Monday, August 31, 2015
Anita --- Baked Chicken Calzones
The great thing about calzones is that beyond the basics, you can add and subtract what you like. Stuff this pizza-like pastry with your favorite toppings.
1 10 ounces package refrigerated pizza dough
1/4 cup prepared pesto
6 tablespoons ricotta cheese
1-1/2 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (scant 1/2 cup)
1 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast half, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon grated Parmesan/Romano mixture
2-1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Parsley sprigs for garnish
1 . Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2 . Unroll pizza dough and place on greased baking sheet. Layer pesto, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes and chicken breast pieces in middle of dough.
3 . Lift one edge of dough and stretch over the filling to form a half-moon. Seal edges by pressing with tines of fork or pizza wheel, and make a fluted edge around the seal.
Prick top with fork to allow steam to escape. Brush with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Anita Shreveport , La.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Food for Thought : Fall is on the way
Although it does not start for almost one more month , according to most , fall is almost here . It is important for children and adults to keep up healthy nutrition and physical activity habits during the fall months when schedules may not be structured .
Here are a few tips to help you and your child to keep up good nutrition and fitness habits while being in school or work:
1 . Sign your child up for an organized sport or physical activity class such as soccer or football after school .
For young children , pick something that you and your child can do together . For older children , find something that encourages socialization .
2. Set your family after school activity time . Going to a park , riding a bike or even taking a short walk in your neighborhood can easily be done once the temperature cools a little .
3 . Spice up your family's menus . This is the prefect time to let your children experiment with new recipes and to help them learn cooking skills . Choose age appropriate tasks to let them practice during the weekends . Tasks such as planning the week's menu , making a grocery list or starting dinner can easily be done by older children.
--The Carano's Famous Hot Dog & Fries --by Jonny Carano--
4 natural casing all-beef franks
4 fresh hot dog buns
1 small white onion, finely chopped
8 jarred sport pickled peppers (or sub pickled hot peppers)
Homemade Bread and Butter Relish, for serving, recipe follows
Yellow mustard, for slathering
Hand Cut Fries with Celery Salt, for serving, recipe follows
Homemade Bread and Butter Relish:
1 cup bread and butter pickles, finely diced
1 tablespoon pickled cherry peppers, finely diced
1 teaspoon sugar
Hand Cut Fries with Celery Salt:
Vegetable oil
2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed
Celery salt, for sprinkling
1 . Set up a large pot with a steamer insert and steam the franks until warm, about 5 minutes. When the franks are almost done, place the buns on top of the franks to steam, 1 to 2 minutes. Place the franks in the buns and top each with some of the onions, 2 peppers, some Homemade Bread and Butter
2 . Relish and slather with mustard. To serve, top the franks with a handful of Hand Cut Fries with Celery Salt, wrap each frank in foil and let steam, 2 to 3 minutes, before eating. Eat on the towel-lined trunk of a car.
Homemade Bread and Butter Relish:
Combine the pickles, peppers and sugar in a bowl and mix well. Serve. Yield: 1 cup.
Hand Cut Fries with Celery Salt:
1 . Fill a 6-quart heavy pot or Dutch oven two-thirds of the way full with oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until a deep-fat thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
2 . Cut the potatoes lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick sticks. Fry the potatoes in batches, until golden brown, 8 minutes per batch. Transfer the potatoes with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with celery salt and serve immediately.
Words of Wisdom:
“Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”
“Life is not discovery of fate; it is continuous creation of future, through choices of thoughts, feelings and actions in the present.”
“The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark.”
“I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all.”
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life and don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Linda M --- Chicken Quesadillas
This recipe has an impressive look and taste with little preparation. The leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish.
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 small minced garlic clove
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
2 minced chili peppers (to taste)
3 chopped plum tomatoes
Oil for frying
8 flour tortillas
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cup cooked chicken
Salsa
Sour cream
1 . In a medium heavy skillet sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers in the 2 tablespoons oil until soft. Add the chili peppers and tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes more. Add the chicken and stir well to combine.
