Coconut Thumbprint Cookies Pin It

My husband loves these little preserve & jam filled cookies. They are a easy to make albeit a little time consuming but the end product is soooo delicious.

raspberry jam  filled

See those two cookies with heart design in them?  That wasn’t planned but rather a sweet little surprise out of the oven.

 

Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

8 TBSP  of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature  
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 
1 large egg, separated 
1 tsp vanilla extract 
1-1/4 cups of all-purpose flour (I use whole wheat pastry flour) 
1/4 tsp  salt 
1 TBSP of white sugar 
3 cups of coconut flakes
apricot preserves, raspberry jam, or other preserve or jam of choice

In a mixing bowl or electric mixer on medium speed, beat the butter and the sugars together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add and beat in the egg yolk (reserving the white) and vanilla.  

If using electric mixer, turn to low and beat in the flour, salt, and 1 cup of the coconut flakes. Continue to mix until the batter starts to form a ball.

Stop the mixer and refrigerate the cookie dough for 30 minutes or until it is easier (stiffer) to handle.

Roll dough into 1” balls, dip into the egg white and roll in the remaining coconut to coat.

Transfer the balls to a cookie sheet.  Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, make an indention into the balls to form a “nest”.

Preheat Oven to 350 (this should be heated and ready by the time the next two steps are done)

Put the pans in the refrigerator to chill for 20 minutes.

Fill the center of each cookie with preserves or jam of choice. Don’t over-fill or the preserves or jam will leak out during baking.

Bake for 8 – 10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

 

Makes about 2 dozen.   

(I made my cookies a little bigger than the 1” balls and doubled my recipe.)

 

apricot preserve filled

 

 

I’ve been on a cookie making spree.   The last two days, I made up slice and bake cookies --- 7 different ones.  Each batch made 4 rolls and each roll makes 3 dozen cookies.  I made a roll of each kind I made and the other 3 rolls of each one went into the freezer.

I made:

• Chocolate Chip
• Peanut Butter
• Cinnamon-Sugar
• Oatmeal Raisin (my favorite)
• Gingersnap
• Chocolate Wafer (which can be used to make ice cream sandwiches, chocolate cookie pie crust, or even whoopie pies)
• Butterscotch

All those but the butterscotch and cinnamon-sugar came from this book:

 

The butterscotch is my personal variation to the Chocolate Chip and the cinnamon sugar is a variation of the Sugar cookie mix that is in the book.

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

 

 

This post is part of these wonderful blog hops:

• Homemaking Link-Up!
• Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #3
• Linky # 17 Will linky for...Christmas Cheer
• Simple Lives Thursday #72
• Farmgirl Friday # 35 and December Wishes
• SYS Blog Link Party with a Giveaway from Kara’s Kustoms
• Friday Link Party #8! {and features too}
• Melt in Your Mouth Monday Blog Hop #42
• Monday Mania 12/5/2011
• Make Your Own! Monday link-up 12/05
• Barn Hop #39
• A Savvy HomeMade Monday!!!

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Nearly 50% Off Sale on Wildcraft! the Herbal Adventure Game and LOTS of free bonuses! sale ends Midnight on Friday 12/2!! Don’t Miss this!! Pin It

We have a copy of this game and it’s wonderful!!

Great for adults and children alike to learn more about herbs.

Great for the homeschool family, the homesteading family, as well as any family really who wants to learn more about herbs.

Nearly 50% Off Sale!

Includes New
"Herbs for Children During Cold & Flu Season"
Video Class!

You get ALL this for $19.99

(That’s a lot less than what I paid for our copy! That is a steal of a deal at that price!! )

Sale ends Midnight on Friday!

Click here to go direct to Ordering

 

Not only is it on sale but you get  incredible bonuses that never offered before worth over $140.

So, here is a list of the bonuses...

