Smells Continued...

Okay...

Mine is cinnamon rolls baking on Christmas morning.  Mom never hand made them, so I don't have to make them.  I do buy the yeast kind to bake. They rise up so very yummy, and then the icing. Perfect for Christmas morning.

As a parent coffee is more important these days, but oh, that cinnamon.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Smells

What is your favorite smell or smells at Christmas time?

I have many...but that will be a later post.

Trying to post more...try to keep up.  ha.

Happy Tuesday.

Jerry Ann

Thanksgiving Thoughts and Recipes

Wow...it has been forever...I am so sorry.

Lots of wonderful things were cooked for Thanksgiving, but the main reason for the holiday for us is family.  Whether or not you are truly family doesn't matter.  Just grateful for friends, family of friends, and my precious family.

Carmen was home all week from Auburn, and Tori was here from Spring Hill.  Stephen was at school until Tuesday, and spent the night with a friend.  So he finally made it home on Wednesday evening.

I am still trying to eat healthy, and so far lost 9 pounds.  Healthier foods have been key in this life style change, and we reflected it at Thanksgiving as well.  Carmen actually complained when I told her that I wasn't making my Dad's oyster dressing.  So, I ended up making it, and it turned out just like his.  I have tried in years past, but has not turn out right.

This year it was perfect.  We made tons of gluten-free items for Tori, and what we made, the rest of the family enjoyed without realizing the difference.

 Top Right: cranberry sauce (out of can), pink stuff, pickled okra, olives, 

mashed potatoes, turkey, gluten-free dressing.

Top Left: Giblet gravy, green bean bundles, oyster dressing, carrots and parsnips.

It was really good, for us anyway.  

Pink Stuff:

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 small cool whip (lite)

1 small can fruit cocktail (in water or light syrup)

1 can mandarin oranges

1 can pineapple tidbits

1 regular package sugar free jello - I used raspberry flavored.

Drain fruit, pat dry if needed.  Mix jello with cottage cheese, fold in cool whip.  Fold in fruit, and chill for at least one hour.  

Carrots and Parsnips:

Peel and cross cut carrots (large bag), and parsnips (there were 4 med-large).  Try to make as even in size as possible.  Toss in 1 tablespoon of olive oil with leaves from 4 thyme, add salt and pepper to taste.  I roasted on the top rake while the turkey was finishing for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees.  Serve hot.

Green Bean Bundles:

2 pounds of whole green beans.  Boil in salt water for 4 to 5 minutes.  Pull out, and place in separate bowl with ice (to stop cooking).  Cut center cut bacon in thirds (not cooked).  Take 5 to 6 green beans and place in the center of a single slice (1/3) of bacon.  Roll (stretch if needed), and place seam side down in casserole dish.  Repeat until all green beans are rolled and placed in dish.  Add 1 1/2 cups of beef broth to bottom of dish.  Sprinkle the top with brown sugar (1 tablespoon - to 2 tablespoons), and pepper.  Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until beans are fork tender.

Oyster Dressing:

Saute 2 yellow onions, and one full stalk of celery (with the leaves for more flavor) in some olive oil.  Add salt and pepper, and cook until translucent.  Add parsley (about 1/2 cup), and stir.  3 days before cooking, bake cornbread (I used Jiffy corn muffin mix), and biscuits (1 sheet pan - side by side).  Leave out to dry out (cover with tea towel if needed).  Crumble into mixing bowl, add onions and celery.  Mix well.  Add dry sage to taste (we use a lot), and more salt and pepper if needed.  Chop 2 pints of oysters (drain), and add to bread mix.  Use broth from neck, and onion tops.  I also used some chicken broth until soaked into the bread. stir until thoroughly mixed. Spread into casserole dish and bake until top is brown and crusty.  

Tori's Stuffing:

Tori's mom sent her a care package to our house with some yummy jams, jellies and croutons for dressing that was gluten-free.  I did the same thing with hers as I did the oyster dressing without the cornbread, biscuits or oysters.  She really enjoyed it, as did David (apparently he doesn't like oyster dressing).  