2 . Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy medium sized pan over medium low heat.
3 . Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Add about 1/4 of the chicken mixture and top with another 1/4 cup cheese.
Cover with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4 . Flip the quesadilla over and cook for an additional two minutes. Remove from the heat and cut into wedges.
5 . Keep warm while frying the remaining quesadillas. Serve with salsa and sour cream
My kids loved helping make the Chicken Quesadillas ...they called it South of the Border night . Thanks Linda
Linda M. El Paso , Texas
2 tablespoons oil
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 small minced garlic clove
1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
2 minced chili peppers (to taste)
3 chopped plum tomatoes
Oil for frying
8 flour tortillas
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cup cooked chicken
Salsa
Sour cream
1 . In a medium heavy skillet sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers in the 2 tablespoons oil until soft. Add the chili peppers and tomatoes and simmer for a few minutes more. Add the chicken and stir well to combine.
2 . Heat a thin layer of oil in a heavy medium sized pan over medium low heat.
3 . Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Add about 1/4 of the chicken mixture and top with another 1/4 cup cheese.
Cover with another tortilla and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
4 . Flip the quesadilla over and cook for an additional two minutes. Remove from the heat and cut into wedges.
5 . Keep warm while frying the remaining quesadillas. Serve with salsa and sour cream
My kids loved helping make the Chicken Quesadillas ...they called it South of the Border night . Thanks Linda
Linda M. El Paso , Texas
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Brined Roast Chicken & Olive Bread Panzanella
Prep : 30 minutes Total time : 2 hours 30 minutes + overnight brining Serves 6
3quarts plus 3 ...................cups tepid water (15 cups)
2 ........................................cups dry white wine
3 ........................................heads of garlic, halved crosswise
1/2 ....................................cup kosher salt, plus more for seasoning 2 ........................................ .tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
2 .......................................lemons, thinly sliced
1 .......................................orange, thinly sliced
9 .......................................rosemary sprigs, plus 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
2 ....................................... 3 1/2-pound chickens
1 ........................................pound olive bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 ....................................... tablespoons bacon fat or melted butter
1. In a very large pot, combine the water, wine, garlic, salt, 2 tablespoons of pepper, lemons, orange and 3 rosemary sprigs. Stir to dissolve the salt. Put the chickens in the brine, breast sides down. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
2 . Preheat the oven to 425°. Remove the chickens from the brine and pat dry. Put the chickens in a roasting pan, breast sides up. Stuff the remaining 6 rosemary sprigs in the cavities and tie the legs together. Season lightly with salt and pepper and sprinkle with the chopped rosemary. Roast for 30 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of water to the pan and roast at 375° for 1 hour and 15 minutes longer, rotating the pan, until the juices run clear.
3 . Lift the chickens and tilt them to let the cavity juices run into the pan. Transfer the chickens to a carving board and keep warm. Increase the oven temperature to 425°. Add the olive bread cubes and the bacon fat to the pan and toss well. Spread the bread in an even layer and bake in the upper third of the oven for about 20 minutes, until crisp on top and moist underneath. Carve the chickens and serve with the olive bread panzanella.
Suggested Wine :Lemony, floral Moscofilero from Greece.
Heart Healthy
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Mamie L .. --- Slow-Cooker Berry Cobbler
Makes 4 - 6 servings
2½ cups all purpose flour, divided
1¼ cups sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries)
Serve with vanilla ice cream
Directions:
1 . In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Then add the eggs, milk and oil. Stir to combine.
2 . Prepare the slow cook pot by applying a thin layer of vegetable oil. Transfer mixture to pot and lightly tap sides to evenly spread.
3 . In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar and salt. Add berries and toss to coat. Spoon berry mixture equally on top of batter.
4 . Place lid on cooker and lock. SLOW COOK for 2 hours.
When ready, removed lid and let cool for 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with ice cream.
