Here are a few more home made concoctions I've discovered over time. First up is a version of a very popular
BAKING MIX
5 Cups all purpose flour
1/4 Cup baking powder
1 Tbls. sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 Cup + 2 Tbls vegetable oil
Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl using a pastry blender. Store in a sealed container until needed. (I kept it an a large canning jar in my pantry and all was fine. The product worked fine in many recipes I used it in.
COOK-TOP STUFFING
Fill 3 quart sized canning jars with toasted bread cubes.* To each jar, add:
1 dash of sea salt
Black pepper to taste (I did two twists of the grinder.)
1 tsp. dried parsley
1 Tbls poultry seasoning
1 Tbls dried, minced, onions.
To prepare, add 1 Tbls melted butter
1 and 1/2 Cups chicken stock
to 1 jar of mix.
Using a large saucepan, heat broth, add mix, cover pan and remove from heat. Fluff with a fork.
*I put cut cubes on a baking sheet in a 350F oven till lightly toasted.
HERBS de PROVENCE
3 Tbls marjoram
3 Tbls savory
3 Tbls thyme
1 tsp basil
1 tsp rosemary
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp fennel seed
Mix and store in a sealed jar until needed.
Something special you're having trouble finding, just ask Stevie here at "Life, Lemons, and Things!"
Be well, all!
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Friday, September 8, 2017
Loving Kenyon
Kenyon came to us at 7 mths old, all legs and fur... A red Afghan Hound with a black mask. We were his third home in his short life, but he settled into his new surroundings quite quickly. I'm not saying that we had no issues, he chewed the legs on dining table and chairs, pulled stuffing out of two living room side chairs, and destroyed every house plant he could reach!
My favorite story during that time period was the day I went to the grocery store. Upon my return, as usual one of my slippers was in the middle of the floor, I guess he felt more secure carrying it around with him. I had left a bag of navy beans on the counter, which he decided to steal... very common with the breed, they are all thieves! The bag was laying empty on the living room floor, the beans spread evenly all across the carpet right into the dining room... I was pissed, but had to laugh, as I could just imagine him with that bag in his mouth, swinging his head from side to side, spraying those beans everywhere! He must have been thinking "Oh boy, this is FUN!"
Years passed us all by, he became so smart, and such a character. It didn't take him long to learn that after daddy ate dinner, he would get a treat. He began LEADING us to the cupboard where we kept them, and would go to the rug by the back door, sit, and raise his left paw. We called this "pretty boy" and reinforced. Even after his hips and hind legs began to suffer, he would try...
Persia, another of our rescues over the years, suffered from old dog syndrome as she came to her end, so as Kenyon's 14th birthday approached, and he "forgot" his house training, we took him to the vet. She thought it was a neurological issue, and he went on steroids. I week later, we took him back in, and the vet said he was physically in good shape, and to up the dose. A month ago, after 13 or more years together, the dear boy left his spot at my feet, and wandered off. I didn't think much of it, until Paloma (our most recent rescue ) moved to his spot on the carpet. She had never done this before.
It was time to go searching, and I found our precious boy in a hallway where he never slept... he had crossed the Rainbow Bridge without so much as a whimper...
BLESS YOU KENYON, for sharing your life with us! You are missed, but remembered fondly, and I still smile when I think about all of those beans you spread all over the house! We love you.....
My favorite story during that time period was the day I went to the grocery store. Upon my return, as usual one of my slippers was in the middle of the floor, I guess he felt more secure carrying it around with him. I had left a bag of navy beans on the counter, which he decided to steal... very common with the breed, they are all thieves! The bag was laying empty on the living room floor, the beans spread evenly all across the carpet right into the dining room... I was pissed, but had to laugh, as I could just imagine him with that bag in his mouth, swinging his head from side to side, spraying those beans everywhere! He must have been thinking "Oh boy, this is FUN!"