Sorry to say that I only took pictures of the crock pot breakfast casserole and desserts which I will post later this weekend.

I hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable as ours.

Blessings, 

Jerry Ann

Memory Verse #19

I know...I am way behind...but...and, I have borrowed from Beth...

“I continually look to the Lord for help, for He will free my feet from the enemy’s net.” Psalm 25:15 The NET Bible


Have a good week.
Blessings, 
Jerry Ann

Steve Jobs

"Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living the result of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinion drown your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition, they somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."- Steve Jobs


I have this quote on my Facebook profile.  "Your time is limited" speaks volumes to me especially not having any parents or grandparents left to love on.  Love on your family.  Don't waste it on trivial things.  Be still, and listen.  


Our time is limited.  Are you doing what your best everyday?  


Do your best.  Encourage.


Share Christ's love.  Love one another.


RIP Steve Jobs


Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Finding Joy

I have never been busier, much to my dismay--ha.   I love that I have an opportunity to work with preschoolers and children.  Loving on them is easy.  Time management is harder.  I have to be organized with daily activities, and events.  Big events seem to come easier than the day to day tasks.  I seem to lose the little things lately. Too many interruptions to maintain concentration and completion of the tasks.

Time.  Hurdles.  Joy.  

It seems that finding joy brings many hurdles.  I am trying to discern the hurdles, and joy always surprises me.  

Find some joy today.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Fried Okra

My parents used to have a moderate size garden.  They had tomatoes, green beans, onions, yellow squash, and okra.  I hated picking the okra.  Everything about it was itchy.

My mom used to take that itchy stuff, and make the best fried okra.

A little corn meal, little flour, salt and pepper, and fry it in canola oil in an iron skillet.  I have my mother's iron skillet.  I was gifted with garden fresh okra a couple of weekends ago. So...what else was I supposed to do?

 I heated up the skillet with the oil until the oil smoked just barely.

The okra was already cut (nice!), so I added it in batches 

with flour, corn meal, salt & pepper.  

I used a zip baggy so that I could mix it well.

Fry until golden (or darker) brown, stirring occasionally.

Okra with rice, sliced tomatoes, London Broil, and broccoli.

It was yummy!

And, a lot like my Mom's.

Enjoy!

Purses

I love purses.  All different kinds.  They can be large, small (not too small), leather, cloth.  It doesn't matter the color or brand.

That is all.

I needed the world to know.

=)
Blessings!

Beginnings Continued...

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to.  But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children.  Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her.  She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us.  Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her.  Carmen's smile is contagious. And, isn't just like parents to remember them young and sweet.  One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that.  But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious.  She is going to have a great time at Auburn.  I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.  I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift.  I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Menu's and Diets

Trying...needs to be thrown out the door.  Diets are just that...diets.   We (Carmen and I) have decided to go through our pantry and throw out what needs to go...some of this stuff has been in there since we moved in (6 years ago), and needs to go.  Other stuff we just don't use, haven't used, will not use.

Change in mind set...not something so restrictive that I feel like I am punishing myself when I blow it, then justify it by saying it is okay today.  But it is a daily battle.  Constant.  Consistent.  Healthy.

One cookbook that has been changing the rules is Rocco Dispirto's Now Eat This Diet.

I purchased it at Books-A-Million about a month ago. It has sat on the desk, or by the couch for that long as well.  Carmen picked it up today, and asked if we could try some of the recipes.  Absolutely.  Not that I want to do all of the diet...never do...but some of the changes he makes are awesome, and completely doable.  What I need to concentrate on is portion size.  It has always been my downfall.

Okay, my plan is to work on this over the weekend. Pantry is cleaned out, and fresh veggies are in the fridge...now to plan the menu for next week.

I will keep you updated on this plan of mine...

Blessings.