This recipe is from Mamie L . Shreveport ,Louisiana
This is a great recipe for busy and working mothers ... thanks Mamie ... I remember that incident well , Harvey fell down cover up his head with his big
2½ cups all purpose flour, divided
1¼ cups sugar, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries)
Serve with vanilla ice cream
Directions:
1 . In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cinnamon. Then add the eggs, milk and oil. Stir to combine.
2 . Prepare the slow cook pot by applying a thin layer of vegetable oil. Transfer mixture to pot and lightly tap sides to evenly spread.
3 . In a separate bowl, combine the remaining flour, sugar and salt. Add berries and toss to coat. Spoon berry mixture equally on top of batter.
4 . Place lid on cooker and lock. SLOW COOK for 2 hours.
When ready, removed lid and let cool for 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls and top with ice cream.
This recipe is from Mamie L . Shreveport ,Louisiana
This is a great recipe for busy and working mothers ... thanks Mamie ... I remember that incident well , Harvey fell down cover up his head with his big
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Food for Thought : Got Milk
6 Health Benefits of Milk
1. Glowing Skin:
Cleopatra took milk baths to help her skin stay soft, supple and glowing. You can do the same, or you can drink a few glasses of whole milk each day to get its benefits. Milk has several nutrients which help skin look its best. It has lactic acid which can act as an exfoliant and enzymes to help smooth skin. It also has amino acids that help keep skin moisturized. Milk can help prevent damage from environmental toxins because it has antioxidants. However, if you have a sensitivity to milk or dairy products, milk can actually aggravate your skin.
2. Healthy Bones and Teeth:
Milk is a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. Not only do young children need it while their bones are growing, but adults need it to keep their bones strong and to prevent osteoporosis. Milk is also great for strong teeth, and it helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. In order for the calcium to be absorbed by the body, vitamin D must be present. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, buy milk that is fortified with extra vitamin D to ensure that your body absorbs the calcium.
3. Muscles:
Milk contains protein, which helps to rebuild muscles. Drink a glass of milk after you exercise to give your body what it needs to recover. It will help to keep soreness at bay while replenishing fluids that you lost during your workout.
4. Weight Loss:
Studies show that women who drink low-fat or skim milk lose more weight than those who exclude milk from their diet. It is a great appetizer and it makes a healthy snack. Add a glass to your dinner, or drink a glass while eating a piece of fruit.
5. Less Stress:
Milk is a great way to de-stress at the end of the day. A glass of warm milk will help to relax tense muscles and soothe frayed nerves. Milk has also been proven to reduce symptoms of PMS and boost energy. The next time you are feeling frazzled, try drinking a glass of milk while you soak in a bubble bath.
6. Healthy Body:
Milk has properties that lower high blood pressure and risk of strokes. It reduces the liver's production of cholesterol, and it can act as an antacid. Vitamins A and B in milk can help build good eyesight. Milk has also been show to help lower risk of certain cancers.
There are several varieties of milk on the market, such as whole, 2%, low-fat and fat free. If you are concerned about the growth hormones used in milk, choose to go the organic route. With all of the types of milk available, you should be able to find something that fits your diet and nutritional needs.
Berry Breakfast Smoothie :
Wake up to a delicious blend of banana, strawberries, blueberries and peanut butter. This fruit smoothie recipe is a good
Don't let its pink-liciousness fool you. The berries turn on detoxifying enzymes and ginger stimulates digestion
Serves: 6 Prep / Total Time: 20 minutes
3 Cups frozen unsweetened raspberries
2 -1/4 Cups chilled unsweetened almond or rice milk
3/4 Cup frozen pitted unsweetened cherries or raspberries (or
4- 1/2 teaspoons honey
6 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
3 teaspoons ground flaxseed
6 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in blender, adding lemon juice to taste. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 chilled glasses.
Words of Wisdom :
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.
The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you don't find very often, then that is what love is all about.
A proud grand-poppa G .
