was no complaining.

Back in the Spring I found a great deal on a KitchenAid mixer and after a couple days of hearing me say I really really really want one, he told me to go ahead and get it, the catch was, it was to be my birthday, Mother's Day, Anniversary and Christmas present all rolled into one. "Okay" I said and the mixer was mine.

Since that was months ago and Billy Head's memory has faded I tried again, this time I really really really wanted a Nikon D40 camera and I've only harped on the subject for a couple months but wouldn't you know.... I found a great deal on one. I shared that with him and my mother who also hears my Christmas list ..... and..... and.... and.... they both said go ahead and get it for your Christmas present. YIPEEE.

There is a method to my madness or my manipulation as Billy Head calls it.... If I get the camera before Christmas then that gives me time to learn how to use it so I can take great pictures of my family over Christmas. Makes sense to me.

Now that my little box of manipulation has arrived and I'm all giddy with excitement, wanna guess what I'll be doing this weekend?

Merry Christmas!

Another Birthday to Celebrate

2008-11-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

My baby turns 24 TODAY!!

I didn't plan it this way when I was having babies but my two children have birthdays four days apart. Had I done any planning I WOULD NOT have done it that way. The month of November is hectic enough with Thanksgiving and Christmas shopping and to have two birthdays back to back. Not good. I definitely wasn't thinking.

When the kids were growing up we did the usual type parties like skateworld, putt-putt, Show-Biz, bowling and each year I had to throw two separate parties four days apart. I came to dread the second week of November for this reason.

I only have one video of the children when they were little and this one video happens to be of the one time I did a joint birthday party for my kids at the local skating center. It was a little on the chaotic side with both kids wanting my attention while they opened presents, blew out candles, ate cake and played with friends. I didn't know if I was coming or going. And neither did anyone else. Obviously someone got very confused and handed my son a gift they thought was his. There he was surrounded by a table full of his best buddies and to his horror opened the worst gift imaginable for a 6 year old boy - A Barbie Doll. He was mortified and it's all captured on film. He took that doll and threw it to the girls table. It was hilarious. We never did a joint party after that. Once was enough.

Happy Birthday JT- Mom loves you and I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Oh to be 26 again...

2008-11-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

I can remember years ago a lady I used to work for commenting on the fact that her oldest daughter had just turned 40 and I made the comment that 40 seemed so old. I was a spring chicken at the time, only in my 30's and at that point in my life 40 did seem old. Of course this wise lady replied "wait till you're the mother of a 40 year old". Now there was something to think about. I'm not quite there yet but my eldest did turn 26 on Saturday. YIKES.

She'll be forty before I know it......and then I will be that mother of a 40 year old. Give me a minute ....

Just kidding, getting old isn't that bad and most days I appreciate the maturity and wisdom that comes along with it. Other days I agree with Billy Head that getting old sucks. It just depends on how many aches and pains I'm having as to my feeling on the subject.

Back to my daughter's birthday.

We celebrated her special day at our house with a birthday lunch consisting of some her favorites; chicken tettrazini, broccoli casserole, salad, garlic bread and store bought birthday cake. One lesson I've learned from her, ALWAYS have birthday cake or she will POUT and NEVER let you forget it.

The little Billy's gave her the present I had wrapped for them to give their mom and they watched as she opened it

and then Little Billy #2 asked, "Nana where is her other presents?" I told him there were no more presents and when you get big you only get one present. From the look on his face you would've thought I just told him there was no Santa Claus.

And that Billy in the background is my dad.

I think he likes birthdays too... especially birthday food.

And this billy head, well who knows what he likes....He's just strange.

Lida's Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

2008-11-04T15:04:00.000-05:00

I can't wait to try this. We eat pork a lot around Billyville but for some reason I stick to the same recipes so this is up for testing soon. I found this on another blog http://www.theschellcafe.com/. It was a contest winner.

1 pork tenderloin, about 1 pound
3/4 t. kosher salt
3/4 t. black pepper
4 sprigs fresh thyme (can use 3/4 t. dried)
4 slices bacon
1 T. olive oil
1 white or yellow onion, cut into about 8 wedges
2 carrots, sliced
8 new potatoes

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Pat pork dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 t. of the salt, 1/2 t. of black pepper and the thyme. Wrap it with bacon (no need to secure it with toothpicks). Heat oil in large cast iron skillet over medium/high heat.

Add the pork and vegetables, season with the remaining salt and pepper. (It may seem kind of crowded but everything will shrink and cook down a little). Cook the pork 2 minutes on each side. Stir the veggies around a litt.e Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25 minutes. You may want to turn the pork half way thru and stir the veggies. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes and serve with the veggies.

Southwest Ribeye Steaks

2008-11-04T14:36:00.001-05:00

I love steak...don't you. Billy Head tells me I am insulting the chef when I ask for steak sauce at restaurants but hey I'm a saucy kinda gal. I ask for them all...A-1, Heinz 57, Worcestershire , horseradish and whatever else they have on hand. I think Billy Head wants to hide when I do that but I like sauce no matter how good the steak tastes.

This recipe is just right for a saucy kinda gal.

1/3 cup A.1. Original Steak Sauce
2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chopped garlic
4 boneless beef Ribeye steaks, 3/4 inch thick

Mix steak sauce, horseradish, cumin and garlic. Grill or broil steaks 4 to 6 minutes on each side or to desired doneness, brushing liberally with steak sauce mixture occasionally.

Taco Spaghetti

2008-11-04T08:31:00.001-05:00

It has been awhile since I've tried any new recipes so I found this one in a Better Homes and Garden Pasta cookbook. I told Billy Head what we were having for dinner last night and his response.... "I'm not eating that crap". As usual I ignored his utterings and fixed my new recipe. He managed to clean his plate not once but twice. Lesson here-NEVER listen to a Billy Head when it comes to trying something new.

Taco Spaghetti

5 ounces dried spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, broken up
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
3/4 cup water
1/2 of 1 1/4-ounce envelope taco seasoning mix (2 tablespoons)
1 (11-ounce) can whole kernel corn with sweet peppers, drained
1 cups sliced ripe olives
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
1/2 cup tomato-based salsa
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chili peppers, drained
6 cups shredded lettuce ( I did not add)
1 cup or more slightly broken tortilla chips (I did not add)
1 medium tomato, cut into wedges ( I did not add)
Sour cream for accompaniment (optional) (I did not add)

Cook pasta according to package directions, preferably al dente (firm to the bite). Drain; rinse with cold water and drain again.
In a 12-inch skillet cook ground beef and onion until meat is brown. Drain fat. Stir in water and taco seasoning. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in cooked pasta, corn, olives, half of the shredded cheese, the salsa and chili peppers.
Transfer mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart round casserole dish. Cover and bake in a 350*F (175*C) oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Serve topped with lettuce, tortilla chips and tomato wedges. If desired, top with a dollop of sour cream.

