Recipes-Dessert

Apple Crisp

4 cups sliced apples
2/3 to 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup butter, softened

Heat oven to 375. Arrange in greased square pan, 8x8x2".
Mix remaining ingredients: sprinkle over apples.
Bake until topping is golden brown and apples are tender,
about 30 minutes.
Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream.
Makes about 6 servings.

-Kate Garner via Nancy Walker (thanks mom!)

2012 Sunday Lessons From

"TEACHINGS OF PRESIDENTS OF THE CHURCH: 

GEORGE ALBERT SMITH"  

Click here to listen to the lessons, download, print, or share them

Food Storage Tips

Drying (Dehydrating)

Probably the oldest method of food preservation

Why dry?
Dehydrating food reduces both size and weight and therefore takes up less storage space.

To Dehydrate food you need:

• Heat—controlled temperature high enough to force out moisture, but not hot enough to cook the food.

• Dry Air—to absorb the released moisture

• Air Circulation—to carry the moisture away

Equipment needed:

• a dehydrator or drying trays. If drying outside in the sun, the day should be at least 90 degrees

• general kitchen utensils such as knives, peelers, colander, cutting board, etc.

Preparation:

Wash, peel if necessary, blanch if necessary, cut into uniform slices if large fruit or vegetable. Dehydration can take from 3 to 14 hours depending on what is being dried.

Storage:

Any kind of container that protects from air, moisture, light and insects—canning jars, plastic containers with locking lids, vacuum packaging, or storage bags. The storage temperature should be between 50-70 degrees. Most fruits and vegetables can be safely stored from 6 months to 1 year depending on the storage conditions. If moisture is apparent, dispose of the food.

Use:

Dried fruit and vegetables can be eaten as is, but can also be rehydrated using boiling water and used in soups, stews and cassaroles.

Fruits:

• Fruits that need to be peeled before drying: Apples, pears, peaches, pineapple, bananas

• Fruits that would benefit from being treated with a lemon juice or ascorbic acid dip to prevent browning: apples, bananas, nectarines, peaches, pears, apricots

• Fruits that can be cut in half, pitted and dried in their skin: apricots, cherries, nectarines, plums, prune plums

• Fruits that should be dried until almost crisp: bananas, strawberries

• Fruits that would benefit from blanching before drying: blueberries, grapes

Vegetables:

Are better if cut into smaller, uniform pieces to hasten drying time. Finished vegetables should look and feel crisp or brittle. They can be eaten dried, but are usually reconstituted before using (15 minutes to 3 hours depending on texture and thickness)

• Vegetables that should be blanched: Asparagus, Beans, carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, pumpkin

• Vegetables that should be cooked before drying: beets,

• Vegetables that can be sliced and dried fresh: Okra, Onions and leeks, peppers (hot and sweet), tomatoes, zucchini

Information from The Ball Blue Book, Guide to Preserving

Freezer Storage

Recommended Length of Storage at 0˚

Information from The Ball Blue Book, Guide to Preserving

Bakery                                                                          Months

Breads, Quick (Baked)                                                       2

Breads, Yeast (Baked)                                                      4–8

Breads, Yeast (Unbaked)                                                   1/2

Cakes                                                                               6

Cakes, Fruit                                                                      12

Cookies (Baked)                                                                6

Cookies (Unbaked)                                                             4

Pastry (Unbaked)                                                               2

Pies (Baked)                                                                      1

Pies (Unbaked)                                                                  3

Dairy                                                                             Months

Butter                                                                               5–6

Cheese, Cottage                                                                 1

Cheese, Hard or Semi-Hard                                               6–12

Cheese, Soft                                                                       4

Eggs                                                                                  12

Ice Cream, Sherbet                                                           1–3

Milk                                                                                    1

Fruits                                                                             Months

Fruits, Citrus                                                                     3–4

Fruits (Except Citrus)                                                          12

Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Game                                         Months

Beef, Lamb, Mutton, Veal, Venison                                     8–12

Fish                                                                                 2–3

Ground Meat                                                                   3–4

Liver                                                                                3

Rabbit, Squirrel                                                               6–8

Crab, Fish Roe, Lobster, Oysters                                       3–4

Pork (Cured)                                                                   1–2

Pork (Fresh)                                                                    6–8

Sausage                                                                         4–6

Shrimp                                                                             6

Turkey, Chicken                                                              12

Prepared Foods                                                             Months

