Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

My father in law is in the hospital today - collapsed in the pulpit yesterday.  We are leaving this in the hands of the Lord - He is able to do whatever needs to be done.  Health is a funny thing - you don't think much about it until you don't have it.  Much prayers are needed for the family now.

In light of this, we are re-evaluating our choices.  Here is a great Parmesan chicken recipe - lightened up for heart health.  Try it - you will like it : )

Happy Monday -

Charlene


CHICKEN PARMESAN

Tomato sauce:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably organic
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
2 Tbsp Rosemary
3 garlic cloves, crushed
Chicken:
Cooking spray
4 thin chicken cutlets (about 1 1/4 pounds total)
Salt to taste
2 large egg whites
6 tablespoons dry Italian bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 to 5 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Tomato Sauce:
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion  and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 or 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, salt, Thyme and rosemary; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the flavors are blended and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
Chicken: 
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.  Pound out the chicken breasts with a mallet.  Sprinkle the cutlets with the salt. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan on a sheet of waxed paper. Spread the flour on another sheet of waxed paper. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dip both sides into the flour, shaking off excess. Dip each piece into the egg whites, shaking off excess, and then press both sides into the breading to coat.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (in batches, if necessary) and cook until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the chicken, in 1 layer, to the baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake, covered loosely with a tent of foil, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 12 to 15 minutes.

That Peace That Passes Understanding

Philippians 4:7 ~ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Oh the peace that God gives to those who are in His will.  I'm off to church this morning to worship my Lord and Saviour and enjoy the fellowship of His amazing people.  This is my favorite day of the week.

Following church, I will enjoy lunch and relaxation.  It is always sweet to be in the presence of the Lord.  Thinking of all the blessings in my life  and looking forward to what is in store for me this next week.

I remember as a child, when birthdays would roll around, my mom would always make a cake -- one of the fondest memories of my childhood was homemade chocolate cake and frosting.  That was back before cake mixes and canned frosting.  Back when people really cooked and baked from scratch. Try this chocolate cake and frosting and see if it brings back fond memories for you too.

There is a cake slicer that you can use to slice the layers of your cakes into thinner layers to make 4 layers out of 2.  This works on all cakes but is especially good on this one.  Yummy !

Have a blessed Sunday!

Charlene


Chocolate Cake  
 
Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
5 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans.
2. Use the first set of ingredients to make the cake. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the boiling water by hand. Pour evenly into the two prepared pans.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.
4. To make the frosting, use the second set of ingredients. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.
5. Split the layers of cooled cake horizontally, cover the top of each layer with frosting, then stack them onto a serving plate. Frost the outside of the cake.

An obstacle is often an unrecognized opportunity

Next time something falls into your path that looks like it will squash your dreams, jump over it.  Look for the opportunity to use it to your advantage. Learn from it and hurdle it too.  You can do this.

I have had several things happen in the last few days to stop me on my progress but I'm pushing hard to not let them stop me from moving forward.  Two things I have actually learned from and am now taking with me on my quest. Evaluate those things that come from out of no where to slip you up and see if there is any value in it at all.  My laptop took a dive - I learned from that to always back up your files : ( -- all of my website content was on the laptop . . .  It's now Saturday -- time to hopefully enjoy some relaxing time.

Saturday is for family and friends - try these Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies.  These are great. 

Happy Saturday!

Charlene


Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
1 egg
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts 4 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet
chocolate, chopped
4 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
3 teaspoons shortening
3 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet
chocolate
3 ounces milk chocolate
3 ounces white chocolate

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cream the butter or margarine with the brown sugar until light. Add the egg and mix well.
3. Stir in the flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Mix in the nuts and the 4 ounces of the bittersweet, milk and white chocolates.
4. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool slightly. Dip cooled cookies into the Three Chocolate Glaze.
6. To Make Three Chocolate Glaze: Heat 1 teaspoon of the shortening with bittersweet chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Dip each cookie 1/2 inch deep into chocolate along one edge. Repeat with remaining shortening and chocolates. Rotate dipped edge of cookie for each type of chocolate.

The greatest inspiration is often born of desperation. ~ Comer Cotrell

So much to accomplish - so little time.  Trying to juggle all that I have to complete is not as easy as it sounds.  Trying to stay focused is hard work.  I'm determined to complete what I have started.  I think we all go through times of feeling overwhelmed ~ today I am feeling overwhelmed.  I just need to make it a point to do one thing at a time and not keep juggling things that need to be done.

I need to re-think my time at the Franklin-Covey Seminar that I attended a few years ago.  Number my assignments and then rank those in order of importance.  There is a system that they use that is wonderful if you are being pulled in many different directions.  I just need to breath in and out and say a prayer and start over.

Maybe something chocolate would help : ) -- this one is wonderful -- don't tell my husband I am suggesting you make this -- he can't have it right now : )

Happy Friday !

Charlene


Chocolate Cheesecake
Ingredients
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz.) can Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups (12 oz. pkg.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
         Or 8 (1 oz.) squares semi-sweet chocolate
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
HEAT oven to 300°F. Combine butter, graham cracker crumbs and sugar in medium bowl. Press onto bottom of ungreased 9-inch spring form pan.
BEAT cream cheese in large bowl with electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into prepared pan.
BAKE 65 minutes or until center is set. Cool to room temperature. Chill thoroughly. Garnish as desired.   This one is great with chocolate shavings and whipped cream.

Put all excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable. Zig Ziglar

Time to put all excuses aside and do something -- I keep telling myself this every day.  Every day I get up and tell myself that this will all be ok and the get to work.  I have a lot of things going on right now but I am capable of getting them done if I buckle down and do them.

No more excuses !  I love baked beans but have a food allergy to bell peppers -- however, if I am not wanting to eat any, I add bell peppers to the bacon and onion in the skillet.  I know I won't eat them if I add bell pepper : )

The week is almost over - It's Thursday : )  Happy, Happy !

