All By Myself...
At times, those are very sweet words. Sometimes, as adults, we want to be alone; all by ourselves, AWAY from others and reminders of responsibilities. So much so that we could scream.
Or is that just me? :-)
As children, we all want to do things ourselves. Whether it be doing something without outside help, or just be left alone.
Alone, that's not something some of are very often. It's one of those things that most of look forward to, even if only for a few moments. We take that time to just breathe, listen to the silence, pray, or just sit and not have to think about anything for just a few moments.
I have to admit that I am one of those people who long for time alone. I don't get it very often. Sometimes the rest of the family goes somewhere and I get some time alone, but I am home and always think of something that needs to be done, someone I need to contact about something or other... it's just not as enjoyable/restful as it should be.
Then there are the times I am alone in the car, but I'm on my way to DO something, so I'm generally thinking about what I am on my way to do.
But, in just a couple of weeks I will be able to enjoy the greatest gift my family has ever given me.
Greater than any expensive jewelry, money, diamonds, or even.... chocolate.
That's right, better than chocolate.
They have given me TIME ALONE. Not just alone, but alone away from home!! I have been gifted a night and almost 2 days in another city, a hotel room with a jacuzzi, and a little spending money.
I get to go out to eat ANYWHERE I WANT, and eat by myself. I can go shopping, see a movie, or do nothing. I can listen to any music I want, sleep as long as I want, and just relax. I am not taking anything with me except clothes and a Bible.
I'm not even taking my cell phone. :-)
I don't think I have ever looked forward to a gift like this. Not even when I got my digital camera. :-)
I remember reading Lisa Whelchel talk about a "sabbatical" she took once. She spent a weekend in a friend's cabin by herself and did nothing but enjoy nature and God's Word. I remember being so jealous of that.
Not that I don't love being with my family. I do, truly. But, I also believe that everyone needs time alone at some point.
SO, I just want to publicly thank my family for this gift of love. You have NO IDEA how much I appreciate it and look forward to it.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
20 reasons to Homeschool.
I stole this from Julie at Elisharose. Thank you, Julie. :-)
*** If you have a hard time viewing it, go to Julie's site and click the picture. It will show up larger.
Love,
Wendy Darling
I stole this from Julie at Elisharose. Thank you, Julie. :-)
*** If you have a hard time viewing it, go to Julie's site and click the picture. It will show up larger.
Love,Wendy Darling
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday Recipe Swap
It is Friday, and that means it's time for a recipe swap hosted by Gayle at Grocery Cart Challenge. :-) Once you leave here, please head on over and see all of the wonderful recipes linked there. If you would like to participate just be sure to link back to Gayle's site. Gayle has a good recipe today for homemade daily shower spray.
I'm going to be a little lazy today. OK, a LOT lazy. It's been a busy week, so I'm pulling out an old recipe. I originally shared this one back in August of '08, but I think it is a good one to share again. :-)
Homemade Hair Detangler - click the link to see the original post.
Love,
Wendy Darling
It is Friday, and that means it's time for a recipe swap hosted by Gayle at Grocery Cart Challenge. :-) Once you leave here, please head on over and see all of the wonderful recipes linked there. If you would like to participate just be sure to link back to Gayle's site. Gayle has a good recipe today for homemade daily shower spray.
I'm going to be a little lazy today. OK, a LOT lazy. It's been a busy week, so I'm pulling out an old recipe. I originally shared this one back in August of '08, but I think it is a good one to share again. :-)
Homemade Hair Detangler - click the link to see the original post.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, January 15, 2010
Book Review
My sister "J" and "Little Mark" have become avid fans of Hannah Swenson Mysteries by Joanne Fluke. I had never heard of this series or author until they mentioned them. Hannah Swenson is the owner/operator of the Cookie Jar Bakery, and she solves murder mysteries. What a combination!
Actually, I have to give credit to "J" for introducing the books to Little Mark and a particularly long road trip. "J" had the first book on an audio book, and wanted to hear the last hour or so in the car. Little Mark happened to be in the back seat, and even though he didn't hear the beginning of the book HE WAS HOOKED.
I have to say that I have not read any of the books, and have only heard an hour or so of one of the audio books that Little Mark was playing, so I relied on "J" to say whether or not it was appropriate. She equated it with "an episode of Murder She Wrote, only the heroine is a baker instead of an author."
Baker? This could be interesting. :-)
What Little Mark and I both find very interesting is that the books also contain the recipes for the dishes she makes in that particular book. :-) Most of them are desserts (my kind of lady) ;-) but there are recipes of all kinds. All of the titles are named after a food. :-)
Little Mark has always loved a good mystery, and even though it may sound kind of weird that he would pick up on a book about a woman baker who solves murders, it has him READING!! :-) Not only that, the boy has spent HIS OWN MONEY buying the books. He looks for them now when we go to bookstores.