Candies                                                                          12

Gravy                                                                              2

Pizza                                                                               1

Prepared Main Dishes                                                      3–6

Salads                                                                             2

Sandwiches                                                                      1

Soups, Stews                                                                   6

Soft Spreads                                                                 Months

Freezer Jams and Jellies                                                   12

Vegetables                                                                  Months

Onions                                                                           3–6

Vegetables (Cooked)                                                        1

Vegetables (Except Onions)                                              12

Best Ideas

from the January 2012 Meeting

Shop From Your Food Storage

Buy staples (flour, sugar, toilet paper, cocoa, peanut butter, toothpaste, deoderant, shampoo, etc.) on sale in bulk. Figure what your family needs for 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and buy enough to last until the next sale. Then replentish what you have used when the item comes on sale again. Put away a little money each month for the next sale.

Reuse Items When You Can

Plastic ziplock bags and even aluminum foil can be washed and reused. Be sure you get them dry before storing them for reuse.

Take Advantage of Garage Sales

New isn’t always better. Look for canning jars, wrapping paper, bows, cards and even clothing at garage sales. Just because someone else is tired of storing an item doesn’t mean it isn’t as good as new if it is something you need.

Make Your Own Scubbers

Renee Parry is a wiz at making crocheted nylon net scrubbers. They clean anything without scratching and can be thrown in the washer when they get dirty. She would be glad to show how to make them.

Felted Wool Dryer Balls

Cut down on dryer static naturally. Fabric softeners can shorten the life of your dryer. Make these using leftover wool yarn. Roll a ball, secure the end, place it into an old nylon stocking to keep the yarn in place, and run it through a hot wash and dry cycle with a batch of towels. Remove the balls from the stocking and use 4 or 5 of them with a dryer load. They keep the clothing separated and cut down on static.

Storage for Plastic Grocery Bags

Keep your plastic grocery bags organized for reuse. Make a holder with a rectangle of fabric approx 18″ 13″. Sew into a tube 18″ by 6″. Make casings at the top and bottom of the tube and insert elastic loosely leaving the ends compressed somewhat, but still open. Sew a hook on one end to hang the bag from a hook. Grocery bags can be pushed into the top and pulled out the bottom as needed.

Foldable, Reusable Tote Bag

I’ve taken my favorite foldable tote bag everywhere, markets, grocery stores, Chile and used it for dirty laundry, food, beach stuff, cool finds at the market. It’s small when folded and surprisingly roomy when opened up. If you’re interested I’ll show it to you and we can talk about cutting a pattern.—Jane Ann

From Ulene Pemberton

Storing items in LABELED containers is a gift to husbands, care-givers, guests, children, even to Mother who will not be prevailed upon so much for explaining or finding things for those in need. This is helpful in every room of a house, including bathrooms, freezers, and the refrigerator.

Pizza cutters are a great kitchen tool. Yes, they can be used for cutting pizza, but also for cutting other pies, cakes, bread cubes, sandwiches, waffles and pancakes, (especially for children who need smaller pieces to chew), bread and roll dough (much quicker than hand-shaping each), biscuit dough, certain fruits and vegetables, lasagna and other casserole dishes, etc.

If a minimum amount of bacon or ground sausage is needed for a meal, especially when cooking for just two people, take time to cook the entire pound and freeze what is left for later use. One time clean-up is always an advantage. Also, cut the bacon into bits with kitchen shears before cooking; it is much more efficient. Some later uses for these meats, having them cooked ahead, are: mixed into scrambled eggs, added to omelets, casseroles, salads, mixed with hash browns or scalloped potatoes. When they are previously cooked, they make a nice, flavorful, quick addition to enhance and give color to a favorite dish.

From DeNai Garn
Money saving ideas for provident living

Take care of toys so that they can be passed to younger kids

Raise pigs, chickens for butchering (this can be a several family project)

Raise a garden for freezing or canning.

Composting

Saving clothing from older kids for younger.

Shop DI or garage sales instead of the mall

Use coupons or discounts when possible

A few tips for living within your
means and saving money

   • Turn off lights when you leave a room

   • Open windows at night and close windows before the heat builds in the morning to take maximun advantage of naturally cool air in the summer

   • Close blinds at night to keep cold air blocked against the window in the winter

   • Keep the furnace filters clean

   • Keep a fire going to offset the costs of running the furnace in the winter

   • Keep your dryer filter clean

   • Give your clothes dryer a rest by hanging clothes out to air dry on warm days

   • Try to minimize small loads of laundry

   • Buy cleaning solution in concentrate and mix your own dilution or make your own cleaners

   • Save to buy good tools that enable you to get maximum use from your food storage: digital pressure cooker, tortilla press, dehydrator, grinder, bread mixer, good blender, etc. Good tools pay for themselves over time.

