Melted Snowman Sugar Cookies

 

This is technically not a Christmas cookie, so I am not out of bounds here, refusing to let the holiday go. With all the snow right now, these are right in season. These were the best pictures I could grab. But, the video has better visuals. 

Melted Snowmen Sugar Cookies

I awoke late in the day. It was 11 am before I could sleep. I was mumbling to Tommy as I tried to clear my chair of mail. When I sat down, I was still mumbling. He was not here. He was not in the house. A note said '1 a.m. putting plants in utility room." It was after 4 pm when I found this note in my chair. So, I wondered if he were alive or dead in the yard. 

The note actually said 'I am putting plants in the utility room.' He was not dead, thankfully. 

He had also gone to neighbor's or the neighbor came here. Not sure. At any rate, now the wreath is cut in half to go over the mailbox next Christmas. I have plans stored in my head. Okay, It is a small wreath. Once it is fluffed, I will add other, longer pieces of greenery. There are very small decorations on this wreath. All will come off. I have 50% off plastic balls, red. I will wire those on, add greenery, add bow that is here. Then, I can wire it on the mailbox, maybe a string of lights with timer that I already own. 

I was trying to figure out where I got this wreath. Maybe I did not buy this wreath? Maybe it was here? Tommy volunteered at that point that he had a wreath that he put on the door. I knew I had to bought this at a yard sale as I would never purchase such a tiny wreath. So, solved. I had his wreath cut up. He did not object or even realize it until now. But, he is not unhappy at all. 

Today, Amazon delivered three purses I ordered, one black, one red, and one hot pink like the sandals I bought two years ago. The plan was to keep one and send back two. Well, these are better than expected even though they are extremely cheap for a leather purse. These are three different styles. I was going to send back the styles I did not care for. I have never heard of this brand--Krediz. 

Have you?

Do you decorate your mailbox at Christmas? 

I think the cute cookies could be made with store-bought cookies. Do you?

Saturday Was Slower Than Yesterday

 We have almost finished all the Thanksgiving food. I didn't realize that anything was left. Tommy pulled out the remainder of the gravy. It had no broth in it, so I figured it was okay. I added a bit of the broth from the turkey we cooked this week. It still was just a bit, so I cut up the turkey breast this week and ate it in the bit of gravy. I also had slaw and mixed greens. 

I awoke before Tommy this morning. He got up and made no motion to go for my apples! Finally, when the Alabama--Georgia game came on, I went to bed for a nap. 

Before I went to bed, he hurried from his chair to kitchen, clutching a plastic bag. That looked suspicious, so I asked what he was doing. He was going to remove the bones from the turkey, put them in the bag, and then bring the rest of the turkey into the living room, probably with a few small bones left and get the meat ready to eat. Okay. He brought the pully bone and we tried to break it. Unfortunately, just a bit of the wider side broke, hanging. So, he said we would both have a little luck. Clever and okay with me.

He remembered to get rubber gloves. Otherwise, we would have grease all over the house. When I awoke, everything was finished and put away. I absolutely HATE taking meat off the turkey bones. I rip off the breast off as soon as it baked because leaving it on the bone makes the meat taste funny to me. I am lucky to have him and thank him and tell him so all the time.

I will use this dark meat in several ways. 

  First of all, he will eat dark meat instead of the breast. 

  Second, I will put it in my Christmas giblet gravy along with chopped boiled eggs. I will not eat the giblets. 

  Third, I want to make a casserole of turkey meat, altered (less sodium) Stove Top Stuffing, egg, broth, green beans, raw cranberries, lots of celery. I will put gravy on top when I eat it. This will be a meal for in between Thanksgiving and Christmas or after New Years. Now, I need to freeze the broth for both needs and in separate bags. 

We put nothing out for Christmas decorating today, so even though it is almost 11 pm, I will bring out at least one thing AND find the Christmas cards. I think I will put a red bin in here so I can just plunder through it. 

We watched Home Alone this evening, and we are now watching the Home Alone New York one. I would like to see the third one without Culkin in it. I think this is the third time we have seen Home Alone this season. It is sooo funny. Now, we are watching The Christmas Story with Ralphie grown with a family. Don't know the name.

There is a drizzly rain on the lemon and lime. Sunday, we WILL fertilize the trees. YES, WE WILL! The trees will stay out for a couple of days since it will be warm at night. 