He has actually made one of the recipes for "Cinnamon Crisps", and they were amazing. He did them all by himself. He pretty much memorized the recipe, wrote a shopping list, followed the directions to the letter, and did it all himself. ;-) He has even asked if he could do a "Home Ec." project by creating a cook book from the recipes in the book, and then make dinner one night using only recipes from the book.
Did you catch that? The boy just gave himself a school project, and volunteered to cook!
I think I like this "Hannah Swensen"... :-)
He was also VERY excited to learn that Joanne Fluke is currently working on a cook book using all of the recipes in the book. It's due out October 2011. Future Christmas gift? I think so.
I am all for whatever gets a child to love reading, as long as it is appropriate, and this seems to be the one that Little Mark hooked. It his based on his recommendation, and request, that I give you this book review. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Friday Recipe Swap
You may remember that I linked to THIS cinnamon roll recipe from Ree at Pioneer Woman Cooks. Well, I tried them, and they are YUMMY. My family missed the brown sugar in the cinnamon rolls that I usually make, though. SO, I "tweaked" Ree's recipe just a tad. I only made two changes, and let me tell you I am glad I did. :-)
I still LOVE Ree's recipe as well, and if you would like to look at the recipe with all the REALLY nice pictures she has, then please hop on over and see it. You'll be glad you did. :-)
OK, here is the recipe I used, with the TWO changes I made.
Ingredients:
Dough:
1 C whole milk
1 C vegetable oil
1 C sugar
2 packages (4 1/2 tsp.) active dry yeast
9 C all purpose flour
1 heaping tsp. baking powder
1 scant tsp. baking soda
1 Tbl. salt
Filling:
2 C butter, melted
1 C brown sugar
1 C sugar
2 T cinnamon
For the dough, beat the milk, oil and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Set aside and cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit on top of the milk for 1 minute.
Add 8 C of flour, stir until just combined. Cover with a clean towel and set aside in a relatively warm place for 1 hour.
Remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Place dough on floured surface and divide into two parts. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30 X 10 inches.
Pour melted butter on dough and spread evenly. Cover with half of the sugar/cinnamon mixture and spread evenly. Roll the dough tightly and pinch to seal. Cut in 1 1/2 inch slices and place on buttered pan. Cover and let rise at least 20 minutes. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.
Icing:
2 lbs. powdered sugar
1/2 C whole milk
6 Tbl. butter, melted
1/4 C strongly brewed coffee
Dash of salt
1 Tbl. maple flavoring or maple extract (I used Maple syrup)
The only thing I changed is the sugar types and amount. Ree uses 2 cups of white sugar, but I divided it between brown and white. Crushed pecans may be added on top, or inside the dough before rolling, if desired.
To see other great recipes, please go over to Gayle's at Grocery Cart Challenge. :-) If you would like to participate, be sure to link to Gayle's blog. :-)
Come back tomorrow for a book recommendation. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
You may remember that I linked to THIS cinnamon roll recipe from Ree at Pioneer Woman Cooks. Well, I tried them, and they are YUMMY. My family missed the brown sugar in the cinnamon rolls that I usually make, though. SO, I "tweaked" Ree's recipe just a tad. I only made two changes, and let me tell you I am glad I did. :-)
I still LOVE Ree's recipe as well, and if you would like to look at the recipe with all the REALLY nice pictures she has, then please hop on over and see it. You'll be glad you did. :-)
OK, here is the recipe I used, with the TWO changes I made.
Ingredients:
Dough:
1 C whole milk
1 C vegetable oil
1 C sugar
2 packages (4 1/2 tsp.) active dry yeast
9 C all purpose flour
1 heaping tsp. baking powder
1 scant tsp. baking soda
1 Tbl. salt
Filling:
2 C butter, melted
1 C brown sugar
1 C sugar
2 T cinnamon
For the dough, beat the milk, oil and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Do not allow the mixture to boil. Set aside and cool to lukewarm.
Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit on top of the milk for 1 minute.
Add 8 C of flour, stir until just combined. Cover with a clean towel and set aside in a relatively warm place for 1 hour.
Remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt and the remaining 1 cup of flour. Stir thoroughly to combine.
Place dough on floured surface and divide into two parts. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30 X 10 inches.
Pour melted butter on dough and spread evenly. Cover with half of the sugar/cinnamon mixture and spread evenly. Roll the dough tightly and pinch to seal. Cut in 1 1/2 inch slices and place on buttered pan. Cover and let rise at least 20 minutes. Bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.
