Not Me! Monday!

*UPDATE* I didn't just find a gob of soggy Tootsie Rolls in my washing machine after washing a certain 3 year olds clothes. I really didn't have to wash them again because they smelled like the brown chewy things. And I certainly don't know where he got those! AHEM..... Today is an independent Not Me! since MckMama's baby boy is VERY sick with RSV in the hospital & of course she is with him! If you haven't already, go check out their family's story at her blog. Baby Stellan is a true MIRACLE! Ok, on to today's Not Me!'s: -Of course, the day I didn't decide to work early (like 6:30am), the weather decided to cooperate with single digit temps. Which doesn't mean I spent 15 minutes getting the car out to warm & the boys all bundled up to carry them out there. -I didn't decide to go to work early, 3 days in a row! And I certainly couldn't tell I am not used to it! Because I sure wasn't tired! -And I didn't decide to do it again this week!!!! =) -There are not a million toys all over the floor in our family room, dining room, kitchen..... because my boys are not spoiled! -My bathroom, bedroom & "sitting" room are not in shambles because I am not finally getting my very own bathtub! But the mess seriously doesn't bug me! Nope not me! But I certainly do not understand that it comes with the territory! I will update with pictures of my bathroom soon! Right now, I need to get ready to go visit my new nephew who was just born this afternoon!

Winners & Demolition

First things first! The winners of the 12 Days of Christmas Recipes Giveaway are......

Skeeteror and Brian and Jenna

Please email me your mailing addresses nellbell818@gmail.com and I will send them out to you sometime next week. Thanks for playing along!

I am pleased to say that our bathroom "remodel" is finally under way! Yippeee! We had put in a new toilet b/c the old just didn't work too swift anymore & I've wanted a bathtub in our bathroom since we moved here. A new vanity counter was added last spring (?). So this is what it looks like right now....

I wonder how long it will take hubby & his dad to finish?! Anyone want to venture a guess as to how long it will take? Actually the flooring guys will be coming to measure next week & they could probably do it soon after, so I guess they'll have to be done by then, huh? Seriously, I am thankful that hubby's dad does so much for us like that. Sure helps to save $$$! I will post pictures of the progress as much as I can.

Now, I am leaving soon to take son #2 to the doctor for an ear infection (that's what we're guessing). I am none too thrilled.