   • Grow a garden

   • Can lots of food from your garden

   • Have winter storage bins to store potatoes, carrots and apples from your garden through the winter

   • Eat out rarely

   • Take shorter showers

   • Do multiple errands at one time to save on gas

   • Take extra services off your phone line

   • Don’t carry any debt so there is no interest to pay

   • Eat right and exercise to stay healthy

   • Partially self insure by having a higher deductible on insurance so premiums are lower

   • Save in a health account to cover extra medical costs

   • Spend less than you make every month

   • Start and keep up with savings accounts

Community Events

post here

Angelle Anderson


For many years, when I would hear counsel to “just do your best,” feelings of inadequacy would trouble me. I seldom felt that I was doing my best. How could I be, when I was surrounded daily by evidence of my faults and mistakes? Any statement like the following could discourage me for weeks on end:


“Do the best you can through these years…”
  Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She Is a Mother’” Ensign, May 1997


“All we have to do is to be the very best we can.”
  Joseph B. Wirthlin, “One Step after Another,” Ensign, Nov 2001


“Do the best you can while on earth to have an ideal family.”
                 Richard G. Scott, “First Things First,” Ensign, May 2001


These feelings led me to a quest to discover what “doing your best” really means, and how I could make a righteous judgment as to whether or not I was doing my best.  I began by looking up the word “best” in the topical guide.  I hoped to find clarification. I found that the word “best” was in the scriptures. In the topical guide, it is listed as an adjective - with five scriptural references to best gifts, best books, and best blood (of the nine-teenth century). I could find no references with the words “doing your best.”  As I prayed (and studied and fasted) for further direction, I was prompted to study my patriarchal blessing.  I knew that the phrase “do your best” was not there, but as I read for guidance, I made a discovery that has changed my life. I am counseled many times in my blessing to be “diligent.”  With each admonition, there is a promise attached. This pattern is replete in the scriptures. The word “diligence” (or some form of it) is found 123 times in the scriptures – oftimes with a promise for obedience attached.  For example:
.                        “…seek me diligently and ye shall find me…” (D&C 88:63)
                         “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall   
                          work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the     
                          covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.” (D&C 90:24)  


 “But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to
  grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking      
  forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a
  tree springing up unto everlasting life.
“Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your  
  diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring  
  forth fruit unto you” (Alma 32:41-43)


            “Teach ye diligently…and my grace shall attend you.”  (D&C 88:78.)
     “All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence,
                         faithfulness, and prayers of faith. (D&C 103: 36)


            “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not
 requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.  
 And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he  
 might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.”
 (Mosiah  4:27)
I found that definitions of “being diligent” include: having perseverance, working zealously, being conscientiousness, showing determination and carefulness, and putting forth steady, honest effort. I found that “diligence” was also defined as being tireless, indefatigable, unremitting, and steadfast. Digging deeper into the meaning of “diligence,” I discovered that it comes from Latin words that are defined as “to love,” and “to esteem.” For me, this knowledge shed a whole new light on the meaning of diligence.
                   “Diligo” means to choose, to esteem highly, to prize, and to love. 
                                      http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lecture.
“Diligere” and “ligi” are defined as  “approval, to read, to gather, to aspire to, to value, to appreciate, and to single out.”
The words “diligo, diligere, dilexi, and dilectus,” are described in this manner:
1. (milder than amo)
2. have special regard for
3. love, hold dear
4. value/esteem/favor
  Oxford Latin Dictionary  http://www.latin-dictionary.org/JM-Latin-English


So here is the inspiration I received – a discovery that has made all the difference in my perception of how I am doing and given me hope: “Doing your best” is another way of saying, “being diligent.”


By replacing the words “do your best,” with the scriptural words “be diligent,” I have been able to relieve a lot of guilt and worry in my life.  I have found a way to allow myself to continue in faith, unimpeded by a false concept of what is required of me. Simply put, I can love what I try to do and never stop trying to do it.  I can do that – I can be diligent! I can collect on all of those amazing and needed promises found in the scriptures. And I do – every day. That is what “doing my best” is all about.