Icing:
2 lbs. powdered sugar
1/2 C whole milk
6 Tbl. butter, melted
1/4 C strongly brewed coffee
Dash of salt
1 Tbl. maple flavoring or maple extract (I used Maple syrup)
The only thing I changed is the sugar types and amount. Ree uses 2 cups of white sugar, but I divided it between brown and white. Crushed pecans may be added on top, or inside the dough before rolling, if desired.
To see other great recipes, please go over to Gayle's at Grocery Cart Challenge. :-) If you would like to participate, be sure to link to Gayle's blog. :-)
Come back tomorrow for a book recommendation. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, January 07, 2010
God Must be Laughing....
I was going to post about the weather and the whole Global Warming sca... uh... "thing." But, my friend Julie at "Thoughts I Thunk" said it much better than I would have, and I agree with her 100%, so I'm just sending you over there. :-) And I stole the title from her too. ;-)
Stay warm everybody. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I was going to post about the weather and the whole Global Warming sca... uh... "thing." But, my friend Julie at "Thoughts I Thunk" said it much better than I would have, and I agree with her 100%, so I'm just sending you over there. :-) And I stole the title from her too. ;-)
Stay warm everybody. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, January 02, 2010
I got the "Beautiful Blogger Award" from Kwizgiver at "What if this is as Good as it Gets." Thank you, Kwizgiver. I am humbled and grateful.
The award does come with the some responsibilities.
1. I must thank the person who bestowed this honor upon me.
2. Copy the award and place it on my blog.
3. Link to the bestowers’ site.
4. Enumerate seven interesting things about myself. Here they are:
1) I love to bake.
2) I like decorating cakes.
3) My favorite ice cream is Chocolate Fudge Brownie with nuts.
4) My favorite colors are pink and purple (but not together)
5) I took Wado Kai (karate) in college, and was a yellow belt when I stopped.
6) I like to crochet.
7) When I was about 7 years old I road an elephant at the Houston Zoo.
5. Nominate seven bloggers that I find beautiful. Here are my nominees: Princess Ladybug, Elisharose, Pioneer Woman, Daes of our Lives, Grocery Cart Challenge, My Listening Heart, and Leighton Heart.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas!!! :-)
It has been a wonderful Christmas, and I'm not just talking about today. This whole month has been wonderful. We took the last two weeks off from school, and I have been baking, and cooking everyday. :-) You may think that is a lot, but it wasn't all just for today or just for Christmas. We made MANY cookies to give away as gifts, as well as 2 batches of cinnamon rolls and an innumerable amount of Oreo Truffles.
I've baked 2 cakes for both a baby shower and a birthday. Actually, 2 for birthdays. I've spent the holidays trying to relax, and improve my cake baking/decorating skills. :-) The following photos show my progress.
Yes, I made that little "sweet" baby out of fondant. My first time to try to sculpt something from fondant. Also, the cake shows I watch are teaching me about sculpting cakes, but you can't do that with Duncan Hines. :-) So, I've been looking for sponge cake recipes from scratch. Found a couple and made one. It tasted really good, but I did not venture into the sculpting part yet. That is coming. :-)
To help me with my new cake adventures my family gave me a Wilton Ribbon Cutter and Embosser set. :-) I can't wait to try it.
And, my FAVORITE gift was.................................................
That's right, I got the cook book. :-) I plan to make the cinnamon rolls sometime this week. :-)
Of course, none of these things compare to THE ULTIMATE GIFT given to us by our LORD, His Son, Jesus Christ; and the gift He gave to us, Himself. :-)
Blessings to all you and your family.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Nostalgia....
I am really showing my age here, but all of these old Christmas specials are making me nostalgic. Yep, it happens every year, and I love the Christmas specials. :-) We watch most of them, and even enjoy some of the new ones. Did y'all happen to catch "Prep and Landing" the other night? I laughed so hard I cried. :-) It will definitely become a classic, in our house anyway. :-)
But, during the shows it hit me what I've been missing. A LONG time ago Kraft used to sponsor the Christmas shows, and every commercial break the "man with the nice voice" came on and gave several recipes, using Kraft products of course. I MISS THOSE. That was one of my favorite parts of all the shows.
Maybe that's why I love recipes/cook books now. Maybe I had an "inner cook" in me back then waiting to get out. :-)
My family and I talked about those commercials the other night, and it really made me want to see them again. I sure wish they would do those kind of commercials during the holidays now. It would be a HUGE improvement over the junk they show now.
Anyway, I spent some time on Youtube looking for the old commercials, and I finally found some. :-) I can't tell you how excited I am. :-)
Enjoy!! :-)
I am really showing my age here, but all of these old Christmas specials are making me nostalgic. Yep, it happens every year, and I love the Christmas specials. :-) We watch most of them, and even enjoy some of the new ones. Did y'all happen to catch "Prep and Landing" the other night? I laughed so hard I cried. :-) It will definitely become a classic, in our house anyway. :-)
But, during the shows it hit me what I've been missing. A LONG time ago Kraft used to sponsor the Christmas shows, and every commercial break the "man with the nice voice" came on and gave several recipes, using Kraft products of course. I MISS THOSE. That was one of my favorite parts of all the shows.