Swiss Potato Torte

2008-11-03T10:47:00.000-05:00

I decided to look in my cookbook collection for some new recipes and I pulled out a book called Award Winning Recipes by the Editors of Favorite Recipes and Irena Chalmers. Sounds good to me, award winning means somebody else has tasted and tested these recipes so they must be good. RIGHT?

This one caught my eye since it mentioned Swiss cheese, my all time favorite food. I'm going to try these very soon and if they are as good as the picture makes them look, they may find their way to my Thanksgiving table.

3 Tablespoons butter, softened
6 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups ( 8 oz) shredded Swiss cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
Chopped parsley and paprika, for garnish

Preheat over to 400 degrees. Generously grease a 2 quart ovenproof bowl with the butter. Alternately layer the potatoes, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper and Swiss Cheese in the prepared dish. Bake, tightly covered for 1 1/4 hours or until the potatoes are tender. Let stand for 1o minutes. Then invert onto a serving platter. Drizzle the warm cream over the top and garnish with parsley and paprika.

Halloween- A Parent's View

2008-11-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I can remember as a child hearing my mother say she hated Halloween. I just could not understand why she felt that way. I mean costumes, candy, kids, pumpkins, ringing doorbells, What's not to like? Not like Halloween, that's just wrong Mom.

Twenty years, two kids, and four grandkids later, I think my Halloween hating mother may know a thing or two about holidays. What's not to like.... okay here goes the list as I remember it as a parent:

1. Rushing home to get dinner fixed before the trick or treaters start.

2. The ringing of the doorbell and the kids arguing over who passes out the candy.

3. Worrying about costumes and then there was the crying and pouting over costumes.

4. Walking around the neighborhood in the cold.

5. Trying to get homework done during this chaos.

6. Trying to limit the amount of candy consumed.

7. Refereeing fights over candy.

8. Trying to enforce bedtime to kids on a sugar high.

Yeah, I think Mom knew what she was talking 'bout. So kids enjoy your Halloween and parents.... Take a deep breath, relax and help yourself to those leftover candy treats. Chocolate makes all things better. And if you're still having a hard time liking Halloween just wait till you're a grandparent. Halloween regains it's likeability. See...

This is what showed up at my house Friday night.

A witch ...

A Reaper named Grim...

And a furry little bat

(An unhappy little bat at that)

And my stressed out daughter.

Halloween

2008-10-29T09:27:00.000-04:00

Halloween is only a couple of days away and I can't wait to see my little billy's all decked out in their costumes. They usually come to my house for their treats and then go thru my neighborhood trick or treating. This will be the first trick or treat night for Little Billy #4. Last year he was only a few weeks old so he didn't get to participate. This year, however, he is walking and ready to go. He is learning something new every day. My daughter called me yesterday to tell me he has learned a new word beside mama and dada. He can say Hunnnnn-Teeerrrr. I heard him say it last night as he was turning his dinner plate upside down and spilling peas everywhere. Apparently he still hasn't quite mastered the eating thing just yet.

Halloween! Halloween!

Oh what SPOOKY things I've seen.

Take a look!

These are my kids when they were little plus an Indian cousin. Oh how time flies!

These two little darlin's are my niece and nephew a few years back.

And this is Little Billy #4 last year just a few weeks old.

These goobers are my son and my niece and nephew. I can't quite figure out what my son was supposed to be. I think he was going thru his gangsta phase and decided he was too cool to dress up.

This cute little mouse is Little Billy #3 dressing up on her very first Halloween.

And these goblins are my billy daughter's crew plus Chris, her main man. (Looks like he is going thru his gangsta phase too). I crack myself up sometimes.

So to all you goblins and ghosts and freaks of the night.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

What's for dinner?

2008-10-28T10:25:00.000-04:00

Isn't that the worst question ever! And if your Billy Head is anything like mine,

he probably is no help at all. When I ask Billy Head what he wants for dinner I get "I don't care" or " anything is fine" or better yet "something simple". This is not an answer. I want a real answer like hamburger steak and mashed potatoes or beef stew and rolls or spaghetti and meatballs with garlic toast. I know men know what they want so why is it so hard to speak up and help answer the question that haunts million of us women on a daily basis. Walking around the grocery store at 5:oo with no idea of what's for dinner is about as much fun as playing in traffic.

Sometimes I wish it was just written in stone like the ten commandments. Thou shall fix fried chicken on Monday, Pork Chops on Tuesday, Meatloaf on Wednesday, Hot Dogs on Thursday, Fish on Friday, Spaghetti on Saturday and Sunday thou shall rest and eat dinner out.

Repeat 52 times and there you have it. A yearly menu set in stone.

Life would be so simple. Boring but simple. With the invention of the worldwide web simple is a thing of the past. I can only imagine how many recipes are posted on the web and how many I have yet to see and try. Oh the choices. I don't do well with choices, the more there are the more time it takes for me to decide. See my dilemma.

Speaking of the ten commandments got me thinking, I wonder what the ladies of biblical times fixed for dinner and if they stressed over what to fix. I'm sure this is one of those questions that will generate a response from Billy Head that goes something like this..."You think too much" or his favorite..."Some of us have real jobs and do real work". Anyway, I didn't wake up thinking about biblical food but now that the thought is there I am curious.

Searching around a little it seems there are actually books written about meals from the bible. I don't think I would spend money on one but here is some free info I found.

There were staple foods consumed by the Jewish people in the Land of Israel during biblical times. They were called The Seven Species and consisted of:
Olives, Grapes, Wheat, Barley, Figs, Dates and Pomegranates. In modern days, only wheat remains a staple.

Looks like women had their work cut out for them. No internet, no Walmart, no microwaves, no kitchenaid mixers and the seven species as staples. And yes I think I was complaining at the beginning of this post. I hate to think that pomegranates would be one of my staples. What does one do with pomegranates anyway beside decorate with them?

Okay I think I have exhausted my quest for knowledge on this subject for now. So back to my original question- What is for dinner? I need an answer or I might sit here all day searching. Help!!!!

Home Alone

2008-10-27T09:47:00.000-04:00

This past weekend Billy Head and members of his mission group attended a silent retreat in Germantown, Maryland. Yes, you heard me right. Silent and Billy Head in the same sentence. Can you imagine that? Seems a bit far fetched to me but he assures me that there is no talking from dinner time Friday night until the retreat ends on Sunday afternoon.

This is the third retreat he has attended since I've known him and each time he comes back saying it was a "powerful" experience. I'm glad he is able to take time away from the hussle and bussle of everyday life and be quiet and focused. I can tell it does wonders for him.

