Ferris Bueller revisited!!!

One of my friends on FB posted this and it is AWESOMEEEEEEEEE!! The original movie, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," came out in 1986 - which totally just aged me -- EEEKK!!.

I LOVE THIS!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhkDdayA4iA

Enjoy!

Onion Rings! And a book review...

The hubby had a hankering for some hamburgers for dinner.  I needed to figure out what was the best accompaniment. After a little bit of a debate it was decided that it would be onion rings. Now started the search for the perfect recipe. I looked through a pile of cookbooks and found a recipe in the "tried and true". But, I didn't want to try THAT one. I googled "onion rings" and came up with this: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/old-fashioned-onion-rings/

After finishing the first step, I was confused about the second dippy part. For some reason, the hubby, was hovering and I was inspired to actually read the recipe. Viola! My batter confusion was resolved.  I have a bad habit of skimming recipes, as opposed to actually reading them. There was some concern that the batter part wasn't sticking properly, but, once they were plunked into the oil and then out, they were PERFECT!! I was able to give the onion ring duty to the hubby, so I didn't burn the hamburgers, either!! PERFECT, PERFECT!!!!

This is all that was left. They were delicious! The recipe was fairly easy, but, required a little work. Although I skipped the dripping part and didn't give any of them a good shake after dipping them in the bread crumbs. Apparently those steps were NOT necessary! In case you want to try it, too.

Onto a different topic. C#2 received some really great books as Christmas gifts.  She decided to read Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper.

She read it in about two days and thought I would really like it. This was the first time she has ever "shared" one of her (many) books.  I had just started another book, but, put that one on hold. I read this one, in about 24 hours time.

It is about a 10 year old girl, who has a cerebral palsy and is unable to do the basic functions most of us take for granted.  She has a photographic memory and is incredibly smart. This book is about her struggle in school dealing with the "normal" kids in her inclusion classes and her everyday challenges.  Her parents, a neighbor and a teacher give her the support that she needs to overcome some of her difficulties. 

This book should be read by every child or anyone who wants to get an "inside" look at what it would be like to be a child/person with that type or any type of disability.  This book led to some interesting discussions with my daughter. Maybe it will influence her friendships in the near future. It was a very good book, even if it was written for 10 - 12 year olds. I have found some really great books written for children and young adults.

That's it for today. Till next time.

A crunched mailbox and pie.

Today was an interesting day. This morning I heard a truck driving up our road and then stop near the house. I peeked out the window and there was a pick up truck using our driveway as a turn around. Well the dumb@ss driver proceeded to back-up right into our mailbox. He got out of the truck looked briefly at the mailbox area and then the back of his truck. He then hopped back into the truck and drove away.

It was raining outside, but, I had to see what the damage was, since I had just put mail in it this morning and needed to make sure it was still there. Upon the initial inspection it appeared that the only thing that was damaged was the local coupon newspaper thingy.  C#2 got home and the first thing out of his mouth was, "Did someone hit the mailbox?" I hadn't noticed any damage on the mailbox and decided to re-check. Lo and behold the door on the front was bent a little. It was still functional, so not a big deal.... I guess. What is annoying is this mailbox is fairly new -- just over a year old.  And the fact that the doof didn't even leave a note or anything.  I think we figured out who owns the vehicle since it was a company truck. And the fact that there is very little traffic on our road, since it is seasonal at one end.

Here's the damage.  Like I said, nothing too horrible. I'm just annoyed he didn't leave any information, in case there was a real problem.

It will be interesting to see if we get the Pennysaver this week.  The thing won't stay upright and will probably dump the paper onto the ground.

The minor damage of scraped paint and the door edge pushed back.

Okay.... Enough about that.  This evening, I decided to try my hand at yet, another squash dessert. I found a Paula Deen Banana Cream Pie recipe and substituted the banana for squash. It tastes GREATTTTTTTT!!! Everyone loved it!!! I will need to write it down, since I did "make" the recipe my own.  The pictures don't do it justice, since I couldn't cut and scoop a nice piece if I tried.

The whole thing.

And a single piece.

I really need to stop making dessert or just stop cooking. It's really not good for my waist.  I am only allowed water for the rest of the day!

Till next time...

And the verdict is....

