Well folks, I had my eureka moment of the day (week, month?). It just occurred to me in the midst of dinner preparation. Drumroll please....
Use latex gloves to mix the meatloaf by hand! I keep the gloves on hand for the rare occasion of seeding/slicing hot peppers (the pepper oil, it burns!). I was just about to scrub my hands in order to mix my ground beef, ground venison, egg, herbs, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper; and I thought again of how much I hate to touch raw meat! In the past after I've finished mixing everything; I've felt that my hand washing never completely got rid of the ickiness - especially under my fingernails. The idea just popped into my head to use the gloves. Meatloaf has now become such an easy dinner to prepare, and my attitude toward the construction process has greatly improved.
Now I'm sitting here typing with clean hands! All I had to do was toss the gloves in the trash. Even if you are allergic to latex, the plastic gloves would work just as well.
Here's to a good dinner with loved ones!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wondering
Sometimes I feel I have so many ideas running around in my head! Too bad there isn't an occupation in which I could just provide ideas. Any-hoo, here are some questions for you in no particular order:
1. When canning vegetables and fruit, do you prefer using a pressure cooker or a boiling water process?
2. Does anyone have a nice recipe for candied grapefruit peel?
3. Is it really worth it to cut bangs in my daughter's hair, or is this something I'll regret and wish I didn't have to keep up with them?
4. Why does snowcream have to be made with freshly fallen snow? Does day-old snow not work?
5. Does anyone have tips on helping a four year old and a two year old be kind to each other? Some days are really good, and some days are really bad!
Any help or advice you could provide, dear readers, would be much appreciated!
1. When canning vegetables and fruit, do you prefer using a pressure cooker or a boiling water process?
2. Does anyone have a nice recipe for candied grapefruit peel?
3. Is it really worth it to cut bangs in my daughter's hair, or is this something I'll regret and wish I didn't have to keep up with them?
4. Why does snowcream have to be made with freshly fallen snow? Does day-old snow not work?
5. Does anyone have tips on helping a four year old and a two year old be kind to each other? Some days are really good, and some days are really bad!
Any help or advice you could provide, dear readers, would be much appreciated!
Monday, January 10, 2011
First Step....Admitting I Have a Problem
Hello, my name is Sarah; and I am a knitter with a problem. I started a new project, and I can think of at least 5 projects that I already have on the needles! This is serious, people.
Take a look at this yarn and maybe (if you are into this sort of thing) you'll be able to sympathize! I have in my possession the "Queen Anne" colorway.
Must go tear myself away from the knitting; there are hungry children in this household!
Take a look at this yarn and maybe (if you are into this sort of thing) you'll be able to sympathize! I have in my possession the "Queen Anne" colorway.
Must go tear myself away from the knitting; there are hungry children in this household!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Homemade Marshmallow Recipe!
Happy New Year! We've begun the New Year with both Big Fish and his mother returning to work (on Monday). My New Year's resolution is to survive with three kids at home now! Just kidding.....it is a joy as well as an adjustment. The only goal that I started on Jan. 1 is the attempt to read through the Bible in a year. I have some quiet time while feeding our newest addition (still coming up with a nickname for her on this blog), so I thought this might be a good time to try.
I have not been holding out on you with my marshmallow recipe; I promise! I must credit the source. The recipe is from an old Williams-Sonoma catalogue. They often print some interesting recipes to go along with their eye candy mailings.
Homemade Marshmallows
3 packets unflavored gelatin
1 cup cool water, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp salt
1 T vanilla extract
Combine 1/2 cup cool water and the gelatin in the bowl of an electric mixture to soften. Fit the mixer with the whisk attachment.
In a small, heavy saucepan combine the other 1/2 cup of cool water, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Stir over medium heat while the sugar dissolves. Then raise the heat to high; cook the mixture (without stirring) until it reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Take the pan off the heat.
Turn the mixer on low and pour the hot mixture over the gelatin mixture. Turn the speed up to high and whip for at least 10 minutes (you want the mixture to cool to about room temperature). Add the vanilla extract towards the end of the time.
Spread the mixture into a buttered 9X13 pan (glass is the best). Use wet hands to spread out evenly and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let the marshmallows set overnight or so. Use a greased knife or cookie cutters.
Optional flavors: instead of the vanilla extract; go crazy! Use half a tsp of peppermint oil, or swirl with crushed peppermint candy, or a 1/2 tsp of espresso powder, etc.