On the 12th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....12 miscellaneous goodies! Here are some that I think are good but don't fit anywhere else! Thank you for coming to my blog & I hope you can use some of these recipes. I will announce the winner on Friday or Saturday & ship your cookbook as soon as I have your address. Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms 1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese 1/2 c. real bacon bits 1 T. green onions, chopped 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1 lb. whole, fresh mushrooms, stems removed Beat cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the bacon , onion & garlic powder. Spoon into the mushroom caps. Place in 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 until mushrooms are tender, 15 or more minutes. Homemade French Dressing 2c. sugar 1 c. salad oil 1 c. vinegar 1 1/2 c. ketchup 4 T. minced onion 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. paprika 1/4 c. lemon juice Combine all ingredients & mix well. Serve over a tossed salad. Sweet Potato Souffle 1 c. sugar 1 T. vanilla 1/2 c. sweet milk 1/2 tsp. salt 2 eggs 1/3 c. butter 3 c. mashed sweet potatoes Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together & pour into a large baking dish. Topping: 1 c. brown sugar 1 c. chopped nuts 1/3 c. flour 1/3 c. melted butter Mix thoroughly & sprinkle over souffle. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until topping is melted & glazed. Slow-Cooked Chicken Stew over Biscuits 2 env. chicken gravy mix 2 c. water 3/4 c. white wine or chicken broth 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 T. minced fresh parsley 1-2 tsp. chicken boullion granules 1/2 tsp. pepper 5 med. carrots, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 broiler/fryer chicken (3-4 lb), cut up 3 T. flour 1/3 c. cold water 1 (7.5 oz) tube buttermilk biscuits In slow cooker, combine first 7 ingredients until blended. Add carrots, onion & chicken. Cover & cook on low for 7-8 hours. Increase heat to high. Combine flour & water until smooth; gradually stir into slow cooker. Cover & cook for 1 hour. Meanwhile, bake biscuits. Place in soup bowls & top with stew. Pizza Loaf 1 lb. bread dough 2 eggs, separated 1 T. grated parmesan cheese 1 T. olive or vegetable oil 1 tsp. minced fresh parsley 1 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. pepper 8 oz. pepperoni 2 c. shredded mozzarealla cheese 1 (4 oz) can mushrooms 1/4 - 1/2 c. pickled pepper rings 1 med green pepper, diced 1 (2.25 oz) can sliced ripe olives 1 (15 oz) can pizza sauce Roll out dough to 10 x 15 inches. Combine egg yolks with next 6 ingredients. Brush over dough. Sprinkle with toppings. Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long side; pinch seam & tuck ends under. Place seam side down; brush with egg whites. Do not let rise. Bake @ 350 for 35-40 minutes. Serve with warm pizza sauce. Brown Sugar Meatloaf 1/2 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. ketchup 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 3/4 c. milk 2 eggs 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper 1 sm. onion, chopped 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 3/4 c. finely crushed saltine crackers Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease 5 x 9 loaf pan. Press brown sugar in bottom of pan & spread ketchup over the sugar. Mix together remaining ingredients in mixing bowl. Shape into loaf & place on top of ketchup. Bake for 1 hour or until juices run clear. Sausage Bread 1 pkg. frozen bread dough (2 loaves) 1 lb. bulk sausage (mild or spicy) 2 eggs, beaten 8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 4 T. Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp. garlic powder Thaw bread dough. Brown sausage & drain. Spread out each loaf of dough on its own greased 10 x 15 baking pan. Mix sausage, eggs, cheddar, Parmesan & garlic. Spread half of the mixture on each loaf of dough. Fold dough over in thirds, lengthwise. Fold ends up & seal. Bake @ 375 for 20-30 minutes until golden brown. Freezes well. Baked Apples 6 Granny Smith apples 2 T. flour 1 c. brown sugar butter Peel & halve apples; place in 9 x 13 pan with watre (1/4 " deep). Mix flour & brown sugar & heap some in each apple "well". Place a dot of butter on top of each apple. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. Heavenly Dessert 2 tubes or 72 Ritz carckers 1 stick margarine, melted 1 c. chopped pecans 1 box vanilla instant pudding 1 box coconut cream instant pudding 1 1/2 c. milk 1 qt. vanilla ice cream 1 qt. Cool Whip Mix crackers, margarine & pecans & spread 2/3 of mixture in a 9 x 13 pan (save rest for top). Mix puddings with milk. Blend in softened ice cream. Pour over caracker mixture. Top with Cool Whip. Then top with rest of crumbs. Refrigerate. Can be frozen. Buttermilk Cake 4 c. flour 1 1/2 c. sugar 3/4 c. butter 1 tsp. cream of tartar 1 1/2 c. buttermilk 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. vanilla Mix first 4 ingredients, reserving 1 cup for top. Add soda to buttermilk & combine with vanilla. Mix with first ingredients. Pour in buttered & floured 9 x 13 pan. Top with reserved crumbs. bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Peanut Butter Cream Pie 1 sm. box instant vanilla pudding 1 (8 oz) Cool Whip 1/2 c. peanut butter 1 c. powdered sugar 1 baked 9" pie crust Make pudding as directed for pie on box. Mix peanut butter & powdered sugar with fork until it is the consistency of pie crumb topping. In pie crust, layer peanut butter crumbs, pudding, more crumbs, Cool Whip & more crumbs on top. Stress Diet Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit, 1 slice dry whole wheat toast, 8 oz. skim milk Lunch: 4 oz. broiled chicken breast, 1 c. steamed spinach, 1 c. herb tea, 1 oreo cookie Mid-Afternoon Snack: rest of oreos in pkg., 2 pts. Rocky Road ice cream, 1 jar fudge sauce, nuts, cherries, whip cream Dinner: 2 pkgs. dinner rolls with butter, 1 lg. sausage pizza. 1 qt. chocolate milk, 3 Snickers candy bars Late Evening Snack: whole frozen cheesecake eaten directly from freezer This diet is designed to help you cope with the stress that builds up during the day. Rules for this diet: 1. If you eat something & no one see you eat it, it has no calories. 2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda. 3. When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you don't eat more than they do. 4. If you fatten up everyone around you, then you will look thinner. 5. Movie realted foods do not have additional calories because they are part of the entire entertainment package & not part of one's personal fuel. This includes Milk Duds, Junior Mints, red hots, Tootsie Rolls, Almond Joy candy bars & buttered popcorn. 6. Cookie pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage. 7. Things licked off knives & spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. (eg. peanut butter on a knife while making a sandwich & ice cream on a spoon while making a sundae.) 8. Donut holes, obviously without substance or calories, make an ideal "in between" snack. 9. Foods that have the same color, have the same # of calories. (eg. spinach & pistachio ice cream, mushrooms & white chocolate) Chocolate is a universal color & may be substituted for any other food color. Recipe of the Day - cookies From Scarlet and Gray. Cappucino Hats 2 squares (2 oz) unsweetened chocolate 2 cups all purpose flour 1 t. ground cinnamon 1/4 t. salt 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 egg 1 T. instant coffee crystals 1 t. water(not tap) Sauce: 1 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 T. shortening In a heavy saucepan, heat and stir unsweetened chocolate until melted. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Meanwhile, stir together flour, cinnamon, and salt.In a large mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cup shortening and butter until soft. Add sugar and brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Stir coffee crystals into water until dissolved. Add coffee mixture, melted chocolate, and egg to butter mixture and beat well. Add flour mixture and beat until mixed. Cover and chill about 1 hour or until easy to handle. Shape into 2 1-inch rolls. Wrap and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight. Cut into 1/4 inch slices and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm and slightly browned. Remove and cool. In a heavy saucepan, beat chocolate chips and 3 T. shortening over low heat until melted, stirring occasionally. Dip one side of each cookie into chocolate mixture. Place on wax paper and cool until set.

