CONFESSIONS...

Two of my Ohio friends have a wonderful blog where each week they post their confessions. I have to admit that I love reading their confessions. I've often thought about sharing my own confessions, as funny or not as they may be. Tonight, as I feel overwhelmed, I feel the need to confess lots of things on many different levels. And so it is that...

I confess...

• that I am overwhelmed. For those of you who think I do it all... I don't. I fail all over the place.
• that I am exhausted. Seriously... days like today sleep evades me.
• that I overextend myself. Oftentimes I see wonderful and gorgeous swaps occurring on craft blogs ALL the time, and I wisely do not sign myself up to participate. It's not that I don't want to participate - it's that I know myself and know that if I do sign up to join in on the fun I won't get it done on time, or if I do get it done, i almost NEVER get it to the post office on time.
• And... so it is that I've WAY overextended myself for Silver Bella swaps this year. 10 swaps... what on EARTH was I thinking? I'm almost done with almost everything, but .... OH MY STARS and BANANAS... did I lose my mind or what?
• that my house is a disaster.
• that I suck at doing laundry. Rather... i ROCK at washing and drying... but SUCK at folding or putting away.
• that since the freezer defrost/death of 2009 - I have not restocked my freezer with pre-made dinners. Convenience dinners (read that as freezer meals from the grocery store) is my mainstay.
• that I love being a mommy way more than I thought I would.
• that being a mommy takes WAY more out of me than I ever thought it would.
• that I miss not having my parents closer WAAAAY more than I ever thought it would
• that I wish I had time to fly down to my parents and WAY more than I do.
• that I am really, very very much, looking forward to Silver Bella but ...
• that I am very very much dreading being away from my little man (and the big one too) for 4 nights. I just know he's going to take his first steps while I'm away... I can feel it and it is stressing me out that I might miss out on seeing that milestone.
• that I drink way more caffeine (diet coke, diet mountain dew, and sugar free Rockstar or Monster) than any one person should.
• that I have not lost the baby weight I thought I could "easily" lose.
• that my studio is a horrific disaster.. and it's getting worse as the days up to Silver Bella get closer.
• that as much as I am excited, I have not started packing for Silver Bella. At all.
• that I miss hanging out with my bestie, but that there is just no time at the moment. It's hard.
• that I update my Facebook page by Twitter, which is updated by texting from my phone, rather than hanging out on Facebook all day long (contrary to popular suspicion)
• that I know I said that I wouldn't let my son zone out on Sesame Street, but it is one hell of a blessing. LOVE Sesame Street.
• that I didn't know what the heck I was saying when I said I would "never" do things as a parent. Dude... sometimes you just do what you can to make it through the day.
• that I have WAY more respect for single parents now than I ever did before. We're making it with two parents.. BARELY. How on earth to single mom's do it with little kids? I don't get it.

So there you have it... a few of my own confessions.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: Salsa Freshca... or Salsa Fresca

On one of my visits to see my parents down in South Texas (on the southern most point of Texas, basically on the border of Mexico, I learned how to make salsa and tamales (more on those on another day!). I couldn't believe how easy it was to make, and how delicious it is! I didn't write anything down, and the measurements are what I use... so change them up to what YOU like! I make this almost every other week, if not more.

INGREDIENTS:

3 lbs pace tomatoes (I use about 10 tomatoes)

2 seranno peppers, with the stem removed

1 large white or yellow onion, peeled and quartered

1 bunch cilantro

3 T lime juice

1 T. kosher salt

2 T. minced garlic

DIRECTIONS:

In a large pot bring the tomatoes, onions, and peppers barely to a boil. Take the pot off of the burner, and briefly swish the cilantro in the water. Put the cilantro into a colander to drain.

In a blender, blend up the ingredients together (it usually takes me 3 blender loads to get mine done). I use the garlic that comes pre-minced and the heat of the ingredients cooks it in the blender.

I put all of my blender loads into a 2 quart plastic container that has a twist on pouring spout. This helps make sure that double dippers (and you know you have them in your family too) don't contaminate the salsa, and helps make the use/pouring of the salsa MUCH neater.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Do you ever have one of those days or...

Do you ever have one of those days or times where things start to click? Where maybe you felt confused or just discombobulated, and all of a sudden a little ray of light popped in and made things just a little clearer? I've been having those moments occur, on an infrequent basis but more commonly lately than in the past. I'm realizing things about myself, that I didn't before...