Charlene


Like-Homemade Baked Beans 
INGREDIENTS:
3 bacon strips, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans 2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
4 Tablespoon brown sugar
2 Tablespoons ketchup
1 bell pepper ( diced ), optional (see note above)


DIRECTIONS:
1. In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Add onion; cook until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Reduce heat; simmer for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently.  Cover in a casserole dish and bake for about 30 minutes at 300 F.

Things do not change; we change. Henry David Thoreau

This is true -- you can't sit around and wait or change -- you have to get out there and make change.  Be part of the change.  If you want to learn to cook, get together with someone who can teach you or take a class.  If you want to learn a computer program, get with someone or take a class.  Nothing will change with out you putting some effort into it.  You will not just wake up tomorrow and know something new.  Sure you can teach yourself, but you have to put an effort into what ever you want to learn or do.

Don't depend on someone coming from out of nowhere and begging you to learn something for your own good.  Not going to happen either.  Let's get to it !

A lot of you have had this since I baked it not too long ago for a function at church.  Most people loved it and wanted the recipe.  Here it is -- I hope you enjoy it.

Charlene


Pumpkin Pie Cake
Ingredients:
29 oz canned pumpkin puree
12  ounce can of evaporated milk
3  eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1  yellow cake mix 
3/4 cup butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9 x 13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
3. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Melt the butter or margarine, and drizzle it over the cake mix. Sprinkle pecans over the top.
4. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until done.

If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it every time. ~Author Unknown

Today, I have re-grouped and re-planned my goals yet again.  Nothing wrong with that I guess.  I need to get things in order because I am starting to lose focus sometimes on my goals.  I must stay focused.  Things are changing all around me right now and I need to make sure I am staying in God's will with what I am working towards.

Today I will work at some one's office and tomorrow from home.  Then I will have to work out my schedule for the next few weeks to see what I will be doing and where.  In the meantime, I found this recipe a long time ago and it is really good.  Made these into mini muffins once for a potluck and they were gone.  Glad they were gone since my husband doesn't like cooked apples -- go figure ?? : )

Happy Tuesday!

Charlene


Apple Pie Muffins 

Servings: 12

INGREDIENTS:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
2 cups diced apples
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, melted

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, stir together 2 1/4 cups flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together the egg, buttermilk, 1/2 cup melted butter, vanilla and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until sugar has dissolved. Pour into the flour mixture and sprinkle the diced apple into the bowl as well. Stir just until everything is blended. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin, filling the cups to the top.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour and cinnamon. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of melted butter while tossing with a fork until well blended. Sprinkle this over the tops of the muffins.
4. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the tops of the muffins spring back when lightly pressed.  (Time will need to be adjusted if you use the mini muffin pan. )

It's National Peanut Butter Day -- Is there a national Chocolate day and did I miss it? : )

Who would've guessed a national day for peanut butter?  I love peanut butter alone or with someone -- so today is a great day : )

Hope you enjoy this recipe!


Peanut Butter Pie 

INGREDIENTS:
1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,
softened
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
1 (16 ounce) container frozen whipped
topping, thawed
15 miniature chocolate covered peanut
butter cups, unwrapped

DIRECTIONS:
1. Mix the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and peanut butter together until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping. Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
2. Place the remaining whipped topping over the top of the peanut butter mixture and garnish with the peanut butter cups. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. Herman Cain

Happiness is key to a lot of things.  If you are happy in life, your life is so much simpler than if you are stressed or not enjoying life.  What makes you happy?  Are you happy?  I am happy knowing that the Lord is my shepherd and I am happy in knowing that he will provide what I need according to his will.  I still have the same needs and ups and downs as everyone else does, I just keep trying to look to the Lord for answers in all things:  work, life, family and hobbies.

It's Monday and I have several things I need to get done so I'm going to share this with you and then be off.  I am posting a recipe today for Cafe Corn Chowder -- love this and hope you enjoy it too.

Happy Monday !

Charlene


Cafe Corn Chowder

¼-cup butter, (½-stick)
6 tablespoons chopped onion
¾-cup diced celery
2-½ cups water
2 cups cubed peeled red or russet potatoes, (½-inch)
2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 can creamed corn (14 oz)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 dash of white pepper
3 tablespoons flour
3 cups half and half cream
   

1. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add in the flour and whisk until smooth and a roux forms (2 minutes).
3. Add onions and celery and saute 5 minutes until soft but not brown.
4. Add water, potatoes, corn kernels, creamed corn, sugar, salt and pepper. Using a wire whisk, whisk until smooth.
5. Cover and simmer until potatoes are barely tender, about 30 minutes.
6. Add half and half and simmer uncovered until soup has thickened to a creamy consistency, about 15 minutes.
7. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.

One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks. ~Jack Penn

You know those things that you trip over on your way to your goal?  Those stumbling blocks that seem to trip you up?  If you are on a weight loss goal, it's those baby showers, anniversary parties and pot lucks.  Those are just stumbling blocks but they don't have to completely trip you up.  Have a tiny, tiny piece of something and break those blocks into smaller pieces and use them as stepping stones. 

Find it in yourself to focus on your goal and not jump off the band wagon because of a trip and fall.  Get back up, dust yourself off and re-focus.  There are days and times when you will find yourself re-starting several times a day and other times where you haven't tripped and fallen in several days.  Whatever it is, you can do it.  I will try to post healthier recipes if this is something you want and will post the dessert recipes a few times a week.  I just need to know what you want to see.  Please email me or comment to let me know your preferences.

Now off to church - Sunday is my favorite day of the week !  Steve Green is one of my favorite gospel singers - Broken and Spilled Out is one of my Favorite songs and it is on this double CD.