On the 11th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....11 cookies crumbling! So irresistable! Yum! Brown Sugar Cookies 2/3 c. shortening 2/3 c. butter, softened 1 c. granulated sugar 1 c. brown sugar, packed 2 eggs 2 tsp vanilla 3 1/2 c. flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt Mix shortening, sugars, eggs & vanilla thoroughly. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bake @ 375 for 9-11 minutes. Variations: Choc. chip - add 1 cup semi-sweet choc chips & 1 c. chopped nuts with the flour Oatmeal - reduce flour to 2 3/4 c. Add 1 c. quick cook oats with the flour Peanut Butter - Add 1 cup with the shortening Chocolate Nut - Add 1 cup chopped nuts & 1/2 cup cocoa with the flour Fruit Slices - Add 1 c whole candied cherries, 1/2 c chopped nuts & 1/2 c. cutup mixed candied fruit with the flour Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies 1 c. each butter, peanut butter, white sugar, brown sugar 2 eggs 2 c. flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 c. semi-sweet choc. chips 1 c. peanut butter/chocolate swirl chips Cream together butter & p. butter until smooth; gradually add sugars & beat until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Add vanilla. Add flour, salt & b. soda; mix well. Stir in chips. Bake @ 325 for 10-15 minutes. Pecan Toffee Cookies 1 c. each butter, white sugar, brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/2 tsp salt 3 eggs 3 1/2 c. flour 2 tsp baking soda 2 tsp cream of tartar 1 c. each toffee bits, chopped pecans, milk choc.chips Beat butter, sugars, vanilla & salt in large bowl; add eggs & beat well. Stir tigether flour, b. soda & tartar; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended. Stir in toffee chips, pecans, & choc. chips. Bake @ 350 for 8-10 minutes. Peanut Butter Brownies 1 box brownie mix 1 - 1 1/2 c. melted peanut butter 1/2 c. melted peanut butter for top Mix brownies according to box directions. Pour half of batter into 8 x 8 pan. Pour melted p. butter over batter. Add rest of brownie batter. Bake according to directions. While still warm, drizzle rest of peanut butter over top. Cool. Lemon Squares 1 c. flour 1/2 c. butter, softened 1/4 c. powdered sugar 1 c. granulated sugar 2 tsp. grated lemon peel 2 T. lemon juice 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs powdered sugar Mix flour, margarine & powdered sugar. Press in ungreased square pan, building up 1/2" edges. Bake crust 20 minutes. Beat remaining ingredients with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until light & fluffy. Pour over hot crust. Bake 25-30 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched lightly in center. Cool in pan on wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar. Cut into 1 1/2 " squares. Grandma's Soft Peanut Butter Cookies 1 1/2 c. each white sugar, brown sugar, peanut butter, margarine 1 T. vanilla 3 eggs 3 1/2 c. flour 1 T. baking soda 1/2 tsp salt Cream sugars, peanut butter & margarine. Add vanilla & eggs, beat well, then add remaining ingredients. Bake @ 350 for 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Caramelized Brownies 1 pkg chewy brownie mix 4 T. butter 1 c. chopped pecans 1 c. firmly packed light brown sugar Prepare brownie mix according to package directions. Pour batter into greased 9 x 13 pan. Melt butter in small saucepan. Add the pecans & sugar & cook over medium heat, strring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Drizzle the caramel mixture over brownie batter & bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Original Tollhouse Cookie Bars 2 1/4 c. flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 c. butter 3/4 c. granulated sugar 3/4 c. packed brown sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs 1 pkg. chocolate chips 1 c. nuts Combine flour, b. soda & salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter sugars & vanilla until creamy. Beat in eggs. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips & nuts. Pour into 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 greased baking dish. Bake @ 375 for 20-25 minutes or until just set. Peanut Butter Brownie Cookies 1 box fudge brownie mix 1/4 c. buter, melted 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 egg 1 c. powdered sugar 1 c. creamy peanut butter 1/2 container chocolate fudge, ready to spread frosting In medium bowl, beat brownie mix, butter, cream cheese & egg 50 strokes until well blended (dough will be sticky). Drop by rounded T. full onto cookie sheet. Smooth edges to form round cookie. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar & peanut butter until mixture forms a ball. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls into 24 balls. Lightly press 1 ball into center of each ball of dough. Bake @ 350 for 10-14 minutes or until edges are set. Cool at least 30 minutes. Remove from pans. Spread thin layer of frosting over p. butter portion of each cookie.

Chewy Granola Bars

1 (10.5 oz) pkg. large marshmallows

2/3 c. chunky peanut butter

1/2 c. butter, cubed

1/4 c. corn syrup

2 tsp vanilla extract

4 c. quick cooking oats

1 c. rice krispies

1 c. mini semi-sweet choc. chips

1/2 c. each flaked cocnut, sunflower kernels, chopped peanuts, raisins

2 T. toasted wheat germ

2 T. sesame seeds

In a large bowl, microwave @ 70% power the marshmallows, p. butter, butter, corn syrup & vanilla for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread into greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake @ 350 for 15-20 minutes or until set. Cool & cut into bars.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

1/2 c. butter, softened

3/4 c. light brown sugar, packed

1 c. flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 T. vanilla extract

1 c. semi-sweet choc. chips

4-6 T. water

Cream together the butter & sugar in a large bowl. Stir in flour, salt, vanilla & chips. Add the water, one T. at a time, until you have reached cookie dough consistency. This eggless version is made to eat unbaked.

Recipe of the Day - casseroles

Green Pepper Casserole - from my mom! Brianne

2 lbs. hamburger

1 onion, chopped

garlic salt to taste

2 (8-oz.) cans tomato paste

2 cans water

2 c cooked rice

3 large green peppers, diced

American cheese

Brown hamburger with onion and drain. Season to taste with garlic salt. Add tomato paste and water, mix. Stir in rice. Layer in casserole dish half of the peppers, then meat mixture, the rest of the peppers and the remaining meat mixture. Top with american cheese. Bake at 350 about an hour.