• Close to 50% off Wildcraft!
• The "Herbs for Children During Cold &  Flu Season" video.
• A revised eBook by Rosalee de la Foret called "Herbal Gifts." Make your own gifts!
• A customizable herbal children's book. We give you the 
  Word file, you fill in the blanks, print it, and give it as a
  gift to the little ones in your life!
• Dandelion Activity eBook
• Herbal Medicine Chest Chart (located in game)
• Herbal Roots Zine Kids Activity Magazine
• Naturalist Jon Young teaches you how to foster a deeper connection with nature with your child.

You get ALL this for $19.99.

Seriously... all those bonuses AND the Wildcraft game.

 

This is a ONE TIME Holiday sale.

Offer is gone midnight on Friday, December 2.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

“Teasplashing” with Tetley Tea Pin It

I’m Southern. Tea, especially good sweet tea, is a staple to my diet. lol However the doctors have told me that I need to cut back on the caffeine because of my blood pressure. So getting used to Decaffeinated tea and coffee is an adjustment to say the least.  It does taste different than the regular “high-test” version. Tetley offers decaffeinated tea.  I recently had the opportunity to try their Tetley Naturally Decaffeinated Classic Blend as well as their Tetley Naturally Decaffeinated Green Tea  which is more of a favorite of hubby’s than mine. I’m not a huge fan of Green Tea.

photo credit photo credit

I drink tea all year long but I learned something new from the Tetley Company in that  you can use tea in recipes to stay healthier during the cold season.

Here is what the company rep had to say …

Quote:

“Cooler weather and cold season are now upon us and Tetley Tea is sharing some “teasplashing” recipes to help keep your kids happy and healthy. Tetley is asking moms to Rethink Tea with “Teasplashing.” Splashing some fruit juice into decaffeinated tea makes for tasty, healthful new treats – great for both kids and adults.

A healthier alternative to hot cocoa and hot apple cider, these recipes combine either green or black decaffeinated Tetley Tea with 100% juices – apple, blueberry and pomegranate. Or modify with your kids’ favorite juices.
Both green and black tea provide powerful, immune system-boosting antioxidants, which can be especially helpful to kids fighting colds. And by adding 100% juice, they’ll get the vitamins and nutrients they need with a taste they’ll love. Best of all, “Teasplashing” is an affordable solution for moms, since both ingredients are grocery list regulars.”

 

Here are two recipes to get you started:

Green Apple Tea

1 Tetley Decaffeinated Green Tea bag
4 oz. of boiling water
4 oz. 100% apple juice

Place the tag bag in an 8 oz. cup. Add boiling water and allow tea to steep for 3 minutes. Remove tea bag and add juice. Makes one 8 oz. serving.

Black & Blue Pom Pom Tea

1 Tetley Decaffeinated Black Tea bag
4 oz. of boiling water
2 oz. Blueberry juice
2 oz. Pomegranate juice

Place the tag bag in an 8 oz. cup. Add boiling water and allow tea to steep for 3 minutes. Remove tea bag and add juices. Makes one 8 oz. serving.

 

I hope you will give Tetley Tea a try as well as try out the two recipes above.   I’m trying that Black & Blue Pom Pom Tea as soon as I can get some pomegranate juice (good stuff in its own right!)

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Shopping Thrift Stores & Antique Stores for Vintage Items to Use Pin It

I love shopping antique stores for items I can give new life to and put back into service in my home.

I'm not a big collector type person as many who shop antique stores are. I would rather be able to use the item than to just have it on display to look at. I know I'm weird. lol  I do have a small thimble collection but hardly ever add one to it. Now if you were to ask hubby, he'd tell you I collect scrapbook stuff, glass jar (especially the old wire bale ones and the hinge clasp ones - love those and use them for a variety of things in the kitchen), and probably would name off a few other things he thinks I "collect". lol 

I like shopping antique stores though because you can find unusual items, items that were made when things were made to last and not break after a few uses like so much "junk" that is in the stores these days, and because of the nostalgia of them.

Looking at vintage housewares, the aprons, doilies, linens, etc.  just put a smile on my face. I rarely buy these but every once in a while I'll actually find something at a thrift store too. I recently found a pretty, vintage, hand embroidered table runner or buffet (side board) runner for $1.  That sweetie came home with me.