Charlene


Grilled Asian Chicken 
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:
1/4 cup soy sauce
4 teaspoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons honey 3 slices fresh ginger root
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the soy sauce, oil, honey, ginger root, and garlic. Heat in microwave on medium for 1 minute, then stir. Heat again for 30 seconds, watching closely to prevent boiling.
2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour soy sauce mixture over, and set aside to marinate for 15 minutes.
3. Preheat a grill for medium-high heat. Drain marinade from chicken into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Set aside for basting.
4. Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook chicken on the prepared grill 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. Baste frequently with remaining marinade. Chicken will turn a beautiful golden brown

Someday is not a day of the week. ~Author Unknown

How true is that statement!  All those saying 'someday I will' -- shall never achieve their goals.  Stop saying someday and put a date on your goals.  Today we are having a state association of churches meeting in Phoenix and then I have a baby shower to attend.  Sunday it will be church so I have a full weekend.  In between all of those wonderful activities, I will keep posting for you - bringing you more fabulous recipes.

If you would like to know when my blog post goes up, you can subscribe to my posts on the right side of this blog.  This way if I miss a day, you can email me to see what is wrong : ) 

These days, my days are filled with lots of goals that are always shifting and changing but I have never labeled any of them to be done someday.  I may give them a date 3 months away, but never someday (except for the 'someday I want the new Cadillac CTS -- that will happen when I am earning enough to make those lovely payments).  So, I guess there are exceptions to every rule and the Cadillac is my exception to that rule : ) and of course, the first line of my favorite song, 'The Way You Look Tonight' by Harry Connick, Jr.

Today, I am sharing a great recipe for sugar cookies.  They are good alone or with a special person.

Charlene


Bakery Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter or butter Crisco
2 t. baking soda
1 egg
1 t. vanilla
1 cup sugar
3 cups flour
a few tablespoons of milk as necessary

Cream together butter and sugar with electric mixer.
Add egg, vanilla and baking soda. Add flour one cup at a time.
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until dough is of rolling consistency.
Roll out and cut into shapes (roll thick).  Kaiser Bakeware Heart Cookie Cutter, Set of 6

Bake for 6-7 minutes on ungreased cookie sheet on top shelf of oven at 400 degrees.  I prefer a cooking stone - your cookies will not burn on a stone.  I have this one:  Old Stone Oven 4467 14-Inch by 16-Inch Baking Stone.  If you have never used a stone to bake on, you have to try it - amazing and hard to burn anything.   (My family will tell you that this is last year is the first time I have not burned the bottom of the rolls on Thanksgiving because I used my stone. )  : )
(Cookies will look undone on top). Cool and frost.

Frosting
4 T. softened butter
2 c. powdered sugar
a few T. milk to make frosting spreading consistency
you can also add food coloring if you choose, the powdered kind works best

Beat butter in a mixing bowl and add powdered sugar gradually.
Add milk and beat until frosting is a good spreading consistency.
After frosting cookies, sprinkle immediately with colored sugar. ( Wilton Pink Spring Sugar)

The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you want to succeed in business--or almost anywhere else for that matter.

~ Lee Iacocca ~  This is a very true statement.  Time management is very important  and concentration is key.  You must be able to close out the world for a while and concentrate on what you need to accomplish.  Close yourself in to a room and focus on what you need to accomplish. 

Sometimes, when I need to focus, I find it best to play music which blocks out everything else around me.  I know this is weird but it's me : ) 

I love this one but have a shellfish allergy so I can't have it ~ but you can.  Enjoy it !

Charlene


Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Garlic
Ingredients:
2 pounds jumbo shrimps, shelled and deveined, tail left on
1 large clove garlic, crushed
salt
juice of 1 lime or lemon
1/3 cup olive oil
garlic butter, below
Preparation:
Use scissors to remove shells without disturbing tails. In a non-reactive bowl, combine crushed garlic, salt, lime juice, and olive oil. Put shrimp in bowl; stir to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill 5 to 6 inches from coals for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning frequently. Remove tails if cooking under broiler.
Serves 4.

Garlic Butter for Dipping
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 large garlic clove, crushed
salt
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add remaining ingredients; heat for 1 minute. Serve with shrimp or other seafood.

Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it. ~Author Unknown

Are you a dreamer or a worker?  There is nothing wrong with having dreams as long as they go past just being dreams.  Put actions to your dreams.  You can spend hours and days dreaming but you would be better served being a worker and actually working on those dreams.

How many times have you dreamed of losing 20-30 or 50 pounds and 6 months pass by and you haven't done anything about it?  If you want to make your dreams a reality, you need to first take your dreams to God and make sure it is something that He wants you to be doing and then get to it!

I am confident that I am doing what the Lord wants me to do and am happy and blessed to be able to do what I am doing. 

The week is almost over -- Happy Thursday!

Charlene


Red Velvet Recipe
2 cups of all purpose flour
¾ cups of unsalted butter softened
5 eggs
¼ cup of cocoa powder
½ teaspoon of salt
½ teaspoon of baking soda
1 ¼ cups of whole buttermilk
2 ½ tablespoons of red no-taste food coloring
1 ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 cups of sugar
(Optional: 1 cup of sour cream)
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl combine all wet ingredients + sugar: butter, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, sugar, and extract beat on low until well combined. Add sifted dry ingredients into wet mixture and beat on low to medium until batter is smooth and thoroughly combined.
For an ultra-moist cake batter, add in the optional 1 cup of sour cream into batter and mix well. Fill cupcake sleeves 3/4 full using ice cream scoop. Bake on 350 F for approximately 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes approximately 24 cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick of unsalted butter softened (1/2 cup)
2 - 8 oz package of cream cheese at room temperature
1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 cups of confectioner's sugar

In a medium mixing bowl, combine butter and cream cheese mix on low until well combined and smooth. Add vanilla extract and confectioner's sugar into mixture and mix on low until well combined. Add heavy whipping cream into mixture and whisk on high for approximately 2 to 3 minutes until frosting stands. Pipe onto cupcakes and enjoy!

Just Found Out ~ It's National Popcorn Day

Just thought I would share these few recipes with you to celebrate National Popcorn Day.  Find someone or a lot of someones and have popcorn today.

Happy National Popcorn Day ! !