1. Glowing Skin:
Cleopatra took milk baths to help her skin stay soft, supple and glowing. You can do the same, or you can drink a few glasses of whole milk each day to get its benefits. Milk has several nutrients which help skin look its best. It has lactic acid which can act as an exfoliant and enzymes to help smooth skin. It also has amino acids that help keep skin moisturized. Milk can help prevent damage from environmental toxins because it has antioxidants. However, if you have a sensitivity to milk or dairy products, milk can actually aggravate your skin.
2. Healthy Bones and Teeth:
Milk is a great source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. Not only do young children need it while their bones are growing, but adults need it to keep their bones strong and to prevent osteoporosis. Milk is also great for strong teeth, and it helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. In order for the calcium to be absorbed by the body, vitamin D must be present. If you have a vitamin D deficiency, buy milk that is fortified with extra vitamin D to ensure that your body absorbs the calcium.
3. Muscles:
Milk contains protein, which helps to rebuild muscles. Drink a glass of milk after you exercise to give your body what it needs to recover. It will help to keep soreness at bay while replenishing fluids that you lost during your workout.
4. Weight Loss:
Studies show that women who drink low-fat or skim milk lose more weight than those who exclude milk from their diet. It is a great appetizer and it makes a healthy snack. Add a glass to your dinner, or drink a glass while eating a piece of fruit.
5. Less Stress:
Milk is a great way to de-stress at the end of the day. A glass of warm milk will help to relax tense muscles and soothe frayed nerves. Milk has also been proven to reduce symptoms of PMS and boost energy. The next time you are feeling frazzled, try drinking a glass of milk while you soak in a bubble bath.
6. Healthy Body:
Milk has properties that lower high blood pressure and risk of strokes. It reduces the liver's production of cholesterol, and it can act as an antacid. Vitamins A and B in milk can help build good eyesight. Milk has also been show to help lower risk of certain cancers.
There are several varieties of milk on the market, such as whole, 2%, low-fat and fat free. If you are concerned about the growth hormones used in milk, choose to go the organic route. With all of the types of milk available, you should be able to find something that fits your diet and nutritional needs.
Berry Breakfast Smoothie :
Wake up to a delicious blend of banana, strawberries, blueberries and peanut butter. This fruit smoothie recipe is a good
Don't let its pink-liciousness fool you. The berries turn on detoxifying enzymes and ginger stimulates digestion
Serves: 6 Prep / Total Time: 20 minutes
3 Cups frozen unsweetened raspberries
2 -1/4 Cups chilled unsweetened almond or rice milk
3/4 Cup frozen pitted unsweetened cherries or raspberries (or
4- 1/2 teaspoons honey
6 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
3 teaspoons ground flaxseed
6 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in blender, adding lemon juice to taste. Puree until smooth. Pour into 2 chilled glasses.
Words of Wisdom :
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.
The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you don't find very often, then that is what love is all about.
A proud grand-poppa G .
Monday, August 17, 2015
Cyndi F --- Country-Style Vanilla Ice Cream
This is so delicious and easy , you would think there were pudding in the mix . I also tried puree strawberries in a batch . The possibilities are endless .
Prep/Total time: 30 min. + chilling Process: 20 min./batch + freezing Yield 2-1/2 quarts
Ingredients:
6 cups cold 2% milk, divided
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:
1 . In a large saucepan, heat 2-1/2 cups milk to 175°; stir in the sugar until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into the eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
2 . Place remaining milk in a large bowl; whisk in pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir into egg mixture. Stir in whipped topping. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
3 . Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Transfer to a freezer container; freeze for 2-4 hours before serving.
This recipe is from Cyndi F., Oskaloosa, Iowa
Prep/Total time: 30 min. + chilling Process: 20 min./batch + freezing Yield 2-1/2 quarts
Ingredients:
6 cups cold 2% milk, divided
2 cups sugar
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions:
1 . In a large saucepan, heat 2-1/2 cups milk to 175°; stir in the sugar until dissolved. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into the eggs. Return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture reaches at least 160° and coats the back of a metal spoon. Remove from the heat. Cool quickly by placing pan in a bowl of ice water; stir for 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla.