Or the $2 vintage lace tablecloth I found at the same thrift store on a different occasion. Treasures can be found if you take the time to look.

One of my things I do like to look in antique stores for though is cast iron.  I like love cast iron!   I have several pieces from skillets in various sizes to pots, dutch ovens, griddle, turks head muffin pans, etc.  I use them on a daily basis as I cook with them. I look for pieces I don't have that I know I will use, etc. but I don't collect them just to be collecting them.

Every once in a while, I’ll find a cast iron treasure in a thrift store or at a yard sale.

I found the turks head pan at right at a thrift store for $4.88!  That baby was in horrible rusty shape. I almost didn’t buy it but the unique design and the fact it hold 12 muffins appealed to me. I scrubbed and cleaned and scrubbed and scoured then seasoned it up a few times.

Now it has a happy home in my kitchen and gets used to make not only muffins but cupcakes along with cornbread muffins in it too.

I can not find a brand name on this one and have even searched online and found out that a similar one from Griswold recently sold for $400.  WOW!!

I once found a #12 skillet at a yard sale for $1.  I snatched that baby up quick. It was in decent shape too so I didn’t have to work as hard on it as I did the turks head pan or this large #14 Army skillet hubby bought me from an antique store.

Hubby knows my love for cast iron and vintage housewares. He also knows that buying me something for my birthday, anniversary, etc. along those lines are sure to be a hit with me. Such as this drop biscuit pan and vintage butter mold I got for  my recent birthday.  Both of which will be put to use.

Now to just give him a few hints to go back to the one antique store we recently visited and buy that vintage large daisy churn that was fully intact and workable!  It was cheaper than what a new and smaller one is on amazon.

And I’m still not holding our on my hopes of having a vintage wood cookstove like my Granny had or a treadle sewing machine like she had.

So I guess it is true what my sister says… I was born 100 years too late. lol 

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Go Greased Lightning Pin It

I can not help but think of the movie GREASE when I think of Greased Lightning even though the song is “Grease Lightning”. But that’s not what this post is about… even though that is a classic movie that I know many people enjoy.

photo credit

I want to tell you about the Greased Lightning Cleaner.

Did you know that the Greased Lightning Cleaner is fit for your toughest stains and your most gentle surfaces? I didn’t. I just thought this stuff was tough on grease.

Look at the suggested uses for this cleaner…

Suggested Uses: Cut through grime on stove vents, ovens and microwaves. Remove red wine, pet stains and dirt from everyday traffic on carpets. Use as a laundry pretreat for tough stains including grease, grass and ink. Tackle soap scum and mildew stains in the shower. Revitalize patio furniture by removing dirt and outdoor debris.

photo credit

I seriously didn’t know that you could use it for all that!

This stuff really did a great job at cleaning up the children’s bathroom from the tub, to the toilet, the sink, and even the floor. 

Six children use that bathroom and it also serve’s as the guest bathroom. With four boys using that bathroom in addition two girls, let’s just say that bathroom can get downright icky just from the boys alone.

This stuff was great at tackling that bathroom!!   Sure it’s not the green cleaners that I’ve been trying to switch over to, but sometimes you just have to pull out the big guns.  This is one of them.

I’m highly satisfied with how well this cleaner worked and got the job done. If you’re wanting a multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser  look for Greased Lightning Cleaner which is available from Amazon, Dollar General, Home Depot, Kroger, Lowe’s, and Walmart in addition to being available at select grocery stores.

For more information about this product, visit www.greased-lightning.com.  I was told that in 2012, there will be new packaging as well as a new scent.  Check out www.facebook.com/greasedlightningcleans for a sneak peak.

 

 

Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of reviewing same.  No other compensation was received for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal and honest opinion.  Your experience with product may vary.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Cyber Monday Sale Currclick! Pin It

 

Visitors to the site can download 8 freebies. Plus, visit on Facebook for 2 more.

This event will only last 24 hours.