Years passed us all by, he became so smart, and such a character. It didn't take him long to learn that after daddy ate dinner, he would get a treat. He began LEADING us to the cupboard where we kept them, and would go to the rug by the back door, sit, and raise his left paw. We called this "pretty boy" and reinforced. Even after his hips and hind legs began to suffer, he would try...
Persia, another of our rescues over the years, suffered from old dog syndrome as she came to her end, so as Kenyon's 14th birthday approached, and he "forgot" his house training, we took him to the vet. She thought it was a neurological issue, and he went on steroids. I week later, we took him back in, and the vet said he was physically in good shape, and to up the dose. A month ago, after 13 or more years together, the dear boy left his spot at my feet, and wandered off. I didn't think much of it, until Paloma (our most recent rescue ) moved to his spot on the carpet. She had never done this before.
It was time to go searching, and I found our precious boy in a hallway where he never slept... he had crossed the Rainbow Bridge without so much as a whimper...
BLESS YOU KENYON, for sharing your life with us! You are missed, but remembered fondly, and I still smile when I think about all of those beans you spread all over the house! We love you.....
Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Online friends, and crazy cooks!
I met Sheila on another site, when I was writing a food blog, telling a non food related story, and we've kept in touch since. So, since I've been away from here for so long, Sheila shamed me into finding a reason to make a post. A few days ago, we were chatting on FB messenger, and I had an idea, so here it is. I thought I could share a few "homemade" versions of items many of us keep in the pantry. I have some health issues, so began making my own blends to remove things like salt, sugar, and caffeine from my diet. So, here you have it... I found these on the internet.
Taco Seasoning Mix: Two tablespoons of this mix = 1 packet of store bought. Add to 1 lb ground meat and 1/3 cup water. To make the mix:
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup chili powder
3 Tbls. salt
4 tsps. cornstarch
3 Tbls. dried minced garlic
1 Tbls. cumin
1 Tbls red pepper flakes
2 tsps. beef bouillon
1+1/2 tsps. oregano
I omit the salt and add only a pinch of red pepper flakes. A few months ago I was out of my mix, so I picked up a packet at the local store - it was so salty I could hardly eat the meat! Strange what you can get used to... I use more like 3 Tbls. of mix, to taste.
Onion Soup Mix:
2+1/2 Tbls dried minced onion
4 cubes (or tsps. powder) beef bouillon
1 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
This is equivalent to one packet of soup/dip mix. I omit the salt.
Baking Mix: (Like Bisquick)
2+1/2 cups flour
2 Tbls. baking powder
1+1/2 tsps. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil.
Mix well in blender or food processor
Well friends, it's late so you'll have to wait for more down the road, but I WILL be back with more "blends" that I make and use. Meanwhile, be well, and if you want, be CRAZY as I am!
Taco Seasoning Mix: Two tablespoons of this mix = 1 packet of store bought. Add to 1 lb ground meat and 1/3 cup water. To make the mix:
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup chili powder
3 Tbls. salt
4 tsps. cornstarch
3 Tbls. dried minced garlic
1 Tbls. cumin
1 Tbls red pepper flakes
2 tsps. beef bouillon
1+1/2 tsps. oregano
I omit the salt and add only a pinch of red pepper flakes. A few months ago I was out of my mix, so I picked up a packet at the local store - it was so salty I could hardly eat the meat! Strange what you can get used to... I use more like 3 Tbls. of mix, to taste.
Onion Soup Mix:
2+1/2 Tbls dried minced onion
4 cubes (or tsps. powder) beef bouillon
1 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
This is equivalent to one packet of soup/dip mix. I omit the salt.
Baking Mix: (Like Bisquick)
2+1/2 cups flour
2 Tbls. baking powder
1+1/2 tsps. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil.
Mix well in blender or food processor
Well friends, it's late so you'll have to wait for more down the road, but I WILL be back with more "blends" that I make and use. Meanwhile, be well, and if you want, be CRAZY as I am!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Crazy Creations/Cooking adventures
So it's been a pretty crazy month, but then most of my days have some level of craziness involved. What can I say, I'm pretty NUTS on my best days. Thus, I thought I'd touch base and share some of my recent excapades...