Being a diligent mother has its challenges – no question. I don’t know of any other calling that demands a greater capacity to do all that is required.  I have found that miracles happen when I diligently try to “keep up” as a mom.  Somehow, my load is lightened or my capacity is increased as I press forward. King Benjamin’s counsel to “do all things in wisdom and order,” and to “not run faster than you have strength,” yet “be diligent” (see Mosiah 4:27) has new meaning for me in light of my discovery.  


One reason is this promise made by Elder Maxwell:
“Happily, the Lord really does increase the capacity of the diligent…”
               Neal A. Maxwell, “Wisdom and Order,” Ensign, Jun 1994, 41


Diligence does have many rewards! There are too many ways to even consider them all, and too many blessings and promises to comprehend as we put “diligence” into practice. Even so, the effects of our work are not always immediately seen.  More often than not, we wonder if our efforts are making a difference at all as we are raising our children. 


I appreciate the honesty with which Elder Bednar shared the following:
“As our sons were growing up, our family did what you have done and what you now do. We had regular family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening.  Now, I am sure what I am about to describe has never occurred in your home, but it did in ours.
Sometimes Sister Bednar and I wondered if our efforts to do these spiritually essential things were worthwhile. Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.


Today if you could ask our adult sons what they remember about family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening, I believe I know how they would answer. They likely would not identify a particular prayer or a specific instance of scripture study or an especially meaningful family home evening lesson as the defining moment in their spiritual development. What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent.” David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign, Nov 2009
So comforting!  


Diligent parents can look forward to “parental paydays” and have hope that they will come – even when they wonder and worry during those years when their children are “breathing each other’s air.”
On the eve of our oldest daughter’s marriage, my husband and I had an interview with her. She was not only our oldest daughter, but our oldest child. The next morning she would become the first of our seven children to marry and “leave the nest.”
 “Jana, tomorrow you will be beginning a family of your own. How have we done in preparing you for this new life?”
She observed our concern, and with loving-kindness said, “Mom and Dad, we have had our challenges over the years, but I have always known that you loved me and you loved the gospel of Jesus Christ.  And that is what matters to me.”
I silently sifted through memories of the last two decades.  What came through was the fact that she was right – we had been diligent. Not perfect, but definitely diligent. Steady. Steadfast. Persevering. Putting forth constant, loving effort. Choosing to keep trying. Unremitting. Indefatigable and untiring (yet often tired and fatigued). There were many times we wondered if we had “gotten through” or made a difference. But, we loved being parents then and we love being parents now.  We love our family more than we have words to say.  We will never give up on our quest to rear our children in the love of the Lord and His gospel and to continue on in faith. This is what makes us imperfect, but “diligent” parents who are doing our best to follow the Savior on His path to perfection.  Elder Worthlin described this journey well:
           “…let us walk in the right direction, taking one step after another.
            That is easy enough. We don’t have to be perfect today. We don’t  
            have to be better than someone else. All we have to do is to be the  
            very best we can.
Though you may feel weary, though you sometimes may not be able to see the way, know that your Father in Heaven will never forsake His righteous followers. He will not leave you comfortless. He will be at your side, yes, guiding you every step of the way.” Joseph B. Wirthlin, “One Step after Another,” Ensign, Nov 2001


In my studies, I found another insight into what Elder Worthlin stated, and into what Jana was telling us on the eve of her wedding, and the beginning of her new life. In the Bible dictionary, I found the word “best” in the definition of “grace.” Since there is peace in my mind concerning my “best efforts,” this definition of grace brings only gratitude for the Savior’s atoning sacrifice and His grace, and not the guilt and confusion I used to feel.  And it can do the same for you.
Grace


A word that occurs frequently in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul. The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.
It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best [diligent] efforts.
Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man’s weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, “It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25: 23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches (John 15: 1-11). See also John 1: 12-17; Eph. 2: 8-9; Philip. 4: 13; D&C 93: 11-14.   


Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught women in the Church an important spiritual pattern: “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6), during the Brigham Young University Women’s Conference on April 29, 2011. The scripture was also the theme for Women’s Conference.