2 . Place remaining milk in a large bowl; whisk in pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Stir into egg mixture. Stir in whipped topping. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
3 . Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Refrigerate remaining mixture until ready to freeze. Transfer to a freezer container; freeze for 2-4 hours before serving.
This recipe is from Cyndi F., Oskaloosa, Iowa
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Food for Thought : August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month
August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The breastfeeding campaign, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, hopes to empower women to commit to breastfeeding by highlighting new research showing that babies who are exclusively breastfed for six months are less likely to develop ear infections, diarrhea and respiratory illnesses, and may be less likely to develop childhood obesity.
In celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we've compiled the following guide to serve as your one-stop resource for the information and support you'll need to be successful at breastfeeding. Arm yourself with information now, and you'll thank yourself later for giving your baby the best possible start in life.
The Support You Need
The Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding
From the proper latch to the perfect nursing bra--everything you need to know to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.
More Nursing Know-How
Breastfeeding can be difficult for some women in the first few weeks, but it gets easier and more natural with time. Here, you'll find answers to our readers' most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.
Where to Get the Support You Need
Boutique-style stores that specialize in breastfeeding--with bras, pumps, lotions, potions and virtually everything else in between--are sprouting up in cities nationwide. Check our guide to see if there's one near you.
Support Systems
Breastfeeding may be more difficult than you expect. The right help can make all the difference.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Miracle of Mother's Milk
It will make your baby healthier and smarter. There are lifelong benefits for you, too.
Words of Wisdom :
Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.
Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.
I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature.
When I was 20, I thought I was 30 - but I was so far from it. When you're young, you want everything to happen now. As you mature, you can look back and see all the great things you achieved with time and patience.
A proud grand-poppa G .
In celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month, we've compiled the following guide to serve as your one-stop resource for the information and support you'll need to be successful at breastfeeding. Arm yourself with information now, and you'll thank yourself later for giving your baby the best possible start in life.
The Support You Need
The Ultimate Guide to Breastfeeding
From the proper latch to the perfect nursing bra--everything you need to know to make breastfeeding work for you and your baby.
More Nursing Know-How
Breastfeeding can be difficult for some women in the first few weeks, but it gets easier and more natural with time. Here, you'll find answers to our readers' most frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.
Where to Get the Support You Need
Boutique-style stores that specialize in breastfeeding--with bras, pumps, lotions, potions and virtually everything else in between--are sprouting up in cities nationwide. Check our guide to see if there's one near you.
Support Systems
Breastfeeding may be more difficult than you expect. The right help can make all the difference.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Miracle of Mother's Milk
It will make your baby healthier and smarter. There are lifelong benefits for you, too.
Words of Wisdom :
Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.
Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen... yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.
Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.
I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature.
When I was 20, I thought I was 30 - but I was so far from it. When you're young, you want everything to happen now. As you mature, you can look back and see all the great things you achieved with time and patience.
A proud grand-poppa G .
Sunday, August 9, 2015
'The Genie' --- Two Desserts for Kids of All Ages
KID PLEASER BANANA PUDDING
Ingredients:
2 bags cookies (recommended: Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies)
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS:
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. OPTIONAL.....Add mini marshmallows to top and extra banana rounds. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
NOTE: Make sure frozen whipped topping is well thawed
This is a true comfort dessert. Moderation is recommended...Hahahaha!
WATERMELON - POMEGRANATE ICE-POPS
They’re simple to make....nobody wants to work hard in the kitchen in this weather.
Makes approximately six 5 oz. popsicles
2 tablespoons raw sugar ( I used Three)
1/4 cup water
3 cups watermelon, seeds removed and cubed
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1 cup pomegranate juice
To make the simple syrup, bring the water to boil, add the sugar, and remove from heat.
Next, puree the watermelon, and add the simple syrup and lime juice.