I made my plans for tomorrow, getting apples and shopping, known to him tonight just like I did on Friday. Hopefully, he won't get side-tracked by a football game he does not really like. At least we will get apples. 

Yesterday, I was going to mail something and needed a box. I decided to turn an Amazon box inside out to use. (After that failure, I learned the box with Amazon logs can be used.) I had cut it up so that it could not be secure because I was mailing something heavy. Thankfully, I found one smaller. So, there is that chore. The main chore is copying a recipe with additions. 

That is all the news that is no news.

Do you enjoy Home Alone? 

How about The Christmas Story? 

Are you finished with Christmas decorating?

What do you do with Amazon boxes?

Grilled Squash Fans

When I find a recipe I like in a magazine, eventually I tear out the whole page with the recipe so I can get rid of the magazine. I have had the now-wrinkled, ripped out page from the Southern Living May 1987 issue since I tore it out 31 years ago. I cannot believe it has been that long ago.

This is one of my favorite recipes to serve, whether at home or as a dish to take somewhere and share. I believe this would cook as well in the oven as the on grill. I think that I cooked these in the oven a few times. So, no grill marks.

You can go HERE and view the grilled squash fans ingredients. Plus, get the recipe. Okay, I copied the ingredients and directions below.

Ingredients

• 6 yellow squash
• 3 plum tomatoes
• 2 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1 Teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 Cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, pressed
• Garnish: fresh basil sprigs 

How to Make It

Step 1

Cut each squash lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices, cutting to within 1 inch of stem end. Cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices.

Step 2

Combine chopped basil and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring until blended. Add squash and tomato, tossing gently to coat; let stand 1 hour.

Step 3

Remove vegetables from marinade, reserving marinade; insert tomato slices between squash slices, and secure with wooden skewers.

Step 4

Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 8 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender, basting often with reserved marinade. Garnish, if desired.

My way

I hand select each crook neck squash and the tomatoes which must be just the right size. I do like the tomatoes to extend a bit further. I think other tomato varieties would work as well. I use Roma. I like the look of the crook neck squash but the straight neck yellow squash is fine.

If you are using produce from your garden, ignore sizes, just assemble what you have regardless of sizes. 

This is a slippery last step. So, be prepared to not be able to answer the phone, pick up a child or stir anything on the stove. Work over the bowl or a plate! A dishtowel nearby can really be helpful. 

Do you like squash and tomato? You will love this. The squash fans are an impressive presentation. Did you grow all the ingredients in your garden? I know sluggy did. And, I have green plates to serve them. 

Okay, so I have a few things to do on my birthday, but I will be back!

Shark Attack Pizza Recipe

This looked interesting. Since so many people love shark week, this looked like something to share. The video seems to have several recipes. I think the little pizzas are sharks. Recipe Maybe you can save this and find it next year for shark week. I thought there was only one recipe on the video, but there are more. And, the text has more.

Staying in bed or going to bathroom or for a sandwich in the kitchen is the sum of my activities. I guess that is all frugal. No car!

What did you do to celebrate or recognize shark week?

Two Recipes: Mesquite Maple Steaks and Vegetables, Watermelon Coolers

After my doctor's appointment I went to Publix for a2milk and had their samples the woman was preparing.

Mesquite Maple Steaks and Vegetables

2 medium red bell peppers
6 oz presliced portabella mushrooms
3 Tablespoons dry mesquite marinade mix Grill Masters Mesquite Marinade
2 Tablespoons coconut or olive oil
1/4 cup maple syrup, divided
1 1//2 lb grilling steak


The entre sample was very good. However, after the second bite, I started sneezing uncontrollably right in the middle of the produce department. I was sneezing into a handkerchief and breathless, trying to say "allergic."


Watermelon Coolers

3/4 cup frozen limeade, thawed

4 cups seedless watermelon chunks

(about 1 1/2 lb.)

cherry lemon-lime soda, chilled

Cooking directions for both Here

The cooler was delicious. It had a slightly Slurpy texture, but was not frozen. We discussed how it would be great in a punch bowl with sherbet floating. YUM!

Someone told me to never post a recipe that I had not prepared. Whatever!