On the 10th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

.....10 casseroles! Comfort food at it's best. Breakfast Casserole 1 tube crescent rolls 1lb. sausage, browned & drained 6-8 eggs 1 (12 oz) bag shredded cheddar cheese Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter. Put crescent rolls on bottom. Top with sausage. Beat eggs & pour over sausage. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake @ 425 for 15-20 minutes. Beef Nacho Casserole 1 lb. ground beef 1 (12 oz) jar chunky salsa 1 c. sweet corn, drained 3/4 c. Miracle Whip dressing 1 T. chili powder, optional 2 c. (8 oz) shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided tortilla chips chopped lettuce diced tomtaoes taco sauce Heat oven to 350. Brown meat, drain. Stir in salsa, corn, dressing & chili powder. Layer half each of the meat mixture & cheese in a 2 qt. casserole dish. Repeat. Bake 20 minutes or until heated through. Top with remaining ingredients. Pork Chop & Potato Scallop 4 pork chops (about 1 lb) 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 c. sour cream 1/4 c. milk 2 T. chopped parsley 4 c. thinly sliced potatoes salt & pepper Brown chops. Blend soup, sour cream, milk & parsley. In 2 qt casserole alternate layers of potatoes sprinkled with salt & pepper & sauce. Top with chops. Cover & bake @ 375 for 1 1/4 hours. Hamburger Vegetable Casserole 1 lb. hamburger 1 onion, chopped 2 c. potatoes, diced 1 c. celery, sliced 1 c. carrots, sliced 1 can cream of mushroom soup bread crumbs butter Brown hamburger. In separate pan, boil vegetables in 1/2 c. water for 10 minutes. Do not drain water. Add soup & hamburger & top with bread crumbs & butter. Bake @ 350 for 40 minutes. French Toast Casserole 1 loaf bread (Italian or French, cubed) 12 eggs 1 c. milk 4 T. sugar 1 tsp vanilla 1/4 tsp salt sugar & cinnamon mixture Place bread in the bottom of 9 x 13 greased pan. Mix all together except sugar/cinnamon mixture & pour over bread. Take a fork & make sure bread soaks up mixture; it should be covered. Place in refrigerator overnight. Let set out half hour before baking. Sprinkle with sugar/cinnamon mixture. Bake @ 350 for 40-50 minutes. You may also add up to 2 tsp cinnamon to the egg misture if you like more cinnamon. Mexican Beef Bake 2 lbs. hamburger 1 sm onion, chopped 1 c. sour cream 1 (8oz) jar salsa 1 can chopped green chiles 1 can black beans 1 c. frozen corn 2 c. shredded cheddar cheese 2 c. crushed tortilla chips Brown hamburger & onion; drain. Mix together beef & next 5 ingredients. Pour into 9 x 13 greased pan. Top with cheese & chips. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with sour cream & hot sauce. Chicken Curry Casserole 6 double chicken breasts 2 (10 oz) pkgs. broccoli spears 2 cans cream of chicken soup 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1 1/2 tsp curry powder 2 tsp. lemon juice 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Cook chicken & debone. Mix everything but broccoli. Simmer until combined. While simmering, cook broccoli. Layer chicken & broccoli in 9 x 13 pan. Pour the sauce over all & bake @ 350 -20-30 minutes. Kodiak Casserole 1 lb. ground beef 1 c. chopped onion 1 garlic clove, finely minced 2 c. celery, chopped 1 1/2 c. green pepper, chopped 1/2 can mushrooms. undrained 1/2 can tomato soup 1/2 (8 oz) jar picante sauce 1/2 (18 oz) bottle barbecue sauce 2 c. dry egg noodles, cooked & drained 1/2 c. (2 oz) shredded cheddar cheese In Dutch oven, brown ground beef with onions & garlic; drain. Add remaining ingredients except cheese; mix well. Place in a greased casserole dish; cover & bake @ 350 for 30-40 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with cheese before serving. Chicken Supreme 2 c. cooked chicken (use broth also) 2 c. uncooked macaroni 2 cans cream of chicken soup 2 c. milk (or more) 1/2 med onion, chopped 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper 3 T. butter 1 c. velveeta cheese Combine all ingredients. Put in greased casserole & refrigerate overnight. bake @ 350 for 1 1/2 hours. Lasagna 1 lb. ground beef or sausage 1 sm onion, chopped 1 jar spaghettie sauce garlic salt oregano sage thyme 9 lasagna noodles 1 sm carton ricotta or cottage cheese 1 (8 oz) bag shredded mozzarella cheese parmesan cheese Brown beef with onion; drain. Add sauce to meat & add spices. Simmer, stirring frequently until sauce begins to thicken. Add water if too thick. Cook noodles. In 9 x 13, layer sauce, noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan. Repeat. End with sauce & sprinkle with parmesan. Bake @ 350 for 45 minutes or until heated through. Recipe of the Day - soups

From Brian and Jenna

Tomato Basil Soup

2 quarts tomato juice

1 T basil

1 1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 T sugar

6 T brown sugar

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 stick butter

1 can tomatoes, crushed or diced (opt.)

Combine all ingredients, except butter, bring to a boil stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, simmer uncovered for 5 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted.Garnish with seasoned crutons and grated Parmesan cheese.

On the 9th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....9 soups simmering! Good, good, good! Especially on a cold winter day! Broccoli Cheese Soup 3/4 c. chopped onion 3 T. oil or marg. 6 c. water 6 chicken boullion cubes 8 oz. fine or vermicelli noodles 1 tsp. salt 2 (10 oz) pkgs. frozen chopped broccoli 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 6 c. milk 1/2 - 1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed Saute onion in oil for 3 minutes. Add water & boullion cubes; heat to boiling. Stir until boullion dissolves. Add noodles & salt; cook 3 minutes. Stir in broccoli & garlic powder; cook 4 minutes. Add milk & cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Frogmore Stew 5 qts. water 1/4 c. Old Bay seasoning 4 lbs. small red potatoes 2 lbs. kielbasa, cut into 1 1/2" slices 6 ears fresh corn, halved 4 lbs. unpeeled, large fresh shrimp Boil water & Old Bay in a large stockpot. Add potatoes; return to a boil & cook for 10 minutes. Add sausage & corn; return to boil. Cook 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Remove poatoes, corn & sausage. Add shrimp to pot; cook 3-5 minutes or until shrimp turns pink; remove shrimp. Serve together in a large bowl with additional Old Bay & cocktail sauce. Meatball & Macaroni Soup - Rachael Ray 2 T. olive oil 2 carrots, chopped 2 ribs celery, chopped 1 med. onion, chopped 2 bay leaves, dried or fresh salt & pepepr to taste 1 lb. ground beef 1 egg, beaten 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 c. plain bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg 6 c. chicken stock or broth 2 c. water 1 1/2 c. dried pasta, any kind 1 lb. fresh spinach, chopped Saute carrots, celery & onion in oil. Season with salt & pepper. Cover & cook 5-6 minutes. Meanwhile, combine ground beef & next 5 ingredients. Add broth & water to vegetables. Increase heat to high & bring soup to boil, then reduce heat. Roll meat into small balls & drop into pot. Add pasta & stir. Cover & simmer, 10 minutes. When pasta is tender, stir in spinach in batches. Soup is ready when spinach wilts. Mexican Soup 2 lbs. chicken 1 (11oz) cans Mexicorn 1 can black beans, rinsed & drained 2 cans Campbell's select chicken tortilla soup 2 pts. salsa 2 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp each granulated garlic, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, salt sour cream shredded cheese tortilla chips, crushed Mix all ingredients in large saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat & simmer uncovered 20-30 minutes. Can also warm in crockpot for 3-4 hours on low. Serve with rest of ingredients. White Chili 1 lb. chicken, cubed or canned chicken 1 med. onion, chopped 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic 1 can chicken broth 2 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed & drained 2 cans chopped green chiles 1 tsp. each salt, ground cumin, dried oregano 1/2 tsp. pepper 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 c. sour cream 1/2 c. whipping cream Bring all but last 2 ingredients to a boil & simmer 30 minutes. Remove from heat & add sour cream & whipping cream. Serve with tortilla chips, more sour cream or corn bread. Kevin's Potato Soup 1 1/2 c. water 1 chicken boullion cube 2 T. butter 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 c. onion, diced 1/2 c. celery, diced 1/2 c. carrots, diced 3 c. potatoes, diced 1 1/2 c. milk 2 T. flour 2 slices ham 2 tsp parsley flakes Dissolve boullion in boiling water; add butter, salt & vegetables. Cook for 15 minutes. Mix milk & flour together & add to vegetables; add ham. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Add parsley before serving. Taco Soup 1 lb. ground beef 1 sm. onion, chopped 1 1/2 qt tomato juice 1/4 c. sugar 1 pt. corn 1 (15 oz) can chili beans 1 pkg. taco seasoning corn chips sour cream cheddar cheese Brown beef & onion together, drain fat. Add everything but last 3 ingredients to a pot, with meat. Cook together 10-15 minutes. Top with chips, cheese & sour cream. Italian Tortellini Soup 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage 1c. chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, chopped 5 c. beef stock 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 2 T. dried basil 1 lg. carrot, sliced 2 T. dried oregano 1 (10-12 oz) bag refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini or 8 oz dried 1 lg. zucchini, sliced Parmesan cheese Brown sausage with onion & garlic, drain fat. Add beef stock, tomatoes & spices & bring to low boil. Add carrots & simmer 10-15 minutes. Add tortellini & zucchini; cook until pasta is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Serve & top with Parmesan cheese. Kevin's Chicken Noodle Soup 6 c. chicken broth 1 sm. onion, diced 1 can chicken 3 carrots 1 1/2 - 2 c. noodles 3 stalks celery 2 chicken boullion cubes pepper parsley Mix & simmer until vegetables are tender. Recipe of the Day - sandwiches From skeeteror.