I've been seeing an ad on TV for a new "Buffalo Chicken Sandwich" which I thought looked interesting, so when Jason commented on the same ad, I set out to create that spicy morsel for our dinner that night. Simply by eyeballing the ad, I decided how I would prepare my version. I began by searching for a buffalo sauce recipe, as I couldn't find the one a now deceased friend had shared with me. I finally decided on a simple version while a chicken breast thawed out. When the chicken was adequately thawed, I pounded the crap out if, forming a thin slab, which I then cut into two serving pieces, and marinated it in the sauce I had made, refrigerated of course! Shredded some lettuce, and set aside the bottle of ranch dressing.
After baking the chicken pieces drenched in the sauce, I prepared the sandwiches... Lettuce, buffalo chicken, topped with ranch dressing, and the bun top. Salad on the side, and we had a very flavorful meal.
My next crazycook endeavor was to convert some plain leftover rice into a side dish. I had some cleaned broccoli that needed to be cooked, and originally was thinking a pasta salad, but then remembered the rice. Pulled out the rice, par steamed the broccoli and chopped it, added some sweet yellow and orange peppers - ya know, those little ones about the size of a jalapeno. I also had a partial can of cheddar soup, so I tossed it all with a little milk, and created what I guess might be called a "cheesy confetti rice." (???) Whatever, we had some tonight with some leftover ham, and it was very tasty!
Many years ago, when my friend Denise still lived in Los Angeles, I used to call her for cooking advice... At that time, I could not cook anything without following a recipe. Words of wisdom she shared, were to "think outside the box." I have done that over time, as my skills and confidence have grown. The result is being that I can now pull a bunch of leftovers out of the frige, and create some kind of a new meal, or side dish from the bits and pieces, or to even take a leftover entrée and create and entirely new meal out of it!
I'm sure I have much more to share from the past few weeks, but right now the old grey cells are tiring, and frankly I just can't think of any other adventures. So, for now I'm going to call it a night, and bid you all adieu.
Be well!
I've been seeing an ad on TV for a new "Buffalo Chicken Sandwich" which I thought looked interesting, so when Jason commented on the same ad, I set out to create that spicy morsel for our dinner that night. Simply by eyeballing the ad, I decided how I would prepare my version. I began by searching for a buffalo sauce recipe, as I couldn't find the one a now deceased friend had shared with me. I finally decided on a simple version while a chicken breast thawed out. When the chicken was adequately thawed, I pounded the crap out if, forming a thin slab, which I then cut into two serving pieces, and marinated it in the sauce I had made, refrigerated of course! Shredded some lettuce, and set aside the bottle of ranch dressing.
After baking the chicken pieces drenched in the sauce, I prepared the sandwiches... Lettuce, buffalo chicken, topped with ranch dressing, and the bun top. Salad on the side, and we had a very flavorful meal.
My next crazycook endeavor was to convert some plain leftover rice into a side dish. I had some cleaned broccoli that needed to be cooked, and originally was thinking a pasta salad, but then remembered the rice. Pulled out the rice, par steamed the broccoli and chopped it, added some sweet yellow and orange peppers - ya know, those little ones about the size of a jalapeno. I also had a partial can of cheddar soup, so I tossed it all with a little milk, and created what I guess might be called a "cheesy confetti rice." (???) Whatever, we had some tonight with some leftover ham, and it was very tasty!
Many years ago, when my friend Denise still lived in Los Angeles, I used to call her for cooking advice... At that time, I could not cook anything without following a recipe. Words of wisdom she shared, were to "think outside the box." I have done that over time, as my skills and confidence have grown. The result is being that I can now pull a bunch of leftovers out of the frige, and create some kind of a new meal, or side dish from the bits and pieces, or to even take a leftover entrée and create and entirely new meal out of it!
I'm sure I have much more to share from the past few weeks, but right now the old grey cells are tiring, and frankly I just can't think of any other adventures. So, for now I'm going to call it a night, and bid you all adieu.