Recipe: Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball~Be Still My Heart

Great Balls of Cheese

I am so in love with this recipe, Chocolate Chip Cheese Balls. Or, am I in love with the idea of this recipe?  I think I want this book!


Ingredients

1. 8 ounces semisweet chocolate
2. 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
3. 1/2 cup sugar
4. 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
5. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
6. 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
7. 1 teaspoon espresso powder, optional
8. 1 cup mixed chocolate and white chocolate chips, for coating
9. Chocolate cookies or vanilla wafer cookies, for serving

Directions

1. In a double boiler or a glass bowl set over simmering water, melt the semisweet chocolate and unsweetened chocolate, stirring occasionally. When it's smooth, remove it from the water, and add the sugar. Stir until combined, and let cool, about 15 minutes.
2. Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a spatula, blend the chocolate mixture, cream cheese, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and espresso powder, if using. Form the mixture into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
3. Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the chocolate chips to coat. Serve with chocolate cookies or vanilla wafers. Yield 15-29 servings.
4. No, I have not made this. I will have to wait for an occasion
5. when I will not have this all to myself.
6. Has anyone ever enjoyed anything like this, 
   a dessert cheese ball? Wouldn't this look cute in an egg shape for Easter?

Recipe: Chicken and Bacon

As I was reading other blogs, I came across Frugal Things Every Day and a delicious recipe. Well, it sounds delicious. Have you ever made this recipe?  I would be cooking this right now if I had chicken breasts in the house.

Even crispy bacon is difficult to break into small pieces. I have found that using kitchen scissors is absolutely the best--fastest and easiest--way to get bacon into small enough pieces.

I use the blog to store recipes I want to make.

Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

I found this recipe on Cheryl's Frugal Corner. This looks so delicious. I will use ground pork instead of beef.


COWBOY CASSEROLE
1 lb. of ground meat - browned
1 chopped onion
4 - 5 potatoes - cut into chunks
1 can red or black beans (drained)
1 can chopped tomatoes (I used Rotel like tomatoes)
Garlic  (to taste)
salt and pepper
1/4 C shredded cheese
Throw it all in crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours. Toss in cheese at the very end and let it melt - then it's done!  VERY GOOD & easy and cheap.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I very seldom have potatoes on hand, but today, I do. I won't be using Rotel, just a can of chopped or diced tomatoes.  I may eat this for several days this week. Maybe I will freeze some for future meals.

Right now, I am still washing dishes from the dishwasher. It's a real chore. I have to heat water for the dishpan in the sink.

I an still having sneezing spells followed by runny nose spells. I feel a bit better and not so prone to drop off to sleep. I won't cook during either of these spells...lol.

Cheese Toast "recipe"

I was at least in college before I ever heard of a grilled cheese sandwich. At my house we ate cheese toast. I don't remember this as ever being a fast and easy lunch, just a snack for hungry kids and teens.

Recently, I have returned to this childhood favorite. "What is cheese toast?" you ask. Simple!

At home, we took a pan, probably a pie pan for one cheese toast. In it you put a piece of bread, not toast, with sliced cheese on top. Put it under the broiler or on bake and leave it until the cheese melts. Easy?

Yes, and the calories in one piece of bread and margarine/butter are not consumed.  Plus, my mother did not have to butter and tend French toast for multiple kids. Of course, I could make this myself and did by at least middle school.

I still love grilled cheese. But, this reminds me of my mother. And, it does not require "tending." Plus, the pan is never dirty. I use the Reynolds parchment paper backed with foil, the stuff I bought for $.99/roll last year.  I can pull off a portion and then half it to make a squarish piece of product and lay sandwich on that.  Of course, I use it paper side up next to the food. The pan will be clean and I can discard the paper/foil. Well, I did use the same piece twice one day.

A post about cheap cell service was posted just a bit ago. Look that over and see what you think if you wish.

Your turn
Did you ever or do you eat Cheese Toast? If you eat this, did or do you call it "cheese toast" or by another name?

We Should Cocoa

What a lovely idea! Check it out HERE.

Tangy Ginger Pork with Autumn Rice

I happened to be in Publix when the woman was making this dish. It is scrumptious! Last Friday, I planned to cook a pork tenderloin. I ended up making a salad. I'm glad I did. The pork loin is on the menu this Friday.

To see this recipe, go HERE.