Plus get up to 75% off 1000's of learning resources for next semester from November 28th through December 19th.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Cyber Monday Deals are at Amazon today and some for this week too! Pin It

Amazon Cyber Monday Deals are Here

Black Friday may be over, but we've still got the party going. Today is Cyber Monday and we've got our best deals right here. Some Cyber Monday deals are in limited supply, and all will go quickly--but don't worry if you miss one, because we'll keep adding new ones throughout the day, and all week long. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our daily deals e-mails so you don't miss a thing.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Seasoned Salt – Make Your Own Pin It

This is the recipe I use to make seasoned salt. It's really good too.

Seasoned Salt

from The Complete Tightwad Gazette (p.423)
8 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons pepper
2 tablespoons paprika
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container

 

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

 

This post is part of these wonderful Blog Hops:

• Barn Hop #38
• Monday Mania 11/28/2011
• Melt in Your Mouth Monday Blog Hop #41
• A Pampered Chef Party & Savvy HomeMade Monday Blog Party
• Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop 11.27.11
• {nifty thrifty sunday #33}
• Motivate Me Monday #98
• Winter Salad and Tasty Tuesday Party
• Tempt My Tummy Tuesday… Brown Sugar Fudge
• Totally Tasty Tuesdays
• Mangia Mondays:: Kitchen Can't Live Withouts II
• My Meatless Mondays
• Large Family Stocking Holder {LFO Link Up}
• Bedazzle Me Monday #10
• Just Something I Whipped Up with Smart Decorating Ideas
• Homemaker Monday: Images From An American Thanksgiving in Mexico
• More The Merrier Monday #38
• Handmade Tuesdays 11.29.11
• Inspire Me Monday! Cyber Monday!
• The Cure for the Common Monday #19
• Mad Skills Party #80
• Make Something Monday Link Party #38
• Made by you Monday
• Fat Tuesday: November 29, 2011
• Tutorial Tuesday!
• Traditional Tuesday – Nutritious and Delicious! ~ November 29, 2011
• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #76
• Patchwork Living Blogging Bee #14
• Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #20
• Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours {11/22}
• Domestically Divine Tuesday
• Family Time Tuesday – November 29, 2011
• Frugal Tuesday Tip Week 45
• Tuesday Talent Show #14
• Encouraging My Sponsors
• Tuesdays At The Table - Peanut Butter Brownie Bites
• Hearth and Soul Hop with Premeditated Leftovers 11/29
• Leaving Your Parents This Christmas - And a Titus 2sday Link Up!!
• Make Your Own! Monday link-up 11/28
• Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #3
• Simple Lives Thursday #72
• Farmgirl Friday # 35 and December Wishes
• SYS Blog Link Party with a Giveaway from Kara’s Kustoms
• Homemaking Link-Up!
• Linky # 17 Will linky for...Christmas Cheer
• Friday Link Party #8! {and features too}

I missed participating in  these great hops this week but check them out anyway!

• Roof Before and After • 114th Penny Pinching Party
• WFMW: Family Message Board

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Find Me on Facebook & Twitter Pin It

You can follow this blog via Facebook Networked Blogs

 

and now you can become a fan of Laura Williams’ Musings on facebook.  I finally figured out how to make a blog fan page. lol

 

 

 

Follow me on Twitter

Click here to get Laura Williams' Musings delivered by email

 

Follow this blog via Facebook Networked Blogs

Or visit my YouTube Channel

Or Follow My Pins on Pinterest

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Sunday Quietness Pin It

Sunday is a day of rest in our house. We don’t do chores unless it has to be done – like making a meal and cleaning up afterwards. 

We enjoy the day in the Lord and generally just rest physically and mentally.  What a blessing it is to place our burdens no matter how big or how small into the hands of our Heavenly Father. 

 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

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NotebookingPages.com Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sale Event!! Ends November 28th Pin It

NotebookingPages.com Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sale Event

Dates: November 25th – November 28th

Use coupon code = GIVETHANKS
to SAVE 25%

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Join the Notebooking Pages Treasury now during their Black Friday – Cyber Monday Sale Event and receive an extended membership, bonus e-gift package, and chance to win some great prizes!

BONUSES
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Emeril’s Essence – Make Your Own Pin It

This is one of our favorite's! Some gooood stuff!