Sloppy Joes

1-1 1/2 pounds hamburger

1 can tomato soup

1 onion, chopped

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1 T. Liquid Smoke

Crumble and cook hamburger in frying pan with onion. S & P to taste. Drain fat. Add soup, W. sauce and Liquid Smoke. Simmer and serve either using whole hamburger buns, or we like to put the meat on both sides, open-face

On the 8th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....8 great sandwiches! Great for anytime! BLT Burritos 3 c. shredded lettuce 1 1/2 c. diced fresh tomatoes 12 bacon strips, cooked & crumbled 1/4 c. mayonnaise 1/8 tsp. pepper 4 flour tortillas, warmed (10") In a large bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients; mix well. Spoon down center of each tortilla; fold the ends over filling & roll up. Serve immediately. Chicken Sandwiches 1 stick butter 2 1/2 c. water 1 boullion cube 1 pkg. Stove Top seasoned stuffing 1 can cream of chicken soup 3 (14.5 oz) cans of chicken Mix all together & put in crockpot until warmed through. Mini Man Burgers - Alton Brown 1/2 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1 lb. ground chuck 1/2 tsp ground black pepper 1/2 tsp. kosher salt Combine seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside. Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper & place ground chuck on top & cover with large sheet of plastic wrap. Roll meat until it covers the surface of the pan; it should be very thin. Remove wrap & sprinkle with seasoning mix. Fold the meat in 1/2 from side to side using the parchment paper. Use a pizza wheel to cut meat into 8 even squares. Grill. Pizza Burgers 1/2 lb. ground beef 1/2 tsp each minced garlic, beef boullion granules, Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. salt 2 slices mozzarella cheese pizza sauce favorite pizza toppings Combine beef & spices. Shape into 4 thin patties. Put a slice of cheese on 2 patties; top with other 2 patties & pinch to seal. Grill. Put pizza sauce on like ketchup. Add favorite toppings on top, or in, burger. Hot Pork or Beef Sandwiches 2 lbs. pork or beef roast 1 c. water 1 bottle chili sauce brown sugar to taste pinch of paprika 1 T. vinegar salt & pepper to taste Cook meat slowly with water until tender. Shred. Mix remaining ingredients & add to meat. Simmer 1 hour & thicken if necessary. Serve on buns. Saucy Sandwich Rolls 1 lb. hot dogs, chopped or sliced 3 T. hot bacon grease 1 med onion, chopped fine 1/4 c. flour 3/4 tsp. salt dash of pepper 1/2 tsp each dry mustard, Worcestershire sauce 1 c. celery, chopped 1/2 c. each ketchup, water, shredded mozzarella Brown hot dogs & onion in bacon fat. Remove from heat, blend in everything but cheese. Cook about 5 minutes or until celery is tender, stirring occasionally. Add cheese & heat until melted. Serve on hot dog or hamburger buns. Wimpies Sandwiches 2 cans chicken gumbo soup 1 bottle chili sauce 1/2 c. brown sugar 2 T. worcestershire sauce 3 lb. hamburger 1 sm. onion, chopped Brown meat & onion. Add all other items & simmer 1 1/4 hours. Brats in Beer 1 (12 oz) can beer 2 T. brown sugar 2 T. soy sauce 1 T. chili powder 1 T. prepared mustard 1/8 tsp. garlic powder 8 uncooked bratwurst In a small bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Pour into large resealable plastic bag; add bratwurst. Seal & turn to coat; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Grill, turning frequently. Recipe of the Day - snacks

Scarlet and gray submitted this one.

Candy Kiss Pretzels

1 sm. bag pretzel twists or squares

1 sm. 13 oz. bag hershey kisses

1 sm. bag m&ms

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap kisses and place one on each pretzel on the cookie sheet. Bake 2-3 minutes until chocolate is soft. Press m&ms onto chocolate and let cool.