• I want to simplify my life.
• I want to spend less money.
• I want to have less stuff.
• I want to make my home a refuge for my family in this crazy world.
• I want to have pieces I love, and pieces that I created idecorate my home.
• I don't have to be the best at everything - I don't even have to be really good. It's okay to be just okay.
• I want to have less obligation (or self inflicted obligation).
• I want to have a tidy (note I didn't say immaculate!) home.
• I want to be physically active - way more than I have been as of late.
• I want to do more with less - in all kinds of ways.
• I don't have to have (or want to have) a cookie cutter, catalog perfect house.
• I love to sleep in a warm bed (love my electric blanket!!).
• My thighs don't have to be incredible - I just have to learn to deal with them.
• I want to learn how to cook meals out of boxes and use canned sauces - I don't have to MAKE everything.
• I want to get more out of life.
• I want to enjoy more of my life.

All kinds of lights coming on my life... some have been trying to flip on for quite a while and I've been taping them down. I think it's finally time, and I'm finally ready to turn them on and let them shine.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Details Coming Soon!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Dust Bunnies...

image via Google)

Obviously I haven't been a very good Blogger as of late. I think I may have taken the whole "blogging without obligation" thing a little too far. Today I have decided to finally clear out the dust bunnies from my blog and give it a complete makeover. It will most likely be in total disarray until I am finished, so if you are reading this and wondering why my blog looks like such a hot mess... there's your answer.

I've been out of it for so long, I didn't even realize that my website subscription had expired... I'm going to renew it, so be sure to bookmark www.heatherales.com as I'm also moving to another blog site provider.

Motivation is a wonderful thing. I just hope I can keep it going...

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: Easy Fresh Corn and Chicken Chowder

I first found this recipe in the August 09 Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I made a few adjustments to fit into my time schedule and available ingredients. We loved it! So good, so light, and so easy! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

12 oz skinless, boneless chicken breast halves or chicken thighs

4 fresh ears of corn

1 32-oz container reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 small green pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)

1 cup milk

1 1/4 cups instant mashed potato flakes

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine the chicken, corn and broth in a pot. Cover; bring to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer 12 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken and corn; put onto cutting board.

Add the green pepper to pot. Stir in milk and potato flakes. Shred chicken using two forks. Return chicken to pot. Using a kitchen towel to hold corn and cut kernels from the cobs. Return the cut corn to the pot. Heat through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes:

So, when I made this I made a LOT of shortcuts. We used grilled chicken and just chopped it up from the start. I did use fresh corn, but cut the kernels off from the start and boiled the coband kernels in the broth with the chicken for a bit. Before I added the rest of the ingredients, I took the cobs out. I think the soup would have been delicious with frozen corn - and I'll try that when I'm really in a hurry.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Where Bloggers Create

Today is the grand day... Karen Valentine's Blog Party.... Where Bloggers Create.

And my computer card reader isn't working!!! AND... the cable I can use to connect my camera to my computer is missing!

So, I won't be able to share my photos until after work when I've acquired either a new cable or a new card reader.

Supper bummed because I have some GREAT photos to share!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

testing

testing

 

testing the publish from google docs feature

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Crazy Times... Sad Events

Man, the last few weeks have been hellacious! Seriously!

I had the opportunity to attend a local art retreat (Paper Cowgirl) for a day at the end of June, and really enjoyed the classes I took. I participated in a few swaps, and brought home some incredible treasures.

Maybe it's karma getting me back for taking some time away for myself, but since then... it has been chaos around here. And, oftentimes wondering what's going to happen next.

The Sunday after PC, Steve was oh so sick. Two days later, I was too. I stayed home from work (so not like me) and 3 hours into the day, Fred was sick too. Talk about misery. It took us the rest of the week to get over it.

Later that week... the hard drive in my mac died. Totally, unrepairable, dead. All of the documents, photos, videos, etc that were on that drive are gone. Yes, I had a backup, but... it was erased due to other technical issues. The drive is actually going to go visit a drive doctor, but i'm not putting my hopes up that they'll be able to find or save anything. So, the good part of the story is that instead of replacing my computer, I put in a new kickin' hard drive and doubled my RAM. Wooo hooo - love the guys at Frye's Electronics in Irving. Saved me some serious dinero.

Then the dishwasher died. Steve saved it. YAY!