Be well!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Readin' and Writin'
Over the past years I've become a shop-a-holic (via the net) and of course, an extremely avid cook! End result being that I search many a recipe, and read reviews and comments on many sites. I'm beginning to think that most of the population is illiterate! The comments and reviews can be down right stupid, for crying out loud!
When rating a product recently purchased, do these people READ the directions? Then they rate it as a piece of crap, as they didn't follow directions... What kind of BS is that I wonder? I bought one unit that uses a plastic pitcher. Reviewer claimed the first use, the pitcher cracked and began leaking. I've used mine for perhaps 5 years, run the pitcher on the lower rack of the dishwasher more times than I can count. Still, no sign of any damage from use, or cleaning...
Just this evening I printed a recipe for banana bread and then read some of the comments... Someone asked the blog writer if there was flour in the recipe, as there was no mention... I looked at my "copy" to see "2 cups flour (grandma used... {brand name.})
No wonder I rarely write a review, and try to double check any comment before posting - for spelling and wordage... I guess the folk sometimes write before THINKING! Or even READING, I can only suppose.
Seems like a sad state if you ask me, though I was an English major in college and perhaps too critical... Not that you'd know it by the way I speak at times, and the slang I often use. Still, stupidity can irritate me at times...
Be well!
When rating a product recently purchased, do these people READ the directions? Then they rate it as a piece of crap, as they didn't follow directions... What kind of BS is that I wonder? I bought one unit that uses a plastic pitcher. Reviewer claimed the first use, the pitcher cracked and began leaking. I've used mine for perhaps 5 years, run the pitcher on the lower rack of the dishwasher more times than I can count. Still, no sign of any damage from use, or cleaning...
Just this evening I printed a recipe for banana bread and then read some of the comments... Someone asked the blog writer if there was flour in the recipe, as there was no mention... I looked at my "copy" to see "2 cups flour (grandma used... {brand name.})
No wonder I rarely write a review, and try to double check any comment before posting - for spelling and wordage... I guess the folk sometimes write before THINKING! Or even READING, I can only suppose.
Seems like a sad state if you ask me, though I was an English major in college and perhaps too critical... Not that you'd know it by the way I speak at times, and the slang I often use. Still, stupidity can irritate me at times...
Be well!
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Happy Days?
I would have to answer "YES!" In fact, it's been a pretty good month!
First, I managed to chase down a long lost friend a while ago. Best we can figure last time we had contact was somewhere in the 1990's! We all sat down to dinner here the other evening. He and I got somewhat caught up on the past 20 ish years, while I pulled together and then during, a rather sumptuous meal. I had prepared Lasagna, cooking the sauce days ahead in the pressure cooker, assembled and baked fresh that day. I also made garlic bread from a French loaf, and tossed salad on the side. I had planned a dessert, but alas, ran out of time before getting that together, though it was not greatly missed.
Our reunion began when I found some of Patrick's posts on Facebook. There hadn't been recent activity, but I tried anyway... and was soon "friended." A few weeks later, we were both online at the same time, so I msg'd him, to which he replied, much to my glee. From there, we exchanged phone numbers, chatted one night, and got together. Had a brief chat tonight... I will call him and invite him again soon!
My second piece of good news this month was also within a week or so. Latest bloodwork showed an improvement in my kidney functions! It's been a long year and painfully slow recovery... Good news is, that the number that's been spoken most often over these months is the creatinine level, which should be below 1.5 in a healthy body. When taken to the hosp. ER July of last year, I was up to 12.0. After one round of dialysis, and complete new prescription regimen for my other long term ailments, my diagnosis was chronic stage 3 kidney failure. After the fact, the dialysis port was removed, and some dietary changes, numbers have continued to improve... My primary doc was amazed, as he shared the news that my creatinine was 1.51 last check, which would have been about 3 weeks ago when the blood was drawn. .01 and I'm back in the "normal" range! High end of, but I'll take it for sure!