Enjoy toasting over a fire or in some yummy cocoa.
I have not been holding out on you with my marshmallow recipe; I promise! I must credit the source. The recipe is from an old Williams-Sonoma catalogue. They often print some interesting recipes to go along with their eye candy mailings.
Homemade Marshmallows
3 packets unflavored gelatin
1 cup cool water, divided
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/8 tsp salt
1 T vanilla extract
Combine 1/2 cup cool water and the gelatin in the bowl of an electric mixture to soften. Fit the mixer with the whisk attachment.
In a small, heavy saucepan combine the other 1/2 cup of cool water, sugar, corn syrup and salt. Stir over medium heat while the sugar dissolves. Then raise the heat to high; cook the mixture (without stirring) until it reaches 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Take the pan off the heat.
Turn the mixer on low and pour the hot mixture over the gelatin mixture. Turn the speed up to high and whip for at least 10 minutes (you want the mixture to cool to about room temperature). Add the vanilla extract towards the end of the time.
Spread the mixture into a buttered 9X13 pan (glass is the best). Use wet hands to spread out evenly and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Let the marshmallows set overnight or so. Use a greased knife or cookie cutters.
Optional flavors: instead of the vanilla extract; go crazy! Use half a tsp of peppermint oil, or swirl with crushed peppermint candy, or a 1/2 tsp of espresso powder, etc.
Enjoy toasting over a fire or in some yummy cocoa.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A List
I inherited the list writing gene from my mother. At any given point in the day I have a least 3 lists going; some are short term for the day, and some are more far-reaching (like what needs to be done before Christmas!).
Here is a list of the small and the great from our recent lives:
1. The top of the list is the life-changing event of my father's stroke. At the end of October, his 58-year-old self was changed by a blood clot that traveled to his brain.
2. After over a month of hospitalization in a neuro-intensive care unit, then a stroke ward, then and in-patient therapy facility, dad is now home! We praise God for His mercies.
3. My dad still has major paralysis of his left side, so therapy will continue for at least a year.
4. In two days (if not earlier), the baby inside me will be induced! Friday is two days earlier than her due date.
5. Small Fry was induced two WEEKS before his due date, and he was almost nine pounds!
6. Christmas baking is officially finished! The kids and I made cookies, candy, and Chex Mix. Pans of cinnamon rolls were also baked to gift Sunday School teachers and neighbors (and we're keeping some for us too).
7. Brookie and Small Fry enjoy a "light up the Christmas tree experience" every morning.
8. I don't think I'll stop saying the words "be gentle and kind" until the kids are at leasst teenagers!
9. With the amount of snow we have EACH DAY, the birds seems to be thankful for our feeder. Small Fry reports "Dee, dee, dee" when he notices the chickadees.
10. Big Fish has filled our freezer with his hunting expeditions in our backyard. Any good venison recipes out there?
The tea kettle is whistling; may you also enjoy a nice cup of something warm today!
Here is a list of the small and the great from our recent lives:
1. The top of the list is the life-changing event of my father's stroke. At the end of October, his 58-year-old self was changed by a blood clot that traveled to his brain.
2. After over a month of hospitalization in a neuro-intensive care unit, then a stroke ward, then and in-patient therapy facility, dad is now home! We praise God for His mercies.
3. My dad still has major paralysis of his left side, so therapy will continue for at least a year.
4. In two days (if not earlier), the baby inside me will be induced! Friday is two days earlier than her due date.
5. Small Fry was induced two WEEKS before his due date, and he was almost nine pounds!
6. Christmas baking is officially finished! The kids and I made cookies, candy, and Chex Mix. Pans of cinnamon rolls were also baked to gift Sunday School teachers and neighbors (and we're keeping some for us too).
7. Brookie and Small Fry enjoy a "light up the Christmas tree experience" every morning.
8. I don't think I'll stop saying the words "be gentle and kind" until the kids are at leasst teenagers!
9. With the amount of snow we have EACH DAY, the birds seems to be thankful for our feeder. Small Fry reports "Dee, dee, dee" when he notices the chickadees.
10. Big Fish has filled our freezer with his hunting expeditions in our backyard. Any good venison recipes out there?
The tea kettle is whistling; may you also enjoy a nice cup of something warm today!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Hot Chocolate
One of the best things about weather that turns chilly or cold.....hands down....is the steaming mug of hot chocolate ready for sipping! My kids, ages 2 and 4, each have their own little mug. Their "hot" chocolate is half milk to cool it. They love our store brand of multi-colored marshmallows.