The next sad, and heartbreaking thing to happen is likely the worst of all. Steve's grandfather, Fredric Dempsey (who is also Baby Fred's namesake) passed away after a long fight with cancer. It's been hard on Steve, as he greatly looked up to and admired his grandfather. It wasn't until I read Grandpa's obituary that I realized how very much alike they are. Our hearts are hurting, (Steve's more than anyone's) but we know he's in a better place now.

As if the above wasn't enough, the next issue we got to deal with was me. Somehow I managed to get a series of bites by what a local nurse thinks is a spider (but it could have been some kind of bug) that got my leg to swell up and get all ugly looking. The swelling is down, and the bites are looking SO much better (ironically they look like scrapes, but I don't know where it would have happened). I'm likely going to have marks on my legs for a while, but i'll get over it.

All of this fun fun stuff gets coupled with my new job stresses. I was given a promotion to work (which took me to a salaried instead of hourly pay), and our new team went live. So, as with any job there is an element of stress to overcome.

It's been a long couple of weeks!

But, on the plus side, I got the sweetest gift in the mail from a Bella. It came at a perfect time, when I was completely beat down by all of the events. (Please excuse the lack of editing... i haven't had a chance to install photoshop yet). Sweet, sweet Christina from Sweat Pea Ink sent me a Bella Kindness package. Inside were some wonderful treats and items that I'll be using soon in various art projects. It was packaged So adorably, and I'm having a hard time finding a replacement for the box - as it is so perfect I want to pass it onto another Bella in return. Christina, your package brought a huge smile to my face and warmed my heart when I truly needed it. Thank you so much for your kindness! Bella's be on the lookout - and be sure your address is in the address book! You never know when some kindness may be coming your way!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Time... finding it, losing it, wasting it...

My goodness, how time has flown by. Seriously. GoodNESS! Time is so hard for me to come by these days! I've struggled with finding time before, and have managed, but it seems that this time it is by far more difficult.

I have managed to find time to create. Little snippets here and there mind you. I've been busy creating my contributions for swaps at this (I'll share photos soon!), and working on deadlines with friends for this and this. It's been a difficult challenge balancing everything out, and I must admit that I've not found a pleasant balance.

I've not had time to clean out and organize my studio. In fact, I'm seriously considering hiring someone to do it for me. I want to create and enjoy my creative space, but unless the above is done, I spend more time looking for what I have rather than creating. Anyone in the area have any referrals? :)

There are so many things I ought to be doing rather than creating. Often times I when I do manage to find time, I use it for things other than creating. Creating, however, is what makes me happy. Yes, the two men in my life make me incredibly happy too (over the moon happy to be more clear) and so I do not create when they are available for me to be happy with. Generally, one is in bed - the little. The other is off at work - the big.

This is in no way to lead anyone to believe that I do not find cleaning my house to make me happy. I do not enjoy cleaning. However, I do enjoy having a clean home. Finding time to clean (or do laundry, etc) is not something I tend to aspire to find... it's something I simply must do (when I do clean that is). Having a clean or tidy home is incredibly important to feeling able to create.

Anywho... I have had a delightful time, when I have managed to find time to create and play in my studio. Recently for fun, I've been working on my contributions for swaps which has been such fun. Also, for work (or for my "fun" work), I've been creating for two projects that I was invited to participate in. How I've enjoyed working with some of my crafting industry friends again. They've inspired me in ways I didn't anticipate or imagine. I cannot wait to see the fruits of our labors.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Quick Catchup Update...

First, a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been praying for my brother-in-law, Shaun. He is home from the hospital, and is healing.

Now I haven't actually asked Shaun what went on, but here's what I understand happened.... Shaun pulling a huge fence closed (think of the kind of fence that you often see at secured storage unit facilities.... you know... the kind you type in a code and the fence automatically opens); there were not any pins at the end of the track to stop the fence, and it continued. As Shaun turned to walk away (as anyone would do after pulling a fence closed) the fence fell off of the track and onto Shaun's back.

After he finally got to the hospital, and after extensive tests, etc... it was determined that there were some breaks and fractures in his back. Also, he had a few bulging discs. But, after lots of consultations and multiple opinions, surgery is not necessary. The breaks and fractures will heal naturally (as long as he takes it easy) and the bulging discs will return to their positions once the swelling goes down.