Charlene


Chocolate Popcorn

Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon cocoa
1/2   stick butter
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup sugar
8 cup popcorn
Directions
Over medium heat, using a 4 quart pot, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, cocoa, and salt and bring to a boil.  Once the mixture is well mixed, add the popped corn.  Cook and stir until popcorn is coated, approximately 2 minutes. Cool mixture and shape into 3-inch balls.

Popcorn Balls

Ingredients
2 cup sugar
1 1/3 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
18 cup popped corn
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, syrup, vinegar, and salt. Cook over high heat until mixture reaches 255 degrees F (hard-ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Stir in vanilla. Pour over popped corn, tossing gently to coat. When mixture is cool enough to handle, press popcorn into 3-inch balls with lightly greased hands. Cool completely on wax paper.
Makes 14 popcorn balls

God gave us two ends - one to sit on and one to think with. Success depends on which one you use. Head you win, tail you lose. ~Author Unknown

Today, you have a choice ~ sit and watch the day go by or focus and do.  I am choosing to do.  I am choosing to set my goals higher.  God has been so good to me through all of this past few months since my job went away.  I am happy, rested and have  gotten past all the stress of the day to day hustle of being an accountant for a construction company.  I like being able to write but I also need to make a living ~ you are all helping me do that through this blog and my soon to be website.  Thank you !

I am also working on a new book that I started a few years ago and will now be working on it until it's finished and ready for publishing.  When it is done, I will put it on my website for everyone.  As you can see, I have a lot going on right now -- and I must keep my eyes on the Lord. 

It's Wednesday, the week is half over !  Happy Humpday !  Are you having a brunch or breakfast meeting this week?  Try these - I like them in the mini muffin cups.  People will usually eat a small one even if they are on a diet but usually will not eat a large one.  Try the mini muffin pans or the muffin top pan.  Both are great.

Enjoy,

Charlene


Streusel Topped Blueberry Muffins 

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, diced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 12 muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
Combine 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in medium bowl. In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 to 2 tablespoons flour over blueberries, and set aside. (This simple trick will keep you from having "purple" batter)


In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, and stir in vanilla and lemon zest. Fold in dry ingredients alternately with milk. Fold in blueberries. Remember, fold gently, don't stir. Spoon batter into prepared cups.

Combine 2 tablespoons flour, 5 tablespoons sugar ,and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in 2 tablespoons butter with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle over batter in muffin cups.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack. These muffins freeze really well, and re-heat in the microwave successfully.

Many an opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four-leaf clovers. ~Author Unknown

Save yourself the trouble ~ there are no get rich quick schemes that work.  Either get your plan and act on it or get a job.  If you are not going to work on getting your tasks done so that you can work for yourself and make some money, you may as well get a job and line someone else's pockets.  I have decided it is time for me to work on my own things rather than work an 8 - 5 job and watch someone else get richer.  Hard work is the only way to get where you want to be.  No I am not saying to give up on your dreams -- just get to work on them.  They will never get done if you don't get to them now.

I don't want to be filthy rich, just to be able to pay my bills and do those things I want and need to do in life without the constraints of someone else's clock.  Is there anything wrong with wanting to be able to pay my bills and things on my own rather than depending on someone else to pay me a fair wage?  You either have the ones who think they own you or the ones who think you owe them ~  rarely do you find someone who thinks you get paid for what you do and they are happy with what you do and they thank you for what you do.  Those are the ones that I enjoy working for ~ the ones who say thank you and tell you what a difference you've made to them and that you are worth everything they have ever paid you ~ and of course, I'm not talking about the ones who tell you that once you quit.  I'm talking about the ones who tell you that all the time in actions and words.  I've been very lucky in my life to have had 2 bosses like this.  The first was my first job in construction and the other was a doctor who is no longer alive.  Both great people. 

It's time for me to make a difference in my life - I know who I have trusted to keep me and I have asked Him to help me get where I need to be.  To help me be able to pay my bills ~ and I believe he will help me get there.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
 5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
 6  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Happy Tuesday : )

Charlene


Hash Brown Casserole

2 pounds frozen hash brown shredded potatoes, thawed  (I like the little squares)
16 oz sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup, undiluted,
3 tablespoons butter
2/3 to 1 cup chopped onion
2-1/2 to 3 cups shredded cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
A couple handfuls of cheddar to sprinkle on top after baking (optional)

Mix potatoes, sour cream, chicken soup, margarine and onion in a big bowl until well blended. Add cheese and mix well. Pour into 9x13 greased pan.
Bake in preheated 350 degree oven about 45-50 minutes or until casserole is heated through and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and sprinkle with more cheese if you like. Serves 12.

Sometimes when I make this, I like to add a can of fire roasted green chilies.  It is delicious that way.

Know your limits, but never stop trying to exceed them. ~Author Unknown

You know the saying - a man should know his limitations.  Well, yes you should know your limitations but don't make them so narrow that you can easily achieve them and be happy in that.  Choose to exceed your limitations and see how far you will go.  Some people will say they can't do things because, because, because -- to me I hear blah, blah, blah : )

Don't tell me I can't do something because I am determined to prove you wrong.  I am stubborn and a little hard headed -- and don't ask my husband because he will say I am not a 'little' but completely.  Sometimes, he exaggerates things : ).  Today I will be working on my website again until it is done.  There is a song that is stuck in my head today.  "Hide Thou Me" by the Gaithers.  I love this song.  Well, I better get to work to accomplish my tasks today.

Hope you are enjoying the recipes that I am posting here.  Today, I am sharing a recipe for cranberry nut bread made with canned cranberry sauce so that you can use up the leftover cans from Thanksgiving. 

Happy Monday,

Charlene


Cranberry Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray® Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.   (I like the mini loaf pans so it's easy to give as gifts to friends and family.)
Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg in a small mixing bowl; set aside.
Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine with sugar in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Break up cranberry sauce with a fork and add to the butter mixture. Add nuts. Add dry ingredients to the cranberry mixture, mixing just until the dry ingredients are moist.
Spread batter evenly into prepared loaf pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. If bread begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with foil and continue to bake until bread tests done.
Makes 1 loaf.

