A little overboard?

So, we have been making our own refried beans for a while now. With 7 hungry boys this is a wise and economic thing to do.  I don't know if I would ever get to it if it wasn't for BJ who just goes for it. I worry about things like measuring and if they will fit, etc.  My sweet hubby doesn't give me a chance to worry as I find myself with two FULL crockpots of his soaked and cooked beans.  What can I do but get to work and hope for the best. :) 

caught up and caramel apples

I am a little behind....again.  I finally finished posting our life from October.  Thank goodness November hasn't been too exciting. :) Busyness is different for everyone. Most people would say they are busy, and I would not dispute that. I have never been into the whole "my life is busier than yours" thing.  So for me and what I can handle, I feel pretty busy these days. There are times when I think I can not do this job of mothering and the work that comes with it.  There are times when I think going on a date (or trip to Hawaii) with BJ would be so wonderful. There are also times when I look at my boys and think about how much more fun we are going to have when they are all teenagers.  This is a busy time for Beege and I, but I know it is only for a season.  And any older person, especially the ones at Wal-mart, will tell you that it goes by so fast.

All that to say, when life gives you apples....make caramel apples.  It's late. :)

 

The five older boys and I had a fun time making this yummy treat. The boys are always so thrilled to do an activity like this that it makes the mess well worth it.

Here is the recipe.....

(recipe from brown paper packages)

1/2 cup butter

1 cup light corn syrup

2 cups brown sugar

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tsp. vanilla

Wash apples and allow them to dry. Combine the first three ingredients in a large saucepan.  When butter is melted add the condensed milk.  Stir constantly until it reaches the soft ball stage (230 degrees). Take off of heat and stir in vanilla.

Dip apples once the mixture has cooled to 200 degrees. Place on a buttered cookie sheet and allow to sit a few minute before adding the "extras." 

Enjoy!

Gingersnaps

I grew up on our family's recipe for gingersnaps. I love them. For whatever reason, as an adult, my gingersnaps always bake up flat. I found this recipe here. It is pretty much the same recipe with just a little bit more flour and a pinch of cloves. I was happy with how "fluffy" they turned out! Remember not to overbake these.

Gingersnaps
1 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. butter
1/4 c. molasses
a pinch of cloves
2 1/2 t. ginger
1/2 t. salt
2 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
2 1/2 c. flour

Cream the sugar, egg, and butter until fluffy. Add molasses, beat one more minute. Combine the dry ingredients and add to the creamed mixture. Roll in 1 inch balls then roll in sugar. Place on greased sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. (look for cracks on top)

Enjoy!

Sugar cookie bars

These are delicious. And so dangerous since the recipe makes a jelly roll pan full. Fortunately, they freeze well. Unfortunately, they taste yummy straight from the freezer. I should probably only make these for times when we have other people over to help eat them. :)

Sugar Cookie Bars

1 c. butter, rm. temp

2 c. sugar

4 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

5 c. flour

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. baking soda

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and add to wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Spread on a greased sheet (13 x 18). Bake 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Frosting

1/2 c. butter, rm. temp.

1/2 c. shortening

1 tsp. vanilla

pinch of salt

4 c. powdered sugar

5 T milk

Combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla and salt. Add p. sugar gradually, then add milk until smooth and the right consistency.

Focaccia bread

I had been wanting to make focaccia bread and finally got around to it! I used the recipe here. BJ thought it was great. The boys liked it as well, but scraped off the rosemary. I am trying to get over my intimidation with yeast breads...and this recipe was easy! I would need to double it though if we ever had company. My hearty eaters went through both rounds in one meal. :)

Cool Kitchen = Happy Mommy

Here is a great and easy recipe....perfect for hot summer days since it does not use the oven!

Buttercup Squares
3/4 c. butter, melted
3 c. crushed graham crackers (about 1 1/2 pkgs.)
2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 c. peanut butter
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients together, except the chocolate chips. Pat into a 9x13 pan. Melt chocolate chips and spread over mixture. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into squares.

Enjoy!

Grilled Pizza

We tried this recipe the other night....and it worked! BJ and I are a little boring when it comes to the grill, but I found this recipe and thought I'd give it a try. I wasn't about to use my oven with the heat lately! Although the crust doesn't look very browned in the picture, it was just right. I doubled the dough recipe given and made eight personal pizzas. I will definitely make this one again!

Skillet Spaghetti

This is a great recipe I got from an old Taste of Home magazine. My recipe shows that I tried it for the first time in July of 2002. We loved it so much, I even wrote "family meal" at the top thinking ahead to the days of feeding more children! Because you cook the spaghetti in the sauce, it cuts down on the number of dirty dishes and steps. The boys all look forward to this meal...and now even J.R. enjoys it!

Skillet Spaghetti

1 lb. ground beef
3 c. water
2 (11 1/2 oz.) cans tomato juice (2 3/4 c.)
1 (6oz.) can tomato paste
2 T. dried minced onion
1 to 2 T. chili powder
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 pkg. (7 oz.) spaghetti (I use the whole wheat kind)

In a skillet, cook gr. beef; drain. Add remaining ingredients, except the spaghetti, and bring to a boil. Add uncooked spaghetti. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with parm cheese.

ENJOY!

Not just for Christmas morning....

A few months ago I found this recipe for Christmas Morning Biscuit Twists . They are pretty yummy! I have made them a few times for an after dinner treat! :) These are great as is, but the second time I added a little less salt, and made only half of the glaze....then you can eat twice as many, right? :)