He's in a lot of pain, but when I talked to him last he was handling it quite well. Delightfully drugged, but handling things as well as can be expected.

I know I, and my family, greatly appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much!

I have a LOOOONG post written to share with you. I'm off to try and get it posted now...

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Prayer Request....

I know I have some serious updating to do... and I'm really working on it... but in the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if you could kindly send up prayers and positive thoughts to my sister's husband, Shaun. I've just received word that he broke his back today. We don't think he'll be paralyzed, but he's experiencing some numbness. We'll know tomorrow if he needs to have surgery and have more information.

All of this, just in time for us to fly down to visit and celebrate my niece's 8th birthday.

Ow... oh ow.

Thank you for your prayers!

~heather

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Another Soldering Workshop Added...

Due to popular request, I've added another "Soldering Workshop" date to my calendar! I'm going to host my next "Soldering Workshop" on Saturday, April 25th from 10am - 4pm. It is an "all in one" class - basically a combination of my basic introductory class and my advanced class. After some discussion with previous students, we realized that both classes can be completed within the same day. In the Workshop, we will still cover the same topics and skills that I currently cover in my basic class, but at a much faster pace.

The Soldering Workshop will be held at my home from 10am - 4pm. My home is located in Roanoke, TX (close to both 114 and I35, and Texas Motor Speedway). We'll start out with the introductory soldering class where we will discuss soldering tools, supplies, and the basics of jewelry charm soldering. In this class you will create one (possibly two depending on time) 1.5" charm. All of the tools and supplies you will need are provided in this class. However, you are welcome to bring any custom art you would like to use, should you want to personalize your charms. If you bring art or photos, please make sure that they are laser printed on plain (not photo) paper. Photo paper (matte and glossy) has a plastic coating on it which will melt under the heat of a soldering iron. You will need two images, one for the front and one for the back of your charm.

We'll take a short break (where you're welcome to either eat a lunch/snack you've brought with you or run out and pick something up) and then jump into discussing advanced techniques. In this segment, we'll discuss and I will demonstrate creating bubble charms, working with bevels, shadow box charms, soldering non-glass items, and decorative soldering. Then, we'll work together to create a variety of charms to add to your collection. If you choose to bring art for your charms, please make sure they are printed on laser paper, and are in the following sizes: one sized to 1", one sized to 3/4", one sized to 1-1/2". The supplies and tools are provided for this segment also.

I try to keep the classes small with 6 or less students attending so that everyone is able to receive personal attention and assistance.

If you are interested in attending this class, registering is easy! Simply respond to this message, give me your email address and I will send you a PayPal invoice. Payment is due prior to attending class. Seats are only reserved once payment is received.

If you pass this message onto your friends, and they register to take the class with you, you will receive a $5 rebate off of your class tuition!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Days 6 - 14

Okay, I'll admit it... I haven't been as diligent at being a non-consumer, as I could have been over the last week or so. It's SO hard to do when traveling, especially when you see something you just don't have at home.

And then, of course... was Easter. There are entirely TOO many yummy tempting treats to purchase over holidays. I did well, but not as well as I could have done.

I'm hopping back onto the Non-Consumer wagon. I know I can so do this. I know I can clear things out that we're not using and that we don't need. I know that there are others out there that may truly need the things we don't. I know I can handle cooking dinner, or tag teaming with Steve, instead of going out (haven't broken this goal yet). I know I can handle not going out to lunch (haven't broken that one either) and I also know I can handle not purchasing clothes, movies, craft supplies, or other physical items we don't need. I have more than I need, and more than I can possibly use.

Besides... maybe all this non-consumerism will help me be more creative, help me create more, and maybe even save a few bucks to cut loose and spend at Silver Bella!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

It's Silver Bella Time!

That's right... it's one of the most wonderful times of the year.... registration time for Silver Bella 2009. For those of you who know me, this is my annual trip to Omaha, Nebraska to bask in the glory that is the creative flow of Silver Bella. I LOVE it! This will be my senior (fourth year) going - and I can't imagine not going. Silver Bella is a Paper Arts Retreat - NOT a scrapbooking thing (thankyouverymuch - not that there is ANYTHING wrong with scrapbooking, but Silver Bella is just not a scrapbooking thing).