I prefer two large, regular marshmallows OR a square of my homemade marshmallows. To me, the marshmallow adds the perfect touch. Not only does it provide the sweetness and creaminess, but the marshmallow helps the hot chocolate remain hot! As it melts across the surface it seals in the steam and heat - perfection.
I hope you take time to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate soon!
I prefer two large, regular marshmallows OR a square of my homemade marshmallows. To me, the marshmallow adds the perfect touch. Not only does it provide the sweetness and creaminess, but the marshmallow helps the hot chocolate remain hot! As it melts across the surface it seals in the steam and heat - perfection.
I hope you take time to enjoy a mug of hot chocolate soon!
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Catching Up
1. Small Fry had tummy issues for six and a half days! We ended up making a trip to the doctor and then sending a sample to the hospital only to find out nothing! We're still not sure what caused all this, but we're thankful he's better and that no one else in the house had the same problems!
2. Last weekend was a quick trip to my parents' house. We were able to attend their church picnic - a bonfire on a beautiful Saturday afternoon/evening. One of the highlights for the kids was picking up apples on the ground and sampling them. I do not remember what kind of apple tree it was, but I have a bagful ready for a little baking.
3. Cookie dough is chilling in the 'fridge ready to make some pumpkin cut-outs for us and maybe the neighbors. I'm experimenting with some new food coloring for the icing. This food coloring is all-natural with ingredients like strawberry juice!
4. We had our first fire in our fireplace two nights ago! I love it!
5. Our neighbor lady turned 94 yesterday! I hope to spend a little more time with her listening to how life was when she was a young girl. What a treasure trove her memories are; I remember a school assignment having us interview our grandparents.
6. My kids are learning to sleep in their new bunkbeds. We're trying to make this transistion before the new little baby girl arrives in December. They are doing very well at night, but naptimes are party time. Yesterday Small Fry joined Brookie in the top bunk before I went in to intervene.
7. We're studying the book of Joshua in a Bible study. Last night the discussion centered around the Jordan River crossing. What an awesome display of God's power this was!
8. We've been looking at plans for pig and chicken houses online. There are some creative options out there! I think I'm overwhelming Big Fish with the possibilities - poor guy. He was just hoping to put together some scrap wood, and here I come with these pictures of little barns and cottages!
9. The kids love to read books together; I wish my voice and throat could last longer!
10. Time to brew a cup of tea and figure out a little excursion to a nearby apple orchard/gift shop. I have some of my handmade things for sale at a couple of local markets, and I need to check in with them this week to see if the "stock" needs replenishing.
Stay warm!
2. Last weekend was a quick trip to my parents' house. We were able to attend their church picnic - a bonfire on a beautiful Saturday afternoon/evening. One of the highlights for the kids was picking up apples on the ground and sampling them. I do not remember what kind of apple tree it was, but I have a bagful ready for a little baking.
3. Cookie dough is chilling in the 'fridge ready to make some pumpkin cut-outs for us and maybe the neighbors. I'm experimenting with some new food coloring for the icing. This food coloring is all-natural with ingredients like strawberry juice!
4. We had our first fire in our fireplace two nights ago! I love it!
5. Our neighbor lady turned 94 yesterday! I hope to spend a little more time with her listening to how life was when she was a young girl. What a treasure trove her memories are; I remember a school assignment having us interview our grandparents.
6. My kids are learning to sleep in their new bunkbeds. We're trying to make this transistion before the new little baby girl arrives in December. They are doing very well at night, but naptimes are party time. Yesterday Small Fry joined Brookie in the top bunk before I went in to intervene.
7. We're studying the book of Joshua in a Bible study. Last night the discussion centered around the Jordan River crossing. What an awesome display of God's power this was!
8. We've been looking at plans for pig and chicken houses online. There are some creative options out there! I think I'm overwhelming Big Fish with the possibilities - poor guy. He was just hoping to put together some scrap wood, and here I come with these pictures of little barns and cottages!
9. The kids love to read books together; I wish my voice and throat could last longer!
10. Time to brew a cup of tea and figure out a little excursion to a nearby apple orchard/gift shop. I have some of my handmade things for sale at a couple of local markets, and I need to check in with them this week to see if the "stock" needs replenishing.
Stay warm!
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