Pour the watermelon mixture into popsicle molds, or paper Dixie cups, and fill to two-thirds full. Allow the mixture to freeze for 30 minutes, and then pour in the pomegranate juice. After 30 minutes, add the popsicle sticks. Freeze ice pops overnight for best curing. Very refreshing
This recipe is from 'The Genie' Canada
Thank you .
Found these to be excellent , deliciously good for kids of all ages . The kids love to get involved .
I do so think the grown-up kids had the most fun (smiling)
Grand-poppa & Mr . Humble
2 bags cookies (recommended: Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies)
6 to 8 bananas, sliced
2 cups milk
1 (5-ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping thawed, or equal amount sweetened whipped cream
DIRECTIONS:
Line the bottom of a 13 by 9 by 2-inch dish with 1 bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.
In a bowl, combine the milk and pudding mix and blend well using a handheld electric mixer. Using another bowl, combine the cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth. Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended. Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with the remaining cookies. OPTIONAL.....Add mini marshmallows to top and extra banana rounds. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
NOTE: Make sure frozen whipped topping is well thawed
This is a true comfort dessert. Moderation is recommended...Hahahaha!
WATERMELON - POMEGRANATE ICE-POPS
They’re simple to make....nobody wants to work hard in the kitchen in this weather.
Makes approximately six 5 oz. popsicles
2 tablespoons raw sugar ( I used Three)
1/4 cup water
3 cups watermelon, seeds removed and cubed
3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
1 cup pomegranate juice
To make the simple syrup, bring the water to boil, add the sugar, and remove from heat.
Next, puree the watermelon, and add the simple syrup and lime juice.
Pour the watermelon mixture into popsicle molds, or paper Dixie cups, and fill to two-thirds full. Allow the mixture to freeze for 30 minutes, and then pour in the pomegranate juice. After 30 minutes, add the popsicle sticks. Freeze ice pops overnight for best curing. Very refreshing
This recipe is from 'The Genie' Canada
Thank you .
Found these to be excellent , deliciously good for kids of all ages . The kids love to get involved .
I do so think the grown-up kids had the most fun (smiling)
Grand-poppa & Mr . Humble
Saturday, August 8, 2015
'The Genie'---- SHRIMP AND LOBSTER BISQUE
Bisques are a type of soup, historically based on crustaceans, (crayfish, lobster, shrimp, or crab), that are thickened in one of a myriad of ways, and then finished with cream.
Ingredients:
2 steamed fresh lobster tails
4 tablespoons butter
1 small white onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 pound steamed medium size fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
DIRECTIONS:
Remove lobster meat from shell; coarsely chop and set aside.
1 . In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth; cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
2 . Add lobster meat and shrimp. Stir in half-and-half and Creole seasoning; cook for 10 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately.
Tried it only once but liked it.....Hope you enjoy it.
This recipe is from the 'The Genie' Canada
The family also enjoyed it 'Genie' thanks .
Grand-poppa & Humble (smiling)
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Food for Thought : Cold Summer Soup
August isn't typically the time for a bowl of soup , however , it can be a great-to-go meal . When it is hot outside , chilled soups can be a great option for a healthy and refreshing lunch or a simple dinner . Cold soups can be a nutritious and delicious part of your warm weather meals . Chilled and cold soups are great as a light meal , an appretizer or even a dessert . Take advantage of summer produce , herbs and flavors . Hrer are a few tips for enjoying a refreshing chilled soup on a hot day .
1 . Gazpacho , filled with healthy vegetables , is a great appetizer or addition to a sandwich for a light meal . Most of the ingredients , tomatoes , onions , peppers , garlic and cucumber are in season and readily available this time of the year .
2 . Sautee onions with cucumbers and puree them with an avocado . Add chichen broth and seasoning such as salt , pepper , lemon juice and garlic to make a silky and creamy soup that can be enjoyed hot or cold .