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them. ~Author Unknown

Well now the month is officially half over -- where are you at with your plans?  I didn't get through all my videos today but I'm not quitting.  Keep pushing forward and working towards your goal.  If you need to change your dates a little, don't give up, just move the date a little and keep going for it.

Pick yourself back up, gather your crayons and start again.  It doesn't matter how many times you start over, it just matters that you keep you eye on the goal and never give up.  We can have dreams - just keep them realistic.  Don't make your goal to be a millionaire in 3 weeks - most likely, it will not happen unless you win the lottery.  Make short term goals and make them something achievable - I will get a new client every week for the next three weeks.  This is something you can do.  Yes, God can do miracles but I don't think a million dollars in 3 weeks is something that He will think is best for you.

Today, I am going to let God talk to me and tell me where he wants me to be.  I'm going to pray and listen to what he has in store for me.  I'm sure it is more than I could ever imagine.  I am happy and blessed.

Cheesecake is great this time of year since it is cool enough to heat the house up baking.  I am sharing one of my favorite cheesecakes with you today.  I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do.

Happy Baking ~

Charlene


White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

1 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter
1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages creamcheese
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, mix cookie crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar and melted butter until well blended.   Press mixture onto the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
To make raspberry sauce: In a medium sauce pan, combine raspberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, cornstarch and water. Bring to boil.
Continue boiling until sauce is thick and clear. Strain sauce through a mesh strainer to remove seeds. Set aside.
In the top of a double boiler, heat white chocolate chips and half-and-half, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and smooth.  Remove from heat and allow to cool to lukewarm.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs, one at a time.  Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate chips. Pour half of batter over crust.
Spoon 3 tablespoons of raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining batter into pan. Spoon another 3 tablespoons of raspberry sauce over the top of the batter. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set.
Allow to cool, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan.
Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal. ~Henry Ford

Henry Ford said it best.  Keep your eyes on the goal - I know for me, I am golden as long as I keep my eyes on the goal.  The second that I start to wander, I start to think of all the reasons that I can't reach my goal.  A really good book that I have ordered is Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want -- Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible.  Brian Tracy is great in his writing. 

Today, I have 2 goals I am trying to accomplish.  My first is to get through the videos that I need to watch to get my website set up.  The second is to set up my accounts on several stock photo websites and get some pictures uploaded for sale.  Once my website is set up, I will also have several prints on there for sale.  This will be way cool to have my prints up for sale to all of you : ).

It's Saturday so enjoy your day -- get out and do something fun and then get back to focusing on your goals.  You are the only one who can do that.  Others can encourage you -- but it is up to you to accept that you can do whatever you want to. 

Happy Saturday !

Charlene


HOLY COW BROWNIES
Makes  24

BROWNIES:
3/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup (6 oz.) dark chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup flour
1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips

CHOCOLATE BUTTER CREAM:
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted
3 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, melt butter, chocolate chips and sugar in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in vanilla. Stir in the flour and beaten eggs until well-blended. Fold in the mini-chips -- DO NOT OVERMIX. Spread batter into a 9x13-inch greased baking pan and bake for 23 minutes -- DO NOT OVER BAKE. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool in pan.

Chocolate Butter Cream: In a small bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring until melted and smooth. Add the vanilla and allow to cool until a spreadable consistency. Whip until creamy and spread thinly over the cooled brownies and cut into squares.

The Month is Nearly Half Over. . .

Well the month is nearly half over - where are you at with your goals?  Saturday I will be finishing working on my website design and moving towards setting it up and then going live.  Then I will share my next goal with you and let you know where I am at with it.

I am moving right through my plans this year.  I have them charted and am ticking them off as I go along.  It's never too late to start on your list.  Don't put it off till tomorrow -- do it today.  Saturday, I am taking out my Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens.  Trying some new pictures with my husband.  He is shooting with a Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD.  He likes the creative shooting settings.  I like mine because I don't have all the creative settings and I have to think mine through before I shoot.  It will be fun.

Living in the southwest part of the United States, I have come to love Mexican food.  Today, I found a recipe for Green Chili Chicken Enchilada Casserole.  Hope you enjoy it.  Give me feedback if you try this recipe.  I haven't tried this one yet -- got it from someone who says it's really good.  I'm interested in finding out how it is.  let me know.

Charlene



Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole 
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
fresh crushed garlic salt to taste  (I like garlic - I use 2 cloves crushed)
18 (6 inch) corn tortillas, torn in half
1 (28 ounce) can green chili enchilada sauce
1 (16 ounce) package shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (8 ounce) container sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Season chicken with garlic salt. Arrange in the prepared baking dish. Bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Cool, shred, and set aside.
3. With metal tongs, char each tortilla half over the open flame of a gas stove burner for about 1 minute, until lightly puffed.
4. Pour about 1/2 inch enchilada sauce in the bottom of a medium baking dish, and arrange 6 tortillas in a single layer. Top with 1/2 the chicken, 1/3 cheese, 1/2 the sour cream, and 1/3 of the remaining enchilada sauce. Repeat. Coat remaining tortillas thoroughly with remaining enchilada sauce, and arrange on top of the layers. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top with any remaining enchilada sauce
5. Cover, and bake 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool slightly before serving.

Don't Ask For a Light Load, but Rather Ask For a Strong Back

It would be easy to ask for a light load, this is always the easy way.  But is this what we should do?  Don't take the easy way out -- look for the challenge and stand strong.  You will be glad when you look back and see the storm that you have come through.  If you are given a heavy load, you are not squashed beneath it.

I have found myself again asking for a light load and am again pushing myself to ask for a strong back and strong will to meet the challenges that I know I need to face head on now.  I want to be strong through this so that I can look down from the mountain top and survey the wondrous valley that I just came through.  You know the song, 'if it weren't for the valleys, I wouldn't thank God for the mountain tops'. 

