Pray for our brother please

This is the van he was driving, it went end over end 5x. He is fortunate to be alive, we are thankful that he didn't have his children with him and that it was a one car accident. It was daylight, he had a friend behind him that called the ambulance, they airlifted him to Creighton Hospital yesterday around 5pm.

He is on a ventilator, with a chest tube. He fractured all of his ribs on both sides, which caused a puncture to his left lung. He also bruised his lungs, his adrenals and his spleen, which is now leaking. He will be taken to surgery to have it removed if it continues. The Drs are watching it closely.

He also broke a vertebrae in his neck, 2 in his back. They woke him up to see if he could move his extremeties, which he could, he also had feeling, so he is not paralyzed. He had no fractures to his arms or legs, no head injuries. He is lucky that he is alive, we are very thankful.

I say a prayer for my little brother every day, I am hoping God heard those prayers and spared him, (?)realizing he had someone that loved him enough to pray for him daily.

PW's Pasta Primavera

I made this on Wed night, I think. It is good, I also baked boneless skinless chicken breasts, we had the pasta as a side dish, then I cut the leftover chicken breasts up and put them in the pasta. Steve loved this dish, I thought it was just ok, until we had the leftovers. All the flavors 'married' while sitting in the fridge overnight. This one is a keeper, we'll have it again.

Recipe Friday March 27,2009 Chalkboard Paint

Yesterday I learned that you could make your own chalkboard paint. How neat is this idea? You can them make it in any colors you choose to accent the wall of a children's room. I liked the idea of using it inside a pantry door. You can keep a running grocery list there. I used to tack recipes inside my old cupboard door. This would be a better use of this space.

Pantry Reminder
Covered with chalkboard paint, a pantry door serves as the perfect place to keep a running shopping list. In this case, only the inside panels were coated, but we custom-colored the paint so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the door. This concept also works on children's closet doors. Always tape off those areas that you don't want to paint, such as knobs and hardware.









Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.
1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.
2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.
3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.
4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

First Published: January 2007

Apron giveaway

I added a button to Calamity Kim's Apron giveaway (sorry, KIM), it wouldn't work with the code from their site, or I am doing something wrong..........which is highly probable. Please follow the link.

I NEED a new crystal cake stand

I broke mine a few years ago. Steve bought it for me from princess house. It was pricey, I dropped a knife in the lid when washing it, poked a hole right thru it and the dome top had to be tossed. Since it was special order, I tossed it. I didn't think I could ever find a top for it.

Now I see this, it is vintage and it is wavy, I love it. I used my other one to display cookies, muffins, cake.....who would've thought????

Ginger Pear Pistachio Blondies

I got the recipe from Lindsey's kitchen. I did a blogging by mail exchange this summer. Lindsey was the person that received my package, she is in culinary school. One of the things she wanted was the book, 'Hello Cupcake'. I sent it to her, today she posted some butterfly cupcakes she made from the book, they turned out pretty cute.




























These are pretty moist and delicious. Try them, you won't be disappointed. THis recipe came from Martha Stewart's Cookie Book, so Leslie, you can try it!!!


Ginger Pear Pistachio Blondies

Ingredients

- 9 tablespoons (1 stick plus 1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan.
- 1 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped dried pears (about 4 oz)
- 3/4 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped ( 3.25 oz)
- 1/4 cup coarsely chopped candied ginger (.25 oz)


Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform or round cake pan. Line bottom with parchment paper; butter parchment.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Put butter and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until combined. Mix in pears, pistachios and ginger.

3. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack 15 minutes. Remove side of springform pan (or invert pan if using cake pan). Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Cut into wedges. Blondies can be stored between layers of parchment in airtight containers at room temperature up to 3 days.


***Some Notes***
-These turned out more cake like than blondies normally are, but still delicious.
-It only took about 40 minutes in Lindsey's oven (mine,too) before they were done, so check them half way through to determine when yours will be done.

Clean organized studio 21Mar2009!!! YAY ME!!

The studio is done, Steve is walling in his woodworking area. He's also got a window so he can watch the animals from his work bench. We both have a radio and CD player, I have a DVD player compliments of my sisters. (see photo, they are all 'special')It was a coveted birthday gift a couple years ago. They got it for me, not that I watch TV while I am torching, but I listen to my favorite movies. It is a nice luxury to be able to do that. I had to change the original photo with the rug, it was bugging me that it looked dirty. There are also spots all over one of my cabinets. But in real life there is nothing there. Must be my camera?!

Recipe Friday March 20, 2009

I am going to make these for the next sister's breakfast, I think






















Peanut Butter and Fudge Brownies with Salted Peanuts
adapted from Dorie Greenspan
Brownies
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup roasted salted peanuts* with skins removed, coarsely chopped (optional)

Frosting
1 1/2 cups or chunky or creamy peanut butter (do not use natural or old-fashioned as the frosting will separate)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (very soft)
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon whole milk,
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or paste

Ganache
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (very soft)
7 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

For brownies:
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325F. Line 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with foil, leaving long overhang; butter foil (don't use wax paper as it will stick).

Place 3/4 cup butter in heavy large saucepan. Add both chocolates; stir over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in sugar, vanilla, and salt, then eggs, 1 at a time. Take the time to fully incorporate the egg before adding the next one. Fold in flour, then add the nuts. Spread in prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted into center comes out with moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; cool for half and hour. When the pan is cool enough to touch the bottom, put it in the fridge for half an hour.

For frosting and ganache:
Using electric mixer, beat peanut butter and 1/4 cup butter in medium bowl to blend for 3 minutes. Beat in powdered sugar, salt, and nutmeg, then milk and vanilla. Spread frosting over brownies. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer. (If you can't wait to chill the brownies, you can go ahead and move on to the next step, however chilling the peanut butter frosting firms it up. This will keep it from interfering with your ability to spread the ganache.)