Registration began last night over on the Paper Bella Studio website and all kinds of information has been posted on the Silver Bella blog. I was prepared to register promptly at 8pm with my cold drink on one side, and my darling baby hanging out on the other. I had a few technical difficulties, but got myself registered for a few incredibly awesome classes!

Will I be seeing you this year?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Days 2 - 5

Rightie-O... today is day 5.

I had no problems whatsoever with urges to be a consumer today. Granted it's Sunday, and I don't shop on Sundays unless there's an emergency, or a major need. But, still, no urge! YAY!!

However, days 2 - 4... they were a bit harder. I haven't had any overwhelming urges to raid the vending machines at work. I haven't fallen off the wagon to buy lunch... or dinner. I've managed to actually cook dinner, have it ready after work, AND before Steve has to leave for work (he works nights).

I did do a bit of grocery shopping and I was a bit more thoughtful about things I needed versus things I wanted. I did pick up a few wants, but definitely not as much as I might have normally purchased.

All in all, I'm chalking this week up to a huge success. I even found some time to work in my studio creating, clearing a few things out and even organizing too. Yay me! If only I could dedicate a full day to clearing things out and organizing - that would be a HUGELY amazing feat! Of epic proportions even!!!

The coming week will add a new challenge for me. It looks like I'll be traveling to Portland, Oregon with Fred, to visit with Sheri and her family. I know there will be things I'll want, and there will be things I "have" to have. I'm not going to tell myself "NO" but I will give the items I purchase a significant amount of thought.

Wish me luck!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Non-Consumerism: Day 1

Today was the first day of my 30 day (really, the month of April) Non-Consumerist challenge.

I woke up this morning wanting something for breakfast from anywhere other than my house. What a way to start off the first day, right? All I could think about was French toast sticks from Sonic (really, they should be called heart attack sticks – but man their crunchy goodness is tasty!) or acinnamon roll from Whataburger (I don’t know what it is they do – but they know how to do it right!). Somehow I managed to say strong, prevailed, and ate a healthy breakfast (oatmeal) at work. One challenge down – GO ME!

Normally, I don’t patronage the vending machines at work. They’re full of unhealthy goodness and are way over priced. However, today all I could think about was a bag of nacho cheese Doritos calling my name. I avoided their call and ate some Cheese-It’s I had packed in my lunch from home.

Similar struggles occurred as the day progressed; from going to lunch with co-workers (ate what I brought instead) to going clothes shopping with other co-workers, to shopping online for new and “must have” craft supplies for “wanna make” projects.

I managed to overcome them all. Amazing.

I find it all rather interesting really. In all actuality, I wouldn’t have purchased anything for breakfast (I like my own cinnamon rolls and can make a mean French toast). I also pack my lunch 95% of the time and bring items that I know are healthy (or at least capped to 100 calories) for snacks. I do the same for any beverages I think I’ll want to drink too. I usually work through my lunch (thus no need to go anywhere with anyone to buy anything). It’s interesting that I had such urges to do things I wouldn’t normally do. I think I’m feeling a stronger urge because it’s something I’ve mentally and physically decided to not do. (Kind of like being grounded as a teenager. I didn’t have anywhere to go, but being told I couldn’t made me want to go anywhere even more).

The real challenge will be if I’m able to visit my local Super Center tonight without picking up anything other than the photos I had developed.

In other (unusual news) I’ve had two requests this week to show how I make my grocery list. I didn’t think there was anything special about my grocery listing plan, but I’ll share it with you none-the-less. It’s really just a menu plan and a grocery list. Coming soon…

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Becoming a Non-Consumer

Well, here goes nothing...

I’ve decided to challenge myself in a way I’ve never been challenged before. In fact, it’s in a way that I never, in a bazillion years, would have ever wanted to be challenged. If it was ever imposed upon me I would have been incredibly angered and would definitely have resulted in a whole lot of weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

What is this challenge you ask? Hold on to your hats friends….

I’ve decided to become a non-consumer for the month of April.

That’s right. A non-consumer of new non-perishable items. I’ll buy our food and gas new (because really… um… who wants USED food? ICK…) And, while I know there are people who dig through the trash bins at grocery stores to obtain their groceries and it’s their sole source of food. Um… so can’t go that route either. Double ick!

I know it’s going to be the hardest thing for me. Ever. Well, maybe not ever, but definitely incredibly hard.