I am currently in the middle of reading several really good books - I know, I can't just read one.  The one that I am enjoying the most right now is 10 Spiritual Principles of Successful Women: Discovering Your Purpose, Vision, and Blessing.  It is really a good book and I'm only through the first chapter so far.  Being a business person doesn't mean you can't have principles.  You can be the best business person in your field.  You just have to stay focused.  I'll let you know when I finish it and how I like it then.

Today, let's have some fun with the kids.  Kids love to cook and bake -- probably just because it means time with you.  If you don't have kids, borrow some and try this recipe.  Remember their cooking mitts!  : )

Have fun!
Charlene

Peanut Butter Cocoa Krispies

5 cups cocoa krispies (cocoa or chocolate-flavored rice puff cereal)
1 cup sugar
1 cup white corn syrup
12 ounce jar extra crunchy peanut butter

Measure cereal into large metal bowl. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Spray long handled spoon with cooking spray. Set aside. Heat sugar and syrup until boiling.

Remove from heat and immediately stir-in peanut butter. Stir until peanut butter is melted and combined. Pour warm mixture over cereal in bowl. Stir with already greased spoon. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking pan.

Challenge Yourself to Accomplish Your Tasks

Today add a challenge to your life.  Challenge yourself to accomplish one of your goals and give yourself a date to achieve your 1st goal.  What would be a good time frame to accomplish your first goal?  My first goal has a 5 day goal challenge on it.  My first challenge is to watch all the videos that I need to watch to get my website set up.  Do you think this is realistic?  I will be working about 12 or 15 hours in that same time frame plus blogging and doing all the other daily tasks.  Thoughts?

I think it is a realistic goal and will shoot for that goal and challenge myself to achieve that one so that I can check it off my list and move on to the next.  I will then take the next goal and add a time line to it and start over.  I will keep you posted on my progress.

What did you think of that game yesterday?  If you are asking yourself, 'what game?', then skip this paragraph.  Everyone else knows it was the Oregon / Auburn game at the University of Phoenix stadium in Glendale, AZ.  It was a good game.  Super Bowl will be here before we know it and so I will try to get you some good ideas for tailgate or super bowl recipes between now and then.  Of course, it will not be just super bowl recipes -- so enjoy!

Charlene


Super Bowl Dip



2-lb. box Velveeta cheese
2 lbs. sausage (any type of breakfast sausage, I prefer Jimmy Dean)

2 cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 bag Fritos Scoops
   
Cook and brown the breakfast sausage.  Once cooked, pour in cans of diced tomatoes with green chilies with juices and let simmer. In the meantime, cut up Velveeta cheese into cubes to help it melt easier.  Melt cheese in microwave.   Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring well half way through.  When sausage and chilies are cooked.  Drain well ! !  Add to the melted cheese.

Add Meaning to Your Goals - Write Them Down

Write down your goals and say them out loud.  Post them in a place where you will see them all the time.  When I was working at a regular 8 to 5 job, I had them posted on my computer at work.  Now that I am no longer working there, I have them posted on my desk at home where I work from part time.  If your goals are in front of you all the time, you are more apt to do them.  If during the time that they are posted and you are working on them, you find that your goals have evolved or changed completely -- update your goal list.

I can't begin to tell you the number of times that mine have changed over the years and how many times they have changed this year.  Not from one thing to another but they just seem to evolve into something easier or in some cases, more complex.  I just have to keep in mind that my ideas don't always mesh with what the Lord has in mind for me so my plans need to be somewhat fluid in that area.  Nonetheless, I can write down my goals and pursue them when the doors are opened to me.

My first big goal is to get my website set up now that I am feeling better.  I will post a link to the website here when it is online for you to visit. 

Get out your pen and paper,

Charlene

(These would be great on Super Bowl Sunday.)

Sweet & Spicy Jalapeno Poppers
 6 jalapeno peppers
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
6 bacon strips, halved widthwise
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili seasoning

Cut jalapenos in half lengthwise and remove seeds; set aside. In a small bowl, beat cheeses until blended. Spoon into pepper halves.  Wrap a half-strip of bacon around each pepper half.
Combine brown sugar and chili seasoning; coat peppers with sugar mixture. Place in a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan.  Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until bacon is firm. Yields: 1 dozen.

No One Ever Said This Would Be Easy - Just Worth It

If you are expecting your life to be easy when you step outside of your comfort zone, stop.  It's going to be challenging and you knew that, that's why you have stayed in your comfort zone for so long.  Now it is time for a change.  Decide what it is that you are wanting to do and get your plans set up and get with it.

My list keeps growing and I am facing challenges but I am confident that I can overcome the obstacles that continue to pop up in my way.  I still need to learn to face some of these challenges head on and will probably need help there but I also need to learn to look to the Lord first and He will point me where I need to be.  I am also learning His time and not mine.  : )

In the meantime, I am going to share with you a recipe that I love for Cranberry Orange Muffins made in a muffin top pan.  If you don't have one, get one.  They are great and only make tops -- which is what everyone usually eats first anyway -- or they save the best for last.  Whichever you are, enjoy these today. 

The big BCS game between Auburn and Oregon is today in our backyard and I'm sure the traffic and crowds will be crazy.  Happy Happy !

Charlene


Cranberry-Orange Muffins 

1 cup dried (sweetened) cranberries
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 Tablespoon fresh orange zest (the zest of one whole orange)
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola or olive)
1/2 cup milk (any fat content)

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Line a muffin/cupcake pan with paper liners.

1. Zest one whole orange (making about 1 Tablespoon of zest) and set aside.  Squeeze the juice from that one orange (about 1/3 cup).
2. Put the orange juice (if needed, add some prepared orange juice to the fresh juice to make 1/3 cup) and the cranberries in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer.  Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring as needed.  Turn off heat and set aside.
3. In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ginger, and set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, orange zest and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
5. Scrape down the side of the bowl, then add in the eggs (one at a time), vanilla, orange extract, and oil.  Blend until well combined.
6. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk (add about half of the flour mixture, then some milk, then the rest of the flour, and the rest of the milk).  Fold in the cranberries.  Do not over mix.
7. Scoop batter into prepared muffin/cupcake pan. (Or use a muffin top pan since everyone likes the tops best.)  Bake muffins about 20 minutes (test with a toothpick, there should be moist crumbs, but not wet).
8. Cool muffins on a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy the muffins while still warm, or when cool.  They are best the day they are made, but are still very good the next day.