Baby Bok Choy

The other day I was craving something fresh, crisp and not a salad (too many of those lately).  So, I asked  David to get us some on one of the grocery runs.

I used 5 smallish Baby Bok Choy, and rough chopped them.

Heated a pan with some canola oil, added 1/2 cup chopped onion, 

2 tablespoons of garlic, and salt and pepper.

 Cooked  and drained these Japanese noodles...

 

Carmen helped!

Sauteed with some soy sauce, and chicken broth - 1 cup.

(I thought it needed a little something, so I added the broth and steamed it.  

It made the flavor deeper.)

Tossed the noodles in, and yummy.

Fresh, crisp, and not a salad ---but so good.

Enjoy!

Cute Stuff

I am on vacation this week, and it has been somewhat okay.  We have an older vehicle that needed belt repair for a long while, and this week the battery decided it was time to stop working as well.  Repaired to the tune of $420 later.  But I am not going to let that ruin my time off...too much to do...and do it joyfully.

This is what some call a staycation...staying at home while I have vacation from work (bonus - I am not sick). I have goals, and a list of priorities to accomplish this week.  Weekends never seem to be long enough for my organizing, and the week just piles stuff back up. So it is a never ending circle it seems.

Anyway...one of the goals this week was to empty out my pantry.  I knew it was bad, but really had no idea how bad it truly was.  Jar of Alfredo sauce: expiration Feb 2006!  Yep, that plus a lot more.  2 large black garbage bags full, and some time later = organized.  For the moment anyway.  I had the kids help, and hopefully that will play into keeping it for longer than 3 days.

 NOTHING on top of the refrigerator!!! I love that.

A two drawer system (that I found in the garage), and some other tubs (that I can't find the lids) organized the chips and pasta.  All of my baking ingredients are on one shelf (sugars, cocoa, marshmallows).  It may not look like much, but, oh what a beautiful sight it is for us.

I also added a cutie to my scrap closet.

This was a bonus Decor Elements from Stampin' Up from a couple of months ago.  I LOVE their design and ease of application.  If you need anything from Stampin' Up - Julie is great - and you can find her here:

www.craftasticpassion.com

But isn't it the cutest!  Most people won't see it, but I do from where I sit in the office.  I need to get some small chalk and a chalk ledge so that I can get some great use out of it. 

Well, back to it...still have more to get done...and it is already Thursday!  Have a great day.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

VBS Part 2

Well, we all survived...and it was good.  This vacation Bible school was "Big Apple Adventure...where life and faith connect" by Lifeway.  This was one of their best vbs productions.  It was fun filled, modern music, and energized.  The kids loved it, and we were well organized (even though I was panicked  most of the time).

My daughter, Carmen painted most of the "sets," and she did a great job.  She ended up helping the majority of the week with registrations to records, to being the Missions leader on Friday.  I am so very proud of her.

We have had a wonderful vbs director for about 8 years, and she really has her stuff together.  So, that made it easier, although my self-confidence really sunk low.

Speaking in front of people is never easy, and with kids I am more comfortable.  I was panicked about this I think beginning on Wednesday.  Our temperatures during the week averaged around 94, and no clue what the heat index was, but it was hot.  Running around all week, even with the sections being inside, it was really tiring.  I did try to rest when we got home, but there were things that needed to be done each day in preparation for the next.  Friday was the worst.  We hosted a family fun night and hot dog supper. Cooking 300 hot dogs, and 100 hamburgers was easy due to some wonderful volunteers.  But for me - exhausting. 

The best part was that we had children bouncing to areas (snack, music, recreation), and most importantly Bible Study.  Thursday was a great day for me, considering a 3rd grader came beaming about accepting Christ the night before.  He was walking on air, and Christ shown through.  I was humbled, in awe of the joy that came through him so easily.

The week ended, and I crashed - hard.  It was worth it.  I was honored to be a part of a great week.

Blessings.

Turkey Salad

Cooking lately for me has been nil, but a salad isn't really cooking right?