GREAT!! C#1 and #C2 gave the Butternut squash pie with coconut a thumbs up!! Especially for breakfast.

I had some for dinner and would have to concur.  YUMMMMMMM!!!

And a motivational message for the day....

The Breakfast of Champions!

I had the oven on and I always feel the need to multitask it...  C#1 and C#2 had eaten the butternut squash pie for breakfast and it's now all gone. I figure the only "bad" thing about it was the sugar. I mean the squash is good for you, there are lots of eggs in it, milk -- that definitely sounds healthy!!!  Anyway, back to the story and the multitasking. I still have some squash to use and decided to use up the mashed bunch and make not one but TWO tasty pies --- for breakfast food. C#1 and C#2 were delighted!!! And it definitely makes it easier for me, since I have to force/fight them to eat something before running to the bus.  Here is the final product:

It should be noted that I added a coconut topping to the pies. I stole that idea from a squash casserole recipe.

The children are both looking forward to tomorrow's delicious meal... I will let you know the verdict tomorrow!

Butternut Squash!! What to do, what to do?!?!

One of my friends had scads of butternut squash AND they were all huge! At my last visit she offered me her last squashy gem.  I was very eager to accept!! But what to make?!?!  I haven't had too many dealings with squash like this. I pored through many, MANY cookbooks and found a couple to work from. I decided to check on the Internet, too, since I am sure I would find something there.  This is what I settled on... http://southernfood.about.com/od/pierecipes/r/r71128d.htm

Now it was onto the cooking and seeding of the squash. This turned out to be somewhat of a chore and I had to bake it for a lot longer than the recipe stated. Of course, this might have something to do with the fact that the thing was HUGE!  After I scraped the required amount of squishy squash, I put the rest of it back into the oven, so I could extract the rest of the yummy goodness.

This is only half of what I had remaining in the squash. And the bowl is DEEP!

Here is the final product:

I thought I might have extra filling and made a smaller crust. Come to find out, all of the filling would have fit in the big one, but, decided not to waste the small crust. 

After it cooled off a bit, I decided to have the first piece with cool whip.

And then everyone wanted one.  But, they were all a little bit apprehensive. C#2 said, "I've never had squash pie before." Which isn't true. She love, love, lovesssssssssssssssssss pumpkin pie.  I made her try it in front of me. I just love putting people on the spot. Her eyes lit up immediately and she said, "It tastes just like pumpkin!!" And she continued to devour it.  So it was a humongous success and I have enough left over to make many, many more.

Thank you, to my friend for sharing her harvest. She's awesome like that!

Later...

And then there was garlic bread.

In an effort to save money, I decided to find an easy, do-able bread recipe. I have gotten into the habit of buying pre-made bread from the Schwan's guy and that stuff ain't cheap! Finding an easy and relatively short recipe was a challenge. Most of the bread recipes I have take way too long. Mix the dough, let it rise for an hour or five, repeat and repeat, again. No thank you!  I also was going to attempt to use my bread maker. It should be noted that I have had very little luck with it. I made sure to add the ingredients in their required order, but, still managed to get very dense bread EVERY time.  It also takes at least three and a half hours, which at four in the afternoon just doesn't work for me. I don't really like eating dinner after 7:00 pm.

Then I had the brilliant idea of using the pretzel recipe to make a loaf of bread. Well VIOLA!! It worked!! The bread is a little bit denser than your normal french/Italian bread, but, it tastes fabulous! I am so proud of myself!! I have made two batches in the last three days.  I did sprinkle it with sea salt and garlic.  The quick part about this recipe is that it only needs to rise once and for only 30 minutes. I can handle that.  Here's what it looks like....

Here is the first, test run loaf. I forgot to take a picture before I hacked into it.

Here is the second batch. We gobbled down an entire loaf at dinner today. Delicious!

I did finish the last book in the Hunger Games trilogy called Mockingjay.  It was really great and had a decent ending, too. One thing I really hate about some books is a bad ending. Especially if they are really good the whole way through. I was glad this one didn't let me down.

I have now started the book 1984 by George Orwell. I remember having to read Animal Farm, by George, in high school and not entirely loving it. 1984, however, is very interesting. I will be sure to give you my synopsis when I am finished.