Yields about 8 large or 12 medium (standard) muffins. Double the amount of muffins if you use a muffin top pan since you are only baking the tops.

Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone

We all have our comfort zones and some of us have several.  Yours could be anything - your job, your house, your relationship status.  Today, I am challenging you to step outside of that comfort zone and take the next step to do whatever it is that you have been pushing aside for so long.

For me, it has been getting my own business started and working from home again.  It wasn't until I was without a job that I started thinking about getting out and into the market again.  I was comfortable where I was at but the Lord kept pushing me and I was digging in and holding on.  Then things changed.  I am now doing my own thing again and loving it.  I am also working on several other things that too long I have been comfortable with but not any more.

I really like grilled chicken breast  but hate that so many people cook it till it's dry because they are afraid of serving raw chicken.  These tips should help you to get great grilled chicken without drying it out every time.

Happy Sunday!
Charlene


Grilled Chicken Breasts

To grill a moist chicken breast with drying it out, or any individual chicken pieces you want to grill, wash them. I like to trim the excess fat, but it's up to you. Take a fork and pierce the chicken all along the breast, on both sides.
Take the pierced chicken and cover it in olive oil and seasonings, or your favorite marinade. Olive oil is great for adding subtle flavor to dishes, and for keeping meat from drying out too quickly. With the chicken pierced, your liquid will soak deeper into it, locking in the moisture.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you are using a vinegar based marinade (such as Wishbone Italian Dressing), don't leave it for more than an hour. Whether barbecuing, broiling, or frying, heat up your pan or grill.
Take the marinated chicken and toss it on your grill/ in your pan. It only needs to cook for 6 or 7 minutes on each side; any more and you're going to have dried out chicken. Take it off the grill and serve immediately.

Make Today the Day You Decide to Go For It

You have to start somewhere and some time -- why not today and why not now?  Don't worry about the details, they have a way of working themselves out if you trust in the Lord.  Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)  " ⁵Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.   ⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Everyone likes an easy cookie and believe me, this one is easy and everyone loves it that I know.  Make a batch or two of these for kids' lunches, hubby lunches or just for guests.

Happy Saturday !

Charlene


NO BAKE CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES  

2 c. sugar
1 stick butter
1/2 c. milk
3 c. quick oats
1/2 c. cocoa
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine first 3 ingredients, bringing them to a rolling boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add vanilla, cocoa, peanut butter and oats. Mix well. Drop by spoonfuls on wax paper. Cool.

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. ~Author Unknown

Change is inevitable -- it's all in how you look at it and how you deal with it.  A lot of things have changed for me in the last few months.  The bills keep coming and the time keeps flying.  It's all in how we deal with it.  I find it best to just put all my cares on the Lord and just work day to day.  Even if I worried all day, it would not change any thing - it would just make me sick.  Hebrews 13:5 "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."

Today, let's not worry over tomorrow but concern ourselves with today and what we can do today to trim away the things that are worrisome or unnecessary.

Enjoy life today, plan for tomorrow but don't worry about anything.  Here is the latest in recipes for you to enjoy.

Charlene


Apple Strudel

Ingredients
5 sheets phyllo dough 
10 ounce(s) (about 2) Golden Delicious apples
10 ounce(s) (about 2) Granny Smith apples
8 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter
1 pinch(s) salt 
1/2 cup(s) golden raisins
2 tablespoon(s) Calvados
1/4 cup(s) day-old bread, ground into crumbs
1/4 cup(s) granulated sugar
1/3 cup(s) walnuts, chopped
1/4 teaspoon(s) cinnamon 
1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh squeezed lemon, for juice 
Cinnamon Sugar:
3 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
1 tablespoon(s) raw sugar

Directions
Defrost phyllo dough if frozen. Prepare a baking  sheet with a lightly greased piece of parchment paper . Set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Peel, core and slice apples lengthwise. Sauté apples together in a sauté pan with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Sprinkle with salt. Sauté until apples are just soft. Place apples in a bowl and set aside.
Combine raisins and Calvados in a small bowl and cover with plastic  wrap, microwave on high for just 1 minute. Let stand covered and set aside.
Melt about 1 tablespoon butter in a sauté pan over medium low heat; add freshly ground bread crumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer breadcrumbs to a small bowl and set aside. Toss together apples, raisins, breadcrumbs, and sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and lemon juice. Melt the remaining butter and reserve.
Place a sheet of parchment paper cut larger than the phyllo on the worktable. Place a sheet of phyllo dough on the parchment with the longer side facing you horizontally. Brush the phyllo with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Repeat with the remaining four sheets, stacking each on top of the other. Place the filling in a 3-inch wide strip following the length of the phyllo, about 2 inches from the sides. Fold short ends of phyllo over filling. Fold the long end closest to you over filling. Roll, not too tightly, over the filling. Using the parchment paper as an aid and guide to roll the entire "log" of strudel.
Place the strudel on a baking sheet on greased parchment paper, seam side down. Brush the entire pastry with butter and sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon sugar. Slice vents in the top of the strudel and bake. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest. Transfer to a serving dish and top with sweetened crème fraiche. Slice with a serrated knife and serve.
For cinnamon-sugar: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix.

Start Each Day With a Smile and a Little Bible Reading

My husband and I spent the better part of yesterday with a dear old friend that we haven't seen in over 18 years.  We did a lot of catching up and had lunch and dinner together.  I haven't enjoyed a visit with someone so much in a really long time.  She is absolutely one of my sweetest friends and a person who trusts the Lord in good and bad times and to me is truly a Godly example.  I just love her.  We have committed to doing better at staying in touch from now on then we have in the past and visit more.