I purchased some already cooked, oven roasted turkey at Sam's Club (super convenient, and really good flavor).

They come in medallions so I just chopped them a little bit.

 I sliced a sweet onion, and sauteed it in olive oil.

I chopped a couple of slices of prosciutto (yummy), and added it to the mix.

It wasn't just right...so a spoonful of minced garlic.

Added it to a spring mix.

I found in the refrig (yes found) this peanut ginger dressing,

and it really made it refreshing.

Not heavy, too strong, just right.

So not to bad for not "cooking"...eh?

Enjoy!!

VBS

Our vacation Bible school began yesterday...and I am officially in charge. I have been doing fine until yesterday - ha.  I am a good organizer, getting supplies, rooms ready, ordering what is needed, etc.  Getting up in front of people (even the majority of them children) really makes me nervous.  I have so far survived two days, but I have a great official director who has done this for years, and she makes it look very easy.

I will post pictures hopefully tomorrow, but I just wanted to update all of you of our happenings.

Oh, and cooking has been placed on hold for the week.  I plan to work up my menu (and grocery shop) next week so recipes should come along shortly.

Have a blessed week.

Jerry Ann

Endings and New Beginnings

I am so sorry that I haven't posted in a long while.  We have been busy with Carmen and Stephen's graduations.  Finally have a moment to post some pictures of all of the events that have kept us occupied for the past several weeks.

First was Stephen's graduation.  He has attended Liza Jackson Preparatory School since Kindergarten.  This hit me emotionally far more than I realized it would.  Alex, and Nico have been consistent friends through middle school, and we are thankful for their friendships.  Stephen is going to be (hopefully) the Stylemarchers at Choctaw High next fall.  He has had a rough year, but survived, and we are all truly thankful.

Carmen graduated with Cum Laude Honors, National Honor Society, French Honor, International Baccalaureate program, Yearbook staff, Wheelettes Service Club, Indian Scholar, and Anne T. Mitchell Award recipient for 4 years.  Lots, that meant she worked hard (not really - she is really gifted in a lot of areas, which irritates me and Stephen.) and awarded for her work.

Carmen will be attending Auburn in the Fall, with some scholarships (Yeah!!).  We are transitioning this summer (I guess), and will be busy with getting her ready to be on her own.  

So, again, thank you for your patience.  I will be updating more now (hopefully), but haven't been cooking, let alone time for posting.

Have a great summer!! 
Blessings.

Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Tory came for a visit last weekend.  She is a gluten-free girl, as is her sister Serenity.  She makes herself at home here, and I am truly thankful for that.  She normally makes peanut and chocolate chip cookies, but this weekend was shorter.  She likes Mexican type/flavored food, and we had some fiesta cheese, and corn tortillas.

I thought about doing a little something extra for her, so I came up with this:

I drained and rinsed a can of black beans, and corn.  

Added 1/2 chopped onion, and some red pepper.

Also added a little bit of cracked black pepper,

Added a little bit of garlic, and some lemon juice (to add a little freshness).

Tory ate on this all weekend, and she said she really enjoyed it.

Carmen made some fish tacos with it, and some of the leftover mackerel that we had.

Just a tortilla filler, but it turned it into something special.

Enjoy!

Spanish Mackerel & the Gulf

Stephen had the pleasure of going fishing with our friend Tommy and his son Larkin.  

They caught about 10 Spanish Mackerel's, and brought all of them home for us to eat.

 Tommy sent this picture via his phone, blurry, but still a good photo of the boys.

Tommy filleted the mackerels that they caught for us. 

We kept them cold until ready to cook that afternoon.

I rinsed them, and patted dry.

I used garlic infused oil, pepper, and lemon juice, and let marinate for about 1 hour.

I placed them on parchment paper on a baking sheet, and broiled for about 12 minutes.

The mackerel turned out moist, and really flavorful.

I served it with some sauteed kale and Pancetta.