So, YES, it's been happy days, and a happy month! I also got a phone call yesterday from daughter of one of my folks' good friend/neighbor, and she's back out here in Phoenix again. Something must have come up, as she didn't stop by today as she thought she might. I'm in hopes of catching up on her mom's well being and just what's been happening for the last couple of years.
Again, happy days! Be well!
First, I managed to chase down a long lost friend a while ago. Best we can figure last time we had contact was somewhere in the 1990's! We all sat down to dinner here the other evening. He and I got somewhat caught up on the past 20 ish years, while I pulled together and then during, a rather sumptuous meal. I had prepared Lasagna, cooking the sauce days ahead in the pressure cooker, assembled and baked fresh that day. I also made garlic bread from a French loaf, and tossed salad on the side. I had planned a dessert, but alas, ran out of time before getting that together, though it was not greatly missed.
Our reunion began when I found some of Patrick's posts on Facebook. There hadn't been recent activity, but I tried anyway... and was soon "friended." A few weeks later, we were both online at the same time, so I msg'd him, to which he replied, much to my glee. From there, we exchanged phone numbers, chatted one night, and got together. Had a brief chat tonight... I will call him and invite him again soon!
My second piece of good news this month was also within a week or so. Latest bloodwork showed an improvement in my kidney functions! It's been a long year and painfully slow recovery... Good news is, that the number that's been spoken most often over these months is the creatinine level, which should be below 1.5 in a healthy body. When taken to the hosp. ER July of last year, I was up to 12.0. After one round of dialysis, and complete new prescription regimen for my other long term ailments, my diagnosis was chronic stage 3 kidney failure. After the fact, the dialysis port was removed, and some dietary changes, numbers have continued to improve... My primary doc was amazed, as he shared the news that my creatinine was 1.51 last check, which would have been about 3 weeks ago when the blood was drawn. .01 and I'm back in the "normal" range! High end of, but I'll take it for sure!
So, YES, it's been happy days, and a happy month! I also got a phone call yesterday from daughter of one of my folks' good friend/neighbor, and she's back out here in Phoenix again. Something must have come up, as she didn't stop by today as she thought she might. I'm in hopes of catching up on her mom's well being and just what's been happening for the last couple of years.
Again, happy days! Be well!
Saturday, August 6, 2016
Bug in My Craw....
Or is it, bee in my bonnet, or rather crudely, a bug up my a$$, regarding television advertising these days... I can't begin to share just how STUPID advertisers must think that we (as a group of people,) thinking that their ads would make us run out and purchase their products! I doubt I'll be able to cite just how many ads offend my intelligence and common sense, but here are a few examples - that is unless once I get on a roll, they just don't stop rolling into my brain!
First that comes to mind, is the TP commercial, where there are a number of younger bears in the "den/family room" chatting, and the one pipes up about their brand of TP, and states "it cleans so well, you could wear your underwear a second day...." Have you ever seen ANY of these bears, young or old, wearing any clothing? Let alone undies! Besides, don't bears live and.... in the woods, rather than a suburban house? Ok, it may be "cute," but still, makes me feel that the advertisers think I'm so gullable that I'll switch brands, because the bears are "cute."
Another for batteries names a guy who ALWAYS reaches for their batteries, because they last the longest lasting, and the most dependable. If the frickin battery is dead, who cares what brand it is... Either way, you're obiviously still in the dark! Until a battery is made that lasts 70 years or longer, a dead battery is useless, and even then... This also goes for other necessities like light bulbs, and toilet paper... If you're left in the dark, or worse, on the pot with no paper, you're up the proverbial creek!
I'll make it a point to stop here, though I could carry on, but I think I've stated my gripe, and thanks for reading! For now, I'll move on to another topic!