On the 7th day of christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....7 snacks a crunching! Great for parties or watching a movie at home. Enjoy! Caramel Corn Pops 1 box corn pops cereal 1 c. pecan halves 1/2 c. margarine 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. light corn syrup 1 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. baking soda Combine cereal & nuts in a greased large shallow pan. In a saucepan, bring butter, sugar & corn syrup to a boil & cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add vanilla & b. soda. Pour caramel over cereal & nuts, stir well. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Pour onto waxed paper & break apart. Chex Muddy Buddies 9 c. Chex cereal (any variety) 1/2 pkg. (12 oz) Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips 1/2 c. Reese's peanut butter 1/4 c. margarine or butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 c. powdered sugar Measure cereal into large bowl; set aside. Heat chocolate chips, peanut butter & margarine in 1 qt. saucepan over low heat; stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour chocolate mixture over cereal in bowl, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into large plastic food-storage bag; add powdered sugar. Seal & shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Scrabble 1/2 box each cheerios, corn chex, rice chex 1 bag pretzels mixed nuts, peanuts 1/2 lb. butter 1/2 stick oleo (margarine) 1 T. worcestershire sauce 1/2 tsp. garlic salt 1/2 tsp. onion salt Bake @ 250 for 1 1/2 hours; stir every 15 minutes. Grandpa's Popcorn Balls 2 lbs. brown sugar 1 qt. white Karo 1 qt. boiling water 8 gal. popped popcorn Pour boiling water over sugar & Karo & stir until dissolved. Bring to a boil & boil to 230 degrees. Cool a bit; then pour over popped corn. Grease hands & when cool enough to handle, make into balls. Wrap in waxed paper. Spicy Sugar Nuts 1 egg white 2 c. whole pecans or walnuts 1/4 c. sugar 1 T. cinnamon Preheat oven to 300. Stir egg white & pecans until coated sticky. Mix sugar & cinnamon, pour over nuts & stir until evenly coated. Spread out on ungreased cookie sheet & bake 30 minutes. You may stir occasionally. White Chocolate Party Mix 1 (10 oz) bag mini pretzels 5 c. cheerios 5 c. corn chex 2 c. salted peanuts 1 lb M & M's 2 (12 oz) pkgs. vanilla chips 3 T. vegetable oil In large bowl, combine first 5 ingredients; set aside. In pan on stove or microwave, heat chips & oil, stirring often until melted. Pour over cereal mixture & mix well. Spread onto 3 waxed paper-lined baking sheets. Cool; break apart. Ranch Snack Mix 1 (12 oz) pkg. mini pretzels 2 (6 oz) pkgs. Bugles 1 (10 oz) can peanuts 1 (6oz) pkg. cheddar goldfish 1 env. ranch salad dressing mix 3/4 c. vegetable oil In a very large bowl, combine first 4 ingredients. Sprinkle with dressing mix & toss gently to combine. Drizzle with oil & toss until well coated. Store in airtight container. Recipe of the Day - skillets Skillet Chicken and Rice 2-3# chicken pieces, skinned 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2" 1/2 C. chopped onions 1 t. chicken boullion granules 3 C. mushrooms, sliced 3/4 C. long grain rice 1 t. poultry seasoning 1/4 t. salt Spray a 12" skillet with PAM or something similar.Brown chicken pieces over med. heat (about 15 min.). Remove and set aside. Drain fat if necessary. Add mushrooms, carrots, rice,onion, boullion, poultry seasoning, 2 C. water and salt. Put chickon on top of mixture. Cover and simmer for about 30 min. or until chicken and rice are done. Serves 4

On the 6th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....6 bubbling skillets! Easy & fast is how I like to cook! These are great for busy nights. Chicken & Asparagus Risotto Skillet - Pampered Chef 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts 1/2 tsp. salt, divided 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper 1 tsp. olive oil 1/3 c. onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, pressed 2 oz. fresh Parmesan cheese, grated 1 T. lemon zest 2 c. milk 1 (10 3/4 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus, 1 1/2" pieces (2 cups) 2 c. instant long grain white rice Season chicken breasts with 1/4 tsp. salt & pepper. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts; cook 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Add milk, soup, asparagus, onion, garlic, cheese, lemon zest & remaining 1/4 tsp. salt to pan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat & simmer 3 minutes. Stir in rice, top with chicken. Cover pan; remove from heat & let stand 5 minutes. Serve. Bratwurst Potato Skillet 3 med. red potatoes, cubed 1 c. beef broth 5 fully cooked bratwurst, cut into 1/2" slices 2 med. tart apples, peeled & cubed 1 med. onion, chopped 1 tsp. salt 2 T. sugar 3 T. butter or margarine In a skillet, bring potatoes & broth to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer uncovered, for 10 minutes. Add bratwurst, apples, onion & salt. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until potatoes are tender & broth has evaporated. Push bratwurst mixture to the sides of the pan. Place sugar in the center & cook until it is melted & golden brown. Add butter; cook & stir until butter is melted. Toss with the bratwurst mixture; serve immediately. Chicken Stuffing Skillet - Campbell's 1 T. butter or margarine 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (6oz) box chicken flavored stuffing mix 1 (10 3/4 oz) can cream of chicken soup 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese Heat butter in skillet. Add chicken & cook 12-15 minutes or until done. Remove from pan. Prepare stuffing in skillet according to package directions, except let stand 2 minutes. Top with chicken. Mix soup & milk. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover & heat through. Cream of Dried Beef 1/2 lb. dried beef 2 c. milk 4 T. flour (level with knife) Fry dried beef with butter in skillet until browned. Mix milk & flour in gravy shaker; add to skillet & simmer until thickened. Serve over toast. Shrimp Linguini 8 oz. linguini or thin spaghetti 1/4 c. butter 1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms 4-6 chopped garlic cloves 1/3 c. grated Romano or Parmesan cheese 3/4 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined & sliced 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper Cook linguini. Drain. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet. Add shrimp, mushrooms & garlic. Cook until shrimp are done, about 5 minutes. Place linguini in a bowl. Pour shrimp mixture over pasta. Sprinkle with cheese, salt & pepper. Toss well to combine & serve immediately. Chicken Noodle Stir-fry - Pampered Chef 1 (3 oz) pkg. chicken flavored Ramen noodles 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1 T. vegetable oil 5 c. stir-fry vegetables 1 med. onion, thinly sliced 1/2 c. teriyaki or soy sauce Set aside seasoning packet from noodles. Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet or wok, stir-fry chicken in oil for 5-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Add vegetables; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain noodles; add to the pan with the contents of seasoning packet & the teriyaki sauce. Stir well. Serve immediately. Recipe for the day - Bread This recipe is from Brian and Jenna. She tried it out of a Southern Living mag & they love it!

