My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: The first week after the holidays has come to an end.  Returning to work wasn't too bad.  I went back on Monday and since the rest of Administration took that day as a holiday it was quiet and peaceful.  It's amazing how much you can get done when you aren't interrupted by meetings and phone calls. 

Where I've been:  Yesterday I picked up a few groceries and household items that we needed. I stopped by my favorite home store Newell's but I got there at 9 and they don't open until 9:30 now so I decided not to wait. Later I picked up pizzas from Joes's to take the school for the big guy's seminar and then spent the rest of the day at home.

Where I'm going: Other than work, I don't have any plans on going anywhere.  January is my month to relax.

What I'm watching: I caught up on the latest season of Family Kharma. Other than that, I didn't watch any TV or movies.

What I'm reading: I found this interesting.

What I'm listening to: Binx running through the house like the wild animal he is.  How can such a little kitty make so much noise?

What I'm eating:

Veg pasta and no knead bread

Spicey chicken and bean soup one night with bread and one night with cheese roll ups.

Bulgogi beef with broccoli, rice and naan

Grits and eggs (I wasn't hungry so this is what the big guy had)

Lamb chops, baked potato, salad and garlic knots

Who needs a good slap:  Harry and Meghan.  I'd really like to throat punch both of them.  Their behavior and the things they've said and done are unforgivable.  I feel for the rest of the family.

What I'm planning: I'm planning a day trip to Indiana for us. There is an Amish restaurant there that we love and the big guy is wanting to go back.  The weather is so unpredictable around here I'm keeping the date flexible.  

What's making me smile: We had a lot of sunny days this week and the full wolf moon Friday was gorgeous.  The moon and the sun always make me smile.

Have a great week!!

5 Favorite Kitchen Helpers

I don't like a lot of kitchen gadgets that have just one use.  When I buy something new for the kitchen it has to be able to have a huge impact.

Here in no particular order are my five favorite kitchen helpers.

 

The crock pot Dutch oven.  From loaves of bread to whole roasted chickens, you name it.  I use this a lot.  It's very versatile on the stove or in the oven. 

13 in 1 Ninja foodie flip.  I've had this for over a year now and I LOVE it.  Fresh pizza, frozen pizza, bake, dehydrate, sear, toast, air fry and so much more.  This gets used a lot. We've never had a microwave.  Well technically we did in our house in Florida because it came built in with the house, but we never used it.  I just don't care for them.  This Ninja foodie replaced a toaster and a convection oven that were getting pretty old.  This saves so much room on the counter when it's not in use.

Ninja blender and food processor.  Frozen drinks, milkshakes, sauces, dicing, chopping, crushing, dough, smoothies...this does it all.  The power of it is a bit amazing.

Cuisinart double oven Mit/potholders. I've had every kind of potholder you could think of over the years and still seemed to burn myself quite a bit.  I first saw these probably 10 years ago on Great British Bake Off and set out to find them.  I can honestly say I haven't burnt myself since and the quality is impressive.  The blue one was the first one I bought, and it is still in really good shape.  They wash up very well.

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.  This is one speaks for itself.  I think we all know this is a powerful kitchen helper.

What are some of your favorite kitchen helpers.  Curious minds want to know.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

My Weekly W's - New Year 2023

What's top of my mind:  Every year during the week between Christmas and New Year I spend a little time thinking about the past year and planning for the new year.  This year I ticked a lot of things off my master to do list, read a lot of books, made a lot of memories and paid it forward a number of times.  All and all I consider it a pretty good year.

Where I've been:  We've always enjoyed eating out a bit more than normal during the holidays and this is the first time since covid we've been able to do that.  We enjoy it because everyone is festive, the eateries are usually decorated for the holiday, and we get a chance to pay it forward if we have good service. We took one last chance on Cracker Barrell and went to breakfast on Christmas Eve.  It actually was really good.  Wednesday, we had a wonderful lunch at Firefly Grill and Thursday took us to our local Italian place for lunch.  Other than eating out, we relaxed at home and it was lovely.

Where I'm going:  It's back to work tomorrow.  I can't say I'm excited but I'm not dreading it.  Other than a quick shop for veggies and fruit I don't think I'll be going anywhere.  We were gifted a lot of meat, so the freezer is full.

What I'm watching: I didn't watch much of anything this week.

What I'm reading:  King Arthur Baking School book was one of my gifts.  I always wished I lived closer so I could attend classes in person.  They offer online classes but that doesn't appeal to me so the book will do fine.

What I'm listening to: Nothing comes to mind.

What I'm eating: I had a number of items I've added to the freezer over the last couple of weeks so we could have quick dinners this week.

