Saturday Cooking with the Kids

My kids love to cook....especially when it comes to cracking eggs and using measuring cups.  I take advantage of their enthusiasm and encourage them to help in the kitchen. Of course, I pay for it later because their mess is twice what mine would be. Oh well - it's worth every bit of mess!!

My kids love this recipe - Fluffy French Toast.

Things I Can't Live Without.....

Okay, so yes, I have survived numerous days, nights and months without these things. However, I find that I can't stay away, can't go without, can't function normally without these items in my life.

Maybe I'm crazy? (Keep your commments to yourself!)

And these are a few of my favorite things.

Carmex. Good, functional, unflavored lip moisturizer. I have tried the flavor ones and lick them off my lips, so I stick with Carmex.

Sweet Sinfulness: Tammy's Caramel Bars

When I moved to Hope with  my So, I didn't know a lot of people. Being a northern girl moving South of 40 (only those of you who grew up in the Hoosier state know the north of 40, south of 40 rule), I was in a foreign land. I had the fortune of being introduced to a family that raised and showed Simmental cattle. Tammy and I became quick friends.

She's been a great friend to me for almost a dozen years. She's given me advice on raising my children, helped me out in emergency situations and listened when I needed a friend. One of the best things she ever did for me was give me the recipe for Caramel Bars.

 I know, I know......food, seriously? You base your friendship of almost a dozen years on food. Oh, but you don't know just how special she is until you fix her Caramel Bars.

Heaven.

Bliss.

Sinful.

Delicious.

All you need is butter, quick oats, brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, caramel squares, chocolate chips, and milnot (evaporated filled milk).

Hunk of Meat Monday: Beef Brisket

When the word brisket is mentioned at our house, the people start salivating like Pavolov's dogs. It's insane!

I love cooking a brisket and I don't think enough people give it a fair shake. Nothing tastes as good as a slow cooked brisket. Give it a try, you might be surprised. And people might start act strangely!

Signs of Spring: Seeds & Bulbs

My seed and bulb catalog arrived in the mail this week and I was like a kid in a candy store. I love to garden, mainly flowers. I have wanted a few small, raised beds for years and that is my mother's day wish this year. (Hint, hint.....someone please tell my hubby!)

However, I need to buy my seeds, bulbs and plants before I can fill my beds.

Oh the things you'll see when you catalog shop!

Sunflowers. I'd love to be able to reach the sky like a sunflower.

Kohlrabi.....my crew loves the crisp, crunchy texture of this great veggie. We often argue over who gets the last bite.

Tomatoes.....I grew up eating tomatoes by the handfuls straight out of the garden. To this day, I still can't get enough tomatoes. And the salsa, I love to make salsa. In fact, I haven't bought salsa from a supermarkert in two years.

This year, I think I'm going to venture out to the world of the unknown - heirloom tomatoes. I have such a love for tomatoes that I'm growing restless with the traditional Beefsteak or Big Boy.  Why now try a Yellow Zebra or Oaxcan Jewel?





Or maybe a Green Zebra?