Till next time!

Today was BAKING day!

This is "Apple Cranberry Cake." I have made it before with raisins (I didn't have any cranberries on hand.) But, today I found a whole bag of them in the freezer and decided to give it another go.  I followed the recipe mostly, but, added more cinnamon and vanilla. It was very good with some whipped cream or ice cream. Definitely more tart than the previous apple/raisin concoction.

The other day the hubby made a comment about not having had a soft pretzel in a long time.  He was feeling the need to go to an Auntie Anne's, so I found a recipe and made my own.  I also made some Velveeta sauce to dip these in. They turned out GREAT! And they weren't that difficult to make.  Everyone loved them!

And then I had a smart thought and decided to actually use ALL of the bananas in our house. I usually end up throwing one or two of them away. They get all black and runny and I don't want to bother at that point. Even though, I do know those would probably be the best ones to make banana bread. I made banana muffins and  I then used the "Quick Caramel Frosting" recipe from the Cake Mix Doctor cookbook, to finish them off. It should be noted that my Dad has said this particular frosting would make sh*t taste good. Not that I'm going to test that out or anything. Ewwwwww!

That is pretty much what I did for the day. I then made some really awesome tasting chili for dinner. I plan on making chili cheese nachos with some of that, tomorrow. I definitely don't need anymore food for today. After all that dessert and the frosting I shouldn't eat sugar for the next month, either!!

Well now it looks like winter.

I did have plans for today. I was, however, paying attention to the weather since it was supposed to potentially dump 1-3 inches this morning. I told the hubby to be careful because of possible black ice. He called me 15 minutes after he left (and still on the road) and said it was like a blizzard. The snow was definitely coming down fast and furious. Sadly (well not for me) the children still had school. No delay or cancellation. The bus was 15 minutes late, which would attest to the bad roads.  I am assuming they made it to school since I haven't received a phone call.

This is what it looks like outside, now...

Yes, it's January. So yes it's okay and no I won't complain (at least not too much.)

Onto another topic....  C#2 came home the other day and handed me a pile of papers from school. In this pile of random papers was a US map quiz with the fantastic grade of a 52.  A 52?!?! It was on the Midwest states. Apparently they had taken quizzes on the northeast and southern states, too. Since, C#2 insists she never has any work to do when she comes home I have now made it my mission that she will know the ENTIRE US map. I found a handy website and printed off empty and labeled maps.  We have been doing this for about a week and she has yet to get a 100%. I am determined to learn it myself, too.

It has been said that I am not being "fair". This was in reference to my insisting on C#2 to learn the US map. But, in my defense C#2's teacher does let them retake their quizzes and guess what her highness got!??!?!!?!?!!!!??!?!!?!? A 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Um yeah! Being the mean Mom apparently works. I think I will just continue with that....

Till next time!

Holy Cliffhanger, Batman!

I almost finished Catching Fire (by Suzanne Collins,) the second book in the Hunger Games series, last night. But the lovely hubby, insisted the light be turned off and I was getting tired, anyway. Since I only had about 50 pages left and decided to finish it this morning. I did have lots of things I could have been doing, but, decided this was moreeeeeeeeeeee important. Let me just say this book ended with the cliffhanger of cliffhangers. But, alas I am not that upset since the last book is readily available.  Meaning it is sitting on my nightstand waiting to be read. The "Ugggghhhhhhhhh!!!" turned into an immediate "Phewwww!!"  It's a good thing this series was discovered AFTER it was all published.

I also watched the movie "Mr. Brooks." I wasn't sure what it was about. Well it started with a "very happy" couple having some ummmmmm welll.... I am sure you can figure it out. And then the movie got interesting. NOT the sexy wexy part -- what happened after.  The movie was actually pretty good and definitely not what I was expecting.  

Now I have to get some work done. Laterrrrr...

Here's what I've been reading...

Killing Lincoln by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.

I didn't know much about the assassination. I wasn't aware of all of the people and other events going on at the same time...It was very well written and a quick read. My friend recommended it to me and it was well worth it.

On a side note... It kind of reminded me of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. The Killer Angels is listed as a novel, but, it is very factual. There is a movie called "Gettysburg" that is based on it -- also very good.