It was really yummy.

Fresh fish is the best, especially from the Gulf.

Enjoy!!

Memory Verse #9

Yes, I missed #8, and to be honest, I won't go back to it. 

I am using Beth's this time.  It spoke volumes to me this week.

So...Memory Verse #9:

"Rely on the Lord!  Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!" Psalm 27:14 
The Net Version

I must say, that this version was the only one that used the wording "rely."  Most of the others used wait, and that is fine, but more fitting for me this week is rely.  To rely:  1. to be dependent (on) 2. to have trust or confidence (in).

I can rely on Him today, and tomorrow, for many things, for ALL things.  To be dependent upon Christ is easy, to have trust or confidence is easy as well.  Not in our brothers and sisters, they can help, but to rely on Christ, His strength, awesome.

Have a blessed week my loves.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

The Gulf -

Carmen and I last weekend on our beach.

The beach is beautiful this time of year.

I keep expecting oil to show up, but it hasn't.

The water is still a beautiful green/blue and the sand is 

still as white as ever.

I love this place.  

I love just sitting, and listening to the waves roll onto the beach.

Love the Emerald Coast.

You should come for a visit.

Enjoy!

Sauteed Pancetta with Kale and Pasta

I realized the other day, that I haven't posted a recipe in a while.  Sorry.  I also haven't been cooking, which explains it, eh?

Oh, well...one of our favorite (kids and I) dishes is pasta.  Sometimes all we do is add olive oil, salt and pepper, oh, and Parmesan cheese.  But, this is my new favorite way (especially when Kale is fresh, and the Pancetta is on sale).

Chop the Pancetta that has been thinly sliced.  Add to a hot pan, begin sauteing until edges are brown.  Add one sweet onion sliced, and 2 to 3 cloves of garlic. Once the onion is translucent, add the kale.  I have to add a pan full, stir, and let it wilt some before adding the rest of the kale (I typically use a 1/2 bag of kale).  Once the kale is wilted (this is your preference on how wilted), add to cooked pasta.  Salt and pepper to your liking, and add cheese.

This serving of pasta is artichoke and ricotta filled tortellini.

The salt from the shaved Parmesan, and the slight smoke flavor from the 

Pancetta was wonderful with the bitterness of the kale.

This is truly one of my go to suppers.

Enjoy!

My Baby Girl's Senior Year

I wanted to do something special with Carmen for her High School Graduating year.  She didn't care for the traditional school class rings, nor did I, only wearing mine for my Senior year in High School.  I considered it a waste of money, and not something to carry with you forever.  She did agree with me, but wanted to have something to symbolize her high school years.

I love Tiffany & Co. (what girl doesn't?)!  We looked online (their site is really wonderful), and had chosen this one but in pink sapphire instead.

We traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, just Carmen and I, for a whirlwind trip.  I thought that it would be special for her to have time with me (and selfishly - me too), and for her to "shop" at Tiffany. 

We went into Tiffany & Co, and went to the counter where her "ring" should be. Tried on several, and then discovered that they didn't have the pink sapphire in stock.  They could order it for us, and ship it, but that isn't why we traveled all the way to Atlanta.  (Yes, I know that it isn't that far of a drive, but driving longer than 2 hours for me is difficult and terribly tiring.)  Carmen really did want to be wearing her ring that very day.  It was disappointing, until I pointed out that her high school color was green, and they had that in stock.

  Yep! 

The box and the bag.

I truly think that Carmen would have been just as happy with just these two items.

Opening (excuse the quality of the photo - in a restaurant)!

Love her expression.

Do something special, and out of the ordinary for your children.  It doesn't have to be all the time, just once in a while. (oh, and it was actually cheaper than the traditional class ring.) It really speaks volumes for communication, and love.

Blessings.

Jerry Ann

Memory Verse #7

“Your heart’s been in the right place all along…You’ve got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it. 2 Corinthians 8:10-11 The Message

Too tired today to post more...attending the Priscilla Shirer Going Beyond Simulcast...and it has been a long day, but a fruitful one....and more tomorrow.