The only bad part of the retreat, I 'm HOME ALONE. I guess you can call me a scaredy cat. I'm okay up until about 11:30 pm and then I get antsy which makes for a long night. My trusty guard dog doesn't exactly leave me feeling confident in his attack abilities. He's only 12 lbs and his bark is surely worse than any bite he could render. And he misses Billy Head when he goes away. He keeps waiting for him to come home and barks all during the night at every noise he hears. This doesn't exactly help me relax hearing him bark knowing he hears something. I hate to see my electric bill this month, I kept every light in the house on all night. Good thing Billy Head was only gone two night otherwise I would need to get a second job to pay for electricity. What do women do who live alone or have husband's who travel a lot? I guess I'd get used to it after awhile but I sure sleep better when Billy Head is home. I used to stay by myself before Billy Head moved in and I wasn't this bad. Yes, I did sleep on the couch every night but at least I did sleep. I think I've become a "wuss" in my old age. No comment please.

If it wasn't for the night time "shaking in my boots" part, the weekend was very relaxing for me too. I didn't know how much I needed some down time until it was sprung upon me. I spent the whole day Saturday trampsing around town looking for the grandkids some winter clothes. I didn't have to look at the clock and rush because somebody was waiting on dinner or needed me to do something. Boy was that nice. Sunday was spent battling a menacing cold but I was still able to go to the grocery store and clean house and do some cooking. I made stir-fry, cheese straws and a pot of navys beans and mac and cheese. Not exactly your typical meal but I was trying to make some things to have to eat on during the week. And pay day isn't till Thursday so my grocery supply is very limited.

I'm glad to report that no boogie men got me and I'm safe and secure until the next time Billy Head decides to desert me.

Happy Monday.

Staff Appreciation Dinner

2008-10-24T08:40:00.000-04:00

Last night we had our staff appreciation dinner for work. So one of my planning projects is complete and everything went well. Our dinner was at Bull's Restaurant and these two friendly faces were our waiters for the evening. They were a lot of fun and did a great job.

Of course the boss decided he would arrive fashionably late so we were all waiting for him to order us some grub. Appetizers I mean.

After the boss arrived and assured us we would soon eat- appetizers that is. He then told us that we could order anything on the menu that was circled. Hmmmm.....I think he better not give up his day job because a comedian he is not. (In case you haven't noticed, we have a boss with a good sense of humor and he is fun to pick on)

Our boss also thanked us all for the great work we do and presented service awards to those deserving employees.

Salads and Dinners were served and I think enjoyed by everyone. There were a few minor mistakes but I guess that is normal with a group as large as ours. Talking was at a minimum during dinner which is a good sign. But it picked up again after dinner when I mentioned giving away doorprizes.

We played a little game which involved me reading the following list of questions and everyone who answered yes raised their hand and received a ticket.

Questions:

Do you have a $5 bill in your pocket or wallet?

Do you have at least one piercing?

Do you have a cell phone with you?

Do you have on white socks?

Do you have more than six pennies in your pocket or wallet?

Do you have on something blue?

Did you order steak for dinner?

Do you have on lace up shoes?

Do you have on a watch?

Do you have on a belt?

Do you have on a ring?

Do you have gum in your pocket or purse?

Do you have a picture of a child in your wallet?
Did you wear or bring in a jacket?

Do you have on a shirt of sweater with buttons?

Do you have a tatto?

Do you have a tissue or handkerchief in your pocket or purse?

Do you have 2 state quarters in your pocket or purse?

Do you have a business card with you?

Are the letters in your last name minus the letters in your first name equal to a number 2 or greater?

After the tickets were distributed each person got to check out the prize table and decide which prizes they wanted to try to win.

The tickets were placed in little cans in front of the prizes and one ticket from each can was drawn to pick the winner.

We gave away a digital photo frame, $20 in lottery tickets, $40 in cash, a $25 Best Buy gift card, a yankee candle collection, Sex and the City DVD with chocolates, and an Indiana Jones DVD with peanuts.

The boss said he had to be home by 8:00 to watch Survivor so our little dinner ended early to accomodate the boss (just kidding). The end.

A very small piece of history

2008-10-22T14:48:00.000-04:00

This is my great-grandfather, Antonio Torricelli. And we know very little about him. My cousin and I have spent numerous hours searching the web hoping to stumble across something that will give us more information. I think we know he did come to the US sometime between 1904 and 1913. There are records for 3 Antonio Torricelli's arriving in the US on the Ellis Island website. My cousin also was able to locate a social security number for one Antonio Torricelli which was obtained in New Jersey and has a recorded date of death as December 1978.

My grandmother had very little information to give us about him. She said he came to the US from Italy and she was named after his sister, Nettie Alice, who died at a young age. He met her mother when he was working on the railroad in Appomattox. They married and had her. He then left, reason is not real clear, but I think he tried to get my great-grandmother to go with him and she refused. She didn't want to leave her family in Appomattox. That is all the information we have to go on. My cousin said she thinks he was in WWI and returned from the war and possibly settled in the PA area.

I would so love to find out more about him and his family. Especially if he remarried and had more children and about his family back in Italy. My grandmother had this picture of him and I hate to think that is all she ever had of him. She was raised by her step-father. What a shame and what a piece of history we'd love to discover.

The makings of a Pappy

2008-10-21T08:19:00.001-04:00

Billy Head is many things to many people. To my grandbabies he is "Pappy". So what exactly does it take to be a "Pappy". Well let's see....

You must be loving...

You must be able to fix things...

You must have a big shoulder...

You must be a good firebuilder...

You must give lots of hugs and kisses...

And you must be a little silly...

Pappy's are special people. Even if they are Billy Head's.

I just love little faces

2008-10-20T11:34:00.001-04:00

Especially on a Monday... and a Tuesday too. And on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And please don't forget Saturday and Sunday. They make me smile each and every day.

Ahhh the weekend

2008-10-17T11:05:00.000-04:00

At long last it is Friday. YEAH!!!

I have a list a mile long of things I want to get done but something tells me it won't happen. Especially since Billy Head is Billy Head and won't do anything until the mood strikes him. So I guess I can forget having my new light fixture installed or buying and installing the new ceiling fan or cleaning out the fireplace or unclogging the sink or anything that would be classified as productive.

So that leaves....the fun stuff, vacuuming, dusting, laundry, grocery shopping and oh yeah cooking. What happened to rest and relaxation. Two days just don't a weekend make. Agree?

I think Obama and McCain should come up with a economic plan that changes the work week as we know it. I think there should be a two day work week and a 5 day weekend. Put that in place and they have my vote. And yes, I approved this message.

Anyway, I am hoping to at least do one week of my October themed planned meals. I had good intentions when I came up with my clever idea but LIFE HAPPENS and suddenly my good intended plans changed. So here is my scheduled menus for the upcoming week.

Soupy Saturday- Brunswick Stew (I wanted to try a new soup recipe but Billy Head informed me that I needed to make stew again cause it was so good last time)

Super-Bowl Sunday- spinach pizzas, bacon- wrapped jalepeno thingies, and sausage balls

Meatless Monday- veggie stir-fry

Tex-Mex Tuesday- Chili and cornbread

Worldy Wedneday- Cantonese Chicken Salad

Thirty Minute Thursday- will have to skip because we have our staff appreciation dinner tonight

Fishy Friday- Still undecided. Fish is fishy and I can't think at the moment.