I also read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This is the first book in a trilogy written for young adults. It is all the rage and there is a movie coming out in March. It only took me a few days to read - it was that good! The whole idea behind the book reminds me of something out of a Stephen King novel. Of course, it's cleaner and there are no "F" words. 

I am currently reading the second one. And it is just as entertaining as the first (at least so far.)

That is all I have for you today. I have a lovely crick in my neck, shoulder and arm and feel slightly incapacitated.  Till next time...

Broccoli Pesto Picture!!

Well, since I was emoting profusely about the pesto, I had a very specific request to make it for my mom and sis. This time (because I'm so smart) I did take pictures! Here's a picture of the whole pan and then of one piece of chicken with some noodles.

It was tasty and delicious.  And did you notice the pretty parsley flakes on the second picture?! I was trying to make it look all fancy. Not sure that it had the desired effect.

Now I'm not even the slightest bit hungry. Here's hoping no one wants dinner.....

Pesto made of broccoli?!

I was perusing through one of my new"ish" cookbooks, that I desperately needed, and came upon a recipe for broccoli pesto. What a fantastic idea!! I love broccoli and I love pesto! I also found a recipe for "Chicken Alfredo" in a Mr. Food cookbook, that I thought would work splendidly with the pesto. I "guinea pigged" the recipe on the family first and they all liked it! I then made a second batch for my BFF's birthday lunch. And she liked it, too. Success all around!! And it's healthy to boot. I baked a loaf of  (frozen) bread to sop up the excess sauce, but, I am sure pasta would work, as well.

Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures, but, here's the recipe:

Broccoli Pesto
1 (12 oz) bag fresh broccoli florets (I used frozen.)
1/3 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup (or more) Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (I used finely chopped walnuts.)
1/3 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt.

Place broccoli in bowl and microwave at high 8 minutes  or until broccoli tender. Drain and transfer to a food processor.

While broccoli cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, saute 2 minutes until garlic is lightly browned. Add garlic mixture, Parmesan cheese and the next 4 ingredients to food processor until smooth.

Put 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese in soup pan and cook until thick. Add the broccoli pesto and cook until warmed through. Pour over breaded and lightly sauteed boneless/skinless chicken breasts, if desired. Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

One a side note this week has been a packed full of birthday celebrations! My sis and BFFs! And it's all been crazy fun! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL!!

Drinks!

My youngest sister just turned 21 and I tried, let me stress tried to bring in her new year with some cheer! I don't think I was too successful. First off, she's not a huge fan of alcoholic beverages -- which is probably a good thing. And second, she wasn't too excited about getting a hangover (I'm with her on that one.)  Truth be told I am a major wuss when it comes to drinking. I like the nice buzz, but, have only been "drunk" once. I made friends with the royal throne, but, thankfully I didn't get a hangover. I have decided to NOT push my luck   in the future.  Sooooooooooooooooo.... If you wanna go drinking to get trashed, I will be the designated driver (in YOUR vehicle, in case of a puking mishap.)  I hope you enjoyed how I just went off on a tangent....

Here are the drinks that I concocted for the birthday event:

This was a blueberry/grape colada. I bought grape rum and had no clue what to do with it. This drink tasted great, so now the rum definitely has a use. My sis even liked it, since it was very fruity!

This is a grown up "Peppermint Patty Frappe" with creme de menthe. I added too much alcohol, but, once I added more milk, all was good in the world.  The birthday girl didn't favor this one, but, I sure liked it!!

And the last drink of the evening -- a strawberry colada. I bought fresh strawberries, so what's not to like?

I should state that we drank these over a 7-8 hour period. So no one was getting drunk. Not even a little bit tipsy.

Earlier that day ,she picked out a cake, at the grocery store. We had it decorated with her name and age. The lady at the bakery made an effort to make it extra nice by adding loads of colorful sprinkles at no extra charge.  AND we waited until midnight on her birthday to eat it, so we could do the whole singy song thing ON her birthday. C#1 and C#2 were happy to stay up until midnight. Then the sis and I started a movie at 1:00 a.m., after everyone else went to bed. Needless to say we were very tired, later that morning.  And that about sums up that extravanganza!

I had a great time and I think she did, too.