Though I haven’t gone shopping in a craft store in a few weeks, I still find myself drawn to them. I have an intense desire to acquire. I know there isn’t one stinking’ thing I need. In all reality, I probably have the overwhelming majority of products carried there anyway (those of you who have seen my studio know I’m right). I still find myself drawn by some crazy power to just go in, look around, and see if there’s something I need (or want). There is NOTHING I need. Literally.

I find myself buying clothes for my baby boy, even though he doesn’t need anything. Again, quite literally. My friend, Cara, has a son who is older than Fred, and she kindly loans us their used clothes so that really, we don’t’ need to buy more. But I do. They’re just so darn cute! And… since he’s not a girl (not that I’m sad any longer – I do so very much love my baby boy), I want to get him every single cute thing there is. Quite honestly, it’s a good thing he is a boy because there isn’t a whole lot of cute boy stuff. Girl stuff on the other hand…

I spend my weekends running around town, supposedly doing the grocery shopping, but in truth I stop off here and there because I “need” A, B, and C but would end up getting D, E, F, G, H, and I too. Then, I get home and have to work to either justify it and/or find a place to store it. I have an overwhelming desire to acquire.

Now, if there are indeed things we need during the month, I don’t need to buy it new. It would serve me, my family, and my community better if I would visit a local thrift or second hand store. I can better serve the environment by doing it that way too because it could be stopping something from ending up in a land fill.

I do have a very strong need and desire to acquire. I have many theories on why I find myself that way. Rather than waxing poetically about it, I’m just going to accept it for what it is… a not-so-positive desire. While, like a piece of chocolate, is not a bad thing in small portions, but when taken to the level where I currently find myself, it is an out of control addiction. I’ve been this way for years, so it’s going to take some time for me to break the habit and build better, more healthy ones.

I want to get to the place where I value the things I have; not finding myself antsy for nice new furniture but enjoying the furniture we have that is paid off. Instead of pining for beautiful new clothes, enjoying the mass of clothes I have. Who cares if they are last year’s style – it’s not like I work in the fashion industry. Instead of a nice new car, enjoying the fact that ours are (almost) paid off. And instead of the fancy cute and oh so fashionable shoes – wearing and appreciating the dozens I already own. I want to find myself being more creative. Instead of buying the cool looking vintage style art piece – I’d like to make it myself. In short, I don’t want to think about the things I don’t have an instead enjoy the things I do. I want more time to enjoy my family, more enjoyment and satisfaction in what I have, and I want to feel empowered knowing that I have overcome one of my (many) weaknesses.

I know I will struggle. I’ll be blogging about it, so please keep me accountable.

This is going to be the new me… the Non-Consumer me.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

12 slices white bread (use a firm white bread for best results)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (24 ounce) jar vodka marinara sauce

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat your oven's broiler. Put a cooling rack onto a cookie sheet (Using the cooling rack eliminates being left with soggy-bottom bread!! Total-surface ventilation.)

Place 6 slices of bread onto the cooling rack. Spread a small handful of the mozzarella cheese over each slice. Top with the remaining 6 slices of bread. Mix together the butter and garlic powder, brush some over the tops of the sandwiches, or spread with the back of a tablespoon. Sprinkle with dried oregano.

Place baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Remove pan from oven, flip sandwiches, and brush the other sides with butter, and sprinkle with oregano. Return to the broiler, and cook until golden, about 2 minutes.

Cut sandwiches in half diagonally, and serve immediately.

Notes:

Another option is to make them out of provolone and cheddar and use your George Foreman. Make your own garlic butter using 1/4 cup of butter, 1 tsp granulated garlic, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbls parmesan cheese, dash of salt and pepper and 1 tsp oregano. Mix it all together and spread it over the sandwiches before grilling them.

If you really don’t want to try using the oven cooking route, here’s another, easier way, to make them stovetop! Melt your butter in a large skillet, and sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder and oregano. Add 3 slices of bread, sprinkle cheese on each slice and add top slices of bread. After the bottom seared, I flip. Also, I use a mixture of whatever shredded cheeses I have on hand: Italian, swiss, mozzarella and/or parmesan. If you need more sandwiches than your skillet will hold, wipe out skillet and add another round of butter and seasonings; otherwise, second round will taste burnt. Next time I will try with olive oil instead of butter to reduce the 'bad' fat content.