Maybe that's why I love recipes/cook books now. Maybe I had an "inner cook" in me back then waiting to get out. :-)
My family and I talked about those commercials the other night, and it really made me want to see them again. I sure wish they would do those kind of commercials during the holidays now. It would be a HUGE improvement over the junk they show now.
Anyway, I spent some time on Youtube looking for the old commercials, and I finally found some. :-) I can't tell you how excited I am. :-)
Enjoy!! :-)
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
We Have A Winner!! :-)
I used the Random Number Generator this morning, and entered numbers 1-6. It shot out #5, so Julie at Elisharose has won the Yancy CD.
Congratulations, Julie. :-) I will e-mail Julie to get her address, and mail her CD.
If you would still like to have a copy of Yancy's CD, please see the original post. Also, we were in LifeWay this weekend, and turns out they sell it. :-) SO, if you're near a LifeWay just hop on over there and purchase one for $9.99 and save the shipping cost. :-)
Thank you for playing. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I used the Random Number Generator this morning, and entered numbers 1-6. It shot out #5, so Julie at Elisharose has won the Yancy CD.
Congratulations, Julie. :-) I will e-mail Julie to get her address, and mail her CD.
If you would still like to have a copy of Yancy's CD, please see the original post. Also, we were in LifeWay this weekend, and turns out they sell it. :-) SO, if you're near a LifeWay just hop on over there and purchase one for $9.99 and save the shipping cost. :-)
Thank you for playing. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, December 04, 2009
Everything You Always Wanted To Know About How We Celebrate Christmas **
I have no recipe today, so I am totally stealing this from Julie over at Elisharose News. :-) Thank you, Julie. :-)
1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? I prefer Hot chocolate.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrap. I love to wrap presents. :-) This year, I even wrapped empty boxes for decorations.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? White on the trees, none on the house
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Sometimes, but not this year.
5. When do you put your decorations up? The Saturday after Thanksgiving.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I love it all. That's part of the fun of the holidays. If I HAD to pick just one, okay two, I would say Fruit Cake Cookies, and Cheeseball.
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? I love them all. But, I still think THIS ONE is the best.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I figured it out when I was around 6 or 7. When I asked my parents they told me the truth. It wasn't a sad thing though, I kind of liked being "in the know" with the grown ups.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? With ornaments we have collected over the past years.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? LOVE IT. Wish we had some.
12. Can you ice skate? No. It is my firm belief that fat people who have no medical insurance should not be on any kind of skates, period.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I think that would be the stereo.
14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering the birth of THE Savior, and instilling the real reason for Christmas to the nephews.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Can't pick just one. Sorry.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Going to Santa Land to "kick off" the Christmas season.
17. What tops your tree? An angel
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving!!!!
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love so many, but I think it's Silent Night, or Mary Did You Know.
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum.
21 Favorite Christmas Show? I can't choose just one, I love and watch them all.
22. Saddest Christmas Song? There are no "sad" ones, but Christmas Shoes and Merry Christmas with Love always make me cry. Need a Christmas break? Go ahead, copy this post and fill it out on your blog. And let me know about it so I can read it too. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Let's have a drawing!! :-)
Today is December 1st. That seems like a good day to give away some Christmas music for you to enjoy over the next several weeks. :-) And this CD is a good one for doing just that.
For those of you who have not heard of Yancy , she is a young, contemporary Christian singer/songwriter and author who's sound I would equate with Demi Lovato. "Little Mark" says she reminds him of Pink, but he isn't allowed to listen to Pink. ;-)
"Little Mark" came home from church camp with two of her CDs, and pre-ordered the Christmas CD. He has been playing it since October, and I have to say that while he and I differ on our taste in music (me usually yelling "turn that stuff down") I like Yancy. She is fun, energetic, and has a good voice and great Pop sound, but is not "overpowering" like a lot of mainstream female singers today.
The songs are a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary favorites, but all performed in a very fun and modern way. Yancy penned two songs: “Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas” and “Christmastime”. Both are sure to become staples for many Christmas’s to come. The song "The Greatest Gift" is being played at radio across the U.S.