Emeril's Essence

Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse Emeril's Essence Recipe : Emeril Lagasse : Food Network

• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

FREE $2 Amazon MP3 credit–Hurry Expires Monday 11/28! Pin It

Go to this link

Click on enter code

enter code  STUDYBRK  and your $2 MP3 credit will be put into your account

Offer expires Monday November 28, 2011.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Making the Most of Thanksgiving Leftovers Pin It

Today is Black Friday. The biggest shopping day of the year. In all my years, I have only gone shopping on Black Friday once. Yep. Once.  I wasn’t impressed. So my day after Thanksgiving consists of not running after the sale items but rather tending to my family and tackling things in the kitchen.

The big meal on Thanksgiving usually gives way to lots of leftovers that not only others but myself need to find ways to use up.

Besides reheating the leftovers and eating the next day or making the traditional turkey sandwich, you can also do a little more with those leftovers besides get tired of them and toss them (gasp!).

Why not use that turkey carcass and make some Homemade Broth or Stock?  It’s easy to make and delicious to use in recipes!

Have a lot of bread leftover, you can Make Your Own Croutons for later use.

Take a large container and put in any leftover veggies like green beans, peas, corn, etc. and use it as a soup starter mix.

If you serve mashed potatoes and have some left, you can make Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes and are a favorite in my house for breakfast the next morning. I grew up with my grandparents making me for these sometimes. I loved them then and still do!

How about substituting turkey in some recipes that call for chicken? You can make a turkey salad like chicken salad with it or shred it like Shredding Chicken Easily and use it to make bbq turkey sandwiches.

Cranberries can be made into a nice conserve or even syrup, jelly, etc.   Don't Toss 'em, Use 'em - using peels, cores, etc. to make jelly, syrup, vinegar, etc.  One our favorite ways to use cranberries is to use them in Baked Oatmeal. Delicious!

For more idea, check out my post about Using Leftovers to Make OAMC Meals.

 

 

This post is part of  Farmgirl Friday # 34

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Happy Thanksgiving! Pin It

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Remember to be thankful for all you have, etc. every day of the year and just not one.

Here is a fun craft to keep the little ones occupied.

Handprint Turkey Placemats

Supplies Needed:

• paper plates
• finger-paints
• a brown piece of paper about the size of a placemat
• a marker
• clear contact paper

Instructions:

• Gently press the child's hands, with fingers apart, into the finger-paint. Immediately press hand onto brown paper.  Allow to dry completely.
• Write the child's name on the placemat with the marker.
• Cover both sides with the clear contact paper, trimming any excess.

Optional Ideas:

• Add pretty autumn leaves to the placemats before covering with contact paper.
• Or add some little bird feathers.

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I have become a mother of a teenage boy… Pin It

Where did the years go?!?!

My oldest son turns 13 today thus making me the mother of a teenage boy for the first time in my life. I survived my oldest daughter’s teenage years so hopefully, I’ll survive this young man’s teenage years.

This photo was taken a few weeks ago  with him showing off the Eiffel Tower puzzle he put together.  I can not get him to smile for me sometimes. lol The stinker.

He is has been a blessing and is walking in his Daddy’s footsteps with wanting to do things around the house to bless me as well as his Daddy whether it’s mowing, weed eating, fixing things, etc. My prayer for him is that he will continue to grow both educationally, strong in body, and especially spiritually and come to have a heart after God.

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Are you looking for great Christian Books Pin It

Vision Forum carries a vast variety of Christian Books in addition to toys, videos, and more for the whole family and are great addition to the family library as well as the homeschool library..

 

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Taco Seasoning Mix - Make Your Own Pin It

Taco-Seasoning Mix

from The Complete Tightwad Gazette (p.423)

6 teaspoons chili powder
4 1/2 teaspoons cumin
5 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons onion powder
2 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/8 to 1/4 cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

 

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

$5 Sale on 16 Magazines subscriptions until December 3rd. Pin It

See all magazines here:  $5 Sale on 16 Magazines subscriptions until December 3rd.