Talks with her are always uplifting and I always come away with a better outlook.  Her and her husband have 3 boys -- 3 very loved boys.  Three boys who were raised to love the Lord and who were taught well.  I really wish we lived closer to them so that we could visit more often but there is always cell phones and we will talk often.

Today we also found out we both love to cook and bake, and I shared my book with her - "Jesus Calling".  We went to lunch and my husband had his usual salad.  He likes the Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad and I always taste his chicken -- my friend tried it to.  So here is a recipe for the salad.  I miss her already : (

I hope everyone tries this salad and lets me know how it turns out.

Charlene


Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad 
Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup creamy garlic salad dressing
1 cup finely chopped pecans
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 head romaine lettuce leaves, torn into 1/2 inch wide strips
1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup dried cranberries
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup Ranch dressing

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place the creamy garlic dressing and pecans in separate bowls. Dip each chicken breast in the dressing then in the pecans to coat. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet.
Bake chicken 25 minutes in the preheated oven, until juices run clear. Cool slightly, and cut into strips.
On serving plates, arrange equal amounts of the lettuce, mandarin oranges, cranberries, and blue cheese. Top with equal amounts chicken, and serve with Ranch dressing.

Got a lot Accomplished Yesterday - Moving Forward

Yesterday was very productive and I got a lot accomplished.  More to do today in getting the website set up but I will continue to move forward.  How are your plans going this year so far?  If you haven't laid out your plans, it's never too late to start.  If  you have your plans laid out but just haven't started them yet -- come on let's get to it.  You can't win if you don't play. . .

Whatever your plans are, make them in small steps so that you can accomplish what you are trying.  It goes back to the old question, 'How do you eat an elephant?' -- One bite at a time.  So with that said, let's get started and plan what to do and then do what you plan on time.

For now, let's break out the milk and have some cookies.  These are for all my gluten intolerant people including my husband.  These cookies tend to be heavier than their floury counterpart but are very good none-the-less.  Try these and tell me what you think.

Charlene


Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies 

Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup white sugar
1 egg

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).  Combine ingredients and drop by teaspoonfuls on Norpro Professional 9-Inch by 12-Inch Heavy Gauge Cookie Sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Let cool.

Recipe doesn't make very many, so you could double recipe as you desire.

Planning Session Today with Great Minds

Today is the big planning day -- talking about websites and promotional campaigns.  Should be a very productive day.  If I could just get my laptop to connect to the wireless router : (  - it's making me crazy!  I think I need a new laptop.  I like the Toshiba's so this is the one I want -- Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q893 TruBrite 18.4-Inch Laptop (Black).  That will have to wait until I make some money at this though.

It's a little chilly here in AZ so it feels like soup weather.  I love a good beef barley soup so here is a good one.  Hope you enjoy this.

Charlene


Italian Beef Barley Soup 
Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds cubed beef chuck roast
5 cups water
4 cubes beef bouillon, crumbled
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
3/4 cup uncooked pearl barley
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:
In a slow cooker, combine beef, water, bouillon, onion, tomato sauce, barley, salt and pepper.
Cover, and cook on Low for 5 hours.

Monday is Here -- and I'm Estatic!

I'm so excited -- a long time friend is flying into town and I haven't seen her in about 20 years.  It will be so good to visit with her and to hear her voice again.  She is one of the sweetest natured people that I know.  That is because she is a faithful, God fearing woman who has 3 wonderful boys and a great husband.  I used to baby sit her oldest son when he was several months old.  He is in college now.  Time sure flew by.

Renee was the person who got me started tole painting and I still enjoy it.  A lot of the reason I think I still love it is because it reminds me of the time we spent together laughing and talking.  One of my favorite books that I have lost track of and need to buy again is Priscilla Hauser Book of Tole and Decorative Painting: Step-By-Step Techniques, Color Worksheets and Patterns.  I may have to go and buy it after she leaves and I have withdrawals from her visit.

Today, I have something that I know she would love to have me bake.  Not sure if I will get the chance to today with the business planning that I have to get done, however, I will share it with you here.  Belgian Brownies -- these are fantastic !  Pay close attention to the recipe and don't rush this one.

Enjoy,

Charlene


Belgian Brownies

Makes 14 brownies

9 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60 - 64% cacao)
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
5 eggs, beaten lightly with a fork
1 1/3 cups superfine sugar
3 tablespoons pastry flour

1. Roughly chop the chocolate into pieces. Transfer to a medium-sized bowl and add the butter. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, until the two ingredients have melted. Mix well and transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Sift the sugar and flour together, then stir into the chocolate. Add the eggs and mix well. Cover and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. The batter will thicken as it stands.
3. Line a muffin tin with cupcake papers. Spoon one-fourth cup batter into each paper-lined cup. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies will still be moist when done; they will puff up and fall slightly as they cool.

Day 2 of 2011

Well it's day 2 of 2011 and we have 363 more to go until New Years.  What are your plans for this year?  My plans are to work from home and make enough money to live on and get better with photography and actually start shooting weddings and events.  I love photography and making memories for people.  My camera should be here this week.  I bought a Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens and a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.  Anyone in the greater Phoenix are need photos?  Email me at mymindwanderedtoday@live.com.

Today, I am posting a great bread pudding recipe.  Try this and let me know what you think.

Until tomorrow,

Charlene


Banana Bread Pudding

INGREDIENTS:
4 cups French bread -- day old, cubed 1"
1/4 cup butter -- melted
3 egg
2 cups milk
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup banana -- firm, slices 1/4"

**Sauce**
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
3/4 cup milk
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:
1. Place bread cubes in a greased 2 - qt casserole; pour butter over and toss to coat.
2. In medium bowl, lightly beat eggs; add milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in bananas.
3. Pour over bread cubes and stir to coat.
4. Bake uncovered, at 375` for 40 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
5. Meanwhile, for sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Combine sugar & cornstarch; add to butter.
6. Stir in milk and corn syrup. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute.
7. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Serve warm sauce over warm pudding.

Yield: 6 servings