“Many people in our contemporary world are drawn to promises of big results that occur quickly and all at once,” Elder Bednar said. “Consider, for example, all of the money spent on lottery tickets. Recall the claims of advertising messages you have received that pledge immediate weight loss, instant health, fast hair growth, and a more youthful appearance in just 14 days. We are bombarded constantly with messages from a multiplicity of sources promoting speedy supersizing, instant gratification, and outstanding performance that will impress our families and friends.”


The adversary made “impressive assertions about big results” in similar ways in premortality, Elder Bednar said, citing Moses 4:1, 3. In contrast to Satan’s method and the methods of the world, “the Lord typically ministers ‘one by one,’” (3 Nephi 11:15) Elder Bednar taught. “He enables us to learn ‘line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little’ (2 Nephi 28:30). And He accomplishes His work by bringing to pass great things through small and simple means.”


“I believe many, if not all, of the most satisfying and memorable accomplishments in our homes, in the Church, in our jobs and professions, and in our communities will be the product of this important spiritual pattern—of simple and small things,” Elder Bednar said. “Brothers and sisters, we should find great comfort in the fact that ordinary people who faithfully, diligently, and consistently do simple things that are right before God will bring forth extraordinary results.”

Welcome to the RS Blog!

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all sisters in Bluffdale 2nd ward. Technology combined with the time and effort of Angelle and Kate gives us a new forum to teach and be edified from. I pray this will be a blog well used. I would like to express my love and gratitude for the sisters of our ward. We are blessed to be able to associate with one another. I pray that the spirit of unity and love will permeate our ward and bind us together. I echo the words of Lucy Mack Smith, "We must cherish one another, watch over one another, comfort one anothr and gain instruction , that we may all sit down in heaven together."
Love,
Sister Christy Garner

There are many ways for each of us to help others!

Click here for more information and to see the latest needs and opportunities on the church's web site for humanitarian work.

Our Best Ideas - Love in the Family/Nourishing Relationships

Recipes-Bread

Basic French Bread

Add:
1T yeast
2C warm water
dissolve yeast

Add:
2T sugar
2t salt
5-6C bread flour

Knead until smooth using a little flour in counter and hands to prevent
sticking, about 10 minutes (or mix in kitchen aid)
Place in greased bowl and cover. Let rise until it has doubled in volume.
With butter or oil on hands form into 2 french style loaves. Slice tops.
Place on baking sheets that are sprinkled with cornmeal. Bake in a hot
400 degree oven for 17 minutes.

-Kate Garner via Nancy Walker

Recipes-Main Dish

• Skillet Chicken Pot Pie
• 
  
• CHICKEN PIE FILLING
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 1 (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups frozen cubed hash browns
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup frozen small sweet peas
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• PASTRY CRUST
• 1 (14.1-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts
• 1 egg white

1. 1. Prepare Filling: Preheat oven to 350°. Melt 1/3 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add all-purpose flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth and milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 6 to 7 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat, and stir in Creole seasoning.
2. 2. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; add onion and mushrooms, and sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and sauce.
3. 3. Prepare Crust: Place 1 piecrust in a lightly greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet. Spoon chicken mixture over piecrust, and top with remaining piecrust.
4. 4. Whisk egg white until foamy; brush top of piecrust with egg white. Cut 4 to 5 slits in top of pie for steam to escape.
5. 5. Bake at 350° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 5 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. TRY THIS TWIST!
7. Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits: Omit piecrusts and egg white. Preheat oven to 425°. Prepare Chicken Pie Filling as directed through Step 2. Spoon filling into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Cut 1/2 cup cold butter into 1/2-inch cubes. Cut butter cubes into 2 cups self-rising flour with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly and mixture resembles small peas. Add 3/4 cup (3 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon, 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, and 1 cup whipping cream, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead lightly 3 or 4 times. Roll or pat dough to 3/4-inch thickness; cut with a 2 1/2-inch round cutter to form 15 biscuits. Bake Chicken Pie Filling at 425° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and arrange biscuits on top of hot chicken mixture. Bake 25 to 30 more minutes or until biscuits are golden brown and chicken mixture is bubbly. Remove from oven, and brush biscuits with 2 Tbsp. melted butter.
8. Hands-on time: 50 min.; Total time: 1 hr., 30 min.