 

These are a just a few that are on sale....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See all magazines here:

 $5 Sale on 16 Magazines subscriptions until December 3rd.

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Making Butter in A Mixer & Saving Money on Organic Butter & Buttermilk to Boot Pin It

In the past, I shared how my children were Making Butter by putting heavy whipping cream into a quart jar and rolling it back and forth to each other as well a shaking it.

Today, I’m going to show you a grown up shaking version of making butter.  I have an old style butter churn but it’s more for decoration than it is for making butter as it’s made of cedar and is not lined. If I were to pour cream into that thing it would start coming out between the slats. So I use my Bosch Mixer instead.  I put the French Whips in it, pour the heavy whipping cream in and turn it on 2 and let it go.

I don’t have access to fresh cream from a dairy so I have to buy heavy whipping cream.   Nor do I have a daisy butter churn (yet). I found one at a antique store that is bigger and costs less than a new one I found on Amazon. That’s my Christmas wish from hubby.

Now buying organic heavy shipping cream at full price and making butter really is not economical as you probably can get a 8oz or pound of organic butter a lot cheaper.

But when you can find cartons of the organic heavy whipping cream on markdown… then you’re on to something! I recently picked up 5 cartons of organic heavy whipping cream on manager’s special for $1.49 each. I picked up all 5 they had on markdown.

Like I said, I attach the French whips to my Bosch mixer, pour in the heavy whipping cream, and turn my mixer on 1 to start with then build up to speed 2.  It takes about 20 minutes or so to churn that cream into butter.

After the butter forms, I clean off the whips, scoop out the butter, sprinkle in some salt (if I want salted butter), then put into my butter dishes. I would love an old wooden butter mold but haven’t found one I like or can afford at antique stores yet.

So how much butter did those 5 cartons of heavy whipping cream give me you ask.   Two pounds.

Plus a bowl of buttermilk that resulted in one quart and one pint of buttermilk that I put into the fridge to make biscuits with later this week.

Taking into consideration that organic butter is anywhere from $4 to almost $6 a pound I think I came out pretty good at roughly $7.45 for the  2 pounds of butter and a quart and a pint of buttermilk.  

That is roughly $3.73 a pound a butter for what I made PLUS I got buttermilk to boot which usually costs around $3 or more for a quart.   Yeah, I do believe I came out pretty good all the way around on that deal!

When I can’t find heavy whipping cream marked down to make butter with, I look for deals on butter.

I happened to luck up recently at Kroger again and found Organic Valley pasture butter for .99 for an 8oz pkg. thus making it $1.98 a pound. I bought all 17 they had marked down. These went into the freezer for later use. It was a blessing to find those marked down as I was getting very low on our butter stock. We only use real butter now instead of the fake butter stuff called margarine.

I hope this post inspires you to look for alternative ways to save on your grocery items. 

And check out my previous post on how you can be Spreading Real Butter Easily.

 

 

 

This post is part of these blog hops:

• Homestead Revival Barn Hop #37

• Monday Mania 11/21/2011

• Melt in Your Mouth Monday Blog Hop #40

• Savvy HomeMade Monday #16

• Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop 11.20.11

• The Official Laundry Checker {LFO Link Up}

• Homemade Projects ~ Add Yours {11/22}

• Frugal Tuesday Tip Week 44

• Domestically Divine Tuesday

• Fat Tuesday: November 22, 2011

• Traditional Tuesdays – Nutritious and Delicious! ~ November 22, 2011

• We Encourage Tuesday at Call Me Blessed

• Teach Me Tuesdays | Homemaking Link-Up #19

• Tempt My Tummy Tuesday…Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

• Family Time Tuesday – November 22, 2011

• Tuesday Talent Show #13

• Broccoli Cheese Soup and Tasty Tuesday Party

• Tuesdays At The Table - Next Day Turkey Soup

• Handmade Tuesdays 11.22.11

• Anti-Procrastination Tuesday #75

• Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #2

• Homemaking Link-Up… and Happy Thanksgiving!