Anyhoo, that's my tenative plan and it will do unless I play my woman card and change my mind. I am WOMAN hear me roar.

How to make your mother cry

2008-10-16T11:47:00.001-04:00

Just do this!

And this...

and then there's this..

Feel my pain?

Baked Potato Casserole

2008-10-15T09:33:00.000-04:00

I love anything that you mix together and shove in the oven. And casseroles around our house usually mean leftovers or lunch. This combines many of my favorite ingredients and is better than a plain baked tater.

Baked Potato Casserole

5 large potatoes (cooked with skins on and drained)
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (save grease)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (16 oz.) container sour cream
2 bunches of chopped green onions (sautéed in bacon grease)
3/4 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Pour in casserole. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Cheese Straws

2008-10-14T08:11:00.000-04:00

This recipe comes from a cookbook called The 100 Greatest Dishes of Louisiana Cookery. The book says that Creole ladies often entertained at home and had their own individual specialties that they served to guests. You could expect these to be served with a Sazerac Cocktail or a Mint Julip.

They are traditionally spicy so don't skimp on the cayenne. Ah, C'mon you can handle it. Try one, they are addictive.

1 stick butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cayenne
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

In a bowl, cream the butter with the salt and cayemme. Blend in the cheddar and Parmesan. Add the flour and baking powder and work it all together well.

Roll the dough out on a floured surface to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Cut into 1 by 2 inch strips and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 20 minutes or until they are crisp. Makes about 4 dozen.

Store in an airtight container.

Railroad Festival Parade 2008

2008-10-13T13:53:00.001-04:00

Everybody loves a parade!

They just don't like waiting for it...

and waiting....

Okay, had enough, I'm outta here.

Sit tight. Here it comes....

and finally the best part. Grabbing lots of candy from the nice people who throw it to the crowds.

And having your older cousin Lydia around to help you collect your bounty.

And oh it tastes sooooo good.

I'm a Big Kid Now

2008-10-13T10:04:00.001-04:00

Little Billy #2 is trying so hard to be a big boy and he eagerly tries anything his big sissy does. Sometimes that is not a good thing. But Saturday was a big deal for him. At the Railroad Festival he wanted to go down the BIG slide. Last year he wanted to but after he realized how big it was, he turned around and came back. I had my doubts that he would do it this year but he surprised us all. We were waiting in line to get tickets and he said he wanted to slide and we said ok. A few seconds later his mom said..."Where is Hunter" and we all started looking for him. He was with us just a second ago. We looked around quickly for him and Billy Head looked at the front of the long line waiting to get on the slide and there he was. He said he wanted to slide.....forget waiting in line.

Finally when his turn came he took off his shoes and followed his sissy up on the side.

and then.......

Down came a BIG BOY!

Way to go Hunter.

Macaroni and Cheese

2008-10-13T09:46:00.000-04:00

All my little billy's love mac and cheese so this is something I make a lot.
One even licks the bowl.

My granny used to make the absolute best m&c but nobody thought about getting her recipe and now she is 93 and suffers from dementia so the recipe is gone. Anyway this is a good recipe and will do until I find one close to granny's.

1 8 oz package elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

2 Tablespoons butter

2 Tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

2 squirts dijon mustard

1 8 oz block cheddar cheese, shredded

Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat, add flour and stir until mixed (about 1 minute). Add milk and dijon mustard and continue stirring until it starts to thicken. I also season with salt and pepper. Add macaroni and add 3/4 of the cheese. Mix well and then spoon into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese and a few pats of butter. Bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or so or until it starts to bubble.

Have you ever seen a werewolf?

2008-10-13T09:05:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it took me 46 years to see a werewolf but I saw one over the weekend. And he was quite scary. Little Billy#1 saw him too and she thought he was scary too. Seeing him made her hair stand straight up. See!

I was lucky enough to have my camera close by and get a picture of the little werewolf so if you're ready....

Here he is!

Seems this little werewolf was celebrating his First Birthday and was allowed to demolish a chocolate cake by himself.

Glad I wasn't the one cleaning him up.

Eating cake was certainly more fun than opening presents. He wanted no part of it so little Billy's 1 and 2 were glad to help out and open his presents for him.

Toys are much more fun when they are unwrapped.

This Little Billy had a fun filled day and a tummy-ache filled night. I guess that's what comes from eating a cake bigger than you are.

Happy Birthday Caden

Kindergarten and Cooties

2008-10-08T11:06:00.000-04:00

Little Billy's 1,2 & 4 plus my Billy daughter have been staying with us this past week while they wait for their new apartment. I've gotten an ear full from Little Billy #1 over her boyfriend at school. She never talks about any little girls, just boys and one named JT in particular. She tells me she kissed him at school and I told her she was going to get "Cooties" if she kisses boys. That didn't seem to phase her. Kissing in Kindergarten, What is next???

In the words of my cowboy girl Ree.... "Lawsie mercy"..... NO!!!!

Thinking about her growing up makes me want to cry.

She is so sweet...

and pure ....

and innocent ....

Wait a minute....what happened to innocent?

See what kissing boys can do to a girl!

My planning frenzy

2008-10-07T15:55:00.000-04:00

Fall is a busy time of year for me at home and at work. Part of my job at work involves planning employee parties and such. We have 27 staff members and approximately 89 consumers. Currently I am planning a staff appreciation dinner, a Halloween costume judging, a Thanksgiving potluck and a Holiday Party. Whew..... that's a lot of planning.

Here's a breakdown of my plans:

Staff Appreciation Dinner

October 23, 2008

Invitations are done now I am working on door prizes and games. A co-worker gave me an idea of having a few door prizes placed on a table with small bags or cans placed in front of them. Then I think I will have a game where employees can earn tickets (like raffle tickets). The more tickets they earn the better the chance they will have to win. Employees can see the prizes and place their tickets in the bag or can in front of that prize and at the end of the night a ticket will be drawn for each prize. Sounds a little confusing but I think it will work. The game I came up with involves me reading a statement and if the statement is true for them they get a ticket. Ex: If you have on a wedding ring, you get a ticket. It's hard to come up with activities for a large group in a restaurant. So hopefully this will be fun. I'm open for ideas for door prizes besides cash.

Halloween Costume Judging

October 31, 2008

Next is the Halloween party for our consumers. We started this last year and they really enjoyed dressing up and winning prizes. I've done the invitations and invited the mayor to be our guest judge and she has accepted. Yeah!

These are some pictures from last year.

I've still got to make goodie bags for all the consumers and get ribbons and gift cards for the winners. I can't wait to see the costumes they come up with this year.