Blueberry Bread

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/3 cup butter, melted

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together flour and next 3 ingredients in a medium bowl; stir in blueberries.2. Whisk together sugar and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl until thoroughly blended. Add to flour mixture, stirring just until blended. Pour batter into a lightly greased 8 1/2- x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.3. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 1 hour).

Blackberry Bread: Prepare recipe as directed in Step 1, substituting 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries for blueberries. Proceed with recipe as directed, increasing bake time to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

On the 5th day of christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....5 golden loaves! Who doesn't love a warm piece of bread? Yuummm. Cinnamon Quick Bread - Katie Brown 4 c. flour 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt 1 c. shortening 2 c. sugar 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 c. buttermilk Sift flour, b.soda, b. powder, & salt together. Set aside. Cream shortening & sugar together. Add the eggs to the shortening mixture & mix. Add vanilla & mix. Add 1/2 of dry ingredients mixture & 1/2 of the buttermilk. Mix. Add rest of dry ingredients & buttermilk and mix to form batter. Divide batter in 1/2 for 2 loaves. Combine 2 heaping T. sugar & 1 T. cinnamon. Make 3 layers for each loaf: batter, cinnamon, batter, cinnamon, etc. Swirl each layer with a knife. Sprinkle top with cinnamon but don't swirl. Bake @ 350 for 1 hour. Good served warm. Garlic Bread 1 loaf bakery bread (not sliced) 1/2 c. soft butter 1/4 tsp. paprika 1/4 tsp. garlic salt 1/2 tsp. celery seed Freeze the bread & cut crust off while frozen. Slice long ways in half & short ways in slices, being careful not to cut the whole way through. Tie with string halfway or at crease. Mix seasonings with the soft butter & spread over tops & sides. Bake in a pan with sides @ 400 for 18 minutes or until brown. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Pecan Rolls 1/2 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 c. butter or margarine, softened 1/4 c. corn syrup 2 (8 oz) tubes crescent rolls 2/3 c. chopped pecans 1/4 c. sugar 1 tsp. ground cinnamon In a small bowl, combine b. sugar, butter & corn syrup. Spread in 2 greased 8" square baking pans. Set aside. Unroll each tube of crescent roll dough into a rectangle, seal seams & perforations. Combine pecans, sugar & cinnamon; sprinkle over dough. Roll up jellyroll style, starting with long side; seal edge. Cut each roll into 16 slices. Place cut side down in prepared pans. Bake @ 375 for 13-17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in pans for 1 minute before inverting onto serving plates. Grandma's Cinnamon Rolls 1 c. lukewarm milk 1/4 c. sugar 3/4 tsp salt 4 T. cooking oil 1 egg, well beaten 1 pkg dry yeast, dissolved in 1/4 c. warm water 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 c. flour Combine milk, sugar, salt, oil & egg & stir until dissolved. Add yeast mixture & stir again. Add flour gradually & as soon as you can knead it with your hands, knead until smooth. Grease top (w/ cooking oil) & cover. Let rise until doubled in bulk. Punch down & roll out dough about 3/4" thick. Spread with butter & sprinkle with cinnamon. Roll up & slice into 1" slices. Put in a greased 9 x 13 pan & let rise until doubled in size. Bake @ 350 for 25-30 minutes. When cool, frost with maple flavored frosting. 1 stick butter, melted 3 c. powdered sugar maple flavoring water Blend butter & powdered sugar together. Add maple flavoring to desired taste & color. Then add water to spreading consistency. Herb Bread 3 3/8 c. flour 2 T. sugar 1 1/2 T. dry milk 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 T. butter 1 1/2 T. dill 3 T. parsley 1 1/2 c. water 1 1/2 tsp. dry yeast Place ingredients in bread machine according to your machines specifications. Cooking time will vary with each machine. You may also bake in the oven @ 350 about 1 hour. Makes 2 loaves. Hope your house will soon smell like baking bread! Enjoy! Recipe of the Day - veggies Thanks to Brianne for this recipe. {You guys are great =)} Seasoned Green Beans 1 T. canola oil 1 T. lemon juice 1 T. cider vinegar 2 t. dried basil 3/4 t. brown sugar 1/4 t. salt 1/8 t. pepper 1 lb. fresh green beans 2 T. butter Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl. In a large skillet, saute beans in butter until almost tender. Add lemon juice mixture, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until beans are tender.

On the 4th day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....4 steaming veggies! All are so, so good! Roasted Asparagus 1 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed olive oil kosher salt Place spears in jelly roll sheet pan. Drizzle with oil, toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt. Bake in 375-400 oven for approx. 20 minutes or until crisp tender. Apple Baked Beans 1 (48 oz) jar great Northern beans, drained 4 T. butter 3 c. apples, cubed 1/2 c. onions, chopped 3/4 c. brown sugar 1/2 c. ketchup 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. salt bacon Melt butter in large skillet. Add apples & onions. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add brown sugar & stir until dissolved. Blend the remaining ingredients together with the apple mixture in a 2-qt. casserole dish. Pour mixture over beans & mix well. Bake in preheated oven at 375 for one hour. Perfect Corn on the Cob - Alton Brown (Food Network) water 8-10 ears sweet corn, husked & silk removed Fill dutch oven with water. Add corn to water; turn to high heat & bring to boil. Let boil for 30 seconds; cover and turn off burner. Do not remove lid or move pan from burner. Let sit for 10 minutes. Remove & enjoy. Perfect every time! Grilled Potato Packs 1-2 med. potatoes, sliced thin 1/2 c. baby carrots, sliced thin 1/2 small onion, sliced seasoned salt Nature's seasoning blend 1/4-1/2 stick butter or margarine Place vegetables on foil, season; dot with butter (on top & underneath). Make foil packet with another piece of foil. Grill for 30 minutes, turning once, or until vegetables are tender. Can't wait to see your vegetable recipes! Recipe of the Day - Salads This is a favorite of skeeteror's son! Lime-Pear Salad 1 C. pear juice from can.Add water if needed to make the 1 C. 1 C. cold water 1 large pkg. lime gelatin 1 Med. can pears 1 C. heavy cream, whipped 1 large pkg. cream cheese (8 oz) Heat pear juice and cold water with gelatin; cool until partially thickened.Whip cream; fold in cream cheese. Mash pears (I use mixer); add to cooled mixture. Fold everything together and chill until firm.Yum! Yum! I've substituted peaches and peach gelatin, strawberries and strawberry gelatin and both were great!