Happy April....
Love,
Jerry Ann

Our road to college...

Carmen has decided to look in the State of Florida for colleges to attend.  And, if I may add, thank you God.  Money alone is enough justification, but add travel costs, especially now with gas prices, helps in finding one that is right for her and us.

I will say, I thought I was ready for this transition in our lives. I have been encouraging Carmen to look at lots of different schools, in and out of state. She has applied and has been accepted at LSU, Auburn, FSU, and Spring Hill.  All are absolutely wonderful schools, and well worth every penny just not our pennies.  FSU still may play in her decision, but right now, she isn't feeling it.  Feeling it?  Really? 

She is 18.  An adult, I suppose, legally anyway.  But, if she continues to not be able to locate a place in her home town, how is she supposed to locate things at a university?  I want to let go, and let her find her way.  How do parents do this?

How do we do this?  Train them up - right?  Let them go?  They are not ours, but God's - and for His purpose.  I know this.  I trust in Him to guide her path, and ours.  He has done an incredible job with Carmen so far.  I can't wait to see what her future holds. 

College...her new adventure...and it continues...

My heart is heavy.

My heart is heavy is a comment made by a coworker on Wednesday after a particularly difficult afternoon.

Prayer.  Pray without ceasing.

A story was repeated to me yesterday, and I would like to share a snippet.

Satan is speaking with an observer about his tools.  He has many tools that he uses to cause harm, and to keep us from God.  This one is famine, and this is disaster, but this one is the best one of all.  He points to the one he uses on Christians, it is the tool of discouragement.  This one makes them fail.  It is a simple tool, and many people, even other Christians help me use it on their own.

Discouragement.

I am praying for discernment on the path chosen.  I have been through difficult passages before, some more difficult this one.  But...I have never felt bombarded like I do today.  Spears, arrows, bullets are flying at me with such force.  I have no time to breathe and defend one of them, let alone, all of them.

Each difficulty that we are given is for God's glory to be shown.  It shows that He sustains us through all.  I am praying for strength and an answer to this path.  Change is difficult for all, but we must adapt, bend, comply. 

Moses asked God to "show him His Glory" in Exodus.  I am doing the same today.  Sustain me, Lord.

How we feel led to share God's love is a path God given. It maybe to a homeless drunk needing food or a kind word, to a leader of a childrens program in a hurry to complete a project, to listening to a coworker who is needing a hug and affirmation, to a spouse that has had a difficult day, to a child that may only have one good meal a week, to a youth needing guidance, to you, and to me.

How do you share God's love?  Are you discouraged?

"Sometimes we are told to quietly lean on our Savior and rest. At other times God calls us to actively wait.  But we are always to stay close to our Redeemer." - Kelly Minter

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20 NIV


"You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverence the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." - 2 Chronicles 20:17 NIV

Blessings.

Memory Verse #5

Hurdles are difficult, especially in ministry.  We all have them, hurdles, I mean.  I feel led one way, you feel led another.  Why can't they be the same thing?  Are they the same thing?  If we are praying for guidance and discernment, and they are, why is the path different?  Because I want to approach it from left field, but it has been done this way for years, why is left field wrong? Is the way that has been done wrong? No.  Just different.  Different gifts, different approaches. Hurdles. 

I believe that God leads those that are willing to listen.  A vision, path, road is given, and I have been given one. I can see it.  Along the road there are hurdles.  They are in the distance, and small in height.  The closer I get to the hurdles the higher each one becomes.  I have short, stubby legs.  They are difficult to climb over large hurdles.  God places the hurdles at heights reachable for me, if I continue to rely on Him.  The race/path/road is long.  I am approaching a storm, and lots of hurdles.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever." Psalm136:1 NIV


For those that pray, please pray for guidance in my words and actions.  Thank you.