-Kate Garner via myrecipes

Recipes from Donna McNew

Baked Potato Soup

6 slices bacon (Cook until crisp and crumble)

1 onion

1/3 c flour

2 TBS Butter or margarine

3 cups chicken broth ( I use bullion and hot water)

4 medium size baked potatoes (bake, cool, cut into bite size pieces)

1 cup cream or half and half

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

½ c sour cream  (optional)

Fry bacon, crumble and set aside.  Cook onions in butter or margarine until just translucent, add flour, stirring to prevent lumps.  Add chicken stock gradually, stirring until liquid begins to thicken.  Reduce heat, to a simmer, stir in potatoes, cream, crumbled bacon, salt and pepper.  If the mixture is too thick, add some milk (about 1 cup).  Add grated cheese and stir, just prior to serving, stir in 4 ounces of sour cream.  As soon as cheese is melted, serve.  Can top with a few bacon pieces, cheese, or green onion.

Breakfast Casserole

8 slices cooked crumbled bacon or ½ cup ham or sausage (cooked)

8-10 eggs scrambled

½ cup milk

1 package of frozen hash browns (small package approx 10 ozs.)

1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)

Prepare bacon, ham, or sausage and set aside.  Scramble eggs; add milk and half of the cheese.  Stir in the hash browns, add breakfast meat, and stir gently.  Pour into greased 9x13 casserole pan.  Top with remaining ½ cup of cheese, salt and pepper to taste, cook at 350 for 45 minutes until eggs are well set.  This is an excellent casserole for Christmas morning.

Kettle Corn

1/3 c vegetable oil

½ cup Sugar

½ c  un-popped popcorn

In a heavy kettle with a lid that fits well, heat oil and sugar, stir in popcorn.  Cover with the lid and begin shaking lightly over medium heat.  Make sure you shake the pan enough to prevent the ingredients from burning.  Continue shaking until all popcorn has stopped popping.  Remove from heat, pour into large bowl (I use glass because the mixture is hot).  Sprinkle lightly with salt.  This is a delicious, easy, family night treat.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup shortening

¾ c  Brown Sugar

¾ c  Sugar

2 1/3  cup  flour

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

¾ cup chocolate chips.

Mix shortening, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until creamy and well blended, stir in flour, salt and baking soda.  Stir in chocolate chips last.  Bake at 375 degrees for 8 minutes, Enjoy.

Sticky Chicken

3-4 chicken breasts

1 cup apricot jam

1 cup bar-b-q sauce

1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix

Cut chicken breasts into strips.  Pour a small amount of oil into a skillet and brown the chicken.  Mix the remaining ingredients together, and then pour over the chicken.  Let cook (simmer medium heat) until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and bubbly.  Serve over cooked rice.

Pulled Pork for Tacos

2 lb pork roast (I prefer pork shoulder or pork sirloin)

Salt, pepper, and add a sliced onion, cook in the crock pot on low for 6-8 hours until it shreds easily.  Remove from crock pot, (I reserve about ½ cup of liquid from the roast and stir back into the shredded pork) shred, stir in one cup salsa and ½ cup brown sugar, serve warm with tortillas and other taco toppings.

Pepper Jelly

2 Cups Bell Pepper

2 Cups other Peppers, if you do not like it really hot use more bell peppers and only about 1 cup of hot peppers (The peppers need to be chopped, the more kids of peppers you use the more colorful your pepper jelly will be)

¾ cup to 1 cup Apple Juice (Depending on desired consistency of your jelly)

4 cups sugar

1 package pectin

Mix peppers, apple juice and sugar together, as the sugar begins to dissolve add the pectin.  If the mixture is thin add one Tablespoon of clear jell or a little more pectin.  You can also reduce the apple juice to ¾ cup to make a thicker jelly.  Pour hot liquid into jars and seal.

Makes 4-5 8 oz jars of pepper jelly.  Serve over cream cheese with any type cracker.  This is a very good appetizer especially during the holiday season.

Recipes-Appetizer

My mom is a really good cook. Two years in a row she made all her kids a little book of recipes, full of food we loved eating growing up.  I would like to share with you a few of the recipes. So thanks to Nancy Walker for the following recipe:

Cold Spinach Dip


1-10 oz frozen chopped spinach
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonaise
1-8 oz can water chestnuts
3 chopped green onions
1 package Knorr vegetable soup mix

Thaw spinach and squeeze dry. Stir in soup mix, sour cream, mayo, water chestnuts and onions. Cover and chill 2 hours. Stir before serving. Makes 4 cups. Serve with crackers or in hollowed our bread, using inside bread for dip.

-Kate Garner via Nancy Walker