Left over Moroccan Lamb meatballs, rice and naan

Left over lasagna, salad and garlic knots

Left over chili, jalapeno poppers

Chicken legs, mac and cheese, broccoli and garlic knots

Fish and chips for the big guy and chicken parm for me.  SO good!!

We had a few slices of ham left over from Christmas, so I made ham and cheese roll ups with chips and dip.  They were tasty as well.

I'm making popovers and bacon for brunch and roasting a chicken for dinner tonight.  I made my grandmothers 'creamy dessert' yesterday.  The recipe said to make it the day before.  I don't know how it turned out yet but I'll share the recipe this week.  I LOVED it when I was young but haven't had it for probably over 30 years.

Who needs a good slap:  No one pops to mind right now but I'm sure once I return to the real world tomorrow I'll have a slap to pass out next week.

What I'm planning: January and February are the two months I just take it day by day.  I enjoy a slower pace and being home as much as possible.  

What's making me smile: I won a 1967 cookbook from My Tireless Retirement  

1967 is the year I was born, so I'm excited to checked it out and possibly make something from it. Be sure and check out her blog if you're interested in ways to save money and organizing your home.  

I hope everyone had a nice Holiday.  I'm wishing you all the best for the New Year!!  

Things That Make Me Smile

I spent some time the last couple of days going through my 2022 notebook and setting up the new one for 2023.  I came across this that I had written in the beginning of January.  Unfortunately, I have no idea who wrote this or where I found it, but it made me smile so I wanted to share here.

Of all the winter months, January unfolds like the deepest slumbers.  It closes in like the darkest part of the night; that utter blackness where dreams are found then forgotten by morning.  But despite its dark and sleepy facade, this month also brings us the gift of new beginnings.

Linked to the ancient Roman god Janus, this is the month of duality.  Janus has two faces; one looks forward and the other back.

Door opening and closing.

A death and a rebirth. 

A time to mull over ideas.

A time to work on being well rooted so we can bloom in the Spring.

Wishing everyone a safe and very Happy New Year!!  I hope 2023 will be a kind year for us all.

5 Favorite Pies

Pie is by far my favorite dessert. Growing up both my grandmother and Mom made delicious pies. When I moved out on my own apple and pumpkin were the first ones I made.  At that time, I used the Pillsbury pie crusts.  I don't know why, but I was intimidated by pie crust.  I finally got over that and realized just how easy pie dough really is.

A few years ago, one of my cooking challenges was to make a different pie each month for a year.  That was fun and I may do that again this year.

My top favorite pies in no particular order are...

Apple - I usually use an apple cookie cutter to make the top crust.  I didn't have a picture of one baked but it turns out really nice.

Pumpkin

Boston Cream

Coconut Cream

Cherry (this one I prefer in hand pies as they can be too much in a true slice of pie)

Culinary Adventures with Lori: Search results for cherry pie

Are you a pie fan?  What is your favorite?

My Weekly W's - Christmas 2022

What's top of my mind:  I had a little quiet time before the house woke up to think about Christmas past, present and future.  I'm missing family and friends who are no longer here.  While my heart is filled with Christmas spirit, the day does bring up all kinds of memories and feelings.

Where I've been:  I worked Monday through Thursday. Tuesday we were able to go to the Light show at Cedarhurst since the weather wasn't too bad.  Friday, we spent the day inside to avoid the brutal cold front and Christmas Eve we went out to breakfast.  It was actually very good which isn't always the case.

Where I'm going:  We both have the week off so the options are limitless.  Tomorrow we are doing a bit of grocery shopping.  Wednesday, we have a reservation at Firefly.  Other than that, we're going to take the week day by day.

What I'm watching:  I watched a LOT of Christmas movies this week.  If you have Netflix be sure to check out Love Hard.  It was a really cute movie and we both enjoyed it.

What I'm reading:  Not much.  I hope to have more time to read over the next few months.

What I'm listening to:  Right now, it's very quiet since I'm the only one up.  Binx is even still snuggled in bed.

What I'm eating:  

Chicken stir fry, veggies and rice

Beef sausage with onion and pepper and roasted cauliflower

Chili with jalapeno poppers

Poached eggs with toast

Moroccan lamb meat balls, rice and naan

Lasagna, salad and garlic knots

Today were having bone in turkey breast, ham and tons of sides

Who needs a good slap:  Skipping again for the holidays.  Next week I'll be bringing the slaps back.

What I'm planning:  I'll spend some time this week setting up my new notebook for the year with all of my lists and intentions for the year.