• Preparedness Challenge #30

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A Sunday Reflection on Thankfulness Pin It

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving. As many families are preparing for a family gathering, prepping for a big cooking day, etc. I can’t help to ponder on how many families are not able to be together on this special day either due to a family member being deployed overseas. Also comes to mine are how many families are spending their Thanksgiving in a shelter due to financial problems that have resulted in them being jobless and/or homeless.

Remember to be thankful for all you have, etc. every day of the year and just not one.  Share your blessings with others this Thanksgiving and be blessed back for knowing you’re helping someone.

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Onion-Soup Mix - Make your Own Pin It

I make this recipe sometimes and mix with sour cream for a dip but I have been making the Onion Seasoning Mix from the Make A Mix Revised cookbook more often which I like a little better than this one as it doesn’t call for sugar.

Onion-Soup Mix

from The Complete Tightwad Gazette (p.424)
3/4 cup instant minced onion
4 teaspoons onion powder
1/3 cup beef flavored bouillon powder
1/4 teaspoon celery seed, crushed
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container.

To use, add 2 tablespoons mix to 1 cup boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. This makes a stronger soup than the store bought mix, so you can use less.

 

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy

Italian Seasoning – Make Your Own Pin It

I make a lot of my own seasoning blends. In some of them, I use our own homegrown, home dried herbs to create them.

Here is one that I like to make up and keep on hand.

Italian Seasoning 1/3 cup dried Basil leaves 1/3 cup dried Oregano leaves 2 TBS dried Parsley flakes 2 TBS dried Thyme leaves 2 tsp dried Garlic, minced Mix and store in an airtight container. You can double or triple this recipe for a big batch.

 

If you like making your own mixes from seasoning blends, etc. be sure to check out and maybe pick up a copy of any or all of the Make A Mix series of cookbooks by Karine Eliason, Nevada Howard, and Madeline Westover.

**
(click on either of those to go to the Amazon page for that book or one of the links below)
Make A Mix
More Make A Mix
and Make A Mix Revised (has some recipes the others don't and vice versa).
or the Complete Make-a-mix Cookbook : How to make your Own Mixes but I don't have that one so not sure what all is in it.

 

So check the books out if you get a chance. You can order them through Amazon, maybe find them on ebay, or look at your local used bookstore.

here are a few of the mixes from the Make A Mix Revised book I use on a regular basis: (some of the mixes are found in the other two books)

• Muffin Mix
• Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
• Taco Seasoning
• onion seasoning mix (which is kinda like Lipton and I use it to make dip with ... yum yum yum)
• crisp coating mix
• Cornbread mix
• quick mix (this is like bisquik and is very very very good)

I have also made and use occasionally just not used as frequently as the above ones. I haven't made some of these in a while though but will be making most of them again soon due to us going back to the homemade items, etc. and getting away from the prepackaged stuff more and more... not much store bought package stuff left here now.

• Hot Roll Mix
• BreadMaker Mix (when I still had the bread maker, now I make my bread by hand and use another recipe)
• Graham cracker crust mix
• sweet quick bread mix
• all purpose cake mix
• snack cake mix
• vanilla pudding and pie filling mix
• cookie mix
• granola mix
• dried calico bean soup mix
• all purpose ground meat mix (this one is awesome)
• meatloaf mix
• meatball mix
• meat sauce mix
• Mexican meat mix
• navy bean mix
• slice and bake cookies (various ones and these are an absolute favorite of mine... I even used one of the recipes as a basis to make up one of my own -- it's posted over in the recipe forum)
• chocolate syrup mix
• chili seasoning mix
• home-style dressing mix
• spaghetti seasoning mix
• chicken continental rice seasoning mix (fave of ours)
• spanish rice seasoning mix
• hot chocolate mix
• Russian refresher mix (kinda of like Russian Tea mix but doesn't call for instant tea)

That's the basic mixes I use. From those you can make various recipes with them.

 

 

Be sure to stop by and visit the other blog hop participants in this weeks’

• Homemaking Link Up
• Farmgirl Friday # 33 and Happy Birthday!

Posts May Contain Affiliate Links, Read my Disclosure Policy