If using a thick slice of cheese, or a pair of American singles, you might want to melt the cheese with the sandwich open-faced before closing it, buttering and baking/broiling as indicated. I find that the cheese sometimes doesn't get melted completely otherwise. To me, there is no comparison; the oven gives a nice, crispy texture that I have been unable to duplicate any other way.

Using the cooling rack eliminates being left with soggy-bottom bread!! Total-surface ventilation.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: SUPER DUPER EASY CARAMEL POPCORN

We’re huge – no massive – fans of Harry & David Moose Crunch. Seriously. I fight Steve for it every year when our packages arrive. I’ve even been known to stash it into my secret spots all over the house (of course this doesn’t help me when I go looking for it when I want to eat it.) This tasty popcorn treat is coated with brown sugar and corn syrup caramel then micro waved for a crunchy and simply tasty treat.

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup butter

2 ¼ cups “golden” brown sugar

3/4 cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 bags of “natural” or “plain” microwave popcorn (or about 5 quarts popped popcorn)

1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place popcorn in a very large bowl, making sure to pick out all the unpopped kernels.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil without stirring 4 minutes. (If you have a candy thermometer, cook it to 260 degrees). Remove from heat and stir in soda and vanilla. It’s going to foam, so make sure you’ve got space in your saucepan for it – and just keep stirring. The foam will die back down. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.

Divide the corn into two big paper grocery bags. Microwave each bag for 30 - 40 seconds, remove the bag from the microwave and shake it (without opening the bag). Repeat microwaving and shaking for a total of 4 times for each bag. Open the bags carefully sprinkle in ¾ cup of chocolate chips into each bag and quickly shake the bag to both melt the chocolate and distribute it evenly. Then spread out the candied corn to cool on a waxed cookie sheet - breaking up any large pieces (or to make it even easier, just lay out sheets of parchment paper on your countertops or table)

Clean up is easy - just throw away the bags. Gotta LOVE that!

NOTES:

Try adding 2 cups of dry roasted peanuts, or even the deluxe mixed nuts before separating the mixture into the grocery sacks.

If you have any leftover, store in an air tight container or it will get soft. Portion controlling into Ziploc bags makes snacking hand.)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies are really chewy and addictive.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup peanut butter

2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

4 eggs

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups chopped semisweet chocolate

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the corn syrup, water, and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the peanut butter mixture. Fold in chocolate chunks. Drop by 1/4 cupfuls 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are golden. Allow cookies to cool for 1 minute on the cookie sheet before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Jalapeno Popper Spread

This is an easy cream cheese spread to make, and it tastes just like the jalapeno poppers you wish you could make yourself! The hardest part of this recipe is not eating it all by yourself!

INGREDIENTS:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
6 oz canned diced jalapeno peppers, drained
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ c. bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS:
Stir together cream cheese and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in green chiles, jalapeno peppers, and remaining chees. Pour mixture into a microwave safe serving dish.

Microwave on High until hot, about 3 minutes. While it is in the microwave turn on your broiler. When the dip is hot, take it out of the microwave and sprinkle the bread crumbs on top and pop it into the broiler and for a minute or two to crisp up the top.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Slow Cooker Mexican Style Meat

This makes a very hot and spicy chuck pot toast that cooks for 2 to 4 hours on a low-temperature setting. Seasoning should be adjusted for individual tastes.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (4 pound) chuck roast
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 1/4 cups diced green chile pepper
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 (5 ounce) bottle hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder

DIRECTIONS:
Trim the roast of any excess fat, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer the roast to a slow cooker, and sprinkle onion over meat. Season with chile peppers, chili powder, cayenne pepper, hot pepper sauce, and garlic powder. Add enough water to cover 1/3 of the roast.

Cover, and cook on High for 6 hours, checking to make sure there is always at least a small amount of liquid in the bottom. Reduce heat to Low, and continue cooking for 2 to 4 hours, or until meat is totally tender and falls apart.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

COOKING: Rich and Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

INGREDIENTS:

56oz. tomato sauce (or so)

1/2 C fresh basil leaves

2 T. garlic, minced

16oz. tomato juice

1/4 cup salted butter (totally optional, but adds richness)

½ t. lemon juice

½ t. balsamic vinegar

Salt & pepper to taste
1 t. granulated sugar (optional, but cuts the acidic taste)
salt and pepper to taste
1 C. heavy cream (you can add it to each bowl, just before serving if you think you're going to freeze some of the soup. Alternatively, you can use part cream part evaporated milk)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic into stockpot and cook over medium heat. Add tomato juice, butter, lemon juice and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper (add sugar if desired). Heat, stirring until the butter is melted. Once the butter has melted, add the cream but not let it boil.