What's making me smile:  We rarely have snow on Christmas here so looking out and seeing the snow brings a smile to my face.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day no matter how you choose to spend it.

Merry Christmas!!

Baby it's cold outside!

I hope everyone is staying warm.  The next three days are way below average but starting Monday back in the 30's and 40's so I can't complain.  My heart goes out to all of you that live in places that go through months of this.  I don't think I could.

Below are Christmas scenes from my little corner of the world.  Merry Christmas everyone!!

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:

I remind myself of this daily.

Where I've been: I worked Monday thru Friday and am happy with what I was able to get done to prepare for being off 10 days between Christmas and NY.  We went to Target and the grocery store for a few things yesterday and had a nice lunch at Drakes in O'Fallon.  I can't remember going anywhere else.

Where I'm going: This is the last work week of the year.  Thursday we're doing lunch together to celebrate.  I also have a dentist appointment this week.  Other than that, I don't plan on going anywhere else if I can help it.

What I'm watching: I watched a couple of cute Christmas movies this week. Also a few Christmas baking shows.

What I'm reading: I did read a bit of Miss Cecily's Recipes for Exceptional Ladies yesterday while riding to O'Fallon.  It's taking me forever.   Not that it isn't a good book, I've just been doing other things instead of picking it up and reading.

What I'm listening to:  Nothing in particular.

What I'm eating:  

Bacon, veggie and cheese omelet with toast and home fries

Cheeseburger and oven fries

Indian spiced meatballs, rice and naan

Fried chicken, mac and cheese and a salad

Beef and noodles, bread  (This was the best meal.  It was so tender and flavorful)

Grits and egg for the big guy.  I was still full from lunch.

Who needs a good slap:  On hold but will resume after NY

What I'm planning: Everything for the near future is pretty well planned out so not much to think about this week.

What's making me smile:  This gorgeous gift from a coworker This was at work when it was delivered. I need to take a picture with the candle in it here at home. So pretty.

Russian teacakes, Mexican wedding cookies or Snowballs?

I did a quick google search and found the term "Mexican weeding cookie or cake" did not appear in the American vocabulary until the early 1950s, after which the term appeared in virtually every basic baking cookbook.  At the same time, recipes for "Russian teacakes" began disappearing from the same books.  Both are virtually the exact same thing in both ingredients, method and final product.  Many historians speculate that the term Mexican wedding cookie/cake was used to replace the term Russian teacake due to strained US relationships with Russia at the time.

In English, they are referred to as Mexican wedding cookies or Mexican wedding cakes, which is slightly misleading as they are not cakes nor do they replace a traditional wedding cake in a Mexican wedding reception.  The cookies, known in Mexico as biscochitos, appear at either the dessert bar or on plates distributed among tables.  In Mexico they are made either in ball or crescent shapes.

My maternal Grandmother made these every Christmas.  I believe she referred to them as Mexican wedding cookies but I have heard both and also snowballs.  I've even heard them called Italian Wedding cookies.

This was her recipe:

1 Cup unsalted butter softened slightly

1 3/4 Cups powdered sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

2 tsp. vanilla

1 3/4 Cups all purpose flour

1 cup pecans, chopped into small bits

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream together butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and salt until well combined. (Can also use a regular mixer)

Mix in vanilla.

Blend in flour.  It will seem dry at first but keep mixing, it will come together.

Mix in pecans.

Scoop dough out 1 tablespoon at a time and shape into balls.  Transfer to baking sheet.  Bake in preheated oven for about 13-14 minutes.

Let cool on a rack for about 10 minutes.

Roll warm cookies one at a time in remaining powdered sugar.  Transfer back to rack and let cool completely then roll in powdered sugar once more to cover.  Store in airtight container.

What name do you associate with these cookies?  Whatever you call them, they are my favorite cookie of all time.

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind: Staying healthy.  So many people are sick with colds, flu and covid.  One of the doc's told me there was a patient with both the flu and covid but she actually was less sick than some.  I have two very busy weeks ahead at work before I take the week between Christmas and NY off so I'm really trying to avoid everyone.  

Where I've been:  I worked all week, made a quick trip to Kroger for fresh veggies and fruit and the big guy and I had lunch at our local Italian place yesterday.  Other than that, I was home.

Where I'm going: Next Saturday we're going out of town to do some shopping.  We have a few things to pick up at Target, Barnes and Noble and get the rest of what we need for the Holidays.  

What I'm watching:  I watched both Christmas Chronicles movies again.  I just love them both.  The big guy prefers the first one, but I think they're both equally good movies.