I had the pleasure of speaking to my sis this afternoon, which I always appreciate, but don't call her very often as her life is even more hectic than my "crazy" world! She surprised me after we'd caught up on all of the family chit chat, when our conversation turned to the circus this year's election has become. Now, I DETEST politics, as I just don't understand the system, and just "how" it's supposed to WORK for the many of us who are middle to lower class citizens, but that's another story, which I refuse to get into in any forum.
Anyway, what surprised me is though she and I have differing opinions regarding "left" and "right" wing advocates, that this time around we're mostly on the same page. I stress, "mostly!" Over the past months, I've wondered if could or should move to Canada - NO, it's too damn cold. Mexico? Well, they do have the cartels, but at least it's warmer there! She laughed, and shared that just a few days ago she was talking to someone about moving to Belize, of all places - not that I haven't checked out property prices there, myself!
So, we had both agreed that that getting out of the large cities that we each live in, and moving out to the middle of "nowhere," and going mostly off the "grid" is sounding pretty good. Were it not for my current health issues, and those of her hubby, I do believe that we all would jump at the chance to "get the hell out of Dodge!" So, I will dutifully cast my vote, not that I believe that makes a damn bit of difference in the long run... cross my fingers, hope for the "best" and hope that I'm not living in a box under a freeway overpass any time soon!
Well, now I feel better! Still terrified for "our" well being, but better - FOR NOW! Seems that these days the world is on a self destruct mission... but that's simply my humble opinion! (Now I'm sounding like my dad, when he was my current age, lol!)
Be well, and leave a comment if you wish!
First that comes to mind, is the TP commercial, where there are a number of younger bears in the "den/family room" chatting, and the one pipes up about their brand of TP, and states "it cleans so well, you could wear your underwear a second day...." Have you ever seen ANY of these bears, young or old, wearing any clothing? Let alone undies! Besides, don't bears live and.... in the woods, rather than a suburban house? Ok, it may be "cute," but still, makes me feel that the advertisers think I'm so gullable that I'll switch brands, because the bears are "cute."
Another for batteries names a guy who ALWAYS reaches for their batteries, because they last the longest lasting, and the most dependable. If the frickin battery is dead, who cares what brand it is... Either way, you're obiviously still in the dark! Until a battery is made that lasts 70 years or longer, a dead battery is useless, and even then... This also goes for other necessities like light bulbs, and toilet paper... If you're left in the dark, or worse, on the pot with no paper, you're up the proverbial creek!
I'll make it a point to stop here, though I could carry on, but I think I've stated my gripe, and thanks for reading! For now, I'll move on to another topic!
I had the pleasure of speaking to my sis this afternoon, which I always appreciate, but don't call her very often as her life is even more hectic than my "crazy" world! She surprised me after we'd caught up on all of the family chit chat, when our conversation turned to the circus this year's election has become. Now, I DETEST politics, as I just don't understand the system, and just "how" it's supposed to WORK for the many of us who are middle to lower class citizens, but that's another story, which I refuse to get into in any forum.
Anyway, what surprised me is though she and I have differing opinions regarding "left" and "right" wing advocates, that this time around we're mostly on the same page. I stress, "mostly!" Over the past months, I've wondered if could or should move to Canada - NO, it's too damn cold. Mexico? Well, they do have the cartels, but at least it's warmer there! She laughed, and shared that just a few days ago she was talking to someone about moving to Belize, of all places - not that I haven't checked out property prices there, myself!
So, we had both agreed that that getting out of the large cities that we each live in, and moving out to the middle of "nowhere," and going mostly off the "grid" is sounding pretty good. Were it not for my current health issues, and those of her hubby, I do believe that we all would jump at the chance to "get the hell out of Dodge!" So, I will dutifully cast my vote, not that I believe that makes a damn bit of difference in the long run... cross my fingers, hope for the "best" and hope that I'm not living in a box under a freeway overpass any time soon!
Well, now I feel better! Still terrified for "our" well being, but better - FOR NOW! Seems that these days the world is on a self destruct mission... but that's simply my humble opinion! (Now I'm sounding like my dad, when he was my current age, lol!)
Be well, and leave a comment if you wish!
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