For a creamier taste and to keep the soup from thinning, I added nonfat dry milk, between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Iced Pumpkin Cookies

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups canned pumpkin puree

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners' sugar

1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons melted butter

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.

3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool cookies, then drizzle glaze with fork.

4. To Make Glaze: Combine confectioners' sugar, milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk as needed, to achieve drizzling consistency.

NOTES:

The cookie by itself is just good. By adding cinnamon to the frosting and sprinkling chopped pecans on top it rates outstanding.

Margarine can be substituted for the butter.

Do not store them in an airtight container though - they have a lot of moisture from the pumpkin and get moist and mushy. They stay great out on the counter for days. Delicious w/ coffee!

Instead of using icing, try flattening them with a sugared bottom cup. I liked the un-iced ones better...simple and basic in flavor.

Try adding mini chocolate chips. They are great without frosting but also delightful with a little cream cheese icing drizzled on top.

You can also freeze the already-iced cookies in saran wrap for about 2 weeks. They thaw out very quickly (fridge or countertop), and are just as good as freshly made.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Delicious Black Bean Burritos

Onions, bell peppers and jalapenos are heated in a skillet. Black beans come next and then cubes of cream cheese and a bit of cilantro. Scoop this wonderful concoction into a warm tortillas and try and eat just one.

INGREDIENTS:

2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Fajita meat
Green chilies
Diced tomatoes
rice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
2. Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour beans into skillet, cook 3 minutes stirring.
3. Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to skillet with salt. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir cilantro into mixture.
4. Spoon mixture evenly down center of warmed tortilla and roll tortillas up. Serve immediately.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Chicken a la King

INGREDIENTS:

1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained, liquid reserved

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder

1 1/2 cups evaporated milk

1 1/4 cups hot water

4 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, chopped

4 ounces chopped pimento

16 oz. Frozen peas and carrots

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook and stir drained mushrooms and green pepper in butter or margarine over medium heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. Blend in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat.

3. Stir in instant bouillon, milk, water, and reserved mushroom liquid. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute.

4. Stir in chicken and pimiento. Heat through.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Yummy and Healthy Bran Muffins

Makes 12 muffins. A delicious source of fiber!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups wheat bran (crushed fiber one cereal works too!)

1 cup buttermilk (or 1T lemon juice and 1 c regular milk – mix together and let sit for a bit before adding or 1c plain yogurt)

1/3 cup applesauce

1 egg (1/4 c. egg substitute works too)

2/3 cup brown sugar (5 TBSP white Splenda and 2 1/2 TBSP Brown Splenda works too!)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup whole wheat flour

½ cup all-purpose regular flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup raisins

Honey

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray cupcake tin with non-fat spray.

Mix together wheat bran and buttermilk; let stand for 10 minutes.

Beat together applesauce, egg, sugar and vanilla and add to buttermilk/bran mixture. Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Stir flour mixture into buttermilk mixture, until just blended. Fold in raisins and spoon batter into prepared muffin tins. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Brush the tops of the muffins with honey on top of the muffins right when they came out of the oven. Cool and enjoy!

NOTES:

Try replacing the applesauce with pumpkin, cooked and pureed carrots, shredded zucchini, shredded carrots, squash, and banana

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 pounds round steak, cut into small pieces

3 tablespoons vegetable oil

3 stalks celery, chopped

1 green pepper, diced

1 onion, chopped

3 c. baby carrots cut into 1” pieces

2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice

1 (14.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

1 T. garlic, minced

1 T. Worcestershire sauce

2 T. brown sugar (optional)

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 T. cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat the round steak pieces in the flour mixture. Place the vegetables and beef in a crock pot. Mix in the tomatoes with juice, Worcestershire sauce, soup, garlic, brown sugar, and beef bouillon and add to the crock-pot.

Cover, and cook 8 to 10 hours on low, until the round steak is very tender. About an hour before you’re ready to serve, add the cornstarch mixed with a bit of sauce to the pot to thicken everything up. Delicious with mashed potatoes.

Really good! I took my steak out of the freezer only about 1 hour before using, which made it easier to cut into cubes.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad