CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI MUFFIN

a delicious breakfast!

Chocolate Zucchini Muffin

3 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 cups shredded zucchini

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Beat eggs in large bowl. Add sugar, oil, and vanilla and beat again. Stir in zucchini. Sift flour in separate bowl. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix. Slowly add dry into wet while beating on low with mixer. Pour into 2 well greased 8x4x2" loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees F for  60-65 minutes.

For muffins: pour into paper lined muffin cups and bake at 350 F for 35-40 minutes.

*Can drizzle with glaze, frost with chocolate frosting, or add powder sugar to top.

A Garden Fresh Dinner

This is one of my favorite things to make with fresh green beans. It is so yummy and comforting. Its ham, green beans, onions, and potatoes. I add extra ham for my husband (he doesn't eat the green beans) but will eat everything else. I only make this in the summer and fall. Its more delicious when you have all fresh ingredients (like in the summer), it just doesn't taste the same when you make it other times of the year.

Ingredients:

6 medium red skin potatoes washed and cut into 2" chunks

1 lb green beans washed, snapped and cut into 2 inch length

1 large sweet onion, chopped roughly

1 1/2 lb of peppered ham and/or bacon, chopped roughly into chunks

1 cup  water

salt and pepper to taste

How To Make:

Brown bacon with onion for 5-7 minutes. Add ham (if using both) and brown a little more. Add water,  potatoes, and beans and allow to cook down. Simmer for 30+ minutes until fall is fork tender. Stir every 5-10 minutes. Do not allow water to evaporate. Serve with cornbread.

Now, what to make with my peas...

From The Garden

Here is a picture of my first large picking from the gardens. I worked outside last Friday pulling weeds,  watering, and picking. I see shortcake, salad, zuchini bread, and beans for dinner in my near future.  

I've been picking strawberries and lettuce for a month and peas for a couple weeks.

I have created wonderful salads- Feta with mandarin oranges; mixed vegetable with homemade poppyseed dressing; egg salad on a bed of lettuce. My family just loves the peas- we eat thm raw all the time. My girls will pick them while they are outside playing. They run and get a handful out of the fridge for a snack. 

The zuchini and yellow squash is finally ready to pick. Time to make fried breaded zuchini, squash salad, and yummy zuchini bread.

SOFTBALL FRENZY

We have been so busy around here with my oldest's softball schedule. She is playing for a team that is located nearly an hour from our home. She also over an hour from our home. Its been crazy just making all practices throughout each week. She has played in tournaments at least 1 to 3 hours from our home.  Although its been a lot of sacrifice and time, we enjoy watching her play and doing what she enjoys and does well. This is her last year playing 16U level ball. She will have to play 18U next year. She has mentioned that she may not play at all. We are trying to hold on to the days we have left. She has played baseball/ softball since she was 6 years old. Its been our life, her life.

Here is my oldest daughter (left) Haleigh with one of her best buddies from High School (right) Alexis. Her friend also plays for this organization but, plays for the 18U team. They were hoping to play for the same team but, it did not work out that way. Good thing... they both play 1st base.

I have always tried to make something crafty for most teams she has played for. Whether its snack bags, cards, scrapbooks, frames, etc... I enjoy crafting and like to share unique creations with the girls that also are  memories.  I decided to make Softball tags for water bottles for the girls.

I came across this stamp set many years ago (It is not SU!). I jump on anything that has to do with softball. Its very hard to find softball themed items for paper crafting/ scrapbooking. Most the time I use baseball themed things with adaptions. This was the first stamp set I ever saw that had GIRLS playing ball.

I LOVE IT!

I wrapped each water bottle with misc pink paper and taped with regular scotch tape. I found Propel powder individual packets at our local Warehouse Club and have used them all season. They pack so easy in the basket and are easily added to water bottles.  

I attached an individual packet with glue dots onto paper and bottle. I stamped each image with Archival black ink. Colored with PrismaColor pencils and blended with Gamsol. Inked edges of each tag with Melon Mambo SU ink. Used 2 different sized star punches, scalloped oval, 1 1/4 inch circle all from SU! Used my die cut for Florette (mentioned in previous post). Attached all items with 3D glue dots, mini glue dots, or hot glue gun. I wrapped black ribbon around lid (loose) and hot glued to back of tag. Allowed ribbon ends to hang past bottom of tag.

I made a couple specific for our team's pitchers (right). The batter image (left) is for the rest of our team. I hope the girls like them.

Patriotic Rockets

Hope you all had a great Holiday. The 4th of July is one of my favorite Holidays. I love patriotic decorations, seeing flags throughout landscapes, family picnics. Most of all I love what it stands for FREEDOM! This country is such an amazing place to live. Everyone should be very thankful each and every day.

I made these adorable rockets from toilet paper and paper towel rolls. I stumbled upon these adorable rockets while reading one of my favorite blogs http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com/2011/06/red-hots-and-blue-fourth-of-july-rocket.html. After seeing  the first sample I did further search and found other ways to make these rockets. Martha Stewart http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/patriotic-crafts has a great tutorial and how to make them into party poppers/ favors. Here's how I  made them.

Supplies:

empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls

strips of designer papers

(11x12" for towel, 4x8" for TP roll)

scissors

circle cutter

firm hold adhesive

glue gun

ribbon 15 inches in 3 patterns/ colors

Wrap each tube with decorative paper of your choice. Apply tape strip to both ends and in 2 places within center. I reinforced tape at end with hot glue.

Cut 3.25" circles out of various designer papers. This will be used for the coned top of the rocket.

Cut a straight line 1/2 diameter of the 3.25" circle as shown in picture above.

Bring ends together overlapping until the paper forms cone shape. Use hot glue to hold together.

make 3-4 loops into each strip of ribbon. This will be used for flames at bottom of the rocket.

Adhere all loops together with hot glue. Hold together until set and attach 3 various looped ribbon pieces to bottom of rocket.

I used to make my accordian flowerette by hand but I came across this fabulous one that runs through my die cutting machine. I use this for all my small flowerettes. The diecut makes it so much easier.

If you make by hand- cut 1.5 x 12" strip. Score at each 1/4" increments, accordion fold, glue ends together, apply hot glue to 1 " circle and press center down to form flowerette. Hold until glue sets.

Wrap ribbon around bottom of rocket for further decoration. Add circle sticker, stamped image, or stamped verse to center of flowerette.

Here is a photo of various styles I made. I think they turned out super cute.

EASY PEPPERONI ROLLS

Here is an easy recipe I make on weekends. The pepperoni rollas are very satisfying. Serve them alone, room temperature or warm, with marinara sauce, and or with a side salad. They are sure to please.

                                                                               

Ingredients:

1/2 lb sandwich pepperoni

36 frozen dinner rolls, thawed (follow directions)

8-12 oz of shredded mozzerella cheese

seasoned salt

black pepper

italian seasonings

1. Let rolls thaw as package directs. Spray large cookie sheet and spray clear wrap with non stick cooking spray.

                                                    2. Cut sandwich pepperoni into quarters.

3. Flatten each roll and spread until about 4 inches in diameter.

4. Place pepperoni in center like this. Fill it as much as you like. I like to use 3/4 to 1 slice in each roll.

5. Bring up your sides to cover pepperoni.

                                             6. Once pepperoni is covered then pinch dough to seal.

                                                                                       
   7. Mix olive oil, italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in narrow dish. Brush onto top of rolls prior to baking.

                                                                           
                                 8. Bake at 350 degrees F. until golden brown or 15-20 minutes.

Viola! Add a side salad and some pizza or marinara sauce to make a delicious and easy weeknd meal.

Mission Organization- Part 3

I have been cleaning, organizing, somewhat simplifying (my life is never simplified completely) around the house. As I mentioned in a previous post, I tackled my kitchen over my Spring Break Holiday. It took me 2 solid days of cleaning, scrubbing, organizing, donating. I am fortunate to have a walk in pantry in my fairly large country kitchen.

 Here are a couple pictures of my walk in pantry BEFORE I cleaned and organized.

I had similar things in my drawers, cabinets, and pantry. Although it was accessible, it was not organized. I have collected recipes and cookbooks for years. I had them in 3 different places. Now, I have the ones I kept (yes, I did get rid of some) all in one spot. I have organized like things, labeled containers, and used up all the space. I am happy with how things have turned out.

Here are pictures of the pantry AFTER I organized.

I invested in some coated wire shelving to add to my wood shelfs in the cupboards and pantry to add more space for dishes and canned goods. I bought lazy Susan (not pictured) and placed in corners of shelves  where they overlapped. These work great for oils, sauces, bottled items, ketchup, dressings, etc...

 I bought some hanging coated wire shelf drawers on the top of one shelf for popcorn packets and Jello packets. Vertical storage for the plates, platters, and large dishes I use for buffets and parties.

KITCHEN DRAWER ORGANIZATION

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been doing some organizing throughout the house. Last week I decided to tackle the kitchen. I cleaned drawers, cupboards, pantry, closets,  a hutch, above cupboards and inside of the oven. yeah!!!!

Here is a photo showing the "junk drawer" (next to the kitchen phone). I found this drawer organizer at a thrift store ($1.50). You can find plastic drawer organizers like this at TARGET for under $8.00. It is perfect for holding papers, tape rolls, pens/ pencils, scissors, etc...  There is nothing worse than trying to take a message and not being able to find paper and/ or something to write with. With this organizer everything is visible, at your fingertips and accessible.

We replaced a set of knives a while back but did not purchase a knife block to store them in. Personally, I do not like storing knives in a block- they get very dusty and sometimes get food or debris splashed on them from mixing, boiling, preparing at the counter. I found this fabulous knife storage container that adjusts to fit various sized drawers at TARGET. How perfect? Now I don't have to worry about anyone cutting themselves while reaching in the drawer.  Especially now that my kids do dishes.