Next on my list is our annual Thanksgiving Potluck for staff. We do this a few days before the Thanksgiving break. In years past we have done a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner and everybody brought a dish to share but then we realized that we eat the usual turkey and fixin's a couple days later so we don't want to get burnt out on Thanksgiving food. Last year we did a football potluck and staff dressed in their favorite team colors and brought a football food to share or a food related to their favorite team. That was different and we had some good food show up.

This year I'm sort of thinking about a soup and salad potluck. If I go this route I may do a sign up sheet and have only three categories, Soup, Salad or Dessert. Crockpots work well with potlucks and soups are easy to serve in crockpots. Salads are easy to fix, transport and store too. And well desserts are desserts. They are welcome at any potluck. So.... that's my plan and I think I am sticking to it.

Finally in the works is the Holiday Party. This is the BIGGY. I have made progress and picked the date (December 19th) and have two options in mind. The first is a local hotel which has a room big enough to accomodate our 175 guests and they do the food too. Several minor problems are keeping me from going ahead and booking it. First, the floors are carpeted and we need a dance floor which they say they can do. And they have no stage for our DJ. Secondly they are a bit overpriced. But they are close by and transportation is always an issue for us.
The second option is a local club's building. I haven't actually seen the facility yet but I am going to take a look tomorrow night. I like the price of the rental and they do have a dance floor and area for a DJ. I would have to get a caterer to do the food. Only problem with this option is the location and transportation. Decisions, decisions. Hopefully we will make a decision in the next day or two and go with it. Hard part done. Then comes the decorations and invitations which I haven't even thought about yet. I need cheap ideas. Any and all are welcome.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

2008-10-07T15:03:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe in a magazine the other night and decided to give it a try since I have extra mouths to feed this week and those extra mouths are extremely picky. One mouth even said it was the best thing I've made in a long time. Hmmmmm... if tuna casserole is my best dish, I'm in trouble. Anyway it is good for a quick weeknight meal.

2 cups egg noodles
1 can tuna, drained
1 can Cream of Mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen green peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook egg noodles as directed and drain. Drain tuna and place in a casserole dish, add mushroom soup, milk,and peas. Add egg noodles and mix well. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and add cheddar cheese to top and return to oven. Bake an additional 15 minutes.

Dancing with the Stars- My Picks

2008-10-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Well now that Kim Kardashian has left the building I guess Billy Head won't join me on the couch anymore to watch the show. I can't say I was sad to see her go, she has the BOOT-TAY and the looks but dancing just won't her thang. Ok, of the rest I say Cloris will be the next to go, then Rocco, Susan Lucci and Maurice Green. After that I don't know. Maybe Cody and then Lance. My favorites are Brooke and Toni. And Misty May would be my third choice followed by Warren Sapp. I would love to put together the cast for a season. What a fun job that would be. I would have:

Steve Young
Cindy Crawford
Terry Hatcher
Gabriel Aubry
Paula Deen
Taylor Swift
Simon Cowell
Star Jones
Jeff Gordon
Sharon Osborne
Tiger Woods
Ben Affleck
Nancy Grace

Can you tell I'm bored? Who would you pick for a cast?

Curls, Curls and....

2008-09-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

More curls

I love it when my son sends me pictures of little billy #3. She changes so much each week. I last saw her in August and I can't believe how much she has grown in a few weeks and how many curls she sprouted. I hope flat iron won't be in her vocabulary any time soon. I just love to see little babies with curls, don't you?

Hopefully little billy#3 won't be as particular about her hair as her nana. I'm not even sure I should write about this subject as I'm sure to get some "Amen sister's" from more than a few family and friends. And Billy Head... well, I'm sure he will chime in with his two cents worth. I never told him I was high maintenance but I don't think it took him very long to put two and two together. My children picked up on it when they were tots and still tell stories of mom and her hair. My daughter can remember having to wait to go to the pool until mom did her make-up and hair and then there was the time I tried to lighten it and wound up with brassy orange hair. Thank heavens for baseball caps and compassionate hair dressers.

Billy Head arrived late onto the hair scene but he was initiated early on. I had decided to switch hair dressers and try something new. My hair had pretty much been dark with some added highlights and I thought it would be nice to add some light brown color and highlights. I went to the new salon and took my place in the chair. The stylist was nice and I showed her a picture of what I wanted. She said that would look nice and she proceeded to mix up the color. I sat there for what seemed like an eternity nervously waiting my fate. And as if waiting was not bad enough, here comes Billy Head's ex-girlfriend in the salon. Turns out she and my new stylist were best buds. Ex-girlfriend stays the entire time I am processed and when I see my new DO I almost cried. I hated it but everyone said it looked good. I knew they were lying so I went home to wash it several times hoping to wash out this horrendous color. (Horrendous, reminds me of a deadbeat I once married). After I calmed down and convinced myself that it wasn't as bad as I thought Billy Head came over and his comment was..."What the heck (Of course he didn't say heck so use your imagination here) did you do to your head?" I was in tears at this point and through the sobs I told him my bad hair wasn't even the worst part. Then I shared about having to sit in the salon with his ex. That was a bad night and one I'm glad is over. (I've sinced switched salons).

My mother knows the history with me and my hair and she tried to give Billy Head some insight on the situation. She told him that you NEVER tell her that her hair doesn't look good. You just say you like it or it looks good and move on....quickly. Now he won't even acknowledge when I get my hair done. I'll even ask, do you like my hair and he just ignores me as ususal or fuss about the amount of money I spend on my hair. That's okay....I know he's just jealous that he doesn't have hair. It must be tough being bald.

Mushrooms- 2 ways

2008-09-25T15:18:00.000-04:00

I love sh'rooms, don't you? My absolute favorite way is fried but OMG they are a pain to make and they taste so much better at Outback with lots of horseradish sauce for dipping. I just made by self really hungry talking about that. Okay back to mushrooms made at home. Here are two easy recipes I fix often:

Seasoned Mushrooms

1 16 oz. package white mushrooms
1 package Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
1 stick butter

Clean mushrooms with a damp paper towel. Place in crock-pot with the dressing mix and butter. Cook on low for 2-4 hours.

Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms

1 (8 oz.) package white mushrooms
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Removed stems from mushrooms and set aside. Chop stems. Sauté onion and chopped stems in the butter till tender. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese and bacon. Sprinkle mushroom caps with salt and fill caps with bacon, cheese mixture. Place in shallow baking pan and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Kids with Character

2008-09-25T12:32:00.000-04:00

Little Billy #1 was honored today at her school. She was chosen as a "Kid with Character". I'm still not exactly sure what this means but she called me the other night and told me her news. She said she was chosen because she was trustworthy. That means she was allowed to have her family come and have lunch with her on the stage in the cafeteria today. I was touched that she called and asked me to come eat with her at school.

At lunch time today, Little Billy's mom and I went to Mickey Dee's and got the ALL FAMOUS, ALL KIDS HAVE TO HAVE IT, HAPPY MEAL for her and then headed to her school.