On the 3rd day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me...

....3 salads! Once again, these are some of my favorites. Yum! Carrot Salad 1 (3 oz) boxes orange Jello 1 (15 oz) can crushed pineapple 2 c. grated carrots Drain pineapple & save juice. Boil juice plus enough water to make 3 cups liquid. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Add 2 cups cold water. Chill. Combine all ingredients in serving dish. Let set until solid. Broccoli Slaw Salad 2 lbs. broccoli slaw 2 bunches green onions, sliced 1 c. roasted, salted sunflower seeds 1 pkg. Ramen noodles, oriental flavoring Toss all ingredients together, except flavor packet from Ramen noodles. 1 c. veg. oil (skimpy) 1/3 c. apple cider vinegar 1/2 c. sugar 1 pkt. flavoring from Ramen noodles Mix oil, vinegar, sugar & flavoring to make dressing. Pour over salad ingredients about 1/2 hour before serving. Poppy Seed Salad 1 head romaine lettuce 1 head red leaf lettuce 8-10 fresh strawberries, sliced 1 can mandarin oranges 1 red onion, thinly sliced honey roasted almonds Cut up lettuce into a bowl. Add strawberries, oranges, a little red onion. Sprinkle with almonds. 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. salt 1/3 c. white vinegar 3/4 - 1 c. oil 1 T. poppy seeds Place sugar, mustard, salt & vinegar in blender & blend well. Slowly add oil & blend until thick. stir in poppy seeds. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. *You may also add cooked, cubed chicken. Don't forget to submit your favorite salad recipe! And tell your friends! Recipe of the Day - Dips This dip recipe is from scarlet and gray Black Bean Salsa

1 - 15 oz. can yellow corn

1 - 15 oz. can white corn

2 - 15 oz. cans black beans

5 Roma tomatoes

2 bunches green onion

1 packet Good Seasons dressing

1 bunch cilantro

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 T. oil

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup vinegar

Drain corn. Drain and rinse beans. Chop onion and tomato and mix all together. Combine good seasons dressing, oil, water, and vinegar, garlic, and cilantro. Shake well and pour over mixture. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Not Me! Monday - Oh Boy!

It's time for another Not Me! Monday & boy do I need to vent! If you want to learn more about it, check out MckMama's blog.

I did not decide to try potty-training #2 son (who is 3 1/2!) again. I am absolutely, positively NOT proud of the little stinker b/c he FINALLY did it! Yeah! No more diapers!!! =)

I did not open my laptop to find this....... (that certainly is not a rock!)And my screen really doesn't look like this!....

**On a side note: Does anyone know if you can fix this sort of thing? Or do we just accept the fact that it's ruined? Please leave me a note if you have experience with this!

We absolutely did not have fun with a fart machine. And it certainly was not at the dinner table. Nope. Not us!

HHmmmm....I don't see a pattern forming in all my Not Me! posts. And it can't be about bodily functions!

My 12 Days of Christmas Recipes Giveaway has not started. There is still not time to join in!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me....

....2 yummy dips! I've tried both of these & they're great! Chili Cheese Dip 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 can Hormel chili, no beans 8-12 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded In glass pie plate, layer the cream cheese, spread the chili over the cream cheese layer and last of all, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top (layer as thick as you like). Microwave on high approx. 5 minutes or until heated through & cheese is melted. Serve with nacho chips. Fresh Fruit Dip 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened 1 (7 oz) marshmallow creme Combine softened cream cheese & marshmallow creme; mix well until well blended. Serve with fresh fruit & cookies as dippers. Variation: Add 1 T. orange juice & 1 tsp. grated orange rind to mixture. Don't forget you can enter once each day by submitting a recipe! Recipe of the Day - Beverages Thank you to skeeteror for submitting this yummy-looking recipe! I think I'll have to go try it.... Hot Chocolate 1/3 C. semi-sweet or milk choc. choc. chips 1/3 C. sugar 4 C. milk 1/2 t. cinnamon 1/4 t. nutmeg whipped cream or small marshmallows Combine choc. chips, sugar, and 1/2 C. of the milk. Stir over med. heat just until it comes to a boil. Stir in remaining 3 1/2 C. milk and spices. Heat thru, but don't boil. Pour in cups and add whipped cream or marshmallows. Makes 4-5 servings

On the 1st Day of Christmas, NellBell gave to me...

*Updated* I forgot to add one important detail about this giveaway! You may enter once a day for each of the 12 days (up until the next days' post) for a total of 12 entries per person. 12 chances to win! And here's a look at the cookbook you can win... *To my family who may already have this cookbook, I will send you a different prize if you win the giveaway. But you still need to submit recipes to enter! (Doesn't matter if they're already in the book either.) ....a beverage in a warm mug! Here is the first recipe! I usually don't drink anything other than water (just ask anyone that knows me well enough!) but I like this! I hope you enjoy it! Mulled Cider 1c. brown sugar dash ground nutmeg 2 tsp. whole cloves 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. whole allspice 1 cinnamon stick-6" In a saucepan, combine above ingredients. *To make it extra special, add a splash of orange juice.* Bring everything almost to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain. Serve with another cinnamon. Here are some more details for the contest: -All the recipes I'm featuring these 12 Days come from Prepared with Love, my family's cookbook. The recipes I contributed I will give credit to the original creator. The rest of them come from my aunts or cousins & I have no way of knowing where they came from, so I am giving them credit for those recipes here. Thank you family! -To be eligible to win the giveaway, you must submit a recipe in the same food category as the that days' recipes. -The prize for this giveaway is a recently published, 3-ring binder cookbook from my family. It has lots & lots of fabulous recipes! -I will pick 1 or more winners at the end of the 12 Days (ends Dec. 24). I will contact the winner & then you email me your address so that I can ship it out after Christmas. -From each days' entry, I will pick 1 recipe to highlight on the next days' post. I will give credit to the person who entered & a link to their blog if they so choose. (Please let me know if you DON'T want your blog listed.) ENJOY!