Ingredients:

pork tenderloin
butternut squash

fresh sage (have dried and ground)

tsp ginger spice paste (I have ginger)

minced garlic

2 shallots (onions instead)

lime for juice (have dried lime)

jasmine rice

chicken base (will use bouillon)

fig  preserves

dried sweetened cranberries

unsalted butter (will use unsalted ghee)

kosher salt (Morton's will do)

Except for the jasmine rice, I have everything or will substitute as noted. I made the fig preserves and dried the cranberries. The garlic is in vinegar in the refrigerator.

Actually, I may have jasmine rice I bought once to try.

This recipe has none of my allergens!

The instructions are in the link.

This is delicious! Publix lady gave me a generous portion of both.

Now, I suppose I need to grow sage and ginger.

Sounds yummy? You have no idea.

Recipe--cornmeal biscuit

This recipe I found on another blog looks delicious! Have you ever made cornmeal biscuits? I have never even heard of them.

Mug Cake Recipes...so many!

I have made mug cakes before. While I avoid the ones with ten ingredients, some are much simpler. Look HERE to find many recipes made using cake mixes!

While I make mine without measuring, these are measured. I never get the same thing twice, so I hesitate to suggest the ones I make.

Mug cakes are perfect because they are quick, easy cleanup, cheap, and there are never tempting leftovers.

Your turn
Have you discovered the magic of mug cakes?

Recipe: Uses Candy Corn

about 1/3 cup of candy corn, all I had left

the finished product
Since this looked like a plate of poop,
I decided to remove it from the leading position.
 

 Last year, Sue gave me a recipe to use with candy corn. I only had a bit of candy corn left, so I used it. This year, I bought Brach's Autumn Mix. Then, when I had almost finished the bag, I remembered the recipe. As you can see, it has some chocolate candy corn in the mix. The bags of only chocolate candy corn is called Indian Corn.

candy corn pumpkin

It has pumpkins in the mix besides the chocolate.  I did consider cutting the pumpkins in fourths so they would melt at the same rate as the corn. I forgot, and there was only one pumpkin which melted just fine. Since this is supposed to be like Butterfingers, I thought the chocolate candy corn would be okay.

 

There was only about 1/3 cup of candy corn. I did not want to dirty a cup and have to press the peanut butter to get an accurate measure, so I just spooned in what looked like 1/3 cup peanut butter.



microwaved for 60 seconds

I decided working in the deep, 2-cup measuring cup was not going to be good. The short, 6-inch wide Corning ware oven dish was the next choice. It worked. I microwaved the mixture for 30 seconds, stirred, and microwaved for another 30 seconds.

 

I did not wait for it to cool and started dipping the mixture when it was too hot to handle. Waxed paper on the counter makes this easy. Top right--original shape. Just underneath that, a molded-by-hand bar. I decided to make the drops. After all the pieces were on the waxed paper, I decided to mold them by hand--bars and drops. That worked. They, also were ragged looking until I molded them. The little bar on the right I a drop that I molded into a tiny bar. In the bottom right corner is a Coke cap to give perspective to the whole picture.

 

Thinking the mixture might cool too quickly, I started when it was way too hot to handle. But, I had waited three minutes! Waxed paper seemed to be the thing to use because I did not want these to stick. Take my word for it, these are way too oily from the peanut butter to stick!

 

Okay, taste test time....I think one minute was too long for this few. Last year, I do remember the candy being flaky. This year, for some reason the bars and drops seem tough. It has only been about fifteen minutes, so I will see if they get flaky like last year.

 

You are going to love this recipe. Not only is it simple, it is delicious!


Homemade Butterfingers from Sue at The Little Acre that Could

"Mix equal parts of peanut butter and candy corn.
 
Microwave on high for about 1 minute,
stirring until they are melted together.

Let it cool just a minute or so – enough so you can handle it.

Then form into bars or bite size pieces.

You can dip it into chocolate but you don’t have to.

The longer it sets and cools, the more it becomes flaky like Butterfinger candy bars."

One caveat: I think that I microwaved this bit of candy too long. Maybe if you use a cup of each, microwaving for a full minute will work. So, sitting longer did not help. Last year, sitting did help. Oh, I did not dip these in chocolate.

Thank You, Sue

Your turn
Have you ever made this substitute for Butterfingers? Will you?