Stir chocolate and 1/4 cup butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Drop ganache all over frosting; spread to cover. Chill until set, about 1 1/2 hours. Do ahead: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep chilled.

Using foil as aid, transfer brownie cake to work surface; cut into squares, cleaning off the knife after each slice.

* You can omit these and use peanut butter chips instead. However if you do use peanuts, try to find a Spanish peanuts as they are smaller and softer. You can usually find them in the bulk isle. If you can't find them, go ahead and use what ever you can find; they will still taste great.

Calico Tree

I found this on another blog, it was used by the Farm Chicks at a show. Pretty creative idea. I'd love to know about their cookbook before I buy one, but there are
no online reviews. Darn!!

Biggest Loser Challenge

Today I am joining the biggest loser challenge at Anytime Fitness. Wish me luck, it's going to be a competition like none other. I'm excited about the grand prize, a free trip!

I don't know the details yet, I suppose they'll go on percentage of body weight like the show, but I don't know yet.

I made a new recipe last night, one I've been wanting to try........I love allrecipes.com. The chicken was awesome, but I'll bet full of fat and calories. I didn't worry about it because today I am on a diet.......

Sunny day equates to organizing the studio

About a month ago I bought some cabinets at Menard's to organize the glass studio. I've been waiting for nicer weather so I could get into that space and clean it out. Today it was sunny, not real warm, but warm enough we could open the big door on the garage and start working on the studio.

Steve and I pulled all the existing cupboards, tables, shelves, etc out of the studio. I set to work tossing and sorting what I wanted to keep. We donated a good portion of things to West Central Development, then went back to Menard's to get another cabinet and a shelf to hold my TV, DVD player and the stereo.

Tomorrow we'll finish it up, then I may feel more inclined to get into the space and make beads. I've got 2 shows coming up soon, must get ready.

Asiago Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta Friday March 13, 2009

This recipe is a little bit of work, but oh so tasty. I make a garlic bread to go with it generally and a large tossed salad. Last time I made it I made PW's olive cheese bread to go with it, made for a very high calorie, fat laden dinner. But it was oh so good. It was a special dinner that involved my little sister and her family as well as my niece Celeste. I love to have people over, but don't do it often enough.


Asiago Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta


INGREDIENTS


• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1 cup Asiago Cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with equal parts water
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
• 3/4 cup bacon
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 cup chopped green onion
• 1 pound grilled skinless, boneless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook 2 cups cream until just bubbling. Watch carefully, to ensure that it doesn't boil over. Stir in bouillon and Asiago cheese. Stir with a whisk until dissolved. Add cornstarch mixture, and simmer until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside, or cover and refrigerate for later use.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute red onion until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cooked bacon, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in green onions, chicken and 1 cup cream. Cook, stirring, until cream is heated through. Add Asiago cream sauce, and heat through. Toss with cooked pasta until evenly coated, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.


Notice I added a side bar to the right?? Pioneer Woman had some women out to the ranch to watch Bakerella make her cupcake pops. There were 2 women that owned a T-Shirt company together. I love the shirts and hope to win 3 of them to give to my friend Karen and her two daughters. They do missionary trips to Canada every year, it would be great to send them off with a really neat t-shirt.

Sniffles and aches

I have the sniffles and my body aches. Pretty sure I am getting some kind of crud. I also pushed it hard at the gym last night, so perhaps I have aches due to the weight I lifted??? One never knows.

Cold Weather, Calico Beans and snow

Got calico beans in the crock pot for dinner tonight. Steve and I will go to the gym after work, when we get home we'll pop some garlic bread into the oven and dinner will be ready.

It's 28 degrees outside, it's been raining for about 4 hours, we're supposed to get some snow. I am so ready for winter to be over. I want to see daffodils and crocus and lily of the valley poking up out of the ground. I'm tired of this cold dreary icky weather.

I miss my grandkids, Miss O has had a temperature and a lethal cough. She needs her grandma to hold her and give her nebulizing treatments. Nothing like a grandma helping you when you are sick. Darn I wish they were closer.

Noah has orange day tomorrow at school, I sent him a pair of orange tennis shoes, can't find a pair of orange crocs in his size. You'd think I could with all the stores selling them, but I can't.

Recipe Friday March 6, 2009Calico Beans

One of the recipes we used to have in the winter, nothing better than a pot of calico beans when it is snowing and blowing outside. We haven't had these in a long time!

2# hamburger
1 medium onion, chopped
1 16oz. can Northern Beans (Drain)
1 16oz. can Pinto Beans (drain)
1 16oz. can Pork and Beans (drain)
1 16oz. can kidney beans (drain)
1 16oz. can lima beans (drain)
Brown Sugar (about 1/2c, to taste)
Ketchup (TO taste)
Open Pit Hickory flavor BBQ sauce (to taste)
salt
pepper

Chop onion, place in skillet with hamburger, brown and drain.In a 4 Qt saucepan add all beans, drained. Add brown sugar, ketchup, BBQ sauce, salt and pepper. I generally add the brown sugar, ketchup and BBQ Sauce to suit my tastes. So, I pour and squirt it in, stir it up good, then taste it. If I think it needs more of one or the other, then I add. I have never used the whole jar of BBQ sauce before, but that is our preference. Heat thoroughly. Serve with garlic bread and vegetable or salad.

Comfort food: Cookies

They are DEELISH! Steve loves cookies, but due to his diabetes, can only eat one or two, then he has to cut his carbs at meals. I would be a terrible diabetic.....Notice the silpat mat, how did I get along without that little tool? It is a godsend for making cookies.