It's definitely one of those CDs that the entire family can enjoy. :-)
Track listing:
1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas
3. Wonderful Christmastime
4. Joy To The World
5. Christmastime
6. The First Noel
7. Medley: Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Feliz Navidad, We Wish You A Merry Christmas
8. Angels We Have Heard On High
9. O Come All Ye Faithful
10. The Greatest Gift
I think my favorite song is "Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas." I really like the energy and joy I get when listening to it, and being reminded of THE reason we celebrate Christmas. :-)
Yancy has been nice enough to send me a copy to give away in a drawing. So, to win all you need to do is leave a comment, and make sure I have a way to get in touch with you to let you know if you won. If you have a blog, link back to it, or leave me an e-mail address. This drawing is open to EVERYONE.
I will draw for the winner on December 8th, that way you are sure to receive it in plenty of time to enjoy during the holidays, or give as a gift. :-)
If you would help "spread the word" on your blog or facebook wall I sure would appreciate it. :-)
If you would like to just go ahead and purchase the great CD you may do so at www.amazon.com
from Yancy or from iTunes.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Projects and More Projects....
I am taking a break from making the Christmas presents for our Aunt and Uncle. I'm trying to make a DVD, and it isn't working out. SO, I'm stepping back for a bit, and decided to blog. :-)
I do have another project that I will need to start soon. I need to get all of my recipes typed up and printed into a cookbook. It is no longer a neat idea that I WANT to do, it is now out of necessity.
Why? Because of THIS:
And this:
That's my cook book that I write recipes in. The pockets are stuffed, and the pages are falling off of the spiral binder. Not good.
I spared you the picture of the "Gingerbread recipe" with the molasses stain. :-)
So, I'm thinking that after the first of the year I will be working on a personal cook book. I wonder how much it would cost to have it bound in hard cover? ;-)
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
I am taking a break from making the Christmas presents for our Aunt and Uncle. I'm trying to make a DVD, and it isn't working out. SO, I'm stepping back for a bit, and decided to blog. :-)
I do have another project that I will need to start soon. I need to get all of my recipes typed up and printed into a cookbook. It is no longer a neat idea that I WANT to do, it is now out of necessity.
Why? Because of THIS:
And this:
That's my cook book that I write recipes in. The pockets are stuffed, and the pages are falling off of the spiral binder. Not good. I spared you the picture of the "Gingerbread recipe" with the molasses stain. :-)
So, I'm thinking that after the first of the year I will be working on a personal cook book. I wonder how much it would cost to have it bound in hard cover? ;-)
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, everyone!! :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cookie Recipe
Well, I did it. I read the "Pioneer Woman Cooks" cook book cover to cover, and I have determined that it would take A LOT less time and effort to just buy the book rather than copy each of the recipes I want to try. :-) So, when I get the money I shall plop it down on a new copy. Seriously, this is one you should take a good look at. Be sure to ask for it at your public library. :-)
OK, today is Friday, and that means it is time for the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap. After you finish here be sure to hop on over to Gayle's to check out all of the great recipes linked there. :-)
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in a doctor's office waiting for my Mom, and I was flipping through magazines. I found this wonderful cookie recipe, and I was REALLY tempted to tear out the recipe and take it with me. But, since that is one of my HUGE PET PEEVES, I just searched for pen and paper and wrote as fast as possibly could to copy it down. It is beyond delicious! :-) I made them and for Bible Study this week, and there were NONE left. Since Christmas is coming, and many people will be attending cookie swaps, I thought it would be good to share this recipe with you. ENJOY!!
ROLO COOKIES
1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
2t vanilla extract
2 1/4 C flour
1t baking soda
3/4 C unsweetened cocoa
48 Rolo candies (unwrapped)
Powdered sugar
Beat butter, gradually add sugars, beat well. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to mixture and beat. Cover and chill 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 F. Divide dough into 4 parts. Refrigerate the 3 parts you are not working with. Divide 1 part into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece and roll a Rolo into each one. Bake 8 minutes. Cool for 1 minute and then move to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Well, I did it. I read the "Pioneer Woman Cooks" cook book cover to cover, and I have determined that it would take A LOT less time and effort to just buy the book rather than copy each of the recipes I want to try. :-) So, when I get the money I shall plop it down on a new copy. Seriously, this is one you should take a good look at. Be sure to ask for it at your public library. :-)
OK, today is Friday, and that means it is time for the Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap. After you finish here be sure to hop on over to Gayle's to check out all of the great recipes linked there. :-)
A couple of weeks ago I was sitting in a doctor's office waiting for my Mom, and I was flipping through magazines. I found this wonderful cookie recipe, and I was REALLY tempted to tear out the recipe and take it with me. But, since that is one of my HUGE PET PEEVES, I just searched for pen and paper and wrote as fast as possibly could to copy it down. It is beyond delicious! :-) I made them and for Bible Study this week, and there were NONE left. Since Christmas is coming, and many people will be attending cookie swaps, I thought it would be good to share this recipe with you. ENJOY!!