It was cute to see so many tiny little bodies walking in straight lines headed to the cafeteria.

And look there is her little buddy Noah (the one in the green).

and this is where little billy #1 eats most days

But today

this is where she ate,

with her Papa and......

her mom and me. (Pappy was sick and couldn't make it. He missed out)

I love my billy's- big and little.

Congratulations our little "Character Exhibiting Kid"

Learning to walk

2008-09-25T08:38:00.000-04:00

Little Billy #4 is on his way to upright mobility. He's so cute. He will turn 1 in a couple weeks and he would probably have been walking way before now except he is LAZY. I've tried to stand him up to get him to walk and he just plunks himself down....and says "Where are my crackers?"

But I have faith that those first little steps are only days away. I can't wait. In the meantime he is happy with helping Nana pick out a few floor.

and trying to get into my purse.

and playing with the remote. What is it about remotes that kids love? I can understand the crackers and the purse.... but what is it about remotes? Must be a guy thing.

Zuppa Toscana (like Olive Garden's)

2008-09-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

Billy Head really means it when he says the honeymoon is over and that means no more date nights. I had to find a recipe for zuppa toscana in order to cope with no more Olive Garden. Must be the Italian blood in me. I found this one at http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/. This soup is almost as good as OG in my opinion. Billy Head thinks mine is better. Hmmmm I think I just figured out why he doesn't take me to Olive Garden any more.

1 lb. spicy Italian sausage, crumbled
1/2 lb. smoked bacon, chopped
1 qt. water
2 (14.5 oz) cans chicken broth
2 lg. russet potatoes, cubed
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 med. onion, chopped
2 cups chopped kale or swiss chard
1 cup heavy whipping cream
salt and pepper- to taste

In a skillet over medium high heat, brown sausage, breaking into small pieces as you fry it; drain, set aside.
In a skillet over medium high heat, brown bacon, drain, set aside.
Place water, broth, potatoes garlic and onion in a pot; simmer over medium heat until potatoes are tender. Add sausage and bacon to pot; simmer for 10 min. Add kale and cream to pot. Season with salt and pepper; heat through.

** I simply this recipe a little by cooking bacon in the microwave. I also brown the sausage in a dutch oven and add garlic and onion once the sausage is almost browned. I cook it until the onion is tender. Then I add the water, broth and simmer until potatoes are done. Next I add the bacon, kale and cream.

Chile Con Queso, Revved Up

2008-09-23T12:46:00.000-04:00

Ree, the Pioneer Woman has become my new best friend (she just doesn't know me yet) and she has the coolest site on the web, http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/. She is multi-talented and boy can she cook. I call her my cowboy girl. Billy Head gets sick of me talking about her and her website. But yet he doesn't mind eating the tasty foods I've fixed thanks to her. Not to long ago we went to a friend's birthday party and I took "Spanish" Green Beans which I found on her website. One of Billy Head's friends loved them and asked him about them. I overheard Billy Head trying to explain where I found the recipe and he finally gave up and asked "What's that website you talk about with the cowboy's"? I guess he really does listen to me sometimes.

Anyway those green beans earned me the title "The Green Bean Lady".

On to the subject at hand. Chili Con Queso, Revved Up. This is another of her recipes that I haven't tried yet but will in the very near future. Go ahead beat me to it. I dare you!

Chile Con Queso, Revved Up
2 lb package Velveeta Cheese
1 lb package Hot Breakfast Sausage (Jimmy Dean, Potter’s, etc.)
½ large onion
1 regular can Rotel (either Regular or Extra Hot, according to preference)
1 7-oz can diced green chilies
1 to 3 finely diced jalapeno peppers, according to preference. (If you like things more spicy,
leave the seeds and white membranes.)
Chop the onion and brown with the breakfast sausage. Drain excess fat so you won’t have a
coronary. Cut Velveeta into cubes and add to warm skillet. Add Rotel and green chilies, and stir
together over low heat until mixture is melted. Add finely diced jalapenos, stir together, and serve
warm with tortilla chips. During serving, Queso needs to be kept warm, either in a fondue pot,
chafing dish, or Crock Pot.
Queso can be frozen flat in Ziploc bags and reheated.

Beef Stew

2008-09-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

This is great for those cold winter evenings served with some crusty bread for dunking. Makes a good lunch the next day too.

2 lbs. stew beef
1 small onion, chopped
4 medium red potatoes, diced
4 carrots, sliced
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can beef broth
1/3 cup red wine
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
salt and pepper

Place first 4 ingredients in crock pot. Sprinkle with onion soup mix. Add tomatoes, beef broth, red wine, bay leaves and spices. Cook on low for 10-12 hours or high for 6-8 hours.

Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

2008-09-23T09:47:00.000-04:00

I love coming home from work and dinner has been prepared for me and waiting to be served. Ahhhhh I love living the privileged life with my butlers and maids and chauffeurs and... and.... and... CROCKPOTS!!!!! This is as close to having dinner prepared for me as I will ever get. Enjoy!

1 box Chicken Flavor Stove Top
2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Prepare stuffing mix according to directions and place in 5 qt. crock pot. Stir in 1 can cream of chicken soup. In a mixing bowl, stir together cubed chicken, 1 can cream of chicken soup and milk. Spread over stuffing in crock pot. Sprinkle cheese over top. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.

Pastrami and Pepper Roll-Ups

2008-09-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

I'm always looking for something out of the ordinary when it comes to appetizers and this one sounds yummy and easy.

1/2 lb. sliced pastrami (from deli)
1/3 cup chive and onion cream cheese spread (from 8 oz container)
1/2 cup roasted red bell peppers (from a jar) drained, cut into 3/4-inch wide strips
Fresh rosemary, if desired

Spread each pastrami slice with cream cheese spread. Top each with roasted pepper piece at one edge, roll up each tightly. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.

Cut each roll into 1-inch thick pieces. Secure each with fresh rosemary or cocktail toothpick.

Note: Before assembling the roll-ups, blot the pepper strips with paper towels so they stick to the cream cheese when they are rolled.

Brunswick Stew

2008-09-22T09:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome Fall! My favorite time of year. In celebration of its arrival I decided to make Brunswick Stew. Billy Head was impressed and said it was the best soup I've ever made. Wow. I did good!

chicken- (recipe called for a stewing hen, but I used a package of breast tenders)
1/4 lb. fatback (recipe said to snip it at 1/2 intervals around edges but I didn't)
3 medium onions, chopped (I only used 2)
2 quarts water
3 to 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (28 oz ) whole tomatoes, chopped (recipe said to drain them but I didn't)
1 package frozen lima beans
1 (17 oz) can corn ( recipe called for cream-corn but I don't like creamed-corn)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sugar
salt
pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper

Combine first 4 ingredients in a large dutch oven; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer until chicken is done (about 45 min to 1 hour). Remove chicken and chop meat.
Add meat back to pot, along with potatoes, lima beans and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer uncovered 20 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or until thickened. Remove fatback before serving.