What I'm reading: I pulled out a stack of my Christmas cookbooks and magazines to flip through.  NY eve we always have an appetizer night and I'm always looking for new ones to try.  I have always loved a big selection of tasty appetizers.

What I'm listening to: Right now I'm listening to Binx zoom through the house.  We've had 8 cats over the last 30 some years and I have never experienced anyone like him.  He has SO much energy.  He has started to spring off of the hallway wall and sliding glass door.  He has one toy that he hisses at when he can't get ahold of it.  I bought him a leash so when the weather is better I can take him out to roam around the backyard.  

What I'm eating: 

LO chili with jalapeno poppers I made the poppers the same way I usually do but used crushed nacho chips instead of breadcrumbs for the top and they were very good.

Egg rolls and rice

LO Brunswick stew with a slice of my favorite bread

Pizza and Salad

Meatloaf, baked potato and salad

BIG salad since we had a larger than normal lunch

Who needs a good slap: On pause still for the Holiday season.

What I'm planning:  I've started my list of things to get next week.  I want to make sure I get everything, so I don't have to go inside of a store until after the NY.

What's making me smile: There is a nursing home two houses down across the street from us and they put up a free little library.  It is so cute and now I have another place to take books I've read.  

I hope everyone is staying healthy and enjoying the holiday season.  I know this time of year can bring us down which is ok as long as we don't stay there too long and wallow.  Remember to look for the joys no matter how small.

It's beginning to look like Christmas 2

The tree looks a bit different this year.  There are no ornaments on the bottom foot or so and I didn't put everything on it like the crystal icicles because it is just too much temptation for Binx.  All and all he has done pretty good for as much energy as he has.

I gifted Binx the use of Jet's stocking.  It's still hard to believe he's been gone almost an entire year.  I still miss him.

It's cold and rainy so what better day to start my Christmas baking?  I'm making pecan, chocolate chip cookies and pecan nut cups that will go in the freezer.  Next weekend I'll make the peanut butter blossom cookies and the wedding cookies then I'll get all of the tins filled for delivery.

I've added the links for two of the treats and the first It's beginning to look like Christmas post.  I love looking back, especially this time of year.

I hope everyone is staying warm and has a great Saturday. 

Pecan Nut Cups   Culinary Adventures with Lori: Five days until 2021    

Peanut Butter Blossoms   Culinary Adventures with Lori: Peanut Butter Blossoms

Christmas Past  Culinary Adventures with Lori: It's beginning to look like Christmas

My Weekly W's

What's top of my mind:  How much I love this time of year.  For me, it's not just about Christmas day but the entire Christmas season that makes me happy.  I love having the house decorated inside and out almost giving off a glow from the lights and candles, making being home on these cold, dark nights cozy.  We bought a new tree this year for the living room that I love and so far, knock on wood, Binx has been pretty good about leaving it alone.

Where I've been: I worked all week which was a bit difficult after a couple of short weeks.  I have 10 days off at the end of the month, so I have a lot to make sure I get done before then.  I did a bit of food shopping yesterday and made a trip to Hobby Lobby for a couple of things. 

Where I'm going:  Other than work I'm not sure what we're doing yet.  It is supposed to be a pretty chilly and rainy week so we will see.

What I'm watching: Christmas movies.  

What I'm reading: Looking through various cookbooks for ideas.  The seed catalogs are arriving as well, but I'll save those for February Garden planning. 

What I'm listening to: I pulled out my Christmas CDs to listen to in the car while riding around.  Stevie Nicks version of Silent Night is one of my favorites.

What I'm eating:  Sunday I made a big pot of Brunswick stew with all of the leftover turkey.  It was delicious and now I have a few lunches or dinners ready in the freezer.

I pulled out the uncooked pan of stuffed shells that I made a couple of weeks ago and we enjoyed that with a salad and garlic bread.

Chicken Tikka Masala, rice and Naan

BIG salad x 2

Lamb burgers and oven fries.  It's been a while since I've made one and it hit the spot for us both.

Last night I made a big pot of beef and bean chili adding more leftovers to the freezer for easy meals over the next couple of weeks.

Who needs a good slap: This is on pause for the Holiday season.

What I'm planning: This week I hope to finalize the holiday meals for Christmas and New Year's. I will also start my holiday baking next week.  I make 3 or 4 things that freeze well and will make the things that do not freeze well right before putting the tins of sweets together for our friends.  We'll have one tin to snack on between Christmas and New Year's for us.

What's making me smile: Our community is filled with loving people that are there for each other.  It is so nice to see the town rally around anyone that is in need. This is the first small town I have lived in and while it was culture shock at first, now almost 18 years later I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else.

I hope everyone is staying warm and safe.