Here is a photo of the drawer containing measuring cups, spoons, straws, fresh clips, coffee scoops, etc... I found this drawer divider at IKEA for under $3.00.  LOVE IT! Use this type of divider in many drawers throughout my house especially within my craft room (scroll down to bottom of my blog to see more photos).

Spring is in The Air! Blossoming Everywhere

Here are a some details about a couple exciting things going on at STAMPIN' UP!

SPRING  IS BLOSSOMING Promotion dates: April 1-30, 2011

                           http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/CategoryPage.aspx?categoryID=791

Promotion details: Spring is Blossoming includes two brand-new products from the upcoming 2011-2012 Idea Book & Catalog. You can get these brand-new products in one of two ways:

•Spend $20* on any Stampin' Up! products and become eligible to purchase both the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper.

•Host a $350* workshop and get the Four Frames Set and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper for FREE!

Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper

#122367 - $9.95

Four Frames Stamp Set
Wood: #123440 - $20.95

Clear: #123442 - $15.95

Hostess Gift

#125735 - Four Frames Wood Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

#125736 - Four Frames Clear Stamp Set & Paisley Petals DSP - FREE

•Orders may be placed either online, in person or at a workshop.


•Customers must spend $20 to be eligible to purchase the Four Frames stamp set and/or the Paisley Prints Designer Series Paper.


•Both items can be purchased once the $20 minimum is met; there is a limit of five per product once the $20 minimum is met.


•Customers will receive the Four Frames and Paisley Petals Designer Series Paper FREE if they host a $350 workshop (net sales before tax and shipping).




$5, $10, $15 GRAB BAGS AVAILABLE only while supplies last.

                               http://www.stampinup.com/ECWeb/ItemList.aspx?categoryID=793

$5 GRAB BAG= $20  of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$10 GRAB BAG= $40 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.
$15 GRAB BAG= $65 of retired merchandise excluding stamp sets.

MISSION ORGANIZATION- FINISHING THE BAKERS RACK

I was on Spring break this past week and started my Spring Cleaning.  I have been on a mission... MISSION ORGANIZATION. Here is one of the first projects I did to organize an often cluttered spot in my kitchen.

 

I have had this bakers rack from a famous Ohio based basket company for many years. I bought the rack and baskets separately and always said I would eventually get the wood shelves for it one day. Well, many years have passed by and I have never bought those lovely wood shelves.

For years I stored a  larger basket on the bottom which covered the bottom part of the rack.  Recently we had to replace our telephones and, unfortunately, our new phones did not have a wall mount ( we should have read the details on the box better).  I needed a shelf to put on the rack to hold the kitchen phone and use as a charging station for cell phones. (now what to do with the ugly phone jack and cord behind the rack?)

I decided to use some cool paper I bought in a tablet, at a local craft store measuring 12 x 24 inches. This paper is not flat/ matte it has a sheen to it (not vinyl).  Its weight is a great for covering items, decoupaging items, and to run through large formatting die cut machines. I especially like it because it can be dusted or wiped clean. The tablet contained 36 various bold designer papers from the HANDMADE line. I chose this subtle green pattern to wrap some corrugated cardboard trimmed to size.

I cut the cardboard 1 inch smaller lengthwise and 2 inches larger width wise for both shelves. I cut the green paper 1.5 inches larger on all sides. I trimmed the corners on bias (diagonal). Wrapped the corners using super sticky adhesive. I finished the edges on under side with wide scotch tape. I am sorry I did not take photos while making it. If you have further questions please let me know. 

 This shelf is located to the right of a long counter, under phone jack, near drawer containing paper and pencils. I use the top basket for holding vitamins and daily medications and the basket on the bottom holds mail/ bills. I am pleased with the way it turned out.

You cannot tell it is cardboard shhhhhhh... its our little secret. ;)

Easy Skillet Beef Strogonoff

Hello, sorry it has been a while since I have posted. I had a computer crash, and after purchasing a new computer and trying to get things set up, I contracted a virus that wiped everything out. I was without a computer off and on for over 3 weeks. Still trying to get things up and running. I am missing my old HP photo processing software. Tying to adjust to the Canon photo stuff. Oh well, it will take time.

I'm back with another semi homemade/ perfect weeknight/ workday recipe.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb  lean ground beef (90% or more)

1/2 medium sweet onion, chopped

1 pint mushrooms, sliced *optional

1 clove garlic, minced

2 Tbs flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp fresh ground pepper

1 can cream of mushroom soup (reduced fat works)

8 oz sour cream (reduced fat works)

*cooked egg noodles approximately 1 cup per person*

Brown ground beef, onions until just cooked (not pink and onion softened). Drain excess grease. Add  mushrooms and cook until tender.

Add garlic, flour, salt, pepper, soup and sour cream and stir until mixed thoroughly. Do not allow to boil. Serve on top of egg noodles. Garnish with tops of green onions, chives, fresh parsley or other favorite herbs.

 Its not the prettiest dish but it is a good one to fall back on. Both my girls and my husband enjoy it. Its been raining here all day and no sign of letting up for a while- its a good dish to have on a cold damp day like today. I cannot wait until warm weather gets here... we like to grill out nearly everyday. Stay tuned.