As you can see I changed the recipe a little to suit me. Recipe also called for an additional 16 oz can tomatoes and a small can corn but I didn't add that either.

Party Plans

2008-09-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that fall will be upon us in less than a week and that means not only colorful leaves and cool evenings but also fall is the time to start thinking HOLIDAYS. We are starting to make plans for our annual Holiday Party at work. Each year we try to provide a really nice lunch and dance for our staff and consumers. We also try to have it off site so we can get away from the work environment. Last year we rented the local Elks Lodge and had our party there.

Many ate.....

and many danced....

and then there were the wall flowers.....

Oh wait, that's Billy Head and a little Billy named "Little" Ray. What a cutie! He's the son of one of our staff members.

As far as this year goes, I have no ideas. It seems the little party has grown into a rather large event and we have a problem trying to secure a facility large enough to handle our needs. So I will be trying to come up with some ideas over the next couple of weeks and get us a place booked and some food lined up. I would certainly be hung at sundown if there was no party and no food and especially if there was no dance.

Wish me luck!

Switch-a-roo

2008-09-18T08:44:00.001-04:00

Riding bikes is the highlight of time spent at Nana's house. These two little Billys decided to shake things up a bit the other night and switch bikes. It worked out ok for Little Billy #1 cause she is older and wiser and more experienced. It was a downgrade for her but Little Billy #2......

Well, he had issues.

First he was riding a pink bike (please don't tell Billy Head, he would turn me in for child abuse)
and second his legs weren't quite long enough to reach the pedals. Challenges aside, he was determined to ride Sissy's bike. I helped him over the hump in the sidewalk and made sure he was steady. I told him to be careful on the hump and he returned my words to his Big Sissy. "Sissy, you be careful right here" I thought that was very sweet coming from the little brother who bites her, hits her, pulls her hair and most upsetting, tears up her Jonas Brother's posters.

I never had a little brother but always wanted one. After raising a little boy and now watching this little guy, what was I thinking? Boys can be downright devilish at times, not to mention gross and rude and nasty and well, you get the picture. I'm glad I had a sister. Although I wasn't quite sure I wanted her some days. She was born when I was 8 so there is a big age difference between us and that meant when I was 16 she was a bratty 8. It really sucked when I got my drivers license. Mom made me drive her places and if I wanted to go somewhere I couldn't go unless she tagged along. That was cruel and unusual punishment if I've ever seen it. She still laughs about it today but it certainly wasn't funny then. You know, teenagers would rather eat nails than be seen with a bratty sister. I love you sis. You're not bratty anymore. Thank heavens and thank heavens there weren't two of you. I would've died having two tag alongs.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2008-09-18T08:44:00.000-04:00

Fall starts next week and here is a good soup to dazzle your taste buds compliments of my sister. She knows her soups.

2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom soup
2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Chicken soup
2 cans Campbell’s Cream of Celery soup
2 cans Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup
2 (15 oz) cans chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 cup Pace medium picante salsa
1 (4.5 oz.) can Ortega green chilies
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red chili powder, more or less to taste
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh, chopped cilantro
4 cooked chicken breasts, cut into small chunks
1 bag tortilla chips
1/2 lb. longhorn style Colby cheese

In a large stockpot, combine and whisk together until smooth all eight cans of soup. Add chicken broth. Add tomatoes, salsa, green chilies, onion, garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper
Bring all ingredients to a full boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour.
Add cilantro and chicken breast chunks. Simmer another hour.
To serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips.

Springtime Quiche

2008-09-17T08:08:00.000-04:00

I love quiche and I don't know why I don't make it more often than I do. This is a really easy one and tasty too. And FYI, real men do eat quiche. And if you have a billy man that thinks he is too macho to eat quiche, you can always change the name to broccoli and bacon pie or springtime delight. Be creative, they'll never know the difference and what they don't know certainly won't hurt them.

1 deep dish pie shell
1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen broccoli, cooked and drained
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cups shredded cheese (swiss or cheddar)
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups half n half
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Bake pie shell at 400 degrees for 3 minutes. Remove and gently prick with a fork. Bake 5 minutes longer. Let cool on rack. After cooling, sprinkle broccoli, bacon and cheese in shell. Beat eggs, add half n half, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Beat well. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Easy Noodles and Beef

2008-09-16T15:19:00.000-04:00

I thought I had lost this recipe and I searched and searched the internet for something similar but nothing came up. As I was browsing the pages of the dreaded green cookbook, I found it. I haven't made this in years so I may have to add this to my menu ideas this week.

1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 can tomato sauce
1 can tomato puree
1 beef boullion cube
salt and pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup medium egg noodles

Cook egg noodles according to directions. Drain. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. Drain grease. Add tomato sauce, tomato puree, boullion cube, sugar, salt and pepper. Fold in cheese and noodles. Transfer to baking dish. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Grandmammma Jewel

2008-09-16T08:59:00.000-04:00

Billy Head, Billy Dean and Grandmammma Jewel.

This is Billy Head's mom, Jewel. Little Billy #1 gave her the name Grandmammma Jewel when she was learning to talk and it stuck. I think she should be called Saint Jewel for putting up with a Billy Head for as long as she has. I'm sure he caused her many headaches and heartaches back in the day but TODAY he is the most caring, loving and devoted son one could imagine. And that's a good thing....because I've been told men who treat their mothers good make really good husbands. Hmmmm......I'm still waiting to see if that's true. He tells me the honeymoon is over but I'm still waiting for it to start. I can't quite get him over that commitment hurdle. I think he needs a good stiff kick in the you know what to get him moving. Know of any butt kickers? I pay really well and can keep my mouth shut.

On a serious note, Grandmammma Jewel is currently being cared for in a wonderful nursing home by a very caring and compassionate staff. Billy Head and I are both grateful for these wonderful people and the great job they do.

Billy Head and Grandmammma Jewel on her birthday 2007.

The Dreaded Green Cookbook

2008-09-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Many moons ago when my kids were little and before the internet took over my life, I used to collect recipes from magazines and write them in this little green book. It became known as the dreaded green cookbook. As you can probably guess my children didn't like change and they didn't like new recipes either. Everytime I tried a recipe from this little book they immediately said yuck. I got to thinking about my little green source of torture yesterday and managed to locate it amongst my expanding collection of cookbooks. As I was browsing thru it's stained and musty pages many memories came back. I can still see the soured expressions and hear the "Awww mom, not the green recipe book tonight." There is one recipe I found in it that actually pleased them both, only because it involved chocolate. So according to my kids, here is the only good thing that ever came from my little cookbook. My Kids.... What billy's!