ROLO COOKIES
1 C butter
1 C sugar
1 C brown sugar (packed)
2 eggs
2t vanilla extract
2 1/4 C flour
1t baking soda
3/4 C unsweetened cocoa
48 Rolo candies (unwrapped)
Powdered sugar
Beat butter, gradually add sugars, beat well. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Combine dry ingredients. Gradually add to mixture and beat. Cover and chill 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 375 F. Divide dough into 4 parts. Refrigerate the 3 parts you are not working with. Divide 1 part into 12 pieces. Flatten each piece and roll a Rolo into each one. Bake 8 minutes. Cool for 1 minute and then move to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely, then sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Love,
Wendy Darling
Monday, November 09, 2009
Jealousy is such a bad characteristic...
but I am jealous. I guess you would say "coveting" more than jealous. But I'm getting ahead of myself on this post, so let me start over...
I have A LOT of cook books. I love them. I read them like a novel, and mark all of the recipes I want to make. Then, I actually do make some of them. ;-) A few months ago, I downsized my collection, and gave about half of them away. I held on to the ones I really love and use. One thing I have noticed is that most of the ones I kept are Christmas themed, or all about cookies/baking.
Hey, I know what I like. :-)
My family will tell you that I love collecting recipes, not just in cook books. I can't tell you how many recipes I have printed from the Internet, or copied from a magazine. I keep those in a three-ring binder, so that I cannot find the recipe when needed, and I print another copy. :-)
However, I believe I have THE COOK BOOK, and I want to recommend it to you. It is AMAZING, and very much something I would love to do some time. Here it is:
That's right, Ree at Pioneer Woman Cooks finished her cook book. I have not finished the whole thing, yet.
OK, I have flipped through it, but I can assure you I have found several recipes I will be copying and using this year, and by "this year" I mean before the end of '09. I am seriously thinking I may have to put money down and BUY this one at RETAIL. Yep, it's that good. I can also pretty much guarantee that before the end of this coming weekend I will have found myself a "semi" quiet corner in the house and curl up with a hot cup of cider to read the cook book cover to cover.
This is where my "coveting/jealousy" comes in. Not only do I want to make my own cook book someday (not for retail, just a personal thing for me and maybe some family members), I want Ree's kitchen. I want her talent for cooking/baking and I WANT HER KNOWLEDGE AND TALENT FOR TAKING AMAZING PHOTOS!" Or, maybe just her camera and photo software. That would work too. ;-)
Anyway, hop over to Ree's or Amazon and purchase your own copy of "Pioneer Woman Cooks" today; or just run down to your local public library and borrow it like I did. Just don't drool on the cinnamon rolls because someone else WILL want to check it out. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
but I am jealous. I guess you would say "coveting" more than jealous. But I'm getting ahead of myself on this post, so let me start over...
I have A LOT of cook books. I love them. I read them like a novel, and mark all of the recipes I want to make. Then, I actually do make some of them. ;-) A few months ago, I downsized my collection, and gave about half of them away. I held on to the ones I really love and use. One thing I have noticed is that most of the ones I kept are Christmas themed, or all about cookies/baking.
Hey, I know what I like. :-)
My family will tell you that I love collecting recipes, not just in cook books. I can't tell you how many recipes I have printed from the Internet, or copied from a magazine. I keep those in a three-ring binder, so that I cannot find the recipe when needed, and I print another copy. :-)
However, I believe I have THE COOK BOOK, and I want to recommend it to you. It is AMAZING, and very much something I would love to do some time. Here it is:
That's right, Ree at Pioneer Woman Cooks finished her cook book. I have not finished the whole thing, yet.
OK, I have flipped through it, but I can assure you I have found several recipes I will be copying and using this year, and by "this year" I mean before the end of '09. I am seriously thinking I may have to put money down and BUY this one at RETAIL. Yep, it's that good. I can also pretty much guarantee that before the end of this coming weekend I will have found myself a "semi" quiet corner in the house and curl up with a hot cup of cider to read the cook book cover to cover.
This is where my "coveting/jealousy" comes in. Not only do I want to make my own cook book someday (not for retail, just a personal thing for me and maybe some family members), I want Ree's kitchen. I want her talent for cooking/baking and I WANT HER KNOWLEDGE AND TALENT FOR TAKING AMAZING PHOTOS!" Or, maybe just her camera and photo software. That would work too. ;-)
Anyway, hop over to Ree's or Amazon and purchase your own copy of "Pioneer Woman Cooks" today; or just run down to your local public library and borrow it like I did. Just don't drool on the cinnamon rolls because someone else WILL want to check it out. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Let the Holidays Begin!!! :-)
We are planning to make our annual trek to Santa Land early this year. ;-) I don't think I can contain my excitement. :-) Here is just a SMALL sample of what we will see. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
We are planning to make our annual trek to Santa Land early this year. ;-) I don't think I can contain my excitement. :-) Here is just a SMALL sample of what we will see. ;-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Friday, October 30, 2009
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap Friday
My goodness, it has been awhile since I have participated in a Friday Recipe Swap. :-)
I thought I would do a simple one, so simple there aren't any measurements. :-) I make this quite a bit as a side dish, but to be honest, it is very good on it's own as well. It is CHEAP, and very filling.