Blessings,
Jerry Ann

Potato Pancakes

My mom used to make these a lot, especially when we had leftover mashed potatoes.  I didn't have any potatoes this time, but was craving them.

David helped me shred about 8 Yukon gold potatoes. We rinsed them in cold water.  It is important to drain the potatoes before adding any of the other ingredients.  The drier the shredded potato,. the crispier it gets.
You will need:
Potatoes
onion
Flour
Salt
Pepper
2 eggs
oil

Shred the potatoes (as many as you like), and shred the onion.

It is the same texture, and same size as the potatoes so 

the cooking time remains the same ratio.

Soak in cold water to prevent the potatoes from turning grey or brown.

Patted dry.

Use a clean dish towel to squeeze the water from the potatoes, and onions.

I didn't have any mashed potatoes (it is the best binding agent), so I used flour.

Regular flour (I started with about 1/4 cup, and then added more),
two eggs, salt and pepper.

Mix.  If it appears watery, add more flour.

Drop by spoonfuls into a hot pan with oil.

Test the oil first, by adding a shred or two and it simmers.

Spread out into an even flat layer.

Flip (they should hold together), and brown the other side.

Don't crowd the pan, it decreases the heat of the oil.

Remove from the pan, and rest on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
You can keep them warm in a 250 degree oven,
on a cooling rack on a sheet pan until ready to serve.

Serve warm.

Mom used to serve them with some applesauce, 

but they are good as is,

or with gravy, or ketchup.

Enjoy!

Office Area

One part of my New Year's goals was to reorganize my space in our office.  

It is coming along, but it still has a long way to go, 

but I wanted to show you something I have accomplished.

Plus it is an incentive for me to get busy and finish!  

Please excuse the glare from the lamp (bad photos).

I added this wonderful measuring tape from Stampin' Up to my desk.

It's official name is "Finial Ruler" from their Decor Elements.

It rocks!!

I applied both lines (the bottom one is used for matching - 

but David and I liked the way it looked) plus I think it adds depth.

I applied the 1 inch to the 36 inch sections, 

and added the adjoining images for some applique bling.

I love it.

I can use it for sewing (my goal is to pick up sewing again), 

and for scrapping and stamping.

YES!

If you need a consultant for your craftiness...

 call Julie - she rocks.

wwww.craftasticpassion.com 

I will post pictures of the before (I still can't believe that it got that bad), 

and some of the after pictures soon.

Love, 

and blessings,

Jerry Ann

Anne Burrell's Beef Brisket

Saturday afternoon, David and I are sitting around (I was resting from the week) watching the Food Network.  I could watch this channel12 hours a day.  Anne Burrell's show came on, and we watched her make this incredible looking brisket.

Well, I didn't have to convince David to go to the store to purchase the ingredients.  He got home, and we got busy.

You can find Anne's recipe here:

Anne Burrell Braised Beef Brisket

We did our best, but substituted some of the ingredients.

David got the only brisket he could find.

We seared both sides of it.

Added the 2 onions chopped, 4 ribs of celery chopped, and 4 slices of bacon chunked.

Then added 4 cloves of garlic, minced, and the mushrooms.  

We used white button, and baby portabellas sliced.

Stir, and let cook about 5 minutes longer.

Then add the chicken stock (I used the entire box), and balsamic vinegar (1 cup).

We didn't have enough of the balsamic so I had about a cup and a half of red wine.

Placed the brisket back into the pan, in the middle of the sauce.

Added 4 bay leaves, and salt and pepper.

Then cover with foil, and cook for a hour at 375 degrees.

Turn the brisket over after 1 hour.

Cook for an additional 1 and 1/2 hours.

Once it is done, take the brisket from the pan, and let rest for 15 minutes covered.

Reduce the sauce by half (we really should have let it reduce more, but this turned out nicely).

Serve with potatoes, rice, or noodles.

We served with rice, and a nice apple salad.

It was really good (if I do say so myself ---David loved it). 

Enjoy!