Hot Fudge Sauce

1 ( 6 oz) package chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
1 (19 oz) can Eagle Brand milk
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In heavy saucepan, over medium heat melt chips and butter with Eagle Brand milk, water and vanilla. Cook and stir constantly until thick(about 5 minutes). Serve warm over ice cream.

My picky eaters back in the day.

My little hometown

2008-09-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

Last night as I was getting ready for bed my phone rang. It was my sister asking what I thought about all the drama happening in our little hometown. I said "what drama?" I was busy all day and didn't have the TV on, or if I did it was of course on the only two channels I ever watch, HGTV and Foodnetwork. So I had no idea what she was talking about. Seems I missed quite a story. Our little hometown isn't known for much other than the surrender location of the Civil War, the Historic Railroad Festival and the Transco PipeLine. And it just so happens that the PipeLine made the news with a bang. Literally.

A hugh explosion took place yesterday morning creating chaos in our little town. Two homes were destroyed and many residents forced into shelters. The good news was no one was killed.

Of the many people effected, one happened to be my ex husband and his wife. Of course it was funny to see him on the news and just for old times sake I had to make fun of him. What are ex's for if not that. After reading the seriousness of the situation I am truly thankful he is okay afterall he is my children's biological father. I'll just leave it at that. Nuff said.

As I mentioned our little town is also known for the annual Historic Railroad Festival which happens the second weekend in October. You must remember this festival(RR Day as it's known to the locals) has been a town event for probably 30 years or more. My sister and her family along with my son and his family make the 3 hour trip every year. My kids think it would be a sin to miss the festival. Although last year my daughter had no choice in the matter. She was in the hospital giving birth to Little Billy #4.

I think she was sick that she had to miss RR Day. I was sick she missed it too cause that meant I got mama duty plus nana duty. Little Billy #1 and #2 went with me to the festival. YIKES.

My son and daughter-in-law and Little Billy #3 waiting for the parade to start.

Little Billy's 1 and 2 and my Billy niece Lydia waiting for the parade and candy to be thrown. They've learned over the years to bring a bag to collect the goodies.

Little Billy's 1 and 2 taking a ride on the ridey thing.

Little Billy #1 on the slidey thing.

Little Billy #2 on the jumpy thing. He was just a tad to small for the slidey thing. Maybe he'll be ready this year.

I had forgotten how much energy little billy's have and how hot it gets on an October afternoon. And this was added by my mom- "Don't forget how much mess you make at my house." It just so happens my mom's house is within walking distance of the festivities and is our hub during RR Day.

My Billy Dad, billy son and Little Billy #3 at my parent's house. I forgot to mention RR Day wouldn't be RR Day without Brunswick Stew. We always make a beeline after the parade to the stew vendors to get several quarts of stew and then go to my parents house to chow down. As Rachael Ray would say. YUM-O.

Anyway they all had fun and we survived. This year my daughter is already making plans for the second week in October and thankfully they don't include a trip to the delivery room. I hope.

Do you look like your pet?

2008-09-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

That's a question I had never really thought about or been asked for that matter. That is until it was brought to my attention by my loving sister, that Cody and I look alike. Gee thanks Sis.

Last time I went to visit her she showed me this picture she had taken Thanksgiving and obviously she had shown it to everybody.

Of course I was the last to see it. Seems that everybody she showed it to laughed and agreed, I should enter it in a Pet and Owner Look-A-Like contest. Billy Head thought it was hilarious so I printed him out a 5x7 and framed it.That was his anniversary present from me. That'll teach him to laugh at us again. Right Cody?

This just reaffirms, I really do have a Billy family.

Do you look like your pet? Or am I just a rare breed? Help me out here!

H Man turns 3

2008-09-12T13:12:00.000-04:00

Call me slow cause I am. But I have faced that reality. Hear that Billy Head, I have!!! Really, I have.

Hunter, Little Billy #2 turned 3 on July 19th and I am just now getting around to posting it here. My stupid camera messed up again on his birthday and most of the pictures I took were blurry. I get so annoyed when that happens and it happens a lot. I continue to drop those not so subtle hints to Billy Head that I really want a Nikon D40 or D60 camera. I've even picked it out and told him where to buy it. But he just stares into space when I talk about it. Pretending not to hear me but I know deep down he's listening. He wants me to think he's not but I know him well enough to know he's messing with me. How'd I get on that subject..... this is supposed to be about H man's birthday party. Okay, now back on track.

He wanted to have his party at Nana's house. And we did. Thank heavens it didn't rain cause there was no Plan B. We set up tables in the front yard

Centerpiece and all. (Tell me I'm not creative)

We filled up the kiddie pool and Pappy assembled the new slip n' slide for all the little Billy's

And the fun began........... Little Billy's played

and played....
and ate......
and made a wish....

and blew out the candles...

and Big Billy's, well they were just Big Billy's.

And as I mentioned earlier. I'm glad it didn't rain. I guess I should say I'm glad it didn't rain much and I'm glad we had all the presents on a table cloth because sure nuff that rain came and we went a scramblin to the house. Cody was a little upset that the festivities moved to his turf. He made sure we knew we were invading his space and positioned himself among the presents.

That's our Cody! A tad bit jealous.

Birthday boy had more than enough help opening his presents but all in all I think he had a great birthday.

I'm sorry for the blurry pictures. Blame can be placed on Billy Head. I NEED A NEW CAMERA. NIKON D40. Ya hear????

Family Pictures

2008-09-11T08:24:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to get a family picture of all the grandkids. Last time we tried was when my son came home in August and it almost happened except Little Billy #1 was in rare form and decided she didn't want to cooperate. So I have 3 of the 4 in that picture and I'm waiting for my sister to send those pictures to me. My camera has a mind of its own and I never know if any pictures will turn out but most of the time they are blurry. Anyhoo.... this is the latest attempt at a family picture. Still I have only 3 of the 4 grandkids pictured. Little Billy #3 lives 4 hours away so its hard to get them all together but I will continue my pursuit of a complete family picture. In the meantime this is as good as it gets.

My Billy daughter, me and Little Billy's 1,2, and 4. Can you tell they really wanted to pose for this picture.

Good job Pappy ( our photographer) You have to snap fast cause little ones don't sit still. Especially the one in the middle. He is a wiggleworm.

Birthday Girl

2008-09-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

Little Billy #1 turned 5 yesterday and we tried to surprise her with a party last night. The plan was for me to go get her and take her with me to the grocery store to buy something for dinner. Then we would fix dinner at her house and I would have dinner with them. BUT on the way to the grocery store she said she wanted to hurry up and get back to her house because her friends were coming to bring her presents and eat cake and ice cream. So..... that means someone told her. I think I may know who......

Hmmmmm.....looks guilty if you ask me.

Even though the surprise was ruined she had a fun party and she really like her Hannah Montana decorations.

Not to mention all the gifts

She enjoyed the toys and I think her little brother enjoyed the cake. You agree?