I hope you enjoy it, and please hop on over to The Grocery Cart Challenge, and see all of the wonderful recipes being shared there today. Gayle has a great one for Bay Leaf Tea that helps to fight the flu. :-) If you would like to participate, please do, and link your recipe to Gayle, and don't forget to mention the link in your post so others may enjoy all of the wonderful recipes being shared. :-)
Stewed Tomatoes and Spinach
1 large can of stewed tomatoes. ( I like to use the sliced ones)
small onion, chopped
minced garlic (as much as you like)
1 lb of spinach leaves
salt and pepper to taste
dash of nutmeg
Combine tomatoes, onion and garlic in a sauce pan. simmer until hot, and the onions are soft/translucent. Add salt and pepper. Add washed spinach on top of tomatoes, and grate just a bit of nutmeg onto the spinach. Turn off your heat, and place lid on pan to allow spinach to wilt. This will only take a few minutes, and will allow the spinach to keep most of it's color. Give a toss and enjoy. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
My goodness, it has been awhile since I have participated in a Friday Recipe Swap. :-)
I thought I would do a simple one, so simple there aren't any measurements. :-) I make this quite a bit as a side dish, but to be honest, it is very good on it's own as well. It is CHEAP, and very filling.
I hope you enjoy it, and please hop on over to The Grocery Cart Challenge, and see all of the wonderful recipes being shared there today. Gayle has a great one for Bay Leaf Tea that helps to fight the flu. :-) If you would like to participate, please do, and link your recipe to Gayle, and don't forget to mention the link in your post so others may enjoy all of the wonderful recipes being shared. :-)
Stewed Tomatoes and Spinach
1 large can of stewed tomatoes. ( I like to use the sliced ones)
small onion, chopped
minced garlic (as much as you like)
1 lb of spinach leaves
salt and pepper to taste
dash of nutmeg
Combine tomatoes, onion and garlic in a sauce pan. simmer until hot, and the onions are soft/translucent. Add salt and pepper. Add washed spinach on top of tomatoes, and grate just a bit of nutmeg onto the spinach. Turn off your heat, and place lid on pan to allow spinach to wilt. This will only take a few minutes, and will allow the spinach to keep most of it's color. Give a toss and enjoy. :-)
Love,
Wendy Darling
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Staycation and Christmas....
Dictionary.com defines "staycation" as: (noun) a stay-at-home vacation
Pretty self explanatory, I think. We have been on a "staycation" this week. I have a feeling that with the current economy MANY people will be taking staycations, if any vacation at all. I have to admit, when our Tennessee vacation turned into a "staycation", I was disappointed. However, I have to say that I did enjoy myself this week. :-)
We originally had several trips planned, within a 2 1/2 hr. driving distance, for this week. However, we ended up only traveling 2 of those days. The first day we actually spent at home, cooking breakfast for the week. We made things ahead of time that could be frozen, such as cinnamon rolls, pancakes wrapped around little smokies, etc. That way we cut down on the cooking this week, and were able to relax more even if we did not get to go anywhere. :-) It worked well, I think.
If you will indulge me, I'll give you a quick run down of our "adventures." :-)
Our first "trip" took us to a little town called Woodville, in southeast Texas. We went to Heritage Village to attend the Harvest Festival. We did actually have a little adventure here involving our low sitting car and a root, but I am going to let Cleggy tell you about that, because he will be much wittier than me. (Hear that, Cleggy? You have to blog about it now.) :-) I have to apologize up front to all of my scrapbooking friends. I am ashamed to say that I did not think to get a picture of Cleggy under the car trying to fix it, and once he reminded me about it we were already on the road and he refused to pull over and recreate the scene for me to redeem myself.
I KNOW!! How selfish could he be, right? ;-)
Anyway, the Harvest Festival was a lot of fun. All of the vendors were in period costume, and we saw them spinning yarn, making baskets, making hand dipped candles, etc. It was a great day.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping. Try to contain your excitement. ;-)
Monday we spent at home and played games. I finally got the rest of the family to play Mexican Train with me. :-) It was a lot of fun, actually.