3 . Berry soups can be a great starter r dessert this time of year . Blend berries of any kind , chill , and serve with a dollop of vanilla yogurt '
Summer Gazpacho with Shrimp
Prep / Total time ----- 45 minutes ---- Makes 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 small red onion, minced
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 clove garlic
juice of 1 lime
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups tomato juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
16 large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
Directions:
1 . First, make the gazpacho. Combine all ingredients except for shrimp in a high speed blender or food processor. Whirl until just blended. Taste gazpacho and season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Place in the fridge while you prepare the shrimp.
2 . For the shrimp, heat up two tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the shrimp and briefly saute until pink and curled. This will take only about 4 minutes since shrimp cook so fast. Sprinkle shrimp with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
3 . To serve, ladle gazpacho into bowls and top with four sauteed shrimp.
Words of Wisdom :
The successful know that the road to success is always under construction; they understand the roughness of it and never expected it to be smooth.
Just having knowledge and not using it is like having a bunch of things in the attic – sure you'll use it someday but in the meantime it just clogs up space!
If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.
If you go to bed at night and think about your day and you haven't laughed very much, then you must jump out of bed and go do something fun.
Humor is a great way to lighten any atmosphere, and laughing is a surefire way to brighten your outlook.
A very proud grand-poppa G.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Joyce L . Dessert ----- Strawberry Shortcake
This dessert is incredibly simple to make with only six ingredients needed! It is a just a spin on the original strawberry short cake but with one huge benefit. There is no sugar-added! You can enjoy this delicious dessert guilt-free! Follow the recipe below to enjoy this strawberry short cake.
1 tablespoon calorie-free sweetener
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (about 1 pint)
6 spongecake dessert shells (5-ounce package)
Combine the sweetener and the cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Slowly stir in orange juice.
Bring these three items to a boil while continuously stirring until the mixture is thickened and bubbly
Remove from the heat and stir in the extract
Combine the mixture and the strawberries in a bowl and stir the items gently so that they mix well together.
Chill for 30 minutes.
To serve the dessert, spoon the mixture of strawberries and orange sauce over the dessert shells.
Enjoy!
This recipe is from Joyce L . Orlando
Thanks Joyce , you hit a homerun !
Grand-poppa & Mr . Humble
1 tablespoon calorie-free sweetener
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup orange juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (about 1 pint)
6 spongecake dessert shells (5-ounce package)
Combine the sweetener and the cornstarch in a small saucepan.
Slowly stir in orange juice.
Bring these three items to a boil while continuously stirring until the mixture is thickened and bubbly
Remove from the heat and stir in the extract
Combine the mixture and the strawberries in a bowl and stir the items gently so that they mix well together.
Chill for 30 minutes.
To serve the dessert, spoon the mixture of strawberries and orange sauce over the dessert shells.
Enjoy!
This recipe is from Joyce L . Orlando
Thanks Joyce , you hit a homerun !
Grand-poppa & Mr . Humble
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Café Amaretto
Amaretto is a sweet almond-flavored liqueur of Italian origin. It is made from a base of apricot or almond pits, or sometimes both, with added spices and flavors. Some say it has a sweet cherry like flavor.
3/4 ounce Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur
5 ounce hot black coffee
1 ounce whipped cream
1 teaspoon sugar
Pour coffee and liquor into an Irish coffee cup and sweeten to taste. Float the cream, and place three coffee beans on top.
Grand-poppa and I haven't forgotten the drinks ,this one of my aunts favorites (Mae) .She slips a little Vodka or Crown Royal in her Amaretto when Baby is not looking .
Grand-poppa & Humble
3/4 ounce Amaretto Di Saronno liqueur
5 ounce hot black coffee
1 ounce whipped cream
1 teaspoon sugar
Pour coffee and liquor into an Irish coffee cup and sweeten to taste. Float the cream, and place three coffee beans on top.
Grand-poppa and I haven't forgotten the drinks ,this one of my aunts favorites (Mae) .She slips a little Vodka or Crown Royal in her Amaretto when Baby is not looking .
Grand-poppa & Humble
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