Tuesday was our second and last "trip away from home." We spent the day in Jefferson, TX. Jefferson is home to several of "the most haunted places in Texas." I am happy to report that we didn't see any ghosts. ;-) Just a lot of old, historical buildings, a music/used bookstore antique stores, museums, etc. We ate lunch at the Hamburger Store. It was really good, and we loved the atmosphere. Everything from the red and white checker pattern on the floor and table cloths to the 50s music that filled the air. OH, and if you ever get a chance to go there, be sure and ask them about the story behind all of the $1 bills that paper the walls. :-)
And order the Chicken Fried Steak sandwich with sweet potato fries; I'm just sayin'. :-)
We also had floats and milk shakes and the "Jefferson General Store". This place was so neat, and really was like taking a step back in time. :-) And, we found THIS:
We didn't buy it mind you, we just saw it and took a pic. ;-)
Wednesday we "straightened" the garage and watched a movie. We also played games, and "Little Mark" and I painted Christmas ornaments.
Today and Friday will pretty much be the same; run a few errands, watch a movie, play some games, and just relax. I did finish making a Christmas tree I have been working on for our front porch. I made it using a tomato cage, greenery and decorations I got from the $1 store.
No we didn't travel umpteen hundred miles, stay in hotels and spend a lot of money eating out just to come home and "need a vacation from our vacation", but we did get out a little, got a few projects finished and relaxed a lot. With a little planning about the meals, and cooking ahead, we didn't spend all of our time in the kitchen, and we were able to just enjoy each others company. Really, isn't that what family vacations are for?
Love,
Wendy Darling
Dictionary.com defines "staycation" as: (noun) a stay-at-home vacation
Pretty self explanatory, I think. We have been on a "staycation" this week. I have a feeling that with the current economy MANY people will be taking staycations, if any vacation at all. I have to admit, when our Tennessee vacation turned into a "staycation", I was disappointed. However, I have to say that I did enjoy myself this week. :-)
We originally had several trips planned, within a 2 1/2 hr. driving distance, for this week. However, we ended up only traveling 2 of those days. The first day we actually spent at home, cooking breakfast for the week. We made things ahead of time that could be frozen, such as cinnamon rolls, pancakes wrapped around little smokies, etc. That way we cut down on the cooking this week, and were able to relax more even if we did not get to go anywhere. :-) It worked well, I think.
If you will indulge me, I'll give you a quick run down of our "adventures." :-)
Our first "trip" took us to a little town called Woodville, in southeast Texas. We went to Heritage Village to attend the Harvest Festival. We did actually have a little adventure here involving our low sitting car and a root, but I am going to let Cleggy tell you about that, because he will be much wittier than me. (Hear that, Cleggy? You have to blog about it now.) :-) I have to apologize up front to all of my scrapbooking friends. I am ashamed to say that I did not think to get a picture of Cleggy under the car trying to fix it, and once he reminded me about it we were already on the road and he refused to pull over and recreate the scene for me to redeem myself.
I KNOW!! How selfish could he be, right? ;-)
Anyway, the Harvest Festival was a lot of fun. All of the vendors were in period costume, and we saw them spinning yarn, making baskets, making hand dipped candles, etc. It was a great day.
On Sunday we went grocery shopping. Try to contain your excitement. ;-)
Monday we spent at home and played games. I finally got the rest of the family to play Mexican Train with me. :-) It was a lot of fun, actually.
Tuesday was our second and last "trip away from home." We spent the day in Jefferson, TX. Jefferson is home to several of "the most haunted places in Texas." I am happy to report that we didn't see any ghosts. ;-) Just a lot of old, historical buildings, a music/used bookstore antique stores, museums, etc. We ate lunch at the Hamburger Store. It was really good, and we loved the atmosphere. Everything from the red and white checker pattern on the floor and table cloths to the 50s music that filled the air. OH, and if you ever get a chance to go there, be sure and ask them about the story behind all of the $1 bills that paper the walls. :-)
And order the Chicken Fried Steak sandwich with sweet potato fries; I'm just sayin'. :-)
We also had floats and milk shakes and the "Jefferson General Store". This place was so neat, and really was like taking a step back in time. :-) And, we found THIS:
We didn't buy it mind you, we just saw it and took a pic. ;-)
Wednesday we "straightened" the garage and watched a movie. We also played games, and "Little Mark" and I painted Christmas ornaments.
Today and Friday will pretty much be the same; run a few errands, watch a movie, play some games, and just relax. I did finish making a Christmas tree I have been working on for our front porch. I made it using a tomato cage, greenery and decorations I got from the $1 store.
No we didn't travel umpteen hundred miles, stay in hotels and spend a lot of money eating out just to come home and "need a vacation from our vacation", but we did get out a little, got a few projects finished and relaxed a lot. With a little planning about the meals, and cooking ahead, we didn't spend all of our time in the kitchen, and we were able to just enjoy each others company. Really, isn't that what family vacations are for?
Love,
Wendy Darling
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